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On the night of September 2, anti-PAD protesters and pro- government group in red shirts rallied at [[Sanamluang]]. The PAD group, armed with various kinds of light weapons such as batons and swords, decided to attack the red shirts protesters on Ratchadamnern Avenue. Both sides clashed heavily, including one death from the red-shirts side, prompting the government to declare a State of Emergency.<ref>The Nation, [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30081920 Protesters killed as Thailand democracy protest turns violent], 2 September 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000103733]</ref><ref>[http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000103619]</ref>. Dozens were injured on both sides, and one anti-PAD protester was killed.<ref>http://www.bangkokbiznews.com/specialreport/specialreportnews.php?id=156]</ref>
On the night of September 2, anti-PAD protesters and pro- government group in red shirts rallied at [[Sanamluang]]. The PAD group, armed with various kinds of light weapons such as batons and swords, decided to attack the red shirts protesters on Ratchadamnern Avenue. Both sides clashed heavily <ref>The Nation, [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30081920 Protesters killed as Thailand democracy protest turns violent], 2 September 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000103733]</ref><ref>[http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000103619]</ref>, dozens were injured on both sides as well and one anti-PAD protester was killed, prompting the government to declare a State of Emergency.<ref>http://www.bangkokbiznews.com/specialreport/specialreportnews.php?id=156]</ref>
<ref>[http://www.komchadluek.net/2008/09/02/x_main_a001_218948.php?news_id=218948]</ref>
<ref>[http://www.komchadluek.net/2008/09/02/x_main_a001_218948.php?news_id=218948]</ref>
<ref>[http://www.oknation.net/blog/nity/2008/09/02/entry-1]</ref>
<ref>[http://www.oknation.net/blog/nity/2008/09/02/entry-1]</ref>

Revision as of 19:38, 29 November 2008

File:SaprangSondhi.jpg
CDRM leader General Saprang Kalayanamitr and Sondhi Limthongkul at a PAD reunion, 7 January 2007

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) (Thai: พันธมิตรประชาชนเพื่อประชาธิปไตย; also called the National Liberation Alliance - กลุ่มพันธมิตรกู้ชาติ or the Yellow Shirts - คนเสื้อเหลือง) was originally a coalition of protesters against Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand. Its leaders include media-mogul Sondhi Limthongkul and Major General Chamlong Srimuang. The PAD was a chief player in the Thailand political crisis of 2005 to 2006. The PAD consists of middle and upper-class Bangkokians and Southerners, supported by the conservative elite and factions of the Thai Army, some leaders of Democrat Party, and leaders of state-enterprise labor unions.[1][2] Two days after a military junta's 2006 military coup overthrew Thaksin's elected government, the PAD voluntarily dissolved after announcing that its goals had been accomplished.[3]

The PAD re-established itself after Thaksin-affiliated parties, led by Samak Sundaravej's People's Power Party (PPP), won the 2007 general election. In May 2008, it began street protests, and in August the PAD seized Government House to pressure the Samak government to resign.[4][5][6][7][8][9] PAD supporters also seized airports in Phuket, Krabi, and Hat Yai and blocked off major roads. State-enterprise labour unions coordinated by stopping train operations across the Kingdom, and threatening to shut off electricity and water services.[10] .[11] Armed PAD forces "Srivichai Warriors" temporarily seized a government television broadcaster as well as several government ministries.[6][12][13][14][15] Violence clashes between PAD and anti-PAD protesters left dozens injured and one anti-PAD protester dead.[16] Wealthy PAD supporters threatened a bank run that could destabilize the Thai financial system if the Samak government did not quit.[17]

The PAD's protests escalated after Samak resigned when the Constitutional Court found him guilty of hosting a cooking show while acting as Prime Minister. The PAD surrounded Parliament and used razor wire barricades to prevent the legislature from meeting to hear Samak's replacement, Somchai Wongsawat, formally announce his policies. Police dispersed the protesters, some of which were armed with guns and explosives, causing hundreds of injuries and one death.[18] One additional PAD leader was killed when a car he was in exploded in front of the headquarters of the Chart Thai Party, a member of the government coalition.[19][20][21][22] Afterwards, the PAD formally renounced non-violence and vowed revenge.[23][24] In order to provoke a military coup, PAD forces in November blockaded Parliament prior to a crucial legislative session, used hijacked public buses to take control of the government's provisional offices at Don Muang Airport, opened fire and tossed grenades at government supporters, and seized the passenger terminal and control tower of Suvarnabhumi International Airport, forcing the airport to cancel all flights.[25][26][27][28] Yellow Shirts in Chiang Mai pulled a 60-year-old man from his car and shot and killed him.[29]

