Thai Police Taking No Chances In Countdown To Judgement Day

[webfact]

THAKSIN'S D-DAY

Police taking no chances in countdown to judgement day

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The red-shirt rally at Bangkok Bank today, seen as a curtain raiser to next Friday's verdict on the Bt76-billion assets-seizure case, will likely cause anxiety although it is not expected to turn unruly, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday.

"I think the red shirts are trying to stoke fiery sentiment ahead of the crucial verdict," he said.

Suthep said authorities were fully prepared to keep the situation under control, reassuring the public about contingency plans to deal with any attempts to incite an upheaval.

While beefing up security at key government installations and public places, the Metropolitan Police Bureau will also ensure security at banks and the stock market on the verdict day, he said.

He reminded the public not to be overly concerned about the political tension since the government would not allow nor condone an eruption of violence.

The anti-riot forces will not be armed in order to avoid a risk of bloodshed, he said. Some 20,000-30,000 forces have been mobilised to keep the peace and they are scheduled to take part in a mock operation for crowd control tomorrow, to ensure their preparedness.

To keep order at the Bangkok Bank rally, a combined unit of 300 policemen and riot forces from Metropolitan Police Zone 5 will be deployed under the supervision of superintendent Colonel Anuchai Lekbamrung.

Some 1,000-2,000 red shirts are expected to take part in the day-long demonstration, scheduled to start at 10am on Silom Road.

Before and during the demonstration, police will conduct a sweep of the rally site and nearby areas to ensure protesters are unarmed and foil any attempts to stir up trouble.

The Metropolitan Police chief said yesterday that some 300 police officers would be dispatched to keep law and order at the Bangkok Bank head office during the demonstration.

Lt-General Sunthan Chayanond, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said police would also keep a 24-hour surveillance on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) as part of increased security measures ahead of the court ruling on the Thaksin assets-seizure case.

Sunthan said he had met with the SET president, Patareeya Benjapolchai, yesterday to discuss security at the exchange. The SET is one of eight premises under close police watch to prevent any incidents that would shake investor confidence, he added.

The senior officer said officers from the special operation division would be dispatched to guard the SET in addition to two officers from the local station. Reinforcements could arrive within 10 minutes and additional help could be requested from the military, he added.

Bangkok Bank said it would open its headquarters on Silom Road one hour earlier, at 7.30am today, and close at 3.30pm as usual.

In a statement yesterday, the bank advised clients to avoid coming to the head office, and instead go to other offices for banking services. All communications channels at the head office are open and will be manned as usual.

The red shirts tried to link the bank to Privy Council president General Prem Tinsulanonda, whom they accuse of pulling strings behind politics.

The bank said Prem is a personal adviser to its chairman, Chatri Sophonpanich, but he holds no position at the bank, officially or unofficially. Earlier, the bank clarified that Prem held no position at Chanthaburi Farm, which owns the golf course at Khao Soi Dao in the eastern province. Prem did not preside over the golf course opening ceremony, as claimed.

Since Monday, police have set up 230 checkpoints around the capital from 10pm to 5am as a security precaution. High security risk areas include Government House, the Supreme Court building, the Parliament compound, Nang Lerng intersection and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Former intelligence chief Bhumarat Taksadipong voiced concern that, following the verdict, the political situation might get out of control.

The red shirts have a history of violence, as shown in the Songkran mayhem last year. Two retired generals seen as close to the red shirts, Panlop Pinmanee and Pirat Sawamiwat, were involved in inciting violence in the 1992 May bloodshed, he said.

He also warned that ex-communist insurgents from the lower Northeast have been concealed in an undisclosed location as if they were preparing for a suspicious mission. He said he was upbeat, however, that authorities could check any downward spiral in the situation.

Special operations officer Lt-General Nanthadet Meksawat from the Armed Forces Security Centre said he considered an eruption of violence to be unlikely.

The three red-shirt leaders would lose their credibility and trust if they failed to honour their pledge of non-violence, he said.

He said the Supreme Court was expected to clearly outline how it had reached its verdict, dispelling any doubts that could be exploited to inflame public wrath.

In a related development, Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Police Lt-General Tha-ngai Prasachaksatru signed an order to set up a panel of investigators to look into political activities by different groups and take legal action in case of law violations, a source said yesterday.

-- The Nation 2010-02-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[animatic]

They are trying to change the argument from 'Thaksin is good, but being treated unfairly',

to 'others are bad don't treat Thaksin specially whether he deserves it or not',

and Prem is their chosen target. Distract from the facts you don't want seen

and try and shift a blame otherwise to a target that speaks little.

And of course the banks are part of the mechanism holding Thaksin's cash,

and so trying to tie them to a bigger power mechanism is logical to their world view.

But 1,000-2,000 people is not going to shake the earth on it's best day.

Unless they could string up someone 'important' in the public square.

