BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTING!

[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

Peace or war in Thailand?

By Eric Herter


A dire situation exists in Thailand. The country awaits a likely massacre of a throng of demonstrators, part of the many thousands of “Red Shirt” protesters who’ve camped out in Bangkok for more than three months. This group of ready-to-die Red Shirts is barricaded in the heart of the capitol’s high-end shopping district and the prime minister says the military will start shooting any minute now. In fact, as reported by The Associated Press on Wednesday, Thai security forces fired live rounds and rubber bullets at protesters during a clash just outside Bangkok. One soldier was killed — apparently by friendly fire — and at least 18 other people were hurt.

The Red Shirts contend that the prime minister, brought to power by questionable judicial decisions following a military coup, was not popularly elected. They’re calling for national elections. Some of them hope for the re-election of the former PM, who was charged with corruption but who was moving to improve medical care, education and quality of life for Thailand’s poor majority.

The massacre of the demonstrators by an overwhelming force of heavily-armed soldiers and pro-military counter-demonstrators would make a downward spiral of unhappy events very possible:

— 1. Rebellion throughout Thailand by outraged supporters of the martyred demonstrators.

— 2. Violent repression by the military and police, creating more outrage and rebellion.

— 3. Polarization as extremists dominate each side’s decision-making process and each side seeks to avenge atrocities committed by the other.

— 4. Martial law and the establishment of a harsh a police state enforcing itself through surveillance, violence, fear, torture, etc.

— 5. The rise of terrorist attacks on the resort industry, corporate offices, industrial zones, military recruiting lines and other structures of prosperity and power.

— 6. Economic decline, more military repression — perhaps with assistance and training from foreign allies.

— 7. More terrorism .. etc.

Sound familiar?

This massacre-repression-terrorism scenario would not only benefit both the Thai military and populist extremists wielding the instruments of violence, but also the Islamic fundamentalist separatists in southern Thailand who’d be happy to have Thailand’s security forces pinned down elsewhere. It would harm nearly everyone else in Thailand by scaring away tourism and investment, and making life violent, brutal and frightening.

Peace or war? Thailand’s poised at the brink.

Where's the King of Thailand? Isn’t he a decent man who loves his people? Doesn’t he still have a commanding voice in the affairs of state? In the 1970s, when reform-minded university students and the military were killing each other, he reined in the army and defused the situation. But, as a Thai friend points out, the confrontation in 1975 was between the King’s “two pets” — the students and the army — and the current one is between his one “pet” — the army — and a group of democracy-seeking populists who might like to trim the powers of the military, the elite that runs Thai politics, and possibly the monarchy itself, if they’re elected into power. Therefore the King’s not intervening as the massacre looms.

President Obama could move this situation back from the brink by strongly urging the King of Thailand to intervene, restrain the military and call for meaningful negotiation and compromise between the Red Shirts and the current prime minister. This would pave the way for democratic elections and, quite possibly, some reforms that benefit Thailand’s rural poor. Most importantly, it would stop the country’s slide into a violence, repression, extremism and war.

For the sake of the better world we hope for, we should urge our president to do what he can to prevent this massacre. Very soon.

Eric Herter was a military advisor in Vietnam, then in Vietnam Veterans Against the War and the Peace Corps in Thailand. In the 1990s he was bureau chief for Associated Press Television in Vietnam. He lives in Brunswick. This commentary appeared Monday on www.CommonDreams.org and is reprinted with permission.

[email protected]

 

[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

A comment from The Economist:
Felix Qui wrote:


YOur assessment of Chamlong Srimuang is perhaps a bit on the gentle side. This blood soaked ideologue has a long record of ruthless inflexibility mixed with an ugly fondness for enforcing his ideals on everyone, whether they want them or not and at any cost to everyone else. He was right to stand up to Suchinda, but he is also, for example, the reason that safe legal abortion remains largely illegal in Thailand. He is also, of course, one of the Yellow leaders who set the awful precedent of enforcing your will on an entire nation, against the repeatedly expressed will of the majority, in the protests that culminated in the occupation of Bangkok's international airport, after he broke up with his mate Thaksin Shinawattra. As you note, it is Chamlong's example in both determination and method that the Reds are faithfully following in what is, largely, a peaceful demonstration, with only a couple of deadly flare ups in seven weeks.

I've just walked around the Saladaeng area at a little after midnight on Thursday, Bangkok time. What strikes me most is how relatively normal and peaceful everything is. The Patpong market is open for business. The pirated CD and fake silk shirt sellers are lining teh footpath of Silom Road, the somtam and fruit sellers are out as usual, the male and female sex the bars are open, and the touts soliciting. The difference is that there are a lot less people on the street, and plenty of soldiers and police, with the biggest inconvenience being teh occasional razor wire barrier across the footpath, necessitating a few steps on the road, which is much quieter than usual.

Things get a bit quieter after Saladaeng BTS station, but the 24 hour McDonalds directly opposite the Reds' barricades at the Silom Road and Rama 4 intersection is doing unusually well for a Thursday midnight: it's full of media people with large video cameras and other equipment, all waiting for the crackdown or something else that is not happening just yet.

During the day, the area has been even more normal, approaching the usual traffic congestion and crowds.

But there is tension: everyone is waiting expectantly, along with the press people enjoying the air-conditioning in McDonald's, for something to happen, wondering if it will be tonight, or this morning, or this evening.

