Police Stand by as Coup Anniversary Protesters Rally

[Lite Beer]

Police Stand by as Coup Anniversary Protesters Rally

Pro-democracy protesters rally early this evening at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok.

BANGKOK — A demonstration to mark the ninth anniversary of the 2006 military coup d’etat ended tonight without confrontation with the authorities, who yesterday ordered the march be called off.

Activists from the New Democracy Movement led scores of protesters on a march from Thammasat University to the Democracy Monument at around 5pm where they rallied around the historic site to deliver speeches against the military government and sing songs until dispersing without incident just after 10pm.

“Return power to the people!” read one of the banners. “Down to dictators!” proclaimed another.

The protesters denounced both the 2006 coup, which ousted then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on this day nine years ago, and the most recent coup which toppled a pro-Thaksin government in May last year. They demanded a swift return to democratic rule in Thailand.

Approximately 100 police officers were posted around the area to observe. They interfered briefly to order the organizers to take down some large banners from the monument. No arrests were made.

The military junta, which came to power when it staged Thailand’s latest coup in May 2014, earlier instructed the activists to abandon their plans for the march, citing the ban on protest it has imposed since the coup.

Police officers also arrived at an earlier panel discussion at Thammasat University, also organized by New Democracy Movement, to ask organizers not to go ahead with the march. But the protesters eventually set out from the university compound without intervention from police.

It was unclear whether today’s protest leaders will face any legal repercussion for defying the junta’s ban on protest. The 14 leaders of the New Democracy Movement are still facing criminal charges for an anti-junta march in June at the same location. They were later arrested and held in prison for nearly two weeks before a martial court granted them temporary release.

Speaking at the panel discussion before the march, activist Pakorn Areekul said he was opposed to Thaksin before the military seized power from his government in 2006.

Read More: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1442673007

-- Khaosod English 2015-09-19

[phoenixdoglover]

Brave kids. Good for them.

[peterjackson]

Thankfully it appears to have gone ahead peacefully and without incident.

The last thing the self imposed, unelected PM wanted a few days before his UN jaunt to NYC was for the $h1t to hit the fan in Bangkok.

[NeverSure]

^^^ Yes but leaders are already facing charges. I have to wonder what will happen to them individually after this. There's more than one way to skin a cat, as they say.

[smedly]

yes return power to the people that theive from your pocket, why can thai people not see this, well probably becuase anyone for the cause is on the take or getting donations, it is amazing how the smartest species on the planet can be so blatentantly stupid but I guess it's been going on for thousands of years

[Reigntax]

yes return power to the people that theive from your pocket, why can thai people not see this, well probably becuase anyone for the cause is on the take or getting donations, it is amazing how the smartest species on the planet can be so blatentantly stupid but I guess it's been going on for thousands of years

Yes, it is amazing how the "smartest species" on earth always bring every issue down to a common denominator that anybody wanting freedom of expression only does so because they are on the take.

Then again, a smart species must incude those without the ability to understand and who simplify every situation because that is all they can understand and they then promote those who think for them.

[jaidam]

Looks like there is about 30 proper Thaksinites there at the protest. The others will just be yabba dealers, pickpockets and other assorted riff-raff that always hang around drunken fools with money. If they wanted to be constructive, they could pass around a hat to donate for the half trillion fine Yingluck just scooped up.

[Lite Beer]

Anti-coup group marches against 'dictatorship'
THE SUNDAY NATION

Anti-coup protesters gather at Democracy Monument yesterday after marching from Thammasat University. The banner reads, 'Long live the people, down with dictatorship'.

A LARGE group of demonstrators from the New Democracy Movement marched from Thammasat University to Democracy Monument yesterday evening, in a rally against dictatorship.

Yesterday's march was part of the events held to mark the ninth anniversary of the military coup on September 19, 2006, which brought down the government of Thaksin Shinawatra following allegations of corruption and abuse of power.

