General Warns Of Coup If Attacks On Prem Continue

[johncitizen]

Army ex-adviser warns of coup if attacks on Prem continue

The former chief of the Army's advisory board, General Boonlert Kaewprasith, yesterday said a military coup could be staged if the red-shirt Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship continued to attack Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda.

In a radio interview, Boonlert said attacks on Prem could be construed as an attack on the institution of monarchy and soldiers may eventually stage a coup to defend the institution.

"Those who are [Prem's] enemies may |not be aiming only at him but at those higher up," he said. The retired general urged the government to "arrest and detain" those attacking the Palace.

Boonlert added, however, that he did not think this Friday's verdict in the assets case involving former premier Thaksin Shinanwatra would lead to extreme violence. He estimated hardcore red-shirt numbers at no more than 100.

Thepthai Saenphong, spokesman for the Democrat Party leader, insisted the red shirts were mobilising in tandem with the monarchy-abolition movement.

He condemned the red-shirt rally on Friday at Silom Road for "ruining the image of Thailand". He urged people to come out and tell the red shirts to stop mobilising.

He said those in the tourism industry should especially do so, as they would be the first to be affected by mass protests.

He claimed that Thaksin was paying Bt2,000 for each pickup truck to transport protesters from upcountry to Bangkok. He also claimed that each protester would be paid Bt500 per day and that Thaksin was spending Bt200 million a day to keep protesters on the streets.

Thepthai said the protests could be expected to last for seven days. He also criticised Thaksin for enticing grass-roots people by promising to eliminate their debts within six months if the former premier managed to return to power.

Meanwhile, Chumpol Kanchana, chairman of the Democrat Party group of MPs, said yesterday that he believed the protests would not get out of hand. Bangkokians are fed up with the red shirts and will soon come out to make their voices heard. He did not elaborate as to where and when, however.

As the so-called judgement day draws near, the Democrat Party headquarters is beefing up its security. Four more CCTV cameras have been added to the existing four and 100 police officers will be deployed on Friday. The party may request some military personnel to be dispatched there too, a source within the party said.

The yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy co-leader Piphob Thongchai yesterday said the PAD would accept the ruling as long as it "can be explained to society and the world with regard to fairness".

He said the PAD would not hold a protest and warned the government to be wary of a third party seeking to exploit the situation. He did not elaborate who the third party could be.

In Nakhon Ratchasima province, checkpoints along the roads have been set up to prevent the red shirts from joining the protests in Bangkok. Police patrols are also being launched every 30 minutes. Pickups and six-wheeler trucks are expected to be the main transportation mode carrying protesters to Bangkok.

In Chiang Rai province, a crowd-dispersal drill was held yesterday. Security forces are also practising how they can contain and arrest those joining the protests if things get out of hand.

-- The Nation 2010-02-21

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[JetsetBkk]

Boonlert said attacks on Prem could be construed as an attack on the institution of monarchy and soldiers may eventually stage a coup to defend the institution.

More like "...could be deliberately misconstrued as..."

followed by "...in order to show who's really in charge."

[BigC]

Boonlert said attacks on Prem could be construed as an attack on the institution of monarchy and soldiers may eventually stage a coup to defend the institution.

More like "...could be deliberately misconstrued as..."

followed by "...in order to show who's really in charge."

200 million baht per day. he is obviously expecting to win his lmoney back or he will be skint soon. Surely he could just disopear and retire if he has that much money to spend. or just come back and do he 2 years. 2years is lnot that long. there again. they would probably find another reason to keep him in.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Well well. 'attack' here means of course 'criticize'. That apparently is worthy of a coup threat. What a great army this country has.

Nice of the Nation to again pen up Thepthai's rants.

[OZEMADE]

Nah, they only have fights at the footy over nothing, so it wont take much to get this one going.

[chantorn]

All the army is saying to Mark is: If you try to investigate on the GT200 purchase, we will have a coup to stop you from doing that.

[britmaveric]

Hmmm sounds like they are setting their excuses already...

[rogerber]

Boonlert is finally the one to call a spade a spade.

No shortage of red literature and rally rhetoric that back up his assertions of what their aim is.

When their so-called movement contains the likes of Giles and Jakrapob, with their widely-known goals, it should come as no surprise. It's stated very clearly in the Red Siam Manifesto.

[bangon04]

Well well. 'attack' here means of course 'criticize'. That apparently is worthy of a coup threat. What a great army this country has.

Nice of the Nation to again pen up Thepthai's rants.

I thought a Coup had been expressly ruled out by Anupong?? Or is he not in charge any more?

[tonglen]

He estimated hardcore red-shirt numbers at no more than 100........

