Abhisit around the table with Redshirt leaders
Today, Sunday, March 28, there finally seems to be a break in the mounting tension in Bangkok between the government of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the Red Shirts of the UDD who are fighting for new elections. Talks between the government and the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) began today at 16.00pm local time at King Prajadhipok Institute in Bangkok. The talks will be broadcast live on all national television stations. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, …
NOS Correspondent Michel Maas about talks in Thailand
In Bangkok, after two weeks of demonstrations, talks are held between Prime Minister Abhisit and supporters of the ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin. As a condition, the prime minister has demanded that the protests stop. The demonstrators are not prepared to do so until new elections are announced. Correspondent Michel Maas. .
Protests in Bangkok are getting grittier
About 80.000 Redshirt demonstrators have sought confrontation with soldiers in various places in Bangkok. Although no violence was involved, the military was ordered to withdraw, it seems that the protests are getting grittier. Earlier, protest leader, Nattawut Saikua, had called on the demonstrators to chase the soldiers away. “We will storm the places where soldiers are hiding. We'll rattle the fences and we'll cut the barbed wire. …
The question in Bangkok is: what now?
Commentary: by Hans Bos Today, the Roodshirts sent women and children out in Bangkok to drive the military from the places where they have been monitoring the demonstrations for two weeks. And last week, 500 opponents of the current government had their heads shaved to force the government of Prime Minister Abhisit to resign. The big march that was scheduled for today (Saturday) is on the …
Another mass demonstration in Bangkok on Saturday
Supporters of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) have begun preparations for tomorrow's rally in Thailand's capital. The Redshirst ask the residents of Bangkok for support and understanding for the actions. Saturday, March 27, there will be a large protest in Bangkok. According to UDD leader Natthawut Saikua, the redshirts on motorcycles and pickup trucks are moving along five routes to draw attention to the fight against the current government…
The (in)right of the Red Shirts
Commentary on the political situation in Thailand, by Hans Bos To a large extent I can sympathize with the Red Shirts. You will only have to suffer for a penny every day, without any form of social or medical insurance. The Red Shirts are most right in the world to protest against this, although their 'class struggle' seems to contradict the interests of Thailand's largest capitalist, the former prime minister Thaksin, who fled. He succeeded as super rich…
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has had a tough week. The Redshirts demanded his departure and bloodstained his home. The prime minister refuses to respond to the protesters' demands. The large numbers of demonstrators show that Thailand is a divided country. In this video he gives text and explanation. .
Procession of Redshirts in Bangkok
This morning a demonstration of the UDD started in the Thai capital. The massive convoy of an estimated 30.000 demonstrators caused major traffic congestion on Bangkok's main streets. Thousands of mopeds, motorcycles, taxis, cars and trucks took part in the protest. The protesters left the Phan Fa Bridge at 10 am local time, for a 45 kilometer route through the streets of Bangkok. The parade should end around 18.00:XNUMX PM. The anti-government…
Redshirts: more than just simple farmers
By Khun Peter By now, days 6 and 7 of the 'Red March' have passed. Just a short update of the news: Yesterday there was the blood protest at Abhisit's house. Today Abhisit announced that it wants to talk to the Redshirt leaders if the protests remain peaceful. The UDD has announced that it will not enter into talks with Prime Minister Abhisit for the time being. There are discussions within the UDD about how to protest. The 'hardliners' including some …
Over the past few days we have kept you closely informed about the situation in Thailand and in particular in the capital Bangkok. The announced protests and demonstrations of the UDD Redshirts made the world news. While there are still large groups of Redshirts in Bangkok, estimated at around 15.000, we have decided to limit coverage somewhat. As a result, other news and backgrounds also receive attention on Thailandblog. Should the situation be…
The balance after five days of protest
By Khun Peter The protest march announced on March 12 by the UDD put everything and everyone in Thailand on edge. The Redshirts were convinced that they could mobilize a million people. A red mass of a million people would make such an impression that the government would have to resign. It would only be a matter of time, four days maximum. The four days have now passed and we can draw up the (interim) balance: …
News update: a bloody day in Bangkok
Day 5. 'The Red March' – UDD warns: 'There Will Be Blood' – Redshirts donate protest blood – Grenade explodes at judge's house – Red march no consequences for economy – Redshirts perform a blood ritual – Blood ritual again tomorrow at the house of Prime Minister . . UDD warns: 'There Will Be Blood' The United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, UDD, threatens to spread blood at the entrance of Government House. Redshirts donate protest blood The…
The Flight of the Red Vampires
By Hans Bos March 16 will undoubtedly go down in history as 'Bloody Tuesday' in Thailand. That says enough about the degree of madness in Thai politics, although only 20.000 of the possibly 100.000 red shirts have some blood removed. Instead of the announced one million demonstrators, less than 100.000 showed up. And instead of the promised 3000 liters of blood, the red leaders have to color Bangkok red with only 200 liters. …
Bleeding for Democracy
Today, Bangkok will be all about the next step for the Redshirts. A blood donation to support the protests. Every Redshirt is asked to donate 10cc of blood. This will be used to drench the parliament house of the incumbent government in blood. Thousands of liters must flow over the streets so that the Prime Minister Abhisit and his ministers have to walk on the blood of the people. It shows a lot of drama and…
Respect, respect and more respect for the reds!
By Khun Peter They were feared, the red army of stupid peasants from Isan. Simple souls who only wanted to protest for money. Suckers who blindly follow the billionaire and professional swindler Thaksin. They would burn down Bangkok. The airport would be occupied, the tourists would flee Thailand screaming. A civil war at least. Dead, wounded and crippled would fall. Chaos, anarchy and unrest in beautiful, peaceful Thailand. And once the reds get to the…
News Update: Grenade Attack and Blood Actions
Day 4. 'The Red March' – Redshirts move to Bangkhen – Government rejects ultimatum Redshirts – Headquarters 'Yellowshirts' guarded – Redshirts return to Ratchadamnoen – UDD denies actions at Airport – Two soldiers wounded in missile attack – Blood as the stake of the battle . . Redshirts move to Bangkhen Early this morning the Redshirts, led by Jatuporn Promphan, moved to the 11th Infantry Regiment on Pahon Yothin in Bangkhen. Government rejects…
The deceived masses…
Of course the red shirts are a bit right. The majority of these are the poor population of rural areas in the north and northwest of Thailand. And not only that: for centuries they have been exploited by the (urban) elite (amyata) who simply call the shots in the 'Land of Smiles'.