At it again !!!

[LivinLOS]

Very small sample size, based in bangkok..

Thai press seems to specialize in the art of 'picking the data'.. Hence wildly different results in surveys.

I do think PAD have broken a lot of middle of the road support tho.. My GF who never has political comments was watching and said that "We just have elections, why they not let him work now".. I dont like Samak either but it does seem that a BKK minority can simply hold the country to ransom if it loses elections.

Ohh well.. Bar closures again for another lot ??

[11]

Shallow vaneeer that hides the realities of finance .... and even shallower vaneer that hides the realities of power play politics .... mind boggles as to how they see this playing out!

[LivinLOS]

And just when it looked like they were running out of steam..

Partial train service stoppage begins

BANGKOK: -- The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced that it will stop providing northern and northeastern rail services, starting 12am Friday. It claimed that its employees are not ready to work, causing disruption among commuters.

The chairman of the SRT’s labour union in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Sathorn Sinpru, said almost 100 engine drivers, usherettes and repairmen have taken a sick leave for at least two days, reasoning that they are not happy with their work. He said if they are still not ready to work after two days, the suspension could prolong as their performance could cause dangers.

According to reports, members of the SRT’s labour union took part in the mass rally led by the anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) at the Government House. The reason behind the SRT’s halt of operation could be the government’s provision of free transport for the protesters who wish to return home.

So far, five trains routing from Bangkok to Northeastern provinces have already suspended the operations since Thursday evening, deputy governor of the SRT Thawin Sarmnakorn said in a television interview on Thursday night.

Mr Thawin said he has ordered substitutes to replace the staff who have taken leave, but the number of the substitutes is inadequate for all the services to fully operate.

He added that he plans to hold talk with SRT staff on Friday to prevent the suspension of train services in other regions.

The discontinuation of rail services will likely affect more than a thousand people in Ayutthaya who come to work in Bangkok every morning.

Latest reports say train services from Taphan Hin in Pichit will be halted starting 5am Friday.

-- Bangkok Post 2008-08-28

Banana Republic here we come

[snorter]

There's lot's of rhetoric from Panlop.

He's saying if he takes over the demo there may be bloodshed similar to Black May:

People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Chamlong Srimuang said yesterday his old military ally Panlop Pinmanee would take over his role if he was arrested for alleged treason.
"Panlop told me he was ready to be my replacement if police arrest me and other PAD leaders," Chamlong said at the rally inside the Government House compound.
Panlop and Chamlong are graduates from Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy Class 7. The two have been friends since entering politics in the 1970s.
Police have court-approved warrants to arrest nine PAD leaders, including Chamlong, since Wednesday.
Panlop said he and Chamlong had been buddies since their days in the military.
"Chamlong and I have a secret agreement to carry on one another's legacy," Panlop said. (It's not a secret anymore. )
He said he had made two long-standing promises with Chamlong - one was to be his replacement if something happened to him during the "Black May" drama in 1992. The second was to carry on any unfinished business if Chamlong was arrested.
Panlop said he would participate in the PAD-led protests should Chamlong be taken into police custody.
But he said he considered himself an aggressive strategist unlike Chamlong, whose approach was moderate.
"If I become involved in the protests, I will need just three days to force the government to tender its resignation," he said.
It might be wise for Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign now rather than being forced out of office, he said.
Prince of Songkla University lecturer Wichai Kanchana-suwan voiced concern that Panlop might cause the situation to degenerate into violence. He said the arrival of Panlop might hasten the government to declare a state of emergency.
Known for his hardline position on politics and security issues, Panlop consistently emerged onto political scenes at critical moments, including controversial ones, such as the storming of the Krue Se mosque which killed more than 30 lightly armed Malay Muslim separatists.
The former deputy director of Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) came under another unwanted spotlight when one of his officers was linked to a failed assassination attempt on then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in August 2006.

