Bangkok To Stay Under Emergency Rule After Blast: PM

[webfact]

Bangkok to stay under emergency rule after blast: PM

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Tuesday that the authorities would maintain emergency rule in the capital following a deadly bombing over the weekend.

"I think Bangkok will remain under the state of emergency while the government will gradually lift the law in other provinces," he told reporters after meeting security officials.

The bomb, which killed one person and wounded 10, exploded at a bus stop in the same commercial district occupied by anti-government "Red Shirt" protesters during a two-month-long rally that ended with an army crackdown in May.

The main opposition Puea Thai party accused government supporters of setting off the bomb, which shattered an uneasy calm in the capital since the army crushed the Red Shirts' mass protests.

The government has come under pressure from the United States and rights groups to end a state of emergency still in place across one-fifth of the country.

Authorities have used the powers -- introduced in Bangkok on April 7 -- to arrest hundreds of Red Shirt suspects and silence anti-government media.

The protests by the Reds, many of whom back fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, attracted up to 100,000 people demanding immediate elections.

Ninety people died and about 1,900 were injured in a series of street clashes between armed troops and demonstrators.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-07-27

[webfact]

Poll: Bangkok residents support extended emergency decree

BANGKOK: -- A new survey by Suan Dusit Poll indicates that nearly half of Bangkok residents support the extension of the emergency decree imposed in Bangkok, following a bomb explosion at a busy bus stop in front of Big C department store in the capital.

The survey was conducted on Monday and Tuesday by the Suan Dusit Rajabhat University Suan Dusit Poll by interviewing 1,304 Bangkok residents about the Sunday bombing near the now-closed department store in the Ratchadamri area.

Almost half of respondents -- 47 per cent -- said they wanted the emergency decree extension in Bangkok for the convenience of the authorities to monitor and prevent violent situations and ill-intentioned people from easily inciting violence, and in order that the public could feel safer.

However, 23 per cent said they oppose it, for they see the decree as being unnecessary if only more police patrols were provided, while some 32 per cent -- one in three -- said the decree would increase divisions in Thai society and promote the image of Thailand being an unsafe country.

Some 29 per cent were uncertain whether the decree should be lifted and said it depended on the government and police officials' estimation on the situation.

Meanwhile, 53 per cent of those polled believed the recent bomb blast was intentionally done to "create a situation" and incite violence, while some 21 per cent said it was outrageous and challenged the power of state.

Of the Suan Dusit respondees, 14 per cent indicated they wanted no more acts of violence to injure and cause the deaths of innocent people. Twelve per cent said the police needed to work harder and more efficiently, to be more strict regarding public safety and security.

About 85 per cent of those surveyed viewed the Sunday bombing as being politically motivated for the overall situation has not fully eased and the area of the incident, still part of Bangkok's main business district, was the UDD Red Shirts' primary protest site only two months ago.

However, one in 10 of the respondents -- 11 per cent -- said they did not know the motivation behind this violence and the public should wait for authorities to conclude their investigation.

Over half -- nearly 57 per cent of those surveyed -- said they did not think police could arrest the wrongdoers, as the authorities have usually not made arrests when such violence took place.

Some 24 per cent said they were uncertain that the police could accomplish their mission.

Concerning the prevention of further violence, about 37 per cent wanted more police and army personnel posted to Bangkok's important spots. Around one fourth asked for more public cooperation in reporting to the authorities when they encountered suspicious situations.

Nearly one in five -- about 18 per cent -- said intelligence agencies must work harder, while 11 per cent said more surveillance cameras should be installed at public areas, and 6 per cent said awards should be offered to those providing clues or information regarding troublemakers. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-07-27

[zzaa09]

Gee.....what a surprise, yes?

[TallForeigner]

Mission accomplished!

Result: Emergency decree remains enforced.

Collateral damage: 1 dead 10 injured

[Ulysses G.]

Many thanks to Mr. Shinawatra.

[TallForeigner]

Many thanks to Mr. Shinawatra.

You got that one wrong!

It should say: Many thanks to the traitors who staged an illegal coup against a legal government

[rubl]

Many thanks to Mr. Shinawatra.

You got that one wrong!

It should say: Many thanks to the traitors who staged an illegal coup against a legal government

Sorry to say you've got it both wrong. It should be no thanks to the mad men who placed and exploded a bomb killing one, injuring ten others. For who did it, many suspects have been mentioned in others topics, but no evidence yet. This brings us to "insufficient data" (IMHO).

[TallForeigner]

Many thanks to Mr. Shinawatra.

You got that one wrong!

It should say: Many thanks to the traitors who staged an illegal coup against a legal government

Sorry to say you've got it both wrong. It should be no thanks to the mad men who placed and exploded a bomb killing one, injuring ten others. For who did it, many suspects have been mentioned in others topics, but no evidence yet. This brings us to "insufficient data" (IMHO).

agreed

[Democrat]

Quote "14 per cent indicated they wanted no more acts of violence to injure and cause the deaths of innocent people" 14 per cent don't they mean 100 per cent? Don't tell me its Thailand something has to be wrong in this survey.

[lufc74]

Can anybody tell me what time these curfews are enforced. I was told its from 11pm until 5am. Is that correct.

Thanks

[TheBarbarian]

Well done Suthep and Anupong, this is after all what they wanted. The entire reconciliation process is bogus anyhow. Prem probably advised Arnand as the chairman of the commission because he is nice and he will not shout when he is taken for a ride. Good news for the Nation Newspaper too. no real journalists allowed to bring news and thousands of websites will stay closed. That gives them some more time to spin the news.

[Judia]

Why dont they just blow Our country up>.> PROBLEM SOLVE! No more Political Problem! No more Thailand!

Its Sad How A Beautiful Country and Smile Turn into such and such....

[symbiosis]

how convenient!

[TAWP]

Can anybody tell me what time these curfews are enforced. I was told its from 11pm until 5am. Is that correct.

Thanks

There is no curfew in effect in Bangkok anymore.

[hansnl]

Many thanks to Mr. Shinawatra.

You got that one wrong!

It should say: Many thanks to the traitors who staged an illegal coup against a legal government

I beg to differ.

One year after the coup there were elections.

Although a lot of vote-buying was proven, the Mr T followers did not get a majority.

There followed a coalition, lead by the Mr T followers party or parties.

There only business, it seems, was whitewashing Mr T, by all means.

Because of the vote-buying the party of Mr T followers was disbanded by the courts.

What followed was that the coalition fell apart and several of the parties formed a coalition with the party of Abhisit.

I have no idea what you mean by a coup.

Coalitions can be formed and disappear.

That is called politics.

If you call that a coup.welcome to it.

[Pesche]

I am getting REALLY fed up by the polemic nonsense that so many of you are writing since these troubles started !!

Specially the smart asses who know "everything" and give comments reaching the Nobel price of stupidity!

If you have an opinion so say it the civilized way - without insinuations like "Bravo good for them or those"

What irritates me here actually is that the US (as usual) is pointing with the finger!!

Now not you nor the US have ANY rights to tell or criticize Thailand!

DO NOT forget that The Land of Smile is experiencing the worst passage in its entire history - Scandals after scandals, gossips, corruption like never before and (saddest thing) a frail Father - venerated King.

Respect, be concerned (without inflammatory comments) and observe! Many of us have family here and the insecurity is at its highest level.

We cannot compare our so different cultures...

It is an immense task for Khun Abhisit, the parliament and all parties to solve the problem by themselves.

And, again I think that the US should better concentrate on other priorities like North Korea and Myanmar and assist if necessary instead of preaching!

Sorry I had to let it out !!!

Pesche - Living here since 18 years

Edited July 27, 2010 by Pesche

[davidcozart]

What is the problem here? This country is going crazy.

[peacefulwarrior]

Yadda Yadda Ya,

the constant war of Terror, welcome to the G20 / NWO / <deleted> Agenda. Of course you always get another tingling feeling and a bomb goes off somewhere just when it's getting calmer and would be time to ask the right questions. Like, did the government use agent provocateurs aka blue shirts or whatever underground commando to inflict damage and keep the public paralyzed and pointing the finger towards Thaksin, especially during the Red's camping in the shopping district.

