Thanong

Thanong Khanthong
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Wednesday , November 26 , 2008

The Final of the Final Showdown

Posted by Thanong , Reader : 2024 , 12:37:08

November 26, 2008 Somchai flees to Chiang Mai after Bangkok landing 6:30 PM: PM Somchai Wongsawat's aircraft has diverted from Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai. He does not trust the military. The PM would be plotting a counter-attack strategy from there. Army Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda has called for the government to dissolve the House and the People's Alliance for Democracy to end its protests. He said at a press conference that this is a best way out of the political turmoil as the rival camps will have to simultanously cease their fights. He led a panel which brought together the public and private sector representatives including academics to discuss the way out for the country. Anupong expects the government to take the first move on the House dissolution, followed by the PAD to completely stop the opposition movement. He wouldl submit the proposal in writing to the government. The proposal is based on hope that should the government fails to heed the advice, the bureaucracy might resort to civil disobedience to stop implementing government orders. And in case the PAD fails to end the protests, social sanction will be imposed. Anupong emerged after two-and-a-half hour meeting with academics and leading civil servants at the Army headquarter. He was last week named by Somchai to head the task force to monitor the volatile political situation which culminated in the PAD seizing the Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday. "The country is being affected by this crisis, which involves the government and the PAD," Anupong said. "It is therefore their responsibility to try and solve the conflict. The government should return power to the people and the PAD should end its activities. This is our proposal, not an attempt to put pressure on them." Suraphol Nitikraipot, Thammasat University rector and a member of the panel, said he hoped society will come up with its own form of pressure if both sides remain stubborn. "We think that if the government returns power to the people, the PAD automatically will have to end its campaign, otherwise the movement will not be able to answer social questions," he said. Meanwhile, the People Power Party's executives are feeling high blood pressure. Who would dare to tell us to dissolve Parliament? ############################# Eye to eye meeting between army chief and PM 2:00 PM: What is General Anupong Paochinda going to do when he meets Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat tonight? Somchai is expected to land at Suvarnabhumi Airport at seven o'clock this evening, after which he would not waste a minute to discuss with Gen Anupong about the way out of the deepest crisis situation. The shutdown of the Suvarnabhumi Airport is tantamount to attacking the nerve system of the Thai economy. Already, hundreds of flights have been cancelled and thousands of passengers have been left stranded. This situation cannot last for more than two or three days otherwise Thailand will go down the hill without any hope of salvation. Let's have a party at Suvarnabhumi. The PAD has embraced the dirtiest tactic. Many certainly would have to go to jail after this airport takeover. Which brings the political crisis to a final either/or situation. The crisis can only be resolved if Somchai resigns or if the military steps in to quash the anti-government protesters, who have successfully caused the Suvarnabhumi Airport to suspend its operation. Throughout last evening, the government would like to dig into the internal security law to declare the state of emergencty surrounding the Suvarnabhumi Airport. But Gen Anupong was fighting back like crazy. If he had concurred, he would have to lead military troops into Suvarnabhumi Airport to quash the protesters. When Samak Sundaravej, the then prime minister, announced a state of emergency in Bangkok on September 2 to attempt to remove the protesters out of the Government House, Gen Anupong put up his resistance. He refused to bring his troops into the Government House to carry the protesters out for fears that it would lead to bloodshed, which would have undermined his army chief status. When the Somchai government attacked the protesters on October 7 in front of Parliament, the most Gen Anupong could do was to go on TV to make a polite suggestion that Somchai should step down. It proved to be just a theaterical show. Somchai simply brushed aside as "an opinion of one person". After that, the army chief and the PM got back to business as usual. It is now clear that Gen Anupong has a closer relationship with the Somchai government than the protesters under the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). But Gen Anupong has been sandwiched in between the Somchai government and the anti-government protesters. Somchai would like the military to quash the protesters. On the contrary, the protesters would like the military to force, at gun point if possible, Somchai out because he is alleged to serve as a nominee for the Thaksin regime. So Gen Anupong is now facing a damned if you do and damned if you don't situation. He has called up the country's top policy makers, bureaucrats and security business leaders for a meeting at the army headquarters at 2 o'clock this afternoon to seek their opinions. It is inevitable that he will have to confront Somchai later this evening when Somchai arrives in Bangkok. Somchai would not resign easily. The political stake is so high. If Gen Anupong does not go along with the government's order, he will certainly be sacked. So what would Gen Anupong do? Keep your fingers crossed. The military is not enjoying any unity. Other military colleagues do not always go along with Gen Anupong. ###################################### Shutting out Suvarnabhumi 4:00 PM: It has been a game of wits. The PAD has announced the Final War to bring down the Somchai government, while the PM is away attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. On Monday and on Tuesday, the PAD's protesters seemed to be in disarray. They marched to Parliament to disrupt the legislative function, to Metropolitan Police Command Centre, to the temporary seat of the government at Don Muang, to the Finance Ministry, to Chat Thai Party. Everywhere they went, they did not face any resistance from the police forces at all, though there were sporadic shootings between the Red Shirt and Yellow Shirt people along the way. Not a good time to be entrapped at Suvarnabhumi It is a rare event in Thai history when people try to kill each other just because they wear the shirts of the different colours. The polarisation is so intense even in Bangkok. If you look at the latest result of the Bangkok governor's election, you would find that Prapat Chongsanguan of the People Power Party mustered 600,000 votes, compared with 900,000 votes for the incumbent Abhirak Kosayothin. The government's tactic was to let the PAD's protesters do the shadow boxing alone. They might be able to takeover Parliament or the temporary seat of the government at Don Muang, so what? The public opinion would go against the protesters. After the protesters got exhausted, the police would step in to quash them afterward. But the PAD would outwit the government, which in the absence of the prime minister, has not real command centre. Deputy Prime Minister Chaovarat Charnveerakul was a sitting duck. He is a businessman and he is not the type of a person, who would be handling the political crisis of this magnitude. I have talked to a PAD protester. Here is the account from the interview: An Eye-Witness Account of the Suvarnabhumi Takeover The takeover of the Suvarnabhumi Airport was largely the work of the Bangkok middle-class, Poo told me. He was completely exhausted after three days of little sleep. Poo, a 44-year-old Yellow Shirt zealot, did not pay much attention when Chamlong Srimuang, one of the leaders of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, told the crowd at the Government House on Sunday to bring along their cars if they had them. He only understood the point on Tuesday when he joined a caravan of more than 3,000 cars to block the Suvarnabhumi Airport, effectively shutting Asia’s fourth largest airport. Poo has been driving his Honda Civic to the Government House and parking the car near Wat Benajamabophit. He attends the rally until three to four o’clock in the morning, dancing in front of the stage every time the bands take over from the speakers. He quickly rushes back to his home in Taopoon area for a quick nap before going to work. In the evening, he returns to the Government House again, where he has made friends and shared the zeal to bring down the Somchai government. On Monday and on Tuesday, Poo was among the PAD's protesters, who seemed to be in disarray. They marched to Parliament to disrupt the legislative function, to Metropolitan Police Command Centre, to the temporary seat of the government at Don Muang, to the Finance Ministry, to Chat Thai Party, and the Army Command Centre. Everywhere they went, they did not face any resistance from the police forces at all, though there were sporadic shootings between the Red Shirt and Yellow Shirt people along the way. On Tuesday evening after protesting at the Army Command Centre, Poo was told to head to the Suvarnabhumi Airport. The PAD was about to shut out the airport, Thailand’s window to the world. Poo brought along five other protesters in his cars. The PAD earlier conducted a survey among the crowd and found that the regular protesters owned more than 3,000 cars. If each car carried five Yellow Shirt protesters, the PAD would have 15,000 at Suvarnabhumi Airport. At five o’clock, Poo raced his Honda Civic across Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi Airport. When he arrived there, thousands of the vehicles had already been parking on the elevated way blocking the way to the terminals. The security guards’ cars of the PAD arrived there first to subdue the airport’s security officials, before other cars of the Yellow Shirt protesters queued up stretching to several kilometres. Poo blinked his car lights to send out a signal that he was one of the protesters. He was allowed to queue up. From the spot he parked, it was three kilometres away to the cars in the first row. When he and his friends got out of the cars, he saw more several thousands of Yellow Shirt protesters standing on the elevated way leading to the Terminal. The PAD quickly set up a mobile truck to start the rally in front of the Terminal. The Suvarnabhumi Airport was soon rendered obsolete. There was a mobile toilet on the elevated way for the protesters. Food supply came shortly, with rice and pork. Poo heard gun shots from below the elevated way where he was standing. The protesters were warned not to stand too close to the rim of the elevated way because they might be a target of random shootings. Soon the Suvarnabhumi Airport was rendered obsolete. The government was caught completely off guard. The political crisis plunged to the deepest level ever. ###############################################

