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Discussion 1 : 05/11/2012 at 12:48 PM

I can't see a lot of difference between the parties here. Thai governance is appalling whoever is in power and votes are bought anyway. The 'big' people fill the 'little' peoples' heads with nationalistic nonsense instead of giving them a decent education since it it in their interests to keep them in the dark. Anyone who knows English history will know what they had to do to get good governance. Not that they have it now but it's still better than the Thais get.

Discussion 2 : 01/11/2012 at 11:38 AM

Nui: All your comments are straight forward and the count on attendance is more accurate than what Deputy PM Chalerm guesstimated. Whatever Chalerm said or predicted, the result always on the opposite end! That is amazing Thailand! One day he wants to be in-charged on the south, the next day some one took the post, ha!

Discussion 3 : 01/11/2012 at 08:42 AM

#95 - only 32% of all eligible voters voted PTP - even of all participating voters, PTP still failed to achieve a majority - garnering a mere 48%. Hardly sounds like a mandate. Sure, the Democrats got even less. Real progress will begin to be made when people stop putting their faith in politicians and self-serving parties of all kinds, and start putting that faith instead in themselves and their local communities pursuing pragmatism, not politics. Luckily for Thailand, the silent majority already seems to be doing this.

Discussion 4 : 01/11/2012 at 08:39 AM

#99 The World Bank consists of the most parasitic destructive corporate-financier interests on Earth. For a "people's power" proponent, John, you sure exhibit an affinity and an array of peculiar proclivities toward sources and institutions representing the very antithesis of human empowerment and freedom!

Discussion 5 : 30/10/2012 at 09:57 AM

This rally was legitimate D80 and did any one of the participant’s get violent calling for a coup or to burn down etc.? No it was a peaceful rally and the people who attended have the rights to express their feelings and disapprovals of a (the) Government. The Red’s and UDD could learn from how to organize such kind of rallies but do they want?

Discussion 6 : 30/10/2012 at 07:11 AM

johninbkk - com'n john, you can remember the loan default rate in about 2003 and 2004. The highest Thailand has ever seen. Every single expat living there remembers except you. I often research my self when you make outrages claims. Provide proof it isn't true. Remember Thai Framers Bank almost going bankrupt? I love how this peaceful rally has all the reds and PTP fanboys up in arms. Once again, it's only democratic if PTP/UDD does it. Any one else and it's wrong.

Discussion 7 : 30/10/2012 at 06:27 AM

brilliant 101 - "Loans that were given to farmers, etc that about 99% defaulted on" Please cite your source. "And a change in the poverty line." The change was to reflect inflation, *increasing* the number of people considered living in poverty. Without that change, the poverty reduction (as calculated) would have been even greater.

Discussion 8 : 30/10/2012 at 05:49 AM

brilliant - "Sound like disrespecting the entire academia of Thailand as well as 98% of the" Interesting that there was a complete sentence there that continued...."foreigners in Thailand that I promise you are smarter than reds."

Discussion 9 : 30/10/2012 at 05:06 AM

johninbkk - ""...incidence of poverty in terms of headcount has fallen from 21.3 percent in 2000 (14.2 percent in 2000 based on the old poverty line) to 11.3 percent in 2004. " Coincides VERY nicely with the highest default rate on personal loans in Thai history. Loans that were given to farmers, etc that about 99% defaulted on after they got their new cell phones, motorbikes and TVs. And a change in the poverty line. LOL, good old john spinning away. dom -"PTP won because millions of voters used their brains and figured out that voting PT was better ..." Sound like disrespecting the entire academia of Thailand as well as 98% of the

Discussion 10 : 30/10/2012 at 02:09 AM

bangmodken - Why must the anti-TS crowd resort to name-calling and personal attacks? World Bank Thailand Economic Monitor, Nov, 2005: "...incidence of poverty in terms of headcount has fallen from 21.3 percent in 2000 (14.2 percent in 2000 based on the old poverty line) to 11.3 percent in 2004. This decline was mainly contributed by the reduction in the number of poor in the Northeast. The Northeast, which is the most populous region and houses more than half of Thailand’s poor, has seen a reduction in headcount from 35 percent of population in 2000 to 17.2 percent in 2004."

Discussion 11 : 30/10/2012 at 01:49 AM

brilliant D90 I don't know why you think I am against peaceful protests, I welcome them and think there should be more of them, they are a vital part of the democratic process. My point was that without the backing of the army these protests are going nowhere and I dont think the army is interested. If I have a problem it is that, as with the PAD in 2005, they are calling for undemocratic and illegal means to be used to overthrow the legitimately elected government and that is wrong. A person claiming to be a democrat and calling for a coup is as bizzare as a man eating a T-bone steak whilst claiming to be a vegetarian.

