Protest leader Suthep declares Bangkok seizure after New Year

[maxman71]

Question: It is my understanding that the Privy Council is the key conduit of information between the His Majesty the King and just about everyone else who has an interest in getting their issues brought before him to obtain his opinion, which is mostly politicians and perhaps big business interest groups. Does anyone have any insight as to what sort of statements are coming forth from the Privy Council concerning the current state of affairs ?

[aguy30]

Many of the TV trolls hate Suthep. If you are one of them, please feel free to offer alternative ideas on how to rid Thailand of the Shin wannabe dictatorship.

An election.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Another bought and paid for dictatorship will resolve the problems for sure. Extraordinary idea. The question to ponder is: Is an election really a democratic concept when it is bought and paid for?

A re-election of the Shins will only result in further protests and increased violence until they are finally removed. Time to move on and get better leaders who are less motivated for obtaining huge wealth and power and with more real concern for improving the country.

[gbswales]

Many of the TV trolls hate Suthep. If you are one of them, please feel free to offer alternative ideas on how to rid Thailand of the Shin wannabe dictatorship.

No because corrupt politicians are endemic - Thaksin was just one of them. It is not worth one day of violence to get rid of any of them - you have to win the hearts and minds of the majority of the whole countries population - it will take time and Thaksin will probably be dead long before real democracy is achieved but in the meantime Thailand will survive, people will not get killed and property will not get destroyed, I just pray that someone can apply the right level of influence to stop people joining this protest which can only lead to Civil War and likely a divided country like Korea. It is I suspect only a minority of people who want this family out of politics - granted a vocal minority. What is it all for - better a corrupt politician who simply wants money than one who "wants to see blood spilled". If you offer to compensate victims then you are acknowledging that your actions are going to kill people and in my book that automatically makes Suthep a murderer.

I do not understand the mentality - Thailand is not a repressed country living under a dictatorship, with secret police and mysterious disappearances - these are the things that justify revolution- NO Thailand is a relatively free country where people can succeed in life if they are determined enough. Granted the opportunities for success need improving and there needs to be better distribution of wealth but that is true of most countries. It is not a cause for rebellion which history tells us always leads to more repressive government. What do these people think they are - "the Arab Spring" - they have no concept of the kind of repression that caused that to come about.

[Soi Dog]

This is going to put Yingluck in the same position as Abhisit in 2010. Faced with an organised mob orchestrated by a dictator, albeit from the front not the rear this time, the question is how will she react when she knows she must avoid at all costs leaving herself open to charges like the Democrat PM.

Those January Sales must look more inviting by the minute.

From the front? Old Musso never goes anywhere near the battle grounds that he sends the cannon fodder to. Did you see him at the election registeration punch-up? Of course not, he struts about the stage at Victory Monument ranting and raving to the cameras of his own TV station protected by his bodyguard of thugs.

You could do us all a favour by not trying to make this utterly corrupt old crook appear to be some kind of Joan of Arc, rather than the desperate has-been that he is, trying to get his snout back in the trough.

Exactly. The truth is that he is not angry with corruption . He is just angry he is not getting any and wants back on the gravy train.

[brit1984]

"Mr Suthep said those killed and injured in clashes with the authorities will be given financial aid from the fund of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)."

Does this mean he is looking for volunteers to fill the position of 'cannon fodder'?

yes

[Docno]

We expats do often not understand the divide in Thai society, and the unwillingness to compromise or negotiate. After following the "debate" here on Thaivisa the last couple of days. It looks like:

right wrong.png Followed by NOright wrong.png

So maybe "we" are not so much smarter than the Thais afterall??

Exactly what I've been thinking. I find it fascinating that we 'third party observers' are just as intransigent in our views on one side or the other as the Thais we criticise. The discussion here seems to be as polarised as Thai society (and I'm part of the scrum too). Interesting psychological phenomenon.... that we seem to have become as invested in the debate as the Thais themselves.

[noddy77]

Surely the nail in the coffin for Thai tourism. My condolences to the families.

