Police Fire Tear Gas At Protesters In Front Of Parliament

[Plus]

Sondhi has been a bit off center for a long time and Thaksin is willing to do whatever it takes to get his money back. Since people continue to follow these guys, violence is inevitable. There can be no other outcome. The only unknown right now is which side will win.

Sondhi is not the one holding Thaksin's money.

Besides there's no guarantee that Thaksin would stop if gets his fortune back. Also as time is ticking, civil case that can potentially strip him of his assets is proceeding with courts - he can forget about once the case is accepted.

Potentially the public might agree if presented with a deal where Thaksin gets his money and disappears, but it has gone too far now, with a conviction under his belt no one can promise let alone deliver him what he wants. No one.

[animatic]

Sondhi has been a bit off center for a long time and Thaksin is willing to do whatever it takes to get his money back. Since people continue to follow these guys, violence is inevitable. There can be no other outcome. The only unknown right now is which side will win.

Sondhi is not the one holding Thaksin's money.

Besides there's no guarantee that Thaksin would stop if gets his fortune back. Also as time is ticking, civil case that can potentially strip him of his assets is proceeding with courts - he can forget about once the case is accepted.

Potentially the public might agree if presented with a deal where Thaksin gets his money and disappears, but it has gone too far now, with a conviction under his belt no one can promise let alone deliver him what he wants. No one.

I think only ONE could,

and that is as unlikely as snow in Samui.

[sriracha john]

The Senate group revealed its conclusion that police actions, which resulted in many injuries and loss of life, were an infringement on human rights.

The group also commented that government reparations for the incident until now are insufficient to the magnitude of the event.

- ThaiNews / 2008-11-11

OK, so what now?

First, an immediately swift resignation by Somchai and his administration....

Government ready to be responsible for Oct 7 clashes

The Government Spokesman indicated the Somchai Wongsawat administration was ready to take full responsibility for the October 7 incident, but asked that all facts be investigated first.

Simultaneously, an immediate resignation by Bangkok's Police Chief...

Metropolitan Police Chief Police Lieutenant-General Suchart Muankaew

Metropolitan Police Chief Suchart Muankaew said he is ready to accept the result of an investigation on Tuesday's lethal crackdown on anti-government protesters. He said he was the commander of the event that day, and will accept whatever the fact-finding panel says. If it finds that police are wrong, then he said he is willing to take the responsibility.

Edited November 11, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Sondhi has been a bit off center for a long time and Thaksin is willing to do whatever it takes to get his money back. Since people continue to follow these guys, violence is inevitable. There can be no other outcome. The only unknown right now is which side will win.

Sondhi is not the one holding Thaksin's money.

Besides there's no guarantee that Thaksin would stop if gets his fortune back. Also as time is ticking, civil case that can potentially strip him of his assets is proceeding with courts - he can forget about once the case is accepted.

Potentially the public might agree if presented with a deal where Thaksin gets his money and disappears, but it has gone too far now, with a conviction under his belt no one can promise let alone deliver him what he wants. No one.

Money is power. Right in the middle of a power struggle, I cant see him getting it back unless his appointees carry the day in total victory for him, which would probably only occur after much violence or unexpected capitulation of the very powerful who oppose his return to power and hence the return of his money.

[sriracha john]

Money is power. Right in the middle of a power struggle, I cant see him getting it back unless his appointees carry the day in total victory for him, which would probably only occur after much violence or unexpected capitulation of the very powerful who oppose his return to power and hence the return of his money.

His brother-in-law needs to resign immediately to take responsibility as he said he would...anything less than resigning would be criminal.... Things are definitely coming to a head. Denied visas piled on... Is this why there is talk of Thaksin's returning next month? Is the time for "much violence" nearing?

Edited November 11, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

The Senate group revealed its conclusion that police actions, which resulted in many injuries and loss of life, were an infringement on human rights.

The group also commented that government reparations for the incident until now are insufficient to the magnitude of the event.

- ThaiNews / 2008-11-11

OK, so what now?

