Preparations For Feb. 26th Anti-Government Protest

[bulmercke]

What distinguishes Thaksin is not leadership, but the role of hero.

And he is obviously able to continue by the weight of his authority and by the killing off of any perceived threats to his supremacy.

His criteria are quantative - the bigger the better.

Toxteth Shinawatra.....

Edited February 17, 2006 by bulmercke

[penzman]

Is that Thaksin Scousawat up front?

[sriracha john]

Alliance vows to protest at Sanam Luang

'No problem sharing' with ministry's event

POST REPORTERS

The People's Alliance for Democracy has vowed to use Sanam Luang for its anti-Thaksin rally on Feb 26, despite the double-booking with the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry. It also will kick off anti-Thaksin campaigns nationwide before the day of the big rally, and will hand out stickers to the public this weekend at Chatuchak market in Bangkok.

Suriyasai Katasila, the coordinator of the alliance, said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had not yet officially issued permission for either the alliance or the ministry to use Sanam Luang on the day.

''We have the right as stipulated in the constitution to rally in peace with no weapons, and we will do so on Feb 26 at Sanam Luang. If they ban us, we will resist in a civilised manner as permitted under the constitution,'' he said.

The alliance would have no problem sharing the venue with the ministry because the rally would be in the evening while the ministry's event would be during the day, he said.

Mr Suriyasai expected the number of protesters to be higher than the previous rallies on Feb 4 and 11, particularly after the Constitution Court decided not to accept a petition from senators seeking the disqualification of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

''Mr Thaksin may be relieved to hear the court's decision [in favour of him] but for many people, such a decision may also help them stop hesitating and lead them to come out to join the rally on Feb 26,'' he said.

But Boonmee Juntaravong, director-general of the Cooperative Promotion Department, an agency under the ministry, said the office had received permission for its event from the BMA at almost the last minute. The event, scheduled from Feb 22 to 26, will have 500 booths from nearly 1,000 cooperatives.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan brushed aside allegations that the ministry has tried to disrupt the rally.

[tettyan]

Is Thaksin's popularity upcountry actually slipping faster than in BKK???

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/02/18...al_20001157.php

Scandal fall-out sees PM’s support shrink

February 18, 2006

The 19 million voters frequently claimed by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as his supporters may have dwindled to 10 million, a Rangsit University pollster said yesterday.

Meanwhile an opinion survey by Assumption University between February 1 and 16 showed the popularity of Thaksin dropping from 58.2 per cent four months ago to 34.2 per cent. The survey covered 6,461 people in 22 provinces.

In the Rangsit University’s poll on Wednesday and Thursday which surveyed 2,084 voters – 887 in Bangkok and 1,197 in the large provinces of Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Ubon Ratchathani – more than 50 per centsaid they were dissatisfied with the government and wanted Thaksin to leave his post.

Although 53.9 per cent of respondents said they had voted for Thai Rak Thai last February, only 30.4 per cent said they would do so if an election were held today.

“Compared with the 19 million votes cast for Thai Rak Thai in 2005, the poll indicates only about 10 million would vote the same way again,” said Thaweekiat Prasertcharoensuk, deputy dean of the College of Social Innovation at Rangsit University.

About 45 per cent said they were satisfied with the government’s administration; about 55 per cent said they were dissatisfied. Roughly the same percentages said they wanted Thaksin to remain (44.5 per cent) and to leave (55.5 per cent).

In Bangkok, 49.3 per cent said they wanted Thaksin to stay, and 50.7 per cent said they wanted him to go. In the provinces the figures were 41 per cent and 59 per cent.

More than 80 per cent of those who wanted Thaksin to stay said they wanted him to have a Cabinet reshuffle. In contrast, some 60 per cent of those who wanted him out said they wanted him to resign, and about 40 per cent said they wanted him to dissolve the House.

-The Nation

Edited February 18, 2006 by tettyan

[Jai Dee]

PM Thaksin believes the constitutional amendment done with reason and scientific principles will have good impact to the society

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra talked about his meeting with the rectors from 110 universities during his weekly radio address this morning.

He said the meeting was held to discuss the matter of constitutional amendment, and currently, many parties have agreed that such amendment should take place.

The premier has requested the rectors to think over the matter again without using their personal emotions but applying scientific principles.

He has also advised them to conduct a study or to compare the new constitution with the old one, as this could help every party to come into terms and follow the rules.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 Febuary 2006

[marshbags]

PM Thaksin believes the constitutional amendment done with reason and scientific principles will have good impact to the society

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra talked about his meeting with the rectors from 110 universities during his weekly radio address this morning.

He said the meeting was held to discuss the matter of constitutional amendment, and currently, many parties have agreed that such amendment should take place.

The premier has requested the rectors to think over the matter again without using their personal emotions but applying scientific principles.

He has also advised them to conduct a study or to compare the new constitution with the old one, as this could help every party to come into terms and follow the rules.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 Febuary 2006

Should this come to pass then they must completely cleanse the existing government and get rid of the Kamoy in chief and his cronies and bring in 100% transparency.

Otherwise it will be the same as it is now and for sure they will exploit any loopholes that exist and there will be a status quo.

Personally i hope they do not fall into another of his delaying tactics and traps.

marshbags

[bulmercke]

COMMENTARY: Samak Sundaravej as proxy warrior

By Boonrak Boonyaketmala 17 February 2006 17:04

PROPAGANDA.............

