Pro and Anti-Government Rally Thread

Jai Dee · February 26, 2006

Brief reports with pictures, on Thai TV, show a burnt-out electricity-generation truck, at the rally.

Jai Dee · February 26, 2006

A Public Relations Department Deputy Deputy-General Makes Statement

A deputy Director-General of the Public Relations Department affirms that neither has she ordered the blockage of the broadcast signal of ASTV, nor has she endorsed the censorship on a Manager Group programme.

Mrs. Pattareeya Sumano (ภัทรียา สุมะโน), a deputy Director-General of the Public Relations Department, who is in charge of the national radio and television broadcasting service, stated that the Department did not order the cessation or blockage of the satellite signal of ASTV, a station owned by the Manager media group. The denial came after telephone calls by public viewers alleging that the Public Relations Department had done so.

The reason why ASTV is no longer on air, said Mrs. Pattareeya, was due to the decision of provincial cable providers who do not want to carry the live telecast. Mrs. Pattareeya reiterated that the Public Relations Department has no poliy of blocking media activities.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 Febuary 2006

________________________________________________________________________

Commando police deployed to protect Thaksin

Some 40 commando policemen from the Metropolitan Police Bureau were deployed to keep law and order outside the residence of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Soi Charansanitwongse 69 Sunday morning.

The team of policemen arrived at 8 am to watch over the prime minister.

Source: The Nation - Feb 26 , 2006

________________________________________________________________________

Latest Update:

10:58 pm: Nine senators appear on the stage. They include Kraisak Chonhavan, Maleerat Kaewka, Chirmsak Pinthong, Somboon Thongburan, Nirand Pithakwatchara, Winyu Uralkul, Pichet Pattanachote, and Karun Saingam.

Pichet says over 60 senators were paid by Thaksin to elect members of independent organisations, including the Election Commission, at Thaksin's order.

11:13 pm; An announcer says 2,000 people are watching ASTV's broadcast of the rally at a market. He says many more people in several other countries are also joining the rally through watching of ASTV.

11:16 pm: Wiroj Tangwanit, a former TV host, criticises former student activists from pro-democracy rally in 1973 who are now Cabinet members or working for Thaksin. "They are serving dogs."

11:20 pm: A satirical Chinese opera by former Thammasat students is played.

The crowds roar with laughter when a character, who plays Thaksin role, says he has zombie slaves in the both lower and upper houses.

The play satires against the Constitution Court and says the Thaksin character has taken over all the courts, except the people's court of Judge Pao.

lung · February 26, 2006

SNIPPETS

foreign protester

Englishman puts his two cents in It seems that not all anti-government protesters are Thais.

London native Andy North was seen holding a large anti-Thaksin Shinawatra placard in the middle of Sanam Luang yesterday.

"What happens if we let him stay on?" the placard read. Many of the Thai protesters looked at him with amusement.

"He should have gone - go, went, gone," North said, adding that Thaksin's behaviour would be considered criminal in other countries.

- The Nation.

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zzap · February 26, 2006

Well, Andy North's behaviour may be considered criminal in this country...

Watch for a new thread about the poor guy being detained in tomorrow's news...

camerata · February 26, 2006

200,000 protesters is pretty impressive. I've seen a couple of unpublished photos taken by a reporter at the rally late in the evening that shows a great sea of people. Sanam Luang has an area of about 55,500 sq.m. and you can get 3 people sitting or 4-5 standing per square metre.

bulmercke · February 26, 2006

Have just returned from Sanam Luang. Approximately a third to half it's area occupied by protesters - most of whom seem to be staying the night.

Took a taxi back and noticed near to Sanam Luang, where the road runs past that government/military building with the cannons outside, and meets with Thanon Puhurat (Yoawarat) soldiers in combat fatigue sitting around on the corner holding machine guns and semi-automatic riffles.

Also heard there, from several Thais, that Thaksin has personally threatened to kill Sondhi.

Also noticed a lot of 'quite capable' Thai men sitting around on park benches surrounding the park who appeared to have nothing to do with the protesters - but, all the same, were very vigilant and watchful of all that was happening. (Third party pro-Thaksin supporters - Thai intelligence officers - plain clothes police - who knows)

Also, took taxis both there and back from my house, and out of curiousity mentioned to both drivers where I was intending to go and expressed my dissatisfaction with Thaksin - surprisingly both drivers agreed with my sentiments!

