Anti-government Rally Thread 13-25 March

[sriracha john]

After his Cambodia witchdoctor visits in Buriram, "The Grand Superstition Tour" continues into Surin:

PM rides jumbo 'to fight bad luck'

Embattled caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday resorted to riding an elephant while on the campaign stump in the lower Northeast to ward off bad luck and the ''dangers'' posed to him by demonstrators camping out around Government House. Taking his political campaign to Surin yesterday, Mr Thaksin rode a 34-year-old male elephant, Phlai Bua Ban, one of the four elephants featured in the epic film ''King Naresuan the Great''.

Mr Thaksin rode the elephant for 500 metres with former Surin MP and owner of the pachyderm, Suriya Ruampattana, sitting behind him to control it.

An elephant expert said there was a traditional belief that riding an elephant would help ward off bad luck and dangers as the elephant was an auspicious animal.

''Riding on the elephant's neck, not its back, is very risky as the jumbo is not familiar with the smell of the rider. It may resist and cause the rider to fall. But the [caretaker] prime minister can ride it. It's a traditional belief that a powerful man who rides on an elephant and can control it will be shielded from all dangers,'' said the elephant expert and local scholar who is well-versed in superstitious beliefs.

Mr Suriya gave a large hook used by mahouts to control elephants as a souvenir to Mr Thaksin in the belief it would help him in his troubled time, the expert said.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin onboard his "good luck pachyderm" :

[Jai Dee]

PM said officers can control situation at Govt House.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat commented on the rally by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) at Government House, saying officers can control the situation.

Prime Minister Thaksin said that he has followed the situation closely, and officials are able to control the situation. He asked the people to accept the people’s decision on April 2nd, although many parties do not want an election to take place. The Prime Minister also denied reports on his resignation, saying that he has to campaign for the election in other regions. He said that due to the current political situation, Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Wannasatit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) has been assigned as the first Deputy Prime Minister to act in case of emergencies.

Earlier, the Prime Minister said that he was ready to declare a state of emergency if there is necessity and the protests turn violent. However, he said that the current situation is still calm, and the government does not need to declare a state of emergency yet.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Officers remain at Govt House to keep order and provide security.

The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) still gathered in front of Government House to pressure the premier to resign, while the situation remains non-violent.

General Chdichai Wannasatit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์), deputy Prime Minister on security, said that around 600 police officers and security team members have kept security at Government House, adding that they will have to see whether the situation will warrant back-up forces. He said that currently, there is still no need for support team, as both sides still remain calm.

Meanwhile, Army commander General Sondhi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน) and senior military officers are following the protest closely to evaluate the situation. The officers have been assigned to keep order, while fire trucks have been prepared for possible emergencies.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Govt supporters stayed overnight in Ang Thong last night, preparing to continue their march to BKK today.

Government supporters traveling from the Northern region stayed overnight in Ang-thong (อ่างทอง) last night, giving speeches in support of the Prime Minister.

Around 2,500 protestors traveling with the caravan stayed in Ban Nam Pueng (บ้านน้ำผึ้ง) school in Muang district of Ang Thong province. The protestors organized activities to entertain their members, after a long day traveling in hot weather. Then, protest leader, Prayad Muengtherng (ประหยัด เมืองเทิง) gave a speech supporting the Prime Minister, saying that he traveled as a citizen under the Democratic system. He said that the march is the Poor’s march to help the rich, as the poor have received from the rich to revive their livelihood. He insisted that no matter the Prime Minister will step down or not, he will vote for the Thai Rak Thai party, as he is impressed with its policies. Mr. Prayad attacked protestors calling for the Premier’s resignation that they do not use their judgment.

The atmosphere at the temporary shelter of demonstrators last night was lively as the protestors and local villagers participated in activities. Protest leaders thanked Ang-thong residents for their help with food and accommodation. Today, the demonstrators will begin their march at 8AM.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Protestors will be asked to stay on Pitsanulok road only.

