Bombs Discovered In Bangkok Ahead Of PAD Rally

[webfact]

Bombs discovered ahead of PAD rally

By The Nation

Arrest of five men for allegedly possessing war weapons, bombs shrouded in secrecy

Home-made bombs were allegedly found late yesterday afternoon near Government House, as Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was bracing himself for what was promised to be a relentless campaign against his regime by former allies. Whether this was a bad omen, an orchestrated event, or sheer luck is not yet known.

Sondhi Limthongkul, Chamlong Srimuang and Makkhawan Bridge were all names that used to be associated with Thaksin Shinawatra's downfall. But, starting today, their combined powers will be tested against Abhisit, whose handling of Thai-Cambodian border conflicts have alienated him from them.

The arrests of five men, allegedly with war weapons and home-made bombs, were shrouded in secrecy, which triggered wild speculation.

Manager website claimed the five were red shirts. But some sceptics said that since the bomb scare would discourage people from joining the yellow shirts' anti-government rally, the whole incident might have been "staged" for government benefit.

Others went even further, claiming the incident was a ploy to "save the yellow shirts' faces", as their rally would not attract many people anyway.

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Assawin Kwanmuang said a 38-year-old taxi motorcyclist was arrested first with home-made explosives with timing devices. Thawatchai Iam-nak, who was captured near the Missagawan intersection, allegedly planned to plant the explosives near the yellow shirts' rally site near Government House.

The explosives had a radius of destruction of 10 metres. Assawin said interrogation of Thawatchai led police to four other suspects, who were arrested with RPG rounds and and M79 grenades.

Assawin confirmed the arrests only after reporters scrambled to verify information about "bomb retrieval at the PAD rally site". Initial responses from senior police officials were ambiguous, with some flatly denying the story.

Prime Minister Abhisit only said he had been informed and asked reporters to seek updates from the police. It was too early to interpret his brief statement that "some people still don't want peace to occur" as containing any new clue about the election date.

The People's Alliance for Democracy reiterated its three tough demands yesterday. At a press conference in response to Abhisit's Sunday night TV address, the yellow shirts threatened a protracted rally until he cancels a Memorandum of Understanding with Cambodia over territorial disputes, pulls Thailand out of the World Heritage Committee to boycott any decision on Preah Vihear Temple, and pushes back Cambodian presence on Thai territory.

"This is not a campaign to overthrow the government, unlike what we did against previous (pro-Thaksin) governments," said Pipop Thongchai, a PAD high-ranking member. "But we won't stop until the demands are met."

Some 24 companies of police or about 3,600 officers will be deployed to keep security around Government House and Parliament. National police chief Wichean Potephosree said four companies would guard Government House and two others would protect Parliament, where crucial charter change proposals will be debated today.

The police forces would be reinforced by some troops in what will be one of the biggest security alerts in months. However, Wichean said the government would not declare a state of emergency or enforce the Internal Security Act. "We, however, will not allow protesters to seize government establishments," he said.

The five suspects arrested yesterday were identified as Thawatchai Iam-nark, 38; Dorn Mata, 42; Nopphakhun Sriwongmongkhol, 60; Wiwat Watthanasakulyim, 60, and Manas Ranrat, 52.

The items found were three Rocket-Propelled Grenades; one RPG launcher; three sets of auxiliary boosters; four detonators, two 20-mm rounds or practice bullets, 31 M-79 grenades, four of which are armour-piercing type and 27 anti-personnel; 23 AK-47 bullets; 115 M-16 bullets; 35 rounds of M-60 machine gun bullets; 117 carbine bullets, and a green Isuzu pickup truck, with Bor Thor Thahan 4330 - Lampang licence plate.

-- The Nation 2011-01-25

[webfact]

Thai police arrest five with explosives

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thai police said they arrested a team of five men armed with explosives Monday after a tip-off that bomb attacks were planned near the seat of government in Bangkok.

The detentions came a day after a rally by anti-government "Red Shirt" protesters and a day ahead of a rival, royalist "Yellow Shirt" demonstration due to be held in the same part of the capital.

"The police were tipped off that there would be bomb attacks near Government House," said Police Major General Prawut Thavornsiri.

"A team was arrested -- a man with two home-made explosives, and after further investigation another four men with three rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), an RPG launcher and 34 M79 grenades," he said.

The first man was found near Government House while the later arrests were made at a house in Bangkok, he added.

Police General Asawin Kwanmeaung said they thought the men "wanted to create troubles".

More than 90 people were left dead after clashes between Red Shirt protesters and troops in Bangkok in April and May last year.

