Soldiers 'surround' Thai pro-government rally: protest leader

[CaptHaddock]

You don't seem to be paying attention. The ammart did not seize power in order to turn it back over to their enemies, the citizens who are the majority of the country. After the Senate has put their stooges in power with the Army preventing the Reds from gathering to oppose the coup, there will be a long period, years perhaps, of discussion and meetings about "reform." When the "reforms" are completed, the majority will find that either they can't vote at all or they cannot elect a government that will have any actual power. This will be achieved by increasing the anti-democracy provisions of the constitution including non-elected senators and, perhaps, representatives, "independent" agencies like the EC and NACC with increased authority to control or disband the elected government, etc. When elections are finally held they will be a sham.

Any less of a sham whereby you ignore the murder of campaigners/canvassers? Any words from you about the facts of the case? You know you just choose to pass over small details like the fact that the elected government is incompetent and broke the law? Winning elections is fine and all of Thailand accepted the election until PTP started blatantly breaking the law and manipulating the system so that they could rule with impunity and without checks and balances inherent in any modern democracy. Creating "Red Villages" and intimidating and paying people to vote your way is OK with your definition of democracy?

Perhaps...just perhaps if we could create an environment that is fair to all Thais where they feel free to vote whichever way they feel is best for them and best for Thailand all sides would respect that vote as you envision its happening now. The problem is that it doesn't quite work that way at the moment. Then, we would have an "us against them" mentality and politics and true democracy can propel Thailand forward.

No doubt the many fans of fascism on Thaivisa will be heartened at its current revival and the orderliness that will follow.

[JoeLing]

IF they do not do the same for the PDRC thugs then the inherent bias will be clear to ALL Thais and the entire world

Clear to ALL Thais?

Probably as clear as mud

Edited May 20, 2014 by JoeLing

[FangFerang]

General Prayuth has shown great restraint in dealing with these two mobs, and now is in the sad position of playing stern uncle to unruly children.

The General has made terrible mistakes and learned from them, which is all that can be expected of any man -- here come the rants, I know.

I saw his announcement on Channel 3, and he was sincerely sad about the whole matter. Whether I agree with his actions and policies is not significant, but I have come to believe he genuinely loves his King and country.

[trucking]

No problem with seeing this, but will they do the same with the PDRC anti-gov protesters?

Probably, but with one group the guns will be pointing in and with the other they will be pointing out.

[looping]

Easier to disperse the red shirts, they're not paid enough to do anything but clap when prompted.

Some red shirts even complained at a police station recently that they hadn't been paid, and the police had to act as middle men between the red shirts and their leaders... Too funny!

The govt claim to still be in control, even though they admit that the army hadn't told them about martial law. In which reality can that be true?

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Kooweerup]

They are treating both sides equally. Both have been surrounded and asked to disperse. Reds have started leaving but the PDRC appears to be snubbing the army.

[oldsailor35]

The military is trying to convince the Red Shirts to end their gathering, according to Paradorn Pattanatabut, chief security adviser to Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan.

We should all hope they will negotiate with PDRC to end their gathering(s) as well, as seen as they are gathering for the 6 past months.

But something tells me that won't be like that.

Looks very 'fishy' Negotiate with PDRC., but surround and order the Reds ?

Edited May 20, 2014 by oldsailor35

[Crushdepth]

No problem with seeing this, but will they do the same with the PDRC anti-gov protesters?

It is reported on Australian news that they are doing exactly the same to the PDRC. The Military wants both sides to disperse.

The Riot Act has now been read.

Edit: And about bloody time too.

Edited May 20, 2014 by Crushdepth

[oldsailor35]

Two sides fighting. They have surrounded the ones with the weapons (supplied by our lovely government as now proven) they will tell both sides to dispurse. Best thing to do in the situation.

Not totally disagreeing with you, but what about all the beatings, shootings and stabbings engaged in by the PDRC "guards" that were, for the most part, unprovoked? What about all the pipe bombs and other bomb making equipment found in the park after the protesters moved out? Are you saying those things are ok? Or are you of the opinion that only Reds are violent?

So will the army now demand that Suthep orders his armed thugs to hand over their guns.

[whybother]

The military is trying to convince the Red Shirts to end their gathering, according to Paradorn Pattanatabut, chief security adviser to Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan.

We should all hope they will negotiate with PDRC to end their gathering(s) as well, as seen as they are gathering for the 6 past months.

But something tells me that won't be like that.

Looks very 'fishy' Negotiate with PDRC., but surround and order the Reds ?

Both sides were ordered to stay at their protest sites. Some red shirts decided to go home.

[Utley]

No problem with seeing this, but will they do the same with the PDRC anti-gov protesters?

Don't be naïve.

[newcomer71]

The military is trying to convince the Red Shirts to end their gathering, according to Paradorn Pattanatabut, chief security adviser to Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan.

We should all hope they will negotiate with PDRC to end their gathering(s) as well, as seen as they are gathering for the 6 past months.

But something tells me that won't be like that.

Looks very 'fishy' Negotiate with PDRC., but surround and order the Reds ?

Both sides were ordered to stay at their protest sites. Some red shirts decided to go home.

At least no double standards for now, and that makes things go in the right way. At least it shows someone's in charge.

My personal hope is military will order gatherings to end.

[2yearsinparadise]

Whilst it's plainly obvious the neither side is completely innocent in this 'uprising' and I personally feel there is no absolute resolution in sight, I feel some people are forgetting some of the scenes when the snap elections were held. PDRC members were actually stopping people from voting, by force! How is this acceptable? I can also understand the frustration on the Red's side that once again a government that they elected (despite by whatever means you may feel, they were still elected) is being removed from power yet again. I don't for one minute condone a violent response by any means, particularly the injuries to innocent bystanders, but I can completely understand their frustration!

[MMarlow]

Red shirts start return home after troops block Utthayan road

BANGKOK: -- Troops were deployed to close Buddha Monthon 4 Road and replaced police to keep security there. Following the arrival of troops, some red shirts started returning home.

-- The Nation 2014-05-20

I am living there...the police didn't keep security. There were checkpoints with 20 or so policemen and they did nothing. You could smuggle in an aircraftcarrier on the thaveewattana klong without the police notice it.

That's exactly what the report said.

[Sheryl]

At least no double standards for now, and that makes things go in the right way. At least it shows someone's in charge.

My personal hope is military will order gatherings to end.

They have.

They have also announced censorship of "printed, broadcast and Internet media to refrain from publication, distribution and broadcasting of any news that could stir up public unrest immediately."

Some posts have been removed accordingly. Tread lightly please.

[SICHONSTEVE]

No problem with seeing this, but will they do the same with the PDRC anti-gov protesters?

I'm sure that the army will treat all people equally - the same way that the police do.

[Zolt]

At least no double standards for now, and that makes things go in the right way. At least it shows someone's in charge.

My personal hope is military will order gatherings to end.

Actually the military has deployed a strong cordon around the UDD rally site, but there are no reports of such an encirclement of PDRC group.

Military is now negociating with UDD leaders to disperse their rally. No reports of such thing going on with PDRC.

There is not even the pretense of impartiality here. They just want to disperse the UDD group before they install an appointed PM.

[whybother]

CAPO said that they were going to protect the red shirts. This is just the army following on with that order.

[newcomer71]

At least no double standards for now, and that makes things go in the right way. At least it shows someone's in charge.

My personal hope is military will order gatherings to end.

They have.

They have also announced censorship of "printed, broadcast and Internet media to refrain from publication, distribution and broadcasting of any news that could stir up public unrest immediately."

Some posts have been removed accordingly. Tread lightly please.

No Sheryl, they did not prohibit to gather and protest, but they only prohibit protesters to move out of their rally sites.

In my opinion this is not sufficient to avoid problems, unless there will be some other measure that will be communicated later.

About keep threads lightly I am always agree, hopefully the extremist posters here will use some common sense.

Edit: typo

Edited May 20, 2014 by newcomer71

[japanic13]

So the army can surround both groups, make them all go home...and then what? I would like to think there is some plan for the future, but since this is Thailand, I'm sure there isn't. There's nothing to prevent either side from simply coming back with their supporters and doing the same things all over again if they don't get what they want.

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited May 20, 2014 by japanic13

[CaptHaddock]

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

Coup in progress. Step 1: disperse the Reds, but not the PRDC. Step 2: Senate replaces govt illegally. Coup complete.

Cap, you forgot Step 3: Civil war begins

Today's declaration of coup step 1 is to announce to the Reds that they can forget positioning themselves at Rachaprasong this time to interfere with the transfer of power back to the ammart. I don't think the Reds believe they can fight the army itself.

[Crushdepth]

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

Coup in progress. Step 1: disperse the Reds, but not the PRDC. Step 2: Senate replaces govt illegally. Coup complete.

Cap, you forgot Step 3: Civil war begins

Today's declaration of coup step 1 is to announce to the Reds that they can forget positioning themselves at Rachaprasong this time to interfere with the transfer of power back to the ammart. I don't think the Reds believe they can fight the army itself.

Even Jatuporn said "its not a coup".

Why is it that never every post with the word "ammart" in it is written by a nut? There isn't going to be a civil war either, that's just crap.

[Scamper]

The dismantling of Jatuporn was so swift it probably put him off his guard. Suddenly, he's posting on facebook. The gatherings on both sides come to a close. Prayuth has done this with admirable evenness. What this does is immediately give a sense of control and containment. People are quickly learning how to be civil again. In some cases, an astonishing transformation indeed. Prayuth has now allowed a climate where things can peacefully proceed - through the Senate, through the Constitutional Court, through the National Anti-Corruption Commission and through all departments of the judiciary and independent agencies. Free expression is preserved. It simply isn't allowed to cross the line. It allows a climate of healing, and for the business of the Senate to proceed as it constitutionally should. A very promising climate indeed.

[Bangmod]

"The army has ordered protest groups to remain at their respective sites and remain peaceful"

I was right.

Obvious double standard is a suicide for the Royalists.

The same suicide as Chalerm's beheading??

You're never going to be right, Where 2 fight, the UDD is never right...

[ozvenison]

Currently there is no Red / Yellow TV -- now only Army TV.

ok great.. I liked Vic Morrow in Combat series

[japanic13]

The dismantling of Jatuporn was so swift it probably put him off his guard. Suddenly, he's posting on facebook. The gatherings on both sides come to a close. Prayuth has done this with admirable evenness. What this does is immediately give a sense of control and containment. People are quickly learning how to be civil again. In some cases, an astonishing transformation indeed. Prayuth has now allowed a climate where things can peacefully proceed - through the Senate, through the Constitutional Court, through the National Anti-Corruption Commission and through all departments of the judiciary and independent agencies. Free expression is preserved. It simply isn't allowed to cross the line. It allows a climate of healing, and for the business of the Senate to proceed as it constitutionally should. A very promising climate indeed.

You had me until "Free expression is preserved."

The part about people being civil is a bit ludicrous, as well.

Not to mention "the promising climate".

Are you in 2014 Bangkok, or 1969 Woodstock?

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[american12bthai]

The military needs to prove their "neutrality" by also surrounding the yellow camps. Otherwise, it is a total farce.

really? and how many times have the reds been attacked with hand grenades? actually how many times have the reds ever been attacked.. compared to how many times the anti gov been attacked?

the anti gov are violent because of a reaction to danger. if you walk through the rallies you will know the difference. ever been in a war zone? the post thats always attacked will always be on high alert. and the villages hiding the attackers will be more relaxed becasue they go OUT to attack. but it sound like you live in the city so youre only been inconvienced by the anti gov. aweee... do you have traffic problems? that must really suck and ruin your day.

have you seen the red camp on Aksa Road? the thaksin Red banners and projection TV every 20meters? its right out of a hitler movie or 1984.

power is meaningless, life is important. those who want power or money will never value life. no matter what color shirt or underwear they wear.

[2yearsinparadise]

The military needs to prove their "neutrality" by also surrounding the yellow camps. Otherwise, it is a total farce.

really? and how many times have the reds been attacked with hand grenades? actually how many times have the reds ever been attacked.. compared to how many times the anti gov been attacked?

the anti gov are violent because of a reaction to danger. if you walk through the rallies you will know the difference. ever been in a war zone? the post thats always attacked will always be on high alert. and the villages hiding the attackers will be more relaxed becasue they go OUT to attack. but it sound like you live in the city so youre only been inconvienced by the anti gov. aweee... do you have traffic problems? that must really suck and ruin your day.

have you seen the red camp on Aksa Road? the thaksin Red banners and projection TV every 20meters? its right out of a hitler movie or 1984.

power is meaningless, life is important. those who want power or money will never value life. no matter what color shirt or underwear they wear.

How about people who simply wanted to act our their right to vote being attacked by members of the PDRC???

[love1012]

The military needs to prove their "neutrality" by also surrounding the yellow camps. Otherwise, it is a total farce.

Maybe youd prefer it if they just left the red shirts to bring their M16s as confiscated in the north to their planned party on Saturday and carry on increasing the total of 28 innocent men women and children protestors dead? A shame your great flag accompanies your garbage comment!!!

[love1012]

The military needs to prove their "neutrality" by also surrounding the yellow camps. Otherwise, it is a total farce.

really? and how many times have the reds been attacked with hand grenades? actually how many times have the reds ever been attacked.. compared to how many times the anti gov been attacked?

the anti gov are violent because of a reaction to danger. if you walk through the rallies you will know the difference. ever been in a war zone? the post thats always attacked will always be on high alert. and the villages hiding the attackers will be more relaxed becasue they go OUT to attack. but it sound like you live in the city so youre only been inconvienced by the anti gov. aweee... do you have traffic problems? that must really suck and ruin your day.

have you seen the red camp on Aksa Road? the thaksin Red banners and projection TV every 20meters? its right out of a hitler movie or 1984.

power is meaningless, life is important. those who want power or money will never value life. no matter what color shirt or underwear they wear.

How about people who simply wanted to act our their right to vote being attacked by members of the PDRC???

I think you need to re read his post - in fact I think you need to re read a lot of peoples posts!! twice should be enough!!