Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)
Showing posts with label Thailand political instability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thailand political instability. Show all posts
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sacrava's Thai Political Cartoon: The Dominoes
Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Mekong countries look to cut dependence in air transport from Thailand
May 11, 2010
By Luc Citrinot
eTN
By Luc Citrinot
eTN
Will Thailand’s status as the natural gateway to the Greater Mekong Sub-Region be soon passé? The question would have raised scepticism or even sarcasm a decade ago. But today, the Kingdom’s lasting political instability might indeed endanger the role it has played to build up the Mekong community. At the Mekong Tourism Forum, officials felt rather uncomfortable to tell their opinion. But by carefully analyzing answers provided by NTOs of each country, the conclusion is simple: everyone tends to recommend alternative gateways to come into the area, despite the attempt by Mrs. Runjuang Tongkrut, director for the policy planning division at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, to reassure the tourism community. “No tourists have been targeted so far by the various political incidents. The protests [have] take[n] place in a small area of Bangkok, and the rest of the Kingdom – including our airports - is safe for travel,” she indicated.
But unfortunately, most visitors would rather avoid a country where instability turns chronic. Such a point of view is comprehensible. Especially as the spectrum of the closure of both Bangkok’s airports in December 2008 continues to haunt both consumers and officials. “We rely a lot on Thailand for incoming overseas travelers. We advise our potential travelers to look at all options such as Malaysia and Singapore,” said Mr. Htay Aung, director, general ministry of hotels and tourism in Myanmar. Laos and Myanmar are indeed the most dependant countries in terms of air access from Thailand. In Cambodia, alternatives are easier as many airlines from ASEAN, and also China and Korea, now operate on a daily basis to both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports.
Vietnam is probably the least dependent in the region on Thailand’s troubles. For Mr. Tran Phong Binh, head of the overseas market division at the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, Vietnam is lucky to have “a strong airline with a comprehensive international network.” Yunnan or Guangxi are also less dependant on Bangkok as a main gateway for air travelers, as good connections exist via Vietnam or China’s major airports.
Thailand’s lack of fortune could even be perceived as the necessary incentive for governments in Indochina to upgrade their airlines or to become more flexible in according traffic rights. Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar have no intercontinental flights for the time: Bangkok’s situation might pressure their respective government to allow their national airline to venture overseas.
The step could help to diminish the risk of relying too much on Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport as a transfer point. In fact, even transiting via Thailand is turning more complicated due to travel warnings issued by 47 countries – including Vietnam! “Travel warning plays a devastating role for us. For example, as a Laos-based company, we lose many groups, as tour operators from foreign countries do not want to take the risk to financially support themselves [or] tourists in the case of a problem occurring. They [would] rather prefer to cancel,” said Vianney Catteau from Green Discovery, an agency based in Vientiane.
The evolution of Thailand tourist arrivals in 2010 will also certainly influence total arrivals to the Greater Mekong sub-region. “We now expect to receive 14 million tourists, roughly the same number than in 2009. We will then rely more on domestic tourism, which could generate this year some 97 million trips,” said Mrs. Tongkrut. Thailand will certainly lose some market share to other countries as a gateway to the GMS. For now - at least in the short term - Thailand will continue to hold its position as a Mekong regional hub. “This is still the best connected airport in the region with the most extensive network to Europe and excellent connections to Australia or the USA,” said Luzi Matzig from Asian Trails. But the competition will turn increasingly ferocious.
But unfortunately, most visitors would rather avoid a country where instability turns chronic. Such a point of view is comprehensible. Especially as the spectrum of the closure of both Bangkok’s airports in December 2008 continues to haunt both consumers and officials. “We rely a lot on Thailand for incoming overseas travelers. We advise our potential travelers to look at all options such as Malaysia and Singapore,” said Mr. Htay Aung, director, general ministry of hotels and tourism in Myanmar. Laos and Myanmar are indeed the most dependant countries in terms of air access from Thailand. In Cambodia, alternatives are easier as many airlines from ASEAN, and also China and Korea, now operate on a daily basis to both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports.
Vietnam is probably the least dependent in the region on Thailand’s troubles. For Mr. Tran Phong Binh, head of the overseas market division at the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, Vietnam is lucky to have “a strong airline with a comprehensive international network.” Yunnan or Guangxi are also less dependant on Bangkok as a main gateway for air travelers, as good connections exist via Vietnam or China’s major airports.
Thailand’s lack of fortune could even be perceived as the necessary incentive for governments in Indochina to upgrade their airlines or to become more flexible in according traffic rights. Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar have no intercontinental flights for the time: Bangkok’s situation might pressure their respective government to allow their national airline to venture overseas.
The step could help to diminish the risk of relying too much on Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport as a transfer point. In fact, even transiting via Thailand is turning more complicated due to travel warnings issued by 47 countries – including Vietnam! “Travel warning plays a devastating role for us. For example, as a Laos-based company, we lose many groups, as tour operators from foreign countries do not want to take the risk to financially support themselves [or] tourists in the case of a problem occurring. They [would] rather prefer to cancel,” said Vianney Catteau from Green Discovery, an agency based in Vientiane.
The evolution of Thailand tourist arrivals in 2010 will also certainly influence total arrivals to the Greater Mekong sub-region. “We now expect to receive 14 million tourists, roughly the same number than in 2009. We will then rely more on domestic tourism, which could generate this year some 97 million trips,” said Mrs. Tongkrut. Thailand will certainly lose some market share to other countries as a gateway to the GMS. For now - at least in the short term - Thailand will continue to hold its position as a Mekong regional hub. “This is still the best connected airport in the region with the most extensive network to Europe and excellent connections to Australia or the USA,” said Luzi Matzig from Asian Trails. But the competition will turn increasingly ferocious.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Thai Prime Minister Stands His Ground
Anti-government protesters blocked a main road leading into Bangkok about north of the city on Sunday. (Sukree Sukplang/Reuters)April 25, 2010
By SETH MYDANS and THOMAS FULLER
The New York Times
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on television Sunday that he continued to seek a peaceful solution to the country’s tense political standoff but that he would not give in to what he called intimidation by anti-government demonstrators.
With his military commander, Gen. Anupong Paochinda, sitting beside him, he rejected a call by the “red shirt” protesters for a dissolution of Parliament within 30 days, saying, “The ultimatum is just aimed at getting the attention of the foreign media.”
The red-shirt protesters, many of them from poor rural areas outside the city, have occupied parts of Bangkok for more than six weeks.
They are calling on the government to step down and hold a new election.
“Negotiations must be done to find a solution for most of the country, not just the red shirts, who are just part of society,” Mr. Abhisit said.
In recent days, counterdemonstrations have grown among people calling themselves the no-colors or the multi-colors, supporting Mr. Abhisit and opposing a dissolution of the government.
On Sunday afternoon, more than 5,000 of these protesters gathered across town from the red shirts, holding up signs that proclaimed their allegiance to the government and to the monarchy. As they gain momentum, these protesters have begun emulating the red shirts, selling flags, T-shirts, caps and headbands.
The emergence of counterdemonstrators has raised concerns about a clash in the streets that could lead to uncontrolled violence. On Thursday, five grenades exploded as the two groups were taunting each other across a makeshift barricade, killing one person and wounding scores of others.
The class divide between the two groups was illustrated Sunday afternoon as a Mercedes sedan drove past Victory Monument, its passengers cheering and waving Thai flags.
On Friday the red shirts eased their demand for an immediate government dissolution, saying that they would give Mr. Abhisit 30 days to make preparations.
“I never reject a political solution, but a political solution must not create a precedent that intimidation will bring about social change,” Mr. Abhisit said.
“Thirty days is out of the question,” he added. “I don’t think this problem can be solved within 30 days.” In response, the red shirts said on Sunday that they would hold their ground, deepening an impasse that has seen few public overtures toward a peaceful solution.
On Sunday in a new tactic, protesters gathered in the heart of the city’s commercial district began replacing their red shirts with ordinary civilian clothes, saying that they wanted to protect themselves from attack.
“They will do everything to block us from coming here,” said Rassamee Pimpila, 56, a school principal from the northeast.
He added: “It’s like a war. We have to eat and sleep on the street,” although one nearby department store, Central World, which has been forced by the protests to close its doors, has allowed the red shirts to use its lavatories.
General Anupong has said little throughout the recent weeks of tension and has appeared reluctant to take strong action against the demonstrators, apparently fearing widespread chaos and bloodshed.
The army’s first attempt to disperse the protesters, on April 10, was met by fierce resistance and cost 25 lives and caused hundreds of other casualties.
“We won’t use violence,” General Anupong said, “but as I’ve said earlier, the situation has escalated toward violence, so the military will have to adjust its measures.” He did not elaborate.
“As the prime minister said, if there is anything needed to bring back peace, we’ll do it.”
Mr. Abhisit has said that the red shirts have been infiltrated by terrorists seeking to destabilize the tense standoff, but the red shirts have disavowed any connection with these armed men, who are believed to be rogue elements of the military.
On Sunday the red shirts displayed a large banner in English that read: “Peaceful protesters not terrorists.”
Responding to reports of splits within the military that could hamper any strong steps he might order, the general said, “Being a huge organization, it’s possible, but the number isn’t significant enough to say that the military is divided. More importantly, everyone strictly follows orders.”
The unity of the armed forces and particularly of the police has been called into question by evidence of half-hearted resistance to provocations by the red shirts and even of possible collaboration by some elements.
Particularly in the northeast, the police and local officials have openly expressed their support of the red-shirt movement.
On Sunday, local television reported that red shirts near the northeastern city of Udon Thani had stopped a convoy of 178 police officers heading to reinforce deployments in Bangkok.
“We are the nation’s, people’s and His Majesty’s army,” General Anupong said. “Individually there might be some problems, but it’s not significant. The whole army institution remains solid, just like I said.”
With his military commander, Gen. Anupong Paochinda, sitting beside him, he rejected a call by the “red shirt” protesters for a dissolution of Parliament within 30 days, saying, “The ultimatum is just aimed at getting the attention of the foreign media.”
