So what's your take Dan. Will the PAD prevail?

Greedy government,
full of corruptions,
never listen to their people,
deceive the world,
work for Tasksin,
make Thais kill Thais,
Somchai's Government

How sad that once again the mainstream media blows something out of all proportion, and in the process causes great damage to the country hosting them.

Dan, just in case you didn't notice this morning, Bangkok was NOT "a sea of choking tear gas, baton-wielding cops, firing stun grenades, furious anti-government protesters launching rocks into the air"!

Yes, there was some very violent protesting taking place around Parliament House, and sadly there were some who were seriously injured, but that is a VERY small area of this sprawling metropolis, and by and large the majority of Bangkokians were blissfully unaware that anything was wrong unless they turned on the TV. Life today has been nothing but normal in the other 99% of Bangkok.

Even the backpacker haven of Khao San road, reasonably close to the protesting, was unaffected; and I doubt that any of the tourists sunning themselves at Phuket, Koh Samui, or any of the other beautiful coastal resorts of Thailand knew much about the problems in Bangkok at all.

In recent months, with the political turmoil in Thailand, the tourist industry on which Thailand heavily depends has been seriously damaged by inaccurate and sensationalist reporting, and unwarranted travel warnings by foreign governments.

That's unfortunate, as anyone who lives here will know that even the somewhat regular military coups NEVER affect more than a small section of the city. And most certainly, political strife, apart from the occasional blockading of an airport just to prove that they can, NEVER causes much inconvenience to the average man in the street, much less tourists coming here for the holiday of a lifetime.

Please Dan, stick to the facts. It doesn't require exaggeration to still be of interest to a global audience, and Thailand certainly doesn't need you to unnecessarily scare the pants of the many thousands of people planning their Christmas holidays here.

Thai Polices are using real bombs to kill the protestors.

I agree with Colin, stop blowing it out of proportion. Report your facts accurately, Thailand is already in enough trouble as it is.

This disfunctional democracy will have an end solution. Do you actually think the Somchai/Samak/Thaksin's government is real "democracy" as they claim?

It is a pathetic claim in order to ligitimize themselves and obtain approval (eventhough they are engaged in vote buying). A claim made by a very corrupt group of (already rich) people.

How the scene of a sea of choking tear gas, baton-wielding cops, firing stun grenades, furious anti-government protesters launching rocks into the air… and ice-cream salesmen be together?

Simply, it was not as violent as you depicted. The PAD protest has been largely peaceful .. until the police fired teargas and bullets to clear the way for prime minister.

It may seem that PAD keep changing their demand from one to another, but if you really understand the real need of the protesters. You have to apologize for your mis-reporting news.

Should you study more of how Taksin's regime corrupt the country? How he use money power to buy ministers? How he lie to the people? I had enough and I need no more of his influence.

BTW, I like ice-cream and this make me want to join the crowd enjoying a cool lick under the sun.

What the British people and international community NEED to know is what Thai government is doing is brutal, it is intent to murder. This afternoon, when HM the Queen sent the Red Cross to help, the police fired at them.
Just now, another 4 protesters have lost their legs, from the police using bombs. There is no way that tear gas can tear bone and muscle off.
This Somchai brother in law of Thaksin nominee government deserve capital punishment for their unnecessary use of violence today, and order to attack the protesters.
Today, in the aftermath of this morning's brutality, they walked over the blood of PAD protesters to start a budget debate. Is human life less important than passing a budget?
We Thais want to know, what is Britain going to do? Harbor and protect Thaksin? Thaksin and his hands are killing Thais. Is this just to instigate a violent incident to ensure Thaksin's political immunity?
Five innocent people, protesting with their democratic right, have lost their legs today, another their foot. Another person died in a car bomb, most likely the same type of bomb used in the 2006 New Years Eve Bombs, when Thaksin was deposed. Is it coincidence? Why when Thaksin's party won last December 2007, there were no bombs?
Meanwhile violent sword, knife and weapon wielding pro-government mobs sent to attack PAD protesters, have never been apprehended nor arrested. You can watch Udon Thani protests on you tube to see Thai police walking along with them as they beat people up, and even hitting people who were already unconscious.
The international community is so hung up on elections only, as they think that is democracy, and blind to all other evil like vote buying. This time, Britain must not turn a blind eye, unless it wants to be accountable for the loss of more innocent Thai lives. Is there no justice in sight for Thailand? Today, the Somchai government lost the right to govern, and we Thais, we weep for our motherland, which is getting stabbed by Thaksin and his culprits.

We dont and wont abandon democracy because we have never had the democracy. Our Election is buyable. I hope that new politics will change this shameful truth.

The whole situation is obviously extremely difficult to work out. Thaksin's party has been elected. Did they buy votes? Yes. Do all of the parties in Thailand buy votes? Of course. It is also well known that the PAD has been paying people to protest. 85% of Thais live below the poverty line. Thaksin's party was the first to do something concrete for the poor people of Thailand, including affordable health care. The opposition, who were in charge before Thaksin and didn't do anything to help the poor and were even more corrupt, argued Thaksin didn't do enough. The poor ares still poor, of course they are going to take money when someone is offering it to them, but do you think if they weren't offered money they would have voted for the other party? Or would they have voted for Thaksin's party because he is a hero to them?

My personal opinion is that the Bangkok elite just don't want the poor rural people to be deciding elections. They are outnumbered and simply cannot win democratically so they will try and get a grip on power by force. Not to mention a personal vendetta towards Thaksin by the PAD leader for a business deal gone bad.