Discussion 12 : 30/10/2012 at 01:35 AM

brilliant D96 Because it is disrespectful to millions of PT voters to make sweeping statements like those you list. Doubtless you are right in some cases and wrong in others. I have friends that voted PT for a variety of reasons ranging from a genuine liking for Thaksin to a hatred of Abhisit and the Dems. Most are realistic, they believe Thaksin is no different to any other politician, he'll look after them because he wants their votes, not just once, over and over again.

Discussion 13 : 30/10/2012 at 01:01 AM

dom, why don't you just be honest and say - PTP won because they give billions of baht of populist money to most uneducated masses of Thailand. PTP won because they buy votes(and yes, I've seen it with my own eyes, it wasn't even hidden). PTP won because they duped all the red shirts into believing Thaksin cared about them. All those reasons are just as true and valid as the ones you claim.

Discussion 14 : 29/10/2012 at 10:57 PM

Brilliant d88 PTP won because millions of voters used their brains and figured out that voting PT was better for them than voting Democrat(not a very difficult task) just like all voters all over the world. What's more, current polls show that those voters think they made the right choice and want the PTP to stay in power. What's more the latest Suan Dusit poll shows YS and the government ratings holding steady and the opposition losing ground. That's how PTP won and unless the opposition get their act together that's why PTP will win the next election too and that's why the fascists are trying to talk up a coup.

Discussion 15 : 29/10/2012 at 10:43 PM

K. brilliant D#88 When we cast ballots, we aren’t “free to choose” whatever we want as such. Our choices, by definition, are limited by the very choices we have. In reality, we effectively have only two parties capable of competing each other in the national level. Most voters don’t choose one party in absolute terms but in relative terms. And I don’t see why DP can be objectively better. Of course, they are better in someone's perspectives, but not others'. Would you argue that DP is absolutely clearly superior such that every rational people with varying self-interests, agenda and values must root for them?

Discussion 16 : 29/10/2012 at 10:28 PM

bangmodken 78 - Actually, poverty has significantly dropped since 2001 across the country. This is why the poor like TS so much.

Discussion 17 : 29/10/2012 at 09:20 PM

dom - "I used to go to the PAD rallies in 2005: And the UDD rallies, etc. You alone must have been to every rally in Thailand. Thank god we have such an expert to tell it like it is.

Discussion 18 : 29/10/2012 at 09:17 PM

domdunn, like all red shirts you have difficulty adding. FYI one plus one is two

Discussion 19 : 29/10/2012 at 09:15 PM

dom - "6,000, 10,000, 20,000, utterly meaningless, Chalerm is right without the backing of the army these protests are meaningless." Dom, in this post as well as the past, you make it obviously clear you are against peaceful, democratic protests. You only favor the violent kind. You might take a look, these are the middle-class of Bangkok, fed up with PTP. Then in your next post talk about democracy. Reds only think it's democracy when they are in power.

Discussion 20 : 29/10/2012 at 08:58 PM

johninbkk - "But what could they achieve with a coup?" How about make Thailand the #1 rice exporter again. Of, forgot, according to you they still are. Nothing you say is believable anymore.

Discussion 21 : 29/10/2012 at 08:46 PM

spiceman - "Elections are won with brain" Although I usually agree with you, I'm certainly not going to agree with that statement. If it were true, how did PTP win?

Discussion 22 : 29/10/2012 at 08:40 PM

joninnak D 86. I used to go to the PAD rallies in 2005 and I used to see the Dhamma Army arrive, they were bussed in quite literally, bus after bus of them, not to mention truck after truck and pick up truck after pick up truck. It was a decent turnout I'd guess 10-15,000, more than I expected but to suggest that it was a spontaneous rally by thousands of individuals is far fetched.

Discussion 23 : 29/10/2012 at 07:17 PM

Domdunn disc 79. where oh where does it say in the above that the Dharma army was bussed in??? I have always suspected that you read and interpret what you want and the that is gospel. By the way Elvis Presley was there, although it is not mentioned above.

Discussion 24 : 29/10/2012 at 06:50 PM

#45, "I would love to run the country for one year the way people vote in the Bangkok post forum.I think we would see remarkable changes." Remarkable, maybe... But certainly ugliest for Thailand. The fascism as a dream in the Country of smiles. what an horror. Buddha must cry.

Discussion 25 : 29/10/2012 at 06:10 PM

Keynote speakers were also largely those who joined the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) The same crowd only not just anti-Thaksin! these days it's anti-Shinawatra family and the same people who spread all the horror stories about Thaksin will now be spreading horror stories about the Shinwatra family.

Discussion 26 : 29/10/2012 at 05:45 PM

"Chalerm is right without the backing of the army these protests are meaningless.". Not necessarily, if the Army smells an unavoidable change they will change, or they don't follow orders of the government like last time, and the top man may say what he wants, we have witnessed this several times. "No there will be no coup, the Army stays in the barracks" only to see the tanks rolling out the next day. The only safety valve this country has, and if they can do another Anand Panyarachun the earlier the better. What we have now is a disgrace, and don't dare calling it democracy.

