Anti-government protests spread to Thai provinces

[bigbamboo]

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.

I wouldn't say that around Mr. T if I were you.

Democracy is not his goal.

[wolf5370]

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.

He was called a terrorist - he was part of a terrorist group - it was only after Apartheid ended was he suddenly a freedom fighter. The government is always going to call those trying to overthrow them terrorist and/or perpetrators of treason . If they win, they become freedom fighters of oppression. That's they way history is written - right or wrong.

[rwdrwdrwd]

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.

Again you show ignorance regarding the difference between the South, and the three provinces in the Deep South, despite it being pointed out to you already. What you are inferring is akin to saying that anything north of Bangkok is drug smuggler country because of the small border area at the golden triangle.

Edited November 27, 2013 by rwdrwdrwd

[Hecate]

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.

Except that Nelson Mandala fought for democracy, not against it.

[fvw53]

This evening people in police uniforms entered Thai parliament to remove some elected members of this parliament.

Is this police under the authority of the government (Ministry of the Interior)?

[cacruden]

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

Can you elaborate on this asssertion please?

When the reds were protesting in the street I listened to both Abhisit and to Suthep. While Abhisit seemed to be trying to come to a peaceful compromise -- Suthep words were more of a person wanting to teach those reds a "bloody" lesson -- and he eventually got his way.

BTW, I walked through red intersection prior to the first attack it was not a fortress, it was not an angry mob. After the failed and bloody attempt to clear the intersection - it turned inward and became a fortress full of people angry at the bloodshed. I told my language teacher that any attempt to clear the square by force after that point would end in the way it did. I have seen the same dynamics at play in North American cities pre-riots and it was inevitable if they did not find a peaceful way out. The only way to do that was to go to the ballot box and replace the engineered Democrat led government with an elected government. I believe Abhisit was open to the idea, Suthep would have none of it -- for the same reason he is calling for a dictatorship now.... he knew if they went to the ballot box - the Democratic Party would lose. He put his own politicals above the people -- and he got what he wanted which was reds slaughtered in the streets. I am not saying he gave orders to shoot with live ammo, but he would not have been against it.

Does not matter which government is in power, corruption is part of society - it is accepted and only a very strong leader (akin to Singapore's first president) would be able to make a dent in it. So saying PTP has to go because there is corruption - is just the kettle calling the pot black. Yes Thaksin was corrupt, but they had to change the rules and apply those rules retroactively to actually punish him..... something that is unacceptable in the west.. The only difference was Thaksin was a smarter corrupt politician.

One thing I can say for Suthep is at least now he is being honest. He views the people as too stupid to rule themselves and they should be ruled by people that he appoints. Since the support is regional in nature, that power would be centred in the elite and those living in Bangkok.... and Thailand would eventually slide towards full out civil war and eventually partitionment. That is the future that Suthep is leading the people towards.

[Emptyset]

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 ..

Yeah. Meanwhile an aquaintance of a friend of a friend's cousin was at Democracy Monument the other day and was told the going rate is 800 baht. Sad that there are no principles involved just money. But that's Thais for you, isn't it?

(I mean, lol, seriously can we have a moratorium on posts like this? It's obvious there are strong principles and sentiments on both sides. It's also quite probable there is money involved, but that doesn't necessarily negate the fact people have strongly held views. To my mind it's obvious that if it were all a matter of people getting paid, there'd be no serious conflict here.)

[Emdog]

""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."" I think there was already something set up along those lines, called elections. Those were held, and the rural people along with half of Bangkok voted in current government. Get over it, wait for next election and then see if you can win that. If we in USA could put up with bankrupting Bush 2 for eight years, then Thailand should be able to put up with Yingluck. She was elected by the people, just not "the right kind" of people.

[menorah]

Why add the caveat "thai" to provinces.

Which international provinces could it spread to?

TIt serves to inform readers the protests have spread from Bangkok's Districts further and into the provinces.

NB: if you research the function of a caveat, then the use of the word 'Thai' acts as a qualification or clarification of the facts and is therefore correctly used. The article is passively warning the troubles have spread from Bangkok & its districts and into the provinces.

