Death Threats Against Judges

[webfact]

Death threat alert

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Published on January 31, 2010

BANGKOK: -- The government yesterday started taking seriously the death threats against judges and anti-graft officials responsible for fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's legal battles. Army specialist Maj-General Khattiya Sawasdipol had revealed such an "assassination plot" on Friday.

"The government asks for the courts and independent organisations to perform their duties to the best of their ability, without fear of anything. The government will provide full safety for you," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva vowed in Davos, Switzerland, where he is attending the World Economic Forum.

Abhisit instructed authorities to determine whether the remarks by the rogue soldier could be deemed an act of intimidation. Such a warning was improper, he was cited by the Thai News Agency as saying.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said security has been tightened at the homes of prominent judges and members of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NAAC) and the now-defunct Assets Examination Committee (AEC).

Suthep, who is in charge of security affairs, said the measures were precautionary and not out of worry about the outspoken soldier's remarks.

There is a "strong chance" that Khattiya will be put in jail, he said. Last week, Khattiya was charged with illegal possession of weapons after police seized a cache of arms and ammunition during searches on his and his aides' military quarters.

The raids followed a grenade attack on Army headquarters. The assailants remain unknown, but Khattiya - a supporter of Thaksin and his red-shirt movement, and the prime suspect in the alleged bombing - denies any involvement.

Khattiya - also known as Seh Daeng - had said judges and NACC members, as well as former AEC members, would become targets of assassination. He said the motive could be anger related to Thaksin's Bt76-billion assets-seizure case, in which the verdict is due to be handed down on February 26.

The controversial general also said his warnings were usually correct.

Khattiya yesterday reiterated that he had nothing to do with the assassination plot.

"I want to warn judges to be careful both before and after judgement day because I don't know when they're going to shoot you. The gunman may be a professional killer or a hit man hired by people, because now the red shirts have become fanatical with patriotic sentiment as they feel they do not receive justice," he said.

Sak Korsaengruang, who was the AEC spokesman, demanded that the government put Khattiya under investigation for his revelation of the "assassination plot".

Sak said Suthep must question law-enforcement agencies on how Khattiya was allowed to make such a menacing statement.

"Khattiya must be summoned for interrogation on what intentions he had and, if it is not true, he must be subjected to legal action for intimidation and inciting political turmoil," he said.

Kaewsan Atibhodi, another former AEC member, said he wondered how Khattiya had found out about the purported assassination conspiracy.

"He acts like he knows a lot. Though sometimes what he says is true and other times not true. Where did he hear it, or will he do it by himself?" he said.

Kaewsan said he did not mind if police provided him extra protection, though he would rather not make it a big issue.

AEC chairman Nam Yimyaem said he did not believe Khattiya's sabre-rattling, but he would pay extra attention and not be careless.

"People who make such a statement do not carry it out, but those who do it will not say it," he said.

"The intention is to scare judges so that they yield [in Thaksin's assets case]. I don't think that is going to work, but it will make those who are intimidated determined to perform their duty," he said.

Ex-AEC member Udom Fuangfung said he was not frightened. He and the AEC have proven that they carried out their activities objectively, he said.

Klanarong Chantik, a member of the NACC and an ex-AEC member, said he had devoted his life and work for the country and if he must pay with his life, so be it. He said he would not seek any special protection, as he believes nothing can prevent such a fate.

Democrat spokesman Buranat Samutrak said the party had some concern over the observations by retired General Panlop Pinmanee and Khattiya about possible assassination attempts against agencies, courts of justice and independent agencies, since their offices had been targeted by grenades.

"Khattiya's predictions always turn out to be true. The government must take action because such action creates a climate of terror. This is an act of terrorism," he said.

Former intelligence chief Prasong Soonsiri warned the government not to ignore the assassination-plot revelation, as he personally believes it is possible if there is an opportunity for people to carry it out.

"We cannot be careless. There are many things we cannot see," he said.

If there is really an assassination plot in the making, Khattiya cannot do it alone, he said.

"If there are no other people behind it, would Seh Daeng be this brave? He is only a small fish in a big gang," Prasong added.

-- The Nation 2010-01-31

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[givenall]

Justice Thai style. Well the writing is on the wall. Bye bye Mr. T.

