Seh Daeng & Co Remain In Thai Police Custody

[webfact]

Seh Daeng & co remain in police custody

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- He used to be an exclusive headache for the Army. But after his "arrest" on Saturday along with seven cohorts, Maj-General Khattiya Sawasdipol has become a hot potato for the government, police and the court.

A controversial bunch arrested under controversial circumstances at a controversial moment, the group has been eyed with extreme mistrust ahead of the upcoming red-shirt rally, not least because one of its member had gone on YouTube making thinly-veiled threats of terrorism.

Having them in police custody may ease anxiety, but the question is, how long can the authorities keep them locked up? Khattiya will launch another bid to bail his group out today, and all eyes will be on what decisions the police and the court make.

Maj-General Khattiya, better known as "Seh Daeng", and his seven aides, including suspected instigator of violence Pornwat "K Thong" Thongthanaboon, remained in custody for a second day pending completion of their statements.

Khattiya yesterday sought but failed to receive a temporary release on grounds of failing to post the required bond.

His lawyer is expected to reapply for bail at a court hearing on remand today.

He also tried but failed to contact Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Lt-General Thangai Prasajaksattru to intervene in the bail review on his behalf.

Khattiya's bondsman tried to post a land title deed estimated to be worth Bt900,000 as bond for the eight suspects as their detention occurred over the weekend.

But police set the bail demand at a title deed worth more than Bt200,000 - or Bt100,000 in cash - per suspect.

Aside from Khattiya and Pornwat, other suspects detained are Suwapat Chantima, Mongkol Saraphan, Chakcharas Kongsuwan, Rerngrit Tumthongkham, Charan Loypoon and Suwit Sirirak.

About three companies of anti-riot officers were deployed to keep the peace at the Crime Suppression Division, where the suspects were being detained.

Police detained the eight on suspicion of two key violations - attempts to instigate violence aimed at unrest and a climate of fear, and uploading false information into the computer system.

Pornwat is the prime suspect who faced with a warrant of arrest after he uploaded a video on YouTube that threatened violence and mayhem.

The group's arrest took place under ambiguous circumstances, reflecting the controversial characteristics of Khattiya, who had managed to be a free man until Saturday despite making clear and indirect threats against Army chief Anupong Paochinda and others.

On Saturday Khattiya paid a visit to the CSD office to inquire about the progress of a police report on his charges relating to the discovery of assault weapons at his home.

Before he left, police asked his permission to take a look inside his van. He agreed and took police to the vehicle - where they found Pornwat - and the group was detained as a result. After the arrest, Khattiya claimed he took Pornwat, a wanted man after the YouTube stunt, to the CSD to give himself up.

But Khattiya's face that turned grim immediately after the arrest gave himself away. While Khattiya's motives of visiting the CSD were unclear, his shocked expression after Pornwat was taken seemed to belie his claims that Pornwat was on the verge of surrendering himself.

-- The Nation 2010-03-08

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[animatic]

Arrogance reeled in it seems.

Some how there seems like there will be a week of technical legal hurdles

not quite being met by his lawyer, until this weeks festivities are done with.

[Gonzo the Face]

....everytime I read of this man, Seh Daeng, and his adventures or see a photo of him......

the word "rabid" comes to mind

Edited March 8, 2010 by Gonzo the Face

[brahmburgers]

Is he still a general getting a paycheck?

Keep the clout locked up - and his low-life buddies also.

....or ship him out Rohinga style. Put him and his buddies on a rickety boat and tow them out to the middle of the Andaman Sea with no food, water or petrol for the motor.

[basjke]

And what about refusing bail on grounds of being a threath to national security?It almost looks like this guy is supported from inside the government.

[granuaile]

And what about refusing bail on grounds of being a threath to national security?It almost looks like this guy is supported from inside the government.

Indeed, in most countries bail would not even be considered. But I think this reflects an attempt by the government here to be fair and even-handed. Still to allow bail on the eve of what may be a violent demonstration (no matter what the organizers may have learned last year about the negative PR resulting from violence) from individuals who really are threatening violence may be a bit imbalanced. On the other hand if the government can contain and suppress any violence and the red-shirts attempt violence, it would certainly help the government's case, so perhaps letting these individuals out and letting them do what seems to come naturally for them may help the government in the long run.

[siampolee]

By keeping these characters out of circulation it is effectively emasculating the Red Shirt movement and proving that the power of the law is above that of a small bunch of loud mouthed rabble rousers.

A very diplomatic yet powerful strategy to show who is actually in charge.

[animatic]

I think it reflects more on the bureaucratic mentality, can't think out of the box,

only the rules I ALREADY understand are valid, and I can not on my own expand

or contract anything from my earlier teaching. Taking initiative for the good of the country,

is just as difficult as taking initiative period.

