11 Feb Anti-Thaksin Demonstration Thread

[george]

Next anti-Thaksin rally to be bigger: survey

BANGKOK: -- The number of people who intend to attend media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul's demonstration Saturday is expected to be more than last Saturday, an Abac Poll said Thursday.

In the previous Abac poll, 5.3 per cent of the people surveyed said they would join the rally last weekend at the Royal Plaza. The latest poll showed 7.5 per cent would attend this weekend's rally.

The poll found 60 per cent (previously 57.1 per cent) of people would be interested in joining the demonstration tomorrow while 42.9 per cent were not interested.

The Assumption University survey covered 1,798 people around Bangkok and nearby provinces on February 7 and 8.

Most respondents (55.4 per cent) want the media tycoon to stop his rallies now that he has presented a petition to the Royal Secretariat. About 19 per cent of respondents said he should not stop.

The majority of the respondents, 76 per cent, said they wanted to see Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Sondhi bury the hatchet and start a dialogue.

Sondhi on Wednesday challenged Thaksin to a one-on-one live television debate. However, government Spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee declined Sondhi's proposal, saying the prime minister would be willing to have a private talk with Sondhi at Government House.

When asked which ministers will be named by Sondhi tomorrow, more than 50 per cent said Prime Minister Thaksin, 25.5 per cent said Industry Minister Suriya Jung-rungreangkit and 15.3 per cent said Agriculture Minister Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan.

The poll found almost 55 per cent of respondents continue to trust the premier's administration of the country. That was a drop of 4.4 percentage points over the previously poll.

Almost one-tenth (9.5 per cent) of respondents said they want Thaksin to dissolve the Parliament, a percentage point increase of 0.7.

Poll director Nopadol Kannikar said many of the people who will be going to tomorrow's rally had attended last weekend's demonstration, primarily because they remain suspicious about the Shin-Temasek deal and believe Thaksin has not told the truth about it.

--The Nation 2006-02-09

[Ricardo]

I wonder whether Marcos made the trains run on-time ?

I submit that the current economic mess, and fragile democratic system, in the Phillipines, might have been better off if Marcos had lost power sooner than he did.

A lesson for other Asian countries.

[Steve2UK]

The latest British FCO (Foreign & Commonwealth Office) advice to UK citizens in Thailand has a somewhat stronger tone compared to what was issued just before the Feb 4 demonstration. The new one reads:

There have been a number of political demonstrations in early 2006, in both Bangkok and provincial towns. Demonstrations are expected to continue during the coming weeks. You should avoid large crowds and public gatherings, as there is a risk of public disorder *.

(* my bold emphasis)

The previous advice confined itself to suggesting that there might be delays in moving around.

[sriracha john]

Could it be that the perimeter around Sanam Luang is 7 times (700%) longer than the perimeter around the Royal Plaza? Seems to me that Sanam Luang is a very big open space and is probably alot larger than the Royal Plaze but I'm not sure.

Also, what is the significance of this increase....are you suggesting that the police will start or aggravate or escalate violence? There were suggestions of this in the first rally and it did not come to pass. It makes great anti-Toxin rhetoric to hint at such things but no reasons to actually think that it will happen. Why would Toxin want the police to cause trouble?...Why would Toxin want violence...it is clearly not in his interests to have violence occur at these gatherings...it is, however in the interest of the demonstrators...frankly I'm surprised that some of the domonstrators haven't caused provocative violence. If violence does happen it will not matter how or why it started, many of anti-Toxin people will put on the blinders and blame the police regardless...I would want to see clear evidence of what happened before I would blame anyone or conclude that anyone was innocent.

I'm not sure of the significance other than it seems quite a jump and seems they are expecting significantly more people to attend, not merely because it's a larger area.

Did they feel under-manned at last week's rally?

It would seem that simply announcing they are assigning that many officers is, in a way, escalating the situation.

I agreed early on it's not in Thaksin's interest to actually start any violence. If violence does occur, just as many pro-Toxin people (perhaps his magical number 19 million??) will put on blinders and blame the demonstrators, irregardless of the truth.

I don't know if they felt under-manned at last week's rally.....I don't think that they would discuss this openly. You think that the announcement is a way to escalate what situation? There has been not even a suggestion of violence so far...I can't see what situation would be escalated by the presence of more police officers....especially that the plans were being made for policing a much larger area....this takes alot more officers. In the event of touble (let's face it...it is the police dep't's job to anticipate trouble...if they weren't prepared for trouble they would be being negligent) they need to be able to mobilize enough officers to any location very very quickly to contain minor incidents and keep them from escalating....a vastly larger area to police takes a vastly larger force of officers to establish control quickly in the event of a problem...or problems. I would think that the presence of more officers would make people feel safer after the last assemblage went so peacefully.