[Artisi]

Based on thr fact that "people" are now talking death threats to the judges, it might be time to call in the verdict from the judges early - steal the march on the idiot fringe working at the behest of a convicted criminal ex PM hiding away like the cur he is.

[givenall]

Based on thr fact that "people" are now talking death threats to the judges, it might be time to call in the verdict from the judges early - steal the march on the idiot fringe working at the behest of a convicted criminal ex PM hiding away like the cur he is.

Does Thailand have antiterrorist law like US?

If they do it is the time to invoke it against Mr. T. since not difference between him and any member of Alcaida

[Scott]

That soldier is someone I would rather not have as an enemy.

[webfact]

Officials urged to probe death threat warnings by Maj-Gen Khattiya

BANGKOK: -- Jan 30 (TNA) -- Death threats against judges, National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) members and ex-members of the now disbanded Assets Examination Committee (AEC) raised as a warning by a controversial army officer must be investigated, warned Sak Korsangruang, former AEC spokesman.

National security chief Suthep Thaugsuban, who is also deputy prime minister, should inform the public about what should be done when such dangerous remarks are made and whether preventive actions should be taken, Mr Sak said.

“Others will be in trouble if investigation by officials isn’t made”, he said, and if the threats are false, then action must be taken against Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol who made the inflammatory warnings as the threats encourage chaos in society.

Controversial Gen Khattiya, also known as ‘Seh Deang’, warned Wednesday of an assassination plot against judges, members of the NACC and the now dissolved AEC, all of which are related to the decision next month on former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s assets.

Judges are scheduled to hand down their verdict on February 26 regarding whether the Bt76 billion in frozen assets were accumulated illegally while Mr Thaksin was prime minister and should be seized.

Mr Thaksin was ousted in a bloodless coup in September 2006.

Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga told journalists that Gen. Khattiya should inform concerned officials protecting the country if information on death threats he received were accurate.

If Gen Khattiya’s remarks were unclear, misleading or false, what was his hidden motive, Mr Pirapan asked. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-01-31

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[SomTumTiger]

More "righteous behavior" from those "bastions of democracy"...the red shirt movement. Thanks guys

[MHM]

Yet more straws in the wind pointing to extremely difficult times ahead for Thailand.

Edited January 31, 2010 by MHM

[geriatrickid]

The general said nothing that hasn't been said in these forums before. He hasn't said that he would kill anyone, nor did he encourage violence. If the report is accurate, then he has merely stated the obvious. It is no big secret that violence is a distinct and real possibility.

I have the impression that this article appears in the Nation as part of an effort to foment anxiety and sow panic. Words can be twisted and taken out of context to mean anything. I certainly hope there is no violence directed at the judiciary and the government must protect the judges, but I do not think martial law is justified. And yes, that's where I think alot of this nonsense in the Nation is leading: Laying the justiification for a declaration of martial law and a suspension of habeas corpus and the right of assembly.

One loudmouth and the government turns it into panic central. It is easy to deal with him. Charge him under a breach of military rules, and confine him to base until he appears before the military tribunal. Interesting why nothing has really been done to date. If he was as dangerous as he is made out to be, why the f***k is he still in circulation? Either the military does not see him as a threat or he is being used by the current regime to provide "evidence" of a plot so that draconian measures can be enacted.

Ask yourselves why he is still out there and who's purpose it serves. Sorry, but this thing stinks. It's like a 1950's era banana republic coup in the making.

Edited January 31, 2010 by geriatrickid

[Insight]

"I want to warn judges to be careful both before and after judgement day because I don't know when they're going to shoot you. The gunman may be a professional killer or a hit man hired by people, because now the red shirts have become fanatical with patriotic sentiment as they feel they do not receive justice," he said.

Looking over the clear fact this person doesn't have an IQ much above your average Girls & Guns reader, if this statement was made in public in the UK, what do you think would happen to the person making the statement?

OMR was right on a previous thread. The fact this guy is still able to publicly make such statements is starting to make the current govt look like a joke.

Interesting "final battle" tactics by Thaksin though. Guilty as a puppy next to a pile if poo.