The red-shirt protesters, many of them from poor rural areas outside the city, have occupied parts of Bangkok for more than six weeks.
They are calling on the government to step down and hold a new election.
“Negotiations must be done to find a solution for most of the country, not just the red shirts, who are just part of society,” Mr. Abhisit said.
In recent days, counterdemonstrations have grown among people calling themselves the no-colors or the multi-colors, supporting Mr. Abhisit and opposing a dissolution of the government.
On Sunday afternoon, more than 5,000 of these protesters gathered across town from the red shirts, holding up signs that proclaimed their allegiance to the government and to the monarchy. As they gain momentum, these protesters have begun emulating the red shirts, selling flags, T-shirts, caps and headbands.
The emergence of counterdemonstrators has raised concerns about a clash in the streets that could lead to uncontrolled violence. On Thursday, five grenades exploded as the two groups were taunting each other across a makeshift barricade, killing one person and wounding scores of others.
The class divide between the two groups was illustrated Sunday afternoon as a Mercedes sedan drove past Victory Monument, its passengers cheering and waving Thai flags.
On Friday the red shirts eased their demand for an immediate government dissolution, saying that they would give Mr. Abhisit 30 days to make preparations.
“I never reject a political solution, but a political solution must not create a precedent that intimidation will bring about social change,” Mr. Abhisit said.
“Thirty days is out of the question,” he added. “I don’t think this problem can be solved within 30 days.” In response, the red shirts said on Sunday that they would hold their ground, deepening an impasse that has seen few public overtures toward a peaceful solution.
On Sunday in a new tactic, protesters gathered in the heart of the city’s commercial district began replacing their red shirts with ordinary civilian clothes, saying that they wanted to protect themselves from attack.
“They will do everything to block us from coming here,” said Rassamee Pimpila, 56, a school principal from the northeast.
He added: “It’s like a war. We have to eat and sleep on the street,” although one nearby department store, Central World, which has been forced by the protests to close its doors, has allowed the red shirts to use its lavatories.
General Anupong has said little throughout the recent weeks of tension and has appeared reluctant to take strong action against the demonstrators, apparently fearing widespread chaos and bloodshed.
The army’s first attempt to disperse the protesters, on April 10, was met by fierce resistance and cost 25 lives and caused hundreds of other casualties.
“We won’t use violence,” General Anupong said, “but as I’ve said earlier, the situation has escalated toward violence, so the military will have to adjust its measures.” He did not elaborate.
“As the prime minister said, if there is anything needed to bring back peace, we’ll do it.”
Mr. Abhisit has said that the red shirts have been infiltrated by terrorists seeking to destabilize the tense standoff, but the red shirts have disavowed any connection with these armed men, who are believed to be rogue elements of the military.
On Sunday the red shirts displayed a large banner in English that read: “Peaceful protesters not terrorists.”
Responding to reports of splits within the military that could hamper any strong steps he might order, the general said, “Being a huge organization, it’s possible, but the number isn’t significant enough to say that the military is divided. More importantly, everyone strictly follows orders.”
The unity of the armed forces and particularly of the police has been called into question by evidence of half-hearted resistance to provocations by the red shirts and even of possible collaboration by some elements.
Particularly in the northeast, the police and local officials have openly expressed their support of the red-shirt movement.
On Sunday, local television reported that red shirts near the northeastern city of Udon Thani had stopped a convoy of 178 police officers heading to reinforce deployments in Bangkok.
“We are the nation’s, people’s and His Majesty’s army,” General Anupong said. “Individually there might be some problems, but it’s not significant. The whole army institution remains solid, just like I said.”
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Thai army says will "punish" protesters
- Army warns protesters against occupying banking district
- PM Abhisit skips national address for a second week
BANGKOK, April 18 (Reuters) - Thailand's military vowed on Sunday to "punish" anti-government protesters if they march on Bangkok's central business district, heightening fears of more violence after bloody clashes left 24 people dead a week ago.
Red-shirted supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra said on Saturday they would take thier protest to the financial district, two blocks away from their main downtown protest base, on Tuesday, in defiance of an emergency decree.
"We won't let them go anywhere further," army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said.
Sansern stopped short of using the word "crackdown" but said protesters occupying the plush shopping and hotel district for a 16th day would be dealt with.
"Let's say that we are left with no choice but to enforce the law," Sansern told TNN television. "Those who do wrong will get their punishment. Taking back the area along with other measures are all included in enforcing the law. All this must be done."
An uneasy calm has prevailed in the capital over a Thai new year holiday period in the wake of Thailand's worst violence in almost two decades, which triggered a huge selloff in the stock market .SETI after six weeks of gains.
A heated confrontation between troops and demonstrators, who are demanding that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve parliament and step down, led to bloody clashes on April 10, the first outbreak of violence in the six-week protests.
Adding to concerns about more unrest, leaders of the anti-Thaksin "yellow shirt" movement -- representing royalists, the business elite, aristocrats and urban middle class -- met on Sunday to discuss their position on the crisis.
The yellow shirts staged a crippling eight-day blockade of Bangkok's airports in December 2008, which stranded more than 230,000 tourists, disrupted trade flows and led to credit ratings downgrades for Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.
The siege ended when a pro-Thaksin ruling party was dissolved for electoral fraud, paving the way for Abhisit's rise to power after a parliamentary vote the red shirts say was influenced heavily by the military in a "silent coup".
Abhisit rebuffs claims his government is illegitimate and has refused to step down. He failed to deliver his regular televised address on Sunday for a second week and has been uncharacteristically reclusive since last week's clashes.
ELITE TARGETED
Several thousand protesters rallied on Sunday at the Rachaprasong intersection, dubbed their "final battleground", listening to speeches and huddling in the shade as the burning sun took its toll. More were arriving for a rally that typically draws tens of thousands by evening.
The planned protest on Tuesday would target Bangkok Bank BBL.BK, Thailand's biggest lender, which red shirts have linked to the elite they say conspired to bring down elected governments backed or led by Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup and fled into exile ahead of a graft conviction.
Protesters have taken aim at Prem Tinsulanonda, a former army chief, premier and honorary adviser to the bank, who serves as the top aide to Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Faced with criticism over the military's handling of the protests, Abhisit appeared on television on Friday to announce that responsibility for security had been handed to army chief Anupong Paochinda, who retires in September and has been reluctant to tackle the protests.
"I think him passing responsibility to the commander-in-chief is his way of pushing him to actually do something, since he will be responsible for what happens now," said Joshua Kurlantzick of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a U.S. think tank.
"I'm not sure it's Abhisit trying to evade responsibility. He's still going to have to face the consequences at the polls at some point."
The seemingly intractable five-year crisis has fuelled speculation that with the government and security forces in disarray, and concerns about clashes between rival demonstrators, hardliners within the military may decide to stage a coup to end the impasse, which analysts say would likely backfire.
(Additional reporting by Eric Gaillard and Nopporn Wong-Anan; Editing by Nick Macfie)
Friday, April 16, 2010
Thai "red shirts" gather after botched arrests
Fri Apr 16, 2010Nopporn Wong-Anan and Sukree Sukplang
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thousands of Thai anti-government protesters gathered at a central Bangkok site on Friday after police botched an attempt to arrest three of their leaders as the authorities vowed to crack down on "terrorists."
One protest leader slid down a rope from a hotel balcony to escape riot police, while others were rescued by hundreds of "red shirts," who heavily outnumbered security forces at a Bangkok hotel owned by the family of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
The three leaders later joined around 10,000 of their supporters at a shopping center in the middle of the city, now the main site of month-long protests in the Thai capital.
"If they use force to disperse us, we will flatten the entire neighborhood," said Jatuporn Prompan, a protest leader who was not among the three escapees, on a red shirt stage at the intersection of posh shopping malls and luxury hotels.
The government, which had previously said it would not directly confront the protesters, also stepped up the rhetoric,
although there were no troops on the streets of Bangkok.
"We will arrest and suppress the terrorists. We have set up special task forces hunting for the terrorists," Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said.
The move against leaders of the red shirts on Friday follows a failed attempt by troops to eject protesters from one of their encampments in the city last weekend. At least 24 people were killed and more than 800 injured in Thailand's worst political violence since 1992.
STOCKS FALL
The risk of further instability in Thailand sent stocks down 2.1 percent and the market has now lost almost all its gains this year.
Thailand's five-year credit default swaps (CDS), often used as a measure of political risk, were trading at 110/115.57 against 105/111 bps on Monday, the last trading day prior to a three-day holiday.
The "red shirts" back Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, and want Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down immediately and call early elections, which he has refused to do.
Abhisit had been due to hold his first news conference in four days at 1 p.m. local time (2:00 a.m. EST) but it was delayed, although no reason was given.
Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij told Reuters on Thursday Abhisit would not resign as it would "be very negative for the country.
Protesters called off plans to march on television stations that they accused of biased coverage, removing one potential flashpoint with security forces. They hunkered down at their base in a central Bangkok shopping district, which they vowed to make a "final battleground" with the security forces.
The government has also said it would crack down on people it believed to be financing the red shirts and issued summonses under emergency powers for 60 people to report to a military barracks, where Abhisit has set up emergency headquarters.
The violent protests have hit Thai tourism, with occupancy rates less than a third of normal levels in Bangkok, according to a tour operator body.
According to a report from investment bank Morgan Stanley, losses to tourism, which accounts for 6 percent of gross domestic product, could clip 0.2 percentage point from economic growth this year.
The government believes Thailand's economy could grow 4.5 percent this year, although Korn warned that forecast could prove optimistic.
(Additional reporting by Viparat Jantraprap; Writing by David Chance; Editing by Alan Raybould and Bill Tarrant)
One protest leader slid down a rope from a hotel balcony to escape riot police, while others were rescued by hundreds of "red shirts," who heavily outnumbered security forces at a Bangkok hotel owned by the family of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
The three leaders later joined around 10,000 of their supporters at a shopping center in the middle of the city, now the main site of month-long protests in the Thai capital.
