Bangkok Counts Cost Of Deadly Crackdown

[webfact]

Bangkok counts cost of deadly crackdown

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK (AFP) -- A bruised Bangkok awoke Thursday to scenes of burned out and looted buildings in the wake of a deadly army assault on anti-government protests in the Thai capital.

Enraged protesters went on the rampage Wednesday, setting fire to major buildings including the stock exchange after the army moved in to break up a weeks-long rally by the "Red Shirt" demonstrators.

Plumes of black smoke billowed across the skyline in the aftermath of the military crackdown on the camp that left at least seven people dead, including an Italian journalist, and forced their leaders to surrender.

While most demonstrators dispersed, some militant protesters set fires at 27 locations in the capital in an upsurge of violence that prompted authorities to declare a night-time curfew across about a third of the country.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who has been under enormous pressure to end the crippling standoff, said he intended to "get through" the crisis and return peace to the country.

"The end of the rally has dissatisfied some protesters, especially those who are armed," he said. "So they created trouble, particularly arson in some areas."

Major blazes swept through Central World, one of Southeast Asia's largest shopping centres, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, a downtown cinema, many banks and a television station where about 100 staff had to be rescued.

The bloody crackdown inflamed unrest outside the capital as supporters in northeast Thailand set fire to at least two provincial halls.

Violence also broke out in northern Chiang Mai where people tried to burn buildings and throw home-made bombs after the Bangkok protests ended, but by late evening the situation was under control, local officials said.

The government imposed an overnight curfew in Bangkok and almost a third of the country's 76 provinces, in a bid to quell the eruption of violence, admitting that parts of the capital were still outside their control.

"We are waiting until the people go back home, then we will deal with rogue protesters," Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon told AFP.

The latest unrest began when armoured vehicles backed by armed troops firing live rounds smashed through towering barricades made of tyres and razor wire that the Red Shirts had erected around their sprawling base.

A tearful protest leader later announced on stage that the Reds would end their occupation of the upscale shopping and hotel district in the heart of the capital where they have been camped for six weeks.

"I know this is unacceptable to some of you... but we cannot stand this cruelty," said top Red Nattawut Saikuar. "We will exchange our freedom with your safety. We have tried our best."

At least four top Reds later went to the police headquarters nearby to give themselves up. The government said earlier some others had already fled.

An Italian freelance photographer, Fabio Polenghi, 45, was among those shot dead during the clashes at one end of the Reds' encampment, which had stretched for several kilometres (miles).

Several other journalists were wounded in the clashes, including Dutch television reporter Michel Maas who was shot in the shoulder.

Another journalist, a Canadian, and four soldiers were also badly injured by grenade attacks inside the camp.

An AFP photographer saw two protesters lying dead on the ground after being shot in the head when troops pushed into the encampment. At least 46 people have died since the army moved to lock down the area last Thursday.

Police said elite troops had orders to shoot on sight anyone looting, committing arson or inciting unrest, following several days of intense clashes in the capital.

"Tonight will be another night of suffering," government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said in an address on national television.

The United States urged Thai protest leaders to rein in their supporters following the bloody army crackdown.

Washington was "deeply concerned that 'Red Shirt' supporters have engaged in arson, targeting electricity infrastructure and media outlets and have attacked individual journalists," said State Department spokesman Gordon Duguid.

The Reds have been campaigning for elections to replace Abhisit's administration, which they consider illegitimate because it came to power with the backing of the army in a 2008 parliamentary vote.

The crisis has left at least 75 people dead and about 1,700 wounded since mid-March, including 25 people who died in a failed army crackdown on April 10.

The Reds are mostly supporters of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra who was ousted in a 2006 coup.

Thaksin -- accused by the government of bankrolling the protests and inciting unrest -- denied Wednesday he had undermined peace talks, saying he was not the "mastermind of the terrorists".

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-20

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[asiawatcher]

No doubt here as to who should be held to book. Cut short the shopping sprees.

And all those who incited riots from the stage should be given life sentences for the death and destruction they are a party to.

