Pro-Thaksin protesters seem bent on violence

Since the educated public may not have had the initiative to come out to express their views of concern for the first three months of the Cabinet of Thaksin and Co (the one with all the relatives of the banned executives in place), at least one group stepped up to lead the public against the proposed charter amendments that would enable Thaksin to get his frozen assets released.

Could it be that Thaksin and Co think that money can buy everyone? It cannot. Although the rallies may not be as dynamic as before, they are for a just cause, for the future of the country. There is absolutely no reason for pro-amendment supporters to get violent at any democratic rally, unless the "invisible head" behind them cannot, in a regular political or social capacity, handle a group of people that does not "buy" his plan. Had they been "real" pro-amendment supporters, they could have had a peaceful rally with a point.

The inaction and complete inability of the police to put a cap on the violence and stop the pro-amendment group from throwing rocks at the PAD rally is despicable. This happened on the same day as a commanding officer escaped jail time for his inaction during an incident at CentralWorld in 2006 during which a 70-year-old man was beaten along with a few others by pro-Thaksin supporters despite a heavy police presence. It was an unforgettable scene: the man was being beaten, and officers stood at attention with their arms down and didn't even move their heads to acknowledge what was happening.

The pro-amendment, pro-Thaksin group, and the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship mob in 2007 (yes, the one where PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair was supporting a mob that threw rocks, bricks and used wood planks to beat police officers, all under a banner that read "democracy now'), all seem to have the same violent characteristics, since the same group threw chairs at the Democrats in Chiang Mai in 2006. Perhaps this "invisible head" behind them should get medical attention and take anger-management classes, not to mention some night courses in ethics, morals and manners.

Carolyn

Bangkok

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Peaceful demonstrations the way to true change

When we see injustice, you and I, dear reader, must speak out - for we are our country's intelligentsia, its leaders. As Abraham Lincoln said, "To sin by silence makes cowards of men".

Thus, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) - or anybody else - should protest, within the law, for there is so much to protest about in this government. But by rabble-rousing, the PAD demeans its own cause and lowers itself to the level of its opponents. It should seek to emulate, for example, Winston Churchill's "We shall fight on the beaches", Martin Luther King's "I have a dream", or Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address - dignified, measured words that moved nations.

PAD's goal should be to rally support for its cause, not to inflame its audience's base instincts and provoke violence. Thus, the PAD should work hand-in-hand with the authorities to preserve the peace and the rights of others.

For example, the PAD should have its own unarmed, easily-identifiable security force to keep its audience non-violent, confiscate possible missiles/weapons, turn away drunkards, etc. Loudspeakers should not be allowed after, say, 10pm, and traffic must be allowed to pass through unhindered.

I agree with Army Chief General Anupong Paochinda that it's the job of the police, not the Army, to handle the protest. The police should have a well-trained riot squad on hand to work with the PAD and any counter-protesters to allow freedom of speech within the law. Having the police being visible, and keeping the army in the barracks where they belong, will also calm fears of a coup d'etat.

Dear readers, do cry out against injustice, but respect the rights of others.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok