Demonstrations And Rallies Leading Up To The Election

[Jai Dee]

ACM Kongsak believes business will be affected by rally at Siam Paragon

Interior Minister Kongsak Wanthana(คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) indicated that the planned rally on March 29-30, organized by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in front of Siam Paragon shopping complex will cause severe impact on the business in the area.

Air Chief Marshal Kongsak said that not only will business be affected, but also traffic will be heavily congested.

He reiterated that the authorities will do their best to control the situation and will avoid the confrontation. However, he said that it is not necessary to impose the Emergency Decree as yet.

ACM Kongsak disclosed that stability-related agencies are now evaluating the numbers of people who will be joining the rally.

Interior Minister also talked about the unrest situation in the three southern border provinces during the five days prior to the general election on the 2nd of April. He affirmed that the situation is under control. He said the authorities are prepared and they have laid out the plans with concerned agencies already so that the election can proceed in peaceful manner.

He disclosed that people in the southern region have shown more interest in Democratic system and said that he will be visiting many provinces to inspect the readiness of the election.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Police Lieutenant General Chaiyan insisted no force will be used to dissolve the rallies

The Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police, Police Lieutenant General Chaiyan Maklamthong (ชัยยันต์ มะกล่ำทอง), has insisted that the officers will not dissolve the rallies as long as they proceed in a peaceful manner and do not cause troubles to Thailand and the general public.

In response to the report which claimed that the police forces will dissolve the People’s Alliance for Democracy’s (PAD) demonstration, Pol. Lt. Gen. Chaiyan said such news is untrue.

However, he said the general public has been affected by the rallies, and he has urged them to file a lawsuit against the protestors. As for the PAD’s excuse that the demonstration can be carried out according to the laws, the Deputy Commander said that it has also infringed the rights of other people.

In the meantime, the Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, Lieutenant-General Achirawit Supanpesat (อชิรวิทย์ สุพรรณเภสัช), revealed that the Commissioner-General of Royal Thai Police has appointed more officials to take care of the PAD’s demonstrators who will be moving to Siam Paragon shopping complex tomorrow.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 March 2006

[ColPyat]

Interior Minister Kongsak Wanthana(คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) indicated that the planned rally on March 29-30, organized by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in front of Siam Paragon shopping complex will cause severe impact on the business in the area.

There are several major hospitals going to affected by the resulting severe traffic jams. This is not just a nuisance. To be against Thaksin should not result in hindering rescue.

And as i have just posted in another thread, a friend while shopping with his family had to encounter anti Thaksin protestors at Siam Paragon. He was screamed at while entering and felt very threatened. I don't really know what they try to achive by this sort of thing.

[skippybangkok]

Loosing credibility.......

Starting to loose some respect for the movement. What are they trying to achieve. Are you a bad person if you visit MBK or Siam Paragon or that area ?

Not sure what their objective is, but they are either incredibly smart, or...............

[Jai Dee]

Police warns PAD not to root violence and traffic congestion during its rally in front of Siam Paragon

Police officers have warned the core members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) not to cause violence and traffic congestion or otherwise, they will be prosecuted.

Traffic Police Commander Phanu Kerdlarpphol (ภาณุ เกิดลาภผล) spoke about the PAD’s plan to gather in front of Siam Paragon shopping complex. Police officers are concerned that this gathering will root severe traffic congestion because the route is connected with many main roads such as Sukhumvit (สุขุมวิท), Pleonchit (เพลินจิต), and Silom (สีลม) Roads.

He said that police officers will implement in accordance with the laws should the demonstrators cause traffic congestion and affect public safety, adding that it is preferable for the alliance to relocate its demonstration somewhere else.

