Red Shirt leader Jatuporn announces campaign to keep "Bangkok open"

[soi41]

This month is the month of 'make or break'. Please wait for a signal from us.

I'm gonna stock up on popcorn, because it will get get exciting this month .

What a sad post!! "Our" country might be on the brink of a civil war, and to you it is entertaiment!!

Shame on you!!

Not that I defend any tasteless comment, ...

but,

and with all due respect, but the shame starts, where it started, and you as well as millions of other people know, who should take ALL blame!

This is not a question about who to blame. Despite the stupid comments here, I don't support either side!

I just believe in fair play, which to me is elections, but I don't care which side wins!

But still facts remain, Thailand struggling to find its feet is not just another soap! At least not for me!

[DMG333]

Show down......country down....sad.....the ascent of money......

[bunny11kk]

"We will fight under peaceful principles".

I don't think there will be many reds coming to BKK. The missunderstood fugitive will not pay for tens of thousands to come to BKK. Perhaps he'll only pay a few dozen Cambodians for some shooting and torching. He will not go down without bloodshed.

One last post before going to bed. I think the big boss order the red but the middle guys pocket in most and order the the Cambodians professional instead. Cost saving and effective indeed. I wish not so many people die this month.

[PeterSmiles]

This is not a question about who to blame. Despite the stupid comments here, I don't support either side!

I just believe in fair play, which to me is elections, but I don't care which side wins!

But still facts remain, Thailand struggling to find its feet is not just another soap! At least not for me!

I don't support either side, said the Elite card holder who has defended Thaksin and his system as no other on this forum, and who has been posting Benito Suthep over and over again.

Edited January 2, 2014 by PeterSmiles

[MaxLee]

Red Shirt leader Jatuporn announces campaign to keep "Bangkok open"

In other words: "Let's kick some Anti-Government people behinds along with their Bangkok-ONLY-Bangkok across the galaxy..."

[VegasVic]

Look what happened the last time the red shirts came to town.

Yes 2 of them were shot dead. The time before that about 80 of them were.

And both times it was the reds who started it. Violence just follows them wherever they go doesn't it, the illustrious 'leader's' private militia. It was a peaceful protest till the red dogs were unleashed on the students. Getting more and more like the IRA and Sinn Fein every day. Soon we will have PT members saying 'I am not a terrorist' - oh wait, that happened already.

The only terrorists this time around are suthep,his thugs and his paid protesters

[PeterSmiles]

Look what happened the last time the red shirts came to town.

Yes 2 of them were shot dead. The time before that about 80 of them were.

And both times it was the reds who started it. Violence just follows them wherever they go doesn't it, the illustrious 'leader's' private militia. It was a peaceful protest till the red dogs were unleashed on the students. Getting more and more like the IRA and Sinn Fein every day. Soon we will have PT members saying 'I am not a terrorist' - oh wait, that happened already.

The only terrorists this time around are suthep,his thugs and his paid protesters

Paid protesters who made 6 million Baht donation in a single day

[noddy77]

This month is the month of 'make or break'. Please wait for a signal from us.

I'm gonna stock up on popcorn, because it will get get exciting this month .

What a sad post!! "Our" country might be on the brink of a civil war, and to you it is entertaiment!!

Shame on you!!

Our country? You were born here? I am seriously missing something here.

[DK2223]

The Red's from he countryside see their basic human rights disappearing under Suthep's People's Council, whether you think it will happen or not is beside the point. They will fight not to be disenfranchised. And people fighting for causes usually triumph over those fighting for a few bucks.

First of all, those guys don't have a clue what basic human rights are. Their leader in exile will be remembered as the biggest human rights abuser in modern Thai history. During his reign 20 human rights activists had been assassinated. A fact. Can't you see the problem? So your argument about them fighting for the basic human rights doesn't hold water.

Furthermore, in red control areas and particularly villages human rights are blatantly denied to anyone who dares to express different point of view. I dare you to visit their areas and express different political views. See what happens.

Please don't make judgement when you never try it or you don't know. I live in this area and I do express my point of view to the people here and for your information, nothing happen to me. Judge yourself first before you judge other people.

