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Grassroots Red-Shirt Rally Puts Thai Govt In Tricky Spot


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Grassroots red-shirt rally puts govt in tricky spot

Attayuth Bootrsripoom

The Nation

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A demonstrator wears a symbolic chain tied to his neck and wrists during a rally yesterday outside Government House, which was led by red-shirt intellectuals calling for the release of red protesters from prisons.

BANGKOK: -- Yesterday's rebel red-shirt protest caught many political observers by surprise. The rally drew a little over 1,000 people and had failed to get the blessing of the movement's leaders, but it will likely put the government in an awkward position.

The group, calling itself the "January 29 Front - Free Political Prisoners" - demanded the release of "political prisoners" and accused the government and red-shirt leaders of ignoring their plight to protect their grip on power. By "political prisoners" they meant people detained either for participation in the political unrest in 2010 or for lese majeste.

In its statement, the group said the ruling politicians and red-shirt leadership had made no sincere effort to "return justice to the political prisoners, although the power that you gained directly resulted from the fight of the red-shirt people". They also urged the government to pass the constitutional amendment proposed by the Nitirat group of academics that is said to offer a general amnesty to settle the political conflict.

The last straw for the group appeared to be the Criminal Court's recent sentencing of Voice of Taksin magazine editor Somyot Pruksakasemsuk to 10 years in prison for lese majeste. Earlier, the death of an elderly man in custody for the same charge also fomented much dissatisfaction among critics of Article 112 of the Criminal Code, or the "lese majeste" law.

The January 29 Front, which consists mostly of academics and campaigners against Article 112, is viewed as "more ideological" than other groups of red shirts. However, some of the group's leaders are known to be close chums with ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Yesterday's demonstration was the first protest against the Yingluck Shinawatra government by any group of red shirts.

However, other red-shirt groups appear to be lukewarm to the notion of taking to the streets with this "hot issue" of lese majeste, not to mention publicly criticising "their government". Red-shirt leader Thida Thawornseth said the group's cause differed from hers and another leader, Kwanchai Praipana, said he opted to side with the government.

The January 29 Front has certainly caused uneasiness for the government by being aggressive in making its demands and insisting on quick action by the government.

This move by its own backers has put the Pheu Thai-led administration in a difficult position. The ruling coalition has carefully avoided any "risk factor" that could shorten its life span. They should be aware that their supporters' anguish could build up to become a strong force against them. However, by meeting all the demands of their supporters, the government will also risk upsetting the status quo - a step that could bring its downfall closer.

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-- The Nation 2013-01-30

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Heads of Jan 29 Front have ties to the reds, Thaksin

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- There are three leaders of the "January 29 Front - Free Political Prisoners", which held a rally yesterday calling for the release of people detained for involvement with the 2010 political unrest and those being imprisoned for violating the lese majeste law. They are:

Kamol Duangpasuk

He is a poet with the penname Mai-nueng Kor Kunthi. A resident of Samut Songkhram, Kamol graduated from Silpakorn University's Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts.

His poems have been published regularly in the Matichon Weekly magazine for over a decade. Known as a "people's poet", he participated in many rallies by the red shirts, reading his poems on stage for the participants.

Suda Rangkuphan

She is a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Arts and a key coordinator of the Patinya Na San (Declaration in front of the Court) group, which consists of activists campaigning against the coup of September 2006.

Her group often campaigned against Article 112 of the Penal Code involving lese majeste and regularly organised protests at the Criminal Court following verdicts in the high-profile cases against people found guilty of insulting the monarchy.

Darunee Kritboonyalai

She is a celebrity businesswoman who is known to have retained good ties with exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Darunee often took part in street protests by the red shirts and during the 2010 unrest. She was wanted by the authorities, along with other red-shirt leaders in connection with the upheaval and riots.

She made headlines last year when a woman publicly accused her of being disloyal to the monarchy, which prompted her to file a defamation complaint.

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-- The Nation 2013-01-30

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Red shirt "leaders", elected to position by other "leaders" are showing their true colours as mercenary propagandists whose loyalty with those with the money, and the power to grant lucrative sinecures.

"Kwanchai Praipana, said he opted to side with the government." which could be translated as "I'm alright Jack!" He might change his tune a little when he is in court on a capital charge.

