Bangkok on high alert for violence

[sriracha john]

Hmmm...so let's see... "nine judges appointed by the military-backed government" are to determine whether the junta generals and all of their buddies can continue lining their pockets with huge sums of baht, supress ANY opposition and remain in control for years to come, OR allow democracy??!!

Wow, this should be a real nail-biter, eh?

You'd have to be daft, completely ignorant or just got off the plane yesterday to think that their predecided ruling will be anything other than the obvious...

PJ, nailed it in one pal.

Actually he didn't "nail" anything... if one considers what positions the judges held before and who ultimately approved their appointment... but oh well... his comments sure "sound" like a ball of fire... too bad there's no substance to them.

[sriracha john]

Look at those who have threatened violence if the Constitution Tribunal rules against them tomorrow. Their anger, even before the ruling, is only because they may lose the case, and thus their precious political positions and power. In a word, they are selfish.

- BANGKOK POST

While , instead, CNS members and Constitutional judges are surely completely devoted to the good of the Kingdom.

Source of the above quote clarified.

However, it is noteworthy to add that the judges, particularly following His Majesty the King's speech, are far more devoted to the good of the Kingdom than whatever mob gang for hire that is mentioned in the quoted article.

Edited May 29, 2007 by sriracha john

[Pepe']

Please some say that this is not as serious as it sounds...

It is not as serious as it sounds.

Samut Sakhorn is far away from Sanam Luang etc.

And even if it should come to violence tomorrow then there is one huge difference to May '92: nowadays police and army do have riot gear and training which they did not have then.

--------------------------

Thanks ColPyat. That's somewhat reassuring. I worry about them. They're the only family I've got...

[sriracha john]

Verdict fears force closure of schools

Many schools in the city have cancelled classes today, fearing unrest and worried for their studients' safety in the wake of the party dissolution decision. They include Rajini, Benjamarachalai, Satriwithaya, Suksanari, Yothinburana Watbowonniwet, Mathayom Watmakutkasat and Wat Rajbopit schools, as well as the Dramatic Arts College. Another school, Suankularb Wittayalai, on its website cited student safety and traffic problems as reasons for its closure today. It also referred to Praratchawang police station's request to cancel afternoon classes. Speculation has been rife about possible chaos if any heavyweight party is ordered to shut down. Police were looking for three fire extinguishers which went missing from a supermarket in Lat Phrao district yesterday, fearing they may be used to make bombs, as has often happened in the deep South. Each fire extinguisher could hold a bomb of up to 25kg, police said. Beefed-up security was apparent in inner-city Bangkok, particularly around the Constitution Court where the fate of five parties will be sealed today.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/30May2007_news06.php

[sriracha john]

The Education Ministry decided to close all schools near the top court's compound today - for safety reasons. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority's Wat Liab office, which is nearby, will also be closed.

Fears of violence prompted Proctor and Gamble Manufacturing to allow its employees to voluntarily work from home, even though its premises are not near the court.

Mobile phone signals around the courthouse will be cut off starting at noon today - at the request of tribunal officials - until the much-awaited verdicts are read out, or even until later on, to prevent any possibility of wireless detonation of bombs within the area.

Both banks of Ong Ang Canal at the back of the tribunal compound have been cleared of pedestrians, following intelligence tips that hand grenades could be hurled into the compound by people hired to cause disruption, or instigate violence among supporters of either political parties.

Checkpoints have been set up at entry and exit points in and out of Bangkok manned jointly by both police and soldiers to watch for possible violence between supporters of the political parties involved or between anti-junta activists and troops. The Navy is responsible for security on the Thon Buri side and the Air Force for areas in northern Bangkok.

Bangkok-based police and the First Army Area had promised they could handle a large number of people referred to as "mob in red shirts" that would be supported by taxi motorcyclists and taxi drivers, if they roamed city streets to cause trouble. The mob was expected to vent anger to a verdict that results in both the Democrat and Thai Rak Thai parties being disbanded.

