The PAD's Blockade of Government House and Parliament

[Rahat]

As of this morning, the police have used tear gas to disperse the protestors to allow parliament to convene so that the government may announce its policies. Many were injured, some severely. Then just a short while ago (around 11-noon) the PAD lobbed teargas and other stuff into the Metropolitan Police Headquarters.

In my opinion, the police have carried out their duties so far. The claims by the PAD and the opposition party that there was an excessive use of force is nothing short of ludicrous. How can we allow Thailand to be ruled by these gangsters who can go around closing whatever areas they want? Is it considered a peaceful assembly when you prevent the government from carrying out its duties, when you used barbed wire and armed youth to block roads and cause mayhem? If the police had used teargas and other measures when the PAD first took over government house then perhaps we wouldnt be in the mayhem we are in today. The PAD obviously wants for there to be blood and conflict. Well now there is, and they've obviously asked for it. The opposition party, being the opportunists that they are, should consider themselves in the shoes of the government. The rule of law must prevail. These anarchists must be brought to justice, and myself as a law-abiding Thai will not put up with the PAD who will take the welfare of this country hostage for their own political agenda at a time when global recession is on the horizon.

Rahat

[sulasno]

I'm sure many shares your views

[gvancomp]

Hopefully there are a few more people in Thailand thinking like this. Shame that no one really acts upon their thoughts though.

[tingtong]

As much as the PAD might not like the present government they were actually legally voted in by the majority of Thailand.

Closing airports is the most stupid thing I have seen and is clear proof that they are not intelligent but just thugs out of control.

The tourist industry has and will suffer more in this already very serious climate of financial restraint.

If this was to happen in other --even Western countries the army would have been called in and many arrests made regardless of numbers.

I used to be with them but they have lost me now.

[Mike]

It is NOT democratic to illegaly occupy government buildings and backlist politicians that way ! If you want a voice then go through house and senate. However to do that you would need the support of the people and its very clear by now that PAD does NOT have the support of these, neither in Bangkok anymore and of course not upcountry.

By common sense law the PAD leaders should put in jail and demonstrations dispersed by police. PAD is only wating for any violent approach to immediately point the finger and cry out. Look, in every other civilized country like germany, uk, usa or elsewere you could not see this BS happening. "oh but hey.. peace and so.. dont hurt the poor people." "oh noo!.. teargas.. how cruel.."

If you got paid for sitting on your butt there, than face the consequeces and get a show for your money. Stuff them up with tear gas until its smoking out their orifices !

[MeePuak]

.....and lets not forget to note that the so-called leaders are doing it from well behind the front line!!

[catrip03]

While I don't pretend to know everything about Thai politics, here's my opinion on things.
Why is the PAD considered RIGHTEOUS by blocking MPs and preventing Parliament from holding session? This this a righteous act? Personally, I don't think so.
Yes, the police should resort to tear gas or force only as a last resort, but look at things in context. PAD had HIJACKED Government House and was in the process of HIJACKING Parliament. So, again, are these RIGHTEOUS acts? NO!
What the PAD is doing is holding the nation hostage.
And their acts continued after the session of Parliament was completed. They are now holding the MPs and Senators HOSTAGE.
In any other country, these acts are tantamount to "INCITING A RIOT" and/or "DISTURBING THE PEACE." Some might say that the PAD is also TREASONOUS. Personally, I think that the CORE LEADERS as well as the particpants of PAD events are unpatriotic at the very least.
They are holding a nation hostage, just to advance their ideology. They do not advocate democratic principles, so their very acronym is an oxymoron.
The international community is watching Thailand and what's happening. Most countries, Western, Asian, Middle Eastern, African, etc. cannot understand or accept that the few are holding the majority hostage.
If, as PAD says that the majority wants change, then shouldn't the majority have voted differently? Or maybe the PAD is saying that the populace has changed their mind since the last election. Well, I am sure that there are mechanisms in the Charter that allows a "recall" of the government through DEMOCRATIC means.
So, PAD . . . stop pretending to be the defender of Democracy when you are truly its greatest threat!

[Rahat]

2 policemen have been SHOT and a few more have been stabbed by the protestors. a "peaceful assembly" they call it? they should be charged for attempted murder. my prayers go out to the police officers who are carrying out their duties by risking their lives dealing with these gangsters. I hope they return our country to normalcy soon...though I dont see how that can happen so long as the PAD exists and those rebels are not arrested and placed behind bars!

[robin]

Rahat, Could you provide a link for the two police officers being shot?

[Rahat]

apparently 3 were shot.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_new ... ?id=131204

Oh and they ran over the police using a vehicle injuring many

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakin ... d=30085391

AND they armed themselves with batons and started fighting with the police

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakin ... d=30085398