Thai 'Red Shirt' leaders end rally after violence

[Baerboxer]

Very clever move by the "reds" .

Ball in your court Suthep, he is now in a tough spot with a big rug pulled from under him.Needs to man up and admit he has lost again and let the country get back to Thai normal.

He can now join the amnesty crowd as he must have broken a boatload of laws.

If anything this solidifies Suthep's movement. The reds are herded away because they cannot control themselves to be in a civilized protest.

Yeah like Suthep is a clean guy, right. Read http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1369801/thai-protest-leader-suthep-son-elite-axe-grind

This post is about the red shirt leaders ending their pro government rally, ostensibly to reduce the chances of further violence and allow security resources to concentrate on the anti-government protesters.

How come you use it to post a link to an anti-Suthep article.

Jayboy - where are you to condem this ? You were quick to comment about Thaksin being mentioned in threads about Suthep. So, no double standards and all that.

[KRS1]

Reds are outnumbered 20 to 1, they arent leaving in peace, they are running off with their tails between their legs to avoid a serious beat down.

Reds attempted to take over Ramkhamhaeng University with firearms.

The hua mak stadium / Ramkhamhaeng road area is full of southern thais, the reds picked the wrong place to hold a rally and the wrong people to mess with.

i lived in that area for 15 years.

Edited December 1, 2013 by KRS1

[mochafan]

At least one side is showing some maturity and common sense and wants an end to the violence. Now if only the yellow shirts would grow up and follow the lead and put an end to this Kaos.

you really think they made this decision out of maturity and common sense? HA HA...that's funny! sorry, but from what i've seen here in thailand, maturity and common sense are two qualities most people don't possess.

[BuddyPinkham]

I may be wrong, I have been one time before , but I think they left because they are the ones that shot the kid and don't want to get caught!

[Bagwan]

Thida said, "let people return home." ???? Which means they are "free" to remain, if they want? I'll believe they're leaving when we see firm evidence for it.

I've already bought my lottery ticket for today, although I'm not a gambling man, still I'd bet the Reds know something the Yellows don't. (best get out of Bangkok before the Government restores law and order). i.e. crackdown.

Then well all just have to wait and see how the two Yellow leaders contend with Murder charges on the 12th. Amnesty might have been a good idea after all, eh?

So you don't expect that the ridiculous charges to be dismissed? It is clear that the days of Thaksin are over and the judges not so easily cowed.

[jaideecm]

Living in Chiang Mai for 26 years I am always interested in culture, history and politics. I attended a Red Shirt rally at the train station last Tuesday with my Thai neighbors. I was supprised that was no mention of Taksin. The main message was the right of an elected government to finish their term unless desolved by parliment.

They did have buses leaving the next day for Bangkok and asked supporters of the ruling party to go along for free and food would be provided during the rally. They also took a collection to help support the journey. My neighbors gave 2000 baht as they have a business to run and could not go along. They also mentiond about being in the stadium and they would not protest in the strees and if any violence errupted they would be brought home for their safety.

Sounds to me like they had a good plan.

Edited December 1, 2013 by jaideecm

[bunnaag]

no more money for the daily sitting wage?

[tomross46]

Media reports that it was a Red-shirt supporter (soldier in civilian clothes) who was shot dead by the students who carried a gun and fought back after they were attacked with weapons. Because both sides are having 24/7 round the clock rallies so close to each other, they knew it would further cause more deaths to continue on. So it's good that they cancelled before things get worse. I'm sure people are tired of it around there.

IT was reported. that his girl friend said that the Army Pvt supported the democracy movement not the Red Shirts. Again it is the miss reporting.

[jaideecm]

no more money for the daily sitting wage?

Good question. I just asked my heighbors about this. They can't say about everwhere but at the rally in Chiang Mai they said they are the elected government and Ypingluck won support of parliment. They, the red shirts, went just to bolster support for the government and not cause trouble. They learned from the past violence doesn't work. I respect that.

