Reds ready to counter Pitak Siam: Korkaew says anti-govt rally has Democrat links

Reds ready to counter Pitak Siam | Bangkok Post: news

Reds ready to counter Pitak Siam

Korkaew says anti-govt rally has Democrat links

• Published: 30/10/2012 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Red-shirt supporters from 20 provinces in the Northeast are ready to counter any further rallies led by the Pitak Siam group, Udon Thani red leader Kwanchai Praipana says.

He made the statement in Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday in response to a plan by the Pitak Siam group to hold its next rally against the Pheu Thai Party-led government within a month following Sunday's gathering at the Royal Turf Club in Nang Loeng district of the capital which the rally organiser claimed drew around 20,000 participants.

Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit, a retired officer and the core organiser, believes the campaign is gaining momentum.

Mr Kwanchai, head of the Khon Rak Udon group (People Who Love Udon), said he and his group were ready to hold rallies anywhere to counter the Pitak Siam group and he did not believe Pitak Siam's campaign would gain any momentum.

Mr Kwanchai said he stood on his own feet without financial support from Pheu Thai and that the Khon Rak Udon group acts on its own.

He also warned that if the government fails to bring ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra back home during its first four years in office, Pheu Thai should not expect the Khon Rak Udon group to support it in the next general election.

Pheu Thai's two previous incarnations, Thai Rak Thai and People Power, had failed to bring Thaksin home, Mr Kwanchai said.

Mayuree Sawatasai, a red-shirt leader in Ayutthaya, said Pitak Siam is an offshoot of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy. The group's leaders are those who had previously campaigned against the government, she said.

She said if the Pitak Siam group continues with its anti-government rallies, she and red shirts in Ayutthaya will feel the need to come forward to protect the democratically elected government.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday said the rally by Pitak Siam would not affect the government's work.

However, she said it would be best if the government is scrutinised through parliamentary mechanisms.

Meanwhile, army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said his stance on the political conflict will be based on the rule of law.

"Any government of this country is a legal entity. Don't fault any government for being right and another being wrong. I will not take any sides," he said.

Asked about Pitak Siam calling for a coup, Gen Prayuth said briefly: "Without a reason, it [a coup] can't be done. It depends on the situation. Don't ask me about this again.".

Pheu Thai list-MP and red-shirt co-leader Korkaew Pikulthong said yesterday the Pitak Siam rally drew an unusually large number of people and that the rally might be linked to a political party.

Mr Korkaew claimed Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva met a former Democrat MP who runs a stable and has close ties with Gen Boonlert, Pitak Siam's leader.

He also alleged some participants in the rally who came from the lower Northeast were paid by a "blue-shirt" political party.

Mr Korkaew also said some business groups involved in nefarious activities at the Royal Turf Club are plotting to topple the government.

He said horse-racing is a form of gambling and the government should close down the Royal Turf Club.

He said this would prevent groups involved in vice from spending the money they gain from improper activities on plotting to bring down the government.

Mr Korkaew urged the government to be on alert and keep a close watch on these anti-government elements.Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung said he had told police to review the tape recording of the Sunday rally to see if any defamatory remarks were made.

Sondhi, Boonlert accused of rebellion | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

Action sought against Sondhi, Seh Ai

• Published: 30/10/2012 at 12:37 PM
• Online news:

A team of lawyers of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Tuesday asked the Crime Suppression Division police to take action against Sondhi Limthongkul, a co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit, alias Seh Ai, chairman of the Pitak Siam Group, for inciting rebellion and a coup.

The lawyers, led by Karom Polpornklang, said the UDD already filed a complaint with the CSD against the two on Jan 26 but no action had been taken.

Today, they reminded the CSD of the complaint and submit more evidence against them. The additional evidence included CDs of Sunday's rally of the Pitak Siam Group and reports on the rally on the internet and newspapers.

If the CSD takes no action after this visit, they would petition with Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew, the police chief, and Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung and might also file a petition with the Consitution Court, Mr Karom said.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

He said horse-racing is a form of gambling and the government should close down the Royal Turf Club.

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I always wondered about that myself, is there some kind of bylaw that allows this place to exist? Surely no one is suggesting that there is no gambling going on if there is horse racing?

Yes it is 'legal' maximum bet is 'unlimited' supposedly, minimum allowed is only 50 baht though. It is only open to the public every second Sunday for horse racing - it is a private hi-so sports club, with very expensive membership fees and a long waiting list.

Chalerm asks Udon reds to stay put | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

Chalerm asks Udon reds to stay put

• Published: 30/10/2012 at 01:26 PM
• Online news:

There is no need for supporters of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to travel to Bangkok to show opposition to the Pitak Siam group of Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung said on Tuesday.

Mr Chalerm was responding to a threat by Kwanchai Praipana, leader of the Rak Udon Group of Udon Thani, to lead red shirts to Bangkok to confront with Pitak Siam.

He said if the red-shirts were not satisfied they could protest symbolically at the provincial hall.

On Gen Boonlert's remark that his group would stage another rally soon, Mr Chalerm said he did not think the rally would develop into a siege of Government House.

Authorities would keep the rally under control, using internationally recognised standards for crowd control without use of weapons, he added.

Mr Chalerm declined to comment on Pheu Thai party list MP Korkaew Pikulthong's suggestion that the Royal Turf Club at Nang Loeng be closed. Mr Korkaew is also a co-leader of the UDD.

The deputy prime minister ruled out the possibility of a coup. He said he believed Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha's assurance that there would not be a coup, saying that the army chief is a reliable and straightforward person.

On the opposition's planned censure debate on Nov 25-26, Mr Chalerm said it would probabably target only Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and the main topic for the debate would be the rice-pledging scheme.

