Changing political scene: Updates
December
6
(For
any update on His Majesty's condition see general news.)21:00 Thai Rath reports that Puea Thai is now claiming the support of former Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa and says it will form the government. The reporter noted, however, that none of the main leaders were present during the announcement.
20:00 In Thai, the dramatic changing of political sides is described as เปลี่ยนขั้ว (pleean kua). We are all struggling to translate this, but I don't think "changing political polarity" sounds like what an native English-speaking journalist would say. How about "changing sides"?
19:10 Believe it or not, but Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban has apparently pulled off a political miracle and put together a coalition of about 250 MPs. The press conference has just taken place at the Sukhothai Hotel and it looks like the deal has been done. Sanan Kachornprasart was there for Chart Thai and Banjong Wongtrairat read out a statement for the Friends of Newin group. He admitted his group was take a big political gamble, but he said the economic situation was too serious to stay with the old coalition. The four big questions that come to mind now are: (1) Will the coalition hold together until the vote in parliament? (2) Will Abhisit Vejjajiva be chosen as PM (3) will Puea Thai try to have parliament dissolved and a new election held? (4) How will the red shirts react?
miracle – something very surprising that would normally seem impossible to do
coalition – a temporary union of different poltical parties athat agree to forma government together
gamble – to take a big risk that may not end up succeeding
17:45 Political party leaders have been bargaining all day and the rumours have been flying non-stop. The Democrats scheduled a press conference for 17:00 to announce the formation of a new government along the lines described below, but as of 17:50 the room was still empty. Suthep Thaugsuban supposedly left Democrat party headquarters to go the Sukhothai Hotel where the press conference was supposed to be held, but he has still not arrived. Traffic is quite light today, so he should have been there some time ago, one of the Channel 3 announcers just said with a laugh.
rumour – a story that people are discussing but which may or may not be true
Meanwhile, Puea Thai headquarters is much busier, but there is no indication they have the numbers to form a government either.
9:10 Khun Ying Potjaman is back. According to the Bangkok Post "she was registered as Potjaman Damapong and arrived at Suvarnabhumi airport from Hong Kong on Thai Airways International flight TG607 at 10.30pm. She was immediately whisked away by the chief of the Immigration Bureau, Pol Lt-Gen Chatchawan Suksomchit, to avoid the media."
Here is another item from this morning's paper. Personally, I doubt it it will hold out. I can't see how any MPs for the Northeast or North would dare side with the Democrats at this time.
Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban has reportedly secured 243 House votes to support the Democrats forming the core of the next government. The figure is made up of 166 Democrats, 25 MPs from the PPP’s Friends of Newin group, 10 from the PPP’s Sora-at Klinprathum faction, 10 from Matchimathipataya, 23 from Puea Pandin and nine from Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana.
In the meantime Puea Thai, the new home for MPs from the PPP, Chart Thai and Pracharaj parties will have only 203 votes.
whisk away – to take quickly away
media – newspapers, television, radi
secured – achieved; obtained
core – the central and most important part of something
December
5
21:00 Potjaman Shinawatra,
the divorced
wife of former prime minister Thaksin is due to arrive back in Thailand
in an hour or so. Interestingly, immigration
authorities say they have no arrest
warrant for her, so she can enter freely. I wonder if she
will take part in the Puea Thai meeting on Sunday in any way.divorced – no longer married to a person
immigration authorities – government officials who check the documents of people who enter or leave a country
arrest warrant – a document given out by a court of law which allow police to arrest someone
18:30 There has been a lot of talk among politicians today, but nothing certain. The Friends of Newin faction has still not committed to a new party, so there is still some talk that they will end up supporting a Democrat-led government. Most people, including key Democrats, believe that is unlikely. Former prime minister, Chuan Leekpai, is one of them. His name was suggested as a possibility for the top spot by a member of the Newin group, but he says that is impossible since in his party, only the party head can be prime minister.
I don't see why the Democrats would want to form a government at this time. It would likely be a weak government in a time of economic crisis that may beyond the power of any government to control. That could kill the party's chances of doing well in the next election. You might recall the Democrats took power after the economic crisis a decade ago had forced out the previous government. It ended up being blamed for all the unpleasant economic measures it had to take under the IMF agreement. Then, when things started to get better, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra ended up taking much of the credit.
