Preparations For Feb. 26th Anti-Government Protest

[penzman]

PM said the current political problems are results of political games

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra revealed that the current political turmoil is a result of political games set up by his opponents.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 Febuary 2006

DENIAL... Is not a river in Egypt.

[Jai Dee]

DPM Wisanu denied that Govt is preparing to draft a decree to dissolve parliament.

Deputy Prime Minister Wisanu Krua-ngarm (วิษณุ เครืองาม) denied that the government is preparing to draft a decree for dissolving the parliament.

Mr. Wisanu denied the reports that the government is preparing a draft on house dissolution, following speculation that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat (ทักษิณ ชินวัตร) may dissolve parliament within a few days. He said that the reports may have been leaked by those close to the premier, but he said that it will be best to ask the cabinet secretary-general Bawornsak U-wanno (บวรศักดิ์ อุวรรณโณ) about the matter.

Deputy Prime Minister Wisanu said that no matter what the Prime Minister’s next move will be, Thai Rak Thai MPs cannot either switch party or set up a new party, due to 90-day party membership requirement.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 Febuary 2006

[tettyan]

An election in the offing?

With the tendancy of the government to say one thing and then do the opposite, I wonder how we should interpret DPM Wisanu`s denail. Perhaps TNNB-PRD should focus more on what these guys do, rather than what they say, like right here...

http://203.154.97.18/breaking/read.php?lang=en&newsid=114711

PM Thaksin requests audience with H.M. the King

February 24, 2006 (Breaking News)

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has asked for a meeting with the king Friday, palace sources said.

The request comes two days before a mass anti- Thaksin rally which government officials believe will be attended by more than 100,000 people and worry could lead to violence.

Thaksin on Thursday met with the king's chief adviser, Prem Tinsulanond, sparking rumors that he has sought advice on the political crisis.

Thaksin declined to tell reporters the details of their meeting, saying only that "parliament is not yet convened, fueling speculation he may yet dissolve parliament, call election; with his popularity firm in rural areas he may come back with new mandate in 3 months.

-The Nation

----------------------------

Here`s a little note from the editor/admin over at 2Bangkok.com

Right here, right now -- What will happen today? - February 24, 2006

Our sources indicate that Thaksin will dissolve the house tonight and call for new elections.

Quick analysis: This would be the type of action to take on a Friday night so markets can recover and assimilate the change over the weekend. This action is the best way out for Thaksin and punishes TRT MPs agitating for his ouster. The gamble is that TRT will not necessarily be in a position to control the inevitable investigations of Thaksin's business dealings and other TRT missteps.

Sources also inform us that TRT power brokers have been negoiating a soft landing for Thaksin to step down and leave TRT in power. However, it is difficult to make a deal with someone who is already a billionaire. If Thaksin were to step down, TRT MPs could stay in control, blame Thaksin for everything, and also guide any future constitutional reform.

Thaksin, not being a political animal, but a business leader not adverse to failure, is more interested in regrouping and staying in charge where he believes he belongs. He will not step into the shadows like a canny career politician, but try to weather the storm like an embattled CEO guiding his company through a sales downturn.

http://www.2bangkok.com/

Edited February 24, 2006 by tettyan

[tettyan]

Thaksin Woos Thai Voters, Sparks Poll Speculation (Update3)

Feb. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra today urged supporters to vote for him, boosting speculation of an early election, amid growing calls for his resignation.

``If you are fed up with me let me know, if you want me to continue working for you, vote for me,'' Thaksin told a cheering crowd at a meeting of agricultural cooperatives in Bangkok. He didn't explain why he'd mentioned a vote.

Calls for Thaksin, 56, to step down intensified after his family last month sold their stake in communications company Shin Corp. to Singapore's Temasek Holdings Pte, netting a tax- free $1.9 billion. The billionaire leader today summoned business and political leaders to a government office, while opponents planned a Sunday protest in Bangkok that they want to be the largest since the then-government was overthrown in 1992.

Today's comment may be the strongest evidence yet that Thaksin is considering a snap election, analysts said. The premier's second term is due to run until 2009.

``Everybody is saying that's what he's going to do,'' said Andrew Stotz, head of research in Thailand at Citigroup Inc. The uncertainty has hit Thai stocks, with the benchmark SET losing 3.3 percent in February, and headed for the biggest monthly drop since October.