It is a shame for the families that had to cancel or postpone their holidays. (Is that what you meant, sorry if not)?

However, have a thought for all the people that live in Bangkok trying to run business's like Bars, Restaurants, Hotels etc.

It's very, very tough out there trying to stay afloat in those types of business's right now.

Forget the stats from TOT. Its so quiet out there I heard a silk worm far% last night.

[brit1984]

Many of the TV trolls hate Suthep. If you are one of them, please feel free to offer alternative ideas on how to rid Thailand of the Shin wannabe dictatorship.

An election.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Another bought and paid for dictatorship will resolve the problems for sure. Extraordinary idea. The question to ponder is: Is an election really a democratic concept when it is bought and paid for?

A re-election of the Shins will only result in further protests and increased violence until they are finally removed. Time to move on and get better leaders who are less motivated for obtaining huge wealth and power and with more real concern for improving the country.

search for "suthep" in google or wikipedia if you would like to know how ironic / ridiculous it is that anyone believes suthep is able (or even wants) to put an end to corruption

[geriatrickid]

Many of the TV trolls hate Suthep. If you are one of them, please feel free to offer alternative ideas on how to rid Thailand of the Shin wannabe dictatorship.

An election.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Goes against the principles of Suthep's faring sympathizers.

Can't have that.

Before you know it, those darkies from the North will be demanding they be treated fairly and be allowed to vote where they live and work.The current practice of denying people the right to register to vote where they live and work harkens back to the period in the US South and South Africa where large portions of the population were disenfranchised.

Most foreigners probably would be shocked to learn that hundreds of thousands of people are excluded from participating in their local elections. For example on Phuket, an estimated 300,000 cannot vote locally. Instead they must vote in their home provinces despite having lived on Phuket for some time. In other parliamentary democracies, voters can register to vote in their riding provided they have lived their a minimum time period such as 3 months. Not so in Thailand. Many workers cannot return to their home districts to vote, because of the expense, or because they cannot take time off work. They then lose their right to cast a ballot.

It's a nice way of disenfranchising a large segment of the population. The impact is that despite the sizeable numbers the PTP has garnered in the past, if a full right to vote practice was allowed, the numbers would be significantly larger.

[newcomer71]

How does he figure he can claim sovereignty for his actions? Thailand has 70 million popln and his mobs number in the 100 000s at best. He is not in govt and has no chance to get in at the next election. Im not sure what definition of sovereignty he has in his dam_n fool head. He represents SOME people, not THE people. Mob rule by force is not democratic sovereignty but fascism. What a ridiculous situation - he is a major embarassment to Thailand. Sent from my GT-I9300T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Nice rant but as articulate and accurate as what we have come to expect from pro government supporters and agencies whose mantra is not to let the truth get in the way of a good story. Official figures for the population are around 67 million of which there are less than 20 million legible voters in Isan and If you truly believe that Khun Suthep's mob is less than 100K you are grossly mistaken. I assume that the"THE: people you refer to are the PTP supporters who were to a significant extent both brainwashed and bought by the incumbent government and SOME people are the legions of Thai's who have simply had enough of the corruption and ineffectual governance that comes with putting clowns and idiots into power.

Have you ever stopped to think as to the percentage of Isan people who actually reside and work in Bangkok and perhaps thrown of the shroud of the Shiniwatra manipulation. The current government adopts the run and hide philosophy whilst trying to manipulate other to clean up the mess it leaves every time it opens its mouth.

I am far from being a Suthep supporter however I will give him this. He one of only a handful who has the balls to try to make a positive difference and he has been persistent in his objectives which is to get the parasitic Shiniwatra's out of Thai Politics and perhaps out of Thailand.

The country is in political turmoil and little Miss almost- a -politician is hiding up in Chang Mai amongst her brainwashed brigade inspecting roads.

It simply doers not get more banal than that.

The problem is that both groups are not worth of full support. Both of them have big dark sides, with Suthep needing to get power unconstitutionally, and Thaksin keep the power as long as they can.

