Police Fire Tear Gas At Protesters In Front Of Parliament

[Sunderland]

One would suspect that if the number of blasts heard equate to direct firings of tear gas into crowds of people, the number of injured will have escalated to more than 200 today.

Watching the pictures on channel 7, it is not a couple of policemen firing the odd round of tear gas, but at times rows of 15-20 policemen taking it in turns to fire a volley of tear gas cannisters into the demonstrators. A lot more tear gas used than 3-4 weeks ago when demonstrators protested outside the Police Bureau.

Whichever side of the fence you are on, the police's action today looks excessive. They (the police) didn't appear to be facing large numbers of violent protesters throwing rocks or other objects, which is often the cue for tear gas or water cannons.

Perhaps the difference would be that in England, America or any other country people consider more developed in its politics, a situation where protesters were able to take over Government House or block Parliament wouldn't happen in the first place. Whenever the above has been allowed to happen, has usually resulted in the collapse of a government in trouble. The difference here is that the same figures do a merry dance, swap seats, change names and alliances and try to convince people that the underlying problems have disappeared.

[jackyseymour]

this is mildly entertaining!

Body bags float your boat huh?

[Thunder26]

17:50 several blasts are heard!

[george]

90 protesters, 10 police injured in clash at Parliament

BANGKOK: -- The capital's Narenthorn Emergency Medical Service centre reported 93 demonstrators were injured when the police fired tear gas canisters to disperse a crowd of several thousand protesters who had gathered at Parliament on Tuesday morning.

The injured are being treated in seven hospitals, with most victims experiencing wounds from the exploded teargas canisters.

About ten police personnel were wounded in the incident. One was pierced by the pointed-tip of a flag pole in his stomach, and underwent emergency surgery at a military hospital. He is now in stable condition but is in intensive care.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chaiyot Kunanuson, an expert for preventive medicine, said teargas canisters were usually fired over a wide radius but in the morning clash, police fired tear gas directly to anti-government protestors.

Dr. Chaiyot said tear gas containers by themselves could not tear off arms of legs, in response to earlier reports of a man's leg being blown off in the incident.

However, ruptured tear gas canisters can cause injury when an explosion occurs at close range. Moreover, direct and excessive inhalation of tear gas can cause serious lung inflammations, which could result in death.

Dr. Chaiyot noted that possible fatal results from exposure to tear gas was not commonly known, so demonstrators were unaware of the danger if they were directly hit by it. Tear gas, he said, should be used in appropriate amount and firing distance.

Meanwhile, Thailand's National Human Rights Commission president Saneh Jamarik andh other commission members went to Vajira Hospital to visit demonstrators who were wounded in the PAD protest dispersion.

Mr. Saneh said he had watched the incident on television and felt sorry for the victims. In this regard, he wanted to question them to find out the facts for consideration.

He stated further that a committee has been set up to investigate the issue, as the dispersal was a brutal confrontation.

The human rights advocate said the PAD supporters staged the protest without any weapon.

-- TNA 2008-10-07

[jackyseymour]

One would suspect that if the number of blasts heard equate to direct firings of tear gas into crowds of people, the number of injured will have escalated to more than 200 today.

Watching the pictures on channel 7, it is not a couple of policemen firing the odd round of tear gas, but at times rows of 15-20 policemen taking it in turns to fire a volley of tear gas cannisters into the demonstrators. A lot more tear gas used than 3-4 weeks ago when demonstrators protested outside the Police Bureau.

Whichever side of the fence you are on, the police's action today looks excessive. They (the police) didn't appear to be facing large numbers of violent protesters throwing rocks or other objects, which is often the cue for tear gas or water cannons.

Perhaps the difference would be that in England, America or any other country people consider more developed in its politics, a situation where protesters were able to take over Government House or block Parliament wouldn't happen in the first place. Whenever the above has been allowed to happen, has usually resulted in the collapse of a government in trouble. The difference here is that the same figures do a merry dance, swap seats, change names and alliances and try to convince people that the underlying problems have disappeared.

Actually, they were plastic water bottles, empty ones. Violent in the extreme!

[Sunderland]

Chavalit is experienced enough in Thai politics to know that the end game is approaching and he has a better chance of sneaking his way into another high profile position when the current circus collapses and he can jump on the next merry-go-round.