In the past five years of its supremacy, the Thaksinocracy has engineered a series of unprecedented practices in Thailand, including a system of propaganda to sustain its self-styled politics. A form of disguised autocracy, such a system is naturally structured by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra himself, notably via his weekly talk radio program broadcast throughout the country on Saturdays, his regular interviews with the press, and the pseudo-events tailor-made to build the image required to solve a particular problem, such as the five-day reality television show to establish a ‘poverty remedy model’ that notoriously projected false hope to the poor who have served as his cushion against the critical press and the intelligentsia.

In addition to this, Thaksin’s foot soldiers. men like Suranand Vejjajiva and Sita Divari, have frequently lent their support, imitating the aggressive, sarcastic oratory style of their immediate boss and garnering the hatred of many in the urbanized political public in the process.

On top of such propaganda, since late 2004 when the Thaksinocracy began to come under progressively stronger attack by a score of public intellectuals, spearheaded largely by Sondhi Limthongkul, the regime has apparently encouraged Samak Sundaravej and Dusit Sirivan to organize a set of political talk show programs on the government-dominated Channel 9 and the army-run Channel 5 and its affiliated radio station. Thanks to their unique experience in beefing up the violence of the 1970s, the conservative pair has loyally served to put down the regime’s critics harshly, most often by hitting them below the belt with one-liners, often accompanied by cynical laughter laced with derision.

Clearly, the objective of such programs was to criticize the opponents of those in the government whenever the dirty job was deemed better served by hired hands that had no formal connections to those in power. Not surprisingly, among the key targets of Samak-Dusit were the chairman of the National Reconciliation Commission, Anand Panyarachun, independent senators such as Kraisak Choonhavan, Chermsak Pinthong and Kaewsan Atipothi, outcasts of the Thai Rak Thai party like Sanoh Thienthong and Pramual Rajanaservi, opposition politicians like Chuan Leekpai, Abhisit Vejjajiva and Aprirak Kosayothin, members of the press who had created problems for the regime, and anyone else who dared speak out against it.

Naturally, in the minds of most political observers, the pair served as proxy warriors for Thaksin and his henchmen, with an aim to shooting down the enemies – both real and imagined – of the government before they developed into a more serious threat. Although Samak-Dusit managed for the most part to get away with their essentially one-sided attacks on their prey, Samak apparently got himself in hot water last week when he criticized a speech delivered at a Bangkok university by elder statesman and president of the Privy Council General Prem Tinsulanonda on His Majesty the King’s principles of public administration. A portion of this speech emphasized that a good leader needs not only intelligence and capability, but also ethics and morality.

Feeling that the statement was meant to be critical of Thaksin, as the prime minister was under intensifying pressure to resign following the controversial sale of Shin Corp to a government fund of Singapore, Samak commented on his show This Morning in Thailand on Channel 5 that the speech was “taking the side” of opponents of the prime minister. Although characteristically short, his comments were unquestionably politically incorrect, given the source of the speech and the stature of the speaker. Interpreted by the press as an accident of his loose-tongue, Samak’s comments were prompted perhaps by his wild arrogance, bolstered over time by the few rebuttals he had received from his targets, most of whom were either not in a position to fight back or considered him unworthy of serious attention.

Others saw this obvious error of judgment as a manifestation of Samak’s over-eagerness to please Thaksin, who had been indirectly lectured in public on high-flying corruption by Prem on at least on three occasions during the past few months. At one point in late 2005, Thaksin was so deeply irritated by one of Prem’s speeches on the subject that he angrily chastised the press for reproducing such a “distortion” in its pages.

Despite the symbolic show of support supplied by some of Thaksin’s most trusted men, Samak decided to quit all of his television and radio talk shows under sustained pressure from the military and the public. Interestingly, he refused to apologize to Prem, as demanded by many quarters. “I did good deeds but ran into sharp criticism,” he snapped, adding that “the country has been embroiled in a political crisis and the prime minister is in trouble. Now, the good guys are being chased away and the bad people are being praised.”

For many veteran journalists, Samak and Dusit are the natural choices to serve as Thaksin’s proxy warriors in the propaganda world. While Dusit was recruited into politics by the right-wing government led by prime minister Tanin Kraiwichian, who was mandated to restore Thailand after the violence of October 1976, he was an obscure figure in his twenties with a bachelor’s degree from Chiang Mai University. After a short stint as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office in charge of media affairs in the mid-1970s, Dusit managed to get his name on the list of senators appointed by many governments.

On the other hand, Samak, now 70, was a law student at Thammasat University, with a tour guide certificate from Chulalongkorn University. A newspaper columnist before entering politics, he was always known for being a fast, direct and abrasive speaker whose highly value-laden remarks were unfailingly organized in broken sentences and therefore impervious to logical analysis. Given his journalism background, one of his favorite subjects has always been the print media, particularly attacking the alleged ‘biases’ in news reporting and analysis. Consequently, he is among the most well-known enemies of press freedom Thailand has ever produced. For this reason, the press is really fond of giving him names related to some of the animals and fruits that he is believed to resemble, a not unusual phenomenon in Thai journalism.

