Anti-government protests spread to Thai provinces

[ratcatcher]

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

"....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"

Let's try another angle?

The billionaire criminal, fugitive, self exiled ex P.M. is also detested by many of the country's rural people and urban working class. But he is also adored by many in the elite (Thaksin is a member of the elite of course) and middle classes who find his corruption acceptable as they recognize it in themselves.

Please bear in mind this isn't about the rich Bangkok elite versus the poor rice farmer from Isaan and the north. It is much more complex than that with people from all walks of life from farmers, factory workers, students,doctors, nurses,university professssors and office workers, all protesting the Shinawatras turning Thailand into their own personal business.

The PTP supposedly made life better for the working class by increasing the daily wage and helped the farmers (supposedly) by the rice pledging scam which has enriched many middlemen and fewer farmers.

So hehehe- don't get carried away with Thai Thaksinism... hehehe./

Edited November 27, 2013 by ratcatcher

[napawan28]

Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Cr: https://www.facebook.com/antiamnesty?hc_location=timeline

[Thai at Heart]

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

"....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"

Let's try another angle?

The billionaire criminal, fugitive, self exiled ex P.M. is also detested by many of the country's rural people and urban working class. But he is also adored by many in the elite (Thaksin is a member of the elite of course) and middle classes who find his corruption acceptable as they recognize it in themselves.

Please bear in mind this isn't about the rich Bangkok elite versus the poor rice farmer from Isaan and the north. It is much more complex than that with people from all walks of life from farmers, factory workers, students,doctors, nurses,university professssors and office workers, all protesting the Shinawatras turning Thailand into their own personal business.

The PTP supposedly made life better for the working class by increasing the daily wage and helped the farmers (supposedly) by the rice pledging scam which has enriched many middlemen and fewer farmers.

So hehehe- don't get carried away with Thai Thaksinism... hehehe./

The big big big issue, is that he isn't respecting the natural way of things. He's from Chiangmai, he owned a phone company, he's not from Bangkok, and he doesn't own a bank, or a farming business.

He broke the omerta of Chinese business in Thailand. He sold out. He got paid. Just look at all of these other companies. They are stuck, the owners can't get paid. They have their wealth, but they hide behind protection to keep others out. This is Thaksin's crime. He made them very very worried that he would open Thailand up to foreigners, just as the Democrats had done by opening up his market to foreigners i.e. Orange.

[gerrythepoet]

The REDS have the Police the Yellows have the ARMY.

The Army however will not propose a coup.

Something strange about Thais

They announce to the World we are going to arrest someone so warn them and give them time to escape or barricade themselves.

The Americans on the other hand fly 2 B52 bombers admittedly not armed without notifying anyone.

To arrest Suthep, get the order tell him that he is committing a crime if he persits arrest him.

Now we have legal battle after legal battle

This joke is beyond belief.

The fact is DECEMBER 5TH will be a telling day.

Perhaps a little bird will drop some heavy sense and all will understand what Thailand should do.

[h90]

The REDS have the Police the Yellows have the ARMY.

The Army however will not propose a coup.

Something strange about Thais

They announce to the World we are going to arrest someone so warn them and give them time to escape or barricade themselves.

The Americans on the other hand fly 2 B52 bombers admittedly not armed without notifying anyone.

To arrest Suthep, get the order tell him that he is committing a crime if he persits arrest him.

Now we have legal battle after legal battle

This joke is beyond belief.

The fact is DECEMBER 5TH will be a telling day.

Perhaps a little bird will drop some heavy sense and all will understand what Thailand should do.

and how to arrest him....a good part of the police are angry with government and don't want to help them....another good part of the police want to get their bribes and visit Mia Noi and don't care about government, Suthep or anything else.

The Demonstrators which are many protect Suthep and the police is ordered not to use any force.

So it is a bit difficult....

[Thai at Heart]

The REDS have the Police the Yellows have the ARMY.

The Army however will not propose a coup.

Something strange about Thais

They announce to the World we are going to arrest someone so warn them and give them time to escape or barricade themselves.

The Americans on the other hand fly 2 B52 bombers admittedly not armed without notifying anyone.

To arrest Suthep, get the order tell him that he is committing a crime if he persits arrest him.

Now we have legal battle after legal battle

This joke is beyond belief.