Major-General Chamlong Srimuang (จำลอง ศรีเมือง), one of the key members of the PAD, has affirmed that he will lead his rally to protest in front of Siam Paragon from March 29th to 31st. He has also promised that the PAD will not cause inconvenience to commuters who will travel around the place. He said that the gathering in front of the shopping mall is in response to the people’s demand.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM Thaksin has reiterated to the police to be patient when dealing with the rally of PDA

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra reiterated during the Cabinet meeting to the police to be patient when dealing with the planned rally on March 29-30, by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in front of Siam Paragon shopping complex. He said such action is to avoid possible violence.

Government spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี) revealed that the Prime Minister, chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting, urged government agencies to help encourage people to exercise their votes in the upcoming general election on the 2nd of April. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over a fair turnout of voters in the advance voting.

Mr. Surapong further revealed that Prime Minister Thaksin is concerned over the planned rally of the PAD in front of Siam Paragon and Siam Square shopping complex. He said the move could cause traffic chaos as well as infringe on the rights of people.

Government spokesperson indicated that the Prime Minister has reiterated that the officials must be more careful and patient when dealing with such circumstances. He said any violence would have impact on the upcoming general election.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery will close tomorrow and Thursday because of PAD's planned gathering there

The management of Siam Paragon and companies in the group have announced a 2-day closure in fear of planned rallies by the People's Alliance for Democracy which will possibly cause traffic problems and inconvenience in commuting.

Siam Fiwath (สยามฟิวรรธน์) and Siam Paragon Development companies have announced that Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery will be closed on March 29th and 30th, due to the People's Alliance for Democracy's announcement to use the area as a demonstration site. The management said that because traffic on Rama the 1st road, which runs in front of all the 3 malls and a segment of Phayathai (พญาไท) road may have to be closed, goods delivery and food would not be able to make their way into the malls.

The management, apologizing for the inconvenience, also noted that staff and customers may not be able to reach the venues via personal vehicles.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 March 2006

See also this thread.

[Jai Dee]

Members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy urge people yesterday in front of Siam Paragon, the luxury shopping mall in central Bangkok, to ask His Majesty the King to appoint a new PM.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra tries to laugh off a shopkeeper’s verbal attack yesterday. Thaksin was having lunch when the woman launched her tirade. She persisted, see top of frame, as he walked away.

Members of the Caravan of the Poor from Chatuchak park cast a spell on Amara Pongsapich, the dean of Chulalongkorn University’s Political Science faculty, in front of the university yesterday. They claim Amara accused them of being stooges paid to support the PM.

Anti-Thaksin demonstrators form outside the Royal Thai Police headquarters yesterday as protest leaders asked the police to take action against the PM and some Cabinet members.

Source: The Nation

[Jai Dee]

Protesters gather at the Nation again

About 1,000 angry protesters on Tuesday gather at the office of the Nation to protest a recent report in Kom Chad Luek newspaper over an alleged reference made to His Majesty the King.

The protestors, led by the Caravan of the Poors, who has been camping out at the Chatuchak Park over the past week in support of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, arrived in some 30 pickup trucks at the NMG headquarter at about 3 pm en mass with picture of HM the King.

They were demanding that KCL to take responsibility for what they deemed as offensive report that was published in the Thai-language daily on Friday. They also demanded the resignation of the editor of the newspaper.

The group submitted an open letter condemning the newspaper and the editor.

The crowd dispursed shortly after KCL editor met them the crowd face to face to explain that their their concerns will be investigated. "We will take responsibility for the mistake and seek a royal pardon. We will also investigate over how the report managed to go to print," said Korket Chantralertlak, the editor of KCL.

Scores of police officers from Bangna and Thong Lor stations were dispatched to protest site.

Source: The Nation - 28 Mar 2006

[Jai Dee]

Thai paper seeks royal pardon for blunder

Thai-language daily Kom Chad Luek stated yesterday that it would seek royal pardon for publishing incomplete comments by anti-Thaksin crusader Sondhi Limthongkul that could be construed as upsetting His Majesty the King.

In a statement posted on its website yesterday afternoon, the newspaper, which is part of the Nation Multimedia Group (NMG), apologized to the Thai public and pledged to accept full responsibility for the mistake.

