Anti-thaksin Rally Sunday March 5 - The Final Show

[george]

REAL-TIME COVERAGE

The final showdown?

It's show time. An anti-Thaksin rally at Sanam Luang has begun and the People's Alliance for Democracy hopes this will be the final, although a pro-longed one, demonstration which will prompt caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to step down. Come inside to witness the event as its unfolds.

More updates: See following posts

4:29 pm: ASTV says it will soon launch live broadcast of the rally at Sanam Luang. Earlier, leading members of the anti-Thaksin coalition said the rally would not be broadcast live on ASTV so that people would go to witness the rally at the scene.

4:00 pm: Two announcers, Suwit Watnoo and Samran Rodphet, go up on the stage to formally kick off the rally.

3:00 pm: Some 150 students, who gather inside the Thammasat University's compound, march to the rally site at Sanam Luang.

2:10 pm: Thaksin and his son, Panthongtae Shinawatra, arrive at the Khon Kaen Airprt. Some 500 people gather at the airport to welcome him.

1:55 pm: ASTV reports that some 500 members of the Dharma Army or followers of the Santi Asoke Buddhis sect, arrive at Sanam Luang.

1:30 pm: Democrat Party spokesman Ong-arj Klampaiboon warns that Thaksin could be the country's first civilian dictator if he refuses to step down soon enough.

12:00 pm: Leading members of Thai Rak Thai Party arrive at the party head office to monitor the anti-Thaksin rally. They include party secretar-general Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Somkid Jatursripitak, Pongthep Thepkanchana, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and Pongsak Raktapongpaisal.

11:40 am: Nation News Agency reports that the Metropolitan Police Bureau set up a security-keeping centre outside Thaksin's house on Soi Charansanitwong 69. The news agency reports that 150 policemen were deployed to protect Thaksin's house and police set up 12 road check points on major rounds, which lead to Thaksin's house.

11:00 am: Channel 7 reports that anti-Thaksin people from many southern provinces have arrived at Sanam Luang. The government-run station says it interviewed many of the people and found that they had sought permission to take a few-day leave from their job to join the PAD-led rally.

A live but brief report of the station shows PAD staff setting up the stage and amplifier system. The station says PAD leaders will start speaking on the stage at 4 pm.

Channel 7 also reports that some protesters also gather at the Democracy Monument and plan to march to Sanam Luang later.

10:30 am: A group of senior doctors, academics, businessmen filed a petition at the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary seeking an interim government from His Majesty the King.

The petition asked His Majesty to make an intervention in the national crisis by appointing an interim government to amend the Constitution and reform politics.

Those, who signed the petition, included Pro Dr Chai-anan Samujvanit, Dr Pramote Nakhontap, Pro Rapi Sakrik, Doctor Pairoj Ningsanon, Dr Sanoh Unakul and Khunying Jaruvan Mainthaka.

--The Nation 2006-03-05

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Internet Live coverage on ASTV (Windows Media Player:)

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[george]

Protesters vow to keep demonstrating until Thaksin quits

BANGKOK: -- Thousands of anti-government demonstrators are gathering in the capital for what is being billed as a final push to force caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to step down.

Five thousand police are also being deployed, while security has also been stepped up around the prime minister's residence.

Suriyasai Katasila, coordinator of the civil society groups under the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), said the protest would begin officially at 4pm at Sanam Luang, followed by a march to Bangkok's Democracy Monument.

He told journalists after a PAD strategy meeting on Saturday that the demonstration would be peaceful, but promised it would continue until the prime minister resigns.

It will be the fourth mass rally in a month.

Meanwhile, key protest leader and media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul said while he did not want to hold private talks with Mr. Thaksin, he was prepared to stage a public meeting with him at Rajadamnoen Avenue or at Government House.

Today's mass anti-Thaksin demonstration comes after the prime minister told a rally of more than 100,000 supporters on Friday that he would not remain in office if his Thai Rak Thai party failed to muster more than half the votes cast in the April 2 snap poll.

He also promised to amend the constitution and hold fresh elections in about a year if he did win.

Addressing a second rally in his hometown in Chiang Mai province on Saturday, the embattled prime minister told tens of thousands of his supporters that everyone had the right to express their opinion, but it was the people who would make the final decision.

Mr.Thaksin also appealed for national unity, urging the three opposition parties to end their election boycott and to field candidates for the sake of democracy.

