Thai Army On Stand-by For Bangkok To Prevent Further Bombings In The Capital

[webfact]

BREAKING NEWS:

Thai Army on stand-by for Bangkok to prevent further bombings in the capital

BANGKOK: -- The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) is ready to send troops to Bangkok to help prevent bombings in Bangkok and vicinity, ISOC spokesman Maj Gen Dittahphon Sasasmith said today, according to Bangkok Post.

They will provide reinforcements to police to help restore peace, and it has also focused on gathering intelligence aimed at preventing unrest from reoccurring, Gen. Diitahphon said.

He said the armed forces were concerned about the bombs in Bangkok after the Supreme Court ruled to seize 46 billion baht of the assets of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. ISOC was ready to help out if requested.

Bangkok Bank (BBL), who was hit by bomb attacks over the weekend at four branches, said Monday it is not involved in domestic politics. Bangkok Bank will reopen for business as usual Tuesday, said BBL chairman Staporn Kavitanon.

Grenades were thrown at its branch offices on Bangkok's Silom Road and in Phra Pradaeng of Samut Prakan. The explosions shattered glass windows at both facilities and damaged nearby telephone booths and vehicles. Grenades were also hurled at two other branches on the outskirts of Bangkok but both failed to explode.

Phra Pradaeng police said Monday that the Bangkok Bank branch which was hit by the grenade was not equipped with a surveillance camera but eyewitnesses saw a man wearing a crash helmet at the scene of the incident.

No casualties were reported in the incidents, but police have already distributed a sketch of a suspect. Police believe that the attackers are from the same group. An arrest warrant was issued for the bomber this afternoon.

Bangkok Metropolitan police has offered a 300,000 Baht reward for information leading to the arrest of the Bangkok Bank bombing suspects

MCOT news agency reports that PM Abhisit has received an 'underground movements' report.

Several foreign Embassies had warned their citizens about possible incidents in Bangkok during the weekend.

-- thaivisa.com 2010-03-01

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Related topics:

Police Release Sketch Of Thailand's Largest Bank Bombing Suspect

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Police-Relea...-L-t343323.html

Four grenade attacks damage Bangkok Bank branches

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/grenade-atta...an-t342983.html

Thailand On Alert As Thaksin Fans Weigh Fortune Seizure

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-Ale...gh-t342791.html

[IvanDobsky]

"a man wearing a crash helmet at the scene of the incident."

there goes 200baht..

[mythBuster]

This is so predictable. It is highly unlikely that the UDD is behind it. THe grenades are army grenades and despite what they claim, these grenades are not readily available along the border, simply because the armies of neighboring countries are using different grenades just like the ethnic minority armies in Burma. Although pure speculation it is either people close to those in power stirring up trouble or disgruntled army people who got screwed over in the last few years.

There is no lack of peace either and it send out a bad signal to tourists. By the way, the Bangkok Bank cannot be protected, they simply switch to other branches or in the unlikely event that the UDD is behind it, they switch to other target companies that are known to sponsor the establishment. There is quite a list of companies.

The bottom line is that this government need to get an popular mandate and not a sleazy vote from politicians who have been "worked" by the elite. The government is illegitimate because it was not voted in. By applying heavy handed tactics they damage the economy and the name of the country. I am afraid however that the likes of Suthep do like the power and the money that comes with it much more than they lover their motherland.

[mythBuster]

"a man wearing a crash helmet at the scene of the incident."

there goes 200baht..

Yes and funny enough they were even able to make a composition picture of the guy even though his face was apparently invisible.

[basjke]

I think they are playing a very wierd game of creating panic,the government that is.

[Jingthing]

I think they are playing a very wierd game of creating panic,the government that is.

The reds have openly stating their goal is to topple the current and totally legitimate government by any means needed. Panic isn't good. Defense is. Get real, the red threats are real.

[WISteve]

How would you propose to "prevent" further attacks?

This is a matter for good police work interviewing the people at the scene, not a job for the army.

If the government truly wishes to catch the guys throwing the grenades it would be better to utilize your best, competent police investigators rather than grand-standing to public sentiment with the threat of the army IMO.

[WISteve]

I think they are playing a very wierd game of creating panic,the government that is.

