Thousands Protest Outside Thai Privy Council Chairman's Home

[Mid]

Asia-Pacific News

More than 100 injured in anti-junta demonstration

Jul 23, 2007, 4:03 GMT

Bangkok - More than 100 anti-junta demonstrators and police were injured in a clash over the weekend outside the home of former Thai prime minister Prem Tinsulanonda, a senior advisor to the king, protesters and police sources said Monday.

2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

[Mid]

Anti-coup mob goes berserk

Barrage of missiles hits home; Sonthi says 'no' to martial law, but warns tough measures will be considered

Published on July 23, 2007

An anti-government protester throws a rock at riot police trying to disperse the mob outside Privy Council President Prem Tinsalanonda’s Si Sao Thewes residence.

Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda was barricaded inside his house late last night as anti-coup demonstrators threw a barrage of rocks, chairs and debris into the compound.

In the first major outbreak of violence since the anti-coup movement started in September, protesters from the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DADD) clashed with police outside Prem's home.

nationmultimedia.com

full report and more pics http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/07/23/hea...es_30041977.php

[hammered]

Agree that this might be in the News Forum, as it was shown on TITV several times last night, and again this morning. It's not just a local event.

This level of violence, attacking the house of Paa Prem, is not good. He has always denied being involved in any way in the September coup, but appeared unfazed by last summer's small bomb outside his home, and is unlikely to be moved by yesterday's events.

Nevertheless it is worrying that protesters, many in yellow shirts and head-bands which usually means supporting another revered figure, should seek to target him. Given his position in the country and relationship to that revered figure. Wiser heads amongst the protest-leaders should have chosen another more-appropriate target.

Let us hope that there are no more such incidents. And that the police & military continue to be so restrained in their response.

Dont underestimate the power of desperation. In the past few weeks the PTV boys have been put of the news cycle both locally and internationally and the charter refernedum and elections are moving forward. Their hero has the court cases stacking up against him. Their agenda has recently been failing. A desperate measure or two are pretty much all they are left with which to resurrect it. As one of the pro-Thaksin leaders said: “We will assess last night’s turn of events and use it to better prepare ourselves for the next demonstration,” Expect more demos and unfortunately more violence as they cannot just allow the charter referendum and then the election to go on or their agenda will be dead.

[Mid]

the nation TV channel is currently reporting a large pro Gen Prem rally in Hat Yai .

[Plus]

Did our democracy heroes, people like Weng Tojirakan, get to throw a couple of rocks at policemen, too? Did they get a chance to punch somebody in the face, break a window?

They couldn't stand the PAD, do they fell at home with DAAD? They certainly seem to spend more time hanging out with these thugs.

[Mid]

Thai police seek arrest of coup protest leaders

Mon Jul 23, 2007 6:53AM BST

snip

Bangkok police chief Adisorn Nonsee said the courts had been asked to issue arrest warrants for the leaders of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD), as the protest movement calls itself.

From now on, officers would be allowed to use greater force to bring unruly demonstrations under control, especially as the political temperature rose in the run-up to a referendum on a new post-coup constitution on August 19, he added.

"If the situation escalates, police can use batons, shields and other equipment, including tear gas, to restore order," Adisorn said.

More than 40 people, including police officers, were taken to hospital for minor head wounds and other injuries after the Sunday evening clashes, hospital officials said.

snip

reuters.com

[Jai Dee]

Arrest warrants to be issued to last night's key protestors

Deputy Secretary to the Council for National Security (CNS) Gen. Anupong Phaojinda (อนุพงษ์ เผ่าจินดา) informs that officials are preparing to issue arrest warrants against the key members of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) in allegations of creating chaos and violence.

Pol. Gen. Sereepisuth Taemeeyaves (เสรีพิศุทธ์ เตมียาเวส), Interim Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), will today attend a meeting concerning the last night’s demonstration and seek measures to reduce violence in future mobs.

Gen. Anupong, however, says that authorities had tried their best to salvage the chaos without embarking on the use of weapons. He also believes that the situation will not get worse, and there is no need for the enforcement of the emergency decree.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Col.Sansern agrees with police’s decision to use force against demonstrators

The spokesman of the Council for National Security (CNS) agrees with the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s decision to resort to tear gas to dissolve the demonstration last night in front of the residence of the president of the Privy Council.

