sunsnow Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=873 "The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation monitoring and lobbying human rights issues in Asia. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984" Watershed moment for democracy and rule of lawAHRC 26 November 2008 News The takeover of the main international airport in Bangkok by protestors going under the banner of the People's Alliance for Democracy is a watershed moment for democracy and the rule of law in Thailand. It follows some months of increasingly aggressive strategies to get the current government to resign and to block it from making amendments to the 2008 Constitution, which was prepared under the watch of the 2006 military coup leaders and their supporters and pushed through via a deeply flawed referendum. Alliance members have since August gone from merely occupying spaces like roads and parks to occupying public buildings, in particular, the Government House. Organised armed "guards" have defended their positions both from opponents and from state security personnel. They have also illegally obtained and openly carried an array of manufactured and homemade weapons, including guns from caches that had reportedly been kept in the government premises. They have illegally detained other citizens. They have vandalised, destroyed and stolen public and private property. In the last day or two it has been reported that in addition to occupying the Suvarnabumi airport they have seized busses, and have refused to allow police into the airport to investigate explosions there during the night. They are now reportedly preparing for the latest phase in the "final battle", which is supposedly being instigated under codenames like Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the cities on which the United States military dropped nuclear bombs at the close of World War Two. The alliance has exhibited a number of features that from past lessons of Thailand and other countries around the world pose grave dangers to the future of the country's imperilled democracy. Of these, the following can be said. 1. They spring from a far-right ideology that has for decades driven successive military-bureaucratic administrations in Thailand, which dramatic changes to political and social life of the last two decades have increasingly threatened. 2. Their coordinated attacks and actions on the pretext of self-defence and national interest are designed to cause a widespread feeling of insecurity and uncertainty and allow reactionary elite forces to push Thailand back to a 1980s model of "half-sail" semi-elected government. 3. The alliance leaders have occupied the public space and forced people throughout Thailand to either take sides for or against them, or to opt out completely, thus alienating millions of people and denying them the opportunity to have a say on the key political and social questions of their time. Some commentators and opponents of the alliance have described its agenda as fascist. This is not an exaggeration. Experience shows that the types of systemic changes and regimes that follow such movements, although they may not describe themselves as fascist, have fascist qualities. Indeed, successive dictatorships in Thailand's modern history appreciated, expressed and used many fascist symbols and policies, and the residue of these can be found in the language and behaviour of the alliance leaders today. If these events are allowed to continue, and it is self-evident that they are being allowed, they will effectively undo everything that was done to build a culture of democratic rights and participation in public life in Thailand during the 1990s. The damage that they are now in a position to effect will surpass anything of that caused by the ousted government of Thaksin Shinawatra, and could even provoke a greater disaster than the 2006 coup and scrapping of the 1997 Constitution. Whatever institutional and legal gains were made in the last decade or two will be undone. [9b Already, the criminal justice system of Thailand has been reduced to an utter joke, its agencies and personnel either unable or unwilling to intervene effectively to protect public property and people's lives, or even prosecute wrongdoers. That the security forces can carry out coups on the whimsy of generals and engage in battles over trifles with those of neighbouring countries but not responsibly protect the Government House or international airport is sheer farce. That government agencies have been forced to negotiate and cut their losses rather than insist that the law be enforced is dangerous folly. And that the senior judiciary, which through a succession of highly politicised judgments has played a major part in contributing to the current mess has nothing useful to contribute when lives are at stake and the country is in greatest need of intelligent guidance is altogether shameful. Peaceful protest is not only a part of democratic process; it is integral to it. But the rallies and blockades in Bangkok of recent days, weeks and months have not been peaceful. Nor can they properly be called protests at all, as they are not merely demonstrations of a wish, but acts aimed at achieving goals at all costs. And the costs to Thailand have already been very high. They will get higher, and be felt in terms of the lives and liberties of all people in the country if they are not brought to an end. All people in Thailand have a right to oppose this ultra-conservative project for state dominance at their expense. The Asian Human Rights Commission especially takes this opportunity to call for far greater global attention on events in Thailand, which have passed for these few months without any discernible reaction from international bodies, especially the United Nations. Having vacillated on the 2006 coup the world community cannot afford to this time let things just go on without some meaningful intervention.If Thailand slips further backwards it will be to the detriment not only of its own millions but the entire region. At a time that repressive anti-democratic forces are either making comebacks or strengthening their positions almost everywhere, Thailand cannot afford to be lost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Undercover Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 People see thailand's 7th place as world's most dangerous place as ridiculous. Is it really? It is going in that direction. To blame is only the ineptitude of law enforcement. 