PAD Rally Photos: Some Clashes with Riot Police, but Mostly a Performance

[chitown]

I left early this morning with camera in hand to get a first hand look at the protest that was schedule to take place at the government house. Upon arrival at approximately 10am , I saw a minimal crowd of PAD protesters and a large force of riot police equipped with shields, helmets and batons.

There was plenty of yelling and screaming and loud speakers, but for the most part seemed peaceful. I spoke with some police officers who told me to be careful as the situation was volatile and could turn violent. They told me that the protesters were not going to be allowed past the police barricades and this is why things might turn ugly.

[chitown]

The police had set up several lines of defense and these photos were taken at the first one. I was told by protesters and by police that they were going to remain peaceful. However, the police said that they were not going to allow the protestors to cross their lines.

[chitown]

Everything was peaceful and then almost as if it was scheduled, a group of protesters moved to one corner of the police line and the police opened the barricade a little bit.

[chitown]

At that point people started going through and th crowd surged knocking down some barriers.

[chitown]

He was telling the crowd that the police were their friends and to remain calm.

[chitown]

Again, at the next police line, everything was peaceful. People were chanting and the loud speaker was blaring calling for calm.

[dirtydog]

Police shootings, tanks and stuff, anything exciting like that then

[hillbilly]

Excellent photos!

[dirtydog]

I think you may have been a little too close at that time, I assume you haven't worked out how to use your zoom lense on your new camera

[Panda]

Thanks for the photos.
Its just push and shove posturing at the moment. A strategic game between PAD and the government playing off their pawns on either side.

Each side waiting and hoping for the other side to start the trouble that would lead to some pretty nasty stuff. Pretty much of an anti climax as it stands at the moment really. But has the potential to go off once the fuse is lit.

[jandajoy]

Terrific photos. Well done. Be carefull out there.

[kingwilly]

wow - you really did get into teh thick of the action there mate. awesome pics, thanks for sharing.

[kingwilly]

crazy man. you dont know the rules, yet you are in the thick of it. it could turn ugly anytime, and catch u unawares.

make sure you get some pics of the tanks and stuff when they roll into town, will ya?

[justwingit]

well i just got back myself from the rally i dont think its going to kick off anytime soon

[chitown]

^ Were you with a farang woman or are you the guy that works for the Daily Telegraph that I met?

[justwingit]

nope sorry wasn't me
my only photo thats available god knows what happened to me camera
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=random&cat=13143&pos=-37725

[dirtydog]

^Here it is.

[chitown]

Protesters were saying that Samak was out of Bangkok and that law says that if he misses more than seven days of work, then he has to resign.

They also said that by being hated by some many Thais, he has lost face and will soon resign because of that. They believe that 90% of the country hates Samak.

[chitown]

At one point, rally leaders instructed the protesters to sit down and be calm.

[chitown]

The effigies of the evil ones have been caged.

[chitown]

Another pushing match between the police and the PAD.

[NickA]

^ah, yes, that's a banner I like... I know who they're talking about. Can someone make one with "Piggy cook piss off"

[Panda]

With respect, I don't see any violence there apart from a little bit of pushing and shoving.
I know it could have gone off and got a lot worse at any time and I do appreciate you taking the risk to take the pics for us here. You just don't know how these things are going to turn out on the day. And the day is not over yet.

It could be an interesting weekend.

[dirtydog]

Were the police carrying guns the ones at the front of the siege? By rights they shouldn't be but in this country I have no idea how advanced they are.

[friscofrankie]

All tehm pansy-assed fucking so-called reporter sittin up oin a high perch in safety while TD's Own man in the street gets down and dirty with the natives. Some great fuckin shots here man
Truly fantastic stuff.
Good stuff