Thaksin Given Ultimatum To Resign Within 48 Hours

[Virgil]

Key leaders call for royal intervention

Somsak said PAD's only goal at the moment was to oust Thaksin and they had not resolved how the post-Thaksin era should be.

--The Nation 2006-03-22

I think that just about says it all! Brain in neutral and no ideas.

I agree. Having spent many cups of coffee over the Bangkok Post this last month, and having had many a discussion with Bangkok cab drivers, my opinion is that PAD is on a personal vandetta against Thaksin. In fact, PAD would probably claim a victory if TRT won the election without Thaksin as PM. PAD has no political agenda or vision. Their actions are personal and spiteful. They are not thinking of the Thai people, Thai culture or democracy.

[h90]

Key leaders call for royal intervention

Somsak said PAD's only goal at the moment was to oust Thaksin and they had not resolved how the post-Thaksin era should be.

--The Nation 2006-03-22

I think that just about says it all! Brain in neutral and no ideas.

I agree. Having spent many cups of coffee over the Bangkok Post this last month, and having had many a discussion with Bangkok cab drivers, my opinion is that PAD is on a personal vandetta against Thaksin. In fact, PAD would probably claim a victory if TRT won the election without Thaksin as PM. PAD has no political agenda or vision. Their actions are personal and spiteful. They are not thinking of the Thai people, Thai culture or democracy.

Maybe you should discuss political topics better with educated people instead of Isaan cab drivers who have usually no idea about politics.

[Bryan in Isaan]

The anti-Thaksin movement only grows bigger by the day as Thaksin's popularity is steadily dwindling. Take a look at today's crowd in Bangkok, bigger than ever.

I have been hearing almost daily that for several months. Maybe popularity is dwindling, but it must be doing so very slowly. He is still here and there are no signs that he is going anywhere soon. We will have a better idea of his ratings after April 2nd. That will probably be the most accurate poll yet.

The BKK Post reports that yesterday's rally was attended by "more than 100,000". What are the estimates for today's rally and from what source? I ask that because there always seems to be wide variations in the estimates.

[jdinasia]

Key leaders call for royal intervention

Somsak said PAD's only goal at the moment was to oust Thaksin and they had not resolved how the post-Thaksin era should be.

--The Nation 2006-03-22

I think that just about says it all! Brain in neutral and no ideas.

I agree. Having spent many cups of coffee over the Bangkok Post this last month, and having had many a discussion with Bangkok cab drivers, my opinion is that PAD is on a personal vandetta against Thaksin. In fact, PAD would probably claim a victory if TRT won the election without Thaksin as PM. PAD has no political agenda or vision. Their actions are personal and spiteful. They are not thinking of the Thai people, Thai culture or democracy.

Duh! ... PAD's only agenda is getting Thaksin out ....... did it take you very long to figure this out? a month and lots of coffee and you just got this?

Edited March 26, 2006 by jdinasia

[h90]

Key leaders call for royal intervention

Somsak said PAD's only goal at the moment was to oust Thaksin and they had not resolved how the post-Thaksin era should be.

--The Nation 2006-03-22

I think that just about says it all! Brain in neutral and no ideas.

I agree. Having spent many cups of coffee over the Bangkok Post this last month, and having had many a discussion with Bangkok cab drivers, my opinion is that PAD is on a personal vandetta against Thaksin. In fact, PAD would probably claim a victory if TRT won the election without Thaksin as PM. PAD has no political agenda or vision. Their actions are personal and spiteful. They are not thinking of the Thai people, Thai culture or democracy.

Duh! ... PAD's only agenda is getting Thaksin out ....... did it take you very long to figure this out? a month and lots of coffee and you just got this?

if he would have asked you or me he would have saved a lot coffee......

[jdinasia]

Or read even one report about PAD

[Bryan in Isaan]

Key leaders call for royal intervention

Somsak said PAD's only goal at the moment was to oust Thaksin and they had not resolved how the post-Thaksin era should be.

--The Nation 2006-03-22

I think that just about says it all! Brain in neutral and no ideas.

