Natthawut Saikua told a press conference that the red-shirt leaders were willing to hold talks but the government must call an immediate cease-fire and pull troops out from around Rajprasong. He said the government must also stop calling protesters 'terrorists', and the talks must be mediated by the UN.
It is so simple for the red-shirt leaders to demand and demand, but it's even simpler for them to just tell the protesters to go home and end all the chaos. You had your chance and walked away from the road map. Remember that the UN is not your father! The world saw your protesters infiltrated by terrorists who used weapons to kill indiscriminately. You know who they are, but it is easier to blame the government.
I hope that you, the red leaders, enjoy your hundreds of millions of baht in jail for the rest of your lives, because all the people killed because of your greed and selfishness.
Thailand is not ready for democracy like the West, because most people are easily swayed by money. Good education and human capital are the most important pillars for our society, otherwise history will keep repeating itself.
Surasak Piputtana
Bangkok
Two-faced demands harder to tolerate
I can't believe the hypocrisy of the DAAD demanding the Army stop using force. Apparently the DAAD is running out of grenades and rockets, and while they are prepared to use farmers as shields they still kill soldiers - yet they don't want any aggression in return.
Every demand from the DAAD is of a dictatorial nature and yet they claim they are against dictatorship. Go home, wait for the election call. Thaksin has destroyed all your credibility by sponsoring rebellion. It's okay for him sitting by his swimming pool sipping a Martini while farmers and peasants risk their lives for him.
Tim Devlin,
Toronto, Ontario
A daughter with more sense than her father
I had no love for Seh Daeng, but when asked about her father's shooting, rather than cry for vengeance, his daughter replied that she hoped his shooting would be the last. The lady has class. I wish other Thais involved in this conflict would emulate her very noble attitude, instead of acting like spoiled children.
Dean Barrett
Bangkok
Reds' use of Union Jack is an insult
I strongly object to the fact that DAAD leaders are sometimes wearing the Union Jack (the flag of the United Kingdom) on their clothing. Britain is a democratic country that has no place for terrorists.
I also object to the contents of the petition handed by red shirts to the British Consulate in Chiang Mai. I hope that if there is a reply, it will be that Her Majesty's government does not deal with terrorists.
Outraged Brit
Bangkok
Appalling pollution goes unnoticed
We shouldn't be surprised to see so many tyres burning in the streets. After all, this is a much-enjoyed spare time entertainment in the North and Northeast of the country. I have never seen so much rubbish, including tyres, being burned as when living in Isaan.
No one gives a damn about the pollution. God help Bangkokians if that lot is going to rule the country one day.
Womble
Bangkok
Cease-fire only when reds do the same
I have no problem with red leader Nattavut's proposing internationally-brokered negotiations by the UN (which, I remind him, Thaksin emphatically said is not his father, and hence he need not listen to), or by internationally-respected dignitaries such as East Timor President Jose Ramos Horta.
But Nattavut demands that before negotiations start, the government cease fire immediately, pull out troops besieging Rajaprasong, and stop calling the reds "terrorists". I suggest that he show his offer of negotiations is in good faith by turning in the black-clad snipers and pull his followers out of Rajaprasong. When he does that, troops will have neither need to fire, to besiege, nor to call the reds "terrorists".
The ball's in your court, Nattavut. Give others the same rights that you demand for yourself, including the right to live and work in peace.
Burin Kantabutra
Bangkok