Thaksin's criticized over ethical issues, media freedom, education reforms, planned sales of shares in public utilities, and Muslim unrest in the south. An alliance of anti-Thaksin groups have called on the premier to dissolve parliament and call an early election if he won't resign.

`Formidable Force'

One of the draw cards on Sunday for a protest intended to attract 200,000 people will be Chamlong Srimuang, a former governor of Bangkok and deputy prime minister. He's most famous for the bloody Black May uprising of 1992 that toppled military ruler General Suchinda Kraprayoon after soldiers shot at least 43 protesters.

The 71-year-old religious activist -- the man who introduced Thaksin to politics, inviting him to become foreign minister in 1994 -- this week joined calls for his protégé's resignation. Thaksin lost legitimacy and breached the code of honor of his former military cadet unit with the Shin Corp. sale, Chamlong told Thai media.

Chamlong and his devout supporters -- thousands of Buddhists associated with Santi Asoke temple in Bangkok -- are ``a formidable force'', Bangkok-based Phatra Securities Pcl said in a note to investors dated Feb. 20. That view may be shared by his opponents -- the temple reported a bomb explosion on Feb. 22, prompting speculation of a link.

Share Sale Scuppered

In campaigns over the past two years, Chamlong helped scupper state plans to buy a soccer team and stalled the sale by Thailand's richest man, Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, of shares in Thai Beverage Pcl, the country's biggest brewer.

The share sale was postponed indefinitely after Chamlong said it violated Buddhist principles relating to alcohol -- and saffron-robed monks joined a protest march to the stock exchange. He fought Thaksin's headline-stealing plan in 2004 to sell lottery tickets to finance the purchase of 30 percent of Liverpool Football Club.

``Chamlong and his supporters coming out to threaten the government and to say they won't stop protesting until Thaksin quits does not look good,'' Teera Phutrakul, executive chairman of Finansa Asset Management Ltd., a Bangkok-based fund manager, said on Wednesday. Teera said the development ``raises the question of whether we could see a repeat of Black May.''

``If I was the prime minister, I would quit and call elections,'' he said, adding Thaksin could prove his popularity.

Thaksin's `Iron Hand'

A protest leader saw things differently.

``This prime minister has been a dictator, and ruled with an iron hand, and this sell-out of Shin Corp. is the final nail in the coffin,'' Kotchawan Chaiyabutr, secretary-general of the Student Federation of Thailand, told media in Bangkok yesterday.

Rallies attacking Thaksin have been held downtown in the capital almost weekly since November, initially led by the premier's former friend Sondhi Limthongkul, a media magnate and co-host of a show banned from state television.

As his opponents circle, the premier is seeking advice.

He summoned business leaders -- including Prasarn Trairatvorakul, president of Kasikornbank Pcl, Thailand's third largest lender -- to a meeting today to gauge the economic effects of the unrest. Thaksin sought the counsel of Prem Tinsulanonda, the chief adviser to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, yesterday. The government denied Thai media reports Thaksin was meeting the king today -- a focus because the monarch's approval is needed to dissolve parliament.

Investors Concerned

Investors say they're worried. ``Political concern has clouded the stock and other financial markets,'' Maris Tarab, managing director of ING Mutual Funds Management (Thailand) Co., said yesterday at a seminar in Bangkok on the unrest.

``Investors, especially domestic ones, are worrying about the stability of the government.''

Thaksin is the only Thai premier to have completed a four- year term since the kingdom became a constitutional monarchy in 1932. In February last year, his Thai Rak Thai party won a second term, securing a record 375 seats in the 500-member parliament.

To contact the reporters on this story:

Beth Jinks in Bangkok at [email protected];

Laurent Malespine in Bangkok at [email protected]

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=100...R.XU&refer=asia

[Jai Dee]

Some 30,000 teachers to join Sanam Luang rally despite House dissolution

A teacher leader said some 30,000 teachers would go on rallying at Sanam Luang on Sunday and would campaign for teachers not to vote for Thai Rak Thai Party.

Somyong Kaewsuphan said some teachers had arrived Bangkok for joining the anti-Thaksin rally.

He said teachers would still join the rally although Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced House dissolution on Friday.

Somyong said teachers would not vote for the Thai Rak Thai because the party supported the transfer of schools to be under supervision of local administrative organisations.

Spirce: The Nation - Feb 24 , 2006

[Jai Dee]

Santi Asoke followers to go on rallying at Sanam Luang

Phra Photirak, the founder of Santi Asoke Buddhist sect, said Friday night that his followers would still rally at Sanam Luang against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra despite the House dissolution.