The censure would be symbolic and a formality because the government was not corrupt because the prime minister had ordered all projects be scrutinised, he added.

Nattawut: Rally a prelude to a coup | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

Nathawut: Rally a prelude to a coup

• Published: 30/10/2012 at 02:08 PM
• Online news:

Last Sunday's rally by the Pitak Siam Group led by Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit is a sign of another coup in the making, Deputy Commerce Minister Nathawut Saikuar said on Tuesday.

Mr Nathawut, a core member of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), called for the people to come out and show their standpoint of not joining the Siam Pitak Group.

He believed "a movement to topple the government" would continue to go on the offensive by lodging a petition with various agencies for a ruling to put the administration in disarray.

On the cabinet reshuffle, Mr Nathawut said the red shirts had not voiced any objection to it, but only raised some points for observation.

UDD core leader Jatuporn Prompan, who was not included in the reshuffle list, had not demaned a cabinet seat. He only raised some points as a reminder that the war was not yet over and moral support was important for warriors, Mr Nathawut said.

On Kwanchai Praipana's remarks that if former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was not brought home the red shirts would no longer support support the government, Mr Nathawut said it was only a personal opinion of the the Rak Udon Group leader.

He also disregarded Mr Kwanchai's threat to bring the red shirts to face the Pitak Siam Group, saying that a hasty move would be useless.

^ To be fair...this time he has a point as one of the Pitak Siam leaders clearly stated that he would like to see another coup.

Jatuporn rejects advisory position | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

Jatuporn rejects advisory position

• Published: 30/10/2012 at 02:38 PM
• Online news:

Red-shirt co-leader Jatuporn Prompan made it clear on Tuesday that he will not accept the post of adviser to the interior minister after being ignored for a seat on the cabinet.

He said this before attending a Pheu Thai Party meeting to elect a new party executive committee.

"I have talked to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra about the cabinet reshuffle and we have a good understanding.

"I have made clear to her my intention of not taking the post of adviser to the interior minister. I would rather stay with my fellow red-shirts to protect the government," Mr Jatuporn said.

The red-shirt leader said there was now a movement underway to topple the government, similar to the one which took only a little than a month to oust the government of Somchai Wongsawat.

He claimed he had information about the movement from "friends" who were once in the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) set up the Democrat-led government to quell the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protesters in 2010.

Mr Jatuporn said he had earlier warned those concerned not to underestimate the Pitak Siam group, which rallied at the Royal Turf Club on Sunday. The next time the group might come out in larger numbers, he added.

There were many forms which could be used by those behind the movement to bring down the government and they had control of independent organisations under the 2007 constitution, he said.

Thailand may see more rallies in near future - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Thailand may see more rallies in near future

English.news.cn
2012-10-30 18:02:03

BANGKOK, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Thai politics is heated again as pro-government red shirts have threatened to hold mass rally across the country to show their support for the government after a newly-emerged group organized rally against the government on Sunday.

On Sunday, a group called Pitak Siam, meaning protecting Siam, gathered at the Royal Turf Club in Bangkok's Nang Loeng district and drew about 20,000 participants claimed by the organizer.

The group said to allow the government under Prime Minister Yingluch Shinawatra to continue would hurt the country, adding that it is not affiliated with any political 'colour' or parties.

After the rally, Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit, a retired officer and the core organizer, believed the campaign is gaining momentum and it is likely that the group will stage another rally soon.

The remarks from Gen Boonlert sparked fierce response from the red shirts who are supporters of the Pheu Thai-led government.

On Monday, a red-shirt core member Kwanchai Praipana announced that red-shirt supporters from 20 provinces in the northeast are ready to counter any further rallies led by the Pitak Siam group.

Korkaew Pikulthong, another red-shirt core leader, urged the government to be on alert and keep a close watch on these anti- government elements. He also suggested that the Royal Turf Club at Nang Loeng be closed in order to prevent future rallies by the Pitak Siam group.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said on Sunday the rally by Pitak Siam would not affect the government's work.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung said he had told police to review the tape recording of the Sunday rally to see if any defamatory remarks were made.

Chalerm also said on Tuesday that there is no need for supporters of the red shirts to travel to Bangkok to show opposition to the Pitak Siam group. However, if the red shirts were not satisfied they could protest symbolically at the provincial hall.

Regarding Gen Boonlert's remarks that the group would stage another rally soon, Chalerm said he was not worried about it as he did not think the rally would develop into a siege of the Government House.

Authorities would keep the rally under control, using internationally recognized standards for crowd control without use of weapons, he added.

Yellows and reds Busy but still a million miles apart - The Nation

Yellows and reds Busy but still a million miles apart

Avudh Panananda
The Nation October 30, 2012 1:00 am

Last Sunday was a particularly busy day due to the convergence of activities organised by different political stripes.

Pitak Siam, an offshoot of the yellow and multi-coloured shirts, organised an anti-government rally at the Royal Turf Club. The crowd surged to fill the 20,000-seat racetrack.

The lead organiser was Boonlert Kaewprasit. He is no stranger to politics but lacks experience in mobilising the masses.

The majority of the crowd were supporters of Santi Asoke, a religious group seen as the core ally of the yellow shirts.

Former national security chief Prasong Soonsiri and Democrat ally Pathompong Kesornsuk were main speakers to attract the crowds.

Chulalongkorn University economic lecturer Narong Phetprasert made a fiery speech condemning the government's intervention to try to boost the price of rice.

From 2001 to 2004, Narong was a staunch ally of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He helped to map out several populist policies, notably those related to the Village Fund and labour welfare.