May 1992 bloodshed may happen again if I lead fight: Pallop


Gen Pallop Pinmanee, a former adviser to the Internal Security Operations Command, said Friday that the fight by the People's Alliance for Democracy would not remain peaceful if he leads the fight.

Giving an interview on Channel 3, Pallop said he would not stop in as long as his friend, Chamlong Srimuang, still leads the fight.

"But if I step in to lead it I'll use my way, which is not peaceful one," Pallop said.

"To reach our goal, sometime it has to be painful so that it could go ahead. It's possible that it could be similar to the May 1992 bloodshed."

The Nation

[LivinLOS]

There's lot's of rhetoric from Panlop.

He's saying if he takes over the demo there may be bloodshed similar to Black May:

That is really increasing the pressure.. Now the chess move is 'arrest the leaders and get more radical leaders' all while the demonstrators would be angry over arrests.

PAD obviously want to provoke.. Samak has been able to resist it so far, but this crowd wants blood.

[snorter]

More manueovering:

Legal execution officials put up court injunction around Government House

Legal Execution officials put up the injunction of the Civil Court at five spots around the Government House Friday morning, to formally order protesters to leave the compound.

The officials under protection of some 50 policemen put up copies of the order at five main locations leading to Government House - the Chamai Maruchet Bridge, Orathai Bridge, Makkhawan Rangsan Intersection, Misakawan Intersection and Royal Plaza Intersection.

The Nation

Police break through line of protesters near Education Ministry


Police have stormed in and broken through lines of protesters to be positioned outside Government House compound Friday morning.

At about 9:45 am, some 1,000 policemen armed with batons and shields moved toward a line of protesters at the Misakawan Intersection.

Police used the batons to hit the shields in rhythm, terrifying Education Ministry officials nearby.

The officials ran up the roof of buildings inside the Education Ministry compound and shouted to the protesters and police not to fight.

Protesters tried to resist by forming a barrier with water bottles.

But at 10 am, police managed to break through the barrier to be near the fence of the Government House.

The Nation

[snorter]

And at Govt. House:

Some 1,000 policemen break into Government House compound again


Some 1,000 policemen broke into Government House compound again at Friday morning, trying to push out the protesters, NBT Channel reported.

NBT Channel reported at 10:30 am that police managed to go inside the compound through the gate near the Cabinet Secretariat.

A reporter of the station said police were negotiating with an aide of Chamlong Srimuang, asking him to lead the protesters out of the compound or else police would force them out.

The Nation

[LivinLOS]

Tensions increasing.. People forget that Samak was directly involved in the 92 tammarsat massacre..

I read they found caches of weapons and ammunition in Gov house..

Lets just hope this can end without some kind of face lost aggression snap.

[snorter]

Tensions increasing.. People forget that Samak was directly involved in the 92 tammarsat massacre..

I read they found caches of weapons and ammunition in Gov house..

Lets just hope this can end without some kind of face lost aggression snap.

Samak had big role in both the '76 Thammasat Uni massacre and the Black May '92 incident.

Chamlong and Panlop (the Young Turks) both were heavily involved in the coups of the 70's. and supported the massacre in '76

Chamlong was one of the leaders of protestors killed during Black May.

Nice..........we've got the foundations for a bloodbath.

[11]

Lets just hope this can end without some kind of face lost aggression snap.

Protesters tried to resist by forming a barrier with water bottles.

Looks like would be a pretty one sided battle!

[snorter]

Police seen on TV beating, stepping on protesters inside Government House compound


Police were seen on TVs pushing, hitting and stepping on protesters near a red building inside Government House compound Friday morning.

The protesters were forced to sit down and cover their faces apparently to protect themselves from gas.

Some protesters were also seen being pulled out of the group and were forced to lie face down on the floor.

The Nation

[LivinLOS]

Thailand Outlook Channel

Looks like rally as normal.. But might be repeats not live.. Its hopelessly PAD biased tho.

[LivinLOS]

What I dont understand.. Is why they cant, without killing anoyone, clear them..