The reality is the proxy government played for time after the border police assault on Oct 7 and hoped the news cycle would move on and mighty events approach. They have gotten to this point and no doubt little will happen for at least a few more days.

Will anybody do the honurable thing and resign as they some of them said they would? No seems to be the answer. We have had the forensic report, the UNHCR (?) report and now the senate report. I guess we still await Somchais specially chosen team to clear himself that included a blind man and who decided iot may take an aeon or two to report. Games and more games. The usual pathetic nonsense.

[Plus]

I think only ONE could,

No need to even entertain such possibilities, that's why I said no one.

Certainly not Sondhi.

[sriracha john]

This is one Somchai telling another Somchai to vacate his office.....at the airport..... immediately

Chairman Somchai Sawannkarn of the Senate Commission said the results of the fact finding sub-committee assigned to investigate political violence and conflict showed that the police action to disperse the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters which caused the death of two people and the wounding of hundreds of other must be considered a human rights violation which abused the rights and liberty of the public.

Two persons died and nearly 500 others injured in the October 7 clashes as protesters attempted to block the government from announcing its policy statement to the House.

Senator Somchai said the October 7 bloodshed could have been averted if the government used other gates to enter the parliament or the House Speaker decided to delay or change the venue for the policy address.

The government and police must take responsibility for the results of the street violence as the police skipped several appropriate procedures in crowd control as there was no negotiation with the protesters to ease the situation, with the police instead deciding to use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters blocking access to Parliament, he said.

The commission has determined that the police action was not in accord with the international declaration on human rights and was excessive, Senator Somchai said.

As for the government's compensation, even though it approved a budget of 56 million baht to help the victims, the commission viewed that the measures were inappropriate and unfair and may lead to the resort of more violence in the future.

The sub-committee to investigate political violence and conflict was one of three sub-committees set up by the Senate in response to the October 7 incident.

The two other sub-committees were assigned to investigate the death of Angkana Radabpunyawut, who died of severe injuries to her chest and left arm on the way to hospital, and the use of tear gas by the police. (TNA / today)

[animatic]

This is one Somchai telling another Somchai to vacate his office.....at the airport..... immediately

Chairman Somchai Sawannkarn of the Senate Commission said the results of the fact finding sub-committee assigned to investigate political violence and conflict showed that the police action to disperse the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters which caused the death of two people and the wounding of hundreds of other must be considered a human rights violation which abused the rights and liberty of the public.

Two persons died and nearly 500 others injured in the October 7 clashes as protesters attempted to block the government from announcing its policy statement to the House.

Senator Somchai said the October 7 bloodshed could have been averted if the government used other gates to enter the parliament or the House Speaker decided to delay or change the venue for the policy address.

The government and police must take responsibility for the results of the street violence as the police skipped several appropriate procedures in crowd control as there was no negotiation with the protesters to ease the situation, with the police instead deciding to use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters blocking access to Parliament, he said.

The commission has determined that the police action was not in accord with the international declaration on human rights and was excessive, Senator Somchai said.

As for the government's compensation, even though it approved a budget of 56 million baht to help the victims, the commission viewed that the measures were inappropriate and unfair and may lead to the resort of more violence in the future.

The sub-committee to investigate political violence and conflict was one of three sub-committees set up by the Senate in response to the October 7 incident.

The two other sub-committees were assigned to investigate the death of Angkana Radabpunyawut, who died of severe injuries to her chest and left arm on the way to hospital, and the use of tear gas by the police. (TNA / today)

Nothing happens till after the funeral.

But the international Asean show is up for grabs...

Edited November 11, 2008 by animatic

[hammered]

Money is power. Right in the middle of a power struggle, I cant see him getting it back unless his appointees carry the day in total victory for him, which would probably only occur after much violence or unexpected capitulation of the very powerful who oppose his return to power and hence the return of his money.

His brother-in-law needs to resign immediately to take responsibility as he said he would...anything less than resigning would be criminal.... Things are definitely coming to a head. Denied visas piled on... Is this why there is talk of Thaksin's returning next month? Is the time for "much violence" nearing?

