Big rally turn-out surprises govt

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Big rally turn-out surprises govt

Siam Pitak group plans to escalate protest action

Published: 29 Oct 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Buoyed by what it calls a big turn-out, the Siam Pitak group is planning to hold its next rally against the Pheu Thai-led government within a month.

Anti-government protest groups turn up in force at the Royal Turf Club in the Nang Loeng area. The Pitak Siam group, the rally’s organiser, claimed the event drew 20,000 people, while police estimates put the number at a more modest 6,000. PATIPAT JANTHONG

Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit, a retired officer and the core organiser, believes the campaign is gathering momentum.

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android
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Discussion 18 : 29 Oct 2012 at 07.2218
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Amongst the 6000 coup lovers who turned up in yesterday's rally, majority of them should be retired generals and their wives who have a sweet memory of their golden olden days of receiving under-table money.
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Eric
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Discussion 17 : 29 Oct 2012 at 06.5717
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Assuming the government heed the people sentiment, step down and call for early election, Pheu Thai will still win. Don't they get it that the problem is that there is no credible and strong enough opposition party. So it is just a waste of tax payer money, economy will suffer and a loss of investor confidence to fill the egos of some attention seekers.
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upena
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Discussion 16 : 29 Oct 2012 at 06.5416
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Let the coup begin
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montreal11
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Discussion 15 : 29 Oct 2012 at 06.5415
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Glad to see the people r waking-up slowly...its the beginning of the end for the thaksin goverment...the next rally will be very big .....
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rastas
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Discussion 14 : 29 Oct 2012 at 06.3814
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I especially liked the part where the rally "ended without incident". A nice change from the PTP / Red Shirst Rallys & Street Demonstrations that disrupt everyone. Perhaps the sign that it was held at the Royal Turf Club so that it didn't impose on the general populance, is a sign that this group is a more mature and thinking group, that has the whole of Thailands intrests at heart and not just a party for the few.
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hillfarang
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Discussion 13 : 29 Oct 2012 at 06.3713
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6,000 (police) or claim of 10'000's, it's still a drop in the bucket. I'm pleased to see that it was peaceful. Democracies allow this kind of protest. However, the proverbial bottom line is contained in the below:

"We support royal initiatives, handle security threats... and help with the government's national development work. We don't get involved in politics," he said.
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watchdog
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Discussion 12 : 29 Oct 2012 at 06.3612
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Its one thing to hold a rally calling for a change of governments because of allegedly failed policies and corruption. It's entirely another thing when that rally is lead by a former army who has openly and unequivocally called for a coup. Anything, even including further rallies that now do raise legitimate policy issues or any groups that lend support to such further rallies, will be apples from this poisonous trees. Because of the internet and social media, this will not be lost in the mix. The foreign media will and the local media should continue to report on this if this rally gains traction. Anything arising out these rallies will
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oldairman
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Discussion 11 : 29 Oct 2012 at 06.3211
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Every movement for a change starts in a small way and the important and good ones grow larger.

Chalerm estimated 1,500 to 2,000, the organisers estimated 20,000 and the police estimated 6,000. I would think there were more than the police said and less that the Pitak group said but far more than Chalerm guessed.

All power to them.
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Renaissance
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Discussion 10 : 29 Oct 2012 at 06.1710
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I think we can guess what will happen when Thaksin goes ahead with the process of whitewashing himself. Thaksin needs to understand quickly that people are tired of corruption. He can buy the votes of the uneducated farmers with his populist policies, but he can't buy the more educated people who can see what he is doing, who understand what benefits the country and what doesn't, and who can drive him out of power.
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johnb
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Discussion 9 : 29 Oct 2012 at 06.009
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These people are basically calling for a civil war as everyone knows what will happen if there is another coup.
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