Thai army chief: Political gatherings banned during UN chief's visit

[webfact]

Thai army chief: Political gatherings banned during UN chief's visit

BANGKOK, Oct 25 - Thai army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha on Monday said no political gatherings are allowed in the Thai capital during the visit of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday but representatives can instead present a letter to the UN chief.

Gen Prayuth made the remarks ahead of an official visit of Mr Ban tomorrow as guest of the Thai government on his way to attend the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Vietnam.

The visit was arranged following an invitation earlier extended by Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva when he met with Mr Ban while attending the official opening of an Exhibition to promote Enhancing the Lives of Female Inmates (ELFI) Project on October 6 at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The army chief said security measures have been prepared as Bangkok is still under a state of emergency.

The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) bans all gatherings but will allow a representative of any group to hand in letters to the UN chief if they wish, said Gen Prayuth.

The army chief added police will be main force to provide security for Mr Ban and his visit venues, while the army will be on standby to help police. Rapid respond mobile units have been prepared if any untoward incident occurs, but initially there's no report of possible violence.

"This is the image of Thailand. Please do not demonstrate and cause any disturbance to the public," said Gen Prayuth.

Regarding the plan of the Red Shirt to present a complaint letter to Mr Ban on the death of the red-clad demonstrators during the army operations in May, Gen Prayuth said they should consider whether it is appropriate to hand in such letter as this is internal affairs and the army had strictly followed the law.

At least 89 people died and nearly 1,900 were injured during two months of political unrest, with several confrontation between army personnel and Red Shirt protesters in April and May.

Mr Ban will arrive in Bangkok Tuesday morning and will have a bilateral meeting with the prime minister at Government House, followed by a joint press conference.

Tuesday afternoon, the UN chief will meet with the UN team at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) offices on Ratchadamnern Road, and deliver a speech on the occasion of UN Day, and will leave Thailand in the evening for Cambodia before proceeding to attend the 3rd ASEAN-UN Summit in Hanoi.

The Secretary-General's working visit is part of a four nation-tour in Asia, visiting Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-10-25

[SergeiY]

"This is the image of Thailand. Please do not demonstrate and cause any disturbance to the public," said Gen Prayuth.

Regarding the plan of the Red Shirt to present a complaint letter to Mr Ban on the death of the red-clad demonstrators during the army operations in May, Gen Prayuth said they should consider whether it is appropriate to hand in such letter as this is internal affairs and the army had strictly followed the law.

Anyone remember who said the following words:

"The United Nations is not my father. I am not worried about any UN visit to Thailand on this issue. A UN envoy can come any time to make observations,"

Answer and full story: click

[rubl]

"This is the image of Thailand. Please do not demonstrate and cause any disturbance to the public," said Gen Prayuth.

Regarding the plan of the Red Shirt to present a complaint letter to Mr Ban on the death of the red-clad demonstrators during the army operations in May, Gen Prayuth said they should consider whether it is appropriate to hand in such letter as this is internal affairs and the army had strictly followed the law.

Anyone remember who said the following words:

"The United Nations is not my father. I am not worried about any UN visit to Thailand on this issue. A UN envoy can come any time to make observations,"

Answer and full story: click

That was another time with then PM Thaksin grandstanding about the deaths related to his war on drugs. Totally irrelevant here.

[SergeiY]

"This is the image of Thailand. Please do not demonstrate and cause any disturbance to the public," said Gen Prayuth.

Regarding the plan of the Red Shirt to present a complaint letter to Mr Ban on the death of the red-clad demonstrators during the army operations in May, Gen Prayuth said they should consider whether it is appropriate to hand in such letter as this is internal affairs and the army had strictly followed the law.

Anyone remember who said the following words:

"The United Nations is not my father. I am not worried about any UN visit to Thailand on this issue. A UN envoy can come any time to make observations,"

Answer and full story: click

That was another time with then PM Thaksin grandstanding about the deaths related to his war on drugs. Totally irrelevant here.

Yes, but you can be sure that sooner or later someone would come up with that line or the EX-PM or the war on drugs. I just wanted to be first.

[rubl]

"This is the image of Thailand. Please do not demonstrate and cause any disturbance to the public," said Gen Prayuth.

Regarding the plan of the Red Shirt to present a complaint letter to Mr Ban on the death of the red-clad demonstrators during the army operations in May, Gen Prayuth said they should consider whether it is appropriate to hand in such letter as this is internal affairs and the army had strictly followed the law.