--TNA 2006-03-05

Civil disobedience call to oust Thaksin

Activists to stage protest at Democracy Monument until he quits

BANGKOK: -- The People's Alliance for Democracy will stage a prolonged demonstration at the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen avenue until Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra calls it quits. Social critic Thirayuth Boonmi voiced support for the move, urging PAD to adopt a ''civil disobedience'' style of struggle for another round of political reform.

Speaking after a meeting to discuss strategies for today's anti-Thaksin rally, PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila said the alliance resolved to gather at 4pm at Sanam Luang before marching to the Democracy Monument to press for Mr Thaksin to quit unconditionally.

He said the alliance believed Mr Thaksin's address to supporters at Sanam Luang on Friday night was full of distortions and intended to cover up his wrongdoings.

''It was a campaign rally for votes and Mr Thaksin failed to clarify many doubts raised against him. He pleaded for sympathy, reminding people of what he had done for them, despite the fact that for the past five years he has misused his power for personal gain,'' Mr Suriyasai said.

Mr Thaksin's promise to amend the constitution and renew political reform after the April 2 election was designed to keep him in power. In fact, it was Mr Thaksin who had obstructed the political reform process and violated the constitution.

Media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, a PAD core leader, said the pro-Thaksin rally on Friday was a gathering of grassroots people without proper knowledge about Mr Thaksin.

Some were paid 300, 500 or 1,500 baht, depending on travel distances, to join the rally. As many as 3,025 buses and more than 5,000 vans were used to transport Thai Rak Thai supporters to the rally. At least 300 million baht had been spent to take them to Sanam Luang, Mr Sondhi said, without explaining how he reached this figure.

He said transport for provincial supporters to the rally was arranged by Prime Minister's Office Minister Newin Chidchob and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, the prime minister's former mentor while leading the Palang Dharma party, said Mr Thaksin had divided people in the country. ''Although what we are doing is called an exercise in 'mob rule,' it is legal and constitutional.''

Mr Thirayuth, former student leader in the Oct 14, 1973 uprising, said the people's struggle had developed into a people's alliance for democracy.

The alliance was so effective it had forced the government to dissolve the House after only one year in power.

''The alliance, which has been mature, should adopt steady and prolonged tactics, not quick actions,'' he said.

Mr Thirayuth suggested PAD adopt a ''civil disobedience'' style of struggle to fight right violations or oppression.

''Civil disobedience can paralyse the Thaksin regime. Eventually Mr Thaksin will not be acceptable to the people,'' he said.

A demonstration was a way of showing resistance to Mr Thaksin and may be held at a symbol of his power such as Government House.

Meanwhile, Mr Thaksin said in Chiang Mai that everyone has the right to give their opinions but it is the people who decide.

Suranand Vejjajiva, Thai Rak Thai executive, said Mr Thirayuth's call for a prolonged demonstration at government offices such as Government House was undemocratic.

More than 5,000 police will be deployed to maintain law and order during today's anti-government rally, said assistant national police chief Pol Lt-Gen Ashirawit Suphanphesat.

--Bangkok Post 2006-03-05

[deminister]

Hmm let me see, opposition? Which opposition? Xenophobic academics who are opposed to foreigners having a stake in a business? Or the old general with blood on his hands? Or is it Sanan with just one seat with his failed Mahachon party, and who is afraid that he will even get rid of that one seat? Sanan is of course the same man who was guilty as charged on anti democratic behavior? And was banned for 5 years from politics? Or is it the opportunist mister Banharn, who had to run after he was found incompetent as a prime minister, and who is squandering government money in Banharnburi? That leaves us with our democratic party, also not really known for its cleanliness, but I know their co headman Suthep has interests in that other mobile phone company.... Or is the opposition Sondhi? Sondhi who s famous for not paying his taxes and his fleet of offshore companies? Just wondering what all those millions of people think who are painted as dumb on this site, and who do appreciate, an affordable health care system, and people having computers in school and running their own tap water and so on. Could it be that the wise people in Krengthep are out of touch instead Thaksin?

[george]

Bangkok security tightened

BANGKOK: -- Police security has been stepped up at Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s residence and several other key sites in the capital amid fears they could be the target of protesters scheduled to hold a mass anti-government rally here today.

In all, more than 5,000 police prepared to keep the peace as another major rally started to take form, designed to oust Mr Thaksin.

Some 50 police officers were deployed this morning at the prime minister's residence and in surrounding streets. The number of police will be increased to 150 as the Sanam Luang rally of the People’s Alliance for Democracy gets under way this evening.