During Thaksin's second term, he became disenchanted with populism, which he said had been abused as a vote-buying strategy rather than a genuine attempt to improve livelihoods for the people.

He took Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to task for squandering Bt300 billion in connection with the rice pledging scheme.

Out of some 20 million rice farmers, less than five million were small-scale farmers and only a fraction of them were beneficiaries of the scheme, he said. Narong questioned the justification for such big spending when only a small num?ber of farmers benefit.

In a separate rally, the People's Alliance for Democracy led the yellow shirts in Nakhon Si Thammarat to kick off a cam?paign to oppose the privatisation of PTT and the plunder of energy resources in the Gulf of Thailand.

While Pitak Siam leader Boonlert |highlighted corruption and flaws of populism, PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang chose to raise awareness about the |contentious allocation of resources in the energy sector.

Boonlert and Chamlong are like two sides of the same movement aimed at stoking a fire to burn down the government. Their fire may appear to flicker at the moment but it has the potential to become an inferno should the government make a mistake that fuels public discontent.

In Uttaradit, the red shirts launched a school to train political activists. Some 2,000 red shirts from the North are allegedly due to take part in the programme.

Red-shirt chairwoman Thida Thawornseth pledged to open five red schools across the country by the end of this year.

The first red school opened back in 2009, and that led to the red-shirt rally in 2010, triggering violence and bloodshed.

Amid the planned expansion of red schools, Thida made it clear her movement wanted to pave the way for a rewrite of the charter. To achieve this, the red shirts want to do everything in their power to destroy the bureaucratic polity, also known as the amart or elite, which is seen as the major obstacle to true democratic rule.

In Thida's red book, which spells out the guidelines for activism, the bureaucratic polity entails a vast network of people who oppose Thaksin.

Meanwhile, in Bangkok's Yannawa district, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva officiated at the opening of his party's school.

Since their defeat in the July 2011 |general election, the Democrats have |intensified efforts to mobilise the masses. Their main theme is to attack Thaksin's |populism as a misguided ploy for democracy. In the assessment of Democrat adviser Chuan Leekpai, populist policies are just pork-barrel politics.

Politicians of all stripes may be chanting reconciliation as their mantra. But each camp is fortifying its position and refuses to budge.

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Rough time ahead for Yingluck government | Bangkok Post: opinion

OPINION

Rough time ahead for Yingluck government

• Published: 30/10/2012 at 10:55 AM
• Online news: Opinion

The large turnout at the anti-government rally at the Royal Turf Club on Sunday caught both the government and the organiser, the Pitak Siam group led by retired soldier Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit, by surprise.

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2012/10/2806.jpg
Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit (Photo by Patipat Janthong)

The club’s stadium was filled to capacity with the crowd estimated at 20,000, many of them members of the Santi Asoke movement led by Phra Bhodhirak and the multi-coloured group. It was the biggest gathering of anti-Thaksin people in recent years.

Gen Boonlert had earlier said that he would stop his anti-government campaign if Sunday’s crowd was fewer than 1,000. Bouyed by the unexpected high turnout, he and the other organisers are now thinking about a second rally in a month or so.

A staunch royalist, the retired general accused the government of inaction in dealing with people who were insulting the monarchy and openly called for a coup d’etat.

The leaders of another anti-Thaksin group, the yellow-shirt Peoples Alliance for Democracy (PAD), stayed away from Sunday’s rally but did not stop their members from joining the Pitak Siam gathering. PAD spokesman Panthep Wongpuapan said that the PAD would only stage a protest if the government tries to force through a so-called reconciliation bill which would grant amnesty to exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung earlier said with a trace of contempt that he would not rate Pitak Siam highly. But after Sunday’s show of force, he might have to think differently because Pitak Siam and its like are not the spent force he assumed them to be and remain a force to be reckoned with.

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2012/10/2807.jpg
Kwanchai Praipana (Photo by Surapol Promsaka na Sakolnakorn)

On Monday, Udon Thani's red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praipana threatened to organise counter-protests against Pitak Siam. The radical leader of the Rak Udon group, which is affilicated with the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), also warned the Yingluck government of the likely negative consequences if it fails to bring Thaksin home during its four-year term in office.

Village headmen and kamnan have also threatened a mass protest if the government proceeds with a bill seeking to cap the terms of these local leaders to four years, instead of staying on until retirement at 60 years of age as it is now.

Having enjoyed a pleasant ride for more than a year, it appears that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her new cabinet have a rough time ahead in dealing with the different interest groups, in addition to the other social and economic problems which are bound to pop up.

Despite all the challenges and minus a coup, the government will be able to muddle through and complete its four-term term because of its overwhelming majority in the parliament. Only a self implosion as a result of its own self-destructive policies, such as the rotten rice pledging scheme and massive corruption, could bring this government to its knees.

They're whistlin' dixie- the military isn't interested in staging another coup. Hardly surprising, given the results of the last one.

Govt figures say red shirts' counter-rally plan pointless | Bangkok Post: news

Govt figures say red shirts' counter-rally plan pointless

• Published: 31/10/2012 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Key government figures have dismissed red-shirt supporters' plan to hold counter-rallies against the Pitak Siam group, saying the move is unnecessary.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung yesterday said there is no need for supporters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to travel to Bangkok to show their opposition to the Pitak Siam (Protecting Siam) group led by Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit.

Mr Chalerm was responding to the threat by Udon Thani red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praipana, who announced on Monday that red-shirt supporters from 20 provinces are ready to counter any further anti-government rallies led by Pitak Siam. However, Mr Chalerm said if the red shirts were unhappy they could protest symbolically at provincial halls.

Gen Boonlert also said his group would stage another gathering soon. Mr Chalerm said he did not think the rally would develop into a siege of Government House.