Anyone remember who said the following words:

"The United Nations is not my father. I am not worried about any UN visit to Thailand on this issue. A UN envoy can come any time to make observations,"

Answer and full story: click

That was another time with then PM Thaksin grandstanding about the deaths related to his war on drugs. Totally irrelevant here.

Yes, but you can be sure that sooner or later someone would come up with that line or the EX-PM or the war on drugs. I just wanted to be first.

I'd call it trolling or taunting and irrelevant !

[Thai at Heart]

Is Survnabhumi part of the SOE area?

[hammered]

Interesting and fairly clever taunting of Jatuporn by the army chief. I wonder how he will react? No demo was planned but now if a letter is handed over without a demo it will look like UDD pandering to army demands and in the macho contest that wont look good for the UDD but they may also not be able to assemble many people. A small thing in reality but always interesting to watch the little games especially with the context of machoness which is so necessary in Thai provincial poltitics and why so many MPs especially rural ones who as urbane and educated as they are act like thugs at every opportunity

[rubl]

Is Survnabhumi part of the SOE area?

Part of Samut Prakan I think, so yes. Totally irrelevant to the OP though.

[SergeiY]

Yes, but you can be sure that sooner or later someone would come up with that line or the EX-PM or the war on drugs. I just wanted to be first.

I'd call it trolling or taunting and irrelevant !

Then watch out. That board is full of trolls who dragging Thaksin into nearly every topic. Happy troll hunting and don't forget to bring a mirror.

[SergeiY]

Interesting and fairly clever taunting of Jatuporn by the army chief. I wonder how he will react? No demo was planned but now if a letter is handed over without a demo it will look like UDD pandering to army demands and in the macho contest that wont look good for the UDD but they may also not be able to assemble many people. A small thing in reality but always interesting to watch the little games especially with the context of machoness which is so necessary in Thai provincial poltitics and why so many MPs especially rural ones who as urbane and educated as they are act like thugs at every opportunity

Exactly, when THE ARMY CHIEF says VERBOTEN are rallies during the UN chief's visit and don't bother the UN dude with 91 death, that are internal affairs ... then smells its like victory and a successful PR campaign on behalf of THE ARMY CHIEF.

[Thai at Heart]

Is Survnabhumi part of the SOE area?

Part of Samut Prakan I think, so yes. Totally irrelevant to the OP though.

If the point is that protests are banned because it is under the SOE, I wouldn't put it past some smart ass red shirt to propose a protest elsewhere.

[bulmercke]

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha's announcement is like a red rag to a bull. The Red-Shirts might as well go the full hog (no pun intended) and throw caution to the wind. If you're going to protest - there's no point in protesting unless you're going to make your presence felt.

Thousands of Reds - motorcycles - pick-ups - private cars - charging around Bangkok for the entire duration of Mr. Ban's stay might just do the job.

[rubl]

Interesting and fairly clever taunting of Jatuporn by the army chief. I wonder how he will react? No demo was planned but now if a letter is handed over without a demo it will look like UDD pandering to army demands and in the macho contest that wont look good for the UDD but they may also not be able to assemble many people. A small thing in reality but always interesting to watch the little games especially with the context of machoness which is so necessary in Thai provincial poltitics and why so many MPs especially rural ones who as urbane and educated as they are act like thugs at every opportunity

Exactly, when THE ARMY CHIEF says VERBOTEN are rallies during the UN chief's visit and don't bother the UN dude with 91 death, that are internal affairs ... then smells its like victory and a successful PR campaign on behalf of THE ARMY CHIEF.

Bangkok is still under E.D. Even so some rallies have been tolerated after consultation between protesters/gatherers and police. The government doesn't have to allow those rallies.

The UDD representatives can pass information they have prepared to the UN Chief. No-one will stop them or check first what the heck they want to hand-over.

UN chief Ban will gracefully allow 10 minutes or so, mumble encouraging words like 'peaceful cooperation', 'internal matter' and then be off to Vietnam. About the 91 deaths and how it came to it he will also have been informed by the government.

Your comments smell like sarcasm and insinuation.

[jayjay0]

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha's announcement is like a red rag to a bull. The Red-Shirts might as well go the full hog (no pun intended) and throw caution to the wind. If you're going to protest - there's no point in protesting unless you're going to make your presence felt.

Thousands of Reds - motorcycles - pick-ups - private cars - charging around Bangkok for the entire duration of Mr. Ban's stay might just do the job.

