Thailand's Yellow Shirts Regroup, Seek Comeback

[webfact]

Thailand's yellow shirts regroup, seek comeback

By Amy Sawitta Lefevre

BANGKOK: (Reuters) -- The elderly man dressed in homespun cotton looks like a kind-hearted grandfather from a rural Thai soap opera.

But it would be unwise to underestimate Chamlong Srimuang, a key figure in Thailand's turbulent recent history, or the "yellow shirt" army he commands.

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

That last claim might have rung hollow before June 1, when thousands of protesters from the long-dormant PAD blockaded the Thai parliament.

That halted debate on a reconciliation bill which the yellow shirts believe will bring home their arch-enemy, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Full story: http://www.reuters.c...E85G07O20120617

-- REUTERS 2012-06-18

[JurgenG]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

The reds are like nuclear weapons, we don't really like their excess but the alternative of having our enemies alone with a nuclear arsenal is even more uncomfortable. And knowing the apathy of the army and the police in front of the PAD excesses, the "reds" remain our best defense against mob power.

[nurofiend]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

hey but that's OK 'round here, they're yellow shirts.

[JurgenG]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

hey but that's OK 'round here, they're yellow shirts.

Trust me, I know.

But there is a numbers of people who visit this forum without any preconceived opinion, just looking for information. It's important they understand the views expressed here by the yellow shirts supporters are from a minority and don't reflect the views of the majority, you just have to check the results of the elections for the past 10 years to understand that.

Edited June 18, 2012 by JurgenG

[Moruya]

All the PTP needs to do to avoid any protest is to draft and publish the laws showing that they will not benefit Thaksin or other members of the clan and that the CDA's powers are restricted to certain parts of the constitution.

[animatic]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

The reds are like nuclear weapons, we don't really like their excess but the alternative of having our enemies alone with a nuclear arsenal is even more uncomfortable. And knowing the apathy of the army and the police in front of the PAD excesses, the "reds" remain our best defense against mob power.

One mob versus another mob. This is not a new change.

It is the same old war by other means to get power for one faction from another.

[nurofiend]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

hey but that's OK 'round here, they're yellow shirts.

Trust me, I know.

But there is a numbers of people who visit this forum without any preconceived opinion, just looking for information. It's important they understand the views expressed here by the yellow shirts supporters are from a minority and don't reflect the views of the majority, you just have to check the results of the elections for the past 10 years to understand that.

i got ya, i was just being facetious.

[virtualtraveller]

It's unfortunate that in the current political environment you have leaders on both sides shooting their mouths off with wild and unrealistic comments like Chamlong, it's no different to Tida or Jatuporn, but should not be taken as the official ideological position of this group. It's fighting talk because there is a fight brewing with an evil person. Much that the PAD can be destructive or a bit narrow-minded, nothing will garner more support for their cause than Thaksin walking free, it will gift them an incredible galvanising reason to regroup and attract all those middle class who originally supported them back in early 2006. I think Thaksin has been ill informed that the PAD are down and out, underestimate the size of his enemies at his own peril, he's going to find Thailand a lot tougher than he thought when he returns, but it will be Yingluck who gets the stress.

[moe666]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

The reds are like nuclear weapons, we don't really like their excess but the alternative of having our enemies alone with a nuclear arsenal is even more uncomfortable. And knowing the apathy of the army and the police in front of the PAD excesses, the "reds" remain our best defense against mob power.

hehehe Not sure how you see the world. Yes Pad occupied the airport but did not burn it down when they got what they wanted. The red shirts got their early election but refused to leave and finally when they were forced to leave they burned down the center of Bangkok and regional city halls and government buildings. I support neither group red or yellow because a minority is trying to impose there political beliefs on the majority. By the way PTP only got 48 percent of the vote in the last election a bit below a majority. Take a breath Jurgen reality will catch up to you some day

[thaicbr]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

hey but that's OK 'round here, they're yellow shirts.

Trust me, I know.

But there is a numbers of people who visit this forum without any preconceived opinion, just looking for information. It's important they understand the views expressed here by the yellow shirts supporters are from a minority and don't reflect the views of the majority, you just have to check the results of the elections for the past 10 years to understand that.

