Pro and Anti-Government Rally Thread

[george]

Thai democracy at another cross-road

BANGKOK: -- On the face of it, Thailand's current political showdown makes no sense.

On the one hand you have an elected prime minister, whose party last year won an overwhelming mandate from the Thai people, being pressured by self-proclaimed champions of democracy to resign and pave the way for an appointed government.

On the other, you have Thailand's oldest political party, the Democrat Party - former overthrowers of military dictatorships and die-hard proponents of the democratic process - leading a boycott of the upcoming April 2 snap election.

What could be more democratic than a general election?

Abhisit Vejjajiva, the young leader of the 60-year-old Democrat Party, has been hard-pressed to explain why his party and two other opposition parties - Chat Thai and Mahachon - have decided to boycott a snap election called by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on February 24 when the premier also dissolved parliament.

Thaksin's decision to seek a fresh mandate from the people was in response to mass demonstrations against his premiership that have gained widespread support, at least in Bangkok, since his family's sale of the clan-owned Shin Corp to Temasek Holdings, an investment arm of the Singapore government.

The January 23 Shin Corp sale outraged many Thais because the 1.9 billion dollar transaction was finessed in such a way as to be tax free and because it amounted to handing over several sensitive industries in telecommunications, aviation and media to a foreign entity.

Another anti-Thaksin protest, organized by the so-called People's Alliance for Democracy, is scheduled for March 5, aiming at forcing him to resign to allow Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej to appoint a new premier and caretaker government.

While the opposition parties have vowed to stay away from the Sunday rally, by boycotting the April 2 polls they have effectively allied themselves to people power and renounced parliamentary procedure.

Asked at a recent press conference whether he wanted to go down in history as the Democrat Party leader who supported Philippines' style democracy in Thailand, Abhisit responded, "The reason some people are taking to the streets is because they have no where else to turn to."

Abhisit blames the current crisis on one man - Thaksin. "Was the problem in the Philippines under (President Ferdinand) Marcos, or the problem now in Thailand under Thaksin, the fault of the people in the streets or the fault of Marcos and Thaksin?" he asked rhetorically.

Those are strange statements from a good parliamentarian, but Thailand's democratic system has arguably entered a strange phase after five years of Thaksin rule.

Thaksin, a former police officer turned billionaire businessman turned prime minister, has brought two new factors to Thailand's political scene, namely his immense personal wealth and his populist policies that have secured him a huge electoral mandate from Thailand's rural and urban poor.

Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) Party, campaigning on a host of populist promises to deliver cheap health care, debt-write-offs for farmers and village development funds, won the January 2001 general election with the highest majority in parliament in Thai history.

In the February 2005 polls, after delivering on many of the promises made four years earlier, the TRT won 377 out of 500 contested seats, allowing them to form Thailand's first single-party government in Thai history.

With his people's mandate and personal wealth, one thing Thaksin achieved in his first term was the undermining of nearly all the checks and balances put in place by Thailand's very liberal 1997 constitution to counter the growing power it granted elected politicians.

The 1997 constitution was written in the aftermath of Thailand's last political crisis of May 1992, when street demonstrations in Bangkok led to the toppling of the premiership of Army General Suchinda Kraprayoon and the curtailment of the military's involvement in politics.

The new constitution, aimed at bolstering elected politicians over appointed military men, failed to foresee the rise of Thaksin.

"Thaksin has a very limited view of democracy," said Sunai Pasuk, Thailand representative for Human Rights Watch. "For him it is only about electoral victory, which he thinks gives him a mandate to do everything.

"Thaksin has caused so much damage to the democratic process in Thailand, to the principles, the institutions, to the point that when he came back to power last year for his second term there were no checks and balances left," said Sunai.

Thailand's lack of constraints on their populist premier was last demonstrated on February 16 when the Constitutional Court rejected a petition by 27 Thai Senators to investigate Thaksin for shady dealings in his family sale of Shin Corp.

Had the court accepted the case the Thai people may not have turned out on the streets.

"The usual ways don't work," said Sulak Sivalak, renowned social critic and one of the people who will join the anti-Thaksin protests on Sunday. "Parliament is controlled by one man and he controls almost everything so we will use people power to force him out."

A step backwards for the democratic process? "A step backwards in order to step forward," said Sulak. "Why not?"

--DPA 2006-03-03

[Jai Dee]

Secretary General of EC warns PM to be careful as he might violates the election regulations in his grand address this evening

Secretary General of the Election Commission Ekachai Warunprapa (เอกชัย วารุณประภา) has warned Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to be careful when delivering his speech at Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง) this evening as it might violate the election rules and regulations.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Ekachai stated that the Campaign for Popular Democracy has made a proposal to the Administrative Court, asking the court to halt the general election on April 2nd. He said the Administrative Court will take the matter into consideration, while his commission will follow the Election Act.

