At it again !!!

[LivinLOS]

PAD lay seige on Gov't House

BANGKOK: -- Shortly after 6.00 am on Tuesday, the People's Alliance for Democracy successfully blocked every entrance of Government House. Protesters managed to partially blocked telephone connections and periodically switched off the electricity.

Hundreds of policemen were deployed inside the compound to deter protesters from raiding.

It is evident that the seat of government could not open for business and that the weekly Cabinet meeting could not be held at Government House as has been planned.

It is also unclear whether Samak will chair a meeting of military commanders at Government House to debate the annual military rotations as has been planned. Many see the planned meeting as a government ploy to involve the top brass to try and disperse the protesters.

Reporters have flocked to the residence of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to await his reactions. Samak refused to talk at this juncture.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

[LivinLOS]

Protesters who protest at government-run tv station detained

BANGKOK: -- Police detained on Tuesday leaders of People Alliance for Democracy who tried to seize a government-run television station on Vipavadi Rangsit Road.

Around 5.00 am on Tuesday, a number of men raided the station of state-run NBTChannel, switched off electricity to disrupt the broadcast, cut off telephone connections and caused damages to property, police deputy spokesman Maj General Suraphol Thuanthong said.

Many station workers and newsroom staffers were told to move out of the way during the raid by the men wielding sticks.

Policemen rushed to counter the raid and arrested some suspects for questioning. The raid was suspected to be a part of the mass rally organised by the People's Alliance for Democracy.

NBT station partially resumed broadcase shortly after police ended the raise.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

[LivinLOS]

PAD is rallying around the capital

BANGKOK: -- By 7.00 am, the People's Alliance for Democracy is staging a number of rallies around Bangkok.

The main rally site is at Makawan Rangsan Bridge. Protesters are laying seige at Government House. Rallies are also taking place at the broadcasting station of NBT Channel, Finance Ministry and Transport Ministry.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

[LivinLOS]

PAD is trying to seize power and depose gov't: Natthawut


Government deputy spokesman Natthawut Saikua claimed on Wednesday that the People's Alliance for Democracy was coordinating with an underground movement to incite a coup to oust the government.

Natthawut said authorities might have to round up selected protest leaders and certain generals who are working behind-the-scene with the PAD.

He said a general met with PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul on Tuesday's night to finalise a plan to use the PAD as a catalyst for coup.

He said the PAD has planned to disrupt the government from functioning in selected areas in the capital and upcountry. If left unchecked, the PAD might try to raid key airports and provincial halls along with trying to control strategic locations in the capital.

The Nation

[So-cal]

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

PAD is trying to seize power and depose gov't: Natthawut


Government deputy spokesman Natthawut Saikua claimed on Wednesday that the People's Alliance for Democracy was coordinating with an underground movement to incite a coup to oust the government.

Natthawut said authorities might have to round up selected protest leaders and certain generals who are working behind-the-scene with the PAD.

He said a general met with PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul on Tuesday's night to finalise a plan to use the PAD as a catalyst for coup.

He said the PAD has planned to disrupt the government from functioning in selected areas in the capital and upcountry. If left unchecked, the PAD might try to raid key airports and provincial halls along with trying to control strategic locations in the capital.

The Nation

I wonder why this kind of action mainly happens in asia, africa and the ME. Western societies seem to just accept curuption and move on. Even when there is a chance to do somthing about it only 50 to 60% of the population votes.

[LivinLOS]

PAD block a main highway linking Bangkok and the South

About 1,000 protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy have shut down traffic on Phetkasem Road at Ta Sae district, Chumphon disrupting the transportation between Bangkok and the South.

Protesters were reportedly mobilised from many southern provinces, including Chumphon, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat. They have vowed to block the traffic until the government resigned.

Police have directed vehicles to use alternative routes.

Another group of PAD-led protesters are seen congregating at Bang Saphan district, causing concern that they might be planning to put up additional road block which, if happens, will completely cut off traffic to and from the capital.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26




PAD blocks roads linking Northeast, North, South to Bangkok

Apart from blocking the main road to the South, the People's Alliance for Democracy protesters also blocked the roads linking to the North and Northeast.

