Red Leaders Vow To Retaliate After Thai Army Files Lese Majeste Complaint

[webfact]

Red leaders vow to retalIate after army fIles lese majeste complaint

By The Nation

Red-shirt leaders yesterday threatened to file libel and lese majeste charges against the political establishment after the Army chief hit them with a similar suit.

Pheu Thai Party MP Jatuporn Promphan, a core red leader, said he would lodge a complaint with Samran Rat Police Station on Sunday against General Prayuth Chan-ochar for falsely claiming lese majeste by three red leaders.

Prayuth on Tuesday instructed an Army legal officer to file a lese majeste complaint against Jatuporn, Suporn Atthawong and Pheu Thai MP Wichian Khaokham.

The red group would also consult with its legal adviser about filing a lese majeste suit against Privy Council Chairman Prem Tinsulanonda for his recent statement on WikiLeaks, Jatuporn said.

The Army attached to its complaint a record of the red leaders' speeches during a rally they called on April 10 to mark of the first anniversary of the bloody military crackdown on red demonstrators.

Jatuporn insisted at a press conference that his address on the rally stage contained no message that could be regarded as offending the monarchy.

"In my speech, I just wanted to remind Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban about the deaths of red protesters," he said.

"I simply questioned the government's legitimacy in using two units of Royal Guards to kill people," he said.

"Please do not exploit employ the monarchy against the red-shirt people for your own political gain," he said.

"I had a very clear conscience when I spoke at the rally in front of the red shirts. I just told the truth," he said.

Besides the Army's move, the Department of Special Investigation is preparing to charge Jatuporn and rally organisers with lese majeste, as evidenced by their recorded rally speeches.

JATUPORN'S BAIL

Tharit Phengdit, director-general of the DSI, said the DSI would on Monday ask the Attorney-General's Office to initiate judicial proceedings to revoke Jatuporn's bail. He is facing terrorism charges in connection with last year's rioting.

Tharit also said Jatuporn had contacted him by telephone to inquire about surrendering to acknowledge the lese majeste charge.

Other red-shirt leaders likely to face the same are Weng Tojira-karn, Natthawut Saikua, Kokaew Pikul-thong, Suporn Atthawong, Kwanchai Praipana and Laddawan Wongsri-wong.

Natthawut said attorneys for the red-shirt camp would ask the court to dismiss the DSI's request.

They would hope to obtain fair treatment from the judicial system, he said.

The red-shirt group is not an anti-monarchy movement as the authorities are labelling them, he said.

"Don't paint and smear us with the anti-monarchy discourse. It's not fair.

Don't corner us, our patience is wearing thin," he said.

The move against the red-shirt group was simply an attempt by a conservative wing to find an excuse to stage a coup or suppress the red shirts again, he said.

"If you want to protect the monarchy, fine. But let me tell you |one thing, please don't use stupid people to protect the monarchy with stupid means. It could be worse," he said.

-- The Nation 2011-04-14

[daboyz1]

I hope he likes Bang Kwang. A good place for him. At least we didn't have to hear his big mouth for awhile. I'm surprised Mr. T isn't puting him up for PM.

[brahmburgers]

Some of these guys are elected officials are they not?

Do they ever do any of the things they're elected to do?

If Thailand had decent politicians, they would be working morning 'til night trying to find tangible ways to ease the plight of regular people - people who are trying to make ends meet, raise families, etc. Instead, Thai politicians do a whole lot of grandstanding, playing golf, taking naps, and slinking out to meet their mia noi.

[ianf]

Some of these guys are elected officials are they not?

Do they ever do any of the things they're elected to do?

If Thailand had decent politicians, they would be working morning 'til night trying to find tangible ways to ease the plight of regular people - people who are trying to make ends meet, raise families, etc. Instead, Thai politicians do a whole lot of grandstanding, playing golf, taking naps, and slinking out to meet their mia noi.

When did Jatuporn ever tell the truth?

[rreddin]

I hope he likes Bang Kwang. A good place for him. At least we didn't have to hear his big mouth for awhile. I'm surprised Mr. T isn't puting him up for PM.

So why are you listening to him? Who is "we"? I make my own choices.

[daboyz1]

I hope he likes Bang Kwang. A good place for him. At least we didn't have to hear his big mouth for awhile. I'm surprised Mr. T isn't puting him up for PM.

So why are you listening to him? Who is "we"? I make my own choices.

Wow!! You seem incredibly independent. Sorry I included you in "we." From this point forward I will post "we (except for rreddin)" Happy now?

[rubl]

From the OP:

"I simply questioned the government's legitimacy in using two units of Royal Guards to kill people," he said.

Two things here. Again a 'kill people' said in such a way as to suggest 'the government set out to kill people' matching the 2009, doctored tape with PM Abhisit saying 'kill them all'. Secondly k. Jatuporn seems to say it's an affront to have used units of the Royal Guards, there are other units better suited for this task

Sincerely yours, waiting for some random replies, rubl

[pedro01]

"Don't corner us, our patience is wearing thin," he said.