The fact is DECEMBER 5TH will be a telling day.

Perhaps a little bird will drop some heavy sense and all will understand what Thailand should do.

and how to arrest him....a good part of the police are angry with government and don't want to help them....another good part of the police want to get their bribes and visit Mia Noi and don't care about government, Suthep or anything else.

The Demonstrators which are many protect Suthep and the police is ordered not to use any force.

So it is a bit difficult....

Well, a start wouldn't be announcing it to the world that you are coming to get him. I am sure they are legally allowed to use any amount of reasonable force to effect the arrest, and if the mob were to attack the coppers, they would be more than entitiled to defend themselves.

[hellodolly]

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

One can hope that the bulk of the red shirts are watching the protests so they no the difference between a peaceful protest and there own protests. Notice no police around to keep people out of theirs. No guns no idiots jumping around on a stage extorting them to burn Bangkok down no guns just a bunch of people who want what is best for Thailand including the red shirts.

I heard a good description of the average intelligence of a red shirt on another thread.

The fellow said he was talking to his hard core red shirt neighbor and the red shirt said he was tired of Thaksin trying to run every thing.;

Now how can you be a hard core red shirt and wish Thaksin would go away?

[schbang]

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.

Exactly. and they call it journalism. back to uni.

[Bluespunk]

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

Maybe you should stop being such a tool yourself Suthep. I do not like PT or their street thugs, but your thinking is no better.

Edited November 27, 2013 by Bluespunk

[oldsailor35]

Which provinces have the protests moved to. And how successful are they in the Chaing Mai area and Isaan.

[oldsailor35]

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

But all these regions are in the South.........so what! When we see them start up in Chaing Mai and Isaan, then it will mean something. Till then, all we can say to these silly mobs is "Have fun" because you are wasting your time if you cannot win an election by voting.

[oldsailor35]

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.

Surely you are not trying to tell us that Mandela was also corrupt.

[oldsailor35]

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.

Wonderful news if this means that Suthep is going to jail for a few years.

[h90]

The REDS have the Police the Yellows have the ARMY.

The Army however will not propose a coup.

Something strange about Thais

They announce to the World we are going to arrest someone so warn them and give them time to escape or barricade themselves.

The Americans on the other hand fly 2 B52 bombers admittedly not armed without notifying anyone.

To arrest Suthep, get the order tell him that he is committing a crime if he persits arrest him.

Now we have legal battle after legal battle

This joke is beyond belief.

The fact is DECEMBER 5TH will be a telling day.

Perhaps a little bird will drop some heavy sense and all will understand what Thailand should do.

and how to arrest him....a good part of the police are angry with government and don't want to help them....another good part of the police want to get their bribes and visit Mia Noi and don't care about government, Suthep or anything else.

The Demonstrators which are many protect Suthep and the police is ordered not to use any force.

So it is a bit difficult....

Well, a start wouldn't be announcing it to the world that you are coming to get him. I am sure they are legally allowed to use any amount of reasonable force to effect the arrest, and if the mob were to attack the coppers, they would be more than entitiled to defend themselves.

Announcing it and than doing nothing will make them look like fools.

Sending the cops, they speak for a while with the protesters and go home won't help as well. If there is a fight and some protestors get hurt, at the end the cops will be sued.

So my guess is the motivation of the coups is very low and most probably Suthep only hopes that the police try that. Either he can trick the police to start a fight, or he goes in jail and will be portrayed as political prisoner.

True or not they can spin it that way.

[bunuel]

Precisely. These demonstrators want another undemocratically selected minority,since they are incapable of winning a democratic election. It is one thing to demonstrate for a particular issue - it is quite another to actively interfere with the daily operations of a democratically elected government. Clearly the Yellow Shirts in charge are hoping to provoke a violent reaction from the authorities - which they would get in any Western country I can think of for tresspassing on government property, etc etc.

Thus far, the government has fortunately not taken the bait. However, there are limits, and the Yellow Shirts have shown in the past that they are always ready to up the ante, no matter how much it costs the country- who can forget when they actually seized Thailand's international airport?

Bottom line is that this is mob rule, and fundamentally undemocratic. The Yellow Shirts must learn to accept the power of the ballot box and figure out a way to win elections. Indeed, it is ironic that the apparent leader of these demonstrations was a leader of the so-called Democrat party!