November 26, 2008

Somchai flees to Chiang Mai after Bangkok landing

6:30 PM: PM Somchai Wongsawat's aircraft has diverted from Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai. He does not trust the military. The PM would be plotting a counter-attack strategy from there.

Army Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda has called for the government to dissolve the House and the People's Alliance for Democracy to end its protests.

He said at a press conference that this is a best way out of the political turmoil as the rival camps will have to simultanously cease their fights.

He led a panel which brought together the public and private sector representatives including academics to discuss the way out for the country.

Anupong expects the government to take the first move on the House dissolution, followed by the PAD to completely stop the opposition movement.

He wouldl submit the proposal in writing to the government. The proposal is based on hope that should the government fails to heed the advice, the bureaucracy might resort to civil disobedience to stop implementing government orders. And in case the PAD fails to end the protests, social sanction will be imposed.

Anupong emerged after two-and-a-half hour meeting with academics and leading civil servants at the Army headquarter. He was last week named by Somchai to head the task force to monitor the volatile political situation which culminated in the PAD seizing the Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday.

"The country is being affected by this crisis, which involves the government and the PAD," Anupong said. "It is therefore their responsibility to try and solve the conflict. The government should return power to the people and the PAD should end its activities. This is our proposal, not an attempt to put pressure on them."

Suraphol Nitikraipot, Thammasat University rector and a member of the panel, said he hoped society will come up with its own form of pressure if both sides remain stubborn.

"We think that if the government returns power to the people, the PAD automatically will have to end its campaign, otherwise the movement will not be able to answer social questions," he said.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party's executives are feeling high blood pressure. Who would dare to tell us to dissolve Parliament?

#############################

Eye to eye meeting between army chief and PM

2:00 PM: What is General Anupong Paochinda going to do when he meets Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat tonight? Somchai is expected to land at Suvarnabhumi Airport at seven o'clock this evening, after which he would not waste a minute to discuss with Gen Anupong about the way out of the deepest crisis situation.

The shutdown of the Suvarnabhumi Airport is tantamount to attacking the nerve system of the Thai economy. Already, hundreds of flights have been cancelled and thousands of passengers have been left stranded. This situation cannot last for more than two or three days otherwise Thailand will go down the hill without any hope of salvation.

Let's have a party at Suvarnabhumi.

