PDRC claims 6 million people in Bangkok turn out to protest yesterday

[Mackie]

Six million, lol. I was at Asoke yesterday, standing in the middle of the intersection amongst the protesters (bit of a party, actually) and the crowd would have perhaps filled my local hometown football stadium (approximately 50,000 people.) Multiply that times five and we're talking 250,000 "protesters" most of whom - at Asoke - weren't really paying attention to the speeches but were taking photos, laughing with their friends, and queuing to purchase street food.

I'm surprised Dribbles hasn't weighed in with an estimate of 12 million, LMAO.

So you physically managed to observe 250,000 protesters (somehow you missed another million) and established that most of them weren't paying attention to the speeches but were taking photos and laughing with their friends? That was quite a herculean effort mate. Well done. Stop kidding yourself.

Uh, no. If you had read my post for content and comprehension, I was at ONE site....Asoke and I estimated that at 50,000. There were five major rally points. So - let's do the math - 5 times 50,000 is 250,000 (in my country anyway.)

I don't think I missed "another million" at Asoke. Nor do I think there were a million total protestors in the entire city, based upon what I witnessed (and based upon what I've read in independent news organizations, which put the estimates at "tens of thousands". My estimate of 250,000 seems pretty generous compared to that, eh?)

I love how people who aren't even in Bangkok weigh in with their estimates of crowd size.

Let's leave cherry picking for another occasion. You know very well what I meant. As a matter of fact, I was in London in February 2003, I was in Bangkok in 2010, I am in Bangkok right now - I actually moved around the city and I can safely say million plus gathered around the city on Sunday. The another question is how many of them just went out to have some fun. Thais love fun activities. Anyway, this protest is far bigger than the one in 2010. And best of all, people are not armed with automatic weapons, revolvers, pistols and hand grenades like the mob in 2010.

[Snig27]

Six million, lol. I was at Asoke yesterday, standing in the middle of the intersection amongst the protesters (bit of a party, actually) and the crowd would have perhaps filled my local hometown football stadium (approximately 50,000 people.) Multiply that times five and we're talking 250,000 "protesters" most of whom - at Asoke - weren't really paying attention to the speeches but were taking photos, laughing with their friends, and queuing to purchase street food.

I'm surprised Dribbles hasn't weighed in with an estimate of 12 million, LMAO.

So you physically managed to observe 250,000 protesters (somehow you missed another million) and established that most of them weren't paying attention to the speeches but were taking photos and laughing with their friends? That was quite a herculean effort mate. Well done. Stop kidding yourself.

Uh, no. If you had read my post for content and comprehension, I was at ONE site....Asoke and I estimated that at 50,000. There were five major rally points. So - let's do the math - 5 times 50,000 is 250,000 (in my country anyway.)

I don't think I missed "another million" at Asoke. Nor do I think there were a million total protestors in the entire city, based upon what I witnessed (and based upon what I've read in independent news organizations, which put the estimates at "tens of thousands". My estimate of 250,000 seems pretty generous compared to that, eh?)

I love how people who aren't even in Bangkok weigh in with their estimates of crowd size.

Asoke did not have 50,000, I stopped by there. It looked smaller than an anti-nuclear demonstration in Toronto - I would estimate maybe 10,000 at that intersection. It was already thinning out just past the traffic lights. BTW, I am using personal experience of a demonstration which was confirmed at 15,000 and Asoke looked maybe 2/3 that size.

I was there too, I then went to the Zen/Central World/Gaysorn intersection and walked to BACC/MBK. I'd agree with about 10K at Asoke - it didn't go that far back. Outside Central World there were far less than the Reds had in 2010, and that was confirmed at 50K. Down outside MBK/BACC the intersection was really busy but nowhere outside of that intersection. Siam Square had the Siam Festival on and there were lots of kids and families in there. You'd be forgiven in there for not knowing there were people in the street outside. Out in Rama 1 and at Asoke at least 50% of the crowd seemed disinterested in the protest itself - they were watching the spectacle. There were less people between Asoke, Central World, Zen than there were in Chinatown last New Year, or any New Years Eve around the same area.

