Thousands of Thai protesters clash with police

[chuckrivera]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080620/ap_on_...itical_tensions

 

Thousands of Thai protesters clash with police

 

BANGKOK, Thailand - Police held back thousands of protesters attempting Friday to punch through a cordon around Thailand's government offices, which demonstrators vowed to peacefully besiege until the prime minister resigns.

 

One group of about 1,000 protesters managed to break through a line of around 200 police officers and descended upon Government House, but were stopped just short of entering the compound by other security forces. Another group of several thousand pushed against police armed with shields and clubs.A protest leader, Chamlong Srimuang, said some 10,000 demonstrators were converging on the compound, but their numbers could not be independently verified.

 

The protesters, spearheaded by the People's Alliance for Democracy movement, claim that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's government is a proxy for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup.

 

The alliance led mass demonstrations before the coup demanding Thaksin step down for alleged corruption and abuse of power.

 

They now accuse Samak's government of interfering with corruption charges against Thaksin and trying to change the constitution for its own self-interest.

 

Although facing criminal charges for alleged corruption, Thaksin remains a powerful figure in Thailand.

 

The protesters, most of them gathered at a major intersection, were within sight of the government seat Friday, but police, equipped with large trucks, tear gas and water cannons, threw a tight ring around the compound.

 

Reporters saw about a dozen protesters sustain minor injuries during the scuffles. But elsewhere, an almost festive atmosphere prevailed as protesters waved, cheered and chatted with security officials.

 

Police spokesman Maj. Gen. Surapol Tuanthong said around 5,000 police were deployed to block roads and prevent "the mob" from getting near Government House, a compound of ornate buildings from the 1920s set on 11 acres of land.

 

Samak was not expected to be at the compound on Friday.

 

Government spokesman Wichianchote Sukchotrat said schools and government offices around Government House were ordered to close Friday for safety reasons and "to allow police to work smoothly."

 

The demonstrators — claiming their ranks would swell to 100,000 as reinforcements converge from across the country — have been in Bangkok's streets for the past three weeks.

 

During a meeting televised on the evening news Thursday, Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej urged Samak to keep his pledges to do good for the nation.

 

"I expect that you will do what you have promised and when you can do that, you will be satisfied," the king said.

 

Samak's People's Power Party won general elections last December. His Cabinet is packed with Thaksin's allies, and critics say rehabilitating the former leader is among the government's top priorities.

 

 

[Pheromone]

As long as they don't burn down my hotel, start beating up farangs and the bar girls don't go hiding in Issan (I'll go find them anyway!) then I'm still going!

[jocky king]

Take Manchester City too and sell them lock stock and barrel and send the monies to the proper government. Manchester City should be ashamed of themselves of letteing corrupt thai thaksin to buy the Manchester City knowing full well , he had stolen billions and billions from the thai people. I,m being to think ,there could be a civil war if they dont change the corrupt government.

[dtyolmn]

I think that the powers that (The King) be should bar all the present and past ministers for life and have another election with all new people who have the Thai peoples interest and welfare as their piority and be sure it's not about money and power ego trips.

[Mr.DreamTransport]

I think that the powers that (The King) be should bar all the present and past ministers for life and have another election with all new people who have the Thai peoples interest and welfare as their piority and be sure it's not about money and power ego trips.

That was somewhat the original plan. The powers that be ousted Thaksin, and all members affiliated with him were banned from politics for either 5 or 10 years. I forget the details exactly, but along those lines. How the fuck they got one of his flunkies into office, is beyond me.

[Pheromone]

Call me selfish, but the revolution can wait until at least october, lol

[Bluemoon]

Take Manchester City too and sell them lock stock and barrel and send the monies to the proper government. Manchester City should be ashamed of themselves of letteing corrupt thai thaksin to buy the Manchester City knowing full well , he had stolen billions and billions from the thai people. I,m being to think ,there could be a civil war if they dont change the corrupt government.

 

What a crock of shit.You can't blame City when they got the go ahead from the English F.A who investigated the buy out.

 

 

Being from Ireland your probably one of the sad prawn eating fans who comes to watch them from across town.

 

Keep up the good work at City Thaksin.Happy days are here again.

[Thai Tony]

The british news papers are saying that there is going to be another cue.

 

The shit may hit the fan as the party democratacly elected is the party they kicked out in a new name and a new front man but it's Taskin's policy's etc.

 

No disrespect but I hope these people get there act together as there are enough problems with money & the worlds economy.

 

Credit crunch, property crash, & sublime loans.

 

Thailand needs to get it's act together also as it does it self no favours in the world markets & the basic tourist market.

 

I just hope I am wrong but Thailand is volotile and could have some civil war or major problems.

 

This news is one to watch.

 

Thai Tony.

[jocky king]

What a crock of shit.You can't blame City when they got the go ahead from the English F.A who investigated the buy out.

 

 

Being from Ireland your probably one of the sad prawn eating fans who comes to watch them from across town.

 

Keep up the good work at City Thaksin.Happy days are here again.

 

Aye mate.. i,m a prawn sandwiche eater You could be right or wrong about Thaskin, everybody have their own opinion, you are entitled to have one and so do i. No offend meant mate

[Bluemoon]

Aye mate.. i,m a prawn sandwiche eater You could be right or wrong about Thaskin, everybody have their own opinion, you are entitled to have one and so do i. No offend meant mate

 

None taken.

[jocky king]

None taken.

Thanks Mate cheers

[electric magpie]

I LoVe Thailand, ive been watchin the news all day, first thing i feel is i am soo glad a peaceful day today, i cantsay i understand the politics, even though i try, i am just so relieved that today went well,

all my love to Thailand x x x