Deputy Traffic Police Commander Major-general Panu Kerdlabpol (ภาณุ เกิดลาภผล) prepared to negotiate with protestors, asking them to move to stay on Pitsanulok (พิษณุโลก) road and Government House only.

Major-general Panu said that the traffic around Pitsanulok road until Wang Dang (วังแดง) intersection was heavy, as protestors scattered on the roads, forcing traffic police to close roads since the Royal Plaza. He said that the people traveling to Thonburi (ธนบุรี) areas should use Rama 8 Bridge and Pin Klao (ปิ่นเกล้า) bride. He added that Lan Luang (หลานหลวง) road should be used as a major route, adding that outer Rajadamneun road and Pitsanulok road should be avoided.

Major-general Panu added that he would negotiate with protestors gathering around the Makawan (มัฆวาน) bridge to move to Pitsanulok (พิษณุโลก) road in front of the Government House only, adding that traffic routes will be adjusted.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 March 2006

[boppia]

My wife noted that Thaksin had never visited the rural provinces when he during his first term. He went to Chiangmai but not Esarn. So why now?

And why isn't he touring the south rallying his support there?

He is a criminal exploiting the poor unedcuated farmers of the northeast.

It seems that Thai people love dictators just like the Iraqis voted for Saddam, the Cubans voted for Fidel and so on.

Strangely, lots of posters here seems to think dictators are okay. I can't understand these people.

If Thaksin stays in, I am going to switch into corruption mode like so many others in this country. If the Thai people are willing to sell their children, I mean their children's futures, for 500 baht then morality may as well be thrown out the window.

Con Thai chorp charg farang. Farang ruay ja die.

Na Yok Thaksin charg sang com Thai.

Farang tongkarn charg Con Thai duay.

Con john gin din dee qua.

[Jai Dee]

PAD vows to stay on until the PM resigns.

The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has vowed to stay at Government House to pressure the Prime Minister to step down.

Last night, the PAD declared victory and thanked protestors for peaceful march from Sanamluang venue. The protest leaders took turn giving speeches attacking the government.

Protestors put up tents as their temporary shelters on Pitsanulok (พิษณุโลก) and Rajadamneun (ราชดำเนิน) roads, while some protestors picked up garbage in the areas. Meanwhile, more than 150 commando police who looked after security since yesterday has been replaced with a new police team, before having to come back for their next shift tomorrow morning.

Today, the PAD will discuss the establishment of the Democracy Village permanently, moving a big stage to Pitsanulok (พิษณุโลก) road, and how the PAD will react if farmers supporting the premier travel into Bangkok.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 March 2006

[sriracha john]

The Prime Minister also denied reports on his resignation, saying that he has to campaign for the election in other regions.

Is he worried that his candidates will lose to .... uhhmmm ... no one?

"Thai Rak Thai candidates will stand alone in at least 274 of the 400 constituencies nationwide in the April 2 election as the candidates of unknown political parties who plan to join the contest will be disqualified. According to sources at the Election Commission (EC), 65 constituencies in the North, 80 in the Central Plains, 94 in the Northeast and 35 in the South will only have Thai Rak Thai contenders."

[boppia]

Shouldn't Thaksin be throwing money from that elephant?

[Jai Dee]

Maj. Gen. Chamlong said he is willing to be arrested, as he believes the protest is the right thing for the country

Major General Chamlong Srimuang (จำลอง ศรีเมือง) expressed confidence that he is doing the right thing for Thailand, adding that if Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra steps down, the rally in front of Government House will dissolve immediately.

Maj. Gen. Chamlong said that today, the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) will organize activities in front of Government House to educate the people, while some protestors will go to protest the buying of state enterprises. He said that the PAD is doing the right thing for the country, which will affect the people’s well-being, adding that the protestors will disband immediately if the premier agrees to step down. In addition, he said that he and protest leaders are willing to be arrested, if the premier declares a state of emergency, as they are confident that they are doing the right thing.

Maj. Gen. Chamlong said that the PAD has adjusted protest methods in accordance to the changing situation. He expressed confidence that the premier will eventually resign.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 March 2006

[ratcatcher]

S Korea PM quits after golf gaffe

South Korean PM Lee Hae-chan

Mr Lee has faced criticism before for playing golf during times of crisis

South Korea's Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan has resigned for playing golf when he was supposed to be dealing with a national railway strike.