- The Nation

[Jai Dee]

Metropolitan policemen ready to handle judgment day concerning party dissolution

Metropolitan policemen attended a meeting to prepare themselves for the aftermath of the verdict, the verdict concerning party dissolution case.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Adisorn Nonsri (อดิศร นนทรีย์) has called upon all levels of policemen and other relevant authorities to revise security measures for today's judgment day. Some measures have been tightened up to ensure policemen will have all situations under control.

Pol Lt Gen Adisorn has also reported the security measures to the meeting of the Council for National Security (CNS).

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

[Jai Dee]

Minister Thira instructs provincial agriculture officials to monitor farmers heading to BKK to rally

Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thira Sutabutr (ธีระ สูตะบุตร), instructs provincial agriculture officials across the country to monitor movements of farmers who are heading to Bangkok to join demonstration on the party dissolution case today.

However, the minister says he believes that farmers have no motivation to rally at the ministry to stir up the situation tomorrow as the ministry has already resolved some of their major problems.

Yesterday at around 16.30 hrs., two trucks of the First Army Area Command, each transporting 20 military officers, have entered the ministry and will be stationed there for the next 2-3 days to deal with demonstrators who might create violent incidents.

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

[Canadianvisitor]

I am sure Thaksin is rubbing his hands in glee.

[Bruce1]

Hoprefully they won't dissolve either party, but will just recommend charges against certain people. That could defuse the situation.

[hammered]

Hoprefully they won't dissolve either party, but will just recommend charges against certain people. That could defuse the situation.

That is the verdict now being touted by analysts outside Thailand and some within, but with bans. Whatever the verdict is they have done well to keep it secret until now.

Edited May 30, 2007 by hammered

[Jai Dee]

Key political members being closely watched by security officials

The Assistant Secretary-General of the Council for National Security (CNS), Gen. Saprang Kalayanamitr, says the army officials are keeping a close watch on leading members of different political parties and activist groups, to prevent violence from happening. He says the army officials will be able to reach the core political members and activists instantly if crisis occurs.

Gen. Saprang says the army’s preparation today (May 30) cannot be compared to the army’s operation during the recent coup on September 19th, 2006 because the plans and the situations are different. This time, the army is implementing the Pitak 1 security plan, and no forces will be used since people can blame the army for causing social disorder in Thailand.

Gen. Saprang believes no unrest will take place because political party leaders have agreed to accept the Constitutional Court’s verdict on the party dissolution case. Gen. Saprang says people have to respect the court’s decision.

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

[hammered]

Key political members being closely watched by security officials

The Assistant Secretary-General of the Council for National Security (CNS), Gen. Saprang Kalayanamitr, says the army officials are keeping a close watch on leading members of different political parties and activist groups, to prevent violence from happening. He says the army officials will be able to reach the core political members and activists instantly if crisis occurs.

Gen. Saprang says the army’s preparation today (May 30) cannot be compared to the army’s operation during the recent coup on September 19th, 2006 because the plans and the situations are different. This time, the army is implementing the Pitak 1 security plan, and no forces will be used since people can blame the army for causing social disorder in Thailand.

Gen. Saprang believes no unrest will take place because political party leaders have agreed to accept the Constitutional Court’s verdict on the party dissolution case. Gen. Saprang says people have to respect the court’s decision.

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

I would bet Thammarak would be highest on the list. He probably has an army of reporters following him too. I hope it doesnt drive him to drink

[Jai Dee]

Metropol Police deploys 10,000 officers to safeguard Constitutional Court

The Metropolitan Police Bureau has deployed about 10,000 police officers to provide security and to patrol the area around the Constitutional Court which is scheduled to announce verdicts on the political party dissolution case today.

Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol. Lt. Gen.Adison Nontree (อดิศร นนทรีย์), discloses that the police will follow the Makara (มกรา) 50 and Korakot (กรกฏ) 48 plans to protect important persons and places, especially the Constitutiona; Court. The police bureau has dispatched four battalions, each consists of 900 police officers, to be stationed at the court as it expects that a large number of people will come to gather in front of the court to listen to the verdicts today.

The commissioner adds that if the number of people exceeds 5,000, the police will have to close the road which leads from the Phra Pokkhlao (พระปกเกล้า) in font of the court in order to provide maximum security for civilians.

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

[Jai Dee]

Sequence of events so far today (from The Nation):

Thai Rak Thai Party

10am : Party leader Jaturon Chaisaeng arrives at the party headquarter on Rama III Road.

9:00 am: Leading members start arriving at the party head office. They include Sutham Saengprathoom and Wichit Plungsrikul.

Former MP Thirachai Saenkaew is seen wearing Jatukham talisman to the party head office.

8:00 am: Thai Rak Thai leader Chaturon Chaisang has not arrived at the party head office yet.

6:00 am: Reporters arrive at the party head office to make prepartions for covering the event.

The party sets up a stage in front its head office. The stage uses a red backdrop with wording printed as: "To fight on for the people with democratic ideology of Thai Rak Thai".

Democrat Party

8:00 am: Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva arrives at his party head office. He tells reporters that he slept well Tuesday night. He expresses confidence the Democrat name will remain no matter how the ruling against his party will come out.

6:00 am: Reporters arrive at the party head office.

Some party executive arrive at the head office.

[ColPyat]

Please some say that this is not as serious as it sounds...

It is not as serious as it sounds.

Samut Sakhorn is far away from Sanam Luang etc.

And even if it should come to violence tomorrow then there is one huge difference to May '92: nowadays police and army do have riot gear and training which they did not have then.

--------------------------

Thanks ColPyat. That's somewhat reassuring. I worry about them. They're the only family I've got...

As long as they stay out of street politics, the biggest worry for the average Thai youth are motorcycle races and similar stuff like gangs, etc., like always.

I have to say that i am disgusted by the reporting and the militaristic comments of the government, as if they want something to happen. It's making people needlessly scared.

[Jai Dee]

Constitution Tribunal judges arrive at Constitution Court

At 8.30, the nine members of the Constitution Tribunal arrived at the Office of the Constitution Court. They all came from the Supreme Court in a van, escorted by Metropolitan Police commander and police officer in a cascade of 10 vehicles.

Arriving at the office, they went to the back of the building and got upstairs immediately.

At and around the Office of the Constitution Court, hundreds of police and military officers secure the place.

Metropolitan police lined up from Phra Pokklao Bridge along the roads around the office. Bomb squads with dogs were deployed while bomb detectors and weapon detectors were used.

Source: The Nation - 30 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Metropolitan chief expects rally at Sanam Luang at noon

Metropolitan Police Commander Lt Gen Adisorn Nonsee said mobilized groups from provinces might begin rallying about noon. They might come but the leaders would not show up.

He said 150 Metropolitan Police were assigned to take care of the situation at Sanam Luang where "Saturday Anti-Coup" group said they would give away Jatukam Ramathep amulet for one baht. A lot of people were expected to be there. They reportedly planned to move to the Democracy Monument later.

If the parties are not ruled dissolved, the police would have to continue security measures for the next few days but if they are dissolved, the police will have to revise their security strategies and plans, he said.

Source: The Nation - 30 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Thai Rak Thai Party

10.05am : Some TRT supporters arrive at the party office. When they shake hands with Jaturon. A woman gives an amulet to him and encourages him that the party will not be dissolved.

From The Nation.

[Jai Dee]

Police officers and barricades surround the Constitution Court ahead of today’s electoral fraud verdicts.

Mobile phone signals will be cut and pedestrian traffic behind the court banned this afternoon.

