Anti-thaksin Rally Sunday March 5 - The Final Show

[george]

11:40 pm: Chamlong arrives at Government House and goes up on the amplifier vehicle to speak to the people.

CHAMLONG SRIMUANG

11:39 pm: Pipop asks the demonstrators to give an applause for members of the Dharma Army who arrive at in front of Government House.

[greg.d]

Agreed, hats off to asd aswell. I'm already off my seat!

[george]

11:50 pm: Sondhi says Thaksin brought shame to the Royal Thai Police and promoted only his friends among police officers to key positions.

11:45 pm: Sondhi goes up on the mobile stage in front of Government House. He asks the people to give a big applause for police who are keeping law and order there

[asd]

Long live the king !!!!

Save the Country

a triumph for free people

The crowd chanted " Thaksin Get Out ! "

Thaksin! Don't lie anymore! GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT! ...

Do you think so ?

This movement seems to be a sign that democracy of Thailand was firmly rooted in Thai society. Moreover, this movement is called a triumph because free expression is the soul of democracy. The political rally this time can create a new political dimension. Thai society would no longer stand by and watch somebody steal people's freedom. This is the beginning of the return of power to the people.

[garym]

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?

Well said, deminister. I'm not particularly a fan of Taksin, but after having been "involved" with Thailand for over 30 years, mainly through my Thai wife and her family for the same number of years, then all I can say is Thailand has definitely had a lot worse. The generals, responsible for at least 2 bloodbaths in the early and middle seventies, the drug runner banned from going to the USA because of his known connections, the economic comedian of the nineties, etc etc,....... the only other half decent premier since Prem was Chuan Leekpai, and he achieved b*ugger all. I do think Taksin has gone off the rails a bit but he has certainly tried to do something to help the poor, but unfortunately most of you expats on this site seem to think the cost of your visas and what time you can get a drink to is more important than that sort of thing. If any of you had bothered to get off your bar stools and have a look at what sort of conditions the average Thai had to live in over the past 30 years ( oh sorry, I don't think many of you actually know any average Thais do you?) then you might think a bit more about your usual rantings about Taksin.

[TAWP]

I'm getting tired of the easy shots by some of you posters that tend to think that one have to be pro-'generals with a bloody past' if one is against Thaksin.

And the VISA-costs or whatever isn't the case. If you think it is, you are either clueless or...well, clueless.

Here is a news-flash: Who-ever is in charge and are corrupt or misuse his power, will be whined on by me.

(And as farang one cannot stand for election for PM. )

Edited March 5, 2006 by TAWP

[Insight]

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?

Well said, deminister. I'm not particularly a fan of Taksin, but after having been "involved" with Thailand for over 30 years, mainly through my Thai wife and her family for the same number of years, then all I can say is Thailand has definitely had a lot worse. The generals, responsible for at least 2 bloodbaths in the early and middle seventies, the drug runner banned from going to the USA because of his known connections, the economic comedian of the nineties, etc etc,....... the only other half decent premier since Prem was Chuan Leekpai, and he achieved b*ugger all. I do think Taksin has gone off the rails a bit but he has certainly tried to do something to help the poor, but unfortunately most of you expats on this site seem to think the cost of your visas and what time you can get a drink to is more important than that sort of thing. If any of you had bothered to get off your bar stools and have a look at what sort of conditions the average Thai had to live in over the past 30 years ( oh sorry, I don't think many of you actually know any average Thais do you?) then you might think a bit more about your usual rantings about Taksin.

I know many Thais. Both in and out my workplace, they're all united in the one belief right now - "Thaksin, get out!"

[bkkmadness]

I totally agree, though I do find this whole process pretty fascinating to watch purely for entertainment value, I expect many people might be in for a shock if Thaksin goes out and someone worse comes into power. They might all be screaming for the good ol' days of Thaksin then.

It may just be a case of better the devil you know. All those politicians that seem so friendly or clean cut now (well hardly, but.......), may change drastically when they are in the PMs seat.

[george]

The Nation reports some problems (Windows Media Player):

mms://203.147.61.38/nation_arc/archive/news/2006/03/05/20060305_p10.wmv

[bkkmadness]

I know many Thais. Both in and out my workplace, they're all united in the one belief right now - "Thaksin, get out!"

I don't think its all so united though, not from what I've seen. Wishful thinking maybe on part of many farangs here? Not specifying you here Insight.

The cleaning woman in our appartment block was screaming her praise for Thai Rak Thai when he was making his speeches on TV the other day.

At my gfs place of work there is many of the educated middle class Thais, and they all argue for and against him between themselves.

I was at my gfs village, and people there were also sat on both sides of the fence.

A reasonably broad range of Thai people from your educated Bangkokians to the people that live off the land upcountry and it seems to be very undecided at street level.