[MAJIC]

now lets see if they look after the real cause or wait until someone from a foreign country slaps them with the facts. I believe the folks won't be dragged to Bangkok or elsewhere again. The silence from D has a logical reason so not be seen as instigator. Kinda hiding thingy while everything was prepared for the arrival for this man. Why do I know? I got some mail from the UK where it was almost in certain terms that he'd be here very soon. This was three weeks ago.

You got some insider information email then?

And i've been hearing,he will back by the end of the year,for the last 4 years!

[KRS1]

no more money for the daily sitting wage?

Good question. I just asked my heighbors about this. They can't say about everwhere but at the rally in Chiang Mai they said they are the elected government and Ypingluck won support of parliment. They, the red shirts, went just to bolster support for the government and not cause trouble. They learned from the past violence doesn't work. I respect that.

They bought the election and won by around 500,000 votes, not exactly a landslide victory....plus the cops were in charge of monitoring the fraudulent election and they are in Thaksin's pocket, at the same time the voting process was going computerized, making it even easier to cheat.

Yingluck and cronies tried to pass an amnesty bill which would have let her brother Thaksin Shinawatra return to Thailand, after evading billions in taxes, by which he changed the laws to accommodate his deal with Singapore to sell state satellites.

If they learned that violence doesnt work, the royal guard would not have went to Ramkhamheang to rescue the students in Ramkhamhaeng University who were trapped.

When Thaksin was in power he set up radio towers in areas that could not recieve TV or cellphone signals, the only news these people ever heard was the news he aired to them...these people are also the cheapest to buy. Around 10 years ago he was filmed on Television handing out 500 baht bills.

[Queenslander]

Renta Crowd going home…money must have run out!!

[MrSlatersParrot]

So there's a curfew.

Compare and contrast

Government ministers in casual jackets, open necked shirts talking in measured tones and the black shirt Boy Scout brigade with their white shirts, Thai flag ties, assorted headress, black shirts with fancy thai ribbing, fancy shiny black jackets(suthep's) yellow bandanas gesticulating wildly, ranting from the blue sky stage.

Colour coordinated empty rectoric.

now on stage woman calling people to collect their faecies to throw tomorrow.

Someone's making a fortune here

[jaideecm]

no more money for the daily sitting wage?

Good question. I just asked my heighbors about this. They can't say about everwhere but at the rally in Chiang Mai they said they are the elected government and Ypingluck won support of parliment. They, the red shirts, went just to bolster support for the government and not cause trouble. They learned from the past violence doesn't work. I respect that.

They bought the election and won by around 500,000 votes, not exactly a landslide victory....plus the cops were in charge of monitoring the fraudulent election and they are in Thaksin's pocket, at the same time the voting process was going computerized, making it even easier to cheat.

Yingluck and cronies tried to pass an amnesty bill which would have let her brother Thaksin Shinawatra return to Thailand, after evading billions in taxes, by which he changed the laws to accommodate his deal with Singapore to sell state satellites.

If they learned that violence doesnt work, the royal guard would not have went to Ramkhamheang to rescue the students in Ramkhamhaeng University who were trapped.

When Thaksin was in power he set up radio towers in areas that could not recieve TV or cellphone signals, the only news these people ever heard was the news he aired to them...these people are also the cheapest to buy. Around 10 years ago he was filmed on Television handing out 500 baht bills.

If Yingluck is throuwn out in a coup the red shirts will surely not be so nice as they are now I was told.

[boomerangutang]

It could be the Reds left the stadium for one or more of the following reasons:

>>> the rental for the premises ran out (as mentioned by a poster, earlier)

>>> The Reds could clearly see they were outnumbered. Because Reds have a history of brawling, they realized they'd probably lose, if it came down to a brawl in that area. Perhaps they're doing what battlefield generals do: Retreat to fight another day, on a field which is more to their advantage.

What some of us would like to believe happened: The Reds realized how morally bereft their hero Thaksin is, and decided there just wasn't enough gas in the machine to power a fight for a losing cause.