[VegasVic]

Well, I just changed my mind of trying to fly out of Bangkok January 15. I wonder how many flight cancellations this is going to bring about. Never mind, I did not pay yet. Just so happy I can fly out of nearby Vientiane...or Chiang Mai. Never really enjoyed Bangkok anyways.

Good choice I always try and fly into or out of CNX so that I can avoid that open sore and cesspool (Bangkok)

[hgma]

Where the hell is Bob Marley when you need a 'One Love ' concert again.

What a load of crap, and really what it is is a powerstruggle for the things and time to come.

Mobelizing farmers and old folks to 'Open Bangkok' when nobody even requested such a move from a man on bail is just ludicrous.

And you know what...as long as it doesn't hit my front gate....it is hilarious as well........Amazing Thailand---Thai for Thai...I'll keep OUT!

[Raspberry]

Bangkok protesters the ones that are well to do. You are protesting to get rid of Yingluck and the Shin family, the corruption. You wear 'free Thailand' shirts. You feel that you are doing the right thing.

Have you ever wonder why you are wealthy? Your parents are civil servants, working in the government in the 60's, 70's, salary is about 200 dollars a month? How can they afford to send you to England, US, Australia, etc. How can they buy and own so much land in Bangkok and the country? Your grandparents were farmers just like the rest of the country.

Generalise much?

On the contrary, I am actually addressing very specific people and there are quite a few of them. But yes, I don't think those people will be reading this, so it may have missed the intended audience. I'm saying that corruption or wrong doing is everywhere and dates back to who knows when. Why the protest to get rid of corruption now? Doesn't make sense at all. However, if you follow the 30 billion dollar trail then it makes sense. It's just about a family and who's gonna get what. It's not about corruption in government afterall. It's not about democracy or whatever else the people are shouting about.

[TVGerry]

Bangkok protesters the ones that are well to do. You are protesting to get rid of Yingluck and the Shin family, the corruption. You wear 'free Thailand' shirts. You feel that you are doing the right thing.

Have you ever wonder why you are wealthy? Your parents are civil servants, working in the government in the 60's, 70's, salary is about 200 dollars a month? How can they afford to send you to England, US, Australia, etc. How can they buy and own so much land in Bangkok and the country? Your grandparents were farmers just like the rest of the country.

Generalise much?

On the contrary, I am actually addressing very specific people and there are quite a few of them. But yes, I don't think those people will be reading this, so it may have missed the intended audience. I'm saying that corruption or wrong doing is everywhere and dates back to who knows when. Why the protest to get rid of corruption now? Doesn't make sense at all. However, if you follow the 30 billion dollar trail then it makes sense. It's just about a family and who's gonna get what. It's not about corruption in government afterall. It's not about democracy or whatever else the people are shouting about.

Why the protest to get rid of corruption now?

You have to start somewhere don't you? Should we ignore corruption since as you say it dates back to who knows when? And once again, I'm reading another conspiracy theory. If you know something, don't be vague, tell it.

[soi41]

This is not a question about who to blame. Despite the stupid comments here, I don't support either side!

I just believe in fair play, which to me is elections, but I don't care which side wins!

But still facts remain, Thailand struggling to find its feet is not just another soap! At least not for me!

I don't support either side, said the Elite card holder who has defended Thaksin and his system as no other on this forum, and who has been posting Benito Suthep over and over again.

Wow, I have a stalker!!

You know my posting history almost better than myself!

But have conveniently forgotten the posts where I critize the Shins (and there are plenty of them!)

Wonder if your interest in me is based on "hate the rich" or if is simply my winning personality?

Enough time wasted on you!!

[tilac2]

From reading all these posts, I have come to the sad realization that despite the dreadful events of the past few months, the brazen assaults on democracy and rule of law, the majority of posters here at ThaiVisa have learned nothing. I find it strange that so many of us come from a continent that was devastated by the evils of fascism years ago, yet we do not shudder when we see it reemerging among the so-called "educated" classes of our new adopted home. A reasonable person would be excused for expecting people who come from developed nations, complete with their sterling (relatively) educational systems, to support the democratization of a developing country. It is sad that so many here fail to understand not only the situation in Thailand, but the basic concept of democracy. Democrats don't cheer for coups. Real people of discernment do not buy into disproved myths that one party's vote buying can sway an election in a country of over 60 million people.

