Day Of Protests In Bangkok

[webfact]

Day of protests

The Nation

Bangkok Bank employees, many of them wearing black, protest at the bank

Bangkok sees demonstrations outside college, court; walk by some 1,100 monks adds to city's traffic woes

BANGKOK: -- It was a day of protests in Bangkok yesterday, when three groups of people held separate demonstrations to air their grievances and make their demands.

At Assumption College in Bang Rak district, hundreds of current and former students as well as parents and teachers staged a protest against school director Anant Prichavudhi, for what they described as his poor management. The protesters demanded that the director be removed.

More than 500 employees of Bangkok Bank gathered in front of its headquarters on Silom Road to demand increases in bonus and other incentives.

And at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, about 20 people demonstrated against the Penal Code's Article 112 lese majeste law and burned a copy of the code in protest against the 10-year jail term given to Somyos Prueksakasemsuk, former editor of the now-defunct Voice of Taksin magazine.

Meanwhile, more than 1,100 Buddhist monks from Dhammakaya Temple added to the confusion in the city yesterday, when they walked past several locations in Bangkok, including Rajdamnoen, Royal Plaza, and Victory Monument, as part of their thudong long walk covering 446 kilometres across seven provinces.

The monks had begun their walk on January 2, having passed through Pathum Thani, where the temple is located, Nonthaburi, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon, before arriving in Bangkok, where they spent the night at Surasak Montri School.

Followers of the temple gathered along the route, scattering flowers on the monks' path.

The walk was blamed for traffic congestion in the city yesterday in the areas through which the monks passed, during and after the walk. The protesters at Assumption College were unhappy with the school director's plan to merge its primary and secondary sections and his expensive project to set up a new campus.

They became angry yesterday when the director ordered immediate suspension of classes for a week. His order cited possible threat to students' safety, saying that "ill-intentioned people" were preparing to cause havoc in the school's compound. The protesters said his move was in response to their plan to rally and demand a discussion with him.

More than 500 Bangkok Bank employees, after an earlier gathering on Tuesday, regrouped yesterday in front of the bank's headquarters on Silom Road, demanding an increase in bonus from three months' salary to four months. Dressed in black, they were joined by representatives of labour unions from Thai Airways International, Siam Commercial Bank and the Thai Labour Solidarity Group.

In 1996, the bank paid a bonus of five to six months' salary after earnings of Bt20.7 billion. In 2012, it posted Bt33 billion earnings.

They also demanded resumption of retirement incentives worth Bt450,000, a 6-per-cent pay increase and the resumption of a 7-per-cent contribution to the Social Security Fund.

They walked around the bank at 12.45pm and dispersed at 1pm. They vowed to report to work dressed in black every day until their demands were met. The next protest is scheduled for Tuesday and they are also preparing to launch daily evening protests.

"Management is discussing the situation," said Bangkok Bank executive vice president Chaiyarit Anuchitworawong. "All demands can be resolved through negotiations. The bank has taken good care of employees: For example, assistance measures were offered when floods hit Bangkok, without any request" to do so.

Meanwhile, the protesters against Article 112 rallied in front of the Criminal Court at 11.30am. The protest was held for two days after the Criminal Court sentenced Somyos, who is also a key red-shirt member, to 10 years in jail after the magazine published two articles ruled to be in violation of Article 112 of the Penal Code.

The protesters held placards with messages such as "We can't talk, we must be mute."

The protesters read a statement that said they came from various walks of life and they disagreed with the use of Article 112 as a dictatorial tool.

The statement said the group could no longer tolerate the injustice that they alleged been happening repeatedly because of the enforcement of Article 112.

The group cited the case of Daranee Charnchoengsilapakul, who has been given a jail sentence, as an example of injustice under Article 112 enforcement. The statement said it was unconstitutional for the court to try Daranee in camera.

The statement said it was unfair for the court to put the burden of proving innocence on Somyos instead of proving whether he had any intention to insult the King.

