10,000 Police, Soldiers, Security Officials Deployed To Keep Security At Government House

[henryalleman]

I do think thats a pretty broad brush to label 14,000 people a second as intellectually lazy. Its simply a tool, im not retired so dont have allot of time to spend trying to gather facts.

Of course this an over-simplification on my part. I only made this statement because I see many times that people only parroting and literally copy some text lines from Wiki and than pretend they are experts about the issue.

I do apologize if I offended you in any way.

I prefer people like Koo ( even I have a complete different opinion), because she is an idealist and honestly believe with all her hearth in Thaksin, I always respect people who are idealist over people who just parroting.

Edited April 7, 2009 by henryalleman

[sriracha john]

Red shirts to target Prem today

The anti-government red-shirt movement will mount the most pressure on Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda during today's rallies.

Core leader Jatuporn Promphan said that up to 300,000 people were expected to join the movement and pressure Prem to quit.

Besides the main demonstration site at Government House, the protesters plan to rally in the Royal Plaza and outside of the nearby Si Sao Thewes residence of Prem.

The red shirts have accused the Privy Council President, who is His Majesty the King's Chief Adviser, of being the mastermind behind the September 19, 2006 coup that overthrew the Thaksin Shinawatra government, a charge denied by Prem.

Jatuporn said Thaksin, a fugitive in exile, would be on standby throughout the day to join protesters via telephone and video link.

In last night's address to the red shirts, Thaksin called on people who wanted "real democracy" to gather in great numbers at today's rally.

He insisted on his loyalty to the monarchy, "which has been in my blood since my childhood".

The ousted leader also criticised former aide Newin Chidchob, the banned politician who yesterday accused Thaksin of causing trouble for the country.

"This afternoon I saw a soap opera. They made the villain a hero, and they let the villain lecture the hero," Thaksin said.

Protesters yesterday were flocking to Bangkok from upcountry with food and other supplies, because they expect today's rallies to be lengthy.

Meanwhile, security officials have been instructed to brace themselves for an uprising, because the red shirts may besiege provincial halls across the country.

In Bangkok, about 30 police officers were deployed yesterday to guard the road leading to Prem's Si Sao Thewes residence.

The red shirts have been threatening to lay siege to his residence since they began rallying late last month.

In the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, 500 red-shirt protesters left for Bangkok yesterday in 40 vehicles fully loaded with supplies.

In Sakon Nakhon, six buses full of red shirts departed for the main rally site at Government House.

At least 200 police officers are on standby in case of violence in Chiang Mai, where the red shirts are also strong.

The police chief of the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima ordered a checkpoint to be set up, to prevent protesters from reaching Bangkok.

Meanwhile, more than 2,000 People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) supporters gathered at Krabi's city hall yesterday, voicing their intention to protect the monarchy.

In Si Sa Ket, a group of government supporters attacked ousted prime minister Thaksin for making accusations against Prem.

Group leader Niyom Rodniam called on Si Sa Ket residents to think carefully before joining the red shirts, saying they could fall victim to ill-intentioned people.

- The Nation / 2009-04-08

[sriracha john]

Matichon

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

Two held for attacking PM's car

Two men have been arrested in connection with an attack on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's car, besieged yesterday by a red-shirt mob that smashed its rear window and injured his bodyguards while the car was stuck at a red light near South Pattaya Road.

After a Cabinet meeting at Royal Cliff Beach Resort Hotel, Abhisit was heading back to Bangkok when his Cabinet motorcade stopped at a traffic light. Some red shirts saw the PM's car, surrounded and tried to block it.

The PM's bodyguards guided Abhisit to another car driven by the PM's security team at the head of the procession, but it too was caught up in traffic congestion caused by heavy rain.

Two red shirts alerted their peers by mobile phone. About 50 turned up and besieged the PM, loudly abusing him and hitting the car with their feet and sticks.

One tried to block the PM's car with a motorcycle. The PM's bodyguard drove the car over the machine which stuck beneath the vehicle. The angry red shirt opened the car door and shouted at the driver.

