PAD Lay Siege On Government House, NBT TV Station

[george]

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

[george]

Motorists advised to avoid Vibhavadi-Rangsit, Victory Monument

BANGKOK: -- Police advise motorists to avoid Vibhavaid-Rangsit Road as traffic congestion took place after a group of protester protested outside the NBT station early Tuesday.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

[george]

Protestes 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

[george]

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

[h90]

From The Nation:

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

end quote

Actually a joke....the government never functioned, you can hardly call Samak a government

[h90]

Protestes 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

News on that from The Nation:

PAD denies involving in the raid of NBT Channel

People's Alliance for Democracy leader Bhipop Thongchai said protesters were not involved in the pre-dawn raid of NBT Channel on Wednesday.

Deputy police spokesman Maj General Suraphol Thuanthong countered that evidence showed that raiders were from the PAD-led rally. About 80 men were involved in the raid.

[Scott]

What a bunch of worthless thugs. God, they remind me of football hooligans.

[gymshark]

These people are a pain in the arse. Protests never solve anything.

[george]

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

BANGKOK: -- 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 2008-08-26

[george]

08:40: TV station NBT is taken Off-Air

[h90]

These people are a pain in the arse. Protests never solve anything.

Learn history......From France, Russia to Cuba and and and all was done by protests....

[h90]

Is that a coup by PAD going on at the moment?

[george]

PAD trying to gain control of NBT station

BANGKOK: -- At 8.30 am, the People's Alliance for Democracy renewed the raid of NBT station and disrupted the broadcasting.

Protesters were seen breaking down the police barriers and rushed to the office building and the broadcasting station. They shut down electricity to disrupt the broadcast.

In the pre-dawn raid earlier, police arrested 80 armed men involving in the raid.

PAD prepared to make announcement on NBT

The People's Alliance for Democracy was apparently making preparations to make announcement on NBT after it seized the station.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

[Insight]

I don't remember any attempt to raid NBT being part of the original PAD rally plan...?

[george]

Military monitoring the situation

Supreme Commander General Boonsrang Niumpradit is chairing a meeting of military commanders to monitor the unfolding incidents relating to the Wednesday's mass rally led by the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Sources said Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is keeping in contacts with the military. Thus far, Samak still deems it unnecessary to call deploy soldiers to keep peace at the capital.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

[george]

PAD rally to aim at shutting down the gov't

Before commencing its mass rally, the People's Alliance for Democracy issued a statement at 5.45 am on Wednesday vowing to shut down the government.

The PAD attacked the government as a puppet plunderer without no legitimacy to rule which would bring about ruins to the country if allowed to cling to power.

It said that its mass rally was designed to depose the government.

It cited Article 63 of the Constitution, enshrining the right to peaceful assembly, to justify its action. It warned the people about inconveniences from road snarls. It also called on the people to cooperate with protesters, who described themselves as the People's Salvation Forces.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

[george]

Cabinet meeting at Govt house cancelled,

Cabinet to hold meeting at Supreme Command

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet will shift its weekly meeting to be held at the Supreme Command at 10:30 am.

The Cabinet Secretariat is moving documents necessary for the meeting to the new meeting venue.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

[george]

PAD also seizes NBT stations in provinces

Reports had it that the People's Alliance for Democracy had seized control of provincial stations of the NBT.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

[Heng]

Important to note that the PAD themselves aren't a unified body, there are plenty of factions within that don't necessarily take part in all PAD activities. I have relatives that are both PAD and the anti-matter of PAD. Some are under-employed, some are retired (both of the not well to do gov't and well to do private sector variety), some are still working (again, all different occupations, from tiny shop restaurant owner to SME owner). Like politics anywhere, there are all kinds of interests involved, it's hardly a black and white issue.

Just as an example: one particular gal I know (not a friend, just a loose aquaintence) runs the local underground lottery at the local open air market. Turnover in the range of 3-4 million Baht per drawing (bi-monthly). She is avidly pro-PAD (and regularly sponsors minivan full loads of supporters up to Bangkok from Chonburi) because of course if the PPP get their 2-3 digit lottery up and running again, it bites into sales... also, the PPP lottery inherently comes with increased police enforcement/suppression of the underground lottery.

On the converse, another fellow I am acquainted with in Bangkok is with Loxley Info. (the old ISP/IT services provider company which may as well be called Lamsam Info...ala Kasikorn Bank) and is avidly anti-PAD. His interest is the opposite of the open market lotto gal mentioned earlier because wouldn't you know it, Loxley is the concession holder to produce the machines that run the new PPP lottery. And who do you think had first 'dibs' in signing up for these lotto scanning/selling machines? Loxley insiders, this particular gentleman included, who purchased 4 of them.... priceless if placed in key locations (say if you own a few prime location 7-11 franchises... ala lotto sales in the west). Worthless though if the PPP is out.