For all our education and heritage, the posters here do not seem any wiser than the mobs in the street or the rural poor they so despise.

TZTHIB, I agree with you.

I wonder how those people who post on the TV site (from countries like the US, UK, Australia) would feel if all of a sudden some demagogue decided to block the elections in their own countries? I guess they would feel some outrage!

Hardly anyone here seems to realise that this current conflict is not, or should not be, about any particular personality like Thaksin or Abhisit. It is about a "system". The system in this case is that of elections. The elections are one of the bedrocks of democracy and should take place according to the rules - if a country is a real democracy.

There are some good articles in the 'Bangkok Post' and elsewhere (occasionally even in the 'Nation') by people who do seem to understand the wider issues. There was a fine article by Pasuk Phongpaichit and Chris Baker in 'Asian Survey' Jul/Aug 2013. Their main conclusion is that the 2011 election was a milestone for several reasons, including that vote buying was an irrelevance (as you say), and that the decisive result had weakened the conservative opposition to electoral democracy. Well , thanks to Mr Suthep, I guess the latter conclusion was wrong! Elections, it seems, are again irrelevant if he has his way, and we're back to the 80-year cycle of 1,2,3:

1. coup

2. new-constitution

3. election.

The cycle normally lasts about 5 years.

I should add that the 'Asian Survey' article includes some interesting statistics and maps showing just how much PT increased their majority from 2007, and where they and the Democrats and other parties drew votes from across the country.

By the way, I'd just add this (following your last point): the rural poor can be pretty smart even if they haven't had an expensive education, especially when it's a question of understanding the basic mathematical principal of 'one person, one vote'.

[TVGerry]

From reading all these posts, I have come to the sad realization that despite the dreadful events of the past few months, the brazen assaults on democracy and rule of law, the majority of posters here at ThaiVisa have learned nothing. I find it strange that so many of us come from a continent that was devastated by the evils of fascism years ago, yet we do not shudder when we see it reemerging among the so-called "educated" classes of our new adopted home. A reasonable person would be excused for expecting people who come from developed nations, complete with their sterling (relatively) educational systems, to support the democratization of a developing country. It is sad that so many here fail to understand not only the situation in Thailand, but the basic concept of democracy. Democrats don't cheer for coups. Real people of discernment do not buy into disproved myths that one party's vote buying can sway an election in a country of over 60 million people.

For all our education and heritage, the posters here do not seem any wiser than the mobs in the street or the rural poor they so despise.

TZTHIB, I agree with you.

I wonder how those people who post on the TV site (from countries like the US, UK, Australia) would feel if all of a sudden some demagogue decided to block the elections in their own countries? I guess they would feel some outrage!

Hardly anyone here seems to realise that this current conflict is not, or should not be, about any particular personality like Thaksin or Abhisit. It is about a "system". The system in this case is that of elections. The elections are one of the bedrocks of democracy and should take place according to the rules - if a country is a real democracy.

There are some good articles in the 'Bangkok Post' and elsewhere (occasionally even in the 'Nation') by people who do seem to understand the wider issues. There was a fine article by Pasuk Phongpaichit and Chris Baker in 'Asian Survey' Jul/Aug 2013. Their main conclusion is that the 2011 election was a milestone for several reasons, including that vote buying was an irrelevance (as you say), and that the decisive result had weakened the conservative opposition to electoral democracy. Well , thanks to Mr Suthep, I guess the latter conclusion was wrong! Elections, it seems, are again irrelevant if he has his way, and we're back to the 80-year cycle of 1,2,3:

1. coup

2. new-constitution

3. election.

The cycle normally lasts about 5 years.

I should add that the 'Asian Survey' article includes some interesting statistics and maps showing just how much PT increased their majority from 2007, and where they and the Democrats and other parties drew votes from across the country.

By the way, I'd just add this (following your last point): the rural poor can be pretty smart even if they haven't had an expensive education, especially when it's a question of understanding the basic mathematical principal of 'one person, one vote'.