I wonder what they will do when their patience does run thin...

[phiphidon]

From the OP:

"I simply questioned the government's legitimacy in using two units of Royal Guards to kill people," he said.

Two things here. Again a 'kill people' said in such a way as to suggest 'the government set out to kill people' matching the 2009, doctored tape with PM Abhisit saying 'kill them all'. Secondly k. Jatuporn seems to say it's an affront to have used units of the Royal Guards, there are other units better suited for this task

Sincerely yours, waiting for some random replies, rubl

So no chance of a misquote as in Sutheps comments - Does the Nation only get the quotation correct when it's wrt the Red Shirts but get it wrong when it's someone from the ruling party? An alarming inconsitency which I've not come across with the Nations reporting before . Or, no wait, it's just your interpretation of an interpretation by The Nation, I'll take that as Gospel then .

[animatic]

Standard Juatuporn reply. Don't hit me or I will hit you.

Of course if there was legitimate charges against Prem and others why haven't they filed already?

Likely because they know it would be nothing more than harassment and wasting their own money.

Edited April 14, 2011 by animatic

[jdinasia]

Since we won't see the actual transcript of what was said by Jatuporn and others, we can only guess. I do think, however, that the quotes in the article attributed to Jatuporn are already skating on thin ice.

[Skywalker69]

In which other Country can someone charged with terrorism be set free on bail?

[Oberkommando]

Don't get distracted by the idiot Jatuporn the real crux of the issue is the growing misuse of these antiquated laws.

[Misterwhisper]

Hm, shouldn't Jatuporn be in prison anyway for basically ordering his redshirt supporters to burn down Bangkok during last year's unrest?

[animatic]

In which other Country can someone charged with terrorism be set free on bail?

A question good for a 6 page topic thread of its own

[Oberkommando]

Hm, shouldn't Jatuporn be in prison anyway for basically ordering his redshirt supporters to burn down Bangkok during last year's unrest?

Shouldn't the PAD leaders be in jail for taking over the airport (a terrorist act) and causing the country losses in the billions?

Shouldn't the generals that perpetrated the Tak Bai massacre be in jail?

Shouldn't those responsible for the Rohigyna human rights abuses and attempted murders be in jail?

Shouldn't the coup makers be in jail?

Etc, etc, etc.

[Lite Beer]

A post discussing The Monarchy has been deleted.

2) Not to express disrespect of the King of Thailand or anyone else in the Thai royal family, whether living or deceased, nor to criticize the monarchy as an institution. Speculation, comments and discussion of either a political or personal nature are not allowed when discussing HM The King or the Royal family. Discussion of the lese majeste law or lese majeste cases is permitted on the forum, providing no comment or speculation is made referencing the royal family. To breach this rule will result in immediate ban.

[Dah fahrang]

Don't get distracted by the idiot Jatuporn the real crux of the issue is the growing misuse of these antiquated laws.

Totally agree.

Bit like the school playground, isn't it?

"I don't like you, you little ****"

"Don't you call me names, you bully"

"I'll say what I want to you, 'cos I'm bigger than you, and I've got my gang behind me"

"Well, I've got my dad. And my dad is bigger than your dad. He'll beat your dad up if you don't stop (Intimidating)"

"Go ahead. Bring your dad, then, and I'll bring my dad".

Childish, but extremely dangerous. A slippery slope.

Edited April 14, 2011 by Dah fahrang

[whybother]

Don't get distracted by the idiot Jatuporn the real crux of the issue is the growing misuse of these antiquated laws.

Actually, I don't think they are being misused at all. They are doing what they are supposed to be doing. It's a law, and people are breaking it.

If people don't like the law, they should be working to have it changed. They shouldn't be breaking the law and then complaining about it.

I don't agree with the LM laws. Not being able to discuss something just leads to more problems.

I also don't agree with the defamation laws. The idea that you can be charged and convicted for telling the truth or doing your job, just because you embarrassed someone, is ridiculous.

[Buchholz]

a lese majeste complaint with police against red-shirt leader and Pheu Thai MPs Jatuporn Promphan and Vichien Kaokam and red-shirt leader Suporn Atthawong.

Pheu Thai Party MP / Red Shirt Leader Jatuporn Promphan

Pheu Thai Party MP for Udon Thani Vichien Kaokam

Red Shirt Leader Suporn Atthawong AKA Issan Rambo (seated, getting his hair cut by fugitive Red Shirt Leader Arisaman)

Interesting additional information on Jatuporn and Vichien and Suporn lese majeste charges in the other paper today.

Also, regarding Jatuporn's threats to charge Prem, it's worthy to note this seems based on second-hand hearsay evidence in the form of wikileaks whereas the charges against Jatuporn are first hand video and audio evidence of his public speech.

.

Edited April 14, 2011 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

Also revealing is that his own party not sticking up for him... instead, rather the opposite...

trying to distance themselves from the pariah...

Pheu Thai uneasy over Jatuporn’s remark on 10 April

BANGKOK, 13 April 2011 (NNT) – The opposition Pheu Thai Party has denied responsibility for a recent comment made by its MP Jatuporn Prompan about the monarchy while the latter is planning to sue the Army Chief for accusing him of lese majeste.