I agree. Having spent many cups of coffee over the Bangkok Post this last month, and having had many a discussion with Bangkok cab drivers, my opinion is that PAD is on a personal vandetta against Thaksin. In fact, PAD would probably claim a victory if TRT won the election without Thaksin as PM. PAD has no political agenda or vision. Their actions are personal and spiteful. They are not thinking of the Thai people, Thai culture or democracy.

Duh! ... PAD's only agenda is getting Thaksin out ....... did it take you very long to figure this out? a month and lots of coffee and you just got this?

Maybe Virgil was giving them the benefit of a doubt. We see all these educated and enlightened Bangkokians following the PAD all over town 24 hours a day. Surely the PAD would have thought through their agenda - what happens if there is actually a "post Thaksin" era.

[lukamar]

Surely the PAD would have thought through their agenda - what happens if there is actually a "post Thaksin" era.

Maybe PAD has finally figured out that they have lots of time to figure am agenda out. Like 4 more years worth of time...

[jdinasia]

Key leaders call for royal intervention

Somsak said PAD's only goal at the moment was to oust Thaksin and they had not resolved how the post-Thaksin era should be.

--The Nation 2006-03-22

I think that just about says it all! Brain in neutral and no ideas.

I agree. Having spent many cups of coffee over the Bangkok Post this last month, and having had many a discussion with Bangkok cab drivers, my opinion is that PAD is on a personal vandetta against Thaksin. In fact, PAD would probably claim a victory if TRT won the election without Thaksin as PM. PAD has no political agenda or vision. Their actions are personal and spiteful. They are not thinking of the Thai people, Thai culture or democracy.

Duh! ... PAD's only agenda is getting Thaksin out ....... did it take you very long to figure this out? a month and lots of coffee and you just got this?

Maybe Virgil was giving them the benefit of a doubt. We see all these educated and enlightened Bangkokians following the PAD all over town 24 hours a day. Surely the PAD would have thought through their agenda - what happens if there is actually a "post Thaksin" era.

Have you not followed this at all? PAD has never put forward any agenda other than freeing Thailand from a PM that they see as too flawed to lead. PAD is NOT a political party .... they are a non-partisan group dedicated to the removal of Thaksin as PM. They'd be OK with TRT or the Demos or a royally apponted PM as long as it is not Thaksin. That's all they have ever said they wanted.

I have watched a bit of the PAD Rallies ... seems like many average folks there ... not just the rich ... not just the "educated and enlightened"

You guys really need to work on getting the groups seperated in your minds ...

there is Thaksin ... (stands alone ...........)

TRT a political Party (that put Thaksin in asPM ....... )

The Opposition ... (the other Political parties that decided NOT to stand for election ......)

and the PAD ... (not associated directly with any party ... just citizens exercising their right to peaceful assembly and protest.)

Clear yet?

[ColPyat]

Maybe you should discuss political topics better with educated people instead of Isaan cab drivers who have usually no idea about politics.

Yeah, right, therefore we should get right back to the good old days of feudalism, <deleted> peasants anyhow have no idea about anything, buggers can't be trusted to make decisions for themselves.

[Insight]

Unwise for any foreigner to be involved in this.... stay neutral is the best policy in public.

I'll second that from first hand experience

My g/f wanted to go yesterday and I said I wouldn't let her go there alone. The result - I ended up going with her I was the only farang guy there I could see, but this was amongst thousands and thousands of people. The whole area was a massive sea of yellow.

I've got to word this properly as not to send the wrong message. It was peaceful, yes - no doubt about it, but I also felt it was tense; as if it would only take a straw to break the camel's back. I'm just glad the g/f doesn't want to go again today...

I couldn't put an exact figure on the amount of attendants as they were all split into different groups across the area, but I don't doubt BP's figure of 100.000, and they all seem very united in the one message.

I'm seriously worried if Thaksin's arrogance continues. We're talking about a very much hated man here.

