Threats For Thai Government Turn Real

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Threats turn real - but who's behind them?

By Jintana Panyaarvudh

The Nation

jintana(at)nationgroup.com

BANGKOK: -- As the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions is scheduled to rule on February 26 whether or not to seize the Bt76-billion assets of convicted ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, the violence anticipated ahead of the upcoming court verdict has arrived already.

- Mid-last month, an M-79 was fired into Army Chief Anupong Paochinda's office in the Army headquarters, causing a hole, damaging walls and shattering window glass. No one was injured.

- Security was beefed up for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva after bags filled with excrement and fermented fish (pla ra) were thrown into the PM's residence early this month. The attack prompted authorities to beef up security, from guards with dogs to CCTV and a protective net on the PM's home.

- Last Saturday, two cars tried to interrupt the PM's motorcade in two separate incidents.

First, a white Honda with two men tried to cut into Abhisit's caravan travelling on the expressway towards the Yommaraj exit, near Government House, at 1pm. Police sped up their van to intercept the car, cracking the hubcap on the right rear wheel in the process. The car finally stopped without anyone being hurt.

The second incident happened at 5pm when a taxi, with "Red who wants no dictatorship" and "Red who wants no amart" (Royal advisers) stickers on it, tried to cut into the PM's motorcade while it was heading to the PM's home. The same security team in the van that had stopped the first car in the afternoon forced the taxi to slow down.

- On Saturday night, at about 11pm, an unidentified attacker fired an M79 grenade at Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, about 50 metres from Government House. The attack damaged four parked cars, a university roof and a pavilion, police said. No one was injured.

- Yesterday three pounds of C-4 explosives were found in a Supreme Court compound. Police said the bomb was powerful enough to destroy the whole building. The bomb seemingly related to an earlier warning by Thaksin's main supporter Maj-General Khattiya Sawasdipol, known as Seh Daeng, of possible death threats against Supreme Court judges, members of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and former members of the now-defunct Assets Examination Committee.

Obviously, all incidents were related to the judgement day of Thaksin in his asset seizure case. Although it's difficult to conclude who were behind those incidents, there are three groups, who may have been involved:

First, supporters of the current government - wanting to create trouble in order to discredit the red shirts. They could then blame the red shirts as being behind the violence because they (the red shirts) wanted to protect Thaksin's assets.

Second, supporters of Thaksin - wanting to create a disturbance in order to threaten the government and force it to open negotiations with Thaksin. The bomb might be aimed at threatening the judges in order to give a positive verdict in Thaksin's case. Or they might want to make conditions as bad as possible so that the military has to step in to use force or even stage a coup to control the situation. A coup would be seen as a benefit for Thaksin's camp who would use it as an argument to undermine any Thaksin verdict.

Third, a third party. The motive behind this group might be a change in the current situation. It may be military, who want to take control or even stage a coup, believing the government could not control the situation.

With 11 days to go before judgement day, the worst may yet to come. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

-- The Nation 2010-02-15

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[animatic]

Right now it's still warnings, but what happens if those warnings seem to get brushed off?

3 lbs of C4... who can get their hands on this much to just let this much go un-used...?

Sure isn't southern Islamic insurgents... Sounds like people with access to more...

Most worrisome

Edited February 15, 2010 by animatic

[Asa]

I don't know which is more scarely, Red Shirt protest, or the officials accusation.

I agree with Khun Jaturon Chaisaeng that nowadays PM Abhisit, and Democrat ministers make one side publication that Red Shirt is behind every vandalism, and exaggerated threat warning without producing any evidence. Many times the threat warnings from Suthep, Panithan, Sathit refered to government intelligent sources proved wrong and nohting happened as alleged. I wonder why the C4 was meant not to go off, and M79 grenade was a blank shot. With hundreds intelligent manpowers and advance technology, they still cannot catch the rogues?

Nevertheless, such behaviors of one side attacks it will only widen society divide futher. The government of change should not do the old mudslinging tricks. Shouldn't we deserve better?

[SomTumTiger]

Who's behind the threats? Someone who does not have the best interests of Thailand in mind. (sounds like Mr. T to me)

[Phuket1]

Who supply all this explosives??? Some country on the eastern border maybe.

[Colabamumbai]

Lets not forget about the guy who threw excretement at the Prime Ministers house, He wanted attention because there were too many smokers around his own house affecting his daughters health.

[Asa]

Who's behind the threats? Someone who does not have the best interests of Thailand in mind. (sounds like Mr. T to me)

In Khun Abhisit's shoes would you do the same thing he did, taking the opportunity to destroy his arch rival? You would, because it woudl give you more votes.

