Pad To Start New Rallies To Oust Thaksin

[jdinasia]

PAD to hold major rally against Thaksin

(TNA) - The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a strong coalition against caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, will hold its major demonstration starting Wednesday (September 20) and will continue until Mr. Thaksin decided to leave politics.

From BangkokPost breaking news

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=112992

[jdinasia]

I wonder what kind of crowds they'll get this time

[Florin]

Well, I know what night I won't go out on...yet more traffic woes in the name of democracy.

"Though I must sacrifice my life, I'll never allow Mr. Thaksin to return home again" - so many people willing to die for their country, so few willing to use any kind of brainpower

[jdinasia]

You were planning to be between Democracy Monument and Sanam Luang Wed night?

The coalition earlier urged all other movements against the caretaker prime minister to join the Bangkok demonstration, set to begin at the Democracy Monument on Rajadamnoen Klang Avenue before marching to the Royal Plaza Wednesday evening.

It is probably gonna be an exciting few months in BKK .... am glad I am in Phuket this go-round!

Edited September 18, 2006 by jdinasia

[Florin]

Wasn't planning to be there specifically, but it's wishful thinking to imagine traffic won't be backed up all the way to Siam Square & such like in previous cases.

And yes, it does seem like quite a bit of fit will hit the shan in the coming months...I just hope TRT loses the ###### election so that this silliness is ended, but it's not very likely.

[Tony Clifton]

Rallies for the PAD and TRT is collecting signatures, intimidating voters who refuse to sign?

DIVIDED KINGDOM

Political battle set to resume

PAD rally kicks off tomorrow; TRT plans signature drive in Northeast

Supporters and opponents of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra were set for another round of dangerous confrontations yesterday as they announced plans to campaign for their causes.

Leaders of the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) yesterday insisted they would begin a mass rally tomorrow at the Royal Plaza and would continue its protest until it could "defeat Thaksin".

Suriyasai Katasila, co-ordinator of the PAD, said the new street protest was aimed at pressuring Thaksin to make it clear whether he will take a break from politics.

"By failing to make it clear about his political future, Thaksin is holding 63 million Thais hostage," he said at a press conference.

PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul told the press conference that the PAD decided to hold a mass rally again to force Thaksin to leave politics immediately. "We will hold a rally every day until he leaves the country," said Sondhi.

Provincial groups allied with the PAD yesterday said they would focus their effort on the Bangkok rally while public protests planned for Chiang Mai and Buri Ram would be put on hold.

Meanwhile, Thai Rak Thai politicians were preparing to launch a signature campaign in 19 northeastern provinces in support of Thaksin becoming prime minister for another term.

Surachat Chamansil, former party MP for Udon Thani, said yesterday that Thai Rak Thai politicians would campaign with party members in the northeast.

"Most northeastern residents are aware about the PM's uneasiness in facing pressure from the opposition and the PAD," he said.

Pro-Thaksin groups in Udon Thani will hold a rally in the northeastern province this Saturday, where as many as 100,000 people are expected to join, said Sompong Chan-ngam, one of the group leaders.

In the run-up to the April 2 general election, later declared void by courts, the PAD and Thaksin supporters held separate rallies in Bangkok.

In a related development, the Thai Rak Thai Party yesterday demanded the Election Commission put a stop to a campaign by the People's Alliance for Democracy claiming it was in violation of human rights to seek a ban on caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returning to the country.

Kuthep Saikrachang, a Thai Rak Thai legal specialist, said he and the party's legal team would file a complaint with the EC today demanding a probe into the violation by PAD members.

"Although the PAD claims that it is backed by constitutional right, its actions must not violate the rights of others. Surely it is a human rights violation to campaign against the return of Thaksin," he said.

Kuthep said the PAD was also trying to arrange a boycott of the election and was carrying out political activities as an illegal party. Thai Rak Thai would ask the EC to stop a rally that the PAD had organised for Wednesday at the Royal Plaza.

Vichit Plangsrikul, another Thai Rak Thai legal expert, said he suspected the PAD was in violation of Article 8 of the election law - gathering more than 15 people to carry out political activities during the run-up to the election.