[slapout]

Thailand is a unique country with unique political, social, and military thinking/action, as past history and current events show. The system in place, is up to the task of bringing this country onto a par with the so called leading countries of the world, but the spoiled/egotistical individuals (Riff Raff), need to be dealt with in a manner that leaves no doubt that individuals will be held accountable by the people (no mention of the present system) , no matter their position, breeding or lack there of. The farsighted wishes, instruction, etc, put forth, so many times, over the past decades, seem to have largely been ignored by those who could implement and bring them to completion. This can be seen as nothing but a true reflection on those who have failed to follow the letter of the law and the subtle and not so subtle hints/directions expressed.

[Insight]

Ask yourselves why he is still out there and who's purpose it serves. Sorry, but this thing stinks. It's like a 1950's era banana republic coup in the making.

If there was any element of conspiracy behind it surely Thaksin would be on his Twit denouncing him ASAP? Surely you've seen the recent photo of psycho, Thaksin and the Khmer all loved up?

[givenall]

I have the impression that this article appears in the Nation as part of an effort to foment anxiety and sow panic.

This is been going on for so long that people are immune to them and no one really pays any attention to these threats, although they are most likely worthless any ways

[Preacher]

It seems Mr. Taksin and his allies are getting very desparate. Can't wait till judgement day, when it is all over. Then only the court battles in other countries will start, if he has the money for a sollicitor.

[Xangsamhua]

The general said nothing that hasn't been said in these forums before. He hasn't said that he would kill anyone, nor did he encourage violence. If the report is accurate, then he has merely stated the obvious. It is no big secret that violence is a distinct and real possibility.

I have the impression that this article appears in the Nation as part of an effort to foment anxiety and sow panic. Words can be twisted and taken out of context to mean anything. I certainly hope there is no violence directed at the judiciary and the government must protect the judges, but I do not think martial law is justified. And yes, that's where I think alot of this nonsense in the Nation is leading: Laying the justiification for a declaration of martial law and a suspension of habeas corpus and the right of assembly.

One loudmouth and the government turns it into panic central. It is easy to deal with him. Charge him under a breach of military rules, and confine him to base until he appears before the military tribunal. Interesting why nothing has really been done to date. If he was as dangerous as he is made out to be, why the f***k is he still in circulation? Either the military does not see him as a threat or he is being used by the current regime to provide "evidence" of a plot so that draconian measures can be enacted.

Ask yourselves why he is still out there and who's purpose it serves. Sorry, but this thing stinks. It's like a 1950's era banana republic coup in the making.

My reaction was similar to geriatrickid's. While no lover of Sae Daeng or the Red leadership or Thaksin, I didn't see that Sae Daeng had done more than warn the judges. He wasn't endorsing assassination attempts, (though he obviously sympathizes with the fanatics). It looked like another "beat-up" by the Nation (a less than reliable medium) and the manic Sae Daeng is such an easy target.

[webfact]

The general said nothing that hasn't been said in these forums before. He hasn't said that he would kill anyone, nor did he encourage violence. If the report is accurate, then he has merely stated the obvious. It is no big secret that violence is a distinct and real possibility.

I have the impression that this article appears in the Nation as part of an effort to foment anxiety and sow panic. Words can be twisted and taken out of context to mean anything. I certainly hope there is no violence directed at the judiciary and the government must protect the judges, but I do not think martial law is justified. And yes, that's where I think alot of this nonsense in the Nation is leading: Laying the justiification for a declaration of martial law and a suspension of habeas corpus and the right of assembly.

One loudmouth and the government turns it into panic central. It is easy to deal with him. Charge him under a breach of military rules, and confine him to base until he appears before the military tribunal. Interesting why nothing has really been done to date. If he was as dangerous as he is made out to be, why the f***k is he still in circulation? Either the military does not see him as a threat or he is being used by the current regime to provide "evidence" of a plot so that draconian measures can be enacted.

Ask yourselves why he is still out there and who's purpose it serves. Sorry, but this thing stinks. It's like a 1950's era banana republic coup in the making.

My reaction was similar to geriatrickid's. While no lover of Sae Daeng or the Red leadership or Thaksin, I didn't see that Sae Daeng had done more than warn the judges. He wasn't endorsing assassination attempts, (though he obviously sympathizes with the fanatics). It looked like another "beat-up" by the Nation (a less than reliable medium) and the manic Sae Daeng is such an easy target.

This subject was not an exclusive Nation article. It was published by other news sources as well including Thai press and reported on Thai TV.