The new Puea Thai party will meet on Sunday to choose a leader and perhaps announce its choice for PM. Most Puea Thai members believe the Newin group will join them and that they are holding out to get better positions in cabinet. That could be true.
Can a meeting of parliament be called for Monday? The head of the Election Commission and two former charter writers are warning the acting prime minister and the Speaker of the House to be careful. They are both party-list MPs and their status is unclear.
faction – a small group within a larger group กลุ่มย่อยๆ
commit – to promise to do something
crisis – an urgent, difficult or dangerous situation
decade – a period of ten years
measures – actions taken to achieve or deal with something
cabinet – the group of government ministers who make and approve government policy คณะรัฐมนตรีstatus – legal position
8:20 Government house is a "total mess". That is the conclusion of the government team that gave the compound a thorough inspection yesterday.
The Bangkok Post reports this morning that several offices in Government House, including those used by deputy prime ministers, have been damaged or completely ruined. Damages are estimated at 25 million baht. Not surprisingly, much of the damage occurred in areas near the tents of PAD guards.
City cleaners clear the front lawn of Government House, the compound of which was occupied by the anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) from Aug 26. THITI WANNAMONTHA
The Bangkok Post also reports that the friends of Newin faction discussed below may now propose former prime minister, Democrat Chuan Leekpai for PM.
mess – a situation when a place is very dirty or untidy ความสกปรก ไม่เรียบร้อย
compound – an enclosed area containing several buildings บริเวณ
inspection – the official process of checking that things are in the correct condition or that pepole are doing what they should be doing การตรวจสอบ
ruined – spoiled; destroyed ถูกทำลาย เสียหาย
December
4
20:30
I should have mentioned that
the Bangkok Post used the term "mildly
ill" to described His Majesty's condition. That is the same sense you
get from the Thai media. It's mainly a throat infection.mildly - not seriously
throat - the area at the back or your mouth and inside your neck
18:35 For the first time anyone can remember, His Majesty the King did not give his birthday-eve speech.
According to the Bangkok Post website, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn explained that His Majesty had an inflamed windpipe and alimentary canal.
"He is on a saline drip because he cannot eat well," the Princess told officials at the event, which was aired live on national radio.
He would like to take a rest today. He was fine yesterday, she added.
HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn delivered the birthday speech on behalf of His Majesty, who is turning 81 on Friday, saying that HM the King wishes all the Thais happiness, success and encouragement in completing their duties.
eve – the day before วันก่อนหน้า (วันงาน)inflamed – swollen, red and painful อักเสบ เจ็บ
alimentary canal – the system of organs in humans and animals that breaks food into smaller arts that the cells can take in and use ช่องทางเดินอาหาร
saline drip – taking a liquid containing salt directly into the body through a piece of equipment normally used in the hospital หยดน้ำเกลือ
18:15 Sorayuth Suthassanajinda of Channel 3 just had two prominent members of the dissolved People Power party on his show. First was Banjong Wongtrairat, one of the leaders of the Friends of Newin faction. Most of this faction has not yet joined Puea Thai, and Mr Banjong said the reason is that these are not normal times. The country desperately wants peace, so it is essential to carefully consider the choice of prime minister. The country does not want a prime minister who would cause a reoccurence of political turmoil, so his group wanted more time. He insisted that they had not suggested any names for prime minister nor had they had talks with the Democrats.
Next was UDD leader Chatuporn Promphan. He has already joined Puea Thai and he said it was not a good idea to consider a prime minister out of fear that the People's Alliance for Democracy would return to the street. No matter whom they chose, thePAD would not be satisfied. It was important that the next government prosecute the leaders of the PAD. He did not believe the Democrats would be able to form a government.
Meanwhile, Thai Rath reports that many computers and other valuables are missing from Government House and there is also more damage than originally reported.
dissolved – officially ended as a group ยุบ
faction – a small group within a larger group กลุ่มย่อยๆ
desperately – very much; in a very worried way อย่างสิ้นหวัง
essential – very necessary ที่จำเป็น
recurrence – an occasion when something happens again เกิดขึ้นอีกครั้ง
turmoil – a state of uncontrolled activity; chaos การจราจล ความไม่สงบ
insist – to say firmly that something is true ยืนกราน
prosecute – to officially accuse someone of a crime and judge them in a court of law ฟ้องร้อง
12:10 Here's an update on today's story in general news: Both Post Today and Matichon are reporting that least some of the friends of Newin faction will join the Puea Thai party after all. They are also proposing veteran politician Sanoh Thienthong as a possible prime minister.