I reckon he'll stay in power though, and hope so for at least the next two months coz I've got a couple of bottles of rice whiskey riding on it with one of the Suam Lum protesters!

Edited March 5, 2006 by bkkmadness

[Insight]

Ta for the feedback bkkmadness. The majority of people in our office have turned very much against him and not making much secret about it. (One guy is even wearing his yellow cap, every single day )

I had a bet on with my gf he'd be out by tomorrow morning. Looks like I'll be 500 baht lighter tomorrow

[george]

12:24 am: A source from PAD says the alliance will remain at Government House until 2 am before returning to Sanam Luang.

12:18 am: The area around Government House is fully occupied. More people cannot move into the area.

12:15 am: Chamlong goes up on an amplifier vehicle which runs toward the end of the procession. Chamlong tells the demonstrators to keep on walking to Government House and assures them that Thaksin will resign if the people camp out overnight outside Government House.

12:02 am (March 6): A high-ranking source says Police Commissioner-General Kowit Watana asks all police units in Bangkok to be on alert in case people intrude Government House's compound.

[The protest enters the second day]

[lung]

[bkkmadness]

I had a bet on with my gf he'd be out by tomorrow morning. Looks like I'll be 500 baht lighter tomorrow

At which point you kind of look away as if in thought and say in a sad voice "Its a shame you won honey, I wanted to take you out for for a Fujis with that money. But don't worry, next time I win we'll go.............."

At the end let out a little sigh, and I guarantee you'll get half of that cash back in way of smiley potatoes and a plate of gyoko when she takes you to Fujis. Guilt trips, works everytime man.

The Jedi Knights are on standby.

Edited March 5, 2006 by bkkmadness

[TAWP]

Acctually, only the Sith uses red crystals. =)

[asd]

The political demonstration or the anti-government rally on March 5, named "a triumph for free people", by People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) against the Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is hold to ask for the freedom which Thai people should get from Thaksin?s Government. This movement is aim to bring down the Government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Wow It's so beautiful

Look at that !!

[britmaveric]

Hmmm Thaksin is still there - so much for 5 March ultimatum. Have to say PM is a crafty bugger!

[george]

THAIVISA UPDATE:

1:23 am: People start returning to Sanam Luang. Many return home.

1:20 am: Announcer Samran Yodphet tells the crowds that the donations raised on Sunday and early Monday amounted to Bt1,127,000. He asks the crowds to either return home and walk back to Sanam Luang.

1:14 am: Sondhi tells the crowds that the PAD will organise demonstration at Sanam Luang everyday on 24-hour basis. He says protesters will gradually return to Sanam Luang.

Sondhi says those, who have work to do, could go home but people, who have taken leave from jobs, can return to Sanam Luang to join the PAD's rally at Sanam Luang.

1:10 am: Sondhi goes up on stage to speak on behalf of the five PAD leaders. Sondhi thanks the people for joining the protest. He says the demonstrators have proved that nearly 200,000 of them could move without shedding blood. Sondhi says the latest protest is a victory and is a proof that people can come out anytime to pressure against Thaksin.

1:05 am: An announcer says PAD leaders are about to go up on the mobile stage to announce something. A source says the PAD leaders agree to move the protesters back to Sanam Luang at 2 am.

1:00 am: An announcer says the donations raised on Sunday and early Monday was Bt124,200, raising to over Bt1 million the donations raised by the People's Alliance for Democracy to organize the anti-Thaksin rallies.

1:00 am: An announcer says the donations raised on Sunday and early Monday was Bt124,200, raising to over Bt1 million the donations raised by the People's Alliance for Democracy to organize the anti-Thaksin rallies.

12:50 am: A meeting of protest leaders agree that they will move the protest back to Sanam Luang. An amplifier vehicle asks protesters to walk back to Sanam Luang.

Karun says the protesters should remain besieging Government House waiting for Thaksin to attend Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

12:46 am: Karun says the April 2 election will not take place as people will protest against him. He says if Thaksin refuses to resign, the protest will expand to take place at every intersection in Bangkok.

12:38 am: Senator Karun Sai-ngarm appears on the mobile stage in front of Government House to attack Thaksin.

12:34 am: An activist, Wannaporn Chimbanjong, reads a poem in criticism of Thaksin.

12:30 am: Protesters still rally in front of Government House. Speakers turn to speak on the mobile stage.

12:24 am: A source from PAD says the alliance will remain at Government House until 2 am before returning to Sanam Luang.

12:18 am: The area around Government House is fully occupied. More people cannot move into the area.

12:15 am: Chamlong goes up on an amplifier vehicle which runs toward the end of the procession. Chamlong tells the demonstrators to keep on walking to Government House and assures them that Thaksin will resign if the people camp out overnight outside Government House.

12:02 am (March 6): A high-ranking source says Police Commissioner-General Kowit Watana asks all police units in Bangkok to be on alert in case people intrude Government House's compound.