Photirak said the House dissolution was not the solution for most people and he expected that the same government would be installed after the election so the Santi Asoke members would still join the rally.

Photirak said some followers called him to find out if the rally would still be held so he assured them that the rally would go on.

"And the rally may not end in one day. How long the rally will continue, I can't predict," Photirak said.

Source: The Nation - 25 Feb 2006

[Mobi]

Violence feared at Sanam Luang rally

(TNA) - Security officers met today to discuss concerns and review preparations for maintaining peace and order in situations of possible violence during a major rally Sunday aimed at ousting caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra due to be held at Bangkok's Sanam Luang, said caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Pol Gen Chitchai Vanasatidya.

Pol Gen Chitchai, also caretaker justice minister, said the concerned security officers held the meeting after senior members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) pledged earlier on the day that their plan to demonstrate would be carried out even though Mr. Thaksin dissolved the House of Representatives Friday and called for a snap election for April 2.

During a press conference here Saturday morning, PAD senior members demanded that Mr. Thaksin leave political arena immediately and charged that he lacked legitimacy to rule.

Police have been instructed to provide the utmost security to persons attending the Sunday's rally, while protesting leaders must also see that members of their groups keep order to prevent violence from occurring, said Pol. Gen. Chitchai, adding that he had received intelligence reports that third parties would mix in with demonstrators and plan to create trouble.

When asked about a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office saying that a third party would try to create trouble, aiming to topple the caretaker government and whether there is any chance to punish such instigators, Pol. Gen. Chitchai said they would definitely be taken legal action if arrested, but added that no one had been arrested so far.

He said he was optimistic that the number of people attending the Sunday's rally, the third of its kind in one month, would be less than those held earlier this month because people now understood that they have to cast their votes on April 2.

The House dissolution is a way out under the constitution which many people have asked for earlier, Gen. Chidchai said, and now they are demanding something else when they are not satisfied.

BANGKOK POST (Breaking News)

[bulmercke]

The very clever decision by the Democrats, Chart Thai and Mahichon not to field ANY candidates in the up-coming election can only "up" the emphasis on the anti-Thaksin brigade - The people's Alliance For democracy".

Basically, the aforementioned parties have, by their decision not to participate in the next election, rendered it, for all intents and purposes, USELESS......

Even if Thaksin is re-elected, which now is a foregone conclusion, it will not give him proper legitimacy.....and will be more ammunition to ALL who are opposed to his position as prime-minister - including the oppostion parties.

A great move.....but, unfortunately, one that that brings with it the likelihood of violence ever closer!

THE PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS IN THAILAND HAS NOW BEEN RENDERED USELESS AND REDUNDANT.....THIS IS PEOPLE POWER IN ACTION.

Thaksin.....awk pai

Thaksin.....awk pai

Thaksin.....awk pai

Edited February 25, 2006 by bulmercke

[chownah]

Bulmerke,

I think you should change one word....it should read:

THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IN THAILAND HAS NOW BEEN RENDERED USELESS AND REDUNDANT.....

But this would actually be wrong. The democratic process (I hope) will continue. If some people decide to not participate in the democratic process then that's there choice and their right. It looks as if there very well may be an election where Toxin gets an even bigger mandate to run the country. If you want people power then you have to find out what the people want. An open election will tell what the people want. If you think that an informed electorate would make a difference then the best thing is to organize people to go out into the rural villages and start informing the electorate.....but I don't expect any of the people posting here to do that because mostly people here just like to talk...and most of their talk is just complaining. Toxin is not a great leader for Thailand but just complaing about it and pointing it out on the internet to a bunch of people who don't even have the right to vote is not going to help to get someone better in office. All of the posting here on TV means absolutely nothing in terms of contributing to electing a good leader in Thailand. All of the efforts of the anti toxin people here on TV come to nothing in regards to the electoral process. If you want to really change things then go out to the voters and educate them...its the only way to ever have a strong democracy.

[Mobi]

.....

.....Toxin is not a great leader for Thailand but just complaing about it and pointing it out on the internet to a bunch of people who don't even have the right to vote is not going to help to get someone better in office. All of the posting here on TV means absolutely nothing in terms of contributing to electing a good leader in Thailand. All of the efforts of the anti toxin people here on TV come to nothing in regards to the electoral process. If you want to really change things then go out to the voters and educate them...its the only way to ever have a strong democracy.

