#51
ukrules
Super Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:24:09
Sky news are reporting about the 'extreme violence' on the streets of Bangkok.
They then went on to show various people being beaten up and whacked with sticks by angry mobs. If anything will put people off flying to Thailand this will. It's not pointed out in any way that this is limited to certain areas. Edited by ukrules, 2008-09-02 09:26:10. #52
animatic
Observant member Posted 2008-09-02 09:25:47
In the history of Thailand, all leaders who, for one reason or another, lost that job,
either left and stayed gone, or left for a period, and later quietly came back and stayed retired. At least for long periods enough for things to calm down and move on. The big difference here, and one that makes all this predestined, is that Kuhn Thaksin has not taken the 'go quietly and tend the garden for a few years' path. He is fighting for his lost power, influence and money and we are seeing that result round three now. Nothing like this apparently has happened here before, we are in an new game. #53
george
Puyai Baan Posted 2008-09-02 09:25:59
I'll take responsibility: Samak
BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej told the press conference at the Supreme Command that he would take responsibility "for what I've not done". He was answering questions of reporters after he made announcement why he declared the state of emergency. -- The Nation 2008-09-02 #54
Journalist
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:26:30
I am a firm supporter of PAD and the protest.... It has always been a peaceful protest, in hopes of stopping further corruption and theft of the country to benefit a few at the top. My wife bears the scars of the May 92 protest, when another corrupt government did the same thing to the people that were peacefully assembled. Many were killed and wounded. The most peaceful outcome would be for word from on High to come down for Samak to find life elsewhere. I thought it would after his visit to Hua Hin last week. ....mindful that Gen. Chamlong says he wants to take away the voting rights of the 'common man' if he deems him to be under-educated!  Both 'sides' in this stand-off are unsavoury ! #55
anthonyu
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:27:19
Is it not sort of strange that all of a sudden all the New Bees ( new posters) all mainly seem to be pro P.P.P. supporters? Does that mean we have now also been broken into ( this web site) by the so called invisable hand.  Watch what you say big brother is about. You might be onto something there mate. Or maybe the PPP has more silent support in Thailand than we all think. Either way better think twice before speaking once 
#56
alstaxi
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:27:38
The state of emergency also prohibits news publicity in a way that terrifies the public. Doesn't that mean this order is in violation of itself? Obviously Samak has only concern for himself, and have no clue what a HUGE negative impact the declaration of a state of emergency means to the rest of the world, especially investors & tourists. Samak's short-sighted efforts to save his own neck will be at the expense of all of Thailand. Samak obviously intended and wanted this to happen. He & the PPP paid for buses to bring their supporters in from the North so they could deliberately start a fight and cause violence. The PAD have been demonstrating peacefully for weeks and continue to be peaceful. 100% of the trouble is due to Samak & the PPP who organized and deliberately intended their supporters to cause the recent violence that now gives them the excuse to attack the PAD. Samak Ow Pai! #57
kenk3z
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:28:08
Is there any clarification on who would "appoint" the 70% of the Members of Parliament that would be "appointed" under the PAD plan?
They kinda lost my sympathy when they proposed doing away with democracy. Definitely a wish for minority rule. kenk3z Edited by kenk3z, 2008-09-02 09:29:37. #58
warriors
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:28:14
Sky news are reporting about the 'extreme violence' on the streets of Bangkok. They then went on to show various people being beaten up and whacked with sticks by angry mobs. If anything will put people off flying to Thailand this will. It's not pointed out in any way that this is limited to certain areas. Half an hour till the SET opens, let us see if today is a good time to buy. As they say when there is blood on the streets time to buy. #59
poryai
Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:29:26
Newbies have as much right to articulate in this forum as you do warriors. No PPP affiliation, just a view different from yours. The notion that with an older join date at Thai Visa somehow begets you the only realistic POV is amazingly ignorant...I don't take sides particularly... but even at the surface, what PAD is doing and their method is not going to benefit anybody... step back and get some perspective
#60
old wanderer
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:30:47
Emergency may be lifted in a few days after problems solved: Samak BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said he made the decision with caution to announce the state of emergency and would try to end the problems in a few days. He said the announcement was made after consulting officials concerned. He said the emergency would be lifted after he solved the problems. He said he would try to solve the problems as soon as possible. He said the problems would be ended in a few days and Bangkok governor election candidates would later be allowed to launch their election campaigns. -- The Nation 2008-09-02 Samak sounds almost as honest and patronizing as Magunbee our beloved "President" of Zimbabwe. How could anyone doubt such sincerity.
#61
grantbkk
SUSPICIOUS AND CYNICAL MEMBER Posted 2008-09-02 09:31:47
I think the questing that needs to be answered is should international tourists cancel their holidays in Thailand. Since it is world news that a "State of Emergency" exists in Bangkok and transportation has been disrupted in some areas of Thailand, what would a clear headed potential tourist think about when it comes to holiday travel and family safety? The international press depiction of the "crisis" paints a bleak picture so I feel many if not most of the future travelers this high season will find alternate vacation venues.
IMHO we are going to go from low season to "no season" and that the economy along with the Thai people are going to suffer. Lets face it. Many foreigners who live in Thailand could not afford to live here if it was a properly run country. We would still be stuck in Kansas, Manchester, Los Angeles or Hull if the cost of living and even holiday making was comparable to say, Singapore. Cheap labor, cheap fun with a very small dash of Thai culture thrown in. Vacationers should consider an alternate destination while Thailand's government and security services are out of control. In reality, I live in Bangkok and have been effected only slightly by the circus that is about to enter its second week. However, what will happen next week? Thai Airways union is threatening to strike. No bus service in Bangkok. Threats to shut off electricity and water supplies. Train service canceled because workers won't work. The new name of the country may be changed to Burma with Electricity, or BE for short. The tourism Authority of Thailand has spent another billion Baht and came up it a new slogan, "BE Amazing" for the new tourist campaign. 
#62
HAL9000
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:32:34
September 02, 2008 10:24am (8:24am Thailand) THAILAND'S Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej declared a state of emergency in Bangkok today, state radio announced, hours after clashes between opponents and supporters of his government left one dead. Thai police called in army reinforcements early Tuesday as thousands of pro-and anti-government protesters clashed in the capital, leaving one dead and dozens injured, officials and local media said. Thai television showed protesters wearing helmets and carrying batons running though the streets, fighting with each other and throwing rocks, as people lay bleeding on the street. How tragic for this person and his family. How can a demonstration about politics be important enough to take someone's life, or to hurt someone? Democracy means if you made a mistake and voted in a bad government, you take it as a lesson learned and vote them out next time, or if the problem is urgent, use legal means to end it. #63
warriors
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:33:25
Newbies have as much right to articulate in this forum as you do warriors. No PPP affiliation, just a view different from yours. The notion that with an older join date at Thai Visa somehow begets you the only realistic POV is amazingly ignorant...I don't take sides particularly... but even at the surface, what PAD is doing and their method is not going to benefit anybody... step back and get some perspective If you read my post carefully I NEVER gave an opion ( View) which way I cast my vote either P.P.P. or P.A.D 
#64
george
Puyai Baan Posted 2008-09-02 09:33:29
Emergency committee to evict protesters from Government House: Samak
BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said the committee in charge of enforcement of emergency decree in Bangkok would take actions to remove protesters from the Government House. Speaking at a press conference at the Supreme Command, Samak said the committee, which is headed by Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda, would tak e necessary actions to ensure that the protesters leave the Government House. The emergency committee would also take actions to disperse the rally of pro-government protesters at Sanam Luang, Samak said. -- The Nation 2008-09-02 #65
Austeyr
Advanced Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:36:15
Sad times.
Just ask yourself if this were your own country and the goverment which was in power was saturated with corruption and was'nt prepared to bring an ex leader to justice even though he had ripped off millions of tax payers money. Which side of the fence would you be on? #66
Crushdepth
Dismembered Posted 2008-09-02 09:36:48
One bomb, one death, several people in hospital? When will Thais think about something else than filling their own pockets? Why can't the "elected" man be in power? Is he worse than the other one? Is he the worst one ever? Is the country going that bad? OR Is it only PAD that wants to stirr things up and create a mess here? Thinking that Thaksin will leave? (Newsflash people, Thaksin is out of the country already). And I thought I was naive sometimes. Samak is Thaksin's man. No? Maybe Samak is telling the truth in his propaganda show... that he's his own man, and not beholden to Thaksin. maybe not Have to wonder about Thaksin selling his football team...coincidence? Party is in need of a cash injection for an upcoming election campaign? Or maybe the snack boxes are just getting larger? The nominee thing is pathetic. Pre election = "I am Thaksin's nominee", post elect = "I did it my way"!!! #67
haltes
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:37:29 Quote Newbies have as much right to articulate in this forum as you do warriors. No PPP affiliation, just a view different from yours. The notion that with an older join date at Thai Visa somehow begets you the only realistic POV is amazingly ignorant...I don't take sides particularly... but even at the surface, what PAD is doing and their method is not going to benefit anybody... step back and get some perspective Agreed. I am no supporter of Thaksin or Samak but this situation is more like a revolt than a protest. As far as I can see the PAD is anti-democracy and are complaining that the wrong party won. That's the problem with a democracy, you have to follow who/what party was elected and they can't handle that. As far as government corruption and populist polices etc are concerned, you could argue that all governments everywhere are corrupt (to a certain extent) and all governments follow populist policies otherwise they would never get elected. #68
wrecker
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:38:37
There was no choice. As long as we are succumbed to mob rule there is no way out. One man could make the difference he did not want to do so. Samak has no choice, not one single government would allow people to take over its seat or block airports. PAD is above the law. I am afraid that in the coming ten years there will be no difference, first all the old men have to be to old to wield their influence. Shocking is the stance of Chulalongkorn lecturers the mouthpiece of the state. Compare those to that of Thammasat or those well known lecturers from abroad like the university of Maryland, who call the PAd a fascist party.