Shut up about your country not having coups or not having 'demagogues' block elections. Your country doesn't have a prime minister and a corrupt government taking orders from a fugitive neither.

[Raspberry]

Bangkok protesters the ones that are well to do. You are protesting to get rid of Yingluck and the Shin family, the corruption. You wear 'free Thailand' shirts. You feel that you are doing the right thing.

Have you ever wonder why you are wealthy? Your parents are civil servants, working in the government in the 60's, 70's, salary is about 200 dollars a month? How can they afford to send you to England, US, Australia, etc. How can they buy and own so much land in Bangkok and the country? Your grandparents were farmers just like the rest of the country.

Generalise much?

On the contrary, I am actually addressing very specific people and there are quite a few of them. But yes, I don't think those people will be reading this, so it may have missed the intended audience. I'm saying that corruption or wrong doing is everywhere and dates back to who knows when. Why the protest to get rid of corruption now? Doesn't make sense at all. However, if you follow the 30 billion dollar trail then it makes sense. It's just about a family and who's gonna get what. It's not about corruption in government afterall. It's not about democracy or whatever else the people are shouting about.

Why the protest to get rid of corruption now?

You have to start somewhere don't you? Should we ignore corruption since as you say it dates back to who knows when? And once again, I'm reading another conspiracy theory. If you know something, don't be vague, tell it.

I will remain vague on that topic and let you dismiss me as another conspiracist.

As far as corruption, all societies face this, tackle this and so far it seems like the rule of law is the only thing that can at least hold it back, and that is all. I think Thais know this as well. The hype of fighting against corruption right now is more of a comradery chant. There is no substance. If I'm a true historian and I have a video camera to catch all the corruptions of people, I would show it to you. But, we all pretty much agree even without a camera, that it has been going on omnipresent.

[TVGerry]

I will remain vague on that topic and let you dismiss me as another conspiracist.

As far as corruption, all societies face this, tackle this and so far it seems like the rule of law is the only thing that can at least hold it back, and that is all. I think Thais know this as well. The hype of fighting against corruption right now is more of a comradery chant. There is no substance. If I'm a true historian and I have a video camera to catch all the corruptions of people, I would show it to you. But, we all pretty much agree even without a camera, that it has been going on omnipresent.

Of course you'll remain vague. Since when is a conspiracy theorist not?

Edited January 2, 2014 by TVGerry

[jackrich]

i remember that at the height of the red protests in 2010 the never managed to amass more then 60,00 to 70,000 people. in this respect one has to say that suthep's movement is much more powerful, even if one doesn't like the man...

I wonder where the red shirts are going to hold 500,000 people and NOT bring Bangkok to a stand still?

Yes! Please come and make sure the shut down work perfectly. 500,000 people from red? Make sure the middle guys pay your salary in full which is a bit tough.

Or it could be that the red shirts are just not as dumb as the yellow shirts.

On top of that, not every red shirt can afford to sit all day on the streets doing nothing but blowing a whistle. Most of them are poor and have to work for every Baht.

Most of the yellow shirt protesters are middle class or rich and can obviously afford to do nothing for weeks, except giving 100, 500 and 1000 Baht bills to Suthep.

Maybe that explains it?

Strange, why don't the Democrats win any elections for 23 years in a row if they allegedly have such a huge amount of support?

Did you notice that he was talking about 2010, when the rent a red mob occupied Bangkok for more than a month ?

And to answer your last line, you have answered it yourself, the democrat supporters don't get paid for their support.

Really? Then why have Democrats been disqualified in the 2009 elections for vote buying by the Election Commission? And in 2011, the entire Bhumjaithai Party was disqualified because of vote buying. Lets remember that Bhumjaithai was the Democrat party's biggest ally after the coup. Without Bhumjaithai, the Democrats would have never gotten a majority in parliament.

Who's corrupt and buying votes now? Tell me.

[tingtongteesood]

I tried to read Jatuporn announcement "between the lines". I'm not shure I'm right, but I have the feeling that:

1: The red want a coup as well. They think that they will still win the elections even after reforms.

2: They expect that a lot of southern demonstrators will go back home if it becomes too dangerous to be in BKK.