As for Toxin's supporters putting on blinders if the police should cause trouble....I thought it was your opinion that Toxin had lost most of his supporters and that is why these rallies are needed and are being so effective.

First off, do we know definitively where the rally is being held Saturday? It seems to vacillate between Sanam Luang and Royal Plaza with successive posts.

I did see the greatly increased numbers of police to be present as a way of escalating the uncertainty of whether violence will occur at the rally. I think most people would want to know why so many police were needed? Sanam Luang is indeed a larger venue, but also, 20,000 police is a rather staggering total. By some government TV news figures, that's more than the total number of participants in last weeks rally.

Thaksin has definitely not lost all, or even most, of his support as yet. If that had happened, there’d be no need for the rally in the first place and he would have been escorted out of Government House by now. I believe that his support IS wavering however, and that it is hopefully the beginning of the end for his regime.

[sriracha john]

Move To Oust PM, Real War Has Just Begun

Some call it the “missing link”. The resurgence of student activism has added new momentum to the anti-Thaksin movement and drawn a clear battle line in a political war that seems to be dividing Thailand like never before.

The late arrival of student activists on the scene is boosting the growing alliance of university lecturers and will complete the picture of the volatile confrontation between Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s government and its opponents. On one side is a parliamentarily strong government still popular among the grassroots population and enjoying strong bases with its manipulation of state mechanisms throughout the country as well as reluctant endorsement from business leaders. On the other side stands a coalition of disenchanted intellectuals and the middle-class, with support from labour and NGO activists.

It seems harder and harder for anyone to stand on the middle ground. It’s either you love him or you hate him. Even the Privy Council found itself in the line of fire yesterday when a man perceived as a leading government mouthpiece, Samak Sundaravej, slammed two key council members for allegedly being partisan. Samak’s attacks on Privy Council head Prem Tinsulanonda and Privy councillor Palakorn Suwannarat carry political significance as profound as Prem’s Wednesday speech about moral leadership and Palakorn’s resignation as adviser to the apparently pro-Thaksin Political Science Alumni Association of the Chulalongkorn University.

Who is going to win this war?

Thaksin has countered Saturday’s massive rally by largely middle-class protesters, with well-advertised morale-boosting visits from villagers and rural signature campaigns in his support. The past few days has seen the embattled prime minister hugging poorly dressed folks from the provinces while calling academics demanding his resignation “ignorant” and “unconscious”. His increasing hostility toward the country’s intellectuals ha prompted sarcastic asides that he is less of a Hitler and more a modern-day Pol Pot. He may also even be more shrewd than the former Khmer Rouge leader because he has managed to appeal to the grassroots community despite his enormous wealth.

Pol Pot or Hitler, or simply a badly misunderstood leader, Thaksin is facing an increasingly strong alliance bent on toppling him through three-pronged assaults. The street rallies will continue, and while the numbers of protesters may not increase on last week, student activists will help add a much-needed youthful vigour to the movement. A legal campaign will be mounted, thanks to the increasing evidence of alleged malpractice by Shin Corp’s major shareholders. And despite his parliamentary superiority, impeachment efforts are gathering steam.

The NGOs have all but fully joined the movement, after much resentment against controversial leader Sondhi Limthongkul, who has agreed to “pass the torch”, or so it seems. Now lecturers from 19 universities have declared war on the government. And, significantly, students are planning to come out in full force, effectively alienating Thaksin from key educational institutions.

Corruption watch groups, led by respectable graft busters Klanarong Chantik and Auditor-General Jaruvan, will join hands with the opposition Democrats in exposing new scandals. A sizeable group of senators will keep the impeachment campaign on track while the print media, with the exception of the largest circulation newspaper, have been questioning Thaksin’s legitimacy with increasing unification.

A weaker government would have crumbled like a house of cards already. But for the first time, the grassroots voters have been made relevant in a national leader’s political survival. Thaksin’s frequent invoking of his “19 million voters” has been effective in countering the massive Sondhi-led rallies, especially the last one at the Royal Plaza. And he is equipped with far more than the 19-million vote claim.

During his five years as premier, Thaksin has consolidated his power through a network he built with all social sectors – from grassroots voters to businesspeople, state officials and Parliament members. He also controls key institutions in terms of the checks-and-balances mechanisms, making any attempts to oust him by exposing evidence of corruption, appear like tennis balls bouncing off a brick wall.

As the prime minister struggles to survive his biggest political crisis that has put his leadership on the brink of collapse, this well-balanced network has proved itself as the pillar that continues to save his sinking ship, at least for now.

Grassroots people – including farmers, taxi drivers and low-income workers – are the very first groups to come out in support of Thaksin, amid a strong call from the anti-Thaksin movement for his resignation. They rule out all allegations against Thaksin, from the tax evasion in the Shin Corp deal to insulting royal power and condoning graft. Instead, hundreds and thousands of them have come out in recent days to show support for “their prime minister”.

