Preparations For Feb. 26th Anti-Government Protest

[Jai Dee]

Lt-Gen Wiroj orders officials to prepare for Feb. 26th protest and eradicate obscene locations

The Metropolitan Police Chief, Lieutenant-General Wiroj Jantarangsri (วิโรจน์ จันทรังษี), called in a meeting with officials to prepare for the demonstration on February 26th and eradicate inappropriate areas of Thailand.

Lt. Gen. Wiroj said a meeting was held to set preventive framework to deal with possible disorder situations which might take place during the demonstration on February 26th. The meeting also decided to set up a special team to get rid of obscene places in the country.

The atmosphere of the meeting was tense, and there was no lunch break during the discussion.

Source: Thaisnews.com ประจำวันพุธที่ 15 กุมภาพันธ์ 2549

[naka]

The atmosphere of the meeting was tense, and there was no lunch break during the discussion.

Should this not have read

The atmosphere of the meeting was tense, as there was no lunch break during the discussion.

Naka.

[Insight]

The atmosphere of the meeting was tense, as there was no lunch break during the discussion.

Naka.

I'm still trying to figure out what they mean by "obscene places in the country" ...?

[Ijustwannateach]

It is worrying, along with the "eradicate inappropriate areas of Thailand...." Should we get ready to blacken in parts of our Atlases?

[Jai Dee]

Members of the press are calling for protection for media personnel providing coverage at demonstrations

Representatives from members of the press are calling for measures to protect media personnel providing coverage at demonstrations.

Members of the press have submitted letters calling for measures to protect press members during duty, after cameramen were assaulted by demonstrators who gathered at the last two anti-government rallies in Bangkok.

Mr. Suriyasai Katasila (สุริยะใส กตะศิลา), a leader of the anti-government demonstrators, affirmed that Sanam Luang will be used for the upcoming gathering on February 26th. A letter asking for permission to use the venue was already submitted to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and it is pending approval. The group will today confirm the place of the gathering and other plans.

However Interior Minister Kongsak Wanthana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) said he has been told that another event was due to take place at Sanam Luang on the same day and that the King Rama the 5th Equestrian Statue site would be used for presentation of degrees for graduates of Rajabhat Universities nationwide.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 Febuary 2006

[ratcatcher]

I'm still trying to figure out what they mean by "obscene places in the country" ...?

ob·scene :adj.

1. Offensive to accepted standards of decency or modesty.

2. Inciting lustful feelings; lewd.

3. So large in amount as to be objectionable or outrageous:

1. Most khlongs in Bangkok.

The litter alongside railway tracks in most urban areas of Thailand

The behaviour of some politicians in the government.

The exhaust fumes emitted by some of the ancient buses on Bangkok streets.

2. The dress code of many female University students.

The sale of pornographic videos on Sukumvit Rd in full view of everyone passing including children.

3. The profit from Thaksin's questionable dealings re Shin Corp. Arrogance and mis-use of power.

The corruption inherent among elected officials.

I have made no mention of Thailand's nightlife ,bar scene or call it what you will. I do not consider that to be obscene. Neither do I consider the private viewing of pornography to be obscene. What I object to is people who allow this to fall into the hands of children.

[cclub75]

You don't get it : we have a nice bunch of thai "journalists" in this PR bureau, but they have some problems with translations in english. And on the top of that, they are poets. And we all know that actually it's difficult to translate in english the thai poetry.

They use and abuse too of computer based text systems, that's why we find many occurrences of some key words.

Thoses key words are :

-hub

-eradicate

-inappropriate (the software here went crazy and used rather "obscene")

-order

-disorder

etc.

As for "lunch break", of course here it's what we may call an "atavism" regarding the thai population.

[Jai Dee]

I just thought I'd re-title this thread, so that the "wordsmithing" of the TNA's PR Dept doesn't become the main issue of discussion...

[Tywais]

I just thought I'd re-title this thread, so that the "wordsmithing" of the TNA's PR Dept doesn't become the main issue of discussion...

Brought out your crystal ball did ya?

Guess the last time complaints from PM about the venue (too near Royal Palace?) was brought up.

