Chamlong Srimuang Arrested

[Plus]

When will our prolific posters start posting actual news?

The parliament had been surrounded by PAD since 1AM, by now the government has taken it back, apparently.

There's no live feed on pantamit.com, for some reason, and Nation's breaking news are silent.

Off to Soap TV.

[Artisi]

From TOC:

BREAKING NEWS: Police Use Tear Gas to Disperse Rally at Parliament

UPDATE : 7 October 2008

Police have fired tear gas into the PAD protestors gathered at Parliament, resulting in countless injuries. Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has been adamant that today's planned policy declaration of his administration before Parliament must go ahead.

Wasn't us that fired the tear gas - must have been a third party trying to cause problems

[Artisi]

When will our prolific posters start posting actual news?

The parliament had been surrounded by PAD since 1AM, by now the government has taken it back, apparently.

There's no live feed on pantamit.com, for some reason, and Nation's breaking news are silent.

Off to Soap TV.

Live on ASTV

[sriracha john]

Protestor Lost Limb from Police's Action

Television stations have shown footage of a PAD protestor who lost his left leg from the knee down as a result of the police's tear gas crackdown.

A reporter for Jor Sor 100 radio station sustained serious injuries to his back.

The injured have been sent to Wachira and nearby hospitals to receive medical treatment.

- TOC / 3 minutes ago

[sriracha john]

Police fire tear gas on Thai parliament protesters

BANGKOK (AFP / 9 minutes ago) - Thai police fired tear gas to try and disperse thousands of anti-government protesters massing outside parliament on Tuesday, local television channels reported.

Police fired off the rounds at about 6.20am (2320 GMT Monday) after rumours circulated that authorities would break up the fresh rally, state-run Channel Nine and Channel Three reported.

Thousands of supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) marched to parliament late Monday, using trucks to try and seal off the building ahead of an address by the new Cabinet.

Thailand's new government are due on Tuesday to deliver their first policy address to the house, but the protesters are demanding the elected administration step down.

Protesters have occupied Bangkok's main government compound since late August, but many moved to nearby parliament Monday evening after lawmakers agreed in principle to amend the constitution -- a move that the PAD opposes.

PAD leaders are demanding that the elected government step down because of its links to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

[Plus]

ASTV broadcasts from Government House,

saw Channel 3 news report from parilament - it's a bloody mess there. The police cleared the area, but I don't think there will be parliament meeting today.

[h90]

Police fire tear gas on Thai parliament protesters

BANGKOK (AFP / 9 minutes ago) - Thai police fired tear gas to try and disperse thousands of anti-government protesters massing outside parliament on Tuesday, local television channels reported.

Police fired off the rounds at about 6.20am (2320 GMT Monday) after rumours circulated that authorities would break up the fresh rally, state-run Channel Nine and Channel Three reported.

Thousands of supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) marched to parliament late Monday, using trucks to try and seal off the building ahead of an address by the new Cabinet.

Thailand's new government are due on Tuesday to deliver their first policy address to the house, but the protesters are demanding the elected administration step down.

Protesters have occupied Bangkok's main government compound since late August, but many moved to nearby parliament Monday evening after lawmakers agreed in principle to amend the constitution -- a move that the PAD opposes.

PAD leaders are demanding that the elected government step down because of its links to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

From the Nation:

Police fire dozens of tear gases at protesters

That must be extreme whats happening there

[sriracha john]

Police fire tear gas against crowd

BANGKOK, Thailand - Police fired tear gas Tuesday at several thousand demonstrators attempting to block access by lawmakers to the Parliament building in the Thai capital.

Reporters at the scene Tuesday saw at least one person injured by the gas. Sounds of gunfire were also heard, but senior police officials said that only tear gas was being used against the crowd.

"I don't think there are many injuries," police Major General Viboon Bangthamai said.

The protests are part of an effort by the People's Alliance for Democracy to bring down the government, which it says is merely a proxy for ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in 2006 by military leaders who accused him of corruption and who now resides in exile.