The protest continued for about an hour under the watch of police from Phaholyothin Police Station and security officers of the Criminal Court. Criminal Court Chief Justice Thawee Prachuablarb said the court would not take any legal action against the group because it had simply expressed its disagreement with the judicial process through a symbolic protest.

Thawee said he believed the majority of the people, who are neutral, would understand the Somyos case. Thawee said he feared that certain groups of people would use the case to incite public sentiment and would drag the European Union into interfering in the case to create credibility for their side. "But I believe the issue will not escalate out of control because our judicial system has clear rules and is transparent," the chief justice said.

-- The Nation 2013-01-26

[Bluespunk]

A 15 minute walk around the bank is hardly a demo. Lunch break stroll maybe but even then a weak one. Come on boys and girls, make an effort.

Edited January 26, 2013 by Bluespunk

[tominbkk]

Was the monk walk the thing that left me waiting in traffic two hours yesterday on Ramindra road?

[Bluespunk]

Was the monk walk the thing that left me waiting in traffic two hours yesterday on Ramindra road?

probably, similar thing caused chaos last year. Said they wouldn't do it again at the time I think.

[Bluespunk]

1. Thawee said he believed the majority of the people, who are neutral, would understand the Somyos case. Thawee said he feared that certain groups of people would use the case to incite public sentiment and would drag the European Union into interfering in the case to create credibility for their side. "But I believe the issue will not escalate out of control because our judicial system has clear rules and is transparent," the chief justice said.
   

Why would the EU get involved?

Edited January 26, 2013 by Bluespunk

[thequietman]

Still, it is good to see the Thai people starting to say 'no'.

I think it is a positive step that they are standing up to 'the man.'

long may it continue.

[whybother]

Still, it is good to see the Thai people starting to say 'no'.

I think it is a positive step that they are standing up to 'the man.'

long may it continue.

I'm not sure which "man" you mean, but one particular man said that the didn't agree with this law. So, I'm not sure if they standing up to "the man" or standing up to the people who like to use this law for other reasons.

[davejones]

Still, it is good to see the Thai people starting to say 'no'.

I think it is a positive step that they are standing up to 'the man.'

long may it continue.

Don't now why some people think Thai people don't like to say no. Whenever they have a government they don't like, they are out protesting. In USA and UK, the people just vote for the same people that stole all their money. Maybe too stupid to realize they are being fleeced.

[ramrod711]

And at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, about 20 people demonstrated against the Penal Code's Article 112 lese majeste law and burned a copy of the code in protest against the 10-year jail term given to Somyos Prueksakasemsuk, former editor of the now-defunct Voice of Taksin magazine.

I'm no fan of red shirts, but this is a ridiculous law. whybother is absolutely correct regarding the law being used for "other" reasons.

[BuddyPinkham]

1. Thawee said he believed the majority of the people, who are neutral, would understand the Somyos case. Thawee said he feared that certain groups of people would use the case to incite public sentiment and would drag the European Union into interfering in the case to create credibility for their side. "But I believe the issue will not escalate out of control because our judicial system has clear rules and is transparent," the chief justice said.
   

Why would the EU get involved?

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

[BrianCR]

1. Thawee said he believed the majority of the people, who are neutral, would understand the Somyos case. Thawee said he feared that certain groups of people would use the case to incite public sentiment and would drag the European Union into interfering in the case to create credibility for their side. "But I believe the issue will not escalate out of control because our judicial system has clear rules and is transparent," the chief justice said.
   

Why would the EU get involved?

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

Because the EU likes to poke it's nose into other Countries affairs and criticize what they consider to be wrong whist at the same time being unable to control its own affairs

[yoshiwara]

Still, it is good to see the Thai people starting to say 'no'.

I think it is a positive step that they are standing up to 'the man.'

long may it continue.

I'm not sure which "man" you mean, but one particular man said that the didn't agree with this law. So, I'm not sure if they standing up to "the man" or standing up to the people who like to use this law for other reasons.