BOTH mobs are a disease.

If and when the ruling forces stop using the mobs the better Thailand will be.

None of the mobs either red or yellow represent the majority of the Thai people.

Even Phua Thai only managed 48% of the vote and that equated to 15 million voters. And 11 million for the Democrats.

There are 69 million people living in Thailand.

Sent from my GT-P1010 using Thaivisa Connect App

[saltandpepper]

Red vs yellow mobs...

Now, I wouldn't like to be a DHL employee...Those guys are going to be torn apart...

Anyway, Mobs, from red or from yellow are unacceptable, period!

[nurofiend]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

hey but that's OK 'round here, they're yellow shirts.

Trust me, I know.

But there is a numbers of people who visit this forum without any preconceived opinion, just looking for information. It's important they understand the views expressed here by the yellow shirts supporters are from a minority and don't reflect the views of the majority, you just have to check the results of the elections for the past 10 years to understand that.

BOTH mobs are a disease.

If and when the ruling forces stop using the mobs the better Thailand will be.

agree 100%

[scorecard]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

hey but that's OK 'round here, they're yellow shirts.

Trust me, I know.

But there is a numbers of people who visit this forum without any preconceived opinion, just looking for information. It's important they understand the views expressed here by the yellow shirts supporters are from a minority and don't reflect the views of the majority, you just have to check the results of the elections for the past 10 years to understand that.

Interesting, you start by trying to gain the attention of "....numbers of people who visit this forum without any preconceived opinion, just looking for information".

Then you include some words which you attempt to present as a statement of fact " It's important they understand the views expressed here by the yellow shirts supporters are from a minority and don't reflect the views of the majority". That's your opinion, nothing more and we all know what bias you have.

Then you say "....you just have to check the results of the elections for the past 10 years to understand that". But of course you don't mention that some because of voting buying and more the party you are in fact eluding to was disbanded. And you don'tr mention that a senior party figure (a close relation of the paymaster) was recently found guilty of seriously tampering with voting/election records, and the same people have found guilty of bribing election officials.

"Trust me". No thanks, just as tricky and dishonest as the folks you support.

[geriatrickid]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

The reds are like nuclear weapons, we don't really like their excess but the alternative of having our enemies alone with a nuclear arsenal is even more uncomfortable. And knowing the apathy of the army and the police in front of the PAD excesses, the "reds" remain our best defense against mob power.

hehehe Not sure how you see the world. Yes Pad occupied the airport but did not burn it down when they got what they wanted. The red shirts got their early election but refused to leave and finally when they were forced to leave they burned down the center of Bangkok and regional city halls and government buildings. I support neither group red or yellow because a minority is trying to impose there political beliefs on the majority. By the way PTP only got 48 percent of the vote in the last election a bit below a majority. Take a breath Jurgen reality will catch up to you some day

No, the PAD mob did not burn down the airport, but the damage done was significant. Secure areas were breached including the tower.

One of the reasons why the international community was apoplectic was that the people were able to enter the airport and reach areas that would normally have been secure. What was not disseminated was that there was considerable concern expressed that weapons and munitions may have been brought into areas with the intent that they would be used at a later date. The world is filled with crafty terrorists that can and will use the cover of a protest to reach secure areas. A great deal of time and effort had to be invested to check all of the airport areas. This being Thailand, there is strong likelihood that this was not done.

As an aside, large amounts of perishable cargo went bad at the airport when it could not be moved. Flowers, vegetables, seafood and pharmaceuticals all were lost. The total losses were never made public. No one wanted to discuss it, neither the Thai government, nor the Democrats, nor the military as to do so would have worsened the damage to Thailand's reputation. As much as everyone kept quiet, it was enought to influence some companies to slowly shift logisitics to China resulting in the loss of revenue and employment in the years that followed. In respect to cargo, it wasn't one big hit, but small little changes that when summed up hurt.

[OzMick]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

The reds are like nuclear weapons, we don't really like their excess but the alternative of having our enemies alone with a nuclear arsenal is even more uncomfortable. And knowing the apathy of the army and the police in front of the PAD excesses, the "reds" remain our best defense against mob power.