The block the northern main road in Phichit and block the Mittraparp Road near Nakhon Ratchaisma to block the gateway to other northeastern provinces.

The blockade was made in Chum Phon, the gateway to southern provinces.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

[LivinLOS]

You have to wonder if this is Tackys last throw of the dice.. the longer hes out of the country, the lower is influence and power..

[faultytowers]

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

You have to wonder if this is Tackys last throw of the dice.. the longer hes out of the country, the lower is influence and power..

Maybe he's trying to put pressure on to cut a deal about his cash/assets.

From the BBC.

Prosecutors in Thailand have asked the Supreme Court to seize $2.2bn (£1.2bn) in assets belonging to ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

[LivinLOS]

Also have to admit.. It helps his argument for asylum based on politically motivated courts.

[LivinLOS]

Getting crazier !!!


PAD protesters storming Metropolitan Police

At 11.15 am, protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy have broken passed the headquarters gate of Metropolitan Police Bureau on Sri Ayutthaya Road.

Metropolitan Police commissioner Lt General Asawin Kwanmuang is trying to negotiate with protesters to back out of the police commound and not raid the headquarters building.

The Nation

[JayBee]

The government seems to be showing an extraordinary amount of restraint. Why don't they just crack some heads open? It's not as if the protesters are being peaceful, when they are raiding govt. buildings and a police headquarters .

[alfredo garcia]

It's funny when I was there in early august I ask everyone where are these protests happening? "Not sure," was the majority response. Oh well, down go the baht. Has PAD ever been elected as PM? Guess it's time for the tank parade again. Sorry for you guys living there - with the roadblocks and all, not sorry for you living there, more like green with ENVY.

[Crustasian]

Just been live on BBC.The protesters have seized the National TV station and occupied the grounds of Government House.The Prime Minister has moved into an Army Barracks.

The police are not knocking heads but rather seem to be going with the flow.

Now let's see what the Baht will do.:bad:

[Denver]

I've donned the Kevlar Thong just in case.

[ivanlim]

Dang! I'll be in Phuket this Friday. They better not close the bars.

[alfredo garcia]

Couldn't be worse timing for all the girls in the midst of low season. All u sponsors get ready to open your purse. " PAD shut down bar have to work burger king. I need loan from khun."5555555

[11]

Nonsense - far worse time would be high season proper and if it turns violent. Despite the undemocratic actions of PAD storming NBC TV and Police HQ (go figure the logic there - smart they aint) - there is little ground swell in the broader populace.

SET is down 2% (in line with US drop over night) and THB weaker in line with general stronger USD. On finacial front - appears little to fear .... so far.

[LivinLOS]

Sondhi explains his 'final war'

BANGKOK: -- After calling on People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) supporters from all over the country to converge for today's "final war" protest march against the Samak Sundaravej administration, PAD core leader Sondhi Limthongkul talked to the Bangkok Post's Nattaya Chetchotiros.

What is the PAD strategy for the rally?

It will be the day we change Thailand through the people. Our position today is much clearer than over the past 90 days.

If we don't do it, the monarchy might collapse. That's because soldiers and civil servants haven't earnestly protected the country, the nation and the monarchy.

Will water and electricity supplies to state agencies be cut off?

That's a statement by state enterprise labour union leaders. It has nothing to do with the PAD. We won't do anything that could affect people or lead to violence.

What did you mean when you said the rally is a battle against old politics?

It's because people in Thai society were misled into believing that just having an election is a sign of democracy. We can see that nothing has improved after 60 years of elections.

Elections today are an investment. A sane person would not invest 30 million baht to earn a monthly salary of a bit more than 100,000 baht. And no insane person makes such an investment, only investors. MPs today are hired voters. The claim that they are elected representatives is wrong.

How will the "final war" be different from PAD's previous wars?

Watch out. The rally [today] won't be an ordinary rally. We'll do everything to halt all the state's administrative mechanisms.

We'll block the roads from southern, northern and northeastern regions, but we'll let our supporters arrive in the city first. We'll block the roads after midday. At noon, we'll close Phuket airport and Hat Yai airport. We will post this plan online [on the Manager website] at 10am.

