Anti-government protests spread to Thai provinces

[webfact]

Thai political protests spread outside Bangkok
by Anusak KONGLANG

BANGKOK, November 27, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand's mass political protests spread outside the capital Wednesday as opposition demonstrators stepped up their attempts to overthrow Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's government, plunging the country deeper into crisis.

Raucous, whistle-blowing crowds have besieged government buildings in Bangkok to challenge Yingluck and her exiled brother, ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, in the biggest protests since mass street rallies in 2010 that turned deadly.

Demonstrators also rallied outside at least a dozen provincial halls mainly in the opposition's southern heartlands -- including on the tourist island of Phuket.

The turmoil comes as Yingluck's embattled government faces a no-confidence motion in parliament introduced by the opposition Democrats, who have not won an elected majority in about two decades.

While the demos have so far been largely peaceful, there are fears they could descend into another bout of street violence in a country that has seen several episodes of political unrest since Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup.

The billionaire tycoon-turned-politician is adored by many of the country's rural and urban working class. But he is reviled by many in the elite and the middle classes, who accuse him of being corrupt and a threat to the monarchy.

Up to 10,000 protesters gathered Wednesday at a large office complex on the northern outskirts of Bangkok that houses several key government agencies, according to an AFP reporter at the scene.

Their numbers swelled dramatically as protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban marched into the compound, flanked by thousands of other demonstrators.

"We are very upbeat and I think we will win in a few days," the former deputy premier and key opposition figure told reporters earlier as he left his de facto headquarters at the occupied finance ministry.

A defiant Suthep on Tuesday called for the creation of an unelected administration to run the country, in the clearest indication yet that the demonstrators are seeking to suspend the democratic system.

"If we demolish the Thaksin regime ... we will set up a people's council which will come from people from every sector," he said. "Then we will let the people's council pick good people to be the prime minister and ministers."

On Tuesday protesters surrounded the interior, agriculture, transport, and sports and tourism ministries, ordering officials inside to leave, a day after occupying the finance and foreign ministries.

"The situation is serious but it is under control," Pracha Promnog, a deputy prime minister, told reporters after a meeting with the premier.

But he warned protesters would not be allowed to occupy Government House or parliament.

A court has issued an arrest warrant for Suthep for his role in the ministry seizures and authorities have urged the veteran politican to surrender.

The recent protests were sparked by plans by the ruling Puea Thai party to introduce an amnesty that could have allowed the return from self-imposed exile of Thaksin.

The Senate blocked the controversial bill but demonstrators have since broadened their goal and now want to topple the government.

Yingluck on Monday ordered the expansion across Bangkok of the Internal Security Act, which gives authorities additional powers to block routes, impose a curfew, ban gatherings and carry out searches.

Her party, which holds a comfortable majority, is expected to win the censure vote expected later in the week.

One option could be for Yingluck to dissolve the lower house afterwards and call fresh elections, knowing that Pro-Thaksin parties have won every election for more than a decade.

She appears reluctant to resort to force to evict the protests given the bloodshed which erupted in 2010, when more than 90 people died in a military crackdown on pro-Thaksin protests under the previous government.

The possibility of military intervention also constantly looms over Thailand, which has seen 18 actual or attempted coups since 1932, but the army has so far shown no sign that it is preparing to get involved.

Yingluck's Red Shirt supporters, who have held their own rally at a sports stadium in the capital, appeared to be losing patience with the growing protests although they have refrained from taking to the streets.

"The current situation is near breaking point," said Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan, calling for more supporters to join their gathering.

But "we will only move out (on to the streets) if there's a coup," he added.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-11-27

[thailandpeter2]

Suthep on Tuesday called for the creation of an unelected administration to run the country,...:

basically not a bad idea, considered how 'well' democracy and elected governments function in thailand. but the question is: who will select this administration?

i am sure that suthep would imagine that either he would be a part of the selection team or any body near to his party - and that is would be a total non-starter and lead only to more upheveals in the future.

maybe it would be the best if the UN would administer thailand for a while? or at least select the (thai) people administering thailand?