Edited December 1, 2013 by boomerangutang

[Muhendis]

Thida said, "let people return home." ???? Which means they are "free" to remain, if they want? I'll believe they're leaving when we see firm evidence for it.

Yes I agree it is very strange. Even more so in the light of the full text.

"In order to avoid further complicating the situation for the government, we have decided to let people return home," Thida Thavornseth told protesters gathered in a Bangkok stadium.

Were people there against their will? or did Thida display a level of arrogance towards his flock. On the other hand, perhaps his funds were restricted and economics made it cheaper to send everybody home.

Let us hope the police are able to identify and apprehend the killer of the student. Condolences to his family.

[Centrum]

Renta Crowd going home…money must have run out!!

It's probably pertinent to mention that the majority of the red shirts live in Bangkok, and surrounding provinces.

Places like Din Daeng, Khlong Toei, Lad Phrao Road and the Bearing area.

When the sh*t hit the fan three years ago, all the trouble in my area was caused by young motocycle hooligans, not rice farmers bused in.

So I wouldn't think that things will necessarily settle down now that the red shirt rally has come to a halt.

[AaronBooth]

There are a hell of a lot of very uninformed people who obviously did not see what happened or even know people who were there.

One of the first commenter's was very right to ask why was it not reported that it was students who got shot.

I am sicked, and my wife has been in tears at what really happened .. and the way it has been misreported. I do however think it was a responsible move to retreat to avoid further blood shed and further badly affect the Red-Shirts violence reputation.

[MaiChai]

I recon Jatuporn and co got a call from Taksin to pull out. It looks better if the police are taking care of things than the red shirt mob. Lets call it window dressing for the world.

[metisdead]

Off topic posts and replies have been removed as well as inflammatory insulting and baiting posts.

[Docno]

Strange, the Red Shirts loosing their taste for violence,something they

always seem to be really good at.not getting paid enough?

regards Worgeordie

They didn't have to contend with a faction of society against them last time, so they could run rampant against the system with the full backing of their leader in exile.

This time, it is clear that the people are against them, in much larger numbers than they can amass, such that a yellow streak has now appeared on the back of Jatuporn's red shirt.

They can now all go back north with their tails between their legs, and the government can pack their bags and leave.

This is the beginning of the end of the Thaksin regime.

Two things throw doubt on your conclusions:

1. The rice harvest is not completely done yet (and least in my gf's part of the country) so a lot of traditional red supporters still don't have the time to trek to Bangkok.
2. And a trek it is. A lot of the opposition protesters (with the exception of southerners of course) come from Bangkok and nearby provinces. Simply easier for them to amass there.

So don't assume that the comparative numbers of protesters in Bangkok is an indication of support across the country. That's what elections are for. Unfortunately, there are many people who would rather avoid the inconvenience of an electoral process and the result it would be likely to yield (again)...

[metisdead]

A post with messed up quotes has been removed, it was off topic anyway.

[sbk]

Seriously tasteless photo removed. Do NOT repost.

And hyperbolic post full of off topic rhetoric removed. Tone it down.

[Emdog]

This whole 'red vs. yellow', who's right vs. wrong, the rich vs. the poor.... it really is just sad. All this finger pointing and still.....nothing gets done. The root of all this mess seems to be 'big brother'. He broke the law and fled the country like a dog with its tail between its legs. IF he was a true patriot, he'd face his charges like a true patriot...and not run and hide behind his wallet.

Now the problem is Thailand is eating itself from the inside before they've even a chance to stand on their own two legs as a true democracy. Bottom line, the votes were in - she won. Was it a fair vote? Probably not. But is it ever a fair vote no matter what country we're talking about? Probably not. IMHO - What should've been done by anyone that wants to get their point of view across, is inform the people that need to be informed, and not wait until after the votes are in to start a fuss. Politics are a dirty game. Supposedly the yellows are supported by the upper class/hi-so/rich elite - well then if you all care so much, pool your money and start educating Isaan and the rest of the country that you feel are so misinformed.

However, this current course of action goes to show that Thailand, no matter how many hi-end malls they build, and no matter how much cosmetics they advertise; will never be a truly beautiful democracy that they'd like to be.

Keep it up and none of you are anything more than low-so...no matter what your silly bank account says.

“Occasionally the tree of Liberty must be watered with the blood of Patriots and Tyrants.” -TJ

Some good points, however so many posters seem to have forgotten that Taksin was also elected, thrown out by coup. Corrupt? I should hope so! That is main reason people get into politics here: to make a killing (moneywise). They are ALL corrupt. So in a sense, that charge is politically motivated. He who is without sin etc.... People should have the right to protest peacefully. Taking over buildings, cutting power, burning buses etc is NOT peaceful. If someone wanted to picket my house they can do that, but I sure as hell would not allow them to come in and trash my place. The government has the right and duty to stop that, hopefully without force, but with if need be. The protestors can't win an election, yet somehow pretend they represent democracy. One last thought: move the capitol from Bangkok. Many countries and I think all US states have capitols outside of biggest cities because big cities already have undue influence, at expense of rural areas.

[Baerboxer]

This whole 'red vs. yellow', who's right vs. wrong, the rich vs. the poor.... it really is just sad. All this finger pointing and still.....nothing gets done. The root of all this mess seems to be 'big brother'. He broke the law and fled the country like a dog with its tail between its legs. IF he was a true patriot, he'd face his charges like a true patriot...and not run and hide behind his wallet.

Now the problem is Thailand is eating itself from the inside before they've even a chance to stand on their own two legs as a true democracy. Bottom line, the votes were in - she won. Was it a fair vote? Probably not. But is it ever a fair vote no matter what country we're talking about? Probably not. IMHO - What should've been done by anyone that wants to get their point of view across, is inform the people that need to be informed, and not wait until after the votes are in to start a fuss. Politics are a dirty game. Supposedly the yellows are supported by the upper class/hi-so/rich elite - well then if you all care so much, pool your money and start educating Isaan and the rest of the country that you feel are so misinformed.

However, this current course of action goes to show that Thailand, no matter how many hi-end malls they build, and no matter how much cosmetics they advertise; will never be a truly beautiful democracy that they'd like to be.

Keep it up and none of you are anything more than low-so...no matter what your silly bank account says.

“Occasionally the tree of Liberty must be watered with the blood of Patriots and Tyrants.” -TJ

Some good points, however so many posters seem to have forgotten that Taksin was also elected, thrown out by coup. Corrupt? I should hope so! That is main reason people get into politics here: to make a killing (moneywise). They are ALL corrupt. So in a sense, that charge is politically motivated. He who is without sin etc.... People should have the right to protest peacefully. Taking over buildings, cutting power, burning buses etc is NOT peaceful. If someone wanted to picket my house they can do that, but I sure as hell would not allow them to come in and trash my place. The government has the right and duty to stop that, hopefully without force, but with if need be. The protestors can't win an election, yet somehow pretend they represent democracy. One last thought: move the capitol from Bangkok. Many countries and I think all US states have capitols outside of biggest cities because big cities already have undue influence, at expense of rural areas.

And some posters forget that Thaksin resigned his position as PM and then returned to government house as caretaker PM without legal authority before being "thrown out". Hardly a coup, removing a trespasser.

[DGIE]

JeezeLooeze, on 01 Dec 2013 - 09:32, said:

The contract for Red Shirts to rent the stadium ended on 30 Nov. This is the reason for the dispersal and not the reason implied in the article.

JeezeLooeze,

The red shirts had cleared the Rajamangala Stadium after the violence. Rajamangala is empty.

Dead body was found in the burnt double deck bus at Rajamangala Stadium

[hellodolly]

This whole 'red vs. yellow', who's right vs. wrong, the rich vs. the poor.... it really is just sad. All this finger pointing and still.....nothing gets done. The root of all this mess seems to be 'big brother'. He broke the law and fled the country like a dog with its tail between its legs. IF he was a true patriot, he'd face his charges like a true patriot...and not run and hide behind his wallet.