Sadly it is looking that way.

[animatic]

Money is power. Right in the middle of a power struggle, I cant see him getting it back unless his appointees carry the day in total victory for him, which would probably only occur after much violence or unexpected capitulation of the very powerful who oppose his return to power and hence the return of his money.

His brother-in-law needs to resign immediately to take responsibility as he said he would...anything less than resigning would be criminal.... Things are definitely coming to a head. Denied visas piled on... Is this why there is talk of Thaksin's returning next month? Is the time for "much violence" nearing?

Sadly it is looking that way.

Wouldn't want to be flying into Suvarnabuhmi the day he comes home.

One side there to take him to the housgow,

the other a DAAD Honor Guard to defend him.

Thai showplace airport torched and razed in flap over ex PM.

News at 10.

PPP cabinet members meet him later to welcome him to their communal cellblock.

[hammered]

Money is power. Right in the middle of a power struggle, I cant see him getting it back unless his appointees carry the day in total victory for him, which would probably only occur after much violence or unexpected capitulation of the very powerful who oppose his return to power and hence the return of his money.

His brother-in-law needs to resign immediately to take responsibility as he said he would...anything less than resigning would be criminal.... Things are definitely coming to a head. Denied visas piled on... Is this why there is talk of Thaksin's returning next month? Is the time for "much violence" nearing?

Sadly it is looking that way.

Wouldn't want to be flying into Suvarnabuhmi the day he comes home.

One side there to take him to the housgow,

the other a DAAD Honor Guard to defend him.

Thai showplace airport torched and razed in flap over ex PM.

News at 10.

PPP cabinet members meet him later to welcome him to their communal cellblock.

I would suspect the military are paying very careful attention to flight lists if there is any suspicion he is about to return, and I am not sure he will want to fly in without prior agreement as flights can easily be diverted.

Would he really want to risk the very real threat of arrest too? Again I doubt he will return without assurances he trusts unless he becomes utterly desperate or insane both of which are possible I guess.

[animatic]

Maybe they can just meet him and Potty in Roissy / Charles DeGaule Airport near Paris,

take their passports and leave them there.

As close to purgatory on earth as it gets.

Edited November 11, 2008 by animatic

[NCFC]

Sondhi has been a bit off center for a long time and Thaksin is willing to do whatever it takes to get his money back. Since people continue to follow these guys, violence is inevitable. There can be no other outcome. The only unknown right now is which side will win.

Sondhi is not the one holding Thaksin's money.

Besides there's no guarantee that Thaksin would stop if gets his fortune back. Also as time is ticking, civil case that can potentially strip him of his assets is proceeding with courts - he can forget about once the case is accepted.

Potentially the public might agree if presented with a deal where Thaksin gets his money and disappears, but it has gone too far now, with a conviction under his belt no one can promise let alone deliver him what he wants. No one.

I think only ONE could,

and that is as unlikely as snow in Samui.

Is that the same ONE who allowed a military coup to overthrow a democratically-elected government in 2006?

[SiriusBlack1]

About time something was done.

Now it's time for all parties to do business with the (to the extent permitted by the gutted constitution) duly elected government and get down to business.

[sriracha john]

Have your desk cleared out by Friday, Somchai....

Government, police guilty of Oct 7 crackdown: Senate panels

Three Senate panels resolved that the government and police were guilty of violating human rights during the violent crackdown against protesters led by the PAD on October 7. Senate Committee on Human Rights, Freedom and Consumer Protection Chairman Somchai Sawaengkarn on Tuesday said the crowd dispersal on October 7 left over 400 people injured and two deaths, and the violent measures could have been avoided. Officials could have used other routes to enter parliament or meetings could have been postponed or relocated, he noted. “The committee sees that the incident has reflected the guilty party’s lack of discretion and their inappropriateness of using weapons to disperse the gathering,” said the Senator. He said the actions carried out by the police followed the Cabinet’s resolution on October 6 to allow the government to announce its policy at the parliament as scheduled. Therefore, the government and the Royal Thai Police must be responsible for the damage done. “Police officers did not negotiate with the protesters, but instead used tear-gas canisters and rubber bullets against them, causing many injuries. Their acts infringed on the Declaration of Human Rights and were more than necessary,” said Mr Somchai. As for the government’s measures to aid the injured and families of the deceased, he said the panel considered a budget of 56 million baht for the victims to be allocated by the government was not appropriate and fair. With this budget, the panels feared that it could exacerbate the situation in