I have to confess that I was taken aback by Abhisit agreeing to publicly endorse teh allegations of a widespread conspiracy a couple of days ago. Unless he has very solid evidence, that he should now be presenting and is remarkably not, I cannot see how this cannot do other than cause great harm and further exacerbate the deep divides in Thai society. Proclaiming such a conspiracy might have worked once, but even the local press is not swallowing it so readily in 2010, as the Bangkok Post's editorial of April 29 clearly attests at http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/36653/cres-must-show-proof

And then there are the rumours: so much cannot be freely and openly discussed in Thailand that rumours thrive in the enforced gloom of ignorance that inevitably results. One persistent rumour this week is that Thaksin is already dead. Others are unmentionable. Closely allied with the rumours are the accusations and claims of support: that the Reds are only there becuae they are being paid, that the government is suppressing information, that everyone in Bamgkok wants the Reds to go home, that many in Bangkok support the Reds, that the Reds represent a majority, that the Reds are a minority rabble, and so on. What the rumours and accusations have in common are both that they support the stance of teh person throwing them, and that in most cases they lack any solid supporting evidence whatsoever.

Most conspicuously absent are any reliable surveys to assess the thinking of the people of Bangkok and of Thailand. Unless the government is conducting surveys and is too scared to publish the results, no one really knows what either the people of Bangkok, or even less so the Thai people, think about most aspects of the current tense stand off: a most unhealthy ignorance.

 

[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

Reds clear road in front of hospital


Red-shirt leaders agreed on Friday afternoon to clear part of the road in front of the Chulalongkorn Hospital to open a route for ambulances and patients going in and out of hospital.

The agreement came after a meeting of Natthawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakarn, Suporn Attawong and other leaders.

Mr Suporn was assigned by other leaders to coordinate with the hospital and open part of Ratchadamri Road to facilitate the movement of patients and hospital staff.

On Thursday night, red-shirt protesters led by Payap Panket stormed the hospital buildings in a vain search search for troops they claimed were hiding there. Their ac tins were widely condemned by the public and the government.

Mr Weng this morning issued an apology.

"The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) has shown its sincerity by facilitating access to important places. When will the government show its sincerity?" Mr Suporn said after the UDD meeting.

He claimed the decision to open an accessway was not aimed at reducing public resistance to the UDD protest.

UDD leaders wanted to show that they do not wish to obstruct the hospital's services, he said.


BangkokPost

 

[Ah Hai]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

Thai hospital evacuated after protesters stormed in

BANGKOK : A hospital in the Thai capital evacuated most of its patients Friday after it was stormed by Red Shirt protesters who mistakenly believed troops were hiding there following recent violence.

Chulalongkorn Hospital also stopped receiving outpatients following the Thursday night incident, in which some 100 Red Shirt guards searched its buildings for troops they feared were readying a crackdown.

Tensions are high in Bangkok following the worst political violence in almost two decades which has left 27 people dead and almost 1,000 injured this month in a series of bloody confrontations.

The 1,400-bed hospital sent most of its patients to 10 other facilities in Bangkok and was considering how to cope with the protesters occupying a large part of the city's nearby commercial district, a spokeswoman said.

"For outpatients, if their symptoms are not serious we asked them to postpone treatment," the spokeswoman said.

The Reds, who have occupied sections of Bangkok for over a month in their bid to force snap elections, have alleged the hospital was used in a grenade attack on a pro-government rally last week that killed one and wounded dozens.

The government said the grenades were fired from inside the Reds' camp -- an accusation the movement has denied.

The Reds publicly apologised for the storming of the hospital, saying guards told demonstration leaders that they saw soldiers inside the facilities, which are located near one of their main barricades.

"On behalf of all leaders, I apologise to the public and Chulalongkorn Hospital for the incident," Red leader Weng Tojirakarn said. "The situation got out of control.

"It is not our policy to obstruct hospital operations."

Thailand's Medical Council slammed the storming and asked protesters to respect medical personnel, while police said they would deploy 100 officers to the hospital to ensure neither security forces nor Reds use the grounds.

Many of the Reds come from Thailand's rural poor and urban working classes and seek the return of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup and now lives overseas to avoid a jail term for corruption.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva vowed to prosecute those who were involved in the hospital incident.

"What happened last night was a shock to hospital management," he said in a television address. "Those who violated the law must be prosecuted."

The Reds confronted troops Wednesday on a highway in Bangkok's northern suburbs, in a clash that left one soldier dead and injured 18 people.

Troops fired into the air and also directly at the Reds, and Abhisit said Friday that his government would no longer allow the protesters to move out of their main rally site and disrupt Bangkok, which is under a state of emergency.

The premier also announced that authorities had made an arrest in connection with a grenade fired at the defence ministry last month, but did not give further details.

"We will move ahead aggressively but some of our work cannot be disclosed," Abhisit said.

Police said Friday they had arrested and charged a 37-year-old Red Shirt sympathiser for allegedly insulting the kingdom's royal family on Facebook.

Internet content seen as overtly critical of Thailand's king -- who enjoys a semi-divine status among many citizens -- has been under close scrutiny since the Reds began their campaign in 2006.

More than 6,200 Web pages have been removed since 2007 for insulting the royal family, according to officials.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has been a stabilising force during six politically turbulent decades on the throne, has been in hospital since last September.

- AFP/fa/ir

 

[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

by Chart

TWO GROUPS OF ANGMOHKAO​

According to the Nation(fascist newspaper), there are two groups of foreigners; those who know what’s going on, and those who don’t. Or, as I see it; those who believe everything the Nation and Bkk Post publish, and those who don’t.

The author then furthers his argument,

* “but one thing is missing here. The role of fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as the main culprit is seldom being mentioned by the international community and international media.”

It’s not being mentioned because it’s no longer the story, and hasn’t been the story for a very long time. He continues,

* “obviously, it is beyond their imagination to conceive that one person could be responsible for such massive civil disobedience. But this is exactly the point. Thaksin has channeled his money, via his divorced wife and crony associates, to finance the demonstration.”

The key word in there is “imagination”. Yes, most responsible and rational people make conclusions outside of “imagination”. While it is likely that Thaksin’s money is finding its way to the protesters, he is not the only source, and by far the story is not Thaksin, it’s become much more. What is fascinating about all of this is “Bangkok’s” denial. It’s because Bangkok’s urban dwellers would like nothing better than for the reds to go back home and get back to being poor, just like before.

The author alludes to the real issue,

* “Certainly, there are red supporters on the streets who are genuinely crying for a real democracy and who want to highlight and remedy all the social ills of Thailand. There is no covering up the fact that most Thais are still relatively poor and that the income gap is huge – or that the ruling elites are selfish. There is no denying that extensive reforms are needed.” Ok, we are on together on that.



* “But these issues are symptomatic of all developing countries. The disparity between rural and urban areas – even in the most developed countries in the world – is a dichotomy that we continue to struggle with. What is strange is that nobody reacts like this in other countries. In Thailand this issue has been manipulated by certain people for their own interests.”

I applaud the author for understanding the issue, but he gets a failing grade for not dealing with the issue. The only way for the rural areas to catch up is through political participation, but that has been taken away from them via a coup, and two subsequent judicial coups. They have therefore asked for government dissolution and new elections. So, let them go home, give them what they want.

Here is the heart of the matter…

* “Inside Thailand, for those foreigners who have gone through the same experience as Thais in the past several weeks, there has been a strong sense of anger, sadness and bitterness. They feel the same way as many Thais. Many of them understand the political dynamics of this country very well, as they have lived here for many years and have seen Thailand develop from a dictatorial state in the 1970s to a democratic one in the 1990s.”

Sorry my friend, but some of us have not seen Thailand develop from a dictatorial state to a democratic. Much has stayed the same since I first arrived back in 1983. How can you consider the current government democratic? It’s more authoritarian! Majority rule has been denied, and there are no checks and balance between the branches: The Executive, Judicial, and Legislature all follow the same line, with the military there to keep them propped up. Let democracy run its course. Allow the majority’s will to prevail through elections with the branches of government checking each other, with an independent media to keep score.


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


DIG,DIG, DIG...
Revealing anything swept under the carpet and unmasking the sweepers.

 

[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

On the eve of bloodshed
Fri, 30/04/2010 - 12:37

Somsak Jeamtheerasakul’s analysis and observations of the current situation. Translated and shortened by Prachatai English.

The government’s use of force to crack down on the red shirts at Rajprasong now seems practically inevitable, as does the collision course taken by Thaksin and the red-shirt leaders, including the possible use of the black-clad men who are the latter’s secret weapons.

Those on the government side who push for the use of force with no compromise include the elite and hardliners in the Democrat Party such as Chuan, Banyat and Korn. Abhisit and Suthep, though initially slightly less hardline than those people, have increasingly accepted their approach.

A key figure on the government side who appears the least hardline turns out to be, ironically, Army Chief Gen Anupong, who has suggested the government consider the option of a House dissolution and political solutions.

However, Anupong cannot keep dragging his feet about the dispersal, and probably has to go on with the planning, though at a slower pace than would satisfy the hardliners or Abhisit and Suthep.

The alleged ‘plot against the monarchy’ is not only meant to create a pretext for suppression in the manner of 6 Oct 1976, but also to put pressure on people like Anupong to act against a subversive movement.

The reason why Anupong has been such a drag on the government’s use of force has nothing to do with him being a good person or not, but is due to the current Thai political power structure; that is, it is now no longer possible for the military to seize power and lead the government, unlike what happened before 14 Oct 1973 or even in 1992. So the military will only be a tool for and a force behind the government. Even if the military succeeds in dispersing the red shirts by the use of force, it still cannot hold power. But it will be damned if it fails. (For the same reason, Anupong did not dare to seize power, although he was urged to do so by the PAD, in the wake of the 7 Oct 2008 incident.)

Thaksin and hardline red-shirt leaders, in particular Jatuporn, have decided to take a collision course because for them there is nothing to lose. Casualties are not included in their calculations anyway.

The black-clad men almost definitely belong to Thaksin and the hardline red-shirt leaders, considering the fact that they attacked only government troops. The bombings at various places could have been done by this group to destabilize the situation.

The bombing at Silom could also have been done by this group, not by the government, as the government would have immediately followed up with further steps.

The decision to go for a head-on collision by Thaksin and red-shirt leaders has been consciously made as they know what they will collide with. Thaksin now has no reason for restraint, after his failed attempts to compromise.

A Thai E-news article, published days before the 10 April clash, suggested that Thaksin well knew that this rally would finally be squashed, but he had a deeper goal, which was to unmask the persons who were behind the government, dragging them out in the open so that the red shirts would be disillusioned, even more than in Oct 2008, in the hope that someone would come out.

In Somsak’s view, such analysis is somewhat overstated, but not too far fetched.

Thaksin and the red-shirt leaders know who they will collide with. Jatuporn has talked about a lady called J.J., and Visa Khanthap has said on stage that ‘from an inside source, Abhisit said during a Cabinet meeting that Piya Malakul had told him that a supreme elder forbade a House dissolution’ (Matichon, 26 April).

This shows that the red-shirt leaders are aware that the demand for a House dissolution will never be met, but they still let clashes happen in acts of defiance against someone.

The move recently made by Gen Chavalit and Somchai must have been initiated by Thaksin. Chavalit might have been relatively independent, but Somchai will never do anything without consent being given by Thaksin. It was meant either to put pressure on someone or show a way out at the last minute, in the hope that someone would bypass another someone and his acolytes. With no response, a collision course is the way to go for Thaksin and the red-shirt leaders.

At this moment, what is most ironical is that maybe only a ‘miracle’ can prevent bloodshed at the last minute, because there are no other factors which have the power to force the hardliners on both sides to step back.

Somsak, however, believes that the ‘miracle’ does not function anymore.

There is no doubt that the ‘miracle’ is on the government side, but if it’s still functional, there is a small chance that both sides can take a step back.

Since the collapse of the leftist movement in 1980s, the movements that claim to fight for democracy and the rights of the people have always been led by people with few democratic credentials. This has been true since May 1992, in particular, until now.
Source:

http://www.prachatai.net/journal/2010/04/29188

 

[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

A businessman in Rayong province has been arrested for posting on his Facebook website messages which are deemed offensive to the monarchy and a threat to national security, Department of Special Investigation director-general Tharit Pengdit said on Friday.

Mr Tarit identified the man as Wipas, also known as Kong, Raksakulthai, 37, a member of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship in the eastern province of Rayong.

The DSI had also investigated the publication of video clips, pictures, voice messages and articles which were considered inappropriate and intended to stir up unrest.

Information collated by the DSI revealed a network of offenders similar to the organisational chart of people with an intention to topple the monarchy drawn up by the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES).

"Mr Wipas is a businessman in Rayong who is politically affiliated with the UDD and has joined its membership.

"The DSI has found an unusual increase of similar offences on the electronic media.

"Therefore, I would like to warn those who see such messages or clips not to forward them to other people, because doing so is a violation of the Computer Crimes Act and offenders are liable to a jail sentence of up to 15 years," Mr Tharit said.

He said the special cases committee would convene on May 3 to screen cases relating to security and the monarchy, and decided which of them the DSI should handle.

 

[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

Stop now before it's too late
Fri, 30/04/2010 - 08:54
Pravit Rojanaphruk,

As thousands and thousands more soldiers, police and war weapons flow into Bangkok, the public wonders when the bloody crackdown on tens of thousands of red-shirt protesters will take place.

Red-shirt leaders, now branded as "terrorists" and "anti-monarchists" by the government, will not leave and their supporters are staying put, ready for battle.

At this stage, every Thai might like to imagine a worst-case scenario - then think of what can be done to prevent or at least alter it.

For this writer, the worst case scenario involves pitched battles lasting for at least three days and nights, with hundreds of deaths and many more casualties on both sides.

Some expensive buildings in Rajprasong intersection area, where protesters are holding out, might be torched or suffer severe damage of the kind we've seen in Kabul.

After days and nights of killing, many red shirts would likely go underground, followed by months if not years of civil war. Anarchy would reign over various parts of the Kingdom as red shirts regroup and fight.


The unidentified "men in black" would ensure there would be more death and destruction - especially on the government's side. Much sorrow would be felt, mixed with tears of anger of friends and families of those killed as they vowed revenge.

Hatred between red shirts and soldiers, red shirts and yellow shirts (or pink and whichever shirt supported the government), would reach a point where lynching could not be ruled out. Even if a military coup was staged at this point, it's unlikely it would be able to restore "peace" or political stability.

Paranoia and distrust amongst different groups, already high as we speak, will be almost insurmountable after the next clash.

Burma will become safer than Thailand and Rwanda's killing may be re-enacted here. The economy will be in ruins. red shirts will lose any remaining trust in the current political system and seek to overthrow the current order by force and through popular revolt.

Now, I don't know what your worst case scenario is like, but if it's not much different to mine, then it's time to keep our human conscience and sanity alive and do whatever we can as citizens to alter it.

To the bosses of the conflicting parties: it's never too late to talk. Stop now before it's too late. Let blood be shed no further unless you are willing to kill by yourself and shed your own blood or those of your family and friends. This applies to both Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and friends, as well red-shirt leaders.

To ordinary folks of various political stances: do not do anything that your human conscience will have you regret tomorrow. Be true to yourself, and if you stand for peace and democracy, see if there is any positive contribution you can make right now.

We may not be able to alter the stance and views of leaders of various sides, but we as individual citizens must ask ourselves now what we can do for peace and democracy - and keep our thinking clear and our compassion alive.

This is not the time to point fingers and place blame, but time to think about Thai society as a whole. Follow your conscience and conviction but bear in mind that, as in any society, we can never agree totally on every matter. What we can and should try to do now is our very best to ensure that this |society can disagree in a mature way, that we will not be tempted to take |satisfaction in the deaths of others |and destruction of our society.


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


Aha.... Spin and spin again.
The govt even banned the screening of Hotel Rwanda. commoners might have ideas...
Why need to kill you with machetes when it is suffice to just poison the whole community of Amartaya ?
When even a glass of Amartaya's water needed to be fetched by Phrai's servant ?
Be very afraid, very, very afraid....

 

[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

Every One a Star
Fri, 30/04/2010 - 11:15
Harrison George

‘The tension is palpable here at the Annual Awards Ceremony of the Thai Political Performing Arts, better known as the Political Oscars. It’s been a year of upheaval on the Thai political scene and competition for some of the awards has been intense. Perhaps I can ask our political affairs commentator, Khun Thanongtul Sathitsophon, just how the awards are decided.’

‘Absolutely, Tony. Well, as usual, the awards committee of course meets behind closed doors in the best traditions of Thai politics. Their deliberations are completely secret, except of course to the, er, hostesses we can see coming and going in various states of undress. Their decision-making process, just like the one that forms coalition governments, is completely non-transparent but is of course thought to be influenced by the numerous envelopes that are discreetly passed into the room from time to time.’

‘OK, we’ve already seen some of the minor awards. The prize for Leading Lethargy was, as, expected won by the Ministry of Education, who have now won this award for 7 years running and who again couldn’t be bothered to turn up to accept it.. And we’re now running through the artistic awards, and it’s just been announced that the award for Most Imaginative Work of Political Art has gone to the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation for their famous anti-monarchy flow chart.’

‘Absolutely, Tony, of course this one went very much to form. The committee expressed their admiration for, and I quote here, the way that basic facts were not allowed to spoil a work of unreal beauty.’

‘OK, we’re due to hear the announcement of the winner of the Best Work of Political Fiction. This has always been hotly contested since this is an area where Thai politicians shine.’

‘Absolutely, Tony, some of the biggest whoppers in the world can of course be heard in the House of Representatives and observers normally have a hard time predicting this one.’

‘The emcee is just about to open the envelope, so let’s go straight over and hear what he has to say.’

‘… for the Best Example of Political Fiction goes to …’

‘He’s ripping open the envelope, removing the bundle of purple notes, …’

‘… the late Samak Sundaravej for a life time of peerless mendacity …’

‘Well, you can probably hear the resounding applause that is drowning out the rest of the announcement. A sympathy vote, Khun Thanongtul?’

‘Absolutely, Tony, I mean, Samak has of course been a strong contender down the years, but this is of course something of a lifetime achievement award, and richly deserved, I think we all agree.’

‘But perhaps a bit unfair to the other contenders this year? Even PM Abhisit was thought to be in the running for this one.’

‘Absolutely, Tony, though of course to be honest, saying things once you’re in power that are the opposite of what you said in opposition, well, that’s not really very original. Sheer hypocrisy is not normally enough to lift this one, you really need to do some creative lying. But of course some of the leading liars in Thai politics can consider themselves unlucky here. I think Samak really did have to die to enjoy success here.’

‘I’ll have to stop you there, because there seems to be some hold-up over the award for Non-Political Politician of the Year.’

‘Absolutely, Tony, this is of course the award that was created a few years ago when so many politicians were getting banned from politics and the award has of course quickly grown in stature.’

‘Now we do have a man listening at the keyhole and … yes, I’ve just had word that the committee is deadlocked and has requested further input. And that has sparked a bit of a scrum at the door of the committee room with people waving envelopes. No, I now hear that the deadlock has suddenly been broken and the winner is, yes, it’s Newin Chidchob.’

‘Absolutely, Tony, pretty much as expected of course. I can’t quite understand where the glitch came from, Newin is normally such a smooth operator, but I suppose with the numbers they’re talking about, it’s all too easy to miscount the zeroes or something.’

‘And now we come to the big one. Outstanding Political Organization of the Year and the field is like a who’s who of Thai politics. But just a moment, the committee have come out of their room … it looks like they’re going to announce this one themselves. This is most unusual, Khun Thanongtul.’

‘Absolutely, Tony, unprecedented. I can’t think why …’

‘Amazingly, the committee have given themselves the award together with a cash prize of … but the mike seems to have been disconnected by one of the security officials, a group of heavily armed men in black have rappelled down from the balcony. This is quickly descending into chaos. And now someone has set off a tear gas grenade, or is it a smoke bomb?’

[The broadcast is interrupted by stirring martial music which after some time is replaced by a military officer announcing the next coup. And awarding the prize for Outstanding Political Organization to the Armed Forces. In perpetuity.]


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


And the Oscar goes to...

His Majesty The King of Thailand for his subliminal potrayal as a benevolent King to his uncouthed and likened to a buffalo-Phrai.
This Oscar totally pawned by him with his explicit and implicit moves with very little dialogue in between, to educate a whole nation on the joy of being poor and subservient.
He was being modest in not accepting the Oscar in person but his representational Prime Minister, Abhisit, who also won the Male Supporting Role as a kowtowed demagouge with his balls squeezed tightly by the PAD Brigade will receive those two Oscars on His Majesty's behalf.

Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand was also nominated but failed to win because simply puts, this is Sandra Bullock's year.
Her potrayal as a conniving queen with her own toyboys guards masquarading as colonels came full circle when art imitates life and her toyboys colonels, drunk with power came to an abrupt stop when some newly emancipated farmers from upcountry province put a stop to their play acting. In fact one died with several hospitalised with heavy injuries because they thought those farmers were buffaloes and just horny without weapons. How the script could have changed into a happier ending but unfortunately, the scriptwriter, Thaksin Shinawatra felt shortchanged during mid of production and were bundled out unceremoniously.

Whoever wrote the ending of the script gonna get it. What ? Wait and see....

 

[postnew]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

Thai nurses take a break as patients are transfered from Chulalongkorn Hospital to a diferent one in Bangkok on April 30, 2010. Chulalongkorn Hospital in the Thai capital evacuated most of its patients after anti-government Red Shirt protesters stormed inside in the mistaken belief that troops were hiding there. Chulalongkorn Hospital also stopped receiving outpatients following the Thursday night incident, in which some 100 Red Shirt guards searched its buildings for troops they feared were readying a crackdown. A Red Shirt leader publicly apologised Friday, saying guards told demonstration leaders that they saw soldiers inside the hospital located near one of their main barricades.

Thai residents wait for transportation during their evening commute from Silom Road in central Bangkok on April 30, 2010 in Thailand.

Anti-government protesters kick tires down the street to be used to rebuild a barricade across a major Bangkok intersection near Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok on April 30, 2010 in Thailand. The protesters had torn down their barricade earlier in the day to allow access to the hospital but rebuilt it after deciding it left them vulnerable to attack by Thai security forces. Anti-government protesters searched the hospital the night before in a move widely condemned by Thais. The anti-government protest that has closed much of central Bangkok's commercial district is now in its seventh week.
Maj. Gen. Khattiya Sawasdipol, who is known by his alias Seh Daeng, talks to reporters at the anti-government protest site near Silom Road in central Bangkok on April 30, 2010 in Thailand. Khattiya leads the anti-government guards. The anti-government protest that has closed much of central Bangkok's commercial district is now in its seventh week.​

 

[postnew]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

Former Thai Prime Minister and General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh speaks during a news conference at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok April 30, 2010.​

 

[postnew]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

Chavalit: Set up provisional govt
30/04/2010

An interim or provisional government should be formed to help settle the long-running political conflict, Puea Thai chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said at a news conference at party headquarters on Friday.

Planning should begin immediately.

Term of the provisional administration could range from six months to two years, Gen Chavalit said.

Representatives from all parties should help run the country by serving as cabinet ministers and members of various committees to be set up by the government, he added.

 

[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

The red shirts yesterday rebuilt their road barricade outside Chulalongkorn Hospital after it was removed earlier in the day following public outrage over their raid of the hospital on Thursday night.



The barricade - made with car tyres, wooden spikes and barbed wire - was removed late yesterday morning following a meeting of protest leaders, including Natthawut Saikua, weng Tojirakarn and Suporn Atthawong.

However, at around 6pm, the red-shirt protesters began reconstructing the barricade that they said was at the order of renegade Army specialist Maj-General Khattiya Sawasdiphol. Many red shirts still admire Khattiya even though some leaders earlier encouraged the protesters to "cut ties" with him because of the allegedly aggressive nature of his moves. The protesters said Khattiya had told them that removing the barricade would make it easy to disperse the crowds.

Yesterday, the hospital evacuated most of its patients after it was stormed by some 200 protesters who mistakenly believed that troops were hiding there to prepare for a crackdown. However, they did not find any soldiers inside.

Protest leader Jatuporn Promphan yesterday promised that the red shirts would not obstruct the hospital's operations anymore and prevent any such confrontations in the future.

Meanwhile, Suporn yesterday asked for understanding, saying that the red shirts had to put up the barricade in order to protect themselves. He said the red-shirt guards stationed at Lumpini Park, opposite the hospital, would be told not to storm into the hospital again.

In a related report, acting police chief General Patheep Tanprasert said yesterday that protest leader Payap Panket had violated the law by leading the raid into the hospital.

However, despite the police presence at the scene, no arrests were made because the police were waiting for a more appropriate time, he said.

Patheep said that after the incident, he had instructed Metropolitan Police commissioner Lt-General Santhan Chayanond to provide "sufficient care" for hospitals, adding that Pathumwan police were assigned to guard Chulalongkorn Hospital.

 

[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

Chavalit refuses to meet Suthep because his entourage left out

Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh yesterday declined a face-to-face meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and instead handed over his curriculum vitae as a rebuttal to allegations that he was involved in an anti-monarchy movement.

Chavalit, dressed in the full regalia of a five-star general, arrived at the 11th Infantry Regiment where Suthep's office is located under the emergency rule. However, he was asked to leave his entourage, comprised of aides and several opposition lawmakers, outside the military compound if he wanted to meet the deputy PM.

"I came here with the full intention make myself understood because the charges against me are reckless and a mix-up," Chavalit said, adding that he would not enter the compound if his entourage was barred.

In an earlier announcement, delivered with fanfare, he said he intended to confront Suthep for what he considers a smear campaign questioning his loyalty to the monarchy.

He said his previous jobs, as a prime minister and a military commander who served under the King, should show whether or not these charges are justified.

Chavalit said he was optimistic that any misunderstanding about him would blow over soon, adding that he held no grudges against the authorities for labelling him an anti-monarchist.

He added that he was not in contact with ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and was still close to chief royal adviser General Prem Tinsulanonda. He also urged the government to "stop killing people", saying his only objection was the use of force although he was willing to condone any other options, short of a crackdown, to overcome the political predicament.

In reaction to Chavalit's remarks, Suthep said he was disappointed that the former PM submitted his biography instead of citing proper evidence to clear his name.

Chavalit handed over eight envelopes carrying documents detailing his life as well as remarks countering the anti-monarchy allegations raised by faction leader Newin Chidchob, Suthep said.

"I don't understand what Chavalit is trying to say," he added.

Suthep said it was unfortunate that Chavalit had refused to meet him because if they had met, he would be able to explain why Chavalit's name had come up in the investigation into the anti-monarchy movement.

"It's really Chavalit's loss because he still does not know how he got involved," he said.

In a separate development, a social-network group led by Peekadet Preechachanapai, sent out a message to dispatch a 50-member team to show support for PM Abhisit Vejjajiva by presenting him with a flower bouquet.

Cover Phto : Pramote Putthaisong/The Nation

 

[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

The Nation's(newspapers) Spins as usual

Chavalit's call for the King to intervene
in the political crisis seems rooted, as usual, in vested interest

While Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh furiously rebukes allegations by the government that he is the mastermind behind the ongoing violence, one thing that is hard to dismiss is the conviction among people who have followed his career that this former premier has lived a political life that is at best enigmatic and at worst wasteful.

Just over a week ago, the former premier spoke passionately about the revered monarchy and how he would defend the institution with all his heart and soul. But if his political history is any indication, whenever Chavalit spills his feelings like this, he is up to something he's not telling us about.

And in making his heartfelt statement about the monarchy, the general immediately put His Majesty and the highest institution in a tight corner by calling for a royal intervention to thwart a possible clash between the armed forces and the red shirts.

Some followers of the red-shirt movement would probably give Chavalit high marks for trying to save lives by any means necessary. But others doubt if he is acting as an honest broker. If anything he is a stakeholder in this deadly game that he himself apparently helped to start. And while we don't question the majority of reds' loyalty to the highest institution, there is no denying that the current political crisis is also associated with a systematic campaign against the Thai monarchy. Chavalit has done virtually nothing about that.

Despite his long political career, Chavalit has yet to prove his worth in Thailand's gutter politics, and his actions throughout his political career speak for themselves - from a policy that sent thousands of Burmese students to their deaths while he was the country's Army chief to his brief and uninspiring stint as premier. He has failed to go beyond routine politics where everyone is ready to serve a political master - provided that he gets his piece of the pie.

Thai society sees soldiers-turned-politician as just another part of the country's gutter politics, where inflated egos and vested interests shape the country's direction, not the interests of the people. This explains the suspicion that arose when Chavalit and Thaksin Shinawatra's brother-in-law, Somchai Wongsawat, called for the King's intervention in the crisis. Few believe that the Chavalit who made the move was Chavalit the soldier. It was Chavalit the politician who did it.

There has been a tremendous backlash. Worse, he and Somchai are accused of being behind the ongoing attacks against government troops. His accusers, probably exploiting Chavalit's controversial background, say they are engaging in these "terrorist activities" not only to grab power but to establish a "new Thai state" that has no room for the monarchy.

Chavalit's military career was also controversial. While Army chief, his perceived wisdom was that by sending thousands of fleeing Burmese students back to the junta, he would be getting on the good side of the Burmese generals, and that that would be good for Thailand. That was wrong. The Burmese dictators never trusted him, much less respected him.

His short interlude as the country's prime minister did not last long, as the Silom crowd chased him out for his economic mismanagement. In the course of his career, though, Chavalit tried to reach out to Muslim lawmakers from the Malay-speaking South. But like his other initiatives, the interest of the people was overshadowed by distrust. Little was improved in the deep South, and the situation is worse now than it ever was.

Thaksin Shinawatra and his powerful political machine came along toward the end of Chavalit's career. It was a shady tree for many politicians to sit under. So much has happened since, and one of the latest noticeable events has been Chavalit's dubious call for royal intervention in a mess that has been growing for years.

 

[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

All governments are liars
Never believe anything until it is officially denied



Government has agreed to conduct the investigations into allegations and 2 independent commities are being set up for that purpose, with no time limit.

This was reflected in Thai local media today. I guess the main reason is – because opposition Puea Thai party has strongly insisted upon it as the condition for any referendums on national reconciliatin – they said they will oppose any referendum till the proper investigations are done.

Another case which is not so much reflected in Enlgish language Thai media (only Bkk Post occacionally provides limited story – Nation so far kept quite) is a case of soldier found dead in the house where PM Abhisit and Deputy PM Suthep has stayed on night Apr 12th and 13th. the circumstances are murky: Suthep and army boss claim that soldier “slipped on the floor” in the toilet. despite the urging from military to cremate the body ASAP, parents of soldier decided not to do so but instead to conduct the additional autopsy into the causes of death. apperently there were bruises found on his body too, and other evidences that he died due to heavy blow to the head – not because he “broke his neck” as officials insisted earlier. yesterday PT party MPs has debated this mater with Abhisit and Suthep in Parliament with live TV broadcast.



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[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

On Thursday, the foreign minister censured some envoys for meeting last week with Red Shirt leaders.

"We do not want to see that happening again," Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya told reporters during a visit to Jakarta, Indonesia. Mr. Kasit said he had earlier met with the Philippine Ambassador Antonio V. Rodriguez, the dean of the Bangkok diplomatic corps, to express his concern.

In a note to diplomats, Mr. Rodriguez said Mr. Kasit accused some ambassadors of voicing opposition to the constitutional monarchy and criticizing the government's handling of the crisis. Thailand's king is nearly universally revered, and laws severely restrict discussion of him.

BP: Well, BP has also heard about this memo and can confirm the AP story. Here is a snippet from the note to diplomats:

"A group of ambassadors has been spreading false info about Royal family, voicing opposition to the constitutional monarchy through the internet and making irresponsible statements on the government's handling of the ongoing protests. These actions have gone beyond the limits of diplomatic practice and were unacceptable to the government. The Envoys' opposition to the government and the Monarchy was inappropriate and will not be tolerated"

BP: So how does Kasit think diplomats will respond?

btw, and they say Thailand is not like Cambodia?


BangkokPundit

 

[myo539]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

The only way to end the stalemate is for the Military Chief or PM to do a Tien An Man. Power comes from the barrel of a gun. What is a few pawns to save the king?

Thailand must have offended the Gods. May be the Gods who live in Preah Vihear Temple along the Cambodia border. It's King is perpetually sick - appears that the best doctors cannot cure him. The king could do also do a King Sihanok and abdicate to save the kingdom.

Under Thaksin Thailand was peaceful and prosperous. May be the Thais had too much peace and prosperity - and want some excitement. Singaporeans must learn from Thailand - never rock the boat when things look good.

More good years to come!!!!!

 

[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

Two sets of rules in Thailand


The Red Shirt anti-government protesters often set off fireworks when they feel threatened, but may also have firearms. Grenades fired near that area last week killed one person and wounded dozens, though the government has not directly blamed the Red Shirt protesters.

The Yellow Shirts represent Thailand's business and bureaucratic elite, whose pervasive influence is deeply resented by the Red Shirts, who largely are drawn from the country's many rural and urban poor.

The unrest is the result of a political standoff over a 2006 military coup that ousted populist Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on corruption allegations. He is a hero to the Red Shirts and is loathed by the Yellow camp. The Red Shirts are demanding current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve Parliament, triggering new elections, because they consider his government illegitimate.

The crisis has hurt business in the capital and devastated Thailand's vital tourist industry, which accounts for 6 percent of the economy. Parts of Bangkok's commercial heart have become a Red Shirt protest camp, forcing the closure of some of the city's ritziest malls and hotels.

Government forces clashed with Red Shirts on Wednesday as they attempted to hold a rally in a Bangkok suburb. Heavily armed troops fired rifles and threw tear gas at the motorbike-riding protesters and took cover behind terrified commuters' cars. One soldier was killed — apparently by friendly fire — and 18 other people were wounded during the hourslong confrontation.

The crisis spilled into the diplomatic arena Thursday, with Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya censuring some foreign diplomats for meeting last week with Red Shirt leaders.

"We do not want to see that happening again," Kasit told reporters during a visit to Jakarta, Indonesia. Kasit said he had earlier met with Philippine Ambassador Antonio V. Rodriguez, dean of the Bangkok diplomatic corps, to express his concern.

In a note to other diplomats based in Thailand, Rodriguez said Kasit accused some ambassadors of voicing opposition to the constitutional monarchy and criticizing the government's handling of the crisis. Kasit was a public supporter of the Yellow Shirt movement before becoming foreign minister.

"These actions have gone beyond the limits of diplomatic practice and were unacceptable to the Thai government," Rodriguez summarized Kasit as saying. "The envoys' opposition to the government and to the monarchy was inappropriate and will not be tolerated."

Thailand's king is nearly universally revered, and laws severely restrict discussion of him.

The United States and European Union both said they have met with opposition figures and called for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

At Yellow Shirt rallies at military bases nationwide Thursday, a petition handed out by leaders said the crisis had "become a state of anarchy."

The previously pro-government Yellow Shirts said the government's failures had created "a vacuum of political power and disorder" and the crisis had damaged the economy and Thai society.

"We would like to see the brave soldiers help us get rid of this illegal activity and bring peace to Thai society as soon as possible," the statement said.

Though they have been critical of the Red Shirts' tactics, the Yellow Shirts opened the door to mass street protests with months of anti-Thaksin rallies that ended in the coup that ousted him. When pro-Thaksin politicians later came to power, the Yellow Shirts took to the streets again in 2008 — taking over the prime minister's office for three months and occupying Bangkok's airports for a week. They retreated after Abhisit's arrival in late 2008, but many fear their return could lead to head-on clashes with their rivals.

 

[kensington]

Re: BANGKOK: More than 100K at 9pm. Many More Coming. JAMS 50km Long. ArbiSHIT SHITTI

SPIN and SPIN, Again and Again....
This time it is the Emerald Buddha...

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) announced on Friday night that it has arrested an ex-policeman and another suspect who allegedly confessed that they were hired to attack the Temple of the Emerald Buddha with RPG rockets.

DSI chief Tharit Pengdit said Pol Lance Corporal Bandit Sitthitum, 43, and Supanat Ui-yawet, 43, were paid 500,000 baht by Pol Lt Col Supachai Tuikaewkam, whose wife, Juriporn Sintuprai, was a red-shirt leader from Pattaya.

The incident took place on March 30, and it was understood at the time that the target of the planned attack was the Defence Ministry, a short distace from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Pol Lance Corporal Bandit and his accomplice allegedly fired the RPG rocket from a side street across a small canal at the back of the Ministry's building, but the attack failed after the rocket got caught in power lines and fell short.

Mr Tharit claimed Pol Lance Corporal Bandit had confessed that the real target of the planned attack was the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in order to create panic and chaos because the temple is a national symbol revered by all Thais.



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Just need to ask why the BangkokPost always treat its readers as fools...