Red Shirts To Commemorate Bangkok's 2010 Crackdown

[webfact]

Red shirts to commemorate Bangkok's 2010 crackdown

Thida

BANGKOK: -- Thousands of protesters are to mark the secondanniversary Saturday of a crackdown on anti-government demonstrationsin central Bangkok, which left up to 102 people dead.

"You will see about 100,000 people coming to Ratchaprasong Road inmemory of those who died," Thida Tavornseth - chairwoman of theUnited Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), also known asthe red shirts - said Thursday.

"We want to state that the red shirts still exist, and we stillwant the truth to come out and justice for the dead," she said.

On May 19, 2010, government troops moved in on thousands offollowers of the UDD at their base at Ratchaprasong Road, promptingtheir leaders to surrender and leading to the arrests of hundreds ofred shirts, so named for the colour of their protest garb.

The numbers of those killed in street battles from April 10 to May19, 2010, related to the protests vary from 92 to 102. About 2,000were injured in clashes between the authorities and red shirts in theworst political violence witnessed in Thailand in decades.

"Despite well-documented atrocities that took place in the fullview of cameras and witnesses, no Thai soldier or official has beenheld accountable," Brad Adams, Asia director of Human Rights Watch,said this week.

-- The Nation 2012-05-17

[rubl]

first time I read 102 died, as far as I know the number was 92. Maybe some have died from wounds later on?

Any info of number of people still missing, or are they still digging in Rayong?

[rubl]

"Despite well-documented atrocities that took place in the fullview of cameras and witnesses, no Thai soldier or official has beenheld accountable," Brad Adams, Asia director of Human Rights Watch,said this week.

Dept. PM Pol. Captain Chalerm is still working on it. In the mean time I like to state that UDD leaders are totally innocent and I can offer a picture of Pheu Thai party list MP and UDD leader Jatuporn in Ghandi Tshirt as proof

[GentlemanJim]

The two guys in the photo either side are sat thinking "Why did she just say 100 000, there is no freaking way there will be 100 000, OMG, we'll be back peddling on Monday"

[Buchholz]

first time I read 102 died

not the first time I read 100,000 are supposed to come

.

[phiphidon]

first time I read 102 died, as far as I know the number was 92. Maybe some have died from wounds later on?

Any info of number of people still missing, or are they still digging in Rayong?

An additional 5 red shirts were killed after the breakup of the rally. They may not have made it into the bangkok papers.

Five local leaders brutally assassinated, four after being followed and assaulted by M16 rifle-fire, the fifth from being run-down by a pick-up truck

Sakkarin Kongkaew Shot dead in his hometown. A Korat area leader.

Sawat Daungmanee Shot dead. Local leader from Rayong Province.

Kritsada Klahan, 20 Shot by a group of people following his car with an M16. He was functioning as aguard for a DJ from Chiang Mai in hiding.

Noi Banjong, 51 Shot and died from multiple bullet wounds. A Tuk Tuk driver in Chiang Mai and a DJfor a Chiang Mai Red Shirt Radio programme.

Thanapong Panmee Hit by a pick-up. Local leader from Nattawut Saikua.

http://www.scribd.co...ion-in-Thailand

"or are they still digging in Rayong" - was this glib comment really necessary? Regardless of your political leanings these people were human beings.

[webfact]

Red Shirt leader Jatuporn expects 200,000 UDD activists to join 2nd anniversary of protest at Ratchaprasong on Sat; police to deploy 1,200 personnel /MCOT

[phiphidon]

"Despite well-documented atrocities that took place in the fullview of cameras and witnesses, no Thai soldier or official has beenheld accountable," Brad Adams, Asia director of Human Rights Watch,said this week.

Dept. PM Pol. Captain Chalerm is still working on it. In the mean time I like to state that UDD leaders are totally innocent and I can offer a picture of Pheu Thai party list MP and UDD leader Jatuporn in Ghandi Tshirt as proof

Well, has a single soldier been held accountable so far?

[phiphidon]

first time I read 102 died

not the first time I read 100,000 are supposed to come

.

I shall look forward to the numerous posts from the usual suspects crowing over the number of red shirts attending................

