PM Abhisit Names Khattiya Chief Terrorist Trying To Undermine Peace Process

[webfact]

PM names Khattiya mastermind against peace road map

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Sunday named suspended Army specialist Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdiphol as the mastermind and chief terrorist who tried to undermine the road map to bring about political reconciliation.

Abhisit said only the group of terrorists wanted to undermine the peace process because once the process is done, the terrorists would be alienated and would not be able to use red-shirt people as their human shields.

"I can name name. The one who clearly showed that he is against the reconciliation road map is Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdhipol," the prime minister said in the second half of his weekly TV programme. The second part was broadcast live on NBT.

Abhisit said Khattiaya announced clearly that he did not want the protests to end and he has been trying to coordinate with red-shirt leaders in province to counter the decision of the red-shirt leaders in Bangkok.

Abhisit said Khattiya also listened to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"I can say that Thaksin is not happy with the reconciliation plan because the process will not benefit him at all," the prime minister said.

He said the reconciliation process would not allow Thaksin to get his impounded assets back and would not grant him amnesty.

The prime minister urged the red-shirt leaders to decide by Monday to accept the reconciliation road map to prevent more loss of life because of terrorism acts.

"Do not hesitate to join the reconciliation road map to save life and prevent more loss. Please rush to announce the end of the rally. It will be too late to wait for 15 more days," the prime minister said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-09

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[whybother]

Abhisit is giving the main red leaders a chance to get out, to put blame on the more radical reds. Let's hope it works.

[Gippy]

Yeah, yeah. Abhisit could have named the Pope as the ring leader for all it matters. Unless they are going to catch, court-martial and I presume line him up against the wall what's the point?

[Roadman]

The Reds will drag it out to Saturday, then gracefully with macho face say "well we told you long ago that we would surrender to the police on 15th May", which with school starting works OK. So on that count Khun Abhisit does not require 15 days.

Saeh Daeung needs dealt too, which could vey likely depending with how much muscle he has, end with a bit of blood shed. Should be done by Army as he was of their making.

[asiawatcher]

The PM looks to have a handle on it and has not given in to Thaksin's demands via the Red rabble. The Maj Gen in question seems to certainly be a terrorist and should be accountable as the three stooges on stage.

The murder of more innocents on Friday night also alienates the rabble further as now they are firing on their own kind and yet again, the poorly disguised fireworks prior to gunfire is a trade mark and now a warning.

But the continued denial of the three stooges that the Reds are not responsible - step back - do they think we are all fools? The ongoing continued brainwashing of the masses from the stage, the deaths attributable to the protests - means the Reds have to take responsibility.

Backing the PM may not win too many brownie points right now and his actions to disperse the Red rabble has been hampered by inability of those entrusted with law and order to carry out those orders. I still think he is the man for the job. I still think Thaksin and the Maj Gen should be charged with sedition and terrorism and I still think the thugs in blackshirts being harboured by the Red rabble should be incarcerated and all those inside the barriers charged with aiding and abetting felons.

But then that will never happen as there has been no action against the PAD perps for their activity in 2006, that the same injustice will survive the Reds in similar fashion. No accountability in this lawless land of anarchy.

Edited May 9, 2010 by asiawatcher

[Changian]

Note the total lack of info or evidence given by the PM linking Khattiya to any actual wrongdoing. But that's not important as he is against Abhisit's roadmap, wants the demonstrations to continue and is in contact with Thaksin. So he is now Thailand's 'Chief Terrorist'.

But as Abhisit's definition of terrorist also includes anyone who tries to undermine the road map. Surely, the PAD given their reaction and objection to the roadmap, are also terrorists.

[whybother]

Note the total lack of info or evidence given by the PM linking Khattiya to any actual wrongdoing. But that's not important as he is against Abhisit's roadmap, wants the demonstrations to continue and is in contact with Thaksin. So he is now Thailand's 'Chief Terrorist'.

But as Abhisit's definition of terrorist also includes anyone who tries to undermine the road map. Surely, the PAD given their reaction and objection to the roadmap, are also terrorists.

It wasn't a court of law. He isn't out to prove that Khattiya is a terrorist, although there is plenty of evidence available pointing to that fact.

There is a big difference between the yellows objecting to the road map, and Khattiya doing things to stop the road map from proceeding.

IMO, the yellows should be saying "We object to violent mobs forcing the government into elections, but we accept that the road map is a way forward".

(And before you come back with what the yellows did, the yellows did not cause the PPP/PTP government to fall, neither did the courts. It was the smaller parties no longer supporting an incompentent government that put Abhisit into power.)

[misterjag]

Abhisit needs to focus on reaching an agreement with the Red Shirts. None of these statements move that process forward.

[Ulysses G.]

Abhisit is giving the main red leaders a chance to get out, to put blame on the more radical reds. Let's hope it works.

Anybody who tries to impede the peace plan deserves the worst. The reds have made their point. The PM has been patient. It is time to end this thing and heal the nation.

[way2muchcoffee]

Abhisit is giving the main red leaders a chance to get out, to put blame on the more radical reds. Let's hope it works.

Anybody who tries to impede the peace plan deserves the worst. The reds have made their point. The PM has been patient. It is time to end this thing and heal the nation.

I agree. Somehow I think this won't happen. Evidently the nation needs to suffer more. Something like the alcoholic who won't quit drinking until the consequences become so severe that he has no choice but to stop. Unfortunately as time passes and the crisis ends the alcoholic is very likely to relapse.

[bendejo]

We were reminded in recent days that the real person running the red show is the guy with the private jet on the other end of the phone.

He still calls the shots, the streets won't be cleared until he says so. Force can't be used by the gov't side because there are too many rats.

On the other hand I think the red leaders are going crazy with boredom, and the dupes spend their days sitting around thinking about what they're going to do with the money once they get paid off.

[danc]

Note the total lack of info or evidence given by the PM linking Khattiya to any actual wrongdoing. But that's not important as he is against Abhisit's roadmap, wants the demonstrations to continue and is in contact with Thaksin. So he is now Thailand's 'Chief Terrorist'.

But as Abhisit's definition of terrorist also includes anyone who tries to undermine the road map. Surely, the PAD given their reaction and objection to the roadmap, are also terrorists.

Agree with this.

I think that Abhisit has shown great qualities so far in the face of tremendous pressure. Ok, these qualities are maybe as a talker rather than a doer, hence some of the more right-wing protagonists on this board get a bit shirty, but not even his opponents should begrudge him some credit. However, he hinged his career on this roadmap and where are we now, x number of days on. It is literally going nowhere fast - lots of tacit agreements but some very real doubts too and rightly so - it is a woolly piece of political rhetoric at the very best.

Here today, I do not see anything statesmanlike in these comments on his TV show - it s the kind of thing that his minions normally say, but he stays above - naming names, loose terrorism charges, dragging in Thaksin again, sort of almost pleading to come on board within the 15 days. Might he be starting to feel that the roadmap might actually be going nowhere? It was his call and if it derails, he is bang on the ropes. His enemies on both sides and even within his party might well spot some chinks in his armour here. This is far from over.

Edited May 9, 2010 by danc

[animatic]

He certainly would appear the likely suspect for mastermind.

Abhisit need not list the actual evidence leading to his conclusion.

This is for prosecutors in court to do.

Secondly with S.D. still at large, this might give him clues to what and HOW they know info on him.

Best, and safer for sources, to play cards close to the vest, but still drive a greater wedge

between Sea Dung and other Reds, and also give your average Thai more incentive to phone in a reported sighting.

[Robby nz]

I suspect he has that pretty much right however it still doesnt absolve the other leaders who have encouraged if not ordered the General to do his thing, or at the very least tolerated him and his thugs as some sort of an insurance against the Govt coming and getting them.

All the leaders are equally as guilty for the destruction and loss of life they have caused and must be brought to justice and made to pay.

[way2muchcoffee]

Agree with this.

I think that Abhisit has shown great qualities so far in the face of tremendous pressure. Ok, these qualities are maybe as a talker rather than a doer, hence some of the more right-wing protagonists on this board get a bit shirty, but not even his opponents should begrudge him some credit. However, he hinged his career on this roadmap and where are we now, x number of days on. It is literally going nowhere fast - lots of tacit agreements but some very real doubts too and rightly so - it is a woolly piece of political rhetoric at the very best.