In any event, given his unique and diehard politicking, he is widely referred to as the dinosaur, and believed to be no longer reproducing. During his long political career spanning more than three decades, he had been continuously elected a Bangkok representative. One of his proudest moments in politics was certainly when he beat the late MR Kukrit Pramoj, a very skilled politician and a highly distinguished prime minister in the first half of the 1970s, in a general election in Bangkok at a time when Thai politics underwent an unusually turbulent period of confrontation between the left and the right.

This gave him the opportunity to serve as deputy minister of agriculture and interior, minister of interior and communications, deputy prime minister, leader of the Thai Citizens Party, and governor of Bangkok from 2000 to 2004. During October 1976, when he served as interior minister, he was known to be one of the staunchest supporters of violence against the students, an act that launched him as an unrivaled right-wing politician famous within some segments of the military and the lower middle class in Bangkok.

Being forced to suddenly quit his television and radio programs earlier this week must have been a deep disappointment for Samak on at least two levels. First, one of his dreams has always been to become, in his own words, the Larry King of Thailand. In a way, over the past year or so, he succeeded in achieving precisely that, but for the detail that celebrities have never been invited onto his programs, and probably would prefer not to be there anyway since being associated with him too closely could dim their glamor, to say the least.

Nevertheless, Samak is still the host of a food program on iTv, a Thaksin-linked television network. It remains to be seen whether or not he will transform himself into a sort of Larry King of cuisine.

Most alarming of all, it is widely known that his next political ambition is to become a Bangkok senator in the election coming up in April. Because of his open political courtship of Thaksin, it might not be too far-fletched of him to expect to be supported by the latter for the presidency of the Senate. In addition to losing his opportunities for self-promotion in the media, his obvious animosity toward Prem and his followers is a big minus as far as his political future is concerned.

Be that as it may, the little incident unwittingly ignited by Samak might have more far-reaching implications than can be been seen by the naked eye. Having served as a proxy warrior for the Thaksincracy, his words and actions vis-à-vis the widely admired Prem, whose symbolic link to the royal palace cannot be underestimated, might have unforeseen repercussions for the ruling powers in due course.

This is the guy.....Samak.....who comes out with crap like this:

“I did good deeds but ran into sharp criticism,” he snapped, adding that “the country has been embroiled in a political crisis and the prime minister is in trouble. Now, the good guys are being chased away and the bad people are being praised.” (taken from the above article)

What does he take us for? Fools?

Edited February 18, 2006 by bulmercke

[chownah]

Hasn't every gov't that Thailand has ever had (in modern times) been corrupt?

Isn't the usual procedure that when a group of politicians want to kick out a ruling gov't what they do is talk about how corrupt the existing gov't is and how they will clean our this corruption....and then the ALWAYS create a new corrupt gov't?

If this is true then why do people think that kicking Toxin out will do away with corruption?

I think that it will not do away with corruption it will just change the people who will receive the benefits of the corruption.

I think that no matter what the gov't becomes that basically it will be the same group of rich people and their family members that will run the gov't and reap the benefits of corruption..the names will change but the game stays the same.

Can someone please explain why it will be different this time?

[bulmercke]

Hasn't every gov't that Thailand has ever had (in modern times) been corrupt?

Isn't the usual procedure that when a group of politicians want to kick out a ruling gov't what they do is talk about how corrupt the existing gov't is and how they will clean our this corruption....and then the ALWAYS create a new corrupt gov't?

If this is true then why do people think that kicking Toxin out will do away with corruption?

I think that it will not do away with corruption it will just change the people who will receive the benefits of the corruption.

I think that no matter what the gov't becomes that basically it will be the same group of rich people and their family members that will run the gov't and reap the benefits of corruption..the names will change but the game stays the same.

Can someone please explain why it will be different this time?

A valid question, and, of course, the next government headed by a different leader (other than Toxin) will be corrupt to some extent, but surely not to the extent that this one is. Now we are talking about unprecedented corruption, never ever seen in Thailand before on a scale quite like this - unabashed theft!

I personally vehemently dislike Thaksin for what he stands for, and I'm sure my sentiments are shared by many Thais and foreigners alike.

His arrogance and aggression directed to anyone who dares to question his policies and ethics is unrivalled. Thailand is now in no better shape than it was during the "good" old days of the seventies when military dictators ruled. There is a constant assault on all the mechanisms of what a constitutionally correct and fair nation should be all about.

Thaksin is constantly attemting to strangle what's left of the free press, and almost all the broadcast media is now under his control.

Free speech is under constant threat with the threat of huge libel suits directed against anyone who dares to question his morality and business ethics.

Hundreds and thousands have suffered and died because of his direct policies: Khrue Se, Tak Bai and the "so-called" war on drugs, which eliminated many of his supporters' enemies in the provinces - they stopped counting when the death toll got to two thousand!

The parliamentary process, for all intents and purposes, has been rendered useless and government bodies whose job it was to maintain a system of "checks and balances" have themselves been severely compromised by the appointment of politically biased nominees who are in support of the ruling party.

Apart from endemic corruption.....there is the bullying, vindictive, totally arrogant, totally dishonest side to the man to deal with.

I could go on and on.....but I'd probably bore you.

[cclub75]

Can someone please explain why it will be different this time?

You are right about the corruption.

But with Thaksin government, the corruption was bring to an "industrial" level.

That's the only -but a big one- difference.

