Mentors Posted November 21, 2008 Report Share Posted November 21, 2008 Country seems to be racing to a point of no return By Somroutai Sapsomboon The Nation Published on November 21, 2008 Previously, few people would have thought about another coup or civil war taking place in this country. But now it seems hard to avoid the likelihood of either tragedy happening after defiant former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra showed his desire to return to politics. Obviously, Thaksin's declaration of war was a signal to his supporters. He provoked them to come out and fight against his antagonist, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). There are many signs showing Thaksin's supporters are gearing up to fight for their leader. First, red-shirted supporters will gather for a mass rally on December 13 at Supachalasai Stadium. The rally will pave the way for Thaksin to announce his comeback to politics via a phone-in speech. That would be the beginning of his war against his enemies. The location this time is significant, as the stadium is not far from PAD's stronghold at Government House. There's a risk of confrontation between the two sides. Second, Somchai Wongsawat's administration- though it tried to distance itself from Thaksin- is pouring government budgets into constituencies ahead of a possible election campaign. Somchai has never made any comment about Thaksin although they are brothers-in-law. But in fact Thaksin is pulling Somchai's strings. The budgets would help the government win another general election. Third, Parliament is pushing hard to free Thaksin's camp from punishment. After coalition MPs tried to amend the charter to benefit Thaksin and his followers, which led to a clash in front of Parliament House last October, they had to ease their pressure. They would propose a reconciliation law to grant amnesty for all political charges after the September 19 coup, also covering Thaksin and PAD's charges. Fourth, other figures like Maj-General Kattiya Sawadiphol, a military expert attached to Army headquarters, want to join Thaksin's camp. Kattiya has warned the PAD many times to move out of Government House or face a tough battle. Since the PAD has occupied Government House, there have been six bomb blasts at protest sites. Kattiya was the usual suspect but he denied any involvement. He was also called into suspicion over yesterday's bombing, which led to one death and more than 20 protesters wounded, as he had earlier given an ultimatum to the PAD to vacate Government House by yesterday. Pallop Pinmanee, a former deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command, is another of Thaksin's latest allies. Pallop, who flew to meet him in Hong Kong last week, insisted Thaksin is 100 per cent loyal to His Majesty the King. Pallop was expected to be appointed as deputy director of the new ISOC to oversee the PAD protest. Pallop's move raised many questions, as he was PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang's classmate. Pallop had been expected to take over from the PAD leaders if they were jailed. Pallop was seen talking with Chamlong at Government House and declared he would be the next PAD leader. However there was a report that their relationship had turned sour. That's maybe the reason why Pallop switched sides. Considering that Kattiya and Pallop are now behind Thaksin, violence is expected not to be far in coming. It's obvious that all Thaksin's supporters are ready to fight with all means against his opponents. Their first and biggest target is the PAD. Their first mission is to oust the PAD from the Government House compound. Jatuporn Promphan, a party-list MP of the People Power Party, said it was about time the "majority" in this society came out and showed its stance. "This country doesn't have only the PAD and they should know Government House doesn't belong to them. If we can't live in peace, then we should not have peace," he said. However, the PAD can't easily walk out of its fortress. On the contrary, they have to blow the final whistle. They called a war for next Sunday and urged as many protesters as possible to join the rally in order to make a change in society. From a conflict of ideas to a conflict of society without violence â?¦ to a conflict with weapons until blood is shed. It seems that the country is heading now to the point of no return â?¦ civil war or another coup. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/11/21/politics/politics_30089010.php Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faustian Posted November 21, 2008 Report Share Posted November 21, 2008 It's clear that neither side gives a shit about Thailand or the Thai people. They'll rip the country apart just to get power. Is conflict a certainty? It seems more likely now. Mainly thanks to Thaksin stirring the situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiger Moth Posted November 21, 2008 Report Share Posted November 21, 2008 Agree entirely. Given the world economic situation, airport arrivals in Thailand down 11% compared to last year as the high tourist season is beginning, a million Thai factory workers expected to lose their jobs in the next year, GM just announcing it will close its plant for 2 months and Toyota, et al saying they expected to build fewer vehicles in Thailand in the next year........ If either side cared about the people they would try to cool things down and do whatever they could to help Thailand through very difficult times. Very sad and ominous for Thailand... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torneyboy Posted November 21, 2008 Report Share Posted November 21, 2008 However, the PAD can't easily walk out of its fortress. On the contrary, they have to blow the final whistle. They called a war for next Sunday and urged as many protesters as possible to join the rally in order to make a change in society. From a conflict of ideas to a conflict of society without violence â?¦ to a conflict with weapons until blood is shed. It seems that the country is heading now to the point of no return â?¦ civil war or another coup. Very worrying ...and sad as well... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentors Posted November 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2008 and no democracy anymore. The Paternalistic System will be steady again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lazyphil Posted November 21, 2008 Report Share Posted November 21, 2008 is democracy such a great thing anyway....it gave us gordon brown for christs sake....and if we're really unlucky we get david cameron! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentors Posted November 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2008 with accurate persons, yes, much better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lazyphil Posted November 21, 2008 Report Share Posted November 21, 2008 well yes that paragon of virtue that is switzerland is all hunky dory of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torneyboy Posted November 21, 2008 Report Share Posted November 21, 2008 It is just a real mess...i feel so sorry for Thailand... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentors Posted November 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2008 It is just a real mess...i feel so sorry for Thailand... and the most bad thing is, that it seems that there is nobody around who can stop this mayhem Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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