The statement was issued after a rowdy demonstration in front of NMG premises on the Bang Na-Trat Highway by about 1,000 protesters comprising Caravan of the Poor members, taxi and motorcycle-for-hire drivers.

The protesters were angered over a news report published in the newspaper’s March 24 issue concerning comments by Sondhi over the Supreme Administrative Court’s verdict nullifying a government-proposed royal decree on EGAT’s stockmarket listing.

Yesterday’s statement conceded that owing to the newspaper’s negligence, Sondhi’s comments on the matter were not published in full which gave rise to public understanding that His Majesty might have been upset as a result.

The statement added that the newspaper will publish a front-page apology in today’s edition and submit a formal letter to the office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary to seek royal pardon.

The newspaper confirmed that it has full loyalty to the monarchy and would continue to perform its journalist duties to uphold this cause.

Source: ThaiDay - 28 March 2006

[mogoso]

I see not much difference in whats occurring in Thailand as to whats occurring in France or the US. Although the core problems are different, the basic idea is to ignore the law and let the mob set the rules. The idea is from the left and supported by unions and academica as well as easily swayed impressionable youth. Just a way to try to grab power without being elected to it.

Difference of opinion, healthy debate, any reasonable discourse, whether print audio or visual media is to be desired a gathering of mobs whether they be political or lynch that accomblish little in my mind.

[Thaible]

Thai paper seeks royal pardon for blunder

Thai-language daily Kom Chad Luek stated yesterday that it would seek royal pardon for publishing incomplete comments by anti-Thaksin crusader Sondhi Limthongkul that could be construed as upsetting His Majesty the King.

In a statement posted on its website yesterday afternoon, the newspaper, which is part of the Nation Multimedia Group (NMG), apologized to the Thai public and pledged to accept full responsibility for the mistake.

Source: ThaiDay - 28 March 2006

The Nation Multimedia Group is willing to go to any lengths to get its biased opinions across.

This is the second incident where it breached journalism ethics in order to put Thaksin in the worst light possible. The first was when it misreported that Thaksin would not be hosting the royal ceremony. I hope they don't get the royal pardon they are asking for.

[sriracha john]

Thai paper seeks royal pardon for blunder

Yesterday’s statement conceded that owing to the newspaper’s negligence, Sondhi’s comments on the matter were not published in full which gave rise to public understanding that His Majesty might have been upset as a result.

Worth noting that the crux of the apology centers not on what was printed, but that they failed to publish the full comments.

[Jai Dee]

BMTA will adjust no less than 10 of its bus routes today in response to PAD's demonstration downtown

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority will adjust no less than 10 of its bus routes today in order to adapt to the situation of demonstration by the People's Alliance for Democracy at Siam Paragon today.

Acting Director of the BMTA, Ophas Phetmunee (โอภาส เพชรมุณี), revealed that the transport entity will make the adjustments to make possible travels by people who normally pass through the Rama 1st and nearby roads.

The People's Alliance for Democracy will today use the area in front of Siam Paragon shopping complex in downtown Bangkok to stage a demonstration against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

BMTA route directors and inspectors have been told to analyse the situation and adjust the bus routing in accordance with the situation around the clock, but were also told to ensure that passengers are able to board buses at the nearest possible points in relation to the traffic closure sites. Short-distance bus service may also be created to transport passengers by means of the electric train.

A_nat Aphaphirom (อาณัติ อาภาภิรมย์), the advisor to the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc., operator of the skytrain, revealed that more ticketing booths will be opened and the passage normally reserved for emergencies will be opened to accomodate people's travels by the skytrain today. The operating hours will be the same, between 6 am and midnight.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Chitchai says govt will not use force to dissolve protestors if they do not cause troubles to other people

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) insisted that the government will not use force to dissolve the protestors at Siam Paragon, if they do not cause troubles to other people.