This from Bangkok's taxi drivers who were before, some of his staunchest supporters -

Looks like his popularity is melting away before his eyes!

Orion76 · February 26, 2006

Also, took taxis both there and back from my house, and out of curiousity mentioned to both drivers where I was intending to go and expressed my dissatisfaction with Thaksin - surprisingly both drivers agreed with my sentiments!

I think they would have agreed if you were pro-Thaksin too, disagreeing = no tip

joeywade · February 26, 2006

I went as well and while the park was almost 1/2 full, 200,000 people is a little generous. Of course, I've never been great with guestimating crowds either. I basically went just to take pictures (you can see a few more of them at www.joeywade.com) I was slightly apprehensive about going, but it's historical and a big part of the culture, so I went anyway. To my surprise, I never felt threatened, or that the Thais didn't want me there. One lady even came up to me and started talking about how happy she was I had come...weird.

asd · February 26, 2006

Speak up Thailand !!! Speak up !!!

Jai Dee · February 27, 2006

The rally continues...

Latest Update:

11:20 pm: A satirical Chinese opera by former Thammasat students is played.

The crowds roar with laughter when a character, who plays Thaksin role, says he has zombie slaves in the both lower and upper houses.

The play satires against the Constitution Court and says the Thaksin character has taken over all the courts, except the people's court of Judge Pao.

The plays also satires Thaksin's sale of Shin Corp without having to pay taxes.

At the end, Judge Pao tries to expel "Thaksin" to British Virgin Islands but he refuses. The villain then flees after Judge Pao rules that he must be beheaded.

11:53 pm: Leading members of PAD go up on stage to announce a statement. Pipop Thongchai, a leading member of PAD, reads the forth statement, saying the people will continue to rally peacefully at Sanam Luang until Thaksin resigns.

Pipop reads from the statement that the number of protesters has increased to about 200,000.

The statement says the rally is to fight against dictatorial system to restore genuine democracy.

The statement calls on people, who are free to continue the rally, to stay at the rally site. It also calls working people to join the rally after office hours.

The statement also calls on the people to monitor news from the PAD closely.

12:00 am: An announcer asks demonstrators to raise hands in support of the PAD's announcement to continue the rally non-stop.

The first day the massive rally against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra ends peacefully with the announcement by the coalition that the rally will go on until Thaksin resigns.

The People's Alliance for Democracy ends the first day by reading a statement at midnight that the rally will go on until Thaksin agrees to resign.

The PAD announces that the rally on the second day will be bigger as more people are expected to join.

The PAD urges working people to join the rally after work.

0:03 am: Apichart Damdee, a popular talk-show entertainer, reads a poem in criticising of Thaksin.

0:31 am: Sarocha Pornudomsak goes up on stage. She criticises state-owned TVs for not giving fair reports of anti-Thaksin rallies.

0:39 am: Sarocha greets foreign media in English and thanks them for reporting the rally.

Soracha also asks the protesters to shout "Get out" in English after she shouts "Thaksin".

0:40 am: An announcer urges the people to monitor news from the PAD closely.

2:00 am: Demonstrators start returning home. Reporters estimate less than 10,000 remain at Sanam Luang.

4:00 am: Chamlong Srimuang, former Palang Dharma Party leader, returns to the stage and tells the crowds that they may have spend another night at the rally site. "I don't know how many nights we will have to remain here but we will go on rallying until the prime minister resigns."

4:58 am: A spokesman of the People's Alliance for Democracy tells a news talk show programme on Channel 3 that about 20,000 people remain at the rally site.

Neeranam · February 27, 2006

200,000 is not that many fo rSanam Luang - I remember the Queen Mother's funeral, there were 2 million and that was crowded.

Jai Dee · February 27, 2006

Latest Update:

5:40 am: Chamlong walks around to greet demonstrators who remain there.

6:00 am: Sondhi goes up on the stage and lead the demonstrators to exercise for five minutes. He then spends about half an hour to attack Thaksin.

Sondhi asks people who have to work to resume their work but come back to join the rally in the evening. He says the number of people will be much higher when people from provinces arrive.

6:30 am: Chaiwat Sinsuwong, a former Palang Dharma Party leader, goes up on the stage to attack Thaksin.

9:00 am: Sarocha and two speakers tell demonstrators not to be angry against TV reporters who misinform audience of the number of protesters.