The PAD called for the resignation of the governments of Thaksin Shinawatra, Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat, whom the PAD accused of being proxies for Thaksin. Sondhi originally proposed Somchai as an acceptable alternative to Samak.[30] However, when Somchai replaced Samak, the PAD refused to stop its protests, noting that Somchai is Thaksin's brother-in-law.[31]

The Asian Human Rights Commission has noted of the PAD and their agenda that, "although they may not describe themselves as fascist, have fascist qualities."[32] Citing the claimed failure of popular democracy in Thailand, the PAD has suggested constitutional amendments that would make Parliament a largely royally-appointed body.[33][34] It was strongly opposed to Thaksin's populist economic policies and attempts to decentralize political power. The PAD is largely composed of royalists, has regularly invoked king Bhumibol Adulyadej in its protests, and has claimed that its enemies are disloyal to the monarchy.[35][36][37] It has openly called for the military and Thailand's traditional elite to take a greater role in politics.[38]

Origins and leadership

File:RoyalPAD.jpg
Aristocracy and Bangkok's elite flocked to the PAD. Mom Ratchawong Phromchat Sawatdiwat and Benchawan Krachangnet at a PAD reunion.

The People's Alliance for Democracy had its source in weekly public tapings of Sondhi Limthongkul's weekly political talk show 'Muang Thai Rai Sapda' (Thailand Weekly). Attendance grew after the talkshow was dropped by MCOT Channel 9 and Sondhi started webcasting the show on his website. As the tone grew more controversial, the tapings gradually turned into protests against the government. The PAD was formally established on February 8, 2006, after Thaksin Shinawatra sold his company, Shin Corp, to Singapore's Temasek.[39] The PAD saw the transactions as a proof of a conflict of interest.[40]

The central committee of the PAD consists of:

Besides the five leaders, ten others were part of the PAD management committee: Pitaya Wongkul, Rewadee Prasertcharoensuuk, Rosana Tositrakul, Chaiwat Sindhuwong, Preeda Tiasuwan, Sirichai Maingam, Suwit Watnuu, Kochawan Chaiyabut, Weerapol Sopa, Ouychai Wata.

Other leaders include Khamnoon Sitthisaman and Campaign for Popular Democracy leader Suriyasai Katasila. Several current and former employees of Sondhi played a role, including Panthep Puapongbhant, Samran Rodpetch, Kumnuun Sidhisamann, Sarocha Pornudomsak, Anchalee Paireerak, Yuthayong Limlertwatee, and Torpong Sewatarm.

Supporters

PAD protesters initially consisted primarily of middle and upper-class residents of Bangkok. These included prominent socialites (dubbed the "Blue Blood Jet Set" by the Bangkok Post) and some lesser members of the Thai royal family. The PAD's support base expanded to include civil servants, state enterprise labor unions, the urban middle-class, conservative Buddhist groups, Southerners and elite, including Queen Sirikit. [42].

Buddhist groups supporting the PAD included the Santi Asoke sect (led by Thaksin's former mentor Chamlong Srimuang), followers of Luangta Mahabua, and Dhammayuttika Nikaya Buddhists opposed to the appointment of Somdet Phutthacharn as Acting Supreme Patriarch of Thailand.[43]

General Pathompong Kesornsuk, a close aid of Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, appeared in full uniform at PAD protests and urging his fellow soldiers to follow suit.[44][45]

Ideology

Political ideology

PAD vows to build 'a clean politics', promoting justice, civil society and good governance, fighting against corruption among politicians and civil servants. PAD also support the constitutional monarchy, opposing those who want to alter the monarch's status. Apparently PAD leaders have severely criticized the vice and defection of current political system. They, thus, propose what they call New Politics. "Representative democracy is not suitable for Thailand," noted Sondhi Limthongkul, claiming that electoral systems have repeatedly elected allegedly corrupt populist governments.[46] Although most of its leaders supported, and in some cases, helped draft the post-coup 2007 Constitution, the PAD has proposed constitutional amendments that would make 70% of Parliament would be selected, based on professional groups, with elections accounting for only 30%.[47][48] On 21 September, the PAD changed their formula to full 100% election. 50% of Parliament is voted based on geographic area. The other 50% is voted based on occupation where each voter will choose his/her own occupation and vote.[49][50][51] However due to harsh criticism from opponents, PAD agreed that 100% of the members of parliament are from elections. PAD has no plan to establish a formal political party while affirming to be a temporary civil movement.