Here today, I do not see anything statesmanlike in these comments on his TV show - it s the kind of thing that his minions normally say, but he stays above - naming names, loose terrorism charges, dragging in Thaksin again, sort of almost pleading to come on board within the 15 days. Might he be starting to feel that the roadmap might actually be going nowhere? It was his call and if it derails, he is bang on the ropes. His enemies on both sides and even within his party might well spot some chinks in his armour here. This is far from over.

Have you heard the rhetoric from redshirt stages? Even last night the speakers were belligerent and caustic. They have made it clear, despite what they say in media interviews, that they have no interest in reconciliation. The redshirts are stalling and delaying.

People are dying. Businesses are failing. Innocent citizens are being harmed daily by their takeover of the Bangkok city center. The redshirts insist on trying to bargain, but they are in no position to do so as they are illegally occupying central Bangkok. Indeed, they are reinforcing their position by bringing in more demonstrators.

None of the above in any way demonstrates an interest by redshirt leaders in reconciliation.

Perhaps Abhisit is responding to these actions from the redshirts.

Edited May 9, 2010 by way2muchcoffee

[jcbangkok]

Note the total lack of info or evidence given by the PM linking Khattiya to any actual wrongdoing. But that's not important as he is against Abhisit's roadmap, wants the demonstrations to continue and is in contact with Thaksin. So he is now Thailand's 'Chief Terrorist'.

But as Abhisit's definition of terrorist also includes anyone who tries to undermine the road map. Surely, the PAD given their reaction and objection to the roadmap, are also terrorists.

In most countries they don't lay out the evidence when announcing a suspect. Had he done differently people would say they were trying to convict him without trial, not allowing him to defend himself and trying the case in public instead of the court. But most of all it is ignorant to lay your case out before a trial and tip your hand to what evidence you have especially before you have that person in custody.

[jcbangkok]

Abhisit is giving the main red leaders a chance to get out, to put blame on the more radical reds. Let's hope it works.

He has been doing this all along by publicly separating the black shirts and violence from the red shirts as a whole.

[EvilDrSomkid]

Its not surprising that Abhisit names Khattiya as the leader behind the attacks. He is probably the leader of the so-called Men in Black.

Khattiya has publicly threatened with violence already months ago. I remember a topic on TV with a link to his website. Looks quite grim.

edit: http://www.sae-dang.com/ If the mods allow it.

I think that he is mad, not quite right in the head.

Quote found on wikipedia: "Khattiya was reassigned as an aerobics teacher by Gen. Anupong Paochinda, Thai Army commander. Khattiya responded by saying, "The army chief wants me to be a presenter leading aerobics dancers. I have prepared one dance. It's called the 'throwing-a-hand-grenade' dance."

On 14 January 2010, Army Commander Anupong Paochinda ordered a suspension of Khattiya Sawasdipol after an inquiry committee found that Khattiya has expressly paid loyalty to the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship, a political pressure group supporting Thaksin Shinawatra, breaching official disciplines. The following day, Anupong's office in the Royal Thai Army Headquarters was bombed by rockets launched by M79, left the office demolished but no person injured"

How can Thailand explain to the rest of the world that a Maj Gen in the Thai army can run riot like this?

In other countries he would be immediately arrested and court-martialed for sedition, disobeying direct orders (if he was ever given any to stop this craziness) and treason.

The fact that the red shirt leaders have the nerve to call the government murderers, when their own group are the instigators.

They are all f*cked in the head and they are costing my wife's business money!

Edited May 9, 2010 by EvilDrSomkid

[TaoNow]

For what it's worth, I listened to Abhisit's presentation today, and I think the Nation reporter (in the article above) got it slightly wrong.

I think Abhisit said "it is too late to wait until the 15th". He did not say 15 more days.

So this implies that the process is coming to a conclusion -- one way or another.

[MisterBeetle]

Agree with this.