[Thunder26]

17:51-17:55 several blasts are heard!

[Taijitu]

Thunder you could be busy all night as it sounds like a rampage

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7656073.stm

The article on the BBC News reads:

"The protesters have been occupying the grounds of government buildings for six weeks, but the demonstration had so far been largely peaceful.

They are members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a group that wants to replace the one-man, one-vote system with a system in which some of the representatives are chosen by professions and social groups rather than the general electorate."

Is this true? I try to keep up to date with the deveoplments but this is new to me!!!

[mrtoad]

Chavalit is experienced enough in Thai politics to know that the end game is approaching and he has a better chance of sneaking his way into another high profile position when the current circus collapses and he can jump on the next merry-go-round.

Agree with that, and Somchai is going to be the scapegoat, for the puppetmaster.

[larvidchr]

Channel 3 reporting that the PAD are preparing themselves against further tear gas attacks with masks and scarves. I guess that won't help much if your legs are blown off or your car blows up!

Now reporting that some PAD members are carrying rods and sticks to protect themselves .... or for fishing?

One way to get around that is to not stomp on the grenades/cannisters just when they go of , the process inside is quite violent/powerful and if squashed or blocked the heat, gasses and pressure build-up will cause them to explode.

Best way by far not to get hurt, is to go home when the Police ask you to

[Sunderland]

90 protesters, 10 police injured in clash at Parliament

BANGKOK: -- The capital's Narenthorn Emergency Medical Service centre reported 93 demonstrators were injured when the police fired tear gas canisters to disperse a crowd of several thousand protesters who had gathered at Parliament on Tuesday morning.

The injured are being treated in seven hospitals, with most victims experiencing wounds from the exploded teargas canisters.

About ten police personnel were wounded in the incident. One was pierced by the pointed-tip of a flag pole in his stomach, and underwent emergency surgery at a military hospital. He is now in stable condition but is in intensive care.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chaiyot Kunanuson, an expert for preventive medicine, said teargas canisters were usually fired over a wide radius but in the morning clash, police fired tear gas directly to anti-government protestors.

Dr. Chaiyot said tear gas containers by themselves could not tear off arms of legs, in response to earlier reports of a man's leg being blown off in the incident.

However, ruptured tear gas canisters can cause injury when an explosion occurs at close range. Moreover, direct and excessive inhalation of tear gas can cause serious lung inflammations, which could result in death.

Dr. Chaiyot noted that possible fatal results from exposure to tear gas was not commonly known, so demonstrators were unaware of the danger if they were directly hit by it. Tear gas, he said, should be used in appropriate amount and firing distance.

Meanwhile, Thailand's National Human Rights Commission president Saneh Jamarik andh other commission members went to Vajira Hospital to visit demonstrators who were wounded in the PAD protest dispersion.

Mr. Saneh said he had watched the incident on television and felt sorry for the victims. In this regard, he wanted to question them to find out the facts for consideration.

He stated further that a committee has been set up to investigate the issue, as the dispersal was a brutal confrontation.

The human rights advocate said the PAD supporters staged the protest without any weapon.

-- TNA 2008-10-07

Are there any tear gas experts on here. From my understanding tear gas is usually fired at ground level or supposed to land at that level. Quite how it can take off part of a leg or wound someone in the stomach when fired correctly I am not sure.

[Sunderland]

Channel 3 reporting that the PAD are preparing themselves against further tear gas attacks with masks and scarves. I guess that won't help much if your legs are blown off or your car blows up!

Now reporting that some PAD members are carrying rods and sticks to protect themselves .... or for fishing?

One way to get around that is to not stomp on the grenades/cannisters just when they go of , the process inside is quite violent/powerful and if squashed or blocked the heat, gasses and pressure build-up will cause them to explode.

Best way by far not to get hurt, is to go home when the Police ask you to

Wise words mate.

[Sunderland]

Chavalit is experienced enough in Thai politics to know that the end game is approaching and he has a better chance of sneaking his way into another high profile position when the current circus collapses and he can jump on the next merry-go-round.

Agree with that, and Somchai is going to be the scapegoat, for the puppetmaster.