Enough is enough. The costs of all this have yet to be assessed - so let's start with jobs? All the banks and buildings destroyed especially Central World has to be better than 5,000 jobs. Hospitals closed? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

What about the cost of destroyed vehicles, damage to pavement, pollution in the extreme, the cleanup and muggings, indiscriminate violence against innocents? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

And what about the poor business people, their loss of business, stock, lifes work, means to support their families, and even those whose homes have been burnt and destroyed? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

The damage to Thailand has put you all back as a fourth world country (if there is such a lower level) who appears lawless and on the verge of anarchy due to corrupt and irresponsible police allowing and aiding the mobs, inability to act when ordered and only self serving kleptomaniacs hiding behind brown shirts and a badge. Frequently referred to a 'Tomatoes'. An arm of the reds... Well done reds, and you expect votes?

:D :D

Edited May 20, 2010 by asiawatcher

[tonglen]

I know its been said before....Ill say it again.....

In addition to the human loss, the immediate financial losses (ie., the loss of jobs and income) and the protracted negative outpouring regarding Thailand, what about the phenomenal costs associated with the clean-up and restoration?

Those whose lives have not been taken with the gun have been taken with unemployment. Much of the hard times have not yet been felt for many, but they soon will.

The color red will not be long forgotten, nor remembered with fondness anytime soon, Im afraid.

My thoughts go out to all whose who have lost loved ones, have been injured or who have lost their jobs or livelihood.

[tonglen]

No doubt here as to who should be held to book. Cut short the shopping sprees.

And all those who incited riots from the stage should be given life sentences for the death and destruction they are a party to.

Enough is enough. The costs of all this have yet to be assessed - so let's start with jobs? All the banks and buildings destroyed especially Central World has to be better than 5,000 jobs. Hospitals closed? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

What about the cost of destroyed vehicles, damage to pavement, pollution in the extreme, the cleanup and muggings, indiscriminate violence against innocents? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

And what about the poor business people, their loss of business, stock, lifes work, means to support their families, and even those whose homes have been burnt and destroyed? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

The damage to Thailand has put you all back as a fourth world country (if there is such a lower level) who appears lawless and on the verge of anarchy due to corrupt and irresponsible police allowing and aiding the mobs, inability to act when ordered and only self serving kleptomaniacs hiding behind brown shirts and a badge. Frequently referred to a 'Tomatoes'. An arm of the reds... Well done reds, and you expect votes?

Sorry, Asiawatcher, I must have been typing in sync with you and posted a few seconds after...didnt mean to double your post with repetitive thoughts.

I guess great minds think alike. Either that or......

[verygoodgirl]

evil is too good a word for the red goup leadership

is toxin paying people on this very web site to promote them still?

shame shame on you if so!

how can anyone have anything good to say about this sh_t red group?

really must be sick in the head

ok where.... are all the proud ....TVred group supporters now ?

stand up and be counted

[NormanW]

No doubt here as to who should be held to book. Cut short the shopping sprees.

And all those who incited riots from the stage should be given life sentences for the death and destruction they are a party to.

Enough is enough. The costs of all this have yet to be assessed - so let's start with jobs? All the banks and buildings destroyed especially Central World has to be better than 5,000 jobs. Hospitals closed? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

What about the cost of destroyed vehicles, damage to pavement, pollution in the extreme, the cleanup and muggings, indiscriminate violence against innocents? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

And what about the poor business people, their loss of business, stock, lifes work, means to support their families, and even those whose homes have been burnt and destroyed? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

The damage to Thailand has put you all back as a fourth world country (if there is such a lower level) who appears lawless and on the verge of anarchy due to corrupt and irresponsible police allowing and aiding the mobs, inability to act when ordered and only self serving kleptomaniacs hiding behind brown shirts and a badge. Frequently referred to a 'Tomatoes'. An arm of the reds... Well done reds, and you expect votes?

:D :D

Great post!

[asiawatcher]

No doubt here as to who should be held to book. Cut short the shopping sprees.

And all those who incited riots from the stage should be given life sentences for the death and destruction they are a party to.

Enough is enough. The costs of all this have yet to be assessed - so let's start with jobs? All the banks and buildings destroyed especially Central World has to be better than 5,000 jobs. Hospitals closed? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

What about the cost of destroyed vehicles, damage to pavement, pollution in the extreme, the cleanup and muggings, indiscriminate violence against innocents? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

And what about the poor business people, their loss of business, stock, lifes work, means to support their families, and even those whose homes have been burnt and destroyed? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

The damage to Thailand has put you all back as a fourth world country (if there is such a lower level) who appears lawless and on the verge of anarchy due to corrupt and irresponsible police allowing and aiding the mobs, inability to act when ordered and only self serving kleptomaniacs hiding behind brown shirts and a badge. Frequently referred to a 'Tomatoes'. An arm of the reds... Well done reds, and you expect votes?

