RAJDAMNOEN RALLY
PDRC claims Sunday rally one of the biggest ever
HATAIKARN TREESUWAN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE ANTI-GOVERNMENT People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), led by Suthep Thaugsuban, claimed their Sunday rally in Bangkok was one of the biggest in Thailand's political history as they closed the capital for half a day in their effort to force caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from her post.

PDRC core-leader Satit Wongnongtaey claimed that 5.8 million people in Bangkok showed up on the streets on Sunday. The highest number recorded was over a million in Ratchaprasong.

Satit said the estimate came from three scientific calculations: One, from a helicopter taking photos from five protest sites and the Democracy Monument. Two, using six drones for aerial photography. And third, 24 members of the PDRC at the sites took photos at the entrance gates every half an hour, to be used to calculate the numbers of people passing through.

PDRC leaders admitted they were wrong in thinking such a large number of demonstrators would successfully pressure the premier immediately, or that the military and government officers would decide to stand alongside the people right away.

Yingluck showed no sign of giving up. As a result, new strategies have been set to accomplish their goals.

Before the rally last Sunday, the rally's stage organiser chief said a meeting of PDRC leaders, led by Kwansuang Atibodhi, a lecturer in architecture, planned a massive rally. They tried to erase the flaws in their previous "battle days" on November 24, and December 9, which had three main problems - all protesters could not access the main rally stages, communication did not smoothly reach protesters in the rally, and the debate over calculation of the number of protesters.

Location, logistics and accessibility were very important. These were the reasons why the PDRC designated rallies at five major stages and 10n minor sites, he added. The five major sites were Lumpini Park, the Asoke intersection, the Ratchaprasong intersection, Pathum Wan and Victory Monument. Bangkokians could reach the rally sites as they preferred using BTS, as well as rural people could join up easily because the major sites had nine roads leading to them, connected to the provinces, Satit said.

"You know, Bangkok's map is an "inverted Y". The Asoke stage can accommodate people who come from the east through Bang Na Road and Sukhumvit Road, the Democracy Monument stage can be accessed by southerners, and the Victory Monument stage by the North and Northeast demonstrators.

"Every area where we staged the rallies, we used to test the water first [by the reaction to the] previous gatherings," he said.

"We can create a new history of a people's movement. Many things must be carefully planned, but something might happen accidentally. You know why so many people called Suthep a "kamnan" (a village headman of tambon Tha Sathon)? It began when I was talking to Pong (Anchalee Paireerak, core member of PDRC) that Suthep was called a kamnan by the southerners. She said it sounded good and made him look like a man of warmth. She continued calling him "kamnan" on the rally stage and others called him that, too. Last week, several protesters called me "phuyai ban Rajdamnoen" [village chief]," he said with a laugh.

PDRC leaders are planning to create their next piece of history. The protesters will organise marches against Yingluck wherever she goes, if the caretaker premier and her Cabinet do not resign from their posts.

The anti-government protesters will today stage a rally in front of Yingluck's residence on Soi Yothin Patthana 3, parallel to Ekamai-Ram Indra expressway, to again put pressure on her to resign, Satit announced on the stage at Rajdamnoen.

Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra may have a strategy to show his younger sister is still strongly supported by rural people. However, he needs to rethink because the PDRC will step up a campaign to show the public that the Yingluck administration is a "failed government", according to Satit.

"We will win if Yingluck quits or the military and government officials are brave enough to fight alongside the people. If they ignore the people's demands, the great mass of people will walk on every street and shutdown Bangkok or the country for a full day. We will rise up to show the people's power to fight the Thaksin regime. We imagine that people will celebrate their victory at the Democracy Monument," Satit said.


-- The Nation 2013-12-26

Even if the numbers of 6 million were correct, that's still only 10% of Thailand's population. Why should 10% be able to tell 90% what to do?

Protests are not a reliable source of opinions, because everyone can say a different number and nobody can really verify it.

Only elections are.

If the Democrats really have most of the country behind them, why don't they join the elections and get elected by this overwhelming majority?

Right, because they know the numbers are inflated to the point of being ridiculous.

Even if the numbers of 6 million were correct, that's still only 10% of Thailand's population. Why should 10% be able to tell 90% what to do?

You really think that everyone who agrees with them, participated in the rally? That's funny.

Just because I haven't participated in french rallies against mass immigration from middle eastern war zones, does not mean that I don't agree with them.

Even if the numbers of 6 million were correct, that's still only 10% of Thailand's population. Why should 10% be able to tell 90% what to do?

You really think that everyone who agrees with them, participated in the rally? That's funny.

Just because I haven't participated in french rallies against mass immigration from middle eastern war zones, does not mean that I don't agree with them.

Correct. On average, only 1 in 10 supporters came out to March on the street of Bangkok.

9 more did not come for various reasons including but not limited to: asleep, work, on holiday overseas, on MC, busy, in other provinces, too old, car broke down, didn't get the message, partner don't allow, have exam, in turkish bath, shopping at Paragon, in Hua Hin/Pattaya, golf in Khao Yai, etc.

Even if the numbers of 6 million were correct, that's still only 10% of Thailand's population. Why should 10% be able to tell 90% what to do?

I wasn't aware that 90% had voted for the current government.

Let the people vote - then let us see the numbers. What ever number Mr. Suthep claims sounds nothing more than Chest Thumping.

We all sometimes agree with people, even if we know they are wrong, in the hope they will shup up!

So let us give Suthep his 6 million, and hopefully.........(in my dreams)

With such a huge support, why not contest the elections?

6m? he's been on the cherry brandy again! 200,000 max is what most say but I guess he did not learn his Math at one of those terrible 'farang' schools did he?

Correct. On average, only 1 in 10 supporters came out to March on the street of Bangkok.

9 more did not come for various reasons including but not limited to: asleep, work, on holiday overseas, on MC, busy, in other provinces, too old, car broke down, didn't get the message, partner don't allow, have exam, in turkish bath, shopping at Paragon, in Hua Hin/Pattaya, golf in Khao Yai, etc.

that would make 6mln x 10 = 60mln, so entire population of thailand, bare the handful of reds and tens of other political parties and few farangs

Whatever the numbers, it was, in fact, one of the largest protests in Thailand's history.

Whatever the numbers, it was, in fact, one of the largest protests in Thailand's history.

now, go to register your candidates, till tomorrow evening. Will democrats do it? No, they would rather call military to terrorise the country

Whatever the numbers, it was, in fact, one of the largest protests in Thailand's history.

and what? the largest protest in Thailand's history was actually at the 2011 elections when millions voted for Dems

but it was not enough to counter the MANY more millions who VOTED for PTP

the minority trying to overthrow the majority

don't believe it? that's a valid stance

so contest the elections and PROVE you have the majority on your side - that's democracy folks!

If the PDRC is confident that they have the numbers - I find it extremely odd they would boycott the election. Or perhaps they know they don't and so have to rely on "Educated Guesses" to conjure up the numbers.

Whatever the numbers, it was, in fact, one of the largest protests in Thailand's history.

now, go to register your candidates, till tomorrow evening. Will democrats do it? No, they would rather call military to terrorise the country

If that was the case, Yingluck would not have been PM for the last two and a half years.

Whatever the numbers, it was, in fact, one of the largest protests in Thailand's history.

and what? the largest protest in Thailand's history was actually at the 2011 elections when millions voted for Dems

but it was not enough to counter the MANY more millions who VOTED for PTP

the minority trying to overthrow the majority

don't believe it? that's a valid stance

so contest the elections and PROVE you have the majority on your side - that's democracy folks!

Nice rant, but I was simply pointing out the reality that some prefer to dispute.

Btw, an election is an election and a protest rally is a protest rally.

