Bombs Discovered In Bangkok Ahead Of PAD Rally

[rammis35]

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

Your right, they should be on the Pay As You Go plan...

[rubl]

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.

You forget to mention this is your opinion. No facts here.

[jillwilliams999]

Thaksin at work again.

[hanuman1]

Well done to the police - and whoever tipped them off - for preventing the potential loss of life.

Hopefully all sides will be able to express themselves peacefully and let observers make their own minds up based on the arguments put forward by each group and not on violence.

[LikeHeat]

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.

Actually, if you read what has been posted, the guards were suspicious when the motorcycle made several passes by the area. When the motorcycle was stopped they found the 2 bombs and under questioning the guy ratted out his associates, who were found in a place with a fairly large cache of military style weapons.

You either have very poor reading comprehension or you are purposely trying to spin this as something which it clearly is not. This is simply a job well done by the guards and the Police. I hope they continue as it protects the public from the crazies.

[animatic]

Well done to the police - and whoever tipped them off - for preventing the potential loss of life.

Hopefully all sides will be able to express themselves peacefully and let observers make their own minds up based on the arguments put forward by each group and not on violence.

Agreed.

[whybother]

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.

Actually, if you read what has been posted, the guards were suspicious when the motorcycle made several passes by the area. When the motorcycle was stopped they found the 2 bombs and under questioning the guy ratted out his associates, who were found in a place with a fairly large cache of military style weapons.

You either have very poor reading comprehension or you are purposely trying to spin this as something which it clearly is not. This is simply a job well done by the guards and the Police. I hope they continue as it protects the public from the crazies.

I'd go with the "spin" option.

[jillwilliams999]

Well done to the police.

[Buchholz]

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.

Are you further confirming no linkage to the three Red Shirters in the incidents described in Post # 6 ??

Or how about

the more than half dozen other Red Shirter cases involving bombings, shootings, grenade-ings, C-4 -ings, RPG-ings etc. with the those in custody, those still on the run, and the Red Shirter that blew himself (along with 3 other innocents) up in Nonthaburi?

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

Namely... doing so first.

Edited January 25, 2011 by Buchholz

[hanuman1]

Hi

Does anyone know if there are any live video feeds from the rally site, either via TV or Internet?

I am willing to take the risk of being brainwashed into attacking Cambodia in return for being able to see what is happening at the moment.

Cheers.

[Buchholz]

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

12 days ago, he was on number...

Chai also disputed a claim by red-shirt leader and opposition Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan that the leaders had coordinated with the Ratchaprasong retailers before each of their previous demonstrations there.

"Never," the businessman said.

Duly noted and logged as Red Shirt Leader cum Pheu Thai Party MP Jatuporn's Lie Number # 4,239

[webfact]

Bomb threat at PAD site not a hoax: Police

The Monday's discovery of Home-made Bombs and assualt weapons at the designated rally site of the People's Alliance for Democracy was not a hoax engineered by police to deter today's protest, lead investigator General Aswin Kwanmuang said on Tuesday.

"Police have been checking on suspects even before the New Year holiday," he said in reference to bomber suspect Thawatchai Iamnak and four accomplices.

Aswin said Thawatchai had confessed to planning the bombing attack on the PAD rally site. The suspect also admitted his involvement in three violent incidents at Ratchaprasong, Soi Rang Nam and Samut Sakhon province during the red protest eight months ago.

He said the attempted bomb attack was real although it remained unclear whether Thawatchai acted alone or with help from any groups

-- The Nation 2011-01-25

[Buchholz]

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.

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.

The latest in an ever-growing line of Red Shirt Bombers/Shooters and their cache

Naew Na newspaper (article in Thai):

http://www.naewna.com/news.asp?ID=246239

Edited January 25, 2011 by Buchholz

[phiphidon]

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.

Are you further confirming no linkage to the three Red Shirters in the incidents described in Post # 6 ??

Or how about

the more than half dozen other Red Shirter cases involving bombings, shootings, grenade-ings, C-4 -ings, RPG-ings etc. with the those in custody, those still on the run, and the Red Shirter that blew himself (along with 3 other innocents) up in Nonthaburi?

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

Namely... doing so first.

Bucholz, I think its plainly obvious that this post is about the thwarted bomb plot against the PAD rally. So when Jaturporn is questioned about that incident and states "that there was no linkage to the red shirts to such a stupid ploy" why on earth do you think he would wish to further confirm that there was any linkage (of the redshirts - my addition) to the incidents you bring up in post 6 or the rest of the incidents you mention?

[saintofsilence]

Here we again , lets hope they say who hired them .