[Jai Dee]

Deputy TRT leader Thammarak admits there is a need to create understanding with general public over the performances of the government during the past 5 years

Defense Minister Thammarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya (ธรรมรักษ์ อิศรางกูร ณ อยุธยา), as the Deputy Leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party, said it is necessary for the government to create better understanding with the people over its performances. The government also has to clarify the accusation made by the protestors on Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra.

Gen. Thammarak revealed that the general public will be informed about the performances of the government over the past 5 years.

According to Gen. Thammarak, a stage will be organized where the party leader, executives and party MPs from each province will make their statements. However, it will not be the same period with the protestors who will be visiting certain areas, says deputy TRT leader.

He stated that there should not be anything that could cause the disputes among Thai people, and said he does not want any violence to take place.

Gen. Thammarak also referred to the rally planned on the 26th of February, saying that police officers will oversee the security matter while the armies will take care of any violence that could be instigated by the third party.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

Nationwide show of force to support PM

The ruling Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party yesterday unveiled plans to bolster Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s flagging support by staging nationwide pro-Thaksin demonstrations in the next few weeks.

In response to mounting criticism of the leader, TRT held a special meeting Tuesday to plan a way of quelling brewing internal disquiet and public hostility toward Thaksin.

Supamas Isarapakdi, a deputy TRT spokesperson, said mass rallies of support for the prime minister will be held concurrently up and down the country.

“Several party MPs feel that the large majority of people who support the prime minister feel frustrated because they have no platform from which to express their support,” Supamas said.

“Therefore, it was decided that an event would be organized to give moral support to the prime minister.”

Supamas added that, although the exact time of the public demonstrations had yet to be determined, it would be held either at the end of this month or the beginning of March.

During the meeting, party members were urged to return to their constituencies to raise public support for Thaksin. They were also instructed to “correct misunderstandings” about the sale of Shin Corp shares by Thaksin’s family that earned them 73 billion baht tax-free.

Yaowapa Wongsawat, a deputy TRT leader and sister of the prime minister, played down bickering within the party.

“A group of disaffected people are trying to discredit the government,” she said. “I do not think that is proper.”

Yaowapa added that MP’s had urged the government to hold pro-Thaksin rallies to counter protests against the prime minister.

“Our MPs are concerned that we have not responded [to the anti-Thaksin rallies]. Up until now, Thaksin supporters believed that pure power is silent,” she said.

“If you notice, there is a lot of support for the prime minister. If we did not hold them back they would have been more vocal.”

At the meeting, Thaksin allegedly threatened to dissolve the Lower House if members did not toe the party line. However, he did say he would allow members to leave the party if he was informed in advance.

According to the Constitution, to be eligible to stand in a general election, prospective MPs must have been a member of a political party for at least 90 days.

Telling party members that he would dissolve the House of Representatives was a move to silence dissent, according to Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democrat and opposition leader.

“It is a threat to prevent TRT members from breaking ranks,” Abhisit said.

“The prime minister is afraid that party members who disagree with him will support the opposition parties in a bid to censure him in Parliament.”

Abhisit added that Thaksin was contradicting his earlier pledge not to quit or call a general election.

Last week, Thaksin said he would only step down in his next life.

“There is a lot of political confusion at the moment,” the prime minister told his party Tuesday. “All members must be seen to be supporting the government.”

Source: ThaiDay - 16 February 2006 15:28

[marshbags]

Hiya Noel i reckon this makes interesting reading

Just read this on BBC world news

What a F****** farce, but probably predictable with this governments monopoly on things.

Thai PM escapes business inquiry

Mr Thaksin has been dogged by protests over the share sale

A Thai court has refused to open an inquiry into claims Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra broke conflict of interest rules.

A group of 28 senators had alleged Mr Thaksin kept control of his family's telecoms giant, Shin Corp, after he sold his shares to his family in 2001.

The court ruled eight to six against an inquiry, citing inadequate evidence.

Mr Thaksin has faced calls to resign since his family sold its stake in the company last month.

The sale, which netted the family members and others $1.9bn, has angered many urban Thais, who complained the family avoided paying tax and passed control of an important national asset to Singaporean investors.