General Chitchai, who is also the Justice Minister, said that the police are responsible for preparing security measures during the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) demonstrations planned at Siam Paragon today. He also commented on remarks by the Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, Lieutenant-general Achirawit Supanpesat (อชิรวิทย์ สุพรรณเภสัช), that the police may use force to dissolve protestors if they cause troubles to other people.

The Justice Minister stated that the officials will make decisions based on the situation, adding that there will be a joint discussion among security agencies.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 March 2006

[sriracha john]

Some 5,000 farmers rally in front of Krung Thai Bank

Some 5,000 farmers demonstrate in front of the head office of Krung Thai Bank since early Wednesday morning to demand the government to help them repay debts to the government bank.

Some 2,000 farmers arrived in buses at the head office on Soi Nana at 2 am. Their number grew to about 5,000 by six am.

Their presence caused traffic congestion on Sukhumvit Road for bout in-bound and out-bound traffics.

They came from 16 provinces to demand the government restructure their debt with the KTB by performing some debt haircuts.

They said they would remain rallying in front of KTB head office and would not join the anti-government demonstration at Siam Paragon in the evening.

- TN

==============================

The article doesn't specify what all the provinces are, but if the 16 provinces include any Northeastern ones, I thought they were all very well satisfied with the governmental loan schemes... does this mean they aren't???

[ColPyat]

The article doesn't specify what all the provinces are, but if the 16 provinces include any Northeastern ones, I thought they were all very well satisfied with the governmental loan schemes... does this mean they aren't???

No, it means what the article says: they are demonstrating to have their debts restructured and do not join the rally to oust Thaksin at this moment of time. It means that they are at the moment 5000 farmers who demonstrate, and not the millions who do not (yet) seem to be hit hard by the negative fall out of the easy loan schemes.

It is a logical mistake to misinterpret, misconstruct and extrapolate everything so that it might suit one's particular agenda.

You have 5000 farmers who are demonstrating to have their debts restructured. The same demands have been made by farmers to any government since i have been in Thailand.

You have thousands of farmers rallying in support of Thaksin.

You have an upcoming election that will clearly show to whom the majority of farmers will pledge their loyality to. If the majority votes for Thaksin - they will support him for the time being (until they as well will be hit hard by the fall out of Thaksin's populist schemes) and he is for the time being legitimized.

If the majority uses the 'NO' vote, or completely abstains, then Thaksin already has more than a serious problem with his claims and legitimacy.

The aim of the PAD though is not to have the elections happening at all, and to have a Royally appointed interim government put in place before the elections go ahead. Given that the palace has not responded on even one of their many petitions should be clear message that they have very little support with their avowed aim.

It may be difficult to comprehend for some, but there are more sides to this issue than PAD, or pro Thaksin.

Not every side that has a problem with the government's policies does subscribe to the highly ideological aims of the PAD.

No ridiculing mistaken as wit or humor can cloud these very clear facts.

[kyselak]

Thai anti-Thaksin protests hit Bangkok malls

(Adds Thaksin, economy comments, edits)

By Pracha Hariraksapitak

BANGKOK, March 29 (Reuters) - Protesters trying to oust

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra shifted to Bangkok's

shopping district on Wednesday, threatening gridlock in a city

of traffic jams and risking erosion of public support for their

cause.

The planned three-day demonstration is a last throw of the

dice before Sunday's general election for the People's Alliance

for Democracy (PAD), the ad hoc metropolitan coalition bent on

driving the billionaire telecoms tycoon from office.

The strategy of targeting top-end consumers could backfire,

however, with polls suggesting only 20 percent of people in and

around the capital support rallies against Thaksin, whom

critics accuse of corruption, cronyism and abuse of power.

"The very people who the PAD is trying to attract are the

prospective victims of the disruptive downtown demonstrations,"

Chulalongkorn University lecturer Thitinan Pongsudhirak wrote

in the Bangkok Post.

In its latest ABAC poll, conducted on Monday, Assumption

University said only 26 percent of Bangkok people thought

Thaksin should quit, compared to 27 percent two days previously

and 48 percent three weeks previously.