#69
jitagon
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:40:33
So much for Democracy. I'm getting out of here while the getting is good beforethey shut down the main airport in Bangkok. I certainly don't want to be stuck here during a Revolution should it come to that. Bye bye. Oh, and take the rest of the International Mail/Express/Sun reading (sic) mongers with you. 
Edited by jitagon, 2008-09-02 09:41:59. #70
lannaman
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:40:49
In case anyone's interested this was the number one news story on the BBC News 24 station in England on the 02:00 news, even before the hurricane news. They did a full run down on the situation including an interview with one of their guys in Bangkok. It lasted about five minutes in total. Many potential tourists will have been put off coming here. PAD and Pro Gov - THIS IS MADNESS! #71
jts-khorat
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:43:04
RIGHT ON!!! I can't believe how many of the farangs posting on here have so little respect for the brave protesters who are standing up for a fair share of the pie, standing up to these elite few who steal from the common man. Does anybody remember the cival rights movement in America and MLK Jr. ??? You mean the protesters who were so much in the minority that they could not prevent election of the current government be the majority. And now use mob tactics, forceful entry and vandalism as "better" means to topple their government. If you like it or not (and I personally don't like the current government either), this is how the Thais have chosen, now making their typical mess out of it after the fact -- at least you are right in this, it is about the piece of pie some 'did not get': like spoiled children who did not get their chocolate, lots of screaming and drama. Thai people, get a grip. This is the 21st century, not a soap opera on television. #72
toybits
Medium Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:43:31
Did you see the NBT News Casters (khun Kitti and another lady) being verbally abused, knocked on the head, unceremoniously/maliciously splashed with water?
Did you see the mob breaking down the gates? Did you see the 84 persons that broke into NBT demanding the NBT staff to vacate the premises in order to prevent NBT from broadcasting reports that might not be to the like of PAD leadership? Did you see government forces interupt ASTV news broadcasts?
No my ignorant new comer friend...you are the one that is pathetic with your mis-information. 1. The PAD has used large numbers of people and old ladies to defeat the PPP 2. Break into Government buildings......they are public buildings....belonging to the people... 3. Nobody was detained or held hostage, all were free to leave. 4. People died because of paid holigans that were bought by the PPP Get your facts straight! #73
geriatrickid
The consensus is that I am most excellent. Posted 2008-09-02 09:43:41
Would someone be kind enough to explain what the restriction on gatherings of 5+ people means in respect to the entertainment zones? Does this mean that venues such as bars or clubs must close? Restaurants? Technically, a birthday celebration would land afoul of the rule.
#74
jimbob
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:43:49
Sad times. Just ask yourself if this were your own country and the goverment which was in power was saturated with corruption and was'nt prepared to bring an ex leader to justice even though he had ripped off millions of tax payers money. Which side of the fence would you be on? In this case both sides of the fence have players with terrible business records tainted by alleged corruption. Ask Sonthi about the Krung Thai overdraft or the actions of his holding companies in British Virgin Islands................ #75
mrjohn
Senior Member Posted 2008-09-02 09:44:11
I was watching Thai TV late last night and the live scenes on the streets in Bangkok were very ugly indeed. At least three channels gave it blanket coverage. Opponents of the PAD roamed the streets armed with pool cues and baseball bats and a number of people were brutally beaten in full view of TV cameras.
The thugs,many of whom appeared to be drunk, marched on unhindered by the police who seemed unwilling to intervene. One report on BBC suggested that the mob broke through police lines which is not how it looked to me. Rather the police allowed them through. Much more to this than meets the eye |
Sponsored by ... |
