Red shirt demonstrators still gathering inside Bangkok stadium

[webfact]

Red shirt demonstrators still gathering inside stadium



BANGKOK: -- Red shirt demonstrators continued rallying inside the Rajamangala sports stadium at Hua Mark today to monitor the anti-government protests closely as their leaders fear violence could break out.

The red-shirt United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) leader Mrs Thida Thavornseth said red-shirt people would continue rallying inside the stadium to watch the development of the anti-government protest and whether it would intensify or not.

She said she strongly believed that leaders of the protest at the Democracy Monument on Rajadamnern Avenue might incite violence and use it as condition to pave way for what she called “people’s revolution”.

The red-shirt leader said so far the protesters have not yet given a clear definition of their people’s revolution on how it could be taken and for what they wanted to revolt.

She believed the scattering of protests to 13 places in the capital was intended to lure the government into using force to suppress them so as to pave way for military coup.

She said red-shirt people would continue their protests but would avoid confrontation with opponents.

She claimed the first day of rally attracted about 30,000-40,000 people but expected to grow to over 50,000 if was prolonged.

She said the ruling Pheu Thai party and the red-shirt people always abided by the laws and expressed concern that what would happen if the majority of the people could no longer put up with the anti-government protesters who did not comply with the laws.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/red-shirt-demonstrators-still-gathering-inside-stadium/

-- Thai PBS 2013-11-25

[jdinasia]

I am fairly sure that Thida's numbers for the first day are a gross exaggeration.

[Pimay1]

The red-shirt leader said so far the protesters have not yet given a clear definition of their people’s revolution on how it could be taken and for what they wanted to revolt.

People's revolution. Taken directly out of Chairman Mao's little red book. Careful Khun Thida you are showing your true colors and convictions.

[whybother]

Does anyone have photos from today showing more than 50 people?

[Rob8891]

If they are srtill gathering INSIDE the stadium, it's proof positive that previous estimates were grossly inflated.

Their leaders shouldn't worry about violence breaking out as long as the Reid rent-a-mob stay caged up. However, if they break out, so will their violence

[h90]

it seems they don't get any numbers this time. Several records of Red Shirts switching sides as well.

Before 500 Baht, now they can't get numbers for 750 Baht. Thaksin is stinky this time. Make it 1500 Baht per day and the stadium is full.

[h90]

If they are srtill gathering INSIDE the stadium, it's proof positive that previous estimates were grossly inflated.

Their leaders shouldn't worry about violence breaking out as long as the Reid rent-a-mob stay caged up. However, if they break out, so will their violence

Rumor tell that some red shirts took the money and than went to the Democrats. I guess they lock them in the stadium so this won't happen again.

[Jack Mountain]

Does anyone have photos from today showing more than 50 people?

Russia Today does ... ("Hundreds of thousands") ... sigh ...

[jdinasia]

Does anyone have photos from today showing more than 50 people?

There used to be a traffic cam near there but I cannot find the site now.

A colleague at ABAC Hua Mark estimated the crowd at about 10,000 last night.

[bigbamboo]

I am fairly sure that Thida's numbers for the first day are a gross exaggeration.

Like Tubbs' counting at the Local Shop in the League of Gentlemen? "Ten, twenty, thirty, forty, twelvety......."

Edited November 25, 2013 by bigbamboo

[Rich teacher]

"Red-shirt leaders claimed 100,000 people gathered at the stadium, while reporters estimated the figure was about 40,000." OP

[WitawatWatawit]

I wonder how Thaksin is reading this at the moment? Would he be happy about Thida using the expression "people's revolution"? I think this "revolution" as it is manifesting, is worrisome for him as he is not in control of it. If that's the case, then what option is he weighing up? Continue on the same path and risk a coup? That might win him a modicum of sympathy, but as he is not the elected PM in the eyes of the world, he won't be able to play the sympathy card on the world stage - true, many emphathised with him after 2006, but that was then, and this is now. Does he risk a House dissolution and a new election? That would depend on the signals he is getting. If he feels the odds are still with him, then that might be the way to go. The question is, are the odds with him? I think the emotions in the anti-government/anti-Thaksin movement are spreading too far for his liking - at the moment, at least.

[Spare]

Does anyone have photos from today showing more than 50 people?

There used to be a traffic cam near there but I cannot find the site now.

A colleague at ABAC Hua Mark estimated the crowd at about 10,000 last night.

ABAC must be paid by the amount they estimate.

[whybother]

"Red-shirt leaders claimed 100,000 people gathered at the stadium, while reporters estimated the figure was about 40,000." OP

Which OP is that from? It's not in the OP of this thread.

But if there were 100,000, that would mean that the stadium was 35,000 over capacity.

[Thainy Tim]

She said the ruling Pheu Thai party and the red-shirt people always abided by the laws and expressed concern that what would happen if the majority of the people could no longer put up with the anti-government protesters who did not comply with the laws.

As you always need to read between the lines and take the opposite to translate the truth that emerges from these idiots. One can pretty much guarantee that the absolute opposite presides with this statement.

Up till now the anti-gov protests have been peaceful and within the law. Having said that, while it has been largely confined to Democracy Monument and everyone there are of the same opinion, then I doubt any trouble would have raised its head. Even with agent provocateurs, there would be no point, they won't fight against each other. Also the reds have stayed well away from the area, and who could blame them as any violence from them would have resulted in complete annihilation, and they would have deserved it.

However, things have changed today and the main rally has been split across several sites where there is now a stand-off between the protesters and the police. This is classic agent provocateur territory. These are now 'flashpoint' areas. While up till now in the sober light of day, there has thankfully been no problems and everyone seems to be firmly in the carnival mood. There could be dark forces at work in the background.

Add a little alcohol later in the day and a little push from trouble makers intending to make the anti-gov protesters look bad in the eyes of the rest of the nation and the world, and it could all go tits up. This would suit the reds down to the ground. That is why everyone needs to be careful here. Thida would love to see a riot between protesters and police break out. Oh how the rhetoric and propaganda will flow.

But I wouldn't be surprised if this has a less than desirable effect for the reds, PTP and Thakluck. If anything is going to light the blue touch paper for an all out coup, the above scenario will.

[anselpixel]

Russia Today has no photos of the Reds. Those are all anti-government protestors.

[WitawatWatawit]

"Thida would love to see a riot between protesters and police break out. Oh how the rhetoric and propaganda will flow."

I have no desire to defend Thida, but I think you are out of line with that comment. I'm sure she would not want to see any more deadly violence, and if it did happen, I'm sure she would be smart enough to know that making propaganda out of it (especially in the immediate aftermath) could backfire badly on her and her movement. The deaths of 2010 are still fresh in the mind and still hurt those affected.

[whybother]

Does anyone have photos from today showing more than 50 people?

Russia Today does ... ("Hundreds of thousands") ... sigh ...

Wrong protesters. This thread is about red shirts.

[LuckyLew]

I live right near Rajamangala stadium and it is my opinion that there is no where near a full house

The football pitch might be full but the stands .............. no way Jose

Ramkamhaeng is a ghost street ... little to no traffic and little to no noise

[myan]

Does anyone have photos from today showing more than 50 people?

Russia Today does ... ("Hundreds of thousands") ... sigh ...

Russia Today has no photos of the Reds. Those are all anti-government protestors.

Correct.

Hundreds of thousands Thai anti-government protesters gather in Bangkok (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Latest police estimates showed that some 200,000 people have gathered on the streets, the biggest rally in three years.

http://rt.com/news/thailand-protest-biggest-rally-241/

It does, however, also mention the red shirts numbers:

20,000 pro-government Red Shirt

link above

Edited November 25, 2013 by myan

[myan]

"Red-shirt leaders claimed 100,000 people gathered at the stadium, while reporters estimated the figure was about 40,000." OP

Which OP is that from? It's not in the OP of this thread.

But if there were 100,000, that would mean that the stadium was 35,000 over capacity.

There were not 100,000 red shirts, or even 40,000.