He said there is no need for the Election Commission to warn the premier over his acts in the grand speech this evening since he is an experienced person. However, he disclosed that the Election Commission will send the officials to observe the situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Thai people show interest in hearing TRT's address

Many people are showing keen interest in hearing the Thai Rak Thai Party's address this evening so that they can use the information to help them decide in voting in the upcoming general election. They are especially interested in listening to the speech of the Thai Rak Thai Party leader, Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, who is considered to be the key political variable.

According to a survey in Sanam Luang, there are both people who agree and disagree with the Thai Rak Thai Party's movement in regard to the general election. The opposing people give the reason that the election would waste the national budget. However, most people view that this evening's address will allow them to obtain more political details. Some people said they fear that violence will occur. Nevertheless, they asserted that they will surely exercise their rights to vote on April 2nd.

As for the public views on the Opposition's decision to boycott the upcoming general election, many people said they disagree with this move since the Opposition has already demanded every party to follow the laws. However, they said that they will consider the facts from the Opposition as well.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

[penzman]

Has ASTV started their live coverage of today's rally? They are going to cover it, aren't they?

Nothing live yet but I doubt they will skip the opportynity to broadcast it.

They are commenting on it in studio though.

Will ASTV crews be allowed to setup at Sanam Luang...

[Jai Dee]

Thousands flock to pro-Thaksin rally

By 3pm, fours hour before caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to address his supporters, thousands of people had already encamped at Sanam Luang to champion the embattled premier.

Setting up its stage on the southern side of the field, directly across from where the People’s Alliance for Democracy last week held its anti-Thaksin rally, the Thai Rak Thai party displayed its usual capacity for organizing a slick event.

In the lead up to Thaksin’s speech this evening, of which he previously promised to “pour out his heart,” the 3,000-5,000 mostly rural supporters carried pro-Thaksin signs and banners and listened to music and speakers.

“Who raised rubber prices, defeated the mafia and ridded the country of drugs?” an emcee asked the lively crowd.

Their response: “Thaksin.”

Source: ThaiDay - 3 March 2006 15:49

[Jai Dee]

Core figures of TRT have now started providing information to general public at Sanam Luang

Core figures of the Thai Rak Thai Party have now started informing various facts to the people who have gathered at Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง) to listen to the speech of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s office Suranand Vejjajiva (สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ), who was the first to inform the general public, disclosed that the Prime Minister Thaksin' speech is aimed to notify the facts to the general public. He has urged the people at the venue to wait for the premier's address patiently. He said the information provided by the premier today will be useful for the people in considering their voting decisions for the upcoming election.

Deputy Thai Rak Thai Party leader Bhokin Balakula (โภคิน พลกุล) referred to the anti-government rallies where there was the usage of inappropriate words. He said the Democrat Party and the Chart Thai Party supported the amendment of the Constitution, but later, they claimed there are no faults in the content of the Constitution.

A group of people have now gathered at the Government Lottery Office and are preparing to move to Sanam Luang to encourage Prime Minister Thaksin.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

Pro-Thaksin demonstrators rise to 200,000

PM’s Office Minister Suranand Vejjajiva said some 200,000 people have already joined the rally in support of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Speaking to reporters at 5:45 pm, Suranand said the Sanam Luang had already been fully occupied and the number of demonstrators, mostly from provinces, rose to about 200,000.

Source: The Nation

Mr. Suranand disclosed govt has prepared more three addressing stages

The Thai Rak Thai Party administrators disclosed that the government is preparing to organize three more roving stages to give clarification address to the general public.

Executive member of the Thai Rak Thai Party Suranand Vejjajiva (สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ) revealed that many people from provinces across Thailand have traveled to hear Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra’s address. He fears that Sanam Luang may not be able to support all the premier’s supporters. Hence, the Thai Rak Thai Party is setting up three more mobile addressing stages with TV screen to broadcast the speeches. The stages are at Kok Vua (คอกวัว) crossroad, the Government Lottery Office, and the Democracy Monument.

However, the Thai Rak Thai Party administrators have cooperated with police to provide security around the areas.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

[britmaveric]

Hmm that sort of dampens the opposition especially w/numbers like that supporting the PM.

[marquess]

Probably bused in from the Provinces, and had a full dose of government propaganda. Rural support, useful for voting purposes and then discarded after that.

[george]

Thaksin draws a huge crowd

BANGKOK: -- At least 100,000 Bangkokians turned out Friday evening at a rally at Sanam Luang designed to show support and give Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra a chance to justify recent political moves.

