What happened?

In an earlier post we stated: “Protesters have interpreted this [entry to government buildings] as a victory, as has the anti-government leadership. While rumors fly that the Army refused – as it did in 2008 – to support the elected and constitutional government, it remains to be seen what kind of deal has been done or whether there has been top-down pressure on the government.”

Thanks to Siam Voices, PPT saw this at AFP:

A senior military source with knowledge of the Sunday meeting told AFP that the heads of the army, navy and airforce refused to throw their support behind the premier.

“None of the three commanders took the government side,” said the official, on condition of anonymity. “They said if the government used force, they would stand next to the people.”

And Siam Voices also put up this from the BBC’s Jonathan Head, also on the story of the Army’s involvement. Note that a deal is said to be still being done:

Obviously one of the truce negotiating points had to do with the shenanigans that are portrayed as the king’s birthday celebrations. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra gives a feel for this:

In her special TV address at 5:02pm, Yingluck said the government was happy that the political situation had eased.

She said all sides should help the country by joining a forum to discuss how to carry out political reform.

Yingluck said she would like December to be the month of happiness for Thais when Thais celebrate His Majesty the King’s birthday on December 5. She said she would like Thais to be united during the time of celebration for His Majesty.

The prime minister also called on the media to focus on reports about festive activities and His Majesty’s activities as part of the celebration. She said the media should be constructive and avoid presenting news that would fan hatred among the people.

We have the feeling that the old team is back at it. Both sides now face risks and opportunities. Suthep Thaugsuban can’t claim victory, but re-mobilizing protesters isn’t easy. He loses momentum, and he has certainly faced a severe threat because he clammed up very quickly. For the Puea Thai and the government, they can can now regroup and rethink, but it is clear that they have also been “disciplined.” If they stay on, are they now at the beck and call of the military? The only way for the government to break out would seem to be an election.

If there was an election, will the masses and diehard red shirts support Puea Thai again? PPT thinks they would, but for all the lies the media is peddling about red shirt and state violence,* the red shirts have been sidelined since they were sent home. Was that an order from the military backed by a threat? We guess it was.

Interesting days ahead after the birthday nonsense is done with.

*Because we can’t be bothered posting on it, we simply point out that Kavi [Larry] Chongkittavorn has managed to produce probably the worst op-ed PPT has read anywhere, ever. It would normally make our weekend laughs post, but this propagandist was once a serious journalist.