Anti-government Rally Thread 13-25 March

[Jai Dee]

A group of people march at Royal Plaza as part of their campaign for people to turn the headlights on to call for peace and unity in the country - The Nation

[kyselak]

Thailand warns of state of emergency if demo turns violent

by Paris Lord

ATTENTION - ADDS govt reax, protest starting ///

BANGKOK, March 13, 2006 (AFP) - Thailand could declare a state

of emergency if violence breaks out at Monday night's protest

seeking to oust Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a senior security

official warned.

"If they destroy state property or burn government buildings, we

will announce a state of emergency, beginning by imposing a curfew,"

the senior official at the National Intelligence Agency told

reporters.

"If the situation grows too severe for government officials to

control it, the authorities will be authorised to arrest protest

leaders," he said on condition of anonymity.

As dusk fell thousands began gathering in a field near the royal

palace for the fifth anti-Thaksin rally in as many weeks. The

protesters plan to camp overnight and then march on Thaksin's office

early Tuesday.

In a carnival atmosphere crowds streamed into the Sanam Luang

grounds, with rock bands playing and vendors selling traditional

snacks like sweetcorn and dried squid.

"We want Thaksin out because he has a conflict of interest,"

said 29-year-old law student Penpun Intapuntee. "We need the person

in charge to have morals."

In an unprecedented move the metropolitan police are mobilising

all 21,850 personnel to ensure security during the protest, about

one third more than for previous rallies which have drawn up to

50,000 people.

Another 1,000 Special Branch police, commandos and border patrol

officers have already been deployed at Government House where the

protesters aim to disrupt a cabinet meeting Tuesday morning.

Thaksin's supporters, meanwhile, were marching from the

countryside to show their strength in the capital.

Keenly aware of the potential for clashes, police said they

would create a space for Thaksin's supporters to hold their rally

near one of Bangkok's main bus terminals, far from the royal palace

and Government House.

Government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee voiced concern over

the threat of clashes after the countryside contingent arrives on

Tuesday.

"Confrontation between people who have different opinions during

the curent situation is not appropriate," he said.

However, he said he was confident Monday night's protest would

pass off without incident.

"We have no plan to declare a state of emergency as we expect

this will be another peaceful rally as they did previously," he

said.

With political tensions rising, major television channels late

Sunday re-broadcast a speech by revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej in

1992, when he urged the then-military government and pro-democracy

protesters to negotiate a settlement and avoid violence.

"Turn to each other and do not confront each other to solve the

problem," the king said in the video, which has never been shown in

full since the army's bloody suppression of the protest forced the

military-backed premier to resign.

The video was widely seen as a message from the king, whose

adviser last week called for talks to end the crisis quickly and

peacefully.

"The king's message is good, to make everybody realise that

conflict doesn't benefit the country," Thaksin told reporters.

"We have to follow the king's advice and several parties are

discussing" how to arrange talks, he said.

The military-backed premier who resigned in 1992, Suchinda

Kraprayoon, added his voice Monday to the calls for Thaksin and his

critics to negotiate a solution to the crisis.

He told the Thai-language Post Today newspaper that an

independent mediator should hold talks between the two sides.

Simmering criticism of Thaksin's autocratic style exploded in

late January, when his family earned 1.9 billion dollars by selling

its 50 percent stake in telecom Shin Corp to a Singapore firm, using

legal loopholes to avoid paying tax.

But despite the weekly rallies, the premier, who easily won

elections in 2001 and 2005, continues to enjoy widespread support

among rural Thais who have benefited from his populist policies.

Thaksin called snap elections for April 2 in a bid to defuse the

crisis but the main opposition are boycotting the polls, threatening

to worsen the political turmoil.

bur/sls/sm

AFP 131207 GMT MAR 06

[Jai Dee]

A woman dumps a sim card of AIS mobile phone in a plastic basket prepared by People's Alliance for Democracy on Silom Road to protest Shin Corp's sell off to Tamasek Holdings of Singapore - The Nation

[kyselak]

Tale of two cities in protest-hit Bangkok

by Nareerat Wiriyapong

=(PICTURE)=

BANGKOK, March 13, 2006 (AFP) - The weekly protests aiming to

force Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from office have divided

Bangkok into two cities -- one of late-night political rallies and

one where business continues as usual.