Meanwhile, Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thuaksuban says it is still possible his party may end up leading a new coalition government. He says the Democrats have been talking to members of all parties although there is nothing conclusive yet.
faction – a small group within a larger group กลุ่มย่อยๆ
veteran – someone who has a lot of experience doing a particular activity อาวุโส
coalition government – a government formed by two or more political parties working together รัฐบาลผสม
conclusive – final or clear เป็นข้อสรุป สุดท้าย
11:00 Don Muang airport is operating normally again. That was quick.
Speaker of the House Chai Chitchob is warning against carrying out a quick vote for a new prime minister, fearing a resumption of political chaos. He also said he had not yet received Royal authorisation to call a special session of parliament for December 8-9.
resumption – beginning again after stopping for a period of time
chaos – a situation in which everything is confused and in a mess การจราจล
authorisation – permission to do something
9:00 The two ASTV women who discuss the morning newspapers each day are back in the studio after doing their show from Government House during the PAD protests. They are just as hard-hitting as ever. This morning they were questioning the huge compensation the THAI board is demanding from the PAD. This is another example of corruption from a board appointed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, they say.
They are also making a big point of how little damage was done in any of the protest sites, particularly Government House. The showed much footage from that site to back up their claim. They also reaffirmed that chosing a Thaksin nominee for prime minister would bring the PAD back out into the streets.
I noticed that advertising was quite thin. This morning there were only short ads for Audace, Bangkok Hospital and Pest Free, a product for chasing away rats,during the 20 minutes I watched. Are these sponsors now to be considered PAD supporters?
compensation – money that someone receives because something bad has happened to them เงินชดเชย
site – a place where something happens or has happened สถานที่
footage – film of a particular subject or event ภาพข่าว
reaffirm – to formal and official state something again เน้นย้ำ
nominee – a person who acts for another person ตัวแทน
6:45 As of yesterday evening, 149 former Palang Prachachon MPs had applied for membership in Puea Thai. Those that still had not were largely members of Newin Chitchob's faction. You can find out why in general news.
Meanwhile, as promised, the UDD is continuing its rally until a new prime minister is chosen.
(UDD) United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship – the group originally formed to demonstrate against the 2006 coup and which is now supporting the government against the PAD แนวร่วมประชาธิปไตยต่อต้านเผด็จการแห่งชาติ
December
3
20:35
Matichon online has an
interesting story reporting that 10 of Thailand's big political family
"became extinct"
as a result of the Consitution Court's ruling
yesterday. Among the big name's are the former prime minister's family
Wongsawat, plus Sasomsap, Adireksan and Tancharoen. Maybe it was time
for them to go. More tomorrow.extinct - no longer existing
ruling - decision
18:00 Thai Airways International was the first to announce it is filing a lawsuit against the People's Alliance for Democracy: twenty billion baht for starters.
Activist Dr Weng Tojirakarn has also filed terrorist-related charges against 12 PAD core leaders.
On a more positive note, a THAI flight from Phuket became the first plane to land at Suvarnabhumi airport, with plenty of television cameras there to greet it. International services to Sydney, New Delhi, Narita, Frankfurt, Seoul and Copenhagen are due later in the day.
In a tearful ceremony, veteran politician Banharn Silapa-archa closed the Chart Thai party offices. That was the party worst affected by the party dissolution verdicts yesterday since most of its executives were MPs. One of the only big former Chat Thai members who still has MP status is Sanan Kachornprasart and he is talking of possibly joining the opposition. He, of course, was long-time a member of the Democrat Party.
lawsuit – a case that a court of law is asked to decide involving a disagreement between two people or organisations, usually involving a demand for money for damages done
(PAD) People’s Alliance for Democracy – the union of several groups protesting against the current government and which staged large protests against the Thaksin government as well
filed charges – formally accused someone of commiting a crime
core leaders – the most active or most important members of a group แกนนำ
positive – good
veteran – a person with a lot of experience doing something
dissolution – the process of officially ending the existence of a group of organisation
verdict – a decision by a court of law คำพิพากษา
status – legal position
13:45 Thai Rath reports they are finding a lot of weapons at Government House. As you might expect, many seem to be makeshift weapons like molotov cocktails and iron pipes.