Nationalist ideology

The PAD has been described as "hyper-nationalist," and is strongly opposed to what it claims to be erosions in national sovereignty.[52] It was opposed to the Samak government's decision to support the Cambodian government's unilateral application for the listing of disputed Preah Vihear temple complex as a World Heritage site. PAD has charged the PPP-leading cabinet helping Thaksin Shinawatra for making profit with Cambodia by using this agreement as an exchange.[53] It also called for Thai investors to withdraw from Cambodia, the closure of all 40 Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints, a ban on all flights from Thailand to Phnom Penh and Siam Reap, the construction of a naval base at Koh Kut near the border, and the abolishment of the committee which oversees demarcation of overlapping sea areas and the unilateral declare a Thai marine map.[54] Defending the country's profit remains one of the leading goals of PAD.

Economic ideology

In contrast to Thaksin, who often spoke of elevating Thailand to the ranks of the developed world, Sondhi advocates a "reasonable society" with little consumer debt, and not concerned with "how many cars or washing machines" people own. The PAD favors limits on foreign investment, opposes privatization of utilities, and is strongly opposed to foreign investment in Thailand. "Don't impose a free trade, consumer-oriented society on Thailand," noted Sondhi Limthongkul in an interview. [46]

While Thaksin and Samak championed farmers and the rural poor with their "dual-track" economic policies that combined populist perks like universal healthcare with greater participation in the global economy. However, their consumerism programs have led to failing universal healthcare and increased personal debts owed by farmers and rural poors. The PAD are, in contrast, propose interest rate hikes, cutting down debts owed by the poor, and oppose "mega-projects".[55]

Demand for royal intervention

Amid rising political tensions, Thaksin dissolved Parliament on 24 February 2006, just one year after being re-elected. He then called for new House elections on 2 April 2006. In March 2006, the PAD requested the King intervention and remove Thaksin Shinawatra from power.[56] The demands for royal intervention met with much criticism, although the PAD claimed the idea was the only possible peaceful answer to the political crisis. The King dismissed the idea in a speech on April 26, saying "Asking for a Royally appointed prime minister is undemocratic. It is, pardon me, a mess. It is irrational."[57]

Dissolution

On September 21, 2006, two days after the military coup led by Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the PAD announced that it had ceased activities as its goal to see Thaksin's regime toppled had been accomplished.[58] The PAD, however, added a caveat by indicating that should the need arise, the PAD would reestablish itself.

2008 Re-establishment

Main article: 2008 Thai political crisis

The People's Alliance for Democracy has been re-established in Thailand on March 28, 2008 at Thammasat University auditorium.[59][60] Several issues was raised by the PAD, including the Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej ties to Thaksin Shinawatra, ties between some People's Power Party members and the banned-Thai Rak Thai party, alleged interference to justice system, and attempts to amend the 2007 Constitution.

For the constitution amendment, among the changes proposed was removal of Article 237 which would dissolve a political party if one of the executives was involved in vote buying. Yongyuth Tiyapairat, People's Power Party executive who was also the Parliament president after the election, was being tried for vote buying.[61] Yongyuth was later found guilty by the Supreme Court on July 8, 2008.[62]

For the interference to justice, several key person involving cases against Thaksin and Peolple's Power Party were removed from the post. This includes Sunai Manomai-udom, then Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director-general working in the case about Thaksin's asset concealment charges[63], Seripisut Temiyavet, then National Police chief[64] who was installed by the coup but is well known for taking on mafias including those in the police[65], and Chaiwat Changkaokam, then the head of Tambon Chanchawa who was the key witness to Yongyuth Tiyapairat's alleged vote buying.[66]

Demonstration and street protest by PAD restarted on May 25, 2008 at Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road to protest the proposal for constitution amendment. The rally attracted ten thousand supporters. However pro-government supporters gathering nearby and started attacking PAD protesters. The clash was the first between both groups, many were wounded on both sides.[67] The plan was to march the supporters from Democracy Monument to the front of Government House. [68] However, as the crowd was stopped by large police barrier at Makkawan Rangsan Bridge. [69] PAD settled at Makkawan Rangsan Bridge and staged continuous rally there. [70]

As the rally went on, PAD announced their effort to collect signatures to request removal house representatives and senates who supported the amendment on May 30, 2008.[71] The next day Samak expressed on government-run NBT television channel his intention to dissolve the rally by force. In reaction to Samak's speech, PAD issued announcement against the government's move.[72]

Preah Vihear issue

PAD opposed Noppadon Pattama's move to allow Cambodia to singly apply Preah Vihear Temple as World Heritage Site.[73] As it lies near the Thai-Cambodia border with land surrounding the temple still under disputed, many scholars feared Thailand would lose severeignty over the land surrounding the site and preferred the site to be listed jointly between Cambodia and Thailand. It is also claimed that the hidden motive behind the was to exchange for oil and gas concessions to Chevron.[74] Noppadon proceeded to sign the Thai-Cambodia Joint Communique on June 18, 2008. Thailand Administrative court issue injunction against the action on June 28[75] and them found the agreement to be unconstitutional on July 8, 2008.[76] However, UNESCO awarded World Heritage Site to Cambodia later on the same day. [77] [78]

Moving the PAD stage

On June 20, 2008 PAD and supporters made through police blockades and successfully gathered in front of Government House, an effort to pressure the government to resign.[79][80] Both police and PAD declared victory as violence was avoided. However, the Prime Minister was not pleased.[81]

The new PAD stage blocked Phitsanulok and Rama V roads, causing inconvenience to schools in the area. Other problems include loud speaker noise. Teachers and parents of Ratchawinit Secondary School filed lawsuit against PAD, which PAD appealed and lost. PAD moved its stage back to Makkawan Bride on July 8.[82][83]

Siege of Government House

Sundaravej said "I will never resign in response to these threats.I will not dissolve the House. I will meet the king today to report what's going on." He met with King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Hua Hin palace.[84] For the 5th day, 3,000 protesters, led by the People's Alliance for Democracy, occupied Sundaravej's Government House compound in central Bangkok, forcing him and his advisers to work out of a military command post. Thai riot police entered the occupied compound and delivered a court order for the eviction of protesters, but was instead abused.[85] Chamlong Srimuang ordered 45 PAD guards to break into the main government building on Saturday.[86] 3 regional airports remain closed and 35 trains between Bangkok and the provinces were canceled. Protesters raided the Phuket International Airport tarmac on the resort island of Phuket Province resulting to 118 flights canceled or diverted, affecting 15,000 passengers.[87]

Attacking the police force

The PAD has used their black guards to beat the police force on duty, despite claims that they will “never resolve with violence”[88].

File:Art.factions.clash.ap.jpg
PAD protesters beat a fallen anti-PAD protester

The Public Service International has condemned the PAD for using "violent measures" on the police force who were not armed.[89]. The PSI released a statement to condemn the PAD for using black armed guard to "hit, kick, and step on" the "unarmed police officers who are carrying out their duties in crowd control" [90]. Most journalists on the scene also reported that some protesters were armed.[91][92] In the police report, items like ammunitions and golf clubs were found among the supposedly unarmed protesters.[93]

The injured police officers were denined treatment at Chul hospital. This consequently caused the doctors at the hospital to be faced with disciplinary action. [94].

Wide spread protests

Protesters also blocked the entrance of the airports in Krabi and Hat Yai. Police issued arrest warrants for Sondhi Limthongkul and 8 other protest leaders on charges of insurrection, conspiracy, unlawful assembly and refusing orders to disperse.[95] Meanwhile, Gen. Anupong Paochinda stated: "The army will not stage a coup. The political crisis should be resolved by political means." Samak and the Thai Party ruling coalition called urgent parliamentary debate and session for August 31.[96][97]

Clash between PAD and Anti-PAD

On 31 August, Metropolitan Police chief Pol Lt Gen Asawin Kwanmuang was transferred to an inactive position. He was the person in charge of PAD protests in Bangkok and favored a soft approach to avoid bloodshed. The matter was then transferred to deputy police chief Pol Gen Jongrak Juthanont. PAD spokeman expressed fear that this would lead to violence by police force against PAD.[98][99]

On the night of September 2, anti-PAD protesters and pro- government group in red shirts rallied at Sanamluang. The PAD group, armed with various kinds of light weapons such as batons and swords, decided to attack the red shirts protesters on Ratchadamnern Avenue. Both sides clashed heavily [100][101][102], dozens were injured on both sides as well and one anti-PAD protester was killed, prompting the government to declare a State of Emergency.[103] [104] [105] [106].