I beg to differ. Mr. Baan has will learn nothing by there silly antics. He is no fool. He already knows they are nothing but a bunch of fools for hire working for a man who wants to commit more rape on Thailand.

[SergeiY]

Your comments smell like sarcasm and insinuation.

So what? Your comment don't smell like its worth its 2 cent.

[SergeiY]

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha's announcement is like a red rag to a bull. The Red-Shirts might as well go the full hog (no pun intended) and throw caution to the wind. If you're going to protest - there's no point in protesting unless you're going to make your presence felt.

Thousands of Reds - motorcycles - pick-ups - private cars - charging around Bangkok for the entire duration of Mr. Ban's stay might just do the job.

I beg to differ. Mr. Baan has will learn nothing by there silly antics. He is no fool. He already knows they are nothing but a bunch of fools for hire working for a man who wants to commit more rape on Thailand.

Don't be worried, your are save. There will be no rout of thousand Thaksins and a mass rape orgy. Army chief says it is not allowed.

[rubl]

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha's announcement is like a red rag to a bull. The Red-Shirts might as well go the full hog (no pun intended) and throw caution to the wind. If you're going to protest - there's no point in protesting unless you're going to make your presence felt.

Thousands of Reds - motorcycles - pick-ups - private cars - charging around Bangkok for the entire duration of Mr. Ban's stay might just do the job.

I beg to differ. Mr. Baan has will learn nothing by there silly antics. He is no fool. He already knows they are nothing but a bunch of fools for hire working for a man who wants to commit more rape on Thailand.

Don't be worried, your are save. There will be no rout of thousand Thaksins and a mass rape orgy. Army chief says it is not allowed.

I found a post from you which gives just the right answer: yawn

[Insight]

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha's announcement is like a red rag to a bull. The Red-Shirts might as well go the full hog (no pun intended) and throw caution to the wind. If you're going to protest - there's no point in protesting unless you're going to make your presence felt.

Thousands of Reds - motorcycles - pick-ups - private cars - charging around Bangkok for the entire duration of Mr. Ban's stay might just do the job.

Yep, the typical democracy-loving "H3lls Angels" approach we're now all too familiar with.

[bulmercke]

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha's announcement is like a red rag to a bull. The Red-Shirts might as well go the full hog (no pun intended) and throw caution to the wind. If you're going to protest - there's no point in protesting unless you're going to make your presence felt.

Thousands of Reds - motorcycles - pick-ups - private cars - charging around Bangkok for the entire duration of Mr. Ban's stay might just do the job.

I beg to differ. Mr. Baan has will learn nothing by there silly antics. He is no fool. He already knows they are nothing but a bunch of fools for hire working for a man who wants to commit more rape on Thailand.

RECENT QUOTE(Nick Nostitz - New Mandela):"In a few days there will be a press briefing by the Prime Minister and Ban Ki-moon. Quite disturbing for me, and rather unusual practice – journalists invited to the briefing will have to submit their questions in advance."

In short - the government will reduce his visit here to one big PR exercise for their benefit - instead of it being an open and free exercise in information gathering through talks with both government officials - Red-Shirt leaders - human rights organisations based here (of little use when it comes to all matters pertaining to the recent massacre of Red-Shirts by the army) and interested media.

[jayjay0]

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha's announcement is like a red rag to a bull. The Red-Shirts might as well go the full hog (no pun intended) and throw caution to the wind. If you're going to protest - there's no point in protesting unless you're going to make your presence felt.

Thousands of Reds - motorcycles - pick-ups - private cars - charging around Bangkok for the entire duration of Mr. Ban's stay might just do the job.

I beg to differ. Mr. Baan has will learn nothing by there silly antics. He is no fool. He already knows they are nothing but a bunch of fools for hire working for a man who wants to commit more rape on Thailand.

RECENT QUOTE(Nick Nostitz - New Mandela):"In a few days there will be a press briefing by the Prime Minister and Ban Ki-moon. Quite disturbing for me, and rather unusual practice – journalists invited to the briefing will have to submit their questions in advance."

In short - the government will reduce his visit here to one big PR exercise for their benefit - instead of it being an open and free exercise in information gathering through talks with both government officials - Red-Shirt leaders - human rights organisations based here (of little use when it comes to all matters pertaining to the recent massacre of Red-Shirts by the army) and interested media.

And just why should he be interested in Thailand's domestic problems. That is not what the UN is all about. You may rest assured that he has a team of advisers who are well aware of what is going on in Thailand. And you may rest assured it does not put the red shirts in a good light.

