Thai opposition protesters vow no surrender
by Anusak KONGLANG

BANGKOK, February 15, 2014 (AFP) - Thai opposition protesters refused to end their rallies Saturday as riot police prepared to try to clear another demonstration site, a day after an operation to reclaim the besieged government headquarters.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's government is attempting to seize back key state buildings after more than three months of mass protests seeking her resignation.

About 1,200 police will try to reclaim an occupied government complex in Chaeng Wattana in the north of the capital on Saturday, National Security Council chief Paradorn Pattanatabut told AFP.

"We will focus on negotiations," he said. "I don't know whether it will succeed or not. It depends on the situation commander."

He estimated that only about 100 protesters were at the site, including a saffron-robed monk who has emerged as a key figure in the anti-government movement, although the rally organisers insisted the number was much higher.

An aide to the monk-turned-protest leader Luang Pu Buddha Issara said the protesters "will not give up", setting the scene for a showdown with security forces.

On Friday police with shields and riot helmets, some carrying rifles, met little resistance as they cleared areas around Government House, which Yingluck had been unable to use for about two months.

But there were no arrests or serious clashes, and demonstrators were later seen rebuilding their makeshift barricades.

The security operation is focused on government offices rather than major intersections in the commercial centre that have become the main focus of the rallies in recent weeks as part of what protesters have described as the "Bangkok shutdown".

So far the authorities have not announced any plan to clear those intersections, where several thousand protesters gather each evening to hear free concerts and speeches.

"We will continue fighting. We will not be shaken by the police operation," a spokesman for the anti-government movement, Akanat Promphan, said Saturday.

"No matter whether police succeed in reclaiming the rally sites or not, we will keep on protesting," he added.

- Attendance falling -

The government has so far appeared reluctant to use force against the protesters, despite declaring a state of emergency last month that gives authorities the power to ban public gatherings of more than five people.

Attendance at the rallies has fallen sharply compared with December and January, when at the peak of the demonstrations tens, or even hundreds, of thousands of people took to the streets.

Thailand has been periodically rocked by mass demonstrations by rival protest groups since a controversial military coup in 2006 that ousted then-premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- Yingluck's brother.

At least 10 people have been killed and hundreds injured in violence linked to the latest round of protests.

The deployment of security forces has revived memories of a bloody crackdown on mass pro-Thaksin "Red Shirt" rallies in 2010 under the previous government, using armed troops backed by armoured vehicles.

Yingluck's opponents say her government is controlled by Thaksin, who fled overseas in 2008 to avoid jail for a corruption conviction and now lives in Dubai.

Pro-Thaksin parties have won every election for more than a decade, most recently in 2011 under Yingluck, helped by strong support in the northern half of the kingdom.

The tycoon-turned-politician is hated by many southerners, middle class Thais and members of the Bangkok elite who accuse him of rampant corruption.

Anti-government protesters disrupted a general election held earlier this month that was boycotted by the main opposition Democrat Party.

Demonstrators prevented 10,000 polling stations from opening in the election, affecting several million people.

The protesters want Yingluck to stand down to make way for an unelected "People's Council" to enact reforms to tackle corruption and alleged vote-buying before new polls are held.

The Election Commission has set a date of April 27 for election re-runs in constituencies where voting was obstructed by protesters.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-02-15

the protesters "will not give up"

Oh yes you will. Just go home will you?

Don't you just want to slap them silly!?!

Curt1591, on 15 Feb 2014 - 13:13, said:

Don't you just want to slap them silly!?!

Exactly my feelings for Yingluck, Chalerm and the rest of the puppet government.

Despite the best efforts of the Yingluck administration, even the appearance of normalcy will not be achieved. Whether the buildings are open or not, this administration is constitutionally stripped of being able to govern. Their own flexing of power has now dwindled down to just two things - the emergency decree and the police. As they have no mandate, no parliamentary quorum, no legislative power - or any feasible path towards attaining it - they have literally been stripped of the tools of democracy. All they have left are the structures of power - the building themselves. But once in them, they can't do anything - outside of trying to look busy, of course, because that is the sum total of what they are now constitutionally allowed to do. It's a hollow victory. It has no meaning. What has meaning is the fact that they are constitutionally paralyzed. What has meaning is that the courts are going ahead with the impeachment proceedings. The power was never on the streets. But power was always through the courts and the rule of law.

Despite the best efforts of the Yingluck administration, even the appearance of normalcy will not be achieved. Whether the buildings are open or not, this administration is constitutionally stripped of being able to govern. Their own flexing of power has now dwindled down to just two things - the emergency decree and the police. As they have no mandate, no parliamentary quorum, no legislative power - or any feasible path towards attaining it - they have literally been stripped of the tools of democracy. All they have left are the structures of power - the building themselves. But once in them, they can't do anything - outside of trying to look busy, of course, because that is the sum total of what they are now constitutionally allowed to do. It's a hollow victory. It has no meaning. What has meaning is the fact that they are constitutionally paralyzed. What has meaning is that the courts are going ahead with the impeachment proceedings. The power was never on the streets. But power was always through the courts and the rule of law.

Thailand will roo the day that Thaskin Shinawatra ever stepped into the lime light , what a disappointment for many, not unexpected , from those who knew a rich mans dream, was for total control.

r

'But there were no arrests or serious clashes, and demonstrators were later seen rebuilding their makeshift barricades.'

so the protesters are back there?

Despite the best efforts of the Yingluck administration, even the appearance of normalcy will not be achieved. Whether the buildings are open or not, this administration is constitutionally stripped of being able to govern. Their own flexing of power has now dwindled down to just two things - the emergency decree and the police. As they have no mandate, no parliamentary quorum, no legislative power - or any feasible path towards attaining it - they have literally been stripped of the tools of democracy. All they have left are the structures of power - the building themselves. But once in them, they can't do anything - outside of trying to look busy, of course, because that is the sum total of what they are now constitutionally allowed to do. It's a hollow victory. It has no meaning. What has meaning is the fact that they are constitutionally paralyzed. What has meaning is that the courts are going ahead with the impeachment proceedings. The power was never on the streets. But power was always through the courts and the rule of law.

Er, all this is happening in your mind... sorry mate.. the actual scene is tiny little pockets of protesters here and there, while all the rest have gone home.

It just didn't get off the ground did it?

Suthep has no new tricks,.... he's run his race.

the only way the Dems are going to win power is in an election by popular vote..... a majority votes them in.

No rubbish people's council or whatever he planned.

Despite the best efforts of the Yingluck administration, even the appearance of normalcy will not be achieved. Whether the buildings are open or not, this administration is constitutionally stripped of being able to govern. Their own flexing of power has now dwindled down to just two things - the emergency decree and the police. As they have no mandate, no parliamentary quorum, no legislative power - or any feasible path towards attaining it - they have literally been stripped of the tools of democracy. All they have left are the structures of power - the building themselves. But once in them, they can't do anything - outside of trying to look busy, of course, because that is the sum total of what they are now constitutionally allowed to do. It's a hollow victory. It has no meaning. What has meaning is the fact that they are constitutionally paralyzed. What has meaning is that the courts are going ahead with the impeachment proceedings. The power was never on the streets. But power was always through the courts and the rule of law.

Thailand will roo the day that Thaskin Shinawatra ever stepped into the lime light , what a disappointment for many, not unexpected , from those who knew a rich mans dream, was for total control.

r

You applaud the fact that an elected government is being stripped of the tools of democracy? How can you believe that this is a good thing? The power was never on the streets? How will you rule if you succeed? Your only option is tyranny.

If you read the Thai consitution, which i have read, you would find that all the laws are there to stop corruption and when suthep was in he NEVR did anything to make THAT constitution better. NOW DID HE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Curt1591, on 15 Feb 2014 - 13:13, said:

Don't you just want to slap them silly!?!

Exactly my feelings for Yingluck, Chalerm and the rest of the puppet government.

I'm talking everyone, both sides. All the posturing is BS.

And, also slap people who constantly fire off the stale terms such as "puppet", "fugitive", and others, which demonstrate why nothing will ever be resolved.

This whole mess has nothing to do with corruption. It has to do with socio-economic stratification and superior attitudes.

"Protesters Vow No Surrender" - why should they?

Suthep says they are winning, crowds getting larger every day, more people joining each week, coffers are flush with donations.

If the scoreboard says you are 15-0 up in soccer, why is there a need to say you aren't going to surrender?

Well, as long as the scoreboard is not wrong, of course.

wife says government man Chalerm said on TV.

they can protest all year no problem they can protest until suthep and financers have no money left.

now they all agree protest can last long time. lol why did i miss 4 months of this.

If you read the Thai consitution, which i have read, you would find that all the laws are there to stop corruption and when suthep was in he NEVR did anything to make THAT constitution better. NOW DID HE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is one of the major contentions - WHY did he do nothing when in power? only AFTER he was demoted in the UnDem Party did he decide to show his true fascist leanings for personal glory

"Vow....... promise...... threaten......... commit......... guarantee"

These English words do not translate into Thai..... there are no definitions in Thai for these English words..... please add these nonsensical English words to some other nonsensical English words such as "borrow" and "resolve conflict"

'But there were no arrests or serious clashes, and demonstrators were later seen rebuilding their makeshift barricades.'

so the protesters are back there?

Bluespunk.... they are like ants! When you kick over an ant hill, the ants just rebuild it like nothing happened.... no ants complain, no ants go on strike, no ants demand more pay.... they just rebuild...

The only way to get rid of them is to buy an ant eater or SPRAY! lols

Despite the best efforts of the Yingluck administration, even the appearance of normalcy will not be achieved. Whether the buildings are open or not, this administration is constitutionally stripped of being able to govern. Their own flexing of power has now dwindled down to just two things - the emergency decree and the police. As they have no mandate, no parliamentary quorum, no legislative power - or any feasible path towards attaining it - they have literally been stripped of the tools of democracy. All they have left are the structures of power - the building themselves. But once in them, they can't do anything - outside of trying to look busy, of course, because that is the sum total of what they are now constitutionally allowed to do. It's a hollow victory. It has no meaning. What has meaning is the fact that they are constitutionally paralyzed. What has meaning is that the courts are going ahead with the impeachment proceedings. The power was never on the streets. But power was always through the courts and the rule of law.

Er, all this is happening in your mind... sorry mate.. the actual scene is tiny little pockets of protesters here and there, while all the rest have gone home.

It just didn't get off the ground did it?

Suthep has no new tricks,.... he's run his race.

the only way the Dems are going to win power is in an election by popular vote..... a majority votes them in.

No rubbish people's council or whatever he planned.

Whatever happens, things will certainly not return to normal

The Thai's I work with in Bangkok have attended all the Suthep/ speeches meetings.

I've never seen so much hate directed at TS, YS and Chalerm...If these people are anything to go by it's not going to be accepted if PT don't go.

No other option.

Feeling is the rice payment won't happen next week.

Government trying to disperse crowds before penny drops.

Curt1591, on 15 Feb 2014 - 13:13, said:

Don't you just want to slap them silly!?!

Exactly my feelings for Yingluck, Chalerm and the rest of the puppet government.

I'm talking everyone, both sides. All the posturing is BS.

And, also slap people who constantly fire off the stale terms such as "puppet", "fugitive", and others, which demonstrate why nothing will ever be resolved.

This whole mess has nothing to do with corruption. It has to do with socio-economic stratification and superior attitudes.

Can we also slap very hard the people who keep using the term fascist, mad man, mad monk etc ?

Curt1591, on 15 Feb 2014 - 13:13, said:

Don't you just want to slap them silly!?!

Exactly my feelings for Yingluck, Chalerm and the rest of the puppet government.

I'm talking everyone, both sides. All the posturing is BS.

And, also slap people who constantly fire off the stale terms such as "puppet", "fugitive", and others, which demonstrate why nothing will ever be resolved.

This whole mess has nothing to do with corruption. It has to do with socio-economic stratification and superior attitudes.

Can we also slap very hard the people who keep using the term fascist, mad man, mad monk etc ?

Yes.

Instead of debating the issues, and making points, too many simply toss out these witty barbs.

This debate is one, huge war of buzz words.

Curt1591, on 15 Feb 2014 - 13:13, said:

Don't you just want to slap them silly!?!

Exactly my feelings for Yingluck, Chalerm and the rest of the puppet government.

I'm talking everyone, both sides. All the posturing is BS.

And, also slap people who constantly fire off the stale terms such as "puppet", "fugitive", and others, which demonstrate why nothing will ever be resolved.

This whole mess has nothing to do with corruption. It has to do with socio-economic stratification and superior attitudes.

I think it is everything to do with corruption, there are those who would use the class system to justify their views about the opposition But as Thaksin is destroying the socio_economic structure with his superior attitude toward the country.

What are the people supposed to do roll over and let PTP ruin everything they touch?

Curt1591, on 15 Feb 2014 - 13:13, said:

Don't you just want to slap them silly!?!

Exactly my feelings for Yingluck, Chalerm and the rest of the puppet government.

I'm talking everyone, both sides. All the posturing is BS.

And, also slap people who constantly fire off the stale terms such as "puppet", "fugitive", and others, which demonstrate why nothing will ever be resolved.

This whole mess has nothing to do with corruption. It has to do with socio-economic stratification and superior attitudes.

Can we also slap very hard the people who keep using the term fascist, mad man, mad monk etc ?

Yes. While we are it, slap also those who use words like shopping, thugs, Dubai and ear medicine.

Curt1591, on 15 Feb 2014 - 13:13, said:

Don't you just want to slap them silly!?!

Exactly my feelings for Yingluck, Chalerm and the rest of the puppet government.

I'm talking everyone, both sides. All the posturing is BS.

And, also slap people who constantly fire off the stale terms such as "puppet", "fugitive", and others, which demonstrate why nothing will ever be resolved.

This whole mess has nothing to do with corruption. It has to do with socio-economic stratification and superior attitudes.

I think it is everything to do with corruption, there are those who would use the class system to justify their views about the opposition But as Thaksin is destroying the socio_economic structure with his superior attitude toward the country.

What are the people supposed to do roll over and let PTP ruin everything they touch?

Bangkok is not Thailand.

I know it's making the news and all, but there's another 55 million people in Thailand who live out of the city.

A lot of posters here watch the news and think there;'s a revolution happening, but it's only in Bangkok.

One needs to view this in perspective.

They don't represent the majority of Thais, by a long shot.

Despite the best efforts of the Yingluck administration, even the appearance of normalcy will not be achieved. Whether the buildings are open or not, this administration is constitutionally stripped of being able to govern. Their own flexing of power has now dwindled down to just two things - the emergency decree and the police. As they have no mandate, no parliamentary quorum, no legislative power - or any feasible path towards attaining it - they have literally been stripped of the tools of democracy. All they have left are the structures of power - the building themselves. But once in them, they can't do anything - outside of trying to look busy, of course, because that is the sum total of what they are now constitutionally allowed to do. It's a hollow victory. It has no meaning. What has meaning is the fact that they are constitutionally paralyzed. What has meaning is that the courts are going ahead with the impeachment proceedings. The power was never on the streets. But power was always through the courts and the rule of law.

Er, all this is happening in your mind... sorry mate.. the actual scene is tiny little pockets of protesters here and there, while all the rest have gone home.

It just didn't get off the ground did it?

Suthep has no new tricks,.... he's run his race.

the only way the Dems are going to win power is in an election by popular vote..... a majority votes them in.

No rubbish people's council or whatever he planned.

No!!! scamper is right - these demonstrations were designed to get the house dissolved (achieved) this made them impotent and then the courts will do the rest (with the help of some of their ex-voters)!!!

Demonstrations or not, this corrupt rabble are at a dead end and there is no going back. The examiners have looked at the evidence and pretty well deemed that the rice scam and 2 trillion dollar corruption scheme are illegal, unconstitutional, or both. Add to this, the fact that Yingluck rather foolishly put herself at the helm of the rice scam and declined to go to any of the meetings and faces charges of dereliction of duty then they have burned their own bridges and are toast, in effect.

Guess what the punishment for any one of these altercations is?

Do you still think that they will be in power next time even if the demonstrators all left tomorrow??

The government started their own downfall with that fateful own goal, the amnesty bill (for Thaksin) with a huge assist from the rice scam!!

Curt1591, on 15 Feb 2014 - 15:46, said:

Costas2008, on 15 Feb 2014 - 13:23, said:

Curt1591, on 15 Feb 2014 - 13:13, said:Curt1591, on 15 Feb 2014 - 13:13, said:

Don't you just want to slap them silly!?!

Exactly my feelings for Yingluck, Chalerm and the rest of the puppet government.

I'm talking everyone, both sides. All the posturing is BS.

And, also slap people who constantly fire off the stale terms such as "puppet", "fugitive", and others, which demonstrate why nothing will ever be resolved.

This whole mess has nothing to do with corruption. It has to do with socio-economic stratification and superior attitudes.

Just in case you want to slap me harder, I also use "muppet government" a lot.

And for your info, it's not up to you or me to resolve the political situation in Thailand, but to the Thai people.

Despite the best efforts of the Yingluck administration, even the appearance of normalcy will not be achieved. Whether the buildings are open or not, this administration is constitutionally stripped of being able to govern. Their own flexing of power has now dwindled down to just two things - the emergency decree and the police. As they have no mandate, no parliamentary quorum, no legislative power - or any feasible path towards attaining it - they have literally been stripped of the tools of democracy. All they have left are the structures of power - the building themselves. But once in them, they can't do anything - outside of trying to look busy, of course, because that is the sum total of what they are now constitutionally allowed to do. It's a hollow victory. It has no meaning. What has meaning is the fact that they are constitutionally paralyzed. What has meaning is that the courts are going ahead with the impeachment proceedings. The power was never on the streets. But power was always through the courts and the rule of law.

Er, all this is happening in your mind... sorry mate.. the actual scene is tiny little pockets of protesters here and there, while all the rest have gone home.

It just didn't get off the ground did it?

Suthep has no new tricks,.... he's run his race.

the only way the Dems are going to win power is in an election by popular vote..... a majority votes them in.

No rubbish people's council or whatever he planned.

Whatever happens, things will certainly not return to normal

The Thai's I work with in Bangkok have attended all the Suthep/ speeches meetings.

I've never seen so much hate directed at TS, YS and Chalerm...If these people are anything to go by it's not going to be accepted if PT don't go.

No other option.

Feeling is the rice payment won't happen next week.

Government trying to disperse crowds before penny drops.

Yes in our office as well. We had several Suthep supporters that decided to go out for the demos during daytime with Suthep. 9 just got retrenched last week of which 3 participated in those rallies. If tourism doesn't pick up in the next 2 months, we might have to fire another 20-30 staffs. Our office is split with 60% Suthep/40% YS.

At another office I am working its 90% Suthep and 10% YS. The CEO is flying almost daily overseas as no one wants to come to Bangkok more even for a normal executive meeting. It's either HK, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur but Bkk has been completely wiped off from the map.

The 10 billion USD in rice loses is peanuts compared to what Bangkok is loosing over the past 2 months.

Suthep makes his money in Surat Thani. He would never shut down Samui but he knows his interest and financial gains is limited in Bangkok.

I hope the army or police start clearing up Bkk, starting with Asoke and in front of BMP.

Despite the best efforts of the Yingluck administration, even the appearance of normalcy will not be achieved. Whether the buildings are open or not, this administration is constitutionally stripped of being able to govern. Their own flexing of power has now dwindled down to just two things - the emergency decree and the police. As they have no mandate, no parliamentary quorum, no legislative power - or any feasible path towards attaining it - they have literally been stripped of the tools of democracy. All they have left are the structures of power - the building themselves. But once in them, they can't do anything - outside of trying to look busy, of course, because that is the sum total of what they are now constitutionally allowed to do. It's a hollow victory. It has no meaning. What has meaning is the fact that they are constitutionally paralyzed. What has meaning is that the courts are going ahead with the impeachment proceedings. The power was never on the streets. But power was always through the courts and the rule of law.

All I see from the yellow Farang's is attempts at facesaving of trying to pull a victory out of utter, total defeat. They backed the shut down of the election, and Thai's turned out and backed the Democratic process of an election.

This person states it is a hollow victory, but it was a victory for the Democratic system to continue in Thailand, and history will always denote that it was Yingluck who will be credited for that victory,

With the yellows having all the aces in their hand, the EC, The Courts, The NACC and the Army, lost the battle against PTP, badly hampered by the courts and EC, but they have the Thai people on their side.

So it was a great victory for the people of Thailand! It was only a battle many more are to follow.

Cheers for Thailand!

theyll get fedup soon it will be too hot and they need aircon and frapachinos badly

Despite the best efforts of the Yingluck administration, even the appearance of normalcy will not be achieved. Whether the buildings are open or not, this administration is constitutionally stripped of being able to govern. Their own flexing of power has now dwindled down to just two things - the emergency decree and the police. As they have no mandate, no parliamentary quorum, no legislative power - or any feasible path towards attaining it - they have literally been stripped of the tools of democracy. All they have left are the structures of power - the building themselves. But once in them, they can't do anything - outside of trying to look busy, of course, because that is the sum total of what they are now constitutionally allowed to do. It's a hollow victory. It has no meaning. What has meaning is the fact that they are constitutionally paralyzed. What has meaning is that the courts are going ahead with the impeachment proceedings. The power was never on the streets. But power was always through the courts and the rule of law.

Er, all this is happening in your mind... sorry mate.. the actual scene is tiny little pockets of protesters here and there, while all the rest have gone home.

It just didn't get off the ground did it?

Suthep has no new tricks,.... he's run his race.

the only way the Dems are going to win power is in an election by popular vote..... a majority votes them in.

No rubbish people's council or whatever he planned.

Whatever happens, things will certainly not return to normal

The Thai's I work with in Bangkok have attended all the Suthep/ speeches meetings.

I've never seen so much hate directed at TS, YS and Chalerm...If these people are anything to go by it's not going to be accepted if PT don't go.

No other option.

Feeling is the rice payment won't happen next week.

Government trying to disperse crowds before penny drops.

Yes in our office as well. We had several Suthep supporters that decided to go out for the demos during daytime with Suthep. 9 just got retrenched last week of which 3 participated in those rallies. If tourism doesn't pick up in the next 2 months, we might have to fire another 20-30 staffs. Our office is split with 60% Suthep/40% YS.

At another office I am working its 90% Suthep and 10% YS. The CEO is flying almost daily overseas as no one wants to come to Bangkok more even for a normal executive meeting. It's either HK, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur but Bkk has been completely wiped off from the map.

The 10 billion USD in rice loses is peanuts compared to what Bangkok is loosing over the past 2 months.

Suthep makes his money in Surat Thani. He would never shut down Samui but he knows his interest and financial gains is limited in Bangkok.

I hope the army or police start clearing up Bkk, starting with Asoke and in front of BMP.

In my office, it's 100% Suthep and just one YS (me). However, since I'm the boss, no one can do anything about it

Oh, and please don't clean up Asoke. I love the lack of traffic and pollution and party atmosphere. I just wish they would pipe down on the speeches and increase the concerts.

Exactly my feelings for Yingluck, Chalerm and the rest of the puppet government.

I'm talking everyone, both sides. All the posturing is BS.

And, also slap people who constantly fire off the stale terms such as "puppet", "fugitive", and others, which demonstrate why nothing will ever be resolved.

This whole mess has nothing to do with corruption. It has to do with socio-economic stratification and superior attitudes.

I think it is everything to do with corruption, there are those who would use the class system to justify their views about the opposition But as Thaksin is destroying the socio_economic structure with his superior attitude toward the country.

What are the people supposed to do roll over and let PTP ruin everything they touch?

Bangkok is not Thailand.

I know it's making the news and all, but there's another 55 million people in Thailand who live out of the city.

A lot of posters here watch the news and think there;'s a revolution happening, but it's only in Bangkok.

One needs to view this in perspective.

They don't represent the majority of Thais, by a long shot.

It all very well saying they don't represent the majority of Thais, But if we're being honest, does anyone other than the EC know exactly how the Feb 2 election results tallied up?

Not living in Bangkok I can say things are a lot more peaceful up country, but that doesn't mean they all voted for Thaksin. I would suggest there are a lot of no votes not just spoiled votes. Can PTP still claim to have the majority vote I don't think so, not now not how things are turning out with their populist scams!

"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice." - Martin Luther King.

"Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being." - Mahatma Gandhi

I hope for the sake of Thailand, the protesters do not let their pride and anger foreshadow peace and justice.