Sorry, Asiawatcher, I must have been typing in sync with you and posted a few seconds after...didnt mean to double your post with repetitive thoughts.

I guess great minds think alike. Either that or......

It is what it is and yes we both agree - I had a mate who is a whiz bang bean counter do a roughie and he is over 2BN USD so far without the loss of future business and of course, that means the middle class et al will pick up the tab through taxation and the reds win again on that front - no wonder they don't want to give them social security! They would be on the Mekong (whisky) by 0800 instead of 1100 each day and further complaining that they have nothing.

Edited May 20, 2010 by asiawatcher

[eggomaniac]

Thailand has 3 Options.

#1 This is the most likely. >>> It will mindlessly break up into at least 3 countries. [When do you think the South will mount their strike?]

#2 They will get a 1/2 a brain and realize that North Korea and Burma have the correct formula for operating a corrupt system of government, shut the iron doors on the 'interference' from the World and keep the population in political cages. Openess and corruption just don't work. You can't say NK isn't 'satble', even though its leader isn't.

#3 Have full brain and adopt The Joseph Solution and The Joseph Plan and become Stable within weeks and a G30 nation with 5 to 10 years.

[95% of Thais would love TJS and Thaksin and Sondhi would be declawed by TJP.]

Now if only Vishnu can direct the PM to answer my email!

[haveaniceday]

How about Police that enforce the law ?

Simple, then people will respect it.

Gov cant pass laws when they are not enforced.

Many Thai cops are nothing more than corrupt parking meter men.

[z9999]

Thailand has 3 Options.

#1 This is the most likely. >>> It will mindlessly break up into at least 3 countries. [When do you think the South will mount their strike?]

#2 They will get a 1/2 a brain and realize that North Korea and Burma have the correct formula for operating a corrupt system of government, shut the iron doors on the 'interference' from the World and keep the population in political cages. Openess and corruption just don't work. You can't say NK isn't 'satble', even though its leader isn't.

#3 Have full brain and adopt The Joseph Solution and The Joseph Plan and become Stable within weeks and a G30 nation with 5 to 10 years.

[95% of Thais would love TJS and Thaksin and Sondhi would be declawed by TJP.]

Now if only Vishnu can direct the PM to answer my email!

The Joseph Stalin plan?

[oldenuf2knobette]

I will always remember the image of the stage stooges under the huge banner "PEACEFUL PROTESTERS, NOT TERRORISTS". Safe to say that anyone that needs to announce to one and all how peaceful they are, then they probably are not.

And Jatuporn wearing the Ghandi T-shirt makes me want to vomit.

[SomTumTiger]

Thailand has 3 Options.

#1 This is the most likely. >>> It will mindlessly break up into at least 3 countries. [When do you think the South will mount their strike?]

#2 They will get a 1/2 a brain and realize that North Korea and Burma have the correct formula for operating a corrupt system of government, shut the iron doors on the 'interference' from the World and keep the population in political cages. Openess and corruption just don't work. You can't say NK isn't 'satble', even though its leader isn't.

#3 Have full brain and adopt The Joseph Solution and The Joseph Plan and become Stable within weeks and a G30 nation with 5 to 10 years.

[95% of Thais would love TJS and Thaksin and Sondhi would be declawed by TJP.]

Now if only Vishnu can direct the PM to answer my email!

He's been posting this same broken-record post for weeks. When asked what the Joseph plan is, he declines comment. Must be a troll.

[haveaniceday]

Prob some right wing cult.

[truthfulfox]

No doubt here as to who should be held to book. Cut short the shopping sprees.

And all those who incited riots from the stage should be given life sentences for the death and destruction they are a party to.

Enough is enough. The costs of all this have yet to be assessed - so let's start with jobs? All the banks and buildings destroyed especially Central World has to be better than 5,000 jobs. Hospitals closed? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

What about the cost of destroyed vehicles, damage to pavement, pollution in the extreme, the cleanup and muggings, indiscriminate violence against innocents? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

And what about the poor business people, their loss of business, stock, lifes work, means to support their families, and even those whose homes have been burnt and destroyed? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

The damage to Thailand has put you all back as a fourth world country (if there is such a lower level) who appears lawless and on the verge of anarchy due to corrupt and irresponsible police allowing and aiding the mobs, inability to act when ordered and only self serving kleptomaniacs hiding behind brown shirts and a badge. Frequently referred to a 'Tomatoes'. An arm of the reds... Well done reds, and you expect votes?