The crowds overflowed the Sanam Luang area. Officials set up huge TV screens at three nearby locations, including Democracy Monument. An opposition rally demanding that Mr Thaksin resign was held last week at Sanam Luang, but tonight's crowd appeared to beat the anti-Thaksin rally.

The opposition will have another chance on Sunday, their deadline for Mr Thaksin's resignation. The Prime Minister is not about to quit, however, and for now it is unknown what moves the opposition may take.

The main opposition political parties are boycotting the snap election called by Mr Thaksin for April 2. He has asked them to register, but they will not.

--Bangkok Post 2006-03-03

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin addresses supporters at Sanam Luang

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra came on the stage at Sanam Luang at 7 pm to address his supporters.

Over 200,000 people, mostly from provinces, greeted him.

Thaksin said he would forgive his enemies as he wanted Thai people to love one another and become reconciled for the sake of His Majesty the King.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News

[penzman]

Thais in US : "Thaksin, Get out"

Thai nationals in the United States will stage a rally this Sunday to demand ousting of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, according to Thaitown USA News, a leading online news outlet popular among Thais living abroad.

The group that called themselves, "People's Alliance for Thai Democracy in the US" will gather in front of Thai Consul General office at about 11am (US Westcoast time), reported the agency in its website, www.thaitownusa.com.

The gathering in LA will be on the same day as the rally at Sanam Luang in Bangkok by anti-Thaskin protesters. People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) vow to continue the rally until Thaksin resigns.

The rally in LA will be the second as the group had staged a brief demonstration in front of the same venue on February 26, the day their anti-Thaksin held their mass protest in Bangkok. They were reportedly wearing t-shirts with "Thaksin Get Out" slogan, the Thais showed placards demanding Thaksin to resign immediately.

However they had to disperse after about half an hour as they did not get permission to protest.

But the group get permission from the LA authority to stage a rally on Sunday for an hour and a half, the on line reported.

Meanwhile, Thammasat University alumni in the US have gathered signatures of Thais in the US to oust Thaksin. They said they solicited the signatures to help the present Thammasat students who are also gathering signatures for the same purpose.

The Nation

[frodo]

Probably bused in from the Provinces, and had a full dose of government propaganda. Rural support, useful for voting purposes and then discarded after that.

Many are claiming this as well and that it was bankrolled by the state coffers. On a side note, I find it rather disturbing that nearly every Thai channel is brodcasting this, while the opposition gets "zero" time. TIT

[penzman]

Some postcards to P.O. Box 888 ask PM to resign

About 300,000 postcards have been mailed to the Government House post box in response to a request by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, officials said on Friday.

Most of the postcards contained messages in support of Thaksin and calling on him to stay on in office despite demands by his opponents and critics for him to step down.

Many of the cards contained similar messages and were in similar handwritings. Most of them had no addresses of the senders.

However, a number of the postcards sent to Post Box 888 of the Government House Post Office urged the prime minister to resign "as a way to end on ongoing political crisis".

Some of the cards called for a salary raise for civil servants, and some others were obviously delivered to a wrong address; they were entrants for lucky draw prizes.

The post cards were put into four one-metre-by-one-metre baskets placed on the lawn of the Thai Khufa Building inside the compound.

The Nation

[thedude]

At least 100,000 rally to back embattled Thai PM

BANGKOK : At least 100,000 people made a powerful show of force Friday to back embattled Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, at a rally aimed at defusing the growing calls for his resignation.

Chanting "Fight, fight," the crowd packed into Sanam Luang field near the royal palace in central Bangkok -- dwarfing the weekly protests that have demanded his resignation.

The rally is Thaksin's opening volley in his battle to keep his job, just two days before another street protest to demand his resignation and a month before snap elections.

Thousands of motorcycle taxi drivers -- who credit Thaksin with breaking up the mafia that used to control their operations -- rode to the rally in formation, making a noisy streak of their orange uniforms as they blazed through the city.

Despite mounting fears of violence at the rival rallies this weekend, Thaksin's event got underway in a carnival atmosphere, with vendors selling candy floss toys, and people waving Thai flags.

People came from all walks of life and from provinces outside of Bangkok, including the rural areas that are the base of Thaksin's support. Many wore headbands that read "I Love (signified by a heart) Thaksin", while others carried placards with his portrait.

Thaksin was set to speak at 7:00 pm (1300 GMT), to lay out his campaign platform and to counter critics who accuse him of corruption and abuse of power.

Ahead of the rally, the premier again denied rumours he would resign.

"There are a lot of rumours. People should not get panicked. First of all, the media should not report such rumors which only cause confusion," Thaksin told reporters.

Thitinan Pongsudhirak, professor of political science at Chulalongkorn University, said Friday's rally showed Thaksin had decided to fight his opponents tooth and nail.

"He is not going to resign. He has taken up this battle to show street and parliamentary oppositions that he has majority support," Thitinan said.

"That's why he has chosen Sanam Luang for his rally. He wants to prove to his opponents that he has strong mass support," he said.

Sanam Luang field near the royal palace in central Bangkok was the venue for last Sunday's rally of more than 50,000 anti-Thaksin protesters.

Anti-government groups are set to stage another demonstration there Sunday to demand his resignation.

Thaksin abruptly dissolved parliament a week ago and called a snap general election on April 2, three years ahead of schedule, in a bid to defuse the crisis.

But the country's main opposition Democrat Party and two other opposition parties said they would boycott the polls, throwing the kingdom into political turmoil.

Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democrat Party leader, said the opposition would stick to the boycott.

"The situation has not changed since early this week. We believe we have made a decision for a long-term benefit," Abhisit told reporters.

Meanwhile, the government said it had received around 300,000 postcards and letters of support for Thaksin in the last two days.

Thaksin, who enjoys strong electoral support in the poor and rural regions, won his second term in office last year with an absolute majority in parliament, an historic victory that made him appear invincible.

But simmering public discontent bubbled over at his family's 1.9 billion dollar tax-free sale in January of its shares in Shin Corp, the telecoms giant Thaksin founded before entering politics, to Singaporean investors.

Anger at the deal, mostly among Bangkok's middle class, has turned into weekly street protests since February 4, drawing tens of thousands of people demanding his resignation.

- AFP /ct

Edited March 3, 2006 by thedude

[penzman]

EC warns Thaksin against electioneering

Secretary General of the Election Commission Ekachai Warunprapa cautioned Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to be careful when delivering his speech at Sanam Luang this evening, as it might violate the election rules and regulations.

Pol Maj-Gen Ekachai stated that the Campaign for Popular Democracy has made a proposal to the Administrative Court, asking the court to halt the general election on April 2nd. He said the Administrative Court will take the matter into consideration, while his commission will follow the Election Act.

He said there is no need for the Election Commission to warn the premier over his acts in the grand speech this evening since he is an experienced person. However, he disclosed that the Election Commission will send the officials to observe the situation.

Mr Thaksin denied rumours that he would resign during his Sanam Luang address. He said there are too many rumours around, and asked reporters to help to filter the news and not to publicise unreliable reports.

He said he plans to clarify issues concerning the parliamentary dissolution, and his plan to amend the constitution within 180 days after the general election.

Government media predicted a large crowd to hear the premier, both to cheer and boo him.

Radio Thailand said:

According to a survey in Sanam Luang, there are both people who agree and disagree with the Thai Rak Thai Party's movement in regard to the general election. The opposing people give the reason that the election would waste the national budget. However, most people view that this evening's address will allow them to obtain more political details.

Bangkok Post

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin promises another House dissolution

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra promised during the rally at Sanam Luang that he would dissolve the House again after a new charter is drafted.

Thaksin told the crowds at Sanam Luang that after the April 2 election, he would allow a drafting committee to spend about nine to 13 months to draft a new constitution, after which he would dissolve the House and call a new election.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News

[Jai Dee]

Some photos from The Manager website:

More here.

[marquess]

Thaksin promises another House dissolution

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra promised during the rally at Sanam Luang that he would dissolve the House again after a new charter is drafted.

Thaksin told the crowds at Sanam Luang that after the April 2 election, he would allow a drafting committee to spend about nine to 13 months to draft a new constitution, after which he would dissolve the House and call a new election.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News

With another 13 months of conniving on his part. Promises, promises! He has already done his best to undermine consitutional institutions. He will do anything to cling to power, short selling his own wife. No if you want real reform then it has to be done without him as PM!

[haha]

Thaksin promises another House dissolution

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra promised during the rally at Sanam Luang that he would dissolve the House again after a new charter is drafted.

Thaksin told the crowds at Sanam Luang that after the April 2 election, he would allow a drafting committee to spend about nine to 13 months to draft a new constitution, after which he would dissolve the House and call a new election.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News

With another 13 months of conniving on his part. Promises, promises! He has already done his best to undermine consitutional institutions. He will do anything to cling to power, short selling his own wife. No if you want real reform then it has to be done without him as PM!

my 2 cents...

let me get his straight...

