Thai 'Red Shirts' rally ahead of key amnesty debate

[webfact]

Thai 'Red Shirts' rally ahead of key amnesty debate

BANGKOK, November 11, 2013 (AFP) - Tens of thousands of Thai pro-government "Red Shirts" massed in Bangkok on Sunday, police said, in their first show of force since a wave of opposition protests against a controversial political amnesty bill.

Television footage showed a sea of people decked out in red, many bussed in from the country's hardscrabble northeast, at a noisy rally in a suburban park in support of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her ruling Puea Thai party.

About 45,000 Red Shirts joined the rally, a spokesman for the national police office said, adding 13,000 anti-government protesters held a separate demonstration elsewhere in the city a few kilometres from Government House.

The major mobilisation of Reds follows several days of protests by various opposition groups against a deeply divisive amnesty bill backed by Yingluck's government, which has inflamed festering political wounds.

Thailand's Senate was due on Monday to debate the bill, which critics say has been crafted to pave the way for a return of the polarising ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is Yingluck's brother.

The former telecoms tycoon was toppled by royalist generals in 2006 and lives in self-imposed exile to avoid prison for a corruption conviction that he contends was politically motivated.

While the rallies have so far been peaceful, the fear is that the legislation could unleash a fresh bout of political turmoil in a country rocked by a series of rival colour-coded demonstrations since 2006.

Speaking to jubilant crowds, Red Shirt leaders said that the opposition Democrat Party were using the amnesty to try to oust Yingluck's elected government.

"Their opposition to the amnesty bill is just a cover-up... in fact they want to destroy the democratic system," said Worachai Hema, a lawmaker for the ruling party.

"We will not allow anyone to destroy the democratic system -- of which Yingluck is our prime minister."

The bill has however also upset many of Thaksin's supporters, including Red Shirts, who want justice for the killing of more than 90 civilians during a military crackdown on their rallies against the previous Democrat-led government in Bangkok in 2010.

"We disagree with the blanket amnesty bill, which is also an amnesty for murderers," said prominent Red Shirt activist Sombat Boonngamanong, at a separate rally earlier Sunday.

"We want the government to apologise to the people, to the Red Shirts who voted for you" for proposing the blanket amnesty, he added.

Thousands of police have been deployed across the city to keep the peace on Monday.

But there are fears the febrile situation could descend into violence and police banners at the anti-government rally near Government House warned protesters they could face tear gas if they breach security barriers.

Experts say the government may have underestimated the depth of opposition to the amnesty.

Yingluck has appealed for an end to street protests and has indicated the government will not try to ram through the amnesty bill if the Senate rejects it on Monday, as it is expected to do.

The debate will coincide with a scheduled ruling by the International Court of Justice in The Hague on a border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

If the ICJ rules against Thailand, the country's opposition -- which includes some hardline nationalists among its supporters -- is likely to try to direct public anger towards the government.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-11-11

[webfact]

Reds stage counter-rallies to back govt
The Nation November



BANGKOK: -- THE RED-SHIRT Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) yesterday held three rallies to counter anti-government protests, with the demonstration in the evening attracting tens of thousands of supporters.

The DAAD held its first rally at Don Muang Technical School at 9am, and then held its "Over 10,000" rally at the Ratchaprasong intersection.

The "DAAD-Pheu Thai Defending Democracy" evening rally was held at SCG Football Stadium Muang Thong Thani at 4pm, with several red-shirt leaders and Pheu Thai MPs attending.

The leaders who spoke on stage at the Muang Thong Thani rally included DAAD chairwoman Thida Thawornset, Deputy Commerce Minister Nuttawut Saikuar and Pheu Thai MP Weng Tojirakarn.

Weng told the Muang Thong rally that the government's opponents - including the Democrat Party - were holding protests against the amnesty bill with the intent to topple the elected government. The red shirts were, therefore, left with no choice but to turn out and defend the administration they had elected, Weng said.

Sombat Boonngarmanong, editor of Laijud magazine, who is the leader of the Red Sunday Group, led thousands of red shirts to demonstrate at the Ratchaprasong intersection.

The red shirts gathered in front of McDonalds fast-food restaurant at Amarin Plaza and walked to the intersection to tie up pieces of red cloth.

Sombat said his group was opposed to the amnesty bill because it would absolve former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban for their alleged roles in the killings of red-shirt demonstrators in 2010.

Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang, DAAD leader Jatuporn Promphan, former DAAD leader Veerakarn Musigapong and Weng, also joined the Ratchaprasong rally.

Jatuporn told the red shirts at Ratchaprasong the government would bring Abhisit and Suthep to justice.


-- The Nation 2013-11-11

[webfact]

Keep off prohibited zones, police warn
The Nation

Say teargas will be used if protesters try to enter offlimits areas; Pracha denies plan to crack down

BANGKOK: -- POLICE YESTERDAY warned protesters against entering prohibited zones around Bangkok or they would use teargas to force them out.

The warning was issued by Pol Maj-General Adul Narongsak, deputy commissioner and spokesman for the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

Adul said police had placed banners on the Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge area declaring it to be a zone for teargas use and warning protesters against entering it.

Adul said police had declared 11 areas to be off-limits to protesters. If demonstrators tried to break into prohibited zones, police would negotiate with them to leave.

If unsuccessful, they would then warn them that police would fire teargas to break up their gathering.

Meanwhile, Pol Maj-General Piya Uthayo, spokesman of the Peacekeeping Operations Centre, said Nang Lerng Police Station had summonsed two leaders of the Student and People Network for Thailand's Reform to face charges of violating the enforcement of the Internal Security Act.

Nitithorn Lamlua and Uthai Yodmanee were charged with |leading protesters to enter zones prohibited under the ISA enforcement.

Police warned protesters it would teargas, although Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnok earlier yesterday quashed all rumours of a possible government crackdown on anti-government protesters.

Rebutting Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban's claim he was the target of a government sniper, Pracha insisted that under the democratic regime, no violence would be used against protesters.

"The previous government deployed real weapons, leaving 99 dead and over 2,000 wounded. This government upholds democracy and respects peaceful demonstrations," he said.

He also denied a rumour that officers had sneaked into protest sites with arms, saying that all officers were there to monitor the situation and stop any third-party involvement.

He attributed the throwing of small objects into a Government House police booth to such a third party.

Asked about the possibility of a military coup, he said the Supreme Commander had said all along that there would be no coup.

Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tarit Pengdith yesterday gave a stern warning to anti-government protest leaders and their financial supporters.

In a statement, he urged all to cease their actions, to uphold democracy and the rule of law and restore the peace.

He said that there was no more reason to support protests, given that all coalition parties had agreed not to revisit the controversial amnesty bill.

Also, prolonged protests could lead to violence and chaos, which could damage lives and property as in the past. If this attempt continued, it was equivalent to stirring unrest, which violated the law.


-- The Nation 2013-11-11

[MaxLee]

There is no such thing as free luxuries only fools make and believe the same old crap promises a hundred times...

[Thait Spot]

45,000 people my posterior

4,000 more like

Sounds like the brown shirted ranks of the Shinawatra boot boys went to the same school of counting as TAT

[otherstuff1957]

BP reported 4,000 redshirts & the Nation is reporting 45,000! I wonder if there are any vaguely accurate figures out there? Also, how many of the Redshirts are protesting against the Amnesty bill and how many are protesting for it?

[ramrod711]

Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tarit Pengdith yesterday gave a stern warning to anti-government protest leaders and their financial supporters.

In a statement, he urged all to cease their actions, to uphold democracy and the rule of law and restore the peace.

He said that there was no more reason to support protests, given that all coalition parties had agreed not to revisit the controversial amnesty bill.

Also, prolonged protests could lead to violence and chaos, which could damage lives and property as in the past. If this attempt continued, it was equivalent to stirring unrest, which violated the law.

In the mean time there has been no action against Arisman who stated that if the anti-government protesters wouldn't move, the red shirts would move them. Fairness, equality and integrity in action.

[Somtamnication]

Yep, the smell of 2006 is in the air. Here we go again....

[Local Drunk]

"Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tarit Pengdith yesterday gave a stern warning to anti-government protest leaders and their financial supporters."

What, no stern warning for the Red Shirts?

[soi41]

"We disagree with the blanket amnesty bill, which also is an amnesty for murderers" said prominent red shirt activist Sombat Boonngamonong.

Fair enough. Following his logic, those responsible for the killings during the war on drugs, Tak Bai and the Krung se "incident" should be brought to justice??

Yes I know, I am being a little silly here!!

[selftaopath]

Red Flags wavers world wide seem the same to me.

[Spare]

I believe AFP had mis-quoted. I think the number of turn outs was only about 4,000.

[jonclark]

I believe AFP had mis-quoted. I think the number of turn outs was only about 4,000.

I think you're right - The Thai TV news this morning was quoting police figures of 4 to 5 thousand. And TV footage would support this figure. About 800 turned up at Ratchaprasong.

[ridkun]

It's not a protest. They don't even know what to protest for, and whom the protest should go to. It's just a red gathering to raise their own moral.

[Robby nz]

Thought you might like to see a photo of the red protest site last evening.

It would seem the TV3 crew got there a little late and this is what they found.

Comment was "Come quick, go quick"

Would seem there were no rubbish bins provided, either that or they don't know how to use them.

[Artisi]

"We disagree with the blanket amnesty bill, which also is an amnesty for murderers" said prominent red shirt activist Sombat Boonngamonong.

Fair enough. Following his logic, those responsible for the killings during the war on drugs, Tak Bai and the Krung se "incident" should be brought to justice??

Yes I know, I am being a little silly here!!

Yes, silly,silly, silly - those particular incidents are now gone and forgotten, smothered in the convenient red-haze that just happens along whenever it is required. The interesting point is it only seems to work on selected events, events usually instigated by that person who is known as the fugitive, the caddy, and the external leader of Thailand.

[Artisi]

Thought you might like to see a photo of the red protest site last evening.

It would seem the TV3 crew got there a little late and this is what they found.

1459716_10202369083538504_727069875_n.jpg

Comment was "Come quick, go quick"

Would seem there were no rubbish bins provided, either that or they don't know how to use them.

Don't see much difference between the before and after shots - just loads of rubbish in both cases.

[animatic]

Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tarit Pengdith yesterday gave a stern warning to anti-government protest leaders and their financial supporters.

In a statement, he urged all to cease their actions, to uphold democracy and the rule of law and restore the peace.

He said that there was no more reason to support protests, given that all coalition parties had agreed not to revisit the controversial amnesty bill.

Also, prolonged protests could lead to violence and chaos, which could damage lives and property as in the past. If this attempt continued, it was equivalent to stirring unrest, which violated the law.

In the mean time there has been no action against Arisman who stated that if the anti-government protesters wouldn't move, the red shirts would move them. Fairness, equality and integrity in action.

Not to mention Arisman being seen on TV for 4 years calling for Bangkok to be burned,

and everyone to come to the red rally with a litre bottle for gas.

The DSI, Tarit is demonstrably a stooge of the liege lord,

has no business warning ANY political protestor to stop.

[Local Drunk]

"We disagree with the blanket amnesty bill, which also is an amnesty for murderers" said prominent red shirt activist Sombat Boonngamonong.

Fair enough. Following his logic, those responsible for the killings during the war on drugs, Tak Bai and the Krung se "incident" should be brought to justice??

Yes I know, I am being a little silly here!!

Yes, silly,silly, silly - those particular incidents are now gone and forgotten, smothered in the convenient red-haze that just happens along whenever it is required. The interesting point is it only seems to work on selected events, events usually instigated by that person who is known as the fugitive, the caddy, and the external leader of Thailand.

I hope we're here to change that perception, otherwise I might have to find a real job!

[Local Drunk]

Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tarit Pengdith yesterday gave a stern warning to anti-government protest leaders and their financial supporters.

In a statement, he urged all to cease their actions, to uphold democracy and the rule of law and restore the peace.