Sorry, Asiawatcher, I must have been typing in sync with you and posted a few seconds after...didnt mean to double your post with repetitive thoughts.

I guess great minds think alike. Either that or......

the loss of some people is a benifit for other ones. some lose their jobs and other ones will just get one. life is fair

[krystian]

If the 46billion baht of thaksin is still in the govts hand then just charge him for

all the damage costs.

[whybother]

If the 46billion baht of thaksin is still in the govts hand then just charge him for

all the damage costs.

It's already in the governments hands.

Seeing as he gained that from the Thai people illegally anyway, they need to charge him out of what other money he has.

Not much chance of course.

[animatic]

No doubt here as to who should be held to book. Cut short the shopping sprees.

And all those who incited riots from the stage should be given life sentences for the death and destruction they are a party to.

Enough is enough. The costs of all this have yet to be assessed - so let's start with jobs? All the banks and buildings destroyed especially Central World has to be better than 5,000 jobs. Hospitals closed? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

What about the cost of destroyed vehicles, damage to pavement, pollution in the extreme, the cleanup and muggings, indiscriminate violence against innocents? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

And what about the poor business people, their loss of business, stock, lifes work, means to support their families, and even those whose homes have been burnt and destroyed? Well done reds, and you expect votes?

The damage to Thailand has put you all back as a fourth world country (if there is such a lower level) who appears lawless and on the verge of anarchy due to corrupt and irresponsible police allowing and aiding the mobs, inability to act when ordered and only self serving kleptomaniacs hiding behind brown shirts and a badge. Frequently referred to a 'Tomatoes'. An arm of the reds... Well done reds, and you expect votes?

Sorry, Asiawatcher, I must have been typing in sync with you and posted a few seconds after...didnt mean to double your post with repetitive thoughts.

I guess great minds think alike. Either that or......

It is what it is and yes we both agree - I had a mate who is a whiz bang bean counter do a roughie and he is over 2BN USD so far without the loss of future business and of course, that means the middle class et al will pick up the tab through taxation and the reds win again on that front - no wonder they don't want to give them social security! They would be on the Mekong (whisky) by 0800 instead of 1100 each day and further complaining that they have nothing.

The sadest part is that those in government and elsewhere that would wish to improve the lot of Issan people,

will not be able to nearly as quickly and easily,because all this destruction will need to be repaired.

The money must come from somewhere.

[animatic]

It seems he is just trying to gain numbers on search engines for the J plan what ever that is.

Maybe it's a book or something, but it's NEVER been explained....

[Moebius87]

If the 46billion baht of thaksin is still in the govts hand then just charge him for

all the damage costs.

It's already in the governments hands.

Seeing as he gained that from the Thai people illegally anyway, they need to charge him out of what other money he has.

Not much chance of course.

Considering the extent of the damage (and the ensuing repercussions over time)... I doubt if the 46 billion baht would be enough to cover it.

[A_Traveller]

It seems he is just trying to gain numbers on search engines for the J plan what ever that is.

Maybe it's a book or something, but it's NEVER been explained....

Not an explanation, but this tracks back to a website uspvp.org IIRC which claims to be a bring politics back to the 'grass roots' operation. The guy behind this pops up at different times, trying to create traction for this project. I did read about it some while ago, last year not re Thailand, looked like an almost tribal leaders council crossed with voter representation. Highly applicable to Thailand.

Regards

Edited May 20, 2010 by A_Traveller

[viking75]

evil is too good a word for the red goup leadership

is toxin paying people on this very web site to promote them still?

shame shame on you if so!

how can anyone have anything good to say about this sh_t red group?

really must be sick in the head

ok where.... are all the proud ....TVred group supporters now ?

stand up and be counted

Will always stand up to coward killing regimes like yours thank you. PS, childish name of Toxin is banned here as he name is Taksin.

Reds will re group and be back stronger each time now. peace is only a dream if any on your side think more killing and life prison sentence is way forward.

Notice no shots fired at PAD in airport? many other things that stink here of elite despot regime.