We'll seize all the ministries on Ratchadamnoen avenue. We'll ask civil servants to leave their offices.

The government won't be able to function any longer. It's a power vacuum. Samak knows that he will soon have to step down.

This final war has been seen as trying to make way for another military coup.

If there is a coup [today] on the ground that they need to intervene to end turmoil in the country and reorganise things, I will immediately protest against them. All five PAD core leaders agree that such reasoning is unacceptable.

But if they claimed they launched a coup to improve politics, to help people who were protesting, and if they agreed with us that politics must be improved and the monarchy must continue to exist, we would not be against them.

We won't disband, though.

We will see, first, who is the coup leader. Second, what he does next. What statement he makes. Who he appoints as prime minister.

We will wait until we're satisfied with the new leader.

What makes you confident the military won't crack down on the people?

It's because soldiers today are cowards. Did you notice that army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda is not in Bangkok? He left for Malaysia yesterday and will return on Aug 28.

So keep an eye on Lt- Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the First Army chief. If the country has become this chaotic, and you haven't come out. Then it's your business.

What's your second plan if you fail?

I'll ask our people...[Today] there'll be over 300,000 people with us.

Why did you ask all supporters to drop everything and come down for the last time?

It's the last whistle blow. If we fail this time, we'll quit and surrender the country to them.

When people don't care about us, we won't have to care about them. Let others take over the country.

-- Bangkok Post 2008-08-26

[alfredo garcia]

Originally Posted by 11

Nonsense - far worse time would be high season proper and if it turns violent. Despite the undemocratic actions of PAD storming NBC TV and Police HQ (go figure the logic there - smart they aint) - there is little ground swell in the broader populace.

SET is down 2% (in line with US drop over night) and THB weaker in line with general stronger USD. On finacial front - appears little to fear .... so far.

I wasn't forgetting about violence - the last thing I want to ponder, though. But, yes, high season would make things a little bit more ugly for the ladies.

[LivinLOS]

Protesters enter Government House

BANGKOK: -- Police watched helplessly as hundreds of protesters stormed into the Government House on Tuesday.

Some protesters climbed over the side gates to enter the Government House while some others used bolt cutters to break the chains tied at the gates at 1.50pm.

The protesters were led by Chamlong Srimuang, a co-leader of People's Alliance for Democracy which led the protest against the Samak Government.

Police who was deployed at the Government House watched helplessly as the unarmed protesters moved into the compound.

The protesters however now sit on the lawns. Police blocked them far from the Government House buildings.

A leader of the protest said the protesers have no intention to break the properties of the Government House.

He said they just wanted to use the shades to avoid the heat outside.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

[MassMoose]

Hope this is sorted by 14 Sept when I arrive. I know I am selfish, but who wants their holiday ruined.

[ivanlim]

Thanks Lil. Very encouraging highlight. ARGHHHHH!!!!

[Nicke]

Police ordered protesters who are now in the Government House to leave the compound by 6pm or to be removed.



Deputy police spokesman Pol Maj Gen Surapol Tuanthong told reporters, "The protesters must leave the government compound before 6:00pm, otherwise they will be asked to leave."
"They have caused disorder and breached the law."
The order came after Police chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan held talks with Deputy Prime Minister Pol Gen Kowit Wattana.
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has assigned Kowit to handle the protests which was led by People's Alliance for Democracy. The protests seized many government agencies including the Government House.

[LivinLOS]

See thats the problem with deadlines.. Once they pass your left looking weak.

[LivinLOS]

Seems there was some minor scuffles and minor injuries last night.. Worryingly I read that the police border patrol / special forces have been called to the capital, those guys are Thailands hardcore elite tough guys and not the kind of national service or run of the mill Thai guy drawing a salary for uniform kind of soldiers. Lets hope they dont get used in this chess match.

Other than that the most surprising thing to me is the lack of action from Samak, which leads me to think that he doesnt have the police and power behind him or is simply to ham strung right now. PAD have gone way overboard in this current one, its not in line with the PAD previous mantra at all, but however you slice it they have brought Gov to a total standstill and dont look to be going away.

Interesting few days.

[MassMoose]

Definitely something to keep an eye on. Will be interesting to see how and when it ends.