The PAD has embraced the dirtiest tactic. Many certainly would have to go to jail after this airport takeover.

Which brings the political crisis to a final either/or situation. The crisis can only be resolved if Somchai resigns or if the military steps in to quash the anti-government protesters, who have successfully caused the Suvarnabhumi Airport to suspend its operation.

Throughout last evening, the government would like to dig into the internal security law to declare the state of emergencty surrounding the Suvarnabhumi Airport. But Gen Anupong was fighting back like crazy. If he had concurred, he would have to lead military troops into Suvarnabhumi Airport to quash the protesters.

When Samak Sundaravej, the then prime minister, announced a state of emergency in Bangkok on September 2 to attempt to remove the protesters out of the Government House, Gen Anupong put up his resistance. He refused to bring his troops into the Government House to carry the protesters out for fears that it would lead to bloodshed, which would have undermined his army chief status.

When the Somchai government attacked the protesters on October 7 in front of Parliament, the most Gen Anupong could do was to go on TV to make a polite suggestion that Somchai should step down. It proved to be just a theaterical show. Somchai simply brushed aside as "an opinion of one person". After that, the army chief and the PM got back to business as usual.

It is now clear that Gen Anupong has a closer relationship with the Somchai government than the protesters under the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

But Gen Anupong has been sandwiched in between the Somchai government and the anti-government protesters. Somchai would like the military to quash the protesters. On the contrary, the protesters would like the military to force, at gun point if possible, Somchai out because he is alleged to serve as a nominee for the Thaksin regime.

So Gen Anupong is now facing a damned if you do and damned if you don't situation. He has called up the country's top policy makers, bureaucrats and security business leaders for a meeting at the army headquarters at 2 o'clock this afternoon to seek their opinions.

It is inevitable that he will have to confront Somchai later this evening when Somchai arrives in Bangkok. Somchai would not resign easily. The political stake is so high. If Gen Anupong does not go along with the government's order, he will certainly be sacked.

So what would Gen Anupong do? Keep your fingers crossed. The military is not enjoying any unity. Other military colleagues do not always go along with Gen Anupong.

######################################

Shutting out Suvarnabhumi

4:00 PM: It has been a game of wits. The PAD has announced the Final War to bring down the Somchai government, while the PM is away attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

On Monday and on Tuesday, the PAD's protesters seemed to be in disarray. They marched to Parliament to disrupt the legislative function, to Metropolitan Police Command Centre, to the temporary seat of the government at Don Muang, to the Finance Ministry, to Chat Thai Party. Everywhere they went, they did not face any resistance from the police forces at all, though there were sporadic shootings between the Red Shirt and Yellow Shirt people along the way.

Not a good time to be entrapped at Suvarnabhumi

It is a rare event in Thai history when people try to kill each other just because they wear the shirts of the different colours. The polarisation is so intense even in Bangkok.

If you look at the latest result of the Bangkok governor's election, you would find that Prapat Chongsanguan of the People Power Party mustered 600,000 votes, compared with 900,000 votes for the incumbent Abhirak Kosayothin.

The government's tactic was to let the PAD's protesters do the shadow boxing alone. They might be able to takeover Parliament or the temporary seat of the government at Don Muang, so what? The public opinion would go against the protesters. After the protesters got exhausted, the police would step in to quash them afterward.

But the PAD would outwit the government, which in the absence of the prime minister, has not real command centre. Deputy Prime Minister Chaovarat Charnveerakul was a sitting duck. He is a businessman and he is not the type of a person, who would be handling the political crisis of this magnitude.

I have talked to a PAD protester. Here is the account from the interview:

An Eye-Witness Account of the Suvarnabhumi Takeover

The takeover of the Suvarnabhumi Airport was largely the work of the Bangkok middle-class, Poo told me. He was completely exhausted after three days of little sleep.

Poo, a 44-year-old Yellow Shirt zealot, did not pay much attention when Chamlong Srimuang, one of the leaders of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, told the crowd at the Government House on Sunday to bring along their cars if they had them. He only understood the point on Tuesday when he joined a caravan of more than 3,000 cars to block the Suvarnabhumi Airport, effectively shutting Asia’s fourth largest airport.

Poo has been driving his Honda Civic to the Government House and parking the car near Wat Benajamabophit. He attends the rally until three to four o’clock in the morning, dancing in front of the stage every time the bands take over from the speakers. He quickly rushes back to his home in Taopoon area for a quick nap before going to work. In the evening, he returns to the Government House again, where he has made friends and shared the zeal to bring down the Somchai government.

On Monday and on Tuesday, Poo was among the PAD's protesters, who seemed to be in disarray. They marched to Parliament to disrupt the legislative function, to Metropolitan Police Command Centre, to the temporary seat of the government at Don Muang, to the Finance Ministry, to Chat Thai Party, and the Army Command Centre. Everywhere they went, they did not face any resistance from the police forces at all, though there were sporadic shootings between the Red Shirt and Yellow Shirt people along the way.

On Tuesday evening after protesting at the Army Command Centre, Poo was told to head to the Suvarnabhumi Airport. The PAD was about to shut out the airport, Thailand’s window to the world.

Poo brought along five other protesters in his cars. The PAD earlier conducted a survey among the crowd and found that the regular protesters owned more than 3,000 cars. If each car carried five Yellow Shirt protesters, the PAD would have 15,000 at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

At five o’clock, Poo raced his Honda Civic across Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi Airport. When he arrived there, thousands of the vehicles had already been parking on the elevated way blocking the way to the terminals. The security guards’ cars of the PAD arrived there first to subdue the airport’s security officials, before other cars of the Yellow Shirt protesters queued up stretching to several kilometres.