Similar security measures are also in place at Government House, less than 10 kilometres from Sanam Luang, and at the office of the prime minister's Thai Rak Thai party.

Meanwhile, Mr. Thaksin is due to deliver a speech this afternoon in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen which is expected to be a defence of his family's controversial tax free sale of Shin Corp shares to the Singapore government’s investment firm Temasek Holdings.

-- Bangkok Post, TNA, Agencies 2006-03-05

[francois]

Hmm let me see, opposition? Which opposition? Xenophobic academics who are opposed to foreigners having a stake in a business? Or the old general with blood on his hands? Or is it Sanan with just one seat with his failed Mahachon party, and who is afraid that he will even get rid of that one seat? Sanan is of course the same man who was guilty as charged on anti democratic behavior? And was banned for 5 years from politics? Or is it the opportunist mister Banharn, who had to run after he was found incompetent as a prime minister, and who is squandering government money in Banharnburi? That leaves us with our democratic party, also not really known for its cleanliness, but I know their co headman Suthep has interests in that other mobile phone company.... Or is the opposition Sondhi? Sondhi who s famous for not paying his taxes and his fleet of offshore companies? Just wondering what all those millions of people think who are painted as dumb on this site, and who do appreciate, an affordable health care system, and people having computers in school and running their own tap water and so on. Could it be that the wise people in Krengthep are out of touch instead Thaksin?

pro toxin talks .... :puke:

I wish that Thai's win their battle against this semi-disctator ...

francois

[Woodentop]

Francois, I think that both you and deminister are right, but only half each of you, if you get my meaning. Thaksin is basically bad news for Thailand, and even though he has done some short term things which can be seen as good, it has, in my opinion, been done for with his own good in mind. But then, deminister is unfortunately right in that the opposition is sadly lacking, and has no real alternative to offer. So we are left with a choice between cholera and pest; "what will it be Sir?"

[george]

Update (The Nation):

4:47 pm: Uaychai Watha, a leading teacher, goes up on stage to read a poem in criticism of Thaksin.

4:45 pm: Samran Rodphet, an announcer, tells the crowds that the protesters will march later at night to pressure for a political change. People cheer.

4:37 pm: Suwit Watnoo, an announcer, tells demonstrators not to harass reporters. The demonstrators applause in gesture of agreement.

[Ricardo]

A weak democratic alliance, or a strong-man in total control of his own party, who runs the country for his own private interest ?

Give me the lesser of the two evils - every time.

Or the third option, TRT without Thaksin, at its head ? But then, faced with calls for his own departure, he puts the decision back to the country, knowing realistically he can't lose, and puts his party & the country through an unwanted election. So putting his party first, or its political platform, was an option he already discarded. Why ???

[John K]

This amuses me to no end. The concept of Thaksin being a dictator is true. The things that he did for Thailand I also see as self serving. I don’t know the history in great detail but asking the king to appoint a neutral PM is a good choice. That should be done along with the removal of all the self serving power changes that Thaksin put in place like the power over the media. That and others like it should also be pulled up by the roots. Without that it becomes just a name change.

The fact that Thaksin paid to have his supporters come translates into no supporters. If you truly support someone that is in a state of crisis like Thaksin, you would attend without compensation. It is very Thai that appearance is everything.

The true way to judge the effects of all of this is not from Bangkok, but from rural Thailand. Rallies are great to show support, but in this case informational seminars around the country to uncover what was hidden by the media control will be key to change. Thaksin truly fears education of others, but then again so does George Bush.

Edited March 5, 2006 by john Krukowski

[george]

Santi Asoke threatens to distribute anti-Thaksin shame file

BANGKOK: -- The Santi Asoke Buddhist sect says it is preparing a document for mass distribution among the rural poor detailing what it says is evidence of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's misconduct in office.

Led by retired Major General Chamlong Srimuang, the sect has been prominent in the public campaign to oust the prime minister.

The announcement came as at least 1,000 Santi Asoke followers prepared to travel to Bangkok’s Sanam Luang for this afternoon's mass anti-Thaksin rally organised by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Protest leaders have vowed that the rally will continue until Mr. Thaksin steps down.

But leading sect member Samdin Lertbutr stressed that while Santi Asoke members wanted the prime minister to resign, their protests would be peaceful.

Mr. Samdin said the file being compiled on Mr. Thaksin would be distributed widely among ordinary people in the provinces to allow them to make up their own mind about the matter.

However, Mr. Samdin said he was sure that once Mr. Thaksin learned what was in the document, the prime minister would waste little time in stepping down.

Mrs. Pilaiwan Kaewkwan, another follower of the sect, said she did not understand why the prime minister was so stubborn in clinging to his post.

She said she and her colleagues would continue to rally peacefully until Mr. Thaksin left office.

--TNA 2006-03-05

[Woodentop]

Ricardo, I agree that the lesser evil is, if not always, but at least usually, better. I did not discuss any third option (so happy you did not call it alternative, good on you mate!), for the simple reason that I do not know Thai politics and the people therein well enough. And at the end of the day, I cannot vote anyway, so I have to accept the outcome, even if I don't like it. Or leave.

And John, "Thaksin truly fears education of others" is so spot on, same as the upper classes here, they do not want to educate the poor. Because then they stand to lose both their power and cheap labour.

[george]

Update (The Nation):

5:20 pm: A Nation field reporter estimates that the number of demonstrators rises to 30,000 now.

5:16 pm: Farmers lead four cows into Sanam Luang. Announcer Suwit says even cows join the demonstration to oust Thaksin. One of the cows was once ridden by Thaksin when he launched a campaign to give free cows to farmers.

5:06 pm: A blind man, who is a coordinator of the Association for the Blind in Thailand, goes up on stage. He says that even though he is blind, he can see bad things and injustice caused by the Thaksin government. He says the Thaksin government ignores the plight of disabled people in the country.

5:03 pm: Announcer Sawit Kaewwan says a Chinese opera in satire of Thaksin by Thammasat University will be performed at 7 pm.

5:00 pm: People shout "Thaksin get out, Thaksin get out," after Uaychai finishes his speech. Uaychai promises teachers will join the people in their fight to topple Thaksin until victory is reached.

[george]

Update (The Nation):

5:45 pm: Prof Dr Phuwadol Songprasert of Thammasat University's Faculty of Sociology tells the demonstrators that Temasek Holdings, which has bought Shin Corp, is a firm of the Singapore government. Temasek means Singapore in Malaysian language.

He says Thaksin is leading Singapore business groups to take over and consume all the resources in the country despite the fact that Singapore investors are disliked in Malaysia and Indonesia.

5:40 pm: Supinya Klangarong, secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Media, tells the demonstrators that Thaksin could no longer be allowed to continue ruling. She says Shin Corp, which was once held by Thaksin's family, had monopolised all types of media businesses from Internet connection to satellite uplink. Supinya says Thaksin has used his business and financial might to interfere in journalistic duty of newspapers and other media.

[BigSnake]

Look likes Thailand is going to DE-THAK.

[george]

Update:

6:30 pm: A field reporters estimates the number of protesters at some 40,000.

6:11 pm: Sulak Sivalak, a well-known social activist, calls Thaksin as the great satan for cheating the country and deceiving the country. Among other things, Sulak alleges that Thaksin often have extra-marital affairs when he held mobile Cabinet meetings in provinces.

6:09 pm: Prapat Panyachartrak, former Cabinet member and a former student activist who is known as the "Walking Tall" protester, resigns as a Thai Rak Thai member, Nation News Agency reports.

6:05 pm: Suchart Sawassri, a well-known writer, reads a statement from a group of artists calling on Thaksin to resign.

[george]

Update:

6:45 pm: A field reporter says half of Sanam Luang is already occupied by demonstrators.

6:30 pm: A field reporter estimates the number of protesters at some 40,000.

6:11 pm: Sulak Sivalak, a well-known social activist, calls Thaksin as the great satan for cheating the country and deceiving the country. Among other things, Sulak alleges that Thaksin often have extra-marital affairs when he held mobile Cabinet meetings in provinces.

6:09 pm: Prapat Panyachartrak, former Cabinet member and a former student activist who is known as the "Walking Tall" protester, resigns as a Thai Rak Thai member, Nation News Agency reports.

6:05 pm: Suchart Sawassri, a well-known writer, reads a statement from a group of artists calling on Thaksin to resign.

National police chief Pol Gen Kowit inspects the rally scene and talks to policemen and volunteers who keep law and order there.

[sushiman]

Thanks for the updates, so I don't have to check Nation and this forum both at the same time!

Great tool this forum, I wish Thaksin had something like this for his government (not only collecting postcards claiming that it was all from his fans, throwing them in a box, and not reading them).

I think it's not a main matter of TRT or the opposition now.

The main discussion is currently sure the caretaker himself, which doesn't understand that he topped over with many actions within his several years of mainly dictator-style rule, of non-tolerance for other thinking MP's and other people, constitutions etc. which didn't agree with him. And sadly even provinces only agreed and ruled by TRT, received his help or attention if needed (see south - quick fix with military force).