I have no side in this, just stating facts as I saw them. The idea that there was 6m or even 500k is somewhat absurd. I've stood in very large crowds many times - Shanghai for example in 2009 on the 60th anniversary of Chinese Communist rule. There were a million there and this wasn't close to that.

What were REALLY busy were Gaysorn/Central World/Paragon and the other malls.

Edited December 23, 2013 by Snig27

[bangon04]

Although not very precise, Satit is quite accurate.

The stage claimed that BBC reported 5 million came out in the last march.

This time I have a feeling that it is a little bit more, so 6 million is about right.

I watched a BBC report which gave the number 270,000 for Sunday, so somebody is taking the p***.

I always believe every word I hear from the BBC, because they are infallible.

[jackrich]

If there were 6 million supporters out on the streets then there should be many more silent supporters. Dont see no reason why the dems then dont contest the election to win a majority and then carry on with their reforms.

Suthep said on stage that for every person on the street, there are 10 more at home supporting him. 6 million x 10 = 60,000,000 people supporting Suthep.

Geez, if the Democrats went to the polls now, they would win with a 100% ...at least!

Makes you wonder though if 6 million on the street and 60 million at home, they still can't win an election after 23 years.

[metisdead]

A post with comparisons of Obama's inauguration crowd trying to compare the crowd at Bangkok's Sunday rally has been removed as it would have only been seen as an invitation to go off topic. Another post supporting the removed post has been removed as well.

[Dasekel]

Although not very precise, Satit is quite accurate.

The stage claimed that BBC reported 5 million came out in the last march.

This time I have a feeling that it is a little bit more, so 6 million is about right.

Please quote your source so that we can verify it.

[tingtongteesood]

6,000,000 @ 500 baht a head,double time for sunday,not a bad pay cheque.

Does it take a lot of practice to spout as much continual crap as you do, or does it just come naturally to you...? Go back under your bridge mr. red shirt troll...

[Baerboxer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Live_aid_londres_propiedad_propia.JPG/361px-Live_aid_londres_propiedad_propia.JPG

That was officially 72,000 people. I'm sure everyone remembers that great afternoon.

Quite a mass of bodies, wouldn't you agree?

Now multiply that image by 83 - and you'll get to approx 6 million people. Put simply, the entire population of Laos would have walked around the streets of Krung Thep yesterday afternoon.

I've seen all of the photos of the demo yesterday....somehow...just somehow.....these numbers thrown around by PDRC don't seem to make much sense to me.

Just my 6,000,000 Setang's worth....

The population of BKK is 6.3 million (granted it's actually probably closer to 10 million). Are we sure they weren't just including everyone that happened to be in and around central Bangkok in these calculations?

Your're probably right. Aerial shot and pictures from CCTV. How would they know who was really a protester? Just count everyone in shot. Mind, 6 million is still pushing it.

[Baerboxer]

If there were 6 million supporters out on the streets then there should be many more silent supporters. Dont see no reason why the dems then dont contest the election to win a majority and then carry on with their reforms.

Suthep said on stage that for every person on the street, there are 10 more at home supporting him. 6 million x 10 = 60,000,000 people supporting Suthep.

Geez, if the Democrats went to the polls now, they would win with a 100% ...at least!

Makes you wonder though if 6 million on the street and 60 million at home, they still can't win an election after 23 years.

And the number of people in Thailand qualified to vote is ............................

why not look it up rather than spout drivel in your eagerness to slag off the Democrats. Guess what, lots of protesters aren't even Democrat supporters. They are simply pissed off with a corrupt bunch of liars and cheaters controlled by a crook hiding overseas.

[jamesalias]

Well, what a waste of time, no wonder they're so few of these around here.