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PM: Red Shirt demand won't cause conflict with government

By English News

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BANGKOK, Jan 30 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she could not appease the demand of the Red Shirt group seeking the release of political prisoners, but said she had assigned her deputy to seek help from the Council of State on the matter.

The premier made her remark as a group of Red Shirt activists led by Chulalongkorn University lecturer Suda Rangkupan rallied at Government House demanding the promulgation of a law to grant amnesty to political prisoners held since the 2006 coup.

Ms Yingluck said she assigned Deputy Premier Chalerm Yubamrung to bring the protesters' demand to consult with the Council of State and concerned agencies to find a conclusion.

She said however that she had not set a timeframe for the process as she wanted the issue to be carefully considered.

As the protesters demanded the release of political prisoners on Tuesday by 6pm, Ms Yingluck said time should be given to related agencies to work on it and she could not give any answer at the moment.

The premier said she believed the Red Shirt's latest move will neither pressure her government nor lead the country to a new round of conflict. Her decision, she said, would not pit the Red Shirts against her government.

"This issue should not lead to violence or conflict in society,” she said. “I want all parties to allow the Council of State and concerned agencies to work on it first." (MCOT online news)

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-- TNA 2013-01-30

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PM: Redshirt rally won’t cause problem regarding amnesty laws

BANGKOK, 30 January 2013 (NNT) - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she would heed all opinions from all sides regarding the amnesty bill before forwarding it to the Office of the Council of State or the Krisdika, while saying she has assigned Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung to look into the matter.

A red-shirt group calling itself "January 29 alliance for the release of political prisoners of Thailand" on Wednesday gathered at the royal plaza, before marching to the Government House to hand the government the Constitution draft of "Nitirat", which is a group of legal scholars. They demanded that the government consider the draft in the up-coming parliament session and push for its enforcement. The law, if implemented, would free all political prisoners arrested during the 2006 coup until the 2010 military crackdown. At the moment, there are over 1,800 political prisoners being incarcerated.

When asked about the issue, Ms Yingluck said she had told Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm to look into the matter, while expressing confidence that the 'January 29 alliance 's' gathering would not lead to any future conflict as she would listen to all opinions and carefully consider them. However, she said she had not set a time frame for the process.

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-- NNT 2013-01-30 footer_n.gif

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PM: Red Shirt demand won't cause conflict with government

By English News

20130129181811.png

BANGKOK, Jan 30 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she could not appease the demand of the Red Shirt group seeking the release of political prisoners, but said she had assigned her deputy to seek help from the Council of State on the matter.

The premier made her remark as a group of Red Shirt activists led by Chulalongkorn University lecturer Suda Rangkupan rallied at Government House demanding the promulgation of a law to grant amnesty to political prisoners held since the 2006 coup.

Ms Yingluck said she assigned Deputy Premier Chalerm Yubamrung to bring the protesters' demand to consult with the Council of State and concerned agencies to find a conclusion.

She said however that she had not set a timeframe for the process as she wanted the issue to be carefully considered.

As the protesters demanded the release of political prisoners on Tuesday by 6pm, Ms Yingluck said time should be given to related agencies to work on it and she could not give any answer at the moment.

The premier said she believed the Red Shirt's latest move will neither pressure her government nor lead the country to a new round of conflict. Her decision, she said, would not pit the Red Shirts against her government.

"This issue should not lead to violence or conflict in society,” she said. “I want all parties to allow the Council of State and concerned agencies to work on it first." (MCOT online news)

tnalogo.jpg

-- TNA 2013-01-30

I can't believe it she has turned over another problem to Chalerm Yubamrung.

does Thaksin think the man can walk on water. So much responsibility on his shoulders.

I wonder if it is the ear medicine that makes him so capable of solving the nations problems.

Or is it the reason he is the chosen one because he is incapable of doing much more than tying his shoe laces and the PT is not really interested in solving the problems. Who better to attain those goals.

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When asked about the issue, Ms Yingluck said she had told Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm to look into the matter.

Look out Chalerm, the bus is backing up, and Yingluck is driving.

"Looking into the matter" from another perspective. Or is it?

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PM: Red Shirt demand won't cause conflict with government

By English News

20130129181811.png

BANGKOK, Jan 30 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she could not appease the demand of the Red Shirt group seeking the release of political prisoners, but said she had assigned her deputy to seek help from the Council of State on the matter.

