Suvarnabhumi PAD Protest Continues

[sezze]

It looks as if the government(Prime Minister)are quite content too let this farce go on indefinatly just for the attention it gets,any real government would have had these protesters behind bars by now.

Any real government and you wouldn't have these protesters at all.

The government is the reason why the protesters are on the streets

I do not now any country in the world where there are no protests against the government , if they are allowed to do so . Every country got once a while people going on the street or having a strike or something like that because they do not agree with the government . Only in general , in the most countries police will step in if they cross a certain line . The line here is crossed ... so the police should have stepped in .

[old wanderer]

I for one am trapped from going back to Thailand, it's costing me money to rearrange my travel and to stay away, I am being forced to stay away from my family. I cannot manage my business. Are you saying I shouldn't have any rights?

And the list could go on. In the end, who will this affect? Regular people in Thailand. Honest people struggling to make a living.

Bah.

Pretty melodramatic sounding, but untrue....Nobody is keeping you out of Thailand, only 2 airports in Bangkok. If any of the things you list were that urgent, there are literally dozens of ways to return and take care of them.

The borders are open, numerous international airports in Thailand are open, the roads are open and free to travel, the internet is still operating, the phones and faxes still work.....Private aircraft still fly.....there is no martial law.

[phaethon]

...the English language you are posting in has a vocabulary of well over 10,00 words.

Really,well I never...

[tropo]

A lot of people seem to think the police haven't been very effective. I disagree. They have whacked me for over 800 baht in tea money so far this year.

Why do you encourage them by paying tea money? I've never paid tea money to a cop in Thailand in the 3 years I've lived here.

[magisterludi]

“They have it coming”? It’s difficult to comprehend why some of you sitting cosy at your computers would say that people in a peaceful demonstration should be shot and killed. These are people who are doing what they believe is the right thing to do to save the future of their country

They are fighting against a government that has bought their way into power through duplicity, lies and vote buying. You would be negligent in your duties as a citizen of your country if you didn’t do everything possible to oust these politicians who corrupt the word democracy and everything it stands for

Where have you been? Please keep up. This airport takeover is not a "peaceful protest".

Sooner or later pro-PAD fools will be hiding their heads in shame.

Vote buying allegations can be taken care of in court just like in any other democratic nation. Please don't use that nonsense as an excuse for these "peaceful protests".

Well said.

[tropo]

Just heard on CNN that this airport closure is costinig Thailand $1.4 million per day.

I cannot believe the cost is that low...no way!

[LPCustom69]

I'm praying/hoping for a relatively clean outcome.

Manager: Police Open Fire at Suvarnabhumi PAD Protesters

ASTV Manager Online reported that police have fired shots at PAD protesters who are gathering at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The news agency reported that at 9.23 a.m. this morning more than 200 police officers have moved in on the PAD protesters who are gathering at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The police have reportedly fired shots at the protesters near Gate No. 4 of the passenger terminal.

In a another development, at 9.40 a.m., riot police units have set up a police checkpoint and used a mobile jail unit to block off 1 lane of traffic leading to the Suvarnabhumi Airport. More than 100 riot police officers are stationed at the checkpoint.

Source: Thailand Outlook - 29 November 2008

[sprq]

People talk about it all having to be settled by December 5, the top guy's birthday. Actually there is a major royal event before that, either on Dec 2 or 3 (it changes, don't know what it's supposed to be this year) -- the Trooping of the Colours at Bangkok's Royal Plaza, which is always presided over by the top guy, without fail, with several hundred soldiers and all the top brass, their wives, the cabinet, the whole elite caboodle, participating.

How does that fit in the mix?

[sbk]

Posts have been deleted, as flaming is not allowed, lets try to keep this a civil discussion.

[Xangsamhua]

I am in no way going to say I have captured the Thai perspective. What I will say is that there are lot of people utterly sick and tired of the whole thing including PAD, UDD, government and Thaksin and Sondhi. People writing on here tend to have a politicsal persuasion. A lot of ordinary people dont care or have time or inclination to care about politics.