"We will consult with the EC on whether any action can be taken," he said. Vichit said the PAD must review its decision about tomorrow's rally as it could lead to a confrontation with government supporters.

The Democrat Party's Election Office spokesman Thepthai Senpong said the PAD had every right to carry out any peaceful political activity and would not be violating the election law since no political party supported it.

He cited two articles of the Constitution that gave the PAD the right to rally: Article 44 stipulated that a person or persons have the right to a peaceful gathering and Article 65 stipulated that a person or persons have the right to oppose through peaceful methods any activities which would bring about sovereign power but which do not conform to the methods stipulated in the Constitution.

Thepthai said if Thai Rak Thai believed the PAD defamed the party it could take them to court and file a libel suit.

Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa said he feared the PAD rally would create political turmoil. He did not pin high hopes on the new EC as they were inexperienced.

"To solve a political crisis takes time because it's an outcome of many years. I know of a way out but I will not say how," he said.

Chat Thai Party deputy leader Somsak Prissanananthakul said the PAD had the right to organise the rally and the party should not interfere.

"I regard the PAD's political activities as public participation in politics," he said.

Isn't that the best way to intimidate voters by confronting them with a clipboard and a pen asking them to sign for re-electing Thaksin? A clipboard vote before the real election, breaking the law?

Edited September 18, 2006 by Tony Clifton

[cclub75]

Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa said he feared the PAD rally would create political turmoil. He did not pin high hopes on the new EC as they were inexperienced.

"To solve a political crisis takes time because it's an outcome of many years. I know of a way out but I will not say how," he said.

Thoses thai politicians... they really master the art of communication...

[Ricardo]

Rallies for the PAD and TRT is collecting signatures, intimidating voters who refuse to sign?

Kuthep Saikrachang, a Thai Rak Thai legal specialist, said he and the party's legal team would file a complaint with the EC today demanding a probe into the violation by PAD members.

"Although the PAD claims that it is backed by constitutional right, its actions must not violate the rights of others. Surely it is a human rights violation to campaign against the return of Thaksin," he said.

My personal proposal - for 'Quote of the Year'.

Kuthep said the PAD was also trying to arrange a boycott of the election Not according to anything the PAD have said so far, but hey, why let facts get in the way of a good smear ? and was carrying out political activities as an illegal party. Thai Rak Thai would ask the EC to stop a rally that the PAD had organised for Wednesday at the Royal Plaza.

Well that is better, using the law and the new EC, rather than sending in the brown-shirts or black-shirts, like last time.

Vichit Plangsrikul, another Thai Rak Thai legal expert, said he suspected the PAD was in violation of Article 8 of the election law - gathering more than 15 people to carry out political activities during the run-up to the election.

And the election-date is when ?

Vichit said the PAD must review its decision about tomorrow's rally as it could lead to a confrontation with government supporters.

only if the police fail to ensure they can exercise their constitutional-rights freely.

[hammered]

Rallies for the PAD and TRT is collecting signatures, intimidating voters who refuse to sign?

DIVIDED KINGDOM

Political battle set to resume

PAD rally kicks off tomorrow; TRT plans signature drive in Northeast

Supporters and opponents of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra were set for another round of dangerous confrontations yesterday as they announced plans to campaign for their causes.

Leaders of the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) yesterday insisted they would begin a mass rally tomorrow at the Royal Plaza and would continue its protest until it could "defeat Thaksin".

Suriyasai Katasila, co-ordinator of the PAD, said the new street protest was aimed at pressuring Thaksin to make it clear whether he will take a break from politics.

"By failing to make it clear about his political future, Thaksin is holding 63 million Thais hostage," he said at a press conference.

PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul told the press conference that the PAD decided to hold a mass rally again to force Thaksin to leave politics immediately. "We will hold a rally every day until he leaves the country," said Sondhi.

Provincial groups allied with the PAD yesterday said they would focus their effort on the Bangkok rally while public protests planned for Chiang Mai and Buri Ram would be put on hold.

Meanwhile, Thai Rak Thai politicians were preparing to launch a signature campaign in 19 northeastern provinces in support of Thaksin becoming prime minister for another term.