Thaksin maybe the cancer, Suthep is no different. He is very good to throw smoke to the people and many TV poster... Talking about people, rights, and send away Shins.

But what about his People's council? What about reforms? He said Council will stay 12-18 months. But when he was at Government, he couldn't make half reform in more than one year!

Both of those clans (and who backs them) are the real ruin of this country.

[brit1984]

Did he not previously say he would turn himself in no matter what on 8th January?

Not exactly a man of his words.

he talks a lot of nonsense (as a lot of harmless nutters do)

the danger is that a lot of people listen to this nutter

[Docno]

The other interesting thing is how TV members' views about Suthep have changed over the past month. Check out this thread for instance (Nov 26): http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684480-police-seek-warrant-to-arrest-protest-leader-suthep/. A number of posters back then seemed to be portraying him as a man of courage who was fearlessly taking on Thaksin and his evil minions in order to save the nation. Those posters have either gone on vacation or are now whistling a different tune, because I don't see anywhere near the same support for Suthep now. The majority view here now seems to be that Suthep is a dangerous man who is driving the country toward the precipice. Unfortunately, his supporters are too caught up in this to arrive at the same realisation...

[ianf]

Nut case and when you all travel to Bangkok after the new year please turn on your head lights

He's only a nutcase to those who people have no principles and no passion for human rights and justice and for those who have no interest in fighting for rights for their fellow human being. I stand for those who stand against injustice and evil. Go Go Suthep. Evil prevails when good men do nothing.

[Thailand]

Many of the TV trolls hate Suthep. If you are one of them, please feel free to offer alternative ideas on how to rid Thailand of the Shin wannabe dictatorship.

An election.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Goes against the principles of Suthep's faring sympathizers.

Can't have that.

Before you know it, those darkies from the North will be demanding they be treated fairly and be allowed to vote where they live and work.The current practice of denying people the right to register to vote where they live and work harkens back to the period in the US South and South Africa where large portions of the population were disenfranchised.

Most foreigners probably would be shocked to learn that hundreds of thousands of people are excluded from participating in their local elections. For example on Phuket, an estimated 300,000 cannot vote locally. Instead they must vote in their home provinces despite having lived on Phuket for some time. In other parliamentary democracies, voters can register to vote in their riding provided they have lived their a minimum time period such as 3 months. Not so in Thailand. Many workers cannot return to their home districts to vote, because of the expense, or because they cannot take time off work. They then lose their right to cast a ballot.

It's a nice way of disenfranchising a large segment of the population. The impact is that despite the sizeable numbers the PTP has garnered in the past, if a full right to vote practice was allowed, the numbers would be significantly larger.

Darkies, not from the US by any chance are you? I am sure you can find a more derogatory term if you search your gray matter.

[blackman]

it's not bangkokians, who should leave the city, but you and your goons should go back to the sticks.

many in the private sector are going to be seriously p*issed when the city will be run amok by endless protests.

without looking through hundreds of your posts

i am curious, did you say the same thing when the reds were doing the same thing?

[blackman]

Many of the TV trolls hate Suthep. If you are one of them, please feel free to offer alternative ideas on how to rid Thailand of the Shin wannabe dictatorship.

An election.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Goes against the principles of Suthep's faring sympathizers.

Can't have that.

Before you know it, those darkies from the North will be demanding they be treated fairly and be allowed to vote where they live and work.The current practice of denying people the right to register to vote where they live and work harkens back to the period in the US South and South Africa where large portions of the population were disenfranchised.

Most foreigners probably would be shocked to learn that hundreds of thousands of people are excluded from participating in their local elections. For example on Phuket, an estimated 300,000 cannot vote locally. Instead they must vote in their home provinces despite having lived on Phuket for some time. In other parliamentary democracies, voters can register to vote in their riding provided they have lived their a minimum time period such as 3 months. Not so in Thailand. Many workers cannot return to their home districts to vote, because of the expense, or because they cannot take time off work. They then lose their right to cast a ballot.