My wife went to the local hairdresser before. This is where all the really important news gets passed around. No one had a clue about or any interest in what was going on at SVB. All the talk was of husbands, children's schooling, illness and recovery, etc.... Nothing different.

[citizen33]

When we look back at periods of totalitarian rule we often wonder why seemingly good people gave their support to extremist leaders. Looking at some of the posts here, the attitudes that have brought bad times in the past are not so far beneath the surface. What those posters should fear is that they will get what they wish for.

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party urges Govt to negotiate with PAD

Democrat Party pleads the Government to negotiate with People’s Alliance for Democracy.

Democrat Party spokesman Dr. Buranaj Smuthraks (บุรณัชย์ สมุทรักษ์) suggested the Government to negotiate with People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) before exercising dispersal means. The advice was brought upon as the current situation has resonated a sign of violence, combined with dismissal of Police Chief and assemblage of United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters.

Meanwhile, Democrat deputy spokesman Boonyod Sooktinthai (บุญยอด สุขถิ่นไท) has also urged media to remain neutral and provide factual information to the public.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 29 November 2008

[magisterludi]

I for one am trapped from going back to Thailand, it's costing me money to rearrange my travel and to stay away, I am being forced to stay away from my family. I cannot manage my business. Are you saying I shouldn't have any rights?

And the list could go on. In the end, who will this affect? Regular people in Thailand. Honest people struggling to make a living.

Bah.

Pretty melodramatic sounding, but untrue....Nobody is keeping you out of Thailand, only 2 airports in Bangkok. If any of the things you list were that urgent, there are literally dozens of ways to return and take care of them.

The borders are open, numerous international airports in Thailand are open, the roads are open and free to travel, the internet is still operating, the phones and faxes still work.....Private aircraft still fly.....there is no martial law.

Of course it's not a life or death situation (for me). Your solutions are not very realistic either. I considered taking a taxi from Mexico to Thailand but it wasn't so practical. I also considered flying to neighboring countries and/or other airports in Thailand, but as the airport in Bangkok is the 18th largest in the world, the whole region has come to a halt in terms of transportation. I'm on a waiting list for Taiwan to Phuket as well. If you have a private jet at my disposal, I would be honored to take you up on it. I'm not a billionaire, just a regular person trying to make a living. And for now, my only options are to re-arrange flights, pay penalties, stay up all night long distance to Thailand. In any case, I am definitely not the most affected by this mess, and I am aware of that. Thai people keeping the airports closed are destroying their own country.

[old wanderer]

“They have it coming”? It’s difficult to comprehend why some of you sitting cosy at your computers would say that people in a peaceful demonstration should be shot and killed. These are people who are doing what they believe is the right thing to do to save the future of their country

They are fighting against a government that has bought their way into power through duplicity, lies and vote buying. You would be negligent in your duties as a citizen of your country if you didn’t do everything possible to oust these politicians who corrupt the word democracy and everything it stands for

Where have you been? Please keep up. This airport takeover is not a "peaceful protest".

Sooner or later pro-PAD fools will be hiding their heads in shame.

Vote buying allegations can be taken care of in court just like in any other democratic nation. Please don't use that nonsense as an excuse for these "peaceful protests".

Got to agree with Denelectro:

You say the airport takeover was not a peaceful protest....How many shots were fired, how many bombs were dropped, how many lives were taken???

1. 1st the "May yoke" arrived with the trucks with the food, water, sum tum,,,,etc. Parked and went inside and mingled with the passengers.

2. Then the protesters came, waving their little hand clappers, and chanting GET OUT, GET OUT. (Referring to the PM). If you will remember he was supposed to land at the airport.

The "Government" was attempting to amend the constitution to revoke those clauses that got the TRT banned, and the hand writing was on the wall they themselves were also soon to be banned. Also to get rid of the Privy Counsel, so as to usurp the prerogative of the Palace to grant amnesty, and give that to the government.

If there was ever a time for a protest to happen this was the time.

There are some pictures of some farang's after the takeover with little hand clappers, wearing head bands "We Fight for the KIng" having a great adventure.

The fact is the people of Thailand have a RIGHT to protest, and that is exactly what they are doing.