The premier made her remark as a group of Red Shirt activists led by Chulalongkorn University lecturer Suda Rangkupan rallied at Government House demanding the promulgation of a law to grant amnesty to political prisoners held since the 2006 coup.

Ms Yingluck said she assigned Deputy Premier Chalerm Yubamrung to bring the protesters' demand to consult with the Council of State and concerned agencies to find a conclusion.

She said however that she had not set a timeframe for the process as she wanted the issue to be carefully considered.

As the protesters demanded the release of political prisoners on Tuesday by 6pm, Ms Yingluck said time should be given to related agencies to work on it and she could not give any answer at the moment.

The premier said she believed the Red Shirt's latest move will neither pressure her government nor lead the country to a new round of conflict. Her decision, she said, would not pit the Red Shirts against her government.

"This issue should not lead to violence or conflict in society,” she said. “I want all parties to allow the Council of State and concerned agencies to work on it first." (MCOT online news)

tnalogo.jpg

-- TNA 2013-01-30

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PM: Red Shirt demand won't cause conflict with government

By English News

20130129181811.png

BANGKOK, Jan 30 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she could not appease the demand of the Red Shirt group seeking the release of political prisoners, but said she had assigned her deputy to seek help from the Council of State on the matter.

The premier made her remark as a group of Red Shirt activists led by Chulalongkorn University lecturer Suda Rangkupan rallied at Government House demanding the promulgation of a law to grant amnesty to political prisoners held since the 2006 coup.

Ms Yingluck said she assigned Deputy Premier Chalerm Yubamrung to bring the protesters' demand to consult with the Council of State and concerned agencies to find a conclusion.

She said however that she had not set a timeframe for the process as she wanted the issue to be carefully considered.

As the protesters demanded the release of political prisoners on Tuesday by 6pm, Ms Yingluck said time should be given to related agencies to work on it and she could not give any answer at the moment.

The premier said she believed the Red Shirt's latest move will neither pressure her government nor lead the country to a new round of conflict. Her decision, she said, would not pit the Red Shirts against her government.

"This issue should not lead to violence or conflict in society,” she said. “I want all parties to allow the Council of State and concerned agencies to work on it first." (MCOT online news)

tnalogo.jpg

-- TNA 2013-01-30

I can't believe it she has turned over another problem to Chalerm Yubamrung.

does Thaksin think the man can walk on water. So much responsibility on his shoulders.

I wonder if it is the ear medicine that makes him so capable of solving the nations problems.

Or is it the reason he is the chosen one because he is incapable of doing much more than tying his shoe laces and the PT is not really interested in solving the problems. Who better to attain those goals.

Maybe they Chalerm and Taksin walk on water together. My question is, "who walked on water first?"
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How did the red shirts help the ruling politicians get the power they hold. They were offered early elections by Abhisit but they turned them down. They then had to wait until the Democrats had to call an election anyway before they were voted in so I don't see what they did that changed what would have happened anyway.

I do agree with them on the lese majeste issue though.

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Darunee Kritboonyalai

She is a celebrity businesswoman who is known to have retained good ties with exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Darunee often took part in street protests by the red shirts and during the 2010 unrest. She was wanted by the authorities, along with other red-shirt leaders in connection with the upheaval and riots.

<deleted> why isn´t she wanted now?blink.png
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The group, calling itself the "January 29 Front - Free Political Prisoners" - demanded the release of "political prisoners" and accused the government and red-shirt leaders of ignoring their plight to protect their grip on power.

Another splinter group looking for attention......

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she could not appease the demand of the Red Shirt group seeking the release of political prisoners, but said she had assigned her deputy to seek help from the Council of State on the matter. (to appease them)

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung found himself in an awkward situation yesterday when red-shirt protesters cornered and pressured him in front of the Government House to give a promise on a formal amnesty.

Hmmm seems they werent appeased.......

Yesterday's demonstration was the first protest against the Yingluck Shinawatra government by any group of red shirts.

Becarefull Yingluck your cracks are showing..........

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How did the red shirts help the ruling politicians get the power they hold. They were offered early elections by Abhisit but they turned them down. They then had to wait until the Democrats had to call an election anyway before they were voted in so I don't see what they did that changed what would have happened anyway.

I do agree with them on the lese majeste issue though.