"If they use force to disperse us, we will flatten the entire neighborhood," said Jatuporn Prompan, a protest leader who was not among the three escapees, on a red shirt stage at the intersection of posh shopping malls and luxury hotels.
The government, which had previously said it would not directly confront the protesters, also stepped up the rhetoric,
although there were no troops on the streets of Bangkok.
"We will arrest and suppress the terrorists. We have set up special task forces hunting for the terrorists," Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said.
The move against leaders of the red shirts on Friday follows a failed attempt by troops to eject protesters from one of their encampments in the city last weekend. At least 24 people were killed and more than 800 injured in Thailand's worst political violence since 1992.
STOCKS FALL
The risk of further instability in Thailand sent stocks down 2.1 percent and the market has now lost almost all its gains this year.
Thailand's five-year credit default swaps (CDS), often used as a measure of political risk, were trading at 110/115.57 against 105/111 bps on Monday, the last trading day prior to a three-day holiday.
The "red shirts" back Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, and want Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down immediately and call early elections, which he has refused to do.
Abhisit had been due to hold his first news conference in four days at 1 p.m. local time (2:00 a.m. EST) but it was delayed, although no reason was given.
Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij told Reuters on Thursday Abhisit would not resign as it would "be very negative for the country.
Protesters called off plans to march on television stations that they accused of biased coverage, removing one potential flashpoint with security forces. They hunkered down at their base in a central Bangkok shopping district, which they vowed to make a "final battleground" with the security forces.
The government has also said it would crack down on people it believed to be financing the red shirts and issued summonses under emergency powers for 60 people to report to a military barracks, where Abhisit has set up emergency headquarters.
The violent protests have hit Thai tourism, with occupancy rates less than a third of normal levels in Bangkok, according to a tour operator body.
According to a report from investment bank Morgan Stanley, losses to tourism, which accounts for 6 percent of gross domestic product, could clip 0.2 percentage point from economic growth this year.
The government believes Thailand's economy could grow 4.5 percent this year, although Korn warned that forecast could prove optimistic.
(Additional reporting by Viparat Jantraprap; Writing by David Chance; Editing by Alan Raybould and Bill Tarrant)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Red shirts reject latest offer for a dissolution
13/04/2010
By Pradit Ruangdit, Anucha Charoenpo and Wassana Nanuam
Bangkok Post
By Pradit Ruangdit, Anucha Charoenpo and Wassana Nanuam
Bangkok Post
The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship has rejected the government's latest offer to dissolve the House in six months.
Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Chavarat Charnvirakul said yesterday the new proposal to end the political crisis was reached in talks between leaders and supporters of the coalition parties on Sunday.
Banharn Silpa-archa, chief adviser to the Chart Thai Pattana Party, was assigned to convey the decision to the UDD. The veteran Suphan Buri politician contacted UDD chairman Veera Musikhapong yesterday but a request for negotiations was turned down, Mr Chavarat said.
Other UDD leaders, including Jatuporn Prompan and Weng Tojirakarn, demanded an immediate parliament dissolution and quick elections by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva instead of a longer time frame offered by the coalition government.
"All we want is for Mr Abhisit to dissolve the House and call new general elections urgently," Mr Jatuporn, a Puea Thai Party MP, said.
Dr Weng said the immediate solution was to dissolve the parliament. "I guarantee all red shirts will return home if Mr Abhisit dissolves the House," he said.
The UDD will not hold further talks with the government to seek ways to put an end to the conflict.
Mr Abhisit and UDD leaders held two rounds of talks last month but were unable to reach any agreements as supporters of convicted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra had rejected the government's first offer of a dissolution in nine months.
Mr Abhisit said yesterday in a televised address the dissolution option was still available for discussion with the red shirts and his proposal in March had been revised to find a political solution.
But the prime minister did not abandon other plans to end the demonstration at Phan Fa Bridge and Ratchaprasong intersection.
Mr Abhisit said the government considered armed assailants attacking security forces on Saturday night to be "terrorists". The government would move to separate the "terrorists" from innocent demonstrators.
At a news conference at the 11th Infantry Regiment, the prime minister said all relevant government agencies will work on anti-terrorist measures.
"We want to call for all innocent people not to join the movement or become a tool of the movement," Mr Abhisit said.
Once the "terrorists" are clearly separated from innocent people, the government will be able to map out appropriate measures to end the unrest, he said.
Army chief Anupong Paojinda said he favoured a political solution instead of military means to end the confrontation, adding political problems could only be resolved by political means.
Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Chavarat Charnvirakul said yesterday the new proposal to end the political crisis was reached in talks between leaders and supporters of the coalition parties on Sunday.
Banharn Silpa-archa, chief adviser to the Chart Thai Pattana Party, was assigned to convey the decision to the UDD. The veteran Suphan Buri politician contacted UDD chairman Veera Musikhapong yesterday but a request for negotiations was turned down, Mr Chavarat said.
Other UDD leaders, including Jatuporn Prompan and Weng Tojirakarn, demanded an immediate parliament dissolution and quick elections by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva instead of a longer time frame offered by the coalition government.
"All we want is for Mr Abhisit to dissolve the House and call new general elections urgently," Mr Jatuporn, a Puea Thai Party MP, said.
Dr Weng said the immediate solution was to dissolve the parliament. "I guarantee all red shirts will return home if Mr Abhisit dissolves the House," he said.
The UDD will not hold further talks with the government to seek ways to put an end to the conflict.
Mr Abhisit and UDD leaders held two rounds of talks last month but were unable to reach any agreements as supporters of convicted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra had rejected the government's first offer of a dissolution in nine months.
Mr Abhisit said yesterday in a televised address the dissolution option was still available for discussion with the red shirts and his proposal in March had been revised to find a political solution.
But the prime minister did not abandon other plans to end the demonstration at Phan Fa Bridge and Ratchaprasong intersection.
Mr Abhisit said the government considered armed assailants attacking security forces on Saturday night to be "terrorists". The government would move to separate the "terrorists" from innocent demonstrators.
At a news conference at the 11th Infantry Regiment, the prime minister said all relevant government agencies will work on anti-terrorist measures.
"We want to call for all innocent people not to join the movement or become a tool of the movement," Mr Abhisit said.
Once the "terrorists" are clearly separated from innocent people, the government will be able to map out appropriate measures to end the unrest, he said.
Army chief Anupong Paojinda said he favoured a political solution instead of military means to end the confrontation, adding political problems could only be resolved by political means.
Monday, April 12, 2010
[Death] Toll rises to 21 dead, 858 injured [in Thailand]
April 12, 2010
By Manassa Manorat, Thanawat Jintasukhon
The Nation
By Manassa Manorat, Thanawat Jintasukhon
The Nation
Some 21 people were killed and 858 others injured in violent clashes between soldiers and redshirt demonstrators on Saturday night, a government medical service centre said yesterday.
Bangkok's Erawan Centre announced a further death yesterday evening after an earlier Public Health Ministry announcement which reported 20 deaths, five of whom were soldiers.
At Armyrun Phra Mongkul Hospital, 30 soldiers were being treated for critical wounds. They included four in a "worrying condition", senior officer Col Pheeraphol Pokpong said.
A total of 216 soldiers sustained injuries in clashes with red shirts at various locations in Bangkok. Around 100 of them were discharged after receiving treatment.
The bodies of 10 of the dead were at Central Hospital, including that of a Japanese photographer shot in the abdomen. The police forensic service is due to do autopsies on these.
Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanavisit dismissed claims that slow reporting of casualties by hospitals treating wounded people was an attempt to cover up information. He said delays stemmed from the scale of the emergency.
Redshirt demonstrators said both rubber and real bullets were fired at them during clashes. Jamroon Pakhamin, 40, said he found and collected real bullets at the scene after he was shot by rubber bullets.
Central Hospital director Phitchaya Narkwatchara said a 54yearold man was the latest casualty. Monchai saeJong succumbed to lung failure after inhaling tear gas. He was the eighth death at that hospital.
At Phra Mongkut Hospital, Lieutenant Aniwan Phimthong said he was wounded by objects thrown at him while on duty guarding a road near the UN building in Bangkok. His cheek was cut by glass from after a bottle hit his helmet.
Sgt Major Suksawas Sawasdee, assigned to guard the Thaicom ground control station in Pathum Thani, said he suffered an injured left knee after being run over by a group of protestors who brought into the site. He is currently unable to walk.
Bangkok's Erawan Centre announced a further death yesterday evening after an earlier Public Health Ministry announcement which reported 20 deaths, five of whom were soldiers.
At Armyrun Phra Mongkul Hospital, 30 soldiers were being treated for critical wounds. They included four in a "worrying condition", senior officer Col Pheeraphol Pokpong said.
A total of 216 soldiers sustained injuries in clashes with red shirts at various locations in Bangkok. Around 100 of them were discharged after receiving treatment.
The bodies of 10 of the dead were at Central Hospital, including that of a Japanese photographer shot in the abdomen. The police forensic service is due to do autopsies on these.
Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanavisit dismissed claims that slow reporting of casualties by hospitals treating wounded people was an attempt to cover up information. He said delays stemmed from the scale of the emergency.
Redshirt demonstrators said both rubber and real bullets were fired at them during clashes. Jamroon Pakhamin, 40, said he found and collected real bullets at the scene after he was shot by rubber bullets.
Central Hospital director Phitchaya Narkwatchara said a 54yearold man was the latest casualty. Monchai saeJong succumbed to lung failure after inhaling tear gas. He was the eighth death at that hospital.
At Phra Mongkut Hospital, Lieutenant Aniwan Phimthong said he was wounded by objects thrown at him while on duty guarding a road near the UN building in Bangkok. His cheek was cut by glass from after a bottle hit his helmet.
Sgt Major Suksawas Sawasdee, assigned to guard the Thaicom ground control station in Pathum Thani, said he suffered an injured left knee after being run over by a group of protestors who brought into the site. He is currently unable to walk.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Reds enter [Thai] parliament, House adjourned
MPs scale ladders to flee the parliament as protesters breach the gates and enter the parliament grounds on Wednesday afternoon, as the government moves against the red-shirts' People Channel TV station.7/04/2010
Bangkok Post
Red-shirt supporters of the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) entered the parliament compound on Wednesday afternoon to press Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the House of Representatives and call a general election.