Deputy Commerce Minister and red-shirt co-leader Nattawut Saikuar echoed Mr Chalerm's remark, saying any UDD counter-rallies could backfire as they might set the stage for political intervention by the old power clique.

Red-shirt co-leader Jatuporn Prompan also rejected Mr Kwanchai's threat to bring red shirts to Bangkok face off with Pitak Siam, saying such a hasty move would be pointless.

Meanwhile, UDD lawyers yesterday asked Crime Suppression Division police to take action against Sondhi Limthongkul, a co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and Gen Boonlert for inciting rebellion and a coup. They submitted CDs of the Pitak Siam rally on Sunday and reports about the protest on the internet and in the media as evidence.


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No need for new protests | Bangkok Post: opinion

EDITORIAL

No need for new protests

• Published: 31/10/2012 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

It is a basic right of Thais to gather, petition their government and speak their mind on politics and most other subjects. Sunday's gathering at the Royal Turf Club was a peaceful demonstration of this core right. The crowd that filled many of the 20,000 seats at the horse-racing track was sometimes raucous, but never threatening. Yet the participants should ask if the country really needs another round of divisive politics _ and decide that the answer is "no".

The publicity-hungry leader of the latest anti-Thaksin Shinawatra, anti-government group is retired Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit. The general has infamously called for a military coup to overthrow the Yingluck Shinawatra government. "I'd love to see a coup," he told this newspaper just a little more than a week ago.

Thailand has no real need of more large-scale political protests for now. But it especially has no need of a military coup _ ever. It was encouraging to hear the army commander put down this mad proposal. Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha noted the government was elected, and then added: "Any government of this country is a legal entity." That is the correct answer, and the only legitimate one.

The call for a military coup is a telling measure of Pitak Siam (Protecting Siam), Gen Boonlert's overblown name for his group. Even before the first public protest by Pitak Siam, the leader was admitting the weakness of his appeal for turning out the government. Only with the guns of the military can he even hope to prevail over the Yingluck Shinawatra government. That says quite a lot about the power of his arguments against Ms Yingluck and her administration.

While it is the right of every concerned citizen to hold the government accountable, it is the duty of every serious citizen to do so at viewpoint, not gunpoint. Those who back Gen Boonlert's call for violence as valid or worthy should think again. The most recent coup, just six years ago, brought no improvement and much harm to the nation, its economy and its international accounting. Another one would be disastrous.

Ms Yingluck is partly right when she says the correct place to scrutinise the government is in parliament. There are many other avenues _ the media, public meetings, virtual groups such as through the internet. But it is not correct to scrutinise the government in the barracks. There is one proper place to overthrow a government and remove it from office _ the polling booth.

Two weeks ago, the president of the Privy Council, Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, issued a call for Thais to reconcile. Being a united nation does not mean universal agreement, or a country without criticism. But it means general acceptance by citizens of basic truths. In Thailand, all good citizens should believe in democratic principles, and in settling disputes through debate or at the ballot box.

Thailand has had its fill of street protests, and the weekend threat of the red shirts to "counter" Pitak Siam only revived the bad memories. Gen Boonlert needs to reform his new movement, and remove the support for military violence against his country. The red shirts have caused enough trouble on the streets, and should try to solve their grievances in peaceful ways. The important, protected right to public protest is not a call to use it without end.

Soldiers warned not to join rallies | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

Prayuth tells soldiers: Don't join rallies

• Published: 31/10/2012 at 11:29 AM
• Online news:

Soldiers taking part in political rallies is considered a disciplinary offence even though they may have the right to do so, national army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Wednesday.

"There are disciplinary regulations and soldiers must follow their commanders' instructions. If they commit a disciplinary offence they could be demoted or even discharged," Gen Prayuth said.

On the red-shirt supporters' plan to stage demonstrations to counter any further anti-government rallies led by the Pitak Siam group,

Red-shirt supporters from 20 provinces in the Northeast are ready to counter any further rallies led by the Pitak Siam group, he said it would not be a problem if both sides gather peacefully and stay within the democratic framework.

Gen Prayuth urged the general public not to support any sides that abuse the law.

He also called on officials not to comment on the investigation into the 91 deaths, mainly red-shirt protesters, in April and May of 2010.

The issue is now being handled by the justice system and commenting on it is considered unethical, he added.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Soldiers taking part in political rallies is considered a disciplinary offence even though they may have the right to do so

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:rofl:

If the Chief of the Army can not spell it out in black and white ,

what hope do the regular soldiers have ?

Typical Nation misdirection.. buried in the middle of their propaganda piece...

Quote:

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The first red school opened back in 2009, and that led to the red-shirt rally in 2010, triggering violence and bloodshed.

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Red Shirt schools in the NE are responsible for the violence in 2010... these guys can't even string together a lie that makes sense.

If The Nation disappeared, I'd never miss it.

Seh Ai: Government must go | Bangkok Post: news

Seh Ai: Government must go

• Published: 31/10/2012 at 04:34 PM
• Online news: Politics

There will definitely be another major anti-government rally aimed at bringing down the government by the end of November and up to one million people could be involved, Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit said on Wednesday.

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2012/11/20.jpg
Anti-government protest groups turn up in force at the Royal Turf Club on Oct 28, 2012. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)

Gen Boonlert, chairman of the Pitak Siam group, declined to comment on whether he would lead the protesters in a march to lay siege to Government House. He did not give a date for the rally, saying only that it would be in late November.

"Whoever wants to know how we will bring down the government and whether we will march to Government House should come and join our rally to see how things develop," said Gen Boonlert, also known as Seh Ai.

