Thai protesters win some hearts and minds - 30 Nov 08

Thai protesters have taken over Bangkok's main airport, crippling Thailand's tourism industry and stranding visitors to the country.

Step Vaessen reports from inside the capital's international airport.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• al
• jazeera
• Step
• Vaessen
• Thailand
• Bangkok
• anti-government
• protest
• PAD
• tourism
• demonstration
• airport
• sit-in

[Kharami888]

a real protest, without hundreds of american police officers abusing people. in america we are actualy afraid to protest in general. Congradulaions Thai People for your courage and determination, may you be blessed and eventual happy!!!!

[popozuda749]

such great reporting, ive been watching both bbc and euro news which in my opinion have only represented one side of the story, thnx al jazeera

[beshnola]

better than red shirt violent demonstration.

[TheZen999]

The Founding Fathers of the USA did NOT give the right to vote to everyone - only to the educated (wealthy white males), and they thought giving the vote to uneducated people was a TERRIBLE idea. It was many years before this was changed. I used to wonder how those men could be so undemocratic - but now I think I understand their point of view. The ignorant masses understand nothing, and are so easily duped and used by crafty politicians and loud-mouthed demagogues.

[TheZen999]

Vote buying is NOT democracy either. When votes are bought and sold - which obviously Thai Rak Thai, Peoples' Power Party did on a massive scale - it is NOT democracy, it makes a joke out of democracy. They cannot claim to be legitimately "democratically elected" by the people. They were elected by illegal means - which is why they were dissolved by the courts.

[Cptofthecaptain]

well i never vote by am pretty sure that they go someone at the vote system watching, making sure you vote for him.... just don't vote at all or vote for another party, that way you are not on any side and you are safe! for now....

[makethemyth]

i was there. in the middle of the red-shirts. i went to the 'riots' and ate with them. very great showing of what it is to be a free human and be alive.

[dadacow]

you all stupid

[mamamyny]

does anybody know how vote buying work exactly??. I never sell my vote, so I dont know. Can I get the money and not vote for Thaksin? Is it possible?

[theagent3]

What the PAD want is to have 70% of their governing body to consist of business and social groups that are APPOINTED!!!! and 30% by the populace. A populace that PAD cannot beat. This is not democracy, this is fascism.

The biggest corruption against the people because this group caters to the special interest and to the elite few.

The people have a right to vote whoever so chooses from all incomes and cultures and background so as long as they are legal citizen of their homeland.

[theagent3]

I am afraid you are confusing with replacing a democratically elected government that is being accused of being corrupt. What these PAD protest have done is an obvious corruption.

To make claims that the current elected government is corrupt because of aledged vote buying. How does overthrowing an elected government and claim the majority of voter are too uneducated and poor in making the decision of the due process?! PAD protest are a minority group. So the PAD lost fair and square.