Opposition protesters march through Thai capital

[Lite Beer]

Opposition protesters march through Thai capital

BANGKOK, January 5, 2014 (AFP) - Thousands of Thai opposition protesters marched through Bangkok on Sunday to demand the prime minister step down, in a "warm-up" for their planned occupation of the city.

The demonstrators, who are seeking to curb the political dominance of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's billionaire family, say they will "shut down" Bangkok from January 13.

They have vowed to set up protest stages around the capital, prevent government officials from going to work and to cut off power and water to government offices as well as to the residences of the prime minister and her cabinet.

Yingluck has called elections for February but the protesters have vowed to block the vote, which they fear will only return the Shinawatra clan to power.

The protesters marched through the city's historic district on Sunday in an attempt to build support for the occupation attempt, with similar action planned for Tuesday and Thursday.

"It is our first march of the year to kick things off for the shut down," said a spokeswoman for the anti-government movement, Anchalee Paireerak.

Thailand has been periodically convulsed by political bloodshed since Yingluck's older brother Thaksin Shinawatra was overthrown by royalist generals in a coup in 2006.

The protesters, who largely comprise southerners, royalists, middle class Thais and urban elite, accuse the billionaire tycoon-turned-politician of corruption and say he controls his sister's government from his self-exile in Dubai.

They want an unelected "people's council" to run the country to oversee loosely-defined reforms -- such as an end to alleged "vote buying"-- before new elections are held in around a year to 18 months.

Thai stocks and the baht currency have fallen sharply on concerns that the deepening crisis will scare off foreign tourists and international investment.

Eight people have already been killed and about 400 wounded in several outbreaks of street violence in recent weeks.

Yingluck's government still enjoys strong support in the northern half of the country and is expected to win the election if it goes ahead.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-01-05

[Lite Beer]

Over 800 local officials join Bangkok Shutdown

BANGKOK: -- More than 800 local administration officials in their uniform took to the protest stage at the Democracy Monument Saturday night to declare their support for the anti-government protest and to join the January 13 “Bangkok Shutdown” campaign.

The officials who include about 600 kamnan, village headmen and their assistants from Surat Thani province alone are the first largest group to come out openly to defy the government. The rest came from Chanthaburi.

Their presence at the protest stage was greeted with applauses, cheers and whistlings from a huge crowd of protesters.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban who also hailed from Surat Thani told the audience that there would be more local administration officials to join the “Bangkok Shutdown” campaign.

“This is a historic picture that will be imprinted in the hearts of the people and will be a morale booster for the great mass of people to take home the victory for the people,” said Suthep in the company of the local officials as members of the press took the group pictures.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/800-local-officials-join-bangkok-shutdown/?

utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=800-local-officials-join-bangkok-shutdown

-- Thai PBS 2014-01-05

[Scamper]

This protest walk will simply overwhelm the system, yet in a very positive way, because it will be expressed cheerfully and freely - by the Thai people. They will be celebrating what Thailand can become. They will be celebrating a society without corruption. But they will first and foremost be celebrating an administration without Thaksin. Many still want this movement to be about Suthep. In fact, they are rather desperate in their attempt at that. And yet none of the millions who will join this walk will be called Suthep, nor will they have been somehow magically brainwashed. So we need to give credit to the people who decide to take part. What really bugs people apparently is that these protests are going ahead, as if protest and civil disobedience should never be tolerated in a free society. For them, one suspects - Syria is a model. For some, democracy means an event that takes place in one day every four years. But for others, democracy is a daily commitment, a living, breathing thing, where participation and holding elected officials accountable is an ongoing and healthy practice. And for those that think that is already the case here - there really isn't much hope.

[soi41]

Over 800 local officials join Bangkok Shutdown

BANGKOK: -- More than 800 local administration officials in their uniform took to the protest stage at the Democracy Monument Saturday night to declare their support for the anti-government protest and to join the January 13 “Bangkok Shutdown” campaign.

The officials who include about 600 kamnan, village headmen and their assistants from Surat Thani province alone are the first largest group to come out openly to defy the government. The rest came from Chanthaburi.

Their presence at the protest stage was greeted with applauses, cheers and whistlings from a huge crowd of protesters.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban who also hailed from Surat Thani told the audience that there would be more local administration officials to join the “Bangkok Shutdown” campaign.

“This is a historic picture that will be imprinted in the hearts of the people and will be a morale booster for the great mass of people to take home the victory for the people,” said Suthep in the company of the local officials as members of the press took the group pictures.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/800-local-officials-join-bangkok-shutdown/?

utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=800-local-officials-join-bangkok-shutdown

-- Thai PBS 2014-01-05

"The officials who include about 600 kamnan, village headmen and theirs assistents from Surat Thani"

From Surat Thani!! What a surprise!!

[Mr Yim]

This protest walk will simply overwhelm the system, yet in a very positive way, because it will be expressed cheerfully and freely - by the Thai people. They will be celebrating what Thailand can become. They will be celebrating a society without corruption. But they will first and foremost be celebrating an administration without Thaksin. Many still want this movement to be about Suthep. In fact, they are rather desperate in their attempt at that. And yet none of the millions who will join this walk will be called Suthep, nor will they have been somehow magically brainwashed. So we need to give credit to the people who decide to take part. What really bugs people apparently is that these protests are going ahead, as if protest and civil disobedience should never be tolerated in a free society. For them, one suspects - Syria is a model. For some, democracy means an event that takes place in one day every four years. But for others, democracy is a daily commitment, a living, breathing thing, where participation and holding elected officials accountable is an ongoing and healthy practice. And for those that think that is already the case here - there really isn't much hope.

Society without corruption

So Thai society will become the model society which every other country in the world will seek to emulate. Maybe Khun Suthep will be able to tour the globe giving guidance to other nations about how he removed corruption and achieved true democracy in Thailand.

[aaacorp]

This protest walk will simply overwhelm the system, yet in a very positive way, because it will be expressed cheerfully and freely - by the Thai people. They will be celebrating what Thailand can become. They will be celebrating a society without corruption. But they will first and foremost be celebrating an administration without Thaksin. Many still want this movement to be about Suthep. In fact, they are rather desperate in their attempt at that. And yet none of the millions who will join this walk will be called Suthep, nor will they have been somehow magically brainwashed. So we need to give credit to the people who decide to take part. What really bugs people apparently is that these protests are going ahead, as if protest and civil disobedience should never be tolerated in a free society. For them, one suspects - Syria is a model. For some, democracy means an event that takes place in one day every four years. But for others, democracy is a daily commitment, a living, breathing thing, where participation and holding elected officials accountable is an ongoing and healthy practice. And for those that think that is already the case here - there really isn't much hope.

Let 's see:

"overwhelm the system, yet in a very positive way, because it will be expressed cheerfully and freely "....

- this will definitly not be cheerful and freely, we already have some hints from the recent past events

"nor will they have been somehow magically brainwashed"

-yeah that s why Suthep is the leader of this movement, people with him still do not remember he was involved in many corruption histories.

"But for others, democracy is a daily commitment, a living, breathing thing, where participation and holding elected officials accountable is an ongoing and healthy practice"

- Suthep was a part of the Democrat government and still didn t change anything to the laws to get rid of corruption

I m not fan of thaksin but c'mon guys, if the whole thai people is in favor of a change then they won t accept bribes and they could go to the polls right?

If they are so much "not against the poor" why they said they will reduce the minimum wage from 300thb to 200thb ?

If they want such change then, and this is the crucial part : WHAT IS THE F*CKING PLAN ? all we know is "we will explain you after, when we will be in charge?

If they want to unite thai why put Suthep in first line when this guy will still be remembered by the thaksin supporters to be the man who ordered to use live rounds against them?

[JRSoul]

"The officials who include about 600 kamnan, village headmen and theirs assistents from Surat Thani"

From Surat Thani!! What a surprise!!

You forgot to say "Surat Thani Elite", and the "other province."

