Blacklisted for traffic violations -- Thailand on a new low

Another cracker from Thai politicians, who seem never shy to put cake on their
own face; this time it is about the Tibet-demonstrations and the repeated
dousing of the Olympic Torch on their way around the world. Understandable, that the Thais with their face-issues would wish this to go
without incidence -- however to shoot with such big guns is a typical sign of
lacking self-confidence...

From The Nation:

"Protesters disrupting tomorrow's Olympic-torch relay will be arrested
immediately and prosecuted for public disturbance, police say. Foreigners will be expelled and banned from returning. Those with residency will have it revoked permanently, spokesman Lt-General Watcharaphol Prasarnratchakij says." ...
"Free Tibet Network member Pokpong Lawansiri disagrees with the stance against pro-Tibet protests. "Under the Constitution, an individual - local or foreigner - has the right to rally for a cause," he says. "Peaceful rally should be allowed"." ...
"Prime ministerial aide Akhaphol Sorrasuchart says protests can continue as long
as there's no run disruption and they do not break other laws, including traffic, or damage property."

Deported and blacklisted because of a traffic violation? Thailand, get a grip!

Update from DailyXPress, April 19:

"As many as 100 pro-Tibet protesters are gathering today outside the United Nations headquarters in Bangkok. The controversial Olympic-torch relay takes place this afternoon. The demonstrators are protesting at human-rights violations by China in Tibet." ...
"The Buddhist networks ask locals and foreigners to show up and express solidarity with Tibet's right to self-determination. They denounce China as the "evil empire". Foreigners appear unfazed by police threats to deport them if they join in, saying they are determined to let the world know people in this country care about Tibet. "We recognise the dangers. We understand we don't have the protection of the Constitution, but it doesn't mean we cannot invoke international law [for the right to peaceful assembly]," says a Filipino resident, who asked not to be named." ...
"One man says today's protest is as much about China's human-rights record and setting a benchmark for acceptable state behaviour, not just in China but in Thailand, too. "It's about setting a standard, and we should also aim at Thailand's [human rights].""

Picture painted in Siam Square last night

Quite incredible in a Buddhist country, to see Buddhist policemen under the guise of government, cracking down on Buddhist organisations that will have majority Buddhist protestors from protesting the oppression of Buddhists to protect the face of Communists.

Links if Interest:

• More discussion on Thai Visa
• Don't Feed China's Nationalism