I'm going in to the Bangkok Post offices for a few hours.
makeshift – made from any materials available
molotov cocktail – a simple bomb filled with a liquid that you can set on fire and then thrown
12:15 (From channel 7) The two airports look to be in remarkably good condition. The cleaning crew has been busy since this morning at Suvarnabhumi and, on TV at least, it looks sparkling again. The inside of Don Muang looks quite good as well.
At Suvarnabhumi there actually was a handover ceremony with Chamlong Srimuang formally signing it back to smiling airport authorities. I doubt there was a formal takeaway ceremony when the protest began. At Don Muang, the scene was quite emotional as protestors bade each other goodbye.
The Thai Airways union head said while there admittedly much financial damage as the result of the airport seizures, it was much less than the damage caused by corrupt officials in the past.
Chalerm Yubamrung is still tipped as the frontrunner for the prime minister position. He may have a legal problem hanging over his head, however, because he was in the cabinet when the decision was made to support Cambodia's UN bid to control Preah Viharn. You will recall the Constitution Court said the cabinet illegally failed to consult parliament first. I'm not sure the MPs will want to take a chance on having another PM kicked out of office by the courts.
sparkling – shining
handover – to give control of something to someone else
tip – to say who you think will get a particular job, win a competition, etc.
frontrunner – a person expected to most liekly get a job, win an election, etc.
cabinet – the group of government ministers who make and approve government policy คณะรัฐมนตรี
bid - an attempt
11:20 Suvarnabhumi is back under the control of airport authorities and ASTV news 1 is back in the studio after having been stationed at the PAD protest sites for the past six months. I was just listening to a news analysis there and it sounded much like any other TV station. What a change.
site – a place where something happens or has happened
10:00 Most of the protestors have now left Suvarnabhumi and the airport staff is returning. Chamlong Srimuang was there signing autographs for departing PAD members earlier this morning. Obviously, this has become a tight-knit group over the past six months. Lots of smiles at the airport from all involved. Airport authorities are hoping to have the first flights out on Friday, the King's birthday.
Don Muang is also getting emptier, but the handover there may not be until tonight. There, many departing PAD members continue to gather around the site where the grenade hit the previous night, killing one PAD member. There is a very clear hole in the glass where the grenade made entry into the rally area.
There continue to be discussions about the ability of party list MPs to shift parties. Unlike the constituency MPs who represent a particular district, these MPs represented a party that has now been dissolved. The new parties they want to move to still do not have a party list. This could be a matter for the Constitution Court to decide.
tight-knit – (of a group) having a very close relationship
handover – giving over control of somethign to someone else
departing – leaving
grenade – a small bomb that someone throws or fires from a gun
shift – to move from one place to another
dissolved
7:40 Few of us expected we would see the PAD preparing to pull out of all three protests sites this morning, but that is exactly what is happening. The official end of the 193-day protest is scheduled for 10 a.m. Shortly afterwards, at noon, Government House is scheduled to be returned to the government.
The UDD is clearly unhappy about yesterday's Constitution Court decisions dissolving three of the coalition parties, but there was no violence, only a night-long rally. UDD leaders say they will continue nightly rallies until a new PM and government are chosen and are prepared to defend the parliament building if necessary.
A lot could still happen today and I'll be back later after finishing general news and easy English news. Yesterday we had a huge number of visitors to this site, so thanks much for coming in
site – a place where something happens
(UDD) United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship – the group originally formed to demonstrate against the 2006 coup and which is now supporting the government against the PAD แนวร่วมประชาธิปไตยต่อต้านเผด็จการแห่งชาติ
coalition parties – the political parties making up the government พรรคร่วมรัฐบาล
rally – a public meeting that a lot of people go to in order to support someone or protest against someone or something การชุมนุมประท้วง
December
2
21:30 Sondhi Limthongkul,
one the top PAD
leaders, has declared victory and say's his alliance will cease its
protests. The government has been forced out, the constitution
amendment process is dead (for the time being) so it's goals have been
met. December 3, tomorrow, is the official end of the 190-plus-day
protest.He says protests will resume if the Thaksin forces try to gain power or if the constitution is amended to reduce the power of the monarchy. Wait and see if conditions are added later.