Mr Lee was criticised by opponents and some newspapers for not overseeing the government response earlier this month.

His resignation, offered to President Roh Moo-hyun on Tuesday, was accepted, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said.

A spokesman for the president said Mr Lee "felt sorry" for the trouble he had caused by acting "indiscreetly".

Mr Lee played the round of golf on a national holiday on 1 March.

But that was also the day when railway workers went out on strike and he was widely criticised for not returning to work.

"Prime Minister Lee said he felt sorry for causing trouble by acting indiscreetly and expressed his intention to resign," presidential spokesman Kim Man-soo told AFP news agency.

From the B.B.C. site.

So, there is honour among some politicians. Th Prime minister of South Korea resigned because he had exercised bad judgement by playing golf at the wrong time. And, he actually apologised , a word that doesn't exist in Mr Thaksin's dictionary.

Maybe he's also guilty of other indiscretions but Thailand's embattled 'caretaker' Prime Minister would do well to note this resignation. By comparison it would seem that in S.Korea, a man with our P.M's record of corrupt practices and infringements of the law may well have faced execution.

[Jai Dee]

PM insisted that he will make decisions based on national interests, not pressure by some interested groups.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra insisted that he will make decisions based on national interests, and not on pressure by some interested groups.

Prime Minister Thaksin revealed before working in Buriram Province that he has always worked for the people and the nation, but that may disturb someone. He said that he will ask for time to finish his work for the people, adding that he is not attached to the position. As for suggestions that he take a break from politics and find a replacement, the premier said that the suggestions are good, but everything depends on his decision. He said that he will not make a decision based on pressure from some interested groups who do not understand facts. He also denied that there are negotiations with leaders of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on taking breaks from politics. He said that he will follow the people’s power according to democratic system.

The premier admitted that the prolonged rally affects investments and investor confidence, causing capital outflows. He said that he media should give information in a neutral manner, as the information is important for investment. He also insisted that he will continue his work in Government House, as it is the office for the prime minister.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 March 2006

[sajal]

''Riding on the elephant's neck, not its back, is very risky as the jumbo is not familiar with the smell of the rider. It may resist and cause the rider to fall. But the [caretaker] prime minister can ride it. It's a traditional belief that a powerful man who rides on an elephant and can control it will be shielded from all dangers,'' said the elephant expert and local scholar who is well-versed in superstitious beliefs.

So Mr. Toxin wont be shielded after all .....he should have rode that elephant half a year back.

Clever thing to do....ride a well trained actor elephant and have ppl controling him.

[Jai Dee]

Mood around Government House relaxed as demonstrators hunker down

Anti-Thaksin demonstrators, many of whom spent the night on the streets around Government House, began their second day of protests at the offices of embattled caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Some 2,000 protestors remained from yesterday’s demonstration, which saw around 100,000 people march at dawn from Sanam Luang to Government House, disrupting traffic and a scheduled meeting of the caretaker Cabinet.

The mood around Government House this morning was relaxed as ardent critics of the caretaker PM gathered under tarpaulin sheets to eat breakfast and a handful of unarmed police officers looked on.

The blue-clad members of the Santi Asoke Buddhist Sect’s Dharma Army gathered under tents set up along Phitsanulok Road to hear a sermon delivered by the sect’s senior monk.

On the walls of Government House hung a banner which read “Thaksin breaks all the rules” and volunteers had collected the colorful bevy of paper flags to be used again.

Demonstrators have vowed to remain outside Government House until Thaksin resigns from office.

As one Bangkok student put it, “Many of us supported him but now we don’t want him to be prime minister. His government is not transparent. He tells too many lies.”

Source: ThaiDay - 15 Mar 2006

[george]

Billion of baht lost from continued mass rallies

BANGKOK: -- The Thai business sector has lost billions of baht so far from continued mass rallies against caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a senior executive revealed on Tuesday.