Poo blinked his car lights to send out a signal that he was one of the protesters. He was allowed to queue up. From the spot he parked, it was three kilometres away to the cars in the first row. When he and his friends got out of the cars, he saw more several thousands of Yellow Shirt protesters standing on the elevated way leading to the Terminal.

The PAD quickly set up a mobile truck to start the rally in front of the Terminal. The Suvarnabhumi Airport was soon rendered obsolete.

There was a mobile toilet on the elevated way for the protesters. Food supply came shortly, with rice and pork.

Poo heard gun shots from below the elevated way where he was standing. The protesters were warned not to stand too close to the rim of the elevated way because they might be a target of random shootings.

Soon the Suvarnabhumi Airport was rendered obsolete. The government was caught completely off guard. The political crisis plunged to the deepest level ever.

###############################################

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comment 90
usmale date : 10/12/2008 time : 14.47

Ian C86, "I say well done to all of you, I feel proud to live in a country that is prepared to commit suicide on the front page of every global newspaper, simply for some obscure principles and the ambitions of a few men. " Yes, I agree with you. I'm proud to be from a country that is prepared to die for some obscure principle (called freedom and doing what is right). America lost alot of good men for an obscure ideal called freedom. If they allowed England to govern them, then they would probably be in the same state that Thailand is in now.

comment 89
rad date : 27/11/2008 time : 15.56
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/rad

Steve,
"Now he is letting PAD to destroy the country and economy"
This is a good plan? It is not even a plan, it is suicide by a man who has failed to lead.

Where did anyone come up with the idea that if he used force it would go bad for him? If he doesn't it is going bad for the country, so who is important him or the country.

comment 88
Ian date : 27/11/2008 time : 10.17
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

macca, indeed so, India has grabbed the headlines, PAD must be very annoyed, what will they do now to recapture the front page. Will it be, as in India, a case of farangs beware?

comment 87
macca date : 27/11/2008 time : 09.57

"simply for some obscure principles and the ambitions of a few men" this is a little simplistic....many see it as sovereignty...the traditional BK power base will not surrender to the recentltly emerged northern one..led by that coarse "un-Thai" guy from CM....no longer front page either...the attacks in Mumbai are out front....lots more killed than in Thailand and foreigners targeted.

comment 86
Ian date : 27/11/2008 time : 08.10
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

Looking at this morning's news it seems Anupong is playing his own games and may eventually find himself out on a limb. Somchai is sitting tight and the PAD continue to lose the country millions daily in terms of exports plus untold damage to tourism and global goodwill.
I say well done to all of you, I feel proud to live in a country that is prepared to commit suicide on the front page of every global newspaper, simply for some obscure principles and the ambitions of a few men.

comment 85
MaxHeadroom date : 26/11/2008 time : 22.45
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/maxheadroom

It's so good to be ignored

comment 84
Steve date : 26/11/2008 time : 21.28

Suvarnabhumi Airport must open within the next 24 hours. The equation now is that Somchai and the red must be patient. Unless the military stage a coup which they will have no resson to if the red does not to provoke the yellow while Somchai continue to be patient and not to use force until PAD run out of steam and reason

comment 83
Ian date : 26/11/2008 time : 21.23
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

Thanong. 80. I don't see how the PAD has the upper hand, they are destroying Thailand the very thing they claim to be fighting for. It is a dog in the manger attitude. As to the military, what can they do and stay withing legal conventions? Somchai is in a safe place and sitting tight.

comment 82
tarnsamai date : 26/11/2008 time : 21.17

enjoy your euphoric success. someday somebody will have to pick up the tabs. the bill keeps piling up. good luck.

comment 81
Steve date : 26/11/2008 time : 21.08

FOS 42,
You are right but the problem is the PAD are scare to fight democratically because they knew they are not supported by the majorities of the people. Why they are able to fight undemocratically now is because as you say in chinese, they have very very indluential people CHANG YEW from behind.

As for Anupong, earlier he also tried to call upon Somchai to resign but Somchai did not heed his advice. Now Anupong is trying to play safe by making this idiotic suggestion. If Somchai wanted to dissolve why until wait until now. PAD must be held accountable for all this mess and Somchai must not resign but to take tough and decisive action against PAD

comment 80
Thanong date : 26/11/2008 time : 21.07
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong

At this very hour, the PAD has the upperhand in the triangular power play. It is left for the military and government to go for a dual. Who will win?
Before the airport takeover, the game was between PAD and government. You see the equation has changed!

comment 79
Ian date : 26/11/2008 time : 21.01
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

comment 75. How can he do that without a coup? Or are you speaking metaphorically?

comment 78
TerryK date : 26/11/2008 time : 20.43
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/TerryK

Hi, Just return from travelling in the remotes and am shock at what happened! It is worse than I feared and my heart ached for Thailand.

comment 77
Steve date : 26/11/2008 time : 20.40

There is no way Anupong can sack Somchai but instead the other way round. The only way Anupong can sack Somchai is to stage a coup otherwise Somchai will have to resign voluntary.

comment 76
Steve date : 26/11/2008 time : 20.35

Rad,
Somchai is not indecisive. He is just playing with time. If he use force against the protestors he would be blamed for any injured or killed. On the other hand, the General would wanted to play safe.

Now he is letting PAD to destroy the country and economy. This way PAD will become the BAD guy. If the situation continues, it will be even better for Somchai. Somchai continues to play the good guy and let play the BAD guy. Time is on Somchai side while PAD has only this 1 or 2 days to fulfill their objective. If PAD protest still continue the people, businessman, educationist and military will soon turn again them. SOMCHAI continue your patient and let the tie turn against PAD. Patient will now be a virtue to Somchai and the PPP government

comment 75
Thanong date : 26/11/2008 time : 20.32
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong

Ian, I am sorry to tell you that Anupong is now sacking Somchai.

comment 74
Ian date : 26/11/2008 time : 20.28
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

Thanong, I have absolutely no knowledge in this area so here is a little challenge for you, if Somchai were to sack Anupong, would he see it as a way out for him, or would he resist it. Who do you think Somchai would favour to replace him? Give me your best guess.

comment 73
Thanong date : 26/11/2008 time : 20.20
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong

Khun Peacefulness: I have respect for all of my fellow bloggers even though I don't agree with most of them.

comment 72
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 19.58
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

I've heard the call on the government to desolve has been rejected. Now we're talking.. I hope the next thing I'll be hearis Aunpong 's sacked...

comment 71
Ian date : 26/11/2008 time : 19.31
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

rad, "It will be the first government in history to lose office by osmosis. "

I love it

comment 70
peacefulness date : 26/11/2008 time : 19.05
Nationmultimedia.com

Khun Thanong-- again u waste ur time with these people.

comment 69
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 18.33
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

The AOT seems to have more guts and brains than our Army cheif....

comment 68
rad date : 26/11/2008 time : 18.31
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/rad

Ian,
Thailand would seem to be at war and the general, PM, is just about as indecisive as every one else.

The country has gone from losing an intersection, to its governments headquarters, to its airport all in less than a year with barely a peep from the authorities.

It will be the first government in history to lose office by osmosis.

comment 67
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 18.30
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

I have no comment until I hear what Somchai says but I do hope they will sack Aunpong....How can we expect our country to be safe with this coward leading our armed force.

comment 66
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 18.26
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

They will follow the famous John Hancock

comment 65
Ian date : 26/11/2008 time : 17.29
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

Thanong comment 64, for once I can totally agree with you. If the PAD leaders do not end up in jail then there is no hope for justice in this country. I would add that I hope Thailand never has to go to war if its generals are all as indecisive as Anupong.

comment 64
Thanong date : 26/11/2008 time : 17.18
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong

After this, no matter who wins, the PAD leaders and other important but lower ranks would have to be prosecuted and sent to jail.
There is always a price to pay.

comment 63
Thann26 date : 26/11/2008 time : 17.13

I think it is very difficult for Anupong to make the move he wants. The ideal situation for him and the army to come in is when the red start to fight wt the yellow but the seizing of Suvarnabumi airport accelerates it all. He does not want to be used by the government to crack down the PAD. Yet, if he stands still, he will be very heavily criticized by the business and the public.

I still trust General Anupong that he is a good and smart man and will do the right thing for the country. It got to end tonight.

comment 62
taurus8 date : 26/11/2008 time : 17.13

Another election do not guarantee that the PAD come not back to the street if they don't agree with the new government. You got to treat the disease, not the sympton. If the PAD is not put to rest by coercion or negotiation, a new election is not the answer. The PAD want to be the king-maker and we just cannot allow that. The people decide not the PAD. Anupong is too soft and not fit to be the army chief. If he advocate dissolving the house, he just taking the easy way out for now but care less what happen after that.

comment 61
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 17.04
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

so their is no central command and control. Ithought this was all but over yesterday.

comment 60
Thanong date : 26/11/2008 time : 16.56
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong

Ian, there was a breakdown of command yesterday. Airport officials called up for the authorities to help them. But the help would never be forthcoming. Deputy PM Chavorat was a sitting duck. The police were nimble. The military were trying to save their own asses........

comment 59
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 16.45
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

How did i get suck into this, I sore i wasn't going to talk politic again LOL

comment 58
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 16.42
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

shoot one of the Female MP looks like she should be sent home and spank for been out after dark.

comment 57
rad date : 26/11/2008 time : 16.37
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/rad

Chris,
"Hardly a wise thing to do at this point in time???"

Oops, you meant this is a factor? Surely you jest.

comment 56
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 16.35
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

I'm ass u me that most of the same ppl would be elected
as long they didn't make it a priority to pardon anybody
and started doing the nations business then things would be alright. 5 years is not such a long time. infact 2 years has almost already past, they only have 3 years left on the band

comment 55
Chris-TH date : 26/11/2008 time : 16.29
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Chris-TH

C54

Massein, an election wont help at this point. First of all it will take at least 90 days, and with the experience from 2006 (the boycut tactic), you can be sure that if one side determined they are about to loose, they will repeat the feat. And in the meantime there is a caretaker administration in place with no powers apart from running the day to day business. So we would look at minimum 180 days of Thailand without a Government. Hardly a wise thing to do at this point in time???

comment 54
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 16.20
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

Finally , that why there has to be new elections with enough moniters to ensure there is no vote buying. And they need to let mr T Stew in his on juice for a couple of years then they can parden him. One man is not greater that the country. One of our foremost patrich in the usa
stated as the british put the rope around his neck. "I regret that I have but One life to give for my country"
John Hancock

comment 53
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 16.10
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

C50 Massein,

I have mentioned before, I voted for the Dems, I want to see what they can do. If they did a good job, they will have my vote again and if they screwed up, well that's the end of them.......

