PAD Threatens Protest If Thai Govt Continues Amnesty Push

[Logarhythm]

I have been visiting Thailand on and off for the past 26 years, and I've been living here for the past 5 years. I've grown tired of their (both sides) constant bickering. I'm leaving on Dec 7th. I very much doubt that I'll ever return. I can't see a peaceful resolution to their problems. It's all very sad, really.

Edited November 18, 2011 by Logarhythm

[hanuman1]

PAD to rally against amnesty decree Monday

The People's Alliance for Democracy will Monday hold a rally against a draft decree reportedly aimed at providing royal pardon for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

PAD spokesman Parnthep Puaphanpong posted a message on his Facebook page that the yellow-shirt movement would stage a rally in front of the Council of State on Monday from 10 am to 6 pm.

The Cabinet has approved a draft decree to seek royal pardon for convicts on the occasion of His Majesty the King's birthday. Thaksin's opponents that the decree's criteria would make it eligible for Thaksin to receive royal pardon for his two-year jail term.

-- The Nation 2011-11-18

Excellent! A chance to see how Facebook hits translate into feet on the ground. And how deep the anti-Thaksin sentiment among Thais really is.

On the other hand, cue accusations of people getting paid to be there, agitators in the crowd, troublemakers outside the crowd etc etc....

The sad thing is, that a large turnout would give PAD a new lease of life, even though those turning out would be there not because they like PAD (see the numbers for their last few demos) , but because they don't like Thaksin. Another organization riding on the coat-tails of Thaksin's popularity level.

Edited November 18, 2011 by hanuman1

[a99az]

Remember the water wings!

[animatic]

Remember the water wings!

More like "Remember The Maine"!

[whybother]

Have the PAD started the "bring a bottle" speeches yet?

Do they have their "white" shirt militia on stand-by? (red->black ... yellow->white)

Have they got their grenades ready to launch at any opposition protesters?

[bkkjames]

Where is this place of protest (located, what area) so I can give it a wide birth?

Edited November 18, 2011 by bkkjames

[Just1Voice]

I'm just wondering if PAD - Politburo Against Democracy - can even muster enough people to even hold a decent protest? Well, I mean without the ones they actually have to PAY to be there? PAD's popularity isn't what it used to be, and their support has seriously dwindled from their "hey days" of political clout.

There are a number of scenarios and possibilities as to what COULD happen, depending on various factors, way too numerous to list without becoming boring, so about all we can do is sit back, wait and see.

The one thing I think I can safely say is that there are going to be more hard times, politically, economically and socially, in the coming weeks & months. Possibly years.

[whybother]

Excellent! A chance to see how Facebook hits translate into feet on the ground. And how deep the anti-Thaksin sentiment among Thais really is.

On the other hand, cue accusations of people getting paid to be there, agitators in the crowd, troublemakers outside the crowd etc etc....

The sad thing is, that a large turnout would give PAD a new lease of life, even though those turning out would be there not because they like PAD (see the numbers for their last few demos) , but because they don't like Thaksin. Another organization riding on the coat-tails of Thaksin's popularity level.

What do you reckon would be a good number?

I think more than 10,000 would be good for them. Less than 5,000 would be bad for them. In between ... would need to see how their next one goes.

[elcent]

nationnews RT @tulsathit: Thaksin told Reuters he knew nothing about the amnesty decree because it was discussed at closed-door Cabinet meeting.

[peterdk]

I have been visiting Thailand on and off for the past 26 years, and I've been living here for the past 5 years. I've grown tired of their (both sides) constant bickering. I'm leaving on Dec 7th. I very much doubt that I'll ever return. I can't see a peaceful resolution to their problems. It's all very sad, really.

I cant see the big problem in terms of politics.

Same issues in most countries.

Blue Vs Red block.

Will always be bickering.

And I bet same thing where you are going.

Ok, agreed the red occupation of Bkk was maybe not the best way to display how they felt.

And the blocking of airports was not far from that too.

You could argue that the military coup was a bad thing, however its quite the norm in Thailand to have these coups ever so often.

But other than that, its fairly normal what is going on ( I may have forgotten some issues )

And why worry much about Thai politics anyway ?

Or at least not worry so much about it, that you feel its the sole reason for leaving.

Not like we foreigners can have a seat in parliament anyway.

However if you want a helping hand finding issues for leaving, try searching for corruption, Tuk Tuks & Jet skis.

That certainly ticks me off, more so than any political bickering.

Or look at how governments run this country.

Certainly few issues there as well, not related to bickering between the two blocks.

Edited November 18, 2011 by peterdk

[whybother]

nationnews RT @tulsathit: Thaksin told Reuters he knew nothing about the amnesty decree because it was discussed at closed-door Cabinet meeting.

No talk about the skype call then?

[bkkjames]

For Sale:

Size L expensive dress shirt, worn once. Perfect for those with a death wish or leaving the country. Makes a great gift to your boss or father-in-law.You can guess the colour.

Edited November 18, 2011 by bkkjames

[hanuman1]

Excellent! A chance to see how Facebook hits translate into feet on the ground. And how deep the anti-Thaksin sentiment among Thais really is.

On the other hand, cue accusations of people getting paid to be there, agitators in the crowd, troublemakers outside the crowd etc etc....

The sad thing is, that a large turnout would give PAD a new lease of life, even though those turning out would be there not because they like PAD (see the numbers for their last few demos) , but because they don't like Thaksin. Another organization riding on the coat-tails of Thaksin's popularity level.

What do you reckon would be a good number?

I think more than 10,000 would be good for them. Less than 5,000 would be bad for them. In between ... would need to see how their next one goes.

Well, if the gathering is seen as a test of anti-Thaksin feeling, then the numbers would have to be compared with those of red-shirt demos in the capital last year which could be considered an indicator of pro-Thaksin (albeit at the time anti-gov, too) sentiment as well. I think that would be the best gauge of its success or failure.

If the PAD numbers fall well below what the reds got, it would be quite telling regardless of accusations of payments for attendance etc etc. It will be how it looks that counts.

It's just a shame that since people will be voting with their feet at the rally, a 'vote' against Thaksin will be seen as a 'vote' for PAD regardless of how many turn up. A bit like the many who voted PTP at the elections because they were more fed up with the government rather than in love with Thaksin, and their votes now being seen as an endorsement of government efforts to bring him back.

[peterdk]

For Sale:

Size L expensive dress shirt, worn once. Perfect for those with a death wish or leaving the country. Makes a great gift to your boss or father-in-law.You can guess the colour.

Or perfect every Monday ( Fridays often too ) if you work here.

Have you noticed how the yellow color shirts is showing respect for and to honor the King ?

So clearly passable anywhere in a yellow shirt, at least Mondays and Fridays anyway..

[Thaddeus]

Remember the water wings!

More like "Remember The Maine"!

Alamo surely, not enough water now.

[bkkjames]

For Sale:

Size L expensive dress shirt, worn once. Perfect for those with a death wish or leaving the country. Makes a great gift to your boss or father-in-law.You can guess the colour.

Or perfect every Monday ( Fridays often too ) if you work here.

Have you noticed how the yellow color shirts is showing respect for and to honor the King ?

So clearly passable anywhere in a yellow shirt, at least Mondays and Fridays anyway..

Actually my shirt is blue, but it has a coffee stain on it so I thought I could flog it here under the premise of newsworthyness something or other...

[gregb]

The PAD has been under appreciated for the service they did for the country. They are about to be appreciated again. I didn't necessarily agree with their methods, but having seen how much worse the reds were, I guess the ground rules are now set as to how this game will be played.

If I'm the PAD I'm going to go after sea ports and railways this time. Bring the import/export market to its knees. Given the floods have already crippled industry the damage there will be minimized, but killing the supply chains will have a dramatic effect on the population. Force the government to look incompetent or fire first. Then the yellows become the oppressed demonstrators, and the civil war can begin between the red government and the yellow freedom fighters.

No, that isn't going to happen.

Ok I give up. What is going to happen?

Not that.

But you have absolutely no opinion on what they are going to do? No matter. When the bullets start flying we will get to see the exact path the country took to civil war, but it is completely wishful thinking on the part of the reds to think pardoning the chief terrorist will not end in bloodshed. How it comes about is largely irrelevant. How it ends and how many die in the process is all that really counts.

[silsburyhill]

This government is trying to legalise corruption or, at least, make it an unpunishable offence. Seriously.

When was the last time a politician (or any government figure/employee come to that) hauled before a Court (barring the bought out Shinawatras), for 'corruption'? Any of them serving a prison sentence? Thus corruption already legal by default.

And the other lot wouldn't have done any different.

As to the PAD, the PTP knows they'll demonstrate, so what deal' will be/has been struck with Abhisit?

[webfact]

Thai Yellows to protest over Thaksin amnesty reports

BANGKOK, November 18, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand's royalist "Yellow Shirt" protesters said Friday they would demonstrate next week to voice anger at the government's reported attempts to bring back fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin lives abroad to escape a two-year jail term for corruption, but a cabinet meeting this week reportedly endorsed a royal pardon that could allow him to return, prompting an angry response from the opposition.

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) will stage a day-long rally on Monday outside the offices of the State Council, the body that gives legal advice to the government, spokesman Parnthep Pourpongpan told AFP.

"Our aim is to protest at government plans to advise to the king to grant a royal pardon for Thaksin. This is the decision of all core PAD leaders," he said.

Thai media reports said a draft decree for an amnesty was approved at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday which Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra missed.

Yingluck, who is Thaksin's younger sister and widely seen as his proxy, did not deny the reports when asked at a news conference on Wednesday. Without mentioning her brother, she said such a decree was "a common process".

The Yellow Shirts' street protests have helped to claim the scalps of three governments in under five years, including that of Thaksin in 2006, but they have yet to flex their muscles during Yingluck's premiership.

Last year the rival, pro-Thaksin "Red Shirts" held two months of protests in Bangkok against the-then pro-establishment government and more than 90 people, mostly civilians, were killed in clashes between the army and protesters.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-11-18

[corkman]

I have only been in Thailand for about a year and a half, from what I have seen on the news both in Australia and here, the only people wearing red have set fire to buildings both in Bangkok and up north.

There is a reason for that.

"If you seize power from us, then we'll burn the whole country down. Burn it, burn everything, my brothers — Guarantee: Bangkok will turn into a sea of flames. Those of you who live in the country, it's OK if you cannot join us. If anything happens, just gather at your provincial or city halls. No need to wait for the order. Burn your city halls down to the ground." Jutaporn from the red stage in Bangkok.

That was quite a speech he gave.

Thankfully not all red supporters where so short sighted.

The city and provincial halls are quite handy to have around, when you are in government yourself.....

Also handy for handouts.... where else would the morons go to get their freebies.....

[jaidam]

I have only been in Thailand for about a year and a half, from what I have seen on the news both in Australia and here, the only people wearing red have set fire to buildings both in Bangkok and up north.

There is a reason for that.

"If you seize power from us, then we'll burn the whole country down. Burn it, burn everything, my brothers — Guarantee: Bangkok will turn into a sea of flames. Those of you who live in the country, it's OK if you cannot join us. If anything happens, just gather at your provincial or city halls. No need to wait for the order. Burn your city halls down to the ground." Jutaporn from the red stage in Bangkok.

So surely such an individual issuing such an obvious terrorist threat must be by now apprehended and incarcerated for a nice long stetch?

What that you say? He's made an MP? A main man in the present govt?

You jest. Pushing the bounds of sanity, it's true.

[galoubet]

I have been visiting Thailand on and off for the past 26 years, and I've been living here for the past 5 years. I've grown tired of their (both sides) constant bickering. I'm leaving on Dec 7th. I very much doubt that I'll ever return. I can't see a peaceful resolution to their problems. It's all very sad, really.

Sad indeed. Leaving just when the weather is perfect. Where do you propose to live now? America, Europe, Syria, Burma perhaps. Difficult to find paradise anywhere. I hope you change your mind.

[PaulBax]

i guess there was nobody from the yellow shirts in the previous government !

Perhaps the foreign minister!

[Skywalker69]

It seems to be the only choice.

I feel sorry for the PAD members...hard month to come and many will be killed by the criminal government.