The poll had 42 percent of 1,116 respondents saying Thaksin

should stay, compared to a low of 26 percent on March 6.

ECONOMIC VICTIMS

Thaksin admitted the crisis was hitting the economy but

said foreign investors would not panic about the occasional

political hiccup in a country with a long and recent history of

military governments.

"Democracy in Thailand is still intact and those in the

advanced economies understand our situation," he said. The

economy should still grow at 5 percent this year if stability

returned after the April 2 poll, he added.

However, few see that happening and economists are starting

to trim their annual growth forecasts. The main stock market

index has slipped 4.5 percent since the start of February.

In the short term, government spokesman Surapong

Suebwonglee said, the PAD's mall protest could cost businesses

up to 300 million baht ($8 million) a day.

Three of Bangkok's glitziest malls, including the newly

opened Siam Paragon which claims to be southeast Asia's largest

shopping centre, closed for two days because the protest would

block access for deliveries and customers.

Barricades were erected along the 100-metre (yard) walkway

in front of three malls as 100 security guards stood by.

With traffic chaos predicted on the city's already

notoriously clogged roads, police urged commuters to use the

Metro or elevated Skytrain.

"To help ease Bangkok traffic woes, please leave your cars

at home and take the Skytrain," traffic police chief Panu

Gerdlabpol urged on Bangkok radio.

His advice seemed to have some effect, with park-and-ride

commuters complaining of congestion in outlying districts and

city-centre offices workers getting in late.

Adding to the problems, more than 1,000 farmers besieged

the head offices of two banks, threatening to halt traffic

unless their debts were halved.

On Sunday, as 10,000 anti-Thaksin protesters marched

through the same district, furious motorists and shoppers said

they supported the campaign but thought causing congestion and

disrupting ordinary lives was too much.

Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party, which won 377 of 500

seats in parliament in a February 2005 general election, is

expected to win another thumping majority on Sunday.

However, an opposition boycott means the result is likely

to be constitutionally invalid, since unopposed TRT candidates

in staunchly anti-Thaksin seats will struggle to win a minimum

20 percent threshold of eligible votes.

($1=38.89 baht)

(Additional reporting by Nopporn Wong-Anan and Trirat

Puttajanyawong)

REUTERS

291017 Mrz 06

ENDOFMSG

[Plus]

It may be difficult to comprehend for some, but there are more sides to this issue than PAD, or pro Thaksin.

Not every side that has a problem with the government's policies does subscribe to the highly ideological aims of the PAD.

What are highly ideological aims of the PAD? The main and only point in forming PAD was to oust Thaksin and as long it stays that way there will be only two sides to the issue - pro or anti-Thaksin. Even people disagreeing with some of PAD members or speeches are still either pro or anti Thaksin. There's no middle ground. Two weeks ago there was a call for negotiations, it didn't get anywhere. Compromise can't be reached anymore.

When Thaksin is out, PAD will desintegrate faster than TRT, but who cares anyway?

[kyselak]

Song mocking Thailand's embattled PM becomes popular hit

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) _ Demonstrators against Prime

Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are dancing to a new tune, a

song mocking alleged corrupt deals and failed policies

that's even making the karaoke rounds. «Square-Faced Man»

proved an instant hit when it premiered at a protest rally

last weekend and the demand for CD versions, which includes

caricatures of the prime minister and his allies, has far

surpassed supply. The song title refers to the shape of

Thaksin's face, but also his many-sided deviousness. The

song is to be featured in planned protests leading up to

Sunday's election, called by the prime minister to defuse a

tenacious movement to oust him from power. The lengthy

lyrics, full of biting word play, range from his

involvement in assorted scandals, the much-criticized sale

of his family's telecoms company to a Singapore enterprise

and populist policies like providing medical care to all

citizens for just 30 baht (77 U.S. cents; ¤.64) per each

doctor's visit. «Thirty baht will treat everyone, for

diabetes, for bird flu, but all they give you is

paracetamol,» goes one line.