Agreed. The reds are fighting for a cause. The anti-gov crew are fighting for pocket money.

I suspect Suthep's troops to turn tail and run when the red army arrives at the gates of Bangkok

You have this completely backwards mr, red propagandist. There is video evidence of the reds paying people to attend the protests in 2010 as they wanted to falsely show how many people were behind them. Half of them ddidn't even know why they were there, they just came for the money then the 'leaders' tried to brainwash them with evereyone else. The current anti government protestors are not paid at all ( except some free food ) and are there because they are fighting for a cause.

[Donnie Brasco]

And the civil war begins........

Naw, they're too forkin' lazy.

[tingtongteesood]

i remember that at the height of the red protests in 2010 the never managed to amass more then 60,00 to 70,000 people. in this respect one has to say that suthep's movement is much more powerful, even if one doesn't like the man...

I wonder where the red shirts are going to hold 500,000 people and NOT bring Bangkok to a stand still?

Yes! Please come and make sure the shut down work perfectly. 500,000 people from red? Make sure the middle guys pay your salary in full which is a bit tough.

Or it could be that the red shirts are just not as dumb as the yellow shirts.

On top of that, not every red shirt can afford to sit all day on the streets doing nothing but blowing a whistle. Most of them are poor and have to work for every Baht.

Most of the yellow shirt protesters are middle class or rich and can obviously afford to do nothing for weeks, except giving 100, 500 and 1000 Baht bills to Suthep.

Maybe that explains it?

Strange, why don't the Democrats win any elections for 23 years in a row if they allegedly have such a huge amount of support?

The red shirts are dumb because they believe all the red bull and support a convicted fugitive and his criminal clan based on promises of ruining the country with stupid populist policies to keep their support.

Another red twit who has it all backwards. The reds got paid every day they attended in 2010, copious ( that means a lot ) evidence of it including videos of the paymasters counting out the cash and checking the lists of names, so they could easily afford to protest as they got paid very well for it. So don't make bs excuses for their low numbers.

However, the 'yellows' as you call the anti government protestors, who yes include yellow shirts as members among many thousands of other people are not being paid, they are protesting for a cause they believe in.

And I repeat for the umpteenth time, Thaksin never has and never will take part in a fair election he could lose. 3 parties banned for electoral fraud and 200 of the members in the current PT gang of crooks. Crooked through and through ( like your red propaganda addled brain ). No fair elections with them involved...

Edited January 2, 2014 by tingtongteesood

[englishoak]

i remember that at the height of the red protests in 2010 the never managed to amass more then 60,00 to 70,000 people. in this respect one has to say that suthep's movement is much more powerful, even if one doesn't like the man...

Or it could be that the red shirts are just not as dumb as the yellow shirts.

On top of that, not every red shirt can afford to sit all day on the streets doing nothing but blowing a whistle. Most of them are poor and have to work for every Baht.

Most of the yellow shirt protesters are middle class or rich and can obviously afford to do nothing for weeks, except giving 100, 500 and 1000 Baht bills to Suthep.

Maybe that explains it?

Strange, why don't the Democrats win any elections for 23 years in a row if they allegedly have such a huge amount of support?

The red shirts are dumb because they believe all the red bull and support a convicted fugitive and his criminal clan based on promises of ruining the country with stupid populist policies to keep their support.

Another red twit who has it all backwards. The reds got paid every day they attended in 2010, copious ( that means a lot ) evidence of it including videos of the paymasters counting out the cash and checking the lists of names, so they could easily afford to protest as they got paid very well for it. So don't make bs excuses for their low numbers.

However, the 'yellows' as you call the anti government protestors, who yes include yellow shirts as members among many thousands of other people are not being paid, they are protesting for a cause they believe in.

And I repeat for the umpteenth time, Thaksin never has and never will take part in a fair election he could lose. 3 parties banned for electoral fraud and 200 of the members in the current PT gang of crooks. Crooked through and through ( like your red propaganda addled brain ). No fair elections with them involved...

Thats how you win elections

Dispense with the crusade and the colour waving please, corruption abounds everywhere and always has, believe what you wish the whole lot is rotten to the core, was before Thaksin and will be long after.