I assume you have never heard of Mutually Assured Destruction?

[whybother]

If the PTP / Red Shirts stopped trying to bring back Thaksin and whitewash his crimes, the yellow shirts wouldn't need to come out and protest.

It's not that hard, really.

[OzMick]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

The reds are like nuclear weapons, we don't really like their excess but the alternative of having our enemies alone with a nuclear arsenal is even more uncomfortable. And knowing the apathy of the army and the police in front of the PAD excesses, the "reds" remain our best defense against mob power.

hehehe Not sure how you see the world. Yes Pad occupied the airport but did not burn it down when they got what they wanted. The red shirts got their early election but refused to leave and finally when they were forced to leave they burned down the center of Bangkok and regional city halls and government buildings. I support neither group red or yellow because a minority is trying to impose there political beliefs on the majority. By the way PTP only got 48 percent of the vote in the last election a bit below a majority. Take a breath Jurgen reality will catch up to you some day

No, the PAD mob did not burn down the airport, but the damage done was significant. Secure areas were breached including the tower.

One of the reasons why the international community was apoplectic was that the people were able to enter the airport and reach areas that would normally have been secure. What was not disseminated was that there was considerable concern expressed that weapons and munitions may have been brought into areas with the intent that they would be used at a later date. The world is filled with crafty terrorists that can and will use the cover of a protest to reach secure areas. A great deal of time and effort had to be invested to check all of the airport areas. This being Thailand, there is strong likelihood that this was not done.

As an aside, large amounts of perishable cargo went bad at the airport when it could not be moved. Flowers, vegetables, seafood and pharmaceuticals all were lost. The total losses were never made public. No one wanted to discuss it, neither the Thai government, nor the Democrats, nor the military as to do so would have worsened the damage to Thailand's reputation. As much as everyone kept quiet, it was enought to influence some companies to slowly shift logisitics to China resulting in the loss of revenue and employment in the years that followed. In respect to cargo, it wasn't one big hit, but small little changes that when summed up hurt.

I'm wondering what you're "apoplectic international community" would have felt if they had to go on with their lives while terrorists fired M-79 grenades at them.

[scorecard]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

The reds are like nuclear weapons, we don't really like their excess but the alternative of having our enemies alone with a nuclear arsenal is even more uncomfortable. And knowing the apathy of the army and the police in front of the PAD excesses, the "reds" remain our best defense against mob power.

hehehe Not sure how you see the world. Yes Pad occupied the airport but did not burn it down when they got what they wanted. The red shirts got their early election but refused to leave and finally when they were forced to leave they burned down the center of Bangkok and regional city halls and government buildings. I support neither group red or yellow because a minority is trying to impose there political beliefs on the majority. By the way PTP only got 48 percent of the vote in the last election a bit below a majority. Take a breath Jurgen reality will catch up to you some day

No, the PAD mob did not burn down the airport, but the damage done was significant. Secure areas were breached including the tower.

One of the reasons why the international community was apoplectic was that the people were able to enter the airport and reach areas that would normally have been secure. What was not disseminated was that there was considerable concern expressed that weapons and munitions may have been brought into areas with the intent that they would be used at a later date. The world is filled with crafty terrorists that can and will use the cover of a protest to reach secure areas. A great deal of time and effort had to be invested to check all of the airport areas. This being Thailand, there is strong likelihood that this was not done.

As an aside, large amounts of perishable cargo went bad at the airport when it could not be moved. Flowers, vegetables, seafood and pharmaceuticals all were lost. The total losses were never made public. No one wanted to discuss it, neither the Thai government, nor the Democrats, nor the military as to do so would have worsened the damage to Thailand's reputation. As much as everyone kept quiet, it was enought to influence some companies to slowly shift logisitics to China resulting in the loss of revenue and employment in the years that followed. In respect to cargo, it wasn't one big hit, but small little changes that when summed up hurt.

I remind you g'kid, you have on numerous occasions tried to demand that other posters provide evidence.

I now throw your demands right back at you.

You make a number of 'statements' in your post, please provide proff!