I think that Abhisit has shown great qualities so far in the face of tremendous pressure. Ok, these qualities are maybe as a talker rather than a doer, hence some of the more right-wing protagonists on this board get a bit shirty, but not even his opponents should begrudge him some credit. However, he hinged his career on this roadmap and where are we now, x number of days on. It is literally going nowhere fast - lots of tacit agreements but some very real doubts too and rightly so - it is a woolly piece of political rhetoric at the very best.

Here today, I do not see anything statesmanlike in these comments on his TV show - it s the kind of thing that his minions normally say, but he stays above - naming names, loose terrorism charges, dragging in Thaksin again, sort of almost pleading to come on board within the 15 days. Might he be starting to feel that the roadmap might actually be going nowhere? It was his call and if it derails, he is bang on the ropes. His enemies on both sides and even within his party might well spot some chinks in his armour here. This is far from over.

Have you heard the rhetoric from redshirt stages? Even last night the speakers were belligerent and caustic. They have made it clear, despite what they say in media interviews, that they have no interest in reconciliation. The redshirts are stalling and delaying.

People are dying. Businesses are failing. Innocent citizens are being harmed daily by their takeover of the Bangkok city center. The redshirts insist on trying to bargain, but they are in no position to do so as they are illegally occupying central Bangkok. Indeed, they are reinforcing their position by bringing in more demonstrators.

None of the above in any way demonstrates an interest in reconciliation.

Perhaps Abhisit is responding to these actions from the redshirts.

I agree with your comments.

It seems regardless of what the redshirt leaders say in the press regarding working towards reconciliation etc, they still sprout the most ridiculous rubbish at their listeners.

It would seem that they really don't want to end their fight yet.

I was caught up it the most frustrating traffic coming back into Bangkok on Friday night from Khon Kaen and could not believe how many redshirts were making their way to Bangkok.

Why would they need to boost their rally if the plan was to finish it all this week? Reconciliation? What a load of BS.

The red shirt leaders know they have only 6 days left to spread their lies before they supposedly give them selves up to the Authorities on the 15th May.

[MisterBeetle]

Its not surprising that Abhisit names Khattiya as the leader behind the attacks. He is probably the leader of the so-called Men in Black.

Khattiya has publicly threatened with violence already months ago. I remember a topic on TV with a link to his website. Looked quite grim.

I think that he is mad, not quite right in the head.

How can Thailand explain to the rest of the world that a Maj Gen in the Thai army can run riot like this?

In other countries he would be immediately arrested and court-martialed for sedition, disobeying direct orders (if he was ever given any to stop this craziness) and treason.

The fact that the red shirt leaders have the nerve to call the government murderers, when their own group are the instigators.

They are all f*cked in the head and they are costing my wife's business money!

True, it most "normal" countries, Khattiya would have been court-martialed. How they could let him get away with being who he is for so long, I just don't understand.

Once again, Amazing Thailand has left us all in disbelief.

[EvilDrSomkid]

They are not going to give themselves up. Not on May 15th, not ever.

Even though a different government is now in place, nothing will be done about the red shirts, just like with the Peoples alliance Against Democracy.

What should happen, is that on May 15th, the government needs to move in with heavy machinery: bulldozers, trucks, water cannon trucks and tear gas, remove the barriers and start operation clean sweep.

No violence is sanctioned, of course.

They might retreat on May 15th or 16th, because the school starts on the 17th, but then again, this country is not really bothered with good education.

Some people are, yes, but the schools affected by the Red shirt occupation, excuse me, "rally" do not have many children from their hometowns.

[humfurry]

Abhisit is giving the main red leaders a chance to get out, to put blame on the more radical reds. Let's hope it works.

Anybody who tries to impede the peace plan deserves the worst. The reds have made their point. The PM has been patient. It is time to end this thing and heal the nation.

I agree. Somehow I think this won't happen. Evidently the nation needs to suffer more. Something like the alcoholic who won't quit drinking until the consequences become so severe that he has no choice but to stop. Unfortunately as time passes and the crisis ends the alcoholic is very likely to relapse.

I'll drink to that

[jdinasia]

The PM looks to have a handle on it and has not given in to Thaksin's demands via the Red rabble. The Maj Gen in question seems to certainly be a terrorist and should be accountable as the three stooges on stage.

The murder of more innocents on Friday night also alienates the rabble further as now they are firing on their own kind and yet again, the poorly disguised fireworks prior to gunfire is a trade mark and now a warning.

But the continued denial of the three stooges that the Reds are not responsible - step back - do they think we are all fools? The ongoing continued brainwashing of the masses from the stage, the deaths attributable to the protests - means the Reds have to take responsibility.

Backing the PM may not win too many brownie points right now and his actions to disperse the Red rabble has been hampered by inability of those entrusted with law and order to carry out those orders. I still think he is the man for the job. I still think Thaksin and the Maj Gen should be charged with sedition and terrorism and I still think the thugs in blackshirts being harboured by the Red rabble should be incarcerated and all those inside the barriers charged with aiding and abetting felons.

But then that will never happen as there has been no action against the PAD perps for their activity in 2006, that the same injustice will survive the Reds in similar fashion. No accountability in this lawless land of anarchy.

Regarding your last sentence --- what did the PAD do in 2006?

[lazurus]

Dr PM Abhisit

The people of Thailand for the past two months have suffered under an intolerable situation. When the ruling was issued by the courts regarding the seizure of part of former PM Thaksin's frozen fortune people expected his followers to protest. Within weeks they managed to mobilize their foot soldiers and we watched as they handed out cash and sent them off to Bangkok. They arrived and at once set about their plan to wreak havoc on the streets of Bangkok. We suffered through their traffic jams as they organized mobile rallies to disrupt the lives of the people here. With their arrival came the grenade attacks that occurred during the nights targeting businesses, politicians, and government buildings. Yet they were allowed to continue their protests. Seeking to do greater damage they occupied Rajasaprong intersection forcing the closing of many malls and businesses and putting tens of thousands of Thais out of work. The Red shirts continued to seek confrontation, they found it in Pathum Thani and the police meekly backed off. On April 10 the Red protesters turned the city streets into a battlefield, but that would not be the end of the killing. In other grenade attacks and clashes innocent bystanders and police have been killed or injured. Still the protests raged on. Despite a date for a new election the protests in recent days have only increased.

We have seen many crimes committed, we have seen violence, terrorism, kidnapping, murder, intimidation, and so much more. But there has been no justice. Millions of people live in this city and strive everyday to live productive lives within the law only to watch these people flaunt their contempt for that law. We have waited for a peaceful resolution, we have backed negotiations as a way to end these protests. New elections have been proposed to placate terrorists and even that is not enough for them. The people given the task of enforcing the law have repeatedly shirked that responsibility. Decent people have been harassed, attacked and had their rights violated by the Red protesters. No one protects them. It is my fear that even more innocent bystanders will be harmed by these protests before they are over.

We have trusted you as Prime Minister to handle this crisis. The choices you make are very important and the lives of more people hang in the balance. The roadmap to reconciliation is a positive step, but without the full cooperation of the Red protesters it is not enough. We have put our confidence in you, now is the time to show that confidence is deserved. The people of Thailand deserve a return to order and peace. Give us hope that you do indeed have a plan that will achieve this goal shortly. If however you do not, and if this crisis is beyond your ability to solve then I ask you to consider all the alternatives. If the decisions that must be made are to heavy for you we will understand if you must remove yourself and pass the job of Prime Minister to someone else within your party. It is the job of the Prime Minister to steer the nation in a direction that benefits all it's people. For the past 2 months it has been adrift at it is time to get back on course.

[jdinasia]

Abhisit is giving the main red leaders a chance to get out, to put blame on the more radical reds. Let's hope it works.

He has been doing this all along by publicly separating the black shirts and violence from the red shirts as a whole.

I have been saying since Nov 2008 that Sae Daeng is a MAJOR (general of a) PROBLEM. The thing is with the defection of several second tier players on the Red side they may be able to tie Sae Daeng to the red leadership. That means the cigarrette and blindfold for Sae Daeng and any other active military and the needle for anyone else involved in plotting with him.

[EvilDrSomkid]

Lazarus, eloquently written.

Now, if only K' Abhisit would read this and take heed.

Edited May 9, 2010 by EvilDrSomkid

[J*ames Arthur]

They are not going to give themselves up. Not on May 15th, not ever.