Surachat Chamansil, former party MP for Udon Thani, said yesterday that Thai Rak Thai politicians would campaign with party members in the northeast.

"Most northeastern residents are aware about the PM's uneasiness in facing pressure from the opposition and the PAD," he said.

Pro-Thaksin groups in Udon Thani will hold a rally in the northeastern province this Saturday, where as many as 100,000 people are expected to join, said Sompong Chan-ngam, one of the group leaders.

In the run-up to the April 2 general election, later declared void by courts, the PAD and Thaksin supporters held separate rallies in Bangkok.

In a related development, the Thai Rak Thai Party yesterday demanded the Election Commission put a stop to a campaign by the People's Alliance for Democracy claiming it was in violation of human rights to seek a ban on caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returning to the country.

Kuthep Saikrachang, a Thai Rak Thai legal specialist, said he and the party's legal team would file a complaint with the EC today demanding a probe into the violation by PAD members.

"Although the PAD claims that it is backed by constitutional right, its actions must not violate the rights of others. Surely it is a human rights violation to campaign against the return of Thaksin," he said.

Kuthep said the PAD was also trying to arrange a boycott of the election and was carrying out political activities as an illegal party. Thai Rak Thai would ask the EC to stop a rally that the PAD had organised for Wednesday at the Royal Plaza.

Vichit Plangsrikul, another Thai Rak Thai legal expert, said he suspected the PAD was in violation of Article 8 of the election law - gathering more than 15 people to carry out political activities during the run-up to the election.

"We will consult with the EC on whether any action can be taken," he said. Vichit said the PAD must review its decision about tomorrow's rally as it could lead to a confrontation with government supporters.

The Democrat Party's Election Office spokesman Thepthai Senpong said the PAD had every right to carry out any peaceful political activity and would not be violating the election law since no political party supported it.

He cited two articles of the Constitution that gave the PAD the right to rally: Article 44 stipulated that a person or persons have the right to a peaceful gathering and Article 65 stipulated that a person or persons have the right to oppose through peaceful methods any activities which would bring about sovereign power but which do not conform to the methods stipulated in the Constitution.

Thepthai said if Thai Rak Thai believed the PAD defamed the party it could take them to court and file a libel suit.

Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa said he feared the PAD rally would create political turmoil. He did not pin high hopes on the new EC as they were inexperienced.

"To solve a political crisis takes time because it's an outcome of many years. I know of a way out but I will not say how," he said.

Chat Thai Party deputy leader Somsak Prissanananthakul said the PAD had the right to organise the rally and the party should not interfere.

"I regard the PAD's political activities as public participation in politics," he said.

Isn't that the best way to intimidate voters by confronting them with a clipboard and a pen asking them to sign for re-electing Thaksin? A clipboard vote before the real election, breaking the law?

Intimidating those who wont sign? You sure got that right. Try publically opposing Mr. Thaksin in the North or North East and see how the local power brokers and influential ones react.

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Apirak urges demonstrators to follow Democratic system

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin(อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) has urged the demonstrators to follow rules and regulations. He said Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will cooperate with police officials to ensure safety for people who will join the PAD rally.

Mr. Apirak referred to the upcoming rally of the People’s Alliance for Democracy on the 20th of September at Royal plaza. He has requested people who will join the rally to follow the rules and regulations and to prevent possible violence as unrest situation is taking place in many area, especially the recent bombing at Hat Yai(หาดใหญ่) district of Songkla(สงขลา) province.

He added that BMA will closely cooperate with Metro Police Bureau and municipal officials as well as officials from Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation will be dispatched to look after the demonstration.

Bangkok governor said BMA will evaluate the rally as whether it would linger or not as will evaluate the numbers of people who join the rally in order to provide mobile toilet facilities and medical team.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Metro Police Bureau prepares security measures for PAD’s upcoming rally

Metropolitan Police Bureau prepares security for the upcoming demonstration of People’s Alliance for Democracy.

Police Lt. General Viroj Jantrangsee (วิโรจน์ จันทรังษี), the head of the Metropolitan Police spoke about security measures during the rally of PAD on the 20th of September, adding that current political situation is deemed instable and he is worried that third party might stage violence during demonstration.

He has warned people who will be joining the rally to be prudent. He said demonstration can be held according to the laws and regulations and the officials will do their best to provide security for people.

Police Lt. General Viroj referred to the rumors about bomb plot in Bangkok. He said the officials have been instructed to keep close eyes on risky areas and has urged people not to worry about such rumors.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Dr. Promin: any movement deemed to violate others' right will be managed by the law

Prime Minister’s Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej (พรหมมินทร์ เลิศสุริย์เดช) said that any movement deemed to violate other people's rights will be interfered by the law, while referring to the People’s Alliance for Democracy’s (PAD) rally tomorrow .

Md. Prommin has reminds that any action can be done but it must be abided by the constitutional law. He commented on the PAD’s demand for Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to end his political role and their attempt to pressurize him not to return to Thailand.

He stated that people have the rights to participate in politics, but their rights cannot limit other people’s rights.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Supreme Commander disagrees with PAD’s demonstration

Supreme Commander Ruangroj Mahasaranond (เรืองโรจน์ มหาศรานนท์) stated that he disagrees with the demonstration of the People’s Alliance for Democracy which will take place on the 20th of September as it could cause more troubles to society.

Gen. Ruangroj said the country is already facing with many problems and the demonstration to put pressure on Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra not to travel back to the country would add more problems to the society.

However, he admitted that demonstrations can be carried out in accordance with Democratic framwork but should remain under regulations. He has urged all sides to consider about the election as it is the best solution for on-going turmoil.

Supreme Commander stated that the premier can travel back to the country as he is a Thai citizen.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 September 2006

[hammered]

So it is OK for the government to use national TV, which it controls, to advertise its achievments while in the run up to the election. So it is OK for Mr. Thaksin to have a non-critical interview with him spread over a number of days on government controlled national TV. So it is OK for local influential figures to gather signatures in support of the government by directly asking people to sign a petition. Obviously none of these can affect the election or can be seen as distressing to those on the anti-government side in this now heavily divided country.

However, when the PAD, which is linked to no party but opposed to Mr. Thaksin, and which has no control over the mass media, decides to hold a rally in the capital, it is accused of stirring the national division and interfering in the electoral process.

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Sermsak insists no order has been given to withstand PAD’s rally

The Deputy Minister of Interior, Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit (เสริมศักดิ์ พงษ์พานิช), has insisted that no order has been given for the local administrative organizations to gather and oppose the upcoming demonstration of the People’s Alliance for Democracy.

Mr. Sermsak has disclosed that provincial governors have been instructed to look after their respective areas and to clarify the facts to the people if such rallies have taken place.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Gen. Chitchai asks people to use discretion b/f deciding to join the PAD's rally

Justice Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit would like members of the public to use discretion in deciding whether they would join the rally of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), while insisting that the initial plan will be used to watch over the demonstration tomorrow.

Gen. Chitchai spoke about the PAD’s gathering tomorrow near Dusit Palace. He said the plan that was used to administer the PAD’s demonstration in March will be used once again. He stated that the officials will search for weapons during the rally to prevent the third party from instigating violence. He said the general election period is near, and the officials have to endure and carry on their duties at their utmost.

Meanwhile, the security at the Government House will be stringent as usual.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 September 2006

[John K]

I wonder what kind of crowds they'll get this time

I suspect the crowd will swell quickly if he talks about the October 1 new visa laws and that it will have a negative effect on their income.

Here is the warmup; “Thaksin’s government has come up with a great way to get rid of the middle class, simply get rid of a lot of their income by sending non Thai people home.”

Followed by; “Don’t worry Thaksin will help you find some land to farm, he likes farmers. He may even buy you a new buffalo!”

[jdinasia]

I wonder what kind of crowds they'll get this time

I suspect the crowd will swell quickly if he talks about the October 1 new visa laws and that it will have a negative effect on their income.

Here is the warmup; “Thaksin’s government has come up with a great way to get rid of the middle class, simply get rid of a lot of their income by sending non Thai people home.”

