Hands off the Saturday rally

EDITORIAL

Published: 21 Nov 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The best outcome for Saturday's planned rally by the Pitak Siam group is to call it off. There is no urgent reason for it; it is extremely poorly timed. Organisers are taking advantage of democratic rights to try to destroy democracy. The very notion of halting all democratic reforms to allow years of regressive government is not just impossible, but zany.

The second best outcome is to allow the misguided Pitak Siam "leaders" to have their say, without interference. Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit, better known in recent days as "Seh Ai", still claims to be a patriot. He has the same right as all Thais, to speak his mind in a peaceful manner. Authorities should stand well back, and let him have his say. If there is trouble, he must be held responsible. If he goes beyond free speech to call for violence, he must also be held responsible.

This is why it is encouraging to see wiser heads prevailing over those authorities calling for emergency rule of some sort around the Royal Plaza for Saturday's gathering. National police chief Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew has expressed concern, as has Pol Maj Gen Adul Narongsak, deputy Bangkok police chief. They expect a large crowd, perhaps 100,000 people, and fear that some "third hand" could infiltrate the crowd and cause violence.

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shopwow
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Discussion 16 : 21 Nov 2012 at 23.1516
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Nice to hear all view points but, Mr.Editor - If this rally gets a minimum of 100,000 protestors, neither you nor me nor chalerm can say that, the purpose of the rally is pointless. These 100,000 protestors have some feelings in common, they are not fuelled by any phone in calls - It is time that you me chalerm and the pretty government, change their attitude (if the number of protestors is that high).
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howell
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Discussion 15 : 21 Nov 2012 at 20.3515
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Thank you domdunnn. Agree. Pity that the extremist leaders are so regressive. I suspect most of the people turning up are not there to support a coup or a freeze but to show their anger and disgust at Thaksin's government.
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DocN
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Discussion 14 : 21 Nov 2012 at 16.0014
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D1: please google "dictatorship" and point out to me, why you connect a word like that to the government. Furthermore point out to me, why organisers are taking advantage of democratic rights to promote undemocratic measures and why you think, that is okay?! PM me, if you like- I am very interested!
D4: if you are attending a rally, organized by people calling openly for a coup...yes, you are in agreement with them. Otherwise, organize a rally with democratic goals. You are welcome!
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upena
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Discussion 13 : 21 Nov 2012 at 15.3213
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Thought Boonlert was going to cancel if he couldn't get 1 million supporters at the rally - then it was 200,000 and now it 100,000. We still have a couple days, so I guess it will get down to about 500 by the weekend.
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Deedy
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Discussion 12 : 21 Nov 2012 at 14.2512
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Tamsin: With respect, Thailand has had more opportunities than most countries to test the theory of your friend with regards to the benefits of military governments. I would humbly suggest history does not support the theory very much.
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Deedy
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Discussion 11 : 21 Nov 2012 at 14.1911
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How many more times do people need the basic concept of parliamentary democracy explaining to them? If the government is acting illegally, then they can be removed if a court finds them guilty. Though I don't agree, I can understand and even respect comments stating that Thailand requires some form of appointed government. But where do you even start with people who genuinely believe that democracy means elections don't count, the minority rules, everyone has to agree with everything, and governments must step down every time anyone says they don't like them? Sheesh!
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Eric
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Discussion 10 : 21 Nov 2012 at 13.4810
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Dis #6, you mean like North Korea or Mynmar? Then prepare yourself to be isolated, poor and devoid of any freedom. That's more depressingly correct.
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lungstib
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Discussion 9 : 21 Nov 2012 at 13.469
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In a democracy the public have their right to demonstrate. That's not the same as occupy a part of town. Peacefully. Listen to what they have to say, maybe there will even be some sensible ideas.
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globalcat
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Discussion 8 : 21 Nov 2012 at 11.288
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The Yingluck govt is only 15 months old and the landslide victory of Puea Thai party is just 16 months old. All the people who voted against Puea Thai and are against this govt must wait for the natural end of the legislature and try to win at the next elections in 2015. This is how democracy works in the real democratic countries, where who lost the elections has to wait patiently the next elections trying to catch voters from the previous winning party. So far the people against this govt are still in huge minority in Thailand and a rally with even 1 million of people isn't enough to win the next elections...
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domdunnn
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Discussion 7 : 21 Nov 2012 at 10.427
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I support the peoples right to protest just as I supported the PAD rallies against Thaksin's government but only so long as they call for action based on democratic principles.

The problem with this rally is that it has confused and ever changing objectives, but on the whole I think its better to let them have their say.
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Hands off the Saturday rally | Bangkok Post: opinion