Tony Cheng of Al Jazera thinks he works for Fox News

Come on. Being a tad over-dramatic don't you think Tony? See his alarmist article here.

"The people of Bangkok wake to a city scarred with the wounds of war."

"These huge uncontrollable missiles smashed everything in their path from trees to an electricity pylon, which snapped and sent sparks on to the battle raging below."

"But the scars that now cross the face of Bangkok will take years to heal."

"Mayhem erupts"

If you read this article you'd think Tony was covering Iraq or Afghanistan. Not the same day most of the city was celebrating the Thai new year and I was out having a family dinner. What Tony fails to mention is that most of Bangkok went about their business and ignored this scuffle. Hardly a day of mayhem.

Great article on the Royal backing of the PAD protests

From W. Scott Thompson in his opinion piece in the IHT:

And the demonstrators know that the king is plainly on their side. This time, more than 1974 and 1992, it would be trivial to say that democracy is what is at issue. It's whether or not those others, "unworthy to bear the dust under his shoes," as the royal inflection goes, can finally be worn out. Just wait - the king will wave his magic wand and the crisis will be over. The army - or some other appropriate delegate - will take power, and the country will find the patience to wear out the endurance of an expiring Thaksin, who in exile loses wealth and legitimacy by the day.

Thailand is paying an enormous price for this crisis, but in the end the king's determination to ensure a legacy where his type of people will rule, and Thailand will return to rapid economic growth and the iconic smiles by which it is known - with a bit of democracy thrown in. The king's move in the next few days will be worth watching.

Chamlong Srimuang and PAD screwing more than just Thailand?

The Sexy Women of the PAD protests

Yeah, I know we are all upset with the People Against Democracy, but there's always time to look at sexy women.

It's time for action against the PAD

The PAD (People Against Democracy) have gone to far. By their actions, they have held this country hostage. The ability to move freely, to practice religious beliefs, to support your self and your family have all been taken away by the hostage situation playing out a the airport. Their reasons for doing so now need to trump the needs of a country.

Is having a Prime Minister step down more important than costing the country 134 billion baht? Is having a Prime Minister step down more important than the holding thousands hostage?

Do Something!

On a related note, looks like the color Yellow is on it's way out. Don't get caught wearing a yellow shirt in Thailand or else you might wonder why your face is getting kicked in.

More anger against PAD.

The PAD are starting to piss me off

The People Against Democracy (PAD) have really messed up this time. Messing with the lively hood of the country? Basically withdrawing the rights of hundreds of thousands of others to make a living or function freely?

This ill-conceived disruption of one of the main roads leading to the country's most important international airport will get the PAD nowhere in its claimed agenda of toppling the government or any nominees of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, or making Thai politics less prone to manipulation by money barons.

In fact, this move will only further erode the rapidly dwindling public support, a hard-earned provision that the protesters badly need especially at this critical juncture of its campaign.

The damage to the PAD, however, cannot compare with that caused to the country. Suvarnabhumi airport is the main gateway to the Kingdom. More...

A bike ride thru PAD protest grounds

PAD = People Against Democracy

as PeterS Says:

The ‘D’ in PAD is one of the most funniest things I’ve read the last few years.

Looks more like “People Against Democracy”

Stand with the Burmese Protesters via avaaz.org

After decades of military dictatorship, the people of Burma are rising – and they need our help. Marches begun by monks and nuns snowballed, bringing hundreds of thousands to the streets. Now the crackdown has begun, but the protests are spreading...

SMS used as Propaganda

Forbes says...

Thailand's military junta has resorted to sending text messages to mobile phones in the kingdom to try to persuade people not to join protest rallies, a spokesman said.

'Thai people should adhere to the king's speech, be calm ... reasonable and respect the laws,' said one message signed by the Council for National Security (CNS), as the junta calls itself.

Another message read: 'The army chief and the junta leader want to see the country remain in peace and reach reconciliation. We request every party involved to do their best job and adhere to peaceful guidelines.'

Guess Taksin shouldn't have sold the phone company.

"I Want My YouTube" T-Shirt

Even though there's nothing new under the sun, it's time to let your friends, family, and government know how you feel with this throwback "I Want My YouTube" T-shirt. Perfectly appropriate for the current political climate. Especially one where THE MAN is trying to block your MTV YouTube fix.

99 Elephants

These guys know how to protest:

Authorities are preparing to stop 99 elephants and thousands of villagers from entering Thailand's capital to protest the possible dissolution of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's political party, the military said on Wednesday.

"The authorities are trying to convince the elephant owners not to bring their animals to Bangkok. We have to use all means to stop the elephants from joining the political rally," said Prayuth Chanocha, commander of the 1st Army, which is responsible for peacekeeping in Bangkok.

Update: Police chief Adisorn Nonsee says, "Both the mahouts and their elephants would be arrested...."

Elephants will be arrested? Is there an Elephant Jail?