Protesters march in Bangkok in bid to oust PM Yingluck, but turnout low

[webfact]

Thai protesters march in bid to oust PM, but turnout low
BY AMY SAWITTA LEFEVRE

(Reuters) - Anti-government protesters marched in Bangkok on Thursday in a bid to force Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from office but their numbers appeared far smaller than earlier in the month, when she called a snap election to try to defuse the crisis.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban is demanding political and electoral reforms before any vote is held and wants these to be overseen by a "people's council" his movement will help nominate rather than by Yingluck, who is caretaker prime minister until the election, set for February 2.

About 2,500 people marched along one of the city's main roads holding banners that read "We are anti-corruption" and "No elections before reform". Others are expected to join as they move through central business areas.

One sign read: "We will not accept Square Face", a nickname given to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck's brother and the figure at the centre of Thailand's eight-year, on-off political crisis. [read more...]

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/19/us-thailand-protest-idUSBRE9BI03M20131219

-- REUTERS 2013-12-19

[catmac]

Oh dear! Just 2,500 sheep trotting along behind little Benito. Somehow I don't think that he is going to get his two million on Sunday, but then it should have been obvious to anyone that his support is seriously slipping away as his demands grow ever more threatening and bombastic.

[Xangsamhua]

Well, I'm watching the walk through the city (not really a march) on FMTV, and the crowds are welcoming Suthep like a conquering hero.

(And I don't have a dog in this fight.)

[ManopY]

They need to go back school to learn to count!

[ManopY]

Oh dear! Just 2,500 sheep trotting along behind little Benito. Somehow I don't think that he is going to get his two million on Sunday, but then it should have been obvious to anyone that his support is seriously slipping away as his demands grow ever more threatening and bombastic.

Come down from Chaing Mai and have a real look of what is going on in Bangkok!

I'm in Thailand 30 years and I never seen that!

[mca]

Just drove front petchburi rd down asoke. Definitely less people than when they came through a couple of weeks back

[aaacorp]

"About 2,500 people marched along one of the city's main roads holding banners that read "We are anti-corruption" and "No elections before reform". Others are expected to join as they move through central business areas."

As Michael or Suthep would say : we are the world, we are the people.....

[Hoven]

About 2,500 people marched along one of the city's main roads holding banners that read "We are anti-corruption"

Why are they supporting Mr. Palm Oil man Suthep then?

[Nibbles48]

Oh dear! Just 2,500 sheep trotting along behind little Benito. Somehow I don't think that he is going to get his two million on Sunday, but then it should have been obvious to anyone that his support is seriously slipping away as his demands grow ever more threatening and bombastic.

Totally clueless.

It was said already that the main protest isn't till Sunday, this is just the start and 2,500 was just one march at its beginning and the others join along the way. You don't need 10 million marchers to cause gridlock, you need a few handfuls in different areas. that is enough to stop the city roads dead. Wait till Sunday.

Suthep is winning this war bit by bit. You can't and never will see that until it is all over and the Yingluck/Thaksin government are all finished. Then I suppose you will skulk away with your tail between your legs like I am predicting.

Long Live The People's Revolution.

Edited December 19, 2013 by Mario2008
flame removed

[xminator]

If Suthep really want to meet the people, why not do a real long march. Get his two million and march from Bangkok to Chang Mai. I would want to see how many where left when he reached goal...

[Prbkk]

I'm watching as well. TINY turnout. Lucky if 1,000, all very harmless and good spirits.

[Hoven]

All in the name of undemocratic democracy by an anti-corruption corrupt leader.

And Farangs actually support this joke.

[whybother]

I was watching them at Asoke, and at first there appeared to be 500-1000. Then a couple more groups turned up. When they left, I reckon there might have been 4-5000 gathered there. Many were from businesses in the area, so wouldn't have continued on with the protesters and speakers when they moved off up Sukhumvit.

[ManopY]

Just drove front petchburi rd down asoke. Definitely less people than when they came through a couple of weeks back

They are already at Central World! And today is just a rehearsal for Sunday 22!

[ManopY]

About 2,500 people marched along one of the city's main roads holding banners that read "We are anti-corruption"

Why are they supporting Mr. Palm Oil man Suthep then?

It is not that much about Suthep! It is AGAINST SHINAWAT (Yingluck & Thaksin)!

[Nickymaster]

All in the name of undemocratic democracy by an anti-corruption corrupt leader.

And Farangs actually support this joke.

Farangs are also supporting Thaksin while his populist policies are crippling the country. Shit happens I guess.

Edited December 19, 2013 by Nickymaster

[Hoven]

About 2,500 people marched along one of the city's main roads holding banners that read "We are anti-corruption"

Why are they supporting Mr. Palm Oil man Suthep then?

It is not that much about Suthep! It is AGAINST SHINAWAT (Yingluck & Thaksin)!

Well done. You almost got the joke.

[patjem]

I'm watching as well. TINY turnout. Lucky if 1,000, all very harmless and good spirits.

On Telly, you see a snapshot. I am in Ratchaprasong, and yes, there was a 'front group' of about 1000, then went upstairs and watched from above, many thousands more follow, for about 30 minutes, constant flow, filling the road all of the way. I would say 15-20k is a fair estimate.

[Thailand]

Oh dear! Just 2,500 sheep trotting along behind little Benito. Somehow I don't think that he is going to get his two million on Sunday, but then it should have been obvious to anyone that his support is seriously slipping away as his demands grow ever more threatening and bombastic.

Totally clueless.