Government House as a protest site

Government House and the area around it became an open air market during the months-long protest and seizure. A variety of stalls selling clothing, condoms, food, Buddhist amulets, a variety of second hand goods opened up due to the inability of city officials to collect stall-site rental fees. The PAD put up posters with photos of a woman who PAD security forces claimed was a prostitute as they found condoms in their purse.[107] Mounds of garbage and condoms piled up in Government House, bras and g-strings were left to dry from bushes in the lawn, and the lack of sanitary facilities caused a stink to envelop the compound.[108][109] A Matichon journalist found glass pipes used for smoking methamphetamine (commonly known as "ICE") being sold near PAD-leader Chamlong Srimuang's tent. The journalist noted that the pipes were a popular product and that many people tried out the pipes before making their purchase.[110]

Arrest

On October 5 and 4, 2008, respectively, Chamlong Srimuang and rally organiser, Chaiwat Sinsuwongse were detained by the Thai police led by Col. Sarathon Pradit, by virtue of August 27 arrest warrant for insurrection, conspiracy, illegal assembly and refusing orders to disperse (treason) against him and 8 other protest leaders. At the Government House, Sondhi Limthongkul, however, stated demonstrations would continue: "I am warning you, the government and police, that you are putting fuel on the fire. Once you arrest me, thousands of people will tear you apart."[111] Srimuang's wife, Ying Siriluck, visited him at the Border Patrol Police Region 1, Pathum Thani.[112][113] Other PAD members still wanted by police include Sondhi, activist MP Somkiat Pongpaibul and PAD leaders Somsak Kosaisuk and Pibhop Dhongchai.[114]

Closing off Parliament

In early October, PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang left the protest site to vote in the Bangkok governor elections. He was arrested by police after he left the voting booth and did not request bail. Fellow PAD leader Pallop Pinmanee noted that Chamlong intended to be arrested in order to increase attendance at the PAD's protests.[115]

Thousands of PAD forces soon surrounded Parliament to prevent the Somchai government from announcing its policies to the legislature within 15 days of swearing in, as mandated by the Constitution. A police loudspeaker lorry ordered protesters to disperse and warned that teargas would be fired.[116][117] At 6.00 am, 7 October 2008, police at Ratchawithi Road and Pichai Road shot a barrage of teargas grenades. Police clashed with protestors. Many were injured on both sides. Police made no effort to negotiate with the anti-government protesters. Eventually the doors to Parliament could be opened for the attending legislators. PAD forces later regrouped around Parliament and again blocked the gates. After the government had made its policy statement to the legislature, police again clashed with PAD forces so that the legislators could leave the building. Clashes continued into the night.[118][119][120][121][122][123]

Several protesters lost their hands and legs, although it was not clear whether these injuries were caused by tear gas rounds or the ping-pong grenades. Director of the Central Institute of Forensic Science Pornthip Rojanasunand claimed that the loss of one particular PAD member's leg could not have been the result of tear gas usage, but came from a more powerful explosion.[124] A PAD protestor, Angkhana Radappanyawut, was killed. Dr.Pornthip Rojanasunand suggested unequivocally that the death was caused by the explosion of a tear gas canister, directly hit the victim's body. She also stated that there was no need to conduct further investigations into the death and injuries of protesters because it became clear that they were caused by weapons of police.[125]

Ambulances that were on the scene to transport victims to hospitals were stopped by police and were not allowed to leave the area.[citation needed] 6 Members of an army medical team sent by Her Majesty the Queen were injured by tear gas.[citation needed] Video evidence reveals that even though the protesters had been pushed back away from Parliament to clear a path for government MP's, police continued firing round after round of tear gas into the crowd.[citation needed]