There were 20,000 red shirts.

.

Edited November 25, 2013 by myan

[coma]

By the look of the photo it really seems to be ' going off ' ?

[Thainy Tim]

"Thida would love to see a riot between protesters and police break out. Oh how the rhetoric and propaganda will flow."

I have no desire to defend Thida, but I think you are out of line with that comment. I'm sure she would not want to see any more deadly violence, and if it did happen, I'm sure she would be smart enough to know that making propaganda out of it (especially in the immediate aftermath) could backfire badly on her and her movement. The deaths of 2010 are still fresh in the mind and still hurt those affected.

If I can stop you right there.

While I respect your right to an opinion, I will also expect you to respect my own right to the same.

I don't think that my statement is in any way one bit 'out of line'. I would argue that it is very much 'in line'.

Just because you give Thida and her red brigade a HUGE benefit of the doubt, that any violence between anti-gov protesters and the police would not use this to their advantage through rhetoric and propaganda is laughable. What do you expect them to say about it? At the moment they have very little fuel on their fire, they and their protesters are pretty much just a fancy dress contest with no real reason to be having a protest sat in a stadium that puts almost zero pressure on anyone.

If the anti-gov protesters were pushed into a let's say 'less than orderly' conflict with the police, it would probably be no more than a surge and few water bottles being thrown, and a bit of tear gas, then the police will retreat and the protesters will get to where they want to be. It is not going to be anywhere near the same as 2010 when the reds were burning down BKK, throwing grenades and shooting at the army.

Believe me... Any skirmishes will be lapped up with extreme pleasure by the reds, their leaders and the PTP.

Edited November 25, 2013 by Thainy Tim

[Thait Spot]

There was a time when Thida had values and morals.

I remember many times her saying that the red shirts would fight against amnesty for those accused of the 75 or so protest deaths.

Now she backs the Thaksin charade

Another red puppet on Thaksin strings

[Robby nz]

Rob8891, on 25 Nov 2013 - 12:45, said:

If they are srtill gathering INSIDE the stadium, it's proof positive that previous estimates were grossly inflated.

Their leaders shouldn't worry about violence breaking out as long as the Reid rent-a-mob stay caged up. However, if they break out, so will their violence

Rumor tell that some red shirts took the money and than went to the Democrats. I guess they lock them in the stadium so this won't happen again.

It would seem yesterday evening that some of the reds turned up at a little protest that the group the MR's belongs to organized where we live.

She says they have not gone this time because they are peed off because last time they went to BKK they were given 200b and some rice.

When they got there they found out those from Issan had been paid 1,000b

[smedly]

I think the clear message from the stage should be directed straight at Thaksin - either come home like a man and face the public and the law - or stay away and leave us alone

The man is a coward - he'd be much more respected if he took the next plane to Thailand

While all this mayhem is taking place in Bangkok - he's sitting at the pool sipping cocktails thinking what a genius he is making all this happen from his poolside lounger

[Katipo]

There won't be any violence as long as the Red Shirts don't get involved.

[culicine]

She said the ruling Pheu Thai party and the red-shirt people always abided by the laws and expressed concern that what would happen if the majority of the people could no longer put up with the anti-government protesters who did not comply with the laws.

The hypocrisy is sickening....and who are 'majority of people'? Looks like the reds are outnumbered by at least 10 to 1 at the moment....forget elections, PT could only get about 30% of the vote...hardly a majority.

[Tatsujin]

The red-shirt leader said so far the protesters have not yet given a clear definition of their people’s revolution on how it could be taken and for what they wanted to revolt.

People's revolution. Taken directly out of Chairman Mao's little red book. Careful Khun Thida you are showing your true colors and convictions.

Again. It's Communism with a Thaksin twist. Nothing's changed.

[householder]

There won't be any violence as long as the Red Shirts don't get involved.

Twitter reports (Richard Barrow and Jonathan Head (and some Bluesky footage of the aftermath)) that freelance journalist Nick Nostitz was set upon at the anti-govt protests, prompted from the stage.

Edited November 25, 2013 by householder