ASTV halts live broadcast of the rally for the day and resumes studio programme. The satellite station will resume live broadcast of rally at 3 pm when key speakers will resume their attack against Thaksin on the stage.

The rally organiser stops using amplifier system. Phra Photirak, the leader of the Santi Asoke sect, gives sermon to his followers.

Jai Dee · February 27, 2006

POLITICAL SHOWDOWN

Rival rallies held around Kingdom

From Trang to Chiang Mai, foes, fans gather to extol premier's strengths and weaknesses

About 20,000 people gathered in Chiang Mai yesterday in support of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra while anti-Thaksin demonstrations took place in other provinces simultaneously with the Bangkok rally.

MPs from Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai Party led the gathering at Chiang Mai's 700th Anniversary Stadium and took turns on stage to attack leaders of the anti-Thaksin demonstration in Bangkok.

Elsewhere, anti-Thaksin rallies took place in Trang, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces, among others yesterday, in concert with the big demonstration with tens of thousands of protesters at Sanam Luang in central Bangkok.

Leaders of the Chiang Mai gathering said they and other people in the northern province wanted to show moral support to Thaksin and encouraged him to continue fighting mounting political pressure. Among key Thai Rak Thai figures who took to the stage to speak in support of Thaksin were Yaowapa Wongsawat, Thai Rak Thai deputy leader and Thaksin's younger sister, Somsak Thepsuthin, another Thai Rak Thai deputy leader and acting labour minister, Yongyuth Tiyapairat, acting natural resources and environment minister, Varathep Ratanakorn, acting deputy finance minister, and MP Laddawan Wongsriwong.

In a protest against Thaksin in the South, hundreds of people led by local civic groups gathered at Trang's provincial hall to demand that Thaksin resign regardless of the House dissolution. Protest organisers also launched a signature campaign to oust Thaksin.

In Surat Thani province, students' and political awareness groups held a demonstration at Pomnaris public ground by the Tapi River in a protest against the PM.

In Songkhla, an anti-Thaksin rally took place at Hat Yai Railway Station for the second day yesterday and drew more than 4,000 people.

"We will gather here until he [Thaksin] quits," said a protester, Suporn Meekang, 48.

Anti-Thaksin protests also spread to the Northeast yesterday with community activist groups holding a public forum at Soleh public ground in Ubon's Muang district. Participants called on Thaksin to resign as prime minister, as they agreed that the House dissolution was not the answer to Thaksin's questionable legitimacy to govern.

In Surin province, an alliance of 25 local democracy groups held a public rally at Nong Bua Plaza in Muang district in a show of solidarity with fellow protesters in Bangkok.

Source: The Nation - 27 Feb 2006

Jai Dee · February 27, 2006

Santi Asoke in for the long haul

Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang signs autographs at Sanam Luang this morning ahead of the second day of anti-Thaksin protests.

The devout Buddhist sect Santi Asoke this morning vowed to continue its fight to oust the embattled premier after a nightlong vigil at Sanam Luang.

“Absolutely… we will stay for many days, until our job is done,” said one member of the diehard Dharma Army, which says it is committed to toppling Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra because of his lack of moral integrity.

Despite a sleepless night, the sect’s leading figure Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, Thaksin’s former political mentor, was in high spirits this morning, meeting with local people and members of the media.

Barefooted and wearing a farmer’s outfit, Chamlong, who joined the push to remove the premier eight days ago, signed autographs for the public and fellow anti-Thaksin demonstrators.

Chamlong led a bloody four-day peoples’ power revolt 14 years ago which saw dictator Gen Suchinda Krayprayoon step down, and his arrival on the scene has boosted the anti-Thaksin alliance.

A Bangkok monastery belonging to the sect was hit by a bomb blast last week, which he said was a futile attempt to intimidate Santi Asoke and deter them from joining the rally.

Chamlong joined hundreds of the sect’s followers this morning to listen to a sermon by senior monk, Phra Bhodhirak.

He sat cross-legged among a sea of followers and monks in their signature blue shirts and maroon robes as curious onlookers gathered around.

Chamlong told reporters that Santi Asoke were in for the long haul – a statement backed up by piles of blankets, sleeping bags and food – and that Thaksin’s time was up. “We have the support of the people,” he said.

Steadfast members of the public who stayed at the protest site overnight said members of Santi Asoke had been busy in the early hours of this morning clearing Sanam Luang of litter ahead of a second day of protesting, due to begin at 4pm today.