Bottom line Thailand gets what Thailand deserves and will continue to, good or bad it all rests with the people and how far they wish to take it. Will they embrace the rule of law and consign the army to serving the country first as it should before its paymasters ? I doubt it.

[mumjokmok]

It's gonna make for good TV when it kicks off.

And as usual with sports like this it's the commentary that's most easily heard over the action on screen, drowning out the real roars of the crowd with the simple touch of a fader, the screams of the ex-player in the booth salivating into his microphone, describing the upcoming play, vigorously chastising the slow motion replay that exposes the umpiring injustice, bringing the audience the feelings on the pitch, the sweat on the brow, the raw tension and energy felt by all involved. They win awards those tv stations... not sure if they take auditions for 'victim' but someone knows their lines.

[MAJIC]

This is Hilarious! coming from the Guy that did wonders to close Bangkok in 2010,seriously you couldn't make this stuff up!

[zydeco]

There will not be a civil war. Even people in the rural provinces now have too much to lose in such a scenario. The fact is, life is okay for 98 percent of them. They like to watch soap operas and soccer games, drink whiskey and listen to music, and probably do some weekend/holiday gambling on a regular schedule. However modest that might seem to the professional revolutionaries on this board, imported from the UK (and a few from the US), it's much better than what they had 20 or even 10 years ago. I doubt that they will be willing to sell their lives for the sake of the Shins.

[OnMyWay2]

Can someone explain this to me? So the average Thai from say Isaan. Are they red shirts or yellow shirts?

[MAJIC]

Alwyn, on 02 Jan 2014 - 16:00, said:

Prbkk, on 02 Jan 2014 - 15:21, said:

This is what happens when one side of the political divide decides not to play by the rules. Thank Suthep for any violence

I agree totally. I also predict you're going to get battered here about YL being a pawn of Thaksin and it's all Thaksin and red shirts fault, yardy yardy etc

Isn't it Alwyn?

This is when everything started going bad!

Red shirts try to protect their government elected on the back of 15 million votes, what should they do? It's caused by Mr Suthep trying to circumvent the democratic electoral process, nobody else. One thing we agree on is that it's going to get bad, to quote Enoch Powell, "rivers of blood" will be coming. Shame for the normal Thai citizens who had their say in the votes (from both parties not just PT voters). Worse still is that in the future people will think this is normal, don't like the party that's been elected? No problem we'll follow Suthep's example...

Fortunately Alwyn,Enoch Powells "Rivers of Blood" speech is often misquoted, i.e it's been 45 years since his speech, granted there has been millions of Immigrants,but thankfully no "Rivers of Blood" Let us hope and Pray there will be no Civil war,or indeed Rivers of Blood,in Thailand either,

[mumjokmok]

There will not be a civil war. Even people in the rural provinces now have too much to lose in such a scenario. The fact is, life is okay for 98 percent of them. They like to watch soap operas and soccer games, drink whiskey and listen to music, and probably do some weekend/holiday gambling on a regular schedule. However modest that might seem to the professional revolutionaries on this board, imported from the UK (and a few from the US), it's much better than what they had 20 or even 10 years ago. I doubt that they will be willing to sell their lives for the sake of the Shins.

I do often think about this. Knowing Thai people, they can have the fault of acting easily without the thought of foresight. On the other hand I can't see this whole glorious nation of soap opera-watchers going headlong into awful discomfort for more than a couple of weeks once they get bored of it. Maybe overtake on the highway without the patience to wait until safe yes, push in line first at the shop and then pretend they are invisible and no other waiting customer can see them yes, but risk everything they know for something rumoured to be very bad and a very serious threat, almost certainly not.

[khunsiam]

"We will fight under peaceful principles".

I don't think there will be many reds coming to BKK. The missunderstood fugitive will not pay for tens of thousands to come to BKK. Perhaps he'll only pay a few dozen Cambodians for some shooting and torching. He will not go down without bloodshed.

One last post before going to bed. I think the big boss order the red but the middle guys pocket in most and order the the Cambodians professional instead. Cost saving and effective indeed. I wish not so many people die this month.

I hope that the "rat shirts" are included, as you called them