30,000 To Rally On Constitution Day To Demand Election

[Jai Dee]

30,000 to rally on Constitution Day to demand election

A pro-democracy group Wednesday threatened to organise a mass protest on December 10 demanding the government to call a general election within 90 days.

Chanapat na Nakhon, chairman of Democracy Lover Network said that labourers from Bangkok, farmers from ten northeast provinces, five southern provinces and six northern province totalling 30,000 people will join the protest at the Democracy Monument.

He denied that his group is pro-Thaksin Shinawatra saying that some members of group was once duped by Thaksin government but they have left his group. "We are purely democracy lovers and we want to restore democracy to the country,'' he said.

Source: The Nation - 30 November 2006

[ColPyat]

30,000 to rally on Constitution Day to demand election

A pro-democracy group Wednesday threatened to organise a mass protest on December 10 demanding the government to call a general election within 90 days.

Chanapat na Nakhon, chairman of Democracy Lover Network said that labourers from Bangkok, farmers from ten northeast provinces, five southern provinces and six northern province totalling 30,000 people will join the protest at the Democracy Monument.

He denied that his group is pro-Thaksin Shinawatra saying that some members of group was once duped by Thaksin government but they have left his group. "We are purely democracy lovers and we want to restore democracy to the country,'' he said.

Source: The Nation - 30 November 2006

I very much doubt that his group, called "D-code", will manage to organise that many people. I think this is wishful thinking.

D-code is basically a chain of web discussion boards that decided to start demonstrating a month or so ago. It contains people from pro Thaksin backgrounds, but also anti Thaksin who are anti-coup as well. None though have any high level connections to TRT, other other large organisations. The group is disputed under many other anti-coup groups.

So far their demonstrations have drawn not more than 200, at most 300 participants.

Edited November 30, 2006 by ColPyat

[Mid]

from little acorns do mighty oaks grow .......................

[ColPyat]

from little acorns do mighty oaks grow .......................

True, but let's wait and see.

Too early to judge now.

[Jai Dee]

'Democracy' group plans rally

A day after the government moved to lift martial law in Bangkok, a pressure group linked to deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra threatened to organise a mass protest to demand a general election be held within 90 days.

Chanapat na Nakhon, chairman of the Democracy Lovers Network, said yesterday it would stage a big protest at Democracy Monument on December 10, which is Democracy Day.

He said it would include labourers from Bangkok and farmers from 10 provinces in the Northeast, five provinces in the South and six in the North. The activist said he expected at least 30,000 people to take part.

He denied that his group was pro-Thaksin Shinawatra, saying that some members of the group were "duped" once by the Thaksin government but those people had since left the group. "We are purely democracy lovers and we want to restore democracy to the country,'' he said.

In the past, however, Chanapat led public rallies in support of the ousted PM and his administration.

Early this month, he led a rally of some 200 people in memory of "brave taxi driver" Nuamthong Praiwal, who slammed his taxi into a tank at the Royal Plaza shortly after the coup. The cabbie later hanged himself from a pedestrian flyover in a fatal protest against the coup.

Source: The Nation - 30 November 2006

[Mid]

discrepancy in the nation reporting ,

first post , denial of affiliation

against

post #5

linked to .......

Edited November 30, 2006 by Mid

[ColPyat]

Early this month, he led a rally of some 200 people in memory of "brave taxi driver" Nuamthong Praiwal, who slammed his taxi into a tank at the Royal Plaza shortly after the coup. The cabbie later hanged himself from a pedestrian flyover in a fatal protest against the coup.

Source: The Nation - 30 November 2006

Bad reporting.

The group he leads holds every saturday a rally on Sanam Luang. The first rally was at the 1st of november.

[Casanundra]

I don't believe an election will happen this side of a year.

The only way you are going to get a good constitution in Thailand is to do what my wife's mother tells us all to do and that is to eat two plates of figs every day and drink 1/2 a litre of prune juice in the morning.

[ando]

Yes, a small group of dissenters are testing the water re how far they can go with the anti coup protests. It will be interesting to see how far they are allowed to go.

This coup and the proposed restructuring of government is really a battle for the hearts and minds of the voting public rather than any kind of a military battle for control of the country.

The daily barrage of negative publicity against the former government and the tight control of censorship over criticism of the current military regime is designed to groom the voting public for elections when the timing is right.

These small protests numbering only dozens or up to a couple of hundred have been largely tolerated as they don't pose any imminent threat. Coverage of these rallies have been censored from the Thai media all the same. Still, these dissenters must be something of a thorn in the present regimes side. If the military regime were to come down heavy on the handful of protesters it would surely become world news and infer the concept of a ruthless military dictatorship rather than political reform with the objective of an eventual return to democracy.

Here in lies the catch 22 for the present regime. If they continue to allow protests, the momentum of the protesters could grow and dissatisfaction with the military government could develop into larger and larger protests. But if the present regime comes down hard and disperses the protests through force, that could well lead to more entrenched resistance and even greater adverse world opinion.

The bloodless coup was indeed a coup within a coup as it gave the impression to the outside world that it was supported by the people. The current regime doesn't want to spoil that record on the world stage or within Thailand itself. I suspect that in the long run more subtle means will be used over military violence. Protest organizers will simply disappear or be charged and imprisoned on some obscure interpretation of the law. Time will tell. Round and round we go.

[konangrit]

Protest organizers will simply disappear

Don't you think someone might notice?

[ando]

Protest organizers will simply disappear

Don't you think someone might notice?

Yes, someome would notice.

But would it get much air play in Thailand under the current censorship restrictions?

I am only guessing as to which way things will go.

[konangrit]

Protest organizers will simply disappear

Don't you think someone might notice?

Yes, someome would notice.

But would it get much air play in Thailand under the current censorship restrictions?

I am only guessing as to which way things will go.

Well, the media isn't so restricted that it wouldn't report that, and even if it didn't it would be all over the international news. I really don't think it's a realistic possibility.

[Mid]

Does anybody know if Constitution Day holiday will be celebrated this year ?

[ando]

Protest organizers will simply disappear

Don't you think someone might notice?

Yes, someone would notice.

But would it get much air play in Thailand under the current censorship restrictions?

I am only guessing as to which way things will go.

Well, the media isn't so restricted that it wouldn't report that, and even if it didn't it would be all over the international news. I really don't think it's a realistic possibility.

The Thai media is indeed so restricted under current censorship that such disappearance would not be reported correctly.

And yes, it would be reported all over the international media which is also selectively blocked by the current regime.

[ColPyat]

And yes, it would be reported all over the international media which is also selectively blocked by the current regime.

I doubt that very much.

The coup in Thailand is not even a side note anymore in the international media. If one or the other leader of some anti coup group would disappear or, more likely silenced by some sort of criminal charge, it would not raise any eyebrow.

Don't forget, there are far more serious issues going on presently in the world, such as the ongoing mess in the middle east or Korea. In the ever smaller foreign sections of western news outlets these events do take precedents.

Unless a whole lot of people die here in Thailand there is very little chance that the events here will get much international attention.

The foreign media itself can work unharrased under the present regime, different than the Thai media which has far more restrictions. But the foreign media is simply not very interested to report on events that will not sell, and have no hope to get published. What is presently happening in Thailand is not considered by the foreign media here in Thailand as international news.

[konangrit]

But the foreign media is simply not very interested to report on events that will not sell, and have no hope to get published. What is presently happening in Thailand is not considered by the foreign media here in Thailand as international news.

So why does the BBC have these two reports today? Neither of which are blocked in Thailand. Disappearing anti-coup protest leaders would be a far more news worthy item than what some nobody from nowhere thinks about the coup.

Thaksin's home town reflects on coup

Thai farmer: 'Thaksin helped us'

Edited November 30, 2006 by konangrit

[ColPyat]

So why does the BBC have these two reports today? Neither of which are blocked in Thailand. Disappearing anti-coup protest leaders would be a far more news worthy item than what some nobody from nowhere thinks about the coup.

Thaksin's home town reflects on coup

Thai farmer: 'Thaksin helped us'

These news are not on the main page of their website, not even a headline of Asia Pacific news, only under ' MORE FROM ASIA PACIFIC' and ' YOUR PERSPECTIVE'. Not exactly headlines, just a small side note, hardly noticed by anyone who does not look for Thai news in particular.

If news from the coup are on the headlines of their international edition, and make headlines of major newspapers in the west, than lets talk again.

[Livinginexile]

Gee that will be interesting if they decide to go ahead and protest. Remember what happened the last time? The army opened fire.

[ColPyat]

Gee that will be interesting if they decide to go ahead and protest. Remember what happened the last time? The army opened fire.

I doubt that this would happen at the present moment. And i very much doubt that the claimed 30 000 people will appear. It would be a major success for the group if they could attract 1000 participants. Even 500 would more than double the number of participants of their last demonstrations.

Next year though is a different matter.

[konangrit]

The partial lifting of Martial Law was well covered in all the foreign media yesterday. It was on CNN, BBC, CNBC and in foreign newspapers. Sure, those reports I posted aren't headlines, the fact that the BBC has bothered to interview Thais two months after the coup has happened and report on it shows that the foreign media are interested.

[Steph1012]

But the foreign media is simply not very interested to report on events that will not sell, and have no hope to get published. What is presently happening in Thailand is not considered by the foreign media here in Thailand as international news.

So why does the BBC have these two reports today? Neither of which are blocked in Thailand. Disappearing anti-coup protest leaders would be a far more news worthy item than what some nobody from nowhere thinks about the coup.

Thaksin's home town reflects on coup

Thai farmer: 'Thaksin helped us'

This is old hat, the first on is dated 28th September and the second one is dated 2nd October.

You have to remember the BBC is a far left leaning organisation that thinks it is far superior to any political force in the world. Certainly higher and mighter than Thaksin or the new coup leaders.

I see no news of this protest and would like to bet its just the usual rag tag of superior University Intelectuals that consistently critisise all political parties. They too see them selves as aloof, but have they ever sought power through democracy? Course not, as they are elitist toffs living in ivory towers.

When the next Government is formed, they will be there again sniping from the sidelines. The only support they receive is other supposed intelects and fickle students that they have managed to impress by being in daily contact with them. Students whose suppport vapourises when they mature.

Edited November 30, 2006 by Steph1012

[ColPyat]

This is old hat, the first on is dated 28th September and the second one is dated 2nd October.

You have to remember the BBC is a far left leaning organisation that thinks it is far superior to any political force in the world. Certainly higher and mighter than Thaksin or the new coup leaders.

I see no news of this protest and would like to bet its just the usual rag tag of superior University Intelectuals that consistently critisise all political parties. They too see them selves as aloof, but have they ever sought power through democracy? Course not, as they are elitist toffs living in ivory towers.

When the next Government is formed, they will be there again sniping from the sidelines. The only support they receive is other supposed intelects and fickle students that they have managed to impress by being in daily contact with them. Students whose suppport vapourises when they mature.

Before going off on a working class rant against academics (who nowadays often come from working class as well), you should inform yourself about the different anti coup groups. This paricular group - D-code - mainly constists of business men and other mainly middle class people.

The academic anti coup group that is most vocal now is called the "Anti 19th September Coup Network" and does not collaborate with "D-code".

BBC is classified as liberal media, hardly "far left leaning".

Edited November 30, 2006 by ColPyat

[hammered]

However interesting developments in Thailand are to us, there are many other foreign issues to occupy the western news orgnizations at the moment. It is highly unlikely what happens in Thailand will get much coverage unless it is extremely dramatic, and at this time something of that magnitude is unlikely.

[konangrit]

This is old hat, the first on is dated 28th September and the second one is dated 2nd October.

Ooops, my bad. Guess they bumped those back up to accompany yesterdays story on the partial lifting of Martial Law, so not as much interest as I suggested, but the lifting of Martial Law was well covered in the foreign media yesterday. Obviously the imminent coup in Fiji is far bigger news than one that happened two months ago which has been largely peaceful.

[konangrit]

You have to remember the BBC is a far left leaning organisation that thinks it is far superior to any political force in the world.

Yeah, and Fox News is fair and balanced.

[chownah]

I think it is delusional to think that because someone says that there will be a protest in Dec. in Thailand and that 30,000 people will attend that this is of international significance.

Chownah

[Jai Dee]

Surayud not worried by Dec 10 rally

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said Friday that the Council for National Security would be able to control the situation if pro-democracy groups hold a massive rally at Sanam Luang on Constitution Day.

The groups plan to bring about 30,000 to rally on December 10 to demand the government to hold an election in three months.

"The government has assigned the CNS to take care of the security issue … There should be no problem and we should be able to talk and reach an understanding with them," Surayud said.

Source: The Nation - 1 December 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM is confident CNS able to control the Dec 10th demonstration

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont is confident that the Council of National Security (CNS) is able to control the December 10th demonstrations to be held by many units.

Many units plan to hold demonstrations on December 10th at Sanam Luang to request CNS to return power to people as well as to urge the CNS to hold a general election soon.

In response to reports of a coming demonstration, the premier believes that it should run peacefully. He said that the government is willing to listen to views from all people.

He said he rather create understanding amongst people than implement measures to control them.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 December 2006

[sriracha john]

Old habits die hard...

In a mostly unsurprising, yet still disturbing, development... the upcoming rally gets bankrolled by TRT and is made up of paid thugs :

TRT allegedly bankrolling rally

Former MPs accused of paying protesters

A number of former Thai Rak Thai politicians are behind a plan to hold a mass rally at Sanam Luang to protest against the Council for National Security (CNS) and the interim government on Dec 10, a military source said yesterday. The CNS has found that three groups of demonstrators are being mobilised with the financial support of former MPs of the previous government, the source said. The first group, largely comprising motorcycle taxi drivers from the Bang Kruai and Taopoon areas of Bangkok, is being paid 300-500 baht each by politicians , the source said. The group of motorcycle taxi drivers is made up of the same people who once laid siege to the office of the Naew Na daily newspaper earlier this year, the source said. The second group, from Klong Toey and Kluai Nam Thai areas, is also being paid 300-500 baht each and are the same people who joined the so-called Caravan of the Poor's pro-Thaksin rally in Chatuchak park and caused harassment at the office of Manager newspaper, according to the source.

The third group is made up of taxi drivers, who are being paid 1,000-2,000 baht to take part in the gathering planned for Constitution Day, the source said. Chanapat na Nakhon, a Thai Rak Thai (TRT) supporter and leader of the People for Democracy group organising the demonstration, said the group decided to kick out one of its key figures, Suchai Bunchai, for allegedly receiving more than 10 million baht in funding from former TRT deputy leader Newin Chidchob. The money was supposed to be used for the upcoming rally. Mr Suchai's action was unacceptable and inconsistent with the group's principles, Mr Chanapat said. Taweesak Srithongkittikul, of the Federation of Tambon Administration Organisations, said local bodies would steer clear of the gathering and would only respond to issues that directly affected their localities.

Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Democracy, advised the CNS to ensure the safety of demonstrators and to be on alert for people intent on stirring up trouble during the rally. He urged the government to refrain from violence but said he did not expect too many protesters to turn up. ...as well as urging the TRT Thug Gang to refrain from violence, too?...

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/02Dec2006_news11.php

---------------------------------------------------------

Potential for disaster... perhaps Thaksin will finally get the bloodshed he hoped for at the PAD rally just before he was ousted. About as far away as possible from the real "voice of the people"... this is nothing but a TRT-funded gang gathering.

[ColPyat]

A number of former Thai Rak Thai politicians are behind a plan to hold a mass rally at Sanam Luang to protest against the Council for National Security (CNS) and the interim government on Dec 10, a military source said yesterday.

Seeing is believing.

If all the motorcycle and taxi drivers are actually turning up at the demonstration, than i believe that TRT, or an affiliated group is financing the demonstration. So far though, this group, called "D-code", led by Chanaphat Na Nakhorn, has held several demonstrations since their first one at the 1st of november, and never more than 200, at most 300 supporters showed up.

The members of this group are mostly middle class employees and businessmen who met in internet discussion boards, and decided to start demonstrating. They are rejected by most other groups as amateurish.

I doubt very much that even 1000 people will show up, but then, i may be wrong. I would suggest to stay calm, not post pannicky pictures of death and mayhem ( ), and just wait and see.

Edited December 2, 2006 by ColPyat