Source: The Nation - 30 May 2007

[ThaiGoon]

He said 150 Metropolitan Police were assigned to take care of the situation at Sanam Luang where "Saturday Anti-Coup" group said they would give away Jatukam Ramathep amulet for one baht. A lot of people were expected to be there. They reportedly planned to move to the Democracy Monument later.

Those shameless selfish people would do anything to get people to come to their rally.

[sriracha john]

Key political members being closely watched by security officials

I would bet Thammarak would be highest on the list. He probably has an army of reporters following him too. I hope it doesnt drive him to drink

Uh oh.....Pass around the whiskey.... your man made the list, but was only deemed to rate as second tier:

The assistant army chief made no denial when asked if the five key Thai Rak Thai leaders were Pol Gen Chidchai Wannasathit, Sudarat Keyuraphan, Prommin Lertsuridej, Newin Chidchob and Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

An army source said the military had been told to closely monitor movements of deputy Thai Rak Thai leader and former defence minister Gen Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya and leading pre-cadet school Class 10 figures, including Gen Trairong Intaratat.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/30May2007_news02.php

=======================

He'll have a hard time living down the notion that a woman, Sudarat, was deemed more intimidating and worthy of tracking ahead of him.

Edited May 30, 2007 by sriracha john

[hammered]

He said 150 Metropolitan Police were assigned to take care of the situation at Sanam Luang where "Saturday Anti-Coup" group said they would give away Jatukam Ramathep amulet for one baht. A lot of people were expected to be there. They reportedly planned to move to the Democracy Monument later.

Those shameless selfish people would do anything to get people to come to their rally.

Apart from being shameless and soemthing that could lead to mayhem violence and death without politcal considerations it may also be act of desperation. Certainly the Saturday mob no longer have any credibilty as a serious political group.

[Jai Dee]

Thai Rak Thai Party

10.15am: Secretary General Suthep Thueksubhan says Party advisor Chuan Leekpai is suitable to be new party leader if in worst case scenario that the party is dissolved.

Many people still support and want to see Chuan, a former prime minister, to take the seat if the Constitutional Tribunal ruled to dissolve the party.

However he says it is up to Chuan whether to accept it or not.

From The Nation.

[mumbu]

Thai Premier to Impose Emergency Rule If Protests Turn Violent

By Beth Jinks and Anuchit Nguyen

May 30 (Bloomberg) -- Thailand's Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said he will order emergency rule in Bangkok if court rulings that may ban Thailand's two main political parties spark violent protests.

Intelligence agencies estimate there will be ``no more than 10,000 people'' rallying, Surayud told reporters late yesterday after returning early from an official visit to China. Surayud will meet with junta leader and army chief Sonthi Boonyarataklin and Defense Minister Boonrawd Somtas for security updates today, he said.

``I don't expect any gathering will turn violent today,'' Surayud said. ``In the worst case, I as prime minister have legal authority to impose an emergency order to maintain the security and stability if there is any violence.''

Nine judges appointed by the junta to a Constitutional Tribunal will rule today whether the former ruling Thai Rak Thai and four other parties, including the Democrat Party, violated election laws last year and should be outlawed. The court also may bar about 160 politicians from contesting elections for up to five years.

The military overthrew the government of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a Sept. 19 coup and has pledged to hold elections in December.

More than 10,000 soldiers and police have been deployed in Bangkok to maintain order, Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman for the junta, which is called the Council for National Security, said yesterday. Checkpoints have been set up to prevent people from the provinces from entering the city, he said.

Phone Services Blocked

Mobile phone services around the Constitutional Court will be blocked at the time of the rulings and public telephone booths have been removed for security reasons, state-controlled TITV Television reported yesterday.

``There is a rumor that there is a coup,'' Sansern told military-run Channel 5 late yesterday. ``The Council for National Security urges the public not to believe that rumor. Everything is under control.''

Both Thai Rak Thai and the Democrat Party have urged supporters to gather at their party headquarters rather than surrounding the court.

``I hope that everybody will accept any ruling by the court today,'' Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters in Bangkok today. ``The political picture will become clearer after today's ruling.''