[WhizBang]

It's important they understand the views expressed here by the yellow shirts supporters are from a minority and don't reflect the views of the majority, you just have to check the results of the elections for the past 10 years to understand that.

Are you sure about that? What is said here has nothing to do with the results of the elections.

[geriatrickid]

I'm wondering what you're "apoplectic international community" would have felt if they had to go on with their lives while terrorists fired M-79 grenades at them.

You are conveniently ignoring the international diplomats' multiple visits to the protests to observe first hand. In one case, they came under fire.

In respect to the international community, a breach at the airport presented far more concern than the dispute in Bangkok or at government house. The airport is where foreigners are at risk. Are you going to pretend that when the airport was seized that multiple governments did not push the panic button? A risk of a potential hijacked Russian, US or EU airplane was of greater concern than soldiers shooting civilians or protestors burning shopping centers.

[Yunla]

One thing overlooked in the election-based attacks on the PAD is that they petitioned in 2006 for greater voter privacy which is a double-edged sword because the individual voter is free to vote on their own principles and not on those of onlookers, this petition would have worked equally against PAD if people had been pressured to vote for them they would no longer have to. I have yet to see the red movement acting in this type of selfless way for greater voting security.

This petition is typical of the personal-freedom ideals of the democracy movement, the right to vote along your own individual lines, without your family, tribal leaders and local gangsters watching where you put your X.

[Nickymaster]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

hey but that's OK 'round here, they're yellow shirts.

Trust me, I know.

But there is a numbers of people who visit this forum without any preconceived opinion, just looking for information. It's important they understand the views expressed here by the yellow shirts supporters are from a minority and don't reflect the views of the majority, you just have to check the results of the elections for the past 10 years to understand that.

Poeple who visit this forum know that it has nothing to do with minority/majority.

Did the yellows ever trouble this PT government?

Have they ever obstructed this current government from working?

Don't worry. The yellows will only show up if Thaksin tries to whitewash himself. If Thaksin and his clan would follow at least some laws, the yellows probably wouldn't even exist. They have been created by Thaksin.

Edited June 18, 2012 by Nickymaster

[Nickymaster]

I'm wondering what you're "apoplectic international community" would have felt if they had to go on with their lives while terrorists fired M-79 grenades at them.

You are conveniently ignoring the international diplomats' multiple visits to the protests to observe first hand. In one case, they came under fire.

In respect to the international community, a breach at the airport presented far more concern than the dispute in Bangkok or at government house. The airport is where foreigners are at risk. Are you going to pretend that when the airport was seized that multiple governments did not push the panic button? A risk of a potential hijacked Russian, US or EU airplane was of greater concern than soldiers shooting civilians or protestors burning shopping centers.

Amazing. So you are saying that the 1 week airport closure was more violent (higher risk) then the few months of terror down-town bangkok.

Where were 20 officials killed? At the airport or at the mob site down-town Bangkok.

Edited June 18, 2012 by Nickymaster

[jonclark]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

The reds are like nuclear weapons, we don't really like their excess but the alternative of having our enemies alone with a nuclear arsenal is even more uncomfortable. And knowing the apathy of the army and the police in front of the PAD excesses, the "reds" remain our best defense against mob power.

JurgenG. The reds and the yellows are BOTH mobs. They both have supporters and detractors, they both use the same tactics of blockage and intimidation (under the guise of demonstration) to achieve their goals, they both have big hitting political and financial backers, they both claim to represent large sections of society, neither will rest until their opponents are eliminated, they both seek either directly or indirectly a non pluralist political system with their leaders at the top. They have a lot in common, most startling of all is that both of them care little about the damage they inflict on their country or the livelihoods of people they claim to represent.

So your final statement 'Forget democracy, welcome to mob power.' is a very apt and correct slogan for both the reds and yellows. Self serving moronic buffoons the lot of em!!

Only when both mobs are politically and socially sidelined will the country move forward. Until then Thailand will be stuck in the 20th Century.

[Notstupid30]

This is getting so so stupid now all this here in Thailand and TAT have the cheek to come out with record numbers on tourists to...I have never known a country what so backwards on some strong matters what need to be sorted out... How much longer are these people going to be at one and other throat...