CNS Spokesman Col.Sansern Kaewkamnerd (สรรเสริญ แก้วกำเนิด) says the Metropolitan Police Bureau under the supervision of Pol.Lt.Gen.Adisorn Nonsee (อดิศร นนทรีย์) had always negotiated with the demonstrators in line with reconciliation means. However, the police had to resort to the use of tear gas to disperse the growing violence caused by demonstrators.

According to the spokesman, the demonstrators, who marched from Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง) to the residence of Privy Council President Gen.Prem Tinsulanonda (เปรม ติณสูลานนท์), refused to negotiate with the police and declared that they would prolong the rally indefinitely.

In the CNS meeting today at 13.00 hrs, the spokesman says he will instruct his officers to continue with reconciliation means to disperse the crowd.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDC Chairman asks for a legal action against the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship

Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ) said the police should take legal actions against key members of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) on charges of obstructing police's suppression, causing violence and damaging properties of the government and other people at the premises of Privy Councilor and Statesman Gen Prem Tinsulanont (เปรม ติณสูลานนท์)’s residence.

Squadron Leader said he believes that the incident was not triggered by a third party. He views that the key protestors had the intent to undermine and detroy the country's credibility. He further added that by holding rallies in front of the residence of the Privy Councilor is deemed inappropriate and therefore, the enforcement of the emergency decree should be necessary.

According to the video footages seen on TV, state officials' tolerance could be seen, comparing to the brutality caused by the demonstrators, CDC Chairman remarks.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Dhammapiban Group submits evidences against a TRT member in hiring students to protest in front of Gen Prem's house

Leader of the Dhammapiban Group (กลุ่มธรรมาภิบาล) Tanomsak Nuanset (ถนอมศักดิ์ นวลเศรษฐ) has submitted documents of allegations of a TRT member in hiring Ramkhamhaeng University (มหาวิทยาลัยรามคำแหง) students to protest against Privy Councilor and Statesman Gen. Prem Tinsulanont (เปรม ติณสูลานนท์).

Mr. Tanamsak earlier handed the Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS) Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน) supporting documents indicating a 5-million-baht budget to hire students to demonstrate at Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง). The money covers all demonstrators’ activities against Gen. Prem, the new Constitution, and the last night’s violence.

A former student of Ramkhamhaeng University discloses that he had been hired by one of the senior students to join the protest on June 24th at Sanam Luang venue. Each of university students joining the rally was paid 300 baht. The money was reportedly paid by TRT member’s brother, Mr. Nisit Sintuprai (นิสิต สินธุไพร).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 July 2007

[Mid]

Counter rally helds against anti-coup group

Mon, July 23, 2007 : Last updated 14:00 pm

An antiThaksin group rallied on Sunday against what it described as the "evil" attempting to destabilise the country and its economy.

It came out in support of Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, too.

Several thousand joined the demonstration at the King Rama VI statue at Lumpini Park just after dawn.

The group calls itself the Network of People for Peace and is led by deputy permanent secฌretary for defence Admiral Bannawit Kengrian, prominent People's Alliance for Democracy member Sondhi Limthongkul and Assembly for Northeastern People chairman Chaiwat Sinsuwong.

Alms were presented to 999 monks of 400 capital temples.

nationmultimedia.com

NB : the above article is out of sync with the news cycle as the rally took place Sunday am 22/7/07

Edited July 23, 2007 by Mid

[Jai Dee]

Metropolitan Police maintains security around Chief Privy Councilor's residence

The Metropolitan Police Bureau is maintaining security around the Chief Privy Councilor's residence following clashes between PTV demonstrators and law enforcement officers late last night (July 22).

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Adisorn Nonsri (อดิศร นนทรีย์ ) revealed that he has received instructions from the Royal Thai Police Commissioner General to disperse protesters if violence occurs during PTV demonstrations. Pol Lt Gen Adisorn said use of non-lethal force, including batons, riot shields, and tear gas has been authorized. Authorities are also maintaining a reserve force in order to counter possible provocation by third parties attempting to incite violence.