Police came to the PM's rescue blocking the red shirt from getting close to the PM, but a woman pushed her head into the car and abused him.

The scuffle lasted about three minutes. The car moved off but became stuck in traffic again. In hot pursuit, the red shirts surrounded the car and used a helmet to smash its rear window.

Eventually, the bodyguard driver forced a way through the crowd, leaving the Cabinet members' motorcade behind.

Several PM bodyguards, four local policemen, and private security guards were injured in the scuffle.

Abhisit later transferred back to the PM's car waiting for him near Bang Pakong rest area. Asked by reporters if he had been hurt, a somber Abhisit replied: "I am alright."

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban has ordered police to arrest the owners of the motorcycle and others involved in the incident.

He said the protesting red shirts had broken the law. "Every one ....must be prosecuted. Police must uphold the law,'' he said.

He downplayed concern that - in light of what happened to Abhisit - police would be incapable of guarding national leaders here for the ASEAN Summit. He said the security plan as used before would be executed to protect them.

PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey has asked media covering the PM's procession yesterday for visual clips of what happened as evidence to convict the culprits.

- The Nation / 2009-04-08

Edited April 7, 2009 by sriracha john

[Virin]

Are these red-shirts in the photo demanding for real democracy?

I can't believe some people are willing to die for this corrupt dictator.

[Pierrot]

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban has ordered police to arrest the owners of the motorcycle and others involved in the incident.

He said the protesting red shirts had broken the law. "Every one ....must be prosecuted. Police must uphold the law,'' he said.

He downplayed concern that - in light of what happened to Abhisit - police would be incapable of guarding national leaders here for the ASEAN Summit. He said the security plan as used before would be executed to protect them.

Do you remember one of your previous thread :

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Prime-Minist...Cr-t250063.html

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has resolved to file charges against former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, ex-deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Royal Thai Police Commissioner-General Patcharawat Wongsuwan and four other senior police officers over the violent dispersal of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters on Oct 7 last year.

I believe some in the police force are in no hurry to go after the protesters this time.

[slapout]

A good example of mob mentality and what can and normally will, come of it. If the report is correct, I would question what kind of bozo's are on security detail for the PM. Doors on transport vehicle not locked, stopped at traffic light (come to CM and watch the local officials run red lights), Private security and PM's bodyguards, wonder who is in charge? Looks like a case of PPP by the motorcade and some advance notice of travel to the red shirts. If 50 red shirts can be summoned quickly enough to intercept a motorcade, their organization may be much stronger and better than people give them credit for having.

[sriracha john]

Privy Councillor Chanchai Likhitjittha

A major held for mastermind plot to assassinate privy councillor

Police arrested Major Thienchai Muangchantuek at an army camp on Tuesday night for allegedly being mastermind of an alleged plot to assasinate Privy Councillor Chanchai Likhitjittha.

The arrest came after three men who were earlier held in connection with the plot implicated the major as the mastermind.

The arrested men told the investigators that a group of military officers wanted to instigate turmoil ahead of today's rally by the red shirts, according to the source.

The three were Kamik Sukkanjanakas, 33, Panupong Rattanapaiboon, 32 and Sakchai Lim, 29.

They were described as the gunman, the driver of the getaway motorcycle, and the contractor.

Chanchai, a former President of the Supreme Court, was accused by ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra of plotting the 2006 coup against him along with other senior judges and a few privy councillors.

Following his retirement, Chanchai became Justice Minister in the post-coup government of Surayud Chulanont. Under the royal command, he was appointed to the Privy Council in 2008.

General Jongrak Chuthanont, Deputy National Police Chief, yesterday told a press conference the three suspects had confessed.

He said the arrested suspects were found to be in possession of a pistol and ammunition, and a motorcycle. The alleged gunman told police he was hired for Bt130,000 and was told the target was an embezzling businessman.