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=131958

[sriracha john]

Government criticised for Oct 7 clash

Irregularities found in handling of protests

Three Senate panels jointly investigating violent clashes between supporters of PAD and police on Oct 7 ruled yesterday there were some irregularities in the government's handling of the demonstration and subsequent violence. The three panels urged the government to show their responsibility over the Oct 7 incident, otherwise they would file a motion for a general debate in Parliament under Article 161 of the 2007 charter. The three panels would gather at least one-third of signatures from fellow Senators to seek the opening of the general debate in late January. The article requires Cabinet members to clarify Senators' questions during the general debate. The three panels are the fact-finding sub-committee on the police use of tear gas to disperse demonstrators, the committee on corruption scrutiny and good governance promotion, and the sub-committee investigating the death of Angkhana Radappanyawut. Pol Maj-Gen Krerk Kalayanamitr, a member of the committee on corruption scrutiny and good governance promotion, said the fact-finding sub-committee has found 11 irregularities. One is that the government had until Oct 9 to deliver a policy statement before Parliament, but it insisted on doing it on Oct 7 knowing full well that PAD protesters would stage a protest outside the Parliament. The government could have chosen another venue to pre-empt violence but did not do so. The government let police continue riot-control operations until midnight. The government was aware that tear gas could cause serious bodily harm.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/121108_News/12Nov2008_news07.php

[Plus]

About time something was done.

Now it's time for all parties to do business with the (to the extent permitted by the gutted constitution) duly elected government and get down to business.

How about starting with taking responsibility for killing and maiming people? As promised.

After that they should put an end to state assisting Thaksin's vendetta. Everybody says it will lead only to troubles.

Business of a government is to serve the country, not help criminals on the run to overthrow justice system. That should stop immediately.

[sriracha john]

When asked about the UDD's forces, Major-General Khattiya Sawasdipol, who is close to the government,he said they were being trained to fight and the training ground had been shifted from Sanam Luang to a training camp. He said there were hundreds of UDD fighters whose task is to counter the PAD.

Khattiya said UDD fighters had been approached by the government and the police to help block PAD protesters on Oct 7 and Oct 13.

On Oct 7 they were asked to go to Parliament to clear the way for Somchai to leave the premises after delivering his policy statement.

Pro-Thaksin general says more attacks against PAD to be made

Gen Kattiya Sawadiphol, a specialist of the Army, Thursday denied that he was behind the bomb attack against the People's Alliance for Democracy.

But he said the PAD would face more attacks and PAD guards would be killed everyday if the it did not stop occupying the Government House.

"In the future, the PAD may be attacked with RPG rockets, M79 grenades," Kattiya sad.

This guy is extremely dangerous

Regarding warnings by Army Maj-Gen. Kattiya Sawasdipol that the PAD should let women and children vacate Government House because violence is expected after Thaksin talks to his supporters Saturday night, Chamlong said that the outspoken general's superiors should take action against him because his threats were a violation of army discipline.

Thaksin horsing around with his "supporter"...

Khattiya Sawasdiphol

It's high time this red shirt lunatic Kattiya be reined in completely and permanently...

Army Chief orders Maj Gen Kattiya probe

Army Chief General Anupong Paochinda has ordered a disciplinary and criminal investigation into statements made to the media by Army specialist Maj General Kattiya Sawadipol concerning the People's Alliance for Democracy and the threat of violence.

Army spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday the remarks had caused public panic and anxiety and Kattiya would be summoned by a disciplinary panel for interrogation. A military criminal panel would be appointed later to look into the matter.