And this is just one example of one facet of the whole political struggle going on. And as you can see, neither side (as far as these two individuals concerned) could give two bits as to what the outcome is in terms of the "greater good of the poor/keeping the poor down" "Thaksin being brought to justice/brining Thaksin back to power" or the "fight for democracy."

[george]

Police to file treason charges against five PAD leaders

BANGKOK: -- Police announced that they would take legal actions against the five leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy for alleged treason.

Police said they are in the process of gathering evidence for taking the action.

But PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang said he was not afraid and ready to be arrested.

He said his arrest would mean the defeat of the government.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

[Pierrot]

PAD trying to gain control of NBT station

BANGKOK: -- At 8.30 am, the People's Alliance for Democracy renewed the raid of NBT station and disrupted the broadcasting.

Protesters were seen breaking down the police barriers and rushed to the office building and the broadcasting station. They shut down electricity to disrupt the broadcast.

In the pre-dawn raid earlier, police arrested 80 armed men involving in the raid.

The Nation

Did someone mentionned "peaceful portest" ?

"It (the PAD) cited Article 63 of the Constitution, enshrining the right to peaceful assembly, to justify its action ..."

Actually, sorry, it's not that funny.

When someone will have the courage to stop these dangerous clowns ?

[rocky3]

Who is behind these holigans and paying them? I believe its against the law to advocate the overthrough of the government.

[Pierrot]

These people are a pain in the arse. Protests never solve anything.

Learn history......From France, Russia to Cuba and and and all was done by protests....

Then followed by terror . ...

[george]

PAD threatens to raid police headquarters

BANGKOK: -- The People's Alliance for Democracy announced at its main rally site at Makawan Rangsan Bridge that protesters might march to the headquarters of the Royal Thai Police at Pathumwan.

About 2,000 protesters led by PAD leader Amorn Amornrattananont raided and took control of the NBT station.

A separate group of about 800 protesters are rallying at the Finance Ministry.

PAD leaders Sondhi Limthongkul and Chamlong Srimung remain at the main rally site.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

[grantbkk]

If this action by PAD causes the price of beer to rise in the capital there is going to be hel_l to pay!

I know that some here on Thai Visa want to compare this situation (perhaps a revolution) to famous communist coups around the world since the 1950's. I prefer to compare PAD to that once infamous German Army corporal, Adolf Hitler.

Be afraid. Be very afraid. The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is using scare tactics to mold the opinion of the uninformed populace to their own ends. While complaining and pointing fingers at the elected government about anything and everything they refuse to negotiate on any subject and simply call for an end to present government rule. Sound familiar? Same thing happened two years ago which led to a coup d'état and the ousting of a seated, elected government.

This is nothing new. Many of us remember from our history lessons that back in the 1930’s Europe they had their own PAD saying exactly the same thing about the seated government. The Nazi Party used the economic hardships suffered by the Germans to grab power. Adolph Hitler and his ilk fooled the German people into joining their extreme and radical movement to overthrow the government.

Like the Nazi’s in Germany PAD has no business in a civilized Thai society. They are trampling on the peoples consciences and revising history to suit their own ends. These extreme, unconscionable leaders are master manipulators, preying on the weak, drunk with power and serve no constructive purpose. It is time to put an end to the madness and remove PAD and their self-serving leaders. They have had their fifteen minutes in the spotlight and have fooled innocent Thai people long enough.

IMHO

[moo9]

The PAD even threatens to raid the Police Headquarter. I think those guys are going nuts now. There must be something big behind as they are saying bye bye to peaceful protest. What a shame for the country!

I think it would be best to have a Military Government again. After all, the country is by far not ready for democracy....

Edited August 26, 2008 by moo9

[Thai at Heart]

This is very worrying.

[h90]

These people are a pain in the arse. Protests never solve anything.

Learn history......From France, Russia to Cuba and and and all was done by protests....

Then followed by terror . ...

well some lead to democracy (French and Romania revolution) or in improvement of the life of the people (Cuba), others made the situation worse (Sovjet).

[george]

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

[Don Aleman]

As PAD, apparently, has thousands of followers I am surprised they are not using the known strength and non violent power of boycotting and worker strikes. They should just tell their people, many in vital service industries, to just, safely, stay home and wait for Samak to call. Surely he will as the Government will not sweep, mop, do laundry, cook their own meals, maintain the buildings, and pickup garbage. Such "strikes" and boycotting crippled New York city, Chicago, Las Vegas, Paris and many other major cities and will do the same here. Just say"no" and stay home.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

News on that from The Nation:

PAD denies involving in the raid of NBT Channel

People's Alliance for Democracy leader Bhipop Thongchai said protesters were not involved in the pre-dawn raid of NBT Channel on Wednesday.

Deputy police spokesman Maj General Suraphol Thuanthong countered that evidence showed that raiders were from the PAD-led rally. About 80 men were involved in the raid.

Edited August 26, 2008 by Don Aleman