290807 mar 06GMT

[kyselak]

Thai PM self-made man who shrugs off critics

by Seth Meixner

BANGKOK, March 29, 2006 (AFP) - Thai Prime Minister Thaksin

Shinawatra, whose CEO-style approach to governing the nation has

sharply divided public opinion, is a self-made man who sniffs at the

critics urging him to resign.

The 56-year-old, one of the wealthiest men in Thailand, has

built his political success on support from the nation's poor,

highlighting his own rags-to-riches story.

Opponents despise the former policeman for some of his

autocratic tactics, but supporters admire the charismatic politician

for his get-tough governance and economic stewardship.

His great-grandfather was a poor Chinese immigrant who made a

fortune as a private gambling tax collector and by the time Thaksin

was born on July 26, 1949, his family was one of the most prominent

in northern Chiang Mai province.

But his father suffered a slump in fortunes and Thaksin began

school while helping his father run a struggling coffee shop and

cinema. He joined the police force in 1973.

Soon after, he started his own businesses, failing with a silk

shop and film distributorship before turning to new technologies. In

1981, he started a business leasing IBM computers.

That venture also floundered but led to a string of profitable

contracts. He won his first telecommunications concession in 1987.

That year, Thaksin quit the police force after reaching the rank

of lieutenant colonel to found the Shinawatra Computer and

Communications group.

That company included a unit that evolved into Thailand's

largest mobile phone operator AIS.

He served briefly in a coalition government but did not emerge

at the forefront of Thai politics until 1998, when he formed the

Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) party.

In a country where ballots traditionally were cast on regional

loyalties, his party launched Thailand's first policy platform.

Thaksin promised to use his business savvy to restore Thailand's

fortunes after the 1997 Asian financial crisis, vowing to boost the

fortunes of poor villages and to move away from International

Monetary Fund reforms.

Under his brand of grass-roots "Thaksinomics", Thailand

eradicated the IMF debt from the 1997-1998 financial crisis. The

stock market rebounded, real estate surged -- and this year,

economic growth is up five percent.

His novel approach won Thai Rak Thai the biggest election

victory ever in Thailand, capturing 295 of 500 seats in the lower

house of parliament in 2001. A February 2005 vote extended his grip

to 377 seats.

But corruption allegations have dogged him. In August 2001, just

six months into his term, he narrowly escaped conviction on charges

that he wrongly concealed assets which could have banned him from

politics for five years.

His habit of installing relatives in key military and police

posts has angered opponents, as have persistent allegations of

wrongdoing in his business dealings.

His heavy-handed tactics raised alarms after more than 2,200

suspected drug offenders died in apparent extrajudicial killings in

his 2003 campaign against drugs.

Two highly controversial clashes with southern Islamic

separatists that ended in the deaths of hundreds further fueled

concern over his authoritarian leanings.

This February, he dodged another possible career-ending inquiry

after the Constitutional Court ruled out investigating conflict of

interest accusations -- allegations that set off the country's

latest political crisis.

Thaksin has reacted to the crisis with a characteristic mix of

defiance and indifference to criticism, largely ignoring protests

calling for his resignation and vowing to go ahead with Sunday's

election.

AFP 290626 GMT MAR 06

[kyselak]

ANALYSIS-Prolonged Thai impasse to dent demand, growth

By Chawadee Nualkhair

BANGKOK, March 29 (Reuters) - Thailand's political crisis

has paralysed decision-making in business and caused domestic

demand to waver. Now, with the uncertainty nowhere near over,

economists are considering a new round of cuts to their growth

forecasts.

For weeks, no one has been able to plot with any certainty

the course of the crisis surrounding Prime Minister Thaksin

Shinawatra, accused of corruption and abuse of power.

The anti-Thaksin campaigners appear to have failed to stop

the snap election he called for April 2 to show who has popular

support, and no one knows what will happen afterwards.