Police said the suspected gunman was taken into custody after being spotted on Monday night casing Chanchai's home at Soi Suksawat 66, in Samut Prakan's Phra Pradaeng district.

According to the source, police managed to break the assassination plot after being alerted by an informant who got access to Chanchai's picture and his car licence number given to the hitman's team.

After news of the assassination plot, National Police Chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan yesterday ordered extra police protection for Chanchai and other senior figures accused by Thaksin of plotting the coup against him, the source said.

Chanchai, speaking at his home, said yesterday he was unaware of any motive for the alleged bid on his life. He said he was told of the plot during the Privy Council meeting earlier in the day.

The privy councillor said he was not worried about the plot and he would not take extra precautions following the incident.

Two policemen were dispatched to provide security to the former court president at his home.

- The Nation / 2009-04-08

[sriracha john]

Back to the edge of disaster once again

Political violence is the last thing Thailand needs right now; all sides are urged to exercise restraint

As the country's immediate future is once again clouded by uncertainty, only one thing is clear: This is a time when all sides must exercise restraint to the fullest degree. All parties to the political conflict must avoid violence at the much-anticipated rally by fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's red-shirt supporters and anti-government protesters in Bangkok today.

If restraint is not shown, tragedy or other undesirable consequences will leave another indelible scar on Thai society, which is already suffering from deteriorating social division. We have been on the brink for too long, and fresh violence could easily tip the scales to disastrous effect.

Difference in opinion is normal in any democratic society. But this simple fact has become Thailand's biggest challenge. Historically, Thais have always been able to live peacefully and in harmony with people of different opinions or different political affiliations. If we are to rediscover that sense of harmony, at the core of a strong nationhood, it is imperative that we make it through peacefully what is expected to be the biggest gathering of the red shirts.

The rally this time is a cause for concern because certain institutions have been set up for stinging criticism by the red-shirted protesters. Thaksin has urge his supporters to rise up in protest and has heavily criticised Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda and other members of the Council, accusing them of political interference and masterminding the 2006 coup that ousted him.

Thaksin has said there could be a "revolution by the people", while other protest leaders have warned of the possibility of a "civil war". MPs from the opposition camp and the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) are mobilising supporters from the provinces with the hope of bringing several hundred thousand to Bangkok to topple Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government and discredit certain Privy Councillors.

On Monday night, Abhisit insisted that his government would not tolerate any attempt to incite riots or fighting between rival political groups. He said in a national address that the government would "take decisive action" in case of deliberate violence.

Abhisit said the government has not planned to declare a state of emergency to deal with the situation. He said the government would do its best to prevent violence and maintain law and order during the rally.

The pledge of tolerance comes, however, against a backdrop of increasing defiance. Nattawut Saikua, a leader of the red shirts, said that the aim of the protesters was to first topple the Abhisit government and then Privy Council President Prem. Judging from the stance on either side, a truce is nowhere in sight.

Some are calling for a mediator to save the day. But whoever that person might be, the widespread division now is unlikely to be resolved without the compassion, tolerance and understanding of Thais as a whole.

The leaders of the red shirts warn of civil war, which would be such a shame. After all, traditional civil wars tend to arise from such causes as religion or race or extreme human rights abuses. Thailand's problem is a pure power play, and ideology is only cited when it suits individuals' interests. We don't need to take a closer look to know what the ongoing political showdown is all about.

While trying to ensure a peaceful political environment, the government may have to reconsider its strategy to reach out to people with different political affiliations. It is impossible to reverse the court's verdicts over the corruption charges against Thaksin. But it is worth considering how to address the issue of political reform to respond to people with different political views. This may be one way to help rid us of the red- and yellow-shirt factions in our society.

All protesters - both red and yellow - say that they are making a stand for the sake of the country. But the best way to show love to the country is to avoid any action that may lead to tragic consequences. Violence will take Thailand down into the abyss. Regardless of who wins this political game, the country will be severely damaged if incidents are blown up out of all proportion.