Discussion 27 : 29/10/2012 at 05:02 PM

Thai people better ask themselves whether they want Democracy or not. If not, what kind of political system do they want to replace it with?

Discussion 28 : 29/10/2012 at 05:01 PM

What would make me really happy is when Thais would conquer the streets demanding modern education,an end to corruption on every level, justice for all, an end to the crypto democracy where only people with a degree can become politically active, an end to the cronyism, stifling the country's progress and above all, an end to all parties without a platform, an ideology and vision. Any other gathering of the public is a waste of time, space and incites nothing but a crackling yawn. I'm speaking for myself, of course.

Discussion 29 : 29/10/2012 at 04:44 PM

I don't think this rally was legitimate. They called for the coup, don't you see? They're willing to violate our rights and liberty. We must not tolerate that. Never. It's a sedition intended to usurp the democratically-elected government by undemocratic and unconstitutional means. Pure and simple. Even though I suspect that TS and their acolytes have been up to no good, I insist the political rights of every Thai citizens, the poor or the rich, the fool or genius. If they so choose, I insist their decisions must be mandated. Who am I to coerce them?

Discussion 30 : 29/10/2012 at 04:29 PM

whatajoke D70 Nobody bussed in? Quote from the above story above, "The Dhamma Army.......turned up in force".

Discussion 31 : 29/10/2012 at 04:15 PM

D57,NangrongJ : The lives of farmers and other less fortunate people in the North and Northeast has not improved at all for the last 10-15 years,DESPITE being governed locally by Thaksin and his various political parties and DESPITE increasing budgets allocated to their provinces by the Central Government. Also They DO NOT benefit from the rice scam as they are still only paid some 60-70% of what the government promised. The rest ends up in the wrong pockets. This is the problem. Most politicians are corrupt,but some much more than others. The PTP.

Discussion 32 : 29/10/2012 at 04:08 PM

Talk of coups is all very well but what would they do the morning after the coup? After the last one they rewrote the constitution, packed the Senate with their friends, engineered the Dems into power and killed those who protested, result? Thaksin wins the next election by a landslide. What are they going to do different next time?

Discussion 33 : 29/10/2012 at 04:00 PM

oldthaihand D54 Where do you get the idea that paying taxes gives you extra democratic rights, democracy is one man one vote, not one man one vote plus a bonus vote if you pay taxes? You can resent it all you want but that's democracy.

Discussion 34 : 29/10/2012 at 03:58 PM

whatajoke: "One kook mentioned something about a coup, now everyone is up in arms about trying to over-throw things". That kook is a former senior general. His comment was on the front page of 24 October edition of the Bangkok Post. He is described as a leader of the rally. This country has a history of coups and the last one was followed by bloody civil unrest. It should not be suprising that everyone is up in arms about what he said. The international business community and press will justifiably give weight to what this "one kook" said if the government is changed by means other than an election.

Discussion 35 : 29/10/2012 at 03:55 PM

D#69 When I say populism, I refer to "Pra Cha Ni Yom" which isn't necessary the same thing as populism in, say, Europe; and, I admit, almost always connotes negative meaning. (Our academics never came up with a better English word.) In a nutshell, I means any policies that the poor tends to like - the very policies that make TS rise to fame. So never mind that some of them include 'wars on drugs' which violated human rights. It's just that the "human right" things are never in - erm - our mindset. Many voters simply approved - or at least had no problem with - it. That's all.

Discussion 36 : 29/10/2012 at 03:48 PM

6,000, 10,000, 20,000, utterly meaningless, Chalerm is right without the backing of the army these protests are meaningless.

Discussion 37 : 29/10/2012 at 03:27 PM

what a joke- you begin with fair and rightful comments but then wander into the template of ''busing idle workers''. Do you really think that you can be taken seriously when you make ignorant and ill-informed comments to use as a crutch to justify your post? There maybe idle workers in the North, of that I have no doubt but they pale into insignificance compared to some 'making a living' rather than 'earning a living' in Bangkok! We all have opinions and thankfully BP allows us to express them. I may not agree with some but I respect and would even defend anyone's right to state them but ignorant insults dilute the opinion.

Discussion 38 : 29/10/2012 at 03:26 PM

NangrongJ # 68, This PNG anti vote buying exercise is very laudable and should be introduced here as well, unfortunately the Thai xenophobic mind set will never allow foreigners to teach them, whatever the subject, and this includes water management by the champions, the Dutch.

Discussion 39 : 29/10/2012 at 03:12 PM

Hoo Boy did this elicit a response. Let's put things in perspective. This was peaceful and rightful protest arising from some really legitimate reasons. It drew a significant number of people at short notice without PAD supplementing it, or financing, or village encouragement and bussing in from the provinces of idle workers. To those who think this govt is immune to criticism because they have overwhelming ballot support, this sends out a clear message. One kook mentioned something about a coup, now everyone is up in arms about trying to over-throw things. Nonsense, they are just expressing dissatisfaction at a farcical self-serving puppet.