So lets shut down all the forums and keep our big mouths shut

[bulmercke]

CHOWNAH - yes, perhaps, I should have used the word "democratic" instead of "parliamentary", but I think you get my drift.

And also you said: "All of the posting here on TV means absolutely nothing in terms of contributing to electing a good leader in Thailand."

Sorry, but I disagree with you. Like a lot of other internet discussion forums (English and Thai) that are based here in Thailand, ideas are formulated and discussed that do get expressed on the Letters pages of the english language dailies, that are read by the powers that be. And the views expressed here to get talked about, away from this forum and others.

Don't forget that this whole political crisis has been brought about, in the main, by the combined efforts of a very small minority, largely based here in Bangkok - the educated and disenchanted middle-class and intellectuals, who, albeit, small in number, are in their way, very influential and powerful.

As recent events are a testimony to!

(Now listening to John Lennon's "Revolution". Shame he sang "count me out" instead of "count me in" - something he regretted for the rest of his life.)

[chownah]

Mobi D'Ark, Not necessary to shut down the forum....just realize that complaining isn't going to make any impact.

Chownah

Bulmerke, Of course you disagree with me. You think that you are doing something of crucial social importance by posting here...it is obvious from your evangelical style. I realize that when I post here it is meaningless....don't you agree?

Chownah

[bulmercke]

Mobi D'Ark, Not necessary to shut down the forum....just realize that complaining isn't going to make any impact.

Chownah

Bulmerke, Of course you disagree with me. You think that you are doing something of crucial social importance by posting here...it is obvious from your evangelical style. I realize that when I post here it is meaningless....don't you agree?

Chownah

We beg to differ.....but then....that's are democratic right! (Don't mean to sound patronising)

[asd]

This is the second round of the people's call for political reform that was left unfulfilled by the sacrifice of May 1992

[joe beets]

I realize that when I post here it is meaningless....don't you agree?

Chownah

[sriracha john]

NorthEast groups converge on Bangkok

An estimated 5,000 protestors from the Northeast started heading to Bangkok yesterday morning to join today's rally at Sanam Luang.

The groups are demanding Thaksin Shinawatra resign unconditionally as acting prime minister and let someone accountable spearhead political reform. They also called on the opposition to boycott the snap election scheduled for April 2.

Soontree Hatthee Sengking, of the Network of Khon Kaen People for Democracy, condemned Thaksin's decision to dissolve the House.

She called it Thaksin's second act of tyranny. The snap election was an attempt to protect his personal interests and it gave his Thai Rak Thai Party an edge over other parties, she added.

Thaikorn Pholsuwan, a leader of Thai Isaan for Democracy, said the Network of Khon Kaen People for Democracy would head south from a site on Mitraphap Road.

Demonstrators from other provinces were using different routes to avoid police checkpoints out of fear that officers might try to block them, Thaikorn said.

More than 3,000 protestors were waiting at Lam Takong dam in Nakhon Ratchasima for the others to arrive, said Prakit Roopsoong, another leader of Thai Isaan for Democracy.

- TN

[ColPyat]

A great move.....but, unfortunately, one that that brings with it the likelihood of violence ever closer!

THE PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS IN THAILAND HAS NOW BEEN RENDERED USELESS AND REDUNDANT.....THIS IS PEOPLE POWER IN ACTION.

Thaksin.....awk pai

Thaksin.....awk pai

Thaksin.....awk pai

Can you just step back for a second, please, and consider what you post here.

This is not "people power" - this is a bloody tragedy. The opposition has consistently failed to educate the upcountry voters about Thaksin's dirt. It's their own making, and instead of risking violence by this immature move they should start doing their frigging job and go upcountry.

Violence is NOT acceptable in order to bring Thaksin down. And in this you are right - this move of the opposition parties is increasing the risk of severe violence.

Can you imagine how that sort violence might look like? Have you ever been in riots? Have you ever seen people getting killed by mobs? I have, far too many times - and this is the scariest, most disgusting thing you can possibly imagine. People become animals and do the most horrible things to each other without any compassion for the other's humanity.

[Jai Dee]

Anti-Thaksin coalition insists on Sunday rally

The People's Alliance for Democracy issued a statement on Saturday affirming its plan to hold a massive rally against caretaker Prime Minster Thaksin Shinawatra on Sunday.

The statement says the PAD is against the House dissolution so it calls on the people to join the rally at Sanam Luang at 4 pm on Sunday to pressure for a real political reform.