"If the people turn out in large numbers, we will go right to see the government and apply pressure on it. I want to know whether soldiers or police would dare to shoot the people, whether the red-shirts will come out, whether Thais will kill each other because of [fugitive former prime minister] Thaksin Shinawatra," he said.

He said between 900,000 and one million people would be needed in order to oust the government.

If the anti-government protesters turn out en masse and march from the Royal Turf Club, they would be well protected.

If people of a third-hand party were to show up, they could only be supporters of the government or Thaksin, he said.

Gen Boonlert said that by leading the people's rally he was not worried whether the red-shirts would file a lawsuit accusing him of inciting rebellion because "a coup is the only way to topple the government".

"If I had military power in hand, I would have staged a coup. I am now waiting to see how Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the army chief, will react to my call. I am still confident he has not changed his stand or sided with the government.

"If a coup did take place, an interim government would be set up. If this was not acceptable to other countries, we could close the country. I don't know for how many years, but the closure should remain until all the bad politicians have been driven away. I have never seen a good politician. Soldiers are needed to take care of the country," Gen Boonlert said.

Asked who would be made prime minister if that happened, Gen Boonlert said there would be many suitable people for the post, but he would rather not name them.

"The most important thing to do first is to bring down the government. The people must help to accomplish this goal. Don't allow corruption to stay. It's no long tolerable," he said.

Gen Boonlert said he estimated the number of people at the anti-government on Oct 28 at the Royal Turf Club at 30,000, but the government's intelligence agencies put it around 7,000-8,000 to calm soldiers.

"I was very excited. I had never done anything like this in my life. But I had to do it to protect the high institution ... to topple the government. A large number of people showed up. They gave me the moral support needed to continue with this fight," said the 70-year-old retired general.

Gen Boonlert dismissed as untrue the red-shirts' speculation that Gen Surayud Chulanont - a privy councillor and chairman of the Royal Turf Club, and his classmate from Class 1 of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School - was behind the Oct 28 rally.

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2012/11/21.jpg
Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)

He said the rally was engineered by only a few people and Gen Surayud was not involved.

"I have to thank Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung for coming to lunch with me. It was like a public relations event, and it drew tens of thousands of people to the rally," Gen Boonlert added.

Army commander-in-chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha warned that soldiers taking part in political rallies could face disciplinary action even though they may have the right to do so.

"There are disciplinary regulations and soldiers must follow their commanders' instructions. If they commit a disciplinary offence they could be demoted or even discharged," the national army chief said.

He was replying to questions about the red-shirt supporters' plans to stage demonstrations to counter any further anti-government rallies led by the Pitak Siam group.

He said it would not be a problem if both sides gather peacefully and stay within the democratic framework.

Gen Prayuth urged the general public not to support any side that abuses the law.

^ great, more coup-mongering...
:(

Military will not step in to control protesters: Sukampol - The Nation

Military will not step in to control protesters: Sukampol

The Nation November 1, 2012 6:13 pm
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
Boonlert

The government will not need to seek help from the military to suppress the anti-government rally led by the Pitak Siam group because the police was capable enough to handle the situation.

Defence Minister Sukampol Suwannathat said Thursday that he spoke to police chief Gen Adul Saengsingkaew about the matter when the Pitak Siam or Protect Siam group, led by Boonlert Kaewprasit, held its first rally last Sunday.

At the rally last weekend, the group announced that it would hold another protest against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's government and might even gather in front of her office.

Sukampol said people had the right to protest provided they did it under the legal framework.

"Don't violate the law and do everything rationally. Be responsible for what you say. Since all [leaders of the protest] are over 60, please take it easy. Our country needs to move forward, otherwise we will be wasting time resolving unnecessary problems all the time," he warned.

^ Absolutely no need for the military...not only as they shouldn't be involved in such things, but also because this time the police will be available to assist/intervene....unlike 2010....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Nation

Military will not step in to control protesters:

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Nation

The government will not need to seek help from the military

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blog.acorn-is.com


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colourchroma.wordpress.com

:rolleyes:

.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

He said between 900,000 and one million people would be needed in order to oust the government.

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Right, so less than one sixtieth the population of Thailand to unconstitutionally topple a government.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

"If a coup did take place, an interim government would be set up. If this was not acceptable to other countries, we could close the country. I don't know for how many years, but the closure should remain until all the bad politicians have been driven away. I have never seen a good politician. Soldiers are needed to take care of the country," Gen Boonlert said.

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Well, that says it all. He's barking mad.

^ Khmer Rouge had a trial run of something similar I believe :(

Mind you, eradicating all the politicians isn't that bad an idea - many people in many countries would support that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gerbil

Mind you, eradicating all the politicians isn't that bad an idea - many people in many countries would support that.

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and replace with ?

^ who knows?

Democracy may be the best system of government currently invented.

That doesn't mean that there may not be a better system, yet to be discovered.

so it's a good idea to eradicate all pollies even though you haven't an alternative ............... :mid:

^ I can foresee technology enabling a far more participatory democracy in the future - e.g. Imagine if all important parliamentary bills were subject to a vote which every citizen could participate in electronically?

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Originally Posted by Gerbil

all important parliamentary bills

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thought there were no pollies .................................

there could still be pollies, but they'd be more like civil servants. Their actions would be subject to immediate public scrutiny, rather than every election - it would be possible to remove them via a public vote, it would be possible to prevent the creation of political dynasties.

I just don't treat the current idea of democracy as a religion. Winston Churchill said the same thing, "democracy isnt perfect, but it's the best system we've found so far." (can't find the exact quote right now)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gerbil

^ I can foresee technology enabling a far more participatory democracy in the future - e.g. Imagine if all important parliamentary bills were subject to a vote which every citizen could participate in electronically?