1) you don't believe in democracy where the majority rules, and,

2) you don't believe in freedom of speech where the spirit of "truth" is spread.

could it be? you are suggesting someone murder thaksin? I mean.. as I see it, if he isn't going to resign, that's the only way you are going to get him out. right?

I think I know where you are coming from...

islamic fanatic?

[Jai Dee]

Some of the pre-Thaksin presentations:

DEPUTY HEAD OF THAI RAK THAI STATES THAT PRIME MINISTER TRULY WORKS FOR THE PEOPLE

The deputy head of the Thai Rak Thai party stated that the Prime Minister will work for the people and is capable of rejuvenating the economy and rebuild the nation's honor to historic memory.

Mr. Somkid Jathuseepitak, the deputy head of the Thai Rak Thai Party stated during a gathering of citizens at Sanam Ruang Park who were waiting to hear from the Prime Minister that the government which has been working for the people for 5 years ever since the economy soured, and millions were left unemployed. The deputy head said that the government under Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has generated international support for the nation by paying off debts, and has rebuilt the nations dignity and honor. Most importantly, this has been the first administration where the head of government, who is a multi-billionaire, has expressed so much care for the living conditions of the common people.

Mr. Somkid added that the government has built housing for so many citizens, established village funds, created the 30 baht health care plan, given normal people an opportunity to borrow funds to better their lives, and pulled in much foreign investment with its megaproject scheme.

_________________________________________________________________________

KHUNYING SUDARAT SAYS PRIME MINISTER IS INNOCENT

The deputy head of the Thai Rak Thai Party affirms that for the last 5 years in office, the government has been working for the greater good of the nation all along.

Khunying Sudarat Gayurapan, deputy head of the Thai Rak Thai party declared on the public arena of Sanam Ruang Park that for the past 5 years, the Prime Minister has put in all his effort in working for the greater good of the nation and all citizens. She said the Prime Minister has worked diligently and courageously in making intelligent decisions to tough problems, and has acted like good medicine for all party members by being a good counsel and a source of encouragement to them.

Khunying Sudarat stated that the Prime Minister's last wishes during his lifetime would be to work under His Majesty the King, to resolve poverty for all Thais. She added that the Prime Minister is victim to bad politics, and he is being unjustly treated from certain groups who have lost profits to the democratic work of the government.

The deputy head of the Thai Rak Thai party asks all citizens to support the Prime Minister in his time of crisis.

_________________________________________________________________________

Deputy TRT leader says the speech will be a reminder for the anti-government rallies to halt their activities

Deputy Thai Rak Thai party leader Sudarat Keyuraphan(สุดารัตน์ เกยุราพันธ์) said to the people awaiting for Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s speech at Sanam Luang(สนามหลวง), saying the Prime Minister is willing to do everything for the people’s benefit.

She said the premier has always worked hard and followed the rules and regulations until he dissolved the parliament to return the authority to the general public.

She has also requested people to lend moral support to the premier and she believes the gathering today will help the anti-government rallies to halt their activities. She has asked the rallies to consider the benefits of the nation for the sake of peace.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department

[h90]

Thaksin promises another House dissolution

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra promised during the rally at Sanam Luang that he would dissolve the House again after a new charter is drafted.

Thaksin told the crowds at Sanam Luang that after the April 2 election, he would allow a drafting committee to spend about nine to 13 months to draft a new constitution, after which he would dissolve the House and call a new election.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News

With another 13 months of conniving on his part. Promises, promises! He has already done his best to undermine consitutional institutions. He will do anything to cling to power, short selling his own wife. No if you want real reform then it has to be done without him as PM!

my 2 cents...

let me get his straight...

1) you don't believe in democracy where the majority rules, and,

2) you don't believe in freedom of speech where the spirit of "truth" is spread.

could it be? you are suggesting someone murder thaksin? I mean.. as I see it, if he isn't going to resign, that's the only way you are going to get him out. right?

I think I know where you are coming from...

islamic fanatic?

haha are you paid for this posting or is it natural born stupid?

I know it gets boring but just for you again:

1) there is no and there was no and there will not be democrazy, the votes were bought the mass media are under controll.

2) you remember the small radio station closed, blocking cable TV from bringing some channels, just soap operas intead of news, missinformations, there is no freedom of speech or opinon in Thailand (well know is censorship in the internet and the laws for the royal family (thats off topic, but there is NO FREEDOM OF SPEECH, if you don't belive it, go out of your house and tell some bad things about the royal family to verify the freedom of speech in thailand)).

I don't want to murder thaksin, but considering the actions of his last war against drugs, he would be considered as mass murder in any other country......

[marquess]

Thaksin promises another House dissolution

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra promised during the rally at Sanam Luang that he would dissolve the House again after a new charter is drafted.