Despite Thaksin failing to clarify the allegations of his family’s tax-evasion, businesspeople still back him, as a “big change” in the government’s leadership would surely ruin both their short and long-term investments – particularly mega-projects, on which the bidding will begin over the next few months.

Large numbers of business leaders also met Thaksin at Government House to show the world that the protest would not affect the government’s stability, as Thaksin will stay on as the premier with their support.

And despite the strong opposition to him in academic circles, Thaksin has managed to win support from a number of other government institutes. Lecturers and executives of 45 Rajabhat Universities nationwide turned out to support Thaksin. Some high-school teachers and students have even asked the anti-Thaksin movement to drop all of their attempts to oust him.

Despite some state officials attempting to stay neutral, state departments have also become a major part of the government’s strategy to overcome the anti-Thaksin movement. Provincial governors, members of local administrative organisations and local police officers are reported to have received government orders to make “every possible move” to stop the activities of anti-Thaksin groups.

As happened on Saturday, officials in many provinces successfully blocked anti-Thaksin groups travelling to the capital to join Sondhi Limthongkul’s rally.

The U-turn stance of Thaksin towards key factions in his ruling party has also played a major part in helping him back from the brink of downfall. At the height of Saturday’s mass rally, Thaksin knew that only key factions in his party would help him to survive the day, amid rumours that ministers and MPs planned to quit the government.

Labour Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, a leader of the Wang Nam Yom faction with nearly 100 MPs, is believed to have changed his mind at the “very last minute”, cancelling a plan to resign, after Sora-at Klinpratoom quit as Information and Communication Technology minister just a few hours earlier.

His resignation would surely have lead to the withdrawal of his faction’s support and quite likely to the fall of the government.

Thaksin is believed to have promised to upgrade Somsak’s position and have him head the Agriculture Ministry in the forthcoming Cabinet reshuffle in exchange for his loyalty. The premier has never compromised with his faction before.

While Thaksin is facing trouble outside Parliament, he has ensured that parliamentary means are unlikely to undermine his leadership as his party’s control clearly looms large over the House and the Senate.

With 374 of 500 seats, Thaksin can hold the House hostage, as any attempts to censure him for wrongdoings would be impossible. The no-confidence vote on the prime minister requires the support of 200 MPs. Beyond the Lower House, Thaksin can ensure that the Upper House as a checking mechanism, is still as friendly to him as it has been during his five years in power through the allegedly pro-government senators.

A bombshell was thrown on to the Senate floor yesterday with claims and some admissions that about 60 of the 200 senators were on the payrolls of politicians in or with links to the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party.

The admission came to the surface in connection with the debate on how to rectify the list of nine National Counter Corruption Commission nominees.

Following an hours-long confidential debate on why the NCCC list was sent back for review by the Royal Palace, the session resumed as an open debate on the list rectification. Senator Pichet Patanachote dropped a political bombshell, saying that many of those in the majority vote were obliged to vote for the flawed list in November because they received monetary subsidies from government politicians. “I heard this from Deputy Senate Speaker Niphon Visityuthasart,” he said.

Senator Surachai Tangdanaitrakul said that he had replied that certain senators were on these payrolls. “I am not certain that the numbers would be as high as 60,” he said. Senator Anukul Supachaikij said he heard each senator received Bt50,000 to Bt100,000 per month. His colleague Pinya Chuayplod said he had been paid in the past but no longer was.

It seems the turmoil in the political scene will only grow. Despite Thaksin’s utmost attempts to show the public that everything is under control, the war is far from over. And it’s hard to predict right now who, when it comes down to it, will be left standing.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

People’s Alliance for Democracy vows to oust PM

Veterans of the October 1973 and May 1992 people-power protests are among a 15-member committee representing the new People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which was formed yesterday to take the anti-Thaksin movement to a yet higher level.

Sondhi Limthongkul, media-mogul-turned-crusader against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was not at the press conference to announce the group’s formation but did send a representative.

The alliance has vowed to campaign until Thaksin is ousted from power and launch a second wave of political reform, referring to the first reform after the people’s uprising in May 1992 that saw the then prime minister General Suchinda Kraprayoon ousted.

The 15-person committee includes leaders of student, farmers’, labour and artists’ groups, as well as businesspeople, consumer groups and others.

Suriyasai Katasila, secretary of the Campaign for Popular Democracy (CPD), along with a representative of Sondhi Limthongkul were named as the coordinators of the alliance.

Veteran political and social activists such as Pibhop Dhongchai, Suwit Watnoo, Somkiat Pongpaiboon are among the committee members. Others include anti-corruption campaigner Rosana Tositrakul, NGO leader Rewadee Prasertcharoensuk, farmers’ leader Veeraphon Sopha and businessman Preeda Tiasuwan.

