Red Shirts Stage Anti-Coup Rally In Khao Yai

[Lite Beer]

Red shirts stage anti-coup rally in Khao Yai

The Nation on Sunday

KHAO YAI:-- Red-shirt supporters of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra began to gather at Bonanza Square in Khao Yai National Park yesterday, in the heat of the day, for a "Stop the Coup, Change the Charter" concert - their first rally in months.

The red shirts occupied space in front of the stage and set up tents for an overnight stay before activities started in the afternoon with leaders from many regions taking turns to speak amid musical shows.

Red-shirt leaders arrived at the venue late in the afternoon. They included chairperson Thida Thawornseth, Pheu Thai MPs Jatuporn Promphan and Weng Tojirakarn and guard leader Aree Krainara.

Thida said the rally was evidence that red shirts oppose military coups. And they did not accept the 2007 Constitution, which has been in use for five years. The red shirts could see good and bad elements.

Thida said it was the first red-shirt rally since she officially took the position of chairperson, so she would announce proactive fighting plans for the group over the next two years.

She said Thaksin was scheduled to address the red shirts via video-link at 9pm.

Kwanchai Praipana, leader of Khon Rak Udon group, said he changed his mind and led his group to join the rally because of moves by the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) - yellow shirts - and the multi-coloured group.

He spoke as he and over 1,500 members of his group started to travel from Udon Thani to Bonanza on 21 buses yesterday morning.

Kwanchai denied reports that he had conflicts with the red shirts, saying he said earlier he would be happy to join activities they put on that contribute to the country. "I think there will be no problem. The red shirts are also glad [that my group will attend the event]. Jatuporn showed gladness, Minister Natthawut Saikua called to thank me, saying he understood the way of fighting. We are one when it comes to fighting [our rivals]," Kwanchai said.

"I am sure I will be welcomed by all the red shirts, as when the news spread that we were going, red shirts from many provinces called to thank [us] and gave me moral power. The false image of having a conflict must be because my opponents spread a rumour that I was bought by the Blue Party, which was impossible," he said, referring to the opposition Bhum Jai Thai Party.

More than 10,000 people had arrived at the venue before dusk. Police Major General Phanu Kerdlarpphol, head of Region 3 police, said 500 officers had been deployed for the concert.

Police will monitor the concert for any violations in regard to lese majeste. Video and picture cameras would be used.

-- The Nation 2012-02-26

[prefabs]

Nuremberg Rallies of the 1930s?

[JurgenG]

As far as I know these people don't ask for a military coup ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwNg4lHFj7I

[jonclark]

How many did Jatuporn claiom would turn up - 100'000 + ?

[whybother]

"Stop the Coup, Change the Charter"

The coup happened. You can't go back and stop it.

Thida said the rally was evidence that red shirts oppose military coups.

No sh@# Sherlock.

[AleG]

They may just as well organize an Anti-Burmese Kingdom invasion rally.

[Pib]

Why do Red Shirt supporters fall for this style of brain-washing! It makes them look like a crowd of zombie's chanting the name of some god they worship...the God Thaksin.

[pimay11]

Thida said it was the first red-shirt rally since she officially took the position of chairperson, so she would announce proactive fighting plans for the group over the next two years.

Fighting plans. Let me think. Would this include molotov cocktails, AK47, RPG, splashing blood on people's residence that don't support them, random illegal roadblocks stopping and searching vehicles, invading hospitals, burning shopping centers and city halls, burning city buses, parking an LPG tanker truck in a residential area threatening to blow it up? I guess we will just have to wait and see what the official chairperson comes up with.

[necronx99]

They may just as well organize an Anti-Burmese Kingdom invasion rally.

Bit like the whole Poland and Sudetenland issues. Don't think it wont happen.

[Ricardo]

It's 5 1/2 years after the September-2006 coup, this is the third TRT/PPP/PTP-government to run the country after the military returned power to the electorate, and yet it's still necessary to hold an Anti-Coup Rally ?

Is this really the way to encourage reconciliation, or is it rousing-the-troops for yet-another bloody mess, in a further attempt to regain the former-PM's face and money ? Why are yet more divisive 'Red Villages' still being created ? Why the talk of reducing the judiciary's independence, which (in theory at least) is one of the key protections, of the people from government-misrule? Checks-and-balances are necessary, to limit any government's power, over the people.

The CDA will now be working on amendments to the 2007-Constitution, if there are faults then that is the place to raise them, personally I'd hope for a stiffening of penalties for parties whose executives deliberately plan to buy votes or steal elections, and a weakening on restrictions on free-speech, but I doubt either will come yet.

What's absolutely essential IMO is that, as with the 2007-version, any new Constitution is ratified by the people directly, in a Referendum.

Any attempt to claim that the July-2011 election, whose result was based upon undeliverable 'pre-election promises' as well as any reaction to the violence of previous years, somehow gives Parliament the right to steam-roller over the result of the promised-Referendum, or to allow Thaksin's return from self-exile scot-free, would be about as undemocratic as you could get.