2 bomb attacks with dozens of injuries in klongtoei market at vendors protesting (not political), daily grenades being launched into crowds. People losing limbs and life because of wrong crowd control measures. Who has taken responsibility of has been arrested for those? This is starting to sound more and more like the middle east and unless people demand fair action from their goverment and the police forces, that is where it's heading. Violence only brings about more violence so if people will condone one-sided action be prepared to see more daily attacks take place in bangkok. I think it's time to see that the bomb attacks have finally moved to bangkok and it all started with the unresolved bomb attacks of new years eve. I agree completely. Frankly, I am utterly mystified by the comments of some of the farangs here that this is "just civil disobedience" or "not all that bad." That's incredibly naive if you ask me. The history of this country (say in 1976) or the history of Cambodia and Indonesia suggest things could go south in a big way, fast. I've got friends all over Thailand of all different classes and the one thing they have in common is they're all scared and they all think this is horrible for the country. There's a ton of stuff happening that's not being reported in the media and the stuff that is being reported is plenty scary already. But here on TF, the attitude of some of the people is "What's the big deal? Club crawl!!!" It's embarrassing. The government needs to get its act together and secure the airport, NOW. Period. If they don't it is just going to descend further into anarchy and each day of anarchy is going to cost billions of baht and take years for the country to recover from, as well as increase the risk of really horrendous bloodshed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunsnow Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Alvish: I wish I had Al Jazeera English. They really do great indepth interviews and I get feeling of quality from them. They give you stories you won't hear manytimes from Western media. When it comes to the issue of airport security. What is wrong wit the people who work at the airport. It was after all peaceful protest. Why there is no one watching over the events from the inside and protect the secure areas. Is beyong me. Is there any sense of DUTY in the people of Thailand? No sense of duty in police, justice system, politicians and even the ordinary people who work at airports. They should be there watching over. How can the culture of a country develop to be so SPINELESS? :?: The best industry estimates on how many people will loose jobs next year after this PAD surge is about 500 000 people. This number does not have anything to do with the number of people and companies that will go bancrupt in the electronics or auto industry. "eading up on how things and discussions with some people who are much wiser than myself, the economic impact if this continues will cause a recession next year. The loss to people's livelihoods and number of jobs is likely over 500,000 and this directly as a result of the airport siege - this is based on how many people are employed in the tourism industry and associated sectors including flow-on effects. The economic impact of a recession would easily push 500,000 people into poverty - this is a very rough figure, but you can see figures for what happened in the economic crisis in 1998 and the increase in poverty. There will have to be a government bail-out of the tourism industry and other companies as it is -would their insurance cover it? " This number is based on the experience of 1992 and Tsunami. --- PAD leaders promised all they wanted was Samak gone as PM. When it happened. They continued. Now they are saying the same about Somchai. Seen the photos from inside airport. Can we really trust PAD that they would go home if Somchai resigned? Not in my opinion. Military government said just vote yes for the new constitution, lets amend it later. When new government wanted to start the amendpend process, or even organize just set up a committee to discuss changes, it is suddenly not allowed by PAD supporters here on TF and out there on the government house and airports. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpuiahsan Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Edited Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beej Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 ****BREAKING NEWS**** http://notthenation.com/pages/news/getnews.php?id=654 ITS GOING TO BE OVER, WE ARE SAVED! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankenburner2 Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 ****BREAKING NEWS****http://notthenation.com/pages/news/getnews.php?id=654 ITS GOING TO BE OVER, WE ARE SAVED! Thank Buddha for Bruce! you're welcome? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beej Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 ****BREAKING NEWS****http://notthenation.com/pages/news/getnews.php?id=654 ITS GOING TO BE OVER, WE ARE SAVED! Thank Buddha for Bruce! you're welcome? You do look a bit like Bruce Willis come to think of it now Bruce, a bit like his retarded mongo chubby brother, but I can see the resemblance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankenburner2 Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 ****BREAKING NEWS****http://notthenation.com/pages/news/getnews.php?id=654 ITS GOING TO BE OVER, WE ARE SAVED! Thank Buddha for Bruce! you're welcome? You do look a bit like Bruce Willis come to think of it now Bruce, a bit like his retarded mongo chubby brother, but I can see the resemblance! "chubby?"....please don't...i'm a bit sensitive about my weight right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beej Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 All those investor's millions in the bank are feeding you well, i suppose :wink: I hear they got nice suckling pigs at the emporium supermarket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_Mike Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Yes, the police here are coward, but they also know that tourists will be harmed if they attack the idiot PAD terrorists. If the Thai police start acting like the American ones, I will leave this country on the next Buffalo. Of course this situation is crap, but at least we have more freedoms here. You all have to agree with that. Isn't that one of the reasons we are all here???? Who dropped the soap? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankenburner2 Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Yes, the police here are coward, but they also know that tourists will be harmed if they attack the idiot PAD terrorists. If the Thai police start acting like the American ones, I will leave this country on the next Buffalo. Of course this situation is crap, but at least we have more freedoms here. You all have to agree with that. Isn't that one of the reasons we are all here???? Who dropped the soap? ...possibly one of the silliest posts in this thread.... a. i believe all tourists have been vacated. b. if they were american police defending an american airport, the PAD would ALL be behind bars long before ever getting close to entering the airport. c. freedoms? anarchy is NOT freedom. d. who dropped the soap? ....why? feel a lathering coming on? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_Mike Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Yes, the police here are coward, but they also know that tourists will be harmed if they attack the idiot PAD terrorists. If the Thai police start acting like the American ones, I will leave this country on the next Buffalo. Of course this situation is crap, but at least we have more freedoms here. You all have to agree with that. Isn't that one of the reasons we are all here???? Who dropped the soap? ...possibly one of the silliest posts in this thread.... a. i believe all tourists have been vacated. b. if they were american police defending an american airport, the PAD would ALL be behind bars long before ever getting close to entering the airport. c. freedoms? anarchy is NOT freedom. d. who dropped the soap? ....why? feel a lathering coming on? I think you just "over-siliyied" me. is that even a word? Is it possible? HA HA HA 555 Example: 9/11 American police defending American airports... The terrorists got right through. Sad but true. Soap: something the thousands of tourists still at the airports do not have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterMatlock Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 I think you just "over-siliyied" me. is that even a word? Is it possible? HA HA HA 555 Example: 9/11 American police defending American airports... The terrorists got right through. Sad but true. Soap: something the thousands of tourists still at the airports do not have. The 9/11 terrorists SNUCK onto the planes... The PAD terrorists drove large buses up to the front door in broad daylight. Big difference between sneaking a few people onto a plane and driving several thousand yellow-shirted people to the departure terminal... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankenburner2 Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Yes, the police here are coward, but they also know that tourists will be harmed if they attack the idiot PAD terrorists. If the Thai police start acting like the American ones, I will leave this country on the next Buffalo. Of course this situation is crap, but at least we have more freedoms here. You all have to agree with that. Isn't that one of the reasons we are all here???? Who dropped the soap? ...possibly one of the silliest posts in this thread.... a. i believe all tourists have been vacated. b. if they were american police defending an american airport, the PAD would ALL be behind bars long before ever getting close to entering the airport. c. freedoms? anarchy is NOT freedom. d. who dropped the soap? ....why? feel a lathering coming on? I think you just "over-siliyied" me. is that even a word? Is it possible? HA HA HA 555 Example: 9/11 American police defending American airports... The terrorists got right through. Sad but true. Soap: something the thousands of tourists still at the airports do not have. no. it isn't a word. again. there are NO tourists at Bangkok airports. And wherever they are, what makes you think they don't have any soap? Are you downwind from an airport somewhere? and what MM said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeusbheld Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Why the protests are criminal:The following problems involve the world, not just Thailand. 