Thaksin told the crowds at Sanam Luang that after the April 2 election, he would allow a drafting committee to spend about nine to 13 months to draft a new constitution, after which he would dissolve the House and call a new election.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News

With another 13 months of conniving on his part. Promises, promises! He has already done his best to undermine consitutional institutions. He will do anything to cling to power, short selling his own wife. No if you want real reform then it has to be done without him as PM!

my 2 cents...

let me get his straight...

1) you don't believe in democracy where the majority rules, and,

2) you don't believe in freedom of speech where the spirit of "truth" is spread.

could it be? you are suggesting someone murder thaksin? I mean.. as I see it, if he isn't going to resign, that's the only way you are going to get him out. right?

I think I know where you are coming from...

islamic fanatic?

Get a life Ha Ha, how can you call me an Islamic fanatic for expressing my opinion. Is this what the world has come too? As to your questions about democracy, I suggest you pose them to the man himself. After all he is a firm believer in democracy and full respects democratic institutions and and peoples rights. Hitler said he did too!

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin to appoint media representatives on procurement panels

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said during the rally at Sanam Luang that he would appoint one media representative on each mega-project procurement committee after the April 2 election.

Thaksin said now that the opposition had boycotted the election, he would make the implement of mega projects transparent by appointing a media representative on each committee.

He said if the project is worth at least Bt100 million, a media representative will be appointed as a member of its procurement committee.

__________________________________________________________________

Thaksin says he will not take PM post if Thai Rak Thai receives less than half of 19 million votes

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra told his supporters at Sanam Luang that he would not take the post of prime minister if his Thai Rak Thai Party did not receive at least half of votes it used to get.

The Thai Rak Thai received 19 million popular votes in the previous election.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News

[h90]

marquess: the question should be: "haha how much do you get paid for such posts"

Maybe if I get the same I post also pro Thaksin.

So for these paid PRO-Thaksin group, PM me, for 500 Baht per post I am your man.

I am Austrian, you know Hitler was Austrian, so I have experience in follow big leaders for some small donations....

h90

"Wollt Ihr den TOTALEN KRIEG......JAAAAAAAAA"

Thaksin promises another House dissolution

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra promised during the rally at Sanam Luang that he would dissolve the House again after a new charter is drafted.

Thaksin told the crowds at Sanam Luang that after the April 2 election, he would allow a drafting committee to spend about nine to 13 months to draft a new constitution, after which he would dissolve the House and call a new election.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News

With another 13 months of conniving on his part. Promises, promises! He has already done his best to undermine consitutional institutions. He will do anything to cling to power, short selling his own wife. No if you want real reform then it has to be done without him as PM!

my 2 cents...

let me get his straight...

1) you don't believe in democracy where the majority rules, and,

2) you don't believe in freedom of speech where the spirit of "truth" is spread.

could it be? you are suggesting someone murder thaksin? I mean.. as I see it, if he isn't going to resign, that's the only way you are going to get him out. right?

I think I know where you are coming from...

islamic fanatic?

Get a life Ha Ha, how can you call me an Islamic fanatic for expressing my opinion. Is this what the world has come too? As to your questions about democracy, I suggest you pose them to the man himself. After all he is a firm believer in democracy and full respects democratic institutions and and peoples rights. Hitler said he did too!

[Plus]

1) you don't believe in democracy where the majority rules, and,

It's actually populism coupled with pork barrel politics.

When Taksin was accquited in 2001 one of the judges explained that because 10 mil people voted for him he can't apply Consititutional rules anymore. He also feared violent mobs if the law was applied.

Is that how democracy should work in your opinion, Haha?

[Jai Dee]

Dr. Thaksin asserts to CNN News that he will reveal the truth

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has asserted to CNN news that he will reveal the truth and only the truth during his rally at Sanam Luang. He also said he will not resign from his post as the premier. PM THaksin said he wants the people to decide on their own leader.

Prior to the rally, PM Thaksin told CNN that he respects the people's say and that if the majority of the Thais would like him to quit from his post, he will do so. Mr. Thaksin also touched on the subject regarding the Opposition Party's decision not to field in any candidates, he said that that is the way the Opposition would like to do.

Whatever the outcome, the Thai Rak Thai will go ahead with the election campaign with or without the cooperation from the Opposition.

___________________________________________________________________

Former House Speaker has condemned the Opposition coalition

Former House Speaker Bhokin Bhalakula (โภคิน พลกุล) has condemned the Opposition coalition for not fielding its members to run in the April 2 general election.