He said that there was no more reason to support protests, given that all coalition parties had agreed not to revisit the controversial amnesty bill.

Also, prolonged protests could lead to violence and chaos, which could damage lives and property as in the past. If this attempt continued, it was equivalent to stirring unrest, which violated the law.

In the mean time there has been no action against Arisman who stated that if the anti-government protesters wouldn't move, the red shirts would move them. Fairness, equality and integrity in action.

Not to mention Arisman being seen on TV for 4 years calling for Bangkok to be burned,

and everyone to come to the red rally with a litre bottle for gas.

The DSI, Tarit is demonstrably a stooge of the liege lord,

has no business warning ANY political protestor to stop.

I can't find that link... suggestions?

[Baerboxer]

Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tarit Pengdith yesterday gave a stern warning to anti-government protest leaders and their financial supporters.

In a statement, he urged all to cease their actions, to uphold democracy and the rule of law and restore the peace.

He said that there was no more reason to support protests, given that all coalition parties had agreed not to revisit the controversial amnesty bill.

Also, prolonged protests could lead to violence and chaos, which could damage lives and property as in the past. If this attempt continued, it was equivalent to stirring unrest, which violated the law.

In the mean time there has been no action against Arisman who stated that if the anti-government protesters wouldn't move, the red shirts would move them. Fairness, equality and integrity in action.

Not to mention Arisman being seen on TV for 4 years calling for Bangkok to be burned,

and everyone to come to the red rally with a litre bottle for gas.

The DSI, Tarit is demonstrably a stooge of the liege lord,

has no business warning ANY political protestor to stop.

Yes you are right what business is it of Tarit ? He tries very hard to set up the DSI as the Stasi/SS equivalent for PTP and rival the red shirt storm troopers for the boss''s favors. The new AG would be well advised to get a grip on this overt lackie and stop his obviously totally politically biased threats at using the law to intimidate any opposition to his real boss.

Notice he drops any cases connected to the Shins. their cronies, PTP or red shirt leaders. Only Dems are 'worthy" of the investigative prowess of the DSI.

[Robby nz]

Well Artisi try these for a comparison .

Both were taken at 11 yesterday evening the top one is the Dems protest and the bottom the reds.

Possibly you can get some idea which group has the greater belief in what they are doing.

As to what the reds are protesting about :

At least some of them don't seem to know.

The gent in the photo is holding up signs protesting against the amnesty bill.

[gerry1011]

BP reported 4,000 redshirts & the Nation is reporting 45,000! I wonder if there are any vaguely accurate figures out there? Also, how many of the Redshirts are protesting against the Amnesty bill and how many are protesting for it?

BP today puts it at 50.000, with 13.000 more at other sites. The Red Shirts puts it at 100.000, The Nation puts it at 45.000 (did not read The Nation, but I believe what I read here)...

Whatever the number is... Since many of you guys supported the street protests of the Dems and the associated colors/movements, please, in all fairness, do welcome the reds who join the party

The Dems opened the ball, now everybody wants to dance

Not sure it was such a smart more of the Dems though. Ideal to destroy the country even more. But ok, it will all be fixed after a few more years of chaos.

I wonder when will the people start to be wiser?

[bigbamboo]

Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tarit Pengdith yesterday gave a stern warning to anti-government protest leaders and their financial supporters.

In a statement, he urged all to cease their actions, to uphold democracy and the rule of law and restore the peace.

He said that there was no more reason to support protests, given that all coalition parties had agreed not to revisit the controversial amnesty bill.

Also, prolonged protests could lead to violence and chaos, which could damage lives and property as in the past. If this attempt continued, it was equivalent to stirring unrest, which violated the law.

In the mean time there has been no action against Arisman who stated that if the anti-government protesters wouldn't move, the red shirts would move them. Fairness, equality and integrity in action.

Firstly, everybody knows a politician's promise is worthless so why stop protesting so long as it's done in a peaceful manner.

And second, maybe Tart is getting confused. He is not dealing with red shirts this time as he was when worked at CRES where there was a violent element involved.

