Jatuporn as UDD chief may be hardline

[webfact]

Jatuporn as UDD chief may be hardline
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The leadership change at the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) could be a "game-changer", giving rise to the possibility of civil strife and the country heading towards disintegration, some fear.

Jatuporn Promphan has replaced Thida Thavonseth as head of the UDD.

"This war is long and drawn out where sometimes we have to be on the offensive and other times defensive - but one thing we all agree is, we will never allow ourselves to be defeated," Thida said at a major red-shirt rally last week in Ayuthaya.

"Jatuporn Promphan has said he has fully recovered from sickness and is ready to take over the chairmanship of the UDD, so please welcome the new UDD leader at the time of battle," she said.

Thida's remarks were greeted by chanting and fireworks, signifying a new era in the red "struggle".

The UDD, under Jatuporn's leadership, is expected to strike more aggressively and with well-planned moves. It has outlined strategies aimed at unifying all factions of the red-shirt movement and expand its base nationwide through the establishment of committees at all levels - from provinces to districts and tambons to villages.

Their first mission is to set up UDD political schools across the country.

Critics view the formation of the Democracy Protection Volunteers' (DPV) as a potential "game-changer" too. The organisation has just been formed by red-shirt leader Suporn Atthawong, who is also PM's deputy secretary-general, and hardcore red shirt Kwanchai Praipana. The DPV aims to mobilise 10,000 members per province across the country.

A seminar was held on Tuesday outlining DPV's strategies, which was attended by red-shirt leaders from the Northeast. Their key objective is to counter possible coups in any form.

Suporn denied that his new group would embark on arms training and brainstorming on separation of the state.

"We only want to arm people with intelligence and provide them self-defence skills and physical fitness training,'' Suporn said.

The move to unify the red-shirt factions is needed to get the organisation to move in one direction because after Thida took over the leadership, 20 red-shirt leaders who had joined hands in the struggle were divided into four factions led by Jatuporn, caretaker Deputy Commerce Minister Nuttawut Saikuar, Thida and Weng Tojirakarn. They were the core red factions after the May red-shirt riots in 2010.

The red-shirt movement is not without undercurrent figures, which include Waipoj Apornrat, Payap Shinawatra, Wanchana Kerd-dee, Shinawatra Habunpad and Suporn.

The number of red-shirt factions seems to be great and are not controlled by UDD directly as they have their own areas of control.

However, the movement could be classified into the following five big groups, with each having several sub-groups.

The Royal Red Force, run by the UDD, the Community Radio Red Shirts, the Independent Red Shirts, the Provincial Red Shirts, who are the major force for the red shirts in the capital, and the Underground Red Shirts. Most of the Underground Red Shirts are based overseas and have the major goal of overthrowing the feudal system.

The DPV is to be reckoned with because it is well-financed and led by the real commanders equipped with a fighting spirit and strategies - Kwanchai and Suporn.


-- The Nation 2014-03-21

[Dr Bruce]

It would be a good thing if they could unify the various Red-Shirt factions and start working together for democracy.

They just need to keep the extreme elements under control.

Edit: spelling

Edited March 21, 2014 by Dr Bruce

[Tatsujin]

It would be a good thing if they could unify the various Red-Shirt factions and start working together for democracy.

They just need to keep the extreme alements under control.

Those various red shirt factions are already unified and doing exactly as they are each told to do.

[smedly]

what a pile of complete nonsense

what exactly is their goal - does anyone really know apart from getting Thaksin back on Thai soil with all charges dropped

and what on earth is a UDD political school - sounds like something straight out of N. Korea

If these people get any traction it will be the end of Thailand as we know it

These red leaders talk the talk while the money is filling their bank accounts - but can they walk the walk or is it all hot air

[whybother]

"We only want to arm people with intelligence and provide them self-defence skills and physical fitness training,'' Suporn said.

He's admitting that they don't already have intelligence!?!

Maybe it's not a good idea. Once they're "armed with intelligence" they might realise what's happening and reject the movement.

[Yunla]

"We only want to arm people with intelligence and provide them self-defence skills and physical fitness training,'' Suporn said.

Also basket-weaving, flower-arranging and balloon-twisting.