He made the comment in his speech under the subject "Parliament Dissolution to Return Power to the People”. He said that Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra’s decision on dissolving parliament was due to dissatisfaction of a group of people. But after the dissolution, there still was dissatisfaction. This group of people also demanded the Prime Minister to resign from his post. He said that Mr. Thaksin had tried to follow regulations, calling for a joint parliament meeting that would allow every party to criticize the government’s performance. Mr. Bhokin added that the Opposition’s request for some votes from the government MPs was a wrong action because it is not abided by the law. He confirmed that the PM’s dissolution of both houses was not done for his benefit. He said that the Opposition does not respect the law that they had created, and the Opposition also tries to criticize Mr. Thaksin because they fear that people will vote for Thai Rak Thai again.

He said that after the general election has finished, the government will rapidly amend the constitution on the article 313. It will allow other people than lawmakers to join the constitutional amendment.

At Sanam Luang this evening, more than 100,000 people have traveled to hear the TRT leader’s address.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department

[penzman]

Thaksin promises another House dissolution

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra promised during the rally at Sanam Luang that he would dissolve the House again after a new charter is drafted.

Thaksin told the crowds at Sanam Luang that after the April 2 election, he would allow a drafting committee to spend about nine to 13 months to draft a new constitution, after which he would dissolve the House and call a new election.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News

With another 13 months of conniving on his part. Promises, promises! He has already done his best to undermine consitutional institutions. He will do anything to cling to power, short selling his own wife. No if you want real reform then it has to be done without him as PM!

my 2 cents...

let me get his straight...

1) you don't believe in democracy where the majority rules, and,

2) you don't believe in freedom of speech where the spirit of "truth" is spread.

could it be? you are suggesting someone murder thaksin? I mean.. as I see it, if he isn't going to resign, that's the only way you are going to get him out. right?

I think I know where you are coming from...

islamic fanatic?

Mr. Haha

You haven't posted for a few days

and then come back with this kind of comment, supposing" that another member is suggesting that Thaksin is to be murdered?

You have been warned

I was going to warn you privately but then thought other members would maybe appreciate that your severe lack of thought before posting has been noticed by moderators. Same goes for who knows is silently monitoring this forum.

[kyselak]

(Recasts with Thaksin's comments)

By Nopporn Wong-Anan

BANGKOK, March 3 (Reuters) - Embattled Thai Prime Minister

Thaksin Shinawatra vowed on Friday to go ahead with a snap

poll, but offered opposition parties political reform and

appealed to them to abandon their election boycott.

The main opposition party said Thaksin had not gone far

enough to end a political crisis which has grown rapidly since

relatives sold the business empire he founded for a tax-free

$1.9 billion in January to a Singapore state firm.

It would go ahead with the boycott of an election three

opposition parties say cannot be fair because Thaksin has taken

over political institutions meant to be independent, Democrat

Party spokesman Satit Wongnongtaey told Reuters.

Thaksin told a huge crowd of supporters in front of

Bangkok's glittering Grand Palace, which police estimated at

200,000, that he would adopt political reforms within 15 months

of the April 2 election, then call another.

If a majority of people who did turn out rejected him or

cast abstentions, an option on Thai ballots, he would step

down, Thaksin said in a city where there was widespread moral

outrage among the middle classes at the sale of the

conglomerate.

"If less than half of the voters vote for me, or more than

half the actual turnout cast abstention votes or vote for other

parties, I won't be the prime minister," he told a rally two

days before campaigners against him hold one at the same place.

But the Democrats Party, which along with the Chart Thai

and Mahachon parties has turned down several Thaksin overtures

this week, were unimpressed.

What Thaksin was offering was political reform dictated by

his Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) party, Satit said. What

the opposition wanted was for the four parties to agree on a

neutral body to recommend reforms, he said.

"This is a counter-attack tactic. He's trying to make the

opposition look as though they're the stubborn ones if they

don't accept the proposal," he said. "It won't improve the

situation."

NATIONAL UNITY APPEAL

Thaksin also appealed for national unity, saying political

disruption could undermine this year's celebrations of the 60th

anniversary of the coronation of Thailand's revered King

Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest serving monarch.

The prime minister said he was willing to talk to the

leaders of an extra-parliamentary campaign against him, the

People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), but there was no

immediate sign of them taking him up on the offer.

The PAD has vowed to take followers on street marches if

Thaksin did not resign by Sunday, when it hopes to draw

hundreds of thousands of people the latest in a string of its

own rallies, which have drawn mainly people from Bangkok.

Such rallies run the risk of violence which could provoke a

coup, but army commanders deny rumours of coup plots in a

country with a long and relatively recent history of military

intervention.

Thaksin's rally was designed in part to demonstrate his

support in the countryside where 70 percent of Thais live and

where it is thought to be still solid.