Edited March 5, 2006 by george

[lung]

only for someone to look live at the scene

mms://broadcast.manager.co.th/11news1?wmcontentbitrate=56000

and you are there...

i hope they stay there and not go home.

all day at sanam luang

viva la....

[bkkmadness]

Have to say PM is a crafty bugger!

Did he slip out in the middle of the night and not leave 1000 baht on the bedside cabinet again Brit?

[lung]

only for someone to look live at the scene

mms://broadcast.manager.co.th/11news1?wmcontentbitrate=56000

and you are there... (my line are slowly but ok)

i hope they stay there and not go home.

all day at sanam luang

viva la....

[TAWP]

Acctually, only the Sith uses red crystals. =)

Geeky comment or political statement there TAWP?

To quote Grandpa Simpsons:

"A little bit of column A and a little bit of column B."

[asd]

More...

Taxi driver

We do not want Temasek and Singapore.

many many ppl at that place

Very beautiful

The spirit within

[george]

Thaivisa.com wish you a good night! Further coverage of the event during the night:

Related links:

The Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com

Nation Channel: http://www.nationchannel.com

The Manager: http://www.manager.co.th

Bangkok Post: http://www.bangkokpost.com

Thanks for being with us tonight, please vote in the Thaivisa Poll:

Should Thaksin stay or not?

VOTE HERE:

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

/George

[asd]

More...

The democracy monument

Thaksin Get out !!!

[asd]

More...

Farang photographer

We have to fight for our country

" You can fool some people sometimes but you can't fool all the people all the time. So now we see the light ...STAND UP FOR OUR RIGHT " Bob Marley

Edited March 5, 2006 by asd

[lukamar]

Hmmm Thaksin is still there - so much for 5 March ultimatum. Have to say PM is a crafty bugger!

It's hard to demand an ultimatum when you don't have a reasonable rational alternative. A hope and a prayer that Thaksin will resign, isn't any kind of platform to run a country on. Thaksin knew that from the start.

30Bt health - well it could be better but it's just starting. Mother-in-law had a strange Septicemic disease went to the hospital in Phayao, they could not figure it out, transfered her to Chiang Rai and was in ICU for about 1 week while they figured out and tested her, they even transfered her in Chiang Rai to a private hospital for a day to do some tests. For her the system worked even though they had to pay extra for the private hospital visit and testing.

Derogatory comments about spelling and grammar earlier - We should all remember that some on this forum are not native to the English language and they should be encouraged to voice their opinion even if their English ain't that good sometimes.

[jay711]

If you understand Thai and watch ASTV, you will know how much Thaksin has been taking advancetage of Thai law and benefit to himself, his relatives and his alliances.

Thai people in Los Angeles is setting up a mob in front of Thai consul in L.A. today as well.

[lukamar]

If you understand Thai and watch ASTV, you will know how much Thaksin has been taking advancetage of Thai law and benefit to himself, his relatives and his alliances.

Thai people in Los Angeles is setting up a mob in front of Thai consul in L.A. today as well.

He may be taking advantage of Thai Law but those laws were mostly passed by the democrats before he was elected, as I understand it.

We belong to the Thai Association of BC, and there has not been any outcry for a demonstration here, on the contrary. Although LA has a large Thai population they do not necessarily reflect the views of other Thai groups in North America.

[Anon999]

Hmmm Thaksin is still there - so much for 5 March ultimatum. Have to say PM is a crafty bugger!

It's hard to demand an ultimatum when you don't have a reasonable rational alternative. A hope and a prayer that Thaksin will resign, isn't any kind of platform to run a country on. Thaksin knew that from the start.

Spot on, and is there the chance of a change or is it a dream? What would a change be, for better or for worse?[/font=Verdana]

30Bt health - well it could be better but it's just starting. Mother-in-law had a strange Septicemic disease went to the hospital in Phayao, they could not figure it out, transfered her to Chiang Rai and was in ICU for about 1 week while they figured out and tested her, they even transfered her in Chiang Rai to a private hospital for a day to do some tests. For her the system worked even though they had to pay extra for the private hospital visit and testing.

Perfection is never achieved and everything has to start somewhere.[/font=Verdana]

Derogatory comments about spelling and grammar earlier - We should all remember that some on this forum are not native to the English language and they should be encouraged to voice their opinion even if their English ain't that good sometimes.

Absolutely and let's not forget that some people suffer from dyslexia.[/font=Verdana]

Thaksin is still there because he is clever cookie. Had he used all of his inherent abilities for the benefit of Thailand he could have done great things and run the country for many years. With all his wealth he did not need to get involved in corruption and given time could have nailed the problem. However, history shows that many people with extreme wealth live on the adrenalin of making even more money and the temptation to do it by dubious methods is too great to resist. Shame really.

Anyway this story is going to run for a few weeks yet before the outcome is clear.

Edited March 5, 2006 by Anon999