In Khun Thaksin's shoes would you initiate such thing and get the blame? You might not, it would give you more adversity.

You may ask again to include, "who gains from the recent mischievous acts"

[Bagwan]

3lbs of explosive to destroy a whole, presumably substantial, building? Really? If so, great advances have been made in the effectiveness of explosives since I assisted in the handing out of death and destruction. In WW2 it would have taken a direct hit from a 500lb bomb to take out a building.

[chantorn]

Lets not forget about the guy who threw excretement at the Prime Ministers house, He wanted attention because there were too many smokers around his own house affecting his daughters health.

This guy could have been by Thaksin.

[jdinasia]

Who's behind the threats? Someone who does not have the best interests of Thailand in mind. (sounds like Mr. T to me)

In Khun Abhisit's shoes would you do the same thing he did, taking the opportunity to destroy his arch rival? You would, because it woudl give you more votes.

In Khun Thaksin's shoes would you initiate such thing and get the blame? You might not, it would give you more adversity.

You may ask again to include, "who gains from the recent mischievous acts"

Maybe we should be asking ..... Who has made the threats? We know that many threats have been made and that Sae Daeng who recently came back from visiting Thaksin in Dubai has threatened the Courts and other groups like the AEC. Why would the reds/Thaksin want upheaval? Well Thaksin has a lot to lose if the courts rule against him on Feb 26th. 2 BILLION dollars is only the beginning of it. Any goodwill his money buys amongst the powerbrokers in Isaan and the North that still exists will dry up like the Sahara as soon as the cash and the potential for another turn at the trough is gone.

Then we should ask "Are those threats credible?" --- We look back at Sae Daeng's past threats of grenade attacks and notice that when he threatens attacks do happen.

Now --- how does Abhisit benefit? Ummm suppose he faked it .... already we have his security forces guarding his house appearing inefficient. Then we have the security at Government house and the court seeming inefficient. He gains by appearing weak and at risk? No motive ... the attacks make his defenses seem weak .... he gains nothing. He might get a bit of sympathy and there might be some outrage if people were killed but so far .....

Let's take a third group ... say the army. Would they benefit? Well the attack on the army base makes them look weak. Sae Daeng running around lose making threats makes them appear weak. They are already not trusted by much of the population on either side of the color divide. Finally, they had the chance to grab and hold power recently and gave it back to the people ... so probably not them.

Three groups .... only one seems to have not only the motive but also the loose cannon to do this. Sadly I don't really count Sae daeng as a loose cannon since he was summoned to Dubai by the boss.

[webfact]

UPDATE

Govt still in control: PM tells permanent secretaries

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Monday told permanent secretaries and equivalent heads of government agencies that the government is still control of the situation, according to acting government spokesman Panithan Watanayakorn.

Abhisit held a meeting of the top permanent officials and assured them that the situation was not worrying yet.

Panithan quoted Abhisit as telling the top permanent officials that the government would be able to control the situation by coordinating with security agencies.

-- The Nation 2010-02-15

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

UPDATE

SECURITY

Don't blame it on Thaksin : Noppadon

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra has nothing to do with the recent security threats and has no reasons to intimidate the Supreme Court, his legal adviser said Monday.

Noppadon Patama, formerly a foreign minister, said that it would be unwise to cause a negative feeling for the court ahead of the important verdict.

"I would like to call for this matter to be viewed from a different perspective. In this critical time, why would he (Thaksin) cause the court to have a negative feeling," he said.

"He has adhered to peaceful means, and not intimidating the court. If the verdict is acceptable to lawyers and society, there will be no problems."

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders is scheduled to read its verdict on Feb 26 on the Bt76million assetsseizure case against Thaksin.

Noppadon said that Thaksin's defence team expected more M79 grenades and C4 bombs to be used to discredit Thaksin and damage his reputation ahead of the court ruling.

-- The Nation 2010-02-15

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Insight]

Would be nice if Thaksin could publicly denounce the attempting bombings....

[scorecard]

I don't know which is more scarely, Red Shirt protest, or the officials accusation.

I agree with Khun Jaturon Chaisaeng that nowadays PM Abhisit, and Democrat ministers make one side publication that Red Shirt is behind every vandalism, and exaggerated threat warning without producing any evidence. Many times the threat warnings from Suthep, Panithan, Sathit refered to government intelligent sources proved wrong and nohting happened as alleged. I wonder why the C4 was meant not to go off, and M79 grenade was a blank shot. With hundreds intelligent manpowers and advance technology, they still cannot catch the rogues?