The anti-Thaksin rallies have been confined to a part of the

city rich in symbolism -- near royal palaces, historic temples, and

the Government House -- but far from residential neighborhoods and

the main commercial district.

That historic part of the city has no public transportation,

with a tangle Bangkok's traffic separating it from the rest of the

city, meaning most people only see the rallies on television.

The protests have so far had little effect on Bangkok's

commercial core and do not so far seem to have disrupted business or

kept away visitors.

Peter Schneider, a 48-year-old engineer visiting from

Switzerland, said he was only vaguely aware of the political crisis,

which has sparked weekly protests demanding Thaksin's resignation.

Compared to his recent visits to the Philippines, which has also

seen mass anti-government protests recently, Schneider said the

situation in Bangkok was much milder -- or at least, less visible.

"What's going on here has not affected my plans to stay for four

weeks in Thailand at all," he told AFP while shopping in Bangkok's

sparkling new Siam Paragon mall.

Peempipat Manomaikul, a customer relations officer at Siam

Paragon, said the mall opened as usual last weekend, even as the

city braced for a new protest.

"On Sunday, our parking garage was not big enough to accommodate

all the customers," Peempipat said.

The weekly demonstrations have drawn tens of thousands of people

calling for Thaksin to quit over allegations of corruption and abuse

of power.

Thaksin has already been the target of four protests in as many

weeks, with another set for Monday, when protesters plan to rally

through the night and then march on Thaksin's office during his

cabinet meeting Tuesday.

The protesters have also failed to convince large crowds to take

a day off work or to brave Bangkok's sizzling heat to press their

demands. The anti-Thaksin rallies have been largely confined to a

park during evenings on the weekend, leaving the work week largely

unaffected.

That could change Tuesday, if the protesters succeed in

convincing a large crowd to join their march on Government House.

Despite some forecasts that the political turmoil could weaken

Thailand's economic growth this year, businesses and tourism

operators have yet to report a downturn -- though many realize that

could change quickly if the protests turned violent.

Restaurant worker Pornprot Intaraklom, 33, said he was not

worried about violence, but he feared the protests might discourage

corporations from expanding their businesses or from awarding salary

increases.

"The prolonged conflict is disgusting. I see no reason for Thai

politics to sink to this level. It's like kids fighting against each

other," he said.

"But for my personal life, nothing has changed. I am spending as

usual and would not hesitate to go near the protests if I needed

to," he said.

Noppon Thiamwanchai, 22-year-old recent university graduate,

said his only worry is that the protests might make it harder for

him to find a job if the demos drag on.

"The situation should get better soon, if they reach a

compromise after Thaksin's dissolving the parliament," he said.

Thaksin called new elections for April 2, but the opposition is

boycotting the polls, which has raised fears that vote might only

deepen the crisis.

str/gs/jah

AFP 131222 GMT MAR 06

[Jai Dee]

Chiang Mai farmers hang a banner that reads ‘The 19 million votes have decreased. We come to oust Thaksin’ on a train at Chiang Mai’s railway station yesterday. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra often claims the mandate of the 19 million people who voted for his party last year. - The Nation

Political football: A Thai Rak Thai election billboard in Songkhla, which shows Thaksin Shinawatra in a football kit, has attracted a lot of attention from passers-by. The poster says that Thaksin will delegate the duty to develop the area to a local MP. - The Nation

[bulmercke]

"Thaksin (this afternoon) also denounced the rallies against him in Bangkok as being financed and organised by those who had lost interest because of the government's policies. They included underground lottery operators, he said.

Underground lottery operators?