What a lousy estimation. That only serves as a challenge to the reds. Seriously? Only 100 to show up this Friday? Am I missing something here? Maybe the keyword here is "hardcore" demonstrators. This would include the bomb tossers and flingers of "poo falcons" as we called them in the mountain climbing world.

[animatic]

Boonlert is finally the one to call a spade a spade.

No shortage of red literature and rally rhetoric that back up his assertions of what their aim is.

When their so-called movement contains the likes of Giles and Jakrapob, with their widely-known goals, it should come as no surprise. It's stated very clearly in the Red Siam Manifesto.

This hits the mark.

And there is nothing to "misconstrue" here either, there is a group who say this,

and this is exactly what they mean. Da Torpedo being a glaring example,

and an example made because of it. She is the one who went to far,

but she is the tip of this real iceberg, not that it is a huge one.

The is a hardcore group that aims to 'restructure the basic national hierarchy'

and they are pretty much wanting riots and serious trouble for ' the revolution'

they think they need. They want to change the political playing field for when the 'time comes'

and figure Thaksin will be more on their side than most all others, since he is now

willing to act other than the standard kow towing ways of doing things.

Of clurse the ignore the fact he is also diametrically opposed to most of THIER goals,

he is a control freak capitalist and that is the worst kind of leader in a

neo or retro-socialist style, ideology driven, centralized government.

Regardless of this cliques aims, if this generally is part of their platform it is revolutionary,

but not in the good sense, and would remove a central pillar that unites a disjointed, crossroads culture.

From the anthropological perspective this is a very, very foolish, absolutist, retro-socialist idea

that would let loose too many opposing factions with nothing to cause them to hold together.

I hope that doesn't lead to a decade of civil war, till one faction gains enough strength to prevail.

But that would be on logical outcome of their game plan considering the inherent social divisions,

and I don't mean simplistically red/yellow north south either.

Why stopping their revolution would be called a coup by this retired general is anyones guess,

but maybe it is a dual warning about hardcore reds and Gt200, while it is right to question this

machine, and it's procurement process, maybe not so good this particular WEEK to do it so publicly....

Edited February 22, 2010 by animatic

[landofthefree]

Well well. 'attack' here means of course 'criticize'. That apparently is worthy of a coup threat. What a great army this country has.

Nice of the Nation to again pen up Thepthai's rants.

I thought a Coup had been expressly ruled out by Anupong?? Or is he not in charge any more?

How can you tell when a politician is lying? They open their mouths and their lips move!

[WinnieTheKhwai]

And there is nothing to "misconstrue" here either, there is a group who say this,

and this is exactly what they mean. Da Torpedo being a glaring example,

and an example made because of it.

I think the larger issue is that EVEN when you're right, EVEN when freedom of speech wasn't in the constitution and EVEN if there is a group of idiots making statements with those intents, then is that then worth throwing the entire country into military junta rule once again? Were you so focussed on the anti-Red agenda that you missed that?

Also note how the article is trying to have it both ways without a shred of relativation: "There are only 100 hard core people out there, and because of what they say, we may have to organize a military coup."

That'll do wonders for Thai tourism and the economy. Heck, even the THREAT will do no favors for the economy and tourism. It's highly irresposible.

Edited February 22, 2010 by WinnieTheKhwai

[animatic]

It was just a warning to make people back down from the rhetoric.

It was not likely serious at all. No doubt there are more than this hardcore,

that might buy into that message if violence erupts.

It is more political maneuvering, not much more.

Most all things can be said, but this subject is not one and endlessly attacking Prem is

going too close to that subject. The reds know they are playing with fire.

Some will take the hint, another few won't since they are zealots.

This is likely an attempt to quiet down the zealots, not muzzle all discussion.

This isn't about talking but about insurrection.

[Meridian007]

Well, considering that Boonlert is a former chief of the army advisory board, I think this is another opinion piece being taken out of that context to be used for riling up coup fears.

It makes no sense! The attacks on Prem and others have been clearly blamed on the reds, so if the military attacks the reds over this, it won't be a coup. The only way this can be construed as a coup threat is if the military is officially stating that they will remove the current government if Abhisit doesn't mobilize against any perceived threat towards Prem with swift, decisive action. In that case, the GT200 issue may be an assisting factor behind the scenes.

This is not the case however, as there hasn't been any official word from the military, or unofficial slips from military leaders. As well, the government could use the military for that swift, decisive action without there being any threat of coup. That's how the military is used. If the government or royalty is threatened beyond the abilities of the police force, then the government uses the military to protect itself. Either this is a misunderstanding of the meaning of coup, or something fishy is going on here. This article is just the opinion of someone who used to have an influence, so I wonder what his motives are, and who is paying him to say these things.