Edited January 5, 2014 by JRSoul

[Johnnie99]

Personally I am enjoying the effects of these protests - receiving money from abroad is increasing in value

[Alwyn]

This protest walk will simply overwhelm the system, yet in a very positive way, because it will be expressed cheerfully and freely - by the Thai people. They will be celebrating what Thailand can become. They will be celebrating a society without corruption. But they will first and foremost be celebrating an administration without Thaksin. Many still want this movement to be about Suthep. In fact, they are rather desperate in their attempt at that. And yet none of the millions who will join this walk will be called Suthep, nor will they have been somehow magically brainwashed. So we need to give credit to the people who decide to take part. What really bugs people apparently is that these protests are going ahead, as if protest and civil disobedience should never be tolerated in a free society. For them, one suspects - Syria is a model. For some, democracy means an event that takes place in one day every four years. But for others, democracy is a daily commitment, a living, breathing thing, where participation and holding elected officials accountable is an ongoing and healthy practice. And for those that think that is already the case here - there really isn't much hope.

Society without corruption

So Thai society will become the model society which every other country in the world will seek to emulate. Maybe Khun Suthep will be able to tour the globe giving guidance to other nations about how he removed corruption and achieved true democracy in Thailand.

Dang, you beat me to the punch on the numpty comment by Mr Yim! He must be on the old disco biscuits or something

[Mr Yim]

This protest walk will simply overwhelm the system, yet in a very positive way, because it will be expressed cheerfully and freely - by the Thai people. They will be celebrating what Thailand can become. They will be celebrating a society without corruption. But they will first and foremost be celebrating an administration without Thaksin. Many still want this movement to be about Suthep. In fact, they are rather desperate in their attempt at that. And yet none of the millions who will join this walk will be called Suthep, nor will they have been somehow magically brainwashed. So we need to give credit to the people who decide to take part. What really bugs people apparently is that these protests are going ahead, as if protest and civil disobedience should never be tolerated in a free society. For them, one suspects - Syria is a model. For some, democracy means an event that takes place in one day every four years. But for others, democracy is a daily commitment, a living, breathing thing, where participation and holding elected officials accountable is an ongoing and healthy practice. And for those that think that is already the case here - there really isn't much hope.

Society without corruption

So Thai society will become the model society which every other country in the world will seek to emulate. Maybe Khun Suthep will be able to tour the globe giving guidance to other nations about how he removed corruption and achieved true democracy in Thailand.

Dang, you beat me to the punch on the numpty comment by Mr Yim! He must be on the old disco biscuits or something

Alwyn, Dang must have removed his post.

Doubtless you are fully conversant with Sutheps past? If not I would suggest you look it up on Wikipedia.

Joking aside, corruption is ingrained in practically every society in the world. The only difference here in Thailand, is that it is done so unashamedly in the open and seems to be accepted. I thought the last year some in roads were being made with some highly publicised cases being brought against individuals. However, for some reason, many people take the view that Thaksins corruption is unacceptable, whereas Sutheps is. Neither is acceptable to good honest people. Therein lies the problem

[Alwyn]

This protest walk will simply overwhelm the system, yet in a very positive way, because it will be expressed cheerfully and freely - by the Thai people. They will be celebrating what Thailand can become. They will be celebrating a society without corruption. But they will first and foremost be celebrating an administration without Thaksin. Many still want this movement to be about Suthep. In fact, they are rather desperate in their attempt at that. And yet none of the millions who will join this walk will be called Suthep, nor will they have been somehow magically brainwashed. So we need to give credit to the people who decide to take part. What really bugs people apparently is that these protests are going ahead, as if protest and civil disobedience should never be tolerated in a free society. For them, one suspects - Syria is a model. For some, democracy means an event that takes place in one day every four years. But for others, democracy is a daily commitment, a living, breathing thing, where participation and holding elected officials accountable is an ongoing and healthy practice. And for those that think that is already the case here - there really isn't much hope.

Society without corruption

So Thai society will become the model society which every other country in the world will seek to emulate. Maybe Khun Suthep will be able to tour the globe giving guidance to other nations about how he removed corruption and achieved true democracy in Thailand.