Edited January 31, 2010 by webfact

[smith49]

Justice Thai style. Well the writing is on the wall. Bye bye Mr. T.

Yes bye bye!

[rixalex]

My reaction was similar to geriatrickid's. While no lover of Sae Daeng or the Red leadership or Thaksin, I didn't see that Sae Daeng had done more than warn the judges. He wasn't endorsing assassination attempts, (though he obviously sympathizes with the fanatics). It looked like another "beat-up" by the Nation (a less than reliable medium) and the manic Sae Daeng is such an easy target.

If he really cared for the judges' welfare, why not send them a private message? It's very clear that by going public with these stupid thoughts, the intent is to both intimidate the judges, and put ideas in people's minds (red fanatics). It's disgusting.

Edited January 31, 2010 by rixalex

[geriatrickid]

This subject was not an exclusive Nation article. It was published buy other news sources as well including Thai press and reported on Thai TV.

Indeed and those papers have a different way of reporting. For example ,one paper writes that when Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban wasn asked about the warning by Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol, that there were plots to assassinate the court judges, members of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and members of the now defunct Assets Scrutiny Committee, Mr Suthep is quoted as saying "it was not the case to worry about."

This is alot like the case of the mysterious grenade that was thrown. Deputy PM Suthep is also quoted in the same article as saying there was no grenade tossed.

Know what? I'm going to believe the Deputy PM and not the Nation.

It's not the first time some parts of society stir up sh*t. The Hearst newspapers and Joseph Pulitzer aligned itself with a political faction and their cheap & tawdry headlines amplified the drumbeats of war and worked the American public into a frenzy so that there was an American Spanish war. In the words of the noted American philosopher Yogi Berra, It's Deja Vu all over again.

[Reasonableman]

"Private messages" in lunchboxes have been tried already, but I guess the nature of the message has changed a little this time

If he really cared for the judges' welfare, why not send them a private message? It's very clear that by going public with these stupid thoughts, the intent is to both intimidate the judges, and put ideas in people's minds (red fanatics). It's disgusting.

[lazygourmet]

That soldier is someone I would rather not have as an enemy.

Soldier of fortune... just methinks

[animatic]

My reaction was similar to geriatrickid's. While no lover of Sae Daeng or the Red leadership or Thaksin, I didn't see that Sae Daeng had done more than warn the judges. He wasn't endorsing assassination attempts, (though he obviously sympathizes with the fanatics). It looked like another "beat-up" by the Nation (a less than reliable medium) and the manic Sae Daeng is such an easy target.

If he really cared for the judges' welfare, why not send them a private message? It's very clear that by going public with these stupid thoughts, the intent is to both intimidate the judges, and put ideas in people's minds (red fanatics). It's disgusting.

Thais speaking publicly on touchy subjects are never direct,

but hint at various levels of directness.

They put the message in indirect terms almost always, in that sense he is being quite Thai,

but also this is MUCH more direct than typical and no Thai will miss the point.

For a Thai speaking this is very direct, sure he isn't going to say

'MY TEAMS ARE GOING TO TOP THE JUDGES, IF THE RULE AGAINST THE BOSS.'.

They don't talk like that. But that is certainly implied strongly in Thai style.

Add to that that the LAST several times he has made a prognostication like this,

the incident happens one of more times almost exactly as he says it will.

Pad at GH don't leave they will be driven out with force. Boom; grenades for 3 nights.

He wants to meet with Thaksin; He crosses the border and does a photo op, and implied threats.

If Anupong disciplines him, he can't go out and not worry: Boom; grenade.

Judges can expect to be attacked either bore or after the Thaksin verdict : .....

Sorry this is not coincidentally accurate prediction,

but a direct threat in Thai style, for both before and after the verdict

at the judges who can't be bought off.

I see this thread and the 'Do we need to fear this general?' meaning Anupongs replacement,

and juxtapose the two.. this guy is a loose cannon hoping to become

main man in the Thai army if his puyai wins the day. His choice of Fortune!

THIS cat I fear big time.

Edited January 31, 2010 by animatic

[moskito]

somehow Mr.T manage it to get every three days a headline even in TV forum and stay on topic. CONGRATULATIONS

may be HE is really better for Thailand than anybody else, at least he is intelligent and knows what he wants, not just a puppet.