The point now is, If the dem's takes over the seat without election, we still have the red shirts army. Will this country be in peace? Tt's back to square one except different people and different alphabet.

comment 52
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 16.03
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

FOS : listen carefully to what you just said

"lay their eyes on this country and not individuals,"

Your young and Idealist , and that feels great, I remember when I felt the same. But the disapointment soon weight heavy on the soul

comment 51
Steve date : 26/11/2008 time : 16.00

If PAD block U Tapao military airport, that will be their Waterloo. Yes, it will be. That would amount to treason as it is putting the country under security risk if the military airport is under siege.

It is even worse than putting the main civilian airport under siege. Now the whole country will pour scorn unto PAD.

Good, the final blow to PAD will come soon. : A18:

comment 50
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.58
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

Fos: What you you think if by some fluk the opposition
wins and your position comes up short?

comment 49
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.56
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

C41 your certainly correct, that why they have to be careful on which units to send. After all the Thai Armys rank and file or conscripts.

comment 48
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.55
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

If Thai people lay their eyes on this country and not individuals, then we still have hope...

comment 47
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.52
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

Massein C43,

It depends on how one look at it....for the country or indviduals. I don't need a definite answer to see this country being able to get back on it's feet, I only want to see there's a given chance for this country to heal even with a dot of light shinning through is good enough.

comment 46
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.50
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

Maybe its a good thing that Thais to not spent much time on factual history.

comment 45
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.48
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

Sure business will be restore to some what normal, but the ppl involved will have festering anger, waiting to boil over. Understand You believe your side right and you are passionate about it. The opposition feels the same. There
will be no winners when this is over, there will only be victors

comment 44
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.48
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

Massein C40,

Are we not deeply cut already....it's only a matter of whether the cut can be heal sooner or later. either way the scar is there. It will be in our history books.

comment 43
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.44
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

Fos, when this is over there will be no smiles, I sure the all the older bloggers will a test to that. Hey talking a holding a grudge. there are many in my generations that believes that Jane Fonda was a traitor and should be shoot. I'm one

comment 42
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.43
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

Massein,

To me, Somchai and Aunpong is not the key issue. If the PAD can be eliminated, that's the 1st step back to normality. It wouldn't end just like that but it will definitely not in Chaos as now. There's still a long way to go.

Thanong always emphasize PAD is not the issue but it is a fact infront of him right now, they are the issue. Once they're out, we can see a liitle bit of light. Let the fight be done democratically.

comment 41
Ian date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.41
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

There is one niggling question which keep running through my mind. It comes back to the military being the ultimate power brokers. This is something Thanong has denied in the past, yet at this very moment everyone is waiting to see which way the army will jump.
My question is this, the Thai people are divided, The Thai military are also Thai people, so where is the loyalty of the rank and file soldier. To the King yes, but is it also a blind loyalty to his commanding officers. If the general says shoot the PAD, or throw the government into jail, will they do it unthinkingly.
Whichever way the general decides to go can he be confident he will be obeyed. The general did not obey Somchai, his elected boss, can he be sure his troops will obey him?
Is this perhaps part of the reason he sits on the fence.

comment 40
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.39
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

Fos;These events will leave a festering wound, long after i've go to meet my maker, perhaps even you, this will be remembers as worsed than student rebellian.

comment 39
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.37
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

We are all speculating now, the answer will be when Somchai's plane lands. One thing for sure though, this is the final battle for both side. We the people just queing up to enter the cinema....when it's all over, we either come out with a smile or with a long face...

comment 38
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.35
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

Fos under my theory if everything gos well, that means few lives or lost, no more than 2 or 3 the general will not get credit because he didn't give the order, he follow the order. If it goes badly, which i sure it will, that age old excuse, use by the 3rd Reich. i was only following order, I have no legal right to disobey. The General knows he will he will be damages, no mater what happens, he only trying to medicate the damage done. I sure he is wishing now that he had been past over. When this is all over and the yellow shirt or force
to flee, do you think they will forget and forgive'NEVER"

comment 37
Steve date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.28

The siege of the main airport have made the people realise the futile and seemingly desperate act of PAD and that will be the FINAL BATTLE.

Now Somchai must avoid force at all cost so as not to play into the hand of PAD which tried to draw the military to their side. He must now make sure that Gen Anupong and the military remain neutral to avoid a coup.

This way PAD would soon have to withdraw from the airport under the chorus of fire from the public.
After that he can swoop on to PAD to finish them off. Should PAD still refuse to disperse from the airport, then Somchai must continue his tolerance and let the people shows their disapproval of PAD action in order that their support will further be eroded.

With the chorus of anger from the people and public and the military, then an Somchai must declare an emergency for the army to come out and finish PAD once and for all.

PAD have still not realise that they have been played into the hand of Thaksin. Thaksin is happily shopping in Dubai. Once PAD meet their Waterloo, the PPP government can continue with their play in Parliament to pave for his return.

So the story goes isnt it Thanong

comment 36
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.18
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

Adding to C35,

If Aunpong got credit for his action, so would Somchai......and that's why the demorcrats are jumping again. They are crossing their fingers hoping Aunpong will not support the government. The problems with the Dem's is they forgot people are part of the game....They will never get the job no matter Somchai resigns or not.

comment 35
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.13
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

TV,

Read massein comment 30, I agree with him. Aunpong will not stand aside this time, he's just waiting Somchai's order. If anything happens, he can bring Somchai down with him. He's not going to play this game alone.

comment 34
Steve date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.12

1. Laying siege to the government house and Parliament is an act of sabotage to the country democracy and Constitution.
2. Hijacking bus, attacking police officers, refusing to pay toll, cutting of electrical cables are criminal offences
3. Worse still laying siege to the country main airport is an act of terrorism.

Thanong, so you are supporting these tactics isnt` it.