Also I never agreed on his reaction (actions) towards several other main events in the past view years:

1. Bird flu (covering up and hiding the story initially, for who?)

2. Tsunami (arrogant no help needed from abroad but than only fixing "very quick" the main tourist beaches with gov-money, the rest the private industry had to jump in). But again playing the hero on CNN (remember the interview?)

3. Paying back quickly all Thais depts (in order no 3rd country could look it the gov.-books any more) as clearly pro-Shin and other cronies interested insider biz politics have been done.

e.g. state owned telecommunications privatized, monopolized and squeezed out until just recently the shares among other newly invested new companies , again thanks to politics, good running investments, were right to sell at it's highest possible value (with very dubiouse post boxes transactions in the Virgin Island and Singapore)

4. Most probably amendening during his period several laws, which clearly helped him to 3-5 times grow his own family wealth?

5. Overreacting on the drug war with a too quick clean up, to reach his date-lines (as I heard there where more dead people than in the whole IRAQ-War. Please correct me if not true)

I wonder how many innocent also (only) drug-addicted people got shot, by just possessing

a little quantity, or coming into the wrong way of some trade involved police-men’s etc.

6. The main important media (TV's) which is still up date restricted showing all other political ideas and rally’s life and with full coverage (I wonder how quick they will show the opposition etc. talk on date's TV News?)

7. Always reacting very sour and sometimes even childish, if someone was not his very same opinion (I thought his actions sometimes where to quick too, a bit short minded; see Mega projects, where foreign companies invited to invest claimed, that there was no substation plan for the most of those projects)

Especially and finally what kicked off a national debate (which in my sense is not a current crises, but a very good long hidden discussion popped up now, which finally helps to understand that it can and must go on with another style of a more major democracy here in this wonderful country) with this

8. Shin deal and self-enrichment with no taxes being paid (the other day I heard even a noodle seller on the street has to pay taxes). Even still praising he was not involved in business anymore (as gov-regulation a PM, should not be involved in current biz during his time in gov) but than having the need to explain why the Shin deal was ok.

I thought his children were officially taking care of those various biz, including of course other co-owners? So why does he try to explain us then his legal actions in the first place?

This explanation that was promised by him last Fridazy was just a bag of air. No details of course. Is anyone studying and checking if this deal and shares movement were ok? As far as I know it was rejected by a so called independent court, that there would be no further investigations. Why? Why not check the matter and then see if it was right or wrong?

And than he should be charge if guilty, as he proclaims always of standing himself on

the side of the law.

I also don't agree (yes both sides do it, but not in such a communist and organized why) that people have to be paid a 5 days wage to attend a "we love you-rally" for his very own sake, but not for the countries sake, which is asking for political reform “without him” but not a farmers (90%) fun fair meeting here in Bangkok. Nothing against farmers, but do they really

understand why to vote for whom? I guess money talks again here unfortunately. How long still to come? This has to change.

I think in Thailand the government has to learn, that yes the farmers can vote to, but are they

really up to date, what is going on in their own capital in the country? I think they have daily needs, and this is what Thaksin is solving in a most probably fixed (quick again) way, to keep his voters happy. But in the long term many economist claim that Thaksin is doing the wrong way for the good of the people in the countryside. Short fixed solutions (like bank lowns wich

everone is happy to get a lend a quick buck, but can they repay all those new depts?)

See also controversial US-Thai FTA debate, where even many farmers don't agree. But no one is allowed to raise his opinion, sadly.

So I think the only solution to the voting problem, would be very strict punishments for any payments done during and before a election, and an opposition, which has a fair gov-fund to

do similar voting media methods, like TRT’s clearly has his best connections to win every time, especially within the most populars TV-Stations.

I'm very happy and see that the middleclass is “now” finally here and stepping up and raising their voices with many other intellectuals to think it all over again. And starting to check matters. The pros and contras of a rulement under Mr. Thaksin is I believe sure popped up to be a more contra than pro and will spill over, very soon without Mr. Thaksin as PM.

I most admit I also had the impression he also did some good things too, as the economy overall here in Thailand seams to be healthy and still growing. Maybe other points which could and should be mentioned here and other posters did so too on this great platform. So let's not forget also what good he did, what was in the benefit for Thailand. But overall I think it’s time for him to leave now and pay back what he took from the country. Give some money of his profit e.g. the Shin deal, to the country back (he clearly enriched himself with laws and actions done during his political career). The people and/or gov. could make good use of it, then it will stocked up in a Swiss bank account forever.