[givenall]

Arrogance reeled in it seems.

Some how there seems like there will be a week of technical legal hurdles

not quite being met by his lawyer, until this weeks festivities are done with.

His Lawyer, or his messenger. These people are like terrorist, and like what US did they have no rights.

[slapout]

It would seem that the military authorities/court would have some real charges to put the man behind bars without the necessity of the civilian court, if so inclined. The comment " rabid comes to mind" brings up the question of immediate action by the owner/military in this case, instead of letting him roam to his hearts content.

[connel707]

And what about refusing bail on grounds of being a threath to national security?It almost looks like this guy is supported from inside the government.

This following clip shows how happy the police were to catch him..~! enjoy

[Mario2008]

2 post advocating murdering someone have been deleted.

[RKASA]

I can't see where there is any reason in the law they could not hold this guy months ago. Even the military on its own could have locked him down without cause. Its part of the contract, he is government property as long as he is in uniform. He is also the governments responsibility as it comes with ownership.

[Samuian]

Amazing, truly amazing how long these "loose cannons" are allowed to incite public unrest, armed uprising, advocating a "peoples revolution" .... unbelievable!

[TPI]

Amazing, truly amazing how long these "loose cannons" are allowed to incite public unrest, armed uprising, advocating a "peoples revolution" .... unbelievable!

The whole situation is really laughable. If you were to present a script of the idiocy of all that is going on to a television station you'd be laughed out of the building??

"Thailand law enforcement" the 3 stooges of Asia!

[jdinasia]

I can't see where there is any reason in the law they could not hold this guy months ago. Even the military on its own could have locked him down without cause. Its part of the contract, he is government property as long as he is in uniform. He is also the governments responsibility as it comes with ownership.

Ummmm in the US he would be Army property (in a way) and their responsibility in many ways.

This, however, is Thailand and not the US.

[Samuian]

Amazing, truly amazing how long these "loose cannons" are allowed to incite public unrest, armed uprising, advocating a "peoples revolution" .... unbelievable!

The whole situation is really laughable. If you were to present a script of the idiocy of all that is going on to a television station you'd be laughed out of the building??

"Thailand law enforcement" the 3 stooges of Asia!

Yep, very, very difficult to understand - as this society tries so hard

to appear as non confrontational society, but then there so many "loose cannons"

left to do whatever it seems to appeal to them - very, very strange!

That many seem to be concerned, but nobody wants to take responsibility

and avoids to make a first move, who knows who will shuffle the "deck" tomorrow!?

And now as Sanan is being pushed to the forefront again.... who knows!

simply unbelievable!

[Thaihog]

The bail is ludiscrously cheap.... if the Reds have so many supporters why can't they raise this pittance....

Amazing how the Thais get bail at such low levels..... now if it was a Farang that would be a different story...

TIT....

[hammered]

It is being reported that the court has denied bail

[jdinasia]

Hope that turns out to be true, imho neither belong out on the street. (speaking of Sae Daeng and K Thong in particular!)

The drawback is that IF the reds resort to violence it will be a little more difficult to prove that those two were coordinating things. They could have already set plans in place but it will be less of a 'straight line' leading to them. There at least is the CEO model with Thaksin to fall back on. ((Again, this train of thought is based on IF the reds resort to more violence))

[Sunderland]

2 post advocating murdering someone have been deleted.

Please delete my mother. She threatened to kill me on many occasions ..

[webfact]

UPDATE

Gen Khattiya Released on Bail

General Khattiya Sawadipol and his subordinates have been released on bail by the Criminal Court. They have posted 200,000 baht in bail each. However, one of General Khattiya's subordinates, Pornwat or K-thong, was denied bail and has been sent to Bangkok Prison.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-08

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[hammered]

The Nation have a story saying further detention has been approved either the Nation or TAN are going to be a tad red faced after this one becomes clear

[frodo]

UPDATE

Gen Khattiya Released on Bail

General Khattiya Sawadipol and his subordinates have been released on bail by the Criminal Court. They have posted 200,000 baht in bail each. However, one of General Khattiya's subordinates, Pornwat or K-thong, was denied bail and has been sent to Bangkok Prison.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-08

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Incredible what can change in the matter of minutes!

Court approves detention extension of Khattiya, aide 17:58 PM

The Criminal Court Monday approved police's request to detain suspended Army specialist Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdhipol and his aide from Monday to March 19.

Police told the court that they need more time to question witnesses before passing on the cases against Khattiya and Thongwat Thongthanaboon to public prosecutors.

The Nation

(The time stated was from breaking news on the online edition)

[siampolee]

One little birdy in the prison may well sing a fine song to save his hide when he sees his puppet master walk free and he, the puppet is incarcerated.

'' Come into my parlour said the spider to the fly.''

Machevellian antics from all sides.

Edited March 8, 2010 by siampolee

[mazeltov]

Police detained the eight on suspicion of two key violations - attempts to instigate violence aimed at unrest and a climate of fear, and uploading false information into the computer system.

Arrest eight and keep them all in custody because one of them is suspected of having a video posted on youtube, a video that contains somehow 'false information'?

so that are the legal steps based on that 'Computer Crime Act'. seems to be no further evidence there.

and the release on bail got delayed because of some tricky payment arrangements. maybe not intended but just unlucky circumstances on the weekend.

well done keeper of democracy. this kind of government action is so convincing.

The Nation sounds a litle bit worried that it is maybe not possible to keep them longer behind bars. that there is a court decision and some laws than cannot be stretched furthermore.

they are not even on a trail yet but the hobby judges in the forum deliver their ruling. evidence not necessary. meanwhile they practise same as The Nation a tactic what the YouTuberEight accused of - scare mongering, trying hard to create a climate of fear and distribute false information on the internet.

Dont believe everything what The Nation tells you about Seh Deang.

Seh Deang is a strange fellow, but outspoken against the power of the military, kudos for that. It prevents a possible coup. It creates a balance of power and therefore stability. A big power move is to risky, nobody really wants it to turn bloody and violent (except some quasi religious lunatics in the PAD maybe), but he has to be a little bit louder than the other team, to prevent the bigger predator to mess with the porcupine or the skunk (take your choice).

The military allowed him some freedom, not because they fear him, its the better option to have him as counter balance. He is respected, a officer to officer thingy. The goal of the self declared Warrior is not to rule but equilibrium. He is predictable, lots of spectacle and show that keeps the people entertained. Seh Deang is a maverick, he isn't up to leadership. Visionary leader characters are much more to worry about. They are unpredictable, can turn gaga, become despotic or turn out to be weak and fail. It could turn much more worse if some really political fanatics or desperate lunatics spot a power vacuum and seize a chance and try to push their fatalistic agenda at any cost.

Abhist should better recognise what kind of function Seh Deang has in the gear box to avoid other excentric movements. Abhisit isn't a winner, he will always need the the help of the big brothers, but it can become boring for them to scare away the village people all the time. It isn't a match, in such battles is no glory and no face to gain. That isn't the position where the army would like to see themself in the society, but if the have to do the dirty jobs they will be better of to do it 100% and no need for a handsome puppet to keep the system running. For the sake of the balance and for the show and the entertainment let the knights and worriers of both sides play their game and jousting.

Given the difficult nature of the YouTuberEight Abhisit can maybe convince some closed-minded people that deleting them of the scene wasn't an undemocratic decision, but it is and it is a wussy move. The 'rule' 'no false information' is a cheat, a dirty trick and totally unfair if not all have to follow, if it not get applied equally to all sides.

[Caliguy]

delete please

Edited March 8, 2010 by Caliguy

[brahmburgers]

Amazing, truly amazing how long these "loose cannons" are allowed to incite public unrest, armed uprising, advocating a "peoples revolution" .... unbelievable!

Though there are two conflicting reports, it sounds like he's out on bail.

It's weird (to allow a confessed rabble rouser out), but it's not unbelievable.

If authorities were to keep him detained under a nebulous charge, then he could become a focal point for Reds.

Sae Daeng is already somewhat of an idol among some Reds. Whenever he shows up at a rally, there are fans (mostly middle aged women) who gather around and heap adulations on him. Letting the scoundrel out might be smart, as it takes away the option of him becoming a rallying cry for the Reds, if he were kept in detention on vague charges.

The military should haul him in, but they're showing they can't muster a charge that will stick, or else he's too well connected to be taken in. Hopefully, his brief stint in jail will sober him up a tad, .....though doubt it will.

[RKASA]

Good officers have discipline that goes well beyond daily aerobic exercises and don't involve themselves in a style of politics which includes carrying weapons and wanted persons around the country side in a van. It also includes not walking into press rooms and giving half witted interviews of nonsense. I often was thinking he may even work for the PM the damage he does the REDs, and even they have disowned him at least as far back as the 10th of Feb. It should be obvious by now why they did.

[jdinasia]

Good officers have discipline that goes well beyond daily aerobic exercises and don't involve themselves in a style of politics which includes carrying weapons and wanted persons around the country side in a van. It also includes not walking into press rooms and giving half witted interviews of nonsense. I often was thinking he may even work for the PM the damage he does the REDs, and even they have disowned him at least as far back as the 10th of Feb. It should be obvious by now why they did.

Which of course explains his visits to Thaksin since then ......... and the fact that they did not disown him they just said he is A redshirt and not the leader of the UDD Hmmmm is there a PUDD (Provisional UDD?)