Research conducted during investigations into the incident revealed that the teargas used by police were not those that were shown to the media.[citation needed] The police displayed a variety of "non-lethal" weapons (supposedly of good quality and made in the US), whereas in reality, their arsenal was composed of cheaply-manufactured, Chinese-made, weapon-grade tear gas canisters, which could travel up to 60kmph and explode on impact.[citation needed] Riot police are supposed to be trained to fire tear gas canisters directly into the air and let them fall to the ground safely, slowly releasing the gas, but as video evidence shows, police shot tear gas canisters directly at protesters and at close range.[citation needed] Later, police statements claimed that most of the injured anti-government protesters suffered injuries as a result of "falling down on the slippery pavement".[citation needed]

Afterwards, doctors from many major hospitals issued a statement, calling the counterattack actions of the Prime Minister's and police's "brutality" and refused to provide medical care to police. The doctors claimed many field rescue workers including doctors and nurses were also attacked and some got wounded.[126] Doctor Suthep Kolcharnwit of the Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Medicine along with several doctors from Chulalongkorn Hospital also refused to provide medical care to police injured in the clash, and urged doctors of other hospitals to boycott police as well.[127].

PAD vowed to file charge against the government and police.

On October 8, Queen Sirikit attended the cremation of one of the killed PAD protesters.[128]

Seizure of Suvarnabhumi International Airport

Seizing the airport

On evening of Tuesday 25 November 2008, the PAD executed what they called "Operation Hiroshima."[129] A convoy of hundreds of armed PAD members dressed in yellow blocked the two ends of the road in front of the terminal building of Suvarnabhumi International Airport and blockaded the main road to the airport. The airport is Bangkok's main airport and an important regional hub. PAD forces quickly overpowered hundreds of policemen armed with riot gear. PAD leaders mounted a mobile stage and proceeded to criticize the government. PAD members armed with clubs, iron bars and knives, with some wearing black balaclavas, then entered the terminal, much to the surprise of the thousands of travellers inside. Armed PAD forces also forced their way into the control tower, demanding the flight plan for Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat's return from the APEC summit in Peru. Somchai flew into Bangkok Don Muang airport on the evening of 25 November 2008 before flying on to Chiang Mai. All Suvarnabhumi flights were soon canceled, leaving thousands of travelers stranded in the airport.[130][131]

The government called on the Royal Thai Army to restore order at the airport.[132] The Army did not follow the orders. In a press conference on 26 November, Army Commander General Anupong Paochinda proposed that the PAD withdraw from the airport and that the government resign. He also proposed that if the PAD did not comply, that they be subject to "social sanctions", whereas if the government did not comply, that the bureaucracy stop implementing government orders. A written copy of the proposal was sent to the government. Neither the PAD or the government complied with the proposal.[133]

At 4:30 AM on the morning of 26 November, three explosions were heard on the fourth floor of Suvarnbumi on the outside of the passenger terminal. Another explosion was reported at 6 AM. Several people were injured. It was not clear who set off the explosions.[134] The PAD did not allow the police or forensics experts to investigate the explosions.[32]

Attempts to evict the PAD

Also on 26 November, the Civil Court issued an injunction ordering the PAD to leave the Suvarnabhumi International Airport immediately.[135] Notices of the injunction were placed on the front doors of the houses of the 13 PAD leaders. [136] The PAD did not comply with the injunction.

On the evening of 27 November, the government declared a state of emergency around the two occupied airports and ordered police to clear out PAD forces. The state of emergency allowed the military to ban public gatherings of more than five people. The Navy was assigned to aid police at Suvarnabhumi, while the Air Force was assigned to aid police at Don Muang. The Army's spokeman noted, "The army disagrees with using troops to resolve the problem. The army does not want to do that, and it is not appropriate to do that."[137]

The PAD was defiant. PAD leader Suriyasai Katasila announced that the PAD would fight off police. "If the government wants to clear the protesters, let it try. The PAD will protect all locations because we are using our rights to demonstrate peacefully without causing damages to state properties or rioting," Suriyasai said.[138] Suriyasai also threatened to use human shields if police attempted to disperse the PAD.[139]

On the morning of 28 November, PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang announced to PAD forces that he had received a call from an unspecified "senior person" (ผู้ใหญ่ท่านหนึ่ง) telling him to end the rallies. But he refused to do what the senior person told him. "For the past 108 days, the Alliance has protested together under hardship, while another group of people has remained in comfort. They can't just suddenly ask us to stop protesting," he told the assembled forces.[140]