Here were 1.2 million people at a rock concert, Usher, Shakira and Stevie Wonder. -- yeah it happened - go verify.

People from all over came here for the music.

And these are (at THE SAME MAP SCALE) a couple trillion people. I don't know where to put them. Somebody take a red marker and do it.

Knock yourselves out, enjoy.

Edit: DAMMIT! Yellow, I should have meant Yellow! Somebody take a Yellow marker and go scribble where ever you want. Cheers! Good-Bye.

Edited December 23, 2013 by jamesalias

[pxlgirl]

well... words (or numbers) are useless, actions speak louder. With that claimed amount of people, they could easily run for elections, but they don't and even try to stop anyone else from doing so. Ask yourself why?

[Imkah]

I'm considering building a new house soon. Does anyone have the name of any of the architects supplying the figure of six million... so I can make sure when I need to order materials that I don't use these guys otherwise I'll end up paying for 50,000 roof tiles instead of 1500...

OK, a joke is a joke is a joke. It's not only you, kkerry but all of you: is the reason for commenting threads on this site only to exchange more or less bad jokes no one in his right mind (except for y'all guys) would care to share? Would be nice to find a site where the political situation in Thailand and elswhere could be discussed. Cheers, and a happy New Year!

[icare999]

The BBC admitted that the 5 million figure was nonsense, just like this new nonsense. I've been in much bigger crowds over the years that were still under 500k. As others have pointed out elsewhere the spaces these crowds were in could not physically hold more than about 200,000 and when you allow for the fact that many people out yesterday were simply watching rather than taking part you get a more accurate figure. Suthep can't even tell the truth about the numbers, how could he be trusted to run a council.

well since many said he could not even get 10,000 and by your own admission it was probably a few hundred thousand. Now compare that with red thug showing a little while ago and whichever side of fence your on Suphet has pulled of an amazing feat. He's made government resign and stopped the Amnesty bill and put a serious spanner into Taksins great plan. All these things would have seemed impossible 2m months ago but he's done that and almost single handed.

So maybe just maybe he can rid Thailand of the most evil megalomaniac would be total dictator.

Well see but its obvious to anyone that even if feb 2nd elections take place this is not going to end whatever number of seats or people Taksin manages to buy, brainwash or coheres. Interesting Chuwit has also said he and his party are not standing.

I pray and hope this is beginning of end for Taksin and his clan and cronies and then Thailand can mover on.

If Taksin does not concede then its obvious we will have either an army coup or a civil war and all because of one mans megalomaniac will to make Thailand his own police one party state. Even in Cambodia they are rebelling against the once pol pot dictator. IT wont be nice but necessary to avoid Thailand becoming another country rules by a dictator.

First sign of hope I've seen for many years here and ill take my chances with Suphet anyway compared with Suphet and red thugs.

[brit1984]

The BBC admitted that the 5 million figure was nonsense, just like this new nonsense. I've been in much bigger crowds over the years that were still under 500k. As others have pointed out elsewhere the spaces these crowds were in could not physically hold more than about 200,000 and when you allow for the fact that many people out yesterday were simply watching rather than taking part you get a more accurate figure. Suthep can't even tell the truth about the numbers, how could he be trusted to run a council.

well since many said he could not even get 10,000 and by your own admission it was probably a few hundred thousand. Now compare that with red thug showing a little while ago and whichever side of fence your on Suphet has pulled of an amazing feat. He's made government resign and stopped the Amnesty bill and put a serious spanner into Taksins great plan. All these things would have seemed impossible 2m months ago but he's done that and almost single handed.

So maybe just maybe he can rid Thailand of the most evil megalomaniac would be total dictator.

Well see but its obvious to anyone that even if feb 2nd elections take place this is not going to end whatever number of seats or people Taksin manages to buy, brainwash or coheres. Interesting Chuwit has also said he and his party are not standing.

