Gaybutton Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 When is enough enough? The PAD is now making threats to take over Thailand's seaports if they're forced out of the airports. As everyone knows, the PAD is trying to force Somchai out of office because they feel he is a puppet for Thaksin. Ok, I'd like to ask what has Somchai done to make them feel that way? As far as I know, Somchai's only crime is the fact of his marriage to Thaksin's wife's sister. What has he actually done that shows he is anything other than a completely honorable man? As far as I know, so far he hasn't done a damned thing to indicate that he is allowing Thaksin to run the show for him. The PAD, in my opinion, has virtually tried and convicted him before he has even committed the crime. Have any of you ever read the book or seen the movie "Seven Days in May"? If you're not familiar with it, the story is about a disgruntled general who tries to set up and stage a coup in the USA. The story climaxes when he and the President finally have a face-to-face confrontation. The President loses his temper with the general and tells him that if he is so dissatisfied with the way he runs the government, "Then by God, run for office!!!" instead of setting the stage for the total destruction of the very government he claims to be trying to protect. I see many similarities to that premise and the current situation in Thailand. Instead of holding an entire nation hostage and causing untold hardships to hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of people, why can't they run for office during the next elections? Again, much of the current goings-on hold a special place on my "I Don't Get It" list. The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Tension May Worsen with Pro-govt Rally By The Nation on Sunday Published on November 30, 2008 PAD May Try to Seize Seaports if Airports Takeover Fails to Force PM Out of Office The political situation could become more tense today when government supporters stage a mammoth rally in Bangkok as the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy protesters continue to hold hostage the city's two airports. The pro-government Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship said yesterday that it would hold a massive rally at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Lan Kon Muang ground this afternoon with as many as 100,000 people expected to take part. The rally venue was scheduled for Sanam Luang but changed later. Police yesterday increased their presence near Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, which were seized last week by PAD protesters, but made no attempt to disperse them. Meanwhile the PAD yesterday mobilised more supporters from the provinces to join its rally in Bangkok. The PAD may also try to seize seaports on the Eastern Seaboard if the takeover of the airports fails to force the premier out of office, Suthi Atchasai, a PAD leader from the East, told protesters at Suvarnabhumi yesterday. Hundreds of PAD protesters managed to force a group of policemen manning a checkpoint on King Kaew Road, which leads to Suvarnabhumi Airport, to move out of the area. The protesters said the checkpoint was aimed at cutting off their supplies by preventing vehicles with food and drink from entering the protest site. The pro-government DAAD said yesterday that its planned rally today was necessary as it was highly probable that three coalition parties, including the core People Power Party, would face dissolution when the Constitution Court ruled on the electoral-fraud cases later this week. The DAAD said it would have to deal with the PAD protesters by itself as police appeared to have taken no action against them. Prime Minister Somchai Wongsa-wat yesterday said he was willing to talk with the PAD leaders but would not resign or dissolve the House of Representatives, as demanded by the protesters. "House dissolution and resignation must not be the conditions. This matter is for the political side to implement in accordance with the Constitution," Somchai said. He also called on the protesters to end their takeover of the city's two airports, for the sake of the country. "Takeover of an airport is wrong. It is a severe threat to the country's security. The world community's confidence in Thailand is gone. If the takeover continues, Thailand will become isolated. This incident has caused much damage to the country's image as well as its revenue," said the prime minister. "[The PAD] says the government is causing damage to the country in order to remain in office. My question is: what has the government done to create that damage? And what about the seizure of airports? Is that not damage to the country?" Somchai said. Somchai said he would remain in Chiang Mai but did not say where the next Cabinet meeting tomorrow would be held. PAD co-leader Chamlong Sri-muang said early yesterday he was ready to talk with the prime minister but not in Chiang Mai, where Somchai has been staying for fear of a coup. Chamlong said the PAD leaders would talk to Somchai only in person, not on the phone. The PAD co-leader said he expected the ongoing turmoil to end before His Majesty the King's birthday on December 5. The prime minister gave a national address last night, calling on citizens to do good deeds in honour of His Majesty the King ahead of his birthday. Quote
Guest lvdkeyes Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 If the PAD wants Thailand to be a democracy they have to accept the popular vote, whether they like the elected official or not. That is what democracy is about. A faction of the people cannot decide that the elected official is not good and then proceed to disrupt the whole country and the lives of many tourists in the wake of it. Peaceful demonstrations are one thing, but this has gotten way out of hand. Quote
Guest George Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 Have any of you ever read the book or seen the movie "Seven Days in May"? If you're not familiar with it, the story is about a disgruntled general who tries to set up and stage a coup in the USA. The story climaxes when he and the President finally have a face-to-face confrontation. The President loses his temper with the general and tells him that if he is so dissatisfied with the way he runs the government, "Then by God, run for office!!!" instead of setting the stage for the total destruction of the very government he claims to be trying to protect. I see many similarities to that premise and the current situation in Thailand. Instead of holding an entire nation hostage and causing untold hardships to hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of people, why can't they run for office during the next elections? A very good comparison on your part GB, as I also see many similarities between the movie and the current political situation here in Thailand. Wouldn't it be great if the situation going on at present, was to end in the exact same way as the movie did? What a great movie that was by the way, with two of my favourite actors who made many movies together co-starring opposite each other in major roles, those actors being Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster, who was superb playing the part of the General. Sorry to go a little off topic, but before closing GB, I was wondering if you saw the 1994 remake of the film, when it was renamed "The Enemy Within"? Let's keep our fingers crossed for that ending I spoke of in the movie, to repeat itself again here in Thailand hey?. Cheers, George. Quote
Gaybutton Posted November 30, 2008 Author Posted November 30, 2008 Sorry to go a little off topic, but before closing GB, I was wondering if you saw the 1994 remake of the film, when it was renamed "The Enemy Within"? No. I missed that one. I'll try to find it somewhere. Quote
Guest topjohn5 Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 I'm just curious.... Does PAD claim that the elections are "bought" and "corupt" and therefore not really a democratically elected government? I have read on some of the boards that people believe this but I don't know if buying votes is even illegal in Thailand so I'm not sure that is even a good argument...... But, is PAD claiming that the current system is corrupt??? Educate me please! Quote
PattayaMale Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 I'm just curious.... Does PAD claim that the elections are "bought" and "corupt" and therefore not really a democratically elected government? I have read on some of the boards that people believe this but I don't know if buying votes is even illegal in Thailand so I'm not sure that is even a good argument...... But, is PAD claiming that the current system is corrupt??? Educate me please! I believe you are correct topjohn5. I believe this is why the court will disband the PPP on Dec.2. As to GB's point about Somchai, I think he has created acts of omission by not having the government bring Thaskin to justice. Also when I read the different editorials there seems to be a lot of shuttling back and forth to see Thaskin as well as needing to get pre-approval for cabinet member appointments and the like. Thailand has every right to revoke Thaskins visa which has not been done. There is more to a democracy than popular vote. I read where people say whoever was elected by popular vote as though this is what is meant by democracy. Right now many African nations, Burma, etc. have "elected" leaders. I doubt most think these are democracies. Quote