Discussion 40 : 29/10/2012 at 02:55 PM

D# 61, homosapien: I am confused about the meaning of PT's “populist policies” is killing over 10,000 Thai souls in what so called war on drugs and southern insurgency is one of the populist policies or favoring the rich over common people and wealthy business owners is also one of the populist policies?! PPP/PT/UDD have no populist policies other than for themselves only not even for the simple minds who couldn’t figure that out yet and Taxsin knows exactly that nothing invigorates and empowers an authoritarian regime more than a spectacular act of violence, some sudden and senseless lost of lives that allows the autocrat to stand

Discussion 41 : 29/10/2012 at 02:45 PM

Soltair- fair point. If Thailand does have too many of them (uneducated) then the answer is to educate them. That's another subject another day though. I've recently got back from 11 months in Papua New Guinea and they can teach Thais a thing or two about corruption. During the lead up to the election this year they had internal and external (international) bodies go around settlements (the country is mostly rural) and explain to them why is is damaging to sell votes. It did have an impact but progress doesn't happen over-night. Education is the answer but that also has corrupt elements.

Discussion 42 : 29/10/2012 at 02:22 PM

Previous PM is against coup but OK to be appointed PM in the barrack? let's face it. Either you accept coup or reject coup and its idealogy. One cannot have both and surely your personal reason against this elected Government cannot justify a coup.

Discussion 43 : 29/10/2012 at 02:15 PM

NarongL # 62, wrote "However,there are backward and ignorant people all over the world and in countries that are divided and they need to be represented." That is true but this still does not change my point, an unequal playing field. Thailand seems to have too many of them like some other places, and democracy does not work there either. Democracy is applicable to the West to some extend for education is taken serious, thus more educated people . In Thailand we vote with our pockets the hell with education and Tablets are not helping either. This status quo is kept in place by the so called "at least he did something for us Dubai guy".

Discussion 44 : 29/10/2012 at 02:06 PM

Khun Chalerm, before the meeting, how many demonstrators had you said would attend? Time to eat your wig, isn't it? Naah, never suspected you to be a man of your word anyway...

Discussion 45 : 29/10/2012 at 01:59 PM

There are many more to come and rally next time. They stayed home this first time to eyeball the first rally outcome. If they can keep it peaceful as opposed to what we are used to with the Red Hordes things will grow bigger fast as it did before. Also all these people came to protest without being paid to be there. Don't make mistakes like occupying airports again and the opposition should have credible working alternatives ready by now, don't drag your feet any longer. Truly time now to change. waiting 3 years will be disastrous and that is the understatement of the y

Discussion 46 : 29/10/2012 at 01:44 PM

How wrong and out of touch the government is as shown by Chalerms statement yesterday and how wrong the police were with there 60000.There must be 15000 in the photo.We know something needs doing we say so every day in these columns so why are some of you so against this demonstration.I applaud the organisers and wish them every success in stopping the government crippling the country with greed ,corruption and mismanagement.

Discussion 47 : 29/10/2012 at 01:35 PM

Soltair - I can accept your point to a degree and understand the principle of it. However,there are backward and ignorant people all over the world and in countries that are divided and they need to be represented. Votes will always be sold; it's happens in USA so it can happen anywhere. Do you or anyone else actually believe the people of Issan and other such like areas would have voted for Democrats or Yellow shirts? There will always be such divisions in countries, the USA had a civil war over it; Scotland & England, Italy & Sicilly. It needs understanding from both sides not accusations and coups.

Discussion 48 : 29/10/2012 at 01:21 PM

There's a lot of readers around here who said that PT won elections due to fruads (say, votes buying). To be fair, it's very likely that many politicians did buy votes. But it's quite another thing to assume that money was in flavour of PT and only PT (but not DP, for example), or that it's only money that was at work but not others (say, their track records, populism policies, other alternatives, etc.). My point is, given (or "despite", you might say) a "level playing field" (i.e. "everyone buy vote" or "everyone is clean"), PT would likely win elections, not lease becuase of its populist policies. Let's face it.

Discussion 49 : 29/10/2012 at 01:19 PM

Old hand, your tax paying someone made up only 17% of total tax contribution and that's spread out all over the country, not just in middle class Bangkok. Sorry you are not the majority but certainly the loudest and the most demanding. The silent majority who just don't have the time and ability to join in forum like this include the poor farmers who feed you.

Discussion 50 : 29/10/2012 at 01:08 PM

Nui: "No one called for coup, but only said I would stage a coup if I were in power." This statement and the one reported in the Bangkok Post on 24 October irrevocably taint anything arising out of this rally or group. If there is a change of government by anything other than elections, we all know the result because we have been there before: massive and violent civil unrest bordering on civil war. The international business community knows this as well. These sorts of statments about a coup are incrediably reckless.