This is just another fear tactic, created by a certain group who has been singing this song for a couple of months now. They continue to think that if they sing it loudly enough, everyone will concede to their demands to allay the artificial fears they have created.

[Ricardo]

Well well. 'attack' here means of course 'criticize'. That apparently is worthy of a coup threat. What a great army this country has.

Nice of the Nation to again pen up Thepthai's rants.

Perhaps he is referring to the riots outside Prem's Bangkok home, a couple of years ago, in which case 'attack' means exactly what it says ?

[Samuian]

Boonlert is finally the one to call a spade a spade.

No shortage of red literature and rally rhetoric that back up his assertions of what their aim is.

When their so-called movement contains the likes of Giles and Jakrapob, with their widely-known goals, it should come as no surprise. It's stated very clearly in the Red Siam Manifesto.

This hits the mark.

And there is nothing to "misconstrue" here either, there is a group who say this,

and this is exactly what they mean. Da Torpedo being a glaring example,

and an example made because of it. She is the one who went to far,

but she is the tip of this real iceberg, not that it is a huge one.

The is a hardcore group that aims to 'restructure the basic national hierarchy'

and they are pretty much wanting riots and serious trouble for ' the revolution'

they think they need. They want to change the political playing field for when the 'time comes'

and figure Thaksin will be more on their side than most all others, since he is now

willing to act other than the standard kow towing ways of doing things.

Of clurse the ignore the fact he is also diametrically opposed to most of THIER goals,

he is a control freak capitalist and that is the worst kind of leader in a

neo or retro-socialist style, ideology driven, centralized government.

Regardless of this cliques aims, if this generally is part of their platform it is revolutionary,

but not in the good sense, and would remove a central pillar that unites a disjointed, crossroads culture.

From the anthropological perspective this is a very, very foolish, absolutist, retro-socialist idea

that would let loose too many opposing factions with nothing to cause them to hold together.

I hope that doesn't lead to a decade of civil war, till one faction gains enough strength to prevail.

But that would be on logical outcome of their game plan considering the inherent social divisions,

and I don't mean simplistically red/yellow north south either.

Why stopping their revolution would be called a coup by this retired general is anyones guess,

but maybe it is a dual warning about hardcore reds and Gt200, while it is right to question this

machine, and it's procurement process, maybe not so good this particular WEEK to do it so publicly....

" They want to change the political playing field for when the 'time comes'

and figure Thaksin will be more on their side than most all others, since he is now

willing to act other than the standard kow towing ways of doing things.

Of clurse the ignore the fact he is also diametrically opposed to most of THIER goals,"

Yep, and this is what makes this man more dangerous then the rather weak and outdated movement

of some idealists with their even more outdated political aim, but he needs them, he doesn't share a singel grain of their political Ideology and managed till today, pretty well to instrumentalize this group for his plans,

if he would ever win this utmost questionable game, they would be the first to be in the cross hairs..... and haven't seen or understood this obvious and so tremendous difference, maybe because 99% of them are under the stark influence of some heavy delusion or simply in need of a scout and master!

"One always knows what one has, one never knows what he will get!"

Boolert's hint, naming Prem, I figure to be a clear message to those who haven' got yet,

behind which force the military stands!

Who is the chief of the armed forces and who is the official head of state?

And yes with Boolert, pointing towards Prem, he really is pointing toward to...?

That is what it si all about... simple!

The fugitive is tiptoeing.... on thin, very, very thin ice!

Edited February 22, 2010 by Samuian

[Credo]

I tend to be a supporter of the red shirts, but Animatic has made some good points in one of the posts. I also fail to see the great fear in another coup, since basically the country is under the control of the military--to a greater or lesser extent.

What is essential is that at some point in the near future, the country return to some semblance of democracy and that includes elections. Right now, there is too much politicing and not enough attention to the core needs of a democratic society. If they have elections which are fair, then I don't really care too much who wins. They will have the mandate of the people and the country can begin to move forward.

[geriatrickid]

It was just a warning to make people back down from the rhetoric.

It was not likely serious at all. No doubt there are more than this hardcore,

that might buy into that message if violence erupts.

It is more political maneuvering, not much more.

Most all things can be said, but this subject is not one and endlessly attacking Prem is

going too close to that subject. The reds know they are playing with fire.

Some will take the hint, another few won't since they are zealots.

This is likely an attempt to quiet down the zealots, not muzzle all discussion.

This isn't about talking but about insurrection.

Oh jeez. You really have been drinking the kool Aid haven't you? Prem is fair game for criticism. One has the impression that Prem sees himself as more than a servant of the crown. This brings to mind the situation in Japan during WWII where military members of the court believed that it was there role to dictate to Emperor Hirohito. If anyone is playing with fire, it is the military and General Prem. He should be neutral and above politics as is the proper role of his position.

[johncitizen]

I'm starting to wonder if it is Prem and his cabal, not Thaksin and the Reds, that have been sticking their nose into business that doesn't concern them...

[jdinasia]

Oh jeez. You really have been drinking the kool Aid haven't you? Prem is fair game for criticism. One has the impression that Prem sees himself as more than a servant of the crown. This brings to mind the situation in Japan during WWII where military members of the court believed that it was there role to dictate to Emperor Hirohito. If anyone is playing with fire, it is the military and General Prem. He should be neutral and above politics as is the proper role of his position.

Please document anything that leads you to believe that Prem is acting as anything but an advisor to the crown.

anything? or will this be another question you just don't answer?

[hammered]

Dont forget there are several groups involved in all this. You have the governemt, Thaksin, the reds (slightly different from Thaksin), the PAD (sitting this round out) and the military. It seems in the military there are also some tiring of the government approach. Is the military comment aimed at the reds, Thaksin or the government or some combination?

[cdnvic]

Keep all references to The Crown out of the discussion.

[givenall]

It was just a warning to make people back down from the rhetoric.

It was not likely serious at all. No doubt there are more than this hardcore,

that might buy into that message if violence erupts.

It is more political maneuvering, not much more.

Most all things can be said, but this subject is not one and endlessly attacking Prem is

going too close to that subject. The reds know they are playing with fire.

Some will take the hint, another few won't since they are zealots.

This is likely an attempt to quiet down the zealots, not muzzle all discussion.

This isn't about talking but about insurrection.

It is unfounded that there will be coup since the army is already in charge and all they have to do is to use the army to stop the Red shirt. Called it what you want the result is the same

[hammered]

It was just a warning to make people back down from the rhetoric.

It was not likely serious at all. No doubt there are more than this hardcore,

that might buy into that message if violence erupts.

It is more political maneuvering, not much more.

Most all things can be said, but this subject is not one and endlessly attacking Prem is

going too close to that subject. The reds know they are playing with fire.

Some will take the hint, another few won't since they are zealots.

This is likely an attempt to quiet down the zealots, not muzzle all discussion.

This isn't about talking but about insurrection.

It is unfounded that there will be coup since the army is already in charge and all they have to do is to use the army to stop the Red shirt. Called it what you want the result is the same

I think you'll find there are some in the military who want the government to be doing more than they are in quashing red shirts and not investigating dodgy bomb sniffers.

[scorecard]

I tend to be a supporter of the red shirts, but Animatic has made some good points in one of the posts. I also fail to see the great fear in another coup, since basically the country is under the control of the military--to a greater or lesser extent.

What is essential is that at some point in the near future, the country return to some semblance of democracy and that includes elections. Right now, there is too much politicing and not enough attention to the core needs of a democratic society. If they have elections which are fair, then I don't really care too much who wins. They will have the mandate of the people and the country can begin to move forward.

I think maybe you've been sleeping. The country is moving forward. PM Abhisit is gaining more and support all the time, and he's getting stronger and tougher and demanding accountability.

And maybe you missed the several recent economic indicators which show the economy is in fact not too bad and continuing to improve.

and maybe you missed that taxation receipts are massively above forecasts, a very good indicator that the economy is alive and well.

And maybe you missed that K. Korn, the economics / finance man, recently won two highly credible international awards for his policies and implementation which ensured that Thailand suffered minimal negative impact from the global economic crisis.

And maybe you missed that Korn and Abhisit have announced their intent and implementation steps to move Thailand closer to a welfare society and at the same time introduce overriding broad policy guidelines which will gain a better share of the wealth for all Thais.

And maybe you missed that PM Abhisit is getting much tougher with Suthep.

And maybe you missed that PM Abhisit is not a taking thug hard line attitude and at the same time is stresssing respect for the law and handling disputes etc., through proper judicial process.

And maybe you kissed the announcement about further more specific steps towards education reform, guided by a broad committe rather than by 'professional' beurocrats.

And maybe you missed that finance man Korn got and is still getting very tough with Thai International, even walking out of a meeting where the board were supposed to present a new finance and business plan. He was so annoyed he stopped the meeting and told them it was rubbish and to do it again. Unheard of in the past.