Counting people through the gates? There were no gates at Ratchaprasong and yet a million are claimed there. I was in the crowd in 2010 at the site, and on Sunday there and the 2010 crowd was somewhat larger. The 2010 crowd is widely accepted as 50,000.

Even if the numbers of 6 million were correct, that's still only 10% of Thailand's population. Why should 10% be able to tell 90% what to do?

You really think that everyone who agrees with them, participated in the rally? That's funny.

Just because I haven't participated in french rallies against mass immigration from middle eastern war zones, does not mean that I don't agree with them.

Correct. On average, only 1 in 10 supporters came out to March on the street of Bangkok.

9 more did not come for various reasons including but not limited to: asleep, work, on holiday overseas, on MC, busy, in other provinces, too old, car broke down, didn't get the message, partner don't allow, have exam, in turkish bath, shopping at Paragon, in Hua Hin/Pattaya, golf in Khao Yai, etc.

LOL so only 1 in 10 came out?

6,8 million X 10 = 68 million. Not only are you claiming that the entire population supports Suthep, including the large part of the population who are children, you added a few million non existant people for good measure. Good job.

Whatever the numbers, it was, in fact, one of the largest protests in Thailand's history.

No it was not.

There have been far larger events, including PAD and Redshirt rallies in previous years.

Strange. I never knew the rally area could hold 5.8 millions people. Considering it can't even hold 10 thousands cars.

As people continue to engage in the increasingly popular sport in estimating the size of competing protests, we might as well cast our vision to the future when a possible return of Thaksin to the country involves an utter explosion of protests - both pro and against. The size of the protests, of course, will be exponentially larger and more widespread. Nonetheless, many will try to gauge differences. " You see. I told you so. Our side had 4 million protesters. Your side had only 3.8 million. How do you like them apples ? "

Even if the numbers of 6 million were correct, that's still only 10% of Thailand's population. Why should 10% be able to tell 90% what to do?

Protests are not a reliable source of opinions, because everyone can say a different number and nobody can really verify it.

Only elections are.

If the Democrats really have most of the country behind them, why don't they join the elections and get elected by this overwhelming majority?

Right, because they know the numbers are inflated to the point of being ridiculous.

Even if the numbers of 6 million were correct, that's still only 10% of Thailand's population. Why should 10% be able to tell 90% what to do? If you consider that 30+ are less than 15 years old that pushes the 10% you quote much higher. Plus another say 15-20 over the age of 65 (you don't usually get 80 & 90 year olds don't get involved in street protests) so up goes your quoted percentage again.

Protests are not a reliable source of opinions, because everyone can say a different number and nobody can really verify it. But you would have to agree that there were a effin lot of pi$$ed off people there.

Only elections are. Elections where you pay people for their votes are not elections so that answers that

If the Democrats really have most of the country behind them, why don't they join the elections and get elected by this overwhelming majority? Why participate in fraudulent elections that are nothing more than a sham

Right, because they know the numbers are inflated to the point of being ridiculous. Everything is ridiculous that is why the world is laughing at the realm. It is just one big joke in the eyes of the world

Now have you got any further examples or worthless contributions to make on the issue???

6m? he's been on the cherry brandy again! 200,000 max is what most say but I guess he did not learn his Math at one of those terrible 'farang' schools did he?

he didn't learn math because the government diverted his education to fixing tablets because they don't have the money to pay for it.......

and were did the money go ? 6 million people were in Bangkok asking the same question

Even if the numbers of 6 million were correct, that's still only 10% of Thailand's population. Why should 10% be able to tell 90% what to do?

Protests are not a reliable source of opinions, because everyone can say a different number and nobody can really verify it.

Only elections are.

If the Democrats really have most of the country behind them, why don't they join the elections and get elected by this overwhelming majority?

Right, because they know the numbers are inflated to the point of being ridiculous.