Political groups including opposers of the government and supporters of the Chief Privy Councilor remain under observation by authorities. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner reports that at least 210 officer sustained injuries during last night's protest, with 2 officers in critical condition. Pol Lt Gen Adisorn expressed his confidence that police investigative committees will be able to issue a warrant for the arrest of demonstration figures responsible for inciting violence within the next 1-2 days.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 July 2007

[Mid]

allegations of a TRT member

though there is no such thing anymore ...........................

[Jai Dee]

Some photographs of the demonstration from Thai Rath:

[Jai Dee]

Six protesters charged, arrest warrants sought against eight protest leaders

Police have charged six senior protesters of the anti-coup protesters arrested for trying to break into residence of Privy Councillor Gen Prem Tinsulanond and clashed with police on Sunday night.

The group will face charges of obstructing police's suppression, causing violence and damaging properties of the government and other people.

Police spokesman Pol Col Pisarn Pakdinoranart said that the group are allowed under the constitution to apply for bail.

He said the group denied all charges.

Meanwhile reports said police are preparing evidence and document to press charges against eight leaders of the rally, including Dr Weng Tojirakarn, Veera Musikapong and Jakrapob Penkair.

Source: The Nation - 23 July 2007

[hammered]

Arrest warrants to be issued to last night's key protestors

Deputy Secretary to the Council for National Security (CNS) Gen. Anupong Phaojinda (อนุพงษ์ เผ่าจินดา) informs that officials are preparing to issue arrest warrants against the key members of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) in allegations of creating chaos and violence.

Pol. Gen. Sereepisuth Taemeeyaves (เสรีพิศุทธ์ เตมียาเวส), Interim Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), will today attend a meeting concerning the last night’s demonstration and seek measures to reduce violence in future mobs.

Gen. Anupong, however, says that authorities had tried their best to salvage the chaos without embarking on the use of weapons. He also believes that the situation will not get worse, and there is no need for the enforcement of the emergency decree.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 July 2007

Interesting. With the pics and videos of the demonstrators on local and international media, the authorities are applying for arrest warrants. They are being very careful here to be seen to be working through the legal process. The pics and video footage didnt paint the demonstrators in a very good light and this measured and careul response by the authorities seems to be politcally well thought through with no emergency decrees and also in the light of allowing so many demonstrations against them to date. The image they want to paint is one of a relatively small bunch of increasingly violent protestors allowed to protest but having gone too far. Then the authorities use the law rather than any extreme measure and seem to be acting like any say western government would in a similar situation. In the media world where everything is about perception the Junta are playing a clever game here.

The demonstartors on the other hand wanting public sympathy would no doubt have liked an image of police overreaction and some nice footage of baton charges followed by the military moving in, large numbers of hospitalised demonstrators, a dose of emergency decrees in Bangkok and detentions of leaders without recourse to the law.

[Ricardo]

Dhammapiban Group submits evidences against a TRT member in hiring students to protest in front of Gen Prem's house

Leader of the Dhammapiban Group (กลุ่มธรรมาภิบาล) Tanomsak Nuanset (ถนอมศักดิ์ นวลเศรษฐ) has submitted documents of allegations of a TRT member in hiring Ramkhamhaeng University (มหาวิทยาลัยรามคำแหง) students to protest against Privy Councilor and Statesman Gen. Prem Tinsulanont (เปรม ติณสูลานนท์).

Mr. Tanamsak earlier handed the Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS) Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน) supporting documents indicating a 5-million-baht budget to hire students to demonstrate at Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง). The money covers all demonstrators’ activities against Gen. Prem, the new Constitution, and the last night’s violence.

A former student of Ramkhamhaeng University discloses that he had been hired by one of the senior students to join the protest on June 24th at Sanam Luang venue. Each of university students joining the rally was paid 300 baht. The money was reportedly paid by TRT member’s brother, Mr. Nisit Sintuprai (นิสิต สินธุไพร).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 July 2007

In case anybody thought TRT & DL had much real support left, here is the evidence, of their having to make payments to create confusion & violence, outside Paa Prem's house.

It shows just how committed they really are, to national unity, and peaceful politics.

Which is a pity, because I suspect TRT would still have been in power today, if only their leader had been willing to put his party, and its policies, ahead of his own personal interests.