[barrybankruad]

The headline states 'Turmoil Spreads Outside Bangkok' and then goes on to give potted history behind the protests, Nohere does it give any indication as to where outside Bangkok these protests are nor does the article give any indication of the size of any such protests.

[slipperylobster]

Just went to the Municipal Hall Building in Udon Thani to get a passport for the girlfriend of my buddy. Police have it blocked off and there are demonstrators. I do not know specifically what time they showed up.... We went at 1pm.

[khunsiam]

Suthep on Tuesday called for the creation of an unelected administration to run the country,...:

basically not a bad idea, considered how 'well' democracy and elected governments function in thailand. but the question is: who will select this administration?

i am sure that suthep would imagine that either he would be a part of the selection team or any body near to his party - and that is would be a total non-starter and lead only to more upheveals in the future.

maybe it would be the best if the UN would administer thailand for a while? or at least select the (thai) people administering thailand?

not his idea but Chamlong's, the PAD rules!

[anon210]

Suthep on Tuesday called for the creation of an unelected administration to run the country,...:

basically not a bad idea, considered how 'well' democracy and elected governments function in thailand. but the question is: who will select this administration?

i am sure that suthep would imagine that either he would be a part of the selection team or any body near to his party - and that is would be a total non-starter and lead only to more upheveals in the future.

maybe it would be the best if the UN would administer thailand for a while? or at least select the (thai) people administering thailand?

I think the League of Nations was not far off the mark when they created the categories of countries under administration according to their degree of development and capacity of self-administration... I guess Thailand would fall in the lowest category.

[winstonc]

they are at the ministry of energy.but thats just one of many many groups..where are the red shirts..mmm well theres not many in bkk thats for sure.wife speaking to a few y,day they take their shirts off and go and get a few beers with the money they were given...money not principles at play with them..remember unless they get paid no-one would turn up...how sad is that no matter who you support ..

[webfact]

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
Anti-government protests spread to provinces


Trang

BANGKOK: -- Residents of several provinces joined the anti-government campaign on Wednesday by rallying in front of their provincial city halls and demanding governors and officials stop serving Yingluck government and go on strike.

Security was intensified with police deployed and gates locked in preparation for the gathering. However, there were no reports of chaos or violence. The protesters were seen giving flowers to representatives of the provincial authorities, who came out to receive them.

Most of the provinces in which people actively joined the campaign were in the southern region, s stronghold of Democrat Party, which is leading the anti-government protests.

They were: Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chumphon, Yala, Ranong, Satun, Songkhla, Pattalung, Surat Thani and Trang.

Khon Kaen and Saraburi also witnessed a strong turnout of protesters.

In Bangkok, Suthep Thaugsuban, leader of a mass rally aimed at "rooting out the Thaksin regime", led a march to the Department of Special Investigation on Chaeng Wattana Road in one of the marches to other ministries.

Suthep said state officials should "stop being a tool for the Thaksin regime".


-- The Nation 2013-11-27

[webfact]

Phuket Provincial Hall ‘occupied’ by 2,000-strong anti-govt mob


This morning's protest. Photo: Bukit Sonny

PHUKET: -- As part of an apparently well coordinated national push, about 2,000 people from all walks of life – but all opposed to the government of PM Yingluck Shinawatra – this morning “occupied” Phuket Provincial Hall.

The occupation, with the mob taking over the grounds but barred from going into the building itself, is an echo of the happenings in Bangkok where huge anti-government crowds have occupied a number of government ministries.

The leader of the Bangkok protests, Democrat Party deputy leader Suthep Thaugsuban last night called for all ministries to be occupied, and for government opponents in the provinces to occupy provincial halls.

The Bangkok Post quoted him as saying, "I'm asking Bangkok people to do like I did, at the Finance Ministry, at all remaining ministrie, and for people in the provinces to do it at provincial halls and to tell officials not to serve the Thaksin regime anymore," he said.

"We have to do it simultaneously tomorrow [today], otherwise we will have no chance of victory."

It is not yet clear how many provincial halls around the country have been besieged, though it is reported that in addition to Pahuket those in Trang, Satun and Nakhon Sri Thammarat were occupied this morning.

ASTV Online reported that police in Songkhla Province had called for reinforcements as crowds approached the provincial hall there.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-provincial-hall-%E2%80%98occupied%E2%80%99-by-2-000-strong-anti-govt-mob-43095.php


-- Phuket News 2013-11-27

[55Jay]

The headline states 'Turmoil Spreads Outside Bangkok' and then goes on to give potted history behind the protests, Nohere does it give any indication as to where outside Bangkok these protests are nor does the article give any indication of the size of any such protests.

Well it seems to have started. City halls seized in Satun and Trang in the south.

Indeed, looks like a lot of people at Trang, especially considering it is midnight. Not sure about Satun

In another thread last night, round 23:30, TV members reporting as above for Satun and Trang.

[dru2]

Phuket Provincial Hall ‘occupied’ by 2,000-strong anti-govt mob

This morning's protest. Photo: Bukit Sonny

PHUKET: -- As part of an apparently well coordinated national push, about 2,000 people from all walks of life – but all opposed to the government of PM Yingluck Shinawatra – this morning “occupied” Phuket Provincial Hall.

The occupation, with the mob taking over the grounds but barred from going into the building itself, is an echo of the happenings in Bangkok where huge anti-government crowds have occupied a number of government ministries.

The leader of the Bangkok protests, Democrat Party deputy leader Suthep Thaugsuban last night called for all ministries to be occupied, and for government opponents in the provinces to occupy provincial halls.

The Bangkok Post quoted him as saying, "I'm asking Bangkok people to do like I did, at the Finance Ministry, at all remaining ministrie, and for people in the provinces to do it at provincial halls and to tell officials not to serve the Thaksin regime anymore," he said.

"We have to do it simultaneously tomorrow [today], otherwise we will have no chance of victory."

It is not yet clear how many provincial halls around the country have been besieged, though it is reported that in addition to Pahuket those in Trang, Satun and Nakhon Sri Thammarat were occupied this morning.

ASTV Online reported that police in Songkhla Province had called for reinforcements as crowds approached the provincial hall there.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-provincial-hall-%E2%80%98occupied%E2%80%99-by-2-000-strong-anti-govt-mob-43095.php

-- Phuket News 2013-11-27

This emerging phenomenon, combined with civil servants welcoming anti-Thaksin demonstrators in droves at numerous ministries in Bangkok, and the occupation - without resistance, and with no attempt by police to arrest Suthep, who was there - of Tarit's DSI offices, must surely and definitively spell the end of the current maladministration.

There are even moves to close down Udon Thani provincial offices in the Red heartland.

Suggestions coming from the opposition are moreover quite constructive and interesting - elected provincial governors and locally-appointed police forces across the Kingdom. This kind of devolution would be popular in the North and Northeast, and diminish the understandable and entirely reasonable resentment against the centralised powers of the Bangkok administration.

Something good may come of all this, if there is no violence. We shall see, and soon, I feel.

Edited November 27, 2013 by dru2

[h90]

Khon Kaen?

Our always red posters will find it hard to swallow that.

[jpeg]

Suthep on Tuesday called for the creation of an unelected administration to run the country,...:

basically not a bad idea, considered how 'well' democracy and elected governments function in thailand. but the question is: who will select this administration?

i am sure that suthep would imagine that either he would be a part of the selection team or any body near to his party - and that is would be a total non-starter and lead only to more upheveals in the future.

maybe it would be the best if the UN would administer thailand for a while? or at least select the (thai) people administering thailand?

From my recent conversations, the 'Thai people', or at least the savvy ones, are quite capable of administering Thailand themselves. They simply need to guide/educate the populace away from the long held either/or two party corrupt as <deleted> self serving agenda state. This will take a lot of time and effort. But didn't our's?

Don't be so patronising and get out more

BTW Very good BP article on what exactly this current situation all about.

[cacruden]

What happens if the Administration decides to call an election? Simple, PTP win again. What the protestors want is another coup.