And maybe you mised that PM Abhisit (against the wishes of suthep) stood his ground and refused to budge on the pretty strong attempts of suthep and the coalition partners to take the constitutional half a step backwards, making is easier for vote buying etc. He stood his ground and he won, pretty brave stuff.

And maybe you missed that PM Abhisit demanded that several democrat and coalition partners in ministerial positions resign over collusion and graft matters, and publically told them they were no longer wanted. And publicall told all ministers etc., that they must abide by his code of ethics or else, pretty brave and unheard of in the past for a PM to talk that way to coalition members, good stuff.

And maybe you missed the recent 'friendly' the Pm had with journalists who were told to ask anything, and they did ... it's called respect for freedom of speech. It's also called two-way discussion with the PM listening.

Is it a perfect picture? No of course not, far from it. But given the minefield he walked into I think he's doing pretty good.

On the other hand, would you want to see:

- Chalerm as PM (throws tantrums if he doesn't get his way - he's entitled to be PM! More blatant open nepotism, back to one way discussion. When the Chinese milk scadal broke he was the HEalth Minister. His rsponse - don't say anything, we don't want to upset our Chinese business partners. Never mind about the health of Thai children, in fact he did nothing.) )

- Jatuporn as finance minister (has told numerous blatant lies in parliament and has no hesitation to do so. Surely blatant attempts to mislead parliament should be a serious crime or at least he should be so shamed that he can't continue. Scaly / murky past. Good at counting slush funds.)

- Chavalit as the 'king maker' (forgets what day it is, runs off to Cambodia to stir up hatred against Thailand from hun sen. Supports sae daeng one day them openly distances himself from the thug general the next day.)

- Sae daeng as minister for defence. (If Thailand runs out of weapons or ammunition don't worry he has his own personal large stockpile. How well do you think he would develop defence policy and respond to military situations? Frightening)

- Arisman as the Interior Minister, again frightening. Was the leader of the red shirts who dragged the driver from the PMs car in Pattaya and severly beat him up. Has been encouraging rural people to come to BKK with bottles of gasoline.

- The son of 'the man' as minister for small business (had numerous quick failures so he's ready for the job and he knows 'the fix'. Just ask daddy to fund another failure.)

[siampolee]

Scorecard .

Indeed a well balanced and truthful post, the dinosaurs are fighting to ensure their survival in the corruption stakes and they are losing, they are in their death throes, of course wounded animals are dangerous but they soon expire.

Abhisit and Korn, both young with a future which means we and our kids have a future too, a worldwide network of contacts vis a vis education and professional backgrounds.

'' The Times, They Are A Changing''

[hardy1943]

I tend to be a supporter of the red shirts, but Animatic has made some good points in one of the posts. I also fail to see the great fear in another coup, since basically the country is under the control of the military--to a greater or lesser extent.

What is essential is that at some point in the near future, the country return to some semblance of democracy and that includes elections. Right now, there is too much politicing and not enough attention to the core needs of a democratic society. If they have elections which are fair, then I don't really care too much who wins. They will have the mandate of the people and the country can begin to move forward.

Thailand never was a true Democracy and never will be.

Why all this fuss Military been running this contry 99%of the time.

[somluck]

I tend to be a supporter of the red shirts, but Animatic has made some good points in one of the posts. I also fail to see the great fear in another coup, since basically the country is under the control of the military--to a greater or lesser extent.

What is essential is that at some point in the near future, the country return to some semblance of democracy and that includes elections. Right now, there is too much politicing and not enough attention to the core needs of a democratic society. If they have elections which are fair, then I don't really care too much who wins. They will have the mandate of the people and the country can begin to move forward.

Thailand never was a true Democracy and never will be.

Why all this fuss Military been running this contry 99%of the time.

The fuss is that these elites still wants to continue to suppress and exploit the poor Thais but Thaksin has awaken the poor Thais that they no longer have to be slaves or serfs to these people anymore.

[Siripon]

I tend to be a supporter of the red shirts, but Animatic has made some good points in one of the posts. I also fail to see the great fear in another coup, since basically the country is under the control of the military--to a greater or lesser extent.

What is essential is that at some point in the near future, the country return to some semblance of democracy and that includes elections. Right now, there is too much politicing and not enough attention to the core needs of a democratic society. If they have elections which are fair, then I don't really care too much who wins. They will have the mandate of the people and the country can begin to move forward.

Thailand never was a true Democracy and never will be.

Why all this fuss Military been running this contry 99%of the time.

The fuss is that these elites still wants to continue to suppress and exploit the poor Thais but Thaksin has awaken the poor Thais that they no longer have to be slaves or serfs to these people anymore.

So stop being slaves of Thaksin and find some decent leaders.