Police Prepared For Bangkok Red Shirt Rally

[webfact]

Police prepared for red shirts' rally

By The Nation on Sunday

More than 1,000 on duty for march to Ratchaprasong

More than 1,000 police would be on duty at today's red shirts' rally, the head of Metropolitan Police Division 1 Wichai Sangprapai said yesterday.

Wichai spoke after meeting with Thida Thawornseth, acting chairwoman of the red shirts at their headquarters at Big C Lat Phrao shopping centre.

Thida said she expected 60,000 protesters to attend. And Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan said he would also go as a court had prohibited him only from talking about his legal case.

Jatuporn said he would talk about Cambodia's arrest of seven Thais and the broken toilet in Government House.

Additional bail conditions were imposed on Jatuporn late last year that barred the MP from taking part in political assemblies of more than five people. It also issued a gag order on Jatuporn to stop him spreading information that could influence his coming case involving terrorism charges. However, he is allowed to speak in Parliament.

Two companies of police will guard Democracy Monument at the start of the rally at 3pm. Officers will also oversee the red shirts' march to Ratchaprasong Intersection, where seven companies of police will be on duty.

The red shirts would start their march at 5pm from Democracy Monument on Rajdamnoen Road to Nakhin Sawan Road, the Royal Turf Club, then continue on Phetchaburi Road through Pratunam to Ratchaprasong, Wichai said.

Thida said there would be speeches to protesters at the intersection before a candle-lighting ceremony at 7pm to commemorate the protesters who died during the clashes with troops last year. The rally would disperse at 8pm.

Wichai said he had made clear to the group police would immediately make arrests if any protesters wrote any message offensive to the monarchy (a lese majeste offence). Some officers would video the rally for evidence in case of legal violations. He also asked the red shirts not to instigate clashes with officials and to keep an eye out for people seeking to cause trouble. He also asked the protesters not to release floating lanterns as they could drop from the air and cause fires.

Khattiya Sawatdiphol, daughter of Maj General Khattiya or Seh Daeng, who was shot dead during the rally last May, said she and supporters of Khattiyatham Party would join the candlelit ceremony in the evening as today is the second Sunday of the month, which matches the group's monthly activities.

-- The Nation 2011-01-09

[asiawatcher]

" ... Jatuporn said he would talk about Cambodia's arrest of seven Thais and the broken toilet in Government House."

Great leader for the red shirts.

[Buchholz]

" ... Jatuporn said he would talk about Cambodia's arrest of seven Thais and the broken toilet in Government House."

Great leader for the red shirts.

Quick, put an emergency call out for Pheu Thai Party MP Chairman Chalerm... to notify his son, Mr. Happy Toilet, to get there ASAP

Mr "Happy Toilet" Wan

The Public Health Ministry Friday appointed Wan Yoobamrung "Mr Happy Toilet" to promote a campaign for clean public toilets.

"I dreamt when I was a child that if I ever worked here at the Public Health Ministry I would make all the toilets in the country flush toilets," Wan says.

The Nation - April 4, 2008

[jayjay0]

If they get out of hand can the police handle them now.

What changes have they made to allow them to do the job now that they couldn't do nine months ago?

[phiphidon]

" ... Jatuporn said he would talk about Cambodia's arrest of seven Thais and the broken toilet in Government House."

Great leader for the red shirts.

You guys really need to lighten up , upon having his request for clarification of his bail conditions denied, Jaturporn has used humour to have a dig at the court. You may not like the guy, in fact you hate him and I'm not a fan, but this was rather a humourous reply.

[newermonkey]

60,000 protesters coming to the Capital city to protest about "a broken toilet" wow they must be so angry?

[ballpoint]

The broken toilet explains all his false allegations and assorted bullsh*t. He makes these claims but has nothing to go on.

[rubl]

" ... Jatuporn said he would talk about Cambodia's arrest of seven Thais and the broken toilet in Government House."

Great leader for the red shirts.

You guys really need to lighten up , upon having his request for clarification of his bail conditions denied, Jaturporn has used humour to have a dig at the court. You may not like the guy, in fact you hate him and I'm not a fan, but this was rather a humourous reply.

As k. Jatuporn may only attend rallies with five or less persons, 'toilet humour' may be appropriate. Depends on who else is there

Mind you in some countries this would be a case of 'contempt of court', or breach of bail conditions if more than five persons attending. 'I didn't know' as an answer would be a bit difficult to defend.

[SomTumTiger]

I hear a bail revocation coming.