[eddie61]

Suthep on Tuesday called for the creation of an unelected administration to run the country,...:

basically not a bad idea, considered how 'well' democracy and elected governments function in thailand. but the question is: who will select this administration?

i am sure that suthep would imagine that either he would be a part of the selection team or any body near to his party - and that is would be a total non-starter and lead only to more upheveals in the future.

maybe it would be the best if the UN would administer thailand for a while? or at least select the (thai) people administering thailand?

I think the best way forward would be to hire Singapore to run Thailand. Given the cost of corruption to Thailand, the country could pay a significant management fee to the Singapore government, and everyone would be better off.

[Thai at Heart]

Why add the caveat "thai" to provinces.

Which international provinces could it spread to?

[Spare]

What happens if the Administration decides to call an election? Simple, PTP win again. What the protestors want is another coup.

As long as no Thaksin family and/or friend stand in the election, it should be acceptable.

BTW, half of the MPS should be "selected" for the check and balance purposes.

[webfact]

Security beef up at provincial halls in southern region
By English News



NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Nov 27 -- Police have stepped up security measures at provincial halls in many southern provinces after protesters gathered in front of the offices since last night.

Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Apinan Suethanuwong has closed the provincial hall for three days, from today through Friday and allowed state officials to return home.

There would be only security personnel remaining at the provincial hall to protect the premise. One company of riot police was also deployed to ensure law and order after a large group of protesters gathered at the provincial hall.

In Trang, the provincial hall was cordoned off by protesters, and government workers could not enter the premises to work. However, the rally was peaceful. More than 200 police and volunteer security were present to ensure the safety.

Trang Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Jeerawat Udomsuk urged the demonstrators to gather peacefully.

In Satun, officials closed all entrances to the provincial hall and security personnel were reinforced to support some 100 police and defence volunteers who worked since last night.

The protesters were outside the gates and the government staff used a shortcut gate to enter their offices to work.

In Krabi, some 100 defence volunteers erected metal barricades to block the entrance of the provincial hall as many protesters gathered outside the hall.

The protesters said they have no leaders as they have communicated via social media to join the rally to show their stance against the government.

In Phuket, Governor Maitree Inthusut received a bouquet from the protesters at the provincial hall. They also blew whistles to show their opposition to the government.

The protesters urged state officials, staff and employees to stop working and left the hall. There are now only security staff, police and administrative staff at the hall.

The protesters were also blocked the entrance to prevent officials to return to work.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban announced that all ministry buildings would be occupied today and called on the anti-government demonstrations to occupy provincial halls nationwide as part of their civil disobedience to eradicate what he called the "Thaksin Regime". (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-11-27

[Thai at Heart]

Suthep on Tuesday called for the creation of an unelected administration to run the country,...:

basically not a bad idea, considered how 'well' democracy and elected governments function in thailand. but the question is: who will select this administration?

i am sure that suthep would imagine that either he would be a part of the selection team or any body near to his party - and that is would be a total non-starter and lead only to more upheveals in the future.

maybe it would be the best if the UN would administer thailand for a while? or at least select the (thai) people administering thailand?

I think the best way forward would be to hire Singapore to run Thailand. Given the cost of corruption to Thailand, the country could pay a significant management fee to the Singapore government, and everyone would be better off.

Singapore is a republic.. No good.. devolve Scotland and let Britain take it.. Boris for governor. Edited November 27, 2013 by Thai at Heart

[cacruden]

Suthep on Tuesday called for the creation of an unelected administration to run the country,...:

basically not a bad idea, considered how 'well' democracy and elected governments function in thailand. but the question is: who will select this administration?

i am sure that suthep would imagine that either he would be a part of the selection team or any body near to his party - and that is would be a total non-starter and lead only to more upheveals in the future.

maybe it would be the best if the UN would administer thailand for a while? or at least select the (thai) people administering thailand?

I think the best way forward would be to hire Singapore to run Thailand. Given the cost of corruption to Thailand, the country could pay a significant management fee to the Singapore government, and everyone would be better off.