On Monday, Prime Minister Abhisit called on the public to help in the effort to get past the ongoing political crisis. He said that if the country could weather this crisis, it would emerge stronger politically and economically.

What happens in the next few days will show if Thais have such a spirit. It will be another moment of truth that will have a bearing on the country's political course in the years to come.

- Editorial Page, The Nation / 2009-04-08

[mc2]

My friend happened to be walking around Khao San area (much to his embaressment of being there) and there was a farang offering money to people who sign up for Thai Visa forums and post against the Reds and for the Yellows.

My friend tried to get away but this guy was quite pushy, and said many people are offering money to get people to post against the Reds on internet forums, especially in English.

Well, my friend said its not of interest to him, and made his retreat from the area.

Who knows what is going on, but thats what he told me. Shocking that the pro-PAD elements are doing such things, if its true.

not suprising at all.

in these tough economic times people will resort to all sorts of jobs.

this sign up sales man has obviously done the rounds in pattaya, shriratcha and bkk outer suburbs... you can tell he is getting desperate by going to kaowsan rd LOL

Edited April 8, 2009 by mc2

[sriracha john]

Six roads to be closed

Here is a Post Graphics showing the expected location of rallies in Bangkok on Wednesday, most of which will be sites to avoid.

- Bangkok Post / 2009-04-08

[jbowman1993]

Here's hoping for peace and restraint today.

Edited April 8, 2009 by jbowman1993

[jbowman1993]

Here's hoping for peace and restraint today.

If not from the actual red shirts, then at least from the TV redshirts.

[h90]

Any news how many people are coming...

Just looked TV....no sign of being Peoples Republic of Thailand yet. But maybe still to early morning for a revolution.

[jbowman1993]

Oh, any TV redshirts who post here today, instead of going out to rally and support your cause - are a bunch of hypocrites...

Its D Day, after all. 1 million red shirts were promised, to help the reds "DECLARE VICTORY" lol

Edited April 8, 2009 by jbowman1993

[IMA_FARANG]

I don't expect for this to do any real good, but I'll give it a try.

Can we please have a description of what happens today, and not endless (and usually pointless) debates about who is "right" and "wrong".

I am a foriegner with a family in Thailand, in Bangkok. I am working here in Greece now. What I would like is a honest description of events as they happen.

In the past what we have had is more name calling, arguements, political rhetoric, etc. than plain facts.

I would hope that this time we can get a honest description of what happens.

I would much prefer that honest description than political opinions.

As I said my family is in Bangkok, and I am here in Greece. I will try to keep in touch with what is going on via the news, and via this forum. You can understand I am just concerned about the events in Thailand, and how they might effect my family.

So please, just give the news, not your political opinions on who is 'right" and who is "wrong"

Like I said, i don't really expect this request to do any real good. But I'll give it a try.

I live in hope.

P.S. I share the hope for restaint and political maturity from all...both sides...and hope that no violence will occur.

Edited April 8, 2009 by IMA_FARANG

[kurtgruen]

And we are both worried for the safety of Everyone involved.

Good morning everyone.

Yes, I think we can all agree on this.

Let's hope this stays non-violent and let democracy take it's course, whichever way it may go.

[jbowman1993]

I don't expect for this to do any real good, but I'll give it a try.

Can we please have a description of what happens today, and not endless (and usually pointless) debates about who is "right" and "wrong".

I am a foriegner with a family in Thailand, in Bangkok. I am working here in Greece now. What I would like is a honest description of events as they happen.

In the past what we have had is more name calling, arguements, political rhetoric, etc. than plain facts.

I would hope that this time we can get a honest description of what happens.

I would much prefer that honest description than political opinions.

As I said my family is in Bangkok, and I am here in Greece. I will try to keep in touch with what is going on via the news, and via this forum. You can understand I am just concerned about the events in Thailand, and how they might effect my family.

So please, just give the news, not your political opinions on who is 'right" and who is "wrong"

Like I said, i don't really expect this request to do any real good. But I'll give it a try.

I live in hope.