The reds have openly stating their goal is to topple the current and totally legitimate government by any means needed. Panic isn't good. Defense is. Get real, the red threats are real.

Yes, and the means the present regime seems to fear the most: fair and free elections!

[Changian]

Looks like the army will have no other choice than to take over again to ensure the safety of Thai citizens. ( And prevent an embarrassing election loss for the Dems.)

[IvanDobsky]

This is so predictable. It is highly unlikely that the UDD is behind it. THe grenades are army grenades and despite what they claim, these grenades are not readily available along the border, simply because the armies of neighboring countries are using different grenades just like the ethnic minority armies in Burma.

highly unlikely? I beg to differ. Isn't that Seh Daeng chap from the army? Have you heard what he has been saying over the last couple of weeks?

[waza]

How would you propose to "prevent" further attacks?

This is a matter for good police work interviewing the people at the scene, not a job for the army.

If the government truly wishes to catch the guys throwing the grenades it would be better to utilize your best, competent police investigators rather than grand-standing to public sentiment with the threat of the army IMO.

Hmmm just look for a Thai guy riding a motorbike with a helmet on. Cant be too many of them around.

[thefusilier]

This is a matter for good police work interviewing the people at the scene, not a job for the army.

If the government truly wishes to catch the guys throwing the grenades it would be better to utilize your best, competent police investigators rather than grand-standing to public sentiment with the threat of the army IMO.

True, but you know the BIB couldn't solve a crime if their lives depended on it. The gov't is just skipping to Plan B.

Frankly I could care less if the the army comes or not. It won't bother me any and life will go on.

[AussieBanana]

I think they are playing a very wierd game of creating panic,the government that is.

The reds have openly stating their goal is to topple the current and totally legitimate government by any means needed. Panic isn't good. Defense is. Get real, the red threats are real.

Please explain how the current government is "totally legitimate"? I don't recall it being ELECTED? Was it not merely put in place after the previous govt resigned after the whole airport incident?

[BOS2BKK]

They had a coup...then an election...the election voted back in the people the coup removed...so they had another lesser coup...then another election...which didn't work out so they appointed the guy they wanted to win...How do you see that as a legitimate government?

[anotherpeter]

.... The government is illegitimate because it was not voted in. ....

The government is made up of a coalition of political parties that were all voted for in the last election. The previous government was also made up of a coalition of political parties that were voted for in the last election. It's just that most (all??) the MPs from the major party of the previous government were convicted of ... something (I forget exactly what it was, but something like vote buying) and were banned.

[Cayenne]

The whole "this present government is illegitimate" has been the war cry of the red shirts since day one and sorry to say but the rest of the world's government recognize this government as quite legit, the only exception being Cambodia but we all know why.

For people who can't be bothered to use search engines, here's a recap: after the coup a government was set up and then a year later elections were held which the PPP party had a sizable number of seats to form a government with it coalition partners. However, they breached a law under the rules of constitution and had to be disbanded and their MPs had to form another party the Pheu Thai Party.

And here is the important key point which you people calling this government illegitimate always conveniently forget to mention: those remaining coalition partners then chose to form a government with the party with the second highest seats, the Democrat party.

I wonder that if the Pheu Thai Party had managed to convince those coalition partners to form a new government, would we still see the Red Shirts in the street, or people calling that government "illegitimate"?

[geriatrickid]

Here are 2 suggestions for the military HQ;

1. Forbid any political activity while wearing a uniform or while serving in a military capacity. It seems to work in countries like Australia, Denmark, USA etc.

2. Secure the armouries and munition storage points. Grenades should not be growing legs and walking away. I know it might sound revolutionary, but how about doing an inventory, you know sort of like other militaries do?

[Dap]

This is a matter for good police work interviewing the people at the scene, not a job for the army.

If the government truly wishes to catch the guys throwing the grenades it would be better to utilize your best, competent police investigators rather than grand-standing to public sentiment with the threat of the army IMO.

True, but you know the BIB couldn't solve a crime if their lives depended on it. The gov't is just skipping to Plan B.

Frankly I could care less if the the army comes or not. It won't bother me any and life will go on.