Compared to PAD act, Thaksin offence is minor as it is considered a civil offence.

The government must now be on the offensive instead of being on the defensive. Somchai must not resign as that would be tantamount to giving in to blackma

comment 33
MaxHeadroom date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.12
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/maxheadroom

OK. As for the not so nice things against you - probably you are not the only person that can take out time for an emotional response. I guess we all have our fair share of stakes in this situation. Especially, since most Nation Staff simply chooses to ignore any of the dangerous topics.

Sure you will say - self protection - but that could also quickly turn into self imposed exile and censorship something that doesn't really throw a good light on the freedom of the press in our country. As you said: few people know. I say even fewer people speak out - even if they have real and substantiated information at hands. And if they have they will try to keep it to them and / or to turn it into a personal advantage. After all knowledge must not be shared but turned into a advantage or a profit - a typical Thai phenomenon. We are ruled by 'The Art of War' not the principle of peaceful coexistence. All Thais are now either underprivileged, undereducated and uninformed or competitors and adversaries trying to gain an advantage over everyone else around. We are not team players. This crisis is just the latest climax of this educational and cultural mishap.

But our nation cannot exist without a good portion of 'we' and community spirit, of sharing and caring.

So why don't you come up with first hand info of what you claim not to know. As journalist and Thai at heart I mean.

On a side note: if Yoon can wage his opinion building campaign by email to us, why doesn't he openly talk in public about his views?

A last one: do you think that Somchai has to declare state of emergency anyway to avoid house dissolution tomorrow?

comment 32
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.10
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

soldiers career is over the general retires and entries politics

comment 31
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.08
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

The order will then be past down to the lowest ranking officer possible to carry out the order then when hapless
li or capt get call to muster. the story will go i told him to use good judgement and clear the airport, didn't tell him to shoot anyone. that soldiers is over everone else retires and entries politics

comment 30
massein date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.01
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/massein

i swore i would not do this but. the general wants a direct
order in writing to take action, the pm has the power, that will relieve him of responsibility of making unilateral decision it it goes bad chi mai

comment 29
thevoice date : 26/11/2008 time : 15.01
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/the-voice

FOS, your comment #18. We can only hope for the best because even if the PM orders a state of emergency but if Anupong refuses to follow his order to disperse the protesters, it's also no use. If Anupong is pushed to the corner he may just call for a coup then everything will crumble and goes back to square one. The PAD leaders refused to accept that they don't really have that many supporters. My, B50 million is lost through damages as of now. Worst when they seized the airport tower! I wonder what else they have caused damages to the airport facility. I don't think it is safe to go to Bangkok now that all the things are damaged more so to the airport control tower!

I really don't understand why they allow the protests to continue for more than three months! The first people to get arrested are the PAD leaders, that bloody bastard Chamlong and Sondhi! I really hope someone will assassinate them! I have this feeling that their lives are in danger now.

comment 28
Thanong date : 26/11/2008 time : 14.48
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong

sorry for misidentification.

comment 27
rad date : 26/11/2008 time : 14.44
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/rad

Thanong, c 25
I think that was Khun Kettle

comment 26
rad date : 26/11/2008 time : 14.42
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/rad

If everybody has kissed and made up, can we go on?

Question, what is the difference in PAD holding the GH hostage and the airport hostage?

Why would one require military force and the other acceptance?

comment 25
Thanong date : 26/11/2008 time : 14.40
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong

Yes, Khun Pot. Many of my opinions are not correct and wrong. You can trace the records in the blogs. Yet most of my writing makes sense.

That's how the world works. We only know a little
bit of events. More relevant is that I try to do my best. The readers will judge.

comment 24
Vox date : 26/11/2008 time : 14.38

"I only know 10 per cent of the whole event"

So your opinions as expressed in your columns are misinformed and based on general ignorance? Is that what you're saying? In that case, your opinion is worth precisely as much as anyone else's posting here.

"Ian, what would you say if a Thai like me say that I know the UK better than you and try to criticse the UK in every way?"

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/search/read.php?newsid=30080982&keyword=Dear+British+exile++asylum+authities

Pot, meet kettle.

comment 23
Thanong date : 26/11/2008 time : 14.36
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong

Ian, don't misunderstand me. I don't think that I know anything much. I am just one individual in the sea of people and events. We are all equal. I respect you all, that's why I give you all the space to say nice things and not so nice things against me. But sometimes I have got the impression that I am not knowing what I am writing. So an emotional response.
Let's move on. We are all observers of this melodrama unfolding before our eyes. As I have told Lalida, let me help guide you through the mischief of events.

comment 22
Ian date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.58
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

Thanong 20. If I criticise Thailand it is because I love this country and want to live here happily, not watch it collapse around me in ruins.
Sure I don't claim to KNOW as much as you but sometimes age and experience can give me INSIGHTS that go some way to compensate. My insights often find me in step with Max's comments, is he also as lacking in knowledge about this country as you claim I am?

comment 21
FelixQui date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.55
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/FelixQui

When I watched the video on the BBC's lead story right now, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7749399.stm , it looked as though Chamlong might be loosing control of his gun toting, and firing, mob who were shooting, beating and running wild with their disrespectful images of the King held high for the world to see in blatant show of disrespect.

Perhaps the loyal PAD cadres like the idea of doing whatever they want without punishment and are keen to continue running wild. The video does not show Thailand or the PAD in a very nice light.
Nor does the other front page video of visitors trapped in a blockaded airport without services. There is clearly a lot of growing anger under a politely forced calm for the interviews.

comment 20
Thanong date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.48
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong

Ian, what would you say if a Thai like me say that I know the UK better than you and try to criticse the UK in every way?
It is similar right?

comment 19
Thanong date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.44
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong

It is correct Ian, because I used to tell you that I only know 10 per cent of the whole event. So your ratio of understanding of Thailand is less proportionately.

comment 18
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.36
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

The PADs are marching down their graves.......