Following Mr Jatuporn’s statement regarding royal family members issued on the stage of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) on 10 April, Pheu Thai Party Deputy Leader Plodprasop Suraswadi declared that the Party had no involvement.

Although no warning would be issued by the party to the outspoken MP for his action, the deputy leader said most of the party’s members should have felt uneasy about the issue. He stressed that the royal institution must be upheld above politics and all citizens are required to show their loyalty and respect.

Meanwhile, after his remark was considered in violation of the lese majeste law by Army Chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha and a lawsuit is soon to be lodged against him, Mr Jatuporn threatened to file a countersuit on 17 April over false accusation.

As the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will also petition the prosecutor to consider revoking the bail of Mr Jatuporn and other UDD members for breaking bail conditions prescribed by the Court, UDD core leader Natthawut Saikua stated that a team of lawyers would travel to the Office of the Attorney General on 18 April to oppose the bail withdrawal request. He claimed that all evidence, including photographs and footage, had been prepared.

-- NNT 2011-04-13

[whybother]

...

Also, regarding Jatuporn's threats to charge Prem, it's worthy to note this seems based on second-hand hearsay evidence in the form of wikileaks whereas the charges against Jatuporn are first hand video and audio evidence of his public speech.

I doubt Jatuporn is going to get anyone from the US embassy to stand up in court and admit anything was said.

[Crushdepth]

Jatuporn is the least credible person I can think of.

[jdinasia]

...

Also, regarding Jatuporn's threats to charge Prem, it's worthy to note this seems based on second-hand hearsay evidence in the form of wikileaks whereas the charges against Jatuporn are first hand video and audio evidence of his public speech.

I doubt Jatuporn is going to get anyone from the US embassy to stand up in court and admit anything was said.

Nobody from the embassy is subject to subpoena

[rubl]

...

Also, regarding Jatuporn's threats to charge Prem, it's worthy to note this seems based on second-hand hearsay evidence in the form of wikileaks whereas the charges against Jatuporn are first hand video and audio evidence of his public speech.

I doubt Jatuporn is going to get anyone from the US embassy to stand up in court and admit anything was said.

Nobody from the embassy is subject to subpoena

If you refer to diplomatic immunity, you are wrong in this assertion. Only a few Embassy personnel have a full diplomatic passport. Of course most Americans working at the Embassy would be handled with care to avoid diplomatic incidents

Edited April 14, 2011 by rubl

[jdinasia]

...

Also, regarding Jatuporn's threats to charge Prem, it's worthy to note this seems based on second-hand hearsay evidence in the form of wikileaks whereas the charges against Jatuporn are first hand video and audio evidence of his public speech.

I doubt Jatuporn is going to get anyone from the US embassy to stand up in court and admit anything was said.

Nobody from the embassy is subject to subpoena

If you refer to diplomatic immunity, you are wrong in this assertion. Only a few Embassy personnel have a full diplomatic passport. Of course most Americans working at the Embassy would be handled with care to avoid diplomatic incidents

I stand corrected, I should have said nobody that would have direct first-hand knowledge would be subject to subpoena. *The then ambassador, or anyone responsible for sending/rec'ing diplomatic messages.

[Buchholz]

Night and day difference to the direct video and audio coverage of Jatuporn's and Vichien's and Issan Rambo's alleged offenses.

That would account for their own Party doing damage control and hanging them out to dry by disowning them.

.

Edited April 14, 2011 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

Further damage control by Party Leader In Abstentia and *cough, cough* Peace Maker...

Thaksin asks all to stop political slanders

BANGKOK, 14 April 2011 (NNT) – Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has asked all sides to stop slandering each other and using the monarchy for their own benefits but to compromise upon the Thai New Year’s day of Songkran.

Writing in his latest twitter message, the ex-prime minister firstly extended his best wishes for a safe and joyful Songkran celebration to all Thai people. He asked everyone to stop maligning each other, allowing the country to move forward after the festival.

Mr Thaksin stressed that no one should mention or use the royal family for personal political benefits. He directed his plea to all political groups, parties and military camps. He said Thailand must remain democratic under the constitutional monarch who stays above politics.

The former prime minister then encouraged all sides to compete in doing good deeds for people and the country while their performance will be judged by Thai citizens in line with the democratic principle.

Mr Thaksin also announced that he will provide suggestions to the Pheu Thai Party on 23 April 2011 via a video conference at Thammasat University Rangsit Campus in a hope that the advice will be used once the party becomes the government.

-- NNT 2011-04-14

[whybother]

in a hope that the advice will be used once the party becomes the government.

In a hope? He wouldn't be doing anything with the party "in a hope" that they follow his lead.

[rubl]

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has asked all sides to stop slandering each other and using the monarchy for their own benefits but to compromise upon the Thai New Year’s day of Songkran.

Why is it that k. Thaksin always seems to speak in terms of 'all sides' when he or his have a bit of a problem ?