Pro-Election Rallies Organised In 16 Provinces

[Lite Beer]

Pro-Election Rallies Organised In 16 Provinces

By Khaosod English

BANGKOK: -- Local Redshirts and other citizen groups in upcountry provinces have staged rallies and demonstrations to oppose the "shutdown" of Bangkok by anti-government protesters.

The demonstrators also expressed their support for the 2 February election, which anti-government protesters led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) is calling to be scrapped.

Instead of an election, PCAD has demanded that an unelected ′People′s Council′ be installed to implement series of "reforms" deemed necessary by PCAD leadership. In the bid to pressure the government to bow down to this demand, PCAD supporters have occupied many roads and intersections in Bangkok today.

But PCAD′s move to "shutdown" Bangkok and its demand for ′People′s Council′ has angered many Redshirts and citizens who wish to see the election on 2 February, and they have staged their own counter-protests across 16 provinces to express their stances.

In Chiang Rai province, over 3,000 demonstrators marched from Chiang Rai City Hall to Pho Khun Meng Rai Statue to protest against violence and PCAD′s occupation of Bangkok.

Around 1,000 people led by ′Northerners Love Thailand′ group later marched to the Royal Thai Army′s Camp Meng Rai Maharaja to demand a promise from the army not to stage any coup against the government. However, the military sent no representative to respond to the protesters′ demand.

Separate protests in the province were held by Chiang Rai′s local chapter of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and ′Laotian Mothers Love Democracy′ group to protest against the PCAD and renew calls for the general election to be held as planned. The protests were joined by 300-500 people.

In the northeastern region of Nakhon Ratchasima, a group calling themselves ′People of Korat Love Democracy′ staged a rally in front of The Mall department store, which was joined by over 3,000 people from 32 districts. The group was protected by UDD guards and 30 police officers.

Some placards held by the protesters read, "Stop Coup", "Against Violence", and "Respect my rights under the Constitution, thank you for no coup".

The demonstrators later marched to Thao Sura Naree Statue, where they released over 3,000 red-white-blue balloons as a gesture for peace. The protest leaders also read out statements detailing their three principles: oppose all forms of coup d’état, oppose the shutdown of Bangkok, and support the 2 February election.

Meanwhile, in Pathum Thani province, just outside Bangkok′s urban perimeter, around 5,000 demonstrators marched with white balloons in support of the 2 February general election. They also expressed their support for governmental officials in the province.

Mr. Pongsathorn Sajjachonphan, the Governor of Pathum Thani province, later greeted the protesters and stated that he wished to see no violence. "Everybody wants to see a peaceful country", he told the protesters.

Pathum Thani recently saw a violent confrontation between local Redshirts group and PCAD supporters who marched in the province inviting citizens to join the shutdown of Bangkok. A number of people have been injured in the clash, and some of them had been wounded by gunshots.

Elsewhere in the country similar pro-election demonstrations were held, such as:

Kamphaeng Phet: 3,000 people have gathered in front of the City Hall to support the election. Ms. Katriya Kritattakarn, Member of the Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), stated that she and fellow protesters are ordinary people who wish for a democratic regime under the King as Head of State.

She stated that they do not want any party or movement to derail the election, and they will not accept any representative body appointed without democratic principle. The group later marched around the provincial municipality area asmany supporters joined.

Phayao: Approximately 5,000 protesters, some of them UDD supporters, marched in support of the election. They also gave roses to the police representatives to show their solidarity and launched white balloons as gesture of non-violence.

Mr. Siriwat Jupamadtha, Phayao UDD Coordinator, said that pro-democracy Phayao locals wish to demonstrate their wish in 4 points; (1) oppose any forms of coup, (2) oppose PCAD and their preceding Yellowshirts group (3) support the police (4) support the election.

Udonthani: UDD leader Kwanchai Praipana led his supporters to ride their motorcycles around the province. Over 500 people and 1,000 motorcyclists joined the convoy.

Buriram: Pro-election rallies there were attended by 4,000-5,000 UDD supporters and other citizens.

Sri Saket: At least 7,000 Redshirts from 22 districts, led by Mr. Sawai Sodsai, showed up for their counter-protests. Local Redshirts leaders also criticised Mr. Suthep for shutting down Bangkok, and vowed that they would escalate their campaigns if the election on 2 February is scrapped.

Ratchaburi: Over 3,000 locals and UDD supporters wearing white shirts rode on motorcycle in Mueang Ratchaburi municipality to support the 2 February election and oppose any military coup.

Smaller protests, demonstrations, and other activities were similarly organised in other provinces such as Lamphun, Kalasin, Loei, Sakon Nakhon, and Uttaradit.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNE9UWXhOREUyTkE9PQ==&sectionid=TURVd01BPT0=


-- Khaosod English 2014-01-13

[winstonc]

support the police....

[Scamper]

It seems now to be considered a PR advantage not to don red shirts, which is fascinating. Perhaps the UDD history catching up with them. I wonder what Thida and Jatuporn think ? But in any event, once they get their election and their vote, what will happen to all those colourful balloons when parliament won't be able to open ? What will the placards say then ?

[mamypoko]

It seems now to be considered a PR advantage not to don red shirts, which is fascinating. Perhaps the UDD history catching up with them. I wonder what Thida and Jatuporn think ? But in any event, once they get their election and their vote, what will happen to all those colourful balloons when parliament won't be able to open ? What will the placards say then ?

Perhaps they'll say we voted while some blocked traffic

[Robby nz]

Sounds to be about the same numbers as those who have gone to BKK from each place.

Wait for another couple of days when the rice farmers have still not been paid then see how many love PT.

[Smokemachine]

In the northeastern region of Nakhon Ratchasima, a group calling themselves ′People of Korat Love Democracy′ staged a rally in front of The Mall department store, which was joined by over 3,000 people from 32 districts. The group was protected by UDD guards and 30 police officers.

Why Bangkok no see our policemen?

So sad...

[Rich teacher]

In the northeastern region of Nakhon Ratchasima, a group calling themselves ′People of Korat Love Democracy′ staged a rally in front of The Mall department store, which was joined by over 3,000 people from 32 districts. The group was protected by UDD guards and 30 police officers.

Why Bangkok no see our policemen?

So sad...

IN Bangkok in 2009 & 2010 when the red shirts protested the govt sent the army in to clear them out.

In 2008 & 2013/4 when the yellow shirts protest the army will not respond to the govt's orders

Why yellow shirts no see our soldiers?

So sad...

[djjamie]

I notice it is "pro elections" not "pro democracy" which they are fighting for. Again it highlights that all the PTP and UDD want is to win an election so they can practice their undemocratic form of government again. You could say, Thaksin adheres to one principle of democracy which is "the principles of majority rule (excluding of course individual and minority rights)"

Suthep on the other hand is fighting for power and civic responsibility being exercised by all citizens, directly or through their freely elected representatives.

Principles and practices that protect human freedom; it is the institutionalization of freedom.

Democracies that guard against all-powerful central governments and decentralize government to regional and local levels, understanding that local government must be as accessible and responsive to the people as possible.

Understanding that one of their prime functions is to protect such basic human rights as freedom of speech and religion; the right to equal protection under law; and the opportunity to organize and participate fully in the political, economic, and cultural life of society.

That democracies conduct regular free and fair elections open to all citizens. Elections in a democracy cannot be facades that dictators or a single family regime or party hide behind, but authentic competitions for the support of the people.

Ensure the rule of law and ensures that all citizens receive equal protection under the law and that their rights are protected by the legal system. Ensure democracies are diverse, reflecting each nation's unique political, social, and cultural life.

Democracies rest upon fundamental principles, not uniform practices.

That citizens in a democracy not only have rights, they have the responsibility to participate in the political system that, in turn, protects their rights and freedoms.

That democratic society is committed to the values of tolerance, cooperation, and compromise.

Democracies recognize that reaching consensus requires compromise and that it may not always be attainable.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit.” (PTP/UDD are intolerant towards World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF so much so that Dr Weng of the UDD sent a statement to the UN stating "you are misinformed" and "you are completely incorrect" So in summary the UDD are right and the UN are wrong.)

SO who do you support? The guys that like to hide behind elections so they can abuse every other democratic principle or the guys that don't win the elections but do stand behind every other democratic principle.

In Thailand the being the majority is not a badge of success, but of failure.

Time for some change me thinks!

Edited January 13, 2014 by djjamie

[Rich teacher]

I notice it is "pro elections" not "pro democracy" which they are fighting for. Again it highlights that all the PTP and UDD want is to win an election so they can practice their undemocratic form of government again. You could say, Thaksin adheres to one principle of democracy which is "the principles of majority rule (excluding of course individual and minority rights)"

Suthep on the other hand is fighting for power and civic responsibility being exercised by all citizens, directly or through their freely elected representatives.

Principles and practices that protect human freedom; it is the institutionalization of freedom.

Democracies that guard against all-powerful central governments and decentralize government to regional and local levels, understanding that local government must be as accessible and responsive to the people as possible.

Understanding that one of their prime functions is to protect such basic human rights as freedom of speech and religion; the right to equal protection under law; and the opportunity to organize and participate fully in the political, economic, and cultural life of society.

That democracies conduct regular free and fair elections open to all citizens. Elections in a democracy cannot be facades that dictators or a single family regime or party hide behind, but authentic competitions for the support of the people.

Ensure the rule of law and ensures that all citizens receive equal protection under the law and that their rights are protected by the legal system. Ensure democracies are diverse, reflecting each nation's unique political, social, and cultural life.

Democracies rest upon fundamental principles, not uniform practices.

That citizens in a democracy not only have rights, they have the responsibility to participate in the political system that, in turn, protects their rights and freedoms.

That democratic society is committed to the values of tolerance, cooperation, and compromise.

Democracies recognize that reaching consensus requires compromise and that it may not always be attainable.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit.” (PTP/UDD are intolerant towards World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF so much so that Dr Weng of the UDD sent a statement to the UN stating "you are misinformed" and "you are completely incorrect" So in summary the UDD are right and the UN are wrong.)

SO who do you support? The guys that like to hide behind elections so they can abuse every other democratic principle or the guys that don't win the elections but do stand behind every other democratic principle.

In Thailand the being the majority is not a badge of success, but of failure.

Time for some change me thinks!

What evidence do you have that Suthep's mob "do stand behind every other democratic principle"?

We certainly know Suthep's past & he hasn't stood behind any democratic principles.He has certainly shown his hand at corruption, cronyism and nepotism, just what he preaches he will eliminate. He has some vague plan that he will be able to mysteriously & incredibly rid Thailand of its ingrown systematic corruption in 4 months and create a perfect democracy. <deleted>!

[rice555]

Hello All, great OP puff pic at Ya Mo and doesn't show it all,

see the white building on the LH side, look at it in my pic I took

walking to Klang Plaza, This has been set up since the begining

of Dec and has been going every night, a lot of unhappy people

in Korat.

rice555

[LevelHead]

It seems now to be considered a PR advantage not to don red shirts, which is fascinating. Perhaps the UDD history catching up with them. I wonder what Thida and Jatuporn think ? But in any event, once they get their election and their vote, what will happen to all those colourful balloons when parliament won't be able to open ? What will the placards say then ?

The UDD have learned from Suthep on this matter is the view of many.

If you have no colour then photographs printed in newspapers not only capture the real protestors, but also everyone standing around watching, everyone there just to get a photo, everyone there just for the free food and because there is no colour then more people are tempted to stroll along and have a look as they will not be discriminated for not wearing the colour.

And suddenly rather than 20,000 protestors in one colour, you can claim everyone there is a protestor and there is 40,000 protestors, when in fact probably half are just sight seeing, having a nose around, there for free entertainment and food.

[LevelHead]

Sounds to be about the same numbers as those who have gone to BKK from each place.

Wait for another couple of days when the rice farmers have still not been paid then see how many love PT.

Actually you will find its the reverse now.

Most rice farmers I am informed are now really upset, even more than normal, with the Democrats and Suthep and blame the late payments on them in full.

The late payment and the blame put on Suthep and the Democrats for causing all these problems is actually making people more determined than ever to vote and vote PTP, I am quite well informed.

[djjamie]

I notice it is "pro elections" not "pro democracy" which they are fighting for. Again it highlights that all the PTP and UDD want is to win an election so they can practice their undemocratic form of government again. You could say, Thaksin adheres to one principle of democracy which is "the principles of majority rule (excluding of course individual and minority rights)"

Suthep on the other hand is fighting for power and civic responsibility being exercised by all citizens, directly or through their freely elected representatives.

Principles and practices that protect human freedom; it is the institutionalization of freedom.

Democracies that guard against all-powerful central governments and decentralize government to regional and local levels, understanding that local government must be as accessible and responsive to the people as possible.

Understanding that one of their prime functions is to protect such basic human rights as freedom of speech and religion; the right to equal protection under law; and the opportunity to organize and participate fully in the political, economic, and cultural life of society.

That democracies conduct regular free and fair elections open to all citizens. Elections in a democracy cannot be facades that dictators or a single family regime or party hide behind, but authentic competitions for the support of the people.

Ensure the rule of law and ensures that all citizens receive equal protection under the law and that their rights are protected by the legal system. Ensure democracies are diverse, reflecting each nation's unique political, social, and cultural life.

Democracies rest upon fundamental principles, not uniform practices.

That citizens in a democracy not only have rights, they have the responsibility to participate in the political system that, in turn, protects their rights and freedoms.

That democratic society is committed to the values of tolerance, cooperation, and compromise.

Democracies recognize that reaching consensus requires compromise and that it may not always be attainable.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit.” (PTP/UDD are intolerant towards World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF so much so that Dr Weng of the UDD sent a statement to the UN stating "you are misinformed" and "you are completely incorrect" So in summary the UDD are right and the UN are wrong.)

SO who do you support? The guys that like to hide behind elections so they can abuse every other democratic principle or the guys that don't win the elections but do stand behind every other democratic principle.

In Thailand the being the majority is not a badge of success, but of failure.

Time for some change me thinks!

What evidence do you have that Suthep's mob "do stand behind every other democratic principle"?

We certainly know Suthep's past & he hasn't stood behind any democratic principles.He has certainly shown his hand at corruption, cronyism and nepotism, just what he preaches he will eliminate. He has some vague plan that he will be able to mysteriously & incredibly rid Thailand of its ingrown systematic corruption in 4 months and create a perfect democracy. <deleted>!

What evidence do you have that Suthep's mob "do stand behind every other democratic principle"?

What evidence do you have that Thaksin's regime stands behind them? I have already explained mine.

Suthip is holding a rally in Bangkok, as I am sure you have noticed, to ensure all the other principles are adhered too.

Again I say, as I did to others, what you don't say regarding my comments speaks more about the shallow attempts at defending democracy. It is what you don't say that highlights the lack of understanding of it.

I only hope that the poor expats that defend the regime don't finish up as those other fundamentalists like Conner Purcell and Jeff Savage. In jail and then exported. They too defended burning buildings and fighting for a cause as did David Hicks in Afghanistan. Simple minded folk that followed a cause that was their ultimate downfall.

I pity those people and I want to help them. It highlights that mental health in Thailand for expats is seriously understated and under financed.

Edited January 13, 2014 by djjamie

[spirit47]

I count 30.000 people join the pro election demonstrations, thats all? Thats the majority of Thai people.

Just come back from Lad Prao, think about 20-30.000 people only there. Friends from Chiang Mai say, sad about cant enjoy anti-Goverment protests because reds throw stones on people. Now, Im sure the majority of Thais want the corrupt Taksin regime to resign. And I hope, they will all take responsibility in front of the criminal court...

[Rich teacher]

I count 30.000 people join the pro election demonstrations, thats all? Thats the majority of Thai people.

Just come back from Lad Prao, think about 20-30.000 people only there. Friends from Chiang Mai say, sad about cant enjoy anti-Goverment protests because reds throw stones on people. Now, Im sure the majority of Thais want the corrupt Taksin regime to resign. And I hope, they will all take responsibility in front of the criminal court...

Looks like an election would be a shoe in for the Dems then! Strange that they don't want one.

Think you'd better recalculate, the party pollsters know a hell of a lot more about the electorate than you.

[123thaibourbon]

going back to the days-lapse- days of Phibun a true anti-Chinese megalomaniac, to the more recent Cambodian Despot Lon Nol who persecuted the Vietnamese et al during the Khmer Rouge reign of terror. TS nor YLS is of this ilk. Thetsuban is a horse of a different color. The US media is not covering the Red shirt rallies, although the truth of yellow-shirt high-brow superiority is being exposed.

[anon467367354]

Sounds to be about the same numbers as those who have gone to BKK from each place.

Wait for another couple of days when the rice farmers have still not been paid then see how many love PT.

Actually you will find its the reverse now.

Most rice farmers I am informed are now really upset, even more than normal, with the Democrats and Suthep and blame the late payments on them in full.

The late payment and the blame put on Suthep and the Democrats for causing all these problems is actually making people more determined than ever to vote and vote PTP, I am quite well informed.

you mean the farmers have not been paid for months because of the recent protests?

Who informed you of this? Which bridge?

[Baerboxer]

I notice it is "pro elections" not "pro democracy" which they are fighting for. Again it highlights that all the PTP and UDD want is to win an election so they can practice their undemocratic form of government again. You could say, Thaksin adheres to one principle of democracy which is "the principles of majority rule (excluding of course individual and minority rights)"

Suthep on the other hand is fighting for power and civic responsibility being exercised by all citizens, directly or through their freely elected representatives.

Principles and practices that protect human freedom; it is the institutionalization of freedom.

Democracies that guard against all-powerful central governments and decentralize government to regional and local levels, understanding that local government must be as accessible and responsive to the people as possible.

Understanding that one of their prime functions is to protect such basic human rights as freedom of speech and religion; the right to equal protection under law; and the opportunity to organize and participate fully in the political, economic, and cultural life of society.

That democracies conduct regular free and fair elections open to all citizens. Elections in a democracy cannot be facades that dictators or a single family regime or party hide behind, but authentic competitions for the support of the people.

Ensure the rule of law and ensures that all citizens receive equal protection under the law and that their rights are protected by the legal system. Ensure democracies are diverse, reflecting each nation's unique political, social, and cultural life.

Democracies rest upon fundamental principles, not uniform practices.

That citizens in a democracy not only have rights, they have the responsibility to participate in the political system that, in turn, protects their rights and freedoms.

That democratic society is committed to the values of tolerance, cooperation, and compromise.

Democracies recognize that reaching consensus requires compromise and that it may not always be attainable.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit.” (PTP/UDD are intolerant towards World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF so much so that Dr Weng of the UDD sent a statement to the UN stating "you are misinformed" and "you are completely incorrect" So in summary the UDD are right and the UN are wrong.)

SO who do you support? The guys that like to hide behind elections so they can abuse every other democratic principle or the guys that don't win the elections but do stand behind every other democratic principle.

In Thailand the being the majority is not a badge of success, but of failure.

Time for some change me thinks!

What evidence do you have that Suthep's mob "do stand behind every other democratic principle"?

We certainly know Suthep's past & he hasn't stood behind any democratic principles.He has certainly shown his hand at corruption, cronyism and nepotism, just what he preaches he will eliminate. He has some vague plan that he will be able to mysteriously & incredibly rid Thailand of its ingrown systematic corruption in 4 months and create a perfect democracy. <deleted>!

Indeed. But by the same margin, we certainly know Thaksin's past, his conviction, his outstanding criminal charges waiting trial. We know the track record of PTP since they took office - lies, cheating, corruption, illegal acts. The worst thing they've done to themselves is openly treat the people with contempt by lying badly, over and over again and making no real attempt to hide who really calls the shots and their agenda to whitewash him.

So what's it to be - Suthep and hope he honors the pledge for reforms and new elections thereafter; or relect PTP and get more of the same, but probably worse because they will have even more arrogant confidence.

Neither choice looks good for the Thai people. Deep blue see or the Devil.

[Baerboxer]

Sounds to be about the same numbers as those who have gone to BKK from each place.

Wait for another couple of days when the rice farmers have still not been paid then see how many love PT.

Actually you will find its the reverse now.

Most rice farmers I am informed are now really upset, even more than normal, with the Democrats and Suthep and blame the late payments on them in full.

The late payment and the blame put on Suthep and the Democrats for causing all these problems is actually making people more determined than ever to vote and vote PTP, I am quite well informed.

Yes, many red shirt activists have indeed been trying to blame the anti-government protests and Suthep for the late payments. Trying to persuade the farmers that the monies really there, and that the nice Yingluck and her benevolent cabinet desperately want to pay them.

Wise up - most farmers I know, including family, all know that this is <deleted>. They've seen the comments from BAAC and the contradictory statements from the Commerce and Finance ministers.

Guess what, some outstanding payments go back to before the protests started. Doh, more PTP lies exposed!

Thaksin loves you, Yingluck loves you, PTP loves you - now vote for us or you'll never get paid. That's more like what I'm hearing.

Later this week the shit will hit the fan - then wait for the bare faced lies trotting out from the caretaker muppets.

[Anon999]

Sounds to be about the same numbers as those who have gone to BKK from each place.

Wait for another couple of days when the rice farmers have still not been paid then see how many love PT.

Actually you will find its the reverse now.

Most rice farmers I am informed are now really upset, even more than normal, with the Democrats and Suthep and blame the late payments on them in full.

The late payment and the blame put on Suthep and the Democrats for causing all these problems is actually making people more determined than ever to vote and vote PTP, I am quite well informed.

Obviously you reside in a different area of Isaan to me. The information I am hearing indicates the farmers are disinclined to join the anti government demonstrations in BKK because they do not want to use their own money. It would therefore not appear credible to say the late payment is due to the demonstrations and the Democrats, more like the opposite and by definition the voting intentions. It has also been in the public domain that PTP have admitted the loss of 1 million of their voter base.

Edited January 13, 2014 by Anon999

[penwithcris]

I notice it is "pro elections" not "pro democracy" which they are fighting for. Again it highlights that all the PTP and UDD want is to win an election so they can practice their undemocratic form of government again. You could say, Thaksin adheres to one principle of democracy which is "the principles of majority rule (excluding of course individual and minority rights)"

Suthep on the other hand is fighting for power and civic responsibility being exercised by all citizens, directly or through their freely elected representatives.

Principles and practices that protect human freedom; it is the institutionalization of freedom.

Democracies that guard against all-powerful central governments and decentralize government to regional and local levels, understanding that local government must be as accessible and responsive to the people as possible.

Understanding that one of their prime functions is to protect such basic human rights as freedom of speech and religion; the right to equal protection under law; and the opportunity to organize and participate fully in the political, economic, and cultural life of society.

That democracies conduct regular free and fair elections open to all citizens. Elections in a democracy cannot be facades that dictators or a single family regime or party hide behind, but authentic competitions for the support of the people.

Ensure the rule of law and ensures that all citizens receive equal protection under the law and that their rights are protected by the legal system. Ensure democracies are diverse, reflecting each nation's unique political, social, and cultural life.

Democracies rest upon fundamental principles, not uniform practices.

That citizens in a democracy not only have rights, they have the responsibility to participate in the political system that, in turn, protects their rights and freedoms.

That democratic society is committed to the values of tolerance, cooperation, and compromise.

Democracies recognize that reaching consensus requires compromise and that it may not always be attainable.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. (PTP/UDD are intolerant towards World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF so much so that Dr Weng of the UDD sent a statement to the UN stating "you are misinformed" and "you are completely incorrect" So in summary the UDD are right and the UN are wrong.)

SO who do you support? The guys that like to hide behind elections so they can abuse every other democratic principle or the guys that don't win the elections but do stand behind every other democratic principle.

In Thailand the being the majority is not a badge of success, but of failure.

Time for some change me thinks!

What evidence do you have that Suthep's mob "do stand behind every other democratic principle"?

We certainly know Suthep's past & he hasn't stood behind any democratic principles.He has certainly shown his hand at corruption, cronyism and nepotism, just what he preaches he will eliminate. He has some vague plan that he will be able to mysteriously & incredibly rid Thailand of its ingrown systematic corruption in 4 months and create a perfect democracy. <deleted>!

What evidence do you have that Suthep's mob "do stand behind every other democratic principle"?

What evidence do you have that Thaksin's regime stands behind them? I have already explained mine.

Suthip is holding a rally in Bangkok, as I am sure you have noticed, to ensure all the other principles are adhered too.

Again I say, as I did to others, what you don't say regarding my comments speaks more about the shallow attempts at defending democracy. It is what you don't say that highlights the lack of understanding of it.

I only hope that the poor expats that defend the regime don't finish up as those other fundamentalists like Conner Purcell and Jeff Savage. In jail and then exported. They too defended burning buildings and fighting for a cause as did David Hicks in Afghanistan. Simple minded folk that followed a cause that was their ultimate downfall.

I pity those people and I want to help them. It highlights that mental health in Thailand for expats is seriously understated and under financed.

[Carl64]

A whopping 100 turned up in chiang mai!

Seriously the Thai people are getting pissed off with this. It's time the leaders grew up !!!!

[penwithcris]

I think you should keep looking over your shoulder for a man in a white coat holding a butterfly net. Clearly you are in serious danger of losing the plot.

[Chicken George]

Chiang Rai a province of 5 million and 3 thousand marched. . Most are still waiting to get paid for their rice harvest.

[Chicken George]

Thailand is virtually bankrupt! Now the government can't use the farmers to make money for themselves where will it come from.. A rebate from abroad?

[spirit47]

I count 30.000 people join the pro election demonstrations, thats all? Thats the majority of Thai people.

Just come back from Lad Prao, think about 20-30.000 people only there. Friends from Chiang Mai say, sad about cant enjoy anti-Goverment protests because reds throw stones on people. Now, Im sure the majority of Thais want the corrupt Taksin regime to resign. And I hope, they will all take responsibility in front of the criminal court...

Looks like an election would be a shoe in for the Dems then! Strange that they don't want one.

Think you'd better recalculate, the party pollsters know a hell of a lot more about the electorate than you.

We dont talk about elections, because their is no party people want vote for. Forget elections in the next time, and let people clean up this stinking dunghill. And now, go to mummy, looser...

[Smokemachine]

Sounds to be about the same numbers as those who have gone to BKK from each place.

Wait for another couple of days when the rice farmers have still not been paid then see how many love PT.

Actually you will find its the reverse now.

Most rice farmers I am informed are now really upset, even more than normal, with the Democrats and Suthep and blame the late payments on them in full.

The late payment and the blame put on Suthep and the Democrats for causing all these problems is actually making people more determined than ever to vote and vote PTP, I am quite well informed.

you mean the farmers have not been paid for months because of the recent protests?

Who informed you of this? Which bridge?

Actually he is trying to say govt is pushing blame to anti-govt/DP?Suthep for the late payment. Am i right, Levelhead?

A neighbor of my extended family is a rice farmer. They have not collected the rice payment and even believe is the anti-govt protest causing them to unable to collect the payment. There are a group of farmers still fall into the red propanganda. Therefore they will still vote for ptp.

[fasteddie]

I notice it is "pro elections" not "pro democracy" which they are fighting for. Again it highlights that all the PTP and UDD want is to win an election so they can practice their undemocratic form of government again. You could say, Thaksin adheres to one principle of democracy which is "the principles of majority rule (excluding of course individual and minority rights)"

Suthep on the other hand is fighting for power and civic responsibility being exercised by all citizens, directly or through their freely elected representatives.

Principles and practices that protect human freedom; it is the institutionalization of freedom.

Democracies that guard against all-powerful central governments and decentralize government to regional and local levels, understanding that local government must be as accessible and responsive to the people as possible.

Understanding that one of their prime functions is to protect such basic human rights as freedom of speech and religion; the right to equal protection under law; and the opportunity to organize and participate fully in the political, economic, and cultural life of society.

That democracies conduct regular free and fair elections open to all citizens. Elections in a democracy cannot be facades that dictators or a single family regime or party hide behind, but authentic competitions for the support of the people.

Ensure the rule of law and ensures that all citizens receive equal protection under the law and that their rights are protected by the legal system. Ensure democracies are diverse, reflecting each nation's unique political, social, and cultural life.

Democracies rest upon fundamental principles, not uniform practices.

That citizens in a democracy not only have rights, they have the responsibility to participate in the political system that, in turn, protects their rights and freedoms.

That democratic society is committed to the values of tolerance, cooperation, and compromise.

Democracies recognize that reaching consensus requires compromise and that it may not always be attainable.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit.” (PTP/UDD are intolerant towards World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF so much so that Dr Weng of the UDD sent a statement to the UN stating "you are misinformed" and "you are completely incorrect" So in summary the UDD are right and the UN are wrong.)

SO who do you support? The guys that like to hide behind elections so they can abuse every other democratic principle or the guys that don't win the elections but do stand behind every other democratic principle.

In Thailand the being the majority is not a badge of success, but of failure.

Time for some change me thinks!

Oh please! under the last dem government, there were more websites shut down and more people knicked under computer crime and lese majeste laws than ever before. Democratic my arse!

[northernjohn]

Sounds to be about the same numbers as those who have gone to BKK from each place.

Wait for another couple of days when the rice farmers have still not been paid then see how many love PT.

Actually you will find its the reverse now.

Most rice farmers I am informed are now really upset, even more than normal, with the Democrats and Suthep and blame the late payments on them in full.

The late payment and the blame put on Suthep and the Democrats for causing all these problems is actually making people more determined than ever to vote and vote PTP, I am quite well informed.

Obviously you reside in a different area of Isaan to me. The information I am hearing indicates the farmers are disinclined to join the anti government demonstrations in BKK because they do not want to use their own money. It would therefore not appear credible to say the late payment is due to the demonstrations and the Democrats, more like the opposite and by definition the voting intentions. It has also been in the public domain that PTP have admitted the loss of 1 million of their voter base.

When you said

The information I am hearing indicates the farmers are disinclined to join the anti government demonstrations in BKK because they do not want to use their own money

I took it to mean that they do not want to spend there own money as it is a rare commodity. I was wondering are they also waiting for their rice payments. I believe the government says they have the money to pay them so it would mean that if the government has it the rice farmers don't. That is just common sense.

I got the impression from your post that they are not happy with the PTP.

Level head's post points out perfectly the need for a better education. Defiantly some are lacking in it. You on the other hand come from a more intelligent area.

Can some one explain why the Democrats are getting blamed they stand no chance of gaining power as they have not entered any Candidates. Yet certain people continue to blame them. What have they to gain? When I say What have they to gain? I mean both the Democrats and the posters claiming they have some thing to gain.

Some of them it is obvious are new to Thailand and the scene and have not had time to investigate both sides or check on the history of this protest. I am sure given time they will have a better base of knowledge to work from.

[tingtongteesood]

HAHAHAHAHA, those who keep saying the anti government protestors have a poor turn out, if you add up all the numbers stated in this report, the MBK anti government protest site alone had more people at this one site than all these combined. Truly pathetic ! PT has few supporters left, people are starting to see them for what they really are....