1. It shuts down at least 3% of all world trade, as Thailand is a flight "HUB". 2. Innocent international travellers are in harms way. Breach of Geneva Conv. 3. Some travellers are sick and need medical attention in their homelands. 4. It is not only travellers that are concerned, industrial flights are cancelled. 5. Food, supplies, resources are blocked, both in and out of Thailand. 6. Most travellers are not here with enough money to stay for extended periods 7. Emergency services are basically blocked to and from the Airport. 8. When the government, military or police move in there will be innocent people harmed and or killed. Notice I said when, not "if'. 9. Terrorist attacks are NEVER a way to acheive resolutions of any kind. 10. The things we all take for granted here in Thailand will soon become scarce. 11. The International courts will hold criminal charges against all parties involved. There will be long and costly actions against Thailand. 12. Tourism will basically dwindle towards more poverty. 13. Ten years ago, this would be soon forgotten, but now the internet, you tube, msn, the world will have this in their minds and hearts. The world does NOT pity a violent society, be it religious or politically instigated. We as non-thai's can neither judge nor rule the political reasonings, however we are now the victims, as the impact is on the hundreds of thousands of tourists, stranded and basically unprotected. victims .... dry ur f**king eyes and go press ur skirt !!! you mean the one million or so thais who will suddenly find themselves laid off? they'll be too busy looking for work to cry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankenburner2 Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Why the protests are criminal:The following problems involve the world, not just Thailand. 1. It shuts down at least 3% of all world trade, as Thailand is a flight "HUB". 2. Innocent international travellers are in harms way. Breach of Geneva Conv. 3. Some travellers are sick and need medical attention in their homelands. 4. It is not only travellers that are concerned, industrial flights are cancelled. 5. Food, supplies, resources are blocked, both in and out of Thailand. 6. Most travellers are not here with enough money to stay for extended periods 7. Emergency services are basically blocked to and from the Airport. 8. When the government, military or police move in there will be innocent people harmed and or killed. Notice I said when, not "if'. 9. Terrorist attacks are NEVER a way to acheive resolutions of any kind. 10. The things we all take for granted here in Thailand will soon become scarce. 11. The International courts will hold criminal charges against all parties involved. There will be long and costly actions against Thailand. 12. Tourism will basically dwindle towards more poverty. 13. Ten years ago, this would be soon forgotten, but now the internet, you tube, msn, the world will have this in their minds and hearts. The world does NOT pity a violent society, be it religious or politically instigated. We as non-thai's can neither judge nor rule the political reasonings, however we are now the victims, as the impact is on the hundreds of thousands of tourists, stranded and basically unprotected. victims .... dry ur f**king eyes and go press ur skirt !!! you mean the one million or so thais who will suddenly find themselves laid off? they'll be too busy looking for work to cry. A number of companies in the import/export business have apparently already shut their doors. For daily wage employees, this will hurt. While to a certain extent, the Thai's have only themselves to blame, and the word 'victim' doesn't really seem to fit, I do feel sorry for them. Simply folk screwed by the rich folk's power plays. Nevertheless. Som Nom Na! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_Mike Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Why the protests are criminal:The following problems involve the world, not just Thailand. 1. It shuts down at least 3% of all world trade, as Thailand is a flight "HUB". 2. Innocent international travellers are in harms way. Breach of Geneva Conv. 3. Some travellers are sick and need medical attention in their homelands. 4. It is not only travellers that are concerned, industrial flights are cancelled. 5. Food, supplies, resources are blocked, both in and out of Thailand. 6. Most travellers are not here with enough money to stay for extended periods 7. Emergency services are basically blocked to and from the Airport. 8. When the government, military or police move in there will be innocent people harmed and or killed. Notice I said when, not "if'. 9. Terrorist attacks are NEVER a way to acheive resolutions of any kind. 10. The things we all take for granted here in Thailand will soon become scarce. 11. The International courts will hold criminal charges against all parties involved. There will be long and costly actions against Thailand. 12. Tourism will basically dwindle towards more poverty. 13. Ten years ago, this would be soon forgotten, but now the internet, you tube, msn, the world will have this in their minds and hearts. The world does NOT pity a violent society, be it religious or politically instigated. We as non-thai's can neither judge nor rule the political reasonings, however we are now the victims, as the impact is on the hundreds of thousands of tourists, stranded and basically unprotected. victims .... dry ur f**king eyes and go press ur skirt!!! Who are you? you mean the one million or so thais who will suddenly find themselves laid off? they'll be too busy looking for work to cry. I sense "Great knowledge and understanding" from you well educated and highly intellectual guys.: I bow to your remarkable Godly comments. All this time I assumed irony. Have either of you even attempted to read or watch the news? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankenburner2 Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Why the protests are criminal:The following problems involve the world, not just Thailand. 1. It shuts down at least 3% of all world trade, as Thailand is a flight "HUB". 2. Innocent international travellers are in harms way. Breach of Geneva Conv. 3. Some travellers are sick and need medical attention in their homelands. 4. It is not only travellers that are concerned, industrial flights are cancelled. 5. Food, supplies, resources are blocked, both in and out of Thailand. 6. Most travellers are not here with enough money to stay for extended periods 7. Emergency services are basically blocked to and from the Airport. 8. When the government, military or police move in there will be innocent people harmed and or killed. Notice I said when, not "if'. 9. Terrorist attacks are NEVER a way to acheive resolutions of any kind. 10. The things we all take for granted here in Thailand will soon become scarce. 11. The International courts will hold criminal charges against all parties involved. There will be long and costly actions against Thailand. 12. Tourism will basically dwindle towards more poverty. 13. Ten years ago, this would be soon forgotten, but now the internet, you tube, msn, the world will have this in their minds and hearts. The world does NOT pity a violent society, be it religious or politically instigated. We as non-thai's can neither judge nor rule the political reasonings, however we are now the victims, as the impact is on the hundreds of thousands of tourists, stranded and basically unprotected. victims .... dry ur f**king eyes and go press ur skirt!!! Who are you? you mean the one million or so thais who will suddenly find themselves laid off? they'll be too busy looking for work to cry. I sense "Great knowledge and understanding" from you well educated and highly intellectual guys.: I bow to your remarkable Godly comments. All this time I assumed irony. Have either of you even attempted to read or watch the news? Afook? Is that you? (it's the only real explanation) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_Mike Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 There are always "positions" open at NANA and Pattaya, etc. The victims I was talking about are the tourists and us, as in all of you and me, "we" guys on TF. We will be the ones to feel the impact of this. Believe that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannyboy Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Eva,who i was supposed to be flying with today, have not got any flights available now untill the 11th of December with an increase in price of 150 pounds... I have found a flight with Thai, for the 7th...do i take the chance and book this flight? I know it's hard to predict but I feel that because Thai are the national carrier, they will be getting flights in-and-out first... ADVICE PLEASE.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeeMarc Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Eva,who i was supposed to be flying with today, have not got any flights available now untill the 11th of December with an increase in price of 150 pounds...I have found a flight with Thai, for the 7th...do i take the chance and book this flight? I know it's hard to predict but I feel that because Thai are the national carrier, they will be getting flights in-and-out first... ADVICE PLEASE.... I'd take it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankenburner2 Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Eva,who i was supposed to be flying with today, have not got any flights available now untill the 11th of December with an increase in price of 150 pounds...I have found a flight with Thai, for the 7th...do i take the chance and book this flight? I know it's hard to predict but I feel that because Thai are the national carrier, they will be getting flights in-and-out first... ADVICE PLEASE.... I would presume by then, even if the siege continues, Thai Airways will land in alternate locations like U-tapao (sp) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpuiahsan Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Eva,who i was supposed to be flying with today, have not got any flights available now untill the 11th of December with an increase in price of 150 pounds...I have found a flight with Thai, for the 7th...do i take the chance and book this flight? I know it's hard to predict but I feel that because Thai are the national carrier, they will be getting flights in-and-out first... ADVICE PLEASE.... If the situation does not improve and when you have booked the flight (assuming you have paid), will you be compensated? Otherwise you will be spending more monies to book air ticket again. I suggest wait and see if you does not have urgent thing to attend to in Bangkok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_Mike Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Frankenburnerr2, I am not AFOOK, that's a rude statement. Cairan, you have no reason to be rude to me, no matter how lonely you are... ok. Cheers. Let's hope that things get slightly better here soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankenburner2 Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Frankenburnerr2, I am not AFOOK, that's a rude statement. We all know who that perv is.. I wasn't referring to his perverted attributes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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