For now, at least, this is the best news of the day.
(PAD) People’s
resume – to begin again after stopping for a period ot time
monarchy – a system of government headed by a king or queen
19:50 Channel 4 gave us a quick tour of the main rooms in Government House and they look to be in generally good condition. The compound should be returned to the government within two days. That's good news.
Cargo service at Suvarnabhumi could resume as early as tonight, but I would expect tomorrow is more likely. The PAD and the airport authorities are cooperating well. That's good news.
Remaining members of the current coalition parties are insisting on staying in power and quickly electing a new prime minister. That could be bad news. The red shirts are threatening to surround parliament if the PAD makes a threat to stop the political parties from entering the building. That could be very bad news.
cargo - goods being sent by plane, train or ship
coalition parties – the political parties making up the government พรรคร่วมรัฐบาล
17:40 Thai Rath is reporting that one of the PAD core leaders, Somkiat Pongpaiboon has announced that the PAD is working with airport authorities to form a committee to find ways to make it possible for the PAD to return part of the airport so that services can resume. The Bangkok Post website reports that the first incoming flight is expected to be within 24 hours.
core leaders – the most active or most important members of a group แกนนำ
resume – to begin again
16:30 The PAD core leaders are meeting at the Manager building at 17:00 to figure out what to do. The announcement to the press should be around 19:00, they say. I doubt they will end their protest since they believe plans are underway to keep the same group in power and to eventually amend the constitution and pass an amnesty for former PM Thaksin. Also some of the names mentioned for prime minister, e.g. Chalerm Yubamrung, will certain make the PAD's blood boil.
There is also the problem of defending Don Muang and justifying the continued occupation of Suvarnabhumi. The economic damage is so obvious to everyone that staying there will just lose the alliance support. So there are some tough decisions ahead. Maybe, just maybe, they will decide to move elsewhere. They should give up Don Muang because it is so difficult to defend. One protestor was killed this morning in a grenade attack there and more then 20 were injured.
Meanwhile, another worry, is the growing anger of the red-shirts. Now the "Love Udorn" group is threatening to send 10,000 pro-government supporters into Bangkok. I'd say the next 36 hours could be tough. Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail.
(PAD) People’s
underway – happening
amend - to make changes to
amnesty – a situation in which a government agrees not to punish people who have committed a crime การนิรโทษกรรม
justify - to show that there is a good reason for something
occupation – the act of going into a place and taking control away from the people or government there การเข้ายึดครอง
prevail - to be the strongest influence on a situation
14:45 (From Bangkok Pundit) Chirmsak Pinthong is saying that the list MPs of the three dissolved parties should no longer be MPs since their parties have gone. They shouldn't be able to switch parties like the constituency MPs. The constitution, says Bangkok Pundit, is not really clear on this. It is certain to be debated because without the list MPs, the coalition would no longer have the majority they need. (Note: One of the election commissioners is said to have her own doubts on this.)
Deputy PM Chavarat is reported to be the new caretaker PM.
dissolved – officially ended as a group
constituency – a district of a country which elects an MP to parliament
caretaker – holding a position until a replacement is elected ชั่วคราว
14:05 It's all quiet around the court now (but police are said to be providing protection at the judges homes). Up until now, all the coalition parties have said they will be staying together. One of the Chart Thai executives just said, however, that in times like these "anything can happen." I wonder if that was just frustration or if he had a deeper meaning.
coalition parties – the political parties making up the government พรรคร่วมรัฐบาล
13:50 The red-shirts apparently cut off electrictiy to the Administrative Court before leaving to go back to City Hall where they have been rallying. Everyone wonders what they have planned for the rest of the day. The PAD at Don Muang wants the expressway closed since it overlooks the protest site and it is where grenades have been fired as recently as last night.
grenade – a small bomb that someone throws or fires from a gun
12:35 - 13:25 PPP has been order dissolved, according to Post Today! I was typing below when the final verdict was announced. Matchimathipataya has just been disbanded as well. Chart Thai verdict is now being read. Sounds very bad, so far. The court is not accepting any of their defences. OK. Chart Thai is gone to by a verdict of 8 - 1. The other verdicts were unanimous.