[webfact]

Heavy security for 'Red Shirt' rally in Bangkok

Bangkok, May 17, 2012 (AFP) - Thai police are braced for a "huge turnout" at a Bangkok rally marking the second anniversary of a deadly military crackdown on "Red Shirt" opposition street protests, a police spokesman said Thursday.

At least 1,200 officers will be deployed Saturday in the retail heart of Bangkok, authorities said, where the 2010 protests in support of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra descended into the kingdom's worst violence in decades.

"We expect a huge turnout but at this stage I have no estimate of the numbers," said police spokesman Colonel Preeda Sataworn.

Red Shirt leader Thida Thavornseth said more than 100,000 people from across the country could converge on Bangkok for the 12-hour gathering at the Ratchaprasong intersection, close to upmarket hotels and shopping malls.

More than 90 people, mostly civilians, were killed and nearly 1,900 wounded during the two months of rallies, which ended on May 19 2010 after the government of then premier Abhisit Vejjajiva sent in armed troops.

The Red Shirts have called on the new government, led by Thaksin's sister Yingluck, to prosecute soldiers and officials responsible for causing scores of deaths and hundreds of injuries, many to unarmed demonstrators.

Thailand has seen a string of violent protests since 2005, involving the arch royalist and nationalist Yellow Shirts, the mainly rural working-class Red Shirts and several smaller factions.

Rights groups say the military -- and some armed elements within the Red Shirts -- have so far evaded justice for their roles in the violence, causing anguish to the victims' families.

"The government needs to prosecute all those responsible for crimes, whatever their political affiliation or official position, to end the cycle of violence and impunity," said Brad Adams, Asia director for Human Rights Watch.

Yingluck's government came to power last year with a promise of reconciliation in the deeply divided nation.

Her government in January agreed a 2.0 billion baht ($65 million) pot to compensate all victims of political unrest in recent years.

But criminal investigations into the 2010 deaths have yet to lead to any prosecutions and the government is debating plans to offer a sweeping amnesty for the violence as part of reconciliation efforts.

The opposition says the proposed amnesty aims to bring home Thaksin, who lives abroad, to avoid a jail term for corruption. He also faces terrorism charges relating to the 2010 violence.

Families of the victims have also decried the idea of an amnesty.

Nutthaputt Akahad, the brother of a nurse who was gunned down in the grounds of a Buddhist temple while treating injured Red Shirts on May 19, said Thailand risked becoming a "lawless country" unless the killers are prosecuted.

"We have sacrificed our loved ones, some have sacrificed their freedom, but we can't sacrifice the truth, we can't sacrifice justice," he said at an event on Tuesday in the run-up to the anniversary.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-05-17

[rubl]

first time I read 102 died, as far as I know the number was 92. Maybe some have died from wounds later on?

Any info of number of people still missing, or are they still digging in Rayong?

An additional 5 red shirts were killed after the breakup of the rally. They may not have made it into the bangkok papers.

Five local leaders brutally assassinated, four after being followed and assaulted by M16 rifle-fire, the fifth from being run-down by a pick-up truck

Sakkarin Kongkaew Shot dead in his hometown. A Korat area leader.

Sawat Daungmanee Shot dead. Local leader from Rayong Province.

Kritsada Klahan, 20 Shot by a group of people following his car with an M16. He was functioning as aguard for a DJ from Chiang Mai in hiding.

Noi Banjong, 51 Shot and died from multiple bullet wounds. A Tuk Tuk driver in Chiang Mai and a DJfor a Chiang Mai Red Shirt Radio programme.

Thanapong Panmee Hit by a pick-up. Local leader from Nattawut Saikua.

http://www.scribd.co...ion-in-Thailand

"or are they still digging in Rayong" - was this glib comment really necessary? Regardless of your political leanings these people were human beings.

So any red-shirt having been killed after the 19th of May, 2010 is now officially part of the Ratchaprasong commemoration? How about red/yellow shirtish political party members and their canvassers? Any <whatever colour> shirt died during Songkhran?