The rallies are definitely attracting some crazy people. I remember those fools in Tiananmin Square with their silly Statue of Liberty. What a bunch of kooks they were. I hope the government has locked them up for good. When you have a peaceful society with economic growth and a chance to participate in government, there's really no need to protest. And remember no democracy is perfect, even China's. If Thaksin wins on April 2, it should be considered a mandate by the majority of well-informed Thais. At that point Thaksin will have the power behind him to lock up the protestors and run this country the way he sees right just like George Bush has since his reelection. And once Thaksin wins I think that the Thai people should do something to thank him for hanging in there and fighting for them. The airport could be renamed 'Thaksin International.' And why not rename a few streets in Chiangmai for his family members. He is not an average Thai he is above average. He is at the top of the top.In addition, the government should allocate at least 2,000,000,000 baht to celebrate "democracy" in Thailand on his return as the Prime Minister. Have you got any other ideas as to how the Thai people can celebrate the special occasion of Thaksin's return?

Translate that into Thai, stick it on a banner then walk into central Bangkok with it, Mr Straw.

[joe beets]

what happens if there is actually a "post Thaksin" era.

(Shudder.)

There bloody well better be, or else I've wasted all those insurance payments.

See, boppia, if you use one of those hi-tech smily thingies, then people know you're only joking, and they can properly read your thoughtful offerings.

Saves them from having to figure crap out for themselves.

Yeesh.

jb

[Thaible]

Unwise for any foreigner to be involved in this.... stay neutral is the best policy in public.

I'll second that from first hand experience

My g/f wanted to go yesterday and I said I wouldn't let her go there alone. The result - I ended up going with her I was the only farang guy there I could see, but this was amongst thousands and thousands of people. The whole area was a massive sea of yellow.

I've got to word this properly as not to send the wrong message. It was peaceful, yes - no doubt about it, but I also felt it was tense; as if it would only take a straw to break the camel's back. I'm just glad the g/f doesn't want to go again today...

I think it would be a good experience for more farangs to attend one of the rallies.

For some reason, many farangs here believe that the opposition will be more friendly to them than Thaksin. Go to one and I think you would change your mind quickly.

A free beer to anyone willing to carry a sign saying "Farangs deserve property rights"

[jdinasia]

Who thinks that? I am personally not that concerened over the results one way or another ...

Some people are so concerned with this that they are getting keyed up by it. But frankly as I have said many times .... I don't have a horse inthis race! I just think that it will be better in the long run for Democracy in Thailand if Thaksin is gone.

[h90]

yes learn from cab driver, all who know more are dangerous. Best is you close all schools and make the most stupid taxi driver to the leader....

Maybe you should discuss political topics better with educated people instead of Isaan cab drivers who have usually no idea about politics.

Yeah, right, therefore we should get right back to the good old days of feudalism, <deleted> peasants anyhow have no idea about anything, buggers can't be trusted to make decisions for themselves.

[lukamar]

You guys really need to work on getting the groups seperated in your minds ...

there is Thaksin ... (stands alone ...........)

TRT a political Party (that put Thaksin in asPM ....... )

The Opposition ... (the other Political parties that decided NOT to stand for election ......)

and the PAD ... (not associated directly with any party ... just citizens exercising their right to peaceful assembly and protest.)

Clear yet?

You forgot one.........

the Majority of Voters ... (not associated directly with any party ... just citizens exercising their right to a peaceful democratic process of electing the next government.)

[jdinasia]

Forgot them? nope ... maybe they'll speak up soon :-) There's a good chance that Thailand will head back to pluralism and make some real strides forward in Democracy from this.

Sadly that cannot happen easily when one guy (as some Thais see it) is running things as a parlaimentary dictatorship. It cannot happen with weakened courts and a weakened press ....

Edited March 26, 2006 by jdinasia

[lukamar]

I'll second that from first hand experience

My g/f wanted to go yesterday and I said I wouldn't let her go there alone. The result - I ended up going with her I was the only farang guy there I could see, but this was amongst thousands and thousands of people. The whole area was a massive sea of yellow.

I've got to word this properly as not to send the wrong message. It was peaceful, yes - no doubt about it, but I also felt it was tense; as if it would only take a straw to break the camel's back. I'm just glad the g/f doesn't want to go again today...

I couldn't put an exact figure on the amount of attendants as they were all split into different groups across the area, but I don't doubt BP's figure of 100.000, and they all seem very united in the one message.

I'm seriously worried if Thaksin's arrogance continues. We're talking about a very much hated man here.

Thanks for the report on your experience, I found it very interesting and you seemed to get the wording fine.

I was watching the ITV news and it actually looked like more than 100,000 from the Helo shots but it was hard to tell as there was a lot of stuff obstructing the shots. At one point around noon they had a video report from the US about the LA Hispanic March which had an estimated 500,000 participants and it looked huge in comparison, although the population of general LA is about same. It will be interesting to see what numbers have been put on the PAD March.

[jdinasia]

Looks like pressure will escalate ... the rallies are moving into town ... planned for Siam Paragon next!

[lukamar]

Looks like pressure will escalate ... the rallies are moving into town ... planned for Siam Paragon next!

They need to go somewhere confined with the overwelming support the last march mustered. Even the Hispanics in LA got out over 5 times as many people. The Nation did not have the nerve to report the numbers and the Post put it from 10,000 at the start to 100,000. That's a far cry from the Million Man March or the downsized 500,000 or the downsized 300,000 they finally hoped they would get. The news for the rebelion is not good today in the world press either.

Thailand's anti-premier protest hits the malls

About 50,000 protestors marched down Ploenchit Road, Bangkok's main shopping strip, waving anti-Thaksin banners and chanting 'Thaksin Get Out.' Full Text

Thais Urge PM Thaksin to Resign

"These people are causing confusion to the public and tarnishing the image of the country," said Kiatsuda Paithayaporn, a 46-year-old shopper.

Thaksin, who has widespread support among the rural population, has campaigned across the country this week, telling voters that he would not bow to mob rule. Full Text

Participation in Anti-Government Protests Lower than Expected in Thailand

By Cihan News Agency, Bangkok

Published: Sunday, March 26, 2006 zaman.com

In a bid to organize the largest demonstration in Thailand’s history against Prime Minister Thaksin Sinawatra, protest leaders could not achieve their aim due to low participation. Full Text

[sriracha john]

I'll second that from first hand experience

My g/f wanted to go yesterday and I said I wouldn't let her go there alone. The result - I ended up going with her I was the only farang guy there I could see, but this was amongst thousands and thousands of people. The whole area was a massive sea of yellow.

I've got to word this properly as not to send the wrong message. It was peaceful, yes - no doubt about it, but I also felt it was tense; as if it would only take a straw to break the camel's back. I'm just glad the g/f doesn't want to go again today...

I couldn't put an exact figure on the amount of attendants as they were all split into different groups across the area, but I don't doubt BP's figure of 100.000, and they all seem very united in the one message.

I'm seriously worried if Thaksin's arrogance continues. We're talking about a very much hated man here.

Thanks for the report on your experience, I found it very interesting and you seemed to get the wording fine.

I was watching the ITV news and it actually looked like more than 100,000 from the Helo shots but it was hard to tell as there was a lot of stuff obstructing the shots. At one point around noon they had a video report from the US about the LA Hispanic March which had an estimated 500,000 participants and it looked huge in comparison, although the population of general LA is about same. It will be interesting to see what numbers have been put on the PAD March.

I think since most "numbers" put out there from various sources vary so wildly... from ITV's 2,000 to PAD's 100,000, that it's pretty much an non-issue or at least so open to intepretation that it's too speculative to discuss with any modicum of accuracy.

Attendance figures for the various rallies in Thailand seem to have as much exactness and value as these so-called various polls.

[Thaible]

I think they're going to the Paragon so they can claim they have more protestors than they actually do.

[lukamar]

I think they're going to the Paragon so they can claim they have more protestors than they actually do.

From the Bangkok Post so it must be true....

"demonstrators who would also have access to toilets, restaurants and the shopping"

But you may be correct as well Thaible...