Let us hope there is a peaceful end to these demonstrations before anyone gets hurt.

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

[Spare]

It is not about democratically and undemocratically . It is check and balance. The court has also told all the Thai people that to have check and balance, 50% must be "selected", while 50% can, if so wish, be "elected".

Precisely. These demonstrators want another undemocratically selected minority,since they are incapable of winning a democratic election. It is one thing to demonstrate for a particular issue - it is quite another to actively interfere with the daily operations of a democratically elected government. Clearly the Yellow Shirts in charge are hoping to provoke a violent reaction from the authorities - which they would get in any Western country I can think of for tresspassing on government property, etc etc.

Thus far, the government has fortunately not taken the bait. However, there are limits, and the Yellow Shirts have shown in the past that they are always ready to up the ante, no matter how much it costs the country- who can forget when they actually seized Thailand's international airport?

Bottom line is that this is mob rule, and fundamentally undemocratic. The Yellow Shirts must learn to accept the power of the ballot box and figure out a way to win elections. Indeed, it is ironic that the apparent leader of these demonstrations was a leader of the so-called Democrat party!

Let us hope there is a peaceful end to these demonstrations before anyone gets hurt.

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

[dru2]

The REDS have the Police the Yellows have the ARMY.

The Army however will not propose a coup.

Something strange about Thais

They announce to the World we are going to arrest someone so warn them and give them time to escape or barricade themselves.

The Americans on the other hand fly 2 B52 bombers admittedly not armed without notifying anyone.

To arrest Suthep, get the order tell him that he is committing a crime if he persits arrest him.

Now we have legal battle after legal battle

This joke is beyond belief.

The fact is DECEMBER 5TH will be a telling day.

Perhaps a little bird will drop some heavy sense and all will understand what Thailand should do.

and how to arrest him....a good part of the police are angry with government and don't want to help them....another good part of the police want to get their bribes and visit Mia Noi and don't care about government, Suthep or anything else.

The Demonstrators which are many protect Suthep and the police is ordered not to use any force.

So it is a bit difficult....

Well, a start wouldn't be announcing it to the world that you are coming to get him. I am sure they are legally allowed to use any amount of reasonable force to effect the arrest, and if the mob were to attack the coppers, they would be more than entitiled to defend themselves.

How long have you been in Thailand? That's not how it works. Why do you think Thaksin is in Dubai? Why do you think Suchinda is playing gold in Chonburi? The big fish don't go after each other with violence... They all know the boot could be on the other foot next time around.

[hansnl]

Khon Kaen?

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

Even in Khon Kaen the number of diehard redshirts has dwindled.

Some friends, always pro T, now are so fed up with this government that they want no more T.

One of them said, they promised us everything, better life, higher wages, etc.

What did we get?

Twice prices were raised, first when the government said the minimum wage would go up to 300 baht.

Second when indeed the law was passed, prices went up again.

Wages?

300 baht?

Where?

Oh sure, in big companies, but not for the daily workers, they may get, if they are lucky 200 baht a day.

But prices are still going up.

In short, the followers of Mr T are thinned out considerably.

[hansnl]

It is not about democratically and undemocratically . It is check and balance. The court has also told all the Thai people that to have check and balance, 50% must be "selected", while 50% can, if so wish, be "elected".

Precisely. These demonstrators want another undemocratically selected minority,since they are incapable of winning a democratic election. It is one thing to demonstrate for a particular issue - it is quite another to actively interfere with the daily operations of a democratically elected government. Clearly the Yellow Shirts in charge are hoping to provoke a violent reaction from the authorities - which they would get in any Western country I can think of for tresspassing on government property, etc etc.

Thus far, the government has fortunately not taken the bait. However, there are limits, and the Yellow Shirts have shown in the past that they are always ready to up the ante, no matter how much it costs the country- who can forget when they actually seized Thailand's international airport?

Bottom line is that this is mob rule, and fundamentally undemocratic. The Yellow Shirts must learn to accept the power of the ballot box and figure out a way to win elections. Indeed, it is ironic that the apparent leader of these demonstrations was a leader of the so-called Democrat party!

Let us hope there is a peaceful end to these demonstrations before anyone gets hurt.

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

It is quite clear someone here does not know what democracy means.