For corruption to be controlled government officials and police would have to be charged with treason for selling Thailand for personal gain. That would mean a lot of executions. Since 66% of Thais are ok with corruption as long as they get their cut.... it is not going to happen since that would require not only administration but occupation.... Is that what you think is best? (I would support corrupt officials being executed but never occupation)

Edited November 27, 2013 by cacruden

[cmiuc]

Article quote, "The billionaire tycoon-turned-politician is adored by many of the country's rural and urban working class. But he is reviled by many in the elite and the middle classes, who accuse him of being corrupt and a threat to the monarchy"

Quite funny this should be said... the rural and working guy have no money(or at least have to work very hard for it)...yet they don't accuse this current Gov't... but the ones who "revile" him are the middle class and the Elite(rich)... hmm...someone see something wrong with this picture? seems like someone's complaining because they are not getting their piece of the pie anymore... its like the teachers who have been working in the thai gov't school for 10 years up making just in salary alone, 50-60,000 b per month alone and still exercise their corrupt manners when it comes to extra classes and special programs... so the reviled ones really will only do injustice further to this country and to the working class and rural people who already suffer alot already... so i wish and hope their attempts will fail...reminds me of the idiots who sat at the airport for a long time... i think these guys just like to have a get together once in a while and want to partake of the new things, 'such as the airport' and now monument square or whatever its called... hehe Thai Social'ism" hehe

Edited November 27, 2013 by cmiuc

[cacruden]

As long as no Thaksin family and/or friend stand in the election, it should be acceptable.

BTW, half of the MPS should be "selected" for the check and balance purposes.

Well at least you're being honest (as opposed to the current protester leaders).... you want a dictatorship with a few MPs elected as window dressing.

That would only make things worse (IMHO), in the same way the last coup only made things worse.

[transam]

Suthep on Tuesday called for the creation of an unelected administration to run the country,...:

basically not a bad idea, considered how 'well' democracy and elected governments function in thailand. but the question is: who will select this administration?

i am sure that suthep would imagine that either he would be a part of the selection team or any body near to his party - and that is would be a total non-starter and lead only to more upheveals in the future.

maybe it would be the best if the UN would administer thailand for a while? or at least select the (thai) people administering thailand?

Where will anyone find anyone not on the take ?

[cacruden]

I have great respect for Abhisit Vejjajiva..... but Suthep is an evil man (IMHO).

[Nickymaster]

As long as no Thaksin family and/or friend stand in the election, it should be acceptable.

BTW, half of the MPS should be "selected" for the check and balance purposes.

Well at least you're being honest (as opposed to the current protester leaders).... you want a dictatorship with a few MPs elected as window dressing.

That would only make things worse (IMHO), in the same way the last coup only made things worse.

How did the last coup make things worse?

[Spare]

I have great respect for Abhisit Vejjajiva..... but Suthep is an evil man (IMHO).

Once Thaksin is toppled, you will respect Suthep Thaugsuban more.

He will be remember as the Nelson Mandala of Thailand, in the next set of school history text book.

[Katipo]

Suthep on Tuesday called for the creation of an unelected administration to run the country,...:

basically not a bad idea, considered how 'well' democracy and elected governments function in thailand. but the question is: who will select this administration?

i am sure that suthep would imagine that either he would be a part of the selection team or any body near to his party - and that is would be a total non-starter and lead only to more upheveals in the future.

maybe it would be the best if the UN would administer thailand for a while? or at least select the (thai) people administering thailand?

Some might say this is a preposterous idea. Truth is, it's not so much.

[transam]

I have great respect for Abhisit Vejjajiva..... but Suthep is an evil man (IMHO).

Once Thaksin is toppled, you will respect Suthep Thaugsuban more.

He will be remember as the Nelson Mandala of Thailand, in the next set of school history text book.

What, the man who eradicated corruption ?....................

[napawan28]

Pattani Province

Cr: https://www.facebook.com/nationweekend

[slapout]

The incidents the other night of spikes being laid on the inbound lanes to Baqngkok (especially from the southern proviences) may have prevented some from even attempting the journey. They are on home ground and still want to somehow contribute to the anti government voice, thus go to the local government offices. Sounds like there are a number of civil servants who have even joined the whistle troops.

If this continues, it may result in the recall of police who were called to Bangkok for a show of force. I wonder if the local leaders will be targeted for charges as are those in Bangkok?