What happens next? Actually, not all the much has been settled. Since most of the MPs in all three parties were not executives, they do not lose their MP status. They have 60 days to find a new party and the PPP has set up the Puea Thai party for that specific purpose. The new Chart Thai party is likely to be the Chart Thai Pattana party.
That's why the court verdict against the PPP, while causing a 10-minute-long cheer at Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi, is not likely to end the protest any time soon. PAD leaders are already saying they must prevent a Thaksin-backed group from taking power again.
A lot of people must feel sorry for Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa. He has put so much of his life into that party and it is sad to see it all end this way.
A few moments ago the red-shirted crowd around the Administrative Court were refusing to leave although they were under court orders to do so. The court had armed military guards to help out earlier. I wonder if they are still there.
dissolve – to officially end a group (the noun form is dissolution)
verdict – a decision by a court of law คำพิพากษา
disbanded - dissolved
unanimous - agreed by everyone in a group
12:30 The Chart Thai and Matchimathipataya leaders did show up to defend their parties, both stating forcefully that their parties did not know of the wrongdoings of the executives involved in vote-buying.
One judge has just finished reading the case against the PPP (sounds very bad for the party) and another judge is reading the verdict against Matchimathipataya.
There is a very unruly red-shirted crowd outside the court.
unruly - difficult to control
10:30 The judges and Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa arrived early at the Supreme Administrative Court, before the red-shirts arrived in sufficient numbers to close off the entrances. The People Power and have apparently opted not to appear. The court has now convened and the prosecution is making its closure summary.
opt – to choose
convene – to begin a meeting
prosecution – the government lawyers in charge of proving in court the charges against someone accused of a crime
09:15 The UDD leaders may not have gone to the Constitution Court this morning, but their followers did in great numbers, shutting off all entrances. About 8:00 a.m., however, they found out the judges had gone elsewhere – to the Administrative Court and that is where the party dissolution case will now be heard. Proceedings are scheduled to start about 10:00 a.m.
(UDD) United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship – the group originally formed to demonstrate against the 2006 coup and which is now supporting the government against the PAD แนวร่วมประชาธิปไตยต่อต้านเผด็จการแห่งชาติ
dissolution – the process of officially ending the existence of a group of organisation
proceedings – the actions taken, usually in court, to settle a legal matter การดำเนินการ
08:00 The PAD move out of Government House to the two airports for safety reasons did not go as planned. About midnight last night a grenade, apparently fired from a M79 grenade launcher, smashed into a crowd trying to get some sleep at Don Muang, killing one person and injuring more than 20 others. More later, after I finish general news and easy English news.
(PAD) People’s
grenade – a small bomb that someone throws or fires from a gun
December 1
21:00 No more Government House broadcasts for ASTV, the protestor's TV channel. It's strickly Suvarnabhumi for the moment. On the stage they are joking about beating up the police again – I don't know how serious they are.Tomorrow should be a big day. Let's wait until then for more.
19:25 More about what I wrote below: It sounds like the PAD is preparing to hand back Government House to the government. This, says Suriyasai, will be done after an inspection for damages by a group including the Human Rights Commission, the military, the media and others. It seems to me that this should mean the anti-government demonstration's days are limited since it will be much harder to hold the airports becuase of the severe economic damage caused. The Government House is not nearly as economically significant.
18:30 ASTV is still broadcasting from Government House, but Chamlong Sirmuang is insisting that the crowd leave within the next two or three hours. Safety is the issue since grenades have been fired several times into the compound and they are very difficult to defend against. A lot of people have left already, but there still is a large number left.
Sorayuth Suthassanajinda of Channel 3 just had both PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila and UDD leader Chatuporn Promphan on his show. Suriyasai refused to say whether or not the PAD would stop its protest if the People Power party (PPP) is dissolved as expected, but he indicated that there could indeed be some "good news" soon. He admitted the occupation of the airport had caused serious damage, but the goal now is to limit that damage in the days ahead. He also said that Government House had not been damaged by the protestors.
Chatuporn said that his group would definitely not go to the Constitution Court tomorrow to hear the verdict of the party dissolution cases. Their role is to prevent any kind of coup from taking place, either military or judicial. He said that if the three coalition parties were dissolved only about 28 members of parliament would lose their MP status and the coalition would still have a comfortable majority. What they wanted to prevent was any attempt to form a government led by outsiders. They would do everything possible to prevent that. He also said it was up to the individuals whether or not to go to the court tomorrow.