One of the judges, Jumpol na Songkhla, told Reuters news agency that the allegations - that Mr Thaksin influenced government policy to help the company he built - were not detailed enough.

He said the senators who made the complaint would have to make more specific allegations if they wanted the court to get involved.

Mr Thaksin's critics hoped the Constitutional Court's involvement would begin a process that could have eventually led to Mr Thaksin's being ousted from power.

Analysts said the court's decision should ease the pressure on Mr Thaksin, but was unlikely to end it.

His opponents have announced they will hold the latest in a string of demonstrations against him on 26 February.

Mr Thaksin, who was returned to office last year in a landslide, still has a large parliamentary majority, and his rural support base has shown no signs of wavering. quote

My apologies if this has already been posted somewhere else.

The Thia people have really got to pull a rabbit out of the bag to pin this scum down.

Thai creditability is sinking lower and lower ..............................

Are these the same guys that got him off in 2001 or perhaps more of his paid cronies

marshbags

Edited February 16, 2006 by marshbags

[marquess]

Seems like the court is nothing more than a toothless tigert. Surely it is obvious to all that he had had a conflict of interests; and it is their duty to at least investigate it. I just hope that Surinya doesn't accept an out of court settlement for the Shin Corp suite.

Edited February 16, 2006 by marquess

[cclub75]

Yes it's a shame...

This interview to AFP... Now we know what we will probably have : Thaksin for term number 3 !

BANGKOK (AFX) - Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he is looking for a successor but does not rule out running for a third term amid demands for his resignation.

In an interview with Agence France-Presse, Thaksin also said he could dissolve the House of Representatives if too many lawmakers in his own party rebel over allegations that he is mixing politics and business.

'Right now I still need to find my successor because I am not going to be here forever,' Thaksin said, but added that a third term is possible.

'If I can find a successor who is good for the country and can control the party, then I can take it easy,' said Thaksin, who came to power in 2001 and was re-elected in 2005 by an overwhelming majority.

'But if I cannot, then I cannot leave my responsibilities.' There is no limit on the number of terms a prime minister may serve here.

[marquess]

The sooner they get rid of the codger the better, he is robbing them blind and offering to do so for another few years. I will indeed pity the good people of Thailand if this greedy self aggrandising man gets in again!

[Ricardo]

Yes it's a shame...

This interview to AFP... Now we know what we will probably have : Thaksin for term number 3 !

BANGKOK (AFX) - Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he is looking for a successor but does not rule out running for a third term amid demands for his resignation.

In an interview with Agence France-Presse, Thaksin also said he could dissolve the House of Representatives if too many lawmakers in his own party rebel over allegations that he is mixing politics and business.

'Right now I still need to find my successor because I am not going to be here forever,' Thaksin said, but added that a third term is possible.

'If I can find a successor who is good for the country and can control the party, then I can take it easy,' said Thaksin, who came to power in 2001 and was re-elected in 2005 by an overwhelming majority.

'But if I cannot, then I cannot leave my responsibilities.' There is no limit on the number of terms a prime minister may serve here.

Please excuse my ignorance - I thought there was a 2-term limit in Thailand ?

[bulmercke]

Another shameful decision by this court!

Nevertheless, the decision will only continue to strengthen the resolve of all who want him removed from office, which is increasingly starting to look like one hellava of a "battle".

SHAME.....SHAME.....SHAME......ON THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF THE CONSTITUTION COURT WHO VOTED AGAINST THE PETITION.

[asd]

Thaksin Get out

 "This is the first time in Thailand that many groups in civil society are getting together and focusing on key issues such as problems of corruption and political reform," said political analyst Panitan Wattanayakorn.

       

       He said that now the movement had shaken Thais out of their political lethargy, it needed to produce a leader who can successfully manage the diverse alliance which is united only by a shared frustration with Thaksin.

       

       "If we have a unified leader, it could pose a serious threat to the government," he said. "They have just got started. This is only the beginning."

       

       "Four years ago, the prime minister was unchallenged. But not any more. People realise we can challenge the prime minister and we can press him."