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I agree, what a great idea.

It's a thought that will scare the shit out of a lot of politicians ( and voters ), they may be forced to think and account for their actions..

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Originally Posted by sabang

Well, that says it all. He's barking mad.

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I'll second that one.

one side protests and calls for elections. Admittedly, knowing they will most likely win.

the other side protests and calls for a coup.... would have even already done it if ...

TBH, from the vantage point that most of us share, is this government really doing that bad of a job? Democratically elected. Functional. Not killing its own citizens in any large numbers... :)

Even from the perspective of the Thai people, as a group, the polling consistently shows the government coming out ahead of the opposition. Everything points to the Thai people getting what they voted for and still wanting what they got...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by philw

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gerbil

^ I can foresee technology enabling a far more participatory democracy in the future - e.g. Imagine if all important parliamentary bills were subject to a vote which every citizen could participate in electronically?

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I agree, what a great idea.

It's a thought that will scare the shit out of a lot of politicians ( and voters ), they may be forced to think and account for their actions..

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well, now... :)

This is where the UDD need to tell Chalerm to fuck off. And this where many of us on TD (I hope) will converge in opinion. It ain't just about Thaksin, it's about democracy. That's what people fought and died for. Someone like Chalrerm can't figure that out of course because he's part of the chink gangster racket. But the real Thai are stating to think for themselves. It's coming.. I'll bet the mood in the pro-Thaksin camp is 'bring him back soonest as the real UDD base is starting to become disnechanted.' They need that support base. Whilst the Weng and other real social democrats will need to regroup.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

"If the people turn out in large numbers, we will go right to see the government and apply pressure on it. I want to know whether soldiers or police would dare to shoot the people, whether the red-shirts will come out, whether Thais will kill each other because of [fugitive former prime minister] Thaksin Shinawatra," he said.

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We already know the answer to that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tom Sawyer

I'll bet the mood in the pro-Thaksin camp is 'bring him back soonest

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Has been for a long time .

Bhichai opposes anti-govt rallies | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

Bhichai opposes anti-govt rallies

• Published: 3/11/2012 at 07:59 PM
• Online news:

The Pitak Siam Group should use the parliamentary system to move against the government, not street rallies, says former Democrat leader Bhichai Rattakul.

He was responding to news of another planned mass gathering to protest against the Yingluck Shinawatra government within this month by the group, led by Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit.

The first rally, at the Royal Turf Club last Sunday, drew an estimated 20,000 people, more than most observers or the government had expected.

Gen Boonlert has said the rallies are intended to draw attention to the Pheu Thai government's three main failings: allowing the monarchy to be insulted; being a puppet of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra; and corruption.

Mr Bhichai said the allegations against the Pheu Thai-led administration had no grounds.

"If I were Gen Boonlert, I would not have moved against the government in such a way," the veteran politician added.

Mr Bhichai also said he didn't understand why Prasong Soonsiri, the high-profile former head of the National Security Council, had joined the rally.

The parliamentary mechanism should be used and allowed to work in order to avoid violent confrontation between different political groups, he said.

If Gen Boonlert had substantial information to back his group’s allegations, he should forward it to the Democrat Party so that it can use the material against the government in a censure debate, he added.

Mr Bhichai said he had no idea whether there would be another military coup if clashes between political rival groups intensified.

Gen Boonlert has said he would welcome a coup, a stance that has rauised eyebrows even among some people who dislike the current government.

Mr Bhichai praised the response of army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha that a coup is out of the question. Gen Prayuth has also warned all soldiers they would face severe consequences if they got involved with political pressure groups.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Bhichai opposes anti-govt rallies | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

Bhichai opposes anti-govt rallies

• Published: 3/11/2012 at 07:59 PM
• Online news:

The Pitak Siam Group should use the parliamentary system to move against the government, not street rallies, says former Democrat leader Bhichai Rattakul.

He was responding to news of another planned mass gathering to protest against the Yingluck Shinawatra government within this month by the group, led by Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit.

The first rally, at the Royal Turf Club last Sunday, drew an estimated 20,000 people, more than most observers or the government had expected.

Gen Boonlert has said the rallies are intended to draw attention to the Pheu Thai government's three main failings: allowing the monarchy to be insulted; being a puppet of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra; and corruption.

Mr Bhichai said the allegations against the Pheu Thai-led administration had no grounds.

"If I were Gen Boonlert, I would not have moved against the government in such a way," the veteran politician added.

Mr Bhichai also said he didn't understand why Prasong Soonsiri, the high-profile former head of the National Security Council, had joined the rally.

The parliamentary mechanism should be used and allowed to work in order to avoid violent confrontation between different political groups, he said.

If Gen Boonlert had substantial information to back his group’s allegations, he should forward it to the Democrat Party so that it can use the material against the government in a censure debate, he added.

Mr Bhichai said he had no idea whether there would be another military coup if clashes between political rival groups intensified.

Gen Boonlert has said he would welcome a coup, a stance that has rauised eyebrows even among some people who dislike the current government.

Mr Bhichai praised the response of army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha that a coup is out of the question. Gen Prayuth has also warned all soldiers they would face severe consequences if they got involved with political pressure groups.

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Thanks : this was interesting to read
"Mr Bhichai said the allegations against the Pheu Thai-led administration had no grounds."

btw, I see the post and nation continue to use an inflated figure for the attendance. They must know it is not right but still use it anyway. The Nation is particularly aggressive this way stating in one article that the protesters "surged" in to fill the club.

The Special Branch estimate as provided by this quote was half of that figure.