New faces include the secretary-general of the Student Federation of Thailand, Katchawan Chaiyabutr, who is a third-year law student at Chulalongkorn University; and Kran Thana, the guitarist/violinist with the band Caravan.

All those present at yesterday’s launch took turns to briefly state why Thaksin must go and vowed to see the campaign through.

“The Student Federation of Thailand thinks he should no longer be prime minister because of his attempt to hide his assets and evade tax through all means. He may be an able person but he is definitely not a good one,” said Katchawan.

“The Thaksin system has also corroded and weakened the social structure of Thai society . . . Under these circumstances, I ask all people who hold justice dear to help oust this man from the position. Every day he spends [in power] is damage done to the country, and the sooner he’s gone, the better,” she said.

Preeda, who represents a business sector that cares about democracy, said Thaksin’s avoidance of paying tax was unacceptable and brought shame to the business sector. “He’s donning the hat of a businessman more than that of a prime minister,” he said.

Advisers to the committee include the former rector of Kasetsart University Rapi Sagarik and social critic Sulak Sivaraksa.

“It may take a week, a month or two years [to oust Thaksin], I don’t know . . . If the prime minister decides to resign, this alliance will happily disband. If not, it will continue,” said Suriyasai of the CPD.

“From now on, it’s no longer about Sondhi and the prime minister but about people, about the country and the prime minister,” said Parnthep Puapongphan, who was representing Sondhi.

The alliance is to launch multi-pronged attacks, which start today with artists painting satirical images of politics and the PM at Democracy Monument, while students will stage an anti-Thaksin forum and talks at Thammasat University. Other campaigns and activities in both Bangkok and nationwide will follow.

The Nation

[Jai Dee]

DPM Chidchai expressed confidence that there will be no violence in the rally.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chidchai Wannasatit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) commented on the rally planned for tomorrow, expressing confidence that there will be no violence, as Thais are peace-loving people.

Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai said that the rally should not escalate as Thai people are peace-loving. However, he asks that the protesters bear in mind His Majesty the King’s remarks on fostering harmony in the country. Commenting on supporters’ visits to demonstrate support for the Prime Minister, General Chdichai said that the group comprise of people who have faith in the premier.

Deputy commander of Royal Thai Police, Lieutenant-general Nawin Singhapalin (นาวิน สิงหะผลิน) said that the police will use the same approaches in dealing with the rally on February 11. As for the use of the Royal Plaza, he said that according to the statements by the Metropolitan Police, the Royal Plaza can be used for public benefits, for the people to show respect to King Rama 5’s statue, and for traffic. Therefore, the area cannot be used to stage rallies.

The People’s alliance for Democracy, however, insists that they will use the Royal Plaza to stage their protest, as there is a fair commemorating Makabucha (มาฆบูชา) week at Sanamluang (สนามหลวง), while the Thammasart University’s auditoriums are not available. The protesters said that Mr. Sondhi Limthorngkul (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) will only participate in the rally, and not lead the protest.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM insists he wil not give up his position as PM

Prime minister Thaksin Shinnawat insisted that he will not resign or dissolve the parliament, while thanking the people for giving him support.

Prime minister Thaksin thanked his supporters from Petchbul (เพชรบูรณ์) and Pichit (พิจิตร), who came to demonstrate their support at Government House yesterday. He promised that he will try his best to work for the people. He said that the current political crisis show that many people have faith in the government and have benefited from the government’s work. He said that he appreciated the supporters’ visits and will repay them by taking care of them. He added that if possible, he will visit the people who have come to give him support by organizing mobile cabinet meetings in the two provinces soon.

however, the premier said that the country’s development depends on all Thai people, adding that some groups are creating problems out of their own selfishness. He insisted that he will not resign or dissolve the parliament, as long as the people are standing by his side.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 Febuary 2006

[sriracha john]

PM insists he wil not give up his position as PM

He said that he appreciated the supporters’ visits and will repay them by taking care of them.

I imagine him also saying that he appreciated his opponents as well and will "repay" them by "taking care of them."

The only difference being the addition of strategic quotation marks.

Edited February 10, 2006 by sriracha john

[ratcatcher]

dictate dictate

• verb /diktayt/ 1 state or order authoritatively. . 2 control or determine.

• noun /diktayt/ an order or principle that must be obeyed.

Main Entry: dictator

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: ruler

Synonyms: absolutist, autocrat, boss, chief, commander,, disciplinarian,leader, magnate, master, mogul, overlord, ringleader, strongman,taskmaster, tycoon,

Source: Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)

Copyright © 2006 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

Batista, Marcos, Noriega, Pinochet, Suharto, Shinawatra.