This is why Thailand needs to get ride of him.

[marshbags]

Hasn't every gov't that Thailand has ever had (in modern times) been corrupt?

Isn't the usual procedure that when a group of politicians want to kick out a ruling gov't what they do is talk about how corrupt the existing gov't is and how they will clean our this corruption....and then the ALWAYS create a new corrupt gov't?

If this is true then why do people think that kicking Toxin out will do away with corruption?

I think that it will not do away with corruption it will just change the people who will receive the benefits of the corruption.

I think that no matter what the gov't becomes that basically it will be the same group of rich people and their family members that will run the gov't and reap the benefits of corruption..the names will change but the game stays the same.

Can someone please explain why it will be different this time?

................................................................................

..................ended

I,ll try with my take on the situation without critisizing yours.

Now Thais are at last starting to understand what is at stake and are not prepared to give a

mai pen rai attitude anymore.

You have to look into the future to see the long term benefits of what after all has only just begun.

Look back at past protests and the authoritarian actions taken by the powers of the day,

If you compare then to now there is a world of difference in attitude for reform.

Now the middle classes and all the respected institutions are well and truly affected and cannot easily be brushed aside either from there opposition of the government.

Getting rid of The Kamoy in chief and his cronies is only the start of changing the things you highlight.

Remember they are influencing and blackmailing many other TRT moderates who are not in any position at the moment to change the inbedded corruption that we are all familiar with.

Do not think there isn,t unrest within the TRT at this time just because there is no adverse publicity

coming out.

Finally in my humble opinion,

If things do not change the future is very bleak for Thai assets which will all be sold off and then no one will have any future or control of Thailand.

Do not forget the TRT when it was formed promised to be a party of the people and everyone including most of us foreigners, thought they really where different and truly modern and where going to change

what most people are now witnessing now. " wolves in sheeps clothing " i think is the quote.

marshbags

Edited February 18, 2006 by marshbags

[bulmercke]

Thaksin's political role model is indisputably Singapore - a one party state! He envisages Thai Lak Thai being the dominant party - the only serious party - for many generations to come!

Just like Singapore. "All this political infighting, bickering and jockeying for position between various political parties is seen as being counter productive to a nation's economic growth and stability."

Thaksin, like the Singaporeans, sees it as getting in the way of things.

http://www.manager.co.th/IHT/ViewBrowse.as...owseNewsID=7300

Thai Lak Thai.......Definitely a wolf in sheep's clothing......the party of the people, but only when they're behind it's illustrious leader!

[sriracha john]

Feb 26 rally expected to be biggest one

An outspoken Thai Rak Thai Party MP Sunday predicted that the February 26 rally at Sanam Luang would be the biggest one against the Thaksin government because of public's disappointment in the Constitution Court.

The MP, Premsak Piayura, said the people were disappointed that the Constitution Court refused to review a petition by 27 senators who alleged that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had become disqualified as the premier because he allegedly still had control over Shin Corp prior to its sale to Temasek Holdings.

The Court last week rejected the petition on ground that the senators did not have enough evidences.

[sriracha john]

Chamlong breaks with Thaksin

Influential ex-politician and army Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang has called for the resignation of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

At a press conference this morning at the October 14 Memorial, Maj-Gen Chamlong also said he intends to attend the planned anti-government rally next Sunday at Sanam Luang.

Mr Thaksin called all cabinet members to his home for a meeting at 6:30 this evening. He denied the meeting would discuss a cabinet reshuffle, but spokesman Prommin Lertsuridej refused to say what was on the agenda.

"The people have lost faith in Thaksin," said Maj-Gen Chamlong, formerly the prime minister's political mentor and close ally. "I'll join the protest on February 26 calling for his resignation."

Maj-Gen Chamlong's move is expected to put more pressure on Mr Thaksin.

He is largely credited with bringing Mr Thaksin into politics while he was leader of the Palang Dharma Party. At one time, he also was governor of Bangkok.

Maj-Gen Chamlong is a fervent Buddhist believer, with a reputation as a "clean" public figure, and with great influence on many of the Buddhist faithful, especially followers of the controversial Santi Asoke Buddhist-based movement.

Maj-Gen Chamlong is likely to lead Santi Asoke followers to the Feb 26 rally.

He is best known and admired for his leadership at mass demonstrations at Ratchadamnoen Avenue in the 1992 Black May popular uprising against the Suchinda Kraprayoon government.

[haha]

Hasn't every gov't that Thailand has ever had (in modern times) been corrupt?

Isn't the usual procedure that when a group of politicians want to kick out a ruling gov't what they do is talk about how corrupt the existing gov't is and how they will clean our this corruption....and then the ALWAYS create a new corrupt gov't?

If this is true then why do people think that kicking Toxin out will do away with corruption?

I think that it will not do away with corruption it will just change the people who will receive the benefits of the corruption.

I think that no matter what the gov't becomes that basically it will be the same group of rich people and their family members that will run the gov't and reap the benefits of corruption..the names will change but the game stays the same.

Can someone please explain why it will be different this time?

................................................................................

..................ended

I,ll try with my take on the situation without critisizing yours.

Now Thais are at last starting to understand what is at stake and are not prepared to give a

mai pen rai attitude anymore.

You have to look into the future to see the long term benefits of what after all has only just begun.

