New protest clashes shake Thai capital

[webfact]

New protest clashes shake Thai capital
by Apilaporn VECHAKIJ

BANGKOK, December 2, 2013 (AFP) - Fresh skirmishes broke out Monday between Thai security forces and opposition demonstrators who have issued an ultimatum for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to quit, a day after the anti-government campaign erupted into deadly violence.

Police used tear gas at the heavily guarded government headquarters, an AFP journalist at the scene saw, as protesters hurled sticks and other projectiles at security forces manning barriers at the besieged complex.

Some schools and universities in the capital were closed for safety reasons, authorities said, after unrest on Sunday rippled around the key government buildings in the capital that have been targeted.

The protests, aimed at unseating the elected government and replacing it with a "people's council", are the latest outbreak of civil strife to rock the kingdom since royalist generals ousted Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck's brother, seven years ago.

The billionaire tycoon-turned-premier is hated by the elites, Bangkok's middle class and southerners, who have massed in the capital in recent days vowing to rid the country of his influence.

But he is adored by many outside Bangkok, particularly in his stronghold in the nation's north, and Yingluck's party has a solid parliamentary majority.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban said late Sunday that he had met Yingluck in secret in the presence of army, navy and air force commanders, but insisted the talks were simply a means to issue his demand for the government to hand power "to the people".

"There will be no bargaining and it must be finished in two days," he said in a televised speech.

The month-long street rallies are the biggest since mass pro-Thaksin protests in Bangkok three years ago that left dozens dead and ended in a bloody military crackdown.

Police said an estimated 70,000 people joined the opposition demonstration on Sunday.

While the protesters' numbers have fallen since an estimated 180,000 people joined an opposition rally on November 24, they have besieged high-profile targets including ministries in what some observers believe is an attempt to provoke a military coup.

Police on Sunday repeatedly fired tear gas and water cannon as a hard core of protesters tried for hours to breach barricades and cut barbed wire protecting Government House, which was guarded by security forces including unarmed soldiers.

Suthep said the demonstrators would not be satisfied with new elections, raising fears of a deepening crisis that could scare off foreign tourists and international investment in one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant economies.

In a televised press conference on Sunday, deputy prime minister Pracha Promnog insisted the government was in control.
He accused Suthep of seeking "to overthrow the executive branch, which is treason and punishable by death".

The weekend's violence broke out Saturday near a suburban stadium where tens of thousands of pro-government "Red Shirts" had gathered in support of Yingluck.

Several were killed and dozens wounded, according to Bangkok's Erawan emergency centre. The dead and injured suffered a range of wounds including gunshots and stabbings.

At least two of the dead were believed to be Red Shirt supporters.

The circumstances of the violence were unclear but the trouble came after an anti-government mob attacked Red Shirts arriving to join the rally in Ramkhamhaeng district.

They were the first deaths since the mostly peaceful demonstrations began a month ago. Both sides blamed each other for attacking their supporters.

Protest leader Suthep urged civil servants nationwide to go on strike on Monday although it was unclear how many would heed his call, which was rejected by the government.

Thailand has seen 18 actual or attempted coups since 1932, most recently with Thaksin's overthrow in 2006, but the military has appeared reluctant to intervene in the current standoff.

The authorities have deployed more than 2,700 troops to reinforce security in Bangkok, the first time a significant number of soldiers has been mobilised to cope with the recent unrest.

The protests were triggered by an amnesty bill, since abandoned by the ruling party, which opponents feared would have allowed Thaksin to return to the country.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-12-02

[pxlgirl]

lets hope they will give it a break on King's birthday at least(?).

[weescotsguy66]

lets hope they will give it a break on King's birthday at least(?).

For sure there will be no demonstrations on the King's birthday, they know they would lose the people support if they did not!!!!

[Thormaturge]

"The billionaire tycoon-turned-premier is hated by the elites, Bangkok's middle class and southerners, who have massed in the capital in recent days vowing to rid the country of his influence."

This lot are the elite and middle class?