He gave us Thailand some good things to, but I sure believe he took more than he gave back, so if he want’s to be remembered as a great leader, which finally stepped down on ‘understanding’ oppostion, he could do it in a gracefull way. If he understands this will

be needed too, maybe other parties or oppositions, would step back for any further legal actions. As overall the whole economy is in good shape and if he made profit with the gov.-help and gives some back, everyone could benefit. Him and Thailand. Or not?

Sound’s a bit utopic, I know, but this would be a favorable solution, for all of Thailand, I believe.

And he would be remembered as the clever good biz-man PM, who finally shared his wealth,

for the good of the people (as he's proclaims during each rally, like Friday).

Nevertheless I can't resist to post this pic, as it should bring some humor is this debate too:

Origin Pic: Nation (mocked-up)

I hope it will be a peaceful rally today, and I hope both sides give each other ‘more’ time to talk it all over (a current re-election is really a joke as due to the 90days rule even TRT members, who would like to change their party, would have no legal why of doing so and other time constricted reasons).

And finally the TV media has to stop to favor TRT! And hopefully our caretaker, can finally

take care of other people’s opinion too, and not only shout it out, to gain some point’s when he is under big preassure. Was a bit a weak show this Friday, I think. A bit to fake the whole thing.

(see comments Nation).

An open platform for all (even for poorer parties with less cash) is needed!

So sit back talk together and find a solution (hopefully best and with the understanding of Mr. Thaksin that he just has to step done now). Enough is enough. If he doesn’t get it, the troubles

will continue to be bad one day.

At the moment I think it’s very good for Thailand this whole discussion and todays rally

is a chance for Thailand to become soon, one of the fairest and most open democratically countries in this region. A difficult achievement everywhere I guess , but I hope the ones in charge, and with the power to do so, will finally try their best with talking together, not against each other, to achieve

this goal.

Once he steps down of course and gives back a good part of his profit (yes also with good

biz ideas and transaction too, not only fraud and connections, both) during the last help, he

received from his connections during his time.

A truth which is understandble difficult to admit, but it’s his own mistake if he didn’t think

about the reaction of others, after this mega profit sales to Singpore.

Thanks to the Nation and this forum to keep democracy alive, as it should be, with platforms

and two-way communications. Not Thaksin’s previous way (suddelnly he want’s to talk to

everone). A bit to late? He still has a chance.

Cheers

Nice day - interesting forum!

Sushiman

Soure Original Pic: Nation http://www.nationmultimedia.com/ 05MAR2006

amended by unkknown source

[tomchaam]

Both the Nation and Post have been anti-Thaksin editorials for the past month and while I do not agree with many of TS actions and statements he has been unfairly attacked by the media. Sondhi, Chamlong, and Suchinda giving political advice is a big joke. I remember May of 1992 when the King lectured Chamlong for one minute and Suchinda for one hour. I also remember that a friend of mine died in the Thursday massacre after Chamlong had been picked off the street at Suchinda's order. What did surprise me is that Chuan Leekpai made the statement about the need for Thaksin to consult Hitler after Thaksin made the stupid statement about the Nobel Peace Prize winner who is imprisoned in her home country of Burma/Myanmar. This will be a horrible month until the April 2 election and it may get even worse after the election results which most likely will return Thaksin to POWER with more than 19 million votes. The big problem is to find an acceptable alternative to Thaksin and TRT party power. No party or PM will have enough legitimate power to govern effectively...LONG LIVE THE KING! It may be that eventually he will have a talk with TS and an opposition representative and end up appointing another capable PM such as Anand. I just pray that there will be no violence and deaths...

[Bryan in Isaan]

Sushiman -

Interesting clear arguments, I would like to study them point by point later. However, this whole business of whether or not Thaksin is to remain as PM is decided by the vote, not by a few thousand people standing around Victory Monument, or by a few academic types "DEMANDING" his resignation (<deleted>??). Its the VOTE. Even Abhisit said something about democracy being not just the vote. It IS just the vote. The voters are the judge, jury and executioner. If those of you in the opposition can come up with clear, coherant, positive ideas and get them out to the people, you will have a chance to implement those ideas.

Bryan

[britmaveric]

Final Show? Another mistake - don't set deadlines because when they pass without result - you don't look so good!

[george]

Update:

7:20 pm: A group of former Thammasat University students perform a Chinese opera in satire of Thaksin.