I live in Bangkok, I am not Thai, I cannot vote but I researched the policies of the parties running. None of the parties had a very good platform but Thaksin's party was the best of them. You can ask any Thai on the street on they will tell you the country was better when he was in power. He messed that up for himself when he didn't pay taxes and give back to the country that allowed him to get where he is, and for that he shouldn't be forgiven and should stand trial.

If the PAD does succeed and overthrow another elected government, who will take charge? The PAD themselves are just making it up as they go along. I think Thais need to really think about whats best for their country, especially in these uncertain times.

sorry my first comment had an error
Gaddafi & Republican vs Ayers and Democrat
How comes after all these years, all of the sudden Gaddafi whom every one in the world knows that he is the biggest terrorist in the world has become a good man to the extend that Mrs. Rice go and visit him, but ayers whom did not want guys his age get kill in Vietnam 40 years ago after all this time when now he is a professor he has been called a terrorist and Mr. Obama is a terrorist supporter and not Mrs. Rice and Mr. Bush supporting Gaddafi are not

Hamid Rotabi Dual Nationality Iranian/ British Advocate of Mr. Obama

FROM THAILAND TO THE DEMOCRATIC COUNTRIES

"After being pushed against the cul-de-sac, a person "Queen" who is masterminding the People Rebel Endangering Mission (PREM) made herself witnessed to the public, with a view to regaining the untouchable power and making the country back to the monarchical state."

2 died, 6 got disabled , And lots of injury

I have to agree that the first sentence is not a fair description of the situation: i had several meetings around town this morning and did not notice anything unusual till i came back to my office and check the websites of local newspapers as i do everyday...

I might sound exciting to pretend to be in a quasi war zone, especially if you are a news reporter, but it is definitely not what Bangkok was today except in a very limited area far away from the shopping district and most major tourist attractions!

The rest of the article offers good insights into Thai mentalities in a funny and well written way, so it is really a shame that the beginning diminishes its credibility!

Dan, please stick to the facts, you have enough talent not to have to over dramatize the situation!!! :-)

Now, the situation in Bangkok is getting worse.
Why you guys don't want the media to tell the truth?
The situation is not just in the small area,
It's in the center of the town and sounds of explosion from tear gas every minute.
this is out of control!!
In my opinion, the reason of this mayhem is an imperfect information. Different group of people, Different information.
Somehow I believe that Mr.Taksin is the one who must responses for these things. How? I still don't know.

tee, you must know that what you write is not true if you really live in Bangkok...
could not hear anything in the silom / siam / jatujak area today... and my hearing is pretty good :-)

I am one of the Bangkok elites whom you can consider a part of the silent majority.

As far as politics is concerned, nothing is perfect. A lot of people like I are patient enough to realize that this is a learning process. If we keep disrupting the process every time we feel some politicians are corrupted, by staging a coup to reset the process again and again, the infant Thai democracy will never grow up.

To discredit the legally elected government is just hypocrisy. I fully agree with Dan Rivers that PAD is not what its name is supposed to imply. PAD is just a group of proxies who act with self interest under the influence of one of the two invisible hands. Most people in Thailand know about this, but no one wants to say it.

[quote]LonglivetheKing October 7th, 2008 1241 GMT

Thai Polices are using real bombs to kill the protestors.[/quote]

This is a lie. Many of PAD protestors carried home-made bombs which exploded and injured themselves badly. Police forces only use tear gas.

If you study PAD enough, you will know they are peaceful. Media shall tell the truth to people. Police use real gun to protestor which head of police claim that they have only tear gas. How people injured, lost leg, arm or their life from only police fire tear gas. I don't think so. PM Somchai shall take responsibility for any lost of Thai people life from police action. Thai people have to sacrifice their lie, just because PM Somchai want to announce government policy. Does he has a right to govern this country by shred Thai blood. It seem not different from govern by Military government.

In regard to Dan's comment, I have no doubt why he is in support of Taksin's party and his folks. It's because Taksin allowed foreigners to invest (almost) freely in Thailand, which has negatively impacted the local Thais to lose their business, e.g. Lotus retailer.

Additionally, affordable healthcare doesn't really exist when hospitals' budget were cut, and patients were given poor quality medicine.

Now I understand that it is hard for a country to remain democratic, when their votes can be easily bought by money. Taksin is not Robin Hood who saved poor people when he was the one who robbed their money in the first place.

Lisa above
has it pretty much down correctly.
This government is desperately trying to rewrite the constitution to :

Save their PPP party from dissolution within a month or so,

Forgive the 110 banned by dissoliution TRT party execs ,
who are controlling the PPP party moves, now in the background

Forgive Ex PM Thaksin's 4-5 criminal cases before they are even finished,
being adjudicated, and get him back his 76 BILLION baht currently impounded.

This last one is the 900lb gorrilla in the corner:
The guy has bought a government by most reports,
and it now trying to silence the watch dogs at the gates,
so that he can come back in and control all.
He has vetted the latest cabinet from his home in London.
He is also banned from politics for 5 years for fraud.
His sister, also banned, is the power behind her husband
the current PM...
Hubris run amuk.

One could barely make this stuff up....

The injured protesters are little people trying to prevent this,
controlled by several factions of society disliking change or just PPP.
But regardless of the mixed motivations,
stopping Thaksin's revenge is topic number one.

