PAD Vows To Pursue Reforms

[webfact]

PAD vows to pursue reforms

Kanittha Thepphajorn

The Nation

Nation News Agency

Yellow shirts to avoid rallies unless govt makes moves to facilitate Thaksin's return

BANGKOK: -- The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) will set up a committee to campaign for national reform instead of holding mass rallies to counter the Pheu Thai-led government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, according to PAD spokesman Panthep Pourpongpan.

Panthep said the group would launch protests if the government changes Article 112 of the Penal Code, amends the charter or any laws to waive penalties on Thaksin Shinawatra and his group, and when the time is right.

PAD leaders Pibhop Dhongchai, Chamlong Srimuang and Somkiat Pongpaiboon also joined the press conference yesterday afternoon.

Panthep was speaking after PAD's mass rally at Lumpini Sathorn, a ballroom dance hall in Lumpini Park. A forum was also held under the theme, "Stop Dictatorship, Join Forces to Reform Thailand".

It was the first mass rally of the anti-Thaksin PAD, known as the yellow shirts, since Thaksin's sister Yingluck became the prime minister. More than 3,000 people joined the rally, which lasted from 10am until late evening.

In the evening, Chamlong took the stage to say that neither he nor another PAD leader, Sondhi Limthongkul, would be changed.

Sondhi said , "We have to win this fight. This is not to change the government. The country will survive only if bad politicians are gone," he said.

He said the people who fight for the country and the monarchy would be safe. And the truth will be revealed by the end of this year as to who was behind the attempt to stop him.

Panthep said a survey conducted among the event participants showed that 29 per cent did not want the PAD to hold a rally yet, believing the group should wait until the military, the courts and power groups all agree to join with the civil sector to reform Thailand. About 22 per cent said they should not hold a rally before the majority of people are "enlightened". However, 21 per cent said a mass rally should be held immediately.

Regarding the solution for the country's crisis, Panthep said more than 70 per cent said there must be a national reform to eradicate "parliamentary dictatorship" supported by vicious capitalist financiers. More than 12 per cent wanted the charter amendment to be halted and more than 7 per cent said any attempt to change Article 112 must be stopped.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University law lecturer Komsan Pokong said the country is in crisis as the government is trying to violate the law by giving Bt7.75 million compensation to people who joined political rallies without considering if they violated any laws. He said the government tried to change Article 291 of the Constitution without giving reasons. He said the government was behaving like a "parliamentary dictatorship".

"What is happening is because political parties have the character of monopolistic capitalism and they destroy rules that they see as obstacles in their way to absolute power. If they can amend the charter, they will be able to change the commoners to slaves as well," he said.

Former National Legislative Assembly (NLA) member Narong Chokewattana said the country was currently like a decayed building that could not be fixed. The only way to improve is to reform the people.

At around 2.30pm, a man struck with a metal rod the front window of a Voice TV car parked near the rally site. The driver, who was in the car, pursued the man and rammed the car into the attacker's motorcycle. The alleged attacker, Kavikrai Chokepattanakasemsuk, 32, was arrested and taken to Lumpini Police Station.

Thaksin's son Panthongtae is an executive at Voice TV.

Kavikrai confessed that he was dissatisfied with the Thaksin regime. Although he did not regret his action, he did not want anyone to imitate him.

-- The Nation 2012-03-11

[Ricardo]

Same old BS/opinion, presented as though it were somehow proven fact, from Canada !

The good news IMO is that the PAD remain focused on their main concern, the possible whitewashed return of the disgraced self-exiled former-PM, and aren't planning to overthrow the government or set-up Yellow-villages or make other gestures of 'reconciliation', or otherwise follow the example of their opponents.

[jayboy]

Same old BS/opinion, presented as though it were somehow proven fact, from Canada !

The good news IMO is that the PAD remain focused on their main concern, the possible whitewashed return of the disgraced self-exiled former-PM, and aren't planning to overthrow the government or set-up Yellow-villages or make other gestures of 'reconciliation', or otherwise follow the example of their opponents.

If there is a back door deal between the old elite and Thaksin on the latter's return, there is nothing the PAD can do about it.They will simply be squashed/ignored as in the past once they have served their purpose.It is not just coincidental that the old elite has now allowed Sondhi to be prosecuted and sentenced for his past criminality , and the squeeze put on the airport seizure terrorists.I'm not sure the PAD could set up yellow villages even if they wanted to since there is a minor practical problem that nobody would want to belong to them.Therefore the PAD will remain for the time being as a small band of proto fascists, thugs and Sino-Thai grannies: the more alert grouping of anti Thaksinites having deserted PAD and its creepy leadership long ago.However, and certainly not a contingency to be ruled out, if the concordat between Thaksin and the old elite broke down, the PAD - or something very like it - would no doubt be resuscitated to provide a street backing rentacrowd for entrenched privilege.So the PAD - a collection of useful fools - is kept in reserve at the moment.Nobody on either side of the divide really gives a toss what they think at the moment.