Meanwhile one hopes that the people enjoyed their 'concert-in-the-park' !

[OzMick]

"Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun."

[jayboy]

It's 5 1/2 years after the September-2006 coup, this is the third TRT/PPP/PTP-government to run the country after the military returned power to the electorate...

Why the talk of reducing the judiciary's independence,

You answer your own question in a way.It's quite clear that many millions of Thai do not really regard the judiciary as independent and indeed prone, on direction , to political meddling when the nation's choice doesn't meet the agreement of powerful unelected elites.It is now widely accepted that the military coup approach is counterproductive (though in my opinion the sheer boneheadedness of some senior generals is difficult to underestimate).Therefore the reds are understandably nervous about more frivolous judicial solutions (let's call it the TV cooking syndrome).Actually I think their fears are misplaced and in any case its more likely Thai style a deal will be stitched up behind the scenes.Shades of the final chapter of Animal Farm.

[necronx99]

It's 5 1/2 years after the September-2006 coup, this is the third TRT/PPP/PTP-government to run the country after the military returned power to the electorate, and yet it's still necessary to hold an Anti-Coup Rally ?

Is this really the way to encourage reconciliation, or is it rousing-the-troops for yet-another bloody mess, in a further attempt to regain the former-PM's face and money ? Why are yet more divisive 'Red Villages' still being created ? Why the talk of reducing the judiciary's independence, which (in theory at least) is one of the key protections, of the people from government-misrule? Checks-and-balances are necessary, to limit any government's power, over the people.

The CDA will now be working on amendments to the 2007-Constitution, if there are faults then that is the place to raise them, personally I'd hope for a stiffening of penalties for parties whose executives deliberately plan to buy votes or steal elections, and a weakening on restrictions on free-speech, but I doubt either will come yet.

What's absolutely essential IMO is that, as with the 2007-version, any new Constitution is ratified by the people directly, in a Referendum.

Any attempt to claim that the July-2011 election, whose result was based upon undeliverable 'pre-election promises' as well as any reaction to the violence of previous years, somehow gives Parliament the right to steam-roller over the result of the promised-Referendum, or to allow Thaksin's return from self-exile scot-free, would be about as undemocratic as you could get.

Meanwhile one hopes that the people enjoyed their 'concert-in-the-park' !

What is especially democratic about a bought and paid for referendum result?

Democracy is a journey, not a goal. You can't just put a checkmark in the box and say you have it,

[bendejo]

How many did Jatuporn claiom would turn up - 100'000 + ?

Maybe they weren't paying out enough.

What good is money if you can't buy democracy with it?

Edited February 26, 2012 by bendejo

[Nisa]

Be fearful when there are pro-government protests when there are no anti-government protests happening.

Edited February 26, 2012 by Nisa

[Reasonableman]

If you are a boy/girl scout, you would best be prepared.

Be fearful when there are pro-government protests when there are no anti-government protests happening.

[Ricardo]

It's 5 1/2 years after the September-2006 coup, this is the third TRT/PPP/PTP-government to run the country after the military returned power to the electorate...

Why the talk of reducing the judiciary's independence,

You answer your own question in a way.It's quite clear that many millions of Thai do not really regard the judiciary as independent and indeed prone, on direction , to political meddling when the nation's choice doesn't meet the agreement of powerful unelected elites.It is now widely accepted that the military coup approach is counterproductive (though in my opinion the sheer boneheadedness of some senior generals is difficult to underestimate).Therefore the reds are understandably nervous about more frivolous judicial solutions (let's call it the TV cooking syndrome).Actually I think their fears are misplaced and in any case its more likely Thai style a deal will be stitched up behind the scenes.Shades of the final chapter of Animal Farm.

Agree with what you say.

In which case, the solution is to make the judiciary more independent, one hopes that the CDA will agree and actually do something, not sure what.

What is especially democratic about a bought and paid for referendum result?

Democracy is a journey, not a goal. You can't just put a checkmark in the box and say you have it,

A referendum may attract a higher turnout, thus be more democratic, and will hopefully be about a few specific points, rather than a wide-array of election-commitments, although I agree that there will probably still be vote-buying to some extent.

If even the military-junta appointed-government can offer a referendum, to change the Constitution, then I'd hope that any elected-government would at-least match that same level of democracy.

Progress towards democracy, and helping raise-the-level of the poor or under-educated, will IMO be made by small steps, rather than in any giant leap. The existing vested-interests, be they the amart or rich-businesspeople or military or others, are unlikely to allow anything else.

[ScouseTommy]

A referendum right now would be democratic and fair....... but not in Thailand at the moment. How do you think the type of person who attended that concert yesterday are going to vote? They will vote the way they are told to vote. Its pseudo-democracy, that employs effective brain washing techniques. All to bring about the return of a virtual dictator!