He is being fashioned Thailands Osama bin Laden, get it, the phantom on which you can blame everything. So they keep on going getting more and more British with all them jaywalking, feeding the elephant B$ fines and on the other hand play the emergency rule, so they can detain people or keep them arrested on suspicion, soon the cameras et.al. will follow. It is like America's "Patriot act" and the fallout of it, which is less freedumb and more control / suspicion / fear-mongering.

And this is how the polarization game works. No matter what you vote in, the army and the rich elite stay the same. The smokescreen out there is the pseudo fight of Democrat vs. Republican or whatever they call themselves in a little house they call parliament. Democracy is the most vulnerable system out there and perfect for the Oligarchs which do not fear the guillotine anymore since they have those puppets dancing in front of them, distracting the public from who holds all the strings. At the end of the day they all go to the same casino and fat banksters. Hope some more people wake up to this worldwide con, and I really don't like it being perpetrated in Thailand since the last couple of years full forward.

[chadillac0]

I am getting REALLY fed up by the polemic nonsense that so many of you are writing since these troubles started !!

Specially the smart asses who know "everything" and give comments reaching the Nobel price of stupidity!

If you have an opinion so say it the civilized way - without insinuations like "Bravo good for them or those"

What irritates me here actually is that the US (as usual) is pointing with the finger!!

Now not you nor the US have ANY rights to tell or criticize Thailand!

DO NOT forget that The Land of Smile is experiencing the worst passage in its entire history - Scandals after scandals, gossips, corruption like never before and (saddest thing) a frail Father - venerated King.

Respect, be concerned (without inflammatory comments) and observe! Many of us have family here and the insecurity is at its highest level.

We cannot compare our so different cultures...

It is an immense task for Khun Abhisit, the parliament and all parties to solve the problem by themselves.

And, again I think that the US should better concentrate on other priorities like North Korea and Myanmar and assist if necessary instead of preaching!

Sorry I had to let it out !!!

Pesche - Living here since 18 years

UHH....did I miss a quote...where does the US come in:jap:

[DragonQuest]

I was planning on going that day, thank god i didnt...

[321niti123]

Many thanks to Mr. Shinawatra.

You got that one wrong!

It should say: Many thanks to the traitors who staged an illegal coup against a legal government

Sorry to say you've got it both wrong. It should be no thanks to the mad men who placed and exploded a bomb killing one, injuring ten others. For who did it, many suspects have been mentioned in others topics, but no evidence yet. This brings us to "insufficient data" (IMHO).

agreed

There is however, one thing we can conclude...that the ppl that did this had no intention of saving Thailand from a political crisis.

[symbiosis]

Many thanks to Mr. Shinawatra.

You got that one wrong!

It should say: Many thanks to the traitors who staged an illegal coup against a legal government

I beg to differ.

One year after the coup there were elections.

Although a lot of vote-buying was proven, the Mr T followers did not get a majority.

There followed a coalition, lead by the Mr T followers party or parties.

There only business, it seems, was whitewashing Mr T, by all means.

Because of the vote-buying the party of Mr T followers was disbanded by the courts.

What followed was that the coalition fell apart and several of the parties formed a coalition with the party of Abhisit.

I have no idea what you mean by a coup.

Coalitions can be formed and disappear.

That is called politics.

If you call that a coup.welcome to it.

No, no. Not because of the alleged vote buying (of which there were credible allegations on BOTH sides, as usual), but because Mr. Samak continued to appear on a cooking program. We know which way the courts go and they were just as determined as the yellows on the streets. The elite will do ANYTHING to hold onto wealth, power and priviledge. That's the story of modern Thailand.

[Changian]

Phew - that was close. Very fortunate for Dems and Army that there was a bomb and thus a good excuse to extend the emergency decree.