As for the 'glib' comment, please dig up the topic from last year. May I paraphrase you with ''If you had checked and not automatically knee jerk posted you could save yourself a lot of embarassment. Don't bother to apologise."

[rubl]

"Despite well-documented atrocities that took place in the fullview of cameras and witnesses, no Thai soldier or official has beenheld accountable," Brad Adams, Asia director of Human Rights Watch,said this week.

Dept. PM Pol. Captain Chalerm is still working on it. In the mean time I like to state that UDD leaders are totally innocent and I can offer a picture of Pheu Thai party list MP and UDD leader Jatuporn in Ghandi Tshirt as proof

Well, has a single soldier been held accountable so far?

Why single out poor soldiers. The question is 'why is k. Abhisit still walking around rather than being on trial with the ICC in the Hague'. there is a tape with him saying something like 'kill me some'

[GentlemanJim]

"Despite well-documented atrocities that took place in the fullview of cameras and witnesses, no Thai soldier or official has beenheld accountable," Brad Adams, Asia director of Human Rights Watch,said this week.

Dept. PM Pol. Captain Chalerm is still working on it. In the mean time I like to state that UDD leaders are totally innocent and I can offer a picture of Pheu Thai party list MP and UDD leader Jatuporn in Ghandi Tshirt as proof

Well, has a single soldier been held accountable so far?

Why single out poor soldiers. The question is 'why is k. Abhisit still walking around rather than being on trial with the ICC in the Hague'. there is a tape with him saying something like 'kill me some'

Great that we are getting all these 'facts'.

[rubl]

Red Shirt leader Jatuporn expects 200,000 UDD activists to join 2nd anniversary of protest at Ratchaprasong on Sat; police to deploy 1,200 personnel /MCOT

With last year's rally the police also deployed 1200 - 1300 personnel. That was to control between 20,000 and 50,000 people. Maybe UDD 'activists' need less police guards or do they bring their own ?

[rubl]

Dept. PM Pol. Captain Chalerm is still working on it. In the mean time I like to state that UDD leaders are totally innocent and I can offer a picture of Pheu Thai party list MP and UDD leader Jatuporn in Ghandi Tshirt as proof

Well, has a single soldier been held accountable so far?

Why single out poor soldiers. The question is 'why is k. Abhisit still walking around rather than being on trial with the ICC in the Hague'. there is a tape with him saying something like 'kill me some'

Great that we are getting all these 'facts'.

To be sure, I was being sarcastic. Just getting annoyed with 'new facts' like 102 deaths. Imagine even in 2011 Ms. Thida was still talking about 92 only.

[phiphidon]

So any red-shirt having been killed after the 19th of May, 2010 is now officially part of the Ratchaprasong commemoration? How about red/yellow shirtish political party members and their canvassers? Any <whatever colour> shirt died during Songkhran?

As for the 'glib' comment, please dig up the topic from last year. May I paraphrase you with ''If you had checked and not automatically knee jerk posted you could save yourself a lot of embarassment. Don't bother to apologise."

BANGKOK, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Thursday dismissed words that "red shirts" were being hunted to death, following the death of a local leader of the anti-government movement in Chiang Mai.

"As I am responsible for national security, I can reaffirm that I have never thought of hunting anyone to death," said Suthep, the Deputy Prime Minister on security affairs, as quoted by The Nation online. It was definitely not the government policy to kill anyone without lawful procedure, he said, adding that he had instructed local police to investigate into the killing of Noi Banjong, a well-know "red-shirts" guard.

Noi, a community radio host, was found dead on Dec. 19 at Mae On district, Chiang Mai province, with 18 bullet wounds on his body and several methamphetamine pills in his hand.

The deputy premier, citing a police report, said police went to the site after a villager reported a dead body to them, but failed to identify the victim until two days later.

Suthep promised he would do his best to bring the killers to justice, and urged the public to inform police about any possible clue to the case.

He gave the remarks after a group of "red-shirts" in Chiang Mai on Wednesday claimed the guard was hunted down and killed by the government, and that his death is unconnected with drugs as speculated by police.

A leader of the Chiang Mai "red shirts", Krissana Promrampueng, said that Noi had no involvement with illicit drugs and his death has something to do with his political stand.

