Army Guarantees Safety Of Asean Health Ministers

[churchill]

Army chief Anupong Paojinda has given his personal guarantee that Asean health ministers who come to Bangkok for next week's regional meeting on combatting Mexican swine flu will be safe.

Asked on Friday is he could guarantee their safety, Gen Anupong replied, "Yes, 100%."

His reassurance came three weeks after red-shirt protesters broke into the venue of the 14th Asean Summit in Pattaya, despite the large presence of troops and police.

The summit meetings were cancelled and foreign leaders fled, evacuated by helicopters and boats from the Royal Cliff Beach Resort hotel.

Gen Anupong said soldiers would be deployed to help police ensure the safety of Asean health ministers during talks next Thursday and Friday.

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), which led the Pattaya rampage, has already announced plans for another major rally in Bangkok on Wednesday, the day before the Asean meeting on swine flu.

Gen Anupong, Gen Prawit and other senior military officers on Friday attended a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban to discuss safety measures for the Asean health talks.

The army chief said the government needs to get the message through to the public that Asean meetings are beneficial to the nation and that protests and disruption are not.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that the government had learned from past experience and would not be imprudent again.

Asked if the meeting of Asean health ministers was too close to the planned red-shirt rally on Wednesday, he was noncommittal.

He said only that the health meeting was important because stopping the spread of the A/H1N1 flu virus was an urgent issue, and Asean countries needed to be united in combatting it.

Gen Anupong also said Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan had been assigned to oversee security for the resumed 14th Asean Summit in Phuket, tentatively scheduled for next month.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1...fety-of-leaders

-- Bangkok Post 2009/04/30

Edited May 1, 2009 by sbk
no editorializing in news posts please

[Oberkommando]

Hollow words.

[Scott]

I'll believe it when pigs fly...but then the Ministers will have more problems than they thought.

Also, hope they don't ride on the roads in BKK--pretty hard to insure anyones safety there.

[JetsetBkk]

Didn't they do that last time ?

Army chief Anupong Paojinda has given his personal guarantee that Asean health ministers ... will be safe...

His neck is well and truly on the line now.

I wonder what his definition of "safe" is?

[grandpops]

Didn't they do that last time ?

Army chief Anupong Paojinda has given his personal guarantee that Asean health ministers ... will be safe...

His neck is well and truly on the line now.

I wonder what his definition of "safe" is?

Nice to see the Army back in control

[Sabum]

This country is pure comedy.

[DaleBlue]

And they also said that they GUARANTEES the RED are under control during the last Pattaya Asean Summit.

[animatic]

He can't do anything LESS at this point.

Abhisit has now exerted control, and the army was embarrassed last month,

and this is far too important for amateur gamesmanship for localize political reasons.

Any reds showing up anywhere near the health summit will be swept up quick fast.

There are no other options.

[webfact]

He can't do anything LESS at this point.

Abhisit has now exerted control, and the army was embarrassed last month,

and this is far too important for amateur gamesmanship for localize political reasons.

Any reds showing up anywhere near the health summit will be swept up quick fast.

There are no other options.

if they do that they bet on the wrong horse - and will pay dearly

[Carib]

The interesting thing is that the police is totally left out....

[hammered]

Guess it signals the reds are not going to be allowed to riot anymore, which is a signal to those who can mobilise peopel or not.

Before ASEAN and up to and including the early bits of SoE in BKK, that message was not sent out and the Thaksin was calling on the 111 to mobilise their people. Most didnt but a few did. This time they may be more wary especially with amnesty on the cards, the military clearly making a stand and with the red riot and Thaksins incitiement having for the time being undercut support for team red. There is also the issue of reds not being popular in Bangkok after their little riot and a few threatened conflagrations.

[selftaopath]

This country is pure comedy.

Hence the term: Land of Smiles

Edited May 2, 2009 by selftaopath

[webfact]

This country is pure comedy.

Hence the term: Land of Smiles

sad to admit but IMHO thats history...

[churchill]

Minister to discuss security plan for summits

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...lan-for-summits

[slapout]

It would appear that if the Red/whatever group continue with recent public facility disruption activities, the inevitable is going to be, come, bleed or blister. I sure hope this is explained in detail to all concerned groups and some sensible choices are made. It appears that wiggle room may be drastically reduced for all sides if they follow thru with their threats.

[hammered]

It would appear that if the Red/whatever group continue with recent public facility disruption activities, the inevitable is going to be, come, bleed or blister. I sure hope this is explained in detail to all concerned groups and some sensible choices are made. It appears that wiggle room may be drastically reduced for all sides if they follow thru with their threats.