7:00 pm: A field reporter estimates the number of protesters at 60,000.

6:55 pm: Five school students in their uniform go up on stage to attack Thaksin. They are armed with national flag poles. Yos Tansakul, leader of the group, says from now on newly-born children will be able to say "Thaksin get out".

The students ask Thaksin to resign and kowtow on the stage to ask Thaksin to resign.

6:50 pm: Withoon Liamchamroon, a leading activist against free trade agreements, says Thaksin has hurt farmers by singing a contract with neighbouring countries to allow them send farm products to be sold in Thailand without having to pay any import taxes.

[bggg]

Hmm let me see, opposition? Which opposition? Xenophobic academics who are opposed to foreigners having a stake in a business? Or the old general with blood on his hands? Or is it Sanan with just one seat with his failed Mahachon party, and who is afraid that he will even get rid of that one seat? Sanan is of course the same man who was guilty as charged on anti democratic behavior? And was banned for 5 years from politics? Or is it the opportunist mister Banharn, who had to run after he was found incompetent as a prime minister, and who is squandering government money in Banharnburi? That leaves us with our democratic party, also not really known for its cleanliness, but I know their co headman Suthep has interests in that other mobile phone company.... Or is the opposition Sondhi? Sondhi who s famous for not paying his taxes and his fleet of offshore companies? Just wondering what all those millions of people think who are painted as dumb on this site, and who do appreciate, an affordable health care system, and people having computers in school and running their own tap water and so on. Could it be that the wise people in Krengthep are out of touch instead Thaksin?

Affordable health care??? the 30 baht scheme is equal to no health care. It is my understanding that this wonderful system has caused hospitals to close, and qualified Doctors to leave Gov hospitals. I have had the opportunity to experience this program through my staff. It is appalling. My gardener was inthe hallway after his motorcycle accident, 2 days after the fact they had no clue why blood was coming from his ear, had not xrayed him to find out if his shoulder was broken or not. My maid was put on tylenol for edimetriosis and told if she didn't feel better to come backin 2 weeks. It gives the poor false hope and incompetent care. Computers in schools, the country needs education reform, the teachers need training. All these things are window dressings! He opened credit for people who have no concept of how to deal with credit and no means to deal with it. I have heard the uneducated talk of how they listened in the begining, it sounded good but now they realize he is not doing good things for the poor people. He has too many knee-jerk reactions, boom new policy!

I lso don't know who the right option is but I do think it is great to see The Thais speaking out against him an dhis short sighted policies and self serving ways.

[george]

Anti-Thaksin rally kicks off

BANGKOK: -- Tens of thousands of Thais, many of them from the provinces, gathered at Bangkok's Royal Grounds Sunday to call for the immediate resignation of embattled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra

At least 30,000 anti-Thaksin demonstrators had gathered at Sanam Luang, the Royal Grounds, by Sunday evening, with many of them vowing to stay put until the prime minister stepped down. Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang has said his Dharma Army Foundation followers will stay with the mass anti-government protest until Mr Thaksin steps down

A pro-Thaksin rally held Friday night at the same spot drew more than 100,000 people.

"We're not leaving until Thaksin resigns," said Eek, from Satun province, about 800 kilometres south of Bangkok.

Like many of the protesters gathered at Sanam Luang on Sunday, Eek - a nickname - travelled by bus to attend the mass rally against Thaksin, who has irked many Thais with his family's sale of the clan-owned Shin Corp to Temasek Holdings of Singapore on January 23.

The 73.3 billion baht (1.9 billion dollars) sale annoyed Thais of all walks of life because it was finessed though the stock market in such a way to be tax free and amounted to selling state concessions in the telecommunications, media and aviation sector to a foreign firm.

"When I sold my car for 400,000 baht (10,300 dollars) I had to pay tax to the government so why didn't the prime minister pay tax," said Praditti Diranpermpoom, a small restaurant owner in Bangkok who has attended every anti-Thaksin rally in the capital this year.

"Thaksin's economics are just good for the guys up top, not for the little guy," said Praditti, sitting at Sanam Luang with his wife and daughter. The family said they would not stay too late because they feared a confrontation with the pro-Thaksin forces.

"At some point there has to be a clash, otherwise the stalemate goes on forever," said Praditti.

Many political observers in Thailand agree.

Responding to growing protests against his rule, Thaksin on February 24 dissolved parliament and called for a snap election on April 2.