Edited June 18, 2012 by Notstupid30

[OzMick]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

The reds are like nuclear weapons, we don't really like their excess but the alternative of having our enemies alone with a nuclear arsenal is even more uncomfortable. And knowing the apathy of the army and the police in front of the PAD excesses, the "reds" remain our best defense against mob power.

hehehe Not sure how you see the world. Yes Pad occupied the airport but did not burn it down when they got what they wanted. The red shirts got their early election but refused to leave and finally when they were forced to leave they burned down the center of Bangkok and regional city halls and government buildings. I support neither group red or yellow because a minority is trying to impose there political beliefs on the majority. By the way PTP only got 48 percent of the vote in the last election a bit below a majority. Take a breath Jurgen reality will catch up to you some day

No, the PAD mob did not burn down the airport, but the damage done was significant. Secure areas were breached including the tower.

One of the reasons why the international community was apoplectic was that the people were able to enter the airport and reach areas that would normally have been secure. What was not disseminated was that there was considerable concern expressed that weapons and munitions may have been brought into areas with the intent that they would be used at a later date. The world is filled with crafty terrorists that can and will use the cover of a protest to reach secure areas. A great deal of time and effort had to be invested to check all of the airport areas. This being Thailand, there is strong likelihood that this was not done.

As an aside, large amounts of perishable cargo went bad at the airport when it could not be moved. Flowers, vegetables, seafood and pharmaceuticals all were lost. The total losses were never made public. No one wanted to discuss it, neither the Thai government, nor the Democrats, nor the military as to do so would have worsened the damage to Thailand's reputation. As much as everyone kept quiet, it was enought to influence some companies to slowly shift logisitics to China resulting in the loss of revenue and employment in the years that followed. In respect to cargo, it wasn't one big hit, but small little changes that when summed up hurt.

So cunning terrorists managed to cook up a scheme in rapid time, to mingle with the yellows, after passing through the police cordons protecting them from grenade attacks, with weapons, which they may have secreted in secure areas (that they can't access now) for use in future attacks, which haven't happened in 3 and a half years, and nobody's come across these weapons in that time?

Are you losing sleep over this?

[JurgenG]

"We have successfully overthrown three prime ministers, which proves our track record is excellent," says Chamlong, co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose yellow-clad members shut down Bangkok's international airport in 2008.

"We have the ability to overthrow another government again if need be."

Their agenda is clear. Forget democracy, welcome mob power !

hey but that's OK 'round here, they're yellow shirts.

Trust me, I know.

But there is a numbers of people who visit this forum without any preconceived opinion, just looking for information. It's important they understand the views expressed here by the yellow shirts supporters are from a minority and don't reflect the views of the majority, you just have to check the results of the elections for the past 10 years to understand that.

Interesting, you start by trying to gain the attention of "....numbers of people who visit this forum without any preconceived opinion, just looking for information".

Then you include some words which you attempt to present as a statement of fact " It's important they understand the views expressed here by the yellow shirts supporters are from a minority and don't reflect the views of the majority". That's your opinion, nothing more and we all know what bias you have.

Then you say "....you just have to check the results of the elections for the past 10 years to understand that". But of course you don't mention that some because of voting buying and more the party you are in fact eluding to was disbanded. And you don'tr mention that a senior party figure (a close relation of the paymaster) was recently found guilty of seriously tampering with voting/election records, and the same people have found guilty of bribing election officials.

"Trust me". No thanks, just as tricky and dishonest as the folks you support.

That my views are somehow biased, I agree with that. Everybody see the world at his own window.

My point is, there is a majority of yellow shirts supporter who post in this forum but the casual visitor shouldn't be misled in believing that they represent the majority of Thai people. Actually quite the opposite.

Thaksin in the only PM in recent history who managed to stay in place for a full term and therefore represents stability in a very volatile political environment. Something the majority of Thai people, both in the countryside and in the business community, crave for.

Beside the international press has always sided by Thaksin, The local press is dominated by a very controversial person, Mr Sondhi Limthongkul, a local Ruppert Murdoch who has been repeatedly convicted for defamation. And who is also PAD historical leader.