In the months after the army broke up the rally, which was demanding immediate elections, the capital was rattled by a string of minor explosions while it was under emergency rule.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-01-25

[whybother]

Conspiracy theories please. Who would gain by killing and injuring a few yellow shirts? Who would get blamed for it?

IMO, I don't think yellows, reds or government would get anything out of it.

It would cause chaos, so that could be bad for the government. Where would that point things?

[virtualtraveller]

That's the problem with these protests, it's very easy for a 'third hand' to let off a bomb to discredit their opponents. Security isn't great, the police can barely cope, if you've got 10,000 reds marching through Bangkok from Ratchaprasong to Ratchadamneon, how easy is it for an individual to let of a bomb out of spite, kill a few reds, let the government be damned...

All this protesting is a recipe for further disaster and the sooner the government can get the new act passed on assembly, the better. IMO these people have exhausted their right and privilege to protest and tough action is called for, let them find other effective means to express their discontent.

[jillwilliams999]

Who would gain by killing and injuring a few yellow shirts? Who would get blamed for it? THAKSIN THAKSIN THAKSIN.

[Buchholz]

The items found were three Rocket-Propelled Grenades; one RPG launcher; three sets of auxiliary boosters; four detonators, two 20-mm rounds or practice bullets, 31 M-79 grenades, four of which are armour-piercing type and 27 anti-personnel; 23 AK-47 bullets; 115 M-16 bullets; 35 rounds of M-60 machine gun bullets; 117 carbine bullets, and a green Isuzu pickup truck, with Bor Thor Thahan 4330 - Lampang licence plate.

The other times when large weapon caches were involved:

The police have interrogated the man suspected of illegally possessing assault rifles and rocket propelled grenade launchers recently found in an apartment in Bangkok.

Deputy Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Major-General Sumet Ruengsawat, along with the Bang Rak District Police Force conducted lengthy interrogations on 19 year old Suksan Rangwiren, who is the suspect of possession of AK assault rifles and rocket propelled grenade launchers found in an apartment near the Pheu Thai Party's old head office.

the suspect has admitted that he had previously worked as a security guard at the Pheu Thai Party head office.

Red Shirt Seksan has been charged in the bombing:

Big C Bombing Suspect Charged in Court

The suspect in the Big C Ratchadamri department store bombing case is charged in court for illegal possession of explosives and firearms.

Police's investigation found the suspect and two other accomplices who are still at large having in possession 51 bottles of energy drink that contained explosive substances, fire extinguishers filled with ammonium nitrate, home made explosives with mobile phone detonators, three grenade launchers, a .45 caliber pistol and 20 rounds of ammunition.

Ties to the Nonthaburi apartment building Red bomb-making explosion that killed four:

Suspects in Multiple M79 Attacks Arrested

Police have arrested a suspect in the multiple bombings in Chiang Mai province and Bangkok during the unrest between April and September.

National Police Chief, Police General Wichien Pojphosri has announced the arrest of 26 year old Wallop Phiteephrom

The man has been accused of multiple M79 grenade attacks in Bangkok and Chiang Mai province between April and September.

Wallop admitted to having staged an attack against the head office of Chiang Mai Construction, a company owned by the father in law of Bhum Jai Thai Party de facto leader Newin Chidchob as well as attacks in a parking area at the Makro superstore, a furniture factory, and the area in front of the 5th Special Forces Regiment compound.

The suspect admitted to eight other incidents in Bangkok, including the one near the home of Akaratorn Chularat, the President of the Administrative Court, as well as others at Bangkok Bank's Talingchan and Vibhavadi branches, Indra Hotel in Ratchathevi area, and the Government House.

He confessed that he fired 60 grenades into Lumpini Park on May 16, after the security forces threatened to launch a crackdown, and he engaged in a gun battle with security forces from within the red-shirt group during the clashes on May 18 and 19.

----------------

The five suspects are Wallop Phitheeprom, Somkid Makwong, Wanchai Sangkhao, Anan Meerod, Chatchai Phokanupab. The police also seized C4 plastic explosives, electric blasting caps, mobile phone time delay circuits, a shotgun and cartridges, he said.

Edited January 25, 2011 by Buchholz

[saintofsilence]

I couldn't imagine the peaceful reds being involved in this

[jillwilliams999]

Sound fishy. Looks like a set up to discourage PAD from coming to join the protest.

[whybother]

Sound fishy. Looks like a set up to discourage PAD from coming to join the protest.

... or encouraging them.

[Emptyset]

I couldn't imagine the peaceful reds being involved in this

I'm sure it wouldn't be too far fetched to think that some militant reds might hold a grudge against the PAD. What's suspicious about this story is that they said they specifically wanted to hurt Santi Asoke monks. With Phra Photirak, the Santi Asoke leader, sitting not too far away at the TPN rally, pretty much unprotected & surrounded by other Santi Asoke monks, wouldn't that be a much more obvious target?

[Buchholz]

What's suspicious about this story is that they said they specifically wanted to hurt Santi Asoke monks.

When you interject previously unreported/un-discussed aspects to a thread, it never hurts to add the source or quotes of this newly added information.

[Buchholz]

Sound fishy. Looks like a set up to discourage PAD from coming to join the protest.

... or encouraging them.

Have there been any previous incidents of PAD involvement with RPG's?

[saintofsilence]

What's suspicious about this story is that they said they specifically wanted to hurt Santi Asoke monks.

When you interject previously unreported/un-discussed aspects to a thread, it never hurts to add the source or quotes of this newly added information.

BP

[Buchholz]

What's suspicious about this story is that they said they specifically wanted to hurt Santi Asoke monks.

When you interject previously unreported/un-discussed aspects to a thread, it never hurts to add the source or quotes of this newly added information.

BP

Thank you.

[jayjay0]

That's the problem with these protests, it's very easy for a 'third hand' to let off a bomb to discredit their opponents. Security isn't great, the police can barely cope, if you've got 10,000 reds marching through Bangkok from Ratchaprasong to Ratchadamneon, how easy is it for an individual to let of a bomb out of spite, kill a few reds, let the government be damned...

All this protesting is a recipe for further disaster and the sooner the government can get the new act passed on assembly, the better. IMO these people have exhausted their right and privilege to protest and tough action is called for, let them find other effective means to express their discontent.

I think the need to express there discontent is only for there own bemifit. It is well publizized. They would do better to work with the Government to find a solution.

They tend to forget that the government is not giving away land just out of hand.

In my estimation they really don't care to the yellow leaders it is only a means to stay in the public spotlight. It is a sad state of affairs when two groups notably the red shirts and the yellow shirts put there own interests first and Thailand second.

Neither one of the groups gains by there constant disruption of honest hard working citizen's lives. Each protest alienates them a little bit more from the honest hard working citizens.

Ironically it is needed by the members of each group. When they surround themselves with others of like mind it reinforces what they want to believe. When they are in there own local environment where the people do not carry on about it they start to become unsure of themselves. The locals are more concerned about earning a living with a few extra baht for entertainment. For a lot the entertainment dosen't even enter into the picture they can hardly get the basics.

When are these two groups going to show some concern for the poor people.

[animatic]

One side generally acts defensively, the other side has a history of violence from it's 'fringe elements'.

Which side is most likely to use violence or at least plan to again? One guess.

It is idiotic in any case. What happened to 'the enemy of my enemy, is sort of a friend'?

ie they both are down on the government, so let them do their work...

Of course either way, elements of both sides will try and spin anything at the government S.O.P.

Edited January 25, 2011 by animatic

[Orac]

One side generally acts defensively, the other side has a history of violence from it's 'fringe elements'.

Which side is most likely to use violence or at least plan to again? One guess.

It is idiotic in any case. What happened to 'the enemy of my enemy, is sort of a friend'?

ie they both are down on the government, so let them do their work...

Of course either way, elements of both sides will try and spin anything at the government S.O.P.

PAD seem to be wanting to start a war with a neighbouring nation which doesn't seem a very defensive move to me. Though they don't appear to have stated directly how to push back Cambodian presence on Thai territory I would expect it would take a bit more than just asking politely.

[webfact]

Jatuporn denies red linkage to bombs found at PAD site

Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan on Tuesday said the red guards were not linked to bombs and assualt weapons found Monday's evening at Makkhawan Bridge, the designated rally site of the People's Alliance for Democracy.

"I can confirm there was no linkage to the red shirts to such a stupid ploy," he said.

Jatuporn cast suspicion that assistant national police chief General Asawin Kwanmuan, the lead investigator in the case, was seen as close to the PAD.

He said some masterminds might want to stir up trouble as a pretext for staging a coup. He voiced concern the incident did not bode well for democracy.

Police have detained a man, identified as Thawatchai Iamnak, on suspicion that he might be trying to stir up trouble as he rode his motorcycle passed Government House and the bridge several times. He was apprehended for questioning at Misakawan intersection.

Police found two home-made bombs in his possession and a subsequent search of his apartment discovered assualt weapons such as RPG and grenades for M-79 launchers.

Police have yet to draw conclusion on Thawatchai's intent and linkage. PAD spokesman Panthep Puapongpan said he could not comment at this juncture whether Thawatchai was linked to the red-shirt movement.

-- The Nation 2011-01-25

[SouthernMan3]

Probably just those "insurgents" again.......

[animatic]

One side generally acts defensively, the other side has a history of violence from it's 'fringe elements'.

Which side is most likely to use violence or at least plan to again? One guess.

It is idiotic in any case. What happened to 'the enemy of my enemy, is sort of a friend'?

ie they both are down on the government, so let them do their work...

Of course either way, elements of both sides will try and spin anything at the government S.O.P.

PAD seem to be wanting to start a war with a neighbouring nation which doesn't seem a very defensive move to me. Though they don't appear to have stated directly how to push back Cambodian presence on Thai territory I would expect it would take a bit more than just asking politely.

Not in their mindset,

they think Hun Sen will back down and that they are defending their homeland.

It is blind nationalism, but if the wanted to start an actual war they already could have.

Let's not confuse power politics posturing and actual aggression.

I see Jatuporn chimes in with his own ploy, right on schedule.

Edited January 25, 2011 by animatic

[Anyse]

OK, can anyone enlighten me on a few things here. also, before the two things, this sounds horribly fishy to me. I am rather skeptical of this.

OK, here is my first question: Why to they want Thailand to pull out of the World Heritage Committee in protest over the determinging that the Preah Vihear Temple is a World Heritage site? What does the decision of the World Heritage Committee on Preah Vihear Temple have to do with anything political in Thailand? What is the real, deeper issue here? There are many places that are World Heritage Centers in Thailand and, as I saw the other day, a building in Phuket town is slated to be on the list for the WHC's consideration. What is the problem here? It makes no sense to me.

Next, I know that the border between Thailand and Cambodia has been disputed almost forever! The major dispute is at the bridge in Northern Thailand and the land on the other side of that bridge. I know that there have been skirmishes there in the past and read of one last fall. Why do Yellow shirts want this to be such an issue such that, should they have it their way, would result in a conflict, possibly a military one, between Cambodia and Thailand? Why not just "let it be"? I know that this piece of land is very scant. What, in essence does the Memorandum of Understanding give up on the part of Thailand that has these people so upset? Would giving up this small piece of land really mean all that much or are they afraid that, should they release it, it will only encourage Cambodia to encroach further on Thai territory? To me, the MOU and the land dispute are intrinsically linked and I can only see this as ONE issue, not two.

I thank those who will help me to understand these issues as fully as possible.

[Orac]

One side generally acts defensively, the other side has a history of violence from it's 'fringe elements'.

Which side is most likely to use violence or at least plan to again? One guess.

It is idiotic in any case. What happened to 'the enemy of my enemy, is sort of a friend'?

ie they both are down on the government, so let them do their work...

Of course either way, elements of both sides will try and spin anything at the government S.O.P.

PAD seem to be wanting to start a war with a neighbouring nation which doesn't seem a very defensive move to me. Though they don't appear to have stated directly how to push back Cambodian presence on Thai territory I would expect it would take a bit more than just asking politely.

Not in their mindset,

they think Hun Sen will back down and that they are defending their homeland.

It is blind nationalism, but if the wanted to start an actual war they already could have.

Let's not confuse power politics posturing and actual aggression.

I see Jatuporn chimes in with his own ploy, right on schedule.

I would have to agree with you here - it appears that the activists in Thailand, from whichever side, seem to have little regard or understanding of the consequences of their actions.

[SomTumTiger]

War Weapons planning to be fired at the PAD. Thaksin never gives up does he...

[Robby nz]

Well now we know the reds are not involved.....Jutaporn said so and he never lies....right?

Why isnt that man behind bars where he belongs?

Hope they havent got another bomb factory up and running.

[webfact]

City Police Seize Arms Cache Meant to Create Chaos at Upcoming Rallies

City police have seized a huge cache of military weapons and ammunition that they believe were intended to be used to create chaos during today's rallies.

Four suspects have been arrested.

Adviser to National Police Chief, Police General Asawin Kwanmuang announced at a press conference that they seized weapons and ammunition that authorities believe were intended to be used to incite chaos during the rallies of the Thai Patriots Network, or TPN, and the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD.

Commander of the Region 6 Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Major General Suwat Chaengyodsuk said police were informed by TPN guards that they had captured a suspicious man, who was later identified as Thawatchai Iamnaak.