Followed by; “Don’t worry Thaksin will help you find some land to farm, he likes farmers. He may even buy you a new buffalo!”

I suspect you are FAR off base here <not only have laws not significantly changed other than no new Investment Visas 3M baht on cheap condos after Oct 1st> Most Thai folk won't care about making visa-runners get a real visa.

[John K]

I wonder what kind of crowds they'll get this time

I suspect the crowd will swell quickly if he talks about the October 1 new visa laws and that it will have a negative effect on their income.

Here is the warmup; “Thaksin’s government has come up with a great way to get rid of the middle class, simply get rid of a lot of their income by sending non Thai people home.”

Followed by; “Don’t worry Thaksin will help you find some land to farm, he likes farmers. He may even buy you a new buffalo!”

I suspect you are FAR off base here <not only have laws not significantly changed other than no new Investment Visas 3M baht on cheap condos after Oct 1st> Most Thai folk won't care about making visa-runners get a real visa.

I must be real tired today and it’s just not sinking in. Could you explain that a little better with some examples.

[jdinasia]

The average Thai has so little to do with farang ... why would they really care?

Not much has changed on the Visa stuff EXCEPT that the Investment Visa won't be around at 3M baht level. Visarunners will have to spend a few more $$ a year but still never have to "go home"

Edited September 19, 2006 by jdinasia

[bulmercke]

Gen. Chitchai asks people to use discretion b/f deciding to join the PAD's rally

Justice Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit would like members of the public to use discretion in deciding whether they would join the rally of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), while insisting that the initial plan will be used to watch over the demonstration tomorrow.

Gen. Chitchai spoke about the PAD’s gathering tomorrow near Dusit Palace. He said the plan that was used to administer the PAD’s demonstration in March will be used once again. He stated that the officials will search for weapons during the rally to prevent the third party from instigating violence. He said the general election period is near, and the officials have to endure and carry on their duties at their utmost.

Meanwhile, the security at the Government House will be stringent as usual.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 September 2006

Strange. "The third party"......?.......shouldn't it be "a third party". Does he know something that we don't?

"He stated that the officials will search for weapons during the rally to prevent the third party from instigating violence."

Also, I think things will be different this time around for the Peoples Alliance For Democracy. The police have indicated in the last few weeks that they are going to enforce "the law" rigorously and strictly. The government has also said that it will remove permenent structures eg. stages, light and sound systems, marquees etc. This in itself could incite a disturbance - particularly if the police go after and arrest - or attempt to arrest - the PAD leaders and organisers.

Watch out for arrests possibly. And declaring a state of emergency if things really turn ugly would obviously be advantagous to Thaksin. He's been hinting at this for ages.

The bottom line is that the government has basically said it won't tolerate public protests or rallies in the run-up to the next election. However, these are fundamental rights particularly if they are conducted in a civil and peaceful manner.

Whatever happens....IMHO....things are sure to come to a head sooner rather than later!

Edited September 19, 2006 by bulmercke

[bannork]

I wonder what kind of crowds they'll get this time

I suspect the crowd will swell quickly if he talks about the October 1 new visa laws and that it will have a negative effect on their income.

Here is the warmup; “Thaksin’s government has come up with a great way to get rid of the middle class, simply get rid of a lot of their income by sending non Thai people home.”

Followed by; “Don’t worry Thaksin will help you find some land to farm, he likes farmers. He may even buy you a new buffalo!”

John, you really are living in a world of fantasy.

The people who rely on long stay farang incomes are generally Issan women who are married to farangs, such as my wife. In many of their cases their husbands are abroad working, so the new laws don't apply, or in many other cases their husbands are here retired, if their income is not enough, they may sadly fall through the cracks of the new visa laws.

The majority of the folks attending PAD rallies are urban middle class with no economic dependence on long stay farangs.

The limitation of foreigners to 90 days out of 180 is really a long way down the list of most Thais priorities at the moment.

[bulmercke]

So it is OK for the government to use national TV, which it controls, to advertise its achievments while in the run up to the election. So it is OK for Mr. Thaksin to have a non-critical interview with him spread over a number of days on government controlled national TV. So it is OK for local influential figures to gather signatures in support of the government by directly asking people to sign a petition. Obviously none of these can affect the election or can be seen as distressing to those on the anti-government side in this now heavily divided country.

However, when the PAD, which is linked to no party but opposed to Mr. Thaksin, and which has no control over the mass media, decides to hold a rally in the capital, it is accused of stirring the national division and interfering in the electoral process.

A good post.

Yes, I think we're talking about dictatorship again.

[Plus]

I think Wednesday rally will be small, really small, but the crowds will swell if Sondhi and Co. has something to say people haven't heard yet.

It will be long time, maybe months, before he can get 100,000 crowds again, and it will happen only if Thaksin decides to stay on. And if rallies are small, he might just as well decide to give it a shot.

People aren't really pissed of with Thaksin now. They aren't really provoked into holding mass demonstrations against him, they are just waiting for him to disappear and their patience hasn't run out yet.

[John K]

I wonder what kind of crowds they'll get this time

I suspect the crowd will swell quickly if he talks about the October 1 new visa laws and that it will have a negative effect on their income.

Here is the warmup; “Thaksin’s government has come up with a great way to get rid of the middle class, simply get rid of a lot of their income by sending non Thai people home.”

Followed by; “Don’t worry Thaksin will help you find some land to farm, he likes farmers. He may even buy you a new buffalo!”

John, you really are living in a world of fantasy.

The people who rely on long stay farang incomes are generally Issan women who are married to farangs, such as my wife. In many of their cases their husbands are abroad working, so the new laws don't apply, or in many other cases their husbands are here retired, if their income is not enough, they may sadly fall through the cracks of the new visa laws.

The majority of the folks attending PAD rallies are urban middle class with no economic dependence on long stay farangs.

The limitation of foreigners to 90 days out of 180 is really a long way down the list of most Thais priorities at the moment.

Take it in stride, I just enjoy the creativeness if the PAD. Thaksin has done some things in the last several moths that defy belief coming from a QUOTE Head of state UNQUOTE. It would not take much for the people to believe based on Thaksin’s track record.

I will need to go and get a Thesaurus because I am running out of words to described Thaksin. Every time I think he has hit bottom, he proves me wrong and goes even lower.

However my understanding that about 40% of the tenants in the Thong-lo apartment that I live in will possibly need to move out of Thailand because they have tourist visas. That will have a impact on the Thais working right here in my neighborhood that provide support services. That is just my apartment, never mind others. That should also have the effect of ending construction of apartments and condos and that will hurt Thais too. There are enough unfinished building shells from the last go round So as you can see there is basis for my remarks. Getting a chance to work on a farm and getting a new buffalo just adds some color the PAD would love to fire up the crowd with.

[bulmercke]

I think Wednesday rally will be small, really small, but the crowds will swell if Sondhi and Co. has something to say people haven't heard yet.

It will be long time, maybe months, before he can get 100,000 crowds again, and it will happen only if Thaksin decides to stay on. And if rallies are small, he might just as well decide to give it a shot.

People aren't really pissed of with Thaksin now. They aren't really provoked into holding mass demonstrations against him, they are just waiting for him to disappear and their patience hasn't run out yet.

Tomorrow is national state enterprise day and because of this it's a holiday for many workers - this will acount for many more protesters - who, otherwise, wouldn't have been able to go. (maybe 20,000-30,000 persons)

But I agree with you Plus in that it will take time to get the numbers up - that's if they're permitted to do so - which is a really big IF.

I agree with your last paragraph to an extent.

Edited September 19, 2006 by bulmercke

[britmaveric]

Won't be any demos tomorrow because of the coup.

[Tony Clifton]

Won't be any demos tomorrow because of the coup.

Officialy announced by Sondhi himself on ASTV last night.

[PeaceBlondie]

As I just asked on another thread, not realizing this one was open -

Do you think the timing of the coup last night was related in part to the PAD rally today? Could the military have decided that, after General Prem's speech of 1 September, with Thaksin out of the country, with the violence shown by Thaksin's thugs against children and old men protesting, the army wanted to avoid the liklihood that PAD's protestors would be beat up by the pro-Thaksin armed thugs today?