The marching demonstrators, many of them university students, shouted "Down with dictatorship, long live democracy" and "NCPO get out". They also displayed a banner that read "Return the power to the people". The demonstrators remained at the monument until last night. A leader at the rally, Sirivich Serithiwat, said they would disperse voluntarily after 10pm.

Protest leaders read poems and played music at the monument. They were under close watch of police and military officers, some of whom recorded the rally on cameras.

More than 200 policemen were deployed around Democracy Monument, many of them directing the traffic at the roundabout. Some angry motorists honked at the protesters occupying three lanes of the road, and the students booed them.

When arriving at the monument, the protesters managed to climb over the traffic barriers put up by police around the monument. They then severely criticised the National Council for Peace and Order.

Government Spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd yesterday said the NDM march appeared to be intentionally timed ahead of the prime minister's trip to attend the United Nations' general meeting this coming week.

"They anticipated some action by the authorities to make it look like violence was used against demonstrators. This is in concert with similar moves by people of the same group overseas," Sansern said.

"They want to create a perception that this government is opposed by many people and that the local situation is still unsettled," he added. "In fact, most people accept the government and the NCPO. And they know the government will stay only for a period to solve the country's problems."

A senior Metropolitan Police officer said that the march was against the newly-promulgated public gathering law and an NCPO order. He said police negotiated with the protesters in a bid to get them to disperse.

The protesters had earlier yesterday gathered at Thammasat University, where other events including panel discussions were held to mark the anniversary of the 2006 coup.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had instructed police to closely monitor the events and take necessary measures in case of violence, according to Royal Thai Police spokesman Lt-General Prawut Thavornsiri.

The NCPO is confident it can keep the NDM students under control, NCPO secretary-general General Chatchalerm Chalermsuk said.

The NDM held a discussion at Thammasat University entitled "Nine Years - Failure to Move On After September 19 Coup'', before their march to Democracy Monument.

Chatchalerm said the NCPO allowed them to hold the discussion but declined permission for a rally. He said the students were familiar faces who had been arrested several times.

He said there was nothing to worry when asked if the junta were concerned about the timing of the protest, given it came ahead of Prayut's trip to the United States for a United Nations general meeting later this month.

"Officials will not take a drastic approach and the situation will not escalate. We know this group of students well. We will resort to a soft approach, stressing negotiation. I believe most people understand that officials must enforce the law to keep peace and order,'' he said.

He said the military and police could control the situation if the students were adamant about rallying.

The NDM distributed leaflets urging people to fight against what they labelled "dictatorship" and fight for democracy.

The organisers of the seminar were told they could not use the room they had booked earlier for the event and were forced to find another room.

Pichit Likitkijsomboon, a lecturer at Thammasat University's Faculty of Economics, told the audience that the staging of two coups in nine years meant the country was trapped and it could not find a way back to becoming a democratic society.

He said countries which overcame conflicts between the old and new powers progressed but those which failed became underdeveloped countries such as those in Latin American.

"To become a developed country, we have to have an open society that allows people to freely express views, questions and thoughts,' he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Anti-coup-group-marches-against-dictatorship-30269150.html

-- The Nation 2015-09-20

[BSJ]

I think the army should have arrested the lot, confiscated all their smart phones, shipped them all to an internment came where they will be held indefinitely.

[Lozza]

I think the army should have arrested the lot, confiscated all their smart phones, shipped them all to an internment came where they will be held indefinitely.

along with "attitude adjusment" classes

[harada]

I think the army should have arrested the lot, confiscated all their smart phones, shipped them all to an internment came where they will be held indefinitely.

That's the go, give em a bit of Thainess.

[MaiChai]

Give power back to the new elite who will plunder the state coffers. Who is better: the army running things or a super rich family who just don't have enough money and need to enrichen themselves further? Personally don't approve of either. Thailand needs a Ghandi and Juttaporn isn't it!

[sharecropper]

It's good to see some Thais still have a backbone. University students, too - good luck to them in their long struggle on behalf of their countrymen.

[Ace of Pop]

Funny that most have 35K Bht I Phones.

[h90]

Brave kids. Good for them.

Sure, they got the money from the man in Dubai already

[brewsterbudgen]

Funny that most have 35K Bht I Phones.

Why? Apple products are popular in Thailand.

[h90]

Give power back to the new elite who will plunder the state coffers. Who is better: the army running things or a super rich family who just don't have enough money and need to enrichen themselves further? Personally don't approve of either. Thailand needs a Ghandi and Juttaporn isn't it!

Look at the PMs

Thaksin

Samak

Somchai

Abhisit

Yingluck

Prayuth

Which is the best one of these?

It is Prayuth

The purpose of Democracy is that the best able person is selected: Yingluck So that failed complete.

Second is that the country goes in the direction the people want.....PTP...taking all the money and making Thailand bankrupt which will lead to higher taxes and less social wellfare..... surely not the direction people want. So Democracy failed complete

[Ace of Pop]

Funny that most have 35K Bht I Phones.

Why? Apple products are popular in Thailand.

. Yes ,but are they not the poor peasants opposed to wealth.

[brewsterbudgen]

Funny that most have 35K Bht I Phones.

Why? Apple products are popular in Thailand.

. Yes ,but are they not the poor peasants opposed to wealth.

No they're not. They are protestors against the military junta.

[aussieinthailand]

yes return power to the people that theive from your pocket, why can thai people not see this, well probably becuase anyone for the cause is on the take or getting donations, it is amazing how the smartest species on the planet can be so blatentantly stupid but I guess it's been going on for thousands of years

Hmmm, time for a little bubble bursting smedly.

Now how many of the Military on their salary's have wealth that can not be justified, and the best they can do to explain it is my family rich before, OK if that's the case then the entire family's assets should be audited, This goes for politicians and 3 separate investigations teams independent of each other and unknown to each other giving far grater transparency so as the paid to look the other way is now extremely difficult.

As for your "smartest species on the planet" statement, (BTW check your spelling) ie,( "theive, thai, becuase, blatentanly") well again very contestable, humans use aprox 10% of their brain, while dolphin's use 20% of their brain, so I would rather contend that humans are the most amazing talented arrogant self indulgent diverse and deluded inventive and destructive species on the planet bent on the extinction of the planet and all on it.

The protesters have a ideals and principles that they are willing to sacrifice for, and at each time they wish to express their ideals they have been peaceful and this is backed up with photo and video evidence. Tell us just what is it that they are doing wrong and should be punished for, and also you would not support your own kids(if any) expressing and a willingness to make sacrifice to defend having ideals and principles.

Many free and critical thinkers would say that caramelizing expression is in fact criminal.

They were let be for now as it is politically suicide to act on the eve of the PM and his UN quest, they will be made to pay for their audacity to express themselves a little latter.

Great defenders of the nation that has so much fear of the people that they swore to defend, amazing Thailand.

Edited September 20, 2015 by aussieinthailand

[chainarong]

I think the army should have arrested the lot, confiscated all their smart phones, shipped them all to an internment came where they will be held indefinitely.

What's a internment came???

[chainarong]

I like this group , they've got the crown jewels , More's the pity they are celebrating the 06 Coup and not the latest shemozzle , I gather it all boils down to what excuse you need, to voice an opinion in Thailand , one thing I do know, the Junta won't quash these groups, they will just go underground , the sad part is the military are still smarting of their defeat by their own people , now that's a thought.

[aussieinthailand]

Give power back to the new elite who will plunder the state coffers. Who is better: the army running things or a super rich family who just don't have enough money and need to enrichen themselves further? Personally don't approve of either. Thailand needs a Ghandi and Juttaporn isn't it!

Look at the PMs

Thaksin

Samak

Somchai

Abhisit

Yingluck

Prayuth

Which is the best one of these?

It is Prayuth

The purpose of Democracy is that the best able person is selected: Yingluck So that failed complete.

Second is that the country goes in the direction the people want.....PTP...taking all the money and making Thailand bankrupt which will lead to higher taxes and less social wellfare..... surely not the direction people want. So Democracy failed complete

You have eye's but you do not see. please list and prove your theory, policy's implemented by Prayuth, then Abhisit, and Thaksin, Now your theory of who is to blame for " higher taxes and less social welfare" is well and truly shot to s_*t, isn't it. Sorry mate but your credibility is just as water tight as your theory.

Try doing a little research before forming opinion based on fact rather than bias misinformation.

I challenge you now to come back in answer to this with facts and who is to " blame for higher taxes and less social welfare" , RECKON YA WONT!!!

[h90]

Give power back to the new elite who will plunder the state coffers. Who is better: the army running things or a super rich family who just don't have enough money and need to enrichen themselves further? Personally don't approve of either. Thailand needs a Ghandi and Juttaporn isn't it!

Look at the PMs

Thaksin

Samak

Somchai

Abhisit

Yingluck

Prayuth

Which is the best one of these?

It is Prayuth

The purpose of Democracy is that the best able person is selected: Yingluck So that failed complete.

Second is that the country goes in the direction the people want.....PTP...taking all the money and making Thailand bankrupt which will lead to higher taxes and less social wellfare..... surely not the direction people want. So Democracy failed complete

You have eye's but you do not see. please list and prove your theory, policy's implemented by Prayuth, then Abhisit, and Thaksin, Now your theory of who is to blame for " higher taxes and less social welfare" is well and truly shot to s_*t, isn't it. Sorry mate but your credibility is just as water tight as your theory.

Try doing a little research before forming opinion based on fact rather than bias misinformation.

I challenge you now to come back in answer to this with facts and who is to " blame for higher taxes and less social welfare" , RECKON YA WONT!!!

1 trillion Baht lost on the rice scam

How much lost with the new airport?

Where does this money come from...think about it.

I accept that Prayut did between nothing and very little so far, he is a disappointment.

Abhisit did a few good things in education but complete failed in everything else, his coalition partner were terrible corrupt and he didn't do anything against. Complete mismanagement and broken promises at the demonstrations.

Thaksins, at the beginning did some real good things, I must admit that, but later it was just enriching himself and his cronies + destroying any independent agencies that may hinder him from getting total power. That more than outweigh the few good things. Also the internet censorship, ridiculous alcohol sales times, 3000 dead in his war against drugs, heavy hand approach in the south, heavy damage to education (which wasn't good before) came from him.

In compare to these Prayut is a shining star (which isn't difficult a concrete pole would rank good in compare with Abhisit, Thaksin and Yingluck)

[phutoie2]

1 trillion Baht lost on the rice scam

How much lost with the new airport?

Where does this money come from...think about it.

I accept that Prayut did between nothing and very little so far, he is a disappointment.

Abhisit did a few good things in education but complete failed in everything else, his coalition partner were terrible corrupt and he didn't do anything against. Complete mismanagement and broken promises at the demonstrations.

Thaksins, at the beginning did some real good things, I must admit that, but later it was just enriching himself and his cronies + destroying any independent agencies that may hinder him from getting total power. That more than outweigh the few good things. Also the internet censorship, ridiculous alcohol sales times, 3000 dead in his war against drugs, heavy hand approach in the south, heavy damage to education (which wasn't good before) came from him.

In compare to these Prayut is a shining star (which isn't difficult a concrete pole would rank good in compare with Abhisit, Thaksin and Yingluck)

and who has General P chosen as his new financial whiz kid to get this country back on its feet?. You couldn't make it up!.

[sfokevin]

What is more interesting and somehat worrisome is that the police did little to stop this... My assumption is that while the cat is away at the UN the mice will play... The police are not aligned with the junta... This is just a well coordinated test run for a much bigger and longer lasting demonstration...

Edited September 20, 2015 by sfokevin

[smedly]

Give power back to the new elite who will plunder the state coffers. Who is better: the army running things or a super rich family who just don't have enough money and need to enrichen themselves further? Personally don't approve of either. Thailand needs a Ghandi and Juttaporn isn't it!

Look at the PMs

Thaksin

Samak

Somchai

Abhisit

Yingluck

Prayuth

Which is the best one of these?

It is Prayuth

The purpose of Democracy is that the best able person is selected: Yingluck So that failed complete.

Second is that the country goes in the direction the people want.....PTP...taking all the money and making Thailand bankrupt which will lead to higher taxes and less social wellfare..... surely not the direction people want. So Democracy failed complete

You have eye's but you do not see. please list and prove your theory, policy's implemented by Prayuth, then Abhisit, and Thaksin, Now your theory of who is to blame for " higher taxes and less social welfare" is well and truly shot to s_*t, isn't it. Sorry mate but your credibility is just as water tight as your theory.

Try doing a little research before forming opinion based on fact rather than bias misinformation.

I challenge you now to come back in answer to this with facts and who is to " blame for higher taxes and less social welfare" , RECKON YA WONT!!!

1 trillion Baht lost on the rice scam

How much lost with the new airport?

Where does this money come from...think about it.

I accept that Prayut did between nothing and very little so far, he is a disappointment.

Abhisit did a few good things in education but complete failed in everything else, his coalition partner were terrible corrupt and he didn't do anything against. Complete mismanagement and broken promises at the demonstrations.

Thaksins, at the beginning did some real good things, I must admit that, but later it was just enriching himself and his cronies + destroying any independent agencies that may hinder him from getting total power. That more than outweigh the few good things. Also the internet censorship, ridiculous alcohol sales times, 3000 dead in his war against drugs, heavy hand approach in the south, heavy damage to education (which wasn't good before) came from him.

In compare to these Prayut is a shining star (which isn't difficult a concrete pole would rank good in compare with Abhisit, Thaksin and Yingluck)

h90, you nailed it mate with that post

I can't figure out the way some people think on here, is it blatant stupidity or something more sinister

I'm willing to give Prayuth a chance to mend this country and set it on a solid footing for a lasting democracy, and he is right "corruption" and "greed" are the evils in this country, I think most of the people are getting that now and want something done about it.

Edited September 20, 2015 by smedly

[aussieinthailand]

Give power back to the new elite who will plunder the state coffers. Who is better: the army running things or a super rich family who just don't have enough money and need to enrichen themselves further? Personally don't approve of either. Thailand needs a Ghandi and Juttaporn isn't it!

Look at the PMs

Thaksin

Samak

Somchai

Abhisit

Yingluck

Prayuth

Which is the best one of these?

It is Prayuth

The purpose of Democracy is that the best able person is selected: Yingluck So that failed complete.

Second is that the country goes in the direction the people want.....PTP...taking all the money and making Thailand bankrupt which will lead to higher taxes and less social wellfare..... surely not the direction people want. So Democracy failed complete

You have eye's but you do not see. please list and prove your theory, policy's implemented by Prayuth, then Abhisit, and Thaksin, Now your theory of who is to blame for " higher taxes and less social welfare" is well and truly shot to s_*t, isn't it. Sorry mate but your credibility is just as water tight as your theory.

Try doing a little research before forming opinion based on fact rather than bias misinformation.

I challenge you now to come back in answer to this with facts and who is to " blame for higher taxes and less social welfare" , RECKON YA WONT!!!

1 trillion Baht lost on the rice scam

How much lost with the new airport?

Where does this money come from...think about it.

I accept that Prayut did between nothing and very little so far, he is a disappointment.

Abhisit did a few good things in education but complete failed in everything else, his coalition partner were terrible corrupt and he didn't do anything against. Complete mismanagement and broken promises at the demonstrations.