[webfact]

Tear gas fired at demonstrators again this morning



BANGKOK: -- Anti-riot policemen fired tear gas at anti-Thaksin regime demonstrators again this morning to stop them from trying to lay siege to Government House.

Police threw tear gas canisters and also fired tear gas as the demonstrators moving closer to the concrete barriers at Chamai Maruches bridge in order to take control of the bridge close to Government House.

The tear gas sent the demonstrators retreating to their location.

Protest leader told all demonstrators to retreat with threat to renew second attempt late today.

Meanwhile traffic police today advised motorists to avoid all routes where demonstrations are being held.

The police said all 13 routes surrounding Government House and Parliament remained closed.

It also said the Ramkhamhaeng road which was closed to traffic during the clash is now reopened to traffic after almost an entire day close on Sunday.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/tear-gas-fired-demonstrators-morning/

-- Thai PBS 2013-12-02

[brit1984]

clearly vote buying goes on and clearly (looks aside) the current prime minister is fairly useless

BUT... if the electorate are so cheap why not just offer an income assistance to the poor to win their votes...?

i know the opposition think the voters are too stupid but couldn't an illustrated manifesto without any text overcome this...?

surely if the current government is so awful it would be easy to beat them democratically

[cacruden]

One day the parties will realize that spending the same amount of money organization (identifying likely voters supportive of your position) and get out the vote (neighbours calling neighbours; carpooling/busing) would provide a greater result without the risks associated with "cash for expenses".

Once they enter the voting booth they are free to vote who they really want anyways.

Edited December 2, 2013 by cacruden

[webfact]

Reporter says stronger tear gas used to disperse demonstrators



BANGKOK: -- Anti-riot police protecting the Metropolitan Police Headquarters today fired tear gas at thousands of demonstrators holding out near their headquarters forcing leaders to order a retreat from their location.

The teargas was fired even though the demonstrators have not yet begin their next round of attempt to remove the barbed wire fence laid to protect the metropolitan headquarters.

Nation reporter at the scene said today’s tear gas was stronger than the previous day, forcing demonstrators to retreat from their original location to Sam Sen area.

Residents and passers-by also told the reporter of stronger tear gas was used by the police today.

Clients at food stalls near the scene also were forced to evacuate due to the stronger tear gas used.

Several ambulances were rushed to the scene to help treat the injured demonstrators and gave them advice of how to handle if contacted with the tear gas.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/reporter-says-stronger-tear-gas-used-disperse-demonstrators/

-- Thai PBS 2013-12-02

[sfbandung]

"the talks were simply a means to issue his demand for the government to hand power "to the people"."

No. Not "the" people, "his" people. He does not want new elections. Of course not. He doesn't want democracy where all these stupid rural people get to vote and don't vote the way he wants them to. They are such fools I can hear him say. He knows better than the majority.

Well guess what Suthep? In a democracy you actually have to go through the painful process of educating the voters as to why they should vote for you instead of the people you don't like. Anything else is called a dictatorship. You know, where the minority rule over the majority "for their own good". And you commandeer the press and force them to broadcast "your message" for their own good. Sound familiar Khun Suthep?

Deary me. This is not good.

[seajae]

have been reading the news about this on the aussie abc website supplied by the AFP and it is so pro red shirt it isnt funny, no mention of dead/injured students, no pics of reds doing damage, or the threats the jatuporn issued etc just all the students . Thaksin is described as a great leader and intimate he was incorrectly charged, no mention of the fraud involved at all, seems that the AFP is another ptp mouthpiece or a thaksin paid lap dog.

[zydeco]

So the response of the government to the army's request not to use tear gas is to use stronger tear gas. Not long now, I don't think.

[pisico]

clearly vote buying goes on and clearly (looks aside) the current prime minister is fairly useless

BUT... if the electorate are so cheap why not just offer an income assistance to the poor to win their votes...?

i know the opposition think the voters are too stupid but couldn't an illustrated manifesto without any text overcome this...?

surely if the current government is so awful it would be easy to beat them democratically

... or impeach the current administration using available parliamentary rules and... The Constitution !!!