So don't be the one they catch.

[slapout]

'The anti riot forces will not be armed'???? reminded of the lyrics "don't take your gun to town son" and the scenario of going to a gun fight with a knife. Methods/plans for discipline and punishment for various people/groups seem to be a carry over from the "give the youngsters what they want and never whip their little a.." propaganda. As a farang, frequently told I do not understand Thailand, I will await the results of this modern, far reaching approach/attitude.

[geriatrickid]

Since Monday, police have set up 230 checkpoints around the capital from 10pm to 5am as a security precaution.

What does this mean? No checkpoints between 5 am and 10 pm? What's the point? The BiB will probably be asleep at their posts.

[Thai at Heart]

Since Monday, police have set up 230 checkpoints around the capital from 10pm to 5am as a security precaution.

What does this mean? No checkpoints between 5 am and 10 pm? What's the point? The BiB will probably be asleep at their posts.

You can only giggle really. They even tell prospective trouble makers what time to move around the city.

Of course, unless it is a cunning plan and the cops will be hiding in the greenery to pounce like ninjas on the trouble makers.

[Alwaysright]

Since Monday, police have set up 230 checkpoints around the capital from 10pm to 5am as a security precaution.

What does this mean? No checkpoints between 5 am and 10 pm? What's the point? The BiB will probably be asleep at their posts.

In a taxi yesterday I observed police with rifles(two at one place),we made eye contact and he laughed as I gave him a thumbs up. :DIt was 3pm so I imagine 24hrs.

Edited February 19, 2010 by Alwaysright

[Samuian]

They are trying to change the argument from 'Thaksin is good, but being treated unfairly',

to 'others are bad don't treat Thaksin specially whether he deserves it or not',

and Prem is their chosen target. Distract from the facts you don't want seen

and try and shift a blame otherwise to a target that speaks little.

And of course the banks are part of the mechanism holding Thaksin's cash,

and so trying to tie them to a bigger power mechanism is logical to their world view.

But 1,000-2,000 people is not going to shake the earth on it's best day.

Unless they could string up someone 'important' in the public square.

So don't be the one they catch.

The "man behind the curtain" has definitely chosen the wrong target(s)!

The prospect of losing "his life savings" and his grip of the Nation, must drive someone right up 'the ceiling"..

Prem is with many others an honorable statesman, which the fugitive has completely failed to prove for himself and in attacking these "elites" as he and his lackeys claim, they are attacking the very core of Thai Society and with this will lose the plot completely, besides showing their real intentions ever more and ever clearer, mudslinging, blackmailing of honorable people is not a very honorable thing, especially if it is to defend a fugitives very own shortcoming, which is so obvious, despite all apologies and promised honesty!

1000-2000? Even this figure might be exaggerated a lot, cause more and more realize what is going on!

And many more might be afraid to find themselves caught up in some mayhem as has been instigated on Songkran Dooms Day last year!

The Red Movement, including UDD and DAAD have gambled high and lost their credibility, going downhill fast!

Edited February 19, 2010 by Samuian

[jayboy]

Prem is with many others an honorable statesman, which the fugitive has completely failed to prove for himself and in attacking these "elites" as he and his lackeys claim, they are attacking the very core of Thai Society and with this will lose the plot completely, besides showing their real intentions ever more and ever clearer, mudslinging, blackmailing of honorable people is not a very honorable thing, especially if it is to defend a fugitives very own shortcoming, which is so obvious, despite all apologies and promised honesty!

I disagree.Prem has a great deal to answer for and I suspect it will be future historians that write the verdict, not contemporary observers.More disturbingly is your facile assumption that what you describe as "Thai elites" should not be criticised whatever errors they have committed on the grounds that this somehow would be an attack on the core of the Thai nation.This servile attitude which is probably not shared by most Thai people( though enthusiastically propagated by corrupt and greedy elites themselves) is partly what gives rogues like Thaksin their opportunity.

[junglist]

They are trying to change the argument from 'Thaksin is good, but being treated unfairly',

to 'others are bad don't treat Thaksin specially whether he deserves it or not',

and Prem is their chosen target. Distract from the facts you don't want seen

and try and shift a blame otherwise to a target that speaks little.

And of course the banks are part of the mechanism holding Thaksin's cash,

and so trying to tie them to a bigger power mechanism is logical to their world view.

But 1,000-2,000 people is not going to shake the earth on it's best day.

Unless they could string up someone 'important' in the public square.

So don't be the one they catch.

The "man behind the curtain" has definitely chosen the wrong target(s)!

The prospect of losing "his life savings" and his grip of the Nation, must drive someone right up 'the ceiling"..

