Of course it is illegal and the key leaders, holed up within its grounds, are all on wanted list with arrest warrants. Last weekend a key leader, Maj-Gen. Chamlong, was arrested when he left the compound to exercise his vote on Bangkok's Governor.
While the U.S. & Australian Embassies advised its citizens to stay away from hot spots.. I ventured there with company of P'Moo & P'Jiap last Friday; the ground zero where PAD stages its round the clock rally. I'm just curious to sample what atmosphere is like in there.
We passed the UN building with barricades on wheels at its entrance, ready in times of need. Across the road was a Police tent with riot gears & shields neatly laid on ground.
Entrance to demo ground at Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge.. manned by volunteer guards!
Guard posts equip with motorcycle & safety helmets;
Plastic hand shields made of PVC pipes...
Pile of defensive weapons comprise of sticks, golf clubs & even umbrellas!
Guards' rest tent.
Is it safe? Once inside however, it's almost like a carnival atmosphere with vendors of all sorts! It is more of commercial enterprise with casual people strolling around than charged anti-government atmosphere. Spotted a few 'farang' tourists with cameras too.
Loudspeakers on vans blasting music away; even heard the Thai version of "Burong Kakak Dua"!
Only differences are plastic clappers are widely sold!
P'Jiap & P'Moo making their purchases.
Images of fugitive ex-premier & wife printed on floor mats on sale.
Shoes...
and even underwear.
ASTV booth of media tycoon & PAD leader Sonthi promoting its services too.
A medical post well provided...
This car nearby marked as emergency ambulance.
It's vegetarian festival time too.. a "Jei" tent with vegetarian food...
A 'Quan Yin' within to serve the spiritual needs of demonstrators?
P'Moo & P'Jiap posed with event photos of large crowd in attendance.
Row of public toilets vans to answer nature calls...
Still didn't see any angry mobs shouting away! Sights of children with their parents are common too.
On another side are the Young PAD; a student movement.
Their stage with a slogan "The Last War".. but heard a rock band playing as we passed.
When I knew P'Jiap was going to PAD rally weeks ago, I cautioned him to be careful. He said, "Not to worry.. there are many elderly and kids among the crowds". Now I know what he meant.
2 comments:
Hello,
I enjoyed your photos! I've watched the protests for a long time now and listened to the 24/7 coverage and I feel I can comment on some of your questions.
Hand carried bags are subjected to inspection again. Citizenry taking laws into its own hands? Nobody questioned its legality anyway!
The police, have in the past brought in guns and ammo into the government compound in the past. When the protest was confined to just Makawan a man crashed his truck full of weapons into the area as well.
The protestors have a right to defend themselves especially since the police are not "neutral". They are staunchly pro-government and have used excessive force against unarmed protestors in the past and even aided pro-gov. protestors in clashes with PAD.
The center stage in view.. as seen on ASTV channel 24/7 ever since the marathon rally began!
Yes and that coverage if viewed by apathetic Thais and the government. All PAD movements can be monitored easily. Everything that is said on stage has a record. This level of transparency cannot be found amongst Thai gov. officials, the target of this protest.
The TV transmission support vehicle carried prominent displays of the King's picture behind its windscreen.
Images of the King and or Queen have ALWAYS been used in rallies since the 1970s student protest. Even Thaksin's faction has used images of the King and Queen.
Women folks folding banana leaves into serving bowls.
PAD tries to be environmentally friendly. This is part of the agenda for "new politics" which encompasses more environmental protection.
A huge satellite TV transmission truck.. how could one tap on such resources?
ASTV is a multi-media company funded by donors in Thailand and around the world.
ASTV booth of media tycoon & PAD leader Sonthi promoting its services too.
Mistranslation. It is the location to accept donations for satellite dishes (which would be distributed to people/areas which cannot afford them). This is NOT a promo for services.
As it is, PAD has been subject to ridicule and misinformation in English all over the internet because the government has ties to the western media.
Their stage with a slogan "The Last War".. but heard a rock band playing as we passed.
Last War is in reference to the series of demonstrations in the 70s. PAD sees this more as the last "battle" for a true democracy and not a debased version.
PAD will not take up arms nor purposefully destroy public property. This would be against their core values.
I've seen the term "last war" spun by the pro-gov. western media in improper ways and labelling PAD as MILITANT.
This is very disappointing.
Appreciate & tks for your comments, Silaajarun.
As you may have also observed, I am just a casual observer from outside without in depth perspective of Thai Politics.
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