A boycott by the three main opposition parties means the

election is most unlikely to return a full 500-member

parliament, which is needed to elect a prime minister.

That is plaguing markets and threatens to depress business

investment and personal consumption already dented by rising

interest rates and high energy prices, economists say.

"The outlook is not clear at all," said economist Lim Su

Sian of Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi (BTM) in Singapore, who cut

her 2006 economic growth forecast for Thailand to 4.2 percent

from 5 percent earlier this month and is considering another

cut.

"I suspect that a lot of business decisions have been put

on hold and obviously, if the April 2 poll does not end in a

conclusive way -- which I don't think it will -- then

postponement to business is likely to continue."

The expected post-election fracas will depress domestic

demand, delay infrastructure investment and therefore dim

growth prospects, economists say.

"The government must still consider how to get enough

people elected to open parliament," said economist Charl

Kengchon of Kasikorn Research Center, who has already cut his

2006 economic growth forecast to 4-5 percent from 4.5-5.5

percent.

"I think economic policies are much further down the list."

"BEWILDERING"

The campaign against Thaksin, intensified by his family's

$1.9 billion tax-free sale of the telecoms firm he founded to a

Singapore state company in January, has prompted business

organisations to issue dire economic warnings.

A survey of 600 businessmen by the University of Thai

Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) last week showed that most believed

economic growth would slow to 3-3.5 percent from around 5

percent if the turmoil lasted another three months.

"The political situation has a strong impact on future

investment in Thailand," said Sarath Ratavanadi, director of

Thai energy firm Gulf Power Generation. "A lot of funds are

being held back."

Thailand's currency, the baht, has held up well but Thai

stocks, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding near-term

economic growth, have slipped 4.5 percent since the beginning

of February.

Economists -- who have fretted the wrangle will stall a 1.7

trillion baht ($43 billion) infrastructure programme and derail

free trade talks -- say politics is already taking its toll.

Central bank data shows personal consumption grew 0.7

percent in January from a year earlier, down from 1.0 percent

in the final quarter of 2005, while growth in private

investment dipped to 4.7 percent in January from 5.0 percent in

the fourth quarter. Analysts say the trend could easily

continue into the summer.

The UTCC survey showed domestic consumption down 5-10

percent, or 1-3 billion baht a month, since the start of the

political crisis, while tourism is expected to contract 5-10

percent this year as Thais hold off on domestic trips.

"We still expect to see some slowdown in domestic demand as

political tension persists into the second quarter," said

Thanomsri Fongarunrung, an economist at Phatra Securities, who

thinks the tension could trim 0.5 percentage point off 2006

growth if it persists beyond April.

One bright spot remains Thailand's ability to sell its

goods abroad, with a Reuters survey this week predicting the

most robust export growth in five months in February.

But prolonged opposition to Thaksin -- punctuated by almost

daily street rallies -- seems likely to hurt output and might

eventually make foreigners uneasy about paying up for Thai

goods.

"I'd imagine productivity would be suffering," BTM's Lim

said of the protesters' absence from work. "From an outsider's

perspective, it is bewildering."

($1=38.92 Baht)

REUTERS

290709 Mrz 06

ENDOFMSG

[ColPyat]

What are highly ideological aims of the PAD? The main and only point in forming PAD was to oust Thaksin and as long it stays that way there will be only two sides to the issue - pro or anti-Thaksin. Even people disagreeing with some of PAD members or speeches are still either pro or anti Thaksin. There's no middle ground. Two weeks ago there was a call for negotiations, it didn't get anywhere. Compromise can't be reached anymore.

When Thaksin is out, PAD will desintegrate faster than TRT, but who cares anyway?

The demand for a Royaly appointed interim government are part of a larger social engineering theory. Google the name "Pramuan Rujanaseri" and you will know what that ideology is they suscribe to. If you ask me, the revisionist ideas of Pramuan are far more dangerous to democracy than Thaksin.