[sriracha john]

See post #262....

as the reason they are going to Paragon is specifically so that ITV can claim they have fewer protestors than they actually do.

[lukamar]

See post #262....

as the reason they are going to Paragon is specifically so that ITV can claim they have fewer protestors than they actually do.

You lost me big guy..

BP = 100,000

My iTV estimate = 100,000 Plus

PAD = 100,000

iTV = 2,000 ??? I was watching but not really listening ( I was watching Boxing ) and I don't remember hearing any estimate but I had the sound low. The chopper reporter wouldn't have been able to say 2000 with a straight face.

[penzman]

See post #262....

as the reason they are going to Paragon is specifically so that ITV can claim they have fewer protestors than they actually do.

You lost me big guy..

BP = 100,000

My iTV estimate = 100,000 Plus

PAD = 100,000

iTV = 2,000 ??? I was watching but not really listening ( I was watching Boxing ) and I don't remember hearing any estimate but I had the sound low. The chopper reporter wouldn't have been able to say 2000 with a straight face.

Not hard to do when your job is on the line. Yet another newsreader was fired last week after giving lower crowd attendance numbers than Thaksin would have liked... This cr@p still goes on even though he's under extreme pressure. I guess he just can't help it, even tried slipping in a few people close to him again to be chosen for the next NCCC.

[lukamar]

iTV = 2,000 ??? I was watching but not really listening ( I was watching Boxing ) and I don't remember hearing any estimate but I had the sound low. The chopper reporter wouldn't have been able to say 2000 with a straight face.

Not hard to do when your job is on the line. Yet another newsreader was fired last week after giving lower crowd attendance numbers than Thaksin would have liked...

I don't think Thaksin would have the chopper guy fired for reporting lower numbers at a PAD rally he complained about low number reporting at one of his rallies saying they were higher. I doubt that he would complain if the numbers at a PAD rally were reported low; but ,even though I'm not a PAD supporter, 2000 is a ridiculous number.

[jdinasia]

Seems to me a pretty simple reason for them to be moving out of Sanam Luang and to the malls.

I doubt this reason escapes even those of you NOT in Thailand but who knows.

The Governments of several countries have suggested that tourists and the citizens of those countries NOT go near the rallies at all. As some people have suggested ... CNN and BBC cobverage of the Rallies has been pretty sparse.

Seems that if they move the demonstrations into the major business/shopping districts that it may not be long before the Governments of other countries start suggesting that people avoid the rallies specifically in the shopping districts and then the International press will cover it more.

seems pretty crafty to me ... but also a bad strategy in the long run as this could adversely affect Thailand's image if something bad happens at any of the rallies.

[ColPyat]

CNN and BBC cobverage of the Rallies has been pretty sparse.

Seems that if they move the demonstrations into the major business/shopping districts that it may not be long before the Governments of other countries start suggesting that people avoid the rallies specifically in the shopping districts and then the International press will cover it more.

Rubbish.

The international media doesn't cover the demonstrations much because the French demonstrations are far closer to home and get therefore far more space. Advertisement quotes don't exactly go up much by reporting on some completely uneventful third world shithole demonstrations that go on and on and on without making any difference or impression.

Get more than a few people slaughtered and the international media will cover it, but only if not somewhere more important to the west something happens.

Demonstrating at some department store in Bangkok will only be seen as another episode of a childish Thai soap opera not worth mentioning.

[Plus]

My iTV estimate = 100,000 Plus

I wasn't there. Actually I don't know anyone who went to PAD rallies - everybody who's got kids won't risk going there, there's no place to park and taxis do not take people to protest against Thaksin. One guy who went to 1992 protests was explicitly forbidden by his 4 year old daughter to go this time, she only allows him to watch the news.

Baht and sold, Thaksin can't go on only farmers' support. He can, of course, form the government, but he won't be able to govern! He'll face major disobedience and lots of people will not kowtow to him anymore. More corruption charges will come up, more demonstrations will follow, and media will become more assertive.

Back in 1992 it took several months no unsit Suchinda, it didin't happen overnight.