That are facts that the casual visitor should know if he really want to understand the current political events.

Edited June 18, 2012 by JurgenG

[geriatrickid]

No, the PAD mob did not burn down the airport, but the damage done was significant. Secure areas were breached including the tower.

One of the reasons why the international community was apoplectic was that the people were able to enter the airport and reach areas that would normally have been secure. What was not disseminated was that there was considerable concern expressed that weapons and munitions may have been brought into areas with the intent that they would be used at a later date. The world is filled with crafty terrorists that can and will use the cover of a protest to reach secure areas. A great deal of time and effort had to be invested to check all of the airport areas. This being Thailand, there is strong likelihood that this was not done.

As an aside, large amounts of perishable cargo went bad at the airport when it could not be moved. Flowers, vegetables, seafood and pharmaceuticals all were lost. The total losses were never made public. No one wanted to discuss it, neither the Thai government, nor the Democrats, nor the military as to do so would have worsened the damage to Thailand's reputation. As much as everyone kept quiet, it was enought to influence some companies to slowly shift logisitics to China resulting in the loss of revenue and employment in the years that followed. In respect to cargo, it wasn't one big hit, but small little changes that when summed up hurt.

I remind you g'kid, you have on numerous occasions tried to demand that other posters provide evidence.

I now throw your demands right back at you.

You make a number of 'statements' in your post, please provide proff!

Are you serious? Are you in denial now about the costs associated with the seizures? You can google more examples than these;

The PAD seizure of Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi Airports is estimated to have cost the Thai economy at least three billion Baht (approximately US$100 million) a day in lost shipment value and opportunities. As of 1 December 2008, the number of stranded passengers was estimated at anywhere from over 100,000 to 350,000 all causing air carriers to incur additional costs arising from the situation. Source: Uttaradit Rajabhat University Published study and now used in course material.

Suwan Hiranworawuttikul, president of the Royal Horticulture Association of Thailand, said orchid growers were losing between 50 million and 100 million baht a day because their flowers cannot be shipped out of Suvarnabhumi Airport. “Orchid demand peaks in December and about 20-30% of orchid sales come from this period. Moreover, orchid prices during the peak season are about 300% higher than in normal periods,” he said.Thailand each year exports orchids worth four billion baht and market demand has been rising by an average of 20% a year. The busiest time of the year for shipping orchids abroad by air is between Dec 10 and 21.

As quoted in a news source I am not allowed to reference, but referenced again in 3PL Wire news feed.

The Thai Airfreight Forwarders Association (Tafa) asked the Department of Civil Aviation yesterday to co-ordinate with AoT to allow freighters to land at Suvarnabhumi. It also asked the government to rent aircraft from neighbouring countries to serve its temporary needs.The PAD seized both Bangkok airports last Tuesday. The damages to the Thai economy to date are estimated to have been at least three billion baht a day in lost shipment value and opportunities.

Source 3PLwire the a major news source for logistics and supply chain management 1-Dec-2008

How much do you think the aircraft rentals and diversions cost the logisitics industry?

Do you remember when PAD said it would next target the seaports? Remember what happened? Ships were diverted and voyages delayed as a precaution. That exercise in terroristic threats again cost the logistics industry big time.

Really, are you going to argue that the hundreds of thousands of pax disruptions to the airline industry carried no costs?

What about shipping online's estimate that AIR cargo service lost some THB1 billion (US$28.2 million) a day because of the seizure of Bangkok's international airport by political dissidents

What about AoT's estimate in respect to its operations;

Cost of Bangkok Airport Closures Estimated at 540 Million Baht Monday, 15 December 2008

[OzMick]

I'm wondering what you're "apoplectic international community" would have felt if they had to go on with their lives while terrorists fired M-79 grenades at them.

You are conveniently ignoring the international diplomats' multiple visits to the protests to observe first hand. In one case, they came under fire.

In respect to the international community, a breach at the airport presented far more concern than the dispute in Bangkok or at government house. The airport is where foreigners are at risk. Are you going to pretend that when the airport was seized that multiple governments did not push the panic button? A risk of a potential hijacked Russian, US or EU airplane was of greater concern than soldiers shooting civilians or protestors burning shopping centers.