Source: ThaiDay - 27 Feb 2006

Jai Dee · February 27, 2006

ACM Kongsak assigned related agencies to evaluate the movement of the protestors

Interior Minister Kongsak Wanthana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) has assigned concerned agencies to evaluate the movement of the protestors, following the news of 200,000 people will travel to Bangkok to join the rally. He is also worried about the media being intimidated from the protestors.

Air Chief Marshal Kongsak said there are needs for the government to follow up with the situation and evaluate the rally. He has assigned officials to be alert at all times as the incident might escalate. However, ACM Kongsak revealed that he could not affirm anything about the situation at this moment.

The Interior Minister is worried about the safety of media members, after they were intimidated by the mobs. He insisted that the media members have informed accurate information to the general public.

He referred to the protestors’ decision to continue the rally until Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will resign from his post. He said the stability-related agencies are closely taking care of the matter. Nevertheless, he is pleased that there was no violence during the rally last night.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 Febuary 2006

Jai Dee · February 27, 2006

PAD undeterred by opposition's reversal

The People’s Alliance for Democracy, the umbrella organization that is spearheading the protests pushing for Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s resignation, was not deterred by the opposition parties’ sudden decision not to boycott the April 2 snap election.

The PAD has planned a second evening of protests tonight at Sanam Luang.

Suvit Watnu, the PAD spokesman told ThaiDay, protests would continue until Thaksin resigns.

“We will carry on with our activities,” said Suvit, “The rally today will commence at 4pm like yesterday and there will be more speakers on stage.”

Suvit, who is also a leader of the Slum Network, said he could understand the opposition’s decision to call off the boycott.

“It is their right to think and do whatever they want,” he said, “actually what Khun Abhisit [Vejjajiva, Democrat party leader] announced on the first day [to boycott the election], we did not ask him to do it.”

“Truly, I understand the nature of politicians in the parliamentary system.”

Suvit said several civic groups and activist organizations that did not attend last night’s rally would be at Sanam Luang tonight.

“There will be more groups joining the rally today,” he said, “they will be groups from several organizations to reinforce the rally… we will continue our efforts onwards.”

Source: ThaiDay - 27 Feb 2006

Jai Dee · February 27, 2006

DPM Chitchai says the security measures for the rally have not been adjusted

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) stated that the officials have not adjusted their security measures for the rally this afternoon. He said the protestors have been requested to avoid alcoholic beverage consumption.

The Deputy Prime Minister disclosed that he is pleased with the security measures of the officials, as no violence took place at the rally last night in Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง). Gen. Chitchai said the officials will continue providing security for the demonstrators this afternoon. He said there has been no adjustment on the security measures.

The Justice Minister said that officials have been instructed to be stricter in checking the alcoholic beverage consumption during the demonstration, in an attempt to prevent any possible violence. He has also urged the core leaders of the demonstration to take care of the situation.

Gen. Chitchai has warned the media members to be more careful while performing their work at the venue.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 Febuary 2006

Jai Dee · February 27, 2006

The Metropolitan police Chief indicates that reporters can ask for security from authorities during reporting news at the demonstration

The Metropolitan Police Chief, Lieutenant-General Wiroj Jantarangsri (วิโรจน์ จันทรังษี), indicated that news reporters at the demonstrations can ask for more security from authorities whenever they feel insecure.

He referred to the Alliance of Democracy’s protest at Sanam Luang yesterday, saying that the demonstration was carried out under the framework of the law. Meanwhile, he has thanked every unit for providing security and convenience to the people who gathered in Sanam Luang last night. He has also thanked the protestors for not to creating restive situations.

He informed that his department has already planned for handling today’s demonstration by emphasizing police to increase their observation over ill-intentioned groups who might instigate chaos during the protest.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 Febuary 2006

chownah · February 27, 2006

I thought that the rally was going to continue today....what happened? Did it fizzle out? Has ALL media stopped covering it? Is it "old news" and not worth reporting? I'm not trying to make any political statement here I'm just really surprised that nothing has been reported for several hours.

Orion76 · February 27, 2006

Chowna, you can follow it here:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/02/27...es_20001652.php

Some of Thailand's greatest minds are dispensing their wisdom

10:03 pm:
He faults Thaksin for thousands of deaths of people by tsunami. He says if Thaksin was an effective minister, the deaths could have been prevented. Amarin says Indonesia declined to warn Thailand because Thaksin failed in foreign policy and infuriated Indonesia by accusing it of supporting terrorists in the deep South.