Dang, you beat me to the punch on the numpty comment by Mr Yim! He must be on the old disco biscuits or something

Alwyn, Dang must have removed his post.

Doubtless you are fully conversant with Sutheps past? If not I would suggest you look it up on Wikipedia.

Joking aside, corruption is ingrained in practically every society in the world. The only difference here in Thailand, is that it is done so unashamedly in the open and seems to be accepted. I thought the last year some in roads were being made with some highly publicised cases being brought against individuals. However, for some reason, many people take the view that Thaksins corruption is unacceptable, whereas Sutheps is. Neither is acceptable to good honest people. Therein lies the problem

lol.. "dang" is an old fashioned term meaning "DOH"! I am indeed up tp speed with Sutheps history, he's probably as corrupt in his own right as Thaksin. civil disobedience in a free society = anarchy. Not good for democracy, one might say.

I agree there are no places on this planet that are free from corruption except maybe tribes in the amazon basin that have not been tainted by "democracy or civilisation" A Kibbutz is a pretty corrupt free community too as it happens. People can do the talking with their feet every few years. If the don't like corruption and bribery then refuse the bribes at voting time. Syria is a totally different issue than democracy, there are deep tribal issues there as in Egypt and most Islamic med-east countries.

[aimbc]

This lockdown of Bangkok is going to be monumental.

They have given themselves 2 weeks to get organized, and we have seen how effective they can be with just a couple of days of organizing. I think this move will be a lot more than people anticipate.

If they are on the streets come election time (if we get that far) I think the EC can forget about voting in possibly scores of polling stations around the capital.

Waste of time and money having this election, any result will be voided, because it will be a huge determination of the protesters. Seeing as I am against more elections before reform, I hope they do everything they can to block it.

I see you are the BSPolice!!

Do us all a favour, and make a citizens arrest of yourself!!

Congratulations by the way, I see your new username have lasted a little longer than your 5-6 previous ones!!

It is sad to see posters who know they can not come with a meaningful thoughts or rebuttal have to resort to childish comments such as this. And especially the ones that press like. This is one major problem with our society.

[metisdead]

A troll post of hyperbolic proportions has been removed. Other nonsense posts and replies have been removed as well.

[metisdead]

Some off topic posts and replies have been removed, this isn't about corruption in New Zealand, etc.

Edit to add: Comment on moderation has been removed as per forum rule 21:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?app=forums&module=extras&section=boardrules

Edited January 5, 2014 by metisdead
Added comment.

[AryanicAristocrat]

Does this caretaker govt and the police and the rest of the decent Bangkokians have any ball or what.....allowing these Democrats and Southerners to hold Bangkok hostage and cause economic hardships. These garbage cannot even get their own Southern provinces into order the amount of violenet deaths in the deep southa nd cheating and mafia thugs in Samui, Krabi and worst Phuket. In other countries, these garbage would be shot at sight. Enough is enough.....i hate the PTP, Red Shirts, Yellow Shirts, etc but to hold the capital hostage......common something ought to be done.

[potters]

What numbers are being thrown around for today's march.

You can quote official Millions which they want us to believe.

Anyone know true estimates.

Reason i ask is BTS was nowhere near as busy as the pre Xmas march,

both in the morning and early evening.

In fact not heard a whistle all day.

[oldthaihand99]

Does this caretaker govt and the police and the rest of the decent Bangkokians have any ball or what.....allowing these Democrats and Southerners to hold Bangkok hostage and cause economic hardships. These garbage cannot even get their own Southern provinces into order the amount of violenet deaths in the deep southa nd cheating and mafia thugs in Samui, Krabi and worst Phuket. In other countries, these garbage would be shot at sight. Enough is enough.....i hate the PTP, Red Shirts, Yellow Shirts, etc but to hold the capital hostage......common something ought to be done.

LOS is an extremely tolerant nation.

Where else is it acceptable to have so many boys dressing up like girls.

Imagine if Suthep tried this krap in the USA.