Asked if Kattiya is being investigated for implicating Anupong in his controversial statements, Sansern admitted it was part of the reason.

Kattiya said the military criminal probe came as a surprise to him because he already faced a disciplinary probe. "I want to know what have I done wrong. I have never insulted my superiors. On the opposite, I defend and obey their orders. When they told me to stop Phra Chao Tak military training, I did so immediately,'' he said.

"The Army Chief does not have time to read papers. He probably believes the flattering people who mudsling me. If the probe finds me innocent, I will go and slap the mouths of these people,'' he said.

Kattiya had told members of the media on several occasions that after the royal cremation ceremony of HRH Princess Kalaya Vadhana, enemies of the People's Alliance for Democracy would step up their operations. He warned the PAD to leave Government House, if they do not want violence.

Judge Advocate officials said Kattiya's press statements may be deemed in violation of Article 41 of the Military Criminal Code that stipulates military officials who issue threats, intimidate or similar action are liable to imprisonment of up to three years.

- The Nation / 2008-11-13

[sriracha john]

A dangerous crackpot.... with automatic weapons....

Two army panels to probe Sae Daeng's anti-PAD stand

Accused of scaring public, insulting boss

Army Commander-in-Chief Anupong Paojinda has appointed two inquiry committees to investigate army specialist Khattiya Sawadipol, or Sae Daeng, accusing him of damaging the army's reputation, insulting his supervisor and frightening the public, said army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd. Gen Anupong appointed the committees after Sae Daeng warned that there would be daily bomb attacks at PAD rally venues. Sansern said Maj-Gen Khattiya's remarks have resulted in the army's image being tarnished since the public may believe the army was ignoring a potentially violent situation. Maj-Gen Khattiya also remarked that he would attack his boss, the Army Chief, Col Sanserm alleged. According to Sansern, the two committees are the military disciplinary inquiry committee and the military criminal inquiry committee. If found guilty of insulting or threatening his supervisor, Khattiya could face a maximum sentence of up to three years in jail, he said. Khattiya yesterday denied all charges laid against him, while insisting that PAD demonstrators should leave Government House after the royal cremation ceremony. Still, he predicted a major violent event would take place at Government House after the royal cremation ceremony.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/131108_News/13Nov2008_news11.php

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

His first prediction was eerily and fully realized.... will his second one be too?

Edited November 13, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

The Senate group revealed its conclusion that police actions, which resulted in many injuries and loss of life, were an infringement on human rights.

The group also commented that government reparations for the incident until now are insufficient to the magnitude of the event.

- ThaiNews / 2008-11-11

OK, so what now?

First, an immediately swift resignation by Somchai and his administration....

Government ready to be responsible for Oct 7 clashes

The Government Spokesman indicated the Somchai Wongsawat administration was ready to take full responsibility for the October 7 incident, but asked that all facts be investigated first.

Since Somchai seems to have forgotten his pledge....

Academicians call for impeachment against PM

A group of academicians from various academic institutions submitted a letter to the Senate Speaker to call for an impeachment against the prime minister on grounds of using violence to disperse protestors of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on October, 7th.

Leader of the group of 20 academicians Chiraphon Limpananont travelled to submit the letter to Senate Speaker Prasobsuk Boondet today and started a campaign to gather at least 20,000 signatures to remove Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat from his post.

The group claimed that the premier had violated the Constitution by ordering police to use force with the protesters in front of the Parliament House as alleged by the parliamentary committee on human rights and consumer protection.

The group said it is necessary for both the premier and the government to show responsibility for the October 7th incident.

- ThaiNews / 2008-11-13

[sriracha john]

Academics Launch Signature Campaign to Impeach PM

Academics are set to launch a signature campaign to impeach Prime Minister Somchai Wongswat, following his involvement in the October 7 crackdown on the People's Alliance for Democracy rally.