If they keep pushing this hard they may increase Thaksin's popularity when people start feeling sorry for him with all the mud slinging going on.

seonai · February 27, 2006

Indeed the best updates

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/02/27...es_20001652.php

seonai · February 27, 2006

why are the mods not grabbing this together as one topic? And why am I being blocked from starting a new topic on News Clippings?

asd · February 27, 2006

Sondhi fight back !!!

lung · February 28, 2006

REAL-TIME COVERAGE

From Sanam Luang Day 3

The anti-Thaksin rally enters the third day with the People's Alliance for Democracy leading the demonstrators to march from Sanam Luang to the Democracy Monument.

The PAD announces that the demonstrators go to the monument to make a pledge that they will fight to overthrow Thaksin.

The PAD sets the deadline for Thaksin to step down by March 5.

Media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul, a leading PAD member, asks people from provinces to take a few-day leave from job to "make history" by participating in the rally against Thaksin on March 5.

The march begins at midnight.

[Click here to read the report of the rally on the second day]

12:06 am: Channel 9 reports the march.

The march continues peacefully. The march is led by a vehicle on which announcer Suwit Watnoo is. The Dharma Army forms the second line of the march. Protesters make the third line after the Dharma Army.

12:17 am: ASTV reports that the march will take about half an hour to reach the Democracy Monument.

12:21 am: The head of the march reaches the Democracy Monument.

12:25 am: The PAD set up mobile amplifier system at the Democracy Monument. An announcer says the rally will continue at the monument throughout the night and will not return to Sanam Luang for the night.

The announcer tells demonstrators who arrive at the monument to sit down in good order.

Demonstrators who are still marching wave flags.

12:32 am: Sondhi who walks among the demonstrators reach the monument.

12:35 am: Channel 9 announces urgent breaking news that the demonstrators reach Democracy Monument.

12:38 am: ASTV reports that the tail of the parade is still at Sanam Luang.

Organisers of the rally distribute a candle to each demonstrator.

12:42 am: The demonstrators shout "Thaksin get out" in rhythm nearly all the time.

12:48 am: Suwit, an announcer, announces the statement from the PAD saying the demonstrators come to pay respect to spirits of democracy heroes who have died in their fight for democracy.

12:50 am: Kochawan Chaibutr, secretary-general of the Student Federation of Thailand, addresses the demonstrators from the amplifier-system vehicle.

12:54 am: Announcer Suwit leads the demonstrators to shout "Thaksin get out" in English.

12:55 am: Sarocha Porn-udomsuk goes up on the amplifier vehicle to speak. She says the people's victory is within reach now.

12:57 am: An announcer asks the crowds to give big applause for police for providing good care and protection for demonstrators.

12:58 am: Sondhi tells the crowds that "today is a historic day" for people have joined a fight for democracy without shedding their blood.

Sondhi says the current political situation is worse than those in 1976 and 1992 because of Thaksin.

1:05 am: Sondhi calls on people from around the country to come to Bangkok on March 5 to demonstrate to topple Thaksin.

1:07 am: Sondhi asks demonstrators to launch PR campaigns to urge more people to come to the planned rally on March 5.

1:13 am: Demonstrators light up candles in memory of heroes who have died in their fight for democracy.

Crowds stand in silence for one minute in memory of the democracy heroes.

1:15 am: PAD leaders lead the crowds to sing a song as a symbol of their pledge to fight to bring down evil ruler.

1:20 am: Demonstrators are told to disperse and come back on March 5 to rally again, this time, the announcer says, the rally will continue until Thaksin is brought down. Many also help collect litter.

[Thank you for staying with us, see you again on March 5th - The Nation]

march 5th or never...

viva la revolution

Edited February 28, 2006 by lung

Jai Dee · February 28, 2006

No coup will take place, said Chitchai.

Deputy Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) said he does not believe a military coup will take place, if the rally continues and political situation escalates.

Police General Chitchai commented on speculation by Deputy Director of the Internal Security Operations Command General Panlop Pinmanee (พลลัภ ปิ่นมณี) that a coup could take place if the political tension remains, that he does not believe that General Panlop made such a comment, since it is out-of-date. He added that nothing will happen.

Police General Chitchai added that he does not want the protesters to move their venue, as it would be hard for the police to control the situation. However, he reiterated that all parties do not want chaos, adding that the protestors should hold their rally peacefully.