[rijb]

This protest walk will simply overwhelm the system, yet in a very positive way, because it will be expressed cheerfully and freely - by the Thai people. They will be celebrating what Thailand can become. They will be celebrating a society without corruption. But they will first and foremost be celebrating an administration without Thaksin. Many still want this movement to be about Suthep. In fact, they are rather desperate in their attempt at that. And yet none of the millions who will join this walk will be called Suthep, nor will they have been somehow magically brainwashed. So we need to give credit to the people who decide to take part. What really bugs people apparently is that these protests are going ahead, as if protest and civil disobedience should never be tolerated in a free society. For them, one suspects - Syria is a model. For some, democracy means an event that takes place in one day every four years. But for others, democracy is a daily commitment, a living, breathing thing, where participation and holding elected officials accountable is an ongoing and healthy practice. And for those that think that is already the case here - there really isn't much hope.

Praise the savior/saviour! Utopia is just around the corner. If you believe in Suthep, clap your hands!

[Dad in Thailand]

BTS was nowhere near as busy as the pre Xmas march,

both in the morning and early evening.

In fact not heard a whistle all day.

I think most normal middle-class Thai folk have come to realize that Suthep is, excuse the term, batshit crazy.

What started out as protesting against the amnesty bill, which is fair enough, has developed into him becoming a powercrazed madman wanting his non-elected government and is demanding that the capital city, their livelihood, is locked down until he gets it. The result of which could be a massive civil war. Thais carry a lot of emotion locked deep inside, if they feel you are wronging them, robbing them of a leader they fairly elected, again, it could be powderkeg time.

[Dad in Thailand]

LOS is an extremely tolerant nation.

But when they explode, you best be far far way from them.

[Spartakos]

The corruption is a reality in LOS in every aspect of Their life. So the current protests are not because of people trying to eradicate it overnight, they are not so naive to believe that.

Nor this protest is about PTP because it is a "bad" party and protesters think they can replace it with a "good" one that is nonsense.

People protest because they are afraid of what thai political system have become under Dr.T. It is few steps away from unofficial 1 man (not even a party, literally 1 man) state.He rules unconditionally in his party and have eradicated most checks and balances systems except for Constitutional court. Opposition is toothless, police is bought, army is pacified, media are owned. Very scary concept for anyone who cares to think about where it leads.

And please restrain from "but Suthep..." comments, it's not about him and never was.

[tingtongteesood]

The corruption is a reality in LOS in every aspect of Their life. So the current protests are not because of people trying to eradicate it overnight, they are not so naive to believe that.

Nor this protest is about PTP because it is a "bad" party and protesters think they can replace it with a "good" one that is nonsense.

People protest because they are afraid of what thai political system have become under Dr.T. It is few steps away from unofficial 1 man (not even a party, literally 1 man) state.He rules unconditionally in his party and have eradicated most checks and balances systems except for Constitutional court. Opposition is toothless, police is bought, army is pacified, media are owned. Very scary concept for anyone who cares to think about where it leads.

And please restrain from "but Suthep..." comments, it's not about him and never was.

Thanks for bringing some rational comment, it's a refreshing change from what this place has become of late...

[MrSlatersParrot]

The corruption is a reality in LOS in every aspect of Their life. So the current protests are not because of people trying to eradicate it overnight, they are not so naive to believe that.

Nor this protest is about PTP because it is a "bad" party and protesters think they can replace it with a "good" one that is nonsense.

People protest because they are afraid of what thai political system have become under Dr.T. It is few steps away from unofficial 1 man (not even a party, literally 1 man) state.He rules unconditionally in his party and have eradicated most checks and balances systems except for Constitutional court. Opposition is toothless, police is bought, army is pacified, media are owned. Very scary concept for anyone who cares to think about where it leads.

And please restrain from "but Suthep..." comments, it's not about him and never was.

Some truth in what you say.

Up to a point.

His party dominates.

Were everyone in Bangkok able to vote his party would dominate in Bangkok.

It's not true to say the media is in his control. That's laughable.