So you stood up for your fascist regime and I stood up for belief in democracy. Please check PAD stance on democracy and write essay.

Now go to bed because school tomorrow for you.

[Mekhong]

evil is too good a word for the red goup leadership

is toxin paying people on this very web site to promote them still?

shame shame on you if so!

how can anyone have anything good to say about this sh_t red group?

really must be sick in the head

ok where.... are all the proud ....TVred group supporters now ?

stand up and be counted

Will always stand up to coward killing regimes like yours thank you. PS, childish name of Toxin is banned here as he name is Taksin.

Reds will re group and be back stronger each time now. peace is only a dream if any on your side think more killing and life prison sentence is way forward.

Notice no shots fired at PAD in airport? many other things that stink here of elite despot regime.

So you stood up for your fascist regime and I stood up for belief in democracy. Please check PAD stance on democracy and write essay.

Now go to bed because school tomorrow for you.

Shhhhh now Viking. Schools are closed tomorrow. Small matter of red thugs trying to burn the city down. His name is Thaksin, his name is Thaksin, he shops in Paris while his pawns fail miserably. Abhisit's yer man

[viking75]

How about Police that enforce the law ?

Simple, then people will respect it.

Gov cant pass laws when they are not enforced.

Many Thai cops are nothing more than corrupt parking meter men.

Policing is by consent generally. If bad laws are passed and elections stolen too many people break law and it has to change. Look at poll tax riots in london!! happens in west and in USA immigration laws not enforced because many believe they unfair etc.

Get the law right and just and it will be mostly respected and easily enforced against the minority elements. That is above you for understand?

PS Police not only are corrupt, they are supporters of Thaksin and may spring into life and start enforcing laws under a new fairer gov.

It could have been sorted out, but elites absolutely must push through this army change and budget and you are all to blinded by PAD propaganda about Thaksin to notice anything at all in this land.

Large cost and something for Bangkok people to think about next election if they overturn another PM!!

[yoshiwara]

evil is too good a word for the red goup leadership

is toxin paying people on this very web site to promote them still?

shame shame on you if so!

how can anyone have anything good to say about this sh_t red group?

really must be sick in the head

ok where.... are all the proud ....TVred group supporters now ?

stand up and be counted

Will always stand up to coward killing regimes like yours thank you. PS, childish name of Toxin is banned here as he name is Taksin.

Reds will re group and be back stronger each time now. peace is only a dream if any on your side think more killing and life prison sentence is way forward.

Notice no shots fired at PAD in airport? many other things that stink here of elite despot regime.

So you stood up for your fascist regime and I stood up for belief in democracy. Please check PAD stance on democracy and write essay.

Now go to bed because school tomorrow for you.

Of course they will dear.

Have some cocoa.

[viking75]

Must go now and stop feeding you trolls.

So many one liners that people must think funny or why post them.

They cannot count cost yet as not over by a long way and anybody think it is..... well sweet dreams of

thaksin being deported to thailand

Abhisit filling lincolns shoes... another killer post

keyboard warriors sorting out a redshirt falang in real world.

and finally, sweet dreams of ever being funny or clever on an internet forum.... however juvenile your audience.

[brahmburgers]

How many Red rowdies were arrested and are they still in detention?

I wouldn't expect Army to do much actual apprehension, as that's more of a police job. Yet, we've all seen how the police have been essentially useless lately, in that regard.

Heard of a standing order for security troops to shoot arsonists, but have there been any such shootings? Not sure whether there's a similar order to shoot looters, though that would seem to be a bit extreme. Apprehending looters is more humane.

There should also be a standing order for sec.troops to shoot anyone who impedes a fire crew responding to a call.

As for Red leaders, have Payap and Kwanchai been apprehended yet? And what about Dr. Weng? Just because Weng went a bit soft at the 11th hour, shouldn't excuse him from facing responsibilities.

As for costs: The tally sum should be compared to payments received by the Reds, and donors should be held liable to the degree they paid in to the rallies. In other words, if Ms X paid 3% of overall payments to support the rallies, then that person should pay 3% of total costs for the damage done to Thailand (its people and businesses). Fair is fair. Those contributors were banking/gambling on an outcome (T coming back to power and/or getting billions of $$'s back) and they lost. Just like losers in a military campaign, the losers in this political campaign must pay reparations.

Edited May 20, 2010 by brahmburgers