I would guess all are fully aware of where actions lead to and have been for some time.

My guess is that the amnesty and charter ammendment talk followed by elections is aimed at bringing at least some of the 111 on board as dialoguie partners to move this logjam forward, and to maybe gibve other members of the 111 pause for thought before mobilising people for demos - Thaksin called them out repeatedly before the riot but few responded indicsating maybe a willingness to engage in talk. The problem is excluding Thaksin will leave him organising and fighting tooth and nail. And the PAD could also take back to the streets if they see the charter ammendment not to their liking. Then there is the military...

It wont be plain sailing.

[ballpoint]

First of all, the fact that ASEAN have agreed to hold such an important summit, on a topic that will affect the health and lives of hundreds of millions, in Thailand, is a massive vote of confidence in Abhisit.

Secondly, because of this importance, anyone who threatens the successful out come of the summit deserves to be dealt with in the harshest of terms. The reds have the right to peaceful protest, although anyone protesting this of all summits is dangerously politicising a public health and wellbeing issue. If they keep their distance, but make their views heard, then they will have no reason to complain should a few "third hands" try and cause trouble and are shot. If they wade in, like they did in Pattaya, and try to disrupt proceedings, they will have no reason to complain when they are shot. Either way, given the global importance of this summit, the reds will have no reason to complain about its security.

Edited May 2, 2009 by ballpoint

[abdulrahman]

The interesting thing is that the police is totally left out....

Some Police will be deployed,but only the trusty(to the Army)units.

[h90]

Didn't they do that last time ?

Army chief Anupong Paojinda has given his personal guarantee that Asean health ministers ... will be safe...

His neck is well and truly on the line now.

I wonder what his definition of "safe" is?

Nice to see the Army back in control

It is the job of the police not of the army. If the police is not able to do it, than it is time to press the big "reset-button" kick out 80% of the police and start a new police (meanwhile the army may take over some jobs).

But just let the Army do some police jobs isn't a solution at all, it is both dangerous and a waste of money (the money the police gets for doing nothing).

[animatic]

Didn't they do that last time ?

Army chief Anupong Paojinda has given his personal guarantee that Asean health ministers ... will be safe...

His neck is well and truly on the line now.

I wonder what his definition of "safe" is?

Nice to see the Army back in control

It is the job of the police not of the army. If the police is not able to do it, than it is time to press the big "reset-button" kick out 80% of the police and start a new police (meanwhile the army may take over some jobs).

But just let the Army do some police jobs isn't a solution at all, it is both dangerous and a waste of money (the money the police gets for doing nothing).

This is an international meeting and the strongest security branch of government is required.

The police fight crime... in theory, that doesn't mean they are the best for securing a premesis.

When things go bad in USA they can call out the National Guard units,

who are essentially part timer ex-soldiers, still serving when needed.

These units also go to war zones.

Nothing unusal here.

[BigSnake]

Ok Army let's be on the BALL this time, NO more of that Pattaya Nonsense.

[pampal]

the Army has no credibility, but all the guns

[h90]

This is an international meeting and the strongest security branch of government is required.

The police fight crime... in theory, that doesn't mean they are the best for securing a premesis.

When things go bad in USA they can call out the National Guard units,

who are essentially part timer ex-soldiers, still serving when needed.

These units also go to war zones.

Nothing unusal here.

Well I wouldn't take US as positive example for anything considering human rights, army or rule of law.

In most countries you can only use the army inside country in real important cases. An international meeting is not such a thing.

I don't know if the Thai laws allow the use of the army inside country without declaring state of emergency??

This is clearly a job for the police, if they can't do it, something inside the police must be changed.

[animatic]

This is an international meeting and the strongest security branch of government is required.

The police fight crime... in theory, that doesn't mean they are the best for securing a premesis.

When things go bad in USA they can call out the National Guard units,

who are essentially part timer ex-soldiers, still serving when needed.

These units also go to war zones.

Nothing unusal here.

Well I wouldn't take US as positive example for anything considering human rights, army or rule of law.

In most countries you can only use the army inside country in real important cases. An international meeting is not such a thing.

I don't know if the Thai laws allow the use of the army inside country without declaring state of emergency??

This is clearly a job for the police, if they can't do it, something inside the police must be changed.

Externally during the recent Bush Mis-administration, certainly not, no.

But within the country that is not necessarily the case. Which is the context we are using.