Is the opposition really the right advocate for the Rule of Law?

Suthep, the saviour, declared that all he wants is:

1- return the power to the people (meaning Isaan?).

2- write a new Constitution and

3- new elections.

If you do not like my rules then I will take my bat, my mitts and ball and go home! Nobody will have fun! There!

... and so it goes in Lilliput.

[razorramone]

All quiet where I am. Havent heard a single whistle today, bliss.

For anyone who hasn't seen, heres a video of the protests last night:

Puts it into perspective a bit.. and is just cool: flying robot journalists!

[seajae]

Reporter says stronger tear gas used to disperse demonstrators

BANGKOK: -- Anti-riot police protecting the Metropolitan Police Headquarters today fired tear gas at thousands of demonstrators holding out near their headquarters forcing leaders to order a retreat from their location.

The teargas was fired even though the demonstrators have not yet begin their next round of attempt to remove the barbed wire fence laid to protect the metropolitan headquarters.

Nation reporter at the scene said today’s tear gas was stronger than the previous day, forcing demonstrators to retreat from their original location to Sam Sen area.

Residents and passers-by also told the reporter of stronger tear gas was used by the police today.

Clients at food stalls near the scene also were forced to evacuate due to the stronger tear gas used.

Several ambulances were rushed to the scene to help treat the injured demonstrators and gave them advice of how to handle if contacted with the tear gas.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/reporter-says-stronger-tear-gas-used-disperse-demonstrators/

-- Thai PBS 2013-12-02

so the police are attacking people that are just standing there, that seems about right. So much for the pm's do not use violence and they have started using stronger tear gas as well, looks like thaksin has paid them to do what he wants, screw his sister

Edited December 2, 2013 by seajae

[webfact]

Tear gas fired at anti-govt protesters near Government House
By English News



BANGKOK, Dec 2 - Police fired tear gas at protesters trying to use a commandeered police vehicle to remove barriers at a bridge near Government House, while a male protester was shot in the leg and sent to hospital.

Police used volleys of tear gas for a second consecutive day to prevent anti-government protesters trying to break through the barricades at Chamai Maruchet Bridge near the government seat.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was not at Government House this morning. She appeared at police headquarters in Bangkok for the first time amid tight security following rumours that she had fled the kingdom.

The premier did not speak to media trying to interview her for a response to the two-day ultimatum of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) that she must return 'power to the people.'

Several ministers were at national police headquarters today, as it has become a temporary office for the Cabinet -- including deputy premiers Pracha Promnok, Surapong Tovichakchaikul, and Plodprasob Surasawadee, as well as Transport Minister Chadchart Sitthipunt and Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Varathep Rattanakorn.

Permanent-Secretary for the Prime Minister's Office Thongthong Chandransu said Government House is not accessible. Cabinet Secretary-General Amphon Kitti-amphon said tomorrow's Cabinet meeting will be held as usual, but the location cannot be revealed.

In a televised address, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul today said the prime minister assigned him to supervise the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO).

As protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban called on civil servants to stop working today, Mr Surapong urged state officials and state enterprise employees to return to work and that the government will lead the situation back to normal as soon as possible.

Roads around Government and Parliament were closed today to prevent any intrusion by anti-government protesters. Police have been deployed and told to take action against those who try to break into the areas. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-12-02

[michaeljordan]

Never ends

Same old same old

It all makes things look comical in Thailand.

Can you imagine a crowd running aggressively toward an American President in the states?

They would be shot down like dogs and the dead would be laughed at for having been so so stupid.

Obviously a PM is not repected as a head of state in Thailand.

If a crowd were to rush at another famous person in Thailand, there would be a few hundred dead in a minute or two.

That is a fact.

So--if the PM is never respected in a nation, democratic rule itself is not respected in this place.

Thus the 19 coups but who is counting.

They have their own rules. They do follow them.

Notice rule one. 1) Rich people do not get arrested EVER!