Look back at past protests and the authoritarian actions taken by the powers of the day,

If you compare then to now there is a world of difference in attitude for reform.

Now the middle classes and all the respected institutions are well and truly affected and cannot easily be brushed aside either from there opposition of the government.

Getting rid of The Kamoy in chief and his cronies is only the start of changing the things you highlight.

Remember they are influencing and blackmailing many other TRT moderates who are not in any position at the moment to change the inbedded corruption that we are all familiar with.

Do not think there isn,t unrest within the TRT at this time just because there is no adverse publicity

coming out.

Finally in my humble opinion,

If things do not change the future is very bleak for Thai assets which will all be sold off and then no one will have any future or control of Thailand.

Do not forget the TRT when it was formed promised to be a party of the people and everyone including most of us foreigners, thought they really where different and truly modern and where going to change

what most people are now witnessing now. " wolves in sheeps clothing " i think is the quote.

marshbags

I was reading where the muslims like to use propaganda to influence the way people think in countries. they would distort the way things are to make that country weak.

could it be we are in the mist of such an attack?

it is well known that some terrorist are operating in southern thailand. confusing the country with these anti-thaksin themes is one good way to divert attention from the murders happening on a regular basis there.

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister believed that the number of protestors this Sunday will reduce.

Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) expressed belief that the number of protestors planning to attend Sunday rally will reduce, adding that his evaluation of the situation is not to insult protestors.

Air Chief Marshall Kongsak said that there should not be any problems, although Major-general Chamlong Srimuang (จำลอง ศรีเมือง) has announced that he will bring the Dharma Army Foundation to join the rally. He said that the protests should be carried out in a peaceful manner, adding that based on his review of the situation, the number of protestors will be fewer than the past two protests.

Minister Kongsak added that Major-general Chamlong’s particiopation in the rally does not resemble Black May incident, as the situation and the environment surrounding the incidents are different, adding that the current administration was legitimately elected in the election. He said that his estimate does not mean an insult to the protests. Minister Kongsak said that the people disappointed with the Constitution Court’s decision will not pressure the government, as there are many people who are pleased with the decision.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2006

[penzman]

Interior Minister believed that the number of protestors this Sunday will reduce.

Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) expressed belief that the number of protestors planning to attend Sunday rally will reduce, adding that his evaluation of the situation is not to insult protestors.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2006

Easy to say when you know the government's estimates will always be ridiculously lower.

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister confident the government is still stable.

Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) expressed confidence that current political situation will not destabilize the government.

Air Chief Marshall Kongsak said that the anti-government sentiment has not affected the government’s policy implementation, as the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat maintains its popularity among the international community. He said that when compared to the past, the government is able to carry out its work effectively. He suspected that anti-government remarks may have come from those who have high expectations of the government.

However, he expressed confidence that the government will not be destabilized by current political problems. He added that Prime Minister Thaksin is still able to lead the administration.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

Govt spokesman hopes the people will carry out protests in a peaceful manner.

Government spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงษ์ลี) commented on the rally that it is the people’s rights under the Constitution, but requested that the protest is carried out in a peaceful manner.

Mr. Surapong said that the leaders of the rally must be able to take care of and control protesters, adding that measures must be prepared to prevent the situation from escalating, as witnessed in Black May incident in 1992. He said that the government will reiterate to officials to monitor safety. As for Major-general Chamlong Srimuang’s (จำลอง ศรีเมือง) participation in the rally, he said that it will not pressure the government to dissolve parliament.

As for cabinet reshuffle, the government spokesperson said that it is necessary to find replacements for the vacancies, adding that it is up to the premier to decide on the candidates. As for Major-general Chamlong’s remarks about the government’s behaviors, Mr. Surapong said that the information is inaccurate, especially on the government’s intention to amend Telecommunications laws to allow foreigners to hold shares in Thai firms.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2006

[sriracha john]

Interior Minister believed that the number of protestors this Sunday will reduce.

Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) expressed belief that the number of protestors planning to attend Sunday rally will reduce, adding that his evaluation of the situation is not to insult protestors.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2006

Easy to say when you know the government's estimates will always be ridiculously lower.

Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department:

A small family gathered at the Royal Plaza on Feb. 7th to show their support of their son's recent graduation from Rajabhat Institute. They had a pleasant, but short, picnic on the grounds and then quietly returned home after 20 minutes.

[sriracha john]

Interior Minister confident the government is still stable, but that it didn't necessarily include mental stability.

Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) expressed confidence that current political situation will not destabilize the government.

Air Chief Marshall Kongsak said that the anti-government sentiment has not affected the government’s policy implementation, as the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat maintains its popularity among the international community, particularly with the leaders of Burma and Zimbabwe. He said that when compared to the past, the government is able to carry out its work effectively. He suspected that anti-government remarks may have come from those who have high expectations of the government, such as honesty, decency, and accountability.

However, he expressed confidence that the government will not be destabilized by current political problems. He added that Prime Minister Thaksin is still able to lead the administration with an iron fist.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

Pol. Gen. Chitchai confident demonstration on Saturday would not escalate into Black May despite presence of Maj. Gen. Chamlong

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) is confident the demonstration on February 26th will not spawn violent incidents like those in the Black May event.