The PAD says it fears that the caretaker government would use the state mechanism to whitewash Thaksin and reinstall him into power again.

Source: The Nation - February 26, 2006

[Jai Dee]

Chidchai claims third party plans to create violence

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya said on Saturday that a third party group had planned to create disturbance and violence during the anti-Thaksin rally on Sunday.

Chidchai said he received a report from Armed Forces Security Centre; under supreme command that a third party wanted to create disturbance and violence on Sunday.

When asked why the government would not arrest the group first, Chidchai said the government learnt about it through intelligence sources so arrests could not be made now.

Source: The Nation - February 26, 2006

[penzman]

Chidchai claims third party plans to create violence

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya said on Saturday that a third party group had planned to create disturbance and violence during the anti-Thaksin rally on Sunday.

Chidchai said he received a report from Armed Forces Security Centre; under supreme command that a third party wanted to create disturbance and violence on Sunday.

When asked why the government would not arrest the group first, Chidchai said the government learnt about it through intelligence sources so arrests could not be made now.

Source: The Nation - February 26, 2006

Is this an attempt at creating fear with amongst those who wish to attend the rally?

Let's hope today's event proves them wrong, again...

[sriracha john]

Are the "intelligence sources" too stupid?? too untrustworthy?? too unreliable??

even if they can't be arrested, can AT LEAST some intervention be done? Can this "third party" be questioned??

what a load of crap... mai kao jai...

Edited February 26, 2006 by sriracha john

[dan10400]

Chidchai claims third party plans to create violence

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya said on Saturday that a third party group had planned to create disturbance and violence during the anti-Thaksin rally on Sunday.

Chidchai said he received a report from Armed Forces Security Centre; under supreme command that a third party wanted to create disturbance and violence on Sunday.

When asked why the government would not arrest the group first, Chidchai said the government learnt about it through intelligence sources so arrests could not be made now.

Source: The Nation - February 26, 2006

Is this an attempt at creating fear with amongst those who wish to attend the rally?

Let's hope today's event proves them wrong, again...

I tend to agree with you - essentially a ploy to get

people not to attend. what does a "third party" have

to gain? there seems to be two factions here. period.

At the feb. 4th rally, these types of rumors kept us from

going to the Sondhi rally, until after a watching the

internet feeds and feeling comfortable with the

atmosphere. This time, we just plan to go.

[penzman]

Also makes it easier for them to come up with lower than reality crowd attendamce estimates tomorrow.

[haha]

if there is violence, I will get the hel_l out of dodge city.

[p_brownstone]

Does anyone have url's for live Video feeds from Sanam Luang?

Patrick

[h90]

A great move.....but, unfortunately, one that that brings with it the likelihood of violence ever closer!

THE PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS IN THAILAND HAS NOW BEEN RENDERED USELESS AND REDUNDANT.....THIS IS PEOPLE POWER IN ACTION.

Thaksin.....awk pai

Thaksin.....awk pai

Thaksin.....awk pai

Can you just step back for a second, please, and consider what you post here.

This is not "people power" - this is a bloody tragedy. The opposition has consistently failed to educate the upcountry voters about Thaksin's dirt. It's their own making, and instead of risking violence by this immature move they should start doing their frigging job and go upcountry.

Violence is NOT acceptable in order to bring Thaksin down. And in this you are right - this move of the opposition parties is increasing the risk of severe violence.

Can you imagine how that sort violence might look like? Have you ever been in riots? Have you ever seen people getting killed by mobs? I have, far too many times - and this is the scariest, most disgusting thing you can possibly imagine. People become animals and do the most horrible things to each other without any compassion for the other's humanity.

Often it is better to have violence for a very short time, than dictatorship for ages. I don't mean that specific for Thailand, I mean it in generell.

[haha]

A great move.....but, unfortunately, one that that brings with it the likelihood of violence ever closer!

THE PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS IN THAILAND HAS NOW BEEN RENDERED USELESS AND REDUNDANT.....THIS IS PEOPLE POWER IN ACTION.

Thaksin.....awk pai

Thaksin.....awk pai

Thaksin.....awk pai

Can you just step back for a second, please, and consider what you post here.

This is not "people power" - this is a bloody tragedy. The opposition has consistently failed to educate the upcountry voters about Thaksin's dirt. It's their own making, and instead of risking violence by this immature move they should start doing their frigging job and go upcountry.

Violence is NOT acceptable in order to bring Thaksin down. And in this you are right - this move of the opposition parties is increasing the risk of severe violence.

Can you imagine how that sort violence might look like? Have you ever been in riots? Have you ever seen people getting killed by mobs? I have, far too many times - and this is the scariest, most disgusting thing you can possibly imagine. People become animals and do the most horrible things to each other without any compassion for the other's humanity.

Often it is better to have violence for a very short time, than dictatorship for ages. I don't mean that specific for Thailand, I mean it in generell.

thaksin is not a dictator. he was voted into office by the majority vote.

..if anyone is a dictator, it is the minority groups who are causing all the turmoil now. they are trying to force their way against the majority through threat of violence.

thaksin a dictator? you got to be kidding. if he were a dictator, you wouldn't be able to say a word against him. you would be shot on the spot. dictator? ..give me a break.

if you want to know what a dictatorship is like, go to burma, or north korea.

[bulmercke]

A great move.....but, unfortunately, one that that brings with it the likelihood of violence ever closer!

THE PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS IN THAILAND HAS NOW BEEN RENDERED USELESS AND REDUNDANT.....THIS IS PEOPLE POWER IN ACTION.

Thaksin.....awk pai

Thaksin.....awk pai

Thaksin.....awk pai

Can you just step back for a second, please, and consider what you post here.

This is not "people power" - this is a bloody tragedy. The opposition has consistently failed to educate the upcountry voters about Thaksin's dirt. It's their own making, and instead of risking violence by this immature move they should start doing their frigging job and go upcountry.

Violence is NOT acceptable in order to bring Thaksin down. And in this you are right - this move of the opposition parties is increasing the risk of severe violence.

Can you imagine how that sort violence might look like? Have you ever been in riots? Have you ever seen people getting killed by mobs? I have, far too many times - and this is the scariest, most disgusting thing you can possibly imagine. People become animals and do the most horrible things to each other without any compassion for the other's humanity.

Whoa....hold on a minute ColPyat. Whether you agree or not, things are increasingly looking like they're going to be, possibly, decided by the people outside the sphere of the parliamentary process.

Yes, and of course, I absolutely don't condone violence. I was present at the London Poll Tax Riot in March 1990 and saw first hand the gratuitous violence that occurred there - the foreign press at the time even reported a few fatalities at the time, though this information was surpressed by the D-notice board in the UK.

And I have seen the footage from Sanam Luang in 1973 when "ordinary" Thai folk - including women - were dancing around the burning bodies of slain protesters. It appeared very primitive and tribal - and yes, it was Thailand.....not that long ago!

And you are right about the Democrats......without doubt, Thaksin's power base is Isaan, and yes, they should have definitely made in-roads into that area - but Thaksin outmanouvered them mainly with his populist policies (30 baht medical scheme/1 million baht per village scheme etc.) financed with government money coming from the public coffers. Pure bribery - though others will obviously disagree with me on this one.

I think when the Democrats lost their ability to censure Thaksin in parliament......they also lost their 'raison d'etre'........And predicting IMHO more of the same for themselves when re-elected with even fewer MPs this time around, they see no other viable option or alternative for themselves!

Edited February 26, 2006 by bulmercke

[ColPyat]

Whoa....hold on a minute ColPyat. Whether you agree or not, things are increasingly looking like they're going to be, possibly, decided by the people outside the sphere of the parliamentary process.

Thaksin though has a huge, genuine following. Those people believe in him, regradless of what you (and me) believe his true intentions. Do you want that those people will also start deciding outside the parliamentary process?

In a democracy those people have a right to voice their opinion. And as long as speaches and campaigning by the parliamentary opposition are not made illegal, it is highly irresponsible and immature for the parliamentary opposition disregard the parliamentary process and force politics to the street level.

By all means - demonstrating is a constitutional right. But forcing down a violent solution is not. Especially when the pariamentary opposition did not do what would have been their job.

[bulmercke]

Here's the link to the live video feed of the Manager website - and Sanam Luang later.

http://broadcast.manager.co.th/11news1

Lots of pictures from Sanam Luang now coming through on ASTV. Most folk seem to be on the edges sheltering from the sun under tenting. Few folks in the central area at the moment.....but a lot already gathered from what I saw.

ASTV have just done a quick interview with a young western guy sat on Sanam Luang. Thaivisa member?

Edited February 26, 2006 by bulmercke