Side note, I thought with the instability today that USD would hit 34THB. Day not over yet though.

[snowy]

Originally Posted by alfredo garcia

Couldn't be worse timing for all the girls in the midst of low season. All u sponsors get ready to open your purse. " PAD shut down bar have to work burger king. I need loan from khun."5555555

just got the sms, "now just start new job, have problem with money can you help me again, 3000 for room thank you"
never asked for money before and not a major request so maybe legit or just the start, from small things big thinks grow. but sounds like a 'send to all' no name how are you or anything like normal sms, see what happens next?

[ultras*depor87]

People in Bangkok disagree in PAD's moves: survey

About 70% of people questioned in a survey conducted by Bangkok University disagreed with the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD)’s moves to topple the government.


According to the survey, 72.6% of respondents disagreed with PAD’s blocking of the roads to oust the government. About 70% disagreed with the group’s breaking into the state-run NBT. About 68.2% also disagreed with their move to besiege the government and state buildings.


About 42.8% of the respondents said the government should take legal action against PAD core leaders while 31.7% disagreed.


Almost half of the respondents said the government should not impose emergency degree in Bangkok to quell unrest while 27.6% said it should.


Almost 52% of those questioned in the poll want soldiers to join hands with police forces to control the situation while 38.4% want them to remain neutral. About 4.5% want soldiers to stage a coup.


The survey questioned 1,023 people, with more than 18 years of age, in Bangkok on Tuesday.

source : (BangkokPost.com) –

[snorter]

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

Seems there was some minor scuffles and minor injuries last night.. Worryingly I read that the police border patrol / special forces have been called to the capital, those guys are Thailands hardcore elite tough guys and not the kind of national service or run of the mill Thai guy drawing a salary for uniform kind of soldiers. Lets hope they dont get used in this chess match.

Other than that the most surprising thing to me is the lack of action from Samak, which leads me to think that he doesnt have the police and power behind him or is simply to ham strung right now. PAD have gone way overboard in this current one, its not in line with the PAD previous mantra at all, but however you slice it they have brought Gov to a total standstill and dont look to be going away.

Interesting few days.

They're the same mob that fired anti-tank missiles and rockets into Thammasat university in 1976.......*gulp*

There's some good opinion and analytical pieces in the Nation:

Bangkok's Independent Newspaper (PAD raid on the media was a step too far)

Bangkok's Independent Newspaper (Thaksin the puppeteer is pulling the strings again)

Bangkok's Independent Newspaper (A tragedy in the making)

Bangkok's Independent Newspaper (Shattered hopes of national reconciliation and redemption)

Couple of them seem overly dramatic now, but then again you never know. A good read anyway.

Samak? Part of the old guard and will grab as much as he can while he can and despite the outcome of this episode I can see him holding a post in the next cabinet, whoever forms it. His 'alliance' with Thaksin, I feel, was just an opportunity for him. He's funny to watch sometimes......I saw the press conference he had with the foreign media, he was quoting Hamlet (it's in one of the links). His manner puts me in mind of an asian Boris Yeltsin .................. without the statesmanship.

[snorter]

Originally Posted by ultras*depor87

People in Bangkok disagree in PAD's moves: survey

About 70% of people questioned in a survey conducted by Bangkok University disagreed with the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD)’s moves to topple the government.


According to the survey, 72.6% of respondents disagreed with PAD’s blocking of the roads to oust the government. About 70% disagreed with the group’s breaking into the state-run NBT. About 68.2% also disagreed with their move to besiege the government and state buildings.


About 42.8% of the respondents said the government should take legal action against PAD core leaders while 31.7% disagreed.


Almost half of the respondents said the government should not impose emergency degree in Bangkok to quell unrest while 27.6% said it should.


Almost 52% of those questioned in the poll want soldiers to join hands with police forces to control the situation while 38.4% want them to remain neutral. About 4.5% want soldiers to stage a coup.


The survey questioned 1,023 people, with more than 18 years of age, in Bangkok on Tuesday.

source : (BangkokPost.com) –

Geez, reading that it's very apparent just how much of a bad move this has been for PAD.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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:

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.