Thus--lots of threats but in the end--Thaksan was not arrested. People who do the coups are not arrested. Both sides are angry but the rich on both sides walk free and play these games for power. All the time people from the west talk about the law as if that matters here. It does not. Rule 2) Super Rich in Thailand do not obey ANY laws if they choose not to.

There is something both sides do agree about though,

Rule 3) No one in Thailand gives any thought or care to what non-Thai people think about what is going on.

You see--Thailand has its own rules and is playing its own game.

Stay safe all

Remember--even if you are in Thailand for 20 years, unless you are Thai---you are nothing to them when it comes to this topic.

[zydeco]

Tear gas fired at anti-govt protesters near Government House

By English News

BANGKOK, Dec 2 - Police fired tear gas at protesters trying to use a commandeered police vehicle to remove barriers at a bridge near Government House, while a male protester was shot in the leg and sent to hospital.

Police used volleys of tear gas for a second consecutive day to prevent anti-government protesters trying to break through the barricades at Chamai Maruchet Bridge near the government seat.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was not at Government House this morning. She appeared at police headquarters in Bangkok for the first time amid tight security following rumours that she had fled the kingdom.

The premier did not speak to media trying to interview her for a response to the two-day ultimatum of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) that she must return 'power to the people.'

Several ministers were at national police headquarters today, as it has become a temporary office for the Cabinet -- including deputy premiers Pracha Promnok, Surapong Tovichakchaikul, and Plodprasob Surasawadee, as well as Transport Minister Chadchart Sitthipunt and Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Varathep Rattanakorn.

Permanent-Secretary for the Prime Minister's Office Thongthong Chandransu said Government House is not accessible. Cabinet Secretary-General Amphon Kitti-amphon said tomorrow's Cabinet meeting will be held as usual, but the location cannot be revealed.

In a televised address, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul today said the prime minister assigned him to supervise the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO).

As protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban called on civil servants to stop working today, Mr Surapong urged state officials and state enterprise employees to return to work and that the government will lead the situation back to normal as soon as possible.

Roads around Government and Parliament were closed today to prevent any intrusion by anti-government protesters. Police have been deployed and told to take action against those who try to break into the areas. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-12-02

Why does the Prime Minister refuse to talk to the press? She's nice and safe in her bunker, so why not speak to the nation, even indirectly?

[NCFC]

Info on vote buying in Thailand:

http://bit.ly/1c63X9m

Great article. All true, unbiased and just a presentation of the way he tried to manipulate the system. Interesting how they point out without rewards of money, his popularity would disappear. Sad that some sectors of the rural folk are so shallow and based around how money is god; they must go to the temple pissed up or never listen to the monk's teachings.

And do you think that the middle-classes and elites do not see money as God?

The whole protest movement is about who gets to feed at the trough. From all sides.

[mojorison]

"without rewards of money, his popularity would disappear"

Sorry don't agree, many who have regard for him here in Chiang Mai have never taken or wanted his largesse..

I have no axe to grind for any of the greedy self promoting buffoons in Thai politics, but at least Thaksin introduced the 30 baht medical scheme, pensions for the elderly, tried to curb the power of the military (thereby hastening his demise) and pointed out to Civil Servants that there job was to "serve" the people without the encouragement of a brown envelope.

<deleted> has Abhisit ever done for the "people"?

Brilliant post. This is it in a nutshell. Not to mention establishing regional university campuses so country kids can go to uni. Sure he was a corrupt mofo... but at least he did some things to benefit the people. Abhisit, and his gang are equally corrupt, (to presume otherwise is foolhardy and incorrect), but have done nothing for the people, or the 85% thereabouts. So I'm with you Dave, I don't get why "populist" politics is wrong, as long as the majority prosper. It is obvious that the only way the Dems will ever win an election is by appealing to the 85% that they abhor, they won't do it any other way in this day and age. Thai tea-party it is.

[PhoenixRising]

Yingluck is a lame duck PM. Her atrocious handling of the flood situation at the start of her premiership was a red flag (no pun intended) of things to come. Yingluck's attempts to assist the education system with a one tablet per child was an utter disgrace and indicative of her complete stupidity and ignorance of education and important reforms that are necessary to move the country forward. Her promises to reform the rice scheme were no better. Moreover, her promise to compensate the flood victims were not met or satisfied. Shall we even discuss the minimum wage hike that failed? The amnesty bill was really the straw that broke the camel's back. The people really are angry and they have a right to be. I guess the red-shirts have tired of sticking up for a lame duck and that's why they went home so quietly.

[binjalin]

deputy prime minister Pracha Promnog insisted the government was in control. He accused Suthep of seeking "to overthrow the executive branch, which is treason and punishable by death"

will it be shown on tv?

Edited December 2, 2013 by binjalin

[Tatsujin]

"without rewards of money, his popularity would disappear"

Sorry don't agree, many who have regard for him here in Chiang Mai have never taken or wanted his largesse..

I have no axe to grind for any of the greedy self promoting buffoons in Thai politics, but at least Thaksin introduced the 30 baht medical scheme, pensions for the elderly, tried to curb the power of the military (thereby hastening his demise) and pointed out to Civil Servants that there job was to "serve" the people without the encouragement of a brown envelope.

<deleted> has Abhisit ever done for the "people"?

Brilliant post. This is it in a nutshell. Not to mention establishing regional university campuses so country kids can go to uni. Sure he was a corrupt mofo... but at least he did some things to benefit the people. Abhisit, and his gang are equally corrupt, (to presume otherwise is foolhardy and incorrect), but have done nothing for the people, or the 85% thereabouts. So I'm with you Dave, I don't get why "populist" politics is wrong, as long as the majority prosper. It is obvious that the only way the Dems will ever win an election is by appealing to the 85% that they abhor, they won't do it any other way in this day and age. Thai tea-party it is.

Can you name ONE populist policy implemented by the "red" side that has actually allowed any of that 85% to prosper? My reading of the situation over the last 10 years is that none of those 85% actually gained much of anything except to get in more debt. The only ones who prospered are the few that control it all.

[samtam]

Never ends

Same old same old

It all makes things look comical in Thailand.

Can you imagine a crowd running aggressively toward an American President in the states?

They would be shot down like dogs and the dead would be laughed at for having been so so stupid.

Obviously a PM is not repected as a head of state in Thailand.

If a crowd were to rush at another famous person in Thailand, there would be a few hundred dead in a minute or two.

That is a fact.

So--if the PM is never respected in a nation, democratic rule itself is not respected in this place.

Thus the 19 coups but who is counting.

They have their own rules. They do follow them.

Notice rule one. 1) Rich people do not get arrested EVER!

Thus--lots of threats but in the end--Thaksan was not arrested. People who do the coups are not arrested. Both sides are angry but the rich on both sides walk free and play these games for power. All the time people from the west talk about the law as if that matters here. It does not. Rule 2) Super Rich in Thailand do not obey ANY laws if they choose not to.

There is something both sides do agree about though,

Rule 3) No one in Thailand gives any thought or care to what non-Thai people think about what is going on.

You see--Thailand has its own rules and is playing its own game.

Stay safe all

Remember--even if you are in Thailand for 20 years, unless you are Thai---you are nothing to them when it comes to this topic.

Right, and I agree, except for one teeny tiny fact - the Prime Minister is not the Head of State.

[davehowden]

"without rewards of money, his popularity would disappear"

Sorry don't agree, many who have regard for him here in Chiang Mai have never taken or wanted his largesse..

I have no axe to grind for any of the greedy self promoting buffoons in Thai politics, but at least Thaksin introduced the 30 baht medical scheme, pensions for the elderly, tried to curb the power of the military (thereby hastening his demise) and pointed out to Civil Servants that there job was to "serve" the people without the encouragement of a brown envelope.

<deleted> has Abhisit ever done for the "people"?

He made the 30 baht health service free. Reasoning that the administrative costs of collecting the 30 baht were higher than 30 baht. PTP has since re-introduced the 30 baht fee as a PR measure.

He tried to implement land reforms that would have worked by increasing taxes for the huge land tracts held by the elite. Reasoning that it would cause these gigantic estates to be split up and allow the small holder to own his own land. PTP have indebted the poor farmers through their rice schemes, pushing loans and corruption of biblical proportions causing poor farmers to lose their land and are now forced to rent their land for up to 200% more than it cost just 3 years ago. Progress?

He envisioned a country with rule of law, fairly implemented, without favor or bias. This idea was scuppered when PTP came to power after their razing of Bangkok which caused the dismantling of all checks and balances to enable them to get away with their misdeeds. That the owner of PTP is himself a convicted fugitive and fraudster never did bode very well for justice now did it.

You probably don't want to hear this so I will stop now.

Fine, but my question was "what did he ever do/ AKA achieve", not what were his grandiose ideas!

I can just see his Lords and Masters loving the idea of having their estates split up and a fairly implemented rule of law.

[PhoenixRising]

'Hopefully a little bit of tear gas will sort them out.' Yeah right! Since when has a little bit of tear gas EVER sorted out a mob of Thai anti-government protesters, especially around Government House? Check the history books on this! There's always a first time for everything I suppose.

[Ricardo]

One day the parties will realize that spending the same amount of money organization (identifying likely voters supportive of your position) and get out the vote (neighbours calling neighbours; carpooling/busing) would provide a greater result without the risks associated with "cash for expenses".

Once they enter the voting booth they are free to vote who they really want anyways.

Except that it is often reported, and my wife claims to have experienced this personally, that the 'private' voting-booths are sometimes not-so-private after all.

Pity none of the Thai politicians will accept external-monitors at election-time, isn't it ?

[phusingpete]

"without rewards of money, his popularity would disappear"

Sorry don't agree, many who have regard for him here in Chiang Mai have never taken or wanted his largesse..

I have no axe to grind for any of the greedy self promoting buffoons in Thai politics, but at least Thaksin introduced the 30 baht medical scheme, pensions for the elderly, tried to curb the power of the military (thereby hastening his demise) and pointed out to Civil Servants that there job was to "serve" the people without the encouragement of a brown envelope.

<deleted> has Abhisit ever done for the "people"?

Brilliant post. This is it in a nutshell. Not to mention establishing regional university campuses so country kids can go to uni. Sure he was a corrupt mofo... but at least he did some things to benefit the people. Abhisit, and his gang are equally corrupt, (to presume otherwise is foolhardy and incorrect), but have done nothing for the people, or the 85% thereabouts. So I'm with you Dave, I don't get why "populist" politics is wrong, as long as the majority prosper. It is obvious that the only way the Dems will ever win an election is by appealing to the 85% that they abhor, they won't do it any other way in this day and age. Thai tea-party it is.

Can you name ONE populist policy implemented by the "red" side that has actually allowed any of that 85% to prosper? My reading of the situation over the last 10 years is that none of those 85% actually gained much of anything except to get in more debt. The only ones who prospered are the few that control it all.

I do not understand what the hell is going on in this country at the moment or how to solve it. However having lived in Issan for some time I can assure you that the changes in the villages I know have been dramatic. New hospitals in the villages also clinics and major hospitals in the main towns. Roads which were mud tracks impassable in the rainy season now paved or concreted over, now see petrol stations in the village where as before you had to go into the main town to fill up. New shops and houses going up everywhere you look. When I first went to the village the main source of family transport was the "Iron Buffalo" now they have trucks and cars. The villagers houses have improved incredibly and rubbish is now collected rather than burnt or tossed in the fields. Over the last ten years peoples lives in villages in Issan have undoubtedly improved. This is a fact. I do not know who one should give credit to though.

[bkkfaranguy]

Never ends

Same old same old

It all makes things look comical in Thailand.

Can you imagine a crowd running aggressively toward an American President in the states?

They would be shot down like dogs and the dead would be laughed at for having been so so stupid.

