Video Special: Bangkok 'shutdown': protesters fill streets of Thai capital

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Bangkok 'shutdown': protesters fill streets of Thai capital

One of Asia's largest cities is in danger of sliding into paralysis tonight after tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Bangkok to demand the resignation of the Thai government.

Read more here

Source: Channel 4 News

[tullynagardy]

Scathing report looking down on these idiots with the disdain they deserve.

Good to see Sutheps English skills are on a par with his tactical nous. Absolute moron, whilst Abhisit is equally repulsive at least the guy has brains.

[manfrommanteo]

Biased and one sided, that's not journalism. They left out a lot of important details in their story, and cute how they focused on the money being handed to Suthep without explaining WHY the people are giving him the money. Not unexpected, though, as most of the Western "news" is being told what to report by Thaksin's supporters in their countries (corporate interests).

[Tokay]

60,000 protestors in a country of 66.79 million. Hardly the "people's" revolution.

Curious to see how this will all play out. It will be very impressive if that 60k can achieve their goal, peacefully.

[tominbkk]

Scathing report looking down on these idiots with the disdain they deserve.

Good to see Sutheps English skills are on a par with his tactical nous. Absolute moron, whilst Abhisit is equally repulsive at least the guy has brains.

More ignorant than scathing.

[EricBerg]

Surely the BBC can come up with more quality than this crap. Are they on the shina payroll?

[tominbkk]

Surely the BBC can come up with more quality than this crap. Are they on the shina payroll?

Probably more just a case of lazy journalist who can't wait to wrap things up so he can go get a soapy.

[Simhne]

Facile and lazy report that does nothing to explain the reality of the political situation in Thailand. Unfortunately typical of the lack of real analysis, explanation or insight in both C4 and BBC reporting. I'm very disappointed I must say.

What on earth do Suthep's English skills have to do with anything?

[chooka]

ABC Australia reported around 60K protestors also.

[RakIsan]

Biased and one sided, that's not journalism. They left out a lot of important details in their story, and cute how they focused on the money being handed to Suthep without explaining WHY the people are giving him the money. Not unexpected, though, as most of the Western "news" is being told what to report by Thaksin's supporters in their countries (corporate interests).

Then, would explanation of WHY people give him the money (consolidation of interests? regain power?) make him look any better?

[WilliamCave]

Is this guy a Thai reporter, he Sure was one sided .

Shit reporting

[Mark Thaiford]

Scathing report looking down on these idiots with the disdain they deserve.

Good to see Sutheps English skills are on a par with his tactical nous. Absolute moron, whilst Abhisit is equally repulsive at least the guy has brains.

Totally agree. An excellent report there from Channel 4 news - as you say they treat the anti-government demonstrators with the contempt they deserve. Total idiots who cheer on that Dr Seri guy - not because they have a clue what he is talking about but just because he shouts so they think he is saying something forcefully.

I wish Channel 4 would interview some Farangs who support the anti-government protests. They too need to be exposed by the balanced media outlets.

[Centrum]

Scathing report looking down on these idiots with the disdain they deserve.

Good to see Sutheps English skills are on a par with his tactical nous. Absolute moron, whilst Abhisit is equally repulsive at least the guy has brains.

Totally agree. An excellent report there from Channel 4 news - as you say they treat the anti-government demonstrators with the contempt they deserve. Total idiots who cheer on that Dr Seri guy - not because they have a clue what he is talking about but just because he shouts so they think he is saying something forcefully.

I wish Channel 4 would interview some Farangs who support the anti-government protests. They too need to be exposed by the balanced media outlets.

But I don't see you asking for a 'scathing' reporter to interview Thaksin and Yingluck, do I?

No, fair and balanced isn't your style.

[ikke]

Biased and one sided, that's not journalism. They left out a lot of important details in their story, and cute how they focused on the money being handed to Suthep without explaining WHY the people are giving him the money. Not unexpected, though, as most of the Western "news" is being told what to report by Thaksin's supporters in their countries (corporate interests).

Because anybody knows terrorists needs sponsors.......

[noitom]

Sparks letting himself get baited into a rigged live interview was not news, it was comedy. Almost as if Sparks was a shill for showing how foolish the protesters are without a clue as to any background or facts about Thai history, historical struggle, the evolution of Thailand as we know it and a denial that this struggle has been going on for decades, well before Thaksin was born.

[tullynagardy]

most of the Western "news" is being told what to report by Thaksin's supporters in their countries (corporate interests).

O god Thaskin runs channel 4 in the UK now . <deleted> is there anything he doesnt control? Global warming too no doubt the wee bastard.

The reality is Thaskin in monetary and political terms is a global lightweight and has zero influence outside Thailand and a few random spots. The combined wealth and power of the elite backing the yellows far exceeds anything he can dream of.

Western countries report like this because the train of thought is democracy is King. If some little corrupt politican in Thailand wants to end it he wont be seen favourably.

[poisonus]

Probably one of the reasons that channel 4 news is the least watched news channel in the UK.... period.

Johnathon Sparks is a complete and utter idiot who makes Johnathon Head look almost intelligent.

His report is completely BASELESS and lacks obvious background research. He has set up the piece to be controversial which channel 4 loves and always has done. He deliberately played down the figures by a massive amount considering there are more than 50,000 in just one rally site.

But more importantly, he will jump straight into a taxi and board a flight back to the UK with a wry smile on his face without any regard for the safety of a huge amount of westerners who have to live here full time. Having planted a seed in the minds of Thais that all westerners are against the protests and support Thaksin and the puppet. A seed that I personally don't want if in fact this spirals into civil war and there are millions thinking that westerners are the enemy also.

What a <deleted>!!!!!!!

[ilovemuangthai]

Mr. Suthep has rejected democracy, flawed as it may be,

And with him the impatient elite, all so very quickly,

It's hard to improve our lot, be real, say the PDRC,

So let's protest, let's die, and kill this fragile democracy.

We lack the will to improve our political system,

Changing our leaders seems our only option,

Reforms, corruption control, that's not realistic,

These are alien ideals, and for us not pragmatic.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[trogers]

Biased and one sided, that's not journalism. They left out a lot of important details in their story, and cute how they focused on the money being handed to Suthep without explaining WHY the people are giving him the money. Not unexpected, though, as most of the Western "news" is being told what to report by Thaksin's supporters in their countries (corporate interests).

Nah...I believe these western journalists have already given their best reporting.

Just that the Western media are short of cash, like their economies, and had sent over baby journalists with low pay and allowances.

[tullynagardy]

Having planted a seed in the minds of Thais that all westerners are against the protests and support Thaksin and the puppet.

How many times does the TV Suthep fan club need to be told that opposing Suthep and these farcical protests doesnt equate with loving/supporting Thaskin.

Most people see them both as self serving corrupt little men. For reasons best known to themselves (though Ive speculated as to why in my earlier posts) some on here blindly follow Suthep and they just need to accept that the vast majority of level headed people from Western countries wont.

[spirit47]

All western media lies about the real numbers of Protestors and than this democracy BS. Democracy is the right to choose between a few puppets. People boring about this, and Suthep give them hope. The same happen in Italia, Beppe Grillo. People speaking truth are dangerous for the System, take a look at Edward Snowden. You can say, the current Government is elected, but it is criminal, and the courts ...We still waiting to see the Red Bull heirs in Jail for killing a policeman under drugs...An endless list

Take your TV and throw it out of the window...

[tominbkk]

Mr. Suthep has rejected democracy, flawed as it may be, And with him the impatient elite, all so very quickly, It's hard to improve our lot, be real, say the PDRC, So let's protest, let's die, and kill this fragile democracy. We lack the will to improve our political system, Changing our leaders seems our only option, Reforms, corruption control, that's not realistic, These are alien ideals, and for us not pragmatic. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

You have been brainwashed by Thaksin!

Suthep is looking for a chance to stop the madness, examine the constitution, and ensure that Thaksin the megalomaniac does not turn this country into a dictatorship. Thaksin's love for extrajudicial killing for his own fun and profit should be enough for you not to want him to be snuck back into power by K. Poo.

[Prbkk]

Well, they called it as it is: a total flop, tiny turnout, anti-democratic. What else could he say?

[ABCer]

Wouldn't be the first time in the history for a loud minority to seize power: commies, fascists etc.

This is NOT an alternative to consider.

Democracy maybe sucks, but Suthep's appointed Council of 400 'good' men - will be much worse.

The saddest thing is that CORRUPTION will stay, no matter who wins.

Just one bunch of pigs replacing another bunch at the trough.

[chooka]

Biased and one sided, that's not journalism. They left out a lot of important details in their story, and cute how they focused on the money being handed to Suthep without explaining WHY the people are giving him the money. Not unexpected, though, as most of the Western "news" is being told what to report by Thaksin's supporters in their countries (corporate interests).

Come on, are you saying the red shirts are controlling the international media? I doubt very much that the redshirts have much control over the Australian Government which owns and operates the ABC and SBS or if they have control over the Aust Dept of Foreign Affairs which operates the Australia Network.

That is just paranoid thoughts from frightened people.

[Halion]

Scathing report looking down on these idiots with the disdain they deserve.

Good to see Sutheps English skills are on a par with his tactical nous. Absolute moron, whilst Abhisit is equally repulsive at least the guy has brains.

Totally agree. An excellent report there from Channel 4 news - as you say they treat the anti-government demonstrators with the contempt they deserve. Total idiots who cheer on that Dr Seri guy - not because they have a clue what he is talking about but just because he shouts so they think he is saying something forcefully.

I wish Channel 4 would interview some Farangs who support the anti-government protests. They too need to be exposed by the balanced media outlets.

Are you sure ? This "balanced report" from a rather uninformed journalist does not even scratch the surface of the cancer that is affecting this country. His position would be totaly nulified if he had bothered to research the voting mechanism employed by the PTP and the Shin's in order to gain their perceived democratic superiority. Clutching at straws with the only thing that needs to be exposed is the rape of this country by an unscrupulous and inefectual bunch of power hungry pirates who have let this nation down at ever turn but ensured that they themselves are the benefactors and not the people that they are supposed to serve. It will be a cold day in hell before you could justify this report as balanced.

[pxlgirl]

wow... if all the entire western media and whatnot was on spongebob squareface's payroll, he'd have more money and power than the Illuminati and NWO-dudes together!

[Thai at Heart]

Surely the BBC can come up with more quality than this crap. Are they on the shina payroll?

Channel 4 isn't the BBC

[Thai at Heart]

All western media lies about the real numbers of Protestors and than this democracy BS. Democracy is the right to choose between a few puppets. People boring about this, and Suthep give them hope. The same happen in Italia, Beppe Grillo. People speaking truth are dangerous for the System, take a look at Edward Snowden. You can say, the current Government is elected, but it is criminal, and the courts ...We still waiting to see the Red Bull heirs in Jail for killing a policeman under drugs...An endless list

Take your TV and throw it out of the window...

Give hope for what exactly?

[Fookhaht]

All western media lies about the real numbers of Protestors and than this democracy BS. Democracy is the right to choose between a few puppets. People boring about this, and Suthep give them hope. The same happen in Italia, Beppe Grillo. People speaking truth are dangerous for the System, take a look at Edward Snowden. You can say, the current Government is elected, but it is criminal, and the courts ...We still waiting to see the Red Bull heirs in Jail for killing a policeman under drugs...An endless list

Take your TV and throw it out of the window...

With Suthep's own history of corruption and manipulation, you offer nothing better. Next.....

Sent from my tin can via string