Many had arrived in caravans of buses from as far away as

Thaksin's northern home town of Chiang Mai 700 km (435 miles)

"I don't care what other people think of him, we like him

because he helps us, the poor," said Wanchai Jantong who said

people from his northeastern village had borrowed money to rent

a van to bring them to hear Thaksin speak.

Kanit Isanoppaiboon, a vegetable farmer who brought 300

hilltribe employees from Chiang Mai, said he felt the same.

"We want to tell the anti-Thaksin people that we love him

because he has done a lot for the people," Kanit said.

(Additional reporting by Pracha Hariraksapitak)

REUTERS

031501 Mrz 06

ENDOFMSG

Thaksin vows new polls in one year as 150,000 rally in support

by Paris Lord

=(PICTURE)=

ATTENTION - RECASTS with Thaksin speech ///

BANGKOK, March 3, 2006 (AFP) - Thai Prime Minister Thaksin

Shinawatra told a crowd of 150,000 supporters Friday that next

month's snap polls were a referendum on his rule, and vowed

constitutional changes and new elections in around one year.

The offer marked Thaksin's most conciliatory gesture yet to an

increasingly strident array of critics demanding his resignation and

opposition parties which are boycotting the upcoming elections on

April 2.

The next opposition rally is just two days away in the same

Sanam Luang field near the royal palace where Thaksin gathered one

of the biggest crowds ever seen in Bangkok.

With the leading opposition boycotting the polls, Thaksin said

he would view next month's ballot as a referendum on his leadership,

saying he would not take office if he failed to win half the vote.

"If those three parties insist they will not run in the

election, I tell the voters, you can abstain," Thaksin told the

roaring crowd.

"If I fail to win half the ballots, or if more than half of the

voters choose to abstain, I will not become the prime minister if

the people do not want me," he said.

Thaksin said that if he won the election, he would launch a

process to amend the constitution -- a key demand of the opposition,

who want to make changes that would weaken the prime minister's

powers.

"If I win, I will ask people from outside politics, and people

from all walks of life and from various professions, to amend the

constitution," he said.

"The amendment process could take around one year, give or take

three months."

"When the people are satisfied with the new constitution, I will

dissolve the parliament and call a new election."

Thaksin again pleaded with the three leading opposition parties

to drop their boycott, and said he would accept a postponement of

the election if they needed more time to find candidates.

"For the sake of our country, please send candidates to this

election. If the Election Commission considers postponing the

election schedule, I will not object. I want to see that people have

a choice, because now they have no choice," Thaksin said.

Thaksin hopes his rally, which dwarfed the size of last month's

protests against him, will defuse the calls for his resignation.

He said he has received some 5.3 million letters of support,

since asking voters on Wednesday to send him postcards to show the

extent of his popularity, especially in rural areas where 70 percent

of Thais live.

People came from all walks of life and from provinces outside of

Bangkok, including the rural areas that are the base of Thaksin's

support. Many wore headbands that read "I Love (signified by a

heart) Thaksin", while others carried placards with his portrait.

Thaksin abruptly dissolved parliament a week ago and called a

general election, three years ahead of schedule, in a bid to defuse

the crisis.

But the country's main opposition Democrat Party and two other

parties said they would boycott the polls, throwing the kingdom into

political turmoil.

Before Thaksin's rally, Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said

the opposition would stick to the boycott.

"The situation has not changed since early this week. We believe

we have made a decision for a long-term benefit," Abhisit told

reporters.

Thaksin won his second term in office last year with an absolute

majority in parliament, an historic victory that made him appear

invincible.

But simmering discontent bubbled over at his family's 1.9

billion dollar tax-free sale in January of its shares in Shin Corp,

the telecoms giant Thaksin founded before entering politics, to

Singaporean investors.

Anger at the deal, mostly among Bangkok's middle class, has

turned into weekly street protests since February 4, drawing tens of

thousands of people demanding his resignation.

bur/gs/ag

AFP 031429 GMT MAR 06

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Haha

You haven't posted or a few days

and then come back with this kind of comment, supposing" that another member is suggesting that Thaksin is to be murdered?

You have been warned

I was going to warn you privately but then thought other members would maybe appreciate that your severe lack of thought before posting has been noticed by moderators. Same goes for who knows is silently monitoring this forum.

And can other members please keep their comments about Islam and Hitler to themselves?

Comments such as these have neither a place in this thread nor in this forum.

[Plus]

In fact there used to be a "Nazi rule" in the old days - the discussion ends as soon as someone compares his opponents to Nazis or Hitler. It's not so much a rule, just an observation on how good threads turn into insane ones.