I used to like Thaksin and his business-like politics until I reconsider many of his policies, and see that while many of them look good, they can affect Thailand's stability in the long run. Of course, by that time he would no longer be the prime minister. Mr. Dean has mentioned couple examples which I would like to explain further from a different perspective.

- Affordable health care: anyone who has health care card can go to public hospital and pay 30 Baht for whatever care he receives. This sounds good until you realize that the cost of medicine does not change, and to be able to provide the same service to patients, the hospital can no longer afford to use the same quality of medicine. It is true that the government subsidizes some, but I can tell you from my research that it is hardly enough. Moreover, hospital staffs who are government employee do not get paid anything even close to working for private hospital. With more patients adding to the hospital that is normally overfull, some staffs have chosen to leave for private hospital, resulting in even more shortage of doctors and nurses. This policy may look good because it allows the poors access to medical care. However, it also deprives other people from getting the same quality of health care they should get. Of course, those who are deprived are minority voters. Besides, as long as you are Thai and poor, you have always had access to hospital. It is just a little harder because you have to go through a long approval process.

- The Thaksin government also had program to distribute money to rural area. It, however, did not follow the progress where the money actually went. If you have driven around Thailand, in many rural areas, you would see beautiful houses and offices of people who act as a medium between the government and the poors. Whose money do you think go into these hourse. Also, these mediums are normally people who lack enough knowledge to manage large amount of money being distributed. Some used money for the wrong objective. At the end, the poors are still poor, and the taxpayer money is lost.

So please try not to believe only in what you see from the media. Many of Thaksin's policies look good, but they may not be good in the long run.

The PAD may not be uncorrupted group, and I do agree that there are bad people among them. I do not agree with the new political system that the PAD has suggested either. However, it does not mean that the government that supports, and is supported by Thaksin, who is now a fugitive of law, should remain in the office.

Well it is very hard to understand how overthrowing the government and roiting will ensure furture democracy, or better the lives of people in Thailand...its also very sad as I can imagine how innocent people and children who do not share the view of the people rioting will also pay the price for the unstability in governement in that region!!

People in Bangkok kept saying that "We lost so much money by Dr.Thaksin act of corruption" but have anyone ever thought how much money do we actually lose from an unstable government, causing by those riots who claiming themselves as the righteous in Thailand.

By the way, the riots was first attacked the parliament, causing the police to act strongly against them. Still, people who considered themselves as "Educated" people blamed the police brutally action, forgetting the fact that those riots were the one breaking the laws and savagely marched to the parliament.

Dr.Thaksin is not the one responsible for this act. In stead, those who think they are above law, secretly fighting with the government by hiring riots, making up situations, forcing the PM to resigned from his care, are the one responsible for the chaos in Thailand.

Well, as at this minute, how do you think "your" ice cream tastes like for the people who lost their lives or their legs?

"Bad taste", I was told.

Dan,

You really need to try harder to understand the protesters and Thais in general. I've watched some of your previous coverages on the PAD and, to my dismay, found that political demands and ideals of the protesters were inaccurately represented. You, of all people, should know that it is almost impossible for non-native speakers, even educated ones, to convey complex ideas or construct a sensible arguments in elegant, coherent English. With sensitive subject such as politics, just one poorly chosen word can alter the meaning completely. Sometimes I even get a feeling that you intentionally coaxed them into saying the wrong things, taking advantage of their limited vocabulary. Had you been able to converse with those same people in Thai, you'd get an entirely different story and a more accurate depiction of each faction, but perhaps that's not your goal.

Making snide remarks such as the one below doesn't make you a better reporter either.

"Now they want nothing less than the overthrow of the entire political system. Their argument goes something like this: the vast majority of voters are poor, uneducated farmers who are susceptible to corruption by Thaksin and his allies, therefore we should abandon democracy to prevent this corruption."

Does it ever occur to you that it might be true that a vast majority of voters are actually susceptible to corruption by Thaksin and his allies, through vote buying or otherwise? Or does the idea seemed so ludicrous that you just brushed it aside and never really investigate?

If you ask the folks in the rural area whether they like Thaksin or not (as you most certainly did), many of them would say they do like him, the reason being benefits they received from the populist policy. But that's only half the truth. The fact is that vote buying is still prevalent in poorer and less educated areas of Thailand and PPP happens to win its majority of votes from those same areas. Coincidence? I think not.

To other readers of this blog,

Not to say that the PAD doesn't have a hidden agenda (because it does) or that the current political turmoil doesn't hurt the country's economy, I'll say this. At the very core of this movement, the thing that really moves the people is fear. Fear of being a hostage in your own country without a way to make your voice heard. Fear of having to watch corrupted politicians do despicable things without being able to do anything about it. Fear of losing ,,, FREEDOM.

It is difficult for foreigners to understand the political situation in Thailand since foreigners, unlike Thais, don't follow Thai press on a regular basis. If you do, you'll be able to decide for yourself whether the numerous corruption charges against Thaksin and his allies are substantiated or not.

To be honest, wasn't it odd that a good portion of the protesters consist of, on relative basis, wealthier and better educated folks. What could these people have against Thaksin and company? Can you, in your good ind, really believe that all this anger toward Thaksin came from fear that the elites will lose power in Thai society if Thaksin remains in control or from disapproval of government's emphasis on helping the rural poor? The truth is that, while some elites and aristocrats have actually lose their significance somewhat over Thaksin's tenure (and thus might play a part in supporting PAD movements), a majority of Thai's upper middle class, consisting of educated professionals and business owners, had little reason to oppose the government, aside from abhorrence of absolute corruption, that is.