The airport remained closed due to the PAD seizure as of 27 November. With the exception of one airplane leaving for the Hajj, no flights were allowed.[141] The PAD has been apologetic to inconvenienced foreigners in the airports and offered them food.[142]

Views on the Seizure

Democrat Party MP for Sukhothai, Samphan Benchaphon, said of the airport seizure that the PAD "have the right to do it." Democrat Party MP for Bangkok, Thawil Praison, said that the PAD "could seize the airport and doing so is not excessive. The entire world understands that this is a normal matter in the struggle of democratic countries." [143]

The governments of China, France, New Zealand, Singapore, Britain, the United States, Australia and Japan warned their citizens to avoid Thailand and steer clear of protesters at the airport.[144]

The European Union urged the protesters to peacefully leave the airports. EU ambassadors to Thailand write in a joint statement that the the demonstrators are hurting Thailand's image and economy, continuing "While respecting the right of protesting and without interfering in any way with the internal political debate in Thailand, the EU considers that these actions are totally inappropriate".[145][146]

Closure of Bangkok Don Muang Airport

On the night of November 26 2008, the services at the Don Mueang Airport were stopped after the People's Alliance for Democracy seized control of the domestic passenger terminal. [147]. This effort was put up to prevent MPs from flying to Chiang Mai.

Media

2005-2006

The PAD is supported by the Sondhi Limthongkul-owned Manager Media Group, including Manager Daily newspaper and the ASTV satellite television channel. Sondhi had originally co-hosted a political talk show called Muangthai Raisabdah on MCOT's Channel 9. Sondhi's pro-Thaksin views (in a 23 September 2003 broadcast, he noted that Thaksin was "the best prime minister our country has ever had."[148]) started changing in 2004 after the government fired Sondhi's banker, Viroj Nualkhair, from Krung Thai Bank for incurring too many bad debts.[149] In September 2005, Sondhi allegedly made repeated disrespectful on-air references to King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Among these references was a claim that the government's 2004 appointment of Somdet Phra Buddhacharya as acting Supreme Patriach of Thailand in place of the critically ill Somdet Phra Yanasangworn contravened the prerogative of the King. After discussions with King's principal private secretary, Arsa Sarasin, MCOT executives cancelled the program.[150][151] Sondhi took his increasingly anti-Thaksin talkshow on the road, broadcasting via satellite (through his NEWS1 ASTV channel based out of Hong Kong) and webcasting via the website of his Manager Daily newspaper. Talkshow sites, including Sanam Luang and the King Rama V equestrian statue, became magnets for the PAD crowds.

After the 2006 military coup, the military junta ordered broadcaster MCOT to cover weekly tapings of Muangthai Raisabdah.[152] Sondhi was also given a slot on the junta-run National Broadcasting Service of Thailand's Channel 11 where he hosted Yam Fao Paendin, a pro-junta, anti-Thaksin talkshow which made accusations of excessive government spending at Suvarnabhumi Airport. [153]

2008

During the 2008 political crisis, armed masked PAD forces broke into the government-owned National Broadcasting Service of Thailand and seized control of the television station. The television broadcast of the morning news program briefly showed pictures of PAD forces breaking into the gates of the station before blacking out for several hours. NBST employees were threatened with violence and forced out of the station. Police eventually regained control of the building and arrested 80 of the raiders, seizing guns, knives, golf clubs, and drugs. The raiders were charged with causing damage to public property and illegal possession of weapons and drugs. Later in the same day, hundreds of hundreds of PAD members, led by Amorn Amornrattananon, again seized the NBST station. Police eventually regained control of the station.[154][155][156] The Southeast Asian Press Alliance and the Thai Journalists Association condemned what it called the "mob attack" on the station, and noted that the unjustifiable and went against the principles of democracy, free flow of information, and fair play that the PAD themselves have claimed to justify their illegal act.[157]

Journalists at PAD-controlled Government House reported that they were intimidated, pelted with water bottles, and attacked with a metal pipe. The Nation a journalist reported that PAD leaders incited hostility towards outsiders, particularly journalists. Channel 9 news crew were attacked after the PAD claimed their news reporting was biased toward government. The PAD limited media access to Government House claiming that the media might be undercover policemen or anti-PAD groups in disguise.[158]

PAD hold Suvarnabhumi airport.

See also

External links

References

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  153. ^ Insert footnote text here
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