Obviously a PM is not repected as a head of state in Thailand.

If a crowd were to rush at another famous person in Thailand, there would be a few hundred dead in a minute or two.

That is a fact.

So--if the PM is never respected in a nation, democratic rule itself is not respected in this place.

Thus the 19 coups but who is counting.

They have their own rules. They do follow them.

Notice rule one. 1) Rich people do not get arrested EVER!

Thus--lots of threats but in the end--Thaksan was not arrested. People who do the coups are not arrested. Both sides are angry but the rich on both sides walk free and play these games for power. All the time people from the west talk about the law as if that matters here. It does not. Rule 2) Super Rich in Thailand do not obey ANY laws if they choose not to.

There is something both sides do agree about though,

Rule 3) No one in Thailand gives any thought or care to what non-Thai people think about what is going on.

You see--Thailand has its own rules and is playing its own game.

Stay safe all

Remember--even if you are in Thailand for 20 years, unless you are Thai---you are nothing to them when it comes to this topic.

MJ spot on!

[bkkfaranguy]

"without rewards of money, his popularity would disappear"

Sorry don't agree, many who have regard for him here in Chiang Mai have never taken or wanted his largesse..

I have no axe to grind for any of the greedy self promoting buffoons in Thai politics, but at least Thaksin introduced the 30 baht medical scheme, pensions for the elderly, tried to curb the power of the military (thereby hastening his demise) and pointed out to Civil Servants that there job was to "serve" the people without the encouragement of a brown envelope.

<deleted> has Abhisit ever done for the "people"?

Don't forget the other great things he did:

The Thailand Elite Card, refusing tens of millions of dollars of aid for the south (his favorite constituents) during the 2004 tsunami crisis (because Thailand can take care of its own), the well built and designed Suvarnabhumi Airport with perfect runways, traffic alleviation just as he promised within the first 6-months of being in office, dragnet of drug related operations (with a 50% success rate, you know, 1 in 2 killed was actually guilty), outreach of telecom to our brethren in Burma (contracting out his own satellite), land swapping the temple site with Cambodia for oil rich waters off the coast of Thailand/Cambodia (yes, he was going to share his 80% cut of his take of the natural resources with the Thai people). I know there's more award winning programs he started under his watch.

It's great he structured the 30-baht healthcare and pensions for the elderly. He's better than Houdini because Thaksin can actually produce money out of thin air for funding these well thought out programs. Like, even though the State Railway is the biggest money losing enterprise with upside down operating and pension funds, they manage to keep on spending. At least his son was interested in developing the railroad land for development. Good to see his children are just as smart and giving. It's good he divorced Pojiman, she was never going to share her 70+ rai near Ratchada.

Yes, that Abhisit dude is nothing. All he can do is speak perfect English, make the country look good in foreign affairs, have a finance dummy like Korn (even though he earned his wealth through real money management). Eton?! That's probably one of those fake import English prep schools like where Yingluck's boy attends in Bangkok? Harrows, Shrewsbury, bla, blah, blah.

Blah blah blah, trying to compare one side to the other is like trying to compare Ted Bundy to Jack the Ripper!

[brewsterbudgen]

"The billionaire tycoon-turned-premier is hated by the elites, Bangkok's middle class and southerners, who have massed in the capital in recent days vowing to rid the country of his influence."

This lot are the elite and middle class?

Most of those intent on "overthrowing" the government are presumably bussed in thugs from the South. The elite middle-classes are content with their whistles and go home when it gets dark.

have been reading the news about this on the aussie abc website supplied by the AFP and it is so pro red shirt it isnt funny, no mention of dead/injured students, no pics of reds doing damage, or the threats the jatuporn issued etc just all the students . Thaksin is described as a great leader and intimate he was incorrectly charged, no mention of the fraud involved at all, seems that the AFP is another ptp mouthpiece or a thaksin paid lap dog.

Weren't 3 of the 4 dead people Red Shirt supporters? Was it the Red Shirts who attacked the bus? I suggest you should open your eyes!