The PPP is challenging the qualifications of three Constitution Court judges, but I'm not sure if or when that will be taken up. That is something to watch for.
insist – to keep stating firmly that something must be done
grenade – a small bomb that someone throws or fires from a gun
(PAD) People’s
coordinator – someone whose job is to organise the various parts of an activity and make sure that all the people involved work well together (used to identify Surasai Katasila, PAD coordinator) ผู้ประสานงาน
(UDD) United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship – the group originally formed to demonstrate against the 2006 coup and which is now supporting the government against the PAD แนวร่วมประชาธิปไตยต่อต้านเผด็จการแห่งชาติ
dissolve – to officially end a group (the noun form is dissolution)
admit – to agree that something is true, especially when are unhappy, sorry, or surprised about it
occupation – the act of going into a place and taking control away from the people or government there การเข้ายึดครอง
verdict – a decision by a court of law คำพิพากษา
coup (d’etat) – the seizure of power in a country by a small group of people, usually members of the armed forces
coalition parties – the political parties making up the government พรรคร่วมรัฐบาล
challenge – to question whether something is legal, true or accurate
qualifications – the abilities, qualities, degrees, etc. that you need for a particular job or activity
14:15 I'm going into the Bangkok Post for a few hours. From the Bangkok Post website there is news that Chamlong Sirmuang is telling PAD members to leave Government House for Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang for the night. Only PAD guards will be at Govt House at night since it has become too dangerous to have a large crowd there.
12:40 If all goes according to the revised schedule, those 400 plus Muslim travellers stranded for so long at Suvarnabhumi should be leaving U-tapao for Saudi Arabia just about now.
stranded - unable to leave a place
12:00 Contingency planning for the likely dissolution of the three coalition parties has begun in earnest. Chaturon Chaisaeng, former leader of Mr Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party is urging PM Somchai to resign right away so a new government can be formed before the court verdict. Puea Thai, the party set up to take the MPs from the People Power Party (PPP) when it is dissolved, is meeting and it looks like its members may choose Thaksin's sister Yingluck to be its new leader. That sounds to me like it would keep the PAD at its protest sites.
Meanwhile, the latest celebrity to anger the PAD is Sorayuth Suthassanajinda. They are now threatening to lay siege to Channel 3..
contigency planning - planning to deal with a situation that might happen in the future
dissolution – the process of officially ending the existence of a group of organisation
coalition parties – the political parties making up the government พรรคร่วมรัฐบาล
verdict – a decision by a court of law คำพิพากษา
celebrity – a famous person
(PAD) People’s
lay siege to – (of a group of people) to surround (go around all sides of) a building or place in order to protest about something or to force the people on the inside out เข้าห้อมล้อม เข้ายึด
11:15 Thai Rath is reporting that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is now watching the situation from right across the border in Cambodia. I doubt the Thai government will go after him, but he does have a jail sentence hanging over his head here.
It was a bit strange to see PAD core leader Chamlong Srimuang on television sitting next to Metropolitan Police commissioner Suchart Muenkaew having what looked to be a cordial meeting on improving security in the Government House area. There is after all a state of emergency in effect and the PAD has been ordered out of all its protest sites. Maybe the police commissioner is only resonsible for Don Muang. Or, maybe he is facing reality that getting the PAD out is next to impossible.
A large hand made firecracker was thrown toward the Democrat party head office and the were several gunshots near Don Muang. No injuries or serious damage was reported. After that last few days, that kind of violence is good news.
jail sentence – a court-given punishment of having to spend a particular period of time in jail
core leader(s) – the most active or most important members of a group แกนนำ
cordial – friendly
friecracker – a kind of firework that makes a loud noise when it explodes
07:20 No reports of any serious violence last night which is positive. The red-shirted UDD rally continued throughout most of the night but numbers dropped off in the wee hours. They have stopped temporarily to get some rest. Removal of the empty aircraft at Suvarnabhumi has begun and the Muslim passengers stranded there have been moved to U-tapao and, hopefully, they are now in the air on their way to Mecca. I'll have more after I finish with general news and easy English news.
wee hours - the earliest hours of the morning after midnight and before the sun comes up
stranded - unable to leave a place