       

       Academics and activists have dismissed the referendum offer as hollow, saying the constitution was not a major issue and that the government would frame the ballot in such a way that would ensure its failure.

       

       "The final answer from Thaksin must be his resignation as he clearly lacks moral authority. It is too late for him to do something else like revise the constitution," said Suriyasai Katasila from Campaign for Popular Democracy.

By Manager Online

Edited February 16, 2006 by asd

[marshbags]

Another shameful decision by this court!

Nevertheless, the decision will only continue to strengthen the resolve of all who want him removed from office, which is increasingly starting to look like one hellava of a "battle".

SHAME.....SHAME.....SHAME......ON THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF THE CONSTITUTION COURT WHO VOTED AGAINST THE PETITION.

Dito for the members who voted to allow him to become Prime minister in the first instance.

Now that really was a tragedy for Thailands bias justice system.

marshbags

Edited February 17, 2006 by marshbags

[chownah]

There's lots of anti-Toxin sentiment here but does anyone have any news about the Preparations for Feb. 26th Anti-Government Protest?....which is, after all, the title of this topic.

[Jai Dee]

Students of Srinakarinviroj University held a rally yesterday and gave speeches on the government’s failure in administration.

Students of Srinakharinwirot (ศรีนครินทรวิโรฒ) University, Pattani Campus, have demonstrated and gave speeches on the government’s failure in administration.

More than 100 students of the Srinakharinwirot university joined the rally to demonstrate their wish for the premier to resign from the post. The rally passed Charoenpradit (เจริญประดิษฐ์) and Nong Jik (หนองจิก) roads, receiving great public attention from the people.

They also distributed leaflets of the students’ declaration on the government’s administration, charging the premier of lack of legitimacy and calling for his resignation.

Later at around 7:30 PM, the students held a forum criticizing the government’s mismanagement, especially its failure to solve the southern crisis. The students said that they will support anti-government movements by the people.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

Spokesperson of the Metropolitan Police refused to comment on the Constitution Court’s rejection of a petition filed by senators.

Spokesperson of the Metropolitan Police Colonel Phinij Maneerat (พินิจ มณีรัตน์) refused to comment on the Constitution Court’s rejection of a petition filed by senators, insisting that the police are prepared to deal with the rally.

Colonel Pinij said that he cannot express his opinions on the matter, as it is not related to police work. As for safety measures during the rally, Mr. Phinij said that the Metropolitan Police Bureau have prepared officials to respond to all situations. He said that the police have followed intelligence on securities more closely, adding that safety measures have been revamped.

He also added that the police will take care of traffic and safety in the area, as Sanam Luang arena is an open venue, unlike the Royal Plaza.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister is confident that the protestors will not use the decision of constitutional court as a mean to arouse the gathering on the 26th of Feb

Interior Minister Kongsak Wanthana(คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) spoke in regards to planned rally on the 26th of February that more people would be joining the protest since they are unsatisfied with the verdict of the constitutional court and they have lost faith in the administration of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Air Chief Marshall Kongsak said that the authorities are ready to handle the situation and no security measures have been increased.

He said he believes the protest is not aimed at discrediting the preformances of the government. He added that foreign countries still view Thailand as a country of stability.

However, if the protestors still insist to use Sanam Luang for the demonstration which will take place on the 26th of February, ACM Kongsak said that the consideration will be made by the owner of the venue.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 Febuary 2006

[seonai]

Does anyone else watch Thai TV? All day today there are news reports about Thaksin. I asked hubby what they were saying and he said "trying to get Thaksin out".

Sorry if this is a little off topic.

[penzman]

Members of the press are calling for protection for media personnel providing coverage at demonstrations

Representatives from members of the press are calling for measures to protect media personnel providing coverage at demonstrations.

Members of the press have submitted letters calling for measures to protect press members during duty, after cameramen were assaulted by demonstrators who gathered at the last two anti-government rallies in Bangkok. Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 Febuary 2006

That's news to me... Has anyone heard of this before?

[george]

Thai Rak Thai alleges small party hires people to join rally

BANGKOK: -- Thai Rak Thai Party deputy secretar-general Wichet Kasemthongsri alleged on Friday that a small political party had been soliciting people in Samut Prakan to join the anti-Thaksin rally on February 26 in exchange for money.