Thailand's three opposition parties have boycotted the polls, on the ground that the short notice was in Thaksin's favour and because they felt constitutional amendments to rein in the premiership were needed.

The prime minister's post has gained tremendous power under Thaksin, a billionaire telecommunications tycoon.

Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) Party won the January, 2001, and February, 2005, polls with a clear majority and would no doubt win the April 2 snap election.

Thaksin's opponents say what is needed is a new prime minister and government appointed by revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, ushering in an impartial administration that could introduce political reforms to curb the powers of a populist premiership, unforeseen in the 1997 constitution.

--DPA, Agencies, Bangkok Post 2006-03-05

[frodo]

I wonder how much longer "Shin City" will last?

[Woodentop]

Bryan, I take it that you are ironic (or sarcastic) when you say "interesting clear arguments" from sushiman? To me it means a long drawn out discourse, riddled with spelling and grammar errors, and some errors of jugement as well. I don't normally worry about the former if I get the meaning (and I am also guilty from time to time), but this was gross.

I agree that in a modern, first world country, the VOTE (why capitals btw, is it holy or what?) is the only way to go. But here, where votes are for sale for a pittance (using taxpayers money to boot), and the majority of voters are illiterate and have no idea about what is going on, perhaps in this case there might be a third way, by royal intervention, but as an interim measure, and only to get a proper election organised. But I can see that I am arguing against myself here, so I will stop here. I just feel so sorry for this country, but it is for the Thais to clean up the mess they have put themselves in...

[george]

Vote in Thaivisa Poll:

Should Thaksin stay or not?

VOTE HERE:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=62153

Update:

7:50 pm: People's Alliance for Democracy conduct a Chinese-styled funeral ceremony for Thaksin and Pojamarn Shinawatra and Suriya Juengrungruengkit and Sudarat Keyuraphan.

7:20 pm: A group of former Thammasat University students perform a Chinese opera in satire of Thaksin.

[brahmburgers]

As soon as the big news of the Temesak deal hit the fan last month - news from "on high" explained that it was all legal. Why do so many ape the announcement that the deal was legal? Though not a legal expert, I submit it was illegal. Even Thaksin's cronies at the SEC conceded that illegalities took place, though they squirmed mightely to make it appear they were just silly 'mistakes' - like checking wrong boxes on forms relating to multi-billion dollar transactions - by grown ups who were getting advice from the best Thai legal experts that money can buy. Earlier, the public excused Thaksin's son for cheating on exams, Thaksin's daughter for seeing test results before a test, and Mr. Thaksin himself for illegally concealing assets. The main man should not only be ousted for setting a shoddy example to Thai populace, by essentially reaffirming the Thai tradition that "cheating is advantagous," - additionally he and his two eldest children should be prosecuted for blatant insider trading and failure to pay taxes.

[george]

Update:

8:52 pm: People cheer when Sorocha Porn-udomsak, a co-host of Weekly Thailand talk show, goes up on the stage.

8:50 pm: An announcer says some 10,000 people are gathering in Songkhla in support of the Sanam Luang rally.

8:30 pm: An announcer asks police to remove barricades around the rally site to make way for protesters who will later walk to the Democracy Monument.

[englishoak]

8:50 pm: An announcer says some 10,000 people are gathering in Songkhla in support of the Sanam Luang rally

lets hope that rally is peacefull too

[george]

8:52 pm: People cheer when Sorocha Porn-udomsak, a co-host of Weekly Thailand talk show, goes up on the stage. She asks Thaksin to resign for the sake of his own three children. She says Thaksin's money of Bt73 billion may not be able to buy happiness and peace of mind for his three children.

9:03 pm: Senator Chirmsak Pinthong goes up on stage to attack Thaksin. He says Thaksin dares not stop down because the prime minister fears that his assets will be seized.

9:13pm:Leading members of the PAD go up on the stage. They prepare to lead the march of protesters. The leaders include Sondhi Limthongkul.

9:20pm The crowds will march to Goverment House, Sondhi says.

9:20 pm: Chamlong tells the crowds that the demonstration will not end until Thaksin resigns. Chamlong says he will lead the march.

9:16 pm: People cheer when Sondhi announces that the demonstrators will march in a short moment. He says the demonstrators will march peacefully to show a lesson to the government.

He says police have promise to provide good protection to demonstrators.

People cheer when Sondhi says the demonstrators will take a brief rest at the Democracy Monument and march on to Government House.

Sondhi says after the protesters demonstrate outside Government House they will return to Sanam Luang and spend the night at Sanam Luang.