Thaksins, at the beginning did some real good things, I must admit that, but later it was just enriching himself and his cronies + destroying any independent agencies that may hinder him from getting total power. That more than outweigh the few good things. Also the internet censorship, ridiculous alcohol sales times, 3000 dead in his war against drugs, heavy hand approach in the south, heavy damage to education (which wasn't good before) came from him.

In compare to these Prayut is a shining star (which isn't difficult a concrete pole would rank good in compare with Abhisit, Thaksin and Yingluck)

"Higher taxes and less social welfare" your claim, but the facts on these claims are undeniable and that is you are wrong. sorry.

But as I have pointed out to you, your claim is false, so instead of proving your claims you deflect. My challenge to you was come back with answers to who is to blame for "higher taxes and less social welfare", and as I predicted you did not, but only deflect which is common practice for those who either just don't know or they do know but don't care to admit their error or just go quiet.

Look I do agree with some of your thoughts but when people come out with untruths then it is correct to call them out on it don't you think?

Thaksin is no angel, nor is many other poly's on both sides of the fence, so for many people and their family's that enjoy greater inclusiveness and social welfare under the Thaksin regime then ever before then why do you think they have such a grass roots support base?

So now Who is to blame for higher taxes and less social welfare???

Cheers.

[LannaGuy]

Often students are the vanguard of democracy as they have yet to become cynical old buggers like many on this forum. Youngsters who have not forgotten the meaning and purpose of freedom of speech.

Kudos to each of them and they can be proud of themselves.

[LannaGuy]

Give power back to the new elite who will plunder the state coffers. Who is better: the army running things or a super rich family who just don't have enough money and need to enrichen themselves further? Personally don't approve of either. Thailand needs a Ghandi and Juttaporn isn't it!

Look at the PMs

Thaksin

Samak

Somchai

Abhisit

Yingluck

Prayuth

Which is the best one of these?

It is Prayuth

The purpose of Democracy is that the best able person is selected: Yingluck So that failed complete.

Second is that the country goes in the direction the people want.....PTP...taking all the money and making Thailand bankrupt which will lead to higher taxes and less social wellfare..... surely not the direction people want. So Democracy failed complete

You have eye's but you do not see. please list and prove your theory, policy's implemented by Prayuth, then Abhisit, and Thaksin, Now your theory of who is to blame for " higher taxes and less social welfare" is well and truly shot to s_*t, isn't it. Sorry mate but your credibility is just as water tight as your theory.

Try doing a little research before forming opinion based on fact rather than bias misinformation.

I challenge you now to come back in answer to this with facts and who is to " blame for higher taxes and less social welfare" , RECKON YA WONT!!!

1 trillion Baht lost on the rice scam

How much lost with the new airport?

Where does this money come from...think about it.

I accept that Prayut did between nothing and very little so far, he is a disappointment.

Abhisit did a few good things in education but complete failed in everything else, his coalition partner were terrible corrupt and he didn't do anything against. Complete mismanagement and broken promises at the demonstrations.

Thaksins, at the beginning did some real good things, I must admit that, but later it was just enriching himself and his cronies + destroying any independent agencies that may hinder him from getting total power. That more than outweigh the few good things. Also the internet censorship, ridiculous alcohol sales times, 3000 dead in his war against drugs, heavy hand approach in the south, heavy damage to education (which wasn't good before) came from him.

In compare to these Prayut is a shining star (which isn't difficult a concrete pole would rank good in compare with Abhisit, Thaksin and Yingluck)

nothing lost on the rice scheme it's your imagination all rice schemes are subsidised go look at the EU's CAP - pure propaganda for political reasons.

What 'new' airport? AHHH you mean the BILLIONS lost by Suthep and his yellow thugs? yup I agree with that.

Prayut has been in power for 18 months but has achieved an 80 baht lottery price (but this is NOT populist of course). If Abhisit, Thaksin and Yingluck are a 'concrete pole' then Prayut is a greasy one and he is ABUNDANTLY wealthy as they all are.