Of course.

Those dastardly "villains" who have brought all this upon Thaksin.

TIRED AND LUDICROUS RHETORIC.....

When now, the capital is awash with talk of the current crisis and tomorrow's big rally!

Thaksin could possibly step-down some time tonight or tomorrow, me thinks.

>>>>>>>

St Joseph Convent alumni calls on Pojaman to tell her husband to resign

A group of 90 alumni of prestige St Joseph Convent School Monday sent an open letter to Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, asking her to advise Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatras to resign.

The letter says, Pojaman, also an alumnus of the school, said Pojaman was an intelligent person and is believed by Thaksin so she should tell him to resign so that the current political crisis could be ended.

The letter says Pojaman, who is well accepted among alumni of St Joseph Convent School, should consider the call of the group to create an honour for the school by making the move to bring the country out of crisis.

This is an extremely damning indictment for Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra to digest, particularly as she is held in high regard at her old school by her peers and current administration.

The pressure on Tax-sin continues to mount.

[kyselak]

Thailand warns of state of emergency if demo turns violent

by Paris Lord

ATTENTION - UPDATES protest numbers, ADDS Thaksin comments ///

BANGKOK, March 13, 2006 (AFP) - Tens of thousands rallied Monday

calling on Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to quit, as a security

official warned Thailand could declare a state of emergency if

violence breaks out and Bangkok's entire police force was

mobilised.

By mid-evening police estimated some 30,000 people had streamed

into a field near the royal palace for the fifth rally in as many

weeks. The demonstrators plan to camp overnight and then march on

Thaksin's office early Tuesday.

Thaksin's supporters, meanwhile, were marching from the

countryside to show their strength in the capital, raising fears of

violent confrontations.

"If they destroy state property or burn government buildings, we

will announce a state of emergency, beginning by imposing a curfew,"

a senior official at the National Intelligence Agency said of

Monday's protest.

"If the situation grows too severe for government officials to

control it, the authorities will be authorised to arrest protest

leaders," he said on condition of anonymity.

Thaksin said intelligence reports indicated there would be

attempts to incite unrest during Tuesday's march on Government

House, and he had told police to exercise restraint.

"I have instructed police not to use their weapons in any

event," he told some 100,000 supporters at a campaign rally in the

rural northeast.

In an unprecedented move the metropolitan police mobilised all

21,850 personnel, about one third more than for previous rallies

which have drawn up to 50,000 people.

Another 1,000 Special Branch police, commandos and border patrol

officers have already been deployed at Government House.

But Monday's all-night protest got off to a peaceful start in a

carnival atmosphere as rock bands played and vendors sold

traditional snacks like sweetcorn and dried squid.

"We want Thaksin out because he has a conflict of interest,"

said 29-year-old law student Penpun Intapuntee. "We need the person

in charge to have morals."

Many of those in the crowd wore 'Salvage the Nation' headbands,

and speeches broadcast from the stage competed with the sound of

monks chanting on one side of the field.

With political tensions rising, major television channels late

Sunday re-broadcast a speech by revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej in

1992, when he urged the then-military government and pro-democracy

protesters to negotiate a settlement and avoid violence.

"Turn to each other and do not confront each other to solve the

problem," the king said in the video, which has never been shown in

full since the army's bloody suppression of the protest forced the

military-backed premier to resign.

The video was widely seen as a message from the king, whose

adviser last week called for talks to end the crisis quickly and

peacefully.

"The king's message is good, to make everybody realise that

conflict doesn't benefit the country," Thaksin told reporters.

"We have to follow the king's advice and several parties are

discussing" how to arrange talks, he said.

The military-backed premier who resigned in 1992, Suchinda

Kraprayoon, added his voice Monday to the calls for Thaksin and his

critics to negotiate a solution to the crisis.

He told the Thai-language Post Today newspaper that an

independent mediator should hold talks between the two sides.