(It looks like the Courts as of 3 PM Friday gave notice of accelerating the case of corruption for the 3 major parties. They will close the case at 10:30 AM Dec 2. They already stated that enough evidence had been reviewed that no more testimony would be necessary).

[desi]

Furthermore it look like on Tuesday Dec 2, the entire PM party and supporting parties will be banished from politics for 5 years.....WHY??? Corruption, vote buying.

Forgive my ignorance on this subject... I've been wondering about the dissolution, but can't find many comments.

If there is a real possibility of this happening, then why are PAD holding the country hostage now? Why haven't they waited it out, and 'if' by chance it doesn't happen, only then exercise their rights to protest?

They are demanding that the present party in power step down.. but (as stated by the BBC) if they do, due to the overhanging dissolution, there won't be enough time to form a new party (not sure who this works... those who can still run?).

So, it's a forced stalemate for now, with the world watching and waiting for Dec 2. Some (as we know) are an unwilling, captive audience.

Edited November 29, 2008 by desi

[dudemeister]

I am in no way going to say I have captured the Thai perspective. What I will say is that there are lot of people utterly sick and tired of the whole thing including PAD, UDD, government and Thaksin and Sondhi. People writing on here tend to have a politicsal persuasion. A lot of ordinary people dont care or have time or inclination to care about politics.

My wife went to the local hairdresser before. This is where all the really important news gets passed around. No one had a clue about or any interest in what was going on at SVB. All the talk was of husbands, children's schooling, illness and recovery, etc.... Nothing different.

Who is the minister for Thai hairdresser saloons anyway?

Maybe he/she could do a better job running the country!

[seri thai]

Just heard on CNN that this airport closure is costinig Thailand $1.4 million per day.

I cannot believe the cost is that low...no way!

That about 10/6d in old money

[thaibkk]

maybe thai police can buy some of that russian experimental gas to pump into the airport like russian swat did a fear years ago with that tchechen terrorist problem in a theatre... if half of them die, so what ... that mean still half of troublemakers alive

economy is in crisis all over the world and they let those pad criminals take over a major income for the country

thai police do not have water cannon ? mace ? clubs ?

time to go put the thrash out !

[kevkev1888]

The government is finished!

Redardless of the right or wrongs. How many support the PAD, Government, Taxin, or who does or dosnt get paid to protest.

You cant leave PAD at the airports indefinatly like at govrnment house. The government have clearly lost any control of the police or army to do the job of removing them.

The only card left to play is the red shirts.

[tropo]

Got to agree with Denelectro:

You say the airport takeover was not a peaceful protest....How many shots were fired, how many bombs were dropped, how many lives were taken???

re.

The fact is the people of Thailand have a RIGHT to protest, and that is exactly what they are doing.

Are you living in fantasy world, or on another planet?

Peaceful protests are people walking around with banners NOT interfering with the day to day operation of the goverment or country.

That doesn't include crippling the whole nation by shutting down essential services and preventing the government from functioning normally.

[seri thai]

Chamlong says crisis will end before Dec 5

Chamlong Srimaung, a co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said Saturday that the political crisis would end before Friday.

He said he was willing to hold talk with Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat anywhere except Chiang Mai because it is too far away....

The Nation

Guaranteed. and We all know why that is, dont we?

Methinks it will all be squared away next week. The "government" too

Long Live The King

[rick75]

About thought #2 : In short time notice it will solve some things . The airport will be left alone and everybody will go home . There might be a counteraction by the red community to aim straight to the PAD people moving home . That is however is the short time notice .... long term , fresh elections en PPP will win again . That is the basic fact were i am 100% sure of . So ... where to go from there ... again take over the airport ... stuck in the same situation aren't we ???

If by 3 days from now there is no massive action at the airport then the PM will resign because he wouldn't have enough backing from any force which he needs , but it wouldn't be the solution .

This is what I don't get, sure they are corrupt and far from a perfect government, but they will get voted in again unless the PAD gets there way and takes away the one person one vote system that they have now. On the surface it seems one self serving political party trying to get rid of another self serving party. If PAD had even a little respect for there countrymen they would go home and sort this out another way.

Peaceful protest my Ar*e, they are killing there own people in the long run through Famine etc, I can't see why the PAD sympathisers can't see this.