Discussion 51 : 29/10/2012 at 12:57 PM

This is the solution; We need to get rid of this government because it's corrupt. The reason why it's corrupt is because the Democrats are corrupt but not as corrupt as the government so they know how to define corrupt and their level is more acceptable in corruptness. We can have a coup by a corrupt General, the ultimate experts in corruptness as they pushed aside democracy and used weapons to run the country. Then they will impose or plant their favourite, less corrupt person to run the country and he must obey the Genitals..er..I mean Generals and be officially approved corrupt.

Discussion 52 : 29/10/2012 at 12:51 PM

Old Hand- the reason why you have rice on your table is because the people of Issan put it there by working all the daylight hours (and more) available for a pittance. If they were paid a decent rate for their labour it would not need to be subsidised. Many of these people have hard and short lives, poor health and no retirement. How must they feel when they look at the TV and see these strange creatures with white skin, plastic faces and call them selves Thais. A different world and it always will be until there's mutual respect and understanding amongst ALL Thais.

Discussion 53 : 29/10/2012 at 12:46 PM

Old ThaiHand #51, wrote, "Perhaps it's time for a more equitable distribution of voter representation". Yes, even Socrates figured this out 2000 years ago. One man one vote does not work in a country where the majority has no clue which direction this country should go. Some of the ardent democracy supporters do not want to see this reality. One needs a license to show proof one can drive a silly motocy but any numb nut can freely use (sell) his vote, and this has seriously far more reaching implications.

Discussion 54 : 29/10/2012 at 12:35 PM

Before this people have the excuse Thaksin to justify the 2006 coup but now we know that the true is because they hate the democracy and cannot win the elections with such ideas. But really, the Thai people is so lovely and magnanimous with the authors of coup. Maybe it much change as in the other democracies. Tejero staid 15 years in jail for an attempt of coup in 1981 (Spain).

Discussion 55 : 29/10/2012 at 12:04 PM

As someone who has paid hundreds of thousands of Baht in taxes over the years along with the long-suffering Thai middle-class, I resent the non-tax-paying Isaan rabble getting hand-outs of my hard-earned money and dictating who runs this country. Perhaps it's time for a more equitable distribution of voter representation. Then we'll see who's really entitled to win an election.

Discussion 56 : 29/10/2012 at 11:46 AM

Just imagine what the numbers might have been if PAD had brought its supporters to the party!

Discussion 57 : 29/10/2012 at 11:32 AM

The Red/UDD are not happy with the new Yinluck Government. Taksin has definitively broken the political career of Jatuporn That's the good time for the opponents of Red/UDD/PTP to counterattack....

Discussion 58 : 29/10/2012 at 11:31 AM

PT lost the election in Bkk, the anti-thaksin groups are concentrated in Bkk, so, is the turn-out really surprising? I think not. As we all know, PT won the election because of its support in the provinces. Fresh polls show that the majority still support the government and are satisfied with their work. A few anti-TS enthusiasts won't change that.

Discussion 59 : 29/10/2012 at 11:19 AM

Dear All Thai people I am not Thai but made this beautiful country my home from last 12yrs. Please no more rally and no more coup. We already face so many problems during last 3-4 years. This is the time to come together and make this country move ahead of others. Have so many good things in us to show the world. So stop it and look what we can do make life better of our thai brothers and sister. Anybody on this post agree with me please forward this to all Thanks

Discussion 60 : 29/10/2012 at 11:12 AM

30,000 counted not 6,000 or 20,000. Stadium full and can fit 25,000. Many People were gathering outside and on grass. I was there. No one called for coup, but only said I would stage a coup if I were in power. Majority of people were middle class, who are fed up. They are the ones who pay taxes and their money goes into the pocket of politicians and abroad to Hong Kong and other places. Election was won by money, brain washing, populist promises and the help of the red shirts. Money is being paid to everyone and many newspapers and TV are controlled by the government. It is like Marcos era and the people are fed up with corruption and this sy

Discussion 61 : 29/10/2012 at 11:10 AM

But what could they achieve with a coup? - They can't rewrite the constitution, because their last military constitution is still in place. - They can't replace the judges with their own people, because their own people are the current judges. - They can't dissolve PTP, because they've tried twice before and they just reformed as a new party. - They can't hold elections, because Thaksin will just win again.

Discussion 62 : 29/10/2012 at 11:03 AM

I would love to run the country for one year the way people vote in the Bangkok post forum .I think we would see remarkable changes .

Discussion 63 : 29/10/2012 at 10:55 AM

Khun Oldthailand #36, and why can't the more prosperous half of the country outspend TS? If E-Saan people are up for grab, let's give them another alternative, and let TS a run for his money. TS' Baht and our Baht is the same, right?