Nevertheless, such behaviors of one side attacks it will only widen society divide futher. The government of change should not do the old mudslinging tricks. Shouldn't we deserve better?

Well what do your expect mr. jatuporn.

You allow sae daeng and the other general to join your 'democracy movement' (which is nothing whatever like a democracy movement) and they talk about war, red armies, killing judges, plus the thug activities of the CM 51 red shirts, etc., etc.

If the shoe fits, then wear it mr. jatuporn.

And please don't cry 'wolf', mr jatuporn, your numerous outrageous claims in parliament which you have never substantiated (never even tried to substantiate) have totally destroyed your personal credibility, not that you even established any credibility in the first place.

[jdinasia]

UPDATE

SECURITY

Don't blame it on Thaksin : Noppadon

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra has nothing to do with the recent security threats and has no reasons to intimidate the Supreme Court, his legal adviser said Monday.

Noppadon Patama, formerly a foreign minister, said that it would be unwise to cause a negative feeling for the court ahead of the important verdict.

"I would like to call for this matter to be viewed from a different perspective. In this critical time, why would he (Thaksin) cause the court to have a negative feeling," he said.

"He has adhered to peaceful means, and not intimidating the court. If the verdict is acceptable to lawyers and society, there will be no problems."

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders is scheduled to read its verdict on Feb 26 on the Bt76million assetsseizure case against Thaksin.

Noppadon said that Thaksin's defence team expected more M79 grenades and C4 bombs to be used to discredit Thaksin and damage his reputation ahead of the court ruling.

-- The Nation 2010-02-15

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

I bet they do expect more m79 grenades and c4 bombs .... isn't that why Sae Daeng was called to Dubai?

"In this critical time why would Thaksin want to cause negative feelings before the verdict?" Perhaps because he expects that the courts will rule against him! With enough intimidation he hopes to scare the courts and the people into being lenient or risk even worse violence?

I note the caveat at the end ... "and Thai society" .... to that I can only ask What about the rule of law, Mr Thaksin?

[Ricardo]

"I would like to call for this matter to be viewed from a different perspective. In this critical time, why would he (Thaksin) cause the court to have a negative feeling," he said.

"He has adhered to peaceful means, and not intimidating the court. If the verdict is acceptable to lawyers and society, there will be no problems."

-- The Nation 2010-02-15

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

Perhaps Thaksin should have a word with his family-members, and the leaders of his local organisations, and ask them to stop threatening the court ?

It would also be good to hear him condemn the bomb or grenade-attacks, or the attempts to disrupt PM-Abhisit's motorcade, but perhaps he is too busy, advising on Cambodia's economy ?

[Johpa]

Who's behind the threats? Someone who does not have the best interests of Thailand in mind. (sounds like Mr. T to me)

Since when do any of the sides have the best interests of Thailand in mind? All sides are only concerned about enriching themselves with nary a patriotic thought amongst the whole lot, regardless of the color shirt they wear. The sad truth is that all sides benefit from the uncertainty and instability. They all like the fluid nature of the current politics as it gives them all more freedom of action.

[ozzieovaseas]

Well..HE had no such qualms about causing trouble in the past

Suddenly the pied piper goes quiet but the rats keep marching to the beat

sounds like a bit of tough come-uppance to me

Edited February 15, 2010 by ozzieovaseas

[stuandchris]

For god's sake the nation is nothing more than a gov mouthpiece, if a hooker got to be PM then the Nation would support them from what I can see.

Comments on the nation is at best a waste of time, at worst purile.

As an observer neither red, pink, or whatever colour it is a nonsencse to comment on that rag.

It also shows how far down this site has gone downhill, It used to be independant now it follows the Gov line to serve itself.

I wonder if Thaksin ever returns what the response from the Nation and Thai visa would be?

Sorry already know, self serving and sucking up.

[SomTumTiger]

That mental instability of a certain favorite fugitive will probably rear its ugly head. Lets hope nothing happens in Bangkok, so that CNN feels obliged to put his face back on tv, for another "interview". Remember the "hundreds killed by the military" in April?

[tonywebster]

what a lot of tosh that article is, if anyone doubts the nations bias just read the OP.

The turd incident was not violent or linked to politics, the cars going into the motorcade offered no threat and stopped, and this comment

Obviously, all incidents were related to the judgement day of Thaksin in his asset seizure case.

is so biased and inaccurate that it could have been written by over half the posters on here, the FACT that not all the incidents are related to Thaksins case as has been proven with the turd incident should make people wonder about the rest of the article.