Quote:

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The number of protesters surprised all observers. Initially 2000 to 3000 protesters were expected, but in the end about 10,000 showed up. Estimates of 20,000 are exaggerated — the stadium was not almost full, the center, opposite the stage was full, but towards the upper ranks and the side wings the crowd ranged from thin to non-existent. Also police estimates of 6000 were too low. As usual, I go with Special Branch estimates, which I have found over the last years the most reliable, and mostly correspond with my own impressions as well.

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Protect Siam: What

It is hardly important whether 10 or 10,000 people showed up. It just seems a bit stupid for these "journalists" to keep using a number they know is wrong.

Surayud claims no connection to pitak siam | Bangkok Post: news

Surayud claims no connection to pitak siam

• Published: 4/11/2012 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Privy councillor Surayud Chulanont has denied he is involved with the Pitak Siam group, which is mobilising supporters to try to bring down the Yingluck Shinawatra government.

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FRIENDS ONLY: Privy councillor Surayud Chulanont

He has been linked to the group partly because he and retired military officer Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit, who organised the group's rally on Oct 28, were classmates in Class 1 of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School.

"We're friends, so I'm being seen as having some connection with the group," said Gen Surayud while out hiking with children in Khao Yai National Park, during an excursion to promote environmental awareness among youths. "But I'm not worried because the truth is I only work for Thai society and children."

Earlier Gen Boonlert also insisted last Sunday's rally had nothing to do with Gen Surayud. The rally drew many anti-government groups, including former members of the now defunct Communist Party of Thailand (CPT), who gathered at the Royal Turf Club in Nang Loeng to show their dissatisfaction with the Yingluck administration's alleged corruption and incompetence.

A source said Gen Surayud has known and financially supported some former communist supporters who were subordinates of late Lt-Col Payom, a former CPT leader and Gen Surayud's father.

Gen Surayud is also the president of the Royal Turf Club's council where Gen Boonlert serves as the secretary-general.

Meanwhile, the pro-Thaksin United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) has told its red shirt supporters to closely monitor the movements of the Pitak Siam group as it believes the group is using planned rallies to urge soldiers to stage a new coup.

"Be aware of the situation," UDD chair Tida Tawornseth told UDD supporters at press conference held recently.

Red shirt supporters have been told to join UDD gatherings countrywide to stay informed on the situation.

On its schedule is a gathering today in Chon Buri to mark the opening of a branch of the UDD school of politics, aimed at educating supporters on its efforts and to seek out and nurture new UDD local leaders.

Yingluck, Yinglove one and all | Bangkok Post: opinion

COMMENTARY

Yingluck, Yinglove one and all

• Published: 4/11/2012 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Yingluck Shinawatra has yet to succeed, but she's inching ever closer. The Pitak Siam rally last Sunday and talk of a coup show just how nervous the other side is getting.

Bias and prejudice can cloud judgement. She's the sister of Thaksin Shinawatra, and from the beginning the anti-Thaksin brigade dismissed her.

They mocked her usage of English, and even her Thai. They called her a nominee. They laughed at her intellect. The lady has her flaws and failings, no doubt, but Prime Minister Yingluck is succeeding - though not yet a success, the jury is still out on that - in something no one else has been able to do: bringing about reconciliation. This is the exact reason why it was deemed necessary to organise a rally against the Pheu Thai government last Sunday, before it's too late.

Of the 20,000 who showed up at the Royal Turf Club, some went because they love the King. Some went because they despise corruption. Some went because they hate all things Shinawatra. For most, it was a combination of all of the above, and then some.

But the reasons why they spent their Sunday at a horse track when there were no races are perhaps different from the reason the rally was called. A show of force was needed because the Thaksin political machine is winning, thanks to the sister that people mock and underestimate.

Everyone has a role. Everyone serves a purpose. Ms Yingluck was not chosen by her brother to make stirring speeches, debate intellectually or formulate strategic takeover plans. Thaksin already has people who can do those things. Expressing a political vision? Displaying leadership acumen? Thaksin himself performs those tasks.

Ms Yingluck does two things no one else can do. First, she gives the Pheu Thai Party and the red shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship and other supporters a symbol to unify around. A symbol at home can produce effects that a symbol in Dubai can't.

Proximity is important. Remember how the Thaksin political machine was in much disarray, lacking in leadership, before she was chosen? Most people acknowledge this.

Second, she convinces the other side to accept defeat and make the best of things _ we call this reconciliation. This is what people tend to overlook.

At this juncture in the Kingdom of Thailand, these two things are more important than the correct usage of language or intellectual discourse.

Reconciliation is much debated and controversial. At the superficial level, reconciliation is where two opposing forces make peace and get along on equal terms. A deeper understanding reveals that in actuality somebody will have to form the government of Thailand, and somebody else the opposition.

This basic fact of political science dictates that there must be winners and losers. After all, one country cannot have two governments. There might be a shadow government or a puppet government, but not two official governments in tandem.

Given this basic fact, reconciliation can only be had if the losing side accepts defeat and works out the best deal that they can, bargaining for a peace treaty using whatever power they have left, but never on equal terms. This is what Ms Yingluck is inching ever closer to.

With the threats of tanks and automatic assault rifles, Thailand's traditional elites in September 2006 won a battle, but not the war. Through the five years until the Democrat party lost the July 2011 general elections, they failed to bring about reconciliation. They failed to get the other side to accept defeat and make the best of the situation.

As we approach the end of 2012, Ms Yingluck is doing what no tanks, no Democrats nor even her brother could do.

Standing against total victory for the Thaksin political machine are instruments of the traditional elites - the anti-Thaksin populace, the Democrat Party, the anti-Thaksin media and the military. But the Democrats and the anti-Thaksin populace can be handled in parliament and in the voting booths every four years. The Thaksin political machine can match them vote for vote, and then some.