[thesetat2013]

It would be a good thing if they could unify the various Red-Shirt factions and start working together for democracy.

They just need to keep the extreme alements under control.

These people dont care about democracy. They care about stayig in power through any means. They are gathering a force as stated and providing arms training and talking about seperation. How do you think they could teach people about democracy when they dont accept anything that goes against their politcal party. They think anyone who is not following them blindly is against them so should be persecuted and codemned. They dont follow the laws of this country and ignore court rulings.

These REDS have done nothing except show the world their idea for democracy means once they are voted for they can do whatever they want and to heck with ruled and laws and if they hurt a minority thats ok also.

If all of these Red factions come together with Jatuporn as their commander then it will be a war with the PTP against everyone else. Your life in Thailand will be over or changed so drammatically that you will either be in hiding it fleeing. So be careful what you wish for

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Dr Bruce]

what a pile of complete nonsense

what exactly is their goal - does anyone really know apart from getting Thaksin back on Thai soil with all charges dropped

and what on earth is a UDD political school - sounds like something straight out of N. Korea

If these people get any traction it will be the end of Thailand as we know it

These red leaders talk the talk while the money is filling their bank accounts - but can they walk the walk or is it all hot air

The main aim is to protect the democratic government of Thailand. They have seen all but one of the democratic governments over the last 10 years ended by either military or judicial coups.

It is true that many of them would like to see Taksin back as they believe that he was unjustly removed by the Amart people in Bangkok.

I agree that it will be the end of Thailand as we know it. It will lead to the end of the Amart control and allow Thailand to become a real democracy.

[ianf]

It would be a good thing if they could unify the various Red-Shirt factions and start working together for democracy.

They just need to keep the extreme alements under control.

These people dont care about democracy. They care about stayig in power through any means. They are gathering a force as stated and providing arms training and talking about seperation. How do you think they could teach people about democracy when they dont accept anything that goes against their politcal party. They think anyone who is not following them blindly is against them so should be persecuted and codemned. They dont follow the laws of this country and ignore court rulings.

These REDS have done nothing except show the world their idea for democracy means once they are voted for they can do whatever they want and to heck with ruled and laws and if they hurt a minority thats ok also.

If all of these Red factions come together with Jatuporn as their commander then it will be a war with the PTP against everyone else. Your life in Thailand will be over or changed so drammatically that you will either be in hiding it fleeing. So be careful what you wish for

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Dr Bruce is another person who posts here regularly and simply does not understand the nature of Thai politics and the devastating influence of Thaksin. Whilst he was PM he actually paid many of the senators 100,000 baht a month EACH in order that they follow his line so that he could sell the telecoms co to an overseas buyer even though this was against the Thai law. You really think that the Red Shirts are working for democracy? Not at all. They are working for Thaksin, an autocrat not a democrat. It doesn't take much intelligence to see that this is the case.

[chainarong]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

what a pile of complete nonsense

what exactly is their goal - does anyone really know apart from getting Thaksin back on Thai soil with all charges dropped

and what on earth is a UDD political school - sounds like something straight out of N. Korea

If these people get any traction it will be the end of Thailand as we know it

These red leaders talk the talk while the money is filling their bank accounts - but can they walk the walk or is it all hot air

Good I like it. nothing more needs to be said.

[RedUDead]

How dreadful is this?

Sometimes I feel like I want to go down to BKK and throw a bucket of water over Prayuth and the rest of the military top brass and wake the lot of them up.

Can't they see what is going on under their very noses?

If this is not nipped in the bud, then the UDD to Thailand will be as synonymous as Al Qaeda or Taliban is to the middle east.

All the same setup as the pro secessionist and declaration of war speech last month in Korat that raised a lot of eyebrows, only they are using stupid cover up tactics to make their movement sound more muted. But the meaning is exactly the same.

These will be no different to Taliban schools of brainwashing with Al Qaeda style training camps.

Thaksin must have linked up with a few nutters in Dubai and 'donated' a few million for advice on how to start and train a terrorist group. It wouldn't surprise me at all.

If the army do not crush this right now and the courts not outlaw the UDD and rule that any kind of similar setup is unlawful and a criminal offense, then Thailand is going to be a wasteland of terrorism.

The list of names is in the OP, these need to be taken out right now and the lot of them locked up without delay. Then anyone who emerges to take their place should be swiftly taken out also.

'self defense and physical training my ass'..... That is a militia training program and nothing less.

'Weapons of intelligence?.... That's a good one, they intend to counter any form of coup totally unarmed... They know they need arms, they learned that in 2010.

Here comes Thailand's Al Qaeda, and it will be like Pattini and Yala X 50 and I can see that the army will sit on their until it is way too late.

And all this time, Yingluck and the PTP will fail to denounce this. (because they are behind it).

Thailand..... As a country, YOU SUCK!!!

I am on the verge of leaving this place now, as soon as this militia make their move, it will be game over Thailand... it is beyond all help and before you say 'good riddance' or 'don't slam the door on the way out' I will wager that most farang will be following me before the year is out and Thai tourism will come to a complete end. This place will be thrown back 200 years.

Afghanistan with a smile.

Edited March 21, 2014 by RedUDead

[whybother]

what a pile of complete nonsense

what exactly is their goal - does anyone really know apart from getting Thaksin back on Thai soil with all charges dropped

and what on earth is a UDD political school - sounds like something straight out of N. Korea

If these people get any traction it will be the end of Thailand as we know it

These red leaders talk the talk while the money is filling their bank accounts - but can they walk the walk or is it all hot air

The main aim is to protect the democratic government of Thailand. They have seen all but one of the democratic governments over the last 10 years ended by either military or judicial coups.

It is true that many of them would like to see Taksin back as they believe that he was unjustly removed by the Amart people in Bangkok.

I agree that it will be the end of Thailand as we know it. It will lead to the end of the Amart control and allow Thailand to become a real democracy.

Thaksin dissolved parliament in 2005 and 2006. Abhisit dissolved parliament in 2011. And Yingluck dissolved parliament in 2013. That's 4 times in 10 years.

There was only a care-taker government in 2006, and the government didn't change when Samak was forced to step down in 2008.

So, only 1 "democratic government" has ended by "either military or judicial coup" in the last 10 years.

[RedUDead]

what a pile of complete nonsense

what exactly is their goal - does anyone really know apart from getting Thaksin back on Thai soil with all charges dropped

and what on earth is a UDD political school - sounds like something straight out of N. Korea

If these people get any traction it will be the end of Thailand as we know it

These red leaders talk the talk while the money is filling their bank accounts - but can they walk the walk or is it all hot air

The main aim is to protect the democratic government of Thailand. They have seen all but one of the democratic governments over the last 10 years ended by either military or judicial coups.

It is true that many of them would like to see Taksin back as they believe that he was unjustly removed by the Amart people in Bangkok.

I agree that it will be the end of Thailand as we know it. It will lead to the end of the Amart control and allow Thailand to become a real democracy.

Dr Bruce.

With all respect, I suggest you study the history of uprisings around the world and the fallout in each of them, and then tell us what happy, contented democracy was the result.

You are looking at 20 or 30 years of strife and destruction and maybe another 50 years to get back to a decent society.

The only way to speed progress up is separation. The amart won't be destroyed, they have the military. The police will desert en masse. Thailand will become almost lawless.

Terrorism will be on a massive scale.

Be very careful about defending the intentions of Thaksin, Jatuporn and the UDD movement.

This is another Taliban in the making.

[Fryslan boppe]

An excellent and timely report....Which I read after complaining in another Post, about media inattention to preparation by pro-Democracy forces. Preparation for what is perceived as being only a matter-of-time, before the anti-democrats strike out via the so-called independent organizations, trying to characterize a coup as not being a coup.....With self-righteous indignation, with solemn declarations trying the spin of law-abiding, normative groups and their user-friendly judiciary, as simply doing their job.

No-body is fooled by that, and the preparation of those they are trying to fool, is apparent in this piece.......Although in reality, it is the International audience they are trying to fool....That is why they chose not to use the military to do their deed.

The penchant of the Opposition to apply terms such as "hardline' and 'hardcore' to the leaders of the pro-democracy movement, thereby trying to make it appear as anarchic, is also very obvious....When one tries to attribute the same thing to their leaders, by calling the likes of AV, Chaun Leek Pai (sp?) and others as being hardcore and anarchic, it elicits all sorts of self-righteous indignation........Ever heard the saying what is good for the goose, is good for the gander?

Edited March 21, 2014 by Fryslan boppe

[RockyBeerbelly]

The UDD and the NPV are rapidly becoming the coup-mongers Fryslan boppe keeps on prattling about.

There is only one goal of these groups, and that is it to create mayhem. Onde the mayhem on the streets of BKK starts, Chalerm and his band of criminals will instruct the police not to take any actions, so in the end the army is being forced to take action. Once that has happened the red dictatorship can shout to the world that the "democratically elected govt" of Thailand is again forced out by a military coup. Therefore it is important to let the courts handle these militia groups, and not the army. By keeping a low profile, I think Gen Prayut is doing the right thing for Thailand in the long run....

[whybother]

An excellent and timely report....Read after I complained in another Post, about media inattention to preparation by pro-Democracy forces. Preparation for what is perceived as being only a matter-of-time, before the anti-democrats strike out via the so-called independent organizations, trying to characterize a coup as not being a coup.....With self-righteous indignation, trying the spin of law-abiding. normative groups and their user-friendly judiciary simply solemnly doing their job.

No-body is fooled by that, and the preparation of those they are trying to fool, is apparent in this piece.......Although in reality, it is the International audience they are trying to fool....That is why they chose not to use the military to do their deed.

The penchant of the Opposition to apply terms such as "hardline' and 'hardcore' to the leaders of the pro-democracy movement, thereby trying to make it appear as anarchic, is also very obvious....When one tries to attribute the same thing to their leaders, by calling the likes of AV, Chaun Leek Pai (sp?) and others as being hardcore and anarchic, it elicits all sorts of self-righteous indignation........Ever heard the saying what is good for the goose, is good for the gander?

Are you seriously comparing Abhisit and Chuan Leek Pai to Jatuporn?

[jcb2001]

How dreadful is this?

Sometimes I feel like I want to go down to BKK and throw a bucket of water over Prayuth and the rest of the military top brass and wake the lot of them up.

Can't they see what is going on under their very noses?

If this is not nipped in the bud, then the UDD to Thailand will be as synonymous as Al Qaeda or Taliban is to the middle east.

All the same setup as the pro secessionist and declaration of war speech last month in Korat that raised a lot of eyebrows, only they are using stupid cover up tactics to make their movement sound more muted. But the meaning is exactly the same.

These will be no different to Taliban schools of brainwashing with Al Qaeda style training camps.

Thaksin must have linked up with a few nutters in Dubai and 'donated' a few million for advice on how to start and train a terrorist group. It wouldn't surprise me at all.

If the army do not crush this right now and the courts not outlaw the UDD and rule that any kind of similar setup is unlawful and a criminal offense, then Thailand is going to be a wasteland of terrorism.

The list of names is in the OP, these need to be taken out right now and the lot of them locked up without delay. Then anyone who emerges to take their place should be swiftly taken out also.

'self defense and physical training my ass'..... That is a militia training program and nothing less.

'Weapons of intelligence?.... That's a good one, they intend to counter any form of coup totally unarmed... They know they need arms, they learned that in 2010.

Here comes Thailand's Al Qaeda, and it will be like Pattini and Yala X 50 and I can see that the army will sit on their until it is way too late.

And all this time, Yingluck and the PTP will fail to denounce this. (because they are behind it).

Thailand..... As a country, YOU SUCK!!!

I am on the verge of leaving this place now, as soon as this militia make their move, it will be game over Thailand... it is beyond all help and before you say 'good riddance' or 'don't slam the door on the way out' I will wager that most farang will be following me before the year is out and Thai tourism will come to a complete end. This place will be thrown back 200 years.

Afghanistan with a smile.

You hit the nail on the head. Prayuth is turning his head away from the real problem as I'm afraid that he has been bought out by the Dubai paymaster. Prayuth is just been giving lip service to supporting the country, but in reality, working for Thaksin.

[RedUDead]

An excellent and timely report....Which I read after complaining in another Post, about media inattention to preparation by pro-Democracy forces. Preparation for what is perceived as being only a matter-of-time, before the anti-democrats strike out via the so-called independent organizations, trying to characterize a coup as not being a coup.....With self-righteous indignation, with solemn declarations trying the spin of law-abiding, normative groups and their user-friendly judiciary, as simply doing their job.

No-body is fooled by that, and the preparation of those they are trying to fool, is apparent in this piece.......Although in reality, it is the International audience they are trying to fool....That is why they chose not to use the military to do their deed.

The penchant of the Opposition to apply terms such as "hardline' and 'hardcore' to the leaders of the pro-democracy movement, thereby trying to make it appear as anarchic, is also very obvious....When one tries to attribute the same thing to their leaders, by calling the likes of AV, Chaun Leek Pai (sp?) and others as being hardcore and anarchic, it elicits all sorts of self-righteous indignation........Ever heard the saying what is good for the goose, is good for the gander?

Tripe!

Another 'head in the clouds' contribution from you.

[RedUDead]

The UDD and the NPV are rapidly becoming the coup-mongers Fryslan boppe keeps on prattling about.

There is only one goal of these groups, and that is it to create mayhem. Onde the mayhem on the streets of BKK starts, Chalerm and his band of criminals will instruct the police not to take any actions, so in the end the army is being forced to take action. Once that has happened the red dictatorship can shout to the world that the "democratically elected govt" of Thailand is again forced out by a military coup. Therefore it is important to let the courts handle these militia groups, and not the army. By keeping a low profile, I think Gen Prayut is doing the right thing for Thailand in the long run....

The military won't coup. They will just declare martial law and should point to the world the assembling of a terrorist network with schools and training camps etc.... The world will see it as a good move to not coup and wipe out this group.

[thesetat2013]

what a pile of complete nonsense

what exactly is their goal - does anyone really know apart from getting Thaksin back on Thai soil with all charges dropped

and what on earth is a UDD political school - sounds like something straight out of N. Korea

If these people get any traction it will be the end of Thailand as we know it

These red leaders talk the talk while the money is filling their bank accounts - but can they walk the walk or is it all hot air

The main aim is to protect the democratic government of Thailand. They have seen all but one of the democratic governments over the last 10 years ended by either military or judicial coups.

It is true that many of them would like to see Taksin back as they believe that he was unjustly removed by the Amart people in Bangkok.

I agree that it will be the end of Thailand as we know it. It will lead to the end of the Amart control and allow Thailand to become a real democracy.

Some would think with a name of Dr. Bruce you might be an educated man. Apparently you don't see the possible outcomes of all that the PTP abd REDS are doing. Protecting Democracy is not one of them for sure. I am a big fan of the ptps idea that a majority vote should be enough to choose a leader. But in a democratuc society it is up to that democratically chosen leader to devote their term to making the country a better place. To serve the people (all the people) To leave behind personal business and interests. And above all To follow the laws be they local, civil, or constitutional. They also have a duty to assume responsibilty for their actions and the actions of their subordinates. If they don't do all this then they are no longer following democratic principles.

The current Gov including YL have not followed 1 single democratic principle. So the only thing Democratic about what the REDS are doing is trying to ensure YL and the PTP stay in power in the GOV.

They dont care about the laws they have broken or the people they have hurt or the fact they have drained all of this countries monies. They don't care if the courts prove their wrondoings and make judgement against them. To the REDS democracy rules only apply the fact they got voted in by a majority. Albeit this majority (HAD) faith in them or where to scared to vote against them.

Now all the REDS, YL, PTP, and UDD have to show for is the majority vote which, by the way, is only the first step to having a Democracy. They have continually shown abuse, lack of concern, and outright defiance with all the other aspects to make up Democracy.

I am no supporter of Suthep either. The only thing i feel suthep was/is good for is to show the people what their elected Gov has been secretly doing. The facts should speak foer thenselves. Most posters in here that are neutral truly should agree with my assessment. But you Dr. Bruce seem to be blinded thinking that democracy is only about voting. If Hitler became leader through an election would you be posting he should continue as leader all the while he is killing all the Jews? A drastic comparison i know. But all based on the principles i stated previously.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[RedUDead]

How dreadful is this?

Sometimes I feel like I want to go down to BKK and throw a bucket of water over Prayuth and the rest of the military top brass and wake the lot of them up.

Can't they see what is going on under their very noses?

If this is not nipped in the bud, then the UDD to Thailand will be as synonymous as Al Qaeda or Taliban is to the middle east.

All the same setup as the pro secessionist and declaration of war speech last month in Korat that raised a lot of eyebrows, only they are using stupid cover up tactics to make their movement sound more muted. But the meaning is exactly the same.

These will be no different to Taliban schools of brainwashing with Al Qaeda style training camps.

Thaksin must have linked up with a few nutters in Dubai and 'donated' a few million for advice on how to start and train a terrorist group. It wouldn't surprise me at all.

If the army do not crush this right now and the courts not outlaw the UDD and rule that any kind of similar setup is unlawful and a criminal offense, then Thailand is going to be a wasteland of terrorism.

The list of names is in the OP, these need to be taken out right now and the lot of them locked up without delay. Then anyone who emerges to take their place should be swiftly taken out also.

'self defense and physical training my ass'..... That is a militia training program and nothing less.

'Weapons of intelligence?.... That's a good one, they intend to counter any form of coup totally unarmed... They know they need arms, they learned that in 2010.

Here comes Thailand's Al Qaeda, and it will be like Pattini and Yala X 50 and I can see that the army will sit on their until it is way too late.

And all this time, Yingluck and the PTP will fail to denounce this. (because they are behind it).

Thailand..... As a country, YOU SUCK!!!

I am on the verge of leaving this place now, as soon as this militia make their move, it will be game over Thailand... it is beyond all help and before you say 'good riddance' or 'don't slam the door on the way out' I will wager that most farang will be following me before the year is out and Thai tourism will come to a complete end. This place will be thrown back 200 years.

Afghanistan with a smile.

You hit the nail on the head. Prayuth is turning his head away from the real problem as I'm afraid that he has been bought out by the Dubai paymaster. Prayuth is just been giving lip service to supporting the country, but in reality, working for Thaksin.

I have also believed this for quite some time also.

It will be his biggest regret in life.

[Fryslan boppe]

An excellent and timely report....Read after I complained in another Post, about media inattention to preparation by pro-Democracy forces. Preparation for what is perceived as being only a matter-of-time, before the anti-democrats strike out via the so-called independent organizations, trying to characterize a coup as not being a coup.....With self-righteous indignation, trying the spin of law-abiding. normative groups and their user-friendly judiciary simply solemnly doing their job.

No-body is fooled by that, and the preparation of those they are trying to fool, is apparent in this piece.......Although in reality, it is the International audience they are trying to fool....That is why they chose not to use the military to do their deed.

The penchant of the Opposition to apply terms such as "hardline' and 'hardcore' to the leaders of the pro-democracy movement, thereby trying to make it appear as anarchic, is also very obvious....When one tries to attribute the same thing to their leaders, by calling the likes of AV, Chaun Leek Pai (sp?) and others as being hardcore and anarchic, it elicits all sorts of self-righteous indignation........Ever heard the saying what is good for the goose, is good for the gander?

Are you seriously comparing Abhisit and Chuan Leek Pai to Jatuporn?

Leadership of the anti-Democrats and pro-democrats is what it is....For one side to continually think they are bolstering themselves, by denigrating leadership of the other, as is the intent in above quote, is an electoral fools game.

I have often expressed the view that everyone is better served by having a balance of power in parliament, so as to eradicate the frustrations of the minority, plus the benefits of having competitive elections.

For that to happen, those who are the Parliamentary minority and with serious electoral deficiencies, should first of all quit alienating large swaths of the electorate.

Jatuporn is a highly respected figure and leader in the pro-democracy movement, and has fervid support by millions of voters.....To take cheap shots at him like I see so many PAD-Dem's do and is evident in above quote, by extension is doing so to all those who consider his leadership very meaningfull.

Those with electoral ambitions need to quit biting the voter-hands that feed them.

I would love to see a serious analysis of what the PAD-Dem's need to do, in order to become electorally competitive, and by extension, improve the balance of power in parliament...I have been tempted many times to offer my own suggestions for that, but would be considered off-topic.

For example, the novel idea of being highly respectful of the Pro-democracy UDD/RS membership and their leadership, and eliminating the PAD-Dem self-destructive arrogance. And replacing it with thoughtful policy development, rooted to the needs of a segmented national electorate, segment by segment. Plus acquiring charismatic leadership that relates to a diverse electorate nation wide....How is that for beginners.

Edited March 21, 2014 by Fryslan boppe

[RedUDead]

An excellent and timely report....Read after I complained in another Post, about media inattention to preparation by pro-Democracy forces. Preparation for what is perceived as being only a matter-of-time, before the anti-democrats strike out via the so-called independent organizations, trying to characterize a coup as not being a coup.....With self-righteous indignation, trying the spin of law-abiding. normative groups and their user-friendly judiciary simply solemnly doing their job.

No-body is fooled by that, and the preparation of those they are trying to fool, is apparent in this piece.......Although in reality, it is the International audience they are trying to fool....That is why they chose not to use the military to do their deed.

The penchant of the Opposition to apply terms such as "hardline' and 'hardcore' to the leaders of the pro-democracy movement, thereby trying to make it appear as anarchic, is also very obvious....When one tries to attribute the same thing to their leaders, by calling the likes of AV, Chaun Leek Pai (sp?) and others as being hardcore and anarchic, it elicits all sorts of self-righteous indignation........Ever heard the saying what is good for the goose, is good for the gander?

Are you seriously comparing Abhisit and Chuan Leek Pai to Jatuporn?

Leadership of the anti-Democrats and pro-democrats is what it is....For one side to continually think they are bolstering themselves, by denigrating leadership of the other, as is the intent in above quote, is an electoral fools game.

I have often expressed the view that everyone is better served by having a balance of power in parliament so as to eradicate the frustrations of the minority, and the benefits of having competitive elections.

For that to happen, those who are the Parliamentary minority and with serious electoral deficiencies should first of all quit alienating large swaths of the electorate.

Jatuporn is a highly respected figure in the pro-democracy movement, and has fervid support by millions of voters.....To take cheap shots at him like I see so many PAD-Dem's do and is evident in above quote, is doing so by extension to all those who consider his leadership very meaningfully.

Those with electoral ambitions need to quit biting the voter-hands that feed them.

I would love to see a serious analysis of what the PAD-Dem's need to do, in order to become electorally competitive, and by extension, improve the balance of power in parliament...I have been tempted to offer my own suggestions for that, but would be considered off-topic.

I have often expressed the view that everyone is better served by having a balance of power in parliament so as to eradicate the frustrations of the minority, and the benefits of having competitive elections.

So when Thaksin's puppet government bought senators, including the senate speaker who removed the opposition from debates over the make up of the senate, where they also changed the wording of that bill after the first vote in the lower house to include wives and family members be eligible for the senate elections.

You think that is balance of power?... More like dominating both lower and upper houses to completely remove ALL checks and balances... very democratic.

You basically undermined your own argument... well done.

[Arjay]

"Thida's remarks were greeted by chanting and fireworks, signifying a new era in the red "struggle".

The UDD, under Jatuporn's leadership, is expected to strike more aggressively and with well-planned moves. It has outlined strategies aimed at unifying all factions of the red-shirt movement and expand its base nationwide through the establishment of committees at all levels - from provinces to districts and tambons to villages.

Their first mission is to set up UDD political schools across the country". Is this the start of Red Magrasa's?

[petedk]

How dreadful is this?

Sometimes I feel like I want to go down to BKK and throw a bucket of water over Prayuth and the rest of the military top brass and wake the lot of them up.

Can't they see what is going on under their very noses?

If this is not nipped in the bud, then the UDD to Thailand will be as synonymous as Al Qaeda or Taliban is to the middle east.

All the same setup as the pro secessionist and declaration of war speech last month in Korat that raised a lot of eyebrows, only they are using stupid cover up tactics to make their movement sound more muted. But the meaning is exactly the same.