If the red shirts were serious about helping Thailand the first thing they would have to do is admit where they were wrong. Not going to happen in Thaksins lifetime

What is wrong with asking questions in advance? Is there another way to stop the inane questions and often repeated ones.

Remember the man is not a idiot. He has no axe to grind.

My bet is that there will not be more than two questions that concern the UN out side of Thailand. In short information is not what the questioners really want they just want to push there point of view. Be it Pink Red or Yellow.

Edited October 25, 2010 by jayjay0

[bulmercke]

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha's announcement is like a red rag to a bull. The Red-Shirts might as well go the full hog (no pun intended) and throw caution to the wind. If you're going to protest - there's no point in protesting unless you're going to make your presence felt.

Thousands of Reds - motorcycles - pick-ups - private cars - charging around Bangkok for the entire duration of Mr. Ban's stay might just do the job.

I beg to differ. Mr. Baan has will learn nothing by there silly antics. He is no fool. He already knows they are nothing but a bunch of fools for hire working for a man who wants to commit more rape on Thailand.

RECENT QUOTE(Nick Nostitz - New Mandela):"In a few days there will be a press briefing by the Prime Minister and Ban Ki-moon. Quite disturbing for me, and rather unusual practice – journalists invited to the briefing will have to submit their questions in advance."

In short - the government will reduce his visit here to one big PR exercise for their benefit - instead of it being an open and free exercise in information gathering through talks with both government officials - Red-Shirt leaders - human rights organisations based here (of little use when it comes to all matters pertaining to the recent massacre of Red-Shirts by the army) and interested media.

And just why should he be interested in Thailand's domestic problems. That is not what the UN is all about. You may rest assured that he has a team of advisers who are well aware of what is going on in Thailand. And you may rest assured it does not put the red shirts in a good light.

If the red shirts were serious about helping Thailand the first thing they would have to do is admit where they were wrong. Not going to happen in Thaksins lifetime

QUOTE:"And you may rest assured it does not put the red shirts in a good light." Sorry I forgot you are privy to private briefings between Mr. Baan and his key advisers.

QUOTE:"......the first thing they would have to do is admit where they were wrong." Those nasty Red-Shirts. They brought it all upon themselves. How dare they stand-up to the sickening inequality - rampant corruption - political and military oppression that now exists in this country.

[bulmercke]

Sorry. Double post.

Edited October 25, 2010 by bulmercke

[bulmercke]

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha's announcement is like a red rag to a bull. The Red-Shirts might as well go the full hog (no pun intended) and throw caution to the wind. If you're going to protest - there's no point in protesting unless you're going to make your presence felt.

Thousands of Reds - motorcycles - pick-ups - private cars - charging around Bangkok for the entire duration of Mr. Ban's stay might just do the job.

I beg to differ. Mr. Baan has will learn nothing by there silly antics. He is no fool. He already knows they are nothing but a bunch of fools for hire working for a man who wants to commit more rape on Thailand.

RECENT QUOTE(Nick Nostitz - New Mandela):"In a few days there will be a press briefing by the Prime Minister and Ban Ki-moon. Quite disturbing for me, and rather unusual practice – journalists invited to the briefing will have to submit their questions in advance."

In short - the government will reduce his visit here to one big PR exercise for their benefit - instead of it being an open and free exercise in information gathering through talks with both government officials - Red-Shirt leaders - human rights organisations based here (of little use when it comes to all matters pertaining to the recent massacre of Red-Shirts by the army) and interested media.

And just why should he be interested in Thailand's domestic problems. That is not what the UN is all about. You may rest assured that he has a team of advisers who are well aware of what is going on in Thailand. And you may rest assured it does not put the red shirts in a good light.

If the red shirts were serious about helping Thailand the first thing they would have to do is admit where they were wrong. Not going to happen in Thaksins lifetime

QUOTE:"And you may rest assured it does not put the red shirts in a good light." Sorry I forgot you are privy to private briefings between Mr. Baan and his key advisers.

QUOTE:"......the first thing they would have to do is admit where they were wrong." Those nasty Red-Shirts. They brought it all upon themselves. How dare they stand-up to the sickening inequality - rampant corruption - political and military oppression that now exists in this country.

[Insight]

QUOTE:"......the first thing they would have to do is admit where they were wrong." Those nasty Red-Shirts. They brought it all upon themselves. How dare they stand-up to the sickening inequality - rampant corruption - political and military oppression that now exists in this country.