[webfact]

Army Wary of Possible Attacks on Rallies

The army chief expresses concern about the gatherings of various groups in Bangkok at the same time following the arrests of former red-shirt guards with war weapons.

Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said the arrested former red-shirt guards were most likely ordered by ill-intentioned people to carry out attacks to incite unrest.

Efficient intelligence was able to lead the police to carry out the arrests along with the consfiscation of war weapons.

It was reported that the group intended to attack the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, rally.

The authorities must now conduct more investigations to lead to the masterminds.

Prayuth expressed concern about the current political gatherings as they could fall prey to attacks, but he is confident the police will be successful in preventing any unruly incident.

He also called on both the red-shirt and yellow-shirt groups to respect the law as they gather and to refrain from confronting each other to prevent a possible clashe.

The police have plans ready to prevent chaos if a confrontation occurs.

The red-shirt group, led by Somyos Prueksakasemsuk, are gathering at the Democracy Monument to protest against the army while the yellow-shirt group are gathering at the Makkawan Rangsan Bridge to protest over the Preah Vihear issue.

Both rally sites are on the same road and just less than a kilometer apart.

The army chief said soldiers will come out and help police only upon request, but both are working together to gather intelligence about the rallies.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-25

[Buchholz]

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.

Are you further confirming no linkage to the three Red Shirters in the incidents described in Post # 6 ??

Or how about

the more than half dozen other Red Shirter cases involving bombings, shootings, grenade-ings, C-4 -ings, RPG-ings etc. with the those in custody, those still on the run, and the Red Shirter that blew himself (along with 3 other innocents) up in Nonthaburi?

Bucholz, I think its plainly obvious that this post is about the thwarted bomb plot against the PAD rally. So when Jaturporn is questioned about that incident and states "that there was no linkage to the red shirts to such a stupid ploy" why on earth do you think he would wish to further confirm that there was any linkage (of the redshirts - my addition) to the incidents you bring up in post 6 or the rest of the incidents you mention?

I was providing a useful set of questions for the journalists reading the thread to ask of him at his next press conference.

.

Edited January 25, 2011 by Buchholz

[rubl]

Bucholz, I think its plainly obvious that this post is about the thwarted bomb plot against the PAD rally. So when Jaturporn is questioned about that incident and states "that there was no linkage to the red shirts to such a stupid ploy" why on earth do you think he would wish to further confirm that there was any linkage (of the redshirts - my addition) to the incidents you bring up in post 6 or the rest of the incidents you mention?

As the Nation newsflash said 'ex red-shirt guards' there is no explicit indication 'red-shirts' are involved. This assuming those arrested are not red-shirts, just former hirelings. As for 'when k. Jatuporn is questioned', not sure he needed questioning, mostly he seems to answer questions not yet asked, but bound to come.

Only funny thing is that k. Jatuporn suggests he speaks for the 'red-shirts' whereas it seems more and more clear he only speaks for the UDD faction of which he is one of the leaders.

[Buchholz]

The clock bomb's timer had already been set...

Security tightened at Government House after bomb plot foiled

BANGKOK, Jan 25 -- Security has been tightened around Government House where 24 companies of police were deployed early Tuesday after a group of five men were arrested Monday with home-made explosive devices.

In addition to the bombs, a large amount of ammunition was seized as the suspects claimed they planned to target protesters to sabotage the events.

A police intelligence unit supervised by senior adviser to the National Police Office, Police General Aswin Kwanmuang said a suspicious looking man on a motorcycle was spotted surveying Misakawan intersection on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue at about 4pm Monday.

Police asked to search his belongings and found two sets of homemade explosive devices, one with a half kilo of TNT set to be detonated by mobile phone signal and another set to be triggered by a clock, with the time set at 7.45pm.

Police successfully disposed of both explosive devices.

A mobile phone, illumination flares and detonators were also seized from the man, later identified as Thawatchai Iamnak, also known as Dum.

The suspect reportedly confessed that he was hired to plant the bombs near Government House, at Misakawan intersection and Chamaimaruchet bridge but could not enter the area as police had laid barbwire to block the way.

The discovery came in light of the 'Yellow Shirt' People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) was about to rally Tuesday afternoon at Makkawan Rangsan Bridge, only metres from the seat of government, to pressure the Abhisit administration to revoke the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding signed by Thailand and Cambodia about their border disputes.

Meanwhille, 'Red Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) activist Somyos Preuksakasemsuk, who leads the 24th June Democracy Group, said his group will also rally the same day at the Democracy Monument from 7pm to midnight.

The Thai Patriots Network and the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect also staged protest on Phitsanulok Road near Government House to protest against government's handling to help seven Thais detained in Cambodia. Five of them returned to Thailand last Saturday.