I mean.. Arm all police with high power mace... Pop some tear gas in there.. And water cannon anyone that doesnt leave. Do not 'fight' or incite any violence but the crowd is not going to just sit there soaking wet in a cloud of tear gas. this way you separate the old people, mom and pop, and paid rural types who are not hardcore.. Once you get down to just the PAD guard, the young guys that want a battle.. OK batons out and round em up.. I doubt there more than a couple hundred toughs there, less than a UK footie match.

Otherwise it just emphasizes how powerless the 'control' is ??

[LivinLOS]

Samak had big role in both the '76 Thammasat Uni massacre and the Black May '92 incident.

Chamlong and Panlop (the Young Turks) both were heavily involved in the coups of the 70's. and supported the massacre in '76

Chamlong was one of the leaders of protestors killed during Black May.

Nice..........we've got the foundations for a bloodbath.

Ok they just read the "I only need 2 days" quote in full on the outlook channel..

Quite clearly he was saying in a threatening term, "arrest Chamlong and I take charge" then the "locked in a deadlock, you need to lance an abscess and suffer pain to bring change" sounded like he thinks he could hold a coup and a hard one.

This guys history (hes a self proclaimed assassin) having been involved in many many of the early hard coups and bloodshed of the past years, and his obvious military contact and power.. Well this is a much more serious ratcheting than I knew.. Basically Samak is now facing looking weak v obvious military power being played against him.

This isnt getting calmer as I thought yesterday.. It sure looks like its just gone up by a good factor.

[snorter]

I've just been watching some of the stuff on the Thai TV channels.......

It's difficult to assess but it looks like the police are gearing up and moving all over the city.......

[LivinLOS]

Agree.. It looks like the endgame..

Pulling Pallop out of the hat means that military power is at least divided and at worst behind PAD.. Samak putting police around means PAD can now have the fight they have wanted.

Outlook TV just said that alongside the rail workers strike, other siervices might come out in support.. They 'threaten' (outlook is pure PAD propoganda) that the water and electric boards might stop work protest.. A country without water or power is ****ed !! It was a hint at the level of protest PAD seems to want to go to.

Dont forget PAD is suggesting only a 30% electoral system, with the rest by appointment etc.. Its People against democracy once you get past the yellow shirts and chanting.

Dont want to sound like chicken little.. but this is the worst situation I have seen for Thailand. They already tried a 'soft control' coup, and military control which was a disaster.. PAD have no plans at all, they have no agenda, no party platfrom.. All they want is to destroy the current elected government and then what ?? They dont have an idea.. It feels to me like Thailands 'old guard' like Pallop making sure they are still at the trough behind the scenes clearing out the new guys of Thaksin era.

[snorter]

Dont forget PAD is suggesting only a 30% electoral system, with the rest by appointment etc.. Its People against democracy once you get past the yellow shirts and chanting.

Exactly.........the same mob that petitioned the King to remove an elected PM and appoint a replacement.

The King called it "irrational".

[alfredo garcia]

I like the little hand clappers the protesters have naa rak maak. Whens the PPP firm... err, I mean, supporters going to show up?
Hope all my friends there are ok.

[snorter]

The senate are now getting more involved.

The Senate are largely made up of the military/bureaucratic elite:

Senate in urgent debate as tension heightens
By Piyanart Srivalo
The Nation

The Senate on Friday interrupted its normal session and went into an urgent debate after hearing police's clashes with anti-government protesters brought political tension to new heights.


ASTV, the cable TV station belonging to the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy, repeatedly replayed incidents at the Makkawan Bridge. Footages of scuffles and some protesters being assaulted, as well as blood-stained clothes were shown to home audience as protest leaders encamping inside Government House urged more people to join their protest.

ASTV repleatedly ran traffic advices on how to get to Government House.

Tension, which decreased on Thursday after Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej vowed a non-violent approach, rose again Friday. PAD sympathisers were making phone calls to friends, colleagues and relatives, some discussing plans to join the Government House sit-in.