[Tonyzill]

How niave is everyone. Attempting a non violent protest!! What planet are you on. PAD have entered into this with there eyes wide open. They are well organised and well armed with there own "special forces". They never had any intention of peaceful demonstration. There sole intent is to get rid of the PM at any cost and impose there own system. These are the educated and rich who want to stay that way which means corruption rules. They want to keep the working classes and rural people where they have always been and where they can be controlled.

[Insight]

Any updates on what the police are not going to do next?

[ozfarang81]

So, my question is assuming the airport is cleared:

-How long would it take to re-open?

-Meaning after cleanups, repairs etc. Does it need to be re-certified as in like when it first opened?

Please list what that would entail. I can't see it going from red light to green light too easily.

This might be a real hassle as prolonging to agony further for travellers.

Sullivans law: "Murphy was an optimist"

HOW CAN YOU EXPECT ANYONE TO ANSWER THIS? What a silly question, who knows what they have done inside the terminal. Assume the worst is the whole place is on fire and burnt to the ground, or the best is they have done nothing. How about from 1 hour to 5 years, somewhere in that time frame. Not even the authorities could answer this!

[john b good]

I think it would be wise to not consider ASTV a 'news source', for posts here or otherwise.

Also the 'live feed' shows what their spin doctors want you to see.

Stick with the BBC.

AND, exactly why would you say that (Stick with the BBC) it's not as if they are reporting on the blitz

[tropo]

How niave is everyone. Attempting a non violent protest!! What planet are you on. PAD have entered into this with there eyes wide open. They are well organised and well armed with there own "special forces". They never had any intention of peaceful demonstration. There sole intent is to get rid of the PM at any cost and impose there own system. These are the educated and rich who want to stay that way which means corruption rules. They want to keep the working classes and rural people where they have always been and where they can be controlled.

Fancy that. A class war disguised as a "peaceful protest"?

[Koo82]

woman with her foot blown off on Oct 7th

How could someone lost her foot when the police used tear gas? What did they do that the police had to use tear gas? Answer please.

I've heard no talks about that woman since then. Where is she now?

[seri thai]

Or you can wear a red shirt....

The government should quickly end the occupation of Bangkok's two airports, otherwise red-shirt crowds will take the law into their own hands to deal with the yellow-shirt protesters, organisers of the "Truth Today" talk show said yesterday. Veera Musigapong and Jatuporn Phrompan said they might have no choice but to urge pro-government crowds to take to the streets if there was no progress by today in evicting the People's Alliance for Democracy from the airports at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi.

Veera and Jatuporn also warned the Army not to seize power, threatening a backlash from the red-shirt crowds if it did so.

Veera said he expected the authorities to work under the terms of the state of emergency at the two airports to disperse the anti-government protesters.

"I expect pressure [on protesters] to increase from a soft approach to a hard one in order to resolve the airports' seizure in a speedy manner," he said.

If the authorities take no action to restore order at the airports by today, the red-shirts will have to assess their strategy and take action instead of remaining on the sidelines, he added.

He went on to state that he would mount strong retaliation if the Army took advantage of the crowd dispersal to stage a coup.

Jatuporn called on the government to disband the panel, chaired by Army chief General Anupong Paochinda, in charge of monitoring political developments on the grounds of Anupong being uncooperative in imposing the state of emergency.

He said Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat was obligated to restore order quickly or he would risk being seen as a lame duck.

Jatuporn added that it was imperative to reopen the airports as soon as possible, as no democracy could afford to be physically cut off from the outside world.

He reminded the military that blood would be spilled if the military seized power, as red-shirt crowds were expected to take up arms in such an eventuality.

[hungryhippo]

I believe in democracy, but like I said, the rights of one individual finish at the place where the rights of another individual begin. To trample on the rights of others to demand your own rights is not only a contradiction in terms but also a very selfish thing to do.

Rubbish, since when was it a human rights violation to stop you boarding a flight? Go back to Fourmod's wonderland.

Who is the minister for Thai hairdresser saloons anyway?

Maybe he/she could do a better job running the country!

At this point anyone would be better right now.