More candle lighting sessions to block Bangkok shutdown

[Maha Sarakham Marty]

it's good to see that students from Thammasat University are also active in the candle campaign. This shouldn't be a surprise. Thammasat was founded by Pridi Banomyong, perhaps the greatest ever hero of Thailand (or 'Siam' as it then was, and still should be). Pridi was instrumental in changing Siam/Thailand forever. He helped turn an absolute monarchy into a constitutional democracy, and was then exiled for doing so, though that wasn't the ostensible reason. Some of his story is told in one of the most engaging books written about Siam: Alexander Macdonald's 'Bangkok Editor' (1949).

Other parts of the story can be seen by visiting Thammasat University itself. Do go and see the sculpture area (just next to the big assembly hall) and then go and see, outside in the road leading to the river, the exhibition of images that has been placed on the outside walls of the university, telling the story year by year since its founding in 1934. It's a microcosm of Siam/Thailand: demonstrations, coups, students killed by the state, fascist leaders of Thailand/Siam, dubious rectors, dictatorship supported by the USA. An absolutely shameful history in many ways, and of course it's still continuing with the clampdown on democracy we have today.

That's why it's so shocking to see so many farangs on here, ignorant of history, trying to defend what Suthep is doing.

Perhaps you could share your history with the scores of Thammasat University students that participated in the huge PDRC rally last month, although I didn't observe any farang amongst the university students own large contingent as they marched past Siam Square.

[tilac2]

it's good to see that students from Thammasat University are also active in the candle campaign. This shouldn't be a surprise. Thammasat was founded by Pridi Banomyong, perhaps the greatest ever hero of Thailand (or 'Siam' as it then was, and still should be). Pridi was instrumental in changing Siam/Thailand forever. He helped turn an absolute monarchy into a constitutional democracy, and was then exiled for doing so, though that wasn't the ostensible reason. Some of his story is told in one of the most engaging books written about Siam: Alexander Macdonald's 'Bangkok Editor' (1949).

Other parts of the story can be seen by visiting Thammasat University itself. Do go and see the sculpture area (just next to the big assembly hall) and then go and see, outside in the road leading to the river, the exhibition of images that has been placed on the outside walls of the university, telling the story year by year since its founding in 1934. It's a microcosm of Siam/Thailand: demonstrations, coups, students killed by the state, fascist leaders of Thailand/Siam, dubious rectors, dictatorship supported by the USA. An absolutely shameful history in many ways, and of course it's still continuing with the clampdown on democracy we have today.

That's why it's so shocking to see so many farangs on here, ignorant of history, trying to defend what Suthep is doing.

Perhaps you could share your history with the scores of Thammasat University students that participated in the huge PDRC rally last month, although I didn't observe any farang amongst the university students own large contingent as they marched past Siam Square.

Gosh that's depressing, though one would have to know how many scores of Thammasat students were there. Anyway we'll see on Sunday if many Thammasat students turn up at their candle rally at 6 PM.

I suppose even in an enlightened institution like Thammasat you can't make students think sensibly, and if they want to follow Suthep that's their choice. A bit like Mr Abhisit at Oxford. He goes to the university, follows the PPE curriculum and still he doesn't understand what democracy means. Well with both Thammasat and Oxford I guess the lesson is 'you can take a horse to water but you can't make it ... do the right thing.'

[Cnxforever]

Why are the signs in English, So Johnathon Head can read it I suspect, I it really surprises me how the BBC has become so one sided as Fox in the states, regardless of your opinion, if any on these shinagainas in Thailand.

It really highlights how the BBC is no longer a credible news source for anything. I used to kind of trust the BBC compared to the others.

The signs are in English because the originator of the campaign spoke in English when he heckled Mr. Abhishit with the words "Respect my Vote". He probably used English as the goons that act as security at these functions wouldn't be able to understand it, thus giving him a few more seconds to make his point before being ejected. 'Mark' Abhishit would understand it of course and the Thai press soon translated it for the masses.

He did not speak in English - he was speaking in Thai - the only thing in English was the sign reading "Respect my Vote" - video footage is availble - the message he conveyed was that -.He shouted in Thai - "If you cannot even reform yourself, how can you reform the country?”. Abhisit was visibly surprised by the incident and when the whistle was blown first he thought it was a supporter and thanked the man.

The heckler went on to shout, “When you were the government, why didn’t you do it? (introduce reforms) - Stop the discourse about anti-corruption. You have intimidated other people, so can they not intimidate you as well?”

When he is led away and that is when Abhisit made his stupid remarks - about "this is the reason why we need reforms" ????

Then Abhisit said - “This is the conduct of the Democrat Party′s rivals”, to which the heckler shot back, “I am not your rival, I am the people!”

After the heckler had been removed, Abhisit probably made his most stupid remark - he told the crowd that such harassment is a reason why the upcoming election on 2 February 2014 would not be a fair one!

The leader of the opposition can not take a few harsh words of a Thai citizen who wants nothing but that he respects his vote!???

I mean he did not shoot at him or was throwing a shoe or something - it was only words - but words that come from a simple Thai - the arrogant Abhisit does not want to hear! And because somebody conveys his message in an unorthodox way to him the elections "will not be fair???"

[tullynagardy]

Great to see things evolving from Suthep v Thaskin into the real battle of Suthep v democracy which is what direction things must take to beat this lunatic.

Millions of people are disillusioned with Yingluck but realise the road Suthep wants to take Thailand down is even worse. This provides them a neutral movement to show their disgust at a man that wants to drag Thailand back to the middle ages.

[chooka]

Clearly these people are the red-shirts (temporary dress in white) and support Thaksin,and quick like receive 500 Baht from Thaksin to vote for his sister (but I have no prove).

Is that all Thaksin have left? 200 people at best?

Their voice would not be heard when Suthep's "the people" come with their pee pee whistle.

Clearly Thaksin red shirts??? How about Dems who are pissed off because they can't vote for the dems or maybe just people in the middle. Just because they aren't throwing money at or kissing the feet of the lunatic Suthep doesn't make them redshirts.

They are having their silent peaceful protest outside business hours and aren't disrupting anyone. Does this sound like redshirts. You are so deeply in love with Suthep that you are blinded.

[Chao Lao Beach]

On a strangely funny note, The Nation had a pic of their current story about the current Candle Vigil going on now. They had a picture that showed the whole assemblage. The original title was "Hundreds attend candle vigil" I spent ten minutes and counted candles, and saw over 2000. I posted that I had counted camndles and they were way off in calculating attendance. I went back, they did not remove my post, but they changed the title to "Over a thousand attend" and they changed the picture to a zoom shot of part of the original picture, the heart of the crowd, so no one else could do what I did.

Amazing Thailand!

No. Amazing Nation Media Group.....................

The media bias on oth red & yellow sides is the Truly Amazing part here. Some of the editorials presented as news form Nation is laughable.

[Mackie]

it's good to see that students from Thammasat University are also active in the candle campaign. This shouldn't be a surprise. Thammasat was founded by Pridi Banomyong, perhaps the greatest ever hero of Thailand (or 'Siam' as it then was, and still should be). Pridi was instrumental in changing Siam/Thailand forever. He helped turn an absolute monarchy into a constitutional democracy, and was then exiled for doing so, though that wasn't the ostensible reason. Some of his story is told in one of the most engaging books written about Siam: Alexander Macdonald's 'Bangkok Editor' (1949).

Other parts of the story can be seen by visiting Thammasat University itself. Do go and see the sculpture area (just next to the big assembly hall) and then go and see, outside in the road leading to the river, the exhibition of images that has been placed on the outside walls of the university, telling the story year by year since its founding in 1934. It's a microcosm of Siam/Thailand: demonstrations, coups, students killed by the state, fascist leaders of Thailand/Siam, dubious rectors, dictatorship supported by the USA. An absolutely shameful history in many ways, and of course it's still continuing with the clampdown on democracy we have today.

That's why it's so shocking to see so many farangs on here, ignorant of history, trying to defend what Suthep is doing.

Perhaps you could share your history with the scores of Thammasat University students that participated in the huge PDRC rally last month, although I didn't observe any farang amongst the university students own large contingent as they marched past Siam Square.

Gosh that's depressing, though one would have to know how many scores of Thammasat students were there. Anyway we'll see on Sunday if many Thammasat students turn up at their candle rally at 6 PM.

I suppose even in an enlightened institution like Thammasat you can't make students think sensibly, and if they want to follow Suthep that's their choice. A bit like Mr Abhisit at Oxford. He goes to the university, follows the PPE curriculum and still he doesn't understand what democracy means. Well with both Thammasat and Oxford I guess the lesson is 'you can take a horse to water but you can't make it ... do the right thing.'

What loads of propaganda rubbish posted time and time again. Abhist was probably the best PM Thailand has ever had. The least corrupt, the most transparent. A fact. Surely he knows how democracy works and what he sees in Thailand is not democracy. Jatuporn a democrat? Nattawut a democrat? Chalerm a democrat? Implying that the current system in Thailand is democratic is a nonsensical attempt to whitewash their monumental crimes against their own country. More accurate tern would be a daylight robbery. I'm certain that Abhisit during his time in the UK did not witness neither Torry party nor Labour party throwing hand grenades into backyards of their political opponents, vote buying on a massive scale, government deliberately losing more than 13 billion USD just to stay popular in rural England, physical intimidation of political opponents and sometimes their elimination by all means necessary etc...etc...The idiom is more suitable for UDD/Red mob storm troopers/PTP, democracy means accountability, responsibility, rule of law, transparency....etc...Democracy does not mean that you can rob Thai tax payer blind and get away with it, democracy does not mean that you can run the country like your own family business, nepotism is incompatible with democracy etc...etc....

[MaxLee]

Dear students, don't get youselves shot, stabbed or etc, if you value your lives...

[Maha Sarakham Marty]

it's good to see that students from Thammasat University are also active in the candle campaign. This shouldn't be a surprise. Thammasat was founded by Pridi Banomyong, perhaps the greatest ever hero of Thailand (or 'Siam' as it then was, and still should be). Pridi was instrumental in changing Siam/Thailand forever. He helped turn an absolute monarchy into a constitutional democracy, and was then exiled for doing so, though that wasn't the ostensible reason. Some of his story is told in one of the most engaging books written about Siam: Alexander Macdonald's 'Bangkok Editor' (1949).

Other parts of the story can be seen by visiting Thammasat University itself. Do go and see the sculpture area (just next to the big assembly hall) and then go and see, outside in the road leading to the river, the exhibition of images that has been placed on the outside walls of the university, telling the story year by year since its founding in 1934. It's a microcosm of Siam/Thailand: demonstrations, coups, students killed by the state, fascist leaders of Thailand/Siam, dubious rectors, dictatorship supported by the USA. An absolutely shameful history in many ways, and of course it's still continuing with the clampdown on democracy we have today.

That's why it's so shocking to see so many farangs on here, ignorant of history, trying to defend what Suthep is doing.

Perhaps you could share your history with the scores of Thammasat University students that participated in the huge PDRC rally last month, although I didn't observe any farang amongst the university students own large contingent as they marched past Siam Square.

I suppose even in an enlightened institution like Thammasat you can't make students think sensibly, and if they want to follow Suthep that's their choice.

I'm sure they feel honored that you allow them the freedom to choose. Similarly, if other Thammasat students are naive enough to fall for the deceitful and deceptive rhetoric of the indicted Red Shirt Leader Korkaew trying to reincarnate himself as a White Shirt Leader while he is out violating his bail conditions, that's their business, also.

Edited January 11, 2014 by Maha Sarakham Marty

[fish fingers]

nice try, pure white shirts (like yingluck?)I doubt they will be able to block all the marchers on monday

[Thailand]

What's with this fascination Thaksin's supporters have with fire?

Because they use a lot of those Khomloy in Ciang Mai - That paper square balloon that they light and it floats up like a kite lantern.

Is it only in Chiang Mai?

What was that celebration Loi Krathong all about, I thought I saw a few lanterns in the air and on a few rivers way south of Chiang Mai, may be even Bangkok?

[Thailand]

Yingluck said it best "If you don't want me, don't vote for me".

Democracy at it it's basics?

[Hawkman]

I am sooooooo sick of this!

If you don't bow to the mighty Suthep, you are a Thaksin- supporter!

Don't you ever get bored of this black/white (red/yellow)- rethoric?

Completely agree and true for the other side too. If you are anti the Government, people on here assume you are a Suthep supporter. I think his ideas for a People's Council is a terrible idea, don't like the guy at all; reforms are a great idea but the man needs to make his ideas clear and talk with the Government. I think he missed a good opportunity of not going for the vote as many neutrals had swayed to their side but probably have turned away now. His actions have put off many of the original protesters, who still want Thaksin out of politics but also don't agree with the path this has all now gone.

Likewise - if you agree with the protesters re their anger at the damage, unlawfulness and corruption this Government are doing and how they are focusing on their own pockets and one man instead of the people, then you are somewhat a fascist and anti democracy. The Government went too far, way too far.

People want democracy to work, what they don't want is a Government to put one man and their interests over the people. That isn't democracy. The Government works for you, not the other way round. The bill wasn't about reconciliation it was about power and having the power to do what you want without facing any repercussions. Completely disgusting.

What this country needs is a fair election after reforms and if PTP are rightly voted in that they do their job properly and not cause this mess like they have done and focus on the important things and not act like spoilt children trying to get their own way and line their pockets.

Respect people's vote, just don't abuse it.

[gerry1011]

On a strangely funny note, The Nation had a pic of their current story about the current Candle Vigil going on now. They had a picture that showed the whole assemblage. The original title was "Hundreds attend candle vigil" I spent ten minutes and counted candles, and saw over 2000. I posted that I had counted camndles and they were way off in calculating attendance. I went back, they did not remove my post, but they changed the title to "Over a thousand attend" and they changed the picture to a zoom shot of part of the original picture, the heart of the crowd, so no one else could do what I did.

Amazing Thailand!

No. Amazing Nation Media Group.....................

The media bias on oth red & yellow sides is the Truly Amazing part here. Some of the editorials presented as news form Nation is laughable.

But many ("educated") farangs on here believe these laughable Nation news... Go figure

Sent from my iPhone...

[geriatrickid]

Perhaps you could share your history with the scores of Thammasat University students that participated in the huge PDRC rally last month, although I didn't observe any farang amongst the university students own large contingent as they marched past Siam Square.

Please define scores. My understanding from a colleague is that many of the people described as students were not, and certainly the students of Thammasat, Mahidol and others are not backing the PDRC. They are not backing the PTP either. Rather, the prevailing sentiment is one of seeking change while respecting the democratic process. I can tell you that in the graduate science student groups there is considerable angst. There is also resentment at the current government for the lack of funding for research. However, there is also resentment that the lion's share of government spending goes to the military and the funding is not open to discussion. As such, the military machine and its allies found in the ultra nationalist movement and the Democrat party are treated with equal disdain.

[gerry1011]

There is a big difference between these peaceful students and the ones who look for a bloodshed...

Sent from my iPhone...

Edited January 11, 2014 by gerry1011

[gerry1011]

According to some blind and naive farangs, posting on this forum and supporting an unconstitutional overthrowing of the elected government, which they hope will lead to a bloodshed and then a coup... the pro-elections' people shown on the picture are bloodthirsty, uneducated, violent and brainless red shirts, disguised in white.

Strange... They look like nice people from the middle class to me

Could it be that anti government protesters are only a small minority?

Of course they are...

Sent from my iPhone...

[binjalin]

this is a fantastic initiative and hopefully Thais will rally around WHITE shirts and finish this horrible attempted coup and give peace and democracy a chance

[Ozymandias]

Pro-corruption and political fraud candle lighting sessions. I see the following of the cult of Shinawat is still thriving in a fog of ignorance.

So people who want a peaceful country are now 'pro-corruption'? So, presumably, you would like too see violence and are one of the 'good' people, who is not a member of this mysterious 'cult'.

Surely one of the least intelligent posts of the week.

Edited January 11, 2014 by Ozymandias

[Emptyset]

There is a big difference between these peaceful students and the ones who look for a bloodshed... Sent from my iPhone...

Your second picture on the top right is a red shirt guard btw (at the clash at Ramkhamhaeng, some of the people on the red shirt side were also RU students).

Here's a few more:

[Ozymandias]

At last, real students doing what students throughout the World do - supporting the right to vote and defending democracy.

A change from those middle-aged thugs that Suthep passes off as "students", hell bent on fighting, shooting and looting, in between beating up taxi drivers, that is!

"Respect my vote" will be the slogan that saves Thailand from slipping down into the cesspit of fascism, Suthep style.

excellent post and right on the button

peaceful demo trying to keep the REAL issue alive

we might not always like what democracy brings us but it has to be a preference to a dictatorship and an unelected elite

even if the government is in by way of BUYING their way in? ummm I don't think that is right way to govern either

Sent from my RM-892_apac_laos_thailand_219 using Tapatalk

Time and time again the research shows that vote-buying a) is used by all Thai parties and it doesn't work because c) Thai people vote for who they wanted in anyway.

So, unless by 'buying thier way in' you mean 'providing policies which appeal to voters' (terribyl undemocratic that is, isn't it?) then I would say that you're talking utter nonsense.

[Maha Sarakham Marty]

Perhaps you could share your history with the scores of Thammasat University students that participated in the huge PDRC rally last month, although I didn't observe any farang amongst the university students own large contingent as they marched past Siam Square.

Please define scores. My understanding from a colleague is that many of the people described as students were not, and certainly the students of Thammasat, Mahidol and others are not backing the PDRC. They are not backing the PTP either. Rather, the prevailing sentiment is one of seeking change while respecting the democratic process. I can tell you that in the graduate science student groups there is considerable angst. There is also resentment at the current government for the lack of funding for research. However, there is also resentment that the lion's share of government spending goes to the military and the funding is not open to discussion. As such, the military machine and its allies found in the ultra nationalist movement and the Democrat party are treated with equal disdain.

These were definitely current students who marched in the Dec. 9th rally of the PDRC. They marched, in school uniforms, in groups under university placards that identified the university being represented, and also in pairs and individually. Thammasat, Chulalongkorn, and Ramkhamhaeng universities passed by during the time I observed the march. It was very surprising to see as I had not observed university students in uniform participate during PAD nor Red Shirt rallies previously attended. The companions I was with saw this as a new development as well and remarked about the great diversity of all the various protestors that were representative of the anti-government movement. I'd have to agree as at least on a visual basis, old and young and middle-aged were all present. On at least an outward appearance, diversity was also seen on a socio-economic basis, with poor, rich, and middle-class being present.

Not wishing to further derail with the side issue you mention, but perhaps you could share with the graduate students the new information that the "lion's share of government spending" does NOT go to the military, but to the Ministry of Education.

Then, perhaps, they could inquire into where all that money is going to if it's not reaching their research projects.

Who knows, with the increased awareness, they might feel such angst that they join the anti-government movement, with the other university students, in search of answers from the current administration.

Edited January 11, 2014 by Maha Sarakham Marty

[Emptyset]

There is a big difference between these peaceful students and the ones who look for a bloodshed... Sent from my iPhone...

Your second picture on the top right is a red shirt guard btw (at the clash at Ramkhamhaeng, some of the people on the red shirt side were also RU students).

Here's a few more ....

Don't be fooled.

These people are wolves in sheep skin.

I am not saying that these people are not student. They are, but perhaps student from 2nd rate university like Chiang Mai or Udon University.

Not the student of prestige University like Chua & Thammasart, which fully support the People Council.

You're probably right as usual, Spare. And look at this foolish old woman below. Shocking how Thaksin has tricked her into believing her vote counts. She should just meekly roll over and accept her disenfranchisement by Suthep and his good people. It's for the best. She only spends the vote buying money on whisky anyway.

[jackrich]

I got a joke! I got a joke!

Question: What does a Suthep think when looking at these photos?

Answer: What vote?

[DMG333]

At least some Thais are being objective.

[spare5]

There is a big difference between these peaceful students and the ones who look for a bloodshed... Sent from my iPhone...

Your second picture on the top right is a red shirt guard btw (at the clash at Ramkhamhaeng, some of the people on the red shirt side were also RU students).

Here's a few more ....

Don't be fooled.

These people are wolves in sheep skin.

I am not saying that these people are not student. They are, but perhaps student from 2nd rate university like Chiang Mai or Udon University.

Not the student of prestige University like Chua & Thammasart, which fully support the People Council.

You're probably right as usual, Spare. And look at this foolish old woman below. Shocking how Thaksin has tricked her into believing her vote counts. She should just meekly roll over and accept her disenfranchisement by Suthep and his good people. It's for the best. She only spends the vote buying money on whisky anyway.

I cannot agree more.

500 Baht can buy almost 10 bottles of local "Lao Kao" (home brew white spirit).

[DocN]

Clearly these people are the red-shirts (temporary dress in white) and support Thaksin,and quick like receive 500 Baht from Thaksin to vote for his sister (but I have no prove).

Is that all Thaksin have left? 200 people at best?

Their voice would not be heard when Suthep's "the people" come with their pee pee whistle.

Go out an get a hobby!

Buy a dog and take for a walk!

Try Origami!

Or solve crossword- puzzles.

Your trolling is neither funny nor exciting!

It is very, very boring for eveybody...except you!

[Maha Sarakham Marty]

Clearly these people are the red-shirts (temporary dress in white) and support Thaksin,and quick like receive 500 Baht from Thaksin to vote for his sister (but I have no prove).

Is that all Thaksin have left? 200 people at best?

Their voice would not be heard when Suthep's "the people" come with their pee pee whistle.

Go out an get a hobby!

Buy a dog and take for a walk!

Try Origami!

Or solve crossword- puzzles.

Your trolling is neither funny nor exciting!

It is very, very boring for eveybody...except you!

Perhaps if it wasn't continually being fed with replies, the bridge dweller would leave from hunger.

Edited January 11, 2014 by Maha Sarakham Marty

[Melpomene]

Time and time again the research shows that vote-buying a) is used by all Thai parties and it doesn't work because c) Thai people vote for who they wanted in anyway.

So, unless by 'buying thier way in' you mean 'providing policies which appeal to voters' (terribyl undemocratic that is, isn't it?) then I would say that you're talking utter nonsense.

Absolutely - this idea Thaksin is only popular due to vote buying is ignorant in the extreme, and just the kind of headline the Dems trot out to excuse their incompetence as an opposition party.

[DocN]

Clearly these people are the red-shirts (temporary dress in white) and support Thaksin,and quick like receive 500 Baht from Thaksin to vote for his sister (but I have no prove).

Is that all Thaksin have left? 200 people at best?

Their voice would not be heard when Suthep's "the people" come with their pee pee whistle.

Go out an get a hobby!

Buy a dog and take for a walk!

Try Origami!

Or solve crossword- puzzles.

Your trolling is neither funny nor exciting!

It is very, very boring for eveybody...except you!

Perhaps if it wasn't continually being fed with replies, the bridge dweller would leave from hunger.

Of course you are right- that is why I really, really try hard to ignore his stupid comments under 5 different names!

It's just...sometimes...aaaaarrrggghhhh....!