Puppetmaster? I think 'muppet' is the word you are looking for Toadie!

[mrtoad]

90 protesters, 10 police injured in clash at Parliament

BANGKOK: -- The capital's Narenthorn Emergency Medical Service centre reported 93 demonstrators were injured when the police fired tear gas canisters to disperse a crowd of several thousand protesters who had gathered at Parliament on Tuesday morning.

The injured are being treated in seven hospitals, with most victims experiencing wounds from the exploded teargas canisters.

About ten police personnel were wounded in the incident. One was pierced by the pointed-tip of a flag pole in his stomach, and underwent emergency surgery at a military hospital. He is now in stable condition but is in intensive care.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chaiyot Kunanuson, an expert for preventive medicine, said teargas canisters were usually fired over a wide radius but in the morning clash, police fired tear gas directly to anti-government protestors.

Dr. Chaiyot said tear gas containers by themselves could not tear off arms of legs, in response to earlier reports of a man's leg being blown off in the incident.

However, ruptured tear gas canisters can cause injury when an explosion occurs at close range. Moreover, direct and excessive inhalation of tear gas can cause serious lung inflammations, which could result in death.

Dr. Chaiyot noted that possible fatal results from exposure to tear gas was not commonly known, so demonstrators were unaware of the danger if they were directly hit by it. Tear gas, he said, should be used in appropriate amount and firing distance.

Meanwhile, Thailand's National Human Rights Commission president Saneh Jamarik andh other commission members went to Vajira Hospital to visit demonstrators who were wounded in the PAD protest dispersion.

Mr. Saneh said he had watched the incident on television and felt sorry for the victims. In this regard, he wanted to question them to find out the facts for consideration.

He stated further that a committee has been set up to investigate the issue, as the dispersal was a brutal confrontation.

The human rights advocate said the PAD supporters staged the protest without any weapon.

-- TNA 2008-10-07

Are there any tear gas experts on here. From my understanding tear gas is usually fired at ground level or supposed to land at that level. Quite how it can take off part of a leg or wound someone in the stomach when fired correctly I am not sure.

It's not meant to be fired directly at people or at close range. It's normally fired into the air from my understanding.

[on-on]

Perhaps the difference would be that in England, America or any other country people consider more developed in its politics, a situation where protesters were able to take over Government House or block Parliament wouldn't happen in the first place. Whenever the above has been allowed to happen, has usually resulted in the collapse of a government in trouble. The difference here is that the same figures do a merry dance, swap seats, change names and alliances and try to convince people that the underlying problems have disappeared.

It's true. Back in The States, we'd set up a "Free Speech Zone" on a deserted street a mile from where anyone could possibly observe the protesting and then arrest anyone who assembled or organized outside of the fence that surrounds the "Free Speech Zone." Edited October 7, 2008 by on-on

[Sunderland]

Chavalit is experienced enough in Thai politics to know that the end game is approaching and he has a better chance of sneaking his way into another high profile position when the current circus collapses and he can jump on the next merry-go-round.

Agree with that, and Somchai is going to be the scapegoat, for the puppetmaster.

But the question on your lips has to be ... is school gonna be open tomorrow????

[geovalin]

Thunder you could be busy all night as it sounds like a rampage

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7656073.stm

The article on the BBC News reads:

"The protesters have been occupying the grounds of government buildings for six weeks, but the demonstration had so far been largely peaceful.

They are members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a group that wants to replace the one-man, one-vote system with a system in which some of the representatives are chosen by professions and social groups rather than the general electorate."

Is this true? I try to keep up to date with the deveoplments but this is new to me!!!

Are you joking?

This issue (end of usual democracy) and the war against Cambodia are the two main points of Sondhi rhetoric.

[Sunderland]

90 protesters, 10 police injured in clash at Parliament

BANGKOK: -- The capital's Narenthorn Emergency Medical Service centre reported 93 demonstrators were injured when the police fired tear gas canisters to disperse a crowd of several thousand protesters who had gathered at Parliament on Tuesday morning.

The injured are being treated in seven hospitals, with most victims experiencing wounds from the exploded teargas canisters.

