A lot can happen in a day....especially here in Thailand

Everyone knew today was a big day.  The Constitutional Court was set to decide the fate of the ruling party.  As expected, the court dissolve the PPP and 2 smaller parties on charges of vote-buying. Emotions were high on both sides.  The pro-government group has been threatening violence if the court ruled against them.  Army and police were on high alert and dispatched around the court.

Army and police were also stationed at the Government House in case pro-government protesters tried to make a run for the PAD and anti-government side.

Early this morning, before the court decision, there was a protest of 5000 people on a main business street demanding the government resign and both sides stop fights. This was not a PAD group. Actually they were not really in support of PAD but they were in support for a change and felt this government was not able to lead the country and should step down.

Once the court verdict was announced, lots of rejoicing at the airport and on the streets as well.  Many people want to believe this is the end of the current saga.  I however feel it is the beginning of a new one.

The powers that be will not walk away.  This is no longer just about getting more power and wealth, this has turned personal.  I would like to believe there will be a change but this change will be hard fought.  Many believe that due to the influence of money, the banned will just rename to a new party and continue the same bankrupt policies as before.  Vote buying will not stop until the people stop.  That will take time.

The PAD announced an end to the occupation of the airports and Government House at 10 AM local time Wednesday.  No one knows what will happen to the PAD movement but clearly it will remain, in some fashion, a part of Thai history.

EDIT IN: 

You will find in the comments below a great deal of inflammatory and false statements by some about what PAD stands for.

Some are opinions which are usually based upon some degree of truth. Most of them however fall under the category of unsubstantiated propoganda.  This is exactly what the government and pro-thaksin people are using to continue to divide the country .

I have tried several times to get the writers to provide any proof of their claims.  They cannot.     They claim removing peoples right to vote but cannot support this.

They claim PAD violence but fail to state that more than 85% of the violent acts were against the PAD.  They don't mention the father that was killed up North because his son was a PAD supporter.  Or the young man and woman that were killed by riot police or the nearly 400 injured even though they were protesting peacefully.  Or the mobs in Udon and other places that violently attacked PAD supporters at rallies.  Or the frequent grenade attacks at PAD locations.

They omit the numerous criminal cases, and billions of dollars in questionable gains by the former PM and his cronies. Or he is a fugutive from thai justice yet blasts the PAD and says that law breakers should face their penalty.    All of the above can be supported

When someone really takes an objective look at the situation they undertand.   I have not and do not support all that the PAD has done.   I also know there is questionable history with some key players.  But I also know that what the anti-PAD writers are saying here are generally false statements  meant to divide.  It is my belief they are in fact the ones trying to incite a class conflit here.

As soon as one of them can produce any real facts to support their statements of removing peoples right to vote or other damning claims, I will be right there to condemn.  But until then, remember what you are reading from them is subjective and unsubstantiated rhetoric, not fact in any sense of the word.

Thanks....