Yellow Shirt Protests Force House To Adjourn Indefinitely

[webfact]

Protests force House to adjourn indefinitely

BANGKOK, June 1 - Thailand's House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont called off a debate on reconciliation bills scheduled for this afternoon indefinitely as yellow shirt activists and protesters blocked lawmakers access to parliament.

"I have cancelled the deliberation on the reconciliation bill indefinitely to ease division and restore the atmosphere of harmony," Mr Somsak told reporters.

The House speaker made the announcement as protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy--the yellow shirts -- and the multi-coloured group joined forces to block a main road that lead to the only entrance of parliament since early morning.

Mr Somsak earlier called for the House to reconvene at 1.30pm only to cancel it shortly afterward when 20 police vans carrying ruling Pheu Thai party MPs from party headquarters were unable to access the parliament due to the protesters' blockade.

All the vans had to return to the party headquarters.

The protesters continued their demonstration into the third consecutive days in frustration with the Speaker pushing forward discussion of the reconciliation bills onto today's agenda and that sparked chaotic scenes in the chamber for the past two days.

Opposition Democrat party MPs opposed the bills which they and the protest leaders said would benefit fugitive ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra among others and help bring him home from several years of self-exile without serving jail term.

The parliamentary session was disrupted again on Thursday after the majority of MPs voted to move the reconciliation bills to the top of the today agenda.

Mr Somsak was the main target of some opposition MPs who vented their anger at him and accused him of serving Mr Thaksin’s interest.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai party spokesperson Prompong Nopparit said he and the party's legal team had sought impeachment of four Democrat MPs for 'inappropriate behaviour' against the House Speaker. The Speaker will forward the impeachment motion to the ombudsman for investigation.

The four MPs are Apichart Supapang of Phetchburi, Pongvej Vejjajiva of Chanthaburi, Kulladej Puapattanakul of Uthai Thani and Rangsima Rodrassamee of Samut Songkram.

In addition, Mr Prompong said, evidence has been collected to prove that Ms Rangsima allegedly urged the protesters to storm into parliament, which could violate the political party act and that could lead to dissolution of the party.

Mr Prompong said he would submit the evidence for the Office of the Attorney-General for consideration before forwarding it for the Constitution Court's deliberation. (MCOT online)

-- TNA 2012-06-01

[webfact]

Thai parliament defers contentious debate

BANGKOK, June 1, 2012 (AFP) - Thai "Yellow" protesters blocked parliament on Friday, forcing a debate on disputed reconciliation plans to be shelved amid signs of rising tensions in the bitterly divided nation.

Proposals aimed at healing the rifts that have seen Thailand shaken repeatedly by bloody civil unrest since a coup in 2006, have provoked fury among opposition MPs who fear they will open the door for the return of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Lawmakers were unable to enter the building as parliament was due to open, with around two thousand ultra-royalist, anti-Thaksin "Yellow Shirts" and their affiliates massing outside for a third day running.

"House speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont sent a message to MPs' phones saying that the meeting will be postponed indefinitely until the situation is improving," said Pormpong Nopparit, spokesman of the ruling party.

The Yellows had warned they will try to enter parliament in an effort to disrupt any vote on the bill -- a threat that carries weight from a group that have helped topple three governments of Thaksin and his allies.

AFP photographers said riot police were lining up around the compound, which was blocked off with cement barricades and barbed wire.

The protests have been called by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the Yellow's official name, who are powerful players in Thailand's colour-coded politics.

Backed by the Bangkok-based elite they are arch-rivals of Thaksin's "Red Shirts", whose massive rallies against a previous government in 2010 ended in a bloody crackdown.

Four reconciliation proposals are up for debate, threatening to further polarise politics in the country that has become increasingly divided in the years since Thaksin was toppled by royalist generals.

Three of the potential bills include amnesties that some fear could be used by the government -- led by Thaksin's sister Yingluck Shinawatra -- to usher back the divisive former premier, who lives abroad to avoid a jail term for corruption and terrorism charges relating to violence in 2010.

Activity on the streets has been mirrored within parliament in recent days, with police stepping in to protect the house speaker on Thursday from bundles on paper thrown by opposition Democrat MPs angry at his attempt to schedule the debate for Friday.

The Democrats have been close to the Yellows in the past and came to power after 2008 rallies by the movement that culminated with the seizure of two Bangkok airports, stranding more than 300,000 travellers and causing crippling economic damage.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-06-01

[waza]

Its all happening again, same as 2008. I was one of the stranded 300,000. Next they will move parliment to Don Muang Airport where the yelowshirt protestor will follow and the red will attack them with granades while they sleep.

[media=]

[/media]

[rubl]

Thailand Live 1st of June #45

House secretary-general announced House meeting today has been cancelled, scheduled for June 6,7 instead. Via @joize_nna

[carra]

Its all happening again, same as 2006. Next they will move parliment to Don Muang Airport where the yelowshirt protestor will follow and the red will attack them with granades while they sleep.