It's a nice way of disenfranchising a large segment of the population. The impact is that despite the sizeable numbers the PTP has garnered in the past, if a full right to vote practice was allowed, the numbers would be significantly larger.

Darkies??

[brewsterbudgen]

Nut case and when you all travel to Bangkok after the new year please turn on your head lights

He's only a nutcase to those who people have no principles and no passion for human rights and justice and for those who have no interest in fighting for rights for their fellow human being. I stand for those who stand against injustice and evil. Go Go Suthep. Evil prevails when good men do nothing.

I'm sure all of those who he's seeking to disenfranchise would not agree with you. But then they don't count do they?

[bunuel]

Excellent point. Indeed, if the protestors could channel all those funds into a political campaign, maybe they could actually win a democratic election like their conservative cousins around the world!

Could somebody enlighten me who is paying for all the s€&@ ? Thousand of thousands of people who don't work, who is paying the slaty? Logistics supply cost Millions of Baht? Who is paying for that? Would be nice to know for what the demonstration are. I spoke with a lot of my friends 99% of the employees went to work? Than who was one the street? If I saw the protesters closely most of them did not look like the Bangkok elite more like dwellers who turn into professional protesters when paid. Only a question as we talk about vote buying practice?

[ianf]

Question: It is my understanding that the Privy Council is the key conduit of information between the His Majesty the King and just about everyone else who has an interest in getting their issues brought before him to obtain his opinion, which is mostly politicians and perhaps big business interest groups. Does anyone have any insight as to what sort of statements are coming forth from the Privy Council concerning the current state of affairs ?

The word is that they are backing Suthep.

[ianf]

Nut case and when you all travel to Bangkok after the new year please turn on your head lights

He's only a nutcase to those who people have no principles and no passion for human rights and justice and for those who have no interest in fighting for rights for their fellow human being. I stand for those who stand against injustice and evil. Go Go Suthep. Evil prevails when good men do nothing.

I'm sure all of those who he's seeking to disenfranchise would not agree with you. But then they don't count do they?

Pardon?

[HaroldB]

It is patently obvious that Suthep is losing the battle so he is trying to win the war, by creating enough chaos in Bangkok

in the New Year he and his cronies are trying to force the Army to stage a Coup to "help the People of Thailand".

This would achieve probably achieve the same result of the 06 coup where the

Quote 2006 "The constitution would be amended for a rapid return to democracy through a national election in a year's time."

I am sure the people financing this unrest would be more than happy to assist in the amendments to the Constitution, for them it

is win win.

The oldest saying I was taught by my English teacher at school 45 years ago "If you don't learn from history you must relive it"

I guess and of course as usual this is my opinion, SAME SAME.

[brewsterbudgen]

Nut case and when you all travel to Bangkok after the new year please turn on your head lights

He's only a nutcase to those who people have no principles and no passion for human rights and justice and for those who have no interest in fighting for rights for their fellow human being. I stand for those who stand against injustice and evil. Go Go Suthep. Evil prevails when good men do nothing.

I'm sure all of those who he's seeking to disenfranchise would not agree with you. But then they don't count do they?

Pardon?

I'm sure all of those who he's seeking to disenfranchise would not agree with you. But then they don't count do they?

[Seashore]

This can only end in tears for Thailand!

[MJP]

I really don't care what these people do to their own country anymore.

All I really need to know is, will I be able to get to the airport in late January and will flights be operating?

[brit1984]

Many of the TV trolls hate Suthep. If you are one of them, please feel free to offer alternative ideas on how to rid Thailand of the Shin wannabe dictatorship.