Edited February 10, 2006 by ratcatcher

[Jai Dee]

BMTA employees encourage PM to continue his work

Thousands of employees from Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) gave flowers to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as a sign of encouragement and told the premier to continue his good work for the country.

This morning PM Thaksin presided over the 'Best BMTA Employee Award.' Cheering crowds gave roses to the premier, voicing their support to Dr Thaksin.

Dr. Thaksin expressed his gratitude to the cheering crowd and said that situations regarding politics can be shaky and can dishearten him. He reiterated that he will wipe out poverty in the country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 Febuary 2006

[thedude]

PM insists he wil not give up his position as PM

He said that he appreciated the supporters’ visits and will repay them by taking care of them.

I imagine him also saying that he appreciated his opponents as well and will "repay" them by "taking care of them."

The only difference being the addition of strategic quotation marks.

by god i think you're onto something.

Polpot, Hitler....and now..Thaksin?! No, it couldn't be, tell me it isn't true!!!

[Jai Dee]

The poor inspire me to become prime minister: Thaksin

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Friday said he became determined to become the government leader after old villagers in Roi Et begged him to.

Speaking during a ceremony to award prizes to outstanding staff of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, Thaksin said he once helped his party candidate campaign in Roi Et and a group of old people sat down and gave him a wai, asking him to become prime minister.

"I was very tired at that time. The sun was burning me. People tied pha khao ma clothes around my west, nearly choking me. The air was full with dust and I was losing all the strength but old people came to sit down and hold up their hands to give me a wai, saying 'Please be prime minister for the poor'. And this is my inspiration," Thaksin said.

Thaksin also gave his own cash of Bt640,000 to BMTA staff who won the award of outstanding public-service staff.

"Critics will say I use money to buy support again. But this is my personal money which I am willing to give [to BMTA staff]," he said, explaining that the state firm once leased computer from his former Shinawatra Computer firm.

Source: The Nation - Feb 10 , 2006

[Jai Dee]

Sondhi passes torch to new alliance

Representatives of civic networks join hands at yesterday’s press conference to symbolize the formation of the Alliance of People for Democracy that is dedicated to ousting Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Dozens of civic lobby groups united under a single banner yesterday to lead tomorrow’s mass rally to attain their sole goal: the ouster of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Claiming that Thaksin is taking the country on a fast track to ruin, the newly formed Alliance of People for Democracy vowed to spread its message far and wide, and pledged that it will not rest until its goal is achieved.

The formation of the alliance was made public after a marathon meeting yesterday of representatives of several civic groups to discuss their respective roles at tomorrow’s mass rally at the Royal Plaza to seek Thaksin’s outster. The closed-door conference at the October 14, 1973, exhibition venue lasted several hours.

According to the alliance, the ripples to oust Thaksin set off by staunch government critic Sondhi Limthongkul at last week’s rally at the Royal Plaza will become a shock wave that will reach all corners of the country.

Acknowledging that they are taking up the anti-Thaksin torch first lit by Sondhi, they asserted that the alliance will jointly lead tomorrow’s rally, and that Sondhi will only be a participant.

“Sondhi has lit a candle to oust Thaksin, and we will transform it into a lantern,” said Chaiwat Sinsuwan, leader of the Palang Dharma party and alliance member.

“This is the second round of the people’s call for political reform that was left unfulfilled by the sacrifice of May 1992,” said Suriyasai Katasila, Campaign for Popular Democracy secretary-general, who is spearheading the united effort.

“We will spread the message of how Thaksin has created a crisis for the country throughout Bangkok and the provinces,” he said, “and we will not rest until he is no longer in office.”

“Sondhi said that tomorrow’s rally will close the account on Thaksin; we disagree with that proclamation slightly,” said Suwit Watnu, who represents the Bangkok Slums Network. “I think we are actually opening the account, to fully expose Thaksin’s illegitimacy. This is the decisive beginning of the end of Thaksin,” he said.

Characterizing Thaksin as a politician whose only objective is to reap profits for himself and his cronies, Rosana Tositrakul, representing a group of 30 NGOs, said that the alliance will provide, at tomorrow’s rally, evidence of how policies Thaksin initiated undermined democracy, created more debt for the people, permitted unprecedented levels of corruption and sold off national assets to foreigners.

“We are going to unite the country to remove him from office,” she said.

Somkiat Pongpaiboon, a leading academic in the alliance, described the emerging phenomenon of the anti-Thaksin movement as the country’s awakening to Thaksin’s large-scale intrigue.

“The people are waking up to the problems created by Thaksin,” he said. “History shows us that every time that the people rise up, tyrants are deposed.”

Somkiat scoffed at the prime minister’s claim that he cannot be removed because he has the mandate of 19 million voters.

“He may insist that 19 million people voted him in,” Somkiat said, “but 38 million pairs of feet will be chasing him out soon.”

Suriyasai said that the alliance has the support of university students, academics, senators, teachers, state enterprise workers, businessmen, dissidents of the October 14, 1973, uprising, farmers, artists and NGOs.

Source: ThaiDay - 10 February 2006 16:17

[Siripon]

Thaksin daren't debate Sonti on TV, he hardly answers any tabled questions in Parliament, leaving that to his underlings, he prefers his one man show monologue on the radio on Saturdays; look what happened to his 'meet the press' every Thursday, he soon fled.

Regarding the recent decision by The Election Commission to issue a yellow card to the former secretary- general of the Democrats in Pijit, Mr Pradit, a yellow card; this means The Opposition now have less than the minimum 125 votes necessary to launch a censure debate against a minister for corruption. No doubt the by-election and the confirmation of the winner,(a safe seat for the Democrats),will take longer than 3 months, May, the time of the next censure debate.

[Ricardo]

An excellent article, quoted in full above, summarising the latest developments which, with the stepping-back from organising by Sondhi, are if-anything gathering momentum now.

It mentions some criticism of Privy Council head, HE General Prem Tinsulanonda, who had given a lecture mid-week to some university students, setting out some remarks of His Majesty on guidelines for good administration & governance. These may have been taken as being for a wider audience than just the students listening.

For a leading politician to criticise the words of the countries' elder-statesman and former PM, describing his comments as badly-timed and unhelpful in the current situation, is a very serious development, given who his authority derives from.

[george]

Thai PM vows to fight to death, bigger rally expected

BANGKOK: -- Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Thursday he would fight a campaign to oust him to the death as his opponents vowed a second, even bigger demonstration against him this weekend.

"I will fight till I die in the ring to uphold democracy," Thaksin told 5,000 supporters after the biggest demonstration against a Thai government in 14 years last Saturday.

"I will quit only when the country has no more problems," Thaksin told supporters ranging from well-attired businessmen to high school students who gave him roses and waved banners, one of which said "Mr. Prime Minister, you are the hero of the poor".

Thaksin, who won a second landslide election victory a year ago, has seen his popularity wane swiftly among the urban middle-class and academics since his family's legally tax-free sale last month of the telecoms empire he founded.

The $1.9 billion sale of Shin Corp to Singapore state investment company Temasek helped bring at least 40,000 people to the Royal Plaza in central Bangkok last weekend.

The rally, organised by friend-turned-foe Sondhi Limthongkul, prompted Thaksin to declare the square off limits to another demonstration planned for this weekend.

It was too close to the palace of revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, should not be desecrated by foul language, caused traffic jams and should be held elsewhere in the city, he said.

But he backed away on Thursday, telling foreign reporters he would allow it on certain conditions.

"I think the Royal Plaza is not appropriate, but if they want to do it, the government officials concerned must use the law and order in a democratic way, not just law and order in a dictator way. In a democratic way," Thaksin said in English.

Rally organisers claimed they would draw a bigger crowd on Saturday as the campaign Sondhi started after his talkshow was taken off state television last September had won wider support.

"Sondhi has started a candle which will be turned into a big lamp on Feb. 11," said Chaiwat Sinsuwong, a spokesman for a new anti-Thaksin alliance -- the People's Network for Democracy.

"We all have one mutual goal, which is to kick Thaksin out," Chaiwat, a former political ally of Thaksin, told reporters.

The network, which says it includes anti-privatisation union workers, disgruntled teachers, farmers, slum dwellers, university students and lecturers, would campaign to nullify the Shin deal and impeach Thaksin on charges of concealing assets illegally.

"The battle has shifted from Thaksin versus Sondhi to the nation versus the prime minister," said Panthep Puapongpun, a former official in the Thaksin administration who now works for Sondhi.

Rosana Torsitrakul, who won an injunction to delay an initial public offering by state power producer EGAT PCL last year, said she would go to court and market regulators in an attempt to void the Shin deal.

"This is not about selling shares in a company, it is about selling the nation's assets," she said. "We will fight until he is impeached and suspended from politics," she said.

--Reuters 2006-02-10

[chownah]

Have I missed something or has the time table for tomorrow not been announced yet?

[Mobi]

I know it’s probably been said before, but one of the problems is that Thaksin simply dare not resign. If he does, the authorities may have another look at the Shin deal, along with other illegal/dubious actions. This could mean big trouble, once he has lost his power base. Ok, he could live abroad with all his billions – assuming he’s allowed on a plane, but I guarantee that’s the last thing he wants to do. So it’s hang on to power at all costs, or else. Its going to be a long, hard fight.

[LaoPo]

Thai PM vows to fight to death, bigger rally expected

"I will quit only when the country has no more problems," Thaksin told supporters --

Reuters 2006-02-10

That'll be the day! The first country in the world without problems! Now....who is looking for a better PM, than him?