I am forgetting it and convenience has nothing to do with it. Please provide a link. Who fired at whom?

Panic is not necessarily a reflection of the seriousness of an event, nor IMHO opinion did it occur. Yes there was potential, but as the yellow protests had at that stage only minor incidents of violence, are you really suggesting there was an expectation of a 911 type event, or that foreigners would be held hostage.

I suggest the whole scenario is merely a flight of fancy or some form of mental masturbation.

[OzMick]

No, the PAD mob did not burn down the airport, but the damage done was significant. Secure areas were breached including the tower.

One of the reasons why the international community was apoplectic was that the people were able to enter the airport and reach areas that would normally have been secure. What was not disseminated was that there was considerable concern expressed that weapons and munitions may have been brought into areas with the intent that they would be used at a later date. The world is filled with crafty terrorists that can and will use the cover of a protest to reach secure areas. A great deal of time and effort had to be invested to check all of the airport areas. This being Thailand, there is strong likelihood that this was not done.

As an aside, large amounts of perishable cargo went bad at the airport when it could not be moved. Flowers, vegetables, seafood and pharmaceuticals all were lost. The total losses were never made public. No one wanted to discuss it, neither the Thai government, nor the Democrats, nor the military as to do so would have worsened the damage to Thailand's reputation. As much as everyone kept quiet, it was enought to influence some companies to slowly shift logisitics to China resulting in the loss of revenue and employment in the years that followed. In respect to cargo, it wasn't one big hit, but small little changes that when summed up hurt.

I remind you g'kid, you have on numerous occasions tried to demand that other posters provide evidence.

I now throw your demands right back at you.

You make a number of 'statements' in your post, please provide proff!

Are you serious? Are you in denial now about the costs associated with the seizures? You can google more examples than these;

The PAD seizure of Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi Airports is estimated to have cost the Thai economy at least three billion Baht (approximately US$100 million) a day in lost shipment value and opportunities. As of 1 December 2008, the number of stranded passengers was estimated at anywhere from over 100,000 to 350,000 all causing air carriers to incur additional costs arising from the situation. Source: Uttaradit Rajabhat University Published study and now used in course material.

Suwan Hiranworawuttikul, president of the Royal Horticulture Association of Thailand, said orchid growers were losing between 50 million and 100 million baht a day because their flowers cannot be shipped out of Suvarnabhumi Airport. “Orchid demand peaks in December and about 20-30% of orchid sales come from this period. Moreover, orchid prices during the peak season are about 300% higher than in normal periods,” he said.Thailand each year exports orchids worth four billion baht and market demand has been rising by an average of 20% a year. The busiest time of the year for shipping orchids abroad by air is between Dec 10 and 21.

As quoted in a news source I am not allowed to reference, but referenced again in 3PL Wire news feed.

The Thai Airfreight Forwarders Association (Tafa) asked the Department of Civil Aviation yesterday to co-ordinate with AoT to allow freighters to land at Suvarnabhumi. It also asked the government to rent aircraft from neighbouring countries to serve its temporary needs.The PAD seized both Bangkok airports last Tuesday. The damages to the Thai economy to date are estimated to have been at least three billion baht a day in lost shipment value and opportunities.

Source 3PLwire the a major news source for logistics and supply chain management 1-Dec-2008

How much do you think the aircraft rentals and diversions cost the logisitics industry?

Do you remember when PAD said it would next target the seaports? Remember what happened? Ships were diverted and voyages delayed as a precaution. That exercise in terroristic threats again cost the logistics industry big time.

Really, are you going to argue that the hundreds of thousands of pax disruptions to the airline industry carried no costs?

What about shipping online's estimate that AIR cargo service lost some THB1 billion (US$28.2 million) a day because of the seizure of Bangkok's international airport by political dissidents

What about AoT's estimate in respect to its operations;

Cost of Bangkok Airport Closures Estimated at 540 Million Baht Monday, 15 December 2008

And what is more to the point, it helped get rid of a Thaksin proxy government, so was probably cheap at twice the price. Or do you forget how much that slimeball stole from the Thai people?