Business persons in Thailand's prime trade areas in Silom, Mahesak and Patpong said here on Tuesday that the continued rallies had caused stress and disrupt normal trade and investment flows in the country.

Businesses in the Bangkok's prime areas have lost billions of baht from the continued mass rallies over the past two months, according to Mr. Pornchai Chuenchomlada, a jeweller.

He said damage on the overall Thai economy could, thus, be much more greater.

The business representatives called for all parties to stop their protest and use electoral means to decide on the country's political direction.

"Traders do not take any side in politics, but are against those who are against the country's economic growth," said Mr. Pornchai.

Meanwhile, president of Thailand's gold traders association Chitti Tangsithiphakdi called for all conflicting parties to return to a negotiation table to quickly end the current political turmoil for the sake of the country's steady growth and development.

--TNA 2006-03-15

[Jai Dee]

Some photographs from The Manager:

[Heng]

Mood around Government House relaxed as demonstrators hunker down

^ caption: May as well sit and laze about here, just like back home. Where's the free booze?

[PeaceBlondie]

Good morning, Heng. What do you think is more important to the country, overall: whether the gold and jewlery people's gross revenue has a momentary slump, or whether the people of Thailand prove that they can non-violently protest against a government with which they strongly disagree?

I'll take the protests any day. Hey, you should have seen me in front of Shell Oil building in Houston, protesting against Papa Bush's Gulf War. Maybe you saw me!

And congratulations, so far, to the government itself, for not calling out the water cannons against the protestors, for not successfully planting agents provacateurs among the crowd, and to the police in Bangkok for allowing the protests to continue.

[Plus]

Businesses in the Bangkok's prime areas have lost billions of baht from the continued mass rallies over the past two months, according to Mr. Pornchai Chuenchomlada, a jeweller.

A jeweller? Estimates of total business losses in prime areas (why only in prime areas?) over a two month period is way over the top for your average jeweller expertise.

Why not interview noodle vendors, too.

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin supporters to move in to confront protesters

Thousands of supporters of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are gathering in Pathum Thani and will head to Royal Plaza in Wednesday's afternoon, Manager Online reports.

The Web site report that 2,000 people from Phayao's Jun district have arrived at Navanakhon district in Pathum Thani in 20 buses.

It says the villagers are waiting for reinforcement from some 4,000 more villagers from other provinces before leaving Pathum Thani at 2 pm to head to the Royal Plaza.

They would include some 2,000 villagers who are travelling on homemade tractors or e-tan tractors.

It says Thai Rak Thai candidate in Phayao's Constituency 2, Wisut Chai-arun, organised the rally in support of Thaksin.

Earlier, Wisut said he would mobilise up to 10,000 people to rally in confrontation with protesters against the prime minister.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News - 15 Mar 2006

[Jai Dee]

The PAD rally developments so far today:

2:10 pm: Nation News Agency reports that a group of doctors from Ramathibodi Hospital will gather in front their hospital at 4 pm and will move to join the anti-Thaksin rally in front of Government House.

12:49 pm: Manager Online reports quoting Somchai Jitsuchon, director of Thailand Development Research Institute, as recommending Thaksin to have a political break. Somchai says if Thaksin resumes the prime minister post after the April 2 election, he will not have full mandate and it could affect the country's economy. But if Thaksin skips politics for now, the next government could continue Thai Rak Thai's economic policies.

12:27 pm: Announcer Samran Yodphet tells the crowds that the stage at the Misakawan Intersection will be relocated to the side near the Civil Service Commission head office to make way for a royal motorcade, which will pass through the area at 5 pm.

11:04 am: Nation News Agency reports that Deputy Prime Minister Wssanu Krea-ngam said Thaksin could resign even he is a caretaker prime minister. Wissanu said if the laws are considered carefully, "it will be clear that everything is possible. If he wants to resign, it can be done".

10:35 am: Announcer Samran Yodphet tells the crowd that Thaksin appears to soften his stand. He quotes Thaksin as saying that the call for him to make a political break is "an interesting proposal" but he would have to consider it thoroughly. "We may have good news tomorrow or day after tomorrow," Samran tells the protesters.