[Plus]

Meanwhile reports said police are preparing evidence and document to press charges against eight leaders of the rally, including Dr Weng Tojirakarn, Veera Musikapong and Jakrapob Penkair.

Nice company he's got himself. Any more "democracy lovers" involved?

[Jai Dee]

Police Chief gave greenlight to issue arrest warrants against key demonstrators

Caretaker Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police Pol.Gen.Seripisut Temiyavet (เสรีพิศุทธ์ เตมียาเวส) instructs police officers to take resolute legal actions against the demonstrators if they resort to violence like of yeterday's. Meanwhile, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Pol.Lt.Gen.Adisorn Nonsee (อดิศร นนทรีย์) says police need a few days to gather evidences in order to seek the court's permission to issue arrest warrants.

According the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Pol.Gen.Seripisut has authorized the use of force on demonstrators if they are seen to instigate violence. The police bureau has also deployed additional security officers to safeguard the residence of the President of the Privy Council and various significant places as violence may occur again before the 2007 Constitutional referendum takes place.

The police chief has appointed Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol.Maj.Gen.Jet Mongkholnatthi (เจตต์ มงคลนัตถี) to head the investigating team responsible for filing lawsuits against the demonstration leaders.

Pol.Lt.Gen.Adisorn reports that about 300 police officers have been injured during the rally last night. Some of them have been severely wounded after being hit by a car.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Key members of last night's demonstration detained at Tung Song Hong Police Station

Key members of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) group have been detained at the Tung Song Hong (ทุ่งสองห้อง) Police Station on charges of creating violence and throwing debris in front of the residence of Privy Council and Statesman Gen. Prem Tinsulanont (เปรม ติณสูลานนท์).

There have been no reports of visits or bails on the detainees yet.

The detained key members include Mr. Nopparuj Worachitwuttikul (นพรุจน์ วรชิตวุฒิกุล), a key leader of Pirabkhao Group (กลุ่มพิราบขาว), and M.L. Weerayuth Seneewong Na Ayuddhaya (วีรยุทธ เสนีย์วงศ์ ณ อยุธยา)

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Dusit district Director conduct damage assessment from clashes between demonstrators and police last night

The Director of Dusit (ดุสิต) District, Mr. Yuthasak Romchattong (ยุทธศักดิ์ ร่มฉัตรทอง), has instructed district officials to repair infrastructures and public properties damaged by the People’s Television (PTV) demonstrators last night (July 22nd).

Dusit District Director Yuthasak reported on damage incurred due to clashes between political demonstrators and police officers near the Chief Privy Councilor Gen Prem Tinsulanonda's (เปรม ติณสูลานนท์) Si Sao Thewes residence yesterday. Mr. Yuthasak said he has instructed district officials to conduct damage assessments and expedite cleanups since early this morning. The majority of damaged public properties are broken flowerpots, which were used as ranged weapons by demonstrators against law enforcement officers.

The Dusit Director asked demonstrators to take into account the welfare of society by refraining from damaging public property.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister urge governors to provide facts on last night's demonstration to citizens nationwide

The Minster of Interior urged governors nationwide to inform citizens of facts behind clashes between demonstrators and police officers last night in order to create understanding.

Minister of Interior Aree Wong-araya reported on security measures during demonstrations in front of the Chief Privy Councilor's residence last night (July 22). Mr. Aree revealed that he has urged officials and provincial governors nationwide to expedite understanding among citizens and to promote peace and normalcy in their jurisdiction.

The Minister of Interior asked that the public not be persuaded into joining political movements to create unrest as this would be detrimental to the nation's interest. Citizens are asked to seek advice from state officials if they are concerned over particular political issues.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 July 2007

[Mid]

BMA will not allow anti-coup group to use Sanam Luang

July 23, 2007 : Last updated 03:14 pm

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin said Monday that the city administration would not allow the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship to hold more rallies at Sanam Luang following the clash with police Sunday night.

Apirak said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration would have to consult all government agencies concerned, including the First Army Area and the Metropolitan Police Bureau, before approving future requests for the use of Sanam Luang for holding rallies.

The Nation

Edited July 23, 2007 by Mid

[Mid]

Police Chief limits rallies to Sanam Luang

Thailand's acting National Police Chief Sereepisuth Temiyaves issued orders on Monday limiting all protests to be confined to Sanam Luang, the centrally-located the Royal Ceremonial Ground which is the traditional venue for civil demonstrations in the capital, with immediate effect.

The Post Publishing Public Co

[Jai Dee]

BMA reports on damage to public properties during demonstration last night

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials reported on damage incurred during clashes between protesters and police officers last night (July 22nd).

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) conducted a meeting with BMA officials and district directors to conduct damage assessment on damages caused during a confrontation between People’s Television (PTV) demonstrators and police officers near the residence of Privy Councilor President, Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda (เปรม ติณสูลานนท์ )， late last night. Demonstrators are reported to have demolished signs, flowerpots, and other articles of public property, as well as hurling nearby objects at law enforcement officers.

Mr. Apirak revealed that 145 officers, one soldier, 67 demonstrators, and one Bangkok municipal officer were wounded during the disorder. The Bangkok Governor affirms that legal charges are being implemented against figures responsible for inciting violence. He says the demonstrators' requests for continual usage of Sanam Luang as a staging area would be considered, though the demonstration groups are warned not to cause unrest.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Spokesperson to Ministry of Interior believes political confrontation last night will affect nation's image

The Spokesperson to the Ministry of Interior reports that clashes which occurred between demonstrators and police officers last night were entirely inappropriate due to their detrimental effect on the nation's image.

Ministry of Interior Spokesperson M.L. Panada Disakul (ปนัดดา ดิศกุล) said that confrontation between political demonstrators and law enforcement officers near the Chief Privy Councilor's residence late last night (July 22) will affect the nation's image and are contradictory to Thailand's tradition for peace. M.L. Panada asked members of the public to refrain from supporting political demonstrators.

The Interior Ministry Spokesperson expressed his belief that recent events will affect Thailand in all sectors, especially in foreign investment, tourism, and international relations. Meanwhile Minister of Interior Aree Wong-araya (อารีย์ วงศ์อารยะ) has urged provincial governors nationwide to keep close watch on political movements in their provinces and to deter citizens from conducting violent protests.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 July 2007

[Mid]

The Spokesperson to the Ministry of Interior reports that clashes which occurred between demonstrators and police officers last night were entirely inappropriate due to their detrimental effect on the nation's image.

looking at AP's report now on the wires , he'd be right .

[Mid]

Violent Anti-Coup Protest Hits Thailand

Monday, Jul. 23, 2007

By AP/SUTIN WANNABOVORN

(BANGKOK, Thailand) — The most violent anti-coup protests to hit Thailand since last year's military takeover sparked charges Monday against an alleged ringleader and five others, hours after 270 were injured in the three-hour melee.

time.com

Edited July 23, 2007 by Mid

[hammered]

It is reported that charges against th leaders of the pro -thaksin PTV demo will be brought on Thursday. That just happens to be Mr. Ts birthday (although some say he changed it due to it clashing with another persons) and the day the rump TRT begin to try to reform. Smart politics by the Junta. That will be an interesting news cycle and the rump will have to face the question about support for violence.

I should apologise apparently the rump TRT have decided to delay their whatever it was going to be on Mr. Ts offcial birthday since last nights riot. I am sure they will try to find some other reason but the timing speaks loud.

Edited July 23, 2007 by hammered

[John K]

If you would take a moment to look past this event you will see that this is a very personal attack on Prem. Prem is not the issue here as I see it but more of a revenge attack. If there is anti-government, anti junta protests, why go after a person who transcends several governments including Thaksin’s and for the most part is unchanged. Think what was going on just a year ago at this time when it became clear Thaksin was going after prem because he stood in his way. Prem is not the key to changing the country even that the TRT / PTV / Thaksin group would make you want to think. That lies with the Junta, and the PM at the moment.

Note the size of the rock in post #32, that had to be brought in as you would not find a rock that big just laying around in Bangkok. Even at an excavation site there is mostly if not all dirt and mud. This was clearly well planned and scripted in advanced.

As reported TRT members were seen paying people and in my mind this spells Thaksin. It is the only plan of action Thaksin has left, he has played all his cards as far as I can see. He is the only person that can benefit from this and can still fund it. The other lesser players PTV TRT have similar agendas because soon or later the will be at the top of the list of the bad boy hunters.