'Final fight' to bring down govt

[Lite Beer]

POLITICS
'Final fight' to bring down govt
The Nation

A protester waves the Thai national flag in front of riot police and soldiers guarding the National Broadcast Services of Thailand (NBT) television station yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- Five TV stations occupied, pressured to air PDRC statements; fears of clashes rise

Anti-government protesters yesterday began their "final fight" to topple the embattled government by occupying the country's five major television stations and other key locations, amid mounting fears of street clashes between rival political groups.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban announced that the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) aimed to change the government peacefully within three days. He told supporters this was possible "if we all cooperate. But if within three days we have not got rid of this regime, then we will do what is necessary."

The government's Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) warned of possible attacks at night against the protesters occupying the different locations.

"A group of people with ill intentions will attack those participating in the protests at different locations. The public are advised to use discretion when participating in such gatherings for your own safety," CAPO said in a statement.

CAPO also threatened to take legal action against the executives of any TV stations that agreed to follow requests by the PDRC, such as broadcasting its statements or stopping broadcasts of CAPO announcements.

Suthep, who is the PDRC secretary-general, yesterday led a group of protesters to rally outside Government House, and he planned to stay there overnight in an attempt to force the Cabinet to resign.

He requested a meeting with Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, who became acting prime minister after the Constitutional Court ousted Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday for abuse of power in connection with the 2011 removal of National Security Council secretary-general Thawil Pliensri.

"If you find [Cabinet members], bring them to me. I wish to speak to them. I will be waiting at Government House," Suthep said.

He also urged respectable people in the country, such as the Supreme Court president, the Senate Speaker and election commissioners, to hold discussions on a way out for the country.

"If you can't find a solution in three days, I and my supporters will use our own ways to end this crisis," he said.

Thousands of protesters from the PDRC and its allied groups gathered at the five major free-to-air TV stations - Channels 3, 5, 7, 9 and the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand - Government House, Parliament House, and CAPO headquarters.

The protesters called on the TV stations to broadcast statements from the PDRC, not to broadcast messages from the government or CAPO, and allow them to stay at the stations for three to five days. Channels 3, 5, 7 and 9 later agreed to the PDRC's requests, according to Satit Wongnongtaey, who is a PDRC leader. In response, the Thai Journalists Association and the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association issued a joint statement calling on the PDRC to vacate the stations and stop pressuring staff.

Suthep earlier yesterday issued this message to the TV stations during his rally address: "We ask you to stop broadcasting news of this dictatorial government. We won't interfere with your normal schedule, but when we need to broadcast statements, we want you to cooperate." At Parliament House, Suthep met with Deputy Senate Speaker Surachai Liangboonlert-chai, in his capacity as the acting Speaker, and asked him and other senators to help find a "solution" for the country.

Surachai said before meeting with Suthep he would speak with independent agencies in a bid to settle the political crisis. He said the Senate might need to discuss the matter informally.

Meanwhile, red-shirt supporters of the ruling Pheu Thai Party were preparing for a large rally starting today in support of the government.

Red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praipana said he would lead more than 1,000 people from the Northeast to join the rally on Aksa Road in Nakhon Pathom province.

"We are angry and we are ready to fight," he said.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed concern that the confrontation between the pro- and anti-government groups could lead to violence. He added, however, that the government was incapable of dealing with the problem - pointing to recent bomb attacks targeting many locations, including the house of a Constitutional Court judge who ruled against Yingluck.

-- The Nation 2014-05-10

[EricBerg]

More of the same. One thing is certain though: Nothing will be final this weekend. Yet things might get very nasty if the reds manage to turn up in large numbers. Chances are Jatuporn will not succeed in that. Comforting thought is that Chalerm stays on as CAPO boss. Means the police will not do anything significant.

[trev666]

capo warns there will be attacks they know when and where these attacks will happen and still they cant catch the attackers incompetent monkeys they should all be sacked

[Snig27]

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More of the same. One thing is certain though: Nothing will be final this weekend. Yet things might get very nasty if the reds manage to turn up in large numbers. Chances are Jatuporn will not succeed in that. Comforting thought is that Chalerm stays on as CAPO boss. Means the police will not do anything significant.

There's alway time for another final final final final push from the crazy one. Perhaps he should just tag a day each fortnight for a "final push" - it could be a regular event on the BKK calendar and TOT could even sell it as a tourist event, followed up by a tour of the Mickey Mouse courts.

Either way, it would be ideal if he could start the day's final push after 9am and get it over over by midday so people can get out of their offices for lunch.

[sustento]

[Thailand]

Taking over TV stations.

Insisting only their mantra may be broadcast.

Suthep really must be put away, he is really pushing as hard as he can to incite violence.

Army, police, somebody, do your job!

[Somtamnication]

"If you find [Cabinet members], bring them to me. I wish to speak to them. I will be waiting at Government House,"

What a jerk! A "democratic" jerk at that!

[noitom]

He threatens, he blusters, he puffs, he blackmails with an "or else." The seditionist in charge of Thailand.

[chooka]

Taking over TV stations.

Insisting only their mantra may be broadcast.

Suthep really must be put away, he is really pushing as hard as he can to incite violence.

Army, police, somebody, do your job!

North Korea only broadcast little kimmies mantra also. We can definitely see where Suthep wants to take Thailand with his secret reforms.

[bkkgooner]

Dirty <deleted> scum, Thailand would only become a more nationalistic, xenophobic, outright racist country if this guy's people council got anywhere near power

Edited May 10, 2014 by ubonjoe
Removed a iderogatory word

[55Jay]

Phase 3. Blood in the water now. Feels like the final push to take Saigon. Taking over television stations, "requests" to censor information, rounding up politicians on sight. Wonder if Buddha Issara will be at government house assisting Suthep with his "talks" with cabinet members.

Edited May 10, 2014 by 55Jay

[davetrout]

my god how many times have l heard this is the final battle

[Tatsujin]

Pity CAPO didn't station that many Police around the Constitutional Court the other day when "Nick" the unbiased German reporter got "assaulted" whilst the Police saw nothing, heard nothing and did nothing . . . might have prevented it from happening . . . but then the red shits wouldn't have had their manufactured controversy and outrage for the day I guess . . . I guess Thai's wearing masks in the presence of the Police isn't so unusual anymore either and they just ignored them . . . som nom na

Edited May 10, 2014 by Tatsujin

[noitom]

The mere fact that this is a headline in the Thai press should rate a 3 point downgrade to B- for Thailand.

[smedly]

Taking over TV stations.

Insisting only their mantra may be broadcast.

Suthep really must be put away, he is really pushing as hard as he can to incite violence.

Army, police, somebody, do your job!

TBH when you have national TV stations that are being vetted by someone like Charlerm as to what they can broadcast to the public - I understand exactly where they are coming from

It seemed obvious to me a few days ago that the media was being heavily censored by the government, all media should be reporting the news as it happens without bias or control from anyone and that includes the government and Charlerm

[chotthee]

This is the REAL "final fight". All acting ministers will be arrested and brought before Suthep for safe keeping.

There will be no corrupt politician roam free anymore.

Like in 1984, all TV channel will from tomorrow, only board caste the truth, nothing but the truth, relay from Blue Sky.

[Jack Mountain]

Not much news here about the protests of today or is there nothing much to tell? Numbers?

[ginjag]

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More of the same. One thing is certain though: Nothing will be final this weekend. Yet things might get very nasty if the reds manage to turn up in large numbers. Chances are Jatuporn will not succeed in that. Comforting thought is that Chalerm stays on as CAPO boss. Means the police will not do anything significant.

There's alway time for another final final final final push from the crazy one. Perhaps he should just tag a day each fortnight for a "final push" - it could be a regular event on the BKK calendar and TOT could even sell it as a tourist event, followed up by a tour of the Mickey Mouse courts.

Either way, it would be ideal if he could start the day's final push after 9am and get it over over by midday so people can get out of their offices for lunch.

One fact is TAT will not be organizing a tour of parliament, cabinet meetings, Maybe they could do a tour and have tourists view from the courts public gallery.

[ginjag]

Taking over TV stations.

Insisting only their mantra may be broadcast.

Suthep really must be put away, he is really pushing as hard as he can to incite violence.

Army, police, somebody, do your job!

TBH when you have national TV stations that are being vetted by someone like Charlerm as to what they can broadcast to the public - I understand exactly where they are coming from

It seemed obvious to me a few days ago that the media was being heavily censored by the government, all media should be reporting the news as it happens without bias or control from anyone and that includes the government and Charlerm

IN channel I cannot receive now--used to watch as it had lengthy news and interviews every day in ENGLISH anyone knows what happened here ????

Just curious why if it was taken off the air, as I said it was in English for foreigners to get up to date happenings---is PTP afraid of farrangs getting to know some truths ???

[Fat Haggis]

They get the truth Here !!!!

[bushwacker]

Different day, same shit!

[Mr Yim]

I can see bigger whistles being rolled out if Suthep's 3 days of whistle blowing fail to remove the government.

[ludwigvs]

CAPO issued instruction.

I hope army will capture them and never let out as they are dirty dogs who harms Thai nation

[soalbundy]

Dirty <deleted> scum, Thailand would only become a more nationalistic, xenophobic, outright racist country if this guy's people council got anywhere near power

It already is

[Smokemachine]

They seems to realize to bring down those dirty rats, you can't be a nice guy in order to win the game.

[h90]

Dirty <deleted> scum, Thailand would only become a more nationalistic, xenophobic, outright racist country if this guy's people council got anywhere near power

Yes, with Indian, Chinese and Europeans speaking on the stage and staying in the mob....that is total typical for racists to invite other races

[ginjag]

Taking over TV stations.

Insisting only their mantra may be broadcast.

Suthep really must be put away, he is really pushing as hard as he can to incite violence.

Army, police, somebody, do your job!

Yes the police/ through other bodies,should do their job and stop the PTP from dictating what news is given.

Hate to put it this way but if the Daily mail was near the only newspaper in the UK, or the Mirror, and the Tories controlled the tv, what would be your view on that. Come on be honest you guys--it is not on.

No wonder the elections cannot be held until this dung is stopped--as coverage is unfair.

[gabruce]

In my opinion the aims of the protestors are generally good.

According to the OP Suthep is saying the following (or at least this is how it's been translated to English):

1) "If you find [Cabinet members], bring them to me. I wish to speak to them. I will be waiting at Government House," Suthep said.

This sounds disturbingly like telling people to hunt down Cabinet member to speak to Suthep. Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!

2) He also urged respectable people in the country, such as the Supreme Court president, the Senate Speaker and election commissioners, to hold discussions on a way out for the country.

Reasonable and good!

3) "If you can't find a solution in three days, I and my supporters will use our own ways to end this crisis," he said.

Hopefully just bluster, but slyly threatening? I hope not. Hopefully he just means he will issue a statement (which government media channels will ignore) and pray.

3) The protesters called on the TV stations to broadcast statements from the PDRC, not to broadcast messages from the government or CAPO, and allow them to stay at the stations for three to five days. Channels 3, 5, 7 and 9 later agreed to the PDRC's requests, according to Satit Wongnongtaey, who is a PDRC leader. In response, the Thai Journalists Association and the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association issued a joint statement calling on the PDRC to vacate the stations and stop pressuring staff.

3) Suthep earlier yesterday issued this message to the TV stations during his rally address: "We ask you to stop broadcasting news of this dictatorial government. We won't interfere with your normal schedule, but when we need to broadcast statements, we want you to cooperate." At Parliament House, Suthep met with Deputy Senate Speaker Surachai Liangboonlert-chai, in his capacity as the acting Speaker, and asked him and other senators to help find a "solution" for the country.

- Stay outside the stations to protest. Okay.

- Broadcast what they are saying. Okay. They shouldn't even have to be asked. It's big news, comparable to CAPO statements (though probably not as amusing).

- Not broadcast government statements. Not Okay.

- The media should grow up.

[ginjag]

I can see bigger whistles being rolled out if Suthep's 3 days of whistle blowing fail to remove the government.

Some of these silly baby toys have highlighted a totally corrupt government and got rid of Your Issan darling. Suthep personally I do not care for, what he did was good for the country LONG TERM, it has broken the back of a regime.

Are the government governing ??? is the parliament in session ??? is Yingluck planning another trip on top of her 50 trips on shopping/away excursions.??

Reform =democracy=vote. order please.

[Morch]

Suthep's threats, ultimatums and pressuring of the media are despicable.

No "buts." Nothing to do with democracy.

He's not asking the media to give his ideas equal broadcasting time, but rather to be the only view aired.

He's not offering a compromise, but rather "My way or the highway".

Abhisit is one to cite bombings as example government cannot handle the situation.

Don't recall his government faring much better.

Interesting that once again CAPO isn't warning off those mysterious people with bad-intentions,

but rather calls on citizens not to attend. Almost like the weatherman - "it's gonna be rainy, folks, so better stay put".

Same with CAPO threats towards the media - did CAPO provide any protection or security from the PDRC?

Does CAPO expect the media to play the hero or what?

What a load of shameless useless people leading both sides.