10:12 am: Chalad Vorachat, an activist, files complaints with the EC against the Democrat, Chat Thai and Mahachon, asking it to dissolve the three parties on allegations that they had attempted to topple democratic regime.

10:01 am: Manager Online reports quoting Thaksin as saying that he will definitely return to work at Government House despite the on-going protest. He says he is quoted as saying that he will be willing to step down if someone can do better as the prime minister. "I feel tired and old," Manager Online quotes him as sasying.

10:00 am: Chidchai calls a meeting of security agencies to assess the situation and prepare measures to deal with protesters.

9:30 am: Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya says the media should say whether the protesters are infringing on other peoples' rights by laying siege around Government House.

"If the protesters continue besieging Government House nonstop, the people will decide whether the protesters are affecting other people's rights or not. The media will have to say this out," Chidchai says.

9:00 am: Phra Photirak, leader of the Santi Asoke sect, leads the pray at the rally site.

8:24 am: Two announcers who are holding a talk show on the main stage says the sun is getting hotter so the demonstrators have to be patient.

8:15 am: Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra gives an interview in Buri Ram that he went into bed at 10 pm and he did not sleepwalk out of his bed to undergo a witchdoctor rite.

More people start arriving at the rally site in front of Government House. There are about over 1,000 of them gathering there.

7:56 am: PM's Office Minister Newin Chidchob gives a live phone interview on Channel 3 denying Thaksin went to Buri Ram for a witchdoctor rite for blessing Thaksin's fate.

7:50 am: Chamlong Srimuang, one of the five decision makers of the PAD, gives an interview to reporters. He insists the rally will continue until Thaksin steps down.

7:38 am: Santi Asoke Buddhist sect's monks walk in line in solemn manner to receive alms from demonstrators.

7:30 am: Manager Online reports quoting Parinya Nakchattree, a member of the Election Commission, as saying that the EC is willing to postpone the election day and allow political parties reapply for the election.

Thaksin has breakfast at Newin's house in Buri Ram after staying overnight there.

7:14 am: An announcer reads a note from a protester, called Saneh, saying he has taken shower for three days and his money is running out so he has to return home in Prachin Buri. "But I will be back," the note says.

7:01 am: Announcers tell the crowd that they will have to leave part of the Rajdamnone Avenue at noon to make way for a royal motorcade to pass through.

6:58 am: Hundreds of protesters still sit in front of the main stage at the Misakawan Intersection. Several shout "yes" when two announcers, who are holding a talk show on the stage, ask if they will continue to protest there. Some shout they have been camping at Sanam Luang for several days.

Source: The Nation

[TokyoT]

Thaksin supporters to move in to confront protesters

Thousands of supporters of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are gathering in Pathum Thani and will head to Royal Plaza in Wednesday's afternoon, Manager Online reports.

The Web site report that 2,000 people from Phayao's Jun district have arrived at Navanakhon district in Pathum Thani in 20 buses.

It says the villagers are waiting for reinforcement from some 4,000 more villagers from other provinces before leaving Pathum Thani at 2 pm to head to the Royal Plaza.

They would include some 2,000 villagers who are travelling on homemade tractors or e-tan tractors.

It says Thai Rak Thai candidate in Phayao's Constituency 2, Wisut Chai-arun, organised the rally in support of Thaksin.

Earlier, Wisut said he would mobilise up to 10,000 people to rally in confrontation with protesters against the prime minister.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News - 15 Mar 2006

I fear this is may not be good news for those who hope to see a non-violent end to things at hand.

[bulmercke]

Thaksin supporters to move in to confront protesters

Thousands of supporters of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are gathering in Pathum Thani and will head to Royal Plaza in Wednesday's afternoon, Manager Online reports.

The Web site report that 2,000 people from Phayao's Jun district have arrived at Navanakhon district in Pathum Thani in 20 buses.

It says the villagers are waiting for reinforcement from some 4,000 more villagers from other provinces before leaving Pathum Thani at 2 pm to head to the Royal Plaza.