The alliance, which is also occupying the prime minister's residence, marshaled the protesters around streets leading to the Parliament during the night.

Police moved in and early morning fired 40 to 50 canisters of tear gas against more than 4,000 of the demonstrators.

Lawmakers were due to enter Parliament for a session later Tuesday.

Thailand has been wracked in recent months by political turmoil that has all but paralyzed the government.

- Associated Press / 3 minutes ago

[Ricardo]

The resulting deaths would have been just as illegal, to me, as the unpunished drug-war murders, or the death of that loony who tried to take a gun through the PAD-lines, he should have been disarmed or handed-over to the BiBs.

My condemnation in the previous post.

If it has not been proved to PAD supporters on this forum before the PAD are not peaceful in any way. The group is filled with hired ex-military that are paid (proven)

So having claimed first that PAD-supporters are all sheep who are under-employed grannies, or brainwashed fanatics, you now flip-flop to claim that they are instead all paid and heavily-armed mercenaries. Which is it ? Unfortunately my wife, when visiting Government House, failed to meet any of these colourful individuals/sheep you describe.

and have a stash of weaponary including guns, which has been proved countless times on various independant media.

Weren't the guns discovered, in some sort of armoury, inside the Government House, with photos quickly publicised by the PAD, to avoid any such mistaken claims that these were their guns ?

PAD beat a government supporter to death. (Well documented) How quickly all you peace lovers forget that. It was not in defence but in intent to kill if you havnt seen the media of that night just you tube it. Im sure you will agree that it wasnt in self defence.

You have already, only the previous post & repeated at the top of this one, seen my own condemnation of that death, how quickly you yourself forgot this !

Sondhi: the personal security gets paid because they are the ex-policemen and ex-military. They are professionals.

(source: Asia Times Online)

And all, as shown in the picture, armed-to-the-teeth, erm ... erm ...

(My comments shown in red)

[Plus]

SJ to the resque, as usual.

I guess Permanent Disorder is busy compiling "PAD beats up the police" presentation.

[h90]

SJ to the resque, as usual.

I guess Permanent Disorder is busy compiling "PAD beats up the police" presentation.

Photoshop is a great invention. At the moment he is copying the Swastikas on the clapping hands and exchange umbrellas to AKA-47.

[sriracha john]

PAD siege broken

Riot police launched a surprise tear-gas raid Tuesday morning to break up a siege and tear down barricades at parliament erected up overnight by supporters of the PAD. At around 6.20am, the PAD protesters retreated as unarmed police with shields and face masks moved through the barbed-wire barricades on Sukhothai and Rachavithi roads and tore them down. Several people, including a local radio news reporter, were injured but it was not clear how their wounds occurred. One man appeared to have been hit by a tear-gas grenade as it exploded, tearing off part of his leg.

PM and Defence Minister Somchai Wongsawat ordered police to clear the way into parliament for the scheduled policy debate on Tuesday morning.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/tops...s.php?id=131152

[Artisi]

SJ to the resque, as usual.

I guess Permanent Disorder is busy compiling "PAD beats up the police" presentation.

Yes it will bring out the usual wacko's like P D - making stupid claims while quoting real thinkers to back up their pathetic ravings.

[sriracha john]

There's a new thread for these Parliament tear-gassing reports and discussion...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Police-Fire-...96#entry2259296

I'll leave this thread for the Chamlong arrest reports and discussion.

Edited October 7, 2008 by sriracha john

[jumnien]

THE COUP OF 2008 - It is interesting how the popular press is reticent to call these PAD actions an attempted coup. It is led by the PAD with military backing, paramilitary units and threats of military action. The PAD units have been occupying government buildings and preventing the operation of a democratically elected government. Thus far, they have been granted immunity by the military whose watchful eye prevents the courts and police from doing their job.

Let there be no mistake about the elitist nature of the coup. No one really believes that if a group such as DAAD, an organization of the poor, a union of farmers, etc. would have been allowed and encouraged to occupy government institutions. If the coup of 2006 was a coup for the rich, the coup of 2008 must be a coup for the super-rich!

[Plus]

copying the Swastikas on the clapping hands...

There's a short story in paper Nation about Thaksin supporters from Chiang Mai who are going to produce their own version of clapping hands. They will symbolize "unity and democracy", and be shaped in form a fist, and be colored red.

Presumably meant to be applied to PADs' heads to ensure proper understanding of "unity".

[Ricardo]

SJ to the resque, as usual.

I guess Permanent Disorder is busy compiling "PAD beats up the police" presentation.

Yes it will bring out the usual wacko's like P D - making stupid claims while quoting real thinkers to back up their pathetic ravings.

Perhaps there might be some wise words from President Bush, on freedom-fighters and terrorists, to cover this situation ? Or perhaps not.

[animatic]

copying the Swastikas on the clapping hands...

There's a short story in paper Nation about Thaksin supporters from Chiang Mai who are going to produce their own version of clapping hands. They will symbolize "unity and democracy", and be shaped in form a fist, and be colored red.

Presumably meant to be applied to PADs' heads to ensure proper understanding of "unity".

The red fist of unity.

How lovely, and these people don't see the irony of course.

One Party, that controls all, unites all in it's image. Brooks no dissenting voices

One red fist to bring all others into line with the central vision.

I wonder what the academics will make of this one....?

The red fist of unity. Troll food with extra butter.

Should get Predelictionto_Distemper's panties in a twist of joy.

Edited October 7, 2008 by animatic

[Ricardo]

If it has not been proved to PAD supporters on this forum before the PAD are not peaceful in any way. The group is filled with hired ex-military that are paid (proven) and have a stash of weaponary including guns, which has been proved countless times on various independant media.

If the above statement were true, where were these armed mercenaries this morning, while the sheep/grannies/brainwashed/children were under attack by the police ?

To demonstrate which side was the more peaceful, you need only count the casualties, as the PM pursues reconciliation PPP/TRT-style.

[animatic]

If it has not been proved to PAD supporters on this forum before the PAD are not peaceful in any way. The group is filled with hired ex-military that are paid (proven) and have a stash of weaponary including guns, which has been proved countless times on various independant media.

If the above statement were true, where were these armed mercenaries this morning, while the sheep/grannies/brainwashed/children were under attack by the police ?

To demonstrate which side was the more peaceful, you need only count the casualties, as the PM pursues reconciliation PPP/TRT-style.

Ditto.

Except I don't think Kuhn Somchai is in control of things at the moment,

the long tendrils from Kensington are pulling on those properly placed friends

and lieges in police and post army reshuffle hierchy's.

[hammered]

If it has not been proved to PAD supporters on this forum before the PAD are not peaceful in any way. The group is filled with hired ex-military that are paid (proven) and have a stash of weaponary including guns, which has been proved countless times on various independant media.

If the above statement were true, where were these armed mercenaries this morning, while the sheep/grannies/brainwashed/children were under attack by the police ?

To demonstrate which side was the more peaceful, you need only count the casualties, as the PM pursues reconciliation PPP/TRT-style.

Ditto.

Except I don't think Kuhn Somchai is in control of things at the moment,

the long tendrils from Kensington are pulling on those properly placed friends

and lieges in police and post army reshuffle hierchy's.

A very pertinent point. the police hierarchy has been totally filled with Thaksinistas now and anyhting they do will by politicians above. Quite who that is I am not sure it may not be T himself but rather an appointed person. However, no police action will be taken without approval. Straight after the reshuffle was in effect Cahiwat was arrested and that spraked the return to confrontation. By the way confrontation is what Thaksin needs. Negotiation means he loses.

I am not at all sure though that the military has been stuffed. I suspect interference there was off limits. Expect calls to the military to protect the people. The media reports and reactions from a variety of powerful sectors already identifies the police as being seen as having gone too far. Somchai may say they went easy and that he was more concerned with running his little debate than protestor injuries but that will be a lonely position judging from reaction we hear.

[thaigene2]

THE COUP OF 2008 - It is interesting how the popular press is reticent to call these PAD actions an attempted coup. It is led by the PAD with military backing, paramilitary units and threats of military action. The PAD units have been occupying government buildings and preventing the operation of a democratically elected government. Thus far, they have been granted immunity by the military whose watchful eye prevents the courts and police from doing their job.

Let there be no mistake about the elitist nature of the coup. No one really believes that if a group such as DAAD, an organization of the poor, a union of farmers, etc. would have been allowed and encouraged to occupy government institutions. If the coup of 2006 was a coup for the rich, the coup of 2008 must be a coup for the super-rich!

Yep - and if the people behind this get their way we'll all be bowing to everybody and anybody driving a Benz or wearing whatever is the special colour of the day..Special wardrobes designed only for those of Baht-Pedigree. Or those with big hats or big hairdo's - that's the extreme end of the scale of course. But given how the last military-appointed nationalist govt tried (but failed thankfully) to pass a law that effectively barred anyone criticizing a hi-so or member of the privy council with threats of lese majeste as the charge, then it doesn't seem that far fetched, does it?

[hammered]

THE COUP OF 2008 - It is interesting how the popular press is reticent to call these PAD actions an attempted coup. It is led by the PAD with military backing, paramilitary units and threats of military action. The PAD units have been occupying government buildings and preventing the operation of a democratically elected government. Thus far, they have been granted immunity by the military whose watchful eye prevents the courts and police from doing their job.

Let there be no mistake about the elitist nature of the coup. No one really believes that if a group such as DAAD, an organization of the poor, a union of farmers, etc. would have been allowed and encouraged to occupy government institutions. If the coup of 2006 was a coup for the rich, the coup of 2008 must be a coup for the super-rich!

Yep - and if the people behind this get their way we'll all be bowing to everybody and anybody driving a Benz or wearing whatever is the special colour of the day..Special wardrobes designed only for those of Baht-Pedigree. Or those with big hats or big hairdo's - that's the extreme end of the scale of course. But given how the last military-appointed nationalist govt tried (but failed thankfully) to pass a law that effectively barred anyone criticizing a hi-so or member of the privy council with threats of lese majeste as the charge, then it doesn't seem that far fetched, does it?

TG what you describe is pretty much Thailand today

[animatic]

THE COUP OF 2008 - It is interesting how the popular press is reticent to call these PAD actions an attempted coup. It is led by the PAD with military backing, paramilitary units and threats of military action. The PAD units have been occupying government buildings and preventing the operation of a democratically elected government. Thus far, they have been granted immunity by the military whose watchful eye prevents the courts and police from doing their job.

Let there be no mistake about the elitist nature of the coup. No one really believes that if a group such as DAAD, an organization of the poor, a union of farmers, etc. would have been allowed and encouraged to occupy government institutions. If the coup of 2006 was a coup for the rich, the coup of 2008 must be a coup for the super-rich!

Yep - and if the people behind this get their way we'll all be bowing to everybody and anybody driving a Benz or wearing whatever is the special colour of the day..Special wardrobes designed only for those of Baht-Pedigree. Or those with big hats or big hairdo's - that's the extreme end of the scale of course. But given how the last military-appointed nationalist govt tried (but failed thankfully) to pass a law that effectively barred anyone criticizing a hi-so or member of the privy council with threats of lese majeste as the charge, then it doesn't seem that far fetched, does it?

TG what you describe is pretty much Thailand today

Yep, no real difference.

it IS the asian way to kow tow to the rich and powerful anyway.

[Payboy]

Chamlong Srimuang Arrested

hope they haven't taken away his clapper.....

[animatic]

THE COUP OF 2008 - It is interesting how the popular press is reticent to call these PAD actions an attempted coup. It is led by the PAD with military backing, paramilitary units and threats of military action. The PAD units have been occupying government buildings and preventing the operation of a democratically elected government. Thus far, they have been granted immunity by the military whose watchful eye prevents the courts and police from doing their job.

Let there be no mistake about the elitist nature of the coup. No one really believes that if a group such as DAAD, an organization of the poor, a union of farmers, etc. would have been allowed and encouraged to occupy government institutions. If the coup of 2006 was a coup for the rich, the coup of 2008 must be a coup for the super-rich!

Yep - and if the people behind this get their way we'll all be bowing to everybody and anybody driving a Benz or wearing whatever is the special colour of the day..Special wardrobes designed only for those of Baht-Pedigree. Or those with big hats or big hairdo's - that's the extreme end of the scale of course. But given how the last military-appointed nationalist govt tried (but failed thankfully) to pass a law that effectively barred anyone criticizing a hi-so or member of the privy council with threats of lese majeste as the charge, then it doesn't seem that far fetched, does it?

TG what you describe is pretty much Thailand today

Yep, no real difference.

it IS the asian way to kow tow to the rich and powerful anyway.

[Samuian]

.....edited.....

husband, don't waste your time talking with him. he is only here for bickering, can prove nothing

"Pojamarn, is it you? rushing in for help?

[sriracha john]

Health Promotion Foundation gives lotuses to Chamlong

Health Promotion Foundation of Thailand presented lotus flowers to Major General Chamlong in honor of his health-conscious stance.

Thailand’s Health Promotion Foundation offered lotus flowers to the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD)’s key leader, Major General Chamlong Srimuang, as he had significantly contributed to the implementation of public health laws.

Dr. Supakorn Buasai, Director of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation stated, after giving lotus flowers to Major General Chamlong Srimuang, that he personally admired the Major General and acknowledged all efforts he had done in the past.

Major General Chamlong had played an essential role in pushing forward health-related decrees, including two tobacco control acts, opposition movement against alcohol beverage companies entering the stock market, and alcohol control act that was put into effect since February this year.

- ThaiNews / 2008-10-06

*edited to reflect correct date

Edited October 8, 2008 by sriracha john

[didivolk]

You must be total stupid are you ??

Chamlong getting arrested has certainly brought all the wacko's out again to beat their pathetic drum over and over again. Same old rhetoric, rubbish and ravings most of which doesn't make much sense.

PAD might not be the final answer but it certanly beats the current alternative by a long shot.

[sriracha john]

rather surprised it's not already been posted yet, but....

Chamlong and Chaiwat released on bail

People's Alliance for Democracy leader Chamlong Srimuang and Chaiwat Sinsuwong are released on bail after Appeals Court has dropped treason charges against PAD leaders on Thursday.

Both leaders who were arrested last week on treason charges vowed to return to lead the anti-government protest at the Government House. Protesters erupted in cheers upon learning about the release.

Chamlong said after being released that he will return to the protest site at the Government as soon as possible.

In separate interview, Chaiwat said he thanked the Appeals Court for dropping the treason charges.

Commenting on negotiation with the government, Chaiwat said everybody should wait and see to see whether Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, who is the brother-in-law of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra, was sincere or not in solving the ongoing political crisis.

Chamlong earlier changed his mind to seek release on bail. Earlier he and Chaiwat refused to seek release on bail, saying that the treason charge against them was vague.

Earlier Democrat MP and PAD leader Somkiat Pongpaiboon said that Chamlong decided to seek release on bail after talking with his wife, Siriluck, because the presence of Chamlong in the protest would give moral support to the activities.

Somkiat said Chamlong would rejoin the protesters, who have been occupying Government House, as soon as he is freed.

Deputy police spokesman Surapon Thuanthong said that police would raise no objections if the arrested PAD leaders wanted to be free on bail.

The Appeals Court yesterday ruled in favour of the PAD leaders by dropping treason charges against them.

The Court said the supporting evidence of the treason charges filed by the police against nine PAD leaders were vague.

However arrest warrants against them for conspiring with more than 10 people to cause disturbances or physical harms are still intact.

Upon learning the court's decision, Sondhi Limthongkul, a PAD leader, said he and other leaders were ready to surrender to police on the remaining charges. They are willing to fight the other charges, but not that of treason, which they deem unjustified. They will then ask to be freed on bail, Sonthi said.

- The Nation / 2008-10-09