Simmering criticism of Thaksin's autocratic style exploded in

late January, when his family earned 1.9 billion dollars by selling

its 50 percent stake in telecom Shin Corp to a Singapore firm, using

legal loopholes to avoid paying tax.

But despite the weekly rallies the premier, who easily won

elections in 2001 and 2005, continues to enjoy widespread support

among rural Thais who have benefited from his populist policies.

Thaksin called snap elections for April 2 in a bid to defuse the

crisis but the main opposition are boycotting the polls, threatening

to worsen the political turmoil.

bur/sls/sm

AFP 131339 GMT MAR 06

[Jai Dee]

Government spokesperson requests pro-Thaksin groups not to travel to Sanam Luang

The Spokesman of the Prime Minister's Office, Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี), has requested the groups who support Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra not to travel to Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง). Such request was made to prevent the confrontation with the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Mr. Surapong revealed that the Prime Minister has reiterated to related agencies to ensure safety and to prevent possible violence during the demonstration of PAD which will lead its followers on a march to the Government House tomorrow morning.

He added that pro-Thaksin groups will be informed and urged not to interfere with the rally at the Sanam Luang to avoid any confrontations. The spokesman insisted that the government has no idea to announce a state of emergency as widely reported.

Mr. Surapong disclosed that the cabinet meeting will take place tomorrow whereas officials at the Government House will also perform their duties as usual.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

300 traffic police will be deployed during the demonstrators' marching to the Government House

Traffic Police Commander Phanu Kerdlapphol (ภาณุ เกิดลาภผล) has planned to dispatch more than 300 traffic police to ensure security for people and commuters during the marching to Government House of the demonstrators along Ratchadamnoen (ราชดำเนิน) Road.

He said that the road will not be temporarily closed. Besides, the police will take care of farmers from various parts of the country who are traveling from their provinces to encourage Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

He said that the measures will be adjusted in accordance with developments of the situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

BMA to cooperate with the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Traffic Police Division to ensure the safety during the demonstration

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will cooperate with the Metropolitan Police Bureau and the Traffic Police Division to ensure public safety during the rally. BMA has also prepared medical units and drinking water for the protestors.

Bangkok Governor Abhirak Kosayothin(อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน ) talked about the preparation measures for the expected huge rally led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) today and tomorrow, all of whom will march to the Government House. He expected the number of protestors to rise tomorrow.

The BMA has laid out plans to facilitate the protestors while the Traffic Police Division will look after traffic problems. The traffic situation will be reported through the smart traffic signboards and the traffic radio so motorists can avoid using the congested routes.

Mr. Abhirak said that BMA has cooperated with hospital under supervision of BMA, The Thai Red Cross Society and Chula Hospital to provide ambulance and medical team as well as drinking water and mobile toilet facilities for the protestors.

He has also reiterated all district chiefs to report him, directly if pro-Thaksin group arrives to Bangkok so that the officials can prevent traffic problems.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 March 2006

[kyselak]

Thailand: More than 20,000 rally in Bangkok to call for PM

Thaksin's resignation

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) _ More than 20,000 people gathered

Monday night near Bangkok's Grand Palace on the eve of a

mass rally to demand the resignation of Prime Minister

Thaksin Shinawatra, vowing to continue peaceful protests

until he steps down. Organizers of the anti-Thaksin rally

hoped as many as 100,000 people would camp through the

night at a Bangkok park ahead of a march early Tuesday to

Thaksin's office at Government House, a few kilometers

away. Farmers, teachers and state employees opposed to

Thaksin's rule convened on a vast field in front of the

Grand Palace, the former royal residence, and listened to

anti-Thaksin speeches, musical performances and political

satire skits. Between performances, the crowd chanted,

«Thaksin get out!» «We will wait with great patience

(for Thaksin to resign) and use nonviolent means,» said

key protest leader Chamlong Srimuang. Police increased

security in the Thai capital on Monday, putting 20,000

officers on standby. About 2,000 officers were stationed at

the protest site.

131454 mar 06GMT

[bulmercke]

Tomorrow's anti-Thaksin rally at Sanam Luang and the march to Government House is the big one.

Everything appears to have been leading up to this moment.

Tomorrow (well, as I type at 11.50pm) will surely be a make or break day for Thaksin and the government.

Numbers at previous rallies have been modest, despite the hyperbole of some of Thailand's english language news outlets.

But attendance at tomorrow's rally, from all available indicators, appears to promise something quite different.

Everything is on the line now!

[britmaveric]

Same Same I'm afraid.

[bulmercke]

ITV has tonight shown pictures of skirmishes involving unidentified individuals attacking protesters at Sanam Luang.

One shot showed an injured woman.

Eight men were subsequently held by Thai police for possession of firearms (unconfirmed).

The guys in question looked fairly young, and, by any standards, well able to look after themselves.

[Boon Mee]

Meanwhile, Taksin is hunkered down in Ubon tonight...

[sriracha john]

Meanwhile, Taksin is hunkered down in Ubon tonight...

Yes, as per the other thread title.... he's done it again. He does seem to have a penchant for "Fleeing the Capital....and Reality" whenver things don't look good...

edit: also seems he heads towards the border areas each time... Cambodia first, and now Laos.

Just wonder if he's feeling dismayed over being excluded from the recently published Forbes billionaire listing. Now lets see.... how many Lao Kip is US$1.8 billion?

Is he looking to make his own trillionaire list?

[TAWP]

Massive protests in Bangkok

Up to 100 000 people marched on tuesday under a sea of thai flags to the house of goverment in Bangkok to demand the resignation of PM Thaksin. The goverment is now threatening declearing curfue/marshall law if the protests continue.

[Translated from Swedish, DN.se]

http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1...ousRenderType=6

[kyselak]

Tens of thousands march to press Thai PM to quit

by Paris Lord

BANGKOK, March 14, 2006 (AFP) - Tens of thousands of Thai

protesters began marching at dawn Tuesday toward Prime Minister

Thaksin Shinawatra's office to press their demands for him to step

down, after an all-night rally drew record crowds.

Bangkok's entire police force was mobilized for the march, amid

warnings of a state of emergency if it turns violent.

One of the protest leaders, Thaksin's former political mentor

Chamlong Srimuang, urged the demonstrators to remain peaceful but to

seal off the premier's office and cause huge traffic jams in nearby

roads.

"Don't go inside Government House, don't break its gates.

Otherwise, we will fall into their trap. Please be assured that we

are on the right track and will win in the end," he said.

Police estimated the crowd at 40,000 people, including students,

union workers, anti-globalization protesters and other activists.

"I'm quite sure of our victory," said garment worker Joe

Chiwasanti, 38, as the marchers set out. "We won't quit" until

Thaksin resigns, he added.

The marchers left the Sanam Luang field near the royal palace

shortly before 7:00 am (0000 GMT), headed past some of Bangkok's

most historic sites on their way to Thaksin's office.

Their plan was to blockade the building during the weekly

cabinet meeting, even though Thaksin was not in Bangkok. The premier

was set to hold the meeting by video conference from rural

northeastern Thailand, where he was campaigning with his

supporters.

The march began after a noisy but peaceful all-night rally that

drew a record crowd of some 60,000 people at its peak, according to

police.

Thousands of the prime minister's supporters, meanwhile, are on

the move from the countryside to show their strength in the capital,

raising fears of violent confrontations.

A senior security official warned Monday that the government

would declare a state of emergency if the protesters turned

violent.

In an unprecedented move the metropolitan police mobilised all

21,850 personnel, about one third more than for previous rallies

that have drawn up to 50,000 people.

Another 1,000 Special Branch police, commandos and border patrol

officers have already been deployed at Government House.

With political tensions rising, television channels late Sunday

showed a 1992 speech by revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, when he

urged a military government and pro-democracy protesters to

negotiate a settlement.

The broadcast has not been shown in full since the army's bloody

suppression of the protest forced the then military-backed premier

to resign.

It was widely seen as a new message from Thailand's highly

popular and influential king, whose adviser last week called for

talks to end the crisis quickly and peacefully.

Simmering criticism of Thaksin's autocratic style exploded in

late January, when his family earned 1.9 billion dollars by selling

its 50 percent stake in telecom giant Shin Corp to a Singapore firm,

using legal loopholes to avoid paying tax.

But despite weekly rallies against him, the premier, who easily

won elections in 2001 and 2005, continues to enjoy widespread

support among rural Thais who have benefited from his populist

policies.

Thaksin called snap elections for April 2 in a bid to defuse the

crisis but the main opposition are boycotting the polls, threatening

to worsen the political turmoil.

bur/gs/jah

AFP 140009 GMT MAR 06

[seonai]

Watch live here

http://broadcast.manager.co.th/11news1

[kyselak]

Thai protesters seeking leader's resignation march to seat

of government

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) _ More than 100,000 protesters

demanding the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Thaksin

Shinawatra marched on his office in Bangkok on Tuesday,

vowing to continue peaceful protests until he steps down.

The marchers, massed along a 2-kilometer (1.2 miles) route,

made their way from Bangkok's Grand Palace down a broad

boulevard toward Government House, a few kilometers (miles)

away, carrying placards reading «Change Through Peace»

and «No Violence» and shouting «Thaksin, Get Out!» The

crowd appeared to number about 100,000. Metropolitan police

spokesman Col. Pinit Maneerat gave the number as 30,000 to

40,000, while organizers said more than 200,000 were taking

part. As the march first got under way, members the Santi

Asoke Buddhist sect in blue shirts linked hands to form

human chains to block traffic from side streets. Police

increased security in the Thai capital. Tens of thousands

of protesters have been demanding Thaksin's resignation in

regular weekend rallies, accusing the

tycoon-turned-politician of corruption, mishandling a

Muslim insurgency in southern Thailand, stifling the

media,and allowing cronies to reap gains from state

policies.

140124 mar 06GMT

[kyselak]

Thai Senate member urges civil disobedience as tens of

thousands demand PM's resignation

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) _ Thailand's prime minister vowed

Tuesday to declare an emergency if anti-government

protesters in the capital turned violent, as tens of

thousands massed near his office demanding he resign over

corruption allegations. However, a crowd of tens of

thousands of people laying virtual siege to Government

House remained peaceful despite fiery speeches urging them

to help force Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to step

down for alleged corruption and abuse of power. A member of

the Thai Senate, Maleerat Kaewka, urged the crowd to adopt

civil obedience, a tactics that leaders of the anti-Thaksin

movement have begun promoting after their large

demonstrations have failed to budge the Thai leader. She

suggested that civil servants take extended leave and

people not pay their taxes until Thaksin resigns. Thaksin

was in northeastern Thailand on a campaign stop as the

protesters marched on his office at Government House in

Bangkok, pledging to continue peaceful protests until he

steps down.

140844 mar 06GMT

[george]

PM suggests three rules to deal with demonstrators

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has suggested three rules for security officers to deal with demonstrators led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) gathering at the Government House in Bangkok to pressure for his resignation.

The caretaker premier, who is visiting Thailand's Northeast for his official mission and election campaign, told journalists before chairing the cabinet's weekly meeting via a video conference from Ubon Ratchathani Province--his first stop in the region--that he had instructed the security forces to adhere to three rules when dealing with the demonstrators.

They include not resorting to any weapon, exercising utmost restraint and observing leniency when keeping peace and order.

Asked whether his caretaker administration would impose the emergency decree in Bangkok, similar to that in the country's three troubled southernmost provinces of Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani, to control the PAD-led anti-Thaksin demonstrators, the caretaker prime minister said there would be no declaration of the emergency order in the capital if not necessary.

"I'm the person who is to sign the emergency order in Bangkok. I'll sign the order when only it's necessary," Mr. Thaksin promised.

"I've authorized caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Pol. Gen. Chidchai Vanasatidya to decide on appropriate measures to retain national security and interest. I'll then give an approval signature," he noted.

Mr. Thaksin made the remarks following tens of thousands of PAD-led demonstrators peacefully marched from Sanam Luang, their protesting venue, to the Government House Tuesday morning.

Leading PAD members, including Maj. Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, a former political mentor of Mr. Thaksin, and local Sondhi Limthongkul, a media mogul, have vowed to lead the demonstrators rallying peacefully in front of the Government House until the caretaker premier agrees to step down as demanded.

The caretaker premier has faced a strong pressure from both the PAD and the three former opposition parties--the Democrat, the Chart Thai and the Mahachon Party--after a Bt73.3 billion sale of controlling stake in Shin Corporation, his family business and the nation's largest telecommunication firm, to Temasek Holdings, Singapore's state-owned telecommunication company, in late January despite his insistence that the business deal with no tax payment required was conducted legally under the Thai

securities law.

Mr. Thaksin arrived in Ubon Ratchathani Monday afternoon. He launched a 40-minute election campaign at the province's central stadium in the evening after visiting women groups and local projects.

The caretaker premier, who is suffering a minor cool with a sore throat, travelled to neighbouring Si Sa Ket, Surin and Buriram Province after the cabinet meeting, telling the journalists that he would return to Bangkok on Thursday. He will launch an election campaign in Buriram Tuesday evening after inspecting government projects in Si Sa Ket and Surin.

Meanwhile, Pol. Gen. Chidchai confirmed that he would not suggest imposing the emergency decree in the capital as long as the demonstrations carry on peacefully without any instigating incidents from a third-hand.

Pol. Gen. Chidchai, who oversees national security, was approved by the cabinet to be the first caretaker deputy premier, replacing caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who oversees national economic affairs.

--TNA 2006-03-14

[ThaiPauly]

If he steps down there would be no need for any of this.

The writing is ON THE WALL, why can't he read it.

I pray there is no loss of life

[kyselak]

Marathon protest remains peaceful as Thai leader avoids

confrontation

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) _ Demonstrators demanding Prime

Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's resignation castigated the

Thai leader with fiery speeches Tuesday, but remained

peaceful as they vowed to camp outside his office until he

steps down. The demonstrators, who accuse Thaksin of

corruption and power abuse, said they will stay outside

Government House despite the prime minister's earlier

announcement that he's ready to declare an official state

of emergency if protests turn violent. «If Thaksin doesn't

quit, we won't leave,» shouted one protest leader,

publisher Sondhi Limthongkul, from a mobile stage atop a

truck parked by Thaksin's office. Another leader, Chamlong

Srimuang, said demonstrators would be patient. «If we use

violence, it is our fellow Thais who will die,» he said.

The marathon protest was peaceful as it entered its second

evening. After an all-night rally in a field with speeches,

political skits and music, tens of thousands of

demonstrators marched several kilometers Tuesday down a

broad boulevard to the prime minister's office, putting the

seat of government under a noisy virtual siege and chanting

«Thaksin get out!»

141456 mar 06GMT

[george]

DPM orders full-scaled surveillance at Government House at night

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Pol. Gen. Chidchai Vanasatidya has ordered security forces to intensify their surveillance at the Government House at night to prevent any undesirable incident, as anti-Thaksin groups led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have continued rallying in front of the premise.

"I've instructed the security officers to try the best in keeping peace and order through maximum surveillance with high alert at night to prevent any turbulance or unrest," he told journalists on Tuesday when inspecting around the Government House.

Pol. Gen. Chidchai, who oversees national security, said, however, that there would be no reinforcement at the Government House at the moment.

He conceded he was more worried about traffic problems, as the demonstrators might block the roads around the Government House.