Police General Chitchai Wannasathit said that most Thais were capable of judgement and had enough conscience. As for the case where many parties fear that the rally on Saturday will intensify after Major General Chamlong Srimuang (จำลอง ศรีเมือง), the former head of the Phalang Dharma Party, indicated he will be joining the demonstration, Pol. Gen. Chitchai said that if everyone adhere to the conciliation policy of His Majesty the King then no problem would occur.

There has not yet been an evaluation of how many people would turn up at the demonstration, but Pol. Gen. Chitchai said that the government would obviously oversee orderliness and thus the demonstrators are asked to gather peacefully and within the legal framework.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

Dr. Surapong is concerned over the rally planned on the 26th of Feb

Government Spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี) has asked the rally heads who will gather on February 26th to create unity, as he is concerned that the situation may get out of hand, similarly to the protest on May 1992.

Following the report on Maj. Gen. Chamlong Srimuang’s (จำลอง ศรีเมือง) interest in joining the demonstration on February 26th, Dr. Surapong said the government has requested all parties to stage their protests peacefully, as many people are apprehended that the situation may aggravate. He stated that the police officials have been reiterated to provide security and to be patient when dealing with such situation.

However, he said the leaders of the movement should consider the safety of people who would be joining the rally. He is worried that the incident might escalate as the Black May event.

In regards to the movement of Maj. Gen. Chamlong which could cause changes to the political system, the Government Spokesperson said no changes would take place if the protest aims at expressing opinions only.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2006

[sriracha john]

Pol. Gen. Chitchai confident demonstration on Saturday would not escalate into Black May despite presence of Maj. Gen. Chamlong

Dr. Surapong is concerned over the rally planned on the 26th of Feb

which one is the government's position???

[Jai Dee]

Dr. Prommin says returning power to the people is not a way to solve the current political situation

The Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej (พรหมมินทร์ เลิศสุริย์เดช), stated that there are many ways to solve the current political situation and returning power to the people is one of the ways for solving the issues.

Dr. Prommin commented on the decision of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to dissolve the parliament rather than resigning, in order to solve the ongoing political problems. He said there are many ways to solve the problems in the Democratic system and returning authority to the people is one way to solve them. However, he said such decision is not suitable to use at the moment.

As for the opening of special parliament session for general debate without resolution, Dr. Prommin said it is an opportunity for the government to compile all the information and evidences for answering the public inquiries.

Dr. Prommin added that it is deemed normal to hold the parliament session without resolution since it has been applied to many cases before such as the unrest situation in the Deep South and other major problems.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

Chamlong to join Feb 26 rally to oust the premier

Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang announced his anti-Thaksin stance yesterday at the October 14 Memorial.

Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang stepped out of the political sidelines and into the limelight yesterday when he officially announced his intention to join the mass rally in Sanam Luang on February 26 and asked Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to resign.

The man who led the nation in bringing down the country’s last military tyrant during the May 1992 popular uprising, Chamlong will return to the streets once more, but this time to bring down the man he personally propelled to political prominence.

The involvement of the former Palang Dharma party leader will greatly strengthen the rally, spearheaded by the People’s Alliance for Democracy, a coalition of academics, pro-democracy activists and numerous civic groups who joined forces to oust Thaksin, whom they label morally illegitimate.

Last month, Chamlong successfully blocked Beer Chang’s listing on the Stock Exchange after asserting great pressure through the alliance of religious lobby groups he leads.

Chamlong, a former politician cum Buddhist activist, said that the mobilization of hundreds of thousands of people will successfully unseat the prime minister.

“Thaksin changed the telecommunication laws to raise foreign ownership to 49 percent from the previous 25 percent and his family sold their entire holdings in Shin Corp two days after the law was enforced,” Chamlong said. “The prime minister intentionally changed the law for the sale.”

Although he earlier asked Thaksin to donate a third of his fortune to charity, Chamlong stated that he now had to look beyond his personal relationship with Thaksin for the sake of society at large.

He acknowledged that Thaksin lost all legitimacy to govern when he manipulated the law solely for his benefit, allowing his family to gain more than 73 billion tax-free baht from the sale of national assets. According to Chamlong, the Shin deal has stirred up anger among the people and made academics join hands for the first time in history to call for a prime minister’s removal from office.

He added that the situation was further inflamed when a pro-government television and radio host, who has been a mouthpiece of the prime minister, verbally attacked the president of the Privy Council, Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, a man greatly respected by the armed forces and the people.

“The attack was meant to protect the prime minister,” he said, “and the public suspects that the host and the government were in on it together.”

“I have spoken with several soldiers and they have voiced their irritation severely.”

Chamlong also identified serious rifts within society regarding Thaksin’s status. He said he feels that rift personally because he is the person who introduced Thaksin to politics and also used to served as Prem’s personal aide. Furthermore, his military comrades have asked him to do more to resolve the situation.

“That is why I have decided to ask the prime minister to resign to allow the return of national unity.”

Quelling fears that his involvement may spell a repeat of the bloodshed of May 1992, Chamlong guaranteed that violence will not occur.

“I am a former soldier and know many people from different walks of life,” he said, “although I cannot go into details, I assure you there won’t be violence during the rally.”

Chamlong also insisted that Thaksin can no longer hide behind the claim that he is supported by 19 million “I am one of the 19 million,” Chamlong said, “the mandate is not permanent and can change when justice is not being served.”