They would include some 2,000 villagers who are travelling on homemade tractors or e-tan tractors.

It says Thai Rak Thai candidate in Phayao's Constituency 2, Wisut Chai-arun, organised the rally in support of Thaksin.

Earlier, Wisut said he would mobilise up to 10,000 people to rally in confrontation with protesters against the prime minister.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News - 15 Mar 2006

Don't like the sound of this at all and the police (who have IMHO up to now done an admirable job in policing this most recent anti-Thaksin rally) will definitely have their work cut out keeping the two opposing groups separated - that's if the pro-Thaksin "supporters" are allowed into central BKK at all.

Incidentally, I was present at yesterday's march and rally and I thought the march was very well organised. All the various groups participating at yesterday's rally were marshalled in pre-designated areas of Sanam Luang before they were directed at periodic intervals to join the march.

And, as always, the marchers - the protesters - were very well behaved - if somewhat noisy. I guess, that's what protesting is all about - making your presence felt!

[sriracha john]

Thaksin supporters to move in to confront protesters

Thousands of supporters of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are gathering in Pathum Thani and will head to Royal Plaza in Wednesday's afternoon, Manager Online reports.

The Web site report that 2,000 people from Phayao's Jun district have arrived at Navanakhon district in Pathum Thani in 20 buses.

It says the villagers are waiting for reinforcement from some 4,000 more villagers from other provinces before leaving Pathum Thani at 2 pm to head to the Royal Plaza.

They would include some 2,000 villagers who are travelling on homemade tractors or e-tan tractors.

It says Thai Rak Thai candidate in Phayao's Constituency 2, Wisut Chai-arun, organised the rally in support of Thaksin.

Earlier, Wisut said he would mobilise up to 10,000 people to rally in confrontation with protesters against the prime minister.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News - 15 Mar 2006

I fear this is may not be good news for those who hope to see a non-violent end to things at hand.

particularly when the "end" is apparently so near in sight, that is if Thaksin's latest words give any indication....

[kyselak]

Supporters of Thai prime minister gather outside Bangkok

for pro-Thaksin march

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) _ Thai Prime Minister Thaksin

Shinawatra said Wednesday he would consider stepping down

temporarily, but continued his political parries against

opponents who demand he step down for alleged corruption

and abuse of power. Thaksin, who denies any wrongdoing, did

not say when, or for how long, he might step down. He made

his comments in northeastern Thailand while campaigning for

snap elections he has called for April 2 in hopes of

refreshing his mandate and deflating the growing movement

against him. Later Wednesday, Thaksin met with Luangpor

Koon, a popular Buddhist monk in the region, a move

traditionally made by virtually all politicians seeking to

attract northeastern voters. Thousands of Thaksin

supporters from the northeast _ a stronghold of his support

_ meanwhile gathered on the outskirts of the Thai capital

Bangkok to demonstrate their loyalty to the Thai leader.

They said, however, they would not enter the city, where

there would be a risk of confrontation with anti-Thaksin

demonstrators.

151056 mar 06GMT

[lebeau69]

7.00pm: Arrangement is being made for Privy Coucil's Chairman Gen Prem Tinasulanda to have an urgent press conference. It is not clear what the topic is.

Natkln

[Hermano Lobo]

State of Emergency?

Army takeover ?

Perhaps that is what Thaksin Shinytwat wanted all along ?

[Boon Mee]

Thaksin Shinytwat wanted all along ?[/b]

Thought his last name was 'Awk Pai'?

[bulmercke]

I can see this grouping of Thaksin supporters in Pathum Thani growing in number as each day passes. Along similar lines to how the anti-Thaksin group has swelled in numbers recently.

They haven't entered central Bangkok because the police ordered them not to do so. So they come all this way and at the last hurdle are thwarted in their attempt to get to the seat of government.

Typical. Told what to do and think, in the main.

However, I can see these "supporters" establishing a supporter base which will grow in the coming days and could possibly instigate a violent confrontation in the not too distant future.