Planet earth to jackrich

the Democrats are not behind this protest they are just one of many groups who seperatly decided enough was enough. The Democrats joined an already in exsistant movement to help clear up the corruption in Thailand.

In fact if you knew any thing at all about the situation you would know that the Democrats tried to stop the movement by gettting the PTP to drop the attempt to whitewash Thaksin. The PTP declined their good advice and there by precipitated the conditions to bring this protest about.

You need not thank me just knowing that I have helped you understand the history of what is happening is enough.

Whatever the numbers, it was, in fact, one of the largest protests in Thailand's history.

now, go to register your candidates, till tomorrow evening. Will democrats do it? No, they would rather call military to terrorise the country

what was the Military response to a private meeting with Suthep? who organized joint talks between the Government and the Anti Government protestors.

Oh the desperation nonsense posts the Yingluck lovers put up or maybe they are Thaksin lovers or maybe they just like the looks of Yingluck.

There is no way in the world I can be convinced that a lot of voters didn't vote for her for that reason and a lot of the educated Farongs from countries with a decent education system don't back her for that reason.

Whatever the numbers, it was, in fact, one of the largest protests in Thailand's history.

No it was not.

There have been far larger events, including PAD and Redshirt rallies in previous years.

Welcome back

I myself find the numbers hard to believe but it would help if you could give the numbers of the larger ones. I believe the anti Government had as high as 180,000 at an earlier one.

Not sure how they go about arriving at the figures. My guess the best they could do is with aerial photos of all the protest sites. It might be a apples and oranges comparison. One protest being larger at one site and not having protests at other sites simultaneous such as this one has been.

Some of you really take this seriously now, don't you. By accident I happened to take the tube to Sukhumvit and frankly I had to give up counting! How many people can you stuff into a metro - 3-400? they were crammed arriving from both sides totalling 20 or more arrivals p/h. BTS and MRT logistics about the same so say close to 20.000 arriving per hour to only this one site! Add the ones arriving by other means were talking numbers hard to fathom. I'd only gone to buy the Sunday newspaper and returning half an hour later the crowds were even larger leaving Asoke. So totalling it all up I would think attendance actually was negative.

Anyway the notion of democracy and "one man one vote" always disgusted me. One man one paid vote here, while in the "mature" democracies we don't even get paid, only lied to 3-6 mnths. every 4th. year. Churchill (I think): "Democracy is not perfect but the best we have". Must have been a couple of years since he said that, and still no one has come up with a better idea?

Reading these posts I get the feeling not many of you enjoy the daily 5 laughs you are supposed to share with your peers, but to those of you who have not forgotten how: All the best wishes for the New Year!

OK, so 6 million protesters with only 1 in 10 of your supporters showing up for various understandable reasons.

Looks like according to "scientific" calculations Suthep is looking at 60 million votes. Why should he contest the

election. With Suthep science 180% of eligible voters are voting for him. My only guess is maybe he is worried

that 230% of eligible voters may vote for the opposition. For some reason I find it hard to understand the

Suthep math and science calculations.

Whatever the numbers, it was, in fact, one of the largest protests in Thailand's history.

No it was not.

There have been far larger events, including PAD and Redshirt rallies in previous years.

Tripe.

No other previous rally by anyone was "far larger".

To deny it was one of the largest, as stated, is just to deny reality to nonsensical levels.

OK, so 6 million protesters with only 1 in 10 of your supporters showing up for various understandable reasons.

Looks like according to "scientific" calculations Suthep is looking at 60 million votes. Why should he contest the

election. With Suthep science 180% of eligible voters are voting for him. My only guess is maybe he is worried

that 230% of eligible voters may vote for the opposition. For some reason I find it hard to understand the

Suthep math and science calculations.

100% of votes is not unheard of in an election. North Korean leaders regularly get elected with 100% of the population's votes.

DPRK = Democratic People's Republic of Korea

PDRC = People's Democratic Reform Committee

Same same.