"until the Democrats had to call an election anyway"

That would have been December-2012, former-PM Abhisit actually called the election six months early, for July-2012.

I too agree, and suspect that many other farangs would agree, about l.m. being enforced over-strictly.

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The group, calling itself the "January 29 Front - Free Political Prisoners" - demanded the release of "political prisoners" and accused the government and red-shirt leaders of ignoring their plight to protect their grip on power.

Another splinter group looking for attention......

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she could not appease the demand of the Red Shirt group seeking the release of political prisoners, but said she had assigned her deputy to seek help from the Council of State on the matter. (to appease them)

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung found himself in an awkward situation yesterday when red-shirt protesters cornered and pressured him in front of the Government House to give a promise on a formal amnesty.

Hmmm seems they werent appeased.......

Yesterday's demonstraion was the first protest against the Yingluck Shinawatra government by any group of red shirts.

Becarefull Yingluck your cracks are showing..........

Damned if she does, damned if she doesn't (in your eyes). If she supports them, she is a puppet to Thaksin. If she doesn't support them her cracks are showing. Seems like your cracks are showing also, Waza.
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When asked about the issue, Ms Yingluck said she had told Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm to look into the matter.

Look out Chalerm, the bus is backing up, and Yingluck is driving.

Dont worry - Chalerm will fix the political prisoner problem in 90 days, someone pass me the Merlot, thanks burp.gif

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Darunee Kritboonyalai

She is a celebrity businesswoman who is known to have retained good ties with exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Darunee often took part in street protests by the red shirts and during the 2010 unrest. She was wanted by the authorities, along with other red-shirt leaders in connection with the upheaval and riots.

<deleted> why isn´t she wanted now?blink.png

The Elite Red Shirt (With Red Hair) fruitcake was wanted... for being a fugitive for over a year with Red Shirt Leader Arisaman in Cambodia.

She turned herself in at a border crossing back in late 2011.

Her multiple criminal charges have yet to be adjudicated, although as a confirmed Elite, that didn't stop her from leaving Thailand again and traveling overseas for Thaksin.

The plaintiff in this defamation case, Darunee Kritboonyalai, is awaiting adjudication on charges related to her involvement in the May Mayhem 2010 riots as well as subsequent charges related to her being a fugitive for over a year on those charges. She returned to Thailand late last year from Cambodia.

http://www.thaivisa....r/#entry4740047

Two months ago, she gained even further notoriety for her nuttiness with her involvement with Thaksin's fiasco trip to Los Angeles.

http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__5632915

The Red Shirt Red Hair showed up at this week's Red Shirt Rally on the left with a hairdo that's tri-colored...

Quote :

A rather uncomfortable day from being dressed down (alongside Deputy Secretary-General to Prime Minister Yingluck and Red Shirt Leader Issan Rambo in the Red tie and who doesn't look too keen himself to be there) before going up on stage and, after removing his suit jacket, getting dressed down again...

chalerm1_zpsbe592fe9.jpg

Daily News - Jan. 30, 2013

.

Edited by Buchholz
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When asked about the issue, Ms Yingluck said she had told Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm to look into the matter.

Look out Chalerm, the bus is backing up, and Yingluck is driving.

Dont worry - Chalerm will fix the political prisoner problem in 90 days, someone pass me the Merlot, thanks burp.gif

Well within 1 day. Thaksin transfers another million to the red shirt leader and they keep silent for another month.

Problem fixed -- > back to Merlot

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The group, calling itself the "January 29 Front - Free Political Prisoners" - demanded the release of "political prisoners" and accused the government and red-shirt leaders of ignoring their plight to protect their grip on power.

Another splinter group looking for attention......

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she could not appease the demand of the Red Shirt group seeking the release of political prisoners, but said she had assigned her deputy to seek help from the Council of State on the matter. (to appease them)

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung found himself in an awkward situation yesterday when red-shirt protesters cornered and pressured him in front of the Government House to give a promise on a formal amnesty.

Hmmm seems they werent appeased.......

Yesterday's demonstraion was the first protest against the Yingluck Shinawatra government by any group of red shirts.

Becarefull Yingluck your cracks are showing..........

Damned if she does, damned if she doesn't (in your eyes). If she supports them, she is a puppet to Thaksin. If she doesn't support them her cracks are showing. Seems like your cracks are showing also, Waza.