Caveat stems from Latin and is essentially a warning....

• Caveat lector ("let the reader beware")
• Caveat emptor ("let the buyer beware")
• Caveat venditor ("let the seller beware")

Tourists to Thailand may well take heed regarding travel, being aware the Thai provinces are now affected.

[Emptyset]

Khon Kaen?

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

Wow. And I actually thought that Issan had become some sort of Orwellian red dictatorship where people offering even the slightest dissent towards the views of Thaksin are routinely packed off for re-education in the red shirt schools and that anyone who holds alternative views would be terrified of expressing them lest they be subject to a visit from 'PTP enforcers'. But what do you know? Turns out the tradition of dissent and protest is actually flourishing up there! Rather makes me think that I've been taking the opinions of some posters on here too seriously.

[metisdead]

Off topic posts have been removed.

Edited November 27, 2013 by metisdead

[kirk0233]

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.

Suthep wants to be a dictator or does he want an absolute monarchy? No wonder Thailand is politically hopeless; idiots like him want to dismiss democracy and elections when any problem requires too much thought, debate or compromise. Just demonstrate in the streets, run public servants out of buildings that supposedly serve the electorate and declare a dictatorship. Suthep’s reasoning: Thais are too stupid to support the government he wants. What outrageously shameful disrespect of Thais and Thailand. I cannot believe he has supporters.

[Ulic]

Sabre rattling and chest thumping as far as I am concerned.

[Emptyset]

Here's a map that shows which provinces have been subject to protest so far (areas in green). I would just post the image but I'm afraid it might be too big.

[jdinasia]

Khon Kaen?

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

Wow. And I actually thought that Issan had become some sort of Orwellian red dictatorship where people offering even the slightest dissent towards the views of Thaksin are routinely packed off for re-education in the red shirt schools and that anyone who holds alternative views would be terrified of expressing them lest they be subject to a visit from 'PTP enforcers'. But what do you know? Turns out the tradition of dissent and protest is actually flourishing up there! Rather makes me think that I've been taking the opinions of some posters on here too seriously.

You mean KK ,,, the same place the reds stopped a train heading for the South? and seized the provincial offices? (can't remember if they burned that set of buildings or not.)

Your tongue-in-cheek response does little this time to point out that Thaksin and his merry hoods have lost the support they once had. That does not mean that the redshirt movement is not there any more, just diminished and not as fixated on Thaksin. If they get rid of the likes of Jatuporn and Nuttawut etc along with the Thaksin blight I think the swing nationwide will be in their favor.

[moe666]

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

Yes, I noticed the horns growing out of his head.

[Rob8891]

Here's a map that shows which provinces have been subject to protest so far (areas in green). I would just post the image but I'm afraid it might be too big.

Thanks..... this shows that the corruption has eaten into the heart of Thaksin's traditional support. Whilst they may still hold their political beliefs (and needs), it is hardly surprising that these areas (and Surin at the last count) have turned out against the corrupt system.

Many posters are in danger of seeing everything in black and white, with people being red or yellow, but it is no longer that simple. The folk are fed up of getting screwed: politicians can fool all of the people some of the time etc etc. The time may well have come for the man in the sand pit.

[kaobang]

today i crossed the border from vientiane to nong khai

at the border there are many signs saying"foreigners joining political rallies or stages will be expelled from the kingdom"

in nong khai red shirts on the street announced they will go to bangkok on 30 november,any news from the rest of isan?

[h90]

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.

The Muslim south is not a Democrat stronghold and you know that.

[Timwin]

A part of the problem is that once a Thai has risen to the middle class, he start treating those poorer like dirt. His own actions keep this feudal system in place!

[jdinasia]

Here's a map that shows which provinces have been subject to protest so far (areas in green). I would just post the image but I'm afraid it might be too big.

Thanks for the map!

I have heard of 3 more provinces that have had minor gatherings (500-2000 people) and will see if I can get some pics or online verification tmw. I will be doing a couple of hour ride on the bike tmw and will check out the provincial offices in 2 other provinces.

