Thousands Protest Outside Thai Privy Council Chairman's Home

[Mid]

Prem may take UDD to court

Likely to decide soon on defamation charges

Thursday July 26, 2007

Gen Prem Tinsulanonda is considering whether to take legal action against the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) for defamation, said a source close to the Privy Council president yesterday.

The source said Gen Prem was compiling evidence and would soon decide whether or not to file defamation charges against nine key anti-coup figures.

WASSANA NANUAM & WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM

The Post Publishing Public Co

[Plus]

So Jakrapop brags in front of reporters that he got 40 mil from Thaksin to support further demonstrations and delusional Dr. Weng still thinks that he fights for democracy.

Former activists like Weng completely discredited themselves when they instigated attack on Prem's house. Same goes for National Human Rights commissioner who was asked to resign from his position as his activites are violating the very humans rights he is supposed to protect.

This time around there won't be pictures of Weng trying to calm the demonstrators like in the incindent with Kraisak. He is not even sorry. This time there will be criminal cases for instigating violence.

[Plus]

I am intrigued to know whether M.L Nattakorn's opinion piece "Double standards against protestors" in today's Bangkok Post will be posted.

Nattakorn missed a very important difference - this time the UDD refused to cooperate with police regarding their schedule and planned routs. They've been in front of Prem's residence countless times but never without informing the police of their intentions.

I don't see any explanation other than planned provocation. The next day lawsuit against the police looks like a preplanned action, too.

Edited July 26, 2007 by Plus

[Mid]

Thai politicians summonsed over protest

Last Updated 26/07/2007, 17:18:52

Thailand's Criminal Court has ordered senior political figures, including the ousted prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, to appear in court to answer charges about their alleged involvement in a violent anti-government protest at the weekend.

radioaustralia.net.

number nine , come in number nine ..................................

Edited July 26, 2007 by Mid

[Old Man River]

I am curious. The number of injured police during these demonstrations seems to vary widely. Depending on who you talk to the number is a few, or 200 or 300, with the worst injury on the police side being a broken leg. Approximately how many policemen were injured?

[steveromagnino]

I am curious. The number of injured police during these demonstrations seems to vary widely. Depending on who you talk to the number is a few, or 200 or 300, with the worst injury on the police side being a broken leg. Approximately how many policemen were injured?

To use a classic Smith and Jones newsreader skit....

8 policemen were hurt deeply about a remark made about the cut of their trousers being a little too flared below the knee. Did you remember to count them?

Fortunately no Britons were among the injured.

Edited July 26, 2007 by steveromagnino

[Mid]

your coat sir ...............

[Mid]

Thai anti-coup rally leaders appear at court to hear charges

The Associated Press

Published: July 26, 2007

snip

Nattawut Saikua, one of the nine, said police were detaining them at the court building.

"We were cooperating with the court and the police and we came for the interrogation. But we have been detained," he said by telephone.

Another of the nine protest leaders, Jakrapob Penkair, said the nine had been arrested, calling the action "an act of shameful deviousness."

An arrest would allow police to detain the men, while a simple court appearance would allow them to remain free pending the issuance of a formal arrest warrant.

Police would not confirm that formal arrest had been taken place.

snip

the International Herald Tribune

........ ........... ........... ............ ............... .................

edited to add

Thailand threatens state of emergency if protests escalate

London: 12:02, 26 Jul

BANGKOK (Thomson Financial) - Thailand's defence minister warned Thursday that the military-backed government could impose a state of emergency in Bangkok if more violence breaks out at anti-coup protests.

General Boonrawd Somtas told the army-installed parliament that the government will not allow a repeat of clashes last Sunday between protesters and police, when more than 100 people were injured.

Hemscott Group Limited.