Damned if she works for Thaksin or the redshirts, she should be working for her employer, the Thai public.

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Darunee Kritboonyalai

She is a celebrity businesswoman who is known to have retained good ties with exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Darunee often took part in street protests by the red shirts and during the 2010 unrest. She was wanted by the authorities, along with other red-shirt leaders in connection with the upheaval and riots.

<deleted> why isn´t she wanted now?blink.png

The Elite Red Shirt (With Red Hair) fruitcake was wanted... for being a fugitive for over a year with Red Shirt Leader Arisaman in Cambodia.

She turned herself in at a border crossing back in late 2011.

Her multiple criminal charges have yet to be adjudicated, although as a confirmed Elite, that didn't stop her from leaving Thailand again and traveling overseas for Thaksin.

The plaintiff in this defamation case, Darunee Kritboonyalai, is awaiting adjudication on charges related to her involvement in the May Mayhem 2010 riots as well as subsequent charges related to her being a fugitive for over a year on those charges. She returned to Thailand late last year from Cambodia.

http://www.thaivisa....r/#entry4740047

Two months ago, she gained even further notoriety for her nuttiness with her involvement with Thaksin's fiasco trip to Los Angeles.

http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__5632915

The Red Shirt Red Hair showed up at this week's Red Shirt Rally on the left with a hairdo that's tri-colored...

Quote :

A rather uncomfortable day from being dressed down (alongside Deputy Secretary-General to Prime Minister Yingluck and Red Shirt Leader Issan Rambo in the Red tie and who doesn't look too keen himself to be there) before going up on stage and, after removing his suit jacket, getting dressed down again...

chalerm1_zpsbe592fe9.jpg

Daily News - Jan. 30, 2013

.

So Darunee and Chalerm are basically from the same Thaksin team and obviously have the same goal. That confirms again that the whole thing last week was just a show.

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The group, calling itself the "January 29 Front - Free Political Prisoners" - demanded the release of "political prisoners" and accused the government and red-shirt leaders of ignoring their plight to protect their grip on power.

Another splinter group looking for attention......

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she could not appease the demand of the Red Shirt group seeking the release of political prisoners, but said she had assigned her deputy to seek help from the Council of State on the matter. (to appease them)

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung found himself in an awkward situation yesterday when red-shirt protesters cornered and pressured him in front of the Government House to give a promise on a formal amnesty.

Hmmm seems they werent appeased.......

Yesterday's demonstraion was the first protest against the Yingluck Shinawatra government by any group of red shirts.

Becarefull Yingluck your cracks are showing..........

Damned if she does, damned if she doesn't (in your eyes). If she supports them, she is a puppet to Thaksin. If she doesn't support them her cracks are showing. Seems like your cracks are showing also, Waza.

Damned if she works for Thaksin or the redshirts, she should be working for her employer, the Thai public.

Be carefull what you say because she might file defamation charges against you with here buddies at the Crime Suppression Division.

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When asked about the issue, Ms Yingluck said she had told Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm to look into the matter.

Look out Chalerm, the bus is backing up, and Yingluck is driving.

Dont worry - Chalerm will fix the political prisoner problem in 90 days, someone pass me the Merlot, thanks burp.gif

Well within 1 day. Thaksin transfers another million to the red shirt leader and they keep silent for another month.

Problem fixed -- > back to Merlot

That could end up like a game of "Whack-a-Mole" at a million baht per hit.

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Surely the Red Shirt leaders should ask 'Amnesty International' to join their campaign. There must be grounds for the release of all prisoners that have not been formally convicted of a crime, under Thailand's own commitment to human rights.

That reminds me what happened to the 100 Red Shirts that were rounded up and held under 'Abhisit's State of Emergency gambit'?

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When asked about the issue, Ms Yingluck said she had told Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm to look into the matter.

Look out Chalerm, the bus is backing up, and Yingluck is driving.

Dont worry - Chalerm will fix the political prisoner problem in 90 days, someone pass me the Merlot, thanks burp.gif

Well within 1 day. Thaksin transfers another million to the red shirt leader and they keep silent for another month.

Problem fixed -- > back to Merlot

That could end up like a game of "Whack-a-Mole" at a million baht per hit.

"could end up" or has ended up ? rolleyes.gif

Poor 'Big-Mac Man', people just keep giving him money, and he doesn't know where it comes from ! laugh.png

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