More than 1,000 protesters led by core member Arisman Pongruangrong broke into the parliament compound after another red-shirt group led by co-leaders Payap Panket and Suporn Attawong began withdrawing from the area to guard the pro-UDD satellite-based People Channel on Lat Phrao road.
A group of protesters converged on Imperial World shopping mall on Lat Phrao road to prevent the People Channel from being shut down by the government.
Parliament President Chai Chidchob adjourned the parliament after the protesters surrounded the parliament compound on Wednesday morning.
The red-shirts moved to the parliament compound from their rally site near Phan Fa bridge after receiving reports that Prime Minister Abhisit and his deputy overseeing security Suthep Thaugsuban would hold the weekly cabinet meeting there.
Mr Chai earlier said he was not worried about the demonstrators rallying in front of the parliament and he would welcome them to the meeting if they entered the building.
Ladders were prepared for MPs to escape from the other side of the parliament, while security officials asked the protesters to make way for the lawmakers to leave.
Comedian and UDD key supporter Jeng Dogjik urged the protesters not to let Democrat Party MPs leave the parliament.
"The government must dissolve the House immediately. If the government doesn't comply we'll rally here [the parliament] for four days straight," Mr Jeng said.
There were about 200 government and opposition MPS inside the parliament building, including Deputy Prime Minister Suthep and Prime Minister's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey.
Earlier, red-shirt members Payap and Suporn demanded that House Speaker and Parliament President Chai come out and meet them.
"If Mr Chai's not out here, we'll enter the parliament immediately," they announced.
The cabinet on Wednesday assigned Information and Communication Techninology Minister Ranongruk Suwunchwee to hold talks with Thaicom Plc and ask it to take action against a satellite television station which has presented "distorted information" to the people, deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said after the cabinet meeting.
The spokesman said Deputy Prime Minister Suthep, in his capacity as director of the Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), informed the cabinet about the television station.
He said the distorted information caused more people to join the UDD rally.
Although Mr Supachai did not mention the station by name it was understood to be the People Channel, which has broadcast live and nationwide the activities of the red-shirts in Bangkok.
Mr Supachai said Mr Suthep wanted Mrs Ranongruk to talk to Thaicom Plc about this matter.
"The cabinet wants Thaicom to say by noon today what action it would take against this station, which has broken the law, otherwise CAPO will action according to the law," Mr Supachai said.
This morning, UDD leader Weng Tojirakan asked the red-shirts to go to Imperial World to guard against any move to shut the station down.
More than 1,000 protesters led by core member Arisman Pongruangrong broke into the parliament compound after another red-shirt group led by co-leaders Payap Panket and Suporn Attawong began withdrawing from the area to guard the pro-UDD satellite-based People Channel on Lat Phrao road.
A group of protesters converged on Imperial World shopping mall on Lat Phrao road to prevent the People Channel from being shut down by the government.
Parliament President Chai Chidchob adjourned the parliament after the protesters surrounded the parliament compound on Wednesday morning.
The red-shirts moved to the parliament compound from their rally site near Phan Fa bridge after receiving reports that Prime Minister Abhisit and his deputy overseeing security Suthep Thaugsuban would hold the weekly cabinet meeting there.
Mr Chai earlier said he was not worried about the demonstrators rallying in front of the parliament and he would welcome them to the meeting if they entered the building.
Ladders were prepared for MPs to escape from the other side of the parliament, while security officials asked the protesters to make way for the lawmakers to leave.
Comedian and UDD key supporter Jeng Dogjik urged the protesters not to let Democrat Party MPs leave the parliament.
"The government must dissolve the House immediately. If the government doesn't comply we'll rally here [the parliament] for four days straight," Mr Jeng said.
There were about 200 government and opposition MPS inside the parliament building, including Deputy Prime Minister Suthep and Prime Minister's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey.
Earlier, red-shirt members Payap and Suporn demanded that House Speaker and Parliament President Chai come out and meet them.
"If Mr Chai's not out here, we'll enter the parliament immediately," they announced.
The cabinet on Wednesday assigned Information and Communication Techninology Minister Ranongruk Suwunchwee to hold talks with Thaicom Plc and ask it to take action against a satellite television station which has presented "distorted information" to the people, deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said after the cabinet meeting.
The spokesman said Deputy Prime Minister Suthep, in his capacity as director of the Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), informed the cabinet about the television station.
He said the distorted information caused more people to join the UDD rally.
Although Mr Supachai did not mention the station by name it was understood to be the People Channel, which has broadcast live and nationwide the activities of the red-shirts in Bangkok.
Mr Supachai said Mr Suthep wanted Mrs Ranongruk to talk to Thaicom Plc about this matter.
"The cabinet wants Thaicom to say by noon today what action it would take against this station, which has broken the law, otherwise CAPO will action according to the law," Mr Supachai said.
This morning, UDD leader Weng Tojirakan asked the red-shirts to go to Imperial World to guard against any move to shut the station down.
Monday, April 05, 2010
Hun Sen says Thaksin barred
No entry for ex-PM during political strife
5/04/2010
Pradit Ruangdit
Bangkok Post
5/04/2010
Pradit Ruangdit
Bangkok Post
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen says he will not allow ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to use his country as a political base to attack the government, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban says.
Mr Suthep met Hun Sen in Hua Hin yesterday where the Cambodian leader was attending the opening of the Mekong River Commission summit.
The pair met for 40 minutes. Hun Sen said he would not allow his personal ties with Thaksin affect relations with Thailand.
"He told me that he could distinguish between personal relations [with Thaksin] and national interests," Mr Suthep said.
The deputy prime minister quoted Hun Sen as saying Cambodia would not allow Thaksin to use Cambodia as a base for attacks on Thailand since such activities were banned by the Cambodian constitution.
Hun Sen has criticised Thailand's stance towards Thaksin.
Asked about those criticisms, Mr Suthep said: "That's a different situation, different feeling."
Hun Sen wanted Thailand and Cambodia to put their problems behind them, and said he had instructed military officers along the border to refrain from taking any action that would cause resentment among Thais.
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia deteriorated after Bangkok last year opposed Phnom Penh's move to list the Preah Vihear temple ruins as a Unesco World Heritage site.
The situation worsened after Hun Sen appointed Thaksin as an economic adviser, and refused to extradite him to Thailand when Thaksin paid a four-day visit to Cambodia in mid-November last year.
Both sides recalled their ambassadors.
Mr Suthep said he did not discuss with Hun Sen the matter of when the ambassadors could resume their offices.
"Mr Hun Sen told me that Thaksin is just an economic adviser to Cambodia, but that during times such as these when Thailand is facing political strife, he would not allow Thaksin to enter Cambodia," Mr Suthep said.
"I have asked him [Hun Sen] permission to convey his messages to the Thai people and he agreed."
Mr Suthep met Hun Sen in Hua Hin yesterday where the Cambodian leader was attending the opening of the Mekong River Commission summit.
The pair met for 40 minutes. Hun Sen said he would not allow his personal ties with Thaksin affect relations with Thailand.
"He told me that he could distinguish between personal relations [with Thaksin] and national interests," Mr Suthep said.
The deputy prime minister quoted Hun Sen as saying Cambodia would not allow Thaksin to use Cambodia as a base for attacks on Thailand since such activities were banned by the Cambodian constitution.
Hun Sen has criticised Thailand's stance towards Thaksin.
Asked about those criticisms, Mr Suthep said: "That's a different situation, different feeling."
Hun Sen wanted Thailand and Cambodia to put their problems behind them, and said he had instructed military officers along the border to refrain from taking any action that would cause resentment among Thais.
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia deteriorated after Bangkok last year opposed Phnom Penh's move to list the Preah Vihear temple ruins as a Unesco World Heritage site.
The situation worsened after Hun Sen appointed Thaksin as an economic adviser, and refused to extradite him to Thailand when Thaksin paid a four-day visit to Cambodia in mid-November last year.
Both sides recalled their ambassadors.
Mr Suthep said he did not discuss with Hun Sen the matter of when the ambassadors could resume their offices.
"Mr Hun Sen told me that Thaksin is just an economic adviser to Cambodia, but that during times such as these when Thailand is facing political strife, he would not allow Thaksin to enter Cambodia," Mr Suthep said.
"I have asked him [Hun Sen] permission to convey his messages to the Thai people and he agreed."
Hun Xen contrite and accomodating toward Thailand?
Deputy PM Suthep: PM Hun Sen pledges to bar Thaksin's entry
HUA HIN, April 4 (TNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Sunday said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen assured him he would not allow ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to enter Cambodia and use it as a base to launch political attacks against Thailand.
Speaking to journalists after meeting with the Cambodian Prime Minister who arrived in this Thai resort town to attend the two-day Mekong Summit, Mr Suthep disclosed that Mr Hun Sen assured him during the 40-minute discussion that he would not let his personal relations with Mr Thaksin affect bilateral relations with Thailand.
“Mr Hun Sen gave assurances to me that he would not allow Mr Thaksin to enter Cambodia so long as current problem regarding the anti-Thai government red-shirted protest continues,” Mr Suthep said.
The Cambodian prime minister also stated that he did not want Thai people to think that Mr Thaksin used Cambodia as a base for political movements against the Thai government as Cambodian constitution prohibits such activities, Mr Suthep said.
The Cambodian prime minister also urged Thailand to help Cambodia restore normal relations and said he had instructed Cambodian military officers along the border to refrain from taking any action that will cause resentment by Thai people, according to the Thai deputy prime minister.
However, Mr Suthep said he did not discuss with Mr Hun Sen regarding when the ambassadors of the two countries will return to their offices.
Cambodia and Thailand have had a longstanding conflict over the disputed overlapping area near the 11th century Preah Vihear as border demarcation is still unclear, leading to sporadic clashes between soldiers of the two countries.
Relations between the two neighbouring countries have been strained after Phnom Penh rejected a formal request from Thailand to extradite Mr Thaksin and appointed him as an economic advisor to Cambodia last year.
The situation further deteriorated when the two kingdoms recalled their respective ambassadors in retaliatory actions.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Sacrava's Political Cartoon: The Blood
Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)Split in [Thai] UDD casts cloud over future
ANALYSIS: Hardliners expelled after damning peaceful approach and calling for new leaders
18/03/2010
Nauvarat Suksamran
Bangkok Post
The decision by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship to sever ties with army specialist Khattiya Sawasdipol and Surachai Danwattananusorn highlights disunity in the pro-Thaksin Shinawatra camp.
The camp is divided into three factions. One is led by Veera Musikhapong, Jatuporn Prompan and Natthawut Saikua and is organising the present demonstration. Weng Tojirakarn, Arisman Pongruengrong and Suporn Atthawong are in this group.
The others are a group led by Maj Gen Khattiya, with ex-military officer Gen Panlop Pinmanee, a Puea Thai Party member, as his close ally, while the Daeng Siam (Red Siam) faction is led by Mr Surachai and supported by Jakrapob Penkair and is a splinter group of the UDD.
Mr Veera, Mr Jatuporn and Mr Natthawut decided to expel Maj Gen Khattiya and Mr Surachai from the UDD because of conflicts over tactics.
Maj Gen Khattiya and Mr Surachai do not believe in the UDD's peaceful approach and think the concept of non-violence being used at the rally will not bring about any change to society. In their opinion, change can only be achieved through radical means.
The peaceful rally has been opposed by the factions led by Maj Gen Khattiya and Mr Surachai from the very beginning.
While the three UDD leaders have talked about their achievements through non-violent means, Maj Gen Khattiya has been calling on the red shirts to lay siege to parliament to press MPs to rush to amend the constitution and then form a new government. Mr Jatuporn has described that idea as "absurd".
In addition to his opposition to peaceful protest, Mr Surachai, a former member of the now defunct Communist Party of Thailand, has lost patience with the three and criticised them for a lack of direction and poor strategies for the rally. Maj Gen Khattiya and Mr Surachai also want the three to quit as UDD leaders and called for other changes to the UDD's leadership.
"They no longer have leadership skills. They don't listen to anyone," said Mr Surachai, adding his faction was on the way home from Ratchadamnoen Avenue.
With ties to the factions led by Maj Gen Khattiya and Mr Surachai now severed, Mr Veera, Mr Jatuporn and Mr Natthawut will have to prove that their approach is working as planned.
The rally enters its fifth day today with no sign the government will accept their demand for the House to be dissolved. The blood spilt at Government House, the Democrat Party and the house of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva cannot put any pressure on the administration.
But the rift in the ranks of UDD leaders will have adverse consequences on the red shirt movement.
The three UDD leaders continue to believe that by dragging out the rally for as long as possible with ample financial assistance to keep the protest running as crucial factors, their demands will eventually be achieved.
They are banking on fresh protesters to arrive and that will need help from Puea Thai MPs and local politicians to mobilise supporters from the provinces to travel to Bangkok.
Mr Veera, Mr Jatuporn and Mr Natthawut have a mission to prove to the radical factions that their peaceful approach will work out.
As for ousted former prime minister Thaksin, nobody knows what he thinks about the conflict among his supporters. He keeps others guessing as to whether he accepts the decision by the three UDD leaders to sever ties with Maj Gen Khattiya and Mr Surachai. Thaksin did not mention it in his video link last night.
18/03/2010
Nauvarat Suksamran
Bangkok Post
The decision by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship to sever ties with army specialist Khattiya Sawasdipol and Surachai Danwattananusorn highlights disunity in the pro-Thaksin Shinawatra camp.
The camp is divided into three factions. One is led by Veera Musikhapong, Jatuporn Prompan and Natthawut Saikua and is organising the present demonstration. Weng Tojirakarn, Arisman Pongruengrong and Suporn Atthawong are in this group.
The others are a group led by Maj Gen Khattiya, with ex-military officer Gen Panlop Pinmanee, a Puea Thai Party member, as his close ally, while the Daeng Siam (Red Siam) faction is led by Mr Surachai and supported by Jakrapob Penkair and is a splinter group of the UDD.
Mr Veera, Mr Jatuporn and Mr Natthawut decided to expel Maj Gen Khattiya and Mr Surachai from the UDD because of conflicts over tactics.
Maj Gen Khattiya and Mr Surachai do not believe in the UDD's peaceful approach and think the concept of non-violence being used at the rally will not bring about any change to society. In their opinion, change can only be achieved through radical means.
The peaceful rally has been opposed by the factions led by Maj Gen Khattiya and Mr Surachai from the very beginning.
While the three UDD leaders have talked about their achievements through non-violent means, Maj Gen Khattiya has been calling on the red shirts to lay siege to parliament to press MPs to rush to amend the constitution and then form a new government. Mr Jatuporn has described that idea as "absurd".
In addition to his opposition to peaceful protest, Mr Surachai, a former member of the now defunct Communist Party of Thailand, has lost patience with the three and criticised them for a lack of direction and poor strategies for the rally. Maj Gen Khattiya and Mr Surachai also want the three to quit as UDD leaders and called for other changes to the UDD's leadership.
"They no longer have leadership skills. They don't listen to anyone," said Mr Surachai, adding his faction was on the way home from Ratchadamnoen Avenue.
With ties to the factions led by Maj Gen Khattiya and Mr Surachai now severed, Mr Veera, Mr Jatuporn and Mr Natthawut will have to prove that their approach is working as planned.
The rally enters its fifth day today with no sign the government will accept their demand for the House to be dissolved. The blood spilt at Government House, the Democrat Party and the house of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva cannot put any pressure on the administration.
But the rift in the ranks of UDD leaders will have adverse consequences on the red shirt movement.
The three UDD leaders continue to believe that by dragging out the rally for as long as possible with ample financial assistance to keep the protest running as crucial factors, their demands will eventually be achieved.
They are banking on fresh protesters to arrive and that will need help from Puea Thai MPs and local politicians to mobilise supporters from the provinces to travel to Bangkok.
Mr Veera, Mr Jatuporn and Mr Natthawut have a mission to prove to the radical factions that their peaceful approach will work out.
As for ousted former prime minister Thaksin, nobody knows what he thinks about the conflict among his supporters. He keeps others guessing as to whether he accepts the decision by the three UDD leaders to sever ties with Maj Gen Khattiya and Mr Surachai. Thaksin did not mention it in his video link last night.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Thai protesters march on army headquarters
Supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra gather in a street during a protest on Sunday, March 14, 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand. Tens of thousands of red-shirted protesters rallied in Thailand's capital Sunday to press their demand that the government dissolve Parliament or face massive demonstrations at key locations in the city. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)
Buddhist monks join a protest march in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday, March 14, 2010. Leaders of tens of thousands of protesters who swarmed into Bangkok from Thailand's rural areas Sunday threatened mass street demonstrations if the government didn't respond to their demand for a dissolution of Parliament within 24 hours. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)By THANYARAT DOKSONE (AP)
BANGKOK — Army reinforcements were rushed into Thailand's capital as tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators marched Monday on a key military headquarters demanding that the government dissolve Parliament.
Some 100,000 Red Shirt protesters who have been camped out along a boulevard in the old part of Bangkok have given Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva a noon deadline to meet their demand for new elections.
A force of more than 50,000 soldiers, police and other security personnel has been mobilized in the capital area, and many were deployed at the 11th Infantry Regiment headquarters where Abhisit has been hunkered down in recent days.
With banners waving, thousands of the protesters piled into trucks, rode motorcycles or trudged on foot toward the barbed-wire ringed regimental compound.
City authorities feared traffic chaos in areas of the sprawling capital, but in other quarters, traffic was surprisingly light for a normally clogged Monday morning as many office workers stayed home for fear of violence.
But the protest, one of the largest staged in recent years, has proved peaceful.
At the main demonstration site Sunday, loud pop music and rural delicacies such as spicy papaya salad competed with fiery rhetoric for the attention of the crowd, many of whom had come from provinces in the countryside. The festive tone was aided by hundreds of new arrivals disembarking from boats festooned with red banners on the Chao Phraya River.
The protesters, formally grouped as the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, have been flexible in their tactics and deadlines, but are demanding Abhisit dissolve Parliament and call new elections, which they believe will restore their political allies to power.
They believe Abhisit took office illegitimately with the connivance of the military and other parts of the traditional ruling class who were alarmed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's popularity, particularly among the poor. Thaksin, who became prime minister in 2001 and whose party easily won two elections, was ousted by a 2006 military coup for alleged corruption and abuse of power.
Abhisit indicated Sunday that for now, he had no plans to dissolve Parliament.
Thaksin spoke to the rally by video link Sunday night, urging the crowd to continue their struggle peacefully, and emphasizing that he considered the so-called "ammart," or elite, the enemy. Thaksin himself is a billionaire businessman who fled Thailand in 2008 ahead of being convicted for a conflict of interest violation and sentenced to two years in jail.
"The people who caused the problems in the country these days are the ruling elites," declared Thaksin, speaking from an undisclosed location outside of Thailand. "To solve problems related to democracy, equality and justice — the ruling elites won't be able to do that because they don't have the conscience. The people will have to do it."
He suggested that if he returned to power, he would redistribute wealth and keep Thailand economically competitive with its neighbors.
The protest had been billed as a "million man march," but protest leader Natthawut Saikua said he believed more than a half million people turned up, while estimates from the police and other government agencies ranged from 50,000-150,000.
Associated Press reporters said it was one of the biggest turnouts in the past five years of frequent protests, which would put it over the 100,000 mark.
The Red Shirts' last major protest in Bangkok last April deteriorated into rioting that left two people dead, more than 120 people injured and buses burned on major thoroughfares before the army quashed the unrest.
"We are being vigilant. We are still concerned about the third hand that might instigate troubles. But the Red Shirts are adamant about keeping their rally peaceful, and so far they have been peaceful. Everything has been done step by step. Every side is cautious," government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said Sunday night.
Thailand has been in constant political turmoil since early 2006, when anti-Thaksin demonstrations began. In 2008, when Thaksin's political allies came back to power for a year, his opponents occupied the prime minister's office compound for three months and seized Bangkok's two airports for a week.
Associated Press writer Grant Peck and photographer David Longstreath contributed to this report.
Some 100,000 Red Shirt protesters who have been camped out along a boulevard in the old part of Bangkok have given Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva a noon deadline to meet their demand for new elections.
A force of more than 50,000 soldiers, police and other security personnel has been mobilized in the capital area, and many were deployed at the 11th Infantry Regiment headquarters where Abhisit has been hunkered down in recent days.
With banners waving, thousands of the protesters piled into trucks, rode motorcycles or trudged on foot toward the barbed-wire ringed regimental compound.
City authorities feared traffic chaos in areas of the sprawling capital, but in other quarters, traffic was surprisingly light for a normally clogged Monday morning as many office workers stayed home for fear of violence.
But the protest, one of the largest staged in recent years, has proved peaceful.
At the main demonstration site Sunday, loud pop music and rural delicacies such as spicy papaya salad competed with fiery rhetoric for the attention of the crowd, many of whom had come from provinces in the countryside. The festive tone was aided by hundreds of new arrivals disembarking from boats festooned with red banners on the Chao Phraya River.
The protesters, formally grouped as the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, have been flexible in their tactics and deadlines, but are demanding Abhisit dissolve Parliament and call new elections, which they believe will restore their political allies to power.
They believe Abhisit took office illegitimately with the connivance of the military and other parts of the traditional ruling class who were alarmed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's popularity, particularly among the poor. Thaksin, who became prime minister in 2001 and whose party easily won two elections, was ousted by a 2006 military coup for alleged corruption and abuse of power.
Abhisit indicated Sunday that for now, he had no plans to dissolve Parliament.
Thaksin spoke to the rally by video link Sunday night, urging the crowd to continue their struggle peacefully, and emphasizing that he considered the so-called "ammart," or elite, the enemy. Thaksin himself is a billionaire businessman who fled Thailand in 2008 ahead of being convicted for a conflict of interest violation and sentenced to two years in jail.
"The people who caused the problems in the country these days are the ruling elites," declared Thaksin, speaking from an undisclosed location outside of Thailand. "To solve problems related to democracy, equality and justice — the ruling elites won't be able to do that because they don't have the conscience. The people will have to do it."
He suggested that if he returned to power, he would redistribute wealth and keep Thailand economically competitive with its neighbors.
The protest had been billed as a "million man march," but protest leader Natthawut Saikua said he believed more than a half million people turned up, while estimates from the police and other government agencies ranged from 50,000-150,000.
Associated Press reporters said it was one of the biggest turnouts in the past five years of frequent protests, which would put it over the 100,000 mark.
The Red Shirts' last major protest in Bangkok last April deteriorated into rioting that left two people dead, more than 120 people injured and buses burned on major thoroughfares before the army quashed the unrest.
"We are being vigilant. We are still concerned about the third hand that might instigate troubles. But the Red Shirts are adamant about keeping their rally peaceful, and so far they have been peaceful. Everything has been done step by step. Every side is cautious," government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said Sunday night.
Thailand has been in constant political turmoil since early 2006, when anti-Thaksin demonstrations began. In 2008, when Thaksin's political allies came back to power for a year, his opponents occupied the prime minister's office compound for three months and seized Bangkok's two airports for a week.
Associated Press writer Grant Peck and photographer David Longstreath contributed to this report.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Protesters surge into Bangkok wanting new election
Supporters of former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra gather for a protest in central Bangkok March 14, 2010. (REUTERS/Damir Sagolj)Sunday, March 14, 2010
Zee News
Bangkok: Tens of thousands of red-shirted protesters from Thailand's rural areas swarmed the Thai capital on Sunday for protests aimed at forcing the government
to dissolve Parliament and call new elections.
Protest leaders gave the government until noon Sunday (0500 GMT; midnight EST) to accede to their demands or face mass marches on key locations in Bangkok.
The demonstrators want Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to call new elections, which they believe will allow their political allies to regain power. They believe Abhisit came to power illegitimately with the connivance of the military and other parts of the traditional Thai ruling class who were jealous and fearful of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's popularity while in office from 2001 until he was ousted in a 2006 coup.
Traffic was light, businesses were shuttered and social events cancelled in Bangkok as many feared the four-day demonstrations, which officially begin Sunday but have been building for two days as caravans of protesters pour in from the north and northeast, would repeat past violence. But protesters stressed they would use only peaceful means in their quest for new elections.
"If the prime minister refuses to dissolve Parliament on Sunday, we will declare new measures. We are planning to march to key spots belonging to those in power," said one protest leader, Jatuporn Prompan.
"We will ask (the prime minister) to return power to the people," he said.
Jatuporn said he expected a million people to gather by noon Sunday. But local newspapers estimated the numbers at between 80,000 and 100,000, although more were still arriving from outlying areas, travelling in trucks, buses and motorcycles.
There were no reports of violence on Saturday, and Jatuporn even praised authorities for facilitating the protesters' easy entry into the capital.
Government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said protesters were being provided with free bus rides from provincial areas to Bangkok.
A force of 50,000 soldiers, police and other security personnel was mobilised in the capital area.
The march is regarded by some as the last chance for Thaksin to return to Thailand.
The "Red Shirt" protesters, formally known as the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, are made up of followers of Thaksin, along with other people who oppose the 2006 military coup that toppled him.
Forcing the government out of power, Thaksin loyalists say, could pave the way for his pardon and return.
to dissolve Parliament and call new elections.
Protest leaders gave the government until noon Sunday (0500 GMT; midnight EST) to accede to their demands or face mass marches on key locations in Bangkok.
The demonstrators want Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to call new elections, which they believe will allow their political allies to regain power. They believe Abhisit came to power illegitimately with the connivance of the military and other parts of the traditional Thai ruling class who were jealous and fearful of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's popularity while in office from 2001 until he was ousted in a 2006 coup.
Traffic was light, businesses were shuttered and social events cancelled in Bangkok as many feared the four-day demonstrations, which officially begin Sunday but have been building for two days as caravans of protesters pour in from the north and northeast, would repeat past violence. But protesters stressed they would use only peaceful means in their quest for new elections.
"If the prime minister refuses to dissolve Parliament on Sunday, we will declare new measures. We are planning to march to key spots belonging to those in power," said one protest leader, Jatuporn Prompan.
"We will ask (the prime minister) to return power to the people," he said.
Jatuporn said he expected a million people to gather by noon Sunday. But local newspapers estimated the numbers at between 80,000 and 100,000, although more were still arriving from outlying areas, travelling in trucks, buses and motorcycles.
There were no reports of violence on Saturday, and Jatuporn even praised authorities for facilitating the protesters' easy entry into the capital.
Government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said protesters were being provided with free bus rides from provincial areas to Bangkok.
A force of 50,000 soldiers, police and other security personnel was mobilised in the capital area.
The march is regarded by some as the last chance for Thaksin to return to Thailand.
The "Red Shirt" protesters, formally known as the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, are made up of followers of Thaksin, along with other people who oppose the 2006 military coup that toppled him.
Forcing the government out of power, Thaksin loyalists say, could pave the way for his pardon and return.
Thaksin insists he's in Europe, not Cambodia
March 14, 2010
THE NATION
THE NATION
Thaksin Shinawatra last night told his red-shirt followers that he was currently in Europe, not Cambodia as speculated earlier.
During a phone-in to his supporters' People TV station, the fugitive former prime minister also dismissed a government report that the United Arab Emirates had expelled him.
Dubai, one of the seven emirates, has been Thaksin's residence over the past year.
Thaksin said he would phone in again today.
Meanwhile, the court yesterday approved an arrest warrant for Arisman Pongruangrong, a key red-shirt figure, for instigating riots.
Arisman last night joined the anti-government rally's main stage on Rajdamnoen Avenue along with other red-shirt leaders, who said he would surrender to the police on April 1.
During a phone-in to his supporters' People TV station, the fugitive former prime minister also dismissed a government report that the United Arab Emirates had expelled him.
Dubai, one of the seven emirates, has been Thaksin's residence over the past year.
Thaksin said he would phone in again today.
Meanwhile, the court yesterday approved an arrest warrant for Arisman Pongruangrong, a key red-shirt figure, for instigating riots.
Arisman last night joined the anti-government rally's main stage on Rajdamnoen Avenue along with other red-shirt leaders, who said he would surrender to the police on April 1.
[Thailand:] Brinkmanship begins - who will blink first?
March 14, 2010
By TULSATHIT TAPTIM
THE NATION
By TULSATHIT TAPTIM
THE NATION
There was no phone-in on Friday night from their beloved hero, but rural red-shirted people seemed to hear an SOS from Thaksin Shinawatra, wherever he was. Yesterday was a big response compared to the lukewarm showing of their Bangkok counterparts the day before, and with red masses from upcountry pouring into the city, the game is now on.
Police put the number of protesters at below 100,000, but media estimates may be above that by a substantial margin.
A stage has been set up at the Phan Fah Bridge on Rajdamnoen Avenue, which will remain the key rally site at least for the next few days. With that, a very dangerous stand-off officially began and anyone who thinks Thailand's political crisis is nearing an end will have to think again.
This face-off may end quickly, though, as it's in nobody's interest for it to drag on. Protest leader Jatuporn Promphan - remarkably rejuvenated after looking like a fish in polluted water on Friday - gave Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva until noon today to dissolve the House of Representatives or the red shirts would up the ante tomorrow.
MODUS OPERANDI
The ultimatum will not be met, and tomorrow will see the ultimate game of who blinks first. Red shirts, sources said, would attempt to "provoke" the authorities but keep the aggression just below the level that could justify a crackdown. They will move around and surround some places, causing traffic chaos here and there and putting more and more pressure on the government. But they will do it in a way that if shots were fired or protesters were clubbed, state troops would be the ones looking like the bad guys.
The government's initial strategy was patience, patience and patience, and it was generally believed that the protest could not outlive the funding. Problem is, if the campaign is costing Bt30 million a day, as some have calculated, it's not much for Thaksin. A 10-day sit-in would just cost Bt300 million, or under 1 per cent of the assets his family is supposed to get back from the state.
Informed sources last night said the government could decide to go down the risky road of declaring a state of emergency to boost the military's power in controlling the situation. This could affect the overall outlook. After all, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has looked totally non-confrontational over the past few days, basically thanking the red shirts for their peaceful approach to date.
Another important factor is Thaksin's whereabouts. If he has really been expelled from Dubai, his desperation must have naturally grown. And if he really plans to settle down in Cambodia, like news reports suggested, there will be ramifications domestically as well as bilaterally.
In his brief phone-in to supporters yesterday, he ambiguously claimed he had to leave Dubai because the United Arab Emirates government was "annoyed" by whining from Bangkok. He said he was in Europe at the moment and hoped to have a longer phone-in today.
Red leaders claim, or hope, that the number of protesters will rise to 400,000 today, four times the government's estimate. That would be a big number, but not a government-toppling number. As long as the government keeps things under control, that is.
Government advantages, administration sources said, include the military's better preparations compared with during the Songkran turbulence almost a year ago. But more crucial is the fact that the red shirts can't afford to run riot without justification this time. A repeat of the Songkran madness and they'd lose. This has led to all kinds of rumours, an outstanding one involving "fake red shirts" wreaking havoc to instigate bloodshed or provoke a crackdown.
Good news is, this stand-off is being dictated by both sides' unwillingness to look like a villain. But here's the bad news: it always starts this way.
Police put the number of protesters at below 100,000, but media estimates may be above that by a substantial margin.
A stage has been set up at the Phan Fah Bridge on Rajdamnoen Avenue, which will remain the key rally site at least for the next few days. With that, a very dangerous stand-off officially began and anyone who thinks Thailand's political crisis is nearing an end will have to think again.
This face-off may end quickly, though, as it's in nobody's interest for it to drag on. Protest leader Jatuporn Promphan - remarkably rejuvenated after looking like a fish in polluted water on Friday - gave Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva until noon today to dissolve the House of Representatives or the red shirts would up the ante tomorrow.
MODUS OPERANDI
The ultimatum will not be met, and tomorrow will see the ultimate game of who blinks first. Red shirts, sources said, would attempt to "provoke" the authorities but keep the aggression just below the level that could justify a crackdown. They will move around and surround some places, causing traffic chaos here and there and putting more and more pressure on the government. But they will do it in a way that if shots were fired or protesters were clubbed, state troops would be the ones looking like the bad guys.
The government's initial strategy was patience, patience and patience, and it was generally believed that the protest could not outlive the funding. Problem is, if the campaign is costing Bt30 million a day, as some have calculated, it's not much for Thaksin. A 10-day sit-in would just cost Bt300 million, or under 1 per cent of the assets his family is supposed to get back from the state.
Informed sources last night said the government could decide to go down the risky road of declaring a state of emergency to boost the military's power in controlling the situation. This could affect the overall outlook. After all, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has looked totally non-confrontational over the past few days, basically thanking the red shirts for their peaceful approach to date.
Another important factor is Thaksin's whereabouts. If he has really been expelled from Dubai, his desperation must have naturally grown. And if he really plans to settle down in Cambodia, like news reports suggested, there will be ramifications domestically as well as bilaterally.
In his brief phone-in to supporters yesterday, he ambiguously claimed he had to leave Dubai because the United Arab Emirates government was "annoyed" by whining from Bangkok. He said he was in Europe at the moment and hoped to have a longer phone-in today.
Red leaders claim, or hope, that the number of protesters will rise to 400,000 today, four times the government's estimate. That would be a big number, but not a government-toppling number. As long as the government keeps things under control, that is.
Government advantages, administration sources said, include the military's better preparations compared with during the Songkran turbulence almost a year ago. But more crucial is the fact that the red shirts can't afford to run riot without justification this time. A repeat of the Songkran madness and they'd lose. This has led to all kinds of rumours, an outstanding one involving "fake red shirts" wreaking havoc to instigate bloodshed or provoke a crackdown.
Good news is, this stand-off is being dictated by both sides' unwillingness to look like a villain. But here's the bad news: it always starts this way.
Friday, March 12, 2010
The gathering storm [in Thailand]
SPECIAL REPORT: The city is on a knife's edge as tens of thousands of protesters gather in a bid to overthrow the government
12/03/2010
Bangkok Post
Expectation hangs thick in the air as the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship begins its protest today - with security forces not predicting any increase in tensions until the red shirts gather in Bangkok over the weekend.
The first day of the so-called "million man march" is expected to proceed smoothly, according to a government security source, as UDD supporters gather at various points across the country.
"The most vulnerable period will be March 13 and 14 when the red shirts start arriving in town," the source said.
"It will be hard to control the crowds and there are high risks of them turning into angry mobs if provoked."
The source said mischievous groups might exploit the situation and manipulate it to create a state of anarchy.
Five groups would be watched closely, including those led by rogue army officer Khattiya Sawasdiphol and politicians who have close affiliations to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Security authorities are expecting the UDD's mass rally to end within a week, the source said.
"[UDD leaders] want a swift victory," the source said.
Maj Gen Khattiya said yesterday he would watch the demonstration from afar. He would only join the activities if the government used force against the protesters.
Security authorities estimate there will be between 70,000 and 100,000 red shirt demonstrators at the rally's peaks.
It is hard to predict the number of vehicles being mobilised but initial estimates suggest there will be 5,000.
UDD demonstrators will begin their separate rallies at their rendezvous points simultaneously at 12.12pm today. In Bangkok, protesters will march from Sanam Luang to the Royal Plaza.
It is estimated the UDD will mobilise about 5,000 guards to provide security at the rally site.
UDD key leader Jatuporn Prompan said yesterday the first and most likely vulnerable location for clashes between the red shirt demonstrators and security forces was at Pratunam Phra-in in Ayutthaya's Wang Noi district.
A police source said security authorities had been mobilised to block the red convoy and keep the demonstrators out of Bangkok.
"It is the very first spot where clashes could take place," Mr Jatuporn said.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who chairs the peace-keeping centre, said security forces were 100% ready for the red shirts' rally.
He also called on protesters not to disrupt checkpoints which have been set up to screen them and their vehicles for weapons.
He said the Interior Ministry, the Justice Ministry and the National Security Council had set up a committee to monitor radio and television stations which were used to provoke demonstrators.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday he was ready to step down or dissolve the House of Representatives if those options could guarantee a greater good for the country and the public.
But he indicated he would not take these steps under pressure from the UDD.
"I never rule out stepping down or dissolving the House. But this kind of decision will be based on the country's and the public's interest," he said, responding to a motion on political volatility during the red shirt rally in parliament.
"The situation is calling for us to move forward and sustain the system, not to hold on to power."
Mr Abhisit insisted the enforcement of the Internal Security Act was to ensure a peaceful and orderly protest, not to restrict demonstrators' rights.
He said the government would not be provoked and fall victim to people who want to instigate violence. He also urged the public to exercise restraint.
The US embassy yesterday said it was concerned there might be attempts to incite violence at the rally.
"The United States believes that differences should be addressed through Thailand's democratic institutions and not through violence," the embassy said in its statement.
"We call on protesters and their leaders to avoid the use of violence and to exercise their right to assemble and protest peacefully, in accordance with the law."
Mr Abhisit, Mr Suthep and security agencies warned last week about possible acts of sabotage during the rally.
Their concern was underlined by foreign intelligence agencies monitoring arms movements. They met Thai intelligence officials to warn the government of the possibility of sabotage, a security source said.
Meanwhile, a group of opposition Puea Thai Party MPs yesterday called on the government to dissolve the lower house to avoid violence.
Surapong Towichakchaikul, of Chiang Mai, said a dissolution would end social divisiveness.
"Mr Abhisit knows that tens of thousands of people are protesting because they do not want this government any longer," Mr Surapong said.
"The mandate should be returned to the people."
12/03/2010
Bangkok Post
Expectation hangs thick in the air as the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship begins its protest today - with security forces not predicting any increase in tensions until the red shirts gather in Bangkok over the weekend.
The first day of the so-called "million man march" is expected to proceed smoothly, according to a government security source, as UDD supporters gather at various points across the country.
"The most vulnerable period will be March 13 and 14 when the red shirts start arriving in town," the source said.
"It will be hard to control the crowds and there are high risks of them turning into angry mobs if provoked."
The source said mischievous groups might exploit the situation and manipulate it to create a state of anarchy.
Five groups would be watched closely, including those led by rogue army officer Khattiya Sawasdiphol and politicians who have close affiliations to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Security authorities are expecting the UDD's mass rally to end within a week, the source said.
"[UDD leaders] want a swift victory," the source said.
Maj Gen Khattiya said yesterday he would watch the demonstration from afar. He would only join the activities if the government used force against the protesters.
Security authorities estimate there will be between 70,000 and 100,000 red shirt demonstrators at the rally's peaks.
It is hard to predict the number of vehicles being mobilised but initial estimates suggest there will be 5,000.
UDD demonstrators will begin their separate rallies at their rendezvous points simultaneously at 12.12pm today. In Bangkok, protesters will march from Sanam Luang to the Royal Plaza.
It is estimated the UDD will mobilise about 5,000 guards to provide security at the rally site.
UDD key leader Jatuporn Prompan said yesterday the first and most likely vulnerable location for clashes between the red shirt demonstrators and security forces was at Pratunam Phra-in in Ayutthaya's Wang Noi district.
A police source said security authorities had been mobilised to block the red convoy and keep the demonstrators out of Bangkok.
"It is the very first spot where clashes could take place," Mr Jatuporn said.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who chairs the peace-keeping centre, said security forces were 100% ready for the red shirts' rally.