It was said already that the main protest isn't till Sunday, this is just the start and 2,500 was just one march at its beginning and the others join along the way. You don't need 10 million marchers to cause gridlock, you need a few handfuls in different areas. that is enough to stop the city roads dead. Wait till Sunday before opening your stupid gob.

Suthep is winning this war bit by bit. You can't and never will see that until it is all over and the Yingluck/Thaksin government are all finished. Then I suppose you will skulk away with your tail between your legs like I am predicting.

Long Live The People's Revolution.

I really think you actually believe what you are saying!

And "long live the revolution" hmmm.

[Loles]

ONLY ??? 2500 ??

Have to ask suthep, he will say minimum 2 500 000 ship.

Other way I had "luck" to meet them in Asok Montree. They made a huge traffic jam, but off course this idiot suthep cheers it and likes it.

[Loles]

Oh dear! Just 2,500 sheep trotting along behind little Benito. Somehow I don't think that he is going to get his two million on Sunday, but then it should have been obvious to anyone that his support is seriously slipping away as his demands grow ever more threatening and bombastic.

Totally clueless.

It was said already that the main protest isn't till Sunday, this is just the start and 2,500 was just one march at its beginning and the others join along the way. You don't need 10 million marchers to cause gridlock, you need a few handfuls in different areas. that is enough to stop the city roads dead. Wait till Sunday before opening your stupid gob.

Suthep is winning this war bit by bit. You can't and never will see that until it is all over and the Yingluck/Thaksin government are all finished. Then I suppose you will skulk away with your tail between your legs like I am predicting.

Long Live The People's Revolution.

You need medical help ASAP

[ManopY]

ONLY ??? 2500 ??

Have to ask suthep, he will say minimum 2 500 000 ship.

Other way I had "luck" to meet them in Asok Montree. They made a huge traffic jam, but off course this idiot suthep cheers it and likes it.

Judge by your self!

Do not forget that it is only a rehearsal for Sunday 22!

and => http://web.stagram.com/p/614145028512341042_5135822

[brewsterbudgen]

Sounds like a damp squib. Maybe he should call off Sunday or risk looking even stupider than he does already!

Most of the protestors I came across this afternoon, were on their way to the shopping malls, but did have whistles.

[dickyknee]

About 2,500 people marched along one of the city's main roads holding banners that read "We are anti-corruption"

Why are they supporting Mr. Palm Oil man Suthep then?

It is not that much about Suthep! It is AGAINST SHINAWAT (Yingluck & Thaksin)!

Well done. You almost got the joke.

no, soup noodle.

[ManopY]

Sounds like a damp squib. Maybe he should call off Sunday or risk looking even stupider than he does already!

Most of the protestors I came across this afternoon, were on their way to the shopping malls, but did have whistles.

You will see Sunday!

And when you look this picture, do you really think that they are on them way to the shopping malls?

Or maybe they should look like this =>

Edited December 19, 2013 by ManopY

[bigbamboo]

About 2,500 people marched along one of the city's main roads holding banners that read "We are anti-corruption"

Why are they supporting Mr. Palm Oil man Suthep then?

It is not that much about Suthep! It is AGAINST SHINAWAT (Yingluck & Thaksin)!

I would broadly agree with that.

If Suthep was to disappear from the scene the sentiment of 'can we please have our country back' would still be there.

If the Shinawats were to disappear it would likely be gone.

[brewsterbudgen]

Sounds like a damp squib. Maybe he should call off Sunday or risk looking even stupider than he does already!

Most of the protestors I came across this afternoon, were on their way to the shopping malls, but did have whistles.

You will see Sunday!

And when you look this picture, do you really think that they are on them way to the shopping malls?

Or maybe they should look like this =>

They don't need their swords yet as the government hasn't (and hopefully won't) send in the army!

[ManopY]

Sounds like a damp squib. Maybe he should call off Sunday or risk looking even stupider than he does already!

Most of the protestors I came across this afternoon, were on their way to the shopping malls, but did have whistles.

You will see Sunday!

And when you look this picture, do you really think that they are on them way to the shopping malls?

Or maybe they should look like this =>

They don't need their swords yet as the government hasn't (and hopefully won't) send in the army!

You are missing the point here! The peoples who protest now (look at the 1st picture) do not go to the shopping mall!

They are there to oust K. Yinglack Shinawat and all her goonies!

Edited December 19, 2013 by ManopY

[brewsterbudgen]

Sounds like a damp squib. Maybe he should call off Sunday or risk looking even stupider than he does already!

Most of the protestors I came across this afternoon, were on their way to the shopping malls, but did have whistles.

You will see Sunday!

And when you look this picture, do you really think that they are on them way to the shopping malls?

Or maybe they should look like this =>

They don't need their swords yet as the government hasn't (and hopefully won't) send in the army!

You are missing the point here! The peoples who protest now (look at the 1st picture) do not go to the shopping mall!

They are there to oust K. Yinglack Shinawat and all her goonies!

There's an election coming up on 2 February, so let's see what the rest of the Thai people want!

[Mackie]

They don't need their swords yet as the government hasn't (and hopefully won't) send in the army!

Why would anyone send the army? They are not occupying the financial heart of Bangkok causing multi billion USD damage to the country, they have not forced more than 100,000 into unemployment, they do not walk around Bangkok fully armed, they do not bully and intimidate Bangkokians...etc...etc...They want their country back before it is sold out cheaply to foreign vultures. One just has to look across the border in Cambodia to see what would happen to Thailand if Mr T gets his way.