I was kinda depress for a few days until I heard about the "State of emergency law". If it is true that it's going to be implemented, then I have misunderstood the whole thing before. I will give one vote to the Govt. PAD, The military are all cornered this time round and check mate.

comment 17
Ian date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.30
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

Max comment 10. Thanong will give you the same answer he gave me, "You don't understand the Thai people and you are ill informed on the reality of events".
Actually I hear similar from Piset, Expresso and wch, but less politely.

comment 16
DeinHerzkenntdieWahrheit!!!! date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.28
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/changnoi

How much million T paid for Military???

comment 15
thevoice date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.14
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/the-voice

FOS, I agree with you. Anupong must listen to the millions and not just a mere thousands! If he is to stage another coup then he'll be disgraced big time. The world is watching and he is now in the tight spot! Declare the damn state of emergency and impose a curfew all over Thailand! The military should be given the shoot and kill whoever dares to go against it. Then let's see if the protesters are daring enough to defy the order. After that arrest those PAD bastards and bring them to task. Story ends and Thailand is back to normal. Now I only see hesitance on Anupong's side. Is he another coward or he has an hidden agenda to go against the PM's order?

comment 14
thevoice date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.09
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/the-voice

I don't understand why people are hoping for the PM to step down. Things will go back to square one and history will repeat itself again and again. Since the government has been legally elected so be it! Who cares if Somchai is the proxy of Thaksin? Didn't a report says that Somchai and Thaksin's relationship is drifting? So what's the big problem now? I really don't understand.

comment 13
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.07
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

Thanong,

How could an attempt as such you mentioned be achive just with a few thousand people when the rest of the 60million so Thais are not supporting. True it's a revolution they want but it's not happening, it's plain destruction of a country.

comment 12
MaxHeadroom date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.06
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/maxheadroom

Btw. this is not a people's revolution this is a guerrilla attack aimed at seizing power without any seond thought on loss of life or destruction of wealth or ethical standards.

comment 11
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.03
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

Aunpong will have to give in to Somchai cos this is what the public wants. If he backs off or stage a coup, he will be eating his own wrods and will be counter attack. The real civil war begins.

comment 10
MaxHeadroom date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.02
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/maxheadroom

Khun Thanong, you know who is keeping Anupong on a short leash and without the consent of Khun Eek Prem, who is unlikely, to give any support to the Somchai government, Gen. Anupong will be commanded to just that: nothing.

It goes without saying that the scheme to first leave the police alone and have them ordered by Chavalit to engage the protesters and then have them crucifixed as killers even with support from high above was an elaborate scheme to demoralize the entire police. After all if you are a protester high figures will show up at your funeral - if you are a police man that died on duty defending law and order then no one will care.

Explain this to the normal person.

So the police won't be holding their heads on the line here and with the police out of the equation and the military passive it all plays into the hands of those who benefit from anarchy. And we all know who they are.

Does it surprise you that Chavalit decided to become monk for 15 days - just now? Ok, this is a state within a state as the military is not under the control of the government, the police doesn't perform their duty out of fear of reprisals and unclear chain of command while some people try to seize their assets of the dying cadaver by pushing the country towards anarchy.

With the responsibility that you have as journalist - Khun Thanong - how do you sleep at night and cope with your conscience. The media incl. you contributed much to the damage that has been caused to our country and are still siding with people who have shown great disrespect for the very democratic principles that allow you to even publish your biased views.

What will you tell your grand children? Will you lie to them and say that this was none of your doing?

comment 9
Ian date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.02
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

The world is watching, it is no longer a domestic conflict, by attacking an international airport the PAD have created an international incident and broken international law. If the general still refuses the instructions of the elected government then Thailand will stand disgraced before the entire world.

comment 8
Thanong date : 26/11/2008 time : 13.00
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong

Lalida, as I have told you, PAD is attempting people's revolution, which is the ultimate objective. Occupying government house, airport and creating other public nuisances are tactics. The aim is to force drastic political change.

comment 7
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 12.59
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

Aunpong don't have a choice to choose side anymore, he must stand on the people's side as wished and demaned. Aunpong has the life of the people of Bangkok in his hands.

comment 6
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 12.56
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

Thanong,

Last time is the GH, not a big deal to them. This time is different, it's the "INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT" the root to many income of the general public in the city.

comment 5
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 12.53
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

If what your newspaper said is true, I don't think Aunpong has a choice this time. The world is watching. He can be seen as a traitor to his country if he refuse to take action.

comment 4
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 12.49
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

IMO, If the Military do the same as he did with Samak, this time they will be taking the balme of not upholding what Aunpng said yesterday of protecting the country. The fault will be on him. The majority of public have already denounce the PAD and wants action to be taken.

comment 3
sul date : 26/11/2008 time : 12.42
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/sul

General Anupong and Prime Minister Somchai are gong to have dinner and then discuss matters of interest over some wine and then go home and sleep

comment 2
Thanong date : 26/11/2008 time : 12.42
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong

Govt would like to do so at the surrounding area of Suvarnabumi so that military can quash protesters. But military is resisting. Showndown time!

comment 1
FOS date : 26/11/2008 time : 12.40
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/Dom

K. Thanong,

Is the report accurate that Somchai will impose the "Emergency state Law" as I saw in your news page?

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