If this is really their aim - to stand up against what you mention - why do they pick the worst role-models imaginable as leaders?

The red shirt movement is ethically bankrupt. Have a quick scan through this news section for reminders of why.

[bulmercke]

QUOTE:"......the first thing they would have to do is admit where they were wrong." Those nasty Red-Shirts. They brought it all upon themselves. How dare they stand-up to the sickening inequality - rampant corruption - political and military oppression that now exists in this country.

If this is really their aim - to stand up against what you mention - why do they pick the worst role-models imaginable as leaders?

The red shirt movement is ethically bankrupt. Have a quick scan through this news section for reminders of why.

Insight - you ask:"......why do they pick the worst role-models imaginable as leaders?" Actually this is a good question. Me - personally? I detest Thaksin and much of what he stands for BUT....and it's a big BUT...I do support the Red-Shirts - the vast majority of which are ordinary and decent Thais.

Agreed many of the Red-Shirt leaders are cowboys - but I guess that was what was required when they were left with no other realistic option than to become more radical and militant in their approach to the government.

[OzMick]

RECENT QUOTE(Nick Nostitz - New Mandela):"In a few days there will be a press briefing by the Prime Minister and Ban Ki-moon. Quite disturbing for me, and rather unusual practice – journalists invited to the briefing will have to submit their questions in advance."

In short - the government will reduce his visit here to one big PR exercise for their benefit - instead of it being an open and free exercise in information gathering through talks with both government officials - Red-Shirt leaders - human rights organisations based here (of little use when it comes to all matters pertaining to the recent massacre of Red-Shirts by the army) and interested media.

And just why should he be interested in Thailand's domestic problems. That is not what the UN is all about. You may rest assured that he has a team of advisers who are well aware of what is going on in Thailand. And you may rest assured it does not put the red shirts in a good light.

If the red shirts were serious about helping Thailand the first thing they would have to do is admit where they were wrong. Not going to happen in Thaksins lifetime

QUOTE:"And you may rest assured it does not put the red shirts in a good light." Sorry I forgot you are privy to private briefings between Mr. Baan and his key advisers.

QUOTE:"......the first thing they would have to do is admit where they were wrong." Those nasty Red-Shirts. They brought it all upon themselves. How dare they stand-up to the sickening inequality - rampant corruption - political and military oppression that now exists in this country.

Strange, I don't remember the Redshirts asking for any of those things. Immediate elections, with the hope of "Return of the Saviour" was the only demand made. The other goals that you have inferred were merely to make them presentable to a gullible world - it don't wash in this neck of the woods sunshine.

Edited October 25, 2010 by Lite Beer
Colour of the shirts changed.

[whybother]

Insight - you ask:"......why do they pick the worst role-models imaginable as leaders?" Actually this is a good question. Me - personally? I detest Thaksin and much of what he stands for BUT....and it's a big BUT...I do support the Red-Shirts - the vast majority of which are ordinary and decent Thais.

Agreed many of the Red-Shirt leaders are cowboys - but I guess that was what was required when they were left with no other realistic option than to become more radical and militant in their approach to the government.

You can support the people, but supporting the red shirts means you support the leaders which means you support Thaksin.

The red shirts didn't need to become more radical and militant. They got their message across. They got their people on television to debate the PM. The PM gave them some of the things they were after. Why did they then have to get radical and militant?

[sevenhills]

Yes, but you can be sure that sooner or later someone would come up with that line or the EX-PM or the war on drugs. I just wanted to be first.

I'd call it trolling or taunting and irrelevant !

Then watch out. That board is full of trolls who dragging Thaksin into nearly every topic. Happy troll hunting and don't forget to bring a mirror.

Good call, To have different views here from others will get you labeled as a Troll,

as that's the easiest method to use to attempt to negate someones comments and big note ones self.

[jonclark]

I wonder if Mr. Moon will pick up on the generals comments and the context

A general telling the public not to demonstrate....hmm surely it's the governments job to do that, as the army (in any democratic country, or a country that aspires to be democratic) is subserviant to the civillian adminstration and as such should keep its snout out of civillian matters, which is what a public demonstration is.

As far as i'm aware (and i may be wrong) in european or N. american countries the army would never dream of telling people if and when it can demostrate.

The words of the general show just how democratic Thailand is and it is something that both red and yellow should be deeply worried about. And I hope the generals comments are something Mr. Moon questions the PM on

Edited October 25, 2010 by jonclark

[Colabamumbai]

Guess we cannot meet for a few beers and talk about Thai politics...