Discussion 64 : 29/10/2012 at 10:37 AM

Khun Soltair #33, if that is the case, wonderful! Let's hope that there will be enough people to vote against PTP next time around, however, they must be given reasons of what they will be voting for. This is how Democracy works by winning elections, not by trying to instigating another coup.

Discussion 65 : 29/10/2012 at 10:26 AM

Since few of us actually went to the rally, the number guess is never ending. But from what me and some other keen observers noted through photographs, video clips and TV clips - this guy is going to need a far bigger stadium for his next rally. Consider the silent people, a substantial number who know the damage being caused by the governments policies but, felt that no one could get a momentum to oppose the government. They have confidence now and the crowds in the next rally will swell. Believe it or not, we remain politically neutral and have blasted the Abhisit government on various ocassions too.

Discussion 66 : 29/10/2012 at 10:25 AM

its good to see 70% of population and the tax payer,are against this regime,run by a convicted criminal,even the red shirts and the pt mps are beggining to realize they have been used,now the master is trying consolodating his position, infriltrating the army and elite,whilst the northern humble people are thrown a few bahts,join us be united for demorcracy and against dictatorship

Discussion 67 : 29/10/2012 at 10:21 AM

"Elections are won or lost, by brains, not whims, OK" Spiceman Wrong. Elections are won by Baht.

Discussion 68 : 29/10/2012 at 10:07 AM

This rally is led by a man who wants a coup, General Boonlert. On 24 October the Post quoted General Boonlert as saying: "I'd love to see a coup because I know this puppet government is here to rob the country. Several sectors of society can't take it anymore. If I had the power a coup would have been staged by now," he said." (http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/318002/pitak-siam-rally-hopes-to-oust-govt). A coup would be catostrophic for Thailand. Political protests originating from a group led by a man who advocates a coup will seriously damage Thailand. This is 2012. There is a record. It won't go noticed.

Discussion 69 : 29/10/2012 at 09:59 AM

There seems to be some sour losers here from the government supporters now they know they could be on the losing side.

Discussion 70 : 29/10/2012 at 09:58 AM

Spiceman #24, "Madness is characterized as doing the same thing over and over and expect different result". Tell this to the Shinawatra family, they keep on trying to misuse OUR tax money ad nausea, people are (albeit slowly) waking up to that.

Discussion 71 : 29/10/2012 at 09:58 AM

Thats nice that you think they should just try to win an election .How do you propose that will happen when the current governemnt just hands out taxpayers money to the majority .Anyone with an ounce if common sense knows the poor majority will always take the easy money and run no matter how bad it gets .What do you think the average voter would choose 1.some quick easy cash 2. sustainable development .I know the answer already .The high road to sustainable development isnt easy which is why free cash is an easy sell .

Discussion 72 : 29/10/2012 at 09:53 AM

So did this wonderful Bangkok Post reporter ever visit the rally site? Or is Bangkok Post too scared to go on the wrong side of Chalerm and the government. You know or could easily find out the total capacity of the stadium. Was it full? If yes, then the minimum number was the capacity of the stadium which I believe is 25,000 people. 20,000 and 6,000 are very different figures but a reported with 2 eyes and an open mind could have differentiated that with a mere visit to the site. I really don't understand how even reputed media outlets seem to be under intense (and immediate) pressure when the government in power is backed by a specific fami

Discussion 73 : 29/10/2012 at 09:52 AM

Appears Taksin's plans for a family dynasty a la Marcos and Suharto were a step too far.

Discussion 74 : 29/10/2012 at 09:50 AM

Upena #16 wrote "Let the coup begin". I think the coup began long time ago when the Shinawatra's put all family in position to take over Thailand. Like with Taksin's billions without paying tax, all the billions floating around again will finally set off a change, history will repeat itself especially if one does not learn. Who cares what Chalerm thinks, he is in denial of almost everything, he was called "the boy who cried wolf" by the BKK Post several years ago, he got things wrong so often it's pathetic. This appears to be a genuine beginning of a much needed change, this will not die down, mark my words. This was sent before 0900 A

Discussion 75 : 29/10/2012 at 09:49 AM

Just what do these demonstrations (from both sides) achieve? No one takes any notice, it will not change the government and only serves to disrupt normal (or as normal as possible) Bangkok life. No matter who is in power they will be accused of corruption and incompetence, the only difference is we never seem to get a coup when the democrats/yellow shirts are in power, they seem to be able to do as they please without fear of the Army. The only thing the generals fear is democracy and the democratic right to vote.

Discussion 76 : 29/10/2012 at 09:44 AM

Good on commander Prajin Jantong for keeping the military out of this. Can't believe that some of you are serious in calling for another coup. We have had enough of that nonsense in this country. If they are discontent, and want change, they should concentrate on winning elections.