He also called on protesters not to disrupt checkpoints which have been set up to screen them and their vehicles for weapons.
He said the Interior Ministry, the Justice Ministry and the National Security Council had set up a committee to monitor radio and television stations which were used to provoke demonstrators.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday he was ready to step down or dissolve the House of Representatives if those options could guarantee a greater good for the country and the public.
But he indicated he would not take these steps under pressure from the UDD.
"I never rule out stepping down or dissolving the House. But this kind of decision will be based on the country's and the public's interest," he said, responding to a motion on political volatility during the red shirt rally in parliament.
"The situation is calling for us to move forward and sustain the system, not to hold on to power."
Mr Abhisit insisted the enforcement of the Internal Security Act was to ensure a peaceful and orderly protest, not to restrict demonstrators' rights.
He said the government would not be provoked and fall victim to people who want to instigate violence. He also urged the public to exercise restraint.
The US embassy yesterday said it was concerned there might be attempts to incite violence at the rally.
"The United States believes that differences should be addressed through Thailand's democratic institutions and not through violence," the embassy said in its statement.
"We call on protesters and their leaders to avoid the use of violence and to exercise their right to assemble and protest peacefully, in accordance with the law."
Mr Abhisit, Mr Suthep and security agencies warned last week about possible acts of sabotage during the rally.
Their concern was underlined by foreign intelligence agencies monitoring arms movements. They met Thai intelligence officials to warn the government of the possibility of sabotage, a security source said.
Meanwhile, a group of opposition Puea Thai Party MPs yesterday called on the government to dissolve the lower house to avoid violence.
Surapong Towichakchaikul, of Chiang Mai, said a dissolution would end social divisiveness.
"Mr Abhisit knows that tens of thousands of people are protesting because they do not want this government any longer," Mr Surapong said.
"The mandate should be returned to the people."
Friday, February 26, 2010
THAKSIN'S D-DAY: Where are Shinawatra kids today?
The three children of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and his ex-wife Khunying Pojaman na Pombejra are not attending the much-awaited reading of the verdict today on their Bt76-billion frozen assets.February 26, 2010
The Nation
None of them is travelling overseas or making any statements after the Supreme Court's verdict has been read out, their publicists say, adding: "They are at a safe house in Bangkok."
The reading of the verdict is expected to begin at 2pm today, once the judges convene at 1.30pm.
Meanwhile, Thaksin will be addressing MPs and Pheu Thai Party members via a phone-link at the party headquarters. Leading figures expected to be there include former premiers Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Somchai Wongsawat - Thaksin's brother-in-law - along with his wife Yaowapa, Thaksin's brother Payap and sister Yingluck.
Thakin's live messages will also be broadcast from 9am on a satellite channel and the website run by his two children.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's whereabouts are being kept confidential due to security concerns.
A war room has been set up at the Democrat Party's headquarters, where the situation will be monitored all day and daily meetings will continue "until the situation is eased". Most Democrats and party MPs are advised not to go to the courtroom, except for former leader Banyat Banthadthan, who is a lawyer. The war room's operations and the Democrat Party's daily meetings will be coordinated with a situation-monitoring committee set up by the government.
Army chief General Anupong Paochinda is on standby at the Army Headquarters, as are commanders of the Navy and the Air Force.
The three core red-shirt leaders - Veera Musigapong, Nattawut Saikua and Jatuporn Promphan - are at the People Channel TV station at a shopping mall on Lat Phrao Road and are expected to make statements after the verdict is read out.
The reading of the verdict is expected to begin at 2pm today, once the judges convene at 1.30pm.
Meanwhile, Thaksin will be addressing MPs and Pheu Thai Party members via a phone-link at the party headquarters. Leading figures expected to be there include former premiers Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Somchai Wongsawat - Thaksin's brother-in-law - along with his wife Yaowapa, Thaksin's brother Payap and sister Yingluck.
Thakin's live messages will also be broadcast from 9am on a satellite channel and the website run by his two children.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's whereabouts are being kept confidential due to security concerns.
A war room has been set up at the Democrat Party's headquarters, where the situation will be monitored all day and daily meetings will continue "until the situation is eased". Most Democrats and party MPs are advised not to go to the courtroom, except for former leader Banyat Banthadthan, who is a lawyer. The war room's operations and the Democrat Party's daily meetings will be coordinated with a situation-monitoring committee set up by the government.
Army chief General Anupong Paochinda is on standby at the Army Headquarters, as are commanders of the Navy and the Air Force.
The three core red-shirt leaders - Veera Musigapong, Nattawut Saikua and Jatuporn Promphan - are at the People Channel TV station at a shopping mall on Lat Phrao Road and are expected to make statements after the verdict is read out.
Political chaos looms, adding to uncertainty
Thaksin speaks to a red-shirt meeting from Dubai - So connected, so aloneTensions may even escalate, say pundits
26/02/2010
Parista Yuthamanop
Bangkok Post
While today's landmark court case regarding ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra will have profound implications for his family's wealth, few, if any, pundits expect the ruling to mark the end of the political and social conflicts that have split the country.
Indeed, political tensions within the fragile coalition government of Abhisit Vejjajiva may well escalate, judging from the signs of growing disgruntlement among the partners.
The fear for the business community is that the Year of the Tiger will continue to be one of uncertainty and risk. Mr Abhisit's first year in office focused primarily on short-term stimulus programmes aimed at easing the country out of the recession. Political reconciliation largely took a back seat to economic survival.
Supavud Saicheua, a managing director of Phatra Securities, noted that during the Surayud Chulanont government, investor confidence was shaken by initiatives to tighten enforcement of the Foreign Business Act and the use of nominee shareholding structures. Authorities later backed away from such changes in the face of investor opposition.
"In the eyes of investors, the rules of the game change when politics change," he said.
Thailand's political instability has cast a negative light on the country's image, and complicated efforts to develop long-term development strategies for the country. Successive governments, for instance, have recognised the need to reduce Thailand's dependence on exports for growth - but the country depends on exports as much as ever, a danger for the medium term considering the tenuous state of the global economic recovery. Private investment meanwhile has plummeted since the 2006 military coup.
Sethaput Suthiwart-narueput, the chief economist at Siam Commercial Bank, says Thailand today relies on exports and consumption more than ever.
While most Asian economies have seen private investment rebound to match that prior to the 1997 Asian economic crisis, in Thailand, investment is at just 70% of pre-crisis levels.
"One change after the 1997 economic crisis was that the investors became more cautious. But the government has not invested," Mr Sethaput said.
Earlier this week, a survey by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) showed Thailand as the fourth most attractive regional investment destination for Japanese firms, after China, India and Vietnam. In recent years, Vietnam has surged past Thailand in attracting foreign investment.
Inadequate logistics networks, particularly rail networks, has resulted in Thailand being one of the most dependent and inefficient users of oil in the region relative to economic output.
The government hopes that the Thai Khem Khaeng project, committing 1.43 trillion baht over the next three years, will help address the problems in national infrastructure and pave the way for a more efficient, productive economy in the future.
Indeed, political tensions within the fragile coalition government of Abhisit Vejjajiva may well escalate, judging from the signs of growing disgruntlement among the partners.
The fear for the business community is that the Year of the Tiger will continue to be one of uncertainty and risk. Mr Abhisit's first year in office focused primarily on short-term stimulus programmes aimed at easing the country out of the recession. Political reconciliation largely took a back seat to economic survival.
Supavud Saicheua, a managing director of Phatra Securities, noted that during the Surayud Chulanont government, investor confidence was shaken by initiatives to tighten enforcement of the Foreign Business Act and the use of nominee shareholding structures. Authorities later backed away from such changes in the face of investor opposition.
"In the eyes of investors, the rules of the game change when politics change," he said.
Thailand's political instability has cast a negative light on the country's image, and complicated efforts to develop long-term development strategies for the country. Successive governments, for instance, have recognised the need to reduce Thailand's dependence on exports for growth - but the country depends on exports as much as ever, a danger for the medium term considering the tenuous state of the global economic recovery. Private investment meanwhile has plummeted since the 2006 military coup.
Sethaput Suthiwart-narueput, the chief economist at Siam Commercial Bank, says Thailand today relies on exports and consumption more than ever.
While most Asian economies have seen private investment rebound to match that prior to the 1997 Asian economic crisis, in Thailand, investment is at just 70% of pre-crisis levels.
"One change after the 1997 economic crisis was that the investors became more cautious. But the government has not invested," Mr Sethaput said.
Earlier this week, a survey by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) showed Thailand as the fourth most attractive regional investment destination for Japanese firms, after China, India and Vietnam. In recent years, Vietnam has surged past Thailand in attracting foreign investment.
Inadequate logistics networks, particularly rail networks, has resulted in Thailand being one of the most dependent and inefficient users of oil in the region relative to economic output.
The government hopes that the Thai Khem Khaeng project, committing 1.43 trillion baht over the next three years, will help address the problems in national infrastructure and pave the way for a more efficient, productive economy in the future.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thailand is ready to host Asean Summit in October
Fri, May 29, 2009
The Nation/Asia News Network
The Nation/Asia News Network
The 15th Asean summit will be held during October 23-25 in Phuket. To participate in the summit were 16 leaders of Asean and dialogue partners countries, UN Secretary General and executives of international economic and financial organizations.
Kasit added that he informed a meeting of Asean foreign ministers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia recently that Thailand was ready to organise Asean Ministerial Meeting (AMM), Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) and Asean Regional Forum (ARF) between July 16 and 23 in Phuket.
There will be representatives of 26 countries and one international organization attending the meeting.
Kasit said Thai foreign ministry officials will visit Phuket from June 5 to 7 to check the readiness of meeting venue.
Kasit added that he informed a meeting of Asean foreign ministers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia recently that Thailand was ready to organise Asean Ministerial Meeting (AMM), Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) and Asean Regional Forum (ARF) between July 16 and 23 in Phuket.
There will be representatives of 26 countries and one international organization attending the meeting.
Kasit said Thai foreign ministry officials will visit Phuket from June 5 to 7 to check the readiness of meeting venue.
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