“Democracy does not exist only on election day,” Chamlong added, “…the people remain the owner of it.”

Chamlong stated that the circumstances of the February 26 rally must be taken into account because people will be there in all sincerity.

“University professors are permanent civil servants and they have come out without fear for the future of their careers.”

When asked what he would do if the prime minister refused to resign even if hundreds of thousands of people turned up, Chamlong said that Thaksin will have no choice.

“The prime minister has passed through military training and knows the four codes of country, pride, discipline and bravery well,” Chamlong said, “he has no choice but be brave and resign now.”

“When hundreds of thousands of people come together, the prime minister will resign.”

However, Chamlong will not meet Thaksin before the rally to ask him to resign personally.

“He can read what I have said through the newspapers or someone can read it aloud to him.”

Source: ThaiDay - 20 February 2006

[marquess]

I don't see how Thaksin selling his own company, can be tantamount to selling "National Assets," unless the Gen is implying that Thaksin got them on the cheap, through possible underhanded dealing? The real moral point here, is a democratically elected leader of a country making a huge profit on assets he has sold and paying no tax and expecting every else to pay tax on their meagre earnings. That in it's self is enough to make him unfit for office.

[bulmercke]

Dr. Prommin says returning power to the people is not a way to solve the current political situation

The Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, stated that there are many ways to solve the current political situation and returning power to the people is one of the ways for solving the issues.

Dr. Prommin commented on the decision of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to dissolve the parliament rather than resigning, in order to solve the ongoing political problems. He said there are many ways to solve the problems in the Democratic system and returning authority to the people is one way to solve them. However, he said such decision is not suitable to use at the moment.

As for the opening of special parliament session for general debate without resolution, Dr. Prommin said it is an opportunity for the government to compile all the information and evidences for answering the public inquiries.

Dr. Prommin added that it is deemed normal to hold the parliament session without resolution since it has been applied to many cases before such as the unrest situation in the Deep South and other major problems.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2006

Dr Prommin Lertsuridej: "As for the opening of special parliament session for general debate without resolution, Dr. Prommin said it is an opportunity for the government to compile all the information and evidences for answering the public inquiries. "

Again this reinforces the belief that the government and Thaksin haven't really got a clue at this moment in time on how to deal with this political crisis.

Their responses to Sondhi's weekly attacks, gatherings in Lumpini Park and the Royal Plaza, the formation of The Alliance For Democracy, the public entry of Chamlong into the fray have certainly had the powers to be on the back foot now for months - and credit to the anti-Thaksin brigade.

Whatever may happen in the future, they can, without doubt, be praised for getting this far: Thaksin seriously considering a dissolution of the House, an open all house (House of Represenatives and The Senate) debate on the current crisis and Thaksin seriously talking about constitutional ammendments etc. etc. (And most certainly a vast payment from his fortune into the national coffers or some other benevolent donation which he hpoes might restore some of his savaged reputation.)

Not long ago, ordinary people considered the government and Thai Rak Thai to be all-powerful and impregnable, but now, not so now. Their pathetic and limp responses have been nothing more than knee jerk reactions to every action and proclaimation by the anti-Thaksin lot - even when it came to deciding about minor issues; such as the confusion that arose within the pro-Thaksin camp about whether The Royal plaza could be used or not! Often they themselves were at odds with each other on what best to do!

Thaksin's in serious trouble now - only a bold and adventurous initiative on his behalf might "possibly" save him now. However, highly unlikely.

But then again, he must surely realise that his opponents will not give up their struggle and opposition until he is finally removed from public office for good; whether he calls a snap election or not!

Either way....he's lost!

Thaksin....awk bei!

Thaksin...awk bei!

Thaksin...awk bei!

[bulmercke]

The revolution may not be televised

By Phoojadkarn Daily 20 February 2006 14:19

Pro-democracy activist and chairman of the Campaign for Popular Democracy, Pipob Thongchai, believes the rallies are changing people’s minds.

For the disparate groups uniting under the People’s Alliance for Democracy, there may be a long road ahead. How will they get their message across?

Nobody knows how many people will gather for this Sunday’s rally, though attendance is expected to reach beyond 100,000. And now the rally has been given a boost with the entry of Chamlong Srimuang, who announced yesterday that he would participate. Still, the backbone of the rally will be formed by a new consortium known as the People’s Alliance for Democracy – the largest popular entity to be initiated in a decade. Who is behind this alliance and how, besides holding rallies, will they try to achieve their mission of ousting Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra?

Many old and new faces emerged to form this alliance. They include farmers, teachers, state enterprise officials, senators, academics, students and businessmen. Many come as individuals, while others represent organizations or networks such as the Campaign for Popular Democracy, the Campaign for Popular Media Reform, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)’s labor union, the anti-privatization network, the Network of Artists for Democracy, the Assembly of the Poor and the Student Federation of Thailand.

The emergence of the alliance, which has taken the torch from government critic and media firebrand Sondhi Limthongkul, was not sudden. According to one of its leaders, Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Democracy, discussions about setting up the People’s Alliance had been taking place for some time.

“Earlier, we had regular closed-door meetings between alliance groups and Sondhi about the political situation. At first we didn’t want to fully join Sondhi as we wanted him to wrap up his mission first and then we could launch officially,” says Suriyasai.