Again, research the background of TRT, whose fractions were part of the founding circles, which fractions have pledged their support to Thaksin. Some of those fractions, of which many have now switched sides to the PAD, make Thaksin look like a nice boy and come from far less democratic backgrounds than even Thaksin.

The PAD may collapse soon after Thaksin might be gone (if he would go) - the underlying struggle for social engineering of Thailand towards a direction leading far away from democracy will only begin. And those vested interests will only find another cover for their not very democratic aims.

Why do you claim that there is no middle ground? Jaidee has supplied us with more than one article that exactly describes that middle ground to a point. There are many Thaksin opponents who do not subscribe to the aim of the PAD to oust Thaksin and replace him with a Royaly appointed interim government, neither do those try to stop the elections. These are a bit more patient and prefer to work within the democratic framework.

As long as you refuse to understand that reality is not Black and White, but rather complex shades of grey, you will be nothing but a tool for others and their agendas.

[Jai Dee]

TRT to cancel its massive speech at Lumpini Park on March 31st

Executive member of Thai Rak Thai party Suranand Vejjajiva (สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ) has disclosed that TRT party has decided to cancel its planned speech on the 31st of March at the Lumpini Park. He said the decision was made by the party members and the political commission of the party so as to avoid possible confrontations with the People’s Alliance for Democracy. They are scheduled to rally in front of the Siam Paragon shopping complex today afternoon.

He said the two venues are not too far from one another; therefore to prevent clashes and confrontations between the two rallies, the TRT has decided to cacel its planned rally at the Lumpini Park. However, TRT has instead asked its candidates to inform the facts to local residents in their respective area.

Mr. Suranand added that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra will be a guest of in a TV talk show called Krong Satanakarn (กรองสถานการณ์) tonight on Ch.11 under supervision of National Public Relations Department. The premier will inform all the facts that are in the interest of general public.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

PAD is willing to move its rally if people deem that they have rooted inconvenience

The People’s Alliance for Democracy is willing to relocate its rally from Siam Paragon shopping complex to the area being used for holding the Red Cross Fair, if people deem that they have caused inconvenience.

Mr. Suriyasai Katasila (สุริยะใส กตะศิลา), the coordinator of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said that conducting the demonstration in front of the shopping complex is in response to the public demand. He said that the PAD had earlier considered the people’s request about holding the protest at Siam Paragon.

He has asked the people, who disagree with its demonstration, to understand the PAD’s reason for staging its protest in front of Siam Paragon.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 March 2006

[jdinasia]

[quote name='sriracha john'

The article doesn't specify what all the provinces are, but if the 16 provinces include any Northeastern ones, I thought they were all very well satisfied with the governmental loan schemes... does this mean they aren't???

No .... the rural farmers could NEVER be dis-satisfied with the current Gov't or its CEO

[sonnyJ]

But his father suffered a slump in fortunes and Thaksin began

school while helping his father run a struggling coffee shop and

cinema.

Seems to have been a good business, being able to pay the USA uni tuition fees...

Or was that only the MBA, what about the Bachelor?? Maybe I'm wrong here?

[asd]

Shin City

[Plus]

The demand for a Royaly appointed interim government

That measure is only a tool to achieve the same goal - oust Thaksin. How they go about it? Doesn't really matter and doesn't add any shades. Thaksin has to go, it's that simple.

Jaidee has supplied us with more than one article that exactly describes that middle ground to a point.

They all agree though, Thaksin has to go.

There was an interview with Ji Upakorn in the Nation lately. He is against PAD's call for royal intervention, but he agrees - Thaksin has to go. There's amazing unity on this one point, diversity in methods. Let's say it's black and various shades of white. That's the only real reason all the attmepts at talks failed - no one knows how to introduce grey.

I, actually don't think that WE disagree on that crucial issue - Thaksin has to go, one way or another. Royal intervention, threat to democracy - those are non-issues. If you think that they are, let's talk about it.

[britmaveric]

Unfortunately Thaskin will be here when all is said and done. This is rather obvious by now.