Police Prepare for Protest as Thai Parliament to Vote on New PM

[webfact]

 

BANGKOK, July 13 (TNA) – Police have mobilized two high-pressure water cannon trucks in the parliament compound in anticipation of the demonstrators who plan to gather there today as the parliament convenes to a joint sitting of the House of Representatives and senators to vote for the new prime minister.

 

The vote expected at 5 p.m. will determine whether the Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat can take power after his party won the most seats in the May 14 election.

 

Last night, police deployed two water trucks, two high-pressure water cannon trucks, and a sound amplifier truck on standby.  Officers secured metal panels together to form a barrier around the premises. They also placed 40 shipping containers to block access to the parliament. However, residents in a nearby community can still use the route as usual.

 

Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1206195

 

-- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-07-13

 

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[RanongCat]

Why always say "Protestors" ? The big number of people expected to be there say "supporters" for Pita ! If all not as majority want then maybe same people will be protesters . So already decide to ask for problem?

[edwinchester]

I will never understand how in times like these an oppressive regime can rely on a police force or military to go out and tread on the populace they've sworn to protect.

The vast majority of the police and military are ordinary people most likely held in contempt by the upper heirarchy of Thai society but nonetheless they will still point their water cannon, wield their baton's or fire their weapons at crowds who merely want an overwhelming result respected.

I long for the day when the police and military join hands with these people, because they are the same, refuse to obey evil orders and say enough is enough, your time is over.

[webfact]

Barriers, cargo containers, water cannon around parliament ahead of rally

 

 

The Thai parliament has become a fortress today (Thursday), with about 40 cargo containers being placed at the entrance, exit and around the building, while barriers have been erected on roads to cope with supporters of the Move Forward party, who are expected to turn up in droves late this afternoon to offer moral support to party leader Pita Limjaroenrat.

 

Two water cannon and two water trucks, plus a truck equipped with loud speakers, have been put on standby in the parliament compound.

 

A 50m radius around parliament has been declared off-limits by police to unauthorised people, including demonstrators, until midnight Friday.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/barriers-cargo-containers-water-cannon-around-parliament-ahead-of-rally/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-13

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

[JonnyF]

It seems like the Police already know the result of the vote.

 

Sad times for Thailand.

[Screaming]

2 hours ago, RanongCat said:

Why always say "Protestors" ? The big number of people expected to be there say "supporters" for Pita ! If all not as majority want then maybe same people will be protesters . So already decide to ask for problem?

I would think that the term "Protestors" is more appropriate because they will be there protesting the fact that progressive Pita is not elected as PM because he is not qualified due to his inexperience and being subject to litigation based on the fact that he owned shares in a media company and his involvement in legal provisions against defaming the monarchy.

[proton]

They will have to water canon most of Bangkok, all but one of the seats were won by Pitas party

[proton]

10 minutes ago, Screaming said:

I would think that the term "Protestors" is more appropriate because they will be there protesting the fact that progressive Pita is not elected as PM because he is not qualified due to his inexperience and being subject to litigation based on the fact that he owned shares in a media company and his involvement in legal provisions against defaming the monarchy.

The old inexperienced excuse, the voters disagree! What experience did the last PM have when he bullied his way into the job?

Edited July 13, 2023 by proton

[bannork]

There's speculation on the internet that government MPs and some senators will walk out this afternoon before the vote, thus ensuring a quorum of members cannot be met and hence the vote for PM is cancelled.

The reason is to let the Constitutional Court consider Pita's case first before Parliament's second vote on the 19th.

No doubt they're all hoping he gets suspended so they're not faced with having to explain why they rejected the election winner.

 

[edwinchester]

40 minutes ago, Screaming said:

I would think that the term "Protestors" is more appropriate because they will be there protesting the fact that progressive Pita is not elected as PM because he is not qualified due to his inexperience and being subject to litigation based on the fact that he owned shares in a media company and his involvement in legal provisions against defaming the monarchy.

It matters not that you think he's inexperienced, millions of Thais like his policies and want him as Prime Minister. ITV is a media company in absolutely nothing but name and hasn't been one for at least 15 years. Defaming the monarchy. Shame we cannot argue that point. All I'll say is that reform is not defamation.

[Raybangkok]

Under the current constitution the role of PM does not need to be held by an MP so Pita can still be elected. No different to the outgoing PM who was not an elected MP.

[eisfeld]

37 minutes ago, Raybangkok said:

Under the current constitution the role of PM does not need to be held by an MP so Pita can still be elected. No different to the outgoing PM who was not an elected MP.

Quote

Section 171. ...
The Prime Minister must be a member of the House of Representatives appointed under section 172

 

[zzaa09]

3 hours ago, Screaming said:

I would think that the term "Protestors" is more appropriate because they will be there protesting the fact that progressive Pita is not elected as PM because he is not qualified due to his inexperience and being subject to litigation based on the fact that he owned shares in a media company and his involvement in legal provisions against defaming the monarchy.

What might you mean by progressive? 

[bob smith]

they are well within their rights to protest against this disgusting regime. wear your helmets, masks and goggles.

 

good luck everyone and stay safe!

[The Old Bull]

A general strike would work better than any street protest.