[geriatrickid]

Animatic, if he is to be feared today, then he should have been feared last week. He should have been feared last month, and last year. Answer the question that was raised; If he is to be feared, why is he still walking around? The military could have confined him to a base or a post. The military could have charged him long ago. Why didn't they?

He has as much chance of becoming military boss as you have of becoming Miss Universe.

[rixalex]

at least he is intelligent and knows what he wants,

Yes, we all know - money back first, power second, revenge third.

[Jingthing]

Given the clear obvious threats of armed revolt coming up in relation to the money case, can someone explain to me why martial law would be a bad thing to do temporarily? It seems reasonable to me. I have lived through martial law in the USA, it can even happen in developed democratic countries when there are actual or threatened mass riots.

Edited January 31, 2010 by Jingthing

[animatic]

Animatic, if he is to be feared today, then he should have been feared last week. He should have been feared last month, and last year. Answer the question that was raised; If he is to be feared, why is he still walking around? The military could have confined him to a base or a post. The military could have charged him long ago. Why didn't they?

He has as much chance of becoming military boss as you have of becoming Miss Universe.

Yeah sure,

but does HE understand that" And does Thaksin play up his delusions?

He was feared last month, last year, and the year before then too.

He also ignores their rules from above, which is rather unThai

and more dangerous because he refuses to stay in the chain of command.

But it is still a mai bpen rai culture and second chances seems to be endemic.

Fearing the potential of someone dangerous is not the same as

having enough evidence to properly lock him down.

He seems to have finally crossed that rubicon publicly...

[Insight]

somehow Mr.T manage it to get every three days a headline even in TV forum and stay on topic. CONGRATULATIONS

may be HE is really better for Thailand than anybody else, at least he is intelligent and knows what he wants, not just a puppet.

You think using tactics such as these, with a fair few billion baht at steak, just to stay in the headlines, is intelligent...?

Can't wait to see his "Einstein" moment at the end of Feb then!

[Thailand]

The general said nothing that hasn't been said in these forums before. He hasn't said that he would kill anyone, nor did he encourage violence. If the report is accurate, then he has merely stated the obvious. It is no big secret that violence is a distinct and real possibility.

I have the impression that this article appears in the Nation as part of an effort to foment anxiety and sow panic. Words can be twisted and taken out of context to mean anything. I certainly hope there is no violence directed at the judiciary and the government must protect the judges, but I do not think martial law is justified. And yes, that's where I think alot of this nonsense in the Nation is leading: Laying the justiification for a declaration of martial law and a suspension of habeas corpus and the right of assembly.

One loudmouth and the government turns it into panic central. It is easy to deal with him. Charge him under a breach of military rules, and confine him to base until he appears before the military tribunal. Interesting why nothing has really been done to date. If he was as dangerous as he is made out to be, why the f***k is he still in circulation? Either the military does not see him as a threat or he is being used by the current regime to provide "evidence" of a plot so that draconian measures can be enacted.

Ask yourselves why he is still out there and who's purpose it serves. Sorry, but this thing stinks. It's like a 1950's era banana republic coup in the making.

My reaction was similar to geriatrickid's. While no lover of Sae Daeng or the Red leadership or Thaksin, I didn't see that Sae Daeng had done more than warn the judges. He wasn't endorsing assassination attempts, (though he obviously sympathizes with the fanatics). It looked like another "beat-up" by the Nation (a less than reliable medium) and the manic Sae Daeng is such an easy target.

This subject was not an exclusive Nation article. It was published by other news sources as well including Thai press and reported on Thai TV.

Must be true then.

[Insight]

Animatic, if he is to be feared today, then he should have been feared last week. He should have been feared last month, and last year. Answer the question that was raised; If he is to be feared, why is he still walking around? The military could have confined him to a base or a post. The military could have charged him long ago. Why didn't they?

He has as much chance of becoming military boss as you have of becoming Miss Universe.

The other alternative is something I've mentioned in another thread - Abhisit strongly intends not to give the red shirts any reason to blame him for being oppressive in any way. Throwing this lunatic in jail may be interpreted by an ever-decreasing number as just that, and we can bet good money that Thaksin's PR teams will try and make the most of it.

Personally though, I think the line has been well and truly crossed in this instance, and any damage incurred by his arrest will be easier to manage than any of the recent red shirt protests with their embarrassingly low turn-outs.