I pray and hope this is beginning of end for Taksin and his clan and cronies and then Thailand can mover on.

If Taksin does not concede then its obvious we will have either an army coup or a civil war and all because of one mans megalomaniac will to make Thailand his own police one party state. Even in Cambodia they are rebelling against the once pol pot dictator. IT wont be nice but necessary to avoid Thailand becoming another country rules by a dictator.

First sign of hope I've seen for many years here and ill take my chances with Suphet anyway compared with Suphet and red thugs.

i'm afraid your hope is very much misplaced as evidenced by recent history (and basic logic)...

overthrowing the democratically government does not bring peace / stability, it just makes the supporters of the government (i.e. the majority of the electorate) feel disenfranchised / angry - leading to much destruction and DEATH

the only chance for peace / political stability in thailand is for either side to stop blaming each other and fix their own problems (and run on a positive non-divisive guiding philosophy) such that their mandate for power can be accepted by all thais

until this happens, the political power merry go round will continue (along with chaos / bloodshed on the streets of bangkok)

to avoid inevitable disappointment, i recommend to keep your hope under control for now

[LadPhrao1]

Without wanting to be rude on this forum - all i can say is 'what a total load of <deleted>!' There is absolutely no way there were 6 million

demonstrating yesterday unless this was the biggest demo ever in the whole history of the world which of course it was not! This sort of totally absurd and stupid statement gives no credability whatsoever to those involved and shows us all what sort of debate is going on - totall bullshit. Personally as a foreigner I don't pick sides so there is not much that I can add. To bring Bangkok's traffic to a standstill could be achieved with a 100th of that total if they were on strategic junctions and roundabouts (It is estimated that you would only need a fraction of that amount to bring Londo'6s traffic to a halt) Whoever dreamed up these figures are not only doing a great diservice to whoever they are working for but also are insulting the Thai population.

Well said.

If you need to make up fantastic lies like these crowd numbers, have no credible ideas about how to bring about a reform that truly includes the people of Thailand and doesn't destroy the country, do not have the balls to stand in election while also claiming another lie, that you have a good chance of winning if you did stand; are so intimidated by a woman prime minister that your only course is to try threaten physical harm and ugly insults and your biggest crutch is a convenient bogie man unable even to reply to the charges levied against him - well you better hope you've got an army - oh wait - that is their hope - because otherwise in the rational world you're a fart in a nightshirt.

[VegasVic]

BBC estimate was 150,000. That's almost six million.

The BBC and USA today both had the estimate at 150,000, the NY times had it closer to 120,000 The 6 million number just shows how desperate these clowns are getting Like another poster said if this movement has such broad based support then why not welcome the elections with open arms??? It's well beyond time that they get suthep and the others off the street and into a holding cell, they have already cost Thailand billions of baht as well as worldwide embarrassment

[waza]

Doesn't really matter what the numbers were they proved their point that they can bring the center of BKK to a standstill, showing that they can do it again.

If there are no serious moves towards reform in the very near future and the election goes ahead on 2 Feb then it will happen again and it will be for a longer period next time.

Over to you Yingluck wherever you are hiding.

The numbers quoted are not reliable nor even close. It would have been physically impossible to fit all of those people in the protest zones.

The only numbers that count will be at the ballot box.

The numbers are not as the trend and the message that trend relays. The trend is that the numbers of protestors is increasing and this protest movement is still growing. More people are getting off the fence and voting with their feet, while other have had the epiphany that the Thaksin proxy government is ego centric and corrupt not socialist. The message is that they are tired of corrupt governments that change the laws and constitution to suit their own agenda, they will no longer tolerate the machinations of criminals and con men within their government. They are tired of having the wool pulled over their eyes with schemes that pillage the treasure or policies implemented under the guise of helping the poor only to enslave them.