My personal opinion are the bomb attacks are propaganda, not aimed at government buildings, one at a University and one planted at the court (that was conveniently found), added to the Government not being concerned enough to call emergency decrees, maybe they have no need to call these decrees as they already know where the explosives come from and who fired/planted them.

Is what I have written above beyond the realms of possibility? After all TIT

[LomSak27]

For god's sake the nation is nothing more than a gov mouthpiece, if a hooker got to be PM then the Nation would support them from what I can see.

Comments on the nation is at best a waste of time, at worst purile.

Yeah, but it gives people something to get on a soap box about on a slow day ... This goverment NEEDS Thaksin, without a threat, without a menace, people might look at the current goverment on its own merits or lack of them and expect them to actually do something, heaven forbid.

[DP25]

That mental instability of a certain favorite fugitive will probably rear its ugly head. Lets hope nothing happens in Bangkok, so that CNN feels obliged to put his face back on tv, for another "interview". Remember the "hundreds killed by the military" in April?

He has secret videos of it! It's going to be released any day now!

[ballpoint]

That mental instability of a certain favorite fugitive will probably rear its ugly head. Lets hope nothing happens in Bangkok, so that CNN feels obliged to put his face back on tv, for another "interview". Remember the "hundreds killed by the military" in April?

He has secret videos of it! It's going to be released any day now!

Along with the one of the hundreds of plasterers and painters going around instantly filling in all the bullet holes.

[Ricardo]

I wonder why the C4 was meant not to go off, and M79 grenade was a blank shot.

Please could you supply a source for those claims, as I've not seen them repeated, anywhere else ? Thanks !

[Asa]

I don't know which is more scarely, Red Shirt protest, or the officials accusation.

I agree with Khun Jaturon Chaisaeng that nowadays PM Abhisit, and Democrat ministers make one side publication that Red Shirt is behind every vandalism, and exaggerated threat warning without producing any evidence. Many times the threat warnings from Suthep, Panithan, Sathit refered to government intelligent sources proved wrong and nohting happened as alleged. I wonder why the C4 was meant not to go off, and M79 grenade was a blank shot. With hundreds intelligent manpowers and advance technology, they still cannot catch the rogues?

Nevertheless, such behaviors of one side attacks it will only widen society divide futher. The government of change should not do the old mudslinging tricks. Shouldn't we deserve better?

Well what do your expect mr. jatuporn.

You allow sae daeng and the other general to join your 'democracy movement' (which is nothing whatever like a democracy movement) and they talk about war, red armies, killing judges, plus the thug activities of the CM 51 red shirts, etc., etc.

If the shoe fits, then wear it mr. jatuporn.

And please don't cry 'wolf', mr jatuporn, your numerous outrageous claims in parliament which you have never substantiated (never even tried to substantiate) have totally destroyed your personal credibility, not that you even established any credibility in the first place.

I mentioned "Jaturon ChaiSaeng" not "Jatuporn Prompun"

[hammered]

I don't know which is more scarely, Red Shirt protest, or the officials accusation.

I agree with Khun Jaturon Chaisaeng that nowadays PM Abhisit, and Democrat ministers make one side publication that Red Shirt is behind every vandalism, and exaggerated threat warning without producing any evidence. Many times the threat warnings from Suthep, Panithan, Sathit refered to government intelligent sources proved wrong and nohting happened as alleged. I wonder why the C4 was meant not to go off, and M79 grenade was a blank shot. With hundreds intelligent manpowers and advance technology, they still cannot catch the rogues?

Nevertheless, such behaviors of one side attacks it will only widen society divide futher. The government of change should not do the old mudslinging tricks. Shouldn't we deserve better?

Well what do your expect mr. jatuporn.

You allow sae daeng and the other general to join your 'democracy movement' (which is nothing whatever like a democracy movement) and they talk about war, red armies, killing judges, plus the thug activities of the CM 51 red shirts, etc., etc.

If the shoe fits, then wear it mr. jatuporn.

And please don't cry 'wolf', mr jatuporn, your numerous outrageous claims in parliament which you have never substantiated (never even tried to substantiate) have totally destroyed your personal credibility, not that you even established any credibility in the first place.

I mentioned "Jaturon ChaiSaeng" not "Jatuporn Prompun"

Jaturon, often spelt Chatchuron too, is a banned ex-TRT politico and red supporter and old days socialist. His family basically control Chachoengsao too. He is unlikely to be caught telling the fibs that Jatuporn does with his more suave hi-so upbringing but he is certainly not a political neutral although would be a far more interesting person to spend a while discussing the current or any other political issue than the somewhat intellectually challenged Jatuporn.