Thawatchai had two improvised explosive devices with him.

One of the bombs was set to detonate by a clock and another by a cellphone.

After receiving the report, Police searched a flea market on Rama 2 Road Soi 2 and apprehended four other suspects.

They also seized a huge cache of military grade weapons and ammunition including a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, three RPG-2 rounds, 34 M79 rounds, 35 M60 rounds and 300 rounds of assorted ammunition.

All of the suspects, who were former red-shirt guards, said they were hired to stage bombings at the TPN and PAD rallies to incite disorder.

Considering the type of confiscated arms, Police are linking the weapons to a previous bombing incidents at Big C Ratchdamri and in Mahachai area of Samut Sakhon province.

The commissioner of Metropolitan Police Bureau is set to make another announcement.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said, following a bombing at Chaimayurachet Bridge, said that he has instructed the national police chief to follow the situation closely.

He added that an investigation is underway and Police will be providing updates on their progress.

The premier admitted having received intelligence about a possible bombing.

He called on all sides to cooperate with officers in the investigation, noting that it is apparent that the violent group remains active.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-25

[kissrev1]

I make no comments on your opinions, but please learn the difference between there, their, and they're. Thanks.

That's the problem with these protests, it's very easy for a 'third hand' to let off a bomb to discredit their opponents. Security isn't great, the police can barely cope, if you've got 10,000 reds marching through Bangkok from Ratchaprasong to Ratchadamneon, how easy is it for an individual to let of a bomb out of spite, kill a few reds, let the government be damned...

All this protesting is a recipe for further disaster and the sooner the government can get the new act passed on assembly, the better. IMO these people have exhausted their right and privilege to protest and tough action is called for, let them find other effective means to express their discontent.

I think the need to express there discontent is only for there own bemifit. It is well publizized. They would do better to work with the Government to find a solution.

They tend to forget that the government is not giving away land just out of hand.

In my estimation they really don't care to the yellow leaders it is only a means to stay in the public spotlight. It is a sad state of affairs when two groups notably the red shirts and the yellow shirts put there own interests first and Thailand second.

Neither one of the groups gains by there constant disruption of honest hard working citizen's lives. Each protest alienates them a little bit more from the honest hard working citizens.

Ironically it is needed by the members of each group. When they surround themselves with others of like mind it reinforces what they want to believe. When they are in there own local environment where the people do not carry on about it they start to become unsure of themselves. The locals are more concerned about earning a living with a few extra baht for entertainment. For a lot the entertainment dosen't even enter into the picture they can hardly get the basics.

When are these two groups going to show some concern for the poor people.

[random]

one thing that always amazes me is how the thai police, that normally have trouble finding their own <deleted> with both hands, manage to foil these plots, it was the same when the army were planting bombs round the city before xmas (or if you buy the government propaganda, the red shirts), ip stepped the police to find these devices straight away as though someone has told them exactly where to find them and how to publicize it.

[johncat1]

Another peaceful protest ?

Will the government never learn ?

The reds should NEVER be allowed to protest again until they have paid for all the damage they caused last year

[jayjay0]

One side generally acts defensively, the other side has a history of violence from it's 'fringe elements'.

Which side is most likely to use violence or at least plan to again? One guess.

It is idiotic in any case. What happened to 'the enemy of my enemy, is sort of a friend'?

ie they both are down on the government, so let them do their work...

Of course either way, elements of both sides will try and spin anything at the government S.O.P.

PAD seem to be wanting to start a war with a neighbouring nation which doesn't seem a very defensive move to me. Though they don't appear to have stated directly how to push back Cambodian presence on Thai territory I would expect it would take a bit more than just asking politely.

Not in their mindset,

they think Hun Sen will back down and that they are defending their homeland.

It is blind nationalism, but if the wanted to start an actual war they already could have.

Let's not confuse power politics posturing and actual aggression.

I see Jatuporn chimes in with his own ploy, right on schedule.

I would have to agree with you here - it appears that the activists in Thailand, from whichever side, seem to have little regard or understanding of the consequences of their actions.

I really don't think it matters to them what the consequences are. For them it is all about power. They think that using nationaslism will get the public on there side. If war is the consequences that is a acceptable risk for them.

[webfact]

Pol Gen Aswin denies arrest of five suspects with bombs is set up

Pol Gen Aswin denies arrest of five suspects with bombs is set up; evidence related to three earlier bomb incidents; suspects claim plan made by themselves, want political change

-- TNA 2011-01-25