Thai Rak Thai is accused of breaking election laws by paying smaller parties to run in a snap April 2006 election, while the Democrat Party is alleged to have broken the law by boycotting the vote and encouraging other parties to refuse to take part. The election was later declared invalid by a court. Both parties say they are innocent of the charges.

At least one school in Bangkok is closed today over concern for security.

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej made a public warning last week that ``any ruling'' will cause trouble. The king said political parties ``must exist,'' and urged them to act responsibly.

To contact the reporters on this story: Beth Jinks in Bangkok at [email protected] ; Anuchit Nguyen in Bangkok at [email protected]

[Jai Dee]

Metro Police chief assures situation is under control

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner-General, Pol. Lt. Gen. Adisorn Nonsri, indicates that there have been no reports of the turbulence so far, while assuring the situation is still under control.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Adisorn says he is satisfied with the security measures during the Constitutional Court's ruling on the political parties' dissolution case today (May 30). He says members of the public could also watch and listen to the verdict outside the Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, police checkpoints have been set up to inspect weapons, posters, amplifiers, as well as objects that can be used for creating disorder.

Pol. Lt. Gen Adisorn says he has not yet received any information regarding the unrest situation although bomb threats were made in a couple of places yesterday. He is confident that the reinforcement of police forces at the Constitutional Court will not affect security in other areas.

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner-General says the Saturday People’s Group will distribute Jatukam Ramathep amulets at Sanam Luang today, and 150 police officers have been assigned to oversee security in the area. The Metropolitan Police will readjust its operation plan once the Constitutional Tribunal has ruled the case while providing security to each of the judges.

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

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party

10.20am: Secretary General Suthep Thueksubhan says Party advisor Chuan Leekpai is suitable to be new party leader if in worst case scenario that the party is dissolved.

From The Nation.

[ThaiGoon]

SET index is going up. A good sign that nothing big (and bad) will happen perhaps? (Fingerscrossed)

[Bruce1]

Thai Rak Thai is accused of breaking election laws by paying smaller parties to run in a snap April 2006 election, while the Democrat Party is alleged to have broken the law by boycotting the vote and encouraging other parties to refuse to take part. The election was later declared invalid by a court. Both parties say they are innocent of the charges.

Would have to have been individuals within TRT who allegedly paid the other parties, so unless there was a documented party executive decision to do it (would they be silly enough to put it on paper?), you'd have to speculate that only individuals could be charged, not the party as an organisation.

As for the Democrats, since when is it a crime NOT to contest an election? Many world precedents for boycotts.

So, as a bush lawyer, I can't see any grounds for dissolution there, only for actions against individuals. That's what my Thai friends are predicting. It would be a classic peacemaking compromise - finger a few scapegoats and move on. HM would be pleased I imagine and it would be good politics too.

Edited May 30, 2007 by Bruce1

[Jai Dee]

Thai Rak Thai Party

10.50 am: About 100 supporters gather at the Thai Rak Thai headquarter on Rama III Road. Police close one traffic lane in front of the building, causing a slow traffic trailing to Krungthep Bridge.

All vehicles entering the building are checked amid tight security. Two widescreen TV monitors are installed in front of the building.

Chaturon is still at the party headquarter on Rama III Road. He insisted the party supporters will not cause trouble no matter the verdicts will be.

From The Nation.

[Jai Dee]

1,000 authorities deployed to ensure security around risky venues

Over 1,000 authorities have been dispatched to ensure security around risky venues.

First Army Area Commander Lt Gen Prayut Chan-ocha (ประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา) has deployed over 1,000 authorities to provide security for risky areas, including all six television stations, PTV, and ASTV. People have been requested to aviod traveling to the Office of the Constitutional Court, to prevent chaos.

Reports have stated that an estimated 2,000 protestors will be entering Bangkok, while 4,000-5,000 people are expected to join in rallies held by PTV today.

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