Discussion 77 : 29/10/2012 at 09:34 AM

It looks like a big contingent of foreigners in this forum favor coup and destruction without a care in the world while 90% of Thais who have a bigger stake in Thailand voiced that coup will and has never solved any problems, in fact aggravate the political divide. I am glad that the Thais have better common sense.

Discussion 78 : 29/10/2012 at 09:32 AM

The rally was peaceful not disturbing the city and the people, this is the most important part; if they can keep it this way step back from any coup whishing and focus on issues the country really needs than they will have a chance to change the political platform and finally Thailand would move in the direction any honest citizen want to go.

Discussion 79 : 29/10/2012 at 09:22 AM

They better learn how to think outside the box. Madness is characterized as doing the same thing over and over and expect different result, like trying to run through a brick wall over and over again. What they should be doing now is to begin strategizing how to win future elections. So, instead of trying to run a tank through the wall and bring down the whole house in the process, they can learn how to build a door of opportunity to get into a position of power legitimately. Elections are won or lost, by brains, not whims, OK? So, as far as, I am concerned these people are just a bunch of sour losers!

Discussion 80 : 29/10/2012 at 09:19 AM

Same old, same old, rants against Thakskin. We shortly have a "no confidence" debate, if the Dems fail should the coup begin? Thailand is no longer an independent country, it is part of larger communities, AEC, ASEAN, UN another coup could see Thailand lose out totally. What difference would a coup make anyway, just a different lot of pigs at the trough.

Discussion 81 : 29/10/2012 at 09:16 AM

From the picture, it certainly appears that there were a lot more than 6000 people there. The police appear to be to be only able to count Baht.

Discussion 82 : 29/10/2012 at 09:03 AM

Seating capacity at the RTC is around 20,000, from the tv broadcast there were no empty seats, in fact a lot of spillover onto the ground, where people were sitting in front of the stage. MC on stage was claiming 55,555, which is more like kidding since in Thai, that is Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha Police claiming 6,000??? Since when do we believe what police say, starting from Lt.Chalerm on down.

Discussion 83 : 29/10/2012 at 09:01 AM

Peaceful rally held and this rally was not in the middle od the capital city and no roads were blocked. Well done! I hope these rallies continue to grow!

Discussion 84 : 29/10/2012 at 09:00 AM

The government is being led by a fugitive who wont go to court for his crimes .Instead he puts his family members in charge of what is supposed to be a peoples governemnt .They harbor criminals in their cabinet who hide behind MP status .Their supporters are goaded into burning public building and joining hate campaigns funded by you know who .Taxpayer money is used to pay out rice farmers while destroying their industry at the same time .I think people have a lot to worry about because it is just getting worse as they now want to rewrite the constitution to pardon Thaksin as well .

Discussion 85 : 29/10/2012 at 08:59 AM

Its time to pack up for this useless government, which are all puppets serving a fugitive!

Discussion 86 : 29/10/2012 at 08:11 AM

The organizer yesterday counted and announced 30,000 people and not 20,000. The turf club was full ( 25,000 people fit there )and people had to gather outside and on the turf ground. The organizers and academics did not call for a coup but explained in details about the corruption and the puppet government. The supporters are tax payers and middle class and this movement will gain steam and not loose steam. The more educated Thais are fed up now and more people will join. I predict that in November there will be 50,000 people protesting outside the parliament and the Shinawatra family will again pack their suitcases and fly to Singapore until

Discussion 87 : 29/10/2012 at 07:42 AM

When you look at the list of 5 crises and 4 demands noted above they are not a bad list of concerns. Fighting corruption is missing (again). Based on these lists there is no reason why people should not be allowed to rally to express support, so long as peacefully done, but please no more talk of coup or military intervention. This can be done through legal and democractic means

Discussion 88 : 29/10/2012 at 07:32 AM

Those who watch regularly T-News, Blue-sky and ASTV , know that it is the middle class and taxpayers who are fed up with this government. The middle class is also disappointed with the Army Chief Prayut, by the way. Since this government came into power, we have seen one scandal after another, most corrupt in Thai history and a blunder of the country's resources. Most of educated Thais know that and others learn in-dept details from the above TV channels every day. It takes long for Thais to get fed up and stand up against a corrupt government. Now it has started and this movement will be the beginning of the end of the Yingluck government.

Discussion 89 : 29/10/2012 at 07:30 AM

Another big hypocrite talking, did they realize how bad corruption in Thailand or among themselves? If they win, Thailand will back to stone edge.. from iPhone application.

Discussion 90 : 29/10/2012 at 07:28 AM

Aussie John, D6, As with you, I have spoken for and against both sides when warranted. It's just that the Red/PTP actions are such blatant infractions and the spin put on facts to justify their behavior and their association with Thaksin is so unbelievable that I find that I comment more often on them. For change to take place, education must improve and the future must be seen as further out than the next bribe for vote.