Three months ago, another local "red shirt", Krissada Klaharn, was shot dead by a group of gunmen using assault rifles. The "red shirts" said Wednesday they believed the attack was also politically motivated.

http://news.xinhuane.../c_13661841.htm

I won't bother to apologise as I have nothing to apologise for. - I know perfectly well about the digging up of skulls in Rayong last year and the police starting of the rumour that they were "missing red shirts".

I just find it strange you refer to it again with regard to these extra deaths when you knew the Rayong red shirt theory was BS in the first place. To me that is making a glib comment as though these extra deaths were a figment of someones imagination.

[phiphidon]

At this early stage of postings (still on one page) perhaps it will be worth reiterating the following from Thidas statement

Red Shirt leader Thida Thavornseth said more than 100,000 people from across the country could converge on Bangkok for the 12-hour gathering at the Ratchaprasong intersection

That's COULD, not "would", "will definately be" or any other misrepresentation that is likely to turn up in the following days.

Edited May 17, 2012 by phiphidon

[vahack]

i dont care how many show up, just as long as they leave quickly without burning anything down. you guys are bitching about the govt taking action against the protestors. try to build illegal military-grade barricades in the middle of any other city in the world. try it in DC. they'd all be shot or sent to Gitmo.

Thai people will never understand democracy, so they don't deserve to have it.

[rubl]

I just find it strange you refer to it again with regard to these extra deaths when you knew the Rayong red shirt theory was BS in the first place. To me that is making a glib comment as though these extra deaths were a figment of someones imagination.

"Thousands of protesters are to mark the secondanniversary Saturday of a crackdown on anti-government demonstrationsin central Bangkok, which left up to 102 people dead."

As I wrote before, so now anyone remotely associated with red shirts, UDD and Pheu Thai party and dying will up the count by one? Obviously Dem's canvassers don't count of course. Only who died for the worthy cause of getting poor, innocent k. Thaksin back.

The April - May riots led to death count of 92. Later on others were killed / died, of various colours and political flavours, but they don't count in the sense of not part of the 'Ratchaprasong crackdown 2010'.

If you want to commemorated those who died because of political conflict and regarding democracy include activists who were killed protesting dams, landfills, etc., etc.

Edited May 17, 2012 by rubl

[ratcatcher]

"You will see about 100,000 people coming to Ratchaprasong Road" - Thida Tavornseth

Red Shirt leader Jatuporn expects 200,000.

It looks like Thida is being more conservative in her expectations. I would like to see 500,000 there on Saturday to support the Red Shirts and the government.

[metisdead]

A post which can only be an unsubstantiated rumour has been deleted as well as the replies to that post. If you're going to make a post claiming something, have a link to back it up.

An off topic post was deleted as well.

[rubl]

At this early stage of postings (still on one page) perhaps it will be worth reiterating the following from Thidas statement

Red Shirt leader Thida Thavornseth said more than 100,000 people from across the country could converge on Bangkok for the 12-hour gathering at the Ratchaprasong intersection

That's COULD, not "would", "will definately be" or any other misrepresentation that is likely to turn up in the following days.

The OP has

"You will see about 100,000 people coming to Ratchaprasong Road inmemory of those who died," Thida Tavornseth - chairwoman of theUnited Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), also known asthe red shirts - said Thursday.

That's WILL, not "would", or "could"

[hyperdimension]

The OP has

"You will see about 100,000 people coming to Ratchaprasong Road inmemory of those who died," Thida Tavornseth - chairwoman of theUnited Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), also known asthe red shirts - said Thursday.

That's WILL, not "would", or "could"

She said "about" 100,000, which technically means it's just an approximation. The margin of error could be 95,000.

[phiphidon]

i dont care how many show up, just as long as they leave quickly without burning anything down. you guys are bitching about the govt taking action against the protestors. try to build illegal military-grade barricades in the middle of any other city in the world. try it in DC. they'd all be shot or sent to Gitmo.

Thai people will never understand democracy, so they don't deserve to have it.