Edited November 11, 2013 by bigbamboo

[h90]

BP reported 4,000 redshirts & the Nation is reporting 45,000! I wonder if there are any vaguely accurate figures out there? Also, how many of the Redshirts are protesting against the Amnesty bill and how many are protesting for it?

Maybe 4000 early morning and 45000 now?

From the TV it is more than 4000 now, but no way to tell how many.

[ratcatcher]

BP reported 4,000 redshirts & the Nation is reporting 45,000! I wonder if there are any vaguely accurate figures out there? Also, how many of the Redshirts are protesting against the Amnesty bill and how many are protesting for it?

BP today puts it at 50.000, with 13.000 more at other sites. The Red Shirts puts it at 100.000, The Nation puts it at 45.000 (did not read The Nation, but I believe what I read here)...

Whatever the number is... Since many of you guys supported the street protests of the Dems and the associated colors/movements, please, in all fairness, do welcome the reds who join the party

The Dems opened the ball, now everybody wants to dance

Not sure it was such a smart more of the Dems though. Ideal to destroy the country even more. But ok, it will all be fixed after a few more years of chaos.

I wonder when will the people start to be wiser?

"I wonder when will the people start to be wiser?"

I'm not sure it's the people who need to be wiser, it seems that the politicians of all affiliations are lacking wisdom.

As for your comment about "the Dems opening the ball", perhaps some of the attendees of both sides would like to do something a bit more violent than dancing?

Edited November 11, 2013 by ratcatcher

[Thait Spot]

BP reported 4,000 redshirts & the Nation is reporting 45,000! I wonder if there are any vaguely accurate figures out there? Also, how many of the Redshirts are protesting against the Amnesty bill and how many are protesting for it?

BP today puts it at 50.000, with 13.000 more at other sites. The Red Shirts puts it at 100.000, The Nation puts it at 45.000 (did not read The Nation, but I believe what I read here)...

Whatever the number is... Since many of you guys supported the street protests of the Dems and the associated colors/movements, please, in all fairness, do welcome the reds who join the party

The Dems opened the ball, now everybody wants to dance

Not sure it was such a smart more of the Dems though. Ideal to destroy the country even more. But ok, it will all be fixed after a few more years of chaos.

I wonder when will the people start to be wiser?

Maybe you can enlighten us as to what the various groups of reds are protesting

[rubl]

And here I was thinking that the Pheu Thai obsession with a golf caddy and the modification of a draft amnesty proposal into a full fletched 'blanket amnesty' bill and pushing through two readings and two votes in slightly more than 24 hours was the opening of the ball.

How wrong can one be

BP reported 4,000 redshirts & the Nation is reporting 45,000! I wonder if there are any vaguely accurate figures out there? Also, how many of the Redshirts are protesting against the Amnesty bill and how many are protesting for it?

BP today puts it at 50.000, with 13.000 more at other sites. The Red Shirts puts it at 100.000, The Nation puts it at 45.000 (did not read The Nation, but I believe what I read here)...
Whatever the number is... Since many of you guys supported the street protests of the Dems and the associated colors/movements, please, in all fairness, do welcome the reds who join the party

The Dems opened the ball, now everybody wants to dance

Not sure it was such a smart more of the Dems though. Ideal to destroy the country even more. But ok, it will all be fixed after a few more years of chaos.
I wonder when will the people start to be wiser?

[kirk0233]

Their opposition to the amnesty bill is just a cover-up... in fact they want to destroy the democratic system," said Worachai Hema, a lawmaker for the ruling party.

Siam is not a democracy. Every subject should know this. If PT did their job, perhaps one day it could be, but the path to democracy is not the path they want to take.

[whybother]

Well Artisi try these for a comparison .

Both were taken at 11 yesterday evening the top one is the Dems protest and the bottom the reds.

1396049_10151973362647645_1103072742_n.jpg

Possibly you can get some idea which group has the greater belief in what they are doing.

As to what the reds are protesting about :

At least some of them don't seem to know.

The gent in the photo is holding up signs protesting against the amnesty bill.

1467439_762889100403684_1160688301_n.jpg