Edited July 26, 2007 by Mid

[Mid]

Police urge holding 9 key anti-coup protesters

Thursday 26 July 2007 06:08:32 PM (GMT+7:00)

BANGKOK, July 26 (TNA) - Claiming that police intelligence officers have sufficient information that anti-coup protesters plan to march on Privy Council president and former prime minister Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda's residence and create unrest again Friday, police Thursday urged Thailand's Criminal Court to issue warrants of detention for nine leading demonstrators.

MCOT Public Company Limited

[bkkandrew]

Police urge holding 9 key anti-coup protesters

Thursday 26 July 2007 06:08:32 PM (GMT+7:00)

BANGKOK, July 26 (TNA) - Claiming that police intelligence officers have sufficient information that anti-coup protesters plan to march on Privy Council president and former prime minister Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda's residence and create unrest again Friday, police Thursday urged Thailand's Criminal Court to issue warrants of detention for nine leading demonstrators.

MCOT Public Company Limited

So thats one way of advetising the march to the rank and file...

[hammered]

Banharn is back in the headlines

Banharn tells Thaksin's lawyer to sue him

(BangkokPost.com) - Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silpa-archa challenged Noppadon Pattama, legal adviser of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, to sue him after he indirectly accused Mr Thaksin of being behind the anti-coup protest that led to clashes between riot police and protesters on Sunday night.

Rest From the Post: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120486

[sriracha john]

Seems that after some time in lock-up that Jakob the Liar has finally lost his pursed lips expression... to be replaced by a broad smile....

Anti-government protest leader Jakrapob Penkair gestures as he leaves the Samsen Police Station, in Bangkok. Thailand's prime minister said Friday that political tensions in Bangkok will likely ease after the arrests of leaders of an anti-government protest that turned violent and resulted in hundreds of injuries. Nine suspects from the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship were detained Thursday after they appeared in court to hear police allegations against them, including illegal assembly, causing a public disturbance, damaging state property, and obstructing the work of, and injuring, officials.

Associated Press

[John K]

A bit of body language reading suggest he has achieved a goal.

[aaaaaa]

the fact remains that he was involved in coup

THE FACT!!!

After all these research I don't see a single fact that Prem was involved.

>>>>>

Perhaps Weng is right - they did hit at the heart of junta - the soldiers are united around the King and they won't let mobs break their defenses and attack Privy Council President. Weng will have a lot to answer for it, though.

Mobsters acted as if they want to appear more loyal than Prem and the generals, and take over their place. Good luck. They might end up being tried for treason.

Attacking the "heart of junta" - has he got any idea of where it might be and where such attacks might lead him?

well, I have to admit - you might be right that strictly speaking it is not a fact - since there is no solid evidence "from reliable sources" (as many like to say nowdays) of his actual involvement.

but then, FACT is quite vague thing nowdays. many examples can be given from around the world, not only here in Thailand.

you yourself as I've noticed, make a lot of subjective statements, many quite categorical and seemingly confident, without providing any such FACTS in its strict sense. neither you provide much sources or evidences. so, then you can't accuse others in something you DO NOT follow yourself properly.

however, for me it is a fact enough that there are few reliable enough sources saying that, like I have quoted Forbes magazine, which mentioned references to some analysts. and nope, I didn't do any kind of research, only tried to look for info about Gen. Prem (like who is he, what's this all about, why all this fuss) - I bet if real reasearch was done, many more things could be revealed.

also, obviously there are enough facts for many other peoples, as all those who did that protest near to Prem's house. and while watching news on TiTV or many other channels I could hardly notice much students among protesters, as some said here that students were hired for 300 Baht. most of videos had quite mature adult people. I've read that there are several academicians who support this group. also, one person who is former Chief of Criminal Coutr and another (the one released on bail) is member of Commission on Human rights. so, to paint as it is some bunch of hierd by Thaksin hooligans - I think it is at leas over simplification, if not entirely ignoring the reality. and then, once first 9 leaders were arrested, other 9 were selected as promised - see who they are, again hardly some bums or Thaksin's goons. and this people are determined to continue in pursuing their goal - means they have sufficient reasons for that.

that in itself for me is already fact enough. I mean - if he wasn't involved, then there won't even be any talks about it, what to speak calls to resign. even if he wasn't involved in coup - he is involved in politics, which he shouldn't as simply an advisor. at least this is how present government always trying to describe him - apolitical. if he is claimed to be out of politics, he must stay out of them. that is what the whole mess is all about as I see it - coup or not, it is just one example.

another thing is - you make your statements about "attacks" quite one subjective. there is huge disagreement regading who attacked whom.

what I understand is - those guys were making speaches in front of his house, which is legal thing, NOT attacking him or his house in anyway. and then police tried to stop whole thing - 5 times, as protesters' version of story says. say, why the gathering in Lumpini park at the same day wasn't treated in the same way - there also speeches were made etc. why to try stop one gathering while ignore other?

so, please do not twist everything in that way.

Prem himself had some history, with same kind of protests in front of his house:

Constitution of Thailand

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_constitu...78_Constitution

In early 1983, facing the end of the constitutional transitory period in 21 April, after which he would be banned from appointment to the Premiership, Prem planned to amend the Constitution to make the transitory period permanent. Prem's aid, Pichit Kullavanich, hinted at a military coup if the amendment was not ratified.[27] The amendment faced harsh public opposition while the military itself was distracted by internal conflicts[28], leading to the failure of the amendment its 3rd reading on 16 March 1983.

On 19 March 1983, Prem dissolved Parliament and scheduled House elections on 18 April. The new government would thus be formed under the transitory clauses, allowing Prem to continue as Premier for up to 4 more years. Prem's plan was successful and allowed him to consolidate his power base. Prem noted that "The armed forces will play an important role in the defense of the country, national independence, and the democratic system under the monarchy."[29]

Parliament revolted again in 1986, prompting Prem to dissolve Parliament and schedule House elections in 27 July. The Democrats campaigned against Prem's domination and managed to win the most seats. But the government coalition they formed still reappointed Prem as Premier.[30] Later, Prem's became accused of using the King's name and the military's strength as the means to retain power.[31]

Prem was finally brought down by a series of corruption scandals and the humiliating defeat of Thai troops in a border skirmish with Laos.[32] Parliament was dissolved and House elections scheduled for 24 July 1988, with Prem again not standing for election. As in 1986, the election resulted in no single party winning enough seats to govern without a coalition. Thousands protested in front of Prem's house against the prospect of an unelected Premier, until Prem finally announced that he would not accept the Premiership

ha! brought down by series corruption scandals !

Perhaps Thaksin just followed the footsteps of this his predecessor?

please read also footnotes 31 and 32 there, which give a bit more about Gen Prem:

"The substance of his [Prem's] accomplishments consists of balancing one military group against another to maintain his position. His style of leadership is one of maintaining a royalty-like aloofness from all major political problems." (Far Eastern Economic Review, 4 June 1987). A year later, frustration with the Prem/palace link led 99 well known academics and technocrats to petition the King, asking him to stop allowing Prem to use throne legitimize his rule (see Far Eastern Economic Review, 16 June 1988).

no wonder that many people naturally do not like when someone other than The King acts as above rules - be it Thaksin or Prem or whoever else. that is I think what is all about - not as Plus put it "Mobsters acted as if they want to appear more loyal than Prem " - is it a FACT, dear Plus? what are your sources / evidences / links - whatever else you demand of others to defeat their points? especially the part about "take over their place" - it is quite an accusation! is it purely your own speculation? because even government itself wasn't creative enough to offer such a version....

so, as you see, dear Plus and whoever others - there are enough reasons for many people, based on real experience, facts and history, to feel the same way about Prem same as 20 years ago - that he IS involved in politics, and uses certain means to stay afloat. it is not the first time and perhaps not the last. and it is simply a repeatition of history that many people express their opinions against return to what many call "Premocracy".... (found by trivial Google search too)

as we can see, that group certainly knows what are they doing and why.

let us see the outcome. time will tell.