Somebody please tell me, why bad person like Thai corrupted government, still have Thai police protect them. Somebody please tell me, why good Thai people who want nothing but good thing to their country have to die. Somebody please tell me why, Thai police not helping good people!!!

PAD is the good way for Thailand. CHANGE...

Government unfair
all working for taksin
somchai takins brother-in-law.. how unjustify is that
PAD fights till the end !!!!!!
how many more deaths are the government waiting for?

Absolutely right. Dan
As Thai,I am so boring with PAD.

Full of curruption among this government. I don't accept Mr. Somchai as a Thai priminister. He works for Thaksin! Please understand what PAD try to do for our country.

Please help PAD by understanding them. We have to change for our future!

The Thai monarchy is behind this riot. They are just so afraid that they will lose the throne and their popularity gained from Thai lower class people. Just a stupid act of jealous family toward Thaksin Shinnawatra, the Prime Minister.

PAD is nothing but a group of people hypnotized by a media owned by Sondhi, a true slave of royal family. Apparently, all uprisings were just smokescreens for a revenge of the royal family to Shinawatra family.

FROM THAILAND TO THE DEMOCRATIC COUNTRIES.

After being pushed against the cul-de-sac, a person "e q san" who is masterminding the People Rebel Endangering Mission (PREM) made herself witnessed to the public, with a view to regaining the untouchable power and making the country back to the monarchical state."

PAD is rioter. All weapon was bring by them. PAD only want to destroy Democracy in Thailand. By their policy ,They don't want election and don't accept majority decision but they only trust own idea.

As everyone know, Noway tear gas can torn body part.

I love Thailand. I love theKING,I love Thaksin.end

"Full of curruption among this government"
This goverment havn't start working yet.
please be fair, Don't try to be a fortune teller.

It’s a sort of getting rid of freedom to ensure freedom argument.
ediot!!!!!

Yes right Aypote Bangkok, YOU ARE BORING because you're a selfish person who wanted to say that you're bored of PAD but you couldn't even write it correctly.

For the people who think that the PAD are doing any good to Thailand, please wake-up and open your eyes.

If the PAD get their way, the worst case scenario would be Thailand to be dissected & separated between China, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar.

1st it was "Hate the player and not the game". Now it is "Hate the Game and the Player", the PAD have completely lost their way.

In this world, there are rules and laws that people have to follow in order for a country to operate.
The PAD have no respect for this. Neither do they want to take responsibility. To the PAD, Thailand to themselves is what they are concerned about. Thailand to the world does not matter to them. If all in all we did listen to the PAD, Thailand will be the lowest country in the South-East Asian Region in a fortnight, unless other countries declare war and make it their own territory... Dear PAD, you never really thought about that now, did you?

Think about it. You used force to "Thaksin get-out" so he did. Then "Samak get-out" so he did. Now it's "Somchai get-out"... Does the PAD have anything better to say or do? Do you really want "Royal Intervention" when most Royals may not have much knowledge about Politics? Even the current King dissed your ideas, remember? [ The demands for royal intervention met with much criticism, although the PAD claimed the idea was the only possible peaceful answer to the political crisis. The King dismissed the idea in a speech on April 26, saying "Asking for a Royally appointed prime minister is undemocratic. It is, pardon me, a mess. It is irrational."[41] ]

The PAD to me is more like a Guerrilla Parliament, or close to Pol Pot's idea of running a country.
The trouble is, if the Thai Baht went down in a situation like this (which the PAD has created for no good reason) this country is over. Good bye Thailand! Hurrah! All the Bad Guy's are out! But now we dont have a country or government, a place on the world map or even a currency or future anymore... Dear PAD, would it be only then when you can be happy?

Once the Thai Baht is gone, and no income arrives from other countries (Thailand cannot sustain itself, just in case all PAD member's didn't know), Thailand will not "Unite" as the PAD think.

Just look at your neighbor Cambodia... Only then maybe the Thai people will realize, that instead of quarreling between themselves about something that has never changed for decades, that they should have been just a little smarter and taken the world into retrospect, not just themselves.

Shame, shame, shame... PAD, you are going to loose a country for your stupid games and ideas... but wait a minute, after Thailand is consumed by another neighboring country, then you can rally-on about their countries politics, right!?

PAD is the worst organized crime as so called the traitors. Anyone who love democracy didn't want this thing occurred in our country. I hope this stand-off will ended soon and all traitors must be excuted.

Subsequent to the political unrest yesterday (October 7, 2008), " ..... " has shamefully made an intervention again to brutally remove Police Lieutenant General Suchart Muenkaeow who headed the police's suppression of PAD's parliament seizure.

Most of the Thai people have come into a realization that she masterminds the PREM (People Rebel Endangering Mission) or PAD as claimed, to overthrow the democratic government and make the regime back to the monarchical regime.

This is not the first time she broke her mind. According to the constitution, she definitely has nothing to do with the administration!

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Subsequent to the political unrest yesterday (October 7, 2008), ” ….. ” has shamefully made an intervention again to brutally remove Police Lieutenant General Suchart Muenkaeow who headed the police’s suppression of PAD’s parliament seizure.

Most of the Thai people have come into a realization that she masterminds the PREM (People Rebel Endangering Mission) or PAD as claimed, to overthrow the democratic government and make the regime back to the monarchical regime.

This is not the first time she broke her mind. According to the constitution, she definitely has nothing to do with the administration!

Subsequent to the political unrest yesterday (October 7, 2008), " ..... " has shamefully made an intervention again to brutally remove Police Lieutenant General Suchart Muenkaeow who headed the police's suppression of PAD's parliament seizure.

Most of the Thai people have come into a realization that she masterminds the PREM (People Rebel Endangering Mission) or PAD as claimed, to overthrow the democratic government and make the regime back to the monarchical regime.

This is not the first time she broke her mind. According to the constitution, she definitely has nothing to do with the administration!

Subsequent to the political unrest yesterday (October 7, 2008), " BANGKOK..... " has shamefully made an intervention again to brutally remove Police Lieutenant General Suchart Muenkaeow who headed the police's suppression of PAD's parliament seizure.

Most of the Thai people have come into a realization that she masterminds the PREM (People Rebel Endangering Mission) or PAD as claimed, to overthrow the democratic government and make the regime back to the monarchical regime.

This is not the first time she broke her mind. According to the constitution, she definitely has nothing to do with the administration!

Taksin is the sign of Thai Democracy.

has shamefully made an intervention again to brutally remove Police Lieutenant General Suchart Muenkaeow who headed the police's suppression of PAD's parliament seizure.

Most of the Thai people have come into a realization that she masterminds the PREM (People Rebel Endangering Mission) or PAD as claimed, to overthrow the democratic government and make the regime back to the monarchical regime.

This is not the first time she broke her mind. According to the constitution, she definitely has nothing to do with the administration!

Subsequent to the political unrest yesterday (October 7, 2008), " ..... " has shamefully made an intervention again to brutally remove Police Lieutenant General Suchart Muenkaeow who headed the police's suppression of PAD's parliament seizure.

Most of the Thai people have come into a realization that she masterminds the PREM (People Rebel Endangering Mission) or PAD as claimed, to overthrow the democratic government and make the regime back to the monarchical regime.

This is not the first time she broke her mind. According to the constitution, she definitely has nothing to do with the administration!

PAD is a puppet of dictatorship, who try to overrule the country from people who have been elected form majority vote of Thai people.

really..."getting rid of freedom to ensure freedom: is that workablbe with the interests of the poor at hand?

The government is totally corrupted under the invisible power of Thaksin Shinnawatra. They should be ashamed of themselves for the sake of the shameful families.

The PAD leaders such as Chamlong Srimaung also have their greedy hidden agenda as well.

And Dan, stop with your exaggeration, will you?

Subsequent to the political unrest yesterday (October 7, 2008), " ..... " has shamefully made an intervention again to brutally remove Police Lieutenant General Suchart Muenkaeow who headed the police's suppression of PAD's parliament seizure.

Most of the Thai people have come into a realization that she masterminds the PREM (People Rebel Endangering Mission) or PAD as claimed, to overthrow the democratic government and make the regime back to the monarchical regime.

This is not the first time she broke her mind. According to the constitution, she definitely has nothing to do with the administration!

I am not totally agree with PAD or PAD Leaders. But PAD is an only way out and the only way to get rid of tyrant, ousted Task-SIN. Thai Cabinet can do nothing as they are under Task-SIN's control. They are all greedy and can do anything, even betray to their people and their mother land. Yesterday, there was a riot in front of the parliament but the Cabinet did ignore the severe situation. People were killed and injured.

Please do not judge us if you do not know what have been going on there. Western democracy just didn't work out here.

A Captain from Thai Airway denied to let people from government fly and also some dogs oops! sorry some doctors from Chula Hospital denied to heel polices who injured.

What a hell happened in Thailand now?

PAD is a thing which I most disgusting since I am a human being!!!!

All these chaos and lies are from one man, Sonthi, who is making Thailand to the downfall only because of his personal vengeance on Thaksin

Subsequent to the political unrest yesterday (October 7, 2008), " ..... " has shamefully made an intervention again to brutally remove Police Lieutenant General Suchart Muenkaeow who headed the police's suppression of PAD's parliament seizure.

Most of the Thai people have come into a realization that she masterminds the PREM (People Rebel Endangering Mission) or PAD as claimed, to overthrow the democratic government and make the regime back to the monarchical regime.

This is not the first time she broke her mind. According to the constitution, she definitely has nothing to do with the administration!

Where is the blog moderator? How could you allow the same person to post multiple duplicate comments under different names?

wow .. someone really hates the king and his family eh? Based on the fact that Thaksin himself said on numerous occasions that he's loyal to the monarch and put them above himself, you and Thaksin are actually on the opposite sites lol. Seriously, I don't see what one'd gain from overthrowing the royal family, they're not that powerful or influential these days y' know.

To you all FAKE Thais out there, please tone it down. Real Thais, including supporters of Thaksin and PPP, will never try to bring the King low. Your total disrecard of this fact gives away your true identities.

BTW, TAKSIN is the name of a Thai warrior king of old, a revered hero in Thai history. The former PM name's is THAKSIN, please don't confuse.

Stop accusing the Queen, you should be ashamed of yourself. Our king and queen never do anything that harm Thai people. They've been doing so many things to help Thai people have better life, and everyone knows they don't have to do any of this. It's never the royal family job, not anywhere else in the world that royal family still working and helping people.

I went to Parliament house on October7th, not that I agree with everything PAD's doing. But I hate that This PM just order unmercy killing and arm forced to harm un-armed people. I walk in with hundreds or even thousand of people, with only wet towel(in case of tear gas spurs), goggle, a bottle of water and most of us has plastic clapping hand.

The Policemen were teargas, non-stop in to the middle of the crowd that was listening to the speech on mobile stage on the top of a truck. along the way, I'll see first aid people carried back some injured.....there were wounded from explosion....and non of us has any thing as a weapon, beside bottles of water...what do you think.

We have only one country....I'm not sure what I'm waiting for....but I hate the politic now....this country need changes

Subsequent to the political unrest yesterday (October 7, 2008), " .Q. " has shamefully made an intervention again to brutally remove Police Lieutenant General Suchart Muenkaeow who headed the police's suppression of PAD's parliament seizure.

Most of the Thai people have come into a realization that she masterminds the PREM (People Rebel Endangering Mission) or PAD as claimed, to overthrow the democratic government and make the regime back to the monarchical regime.

This is not the first time she broke her mind. According to the constitution, she definitely has nothing to do with the administration!

Many Thai people (PAD Group)have already had brain wash by ASTV (Thai meadia godfather) without noticing themself. They always believe MPs from the government side won the election by vote buying. Indeed, every political parties bought vote but people will choose the one they need, not because of money anymore. That believing is the old paradigm and just excuse which ASTV tries to programme to its followers brain.

PAD group is supported by the elite group especially, royalists who lost their esteem because of the rising of Thaksin. They are afraid to lose their status quo.
They, therefore, do everything even geting rid of the elected government to sustain their interest and power.

The world, please understand, the sistuation in my country now is abnormal from abnormal power. The World please, help us to save the elected government who got the majority vote from people especially grass-root and progressive middle class people.
Save the elected government means saving the democracy in Thailand.

cutepanda
Thailand

Prim.SOMCHAI is a "PSYCHO KILLER".He orders police to "ATTACK" the people who unarm with EXPLOSION material.Moreover,attacking order was originated by "THAKSIN" through SOMCHAI.

Capt. of THAI airways do the right thing according to THAI rule that states "He can refuse to accept the passenger who might cause the thread to the other passenger or he can also reject anytime if it will relate to the SAFETY matter".

THIS IS THE TRUTH THAT TAKSIN DO NOT NEED THE KING.HE WANT TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF THAILAND ,SO HE NEED TO DESTROY THE ROYAL HIGHNESS.THAT'S IT.
LET'S THINK
"IF SOMEONE WANT TO KILL QUEEN ELIZABETH II ,WHAT DO YOU DO?"
No more explaination.Also SOMCHAI and his goverment are actually just the dolls which are controlled by THAKSIN.

I'm not good at English but i love my country and my king.Thx.!

OK, let say like this, now most thai doctors, hospitals, lawyers, deans from many universities, buses, trains, pilots from Thai airline, all educated people and etc.............., almost every organization have already announced ignorances for thai government and police. Also, every org. said that there is no right left to rule the country, so if PAD's really a bad mob, why they are so many of good people support them. Now PAD used more than 30,000 USD a day to feed the mob(foods, utilities, water), and the money come from everyone(many millions of thai people) around the country for the charity.

- Just stick to the logic, why PAD can stay for more than 100 days and everyone still support them.

- Also, the police was bought to become THAKSIN's dogs for 5-8 years ago. They know only how to please their owner, like 4 police leaders who are doing servant duties in England in Thaksin's house.

- The plan for announcing Somchai's policy at first was 3 days, but he finished everything within 2-3 hours while the electricity was cut.

- Some policies, the court already concluded that it's wrong, but the government and police didn't care at all noone is caught.

- ALSO, IF WAIT FOR SOMCHAI TO START WORKING AND JUDGE HIM AFTER THAT, IT WILL BE TO LATE BECAUSE WHEN HE STARTS THE CORRUPTION WILL ALREADY HAPPEN AND TOO LATE TO SOLVE LIKE THAKSIN DID.

- THE PAD's NEW POLITICS IS STILL BE UNDER DEMOCRACY, BUT IT IS THE DEMOCRACY THAT FIT WITH THAI CULTURE AND SOCIETY. ONLY THING CHANGED IS THAT THE POLITICIANS WILL HAVE LESS POWER AND CAN BE TRUELY INVESTIGATED BY PEOPLE. PM doesn't want new politics because it is difficult to corrupt.

- ALSO, the police shot more than 100 tear gas immediately after the PADs were unarmed by themselves without any warning nor negotiation(even the photographers were shot on the back)

- THE WAY THE POLICES SHOT THE TEAR GAS IS DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE NOT INTO THE AIR, THE TRUTH IS THAT SOME THAI POLICES WERE DRUNK AT THAT TIME AND MOST OF THEM HAVE NEVER BEEN REVISED WHAT THEY HAVE STUDIED MANY YEARS AGO.

TIME WILL TELL, THE TRUTH WILL SHOW.
HERE IS THE VIDEO AND THE PICTURES FROM THE SITE WHEN IT HAPPENED(TRUTH THAT WERE IGNORED BY THAI GOVT. AND POLICE)

WATCH AND THINK BY YOURSELF!!!!!
http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000119356

It's joke of Thailand ,everything is joke . Please don't serious Thailand is safty for tourist because goverment can control maddog zone in Bangkok.Welcome to Thailand .

HERE IS MORE PICTURES OF THAI POLICE WHO WAS HIDING AND SHOOTING THE REAL BULLETS WITH A GUN ( So ashame that the police lied on TV that the police used ONLY TEAR GAS AND DON'T KNOW WHY PEOPLE LEGS EXPLODE or HAVE BEEN HURT!!!)

http://www.oknation.net/blog/tyty1789/2008/10/08/entry-1

CHECK THIS OUT BEFORE ANY COMMENCE....

Thaksin is a THUG, and he is the man behind a violent measure acted by unhumane and evil Thai polices to curb PAD yesterday. Thai police threw the hand grenades to the people in the PAD rally. Some people lost their lives. A Ph.D. professor lost her fingers and toes. Hundreds of them injured and wounded. People in the rally were gathering restfully and peacefully, but the Thai police tried to murder them. This happened in Bangkok yesterday. Please help us condemn the evil acts done by the Thai police and the corrupt Thai government.

Thailand bears the cost of many lives because of Thaksin. Democracy in the Thaksin's view is an election without telling outsiders that Thaksin cheated. He wants to take a control of government in order to help him out of all corruption accusations and charges. I could not tell every bad things that Thaksin had done to Thailand in the past. For example, the unrest in southern part of Thailand was stirred by Thaksin. Many lives of innocent people have died for many years. Thaksin used the representative house to change the excise tax bill so that his telecommunication business pays less tax money. He tried to privatize the state enterprise busineeses, and he bought back tons of stocks in the par price. These are samples of the evil and greedy acts done by Thaksin. Thaksin used to say that he would not cheat but he would do everything for the country. What he has done so far is just for himself, his family and his cronies.

This is the reason that PAD has to come out and rally to overthrow the muppet government of Thaksin. I beg people in other nations understand the situation in Thailand and help us to condemn the corrupt government.

Dan, I think you are mistaken and need to learn Thai. PAD doesn't want to remove democracy. You see, Thailand now is full of greedy politicians. You let me down,Dan. I thought you understood PAD as you interviewed all Thailand's top crooks like Thaksin and Samak.

Dan,

You are absolutely correct. Majority of Thai, 70% from homeland and overseas are for democracy in a way Thaksin has made.for us. Although there are some accusation of corruption against him going on, but still had he been better than any other government in the past Thai democracy history". From Prem's Admistration to Chuan Leekpai's, those, the puppet rulers for the royal court, has been in position only for the titles and accommodations from Chitlada palace, made them supream and more important than other. In fact, they are careless for the poor, and doing nothing for country.

Sondhi is a maniac fascist, a big loser who bringing the nation into chaos by his spining media empire, sideing himself to THE PALACE. is the bypass of the total privilage and power noone can't stand before. The higher education institutions like, The NIDA Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Thammasart Univ, as well as the upper middle class in Bangkok are the group of "privilege Class" who call themselve " the Elite" associate to the palace just to be more important to the rest of country. These are the meaningless group of people for democracy development .

They only care for their own supream right as the city people. They are the people benefit from being associate to the royal court and allow to get easily access to power and economic interests.

These people does not believe in democracy, The rule of majority!!

They too, the last dinosaur, the loser, and are careless to the countryside Thai fellow particularly those from Northern and Northeastern who has less opportunity.

They are even not recognized the country people as a human because of economy status difference consider them as the upper class, similarly to the black in the south of America who their votes are not count!!.

I have seen Thailand is in the verege of civil war between the country side and the Bangkok. Maybe it's the time toreconstitute Lanna Thai from Bangkok, if the situation is not improve, and the goverement fail to act responsibly.

With the eyes and ears of international media like your organization will prevent the innocent from this fascism act,

Thai Journalist in USA.

Sir,

Under current and past Constitutions, people in Thailand can voice and protest under rules and regulations. No matter how serious they are, the Law DOES NOT ALLOW KILLING bare-handed people, with no weapons, nor women without causes. Current Prime Minister should take responsibilities by accepting resignation and dissolving the Parliament immediately to help clear and stop all the disagreements and unfair sidings in society. The Prime Minister and former one living in UK should stop "playing" politics altogether for the sake of country and monarchy as you two always say but never adhere to. Karma will haunt you for the rest of your lives.

Dan,
I wou;d like to know if
your goverment is so corrupted.
Would you come out like the PAD
or just ignored it.

We fight for justice and good governance from our government.
Is that so difficult to understand, Dan?

Dan

"Now they want nothing less than the overthrow of the entire political system...."

Yeah, anyone who has the a good functioning brain, will come to this conclusion!

Dan
How long have you been in Thailand?
How much do you know about Thai people?
How much have you got out of living in This country?
How much insult have added to the injury?
Not all Thais are foolish, they just have no access to the RIGHT
MEDIA....
You ARE lucky to be alive
They used the live bullets. YOU KNOW?

Somchai is muderer.

Wrong sense of humor, Dan.
Why not many Thai people support the PAD,
many agree with the protesters that the Cabinet
represents the corrupted political machinery
from vote buying and conflicts of interest.

Dan,
You may be enjoying your ice cream so much that you overlook what's going on around you that day. Here's one of the events that you missed....

peaceful mob control in front of Thailand's Parliament House on Oct 7, 2008 ??
http://www.oknation.net/blog/tyty1789/2008/10/08/entry-1

Dan,
You may missed this too? How's your licking?

Thai police used only tear gas? See photos...
http://www.oknation.net/blog/tyty1789/2008/10/08/entry-2

Dan,
This was how Thai police peacefully controled the protesters on Oct 7, 2008 in front of Parliament House. Where were you?

http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000120266

You are absolutely right, Dan, especially for the part about the PAD - their ridiculous name and their forever-changing stupid demands.

You speak for the majority Thai people. Thank you.

hey, is this website talking about enjoying ice-cream?
think again!
i'm only a student in highschool, many are from u., i was in that police killing people situation, help people clean their eyes' don't u see that Dan? what's your new, an ice-cream!!!!!!
police shoot even soilder whom the Queen send to help us take care of the injured, in his back, while they are carrying a boy, and that boy-unconcious- fall againnnnnnn!!!! i dunno his age but not higher than ten, i cannot take this. you! THAI POLICE!! WHY DON'T YOU GO TO THE MARKET AND WEAR SKIRT BEFORE COMING TO -SHOOT-KILL A FREE HAND PEOPLE! THE AGED. THE WOMEN. THE STUDENTS. THE KIDS. – or if you say we're armed. i go in that situation at 4p.m. that time there's a barrier as you can see from the pic. and we can't go to you and we held a stick but what the heck you never stop shooting us!
we will see in WORLD COURT!

Dan, please take your little notice over the comments made with reference to ASTV, manager.co.th, oknation.net, etc, they are really under the operation of PREM (People Rebel Endangering Mission) or PAD as they claimed.

These media can even distort the fact, photos and arrange the network with some technicians to spark off the issues they want. We call these media as "Devil Media" whose objective is to brainwash Thai people, with a huge interests in return if the PREM's operation could turn the current democratic regime into semi-monarchical one. As you are well aware, the queen whose position cannot involve in any politics has long been backing PREM shamefully.

Thai citizen who were bainwashed by these devil media will take side crazily. We don't like corrupt politicians. We don't need the absurd monarchical regime.

HOW CAN WE STAY BEYOND THOSE TWO EXTREME SIDES, DAN?

Why everyone who supports Mr.Taksin claims that corruption is OK as long as he develops our economy?
What's wrong with their moral logic?

Dan,
1.) (written by: for the poor side): “Majority of Thai, 70% from homeland and overseas are for democracy in a way Thaksin has made.for us.”
A big lier! The Thaksin’s democracy could be read as “Thaksinomicrazy”, he does nothing for the country but for himself. Most people are living poverty, but he is seekingmore money from the country master projects. He took at least 30% commission from every the projects issued ! There’s only about 25% people from northeastern and northern of Thailand are favored in Mr.Thaksin – the greedy guy! Most of them are under-educated and received 100-200 bath for 1 election vote. But this was not happened to the middle class in other parts of Thailand, because most of those people seem to have higher education, especially in Bangkok (90% of Bangkokkian don’t like Mr. Thakin, and this formed as PAD).
Should you learn more how Taksin’s regime corrupt the country? He spent so much money to buy ministers? He could do any bad things to fight back the oppositions no matter right or wrong, he could be changed black to white or white to black, he could killpeople for his satisfied. He lied to the people on the first day of his first term : “I already have enough and I don’t need more” . Most of us, believed him and so adorable, but not long enough he appeared to be a flipflopping person. He and his folks are cheating and corruption via the government projects, for example, the Suvannabhume International Airport, and many others I couldn’t recall (many charges in the courts recently)
2.) (written by: Silent Majority in Thailand): “Many of PAD protestors carried home-made bombs which exploded and injured themselves badly. Police forces only use tear gas.” This is not true – a lier!
Please Dan, stick to the facts. It doesn’t require exaggeration to still be of interest to a global audience, and Thailand certainly doesn’t need you to unnecessary scare the pants of the many thousands of people planning their holidays here.

"therefore we should abandon democracy to prevent this corruption. It’s a sort of getting rid of freedom to ensure freedom argument."

You are a journalist, aren't u????

I think you'd better do some research. The PAD never want to abandon Democracy system and never will.

We just try to shape up our political system which is an election of people in ranges of working field for example, doctor, farmer to part of parliament. The PAD believe it would work becuz ppl, in each job will know their problems and bring them up during the discussion.

I think this seems to be more Democracy, unlike some asshole who were elected and do nothing for others but for themselves. It's a waste of Taxes.

I think you'd better watch out this kind of topic. It's sensitive, at least for Thais and for me as one of the PAD.

Thailand is not America, unlike any country in the world. So don't compare my country to yours. We are totally different!

i really appreciate that CNN does not sensor the criticism its reports get.

One of the patient of PAD On Oct. 7, The PAD hired the guy who lost his leg from the diabetes.....Tricky! One thing I know about it the polices do their job and this gouvernment tries to be calm for the King and the country.

The PAD tries to make the gouvernment looks bad!

Ancient Invisible hand does exist and reach a big hand for heads of PAD. Then PAD uses the half-lie truth and hate of Thaksin for some innocent people to make an accuse for dragging down the government which elected properly and those innocent people who don't realise the fact of the invisible hand are truly tool for it.

But now,The hand knows that number of people who feel the existence of it are growing more and more.

Recently, Some fingers of it had become visible.

This series is about come to its climax. Just wait and see,Dan. Prepare your headline space for Thai news.

Here we go! We need to participate with thai politics now! If we love our country, we must ! If we do not ,it will be too late!!!!!!!