The governor of ANY State only need believe that the police can't handle an event

and he can request National Guard be on stand by or actively involved.

The do more rescue and safty things than and security, but when things go bad

that are authorized to take to the streets and keep order.

In general National Guard units are more often welcomed than hated.

Really not since the 60's and early 70's under Nixon have the been hated for stupid leadership.

There is no chance a re-occurrence of Pattya's violence should be even an posibility.

Edited May 2, 2009 by animatic

[baht&sold]

It's quite simple really:

The bulk of the police primarily seem to 'serve and protect' CORRUPTION, thus obviously support Mr Thaksin as their 'best hope' in this regard. They, like a few Thaksin-luvvin 'fearangs' simply don't want Thailand to evolve, living in fear of being left behind, or their lifestyles changed (it's just more 'noble' for some to thinly guise this fear as 'defending democracy', or 'concern for poor people' etc).

Also, corrupt Provincial families (you know, the REAL 'traditional elite') who collectively control vast regions of the country (primarily at the expense of the conveniently 'indebted' poor) also fear change and support Mr Thaksin as their best 'hope' to stop this nonsense and return to 'normal'.

A prime example may be godfather Poh & family in Pattaya, father 'on the run', ex-Thaksin TRT member and one son whom is current Mayor of Pattaya. Why can't the police seem to find kamnan Poh (allegedly 'hiding' at the family compound?) is anyone's guess... The murder conviction only finally came about after Mr Thaksin was deposed (coincidentally). Why were many previous cases unsuccessful in the Thaksin years? Perhaps like in the Chalerm families multiple charges ranging from murder to assault etc, witnesses suddenly lost memories, evidence was lost, judges got pastry boxes (etc, etc, etc) who knows?

ONE allegedly corrupt family controlling Buriram region (Newin) does support PM Abhisit as they stand to benefit more from controlling all the 'honey-pot' ministries from within the present Govt (whilst building a war chest for ever-expanding Bhumjai party as rats jump over from Mr Thaksin's sinking ship).

The Newin faction's slithering across the aisle to join the Dems whether brokered by the 'establishment' or not is still a disgrace. Thailand should have been saddled with yet another Shinawatra Party, lackey or relative to head the family firm (er country) until such time as even the poorest of the poor finally wakes up to being hood-winked by a self-serving square-faced man bearing dissolving gifts...

Anyways, it's hardly surprising the Police didn't appear even the slightest bit interested in protecting the peace, Asean members, or the PM. At the same time, it's hardly surprising the Police were more than willing to blow off legs and limbs in Oct for PM Somchai and the CEO.

Thus, who are the avg citizen (and Govt) now left to turn to in order to protect the peace? The boys in green, of course. No conspiracy, it's just that simple.

Now, IF the protesters DO have the gall to disrupt the Asean flu meeting, one suspects this time they may have to flee in panic to the Army for protection- from the COLOURLESS MAJORITY of citizens who have other priorities at this time and frankly have probably had quite enough of protests of any stripe.

Finally, I also doubt there will be any major trouble next week but anyone 'hoping' for a disruption of the Asean Health Ministers flu-meet (or for blood in the streets) is, well, rather sick (yet they're probably a few out there... on both sides)

Edited May 2, 2009 by baht&sold

[bf2002]

China garunteed the olympics would be free of terrorism....and Thailand is not China.

Didn't the Thai government garuntee the summit in Pattaya that the reds put an end to as well?

[bf2002]

It's quite simple really:

The bulk of the police primarily seem to 'serve and protect' CORRUPTION, thus obviously support Mr Thaksin as their 'best hope' in this regard. They, like a few Thaksin-luvvin 'fearangs' simply don't want Thailand to evolve, living in fear of being left behind, or their lifestyles changed (it's just more 'noble' for some to thinly guise this fear as 'defending democracy', or 'concern for poor people' etc).

Also, corrupt Provincial families (you know, the REAL 'traditional elite') who collectively control vast regions of the country (primarily at the expense of the conveniently 'indebted' poor) also fear change and support Mr Thaksin as their best 'hope' to stop this nonsense and return to 'normal'.

A prime example may be godfather Poh & family in Pattaya, father 'on the run', ex-Thaksin TRT member and one son whom is current Mayor of Pattaya. Why can't the police seem to find kamnan Poh (allegedly 'hiding' at the family compound?) is anyone's guess... The murder conviction only finally came about after Mr Thaksin was deposed (coincidentally). Why were many previous cases unsuccessful in the Thaksin years? Perhaps like in the Chalerm families multiple charges ranging from murder to assault etc, witnesses suddenly lost memories, evidence was lost, judges got pastry boxes (etc, etc, etc) who knows?