Discussion 91 : 29/10/2012 at 07:22 AM

Amongst the 6000 coup lovers who turned up in yesterday's rally, majority of them should be retired generals and their wives who have a sweet memory of their golden olden days of receiving under-table money.

Discussion 92 : 29/10/2012 at 06:57 AM

Assuming the government heed the people sentiment, step down and call for early election, Pheu Thai will still win. Don't they get it that the problem is that there is no credible and strong enough opposition party. So it is just a waste of tax payer money, economy will suffer and a loss of investor confidence to fill the egos of some attention seekers.

Discussion 93 : 29/10/2012 at 06:54 AM

Let the coup begin

Discussion 94 : 29/10/2012 at 06:54 AM

Glad to see the people r waking-up slowly...its the beginning of the end for the thaksin goverment...the next rally will be very big .....

Discussion 95 : 29/10/2012 at 06:38 AM

I especially liked the part where the rally "ended without incident". A nice change from the PTP / Red Shirst Rallys & Street Demonstrations that disrupt everyone. Perhaps the sign that it was held at the Royal Turf Club so that it didn't impose on the general populance, is a sign that this group is a more mature and thinking group, that has the whole of Thailands intrests at heart and not just a party for the few.

Discussion 96 : 29/10/2012 at 06:37 AM

6,000 (police) or claim of 10'000's, it's still a drop in the bucket. I'm pleased to see that it was peaceful. Democracies allow this kind of protest. However, the proverbial bottom line is contained in the below: "We support royal initiatives, handle security threats... and help with the government's national development work. We don't get involved in politics," he said.

Discussion 97 : 29/10/2012 at 06:36 AM

Its one thing to hold a rally calling for a change of governments because of allegedly failed policies and corruption. It's entirely another thing when that rally is lead by a former army who has openly and unequivocally called for a coup. Anything, even including further rallies that now do raise legitimate policy issues or any groups that lend support to such further rallies, will be apples from this poisonous trees. Because of the internet and social media, this will not be lost in the mix. The foreign media will and the local media should continue to report on this if this rally gains traction. Anything arising out these rallies will

Discussion 98 : 29/10/2012 at 06:32 AM

Every movement for a change starts in a small way and the important and good ones grow larger. Chalerm estimated 1,500 to 2,000, the organisers estimated 20,000 and the police estimated 6,000. I would think there were more than the police said and less that the Pitak group said but far more than Chalerm guessed. All power to them.

Discussion 99 : 29/10/2012 at 06:17 AM

I think we can guess what will happen when Thaksin goes ahead with the process of whitewashing himself. Thaksin needs to understand quickly that people are tired of corruption. He can buy the votes of the uneducated farmers with his populist policies, but he can't buy the more educated people who can see what he is doing, who understand what benefits the country and what doesn't, and who can drive him out of power.

Discussion 100 : 29/10/2012 at 06:00 AM

These people are basically calling for a civil war as everyone knows what will happen if there is another coup.

Discussion 101 : 29/10/2012 at 05:39 AM

What a joke.....the military does not get involved in politics....... from iPhone application.

Discussion 102 : 29/10/2012 at 05:01 AM

They can keep protesting like this forever until the cows come home, but at the end, PTP will continue to win elections, and be put back in power, over and over.... So, instead of wasting their time and energy with nonsense like this, they can begin strategizing on how to win future elections. Elections are won with brain, not whim. So, as far as, I am concerned, these are a bunch of sour losers.

Discussion 103 : 29/10/2012 at 04:14 AM

Why cant the people as a combined force rally against corruption on both sides of politics. No matter which side leads Thailand the lack of ethics and morals when dealing with the public purse is appalling. Rallies to oust one government in favour of a similar group of crooks is counter productive and fails to address one of the countries major downfalls...that of endemic corruption.

Discussion 104 : 29/10/2012 at 04:14 AM

Chai Yo Chai Yo. Chook dee na ka.

Discussion 105 : 29/10/2012 at 03:55 AM

It is a slap in the face with a shovel,but not just in Chalerms,but the entire government,it's supporters and the self exiled criminal especially. Even the Northeastern Stronghold of the reds is beginning to crack. Good news indeed.

Discussion 106 : 29/10/2012 at 03:46 AM

PTP isn't and can't make good on any of its promises, and even if it could, these scams of theirs are sure to compound Thailand's problems, not fix them. The crowds in support of PTP will only shrink, and those angry with PTP will only grow. Unlike PTP which is a Thaksin personality cult, those joining rallies against him represent a variety of interests only united against PTP - this soon might even include many of Thaksin's former supporters.

Discussion 107 : 29/10/2012 at 03:13 AM

Gen Boonlert, if at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again, until you realize that you have failed.

Discussion 108 : 29/10/2012 at 02:53 AM

If they had a little more steam they could make sticky rice.