Now the problem is Thailand is eating itself from the inside before they've even a chance to stand on their own two legs as a true democracy. Bottom line, the votes were in - she won. Was it a fair vote? Probably not. But is it ever a fair vote no matter what country we're talking about? Probably not. IMHO - What should've been done by anyone that wants to get their point of view across, is inform the people that need to be informed, and not wait until after the votes are in to start a fuss. Politics are a dirty game. Supposedly the yellows are supported by the upper class/hi-so/rich elite - well then if you all care so much, pool your money and start educating Isaan and the rest of the country that you feel are so misinformed.

However, this current course of action goes to show that Thailand, no matter how many hi-end malls they build, and no matter how much cosmetics they advertise; will never be a truly beautiful democracy that they'd like to be.

Keep it up and none of you are anything more than low-so...no matter what your silly bank account says.

“Occasionally the tree of Liberty must be watered with the blood of Patriots and Tyrants.” -TJ

Some good points, however so many posters seem to have forgotten that Taksin was also elected, thrown out by coup. Corrupt? I should hope so! That is main reason people get into politics here: to make a killing (moneywise). They are ALL corrupt. So in a sense, that charge is politically motivated. He who is without sin etc.... People should have the right to protest peacefully. Taking over buildings, cutting power, burning buses etc is NOT peaceful. If someone wanted to picket my house they can do that, but I sure as hell would not allow them to come in and trash my place. The government has the right and duty to stop that, hopefully without force, but with if need be. The protestors can't win an election, yet somehow pretend they represent democracy. One last thought: move the capitol from Bangkok. Many countries and I think all US states have capitols outside of biggest cities because big cities already have undue influence, at expense of rural areas.

And some posters forget that Thaksin resigned his position as PM and then returned to government house as caretaker PM without legal authority before being "thrown out". Hardly a coup, removing a trespasser.

Strange how these people who were not here seem to think Thaksin was the PM when the army took over. The foreign press did not know and reported it as a coup. I was debating what day to come back to Thailand on when it was announced in the Canadian press as a coup with a picture of a old lady handing flowers up to a man in a tank. I purchased my tickets that day.

It would be nice if they became a little bit familiar with the facts before posting. Any how it was just rhetoric to fill in his post. Here we are in 2013 with a completly diffwerent situation.

the red shirts have discovered that the citizens will stop them not the army and have chosen to make an attempt to look good rather than continue with there old ways.

I really liked this part it pretty well shows us what the red shirts are (Thaksins obedient puppets)

"In order to avoid further complicating the situation for the government, we have decided to let people return home," Thida Thavornseth told protesters gathered in a Bangkok stadium.

Mighty Generous of them letting them go home were they in chains or some thing else holding therm back?

[phantomfiddler]

Strange, the Red Shirts loosing their taste for violence,something they

always seem to be really good at.not getting paid enough?

regards Worgeordie

Very uncharacteristic indeed ! I smell a rat. Something bad is about to happen, followed by " It wasn,t us, we had all gone home"

[tingtongteesood]

I believe they were sent home as it was clearly the reds who instigated the violence and that reflects badly on the government. Somebody has rubbed two brain cells together and realized that using their private militia against peaceful protestors makes the government look, well, as bad as they really are. If the anti government protestors started it then the government would have told the reds to retaliate 'in the name of democracy' and many more peacefuls would have been slaughtered. They tried and tried to provoke violence and skew the facts through propaganda to make the protestors look bad and finally some idiot with a gun took it upon himself to kill taking the government by surprise and ruining the plan. If the government holds out a few more weeks expect the reds to come back and the government will start the same plan again and try to make sure no loose canons ruin it next time....

[englishoak]

More like someone worked out, to have a fight you have to have two, take one away and the other suddenly becomes somewhat impotent.

Good call, walk away and leave them blowing their whistles, less hurt, less confrontation and ergo less disruption and injury .... thats far batter than the alternative.