About ten police personnel were wounded in the incident. One was pierced by the pointed-tip of a flag pole in his stomach, and underwent emergency surgery at a military hospital. He is now in stable condition but is in intensive care.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chaiyot Kunanuson, an expert for preventive medicine, said teargas canisters were usually fired over a wide radius but in the morning clash, police fired tear gas directly to anti-government protestors.

Dr. Chaiyot said tear gas containers by themselves could not tear off arms of legs, in response to earlier reports of a man's leg being blown off in the incident.

However, ruptured tear gas canisters can cause injury when an explosion occurs at close range. Moreover, direct and excessive inhalation of tear gas can cause serious lung inflammations, which could result in death.

Dr. Chaiyot noted that possible fatal results from exposure to tear gas was not commonly known, so demonstrators were unaware of the danger if they were directly hit by it. Tear gas, he said, should be used in appropriate amount and firing distance.

Meanwhile, Thailand's National Human Rights Commission president Saneh Jamarik andh other commission members went to Vajira Hospital to visit demonstrators who were wounded in the PAD protest dispersion.

Mr. Saneh said he had watched the incident on television and felt sorry for the victims. In this regard, he wanted to question them to find out the facts for consideration.

He stated further that a committee has been set up to investigate the issue, as the dispersal was a brutal confrontation.

The human rights advocate said the PAD supporters staged the protest without any weapon.

-- TNA 2008-10-07

Are there any tear gas experts on here. From my understanding tear gas is usually fired at ground level or supposed to land at that level. Quite how it can take off part of a leg or wound someone in the stomach when fired correctly I am not sure.

It's not meant to be fired directly at people or at close range. It's normally fired into the air from my understanding.

Yes, but how many of the muppets studied physics beyond Prathom 2?

Up, down, left, right ... same same.

Hope they don't disrupt the game shows and TV series too much tonight while covering the latest developments ... there will truly be anarchy in the making if they do.

Edited October 7, 2008 by Sunderland

[mrtoad]

Chavalit is experienced enough in Thai politics to know that the end game is approaching and he has a better chance of sneaking his way into another high profile position when the current circus collapses and he can jump on the next merry-go-round.

Agree with that, and Somchai is going to be the scapegoat, for the puppetmaster.

But the question on your lips has to be ... is school gonna be open tomorrow????

I got 5-1 on someone not going to Phuket from Rodney earler today, I'd like to know what his odds are on this one.

[cmsally]

Chavalit is experienced enough in Thai politics to know that the end game is approaching and he has a better chance of sneaking his way into another high profile position when the current circus collapses and he can jump on the next merry-go-round.

I think much the same can be said for Chamlong. But I think Chavalit was brought in specifically for whatever deal was done and it was probably known or it would have been an open possibility that he would exit after the wheels were in motion.

My feeling is that there a number of people who were not willing to put Chamlongs head on the block hence the safehouse option. However I think it is no problem to put Sondhi's head on the block; he is useful but only in the short term.

There is going to be one of 2 outcomes, there has been a careful enough deal to get rid of the PAD, or we are going to see a reappearance of the military. However, for the military to come out it really has to be the last option "to safeguard the nation" rather than to take over the govt. They did that last time, couldn't run the country and have now hidden behind the PAD. The timing of the saviour role would be crucial.

And then of course there's that nasty trick question .... what next. They hate that one.

[dyertribe]

Thunder you could be busy all night as it sounds like a rampage

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7656073.stm

They are members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a group that wants to replace the one-man, one-vote system with a system in which some of the representatives are chosen by professions and social groups rather than the general electorate."

Is this true? I try to keep up to date with the deveoplments but this is new to me!!!

Yes, as I understand it, that is exactly what PAD want. Seems the alliance for democracy is anything but ... and they still have not explained why they think the appointed representatives would be less corrupt.

Funny world isn't it?

[Sunderland]

Chavalit is experienced enough in Thai politics to know that the end game is approaching and he has a better chance of sneaking his way into another high profile position when the current circus collapses and he can jump on the next merry-go-round.

Agree with that, and Somchai is going to be the scapegoat, for the puppetmaster.

But the question on your lips has to be ... is school gonna be open tomorrow????

Tear gas is nasty at any time. I just wonder how serious all the injuries were. Do those taken to hospital include those who fell over and grazed their skin?