LaoPo

[dan10400]

I know it’s probably been said before, but one of the problems is that Thaksin simply dare not resign. If he does, the authorities may have another look at the Shin deal, along with other illegal/dubious actions. This could mean big trouble, once he has lost his power base. Ok, he could live abroad with all his billions – assuming he’s allowed on a plane, but I guarantee that’s the last thing he wants to do. So it’s hang on to power at all costs, or else. Its going to be a long, hard fight.

I agree with you 100% on this point. the people who are lining up against Taxsin are

underestimating his reasons for needing to stay in office now and in the near future.

If the anti-Taxsin crowd doesn't plan on this and set their expectations appropriately,

it will just be another one of those other things that fall victim to the short thai

attention span.

[chownah]

I know it’s probably been said before, but one of the problems is that Thaksin simply dare not resign. If he does, the authorities may have another look at the Shin deal, along with other illegal/dubious actions. This could mean big trouble, once he has lost his power base. Ok, he could live abroad with all his billions – assuming he’s allowed on a plane, but I guarantee that’s the last thing he wants to do. So it’s hang on to power at all costs, or else. Its going to be a long, hard fight.

I agree with you 100% on this point. the people who are lining up against Taxsin are

underestimating his reasons for needing to stay in office now and in the near future.

If the anti-Taxsin crowd doesn't plan on this and set their expectations appropriately,

it will just be another one of those other things that fall victim to the short thai

attention span.

I think that the people who are lining up against Toxin are underestimating his popularity amongst the voting public and the people in gov't.....but actually I don't think that the leaders of this 'movement' are actually thinking that Toxin will be booted out...I think that they are just trying to develop a new political party and this 'movement' is just a good way to get people focused and organized...the leaders don't really think that Toxin will be booted but they are hoping that they can develop a voter base to get themselves elected as PM's.....in my opinion. Everyone wants a bigger piece of the pie.

[Heng]

I know it’s probably been said before, but one of the problems is that Thaksin simply dare not resign. If he does, the authorities may have another look at the Shin deal, along with other illegal/dubious actions. This could mean big trouble, once he has lost his power base. Ok, he could live abroad with all his billions – assuming he’s allowed on a plane, but I guarantee that’s the last thing he wants to do. So it’s hang on to power at all costs, or else. Its going to be a long, hard fight.

I agree with you 100% on this point. the people who are lining up against Taxsin are

underestimating his reasons for needing to stay in office now and in the near future.

If the anti-Taxsin crowd doesn't plan on this and set their expectations appropriately,

it will just be another one of those other things that fall victim to the short thai

attention span.

I think that the people who are lining up against Toxin are underestimating his popularity amongst the voting public and the people in gov't.....but actually I don't think that the leaders of this 'movement' are actually thinking that Toxin will be booted out...I think that they are just trying to develop a new political party and this 'movement' is just a good way to get people focused and organized...the leaders don't really think that Toxin will be booted but they are hoping that they can develop a voter base to get themselves elected as PM's.....in my opinion. Everyone wants a bigger piece of the pie.

Quite possibly, given Sondhi's background.

[solo siam]

The grass-roots people in the villages etc... who voted for him often don't really understand much about politics.

I know plenty of people who think that Thaksin paid off the Thai IMF loan out of his own pocket. I think half of them also believe he's personally paying the rest of their hospital bill when they only pay 30 baht.

[penzman]

The poor inspire me to become prime minister: Thaksin

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Friday said he became determined to become the government leader after old villagers in Roi Et begged him to.

Speaking during a ceremony to award prizes to outstanding staff of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, Thaksin said he once helped his party candidate campaign in Roi Et and a group of old people sat down and gave him a wai, asking him to become prime minister.

"I was very tired at that time. The sun was burning me. People tied pha khao ma clothes around my west, nearly choking me. The air was full with dust and I was losing all the strength but old people came to sit down and hold up their hands to give me a wai, saying 'Please be prime minister for the poor'. And this is my inspiration," Thaksin said.

Thaksin also gave his own cash of Bt640,000 to BMTA staff who won the award of outstanding public-service staff.

Source: The Nation - Feb 10 , 2006

There he goes again with his "soap opera" technique, reinventing himself, again.

He has done this quite a few times, as if no one is recording in the audience or have any recollection of his past

In Japan , he once said he grew up in a poor family in a rural area.

He also once said that he had to work at McDonald's while studying in the U.S. in order to survive but forgot to mention that he also could afford to ship a Mercedes to Thailand at the time

On the evening of his Tricky Thaksin's Taxi Lottery, he mentioned drinking holy water when he was a policeman. One more reinvention...

Many more of these I forget.

Is this the behaviour of a compulsive liar or some is it some sort of mental problem? I have heard a few Thais refering to the latter

[george]

ANTI-THAKSIN RALLY

Barricades thrown up against PM’s opponents

Police ordered to enforce ban, but organisers are determined they won’t be stopped

BANGKOK: -- Police last night set up barriers around the Royal Plaza, the plan-ned venue for today’s public rally against Prime Minister Thaksin Shina-watra.

About 50 police were stationed at four locations in the area, and 700 metres of traffic barriers were erected from the railings of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall enclosing the plaza and the King Rama V equestrian statue.

One policeman said they had been instructed to enforce a ban on the use of the plaza for a public rally.

“We will try to avoid the use of force, but if the ban is violated, we will have no choice but to follow orders,” said the policeman, who requested anonymity.

The government imposed the ban and prohibited all audio devices in the area earlier yesterday.

However, Suriyasai Katasila, leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, which is organising the rally as part of a campaign to oust Thaksin, vowed to carry on regardless, saying he was “willing to get fined”.

“They’d better find somewhere else,” said Pol Colonel Phinit Maneerat, the Metropolitan Police spokesman, insisting that the rally would snarl traffic in the vicinity and create an illegal nuisance.

Suriyasai said the Dusit district office had banned audio devices on the grounds that speeches against the government would not be in the public interest, as the law on using audio devices requires.

It would be impossible, Suriyasai said, to communicate with the number of people attending the rally without microphones and loudspeakers, which would also help to keep order. He insisted that the rally would proceed.

Today’s rally is expected to be smaller than before, as media maverick Sondhi Limthongkul will no longer be its leader but one of a group of allies, and Thaksin’s strategy to regain popularity by mobilising support nationwide will also take its toll. About 100,000 people showed up at the Royal Plaza to back Sondhi last Saturday.

Suriyasai expressed concern about a possible confrontation as some pro-government groups were reported to be planning to usurp the venue before the rally begins at 4pm. He advised the police to keep a weather eye on events.

Thai Rak Thai Party deputy spokesman Jatuporn Phrompan brushed off Suriyasai’s allegation, saying the ruling party had no intention of fomenting violence.

Officials of some leading universities are reported to have warned their students against any move to oust Thaksin, according to Kotchawan Chaibutr, secretary-general of the Students’ Federation of Thailand.

“Many of my friends have come under pressure from their elders,” she said. “Why do they think only of their own good and not that of the whole country?”

A group of students claiming to be from Ramkhamhaeng University yesterday walked through central Bangkok handing out free copies of a tabloid blaming Sondhi and his allies, including the Democrat Party, for sowing dissension.

It said they should have waited for His Majesty the King’s response to their petition.

--The Nation 2006-02-11

[bulmercke]

It might be a long shot...but there could possibly be a much larger turn-out at tomorrow's rally, than anyone ever expected. The Thaksin administration certainly pulled out the stops last Saturday to limit the effects of last Saturday's rally.

Other contributors to this forum may differ from my views, but I reckon tomorrow's going to be quite a spectcle at Royal Plaza, or where-ever else, anti-Thaksin supporters are allowed to gather.

I'll be there....as I was last Saturday.....every body counts!

[penzman]

Is this the behaviour of a compulsive liar or some is it some sort of mental problem? I have heard a few Thais refering to the latter

ANTI-THAKSIN RALLY

Barricades thrown up against PM’s opponents

Police ordered to enforce ban, but organisers are determined they won’t be stopped

BANGKOK: -- Police last night set up barriers around the Royal Plaza, the plan-ned venue for today’s public rally against Prime Minister Thaksin Shina-watra.

One policeman said they had been instructed to enforce a ban on the use of the plaza for a public rally.

“We will try to avoid the use of force, but if the ban is violated, we will have no choice but to follow orders,” said the policeman, who requested anonymity.

“They’d better find somewhere else,” said Pol Colonel Phinit Maneerat, the Metropolitan Police spokesman, insisting that the rally would snarl traffic in the vicinity and create an illegal nuisance.

--The Nation 2006-02-11

"Can't use the Plaza!"

"Ok, you can use the Plaza."

"Can't use the Plaza!"

Ah, bipolar disorder.

[bulmercke]

Royal Plaza......Yes, can use it......No, cant.....Yes, can use it......No, can't.....on and on.....

Goes to show that there is a lot of indecision eminating from government quarters.

Royal Plaza now off limits....who says so?

Only for anti-Thaksin supporters!

Right!

[bulmercke]

"...I think that they are just trying to develop a new political party and this 'movement' is just a good way to get people focused and organized...the leaders don't really think that Toxin will be booted but they are hoping that they can develop a voter base to get themselves elected as PM's.....in my opinion. Everyone wants a bigger piece of the pie."

No...no...no...

they simply want him out of office as soon as possible......

They abhor his every move.......

When anti-Thaksin supporters gather.....they have one common goal.....THAKSIN'S REMOVAL.....