There have been no reports of serious injuries from the Makkawan Bridge incidents. Nonetheless, what happened there was thought to be backfiring against the government as the PAD sought to bounce back from a major set-back to its image.

On Tuesday, PAD hardline members stormed the government-owned NBT station, briefly controlling it and terrifying news staffs. The invaders left the facility at least but the incident was a major blow to the movement's reputation.

The Senate cut short its routine session and started a debate on the political tension. Many senators called for their colleagues to travel to the protest site in order to ensure there was no violence erupted.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva is consulting with Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet to convent a House-Senate session to debate the issue.

Policemen in full riot gears moved into the back of Government House to post the eviction order and removed protesters on the grounds.

They also cleared the protest site at Makawan Rangsan Bridge which the People's Alliance for Democracy vacated earlier in the morning to move to Government House.

Police have gained control of the bridge, Rajadamnoen Nok Avenue and the Mitsakawan intersection.

The PAD-led rally on the lawn in front of the Thai Khu Fah Building at the frontal of Government House continued Friday without interruption.

The Nation

[LivinLOS]

Paddy is supposed to be flying in today.. I did warn him !!

Friday, August 29, 2008

Anti-government rally crowd at Phuket Airport reaches 1,000

PHUKET: More police have been called in from around the province to supervise anti-government protesters at Phuket International Airport as crowd numbers reach 1,000. No reports of violence.

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Phuket, Thailand
14:14 local time (GMT +7)
Friday, August 29, 2008




Phuket Airport blocked by anti-government rally

PHUKET: Phuket International Airport has evacuated passengers and closed its doors this afternoon as about 500 supporters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have gathered there in a rally calling for Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign.

Protesters have blocked the road to the airport and are allowing foreigners access to it on foot only, and only until 3 pm, after which, the protest organizers say they will block access to the airport completely.

Anti-riot police are on standby with water cannons.

Updates coming soon.

[snorter]

Now both sides are manning up..........

I'm sure it'll turn really nasty if Panlop gets anywhere near this.........little shit shouldn't even free never mind in the forefront of the public domain.

Police are reinforced at Government House after warrants issued
By The Nation

Police have been reinforced at the Government after a Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for nine leaders of People's Alliance for Democracy.


The PAD leaders vowed that they will not flee but will sit and wait for police to arrest them.

The nine PAD leaders facing arrests were Sondhi Limthongkul, Chamlong Srimuang, Pibhop Dhongchai, Somsak Kosaisuk, Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Suriyasai Katasila, Amorn Amornwattananon and Therdpoom Jaidee.

The four charges are Article 113 of the Criminal Code for treason, Article 114 for conspiracy for incite treason, Article 215 for conspiring with more than 10 people to cause disturbances or physical harms, Article 216 for resisting to disperse when ordered by law enforcement authorities.

After the warrants were issued more police vehicles including vans were deployed on roads adjacent to the Government House. More police were seen arriving at the venue.

Pol Maj Gen Suporn Punsue, metropolitan police spokesman, said Police will not arrest Somkiat who is Democrat MP because he has an immunity during the parliamentary session. Police can arrest him after the session ends.

He said police are discussing proper ways and means to arrest the PAD leaders in order to avoid any confrontation.

The spokesman reiterated that police will strictly adhere to the laws in dealing with the arrests of the PAD leaders, particularly because we are all Thais.

Thousands of people gather at Royal Plaza


Thousands of people started gathering at the Royal Plaza Friday afternoon but they were blocked from joining protesters inside Government House.

The people started arriving at the area of scenes of police battling protesters were aired on several channels, especially ASTV of Sondhi Limthongkul, a leader of the Peoples' Alliance for Democracy.

The Nation

I hope your friends will be OK aswell, alfredo.

[snorter]

Protesters confronting police

At 2.30 pm, hundreds of protesters are trying to push through police at Makawan Rangsan Bridge in order to join rally organised by the People's Alliance for Democracy.