ONE allegedly corrupt family controlling Buriram region (Newin) does support PM Abhisit as they stand to benefit more from controlling all the 'honey-pot' ministries from within the present Govt (whilst building a war chest for ever-expanding Bhumjai party as rats jump over from Mr Thaksin's sinking ship).

The Newin faction's slithering across the aisle to join the Dems whether brokered by the 'establishment' or not is still a disgrace. Thailand should have been saddled with yet another Shinawatra Party, lackey or relative to head the family firm (er country) until such time as even the poorest of the poor finally wakes up to being hood-winked by a self-serving square-faced man bearing dissolving gifts...

Anyways, it's hardly surprising the Police didn't appear even the slightest bit interested in protecting the peace, Asean members, or the PM. At the same time, it's hardly surprising the Police were more than willing to blow off legs and limbs in Oct for PM Somchai and the CEO.

Thus, who are the avg citizen (and Govt) now left to turn to in order to protect the peace? The boys in green, of course. No conspiracy, it's just that simple.

Now, IF the protesters DO have the gall to disrupt the Asean flu meeting, one suspects this time they may have to flee in panic to the Army for protection- from the COLOURLESS MAJORITY of citizens who have other priorities at this time and frankly have probably had quite enough of protests of any stripe.

Finally, I also doubt there will be any major trouble next week but anyone 'hoping' for a disruption of the Asean Health Ministers flu-meet (or for blood in the streets) is, well, rather sick (yet they're probably a few out there... on both sides)

You forget the Issaan masses. they support the reds because of their free rice subsidies and the 500 baht payouts they sell their nation for....they would hardly oppose the reds...and last I checked, they account for the majority....I have no idea where you get your demographic reality from.

Some of us farang simply see it the way it is. Being "left behind"? Could it be some people just don't buy into the dream of something that never was and never will be? Democracy involves letting people vote. Simple concept. No excuses. or are the masses now too corrupt to have a say?

[geriatrickid]

I doubt there will be any protests because;

1. The swine flu will allow the Redshirts to call off the protest because the meeting is for health urposes and the good of the nation. Everyone can save face and,

2. Phuket is yellow shirt turf. The Reds would be humiliated if they showed up. It's a no win scenario for anyone.

[When things go bad in USA they can call out the National Guard units, who are essentially part timer ex-soldiers, still serving when needed.These units also go to war zones.Nothing unusal here.

Faulty comparison because you are confusing the components of the National Guard in the US. There is a federal component but the majority of national guard units are STATE national guard, which are under the control of the individual states. The state units can only be called up to join the NATIONAL guard with the consent of the state governor or state appointed adjutant. If consent is not given, state units can only be nationalized by the President with the consent of CONGRESS. The US Constitution might be imperfect, but damned if its writers didn't understand how dictators work. That's the beauty of the system in the US as it inhibits a President from turning the military against the people. Checks and balances. A concept foreign to the Thai military. Whatever faults the US has, the military is kept under the control of the civilian authorities. I think its the other way around in Thailand

[animatic]

I doubt there will be any protests because;

1. The swine flu will allow the Redshirts to call off the protest because the meeting is for health urposes and the good of the nation. Everyone can save face and,

2. Phuket is yellow shirt turf. The Reds would be humiliated if they showed up. It's a no win scenario for anyone.

[When things go bad in USA they can call out the National Guard units, who are essentially part timer ex-soldiers, still serving when needed.These units also go to war zones.Nothing unusal here.

Faulty comparison because you are confusing the components of the National Guard in the US. There is a federal component but the majority of national guard units are STATE national guard, which are under the control of the individual states. The state units can only be called up to join the NATIONAL guard with the consent of the state governor or state appointed adjutant. If consent is not given, state units can only be nationalized by the President with the consent of CONGRESS. The US Constitution might be imperfect, but damned if its writers didn't understand how dictators work. That's the beauty of the system in the US as it inhibits a President from turning the military against the people. Checks and balances. A concept foreign to the Thai military. Whatever faults the US has, the military is kept under the control of the civilian authorities. I think its the other way around in Thailand

Seeing that Thailand is about the size of New York State

and smaller than several others I thought it was a valid comparison.

[SurfRider]

.

"Hence the term: Land of Smiles" -- "sad to admit but IMHO thats history... "

I heard that LOS has officially been changed to LFS ( Land of Fading Smiles )

.