A very rational reply that few who have been here for any amount of time could comprehend "It won't bother me any and life will go on." Cheers, dap

[neverdie]

Here are 2 suggestions for the military HQ;

1. Forbid any political activity while wearing a uniform or while serving in a military capacity. It seems to work in countries like Australia, Denmark, USA etc.

2. Secure the armouries and munition storage points. Grenades should not be growing legs and walking away. I know it might sound revolutionary, but how about doing an inventory, you know sort of like other militaries do?

geriatrickid,

you are living in a fairy world if you think either of those things are going to happen You see I am sure I've warned you before about using logic and common sense.

[ilyushin]

Hope they use better equipment than the GT-200.

[thykeeper]

This isn't about the government being illegitimate or not, the result the will always be the same. Arrogant classist Thai society is learning a lesson on what happens when they let the balance slide too far. Even an outsider like me can see you live in Bangkok and rise to the top or go broke trying to compete. I would personally be rioting also if I was taught me whole life to be proud to be Thai but have the government and every arrogant jerk from the city look down on me because I didn't own a nice house and fancy car in Bangkok. Totally necessary conflict. Good luck to the people here trying to reclaim some dignity and respect even though they may be poor.

[Totster]

I think they are playing a very wierd game of creating panic,the government that is.

The reds have openly stating their goal is to topple the current and totally legitimate government by any means needed. Panic isn't good. Defense is. Get real, the red threats are real.

What ??? Legitimate ??

I assume you meant they were elected by a majority vote, and not given power after an illegal seize of power by the military ?

totster

Edited March 1, 2010 by Totster

[Old Man River]

I think they are playing a very wierd game of creating panic,the government that is.

The reds have openly stating their goal is to topple the current and totally legitimate government by any means needed. Panic isn't good. Defense is. Get real, the red threats are real.

Please explain how the current government is "totally legitimate"? I don't recall it being ELECTED? Was it not merely put in place after the previous govt resigned after the whole airport incident?

If you are interested, spend some time reading up on how elections work in Thailand. I will give you a head start. This government is comprised of members of parliament, all of who were elected. The previous government was comprised of members of parliament, all of who were elected. The government before that was comprised of members of parliament, all of who were elected. Only governments appointed by military junta's are not elected.

[gemini81]

I think they are playing a very wierd game of creating panic,the government that is.

No doubt if the media plays it up and spotlights it again and again, you're just giving those responsible exaclty what they want indeed: mayhem, fear, panic. I know some locked themselves up in their homes. Its best to just get on with daily life, as there are risks and dangers in every big city.

That composite sketch narrows it down to about 20 million males.......

[ozzieal]

I think they are playing a very wierd game of creating panic,the government that is.

The reds have openly stating their goal is to topple the current and totally legitimate government by any means needed. Panic isn't good. Defense is. Get real, the red threats are real.

to quote paul keating's reference about the australian upper house - 'unelected swill'

if the cap fits - wear it

[anon467367354]

I'm glad the army is out there, although I have no idea what they can do to prevent some coward from throwing or planting a bomb somewhere.

Be a man, blow yourself up for the guy! How much do you really love him?

[Jingthing]

They are the government. It is their responsibility to protect the country from violent revolutionaries. Where do you think the capital of Thailand is located? Dubai?

[anotherpeter]

I think they are playing a very wierd game of creating panic,the government that is.

The reds have openly stating their goal is to topple the current and totally legitimate government by any means needed. Panic isn't good. Defense is. Get real, the red threats are real.

What ??? Legitimate ??

I assume you meant they were elected by a majority vote, and not given power after an illegal seize of power by the military ?

totster

You forgot about an election. After the military seized power from Thaksin there was another election. The Thaksin friendlies formed a coalition government in that election, but then most of them were banned. So the party that the second most people voted for formed a new coalition government.

[TPI]

I think they are playing a very wierd game of creating panic,the government that is.

No doubt if the media plays it up and spotlights it again and again, you're just giving those responsible exaclty what they want indeed: mayhem, fear, panic. I know some locked themselves up in their homes. Its best to just get on with daily life, as there are risks and dangers in every big city.

That composite sketch narrows it down to about 20 million males.......

They're looking for a man called "Somnuck" or is it "Wanchai" or is it...