Maybe Lou Reed is in town giving a show?

[Pimay1]

1. Thawee said he believed the majority of the people, who are neutral, would understand the Somyos case. Thawee said he feared that certain groups of people would use the case to incite public sentiment and would drag the European Union into interfering in the case to create credibility for their side. "But I believe the issue will not escalate out of control because our judicial system has clear rules and is transparent," the chief justice said.
   

Why would the EU get involved?

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

Because the EU likes to poke it's nose into other Countries affairs and criticize what they consider to be wrong whist at the same time being unable to control its own affairs

Not unlike my home country.

[Bluespunk]

1. Thawee said he believed the majority of the people, who are neutral, would understand the Somyos case. Thawee said he feared that certain groups of people would use the case to incite public sentiment and would drag the European Union into interfering in the case to create credibility for their side. "But I believe the issue will not escalate out of control because our judicial system has clear rules and is transparent," the chief justice said.
   

Why would the EU get involved?

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

Because the EU likes to poke it's nose into other Countries affairs and criticize what they consider to be wrong whist at the same time being unable to control its own affairs

possibly, but to be honest in this case i don't think they give a toss. too busy dealing with wee davie cameron throwing his toys out of the pram to worry about this red.

[Robby nz]

Whether you like it or not it is the law of the country and I'm sure a newspaper editor would know what the law is and what he can and cant print under that law.

So if he has broken the law, and for sure he knew breaking it would get him harsh treatment so be it.

Pity all laws cant be enforced with the same fervour, like no bail for murderers or pollys for that matter.

[Pomthai]

What is it with bonus's here? They should be rewarded for performance and are nearly always discretionary. However here they are expected, now it seems even demanded.

Salary can be demanded if not paid. Contractual leave and time off can and should be expected and demanded if not given.

"Bonus's" are a gratuity and rewarded for performance. Of course they are hoped for and looked forward to but they should also be worked for. If and when received the recipient should be grateful. Majority of companies have no obligation to pay one baht more than whats written on the employees contract and what is stipulated under Thai labor law.

When I hear of people protesting about wanting 4 instead of 3 months I immediately think spoiled ungrateful brats. Employee conduct needs to be reciprocal i.e. work equals reward and this unfounded sense of entitlement ought to be replaced with a good work ethic and gratitude.

If for example you worked for me and spent your typical day arriving late and leaving as early as you could get away with whilst generally doing the absolute minimum required to remain employed - don't expect a bonus because you probably don't deserve and won't get one. If you are given a bonus, be bloody grateful, perhaps even say thank you. If you demonstrate that you are willing to at least try and contribute to the business and improve both it and yourself I'll happily give you a bonus. If you excel I give you an even bigger one.

[OzMick]

A whole 20 people turn out to protest the LM law being applied to a magazine editor who printed an article from a fugitive terrorist which was clearly anti-monarchy.

It will be a bitter and oft-repeated lesson for the red sheeple and their mercenary leaders that Thaksin may have got away with flaunting laws but they have no such privilege. Perhaps they thought getting his puppet elected would save them - bad mistake. Som nom naa.

[Bagwan]

1. Thawee said he believed the majority of the people, who are neutral, would understand the Somyos case. Thawee said he feared that certain groups of people would use the case to incite public sentiment and would drag the European Union into interfering in the case to create credibility for their side. "But I believe the issue will not escalate out of control because our judicial system has clear rules and is transparent," the chief justice said.
   

Why would the EU get involved?

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

Because the EU likes to poke it's nose into other Countries affairs and criticize what they consider to be wrong whist at the same time being unable to control its own affairs

Rather like the US don't you think?

[canopus1969]

In 1996, the bank paid a bonus of five to six months' salary

What a stupid bank

[Hugo6]

1. Thawee said he believed the majority of the people, who are neutral, would understand the Somyos case. Thawee said he feared that certain groups of people would use the case to incite public sentiment and would drag the European Union into interfering in the case to create credibility for their side. "But I believe the issue will not escalate out of control because our judicial system has clear rules and is transparent," the chief justice said.
   