i think the real objective should be political stability (and peace) - forcing out the government will not achieve this (as history tells us) as the only way to achieve lasting stability is by gaining a mandate to take and hold power from the thai people (i.e. by gaining a majority of votes in an election and by not alienating / angering those who voted for the opposition)

for pheu thai to achieve political stability (and peace) would actually be (theoretically) simple as they would just have to stop the most silly of their silly economic policies, and cut all ties to thaksin - but in practice this will not happen (so a significant minority of thais will never accept their mandate to govern and there will be no lasting stability / peace under their government)

for the opposition to take power and then hold it in a way conducive to stability / peace, they need abhisit, korn and any other reasonable members of the party to modernize and reach out to the electorate by offering a clean, positive, non-divisive, peaceful and fair future for all thais (regardless of shirt colour) - if the current government is so bad and the electorate so cheap, surely it should be possible to beat them

obviously it will not be easy and will take time but sometimes the patient approach actually achieves results faster (as evidenced by the complete failure of successive power grabs over recent decades in thailand) but this is the only sensible / workable solution to lasting achieve stability / peace (and as you say "to rid Thailand of the Shin wannabe dictatorhip")

[Hunter88]

Try this in any other country and he would be locked up.

[Tubby]

After what the Army said yesterday, I can see a coup coming again....yawn.......reset the clock and everyone starts again....yawn....

I cant see Suthep and his cronies getting away with holding Bangkok under siege. The army wont let it happen.

having said that, all is not bad, the 2006 coup was great, streets deserted, great photo opportunities sitting on Thai army tanks, lets embrace it and hope for a holiday

[rebelplatoon]

I absolutely do not agree with Bangkok being held hostage. It's over the top. Peaceful protest is OK by me. Mind you once again I post on the subject that people

seem to pass by again and again. The reason they don't want elections with the biased system is here again:

Some people don't seem to understand why the Democrats and yellow shirts do NOT WANT elections right now. It is NOT because Suthep wants to control anything else but the WAY elections are being held. During the Mr. "T" regime the constituencies have been altered to fit the TRT party. Very large constituencies with large numbers of voters would give one party only one seat (These they changed and were Democratic strongholds) much smaller constituencies, with much fewer people were divided up in several constituencies with one seat each. This means that even when people did not vote a 100% for the TRT they would still have a "glorious victory" over the Democrats. It was all made to match the TRT.

In numbers: The TRT and Dems had respectively: 15,744,190 and 11,433,762 people vote for them. A difference in % of the population of resp. (TRT, Dems) 48.41% and 35.15%. (say 13%) This was NOT reflected in the seats in Parliament by the self dividing rule of the TRT who changed the constituencies. (TRT/ Dems) 265 seats against 159 seats or in seats 106 (!!). If this had been in the range of anything like 225 to 196 this would have been a fair and acceptable result. (the difference being about 13%) or in seats 29. Read that again: The difference in what would have been an acceptable and fair divide in seats was 29 but it became 106 !!! This would have allowed (just an example) the Democrats to team up with some other parties and still form a Government. Besides in the opposition it would have given them lots more control.

Then due to certain constituents differences it could have been anything in the range of 210 to 235 for the TRT and 190 to 220 for the Dems and it would be acceptable, justifiable and explainable.

NOW do we understand why this system is unacceptable and nothing near free and fair elections?

Mind you, I do not agree with an interim Government and all that, unless it would be an agreed upon (by both parties) Business Government to boost the country back on the map first. But that would demand restraint, patience and understanding. Values that are the foundation of Buddhism, but are hard to be found in politricks. All in all, I am NOT a Suthep supporter. But fairness needs to be in place before an election is being held and the Shins can claim another

fake victory bought with money and bending the rules.

[Bluespunk]

I dislike PT, in fact I view them with utter contempt due to their corruption, intolerance, nepotism, contempt for the law, use of their red stormtroopers for intimidation, but <deleted> suthep cannot be seen as the answer.

If he said all that is reported in this speech then he has finally gone into full blown megalomania mode. His fascist councils lunatic approach towards reform is bad enough but this scheme is just the ravings of a man who has lost the plot. Nothing good can come from this man, nothing.

[Alwyn]

Quote "Relatives of ill-fated victims, including a policeman, will be given one million baht each, he said, adding that money in the PDRC’s account was withdrawn before it was frozen at the order of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI)."

Oh the irony.....this from the man who accuses PTP of buying votes