Phichit wasn't too surprising, but the lack of response in Petchaburi is a but shocking (unless what I heard was true and people had gathered there)

Edited November 27, 2013 by jdinasia

[metisdead]

Previously deleted off topic posts were deleted because they were off topic, this is not a comparison with politics in the US. Comments on moderation have been removed.

[FangFerang]

A quick note. Did anyone notice that it is easy for the Democrat supporters to rally in Bangkok? Bangkok is the hub of the middle class. There are now 24 province offices peacefully under seige. There are 77 provinces in Thailand. The ratio of 24 to 77 is EXACTLY the proportion of votes won in the elections, being basically 30% Democrat and 70% PTP.

Is this democracy, or a coup wearing a different mask?

Edited November 27, 2013 by FangFerang

[Rob8891]

A quick note. Did anyone notice that it is easy for the Democrat supporters to rally in Bangkok? Bangkok is the hub of the middle class. There are now 24 province offices peacefully under seige. There are 77 provinces in Thailand. The ratio of 24 to 77 is EXACTLY the proportion of votes won in the elections, being basically 30% Democrat and 70% PTP.

Is this democracy, or a coup wearing a dierent mask?

I think that ratio might change rather quickly.... could be interesting to watch tomorrow?

[PeterSmiles]

It seems Suthep get's some help.

State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation (SERC) agreed by a majority vote on Wednesday to allow their workers to take two-day leave beginning tomorrow at their own will so they can join the ongoing anti-government protests.

[jdinasia]

A quick note. Did anyone notice that it is easy for the Democrat supporters to rally in Bangkok? Bangkok is the hub of the middle class. There are now 24 province offices peacefully under seige. There are 77 provinces in Thailand. The ratio of 24 to 77 is EXACTLY the proportion of votes won in the elections, being basically 30% Democrat and 70% PTP.

Is this democracy, or a coup wearing a dierent mask?

Your math needs work.

1) Provinces are not all equal in population

2) PTP took less than 50% of the vote

3) Khon Kaen went decidedly for PTP

4)BKK is not a province

5)Provinces like Petchaburi that were decidedly for the Dems in the last election have bot yet been reported to have had peaceful rallies at the seat of local government yet.

6)Newin's group has not been heard from since September (but where I live it looks as if the people are leaning Dem now --- which may mean Newin is .. or will ... again)

Chantaburi, Chachoengsao and rayong have yet to be heard from as well.

[wolf5370]

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.

Suthep wants to be a dictator or does he want an absolute monarchy? No wonder Thailand is politically hopeless; idiots like him want to dismiss democracy and elections when any problem requires too much thought, debate or compromise. Just demonstrate in the streets, run public servants out of buildings that supposedly serve the electorate and declare a dictatorship. Suthep’s reasoning: Thais are too stupid to support the government he wants. What outrageously shameful disrespect of Thais and Thailand. I cannot believe he has supporters.

Yes, it is interesting...what does he want? But just as interesting, what would help to get out of this current cycle of short governments forced out through protest? Or even to be in a position where a good government could prosper and strip away those layers of corruption from top down? Could it be that Thailand has to forego democracy for a while in order to end up with a real one later? Who could be trusted with the interim? The military? Lottery? Appointees? Many options - no good ones - but its all going to happen again and again unless something is done.

[tingtongteesood]

Note Udom Taepanich should be PM I keep saying. He would sort out a lot of the problems here....

[beautifulthailand99]

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.

No too many shagging opportunities would mean he would have little time left to rule - wait a minute isn't that what is happening at the moment .

When will the Thai people learn they need to elect a government that is approved by the army and serves the interests of the sino-Thai elite or else have a coup and perpetual elections until that result is achieved. At least Thaksin has meant the ordinary folk have got a few more crumbs off the rich man's table and are unlikely to lose them come government of any hue and sterling is nearly 52 baht which is better than for a long time.

[PeterSmiles]

4)BKK is not a province

I guess then the Bangkok governor is out of a job

By the way there is areport in Thailand today thread that Rayong city hall is occupied

Edited November 27, 2013 by PeterSmiles