Prem is with many others an honorable statesman, which the fugitive has completely failed to prove for himself and in attacking these "elites" as he and his lackeys claim, they are attacking the very core of Thai Society and with this will lose the plot completely, besides showing their real intentions ever more and ever clearer, mudslinging, blackmailing of honorable people is not a very honorable thing, especially if it is to defend a fugitives very own shortcoming, which is so obvious, despite all apologies and promised honesty!

1000-2000? Even this figure might be exaggerated a lot, cause more and more realize what is going on!

And many more might be afraid to find themselves caught up in some mayhem as has been instigated on Songkran Dooms Day last year!

The Red Movement, including UDD and DAAD have gambled high and lost their credibility, going downhill fast!

credibility? you cant lose what you never had. 5555

[SomTumTiger]

Since Monday, police have set up 230 checkpoints around the capital from 10pm to 5am as a security precaution.

What does this mean? No checkpoints between 5 am and 10 pm? What's the point? The BiB will probably be asleep at their posts.

d

You don't need to set up checkpoints between that time, cause traffic never moves fast enough for anyone to get anywhere, do anything, or escape from anywhere, in a reasonable time period. lol

[Meridian007]

It's a pity that "protests" like this can't be photobombed like similar things in the US have recently. Get some Thai people dressed in red, but write things on their signs like "Alpine golf course unfair! If Surayud's land was given back to the park, the golf course should be given back to the temple!", and "The money was never Thaksin's, the court should take it all!".

This would highlight the silliness of their attempt to make this look like anything other than the old story of fighting for Thaksin's bruised ego and financial standing. Sadly, because of the general lack of a sense of humour here, I'm sure it would lead to conflict. Maybe if the signs were written in English? Hmmm....

[junglist]

It's a pity that "protests" like this can't be photobombed like similar things in the US have recently. Get some Thai people dressed in red, but write things on their signs like "Alpine golf course unfair! If Surayud's land was given back to the park, the golf course should be given back to the temple!", and "The money was never Thaksin's, the court should take it all!".

This would highlight the silliness of their attempt to make this look like anything other than the old story of fighting for Thaksin's bruised ego and financial standing. Sadly, because of the general lack of a sense of humour here, I'm sure it would lead to conflict. Maybe if the signs were written in English? Hmmm....

Nice, ya you know that would start a fight, but would be as funny as hel_l!!!

[h90]

It's a pity that "protests" like this can't be photobombed like similar things in the US have recently. Get some Thai people dressed in red, but write things on their signs like "Alpine golf course unfair! If Surayud's land was given back to the park, the golf course should be given back to the temple!", and "The money was never Thaksin's, the court should take it all!".

This would highlight the silliness of their attempt to make this look like anything other than the old story of fighting for Thaksin's bruised ego and financial standing. Sadly, because of the general lack of a sense of humour here, I'm sure it would lead to conflict. Maybe if the signs were written in English? Hmmm....

there was the idea to cause some troubles till the army comes. Than show pictures of violence.....This pictures you simply make before in Cambodia with actors and fake uniforms.

mix them with some real pictures and you can blame the Army for some mass murdering which never happened.

Hope the reds did not got the same idea.....

[cooperspale]

They are trying to change the argument from 'Thaksin is good, but being treated unfairly',

to 'others are bad don't treat Thaksin specially whether he deserves it or not',

and Prem is their chosen target. Distract from the facts you don't want seen

and try and shift a blame otherwise to a target that speaks little.

And of course the banks are part of the mechanism holding Thaksin's cash,

and so trying to tie them to a bigger power mechanism is logical to their world view.

But 1,000-2,000 people is not going to shake the earth on it's best day.

Unless they could string up someone 'important' in the public square.

So don't be the one they catch.

The "man behind the curtain" has definitely chosen the wrong target(s)!

The prospect of losing "his life savings" and his grip of the Nation, must drive someone right up 'the ceiling"..

Prem is with many others an honorable statesman, which the fugitive has completely failed to prove for himself and in attacking these "elites" as he and his lackeys claim, they are attacking the very core of Thai Society and with this will lose the plot completely, besides showing their real intentions ever more and ever clearer, mudslinging, blackmailing of honorable people is not a very honorable thing, especially if it is to defend a fugitives very own shortcoming, which is so obvious, despite all apologies and promised honesty!

1000-2000? Even this figure might be exaggerated a lot, cause more and more realize what is going on!

And many more might be afraid to find themselves caught up in some mayhem as has been instigated on Songkran Dooms Day last year!

The Red Movement, including UDD and DAAD have gambled high and lost their credibility, going downhill fast!

'Life savings ' or 'life stealings?

[Sisaketmike]

Since Monday, police have set up 230 checkpoints around the capital from 10pm to 5am as a security precaution.

What does this mean? No checkpoints between 5 am and 10 pm? What's the point? The BiB will probably be asleep at their posts.

You don't need to wear a helmet after 5.00 pm in the lower north east, because the cops are off duty. Don't you get it?

Edited February 23, 2010 by Sisaketmike