Police questioning the bomb suspect led to the arrest of four other suspects in the Rama 2 area, where they found more ammunition, including an M79 grenade launcher, 36 M79 projectiles and three rocket-propelled grenades and their launcher.

The four were identified as Don Mata, Noppakun Sriwongmongkol, Wiwat Wattanasukying and Manas Rinrat.

National Police Chief Gen Wichean Potephosree will hold a news conference today to give more detail about the arrest.

-- TNA 2011-01-25

[Jimjim]

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?

There's often little logic in these things, no need to try to figure it out.

[animatic]

Bucholz, I think its plainly obvious that this post is about the thwarted bomb plot against the PAD rally. So when Jaturporn is questioned about that incident and states "that there was no linkage to the red shirts to such a stupid ploy" why on earth do you think he would wish to further confirm that there was any linkage (of the redshirts - my addition) to the incidents you bring up in post 6 or the rest of the incidents you mention?

As the Nation newsflash said 'ex red-shirt guards' there is no explicit indication 'red-shirts' are involved. This assuming those arrested are not red-shirts, just former hirelings. As for 'when k. Jatuporn is questioned', not sure he needed questioning, mostly he seems to answer questions not yet asked, but bound to come.

Only funny thing is that k. Jatuporn suggests he speaks for the 'red-shirts' whereas it seems more and more clear he only speaks for the UDD faction of which he is one of the leaders.

Standard Jatuporn boilerplate response :

'The are one of us.... until they get caught doing wrong, then they are EX Reds.'

[Jim walker]

:ph34r:What a lot of propaganda and shit the military’s puppet government spins to us Red Shirts Yellow shirts both used as part of the propaganda machine of Thailand.

[elcent]

so far Rachadanock is closed down by protesters ...

[Buchholz]

Amazing Thailand...

Police use no force under new guidelines in controling rally

BANGKOK, 25 January 2011 (NNT)-Deputy Police Spokesperson Piya Utayo has revealed that police will adopt 4 safety guidelines in keeping violence and chaos at bay during the time of political rally.

Following a meeting on the political gathering among police commanders, Police Major-General Piya said there will be 20 batches of police forces assigned to guard against violence stemming from rallies in Bangkok. 4 of which will guard the government house.

The 4 guidelines are focused on protecting the government buildings and homes of well-known political figures as well as regulating the flows of traffic for general commuters, preventing clashes between two political groups and identifying a possible violence instigator among demonstrators.

In addition, the use of force is prohibited.

Police have been advised to strictly follow the approaches used in Korakot 52 - July 09- Strategy.

Demonstrators have also been told not to enter any government offices and buildings during the rally for fears they might attempt to block access and cause disruption to by-standers.

Checkpoints will be set up in several areas prone to political raids to screen weapons while the general public has been told to cooperate with the police under emergency circumstances.

-- NNT 2011-01-25

[Buchholz]

The required finger-pointing photograph at a news conference is forthwith posted....

A police officer holds up a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher during a news conference at the Metropolitan Police Bureau in Bangkok January 25, 2011. The police arrested a group of suspects in possession of two homemade bombs and other ammunition shells, according to media reports. The suspects have confessed that they were hired to sabotage the yellow-shirt People Alliance for Democracy's rally on Tuesday.« Read less

REUTERS

btw, could somebody please take that weapon out of his hands before he blows the news conference up

[Buchholz]

the who's who photo...

A police officer stands near two suspects Don Martar, 42, (bottom left) and Tawatchai Iamnak, 37, (bottom center) as he speaks during a news conference at the Metropolitan Police Bureau in Bangkok January 25, 2011. The police arrested a group of suspects, including Martar and Iamnak, in possession of two homemade bombs and other ammunition shells, according to media reports. The suspects have confessed that they were hired to sabotage the yellow-shirt People Alliance for Democracy's rally on Tuesday.

REUTERS

Edited January 25, 2011 by Buchholz

[bkkjames]

Is that his Real Name = Don Martar?

[Buchholz]

^ The weaponry doesn't match this time (but it's close), otherwise it could be Don Mortar...

Thai police officers show grenades to the media during a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011, where they also showed bomb possession suspect, Thawatchai Iam-nak, who was arrested with the device the night before near Government House. .

AP

[rubl]

:ph34r:What a lot of propaganda and shit the military�s puppet government spins to us Red Shirts Yellow shirts both used as part of the propaganda machine of Thailand.

Thank you very much for sharing your opinion with us. It surely helps the discussion here

[webfact]

Red-shirt Guards Arrested with War Weapons

The city police have seized a big cache of military weapons and ammunition that they believe were intended to be used to stir chaos during political rallies.

Follow this link: