Bangkok City Police Crash With Pptv Supporters

[george]

Bangkok city police crash with PPTV supporters

BANGKOK: -- City police crashed with supporters of PPTV supporters on Friday as the city police tried to dismantle a stage erected at Sanam Luang.

However there was no injuries as the city police retreated and filed a complaint with police.

Ruengsak Horarueng, director of Phra Nakhorn said that he assigned about 80 city police to Sanam Luang to dismantle stage of PPTV supporters because they were not allowed to use Sanam Luang for their protest scheduled to start at about 4.30pm Friday.

The protesters started constructing the stage at about 3am and finished at about 5am although they were informed in advance that they could not use the venue.

When the city police started demolish the stage, the supporters intervened, resulting in crash. However the city police retreated out of fear that the situation will escalate.

They instead filed complaint with police.

--The Nation 2007-03-23

[george]

Sonthi says army on standby to deal with Sanam Luang protesters

BANGKOK: -- Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin said the army had been ordered to be on stand by to cope with an untoward incident if the demonstration at Sanam Luang Friday evening gets out of hand.

He said metropolitan police were also on stand by to deal with the rally planned by PTV satellite station of former Palang Dharma Party MPs.

-- The Nation 2007-03-23

[hammered]

When the Thaksin regime banned the PAD from using a venue they quietly moved their events to another. It is ominous that when the TRT which PTV are are banned from using a venue they still go ahead and encourage a clash. It seems like they want and need violence to have any chance of furthering their aims. This is also quite worrying when considering some of the unsavoury characters involved in this PTV thing who unlike the PAD leaders are not averse to open confrontation.

The PAD were also sympathetic to events arranged at venues they demonstarted at and made room for them when they had to. It doesnt look like the PTV TRT Jatuporn circus is too worried about the sports events arranged for Sanam Luang when they have their own agendas to consider.

Having failed to whip up a mob of Ram students thanks to the reasonable intervention of the students to challenge him, it seems Jatuporn has to look for other ways to cause the conflict he clearly desires.

Edited March 23, 2007 by hammered

[A_Traveller]

Sorry but don't you'd think someone at The Nation would know the difference between crash and clash.....

Regards

[Thai-Spy]

Sorry but don't you'd think someone at The Nation would know the difference between crash and clash.....

Regards

Perhaps "crash with" is in the American slang sense of "staying temporarily at the home of"?

After all, politics does make strange bedfellows... (sorry)

[baabaabobo]

Sorry but don't you'd think someone at The Nation would know the difference between crash and clash.....

Regards

Also it wasn't with the supporters but with supporters of the supporters

"crashed with supporters of PPTV supporters"

[Tony Clifton]

Same old violent bunch those TRT supporters huh? Maybe they think it's a football club.

[PeaceBlondie]

Sorry but don't you'd think someone at The Nation would know the difference between crash and clash.....

Regards

Also it wasn't with the supporters but with supporters of the supporters

"crashed with supporters of PPTV supporters"

Those would be the athletic supporters.

[bulmercke]

PTV RALLY

Generals probing TRT role in protest - The Nation - 25.03.07 -

Former members will be prosecuted if they financed demonstration, CNS chief warns

Former Thai Rak Thai Party members are under investigation and will be prosecuted if found to have financially supported an anti-government rally on Friday, junta chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said yesterday.

Council for National Security (CNS) chief Sonthi has a list of former Thai Rak Thai members believed to be behind the Sanam Luang rally organised by PTV.

First Army Region commander Lt-General Prayuth Chanocha suspected an "old political power group" financially supported the rally. Investigators are following the money trail.

"We believe they are behind the rally. Otherwise, the number of people attending would not have been so great. If investigations find a link, we will prosecute them under Council for National Security laws,'' he said.

He said the government had been moderate with protesters but former power cliques exploited this leniency to create political turmoil. "From now on, we have to strictly enforce the law and urge people not to be used as political tools,'' Prayuth said.

A meeting today will consider action against anti-government groups that physically assaulted municipal police on Saturday. "We cannot allow them to hurt officials and escape the law,'' he said.

Prayuth said the CNS was investigating other offences including defamation charges. He referred to an attack against Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda.

PTV chairman Veera Musigapong said another rally would proceed at Sanam Luang on Friday. If it did not receive Bangkok Metropolitan Administration approval, it would gather outside the city hall in protest.

He warned Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin not to discriminate against his group. He said the People's Alliance for Democracy had been permitted use of Sanam Luang in the past.

PTV director Nattawut Saikua said the station would organise provincial rallies soon to gauge opinion there.

Nattawut admitted PTV rallies were not part of its media role. "We wanted to carry a media role but we are not allowed to. So we have to seek justice by organising political rallies,'' he said.

Thai Rak Thai caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang denied the party was behind the Friday protest. Those who spoke were no longer members, he said.

He said former party members now associated with PTV "want to see Thai people exercise their rights to express political views".

I was absolutely no fan of Thaksin but........

.....this statement basically let's the cat out of the bag - it shows how tenaciously and ruthlessly the CNS will go after anyone, even if they're only indirectly involved in organising an event, who challenges their authority and rule.

It's been over six months now since they were able to grasp power undemocratically and instead of allowing avenues and overtures for the emergence of alternative political views and expression - they appear to be tightening their grip on the country and any possible dissent that might challenge them in the future.

Whether or not there are 'free" elections in the future - the CNS will ultimately hold onto the reigns of power - that is now obvious!

Blood will be shed on the streets!

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister says CNS will consider the next rally of PTV

Interior Minister Aree Wongaraya says the Council for National Security (CNS) will consider the appropriateness of PTV’s plan to organize a rally again on March 30th.

Meanwhile, the leading representatives of PTV say the gathering may be held at Bangkok City Hall if justice is not served or Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin has not facilitated the people at the gathering. In response, Mr. Aree says people cannot stop the gathering if it is being held under the regulation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

CNS is not concerned that PTV will criticize Sonthi's polygamous marriage

Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin says he is not worried that the executives of People’s Television (PTV) will criticize his polygamous marriage at the gathering on March 30th.

Gen. Sonthi says Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, the Privy Councilor President and Statesman, has also been criticised by PTV demonstrators even though he is an innocent person. He says the group uses this method to discredit its opposition.

Gen. Sonthi says many sides are concerned that the general public will become a tool of the demonstrators. However, he says the Royal Thai army is informing people about the works of the CNS and the government, especially the mission to encourage people to reconcile and be patriotic.

Gen. Sonthi says police and Bangkok officials are working together to monitor the PTV rally.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 March 2007

[pumpuiman]

"From now on, we have to strictly enforce the law and urge people not to be used as political tools,'' Prayuth said.

This kind of speech will be their downfall.

They want democracy?

Bull.

This is going to pick up steam now.

The junta might want to head down to Pratunam.....they got some good deals on luggage.

[Jai Dee]

CNS not worried about anti-CNS rally

The Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman and Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, says he is not concerned about the anti-government and anti-CNS rally. He says it has long been considered as normal for Thai people to hold a rally.

Gen. Sonthi says the police and army officials and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will watch over the demonstration. At the same time, the government and the Royal Thai Army will have to gather more information on the rally. He says the state officials are trying to calm down the situation, not aggravating it.

Gen. Sonthi also says he is not worried that the People’s Television (PTV) will criticize his polygamous marriage at the rally on March 30th. He says the opposition tries to discredit Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda even though he is an innocent person.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

Supreme Commander tells politicians to think and work for the country

The Supreme Commander and Council for National Security (CNS) member, Gen. Boonsrang Niumpradit, has reminded politicians to think and work for the country.

Gen. Boonsrang says a number of demonstrations were held in the past, and it is time for people to work together to solve the national problems. He says the country is not dealing with political issues alone since many other social problems still need to be worked out.

Gen. Boonsrang says the people who are behind the rally are aware of the current national situation, and they need to know whether they should help solve the problems or create more problems.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 March 2007

[cclub75]

Sonthi is loosing grip with reality. And he's loosing his nerves.

He wants the gvt to extend to Bangkok the emergency decree (valid in the south)... in order to deal with other protesters rally.... !

Last friday, they were 2000...

"I have consulted with the prime minister on the current situation and have explained to him that this current situation would lead to mutiny and chaos in the country."

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=117717

[Mid]

Sonthi is loosing grip with reality. And he's loosing his nerves.

He wants the gvt to extend to Bangkok the emergency decree (valid in the south)... in order to deal with other protesters rally.... !

Last friday, they were 2000...

"I have consulted with the prime minister on the current situation and have explained to him that this current situation would lead to mutiny and chaos in the country."

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=117717

Error: can not find the story!.

[Old Man River]

CNS not worried about anti-CNS rally

The Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman and Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, says he is not concerned about the anti-government and anti-CNS rally. He says it has long been considered as normal for Thai people to hold a rally.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 March 2007

What a difference a day makes.

Yesterday, Gen. Sonthi said he wasn't concerned about the anti-government rally and today he said he wants to evoke the emergency decree in Bangkok that is used in the south because the current situation would lead to mutiny and chaos.

What has happened in the last 24 hours for him to change his mind so abruptly? He seems to be hinting that the farmer's rally at government house is part of a larger plan by the current government's opponents and wants to close it down as soon as possible.

Anyone with other thoughts on this?

[Mid]

Emergency rule may be declared in Bangkok

BangkokPost.com

The government is considering a request by the chief of the military junta to extend to Bangkok the emergency decree created to give security forces sweeping power in the South.

If the law is extended to Bangkok, authorities will have powers to tap phones, search and arrest without warrant and censor news, among other actions.

story is back , and if true

this is a major escalation ...................

[cclub75]

story is back , and if true

this is a major escalation ...................

Well Nation reports the same story.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/28...es_30030459.php

And furthermore, the statement was given to AFP (Agence France Presse) which is a real press agency...

It means that the news is going to be dispatched... world wide.

Another serious blow to the image of Thailand outside.

Anyway I agree with you, it's a bad news. And even if the gvt doesn't comply (but in good logic, CNS controls the gvt), the fact that Sonthi could make such a statement to the foreign press is amazing.

Edited March 28, 2007 by cclub75

[Mid]

"I have proposed to the prime minister that he invoke emergency rule in order to maintain law and order," Sonthi told AFP in a telephone interview.

this will be interesting ....................................

[chanchao]

this will be interesting ......

yes, if not scary.

[hammered]

CNS not worried about anti-CNS rally

The Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman and Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, says he is not concerned about the anti-government and anti-CNS rally. He says it has long been considered as normal for Thai people to hold a rally.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 March 2007

What a difference a day makes.

Yesterday, Gen. Sonthi said he wasn't concerned about the anti-government rally and today he said he wants to evoke the emergency decree in Bangkok that is used in the south because the current situation would lead to mutiny and chaos.

What has happened in the last 24 hours for him to change his mind so abruptly? He seems to be hinting that the farmer's rally at government house is part of a larger plan by the current government's opponents and wants to close it down as soon as possible.

Anyone with other thoughts on this?

And in a bizarre twist the farmers have decided to end their protest and go to Laos:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=117719

I would guess the mind games on both sides will continue to increase as the tax case, the disolution case and others come nearer to court.

[Jai Dee]

PTV seeks permission to use Lan Konmuang for rally purposes this evening

PTV submitted a document requesting to use Lan Konmuang (ลานคนเมือง) to hold its rally this evening. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has allowed PTV to use the venue during 16.30-22.30 hours.

The PTV business development manager Mr. Aree Krainara (อารีย์ ไกรนรา) traveled to Bangkok City Hall to hand the document requesting for the use of Lan Konmuang after the BMA has prohibited the use of Sanam Luang.

Mr. Aree affirms the rally will not be used as political stage to publicly comment about the military coup and the performance of the Council for National Security (CNS). He says PTV will ask for the installation of amplifier microphone from Samranrat Police Station, adding that if the police will not allow the installment, PTV will continue the rally.

Kowit Tharana (โกวิทย์ ธารณา), advisor to Bangkok Governor said that the BMA has allowed PTV to use the venue, but PTV is prohibited to resort to the stage to make comments regarding politics.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 March 2007

[Old Man River]

CNS not worried about anti-CNS rally

The Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman and Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, says he is not concerned about the anti-government and anti-CNS rally. He says it has long been considered as normal for Thai people to hold a rally.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 March 2007

What a difference a day makes.

Yesterday, Gen. Sonthi said he wasn't concerned about the anti-government rally and today he said he wants to evoke the emergency decree in Bangkok that is used in the south because the current situation would lead to mutiny and chaos.

What has happened in the last 24 hours for him to change his mind so abruptly? He seems to be hinting that the farmer's rally at government house is part of a larger plan by the current government's opponents and wants to close it down as soon as possible.

Anyone with other thoughts on this?

And in a bizarre twist the farmers have decided to end their protest and go to Laos:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=117719

I would guess the mind games on both sides will continue to increase as the tax case, the disolution case and others come nearer to court.

So, if the Thai farmers go to Laos and hand back their Thai ID cards as the Bangkok Post story states, does that mean that they will be making visa runs from now on as well?

[Mid]

Kowit Tharana (โกวิทย์ ธารณา), advisor to Bangkok Governor said that the BMA has allowed PTV to use the venue, but PTV is prohibited to resort to the stage to make comments regarding politics.

now we have the BMA banning political comments ??

[chevykanteve]

Everything was supposed to start at 4:30 PM, and now it's 6:30 PM and still no news???!!! The silence is deafening. When will Bangkok get some REAL newspapers and offer REAL reporting?

[chevykanteve]

Here's an interesting update on recent events:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070330/wl_as...hailandpolitics

[andook]

Everything was supposed to start at 4:30 PM, and now it's 6:30 PM and still no news???!!! The silence is deafening. When will Bangkok get some REAL newspapers and offer REAL reporting?

I'm not sure if they are spineless or just useless.

[chevykanteve]

Everything was supposed to start at 4:30 PM, and now it's 6:30 PM and still no news???!!! The silence is deafening. When will Bangkok get some REAL newspapers and offer REAL reporting?

I'm not sure if they are spineless or just useless.

Not spineless. That word kind of implies that they're afraid to stand up to the "establishment". These people might perhaps think that they ARE the establishment. No, not spineless, but "yellowish" in a journalistic sense? As far as "useless" goes, well, if the shoe fits....

Incidentally, I see a certain English-language paper maintains ZERO news coverage about last-night's events. They were scooped by the Hindu Times, among other international papers. Three cheers for India! Hip hip, hurray!