The alliance has one clear short-term goal: to oust Thaksin – a mission that they say needs to be accomplished before achieving their ultimate objective of political reform. Even though the rallies have yet to precipitate such change, they hope that they will at least pressure Thaksin to step down.

“Our ultimate goal is political reform as the system is problematic. But it can never happen if Thaksin is still in power. So our task now is to make him resign,” says Suwit Watnoo, president of the Assembly of the Poor.

Chairman of the Business Network for Society and the Environment, Prida Tiasuwan, said many businessmen are unhappy with the tax-free sale of Shin Corp shares, and while they believe foreign investment is good for the Thai economy, foreign ownership should be selective and non-threatening to the country’s security.

“Think about it, Revenue Department officials are chasing tax evaders. But when it comes to the country’s biggest share sale, not a single baht goes back to society. We cannot stand that,” says Prida, who is also the chairman of Pranda Jewelry Plc.

The anti-Thaksin feeling has also spread among students whose movements have been inactive for a decade. While many people feel today’s youth, who have been raised in an era of consumerism, care nothing for politics, a stance against the prime minister has somehow been revived in student movements nationwide. Nearly 20,000 signatures were collected by the Thammasat University Student Union in a bid to impeach the prime minister while anti-Thaksin activism has been set in motion in many universities around the country.

“Our demand is to oust Thaksin. He lacks leadership qualities and requirements,” says Kochawan Chaibut, secretary of the Student Federation of Thailand.

According to Kochawan, whose family members were students during the October 1973 uprising, only political reform will save the country from Thaksin’s system which, she says, has created a wider gap between rich and poor and which also controls political scrutiny.

Although the unity of different public groups is seen as a unique phenomenon in Thai politics, the alliance believes it has a long road to reaching its goal. The challenging task will require many meetings and discussions to set up common strategies where information is regarded as the most important tool in galvanizing the public.

“We will meet to set up strategies to mobilize the masses. We need to provide information to every province to point out how bad the Thaksin system is. We need to raise as much awareness as we can to expand our alliance,” says Suriyasai.

Suriyasai said several stages will be set up in Bangkok and the provinces for speeches and discussions to disseminate information and fuel public action. Meanwhile, more demonstrators from different groups will march to Bangkok to join the February 26 rally.

Kochawan believes the effective way to inspire students is to provide accurate information by setting up stages at different universities to talk about the political conditions.

“Students are not easily misguided, so don’t worry about us being used. However, it takes clear and correct information to mobilize students,” says Kochawan.

While information is crucial to the alliance’s success, the group is worried the government will release biased reports into mainstream media channels such as television, which the alliance fears could inhibit people’s access to other information.

Press freedom activist Supinya Klangnarong still faces a 400-million-baht suit.

“In my experience with the poor, people in rural areas don’t get the same information as people in Bangkok. For example, to rural people who only watched the February 4 rally on television, it seemed like a small matter. This is a big problem,” says Suwit.

Supinya Klangnarong, secretary general of the Campaign for Popular Media Reform, who is facing a 400-million-baht libel suit filed by Shin Crop, says the problem is hard to solve as the media is controlled either by business empires close to the government or by the administration itself. Supinya believes the only hope lies in the people who are expected to speak out when they feel their right to accurate information has been violated.

“Currently the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association is setting up a group to watch the media. However, it isn’t easy for us to call for media ethics among reporters as they are dominated by business and government. Our demand for reform hasn’t worked and we really don’t know what to do. I guess we can now only promote awareness among the general public of their right to correct information,” says Supinya.

Whether they achieve the mission of ousting Thaksin or not, alliance leaders believe the unity between the different groups that they have established is already a positive sign of the Thai political conscience.

“I think popular power has lifted up political morality. It’s clear that the anti-Thaksin sentiment is not about whether or not he paid tax on the Shin Crop share sale. It is about political morality; a prime minister shouldn’t have [conflicts of interest],” says Pipob Thongchai, a pro-democracy activist and the chairman of the Campaign for Popular Democracy.

Pipob says the solidarity of people in the two previous rallies has changed perceptions of Thai society. To the West, Thailand is often regarded an underdeveloped society that pays little attention to political ethics.

“It turns out that the taxation issue in the Shin Corp sale has created anti-Thaksin attitudes in society. So it shows that political morality actually does exist here and people really do pay attention to it,” he says.

One of the October 1973 student activists, Nopporn Suwanpanich, agrees that, by bringing different groups of Thai citizens together, the alliance is a good omen for Thai politics, even if their struggle does have a long way to go.

“At least the anti-Thaksin campaign has alerted the public to politics. I think this fight could change the whole social system, especially regarding responsibility and political morality,” says Nopporn.

“The more rallies that take place in the future, the wider the chain reaction that will spread to the people. It will make people power stronger in terms of political awareness and participation,” he says.

[sriracha john]

35,000 workers to join Feb 26 rally

A labour umbrella group declared on Monday that its some 35,000 members will join the anti-Thaksin rally at Sanam Luang on Sunday.

Sirichai Maingam, secretary-general of the Confederation for State Enterprise Relation, said 30,000 members of 42 groups under the confederation and 5,000 more non-state enterprise workers had agreed to join the rally.

He said the workers wanted Thaksin to either resign or dissolve the House of Representatives as his government had caused of lot of damages to the country.