Even though a different government is now in place, nothing will be done about the red shirts, just like with the Peoples alliance Against Democracy.

What should happen, is that on May 15th, the government needs to move in with heavy machinery: bulldozers, trucks, water cannon trucks and tear gas, remove the barriers and start operation clean sweep.

No violence is sanctioned, of course.

They might retreat on May 15th or 16th, because the school starts on the 17th, but then again, this country is not really bothered with good education.

Some people are, yes, but the schools affected by the Red shirt occupation, excuse me, "rally" do not have many children from their hometowns.

I think you might be right but I hope you're wrong.

[danc]

Dr PM Abhisit

The people of Thailand for the past two months have suffered under an intolerable situation. When the ruling was issued by the courts regarding the seizure of part of former PM Thaksin's frozen fortune people expected his followers to protest. Within weeks they managed to mobilize their foot soldiers and we watched as they handed out cash and sent them off to Bangkok. They arrived and at once set about their plan to wreak havoc on the streets of Bangkok. We suffered through their traffic jams as they organized mobile rallies to disrupt the lives of the people here. With their arrival came the grenade attacks that occurred during the nights targeting businesses, politicians, and government buildings. Yet they were allowed to continue their protests. Seeking to do greater damage they occupied Rajasaprong intersection forcing the closing of many malls and businesses and putting tens of thousands of Thais out of work. The Red shirts continued to seek confrontation, they found it in Pathum Thani and the police meekly backed off. On April 10 the Red protesters turned the city streets into a battlefield, but that would not be the end of the killing. In other grenade attacks and clashes innocent bystanders and police have been killed or injured. Still the protests raged on. Despite a date for a new election the protests in recent days have only increased.

We have seen many crimes committed, we have seen violence, terrorism, kidnapping, murder, intimidation, and so much more. But there has been no justice. Millions of people live in this city and strive everyday to live productive lives within the law only to watch these people flaunt their contempt for that law. We have waited for a peaceful resolution, we have backed negotiations as a way to end these protests. New elections have been proposed to placate terrorists and even that is not enough for them. The people given the task of enforcing the law have repeatedly shirked that responsibility. Decent people have been harassed, attacked and had their rights violated by the Red protesters. No one protects them. It is my fear that even more innocent bystanders will be harmed by these protests before they are over.

We have trusted you as Prime Minister to handle this crisis. The choices you make are very important and the lives of more people hang in the balance. The roadmap to reconciliation is a positive step, but without the full cooperation of the Red protesters it is not enough. We have put our confidence in you, now is the time to show that confidence is deserved. The people of Thailand deserve a return to order and peace. Give us hope that you do indeed have a plan that will achieve this goal shortly. If however you do not, and if this crisis is beyond your ability to solve then I ask you to consider all the alternatives. If the decisions that must be made are to heavy for you we will understand if you must remove yourself and pass the job of Prime Minister to someone else within your party. It is the job of the Prime Minister to steer the nation in a direction that benefits all it's people. For the past 2 months it has been adrift at it is time to get back on course.

Hawks are a'circling...

Or is that a PAD spokesman I see before me or is there doubt in the rank and file of ones own supporters'? Tricky times indeed, Khun Abhisit!

TS is sowing those seeds of doubt, you know that, Khun Abhisit, he knows you know that but he also knows that you know he's very very good at it...and just one chink is all he needs - did we see it today?

[EvilDrSomkid]

They are not going to give themselves up. Not on May 15th, not ever.

Even though a different government is now in place, nothing will be done about the red shirts, just like with the Peoples alliance Against Democracy.

What should happen, is that on May 15th, the government needs to move in with heavy machinery: bulldozers, trucks, water cannon trucks and tear gas, remove the barriers and start operation clean sweep.

No violence is sanctioned, of course.

They might retreat on May 15th or 16th, because the school starts on the 17th, but then again, this country is not really bothered with good education.

Some people are, yes, but the schools affected by the Red shirt occupation, excuse me, "rally" do not have many children from their hometowns.

I think you might be right but I hope you're wrong.

I hope I am wrong, too, but the cynic in me, well....