I got 5-1 on someone not going to Phuket from Rodney earler today, I'd like to know what his odds are on this one.

5-1 ??? I thought he was odds on to go.

Edited October 7, 2008 by Sunderland

[Thunder26]

18:07 several blasts are heard again!

[sjaak327]

At least judging from the pictures I have seen from the clash it sure looks that the PAD demonstrators are armed with Baseball bats and iron pipes, so I guess the peacefull bit can be left out of the discussion from now on.

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/asi..._Protest?page=3

[h90]

Thunder you could be busy all night as it sounds like a rampage

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7656073.stm

The article on the BBC News reads:

"The protesters have been occupying the grounds of government buildings for six weeks, but the demonstration had so far been largely peaceful.

They are members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a group that wants to replace the one-man, one-vote system with a system in which some of the representatives are chosen by professions and social groups rather than the general electorate."

Is this true? I try to keep up to date with the deveoplments but this is new to me!!!

Are you joking?

This issue (end of usual democracy) and the war against Cambodia are the two main points of Sondhi rhetoric.

they discuss the option of changing the way the election system. It is still a democracy. War against Cambodia is just the usual geovalin nonsense. No one beside the Thaksin friends want to harm anyone.

[mrtoad]

Chavalit is experienced enough in Thai politics to know that the end game is approaching and he has a better chance of sneaking his way into another high profile position when the current circus collapses and he can jump on the next merry-go-round.

Agree with that, and Somchai is going to be the scapegoat, for the puppetmaster.

But the question on your lips has to be ... is school gonna be open tomorrow????

I got 5-1 on someone not going to Phuket from Rodney earler today, I'd like to know what his odds are on this one.

5-1 ??? I thought he was odds on to go.

I put 10k on it

[BFD]

Chavalit is experienced enough in Thai politics to know that the end game is approaching and he has a better chance of sneaking his way into another high profile position when the current circus collapses and he can jump on the next merry-go-round.

Agree with that, and Somchai is going to be the scapegoat, for the puppetmaster.

But the question on your lips has to be ... is school gonna be open tomorrow????

That is MOST Definitely a question that's on my mind!

BFD!

[bkkbaz]

Thunder you could be busy all night as it sounds like a rampage

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7656073.stm

The article on the BBC News reads:

"The protesters have been occupying the grounds of government buildings for six weeks, but the demonstration had so far been largely peaceful.

They are members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a group that wants to replace the one-man, one-vote system with a system in which some of the representatives are chosen by professions and social groups rather than the general electorate."

Is this true? I try to keep up to date with the deveoplments but this is new to me!!!

It's not, and I've already emailed a complaint to the BBC.

A combination of elected and appointed representatives (like the UK's Lords/Commons setup) was suggested as an idea for discussion by Sondhi, who is just one of the PAD's leaders. He didn't claim to speak for the other leaders, nor for their thousands of supporters, most of whom just want to see a corrupt administration out of office.

Some very shoddy reporting going on today.

Edited October 7, 2008 by bkkbaz

[h90]

At least judging from the pictures I have seen from the clash it sure looks that the PAD demonstrators are armed with Baseball bats and iron pipes, so I guess the peacefull bit can be left out of the discussion from now on.

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/asi..._Protest?page=3

they never used it to attack someone, it is only for defense.

[jackyseymour]

Perhaps the difference would be that in England, America or any other country people consider more developed in its politics, a situation where protesters were able to take over Government House or block Parliament wouldn't happen in the first place. Whenever the above has been allowed to happen, has usually resulted in the collapse of a government in trouble. The difference here is that the same figures do a merry dance, swap seats, change names and alliances and try to convince people that the underlying problems have disappeared.

It's true. Back in The States, we'd set up a "Free Speech Zone" on a deserted street a mile from where anyone could possibly observe the protesting and then arrest anyone who assembled or organized outside of the fence that surrounds the "Free Speech Zone."

Another big difference here is that the Opposition are so silent! Why is Abhisit so restrained on all this to the point of appearing to be so weak! Can you imagine the Opposition in any Western country not having a bit more to say on the subject of their own citizens being shot at/teargassed by a corrupt and discredited government?

Edited October 7, 2008 by jackyseymour