Geriatric terrorists. Them army snipers have had no practice for a while. If its good for them red oiks its good for the yellow cronies. If Sondhi is serious and the yellows set up camp, take over airports, block up the city even burn buildings not one army trigger will be pulled.

with burning buildings they would get a trademark lawsuit from the red shirts.

Yellow: sit in at the airport, singing patriotic songs, anti-smoke-drink-gamble propaganda, promoting democracy...

Red: shooting with AKA47, M79, burning buildings beating people to death, commies propaganda, promoting Thaksin...

hmm hard to choose.....

+1

[hammered]

No doubt the government are quite interested in how much support the PAD get meaning where the funds and bussed in ones will come from or even if it will happen. I would also put money on the reds holding a defend the government rally which could attract a huge amount of people if the PAD protest gains any traction.

Right now the PAD are divided, hate the Democrats, have denounced the army and the elite, which isn't a great place to start organizing a mass protest. The interesting thing will be whether the elite will once again back them, the Dems supply protestors again and the army protection. Its a bit of an ask to pull this off in the next few weeks

Edited November 18, 2011 by Scott
formatting

[Skywalker69]

Book your future flights out of U-tapao? Here we go again.

Utapao is sold to Hillary already.

Has she not left yet?

I am sure the deal was, not for Hillary to take U-tapao Airport with her when she left!

[mrfarang]

The PAD has been under appreciated for the service they did for the country. They are about to be appreciated again. I didn't necessarily agree with their methods, but having seen how much worse the reds were, I guess the ground rules are now set as to how this game will be played.

If I'm the PAD I'm going to go after sea ports and railways this time. Bring the import/export market to its knees. Given the floods have already crippled industry the damage there will be minimized, but killing the supply chains will have a dramatic effect on the population. Force the government to look incompetent or fire first. Then the yellows become the oppressed demonstrators, and the civil war can begin between the red government and the yellow freedom fighters.

Your post is a slap in the face for all Thais that have suffered under the childish actions of the PAD. Tens of thousands have lost their jobs and due to the closure of the main international airport, the tourism sector has taken damage that will take years if not decades to fully repair.

Destroying the import/export market, preventing the country from recovering from the floods, then forcing the government to shoot at its own people ..? Seriously. Someone suggesting things like that needs to go for a check-up. What you're suggesting is illegal to say the least.

Freedom fighters? Service for the country? What you're suggesting is a blueprint to destroy Thailand.

Give me a break!

Edited November 18, 2011 by Scott
Objectionable photo edited out

[hammered]

How many showed up for the multicoloured rally today? As it isn't reported on I guess the number was a tad on the low side. It must have been really low if the usual papers aren't showing low angle photos to try and make a few hundred look like thousands

[nicky1982]

The PAD has been under appreciated for the service they did for the country. They are about to be appreciated again. I didn't necessarily agree with their methods, but having seen how much worse the reds were, I guess the ground rules are now set as to how this game will be played.

If I'm the PAD I'm going to go after sea ports and railways this time. Bring the import/export market to its knees. Given the floods have already crippled industry the damage there will be minimized, but killing the supply chains will have a dramatic effect on the population. Force the government to look incompetent or fire first. Then the yellows become the oppressed demonstrators, and the civil war can begin between the red government and the yellow freedom fighters.

Your post is a slap in the face for all Thais that have suffered under the childish actions of the PAD. Tens of thousands have lost their jobs and due to the closure of the main international airport, the tourism sector has taken damage that will take years if not decades to fully repair.

Destroying the import/export market, preventing the country from recovering from the floods, then forcing the government to shoot at its own people ..? Seriously. Someone suggesting things like that needs to go for a check-up. What you're suggesting is illegal to say the least.

Freedom fighters? Service for the country? What you're suggesting is a blueprint to destroy Thailand.

Give me a break!

100% right

[Scott]

I think the country will face major problems unless the Thaksin situation is resolved. Either he serves time or he should stay out of the country. He is simply too decisive.

The recent floods and the possibility of major political instability is going to have a severe impact on the country. Flood ravaged, unemployed people living with rising prices are ripe to cause problems.