RAWBangkok

2 responses so far ↓

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  Werewolf // Sunday, 28 September 2008 at 8:31 am | Reply

  In a hopeful sign that the power of the PAD to mobilize for stupid causes, it seems that no more than about 70 PAD members caused disruption at the Surat Thani airport when Prime Minister Somchai flew south yesterday.

  Here is the followup report from the Bangkok Post, but even this report reads like the treatment for a very bad Hollywood movie:

  FROM THE BANGKOK POST

  PAD protesters shouted at Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and closed the entrance to the Surat Thani airport. Then, he got a warm welcome in his home province of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

  By Post Reporters

  Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat received an embarrassing welcome to his hometown yesterday when he landed at Surat Thani airport on the way to visit nearby Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

  Mr Somchai, who was appointed prime minister on Sept 18, was being greeted by Surat Thani governor Winai Burpradit and about 200 other people inside the passenger terminal when a middle-aged woman emerged from the crowd and accused him of selling the nation.

  “Somchai sells the nation,” the woman, believed to be a supporter of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), shouted at the prime minister before walking away.

  Mr Somchai, apparently embarrassed by the unexpected incident, blushed and smiled before walking to his waiting limousine. But his problems didn’t end there.

  The prime minister’s motorcade was then prevented from leaving the terminal by a group of about 70 PAD supporters blocking the entrance and exit of the airport in a bid to stop him from continuing his journey.

  The incident caused a traffic jam in and around the airport. Many of the passengers stuck in the traffic left their vehicles and walked to the departure terminal as they feared they would miss their flights.

  Local police finally led Mr Somchai’s motorcade across the runway and out of the airport through the compound of the Air Force’s 7th Wing.

  The atmosphere was quite the opposite when the prime minister arrived in his native province of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

  Thousands of people warmly greeted Mr Somchai on his arrival at Wat Suan Khan in tambon Suan Khan of Chang Klang district.

  The well-wishers gave him moral support and congratulated him for being appointed new prime minister. Among those showing up to greet him was his first teacher, Srichan Pumpuang.

  Mr Somchai was born in Chang Klang district. He completed his primary education there.

  The prime minister said on his return to Bangkok later in the day that he would visit his hometown again and would plan more trips to the deep South.

  Asked to comment on suggestions made by 24 university rectors that he carry out political reforms, Mr Somchai said he found the idea interesting.

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  Werewolf // Sunday, 28 September 2008 at 8:47 am | Reply

  I thought I’d add some selected comments from readers on the Bangkok Post website. At the time I copied these, there were 78 comments posted — most anti-PAD but several were very strongly in support of the group.

  by Moo Noi – Sep 27, 2008 12:36
  Apparently the PM has landed in Surat Thani without problems the 100 PAD supporters were outnumbered by police and Pro-government groups.

  It doesn’t really matter if PAD closes the airports or not, their threat to close them is enough to keep the tourist industry continuing on it’s downhill spiral.

  by John Murdock/john_m_46600@yahoo.co.uk – Sep 27, 2008 16:54
  As a South East Asia tour operator, I have to admit that I am shocked seeing what is going on in Thailand. We used to fly some 8000 tourists to Phuket and Krabi during European winter. But for the first time in almost 20 years we have to cancel our packages to Thailand. The political instability and closure of airports are too much of a risk. We will recommend our guest to avoid Thailand and put a second charter rotation up to Bali. I feel sorry for the people in Phuket, Krabi and all over Thailand. Hopefully solutions can be found and tourists can go back to Thailand next year.

  by Greg/kangaloowest@yahoo.com – Sep 27, 2008 07:25
  PAD are a protected species by the looks of things.

  How can they with impunity close down International Airports and destroy one of the foundations of the Thai Economy.

  People whom save for years to come here just once for holiday or that come here regularly will very quickly and permanently change destinations because of the disruptions.

  The loss of Foreign Income will be once agin incredible not to mention the permanent damage the Country and Tourism Industry is suffering.

  High Season is had it for this year!!!

  by Ronn – Sep 27, 2008 11:13
  As I tried to say, these PAD people just need a good spanking, because they are acting like spoiled brats….

  If these PAD protestors were hungry and lacking food, or downtrodden, or mistreated and neglected by society I would feel more sympathy. They are not. They tend to be better off than the average Thai and in reality have little to complain about.

  by patrick neo/patrickneo_sc@hotmail.com – Sep 27, 2008 10:44
  Stupidity rules the day! This is what the stupid PAD know best destroying the livelyhood of million of Thai earning tourists’ baht.

  by bkk1900t@yahoo.com – Sep 27, 2008 08:46
  The pest against democracy has gradually changed their shape and aim. The goal of overthrow the Thaksin government has become the target to seize power, and change the institutions like the election system to suite them. They are not interested in the livelihood of the working class. Let them screw up more, and avoid using power to deal with them, and the ones exploited by them will wake up.

  by Somchai – Sep 27, 2008 08:02
  What a shame!!! Hatred against corrupted politicians is understandable and I am totally agree with. But to close airports….totally stupid things to do…

  No airports…..No tourists…….No incomes…….

  No food on the tables…..No life……

  Please PAD, do something else…like do not vote for corrupted

  politicians….but dont commit suicide by closing airports.