Lecturers from five universities and academics of the Public Health Ministry, led by former lecturers of the Pharmaceutical Science Faculty at Chulalongkorn University, visited Senate Speaker Prapsobsuk Boondej today at Parliament to express their intent to solicit signatures of 20,000 eligible voters to seek the impeachment of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

The group says Somchai's involvement in the violent dispersal on the October 7 People's Alliance for Democracy rally outside Parliament and around the Royal Plaza violated article 270 of the Constitution

They say the crackdown showed that the prime minister has ethical problems and he has never expressed responsibility despite the Senate Committees in charge of investigating the October 7 incident having ruled that the dispersal violated the people's freedom and principle human rights.

- TOC / 2008-11-13

[CuttySark]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Unit...st_Dictatorship

Good reading.

[animatic]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Unit...st_Dictatorship

Good reading.

Sorry it isn't

Wiki is an unreliable randomly editable and often useless reference for political facts.

This page is a case in point.

[sriracha john]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Unit...st_Dictatorship

Good reading.

Sorry it isn't

Wiki is an unreliable randomly editable and often useless reference for political facts.

This page is a case in point.

Rather than useless, it has none...

This article does not cite any references or sources.

- Wikipedia

Interestingly, it's been edited by someone with a rather unique nickname... which just so happens to be the exact same nickname as that of a banned Thaivisa member.

[CuttySark]

Accused of scaring public, insulting boss

Sound like Sonthi to me.

[animatic]

Accused of scaring public, insulting boss

Sound like Sonthi to me.

Cutty at least TRY to get the names right.

Sonthi WAS the boss and is now in retirement.

Sondhi is now around, and maybe he insulted YOUR boss.

But never insulted his boss.

And certainly never insulted HRM.

The scary thing for much of the public is a resurgent and vengeful Thaksin

Since 55-60% didn't vote for him. And considering his mental deteriation under stress.

[TAWP]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Unit...st_Dictatorship

Good reading.

Sorry it isn't

Wiki is an unreliable randomly editable and often useless reference for political facts.

This page is a case in point.

Rather than useless, it has none...

This article does not cite any references or sources.

- Wikipedia

Interestingly, it's been edited by someone with a rather unique nickname... which just so happens to be the exact same nickname as that of a banned Thaivisa member.

And watch how he tries to white-wash history:

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=...oldid=250181550

This is how pro-Thaksin people are with history.

[kurtgruen]

Well, the wife and I are finally gonna' make it down to Government house this weekend. We'll take the overnight train tomorrow night and will be there by Sunday night, after taking care of some business.

I really did enjoy posting on this site about the PAD/TRT,PPP,Thaskin conflict a few weeks ago, but right now, we are busy moving to Canada, so a day in Bangkok to show our support will have to be enough.

There is some cool stuff happening...In Mae Taeng, (about 35km North of Chiang Mai), about two km North of town, on the left, there is a little vegetarian restaurant and store, which is also some sort of community women's Coop, I think. They have turned it into a little PAD headquarters about a month ago, with ASTV, pictures of the rally, etc. etc. Takes a lot of guts to do this in Toxin country. I was impressed.

It's been pretty neat...on our bike Trip through Northern Thailand last week, we got Hand clappers in Mae Hong Son, PAD CD's in Mae Taeng, the booklet somewhere else. Looks like the North is slowly swinging away from Thaksin, one heart at a time :-)

Anyways, we'll be at Chiang Mai Saloon on Loi Kroh at noon tomorrow (Saturday), to meet up with another friend going to the rally on the train with us tomorrow night. The more the merrier ;-)

Cheers

Mon and Kurt

(by the way, the restaurant is closed, we are moving back to Canada)

[sriracha john]

PAD to suspend political activities during royal cremation ceremony

BANGKOK, Nov 14 (TNA) - The anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) announced the group would suspend political activities during the royal cremation ceremony of the late Princess Galyani Vadhana.

Pipob Thonghchai, a PAD leader, told a press conference that the activist group would suspend all political activities and would air the TV pool of the royal cremation ceremony to the protest site at Government House.

On the stage, PAD members refrained from verbally attacking the government as requested by the PAD leaders although the protest continued as usual.