The supporters of the Yingluck government claim they have the majority but even at the height of their popularity they were unable to get these numbers to any of their sanctioned protests, even though they paid them to attend and covered their expenses. Therefore, it is further evident that the message is that the corrupt and self centered actions of this administration over the last 2 and a half years have further alienated them and reduced their mandate. They have recognised this as evidenced by the dissolution of their parliament and are now trying to engineer a victory from the jaws of defeat.

So, with such massive and overwhelming support, why can't the Democrat party contest and win an election based on their policies, their proposals for reform and the betterment of Thailand ??

If you have about 1/2 the population of the capital city on the street and supporting you, there cannot be any risk in going to the electorate, can there ?

Those sad, pitiful, red shirt demo's only mustered a 100,000 or so and still garnered 15.5 million votes.

The answer, of course, is that the Dems simply do not want elections, it's not their agenda and they know they are unelectable.

As a final point, it's one thing to boycott an election, quite another to forcibly obstruct and prevent parties and public from registering their intention to participate in an election.

The latter is seriously criminal and all involved deserve arrest and trial.

My guess is that it is this act that will be Sutheps nemesis.

Hard times are coming.

Sorry Philw, another rooky mistake or deliberate spin of my post, no where did I say that these numbers are indicative of public support of the Dems and their policies. These protestor where quite clearly showing their disapproval of the Yingluck/ Thaksin administration and political corruption in general. Their desires for stronger checks and balances applies to all political parties who can and will form government equally.

"The answer, of course, is that the Dems simply do not want elections, it's not their agenda and they know they are unelectable."

Are you trying to be funny here or are you truly that ignorant? Of course the Dems do not want elections at this time that's why they have boycotted them.

"As a final point, it's one thing to boycott an election, quite another to forcibly obstruct and prevent parties and public from registering their intention to participate in an election."

Oh my goodness its like talking to a child, yes you are right one is boycotting and the other is protesting by displaying civil disobedience, but its them Dems that are boycotting and the anti-government protestors that are protesting.

Why do you insist on making the error of confusing different groups like the Dems, anti-government protestors and the Yellows? Try to get it right philw, it will do wonders for your credibility.

[beautifulthailand99]

This is a big SO WHAT can we remind ourselves of the last general election results.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_general_election,_2011

Yingluck 265 seats 15,744,190 Abhisit 159 seats 11,433,762

Edited December 23, 2013 by beautifulthailand99

[Billmont]

If there were 6 million supporters out on the streets then there should be many more silent supporters. Dont see no reason why the dems then dont contest the election to win a majority and then carry on with their reforms.

Why have you got to ruin a good fantasy with logic? Many were very happy with the numbers and then you have to spoil it. I bet you are the type of person who told his children that there was not really a Father Christmas. It looks as if a lot of TV Members still believe in Santa so please refrain from enlightening them, after all it is the Festive Season. Merry Christmas!

[Ulic]

I have seen estimates from 150,000 - 220,000 now I can add 6.000,000 to the mix. Sounds like Donald Trump's

estimation of his wealth vs. everyone else estimate. "I am worth whatever I say I'm worth"

If Suthep says it was 5 million that is what it was, if he say 6,7,8? million well that is the number then.

[jackrich]

Suthep's problem is, he doesn't want to admit that his support is dwindling. He said 1 million last time, 6 million this time. Unless he says 7 million or more next weekend, he would have to admit that this weekend had less protesters than last weekend.

My guess is that it will keep increasing until 66 million, until which point he will claim that every person in Thailand is on the street now supporting him.

[beautifulthailand99]

Khun Suthep or Lueng Suthep as one of my frind's misguuidely likes to call him ...

Steeped in sleaze
The agent provocateur holding the detonator of Bangkok’s bombshell is steeped in the sleaze, rough and tumble of Thai politics. Suthep’s past anomalous dealings led to the downfall of then-Premier Chuan Leekpai’s Democrat Party-led government in 1995, and later, in another case of alleged illegality in 2009, Suthep’s disqualification as a member of Parliament.

