Catch me if you can: red leader

[GentlemanJim]

He is spot on. After the initial shock of the coup, which took most people by surprise, I would imagine that people will start protesting and refuse to accept the military. Looking at the news releases of the small protests in Bangkok, the soldiers are kids and looked totally out of their depth. I wouldnt count on them being able to police larger and more boisterous demonstrations, which are likely to occur as people get over the initial shock of the coup, which, I think is fair to say, took most people by surprise. The detaining of leaders will only serve to anger the people who voted/ support them.

I thing the people that 'voted/supported' those 'leaders' (a ridiculous term to apply to these shmucks) will more likely be thinking:-

'fantastic, lock those thieving ba****s away for a long time. They paid me 500 for my vote and promised I would be rich in 6 months, they promised my child an Ipad and that my son who has just scraped through University would be paid a minimum graduates wage of 15K baht per month,. Meanwhile we got non of it, my farm is in ruins, I have sold everything I can to pay our debts and pawned all our gold to get money to feed the family. The money for my last crop was due last September and has still not materialized because all the money from the rice pledging scheme is not actually there, in fact non of it is. Please Mr Army General, lock these oxygen thieves up for as long as possible"

Do you think those folks will be angered by the detention of these crooks or perhaps more likely, down at the temple this weekend thanking the Gods?

[HOOD Robin]

Great to see someone having a go!

The thai people overwhelming and democratically voted in yingluck and the PTP and now have had it ripped away from them by the elite yellows once again .

He sees the will of the people being denied and he's not just going to roll over.

I'd buy him a beer to!

"...and democratically voted in yingluck.." & "...the will of the people..."

You really make me laugh pal... probably you are one of those falangs who has a Red Thai gal commanding you with her whip and never dare to say "NO tirak"

[Morch]

This has been said many times. The original Reds were a grass roots pressure group with good ideals and aims - it was hijacked by the Shin supporters and the aims skewed drastically - with lip service paid to the grass root with crap populist policies. I don't know this guy, but if he does have integrity, and follows the original aims of the Reds, then he would make a much better leader. How many of the anti-Red people are actually just ant-Shin/anti-Thaksin? I would surmise, a fair chunk.

May be it is in his best interests to turn himself in - by not he may end up with a ban or (remember we have no idea as to reforms now coming) barred from standing due to a conviction.

What "original Reds" would these be?

It can be said that there was wide spread discontent, but red shirts as such came about in connection with

Thaksin's demise. Not a cohesive pressure group prior to that, as far as I'm aware. If you can point out when

exactly the movement was hijacked by Thaksin, and what notable actions, good ideals and aims they upheld

prior to this dastardly act, it may be easier to relate.

Grass roots? - depends how you look at it: most of the grunts are, same for lower and mid level echelons of

leadership. A hefty part of the higher ups are either "imported" Southerners (and some friction about that) or

people who haven't touched a root in their lives. The funding certainly has nothing to do with grass roots.

While Sombat is relatively moderate, I wouldn't say be hasty in applying "integrity". As others mentioned,

while he was not especially pro-Thaksin and generally anti-violence, he could have been more active in

distancing himself from both elements.

I think you overestimate his place and influence among the red-shirts. He's got a crowd of followers, yes, but

nothing like the main firebrand style leaders. Not sure what makes people think he's leadership material, not

to mention prime minister caliber.

[renaissanc]

He's just another typical, not terribly bright Red Shirt - willing to die or imprisoned for the Dear Fugitive Leader in Dubai - not knowing how he is being used until his usefulness expiry date comes up.

[HOOD Robin]

He has the Thaksin mentality.

It's almost quaint the Pavlovian brainless response that Yellows have for Thaksin's name and how they use it for anything they see as bad even when it makes no sense. It's been amusing watching the brain trust around here try to justify this occupation by the rebel militia.

"Something, something Dubai!"

As for Sombat, he probably will never see this but if I ever met the guy I'd buy him a beer right away. Keep fighting the good fight, brother.

I'm completely baffled how you can take sides in this. I'm assuming you are an ex-pat and that you have an IQ above room temperature.

Fully agree Choak ! How can one (farang!?) support a criminal convicted murderer who is such a COWARD that he flees the country instead of facing his judges !? And all those years buying ALL and EVERYBODY he wants with his stolen Millions... Really a shame that so many of those brainless upcountry people keep following this fox and his sister who is no better than him ! of course..... MONEY TALKS....

[Thaiready]

He has the Thaksin mentality.

It's almost quaint the Pavlovian brainless response that Yellows have for Thaksin's name and how they use it for anything they see as bad even when it makes no sense. It's been amusing watching the brain trust around here try to justify this occupation by the rebel militia.

"Something, something Dubai!"

As for Sombat, he probably will never see this but if I ever met the guy I'd buy him a beer right away. Keep fighting the good fight, brother.

It's amusing watching the non-brain trust ignore the blatant truth and continue to bleat about how great violent criminals are.

what....???? Try proof-reading.....you do know what that means.

[Anon999]

He has the Thaksin mentality.

It's almost quaint the Pavlovian brainless response that Yellows have for Thaksin's name and how they use it for anything they see as bad even when it makes no sense. It's been amusing watching the brain trust around here try to justify this occupation by the rebel militia.

"Something, something Dubai!"

As for Sombat, he probably will never see this but if I ever met the guy I'd buy him a beer right away. Keep fighting the good fight, brother.

A recently shipped in visitor with undoubtedly no idea of the background behind the current situation. However, inane comments are ten a penny on here so it can just be added to the ever growing list.

[Thaiready]

He has the Thaksin mentality.

It's almost quaint the Pavlovian brainless response that Yellows have for Thaksin's name and how they use it for anything they see as bad even when it makes no sense. It's been amusing watching the brain trust around here try to justify this occupation by the rebel militia.

"Something, something Dubai!"

As for Sombat, he probably will never see this but if I ever met the guy I'd buy him a beer right away. Keep fighting the good fight, brother.

I'm completely baffled how you can take sides in this. I'm assuming you are an ex-pat and that you have an IQ above room temperature.

Fully agree Choak ! How can one (farang!?) support a criminal convicted murderer who is such a COWARD that he flees the country instead of facing his judges !? And all those years buying ALL and EVERYBODY he wants with his stolen Millions... Really a shame that so many of those brainless upcountry people keep following this fox and his sister who is no better than him ! of course..... MONEY TALKS....

You talk a Big game..behind that Keyboard.

Why don't you stand in front of those people ( up-country) who happen to be the back-bone of Thailand.. and say those things....Mr Brain-Less or should I say Mr Spine-less. Yeah thats a better name.

Edited May 24, 2014 by Thaiready

[unanimosity]

If he's tweeting from his phone, it may not be too long before he's caught, especially if he's up-country.

Dork.

Pre-paid SIM, I doubt it.

[citizen33]

The military has the authority and it comes from the highest authority in the land, so don't start this mind bending exercise of what is not right and what is wrong The military are not acting on their own.

That is what we assumed, but some of us are puzzled because there is still not the usual endorsement from the top. There are strange things happening - read yesterday's Bangkok Pundit column, paying attention to the pictures and tweets, and also visit the London Evening Standard's website re an eminent visitor to UK shores.

Edited May 24, 2014 by citizen33

[FWIW]

He has the Thaksin mentality.

It's almost quaint the Pavlovian brainless response that Yellows have for Thaksin's name and how they use it for anything they see as bad even when it makes no sense. It's been amusing watching the brain trust around here try to justify this occupation by the rebel militia.

"Something, something Dubai!"

As for Sombat, he probably will never see this but if I ever met the guy I'd buy him a beer right away. Keep fighting the good fight, brother.

For me it was a simple comparison. Cause havoc but when asked to face the consequences, run run run! He's not fighting any good fight, he's just a waterboy for the Sandman.

On the contrary I think Sombat is the one Red Shirt who stands out as having something worthwhile to say.

I don't agree with his actions but I wholeheartedly agree with his motives.

This is not a petrol-bomb toting thug with firebrand speeches, Sombat is someone who has a brain and doesn't seem to want to use it by ripping other people off. He is someone very capable of being in a room with his political opponents and not turning it into a catfight - unlike the Sutheps, Thaksins, Chalerms and Chamlongs of the world.

I think it is a wrong move that misreads the situation, somewhat.

The army is not (as far as I am aware) taking people into cellars and given them the full waterboard, electric shock therapy.

Prayuth tried (however hard is another question) to get all sides together to reach a compromise, only in the failure of that did he take over. I think he will try to clear the brush, sideline the extremists and get people who can reach a liveable compromise. Not everyone will get everything they want, but that is what compromise is about.

There really are only two routes forward at this point. One is that compromises will be made, working solutions found, people work within limits to further their agenda. Prayuth has made it clear that only one thing is off any discussion table. The second route starts with people hanging from lamposts, and end when every last vestige of opposition (of which ever side) is gone. I hope and pray that Thailand does not have to progress over the heaped bodies of half its citizenry.

[Cnxforever]

Well looks like it's being considered now to establish a Thai government in exile!

Several countries have already agreed to host the government .

Prayuth did not see that coming 555!

If it is formed no civilized country will recognize his coup government and he can "govern" his army units!

[JRSoul]

did the army only invade bangkok or really the whole country ?

if he is in his red bastion, the army might also be on his side, if all the army boys come from there

Again the mental masturbation of "watermelon soldiers". Heard of ANY unit, even one conscripted soldier, who has refused to participate in the overthrow of the ineffective and proven corrupt excuse for a government that refused to step down honorably?

[JRSoul]

Well looks like it's being considered now to establish a Thai government in exile!

Several countries have already agreed to host the government .

Prayuth did not see that coming 555!

If it is formed no civilized country will recognize his coup government and he can "govern" his army units!

Where could it be, now? Dubai? Perhaps a little too obvious.

And what exactly will the government in exile DO?

[american12bthai]

He has the Thaksin mentality.

If [thaksin] manages to avoid capture until the end of Thai rule, I don't see how he could be prosecuted.

ooohhhhhh kkaaayyyy.....

i agree. so his only hope was to destroy thailand.

Thaksin is an intelligent man. but combined with the Thai mentality seems to corrupt people. what kind of culture raises people to be ok with rape? (source, any thai soapopera)

porn is banned, prostitution is rampant. logic?

what makes such a rich, smart ass dude so stupid? it can not be just him. but those around him and under him. its a new disease, when your junk is too big to fit in your pocket and you need someones pocket to put the bellend in. which is embaressing and creates a "hes in my pocket" mentality. thats the real problem. really.

[Mackie]

Well looks like it's being considered now to establish a Thai government in exile!

Several countries have already agreed to host the government .

Prayuth did not see that coming 555!

If it is formed no civilized country will recognize his coup government and he can "govern" his army units!

Where could it be, now? Dubai? Perhaps a little too obvious.

And what exactly will the government in exile DO?

Unnamed foreign diplomat who is familiar with Thaksin thinking believes he will try to lobby the international community to help him establish Thai government in exile - Cambodia. I can only laugh at cnxforever ignorance. Why would Prayuth round all of them up if he didn't see that one coming?

http://atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/SEA-01-230514.html

One foreign diplomat familiar with Thaksin's recent thinking believes he will aim to exploit Prayuth's overreach and lobby to win Western support for the creation of a government-in-exile, situated perhaps in neighboring Cambodia, where several UDD leaders took refuge after the 2010 military clampdown. Analysts believe that is in part why the junta today imposed restrictions on the movements of Thaksin's political allies and aligned politicians.

Shawn W Crispin is Asia Times Online's Southeast Asia Editor.

[Baerboxer]

Great to see Sombat exposes the military coup as what it is - against the constitution and illegal!

The military has no legal authority to order anybody to do anything.

Next step should be now to establish a government in exile and challenge the authority of the military leadership with the backing of the international community have Prayuth and all involved in the coup arrested and charged with treason.

You sound like Mr. Amsterdam,

Just one thing. There wasn't a government. The caretaker PM and several of her cabinet had been removed for breaking the law, acting illegally. The legitimacy of the replacement acting acting caretaker PM, supposedly elected by the remaining caretaker cabinet but in reality appointed by the wannabee dictator and criminal fugitive Thaksin, has never been established. Nor has his Royal approval.

The armed forces commanders and their military forces have acted patriotically in the interests of restoring law, order and some peace whilst tying to find a positive way out that benefits the Thai people. They should be applauded and supported.

Establish a government in exile - and who would head that? A common criminal fugitive with 15 serious outstanding charges waiting his return? His cousin who still refuses to answer for illegally issuing a new passport to him?

Once the investigation into money theft, trails and laundering is underway, some of those detained might become suddenly very co-operative.

[Baerboxer]

Well looks like it's being considered now to establish a Thai government in exile!

Several countries have already agreed to host the government .

Prayuth did not see that coming 555!

If it is formed no civilized country will recognize his coup government and he can "govern" his army units!

Like Cambodia - that well know example of democracy. Headed by a former Pol Pot official who has ruled for many years and crushes opposition, Great place to set up a joke government in exile headed by a fugitive crook,

[transam]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=WuCN_dEgojs

[mikemac]

Great to see someone having a go!

The thai people overwhelming and democratically voted in yingluck and the PTP and now have had it ripped away from them by the elite yellows once again .

He sees the will of the people being denied and he's not just going to roll over.

I'd buy him a beer to!

How wonderfully simple it must be in the Red world; no sophisticated thought is needed or allowed. The Reds only know their precious is gone, but are unable to grasp the fact that she violated the law and was removed as a consequence.

The Reds may have a good agenda; I cannot say, as their message will always be lost in the noise of their illegal and thuggish actions.

@ Piichai - I have lived in Chiang Mai for the best part of the last 5 years (4 yrs in Chiang Rai before that) and I know and associate with lots of Thai people. My Thai language skills are good enough for general conversation.

Although Chiang Mai is supposedly the Redshirts heartland I never seem to come across any everyday Thai people who are Redshirt supporters. Most of the people I talk to seem to think they are just paid thugs and if anything they are scared of them.

I firmly believe the day will come when the general population will turn on them and they will be holding their meetings secretly in their rat holes and won't have the guts to wear their red shirts in public.

I also believe that the vast majority of Redshirt supporters are paid to, as is the case with most of the farang TV posters who wave their red flags and spread lies and propaganda.

Sorry fabio, no link to support what I just said. Would you like me to create a page on my website to support what I wrote and send you a link to it ?

[cnxdefyer]

He has the Thaksin mentality.

It's almost quaint the Pavlovian brainless response that Yellows have for Thaksin's name and how they use it for anything they see as bad even when it makes no sense. It's been amusing watching the brain trust around here try to justify this occupation by the rebel militia.

"Something, something Dubai!"

As for Sombat, he probably will never see this but if I ever met the guy I'd buy him a beer right away. Keep fighting the good fight, brother.

"Rebel militia" ? The justification is the government is not in control. They cannot hold elections, they cannot solve any problems, they obviously don't want to solve any problems either, their campaign promises have created enough, don't you think? their leader has been removed, and will be on trial again soon. Their supporters have stated civil war if their elected official are removed regardless of whether or not they have committed any crimes. I could careless for Thaksin, Those government officials who broke the law under his advisement or otherwise will pay, in the end they're going to curse Thaksin for us all, in case you missed out Thaksin's free as a bird. He can go anywhere or do anything he pleases, he just can't come to Thailand because he's a criminal here.

Keep fighting the good fight, brother......wow.

[Roadman]

Khun Sombat is a hero!

He would be great as next Thai PM!

He should start his own political party now - has already 58.000 followers on twitter and climbing - he can easily multiply that by 10 if he starts a Facebook page!

Next Thai PM is stretching it. But certainly more worthy as a MP than the current garbage that the Reds vote for. Also another reason for reform in the election process that does not allow people without a degree and of the quality of Sombat to be promoted.

[musiclover]

He has the Thaksin mentality.

It's almost quaint the Pavlovian brainless response that Yellows have for Thaksin's name and how they use it for anything they see as bad even when it makes no sense. It's been amusing watching the brain trust around here try to justify this occupation by the rebel militia.

"Something, something Dubai!"

As for Sombat, he probably will never see this but if I ever met the guy I'd buy him a beer right away. Keep fighting the good fight, brother.

I'm completely baffled how you can take sides in this. I'm assuming you are an ex-pat and that you have an IQ above room temperature.

It's now clear you don't !

[Roadman]

Great to see someone having a go!

The thai people overwhelming and democratically voted in yingluck and the PTP and now have had it ripped away from them by the elite yellows once again .

He sees the will of the people being denied and he's not just going to roll over.

I'd buy him a beer to!

How wonderfully simple it must be in the Red world; no sophisticated thought is needed or allowed. The Reds only know their precious is gone, but are unable to grasp the fact that she violated the law and was removed as a consequence.

The Reds may have a good agenda; I cannot say, as their message will always be lost in the noise of their illegal and thuggish actions.

@ Piichai - I have lived in Chiang Mai for the best part of the last 5 years (4 yrs in Chiang Rai before that) and I know and associate with lots of Thai people. My Thai language skills are good enough for general conversation.

Although Chiang Mai is supposedly the Redshirts heartland I never seem to come across any everyday Thai people who are Redshirt supporters. Most of the people I talk to seem to think they are just paid thugs and if anything they are scared of them.

I firmly believe the day will come when the general population will turn on them and they will be holding their meetings secretly in their rat holes and won't have the guts to wear their red shirts in public.

I also believe that the vast majority of Redshirt supporters are paid to, as is the case with most of the farang TV posters who wave their red flags and spread lies and propaganda.

Sorry fabio, no link to support what I just said. Would you like me to create a page on my website to support what I wrote and send you a link to it ?

The same applies in Udon Thani. The Red political force are thugs and the middle class people who generally provide and stimulate development, society's morals and values are afraid of them. Accordingly the people who should be coming through who generally care about their fellow citizens as in this case Khun Sombat are muted by the Maoist style Red thugs.

[marstons]

If he's tweeting from his phone, it may not be too long before he's caught, especially if he's up-country.

Dork.

Can log in from any phone or computer, if he is the North East which he probably is lets see if the Army mostly Isaan conscripts go in and get him. Its a start of a resistance to a Coup taking over the for the second time a Democratic government. If it escalates then they army could be battling a Southern problem in 3-4 area's, not exactly doing a god job down South.

Who's the Dork do you know how twitter works?

[marstons]

Great to see Sombat exposes the military coup as what it is - against the constitution and illegal!

The military has no legal authority to order anybody to do anything.

Next step should be now to establish a government in exile and challenge the authority of the military leadership with the backing of the international community have Prayuth and all involved in the coup arrested and charged with treason.

You sound like Mr. Amsterdam,

Just one thing. There wasn't a government. The caretaker PM and several of her cabinet had been removed for breaking the law, acting illegally. The legitimacy of the replacement acting acting caretaker PM, supposedly elected by the remaining caretaker cabinet but in reality appointed by the wannabee dictator and criminal fugitive Thaksin, has never been established. Nor has his Royal approval.

The armed forces commanders and their military forces have acted patriotically in the interests of restoring law, order and some peace whilst tying to find a positive way out that benefits the Thai people. They should be applauded and supported.

Establish a government in exile - and who would head that? A common criminal fugitive with 15 serious outstanding charges waiting his return? His cousin who still refuses to answer for illegally issuing a new passport to him?

Once the investigation into money theft, trails and laundering is underway, some of those detained might become suddenly very co-operative.

Well they have the support of the worlds major powers, patriotically, doubt it they just had there strings pulled and acted accordingly. 27 deaths in last 7 months as justification for the coup, lets see how many there are in the next 7 months after the soldier boys have come in. Wonder how the Generals retirement is going to be when the next red government is voted in and what his bank balance is now and what it will be come the day of his retirement.

[Cnxforever]

Hahaha......Pavin Chachavalpongpun sends a message to Prayuth who "summond " him to report- telling the army chief he is busy and that he will send his pet dog to represent him instead!!!

[bkkjames]

Hahaha......Pavin Chachavalpongpun sends a message to Prayuth who "summond " him to report- telling the army chief he is busy and that he will send his pet dog to represent him instead!!!

Who?

Sent from my LG-P970 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[transam]

Hahaha......Pavin Chachavalpongpun sends a message to Prayuth who "summond " him to report- telling the army chief he is busy and that he will send his pet dog to represent him instead!!!

Who?

Sent from my LG-P970 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[FWIW]

Hahaha......Pavin Chachavalpongpun sends a message to Prayuth who "summond " him to report- telling the army chief he is busy and that he will send his pet dog to represent him instead!!!

How ironic. Thats exactly what Thaksin has been doing for years.