As for the anti-Thaksin media, the pro-Thaksin media can match them word for word, broadcast for broadcast, blog for blog, and then some. He's got the numbers on his side - and his allies, the merchant elites, can match the other side sponsor for sponsor, advertiser for advertiser, and then some.

Following key appointments, the Royal Thai Police and the Defence Ministry are now instruments of Thaksin, along with, of course, the UDD, and a good chunk of the merchant elites are his allies (as described last week).

The X factor is the military, as in a possible coup.

But as Bangkok Post military analyst Wassana Nanuam wrote on Oct 18, Ms Yingluck uses her female charm effectively when dealing with the armed forces and, if I may add, perhaps some of the traditional elites themselves.

The generals have both good and terrible qualities, but to think that they would fall for female charm is to underestimate them, though one should never discount the power of female charm. But along with female charm, Ms Yingluck possesses negotiation skills which depend on intelligence and ingenuity - give credit where it's due.

Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda and army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha would never give any of Thaksin's nominees a second look, but they are willing to deal with Ms Yingluck. Witness the many photographs of smiling faces and the events attended, not to mention the hush-hush, behind-the-scene talks.

This does not mean that the military will become an instrument of Thaksin. Ms Yingluck only has to get them to accept defeat by staying in the barracks.

This is why the most important words from the Pitak Siam group were not ''protect the institution'' or ''fight corruption'', but ''I would love to see a coup'', as core organiser General Boonlert Kaewprasit announced.

To show the military that he is not the only one who would love to see a coup, Gen Boonlert brought some 20,000 people with him as support - whether they realised or agreed with what they were supporting.

For you see, there are only three ways to defeat the Thaksin political machine - democratically, militarily or if the economy tanks majestically. We know the first two are unlikely. As for the economic factor, it remains to be seen.

If Ms Yingluck doesn't involve herself in parliamentary debates, it's because debating is not her forte. If she can't answer tough questions from journalists, it's because she's unseasoned and inexperienced.

But these things are not needed for the Thaksin political machine to achieve victory.

What her brother needs is for the military to stay in the barracks and for key political power brokers and the majority of the voting populace to stay die-hard fans of the Shinawatra clan.

So while people complain that she's always gallivanting about around the country, it's simply because as a unifying symbol, she needs to stay in touch with the people.

A deeper analysis would also reveal that she must keep the people loyal to her and her brother, and not be swayed by the different agendas of the many ideological factions within the UDD. No one else can do this but Yingluck Shinawatra.

So mock, criticise and dismiss her. But know that the generals are receiving her. Understand that the average UDD member wears the red shirt with - to paraphrase - ''YINGLUCK, YINGLIKE, YINGLOVE'' emblazoned on the back. They love her. They adore her.

She might be just what Thaksin needs to win this war, to get the other side to accept defeat and thereby bring about reconciliation. And if he's truly wise and doesn't let vanity get the better of him, he would do well to keep her as prime minister, rather than take the job back for himself.

But that's a possible future scenario. For now, she's inching ever closer. The rally last Sunday and talk of a coup simply show just how nervous the other side is getting.

Voranai Vanijaka

Seh Ai: No rally if fewer than one million | Bangkok Post: news

Seh Ai: No rally if fewer than one million

• Published: 4/11/2012 at 04:48 PM
• Online news: Local News

The next anti-government rally will be called off if the number of people it draws is likely to be fewer than the target of one million, Pitak Siam Group leader Boonlert Kaewprasit said on Sunday.

Gen Boonlert had earlier planned to hold another rally late this month, aiming to attract up to one million protesters to oust the government he says is "plagued with corruption". The first rally on Oct 28 drew about 20,000 participants.

Before the rally is held, he said, the number of people taking part will be closely watched. If it was likely to be fewer than the target of one million, the rally would be called off.

However, the Pitak Siam group is firm in its stand to seek the government's ouster, Gen Boonlert said.

Gen Boonlert, alias Seh Ai, dismissed as untrue speculation that his group was backed by Gen Surayud Chulanont, the privy councillor and former prime minister.

"I am not happy to see people trying to link Gen Surayud with the group.

"I don't want him to be implicated although he and I are from the same class at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School," he said.

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Sqd Ldr Prasong Soonsiri (left) and Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)

Gen Boonlert stressed that if the people did not join the rally in large numbers it will be called off.

On the red shirts' plan to hold an anti-Pitak Siam Group rally on Oct 18, Seh Ai said he did not think it would turn violent because his group adheres to law and order.

Meanwhile, former senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana said a petition will be filed with the Constitution Court against Gen Boonlert and Sqd Ldr Prasong Soonsiri for rebellion in connection with the Pitak Siam's anti-government rally last month.

Mr Ruangkrai said he would file the petition directly with the Constitution Court on Monday.

Gen Boonlert's speech made to the rally he organised at the Royal Turf Club last Sunday clearly instigated the toppling of an administration in a democracy under the monarchy in violation of Article 113 of the Criminal Code.

Sqd Ldr Prasong, a former chief of the National Security Council, in joining the rally after being invited by Gen Boonlert, had also violated Article 83 in addition to Article 113 of the Criminal Code.

The former senator said Gen Boonlert's announcement to call another major rally with the aim of ousting the government was also an infringement of a democratic administration and the monarchy.

The petition to be filed will ask the Constitution Court to immediately order Gen Boonlert, Sqd Ldr Prasong, and others concerned to call off the plan to hold another rally late this month.

^ So I guess it is safe to say that their rally will be called off then?

No way are they going to get anywhere near that figure.

Complete basket cases.