Soon after, in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister in the previous Democrat government, Suthep signed an order for troops to move against Red Shirt protesters in central Bangkok, leading to scores of civilian deaths.

Most recently, wearing his Nazi-like black-shirt uniform, the histrionic Suthep has been whipping up his lemming-like followers into an anarchic frenzy and urging them to occupy public buildings across the capital.

Actually, comparing him to Barabbas is perhaps unfair to Barabbas—and I say that advisedly, having interviewed Suthep many times and lunched regularly for years with his former sidekick, Likit Hongladarom.

http://manilatimes.net/the-rabid-rabble-rules-bangkok-again/60846/

[cigar7]

Is this party the beginning of communism in Thailand? I heard China is supporting Suthep. Any truth to these thoughts or comments?

[jackrich]

Is this party the beginning of communism in Thailand? I heard China is supporting Suthep. Any truth to these thoughts or comments?

Who knows? Might just be a rumor, nothing more. I'm sure we have nothing to worry about.

The good news might be that Thais might soon not need a visa for North Korea anymore.

Edited December 23, 2013 by jackrich

[Maestro]

Removed an off-topic post about Israel and the replies to it.

[tartempion]

No one in the village here (600km North-East of Bangkok) went to Bangkok to demonstrate.

Multiply this by thousands of NE villages and you can't have 6 million protesters in Bangkok, figured that out, 55555

[bangon04]

In the late 1970s and early 1980s I flew a Piper Chieftain with photo gear over Mecca to record the Hadjj scene for analysis. The Saudi government spent a lot of time and money to derive an accurate method of counting people using our pictures. The method developed became quit accurate, so it has been proven that photo imagery can be used to count people with a certain degree of accuracy. However, from observing the 1 to 2 million Hadjjis from the air as well as looking at the photos publicly available, I find 6 million to a little high.

Do you have to be a practising Muslim to fly over Mecca and photograph it?

[harada]

6,000,000 @ 500 baht a head,double time for sunday,not a bad pay cheque.

Does it take a lot of practice to spout as much continual crap as you do, or does it just come naturally to you...? Go back under your bridge mr. red shirt troll...

Oh yeah also take into account 6,000,000 whistles @ 2baht each,from the Suthep Whistle Co.

[bushman1666]

Six million, REALLY? That would make it the one of the biggest gatherings of humanity in the history of the planet. A quick scout around the interweb brings up a visit by Pope John somebody or other with a crowd of 7,000,000 as the largest gathering ever recorded. Think this demo was in that league?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[LadPhrao1]

Khun Suthep or Lueng Suthep as one of my frind's misguuidely likes to call him ...

Steeped in sleaze

The agent provocateur holding the detonator of Bangkok’s bombshell is steeped in the sleaze, rough and tumble of Thai politics. Suthep’s past anomalous dealings led to the downfall of then-Premier Chuan Leekpai’s Democrat Party-led government in 1995, and later, in another case of alleged illegality in 2009, Suthep’s disqualification as a member of Parliament.

Soon after, in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister in the previous Democrat government, Suthep signed an order for troops to move against Red Shirt protesters in central Bangkok, leading to scores of civilian deaths.

Most recently, wearing his Nazi-like black-shirt uniform, the histrionic Suthep has been whipping up his lemming-like followers into an anarchic frenzy and urging them to occupy public buildings across the capital.

Actually, comparing him to Barabbas is perhaps unfair to Barabbas—and I say that advisedly, having interviewed Suthep many times and lunched regularly for years with his former sidekick, Likit Hongladarom.

http://manilatimes.net/the-rabid-rabble-rules-bangkok-again/60846/

Suitable for framing this one...

To all the non Thais especially, busy pushing up the crowd numbers, take a good look at what you're so ardently supporting.

Edited December 24, 2013 by LadPhrao1