These will be no different to Taliban schools of brainwashing with Al Qaeda style training camps.

Thaksin must have linked up with a few nutters in Dubai and 'donated' a few million for advice on how to start and train a terrorist group. It wouldn't surprise me at all.

If the army do not crush this right now and the courts not outlaw the UDD and rule that any kind of similar setup is unlawful and a criminal offense, then Thailand is going to be a wasteland of terrorism.

The list of names is in the OP, these need to be taken out right now and the lot of them locked up without delay. Then anyone who emerges to take their place should be swiftly taken out also.

'self defense and physical training my ass'..... That is a militia training program and nothing less.

'Weapons of intelligence?.... That's a good one, they intend to counter any form of coup totally unarmed... They know they need arms, they learned that in 2010.

Here comes Thailand's Al Qaeda, and it will be like Pattini and Yala X 50 and I can see that the army will sit on their until it is way too late.

And all this time, Yingluck and the PTP will fail to denounce this. (because they are behind it).

Thailand..... As a country, YOU SUCK!!!

I am on the verge of leaving this place now, as soon as this militia make their move, it will be game over Thailand... it is beyond all help and before you say 'good riddance' or 'don't slam the door on the way out' I will wager that most farang will be following me before the year is out and Thai tourism will come to a complete end. This place will be thrown back 200 years.

Afghanistan with a smile.

You hit the nail on the head. Prayuth is turning his head away from the real problem as I'm afraid that he has been bought out by the Dubai paymaster. Prayuth is just been giving lip service to supporting the country, but in reality, working for Thaksin.

I have also believed this for quite some time also.

It will be his biggest regret in life.

Maybe Prayuth has been bought, maybe he hasn't. We don't know for sure, but I think he is doing the right thing by avoiding a coup right now. (It may well come later). Removal of this government by a coup would not go down well with the international community.

There are many ongoing court cases against this government and their cronies. If the government was to be removed by legal processes then the international community would find that easier to accept.

A coup right now would simply stop all these cases and take the country back to zero point, but let's see what happens when Yingluck is convicted (and she will be). Yes, there will be violence and mayhem and then I think the army will have to come out in the form of a martial law.

Whatever happens, this country is in for a few rough years ahead.

[petedk]

Here is a scarey article from Global Post. I don't know that newspaper and whether it is a serious paper or not.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/thailand/140320/time-it-s-serious-thailand-s-upcountry-preparing-

[HonestQuietBob]

"We only want to arm people with intelligence and provide them self-defence skills and physical fitness training,'' Suporn said.

He's admitting that they don't already have intelligence!?!

Maybe it's not a good idea. Once they're "armed with intelligence" they might realise what's happening and reject the movement.

He's actually having a dig at the PDRC guards and what a third rate bunch of bozos they are.

i.e. we won't be copying the low standards set by the PDRC.

We're going to choose guys that will do their job unlike you who chose guys have just spent all their time molesting the local prostitutes

[ginjag]

"We only want to arm people with intelligence and provide them self-defence skills and physical fitness training,'' Suporn said.

He's admitting that they don't already have intelligence!?!

Maybe it's not a good idea. Once they're "armed with intelligence" they might realise what's happening and reject the movement.

He's actually having a dig at the PDRC guards and what a third rate bunch of bozos they are.

i.e. we won't be copying the low standards set by the PDRC.

We're going to choose guys that will do their job unlike you who chose guys have just spent all their time molesting the local prostitutes

"WE" "WE'RE" You got promotion ??? better you get the training offered by Suporn, a wannabe mercenary. Have fun, while the rest of us are enjoying the time with families and friends.

[Lancelot]

It would be a good thing if they could unify the various Red-Shirt factions and start working together for democracy.

They just need to keep the extreme elements under control.

Edit: spelling

Democracy? Umm, more like power, winner take all

[SICHONSTEVE]

It would be a good thing if they could unify the various Red-Shirt factions and start working together for democracy.

They just need to keep the extreme alements under control.

Those various red shirt factions are already unified and doing exactly as they are each told to do.

...........in democratic fashion!!