The crowds throw water bottle at police. Police have not retaliated and use shields to protect themselves.

In another development, the PAD dispatched a truck from Government House to the Royal Plaza to pick up protesters trying to overcome the police barriers.

The Nation

Protesters overcome police barriers



At 2.45 pm, protesters broke police barriers on two fronts - at the Royal Plaza and at the Makawan Rangsan Bridge.

Police did not use force to block the crowds.

The Nation

I've just seen something about PAD's appeal in the courts being accepted and the police not having the authority to disperse the demonstrators because of that.
I don't know if this also includes the arrest warrants for the leaders..........hopefully yes, and they can step back from the brink and find a peaceful solution.

Looks like a regime change is becoming more likely, hopefully it's without bloodshed. With Samak's connections with the top brass, surely he knows he doesn't need to win this. He just needs to do a deal behind the scenes to be involved in the next cabinet.

[alfredo garcia]

Now both sides are manning up..........

I'm sure it'll turn really nasty if Panlop gets anywhere near this.........little shit shouldn't even free never mind in the forefront of the public domain.





I hope your friends will be OK aswell, alfredo.

Thanks. I survived the LA riots. So I'm sure they'll be alright.
Panlop ... somebody give this man some thorazine.

[Denver]

Latest 'guest' just explaining to me that the pictures on the telly on Channel 3 of around 10 X AR-15 rifles, boxes of loose ammunition and Mag-Lite torches were found in Government House.

[LivinLOS]

Latest 'guest' just explaining to me that the pictures on the telly on Channel 3 of around 10 X AR-15 rifles, boxes of loose ammunition and Mag-Lite torches were found in Government House.

Yeah.. They say it was the polices..

[LivinLOS]

And so it spreads..

Chaos !!

PAD protesters block access to Hat Yai, Krabi airports

Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy started gathering outside the Hat Yai and Krabi airports Friday afternoon.

The protesters took action in retaliation against police's crackdown on protesters in Bangkok, their leaders said.

-- The Nation 2008-08-29

[richie22]

PHUKET: Phuket International Airport has evacuated passengers and closed its doors this afternoon as about 500 supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have gathered there in a rally calling for Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign.

Protesters have blocked the road to the airport and are allowing foreigners access to it on foot only, and only until 3 pm, after which, the protest organizers say they will block access to the airport completely.

Anti-riot police are on standby with water cannons.

From Phuktet Gazette

[11]

SET - today down a feeble 1 point -on the week its unchanged!

USD/THB also unchanged on the week.

No panic in finacial markets, in fact looking at SET internals - institutional players are buying!

Like the coup in 2006 - looks like markets are very unconcerned and if anything - look to strengthen.

[snorter]

It looks like its the old power base pulling the strings here, not the govt.

Supreme Command chief advisor, Senators meet Metropolitan Police chief

The chief advisor of the Supreme Command and some 30 senators met Metropolitan Police chief Pol Lt Gen Asawin Kwanmuang at 3:15 pm Friday to ask police not to use violence against protesters.

The senators included Rosana Tositrakul.

Gen Pathompong Kesornsuk, the chief advisor to the Supreme Command, and the senators asked the Metropolitan police chief to pull out police forces from the Government House as well.

About 200 protesters rallied outside the Metropolitan Police head office while the group met Asawin.

The Nation

5,000 police pull out of Government House

Some 5,000 policemen left the Government House compound at 3:30 pm Friday.

They left the compound through Gate 5.

Following their pullout, protesters moved in to occupy the area and searched through it.

The metropolitan police chief, Pol Lt Gen Asawin Kwanmuang, also ordered police outside Government House to return to their bases.

The Nation

Well at least things seem to be settling down again - for now.

[snorter]

Aaaahh, is Samak doing his deals with the next coup makers?????

PM holds urgent meeting with army chief
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej holds an urgent meeting with chiefs of armed forces including Army Commander in Chief Gen Anupong Paojinda

The meeting was held after police clashed with anti-government protesters near the Government House.