I agree with some of the posts above, i find it a little bit worrying that we are hearing absolutely nothing from the rival colours. At least if they held a small rally and spewed some rhetoric they would be sticking to form. The silence is a little bit ominous!

[Orac]

... snip

If even the military-junta appointed-government can offer a referendum, to change the Constitution, then I'd hope that any elected-government would at-least match that same level of democracy.

...snip

If the government only wanted to match the levels of democracy set for the previous referendum they could stipulate that there would be no further elections and refuse to step down from power until the new constitution was agreed to - personally I expect a bit more from them than that.

[Nisa]

I actually have nothing against having a socialist and even a communist party in Thailand but I think as one poster pointed out ... the leaders of the reds pitch a great socialist theme to the lemmings that follow them blindly but in reality their agenda is about lining their own pockets and those of big business at the expense of their followers.

[rubl]

"Peaceful Protesters, Not Terrorists" are more likely to wear T-shirts with the image of Ghandi

[Roj]

A referendum right now would be democratic and fair....... but not in Thailand at the moment. How do you think the type of person who attended that concert yesterday are going to vote? They will vote the way they are told to vote. Its pseudo-democracy, that employs effective brain washing techniques. All to bring about the return of a virtual dictator!

I agree with some of the posts above, i find it a little bit worrying that we are hearing absolutely nothing from the rival colours. At least if they held a small rally and spewed some rhetoric they would be sticking to form. The silence is a little bit ominous!

They will vote the way they are told paid to vote.

[metisdead]

Off topic posts removed.

[blows]

I actually have nothing against having a socialist and even a communist party in Thailand but I think as one poster pointed out ... the leaders of the reds pitch a great socialist theme to the lemmings that follow them blindly but in reality their agenda is about lining their own pockets and those of big business at the expense of their followers.

So true.

[ScouseTommy]

The only things that i find worrying about a communist party in Thailand are the confirmed reports of red shirt leaders being given instruction (read...brainwashing) by Vietnamese party officials. Also Thailands very close geographically to Laos, Vietnam and China. I doubt Thailands current financial backers (USA etc) would be very happy. Plus as another poster has already said, communism as great on paper but in reality the Elite stay the Elite, they just change there names. The poor, usually get poorer!

[rixalex]

Therefore the reds are understandably nervous about more frivolous judicial solutions (let's call it the TV cooking syndrome).

Here's the problem. Rather than being nervous about their Prime Minister breaking pretty logical and easy to follow laws about PMs not having second jobs; rather than being nervous about their Prime Minister lying in court; rather than being nervous about their Prime Minister being made to stand down but then not being allowed to restand because a convicted on the run criminal has decided he would prefer someone else in the job... rather than all that, what makes them nervous is the courts following through in applying basic laws.

[blows]

How is it a coup, when it is removing someone illegally occupying the office of PM?

[lungmi]

It's 5 1/2 years after the September-2006 coup, this is the third TRT/PPP/PTP-government to run the country after the military returned power to the electorate...

Why the talk of reducing the judiciary's independence,

You answer your own question in a way.It's quite clear that many millions of Thai do not really regard the judiciary as independent and indeed prone, on direction , to political meddling when the nation's choice doesn't meet the agreement of powerful unelected elites.It is now widely accepted that the military coup approach is counterproductive (though in my opinion the sheer boneheadedness of some senior generals is difficult to underestimate).Therefore the reds are understandably nervous about more frivolous judicial solutions (let's call it the TV cooking syndrome).Actually I think their fears are misplaced and in any case its more likely Thai style a deal will be stitched up behind the scenes.Shades of the final chapter of Animal Farm.

Animal farm is a good answer. But you misinterpret to your own defense.

[Insight]

A referendum right now would be democratic and fair....... but not in Thailand at the moment. How do you think the type of person who attended that concert yesterday are going to vote? They will vote the way they are told to vote. Its pseudo-democracy, that employs effective brain washing techniques. All to bring about the return of a virtual dictator!

I agree with some of the posts above, i find it a little bit worrying that we are hearing absolutely nothing from the rival colours. At least if they held a small rally and spewed some rhetoric they would be sticking to form. The silence is a little bit ominous!

My own opinion is that the "rival colours" (for a better description) are quietly waiting for definitive attempts to bring the square fugitive back scott-free. A recent example of something definitive was the attempts to pardon Thaksin at the end of the year. This rally IMO is just posturing from the red shirts (just like their use of the word "reconciliation"); there is no real threat to their existence at present.

And although they've cleared a motion to modify the charter to introduce the Charter Drafting Assembly (something the reconciliation panel warned them to delay), those moves could still yet be perceived as positive to Thailand. We all know that's not really the case, but until the signs are much more clearer, it will be pointless and counter productive to start people rallying now on a mass scale.

But people are watching what is happening, and many do not like what they see.

[lungmi]

Nuremberg Rallies of the 1930s?

SA marschiert (walks for Hitler)