Edited July 29, 2007 by aaaaaa

[Mid]

"Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthayamahadilok Phopnoppharatratchathaniburirom Udomrathcaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkatthatiyawitsanukamprasit"

full name of Bangkok city

DID YOU KNOW?

The full Thai name for the city of Bangkok is Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthayamahadilok Phopnoppharatratchathaniburirom Udomrathcaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkatthatiyawitsanukamprasit, which means "City of angels, great city, immortal jewel of Great Indra's Ayutthaya, land of the blissful nine-jeweled capital, with abundant palaces, immortal palace where Brahma's incarnation dwells, built by Vishnukarma (the god of engineering)." Most Thai find it more convenient to use the abbreviated form Krungthep. They only use the name "Bangkok" when speaking foreign languages.

hawaii.edu

thanxs

[captainstabbin]

"Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthayamahadilok Phopnoppharatratchathaniburirom Udomrathcaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkatthatiyawitsanukamprasit"

full name of Bangkok city

DID YOU KNOW?

The full Thai name for the city of Bangkok is Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthayamahadilok Phopnoppharatratchathaniburirom Udomrathcaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkatthatiyawitsanukamprasit, which means "City of angels, great city, immortal jewel of Great Indra's Ayutthaya, land of the blissful nine-jeweled capital, with abundant palaces, immortal palace where Brahma's incarnation dwells, built by Vishnukarma (the god of engineering)." Most Thai find it more convenient to use the abbreviated form Krungthep. They only use the name "Bangkok" when speaking foreign languages.

hawaii.edu

thanxs

I thought that this was the first thing visitors who could use google found out about BKK

[JetsetBkk]

I thought that this was the first thing visitors who could use google found out about BKK

Let's hope they don't Google your nick, eh?

[sriracha john]

I thought that this was the first thing visitors who could use google found out about BKK

Let's hope they don't Google your nick, eh?

and if they do... they'll need a Visa account with 740 baht a month available....

does thaivisa get anything for advertising with every post?

*edit* OOPS.... just noticed the captain has been sent out to sea permanently, but without his boat....

oh well... it was a only brief voyage through the Gulf of Thaivisa...

Edited July 30, 2007 by sriracha john

[digitele]

Thousands protest outside Privy Council Chairman's House..

Gulf of Thailand; X amount of whatever.... Is this the topic?

[Hermano Lobo]

I fear you are right. I wonder how long before they send out a hitman?

Rich

That is the Russian method. 'Wet operations'. A method favoured by that six cylinder Moscow trained hood called Putin.

Ask President Yushenko of the Ukraine about his poisoned bowl of soup given to him by the Russian 'Services' ?

You cannot ask Litvinenko, they got him already.

Would the Thais use 'The Russian Solution' ? Good question !

Edited August 6, 2007 by Hermano Lobo

[sriracha john]

Attorney-General orders trial for all 15 red shirts leaders

The Attorney-General has overturned an earlier prosecution decision by ordering trial for all 15 red-shirt rally-organisers involved in a disturbance in front of the house of chief royal adviser General Prem Tinsulanonda in July 2007.

"The public prosecutors are preparing for trial, summoning all suspects to acknowledge the charges," chief prosecutor Suwit Dithapae said yesterday.

The list of defendants includes Veera Musigapong, Jatuporn Promphan, Natthawut Saikua, Wiphuthalaeng Pattanaphum-thai, Weng Tojirakarn, Apiwan Wiriyachai, Jaran Ditha-apichai and Manit Jitchanklab.

They will face charges of inciting violence and resisting and obstructing the police in the performance of its duty. They each face a combined penalty on both charges of jail for eight years.

The initial prosecution review dropped Jatuporn, Veera and Natthawut from the list of suspects.

National police chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan rejected this and forwarded the case for a final review by the Attorney-General.

-- The Nation 2009-08-01