The 'weekend of truth'
By Hans Bos The weekend of truth has started in Bangkok. Will the 'red shirts' succeed in gathering enough demonstrators and paralyzing Bangkok? Will it be 'only' 100.000, as Prime Minister Abhisit's government thinks, or will their number grow above 500.000? And do the red leaders also succeed in keeping the mob under control and preventing disturbances? A survey of 1226 residents of Bangkok shows that…
When the money runs out? Retreat to the provinces!
By Hans Bos The demonstration of the 'red shirts' in Bangkok costs an estimated 600.000 euros per 100.000 participants per day. That money is intended for transport, attendance fees, food and drink for the participants. The red shirts have an estimated 2 to 3 million euros in cash. That means they can keep up their 'rally' for a maximum of 5 days. If the incumbent government of Prime Minister Abhisit has not been overthrown by then, the 'red shirts' will retreat …
Bangkok prepares for Redshirts invasion
– Thaksin family out of the country – Internal Security Act in force – No police violence against demonstrators – Dissolution of parliament not an option – Yellow shirts keep aloof – Red shirts deploy boats Tension in and around Bangkok is rising. The government, army and police are preparing for a 'turbulent' weekend. We've listed the latest news for you. Thaksin family out of the country Thaksin's family, including his …
It's 'sink or swim' for the 'red shirts'
By Hans Bos It will be the litmus test for the sitting Prime Minister Abhisit. Is he strong enough and able to survive next weekend's demonstrations? Or will the 'red shirts' have their way, paralyze the whole of Bangkok and Abhisit calls new elections under pressure? Estimates of the expected numbers of demonstrators range from 30.000 to one million. Experts say that 150.000 red shirts are enough to cover the metropolis of Bangkok, with an estimated 12 …
Exciting weekend ahead
By Hans Bos Thailand will hold its breath next weekend. Especially now that strangers have stolen 6000 (!) guns, grenades, ammunition and explosives, the tension can be cut. The 'red shirts' have announced that they will gather as many as one million demonstrators between Friday 12 and Sunday 14 March for a show of force in the administrative heart of Bangkok. The stolen weapons come from the 4th Army Engineering Battalion in the southern province of Phatthalung and…
Division remains despite ruling on Thaksin assets
Another interesting article from the BBC. It examines the backgrounds and political ideas of the red shirts. Dr. Weng Tojirakarn is a convinced red shirt and he explains why. In addition, he says he is not fighting for Thaksin's billions, but for his country and a real democracy. The aim of the red shirts is to make the poor people in the countryside more politically aware. Something that seems to work. The…
What comes after the Thai doomsday?
By Elske Schouten (NRC Handelsblad) Yesterday was finally 'judgment day' in Thailand. The Supreme Court decided whether Thaksin Shinawatra would get anything back from the 1,7 billion euros he threatened to lose because of abuses of power during his prime minister. The judges opted for a compromise: he must hand in 1,04 billion, he will get the rest back. And what does this mean now? A few months ago in Bangkok I spoke with Chris Baker, historian and co-author…
Mass demonstration of red shirts between 12 and 14 March
There is now more clarity about the announced mass demonstration in Bangkok by the red shirts (UDD). It will be held between March 12 and 14 in the Sanam Luang and Rachadamnoen Avenue area. Current government must resign The aim of the mass protest is to force the current government to its knees. Proceedings of the demonstration are not dependent on the outcome of today's trial against Thaksin. There are no organized demonstrations planned for today, …
Mass demonstration of the Redshirts in March
The UDD has released further details about the planned mass demonstration. “The demonstration will start in March and could last for a week,” said a UDD spokesman. The UDD is the red shirt party and its name stands for the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship การแห่งชาติ; นปช). The exact date in March is not yet known. UDD leader Jatuporn Promphan wants to consult with other leading members of the "red shirts". It …