[marcusd]

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 Bar Girls and Money boys could run this country better than the current Government or the one proposed by the Opposition parties. They are all scandallous!

[tragickingdom]

The word is Anti Democracy protests not anti government protests. The South is a very good example of how good a job the democrats can do when they are in fact elected. Suthep is already preparing the bomb vests.

[SOTIRIOS]

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.

...it does not mention the reasons why the people are protesting...

...it makes no mention of Thaksin being a fugitive...nor his ongoing meddling in the country's affairs...

...or how the sole purpose of this government is to get him amnesty...

...nor the corruption and hundreds of billions...if not trillions of baht having gone into the hands of this government for virtually nothing in return...

...nor of other opponents of the government that have been murdered or prosecuted on trumped up charges...

...certainly not factual, unbiased journalism...

Edited November 27, 2013 by SOTIRIOS

[jdinasia]

BTW --- I drove through the government office complexes in 2 central Thai provinces today and absolutely no sign of anything going on (other than at one both of the policemen I spoke to had brand new Thai flags on their bikes.) If my province is indicative of things then the people are not coming out to participate but many are more clearly anti-govt than in the past.

I don't think that means that they would be willing to risk anything by taking a stand against the current Thaksin regime, but it does indicate at least to me, that these areas are more strongly anti-Thaksin than in the past.

It is worth noting that this province voted BJT (Newin) last election (and ended up as part of the opposition with only 34 seats I think)

I still say "Watch Newin" ---- it is a decent barometer/predictor of things to come (sadly.) Newin has been quite silent recently about anything other than football!

[Jim walker]

I am sure the stupid masses will easily run the country they have their flags and whistle,s what could be easier who need elections

[airconsult]

Can we all just face the fact that he needs a new government because the current one refused to buy the rubber at a higher price than his associates paid to the farmers?

Edit - never in his entire history has suthep been interested in anyone except himself and his family. If people believe he is doing this for any other reason - seek help now.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited November 27, 2013 by airconsult

[mrfill]

It is not about democratically and undemocratically . It is check and balance. The court has also told all the Thai people that to have check and balance, 50% must be "selected", while 50% can, if so wish, be "elected".

Precisely. These demonstrators want another undemocratically selected minority,since they are incapable of winning a democratic election. It is one thing to demonstrate for a particular issue - it is quite another to actively interfere with the daily operations of a democratically elected government. Clearly the Yellow Shirts in charge are hoping to provoke a violent reaction from the authorities - which they would get in any Western country I can think of for tresspassing on government property, etc etc.

Thus far, the government has fortunately not taken the bait. However, there are limits, and the Yellow Shirts have shown in the past that they are always ready to up the ante, no matter how much it costs the country- who can forget when they actually seized Thailand's international airport?

Bottom line is that this is mob rule, and fundamentally undemocratic. The Yellow Shirts must learn to accept the power of the ballot box and figure out a way to win elections. Indeed, it is ironic that the apparent leader of these demonstrations was a leader of the so-called Democrat party!

Let us hope there is a peaceful end to these demonstrations before anyone gets hurt.

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

It is quite clear someone here does not know what democracy means.

In the original democracy, the politicians were selected by lottery, much in the same way as jury selection is done in the UK.

One day you get a note saying from next week you would be a politician. This keeps all the 'career' politicians out the way.

Every year the politicians had to face their electorate and explain the good work they had done. If the crowd liked it, you got the job for next year - if not, you were out.

Most countries are now plutocracies rather than democracies - i.e. ruled by the rich - and yet most people incorrectly call them democracies.

[rebelplatoon]

Sorry, enlighten me, if it spreads up country, how can it just be the elite who is protesting?

On another note, not being bias: DEMOCRATS calling for a non elected Government? COME ON! Get Real!

[dru2]

The word is Anti Democracy protests not anti government protests. The South is a very good example of how good a job the democrats can do when they are in fact elected. Suthep is already preparing the bomb vests.

There is a big difference between Pak Tai (the South) and Chaidaen Pak Tai (the Far South). Thai Buddhists don't wear suicide vests, nor indeed (so far) do Thai Muslims from the FAR SOUTH provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

Don't be an anti-Muslim alarmist! You appear both racist AND ill-informed.

[Irishrogue]

For some protesters the heat was too much!

[Hugh Jarse]

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

Can you elaborate on this asssertion please?