You can get shot or sent to "Gitmo" if you're innocent or guilty, so that's not really the best defence. Some countries even when they allegedly achieve "democracy nirvana" do their best to dismantle it, so don't you think it's a bit presumptious of you to speak on behalf of the Thai Nation, unless of course you happen to be Thai, that is. Even then, that would be just your viewpoint to be balanced with the rest of the citizenry.

[phiphidon]

The OP has

"You will see about 100,000 people coming to Ratchaprasong Road inmemory of those who died," Thida Tavornseth - chairwoman of theUnited Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), also known asthe red shirts - said Thursday.

That's WILL, not "would", or "could"

She said "about" 100,000, which technically means it's just an approximation. The margin of error could be 95,000.

And here we go, chalk up those hit's for the thai visa advertising department.

Red Shirt leader Thida Thavornseth said more than 100,000 people from across the country could converge on Bangkok for the 12-hour gathering at the Ratchaprasong intersection, close to upmarket hotels and shopping malls.

http://www.channelne...1201891/1/.html

Edited May 17, 2012 by phiphidon

[Skywalker69]

Is creating havoc and burning down Bangkok something to commemorate?

[phiphidon]

I just find it strange you refer to it again with regard to these extra deaths when you knew the Rayong red shirt theory was BS in the first place. To me that is making a glib comment as though these extra deaths were a figment of someones imagination.

"Thousands of protesters are to mark the secondanniversary Saturday of a crackdown on anti-government demonstrationsin central Bangkok, which left up to 102 people dead."

As I wrote before, so now anyone remotely associated with red shirts, UDD and Pheu Thai party and dying will up the count by one? Obviously Dem's canvassers don't count of course. Only who died for the worthy cause of getting poor, innocent k. Thaksin back.

The April - May riots led to death count of 92. Later on others were killed / died, of various colours and political flavours, but they don't count in the sense of not part of the 'Ratchaprasong crackdown 2010'.

If you want to commemorated those who died because of political conflict and regarding democracy include activists who were killed protesting dams, landfills, etc., etc.

No, it's about using common sense. After the breakup of the Rally a fair few red shirt supporters were in fear of their lives and went into hiding for what seems to have turned out to be, very good reasons. 5 of those were killed in mysterious circumstances in the months after the event, enough to warrant a police investigation into those deaths. As you will not be commemorating the deaths of those red shirts what difference to you does it make how many there were?

If you're that concerned about the number why don't you consult the Abhisit Government official death toll - was there one?

[rubl]

And here we go, chalk up those hit's for the thai visa advertising department.

Red Shirt leader Thida Thavornseth said more than 100,000 people from across the country could converge on Bangkok for the 12-hour gathering at the Ratchaprasong intersection, close to upmarket hotels and shopping malls.

http://www.channelne...1201891/1/.html

Thanks for adding the link. So now we have a "will" and a "could", makes you wonder what Ms. Thida said in Thai ?

[phiphidon]

At this early stage of postings (still on one page) perhaps it will be worth reiterating the following from Thidas statement

Red Shirt leader Thida Thavornseth said more than 100,000 people from across the country could converge on Bangkok for the 12-hour gathering at the Ratchaprasong intersection

That's COULD, not "would", "will definately be" or any other misrepresentation that is likely to turn up in the following days.

The OP has

"You will see about 100,000 people coming to Ratchaprasong Road inmemory of those who died," Thida Tavornseth - chairwoman of theUnited Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), also known asthe red shirts - said Thursday.

That's WILL, not "would", or "could"

The OP is The Nation - full accurate quotes are not their forte especially when it suits them.

[phiphidon]

And here we go, chalk up those hit's for the thai visa advertising department.

Red Shirt leader Thida Thavornseth said more than 100,000 people from across the country could converge on Bangkok for the 12-hour gathering at the Ratchaprasong intersection, close to upmarket hotels and shopping malls.

http://www.channelne...1201891/1/.html

Thanks for adding the link. So now we have a "will" and a "could", makes you wonder what Ms. Thida said in Thai ?

Now you're thinking......................

edit to add, my last post on numbers, I'm bored already.

Edited May 17, 2012 by phiphidon