P.S. I share the hope for restaint and political maturity from all...both sides...and hope that no violence will occur.

www.nationmultimedia.com

www.bangkokpost.com

Better alternatives for what your requesting, I would imagine.

[WAERTH]

Not many on tv no ... like I said before I do not rhink much will happen at the protests today. It will become a major loss of face for Thaksin.

I do miss Koo and her comments .... hope she is ok.

Waerth

[jbowman1993]

Not many on tv no ... like I said before I do not rhink much will happen at the protests today. It will become a major loss of face for Thaksin.

I do miss Koo and her comments .... hope she is ok.

Waerth

Seconded - Stay safe Koo!

[kurtgruen]

Red shirts to target Prem today

"This afternoon I saw a soap opera. They made the villain a hero, and they let the villain lecture the hero," Thaksin said.

- The Nation / 2009-04-08

Well at least we know now, where Thaksin gets his intelligence and political advise from. ;-)

[h90]

I don't expect for this to do any real good, but I'll give it a try.

Can we please have a description of what happens today, and not endless (and usually pointless) debates about who is "right" and "wrong".

I am a foriegner with a family in Thailand, in Bangkok. I am working here in Greece now. What I would like is a honest description of events as they happen.

In the past what we have had is more name calling, arguements, political rhetoric, etc. than plain facts.

I would hope that this time we can get a honest description of what happens.

I would much prefer that honest description than political opinions.

As I said my family is in Bangkok, and I am here in Greece. I will try to keep in touch with what is going on via the news, and via this forum. You can understand I am just concerned about the events in Thailand, and how they might effect my family.

So please, just give the news, not your political opinions on who is 'right" and who is "wrong"

Like I said, i don't really expect this request to do any real good. But I'll give it a try.

I live in hope.

P.S. I share the hope for restaint and political maturity from all...both sides...and hope that no violence will occur.

let http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/toc/default.aspx run on the computer

[h90]

Not many on tv no ... like I said before I do not rhink much will happen at the protests today. It will become a major loss of face for Thaksin.

I do miss Koo and her comments .... hope she is ok.

Waerth

Seconded - Stay safe Koo!

Stay safe Koo and good luck with the revolution

[kurtgruen]

Not many on tv no ... like I said before I do not rhink much will happen at the protests today. It will become a major loss of face for Thaksin.

I do miss Koo and her comments .... hope she is ok.

Waerth

Seconded - Stay safe Koo!

Yes, Koo, stay safe! No matter how this turns out, I know you believe in what you say and I think you are very couragious, both for putting up with us picking on you and for going down there, to stand up for what you believe. I always respect people who stand up for what they believe.

[seri thai]

I don't expect for this to do any real good, but I'll give it a try.

Can we please have a description of what happens today, and not endless (and usually pointless) debates about who is "right" and "wrong".

I am a foriegner with a family in Thailand, in Bangkok. I am working here in Greece now. What I would like is a honest description of events as they happen.

In the past what we have had is more name calling, arguements, political rhetoric, etc. than plain facts.

I would hope that this time we can get a honest description of what happens.

I would much prefer that honest description than political opinions.

As I said my family is in Bangkok, and I am here in Greece. I will try to keep in touch with what is going on via the news, and via this forum. You can understand I am just concerned about the events in Thailand, and how they might effect my family.

So please, just give the news, not your political opinions on who is 'right" and who is "wrong"

Like I said, i don't really expect this request to do any real good. But I'll give it a try.

I live in hope.

P.S. I share the hope for restaint and political maturity from all...both sides...and hope that no violence will occur.

Oh Dear, Irma Farang,

This is an Ex-Pats Forum....

fo·rums also fo·ra (fôr, fr)

a. The public square or marketplace of an ancient Roman city that was the assembly place for judicial activity and public business.

b. A public meeting place for open discussion.

c. A medium of open discussion or voicing of ideas, such as a newspaper or a radio or television program.

2. A public meeting or presentation involving a discussion usually among experts and often including audience participation.

If you want news, I suggest a news-site or click "google" and type Bangkok+Red shirt....

No avoiding opinion, restraint or immaturity here I'm afraid. However since it's a Latin word not a greek one, I understand your error

I am sure that providing your family don't wear inappropriately coloured shirts and avoid certain areas they will be as safe as anyone can ever be in Thailand

Wearing a seat belt in a car or a helmet on a motorcycle is also a good idea. Don't mean to be overly facetious but you get the point surely?

Fellow-working-away-from-family-in Thailand-Ex-Pat

[h90]

In TOC they just told the guys who wanted to assassinate the privy councilor, had a 38 mm pistol.

38 mm!!!!!!!

I would be afraid to fire a 38 mm bullet. Most probably it would tear my arm off....

0.38 inch maybe???

[kurtgruen]

In TOC they just told the guys who wanted to assassinate the privy councilor, had a 38 mm pistol.

38 mm!!!!!!!

I would be afraid to fire a 38 mm bullet. Most probably it would tear my arm off....

0.38 inch maybe???

lol. This is Thailand ;-)

Otherwise pretty good reporting though this morning, on "Focus Thailand" It least it's in English. Good part on the alledged assassination plot and Khrung Thai burning call.

Even though a little biased towards the PAD, they still report both sides quite accurately and other news, both local, Asian and International as well. I just wish they would have less commercials.

Edited April 8, 2009 by kurtgruen

[kurtgruen]

PM: Crowd dispersal may be necessary

By: BangkokPost.com

Published: 8/04/2009 at 09:04 AM Crowd dispersal may be necessary if there is a people's uprising, but there will be no use of force, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Wednesday morning.

Mr Abhisit's statement came as large number of red-shirts continue to gather in Bangkok on the day of its mass rally.

Security in front of Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda's residence and government's offices has been stepped up to prevent the anti-government protesters from invading into the house. Close circuit tvs have been installed to record the rallies.

The prime minister said protesters breaking the law will be arrested and legal procedure will be taken against them.

Mr Abhisit also talked about the incident where his car was attacked when it was leaving the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Pattaya Hotel on Tuesday, saying that it damages the reputation of the country.

He said he can accept the people's demonstration in a democratic way, but if the rallies are for other agendas that affect national security then he cannot let it happen.

[kurtgruen]

About 1,000 protesters gather in front of Metropolitan Police head office

About 1,000 red-shirted demonstrators moved from the Suan Amporn Intersection to gather in front of the Metropolitan Police head office at 9:17 am Wednesday.

They were forming lines waiting for the demonstrators, who will march from the Government House to the residence of Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda.

The Nation

[LevelHead]

PM: Crowd dispersal may be necessary

By: BangkokPost.com

Published: 8/04/2009 at 09:04 AM Crowd dispersal may be necessary if there is a people's uprising, but there will be no use of force, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Wednesday morning.

Mr Abhisit's statement came as large number of red-shirts continue to gather in Bangkok on the day of its mass rally.

Security in front of Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda's residence and government's offices has been stepped up to prevent the anti-government protesters from invading into the house. Close circuit tvs have been installed to record the rallies.

The prime minister said protesters breaking the law will be arrested and legal procedure will be taken against them.

Mr Abhisit also talked about the incident where his car was attacked when it was leaving the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Pattaya Hotel on Tuesday, saying that it damages the reputation of the country.

He said he can accept the people's demonstration in a democratic way, but if the rallies are for other agendas that affect national security then he cannot let it happen.

Interesting last sentance.......but it seems his party can support Yellow shirted rallies that shut airports, parliament, government offices and the like.

Shutting the main international airport affects National Security, so why did Democrat MP's not only support it, but be part of it, and also later appoint those involved in it to be "advisers".

Stupid comment, I thought he was supposed to be intelligent.

[Scott]

It is a most interesting country and a most interesting time.

Had the powers-that-be stopped the PAD in it's tracks, it would make stopping this event much easier. Now, however, the prescedent has been set.