Where is this mythical airport,. I have never heard of it, and how could the red shirts throw grenades at people sleeping at a place that does not exist.

I think your belief about 'red shirts' throwing grenades at sleeping people is as misguided as your sense of direction, as far as i can remember nobody was convicted for throwing these grenades although I could be wrong, and I always find it easier to take a post more seriously of it is balanced and highlights the faults and violence from both sides, or are you one of these people that ignores the bombings and violence and damage instigated by the yellow shirts last time round?

Thankfully for all concerned I don't think they have the numbers like they had last time to do any real damage to the country, and one big factor is that this time around I don't think they have the army either.

[pakorn7]

Yes. Thaksin loose face again.

[OzMick]

Its all happening again, same as 2006. Next they will move parliment to Don Muang Airport where the yelowshirt protestor will follow and the red will attack them with granades while they sleep.

Where is this mythical airport,. I have never heard of it, and how could the red shirts throw grenades at people sleeping at a place that does not exist.

I think your belief about 'red shirts' throwing grenades at sleeping people is as misguided as your sense of direction, as far as i can remember nobody was convicted for throwing these grenades although I could be wrong, and I always find it easier to take a post more seriously of it is balanced and highlights the faults and violence from both sides, or are you one of these people that ignores the bombings and violence and damage instigated by the yellow shirts last time round?

Thankfully for all concerned I don't think they have the numbers like they had last time to do any real damage to the country, and one big factor is that this time around I don't think they have the army either.

It would be difficult to be balanced when comparing the violence from both sides when it so different in both quantity and intensity.

Nice of you to admit you could be wrong, as you usually are.

[overdog]

Yes. Thaksin loose face again.

Yes. Thaksin loose face again.

Are you suggesting he is a leper?

[gl555]

I'm usually against mobs like these but in this case, good show Yellow Shirts!

[rubl]

Somewhat off topic, but since it's being discussed, let's help with some links

2008-12-01

"In the interim, the siege of the two main National airports continues: a local television reports that a grenade explosion took place today December 2nd shortly after midnight. According to Pimrat Amornsakolsuvech, emergency services chief in Narainthorn Hospital Bangkok, the explosion in the main terminal of Don Mueang airport, used principally for domestic flights, left one person dead and 23 others wounded."

http://www.asianews....rity-13902.html

or maybe this from 2008-12-01

http://edition.cnn.c...ests/index.html

[slim]

I'm usually against mobs like these but in this case, good show Yellow Shirts!

Not keen on democracy then?

Edited June 1, 2012 by slim

[psmiller]

I still don't understand why the keep referring to TS as being in "self-exile". Isn't he on the run.

[londonthai]

so the mob of 2k pad political loosers outside and a hundred of hard line democrats mps are suspending the parliament for a week.

it's mock of democratic process.

they are on the margin of history and they should realise it by now. Dinosaurs

[george]

Jatuporn: PAD inviting a coup

BANGKOK: -- The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is now trying to incite violence to pave the way for another military coup, red-shirt co-leader Jatuporn Prompan said on Friday afternoon.

At a press conference to explain the stance of the red-shirt United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) held at Imperial Lat Phrao shopping centre, Mr Jatuporn claimed that the yellow-shirts planned to create conditions for a coup, as happened on Sep 19, 2006.

UDD chairwoman Thida Thavornsate and other UDD co-leaders were also at the news conference.

The yellow-shirts had obstructed Pheu Thai MPs from entering parliament to prevent them from attending a meeting to deliberate the four reconciliation bills, even though the process of creating national unity was in line with democratic system, he said.

Mtr Jatuporn called the red-shirts to stay cool, stay put and closely follow the political situation.

In the event of a coup, red-shirts in all provinces must travel to Bangkok and join forces at the Democracy Monument, which would be the centre for the fight against the coup, said Mr Jatuporn.

He told the red-shirts to wait for a signal from Mrs Thida, Nattawut Sakuar or himself before moving on the capital. Without an order from one of these three leaders, the red-shirts must stay put in their respective provinces.

Mr Jatuporn sought to reassure all soldiers that the red-shirts have no thought of toppling the high institution, as alleged, and that they would fight against only those trying to destroy democracy.

-- Bangkok Post 2012-06-01

[laurentbkk]

So much noise about a stupid tweet made from Lady gaga and Thais cannot clean up their mess in their own country ... how fun is that ? Send the police and kick them out ..after all , the yellow (democrats) sent the military to removed the red shirts .... useless fight .

[h90]

Its all happening again, same as 2006. Next they will move parliment to Don Muang Airport where the yelowshirt protestor will follow and the red will attack them with granades while they sleep.

Where is this mythical airport,. I have never heard of it, and how could the red shirts throw grenades at people sleeping at a place that does not exist.

I think your belief about 'red shirts' throwing grenades at sleeping people is as misguided as your sense of direction, as far as i can remember nobody was convicted for throwing these grenades although I could be wrong, and I always find it easier to take a post more seriously of it is balanced and highlights the faults and violence from both sides, or are you one of these people that ignores the bombings and violence and damage instigated by the yellow shirts last time round?

Thankfully for all concerned I don't think they have the numbers like they had last time to do any real damage to the country, and one big factor is that this time around I don't think they have the army either.

EVERY night the Yellows were attacked by M79 Grenades. Sae Daeng spoke a lot about it in a way that let everyone believe his group is doing it, without being so direct that it can go to court.

[webfact]

Korkaew plays down protests by yellow shirts

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai MP and red-shirt leader Korkaew Pikulthon Friday played down protest by People's Alliance for Democracy, saying it would not affect the government.

Korkaew said the number of PAD-led protesters was about 100 times lower than the number of red-shirt protesters in 2010.

"With this number of protesters, they may rally all year round but they won't be able to topple the government," Korkaew said.

He said he believed the PAD was simply trying to provoke for a coup.

-- The Nation 2012-06-01

[h90]

Its all happening again, same as 2008. I was one of the stranded 300,000. Next they will move parliment to Dongguan Airport where the yelowshirt protestor will follow and the red will attack them with granades while they sleep.

I think if they move the parliament to Dongguan Airport (which is somewhere near Hongkong) than they are safe from the Yellows and their real leader can also come.

[Colabamumbai]

I don't agree with an elected official trying to pass an amensty bill that would allow a fugitive,her brother back into the country.

I can only hope that there will not be blood in the streets. She will not not be re-elected and should think about stepping down immediately.

[overdog]

I still don't understand why the keep referring to TS as being in "self-exile". Isn't he on the run.

On the run? The whole world knows where he is and no one is chasing him. Self-exile is the better term, albeit a well-financed and comfortable exile.

[Bluespunk]

Here we go again........................

[FOODLOVER]

So is it soup? Noodles ok,but the yellows have cash and should have pad thai or some of the smelly stuff!

[DiamondKing]

I still don't understand why the keep referring to TS as being in "self-exile". Isn't he on the run.

No he is not on the run if he were on the run and had actually committed Terrorist acts like the yellows accused him of then the good Ol USA would of hunted him down themselves but the fact is the guys is living it up all over the world having a grand old time and so he should as the coup should never of happened anyway and was proven yet again in the last election the MAJORITY of thais want thaksin why else would they vote in someone with NO POLITICAL EXPERIENCE at all, I tell you why, Because her name is Thaksin and the people love him

Civil War could be on the cards as we are back to square 1

DK

[webfact]

Constitution Court, reacting to urgent injunction petitions, has ruled that deliberation of reconciliation bills must first be postponed. /via Tulsathit

[pointoffew]

Great timing, with all eyes on Thailand thanks to the World Economic Forum in Bangkok.

[waza]

Its all happening again, same as 2006. Next they will move parliment to Don Muang Airport where the yelowshirt protestor will follow and the red will attack them with granades while they sleep.

Where is this mythical airport,. I have never heard of it, and how could the red shirts throw grenades at people sleeping at a place that does not exist.

I think your belief about 'red shirts' throwing grenades at sleeping people is as misguided as your sense of direction, as far as i can remember nobody was convicted for throwing these grenades although I could be wrong, and I always find it easier to take a post more seriously of it is balanced and highlights the faults and violence from both sides, or are you one of these people that ignores the bombings and violence and damage instigated by the yellow shirts last time round?

Thankfully for all concerned I don't think they have the numbers like they had last time to do any real damage to the country, and one big factor is that this time around I don't think they have the army either.

I would say, "dont get your panties in a twist" but that might be offensive so I wont. It was a work in progress, look again. I agree thing will be different this time around, Thaksin should have learned by his past mistakes. I think there will be more blood and damage this time around, but the door is open for a true populist democractic leader to emerge and unite the thai people.

[gl555]

If 'democracy' means passing a law that not only whitewashes the crimes of a scumbag but also gives him billions of taxpayer money, then no I guess I'm not really keen on it.

I'm usually against mobs like these but in this case, good show Yellow Shirts!

Not keen on democracy then?

[DiamondKing]

If 'democracy' means passing a law that not only whitewashes the crimes of a scumbag but also gives him billions of taxpayer money, then no I guess I'm not really keen on it.

I'm usually against mobs like these but in this case, good show Yellow Shirts!

Not keen on democracy then?

HAHAHA how short peoples memories are

The first thing the coup people did was change all the laws to suit themselves and use them to prosecute Thaksin with trumped up charges

Amazing some people LOL

DK

[bbradsby]

I still don't understand why the keep referring to TS as being in "self-exile". Isn't he on the run.

Yes, "self-exile"... it's political double-speak, in lieu of the accurate term "fugitive," by the Thai press since they don't want to alienate half their readership.

[h90]

I don't agree with an elected official trying to pass an amensty bill that would allow a fugitive,her brother back into the country.

I can only hope that there will not be blood in the streets. She will not not be re-elected and should think about stepping down immediately.

Of course she will be reelected with enough vote buying and fraud even my dog can win (and he would be a honest premier....)