Wichet alleged that the small party had been offering between Bt300 to Bt500 to people in Bang Pli and Bang Poo districts and other areas in Samut Prakan to attend the rally against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatrat at Sanam Luang on February 26.

Wichet declind to name names.

--The Nation 2006-02-17

[bulmercke]

Members of the press are calling for protection for media personnel providing coverage at demonstrations

Representatives from members of the press are calling for measures to protect media personnel providing coverage at demonstrations.

Members of the press have submitted letters calling for measures to protect press members during duty, after cameramen were assaulted by demonstrators who gathered at the last two anti-government rallies in Bangkok. Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 Febuary 2006

That's news to me... Has anyone heard of this before?

"color=#3366FF]cameramen were assaulted by demonstrators who gathered at the last two anti-government rallies in Bangkok."

This is totally false..... a malicious lie to discredit anti-Thaksin supporters.

There were absolutley no assaults whatsoever against any members of the press by anti-Thaksin supporters. I have been present, to date, at four rallies and have seen nothing whatsoever to suggest that measures are required to protect the press. This is government black propaganda.

I did see a young woman questioning a cameraman atop an outside broadcast truck at last weeks rally. I wasn't sure what she was saying, but, no doubt, she was asking him why ITV fail to broadcast anything about the rally....and if they do.....they highlight negative factors and totally misrepresent the nature and size of the assembled crowd.

And report nothing of what is said against Thaksin.

Government clap-trap.

Incidentally, does anyone know if any of the Thaivisa blogs are political in nature?

(From the ajarn.com political forum.) (diaw - hope you don't mind me pasting this here)

"I would say that this kind of decision shows Thailand up for what it really it. Corruption & greed rule the day. Good has become bad & vica versa. I believe that the society is becoming dangerously polarised to the point where something serious is eventually going to happen.

Now that the common folks can see the level of unfairness & corruption - even at the level of the highest court in the land - the polarisation is bound to grow even further. There is no fairness at any level.

The anti-tacky forces now have every reason to enlarge their base. Tacky will rally his opposition. Eventually blood will be spilt. Unfortunately, this is what dictators do. The history books are full of these evil men & their eventual demise. "

Edited February 17, 2006 by bulmercke

[bulmercke]

That's strange! No Tacky?

Edited February 17, 2006 by bulmercke

[h90]

I stay in Samut Prakarn, but noone offered money to me

Thai Rak Thai alleges small party hires people to join rally

BANGKOK: -- Thai Rak Thai Party deputy secretar-general Wichet Kasemthongsri alleged on Friday that a small political party had been soliciting people in Samut Prakan to join the anti-Thaksin rally on February 26 in exchange for money.

Wichet alleged that the small party had been offering between Bt300 to Bt500 to people in Bang Pli and Bang Poo districts and other areas in Samut Prakan to attend the rally against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatrat at Sanam Luang on February 26.

Wichet declind to name names.

--The Nation 2006-02-17

[bulmercke]

I stay in Samut Prakarn, but noone offered money to me

Thai Rak Thai alleges small party hires people to join rally

BANGKOK: -- Thai Rak Thai Party deputy secretar-general Wichet Kasemthongsri alleged on Friday that a small political party had been soliciting people in Samut Prakan to join the anti-Thaksin rally on February 26 in exchange for money.

Wichet alleged that the small party had been offering between Bt300 to Bt500 to people in Bang Pli and Bang Poo districts and other areas in Samut Prakan to attend the rally against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatrat at Sanam Luang on February 26.

Wichet declind to name names.

--The Nation 2006-02-17

"Wichet declind to name names."........I bet he did!

BLATANT LIES

This is more of the aforementioned black propoganda AIMED TO DISCREDIT THE ANTI-THAKSIN MOVEMENT.....expect much more of this sort of stuff in the weeks and months to come!

Sounds like the Thai intelligence services engaged in domestic surveillance have got their act together together. Watch out for more smear tactics...their mentors MI5 and MI6 are experts at this sort of stuff!