The title of the thread seems a bit misleading 'Bangkok residents support extended emergency decree' as less that 50% actually support it according to the poll figures and 53% thought that 'the blast was intentionally done to "create a situation" and incite violence'

But seeing as the story comes from MCOT - a government mouthpiece - this isn't surprising really.

Edited July 27, 2010 by Changian

[lufc74]

Can anybody tell me what time these curfews are enforced. I was told its from 11pm until 5am. Is that correct.

Thanks

There is no curfew in effect in Bangkok anymore.

Are you saying i'll be ok to go out, for a few drinks, past a certain time. I was under the impression that after a certain time, nobody was allowed out ??

Thanks.

[webfact]

Can anybody tell me what time these curfews are enforced. I was told its from 11pm until 5am. Is that correct.

Thanks

There is no curfew in effect in Bangkok anymore.

Are you saying i'll be ok to go out, for a few drinks, past a certain time. I was under the impression that after a certain time, nobody was allowed out ??

Thanks.

No curfew in Bangkok. A fact. Or do you mix curfew with the closing time of certain entertainment venues?

[jfchandler]

I'd be real curious to know what exactly Thaksin, Samak, and the others now reincarnated as PT were/are going to do to NOT hold onto the wealth, power and privilege held by the elites... They are, of course, among the elites.

Every time I hear the bogus "elites vs masses" argument (with the PT portrayed as representing the masses) it makes me wanna barf...

You'd be hard pressed to find anyone beyond the symbolic leader of that whole movement who ever did a better job of self-enrichment for himself and his cronies.

Now, if you want to call it "the elites vs. the other elites" then you'd be getting closer to reality.

The elite will do ANYTHING to hold onto wealth, power and priviledge. That's the story of modern Thailand.

[MAJIC]

What else was Abhisit and his Government supposed to do?lift the State of Emergency and congratulate the Bombers?

[symbiosis]

I'd be real curious to know what exactly Thaksin, Samak, and the others now reincarnated as PT were/are going to do to NOT hold onto the wealth, power and privilege held by the elites... They are, of course, among the elites.

Every time I hear the bogus "elites vs masses" argument (with the PT portrayed as representing the masses) it makes me wanna barf...

You'd be hard pressed to find anyone beyond the symbolic leader of that whole movement who ever did a better job of self-enrichment for himself and his cronies.

Now, if you want to call it "the elites vs. the other elites" then you'd be getting closer to reality.

The elite will do ANYTHING to hold onto wealth, power and priviledge. That's the story of modern Thailand.

Like it or not (and apparently you don't), Thaksin was elected and would be elected again if he could stand for office. The PTP would easily sweep elections again with or without sending the Bangkok bar girls back to Isaan to vote. That's been proven. If you don't like the idea of one man (or woman), one vote, just say so and stop couching it in some larger "good of Thailand" b.s.

Edited July 27, 2010 by symbiosis

[TAWP]

What else was Abhisit and his Government supposed to do?lift the State of Emergency and congratulate the Bombers?

Well, yes, they have to react like they are suppose to do.

HOWEVER, if I was PM, I would make a speech about the terrorist cannot threaten our freedom and lift the emergency rule...

Edited July 27, 2010 by TAWP

[RedNIvar]

Question is, who has the most to gain with the bombing? Nothing is clear and I guess we have to wait until the BIB complete their investigation (I would not hold my breath, if I were you). It looks like this SOE is likely to be around until the next elections. Honestly as a foreigner, the SOE does not really bother me. I'm neither Red, Yellow or any other color. As a foreigner I have no say or influence in Thai politics. After 12 years in Thailand, all I can say is everyone I've seen run this country had their hand in some form of corruption. However in my honest opinion the best economic and social improvements I've seen was during the Thaksin regime. Although he was beyond taking money from drug dealers or pimps, greed got the better of him and he messed up, was found guilty and paid for it somewhat.

I see many Yellow versions of "Jeff Savage" and "Conner Purcell" here out on a witch hunt. It seems like they blame everything from the riots to the latest traffic jam on one man. That is just being ridiculous, IMHO.