Why would the EU get involved?

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

Because the EU likes to poke it's nose into other Countries affairs and criticize what they consider to be wrong whist at the same time being unable to control its own affairs

or maybe cuz they believe in basic human rights

[quandow]

Still, it is good to see the Thai people starting to say 'no'.

I think it is a positive step that they are standing up to 'the man.'

long may it continue.

Don't now why some people think Thai people don't like to say no. Whenever they have a government they don't like, they are out protesting. In USA and UK, the people just vote for the same people that stole all their money. Maybe too stupid to realize they are being fleeced.

Not too stupid, rather placated by the lesser evil. For example, Washington State Congressman Norm Dicks has been in office for decades. He is as crooked as a dog's hind leg and everyone knows it, but he has strong ties with the military, so he ensures that the money keeps pouring into the Puget Sound. Elect someone honest, POSSIBLY lose projects = jobs. It's an openly corrupt system with no apparent solution. Several freshman Senators tried publicly to make positive, transparent changes, and the system is so ingrained that they gave up.

Edited January 26, 2013 by quandow

[RisqEM]

Where are all the smiles???? Are Thai people really this unhappy????

[Locationthailand]

A hint of things to come maybe?

[Theoutsider]

1. Thawee said he believed the majority of the people, who are neutral, would understand the Somyos case. Thawee said he feared that certain groups of people would use the case to incite public sentiment and would drag the European Union into interfering in the case to create credibility for their side. "But I believe the issue will not escalate out of control because our judicial system has clear rules and is transparent," the chief justice said.
   

Why would the EU get involved?

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

Because the EU likes to poke it's nose into other Countries affairs and criticize what they consider to be wrong whist at the same time being unable to control its own affairs

or maybe cuz they believe in basic human rights

What like freedom of speech

Na you don't get that in the UK

[Bluespunk]

loving the guy in the mask

[DocN]

1. Thawee said he believed the majority of the people, who are neutral, would understand the Somyos case. Thawee said he feared that certain groups of people would use the case to incite public sentiment and would drag the European Union into interfering in the case to create credibility for their side. "But I believe the issue will not escalate out of control because our judicial system has clear rules and is transparent," the chief justice said.
   

Why would the EU get involved?

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

Because the EU likes to poke it's nose into other Countries affairs and criticize what they consider to be wrong whist at the same time being unable to control its own affairs

You mean like the 2 clowns, who got an apo;ogy from a dutch company for putting Buddha on portable toilets in Holland??

[remobb]

So they get a bonus for doing their job. Isn't that what a salary is for? Why not give it back to the customers who's money it is anyway? Lower charges or give better interest. Better still give interest to foreigners that deposit money.

[metisdead]

Off topic nonsense posts have been removed.

[Unkomoncents]

1. Thawee said he believed the majority of the people, who are neutral, would understand the Somyos case. Thawee said he feared that certain groups of people would use the case to incite public sentiment and would drag the European Union into interfering in the case to create credibility for their side. "But I believe the issue will not escalate out of control because our judicial system has clear rules and is transparent," the chief justice said.
   

Why would the EU get involved?

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

Because the EU likes to poke it's nose into other Countries affairs and criticize what they consider to be wrong whist at the same time being unable to control its own affairs

Rather like the US don't you think?

Cut from similar cloth. The leste majeste issue is seen as a human rights issue, and human rights are viewed by the West, rightly or wrongly, as fundamentally in the interests of all on earth.

[Hugo6]

So they get a bonus for doing their job. Isn't that what a salary is for? Why not give it back to the customers who's money it is anyway? Lower charges or give better interest. Better still give interest to foreigners that deposit money.

"bonuses" like these are essentially profit sharing and yeah, part of their salary.

and profits and earnings are no longer the customers money - just for the record.