[anterian]

Same old BS/opinion, presented as though it were somehow proven fact, from Canada !

The good news IMO is that the PAD remain focused on their main concern, the possible whitewashed return of the disgraced self-exiled former-PM, and aren't planning to overthrow the government or set-up Yellow-villages or make other gestures of 'reconciliation', or otherwise follow the example of their opponents.

If there is a back door deal between the old elite and Thaksin on the latter's return, there is nothing the PAD can do about it.They will simply be squashed/ignored as in the past once they have served their purpose.It is not just coincidental that the old elite has now allowed Sondhi to be prosecuted and sentenced for his past criminality , and the squeeze put on the airport seizure terrorists.I'm not sure the PAD could set up yellow villages even if they wanted to since there is a minor practical problem that nobody would want to belong to them.Therefore the PAD will remain for the time being as a small band of proto fascists, thugs and Sino-Thai grannies: the more alert grouping of anti Thaksinites having deserted PAD and its creepy leadership long ago.However, and certainly not a contingency to be ruled out, if the concordat between Thaksin and the old elite broke down, the PAD - or something very like it - would no doubt be resuscitated to provide a street backing rentacrowd for entrenched privilege.So the PAD - a collection of useful fools - is kept in reserve at the moment.Nobody on either side of the divide really gives a toss what they think at the moment.

I think this sums it up quite nicely, there is not even a "Son of PAD" waiting to emerge.

[Buchholz]

Same old BS/opinion, presented as though it were somehow proven fact, from Canada !

[Ricardo]

Same old BS/opinion, presented as though it were somehow proven fact, from Canada !

The good news IMO is that the PAD remain focused on their main concern, the possible whitewashed return of the disgraced self-exiled former-PM, and aren't planning to overthrow the government or set-up Yellow-villages or make other gestures of 'reconciliation', or otherwise follow the example of their opponents.

If there is a back door deal between the old elite and Thaksin on the latter's return, there is nothing the PAD can do about it.They will simply be squashed/ignored as in the past once they have served their purpose.It is not just coincidental that the old elite has now allowed Sondhi to be prosecuted and sentenced for his past criminality , and the squeeze put on the airport seizure terrorists.I'm not sure the PAD could set up yellow villages even if they wanted to since there is a minor practical problem that nobody would want to belong to them.Therefore the PAD will remain for the time being as a small band of proto fascists, thugs and Sino-Thai grannies: the more alert grouping of anti Thaksinites having deserted PAD and its creepy leadership long ago.However, and certainly not a contingency to be ruled out, if the concordat between Thaksin and the old elite broke down, the PAD - or something very like it - would no doubt be resuscitated to provide a street backing rentacrowd for entrenched privilege.So the PAD - a collection of useful fools - is kept in reserve at the moment.Nobody on either side of the divide really gives a toss what they think at the moment.

"I'm not sure the PAD could set up yellow villages"

Not even in the South, where the Dems enjoy just as much support, as TRT/PPP/PTP do in the NE or NW ? Surely they could do so there, if they wished to, but don't as-yet. Indeed I hope they never do, this whole 'Red Village' thing is potentially dangerously divisive and undemocratic, IMO.

[CalgaryII]

Same old BS/opinion, presented as though it were somehow proven fact, from Canada !

The good news IMO is that the PAD remain focused on their main concern, the possible whitewashed return of the disgraced self-exiled former-PM, and aren't planning to overthrow the government or set-up Yellow-villages or make other gestures of 'reconciliation', or otherwise follow the example of their opponents.

If there is a back door deal between the old elite and Thaksin on the latter's return, there is nothing the PAD can do about it.They will simply be squashed/ignored as in the past once they have served their purpose.It is not just coincidental that the old elite has now allowed Sondhi to be prosecuted and sentenced for his past criminality , and the squeeze put on the airport seizure terrorists.I'm not sure the PAD could set up yellow villages even if they wanted to since there is a minor practical problem that nobody would want to belong to them.Therefore the PAD will remain for the time being as a small band of proto fascists, thugs and Sino-Thai grannies: the more alert grouping of anti Thaksinites having deserted PAD and its creepy leadership long ago.However, and certainly not a contingency to be ruled out, if the concordat between Thaksin and the old elite broke down, the PAD - or something very like it - would no doubt be resuscitated to provide a street backing rentacrowd for entrenched privilege.So the PAD - a collection of useful fools - is kept in reserve at the moment.Nobody on either side of the divide really gives a toss what they think at the moment.

"I'm not sure the PAD could set up yellow villages"

Not even in the South, where the Dems enjoy just as much support, as TRT/PPP/PTP do in the NE or NW ? Surely they could do so there, if they wished to, but don't as-yet. Indeed I hope they never do, this whole 'Red Village' thing is potentially dangerously divisive and undemocratic, IMO.