Tens of thousands of the PAD-led demonstrators marched from Sanam Luang to the Government House Tuesday morning and vowed to stay days and nights in front of the premise until caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra agrees to step down.

"The public will decide whether the demonstration with trailing traffic problems is suitable," said the caretaker deputy premier.

Mr. Thaksin has faced mounting pressure to resign--from both the PAD and the three former main opposition Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon parties over his family's 73.3 billion baht tax-free sale of a controlling stake in Shin Corporation.

Meanwhile, a number of demonstrators have resumed their rally at the Government House after the sunset.

They either shaded under the trees along the roads, or returned home during the daytime for a rest and new dresses.

--TNA 2006-03-14

[george]

Leaders satisfied at large turnout for Government House protest

BANGKOK: -- Expressing satisfaction for the substantial turnout of the Tuesday march on Government House, Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, a key protest leader, said on Tuesday that the People's Alliance for Democracy has been pleased to see large numbers of people joining the demonstration.

"They came out to demand Mr. Thaksin's resignation despite the scorching sun," said Gen. Chamlong.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators Tuesday marched to Government House in a renewed drive to oust caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and vowed to remain at the site for as long as it takes until the premier steps down.

''We will camp out here indefinitely and continue protesting until we succeed,'' Gen. Chamlong said, adding that the government has not sent any officials to negotiate with his Dharma Army.

Responding to a question regarding the cabinet approval of Pol Gen Chidchai Vanasatidya as first deputy prime minister replacing Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who oversees national economic affairs, Gen. Chamlong said he saw no political implication related to the appointment of Gen. Chidchai as the first deputy prime minister.

''He is only a puppet for the prime minister,'' Gen.Chamlong said.

Meanwhile, Sonthi Limthongkul, another demonstration leader, said the protesters would not give in even if they would have to protest for months or years. He appealed for the demonstrators to exercise patience.

--TNA 2006-03-14

[Boon Mee]

Meanwhile, Taksin is hunkered down in Ubon tonight...

Yes, as per the other thread title.... he's done it again. He does seem to have a penchant for "Fleeing the Capital....and Reality" whenver things don't look good...

edit: also seems he heads towards the border areas each time... Cambodia first, and now Laos.

Just wonder if he's feeling dismayed over being excluded from the recently published Forbes billionaire listing. Now lets see.... how many Lao Kip is US$1.8 billion?

Is he looking to make his own trillionaire list?

And tonight, he's scuttled on over to Buriram.

On his way back to BKK?

[britmaveric]

12:04 am: Two senators - Karun Sai-ngarm and Pichet Phattanachote lead the protesters to curse Thaksin in response to a superstitious rite they says Thaksin is having a Cambodian witchdoctor perform in Buri Ram.

Karun asks the crowd to put Thaksin's photos or name under women's crotch and curse him three times.

Karun asks women to stand up for putting Thaksin's name and photos under their legs. Karun and Pichet lead the crowd to curse Thaksin three times.

They ask the crowd to curse Thaksin to leave office, and flee Thailand to Singapore.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/03/15...es_20002785.php

-The Nation

[Boon Mee]

12:04 am: Two senators - Karun Sai-ngarm and Pichet Phattanachote lead the protesters to curse Thaksin in response to a superstitious rite they says Thaksin is having a Cambodian witchdoctor perform in Buri Ram.

Karun asks the crowd to put Thaksin's photos or name under women's crotch and curse him three times.

Karun asks women to stand up for putting Thaksin's name and photos under their legs. Karun and Pichet lead the crowd to curse Thaksin three times.

They ask the crowd to curse Thaksin to leave office, and flee Thailand to Singapore.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/03/15...es_20002785.php

-The Nation

I missed that part.

The wife has this on 24/7 lately and I've started to tune it out.

[Boon Mee]

The joke going around now - if you want to call it a joke - is Thai kids in school being asked "Who is your Prime Minister?'

They answer: "Taksin"

What's his last name?

"Awk Pai!"