Nor the police, rank and file most yes, nor certainly the judiciary, not the hisos, those financing the PCAD etc.

The scary chang in the room is of course the army and we know what they do best don't we?

More pertinent may be what the PCAD (PAD) protestors plan to do once they get control.

{Note below part of article is an allegation only so far)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/rising-tensions-in-thailand-pit-urbanites-against-rural-poor/article16193807/

Some yellow-shirt activists said a list has circulated bearing the names of some 3,000 people who believe they are slated for execution in case of a coup. Pongpit Onlamai has been told he is on it because he runs a red-shirt website, the movement’s best-read and therefore most powerful. “I think I am seen as an IT weapon,” he said. He also runs a popular daily radio show in Khon Kaen, where he regularly gets calls from people looking to sabotage his show by speaking ill of the Thai monarchy, a serious sin in a country with the world’s strictest lèse majesté laws.

“I am not scared, because I haven’t done anything wrong,” Mr. Pongpit said. “But I have told my father if I disappear for a couple of days, it means I am gone. Dead.”

[Spartakos]

The corruption is a reality in LOS in every aspect of Their life. So the current protests are not because of people trying to eradicate it overnight, they are not so naive to believe that.

Nor this protest is about PTP because it is a "bad" party and protesters think they can replace it with a "good" one that is nonsense.

People protest because they are afraid of what thai political system have become under Dr.T. It is few steps away from unofficial 1 man (not even a party, literally 1 man) state.He rules unconditionally in his party and have eradicated most checks and balances systems except for Constitutional court. Opposition is toothless, police is bought, army is pacified, media are owned. Very scary concept for anyone who cares to think about where it leads.

And please restrain from "but Suthep..." comments, it's not about him and never was.

Some truth in what you say.

Up to a point.

His party dominates.

Were everyone in Bangkok able to vote his party would dominate in Bangkok.

It's not true to say the media is in his control. That's laughable.

Nor the police, rank and file most yes, nor certainly the judiciary, not the hisos, those financing the PCAD etc.

The scary chang in the room is of course the army and we know what they do best don't we?

More pertinent may be what the PCAD (PAD) protestors plan to do once they get control.

{Note below part of article is an allegation only so far)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/rising-tensions-in-thailand-pit-urbanites-against-rural-poor/article16193807/

Some yellow-shirt activists said a list has circulated bearing the names of some 3,000 people who believe they are slated for execution in case of a coup. Pongpit Onlamai has been told he is on it because he runs a red-shirt website, the movement’s best-read and therefore most powerful. “I think I am seen as an IT weapon,” he said. He also runs a popular daily radio show in Khon Kaen, where he regularly gets calls from people looking to sabotage his show by speaking ill of the Thai monarchy, a serious sin in a country with the world’s strictest lèse majesté laws.

“I am not scared, because I haven’t done anything wrong,” Mr. Pongpit said. “But I have told my father if I disappear for a couple of days, it means I am gone. Dead.”

The people in this country is choosing their side of the power struggle.

Have you noticed how the police, ACC, DSI have showed their alliances, no wonder since they are appointed by ruling party.

Judiciary are divided but only the constitution court have shown their true colours so far, the rest are just sold for the higher bidder in power i suppose.

I can't say i have followed 100% of the air time from all major thai TV channels but what i have seen was clearly biased to a point when even people who do not agree with protest had to turn on BLUE SKY to get some of the info from the other side.

Suggesting that protests are mostly PAD supporters is laughable, PAD is trying to ride the wave that might bring them to power, i think if PAD tries to pull the same antics that Dr.T did they will face the same people protesting against them on the streets.

In my opinion hardcore PAD should be in prison cells right next to the red shirted counterparts.

But all this is just our opinions and we can't really prove any of that stuff.

The undeniable fact is that one side have a name and is 1 person with all the power in his hands while the other is an enigmatic group of amart-bangkokmiddleclass-elite-PAD-hisos people trying to deprive the goodly isaan-northern folks from the happy life they are entitled to. You choose one there is no third option available, sadly.