One must keep in mind what the Red Shirt Villages are a counterweight to.

When one considers the hegemony of industry, other economic and political institutions by an elite, this is just the beginning of bringing about some balance.

If one reduces to simple analysis, the question of elitist ownership of the country, the Red Shirt Villages thing would be a mere drop in the ocean.

To begrudge these people from gaining a grip on their country, commensurate with there electoral dominance, puts things in some perspective.

These villages are also is a product of historical power excesses by the powerful, and a wake-up call to those who have coupist ambitions....AGAIN.

Trying to coup a country politically averse to such a thing in a demonstrable way, such as Red Shirt Villages, give pause to whom pause needs to be given.

Edited March 11, 2012 by CalgaryII

[metisdead]

Some nonsense posts have been removed as well as a propagandist post and replies.

[Bakseedaa]

Same old BS/opinion, presented as though it were somehow proven fact, from Canada !

The good news IMO is that the PAD remain focused on their main concern, the possible whitewashed return of the disgraced self-exiled former-PM, and aren't planning to overthrow the government or set-up Yellow-villages or make other gestures of 'reconciliation', or otherwise follow the example of their opponents.

If there is a back door deal between the old elite and Thaksin on the latter's return, there is nothing the PAD can do about it.They will simply be squashed/ignored as in the past once they have served their purpose.It is not just coincidental that the old elite has now allowed Sondhi to be prosecuted and sentenced for his past criminality , and the squeeze put on the airport seizure terrorists.I'm not sure the PAD could set up yellow villages even if they wanted to since there is a minor practical problem that nobody would want to belong to them.Therefore the PAD will remain for the time being as a small band of proto fascists, thugs and Sino-Thai grannies: the more alert grouping of anti Thaksinites having deserted PAD and its creepy leadership long ago.However, and certainly not a contingency to be ruled out, if the concordat between Thaksin and the old elite broke down, the PAD - or something very like it - would no doubt be resuscitated to provide a street backing rentacrowd for entrenched privilege.So the PAD - a collection of useful fools - is kept in reserve at the moment.Nobody on either side of the divide really gives a toss what they think at the moment.

"I'm not sure the PAD could set up yellow villages"

Not even in the South, where the Dems enjoy just as much support, as TRT/PPP/PTP do in the NE or NW ? Surely they could do so there, if they wished to, but don't as-yet. Indeed I hope they never do, this whole 'Red Village' thing is potentially dangerously divisive and undemocratic, IMO.

One must keep in mind what the Red Shirt Villages are a counterweight to.

When one considers the hegemony of industry, other economic and political institutions by an elite, this is just the beginning of bringing about some balance.

If one reduces to simple analysis, the question of elitist ownership of the country, the Red Shirt Villages thing would be a mere drop in the ocean.

To begrudge these people from gaining a grip on their country, commensurate with there electoral dominance, puts things in some perspective.

These villages are also is a product of historical power excesses by the powerful, and a wake-up call to those who have coupist ambitions....AGAIN.

Trying to coup a country politically averse to such a thing in a demonstrable way, such as Red Shirt Villages, give pause to whom pause needs to be given.

What did Winnie say.....Its better to keep your mouth shut and just let people Think you are a fool... than to open it and give solid evidence....

[473geo]

What did Winnie say.....Its better to keep your mouth shut and just let people Think you are a fool... than to open it and give solid evidence....

Indeed........ and there you stand with yours wide open.......

[theanimaster]

What's the whole point of these red and yellow "villages" again?

[Buchholz]

What's the whole point of these red and yellow "villages" again?

There are no yellow villages.

Only Red Shirts have established Red villages.... in order to highlight the negative effects of divisiveness created by color-centric thinking.

.

[theanimaster]

God forbid... that if you ever walked into a red shirt village and said you were a democrat...

... would they stone you to death, or try to reason with you first?

I should probably expect the first option, seeing that they are so <sarcasm> pro democracy </sarcasm>.

[whybother]

One must keep in mind what the Red Shirt Villages are a counterweight to.

When one considers the hegemony of industry, other economic and political institutions by an elite, this is just the beginning of bringing about some balance.

If one reduces to simple analysis, the question of elitist ownership of the country, the Red Shirt Villages thing would be a mere drop in the ocean.

To begrudge these people from gaining a grip on their country, commensurate with there electoral dominance, puts things in some perspective.

These villages are also is a product of historical power excesses by the powerful, and a wake-up call to those who have coupist ambitions....AGAIN.

Trying to coup a country politically averse to such a thing in a demonstrable way, such as Red Shirt Villages, give pause to whom pause needs to be given.

So, what you're saying, is that the red shirt villages are a balance to the red shirt leaders and PTP MPs ownership of the north and north east?