Pheu Thai Politician Shot: Police

[webfact]

Thai opposition politician shot ahead of election

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK, May 11, 2011 (AFP) - A Thai opposition politician close to fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was shot in an attack that the government said Wednesday appeared to be politically-motivated with an election looming.

Pracha Prasopdee, a lawmaker with the opposition Puea Thai party until the lower house was dissolved this week, was hospitalised after being shot in the back late Tuesday in Samut Prakan in the outskirts of Bangkok.

The attack came as Thailand gears up for what is expected to be a closely fought general election set for July 3, the first since political violence erupted in Bangkok last year, leaving about 90 people dead.

"Pracha is convinced that there is a political motive behind the attack," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters after visiting the wounded politician in hospital.

Abhisit said he had instructed the national police chief to ensure the security of all parliamentary candidates.

His deputy premier Suthep Thaugsuban said he assumed the attack was linked to politics.

Police said Pracha was shot by a gunman on a motorcycle while driving his car. His injury was not thought to be life-threatening.

Thailand's election commission expressed concern about safety after the latest attack.

"We have drawn up strict security measures and will take precautions, especially for political candidates," its secretary-general Sutthipol Thaweechaikan said at the signing of a code of conduct by political parties.

Puea Thai spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said that Pracha had intended to run for re-election in the upcoming vote.

The politician is a staunch supporter of Thaksin and has visited the telecoms tycoon-turned-premier overseas where he lives in self-imposed exile.

The polls are expected to be a close race between Abhisit's elite-backed Democrats and allies of Thaksin, who lives abroad to avoid a jail term for graft but is seen as the de facto opposition leader.

Abhisit's party is Thailand's oldest with a support base in Bangkok and the south, but it has not won a general election in nearly two decades.

Thai society remains deeply split a year after mass demonstrations by the opposition "Red Shirt" protest movement sparked a series of clashes between protesters and armed troops in the heart of Bangkok a year ago.

It was the worst political violence in decades, and the International Crisis Group think-tank warned last month that the election could bring fresh violence.

One local politician was killed and two others seriously injured in three separate attacks on March 2, 2011.

Puea Thai, which is particularly strong in the rural north and northeast, has not yet announced its candidate for prime minister, although Thaksin's sister Yingluck Shinawatra has been considered a top contender.

Parties linked to Thaksin have won the most seats in the past four elections, but the former tycoon was toppled in a 2006 coup and court rulings reversed the results of the last two polls.

Abhisit took office in a 2008 parliamentary vote after a court threw out the previous administration, and he is accused by his foes of being an unelected puppet of the military and the establishment.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-05-11

[Geeraphun]

In my history and with our culture we were always taught to be proud Thai's. As a Professor with a PhD in Political Science for the past 26 years I can say at this moment that I cannot be Proud to be Thai.

[RogueExpat]

Not sure if politically motivated?

My bet is on an inside job, the usual dirty tactics that are employed when you need public sympathy, something like a car bomb, or an attempted assasination, and claim the other side is out to hurt you. Not like we haven't seen that before on numerous occasions....

[webfact]

Pracha sustains gun wounds from campaign violence

By The Nation

Pheu Thai MP Pracha Prasobdee from Samut Prakan has sustained three gunshot wounds and is being hospitalised at Rama IV Hospital, his sister and MP Naruemol Thandamrong said on Wednesday.

"I believe the gun attack on my brother was politically motivated because of fierce campaigning in the constituency of Phra Pradaeng and Phra Samut Jedi," she said.

Pracha has been reelected several times and his rival candidates might have found it impossible to defeat him, Naruemol said, speculating on the campaign violence.

She said unidentified assailants had earlier sprayed bullets at Pracha's office and that her brother took security precaution but the gun attack happened late Tuesday's night after he dropped off his driver and bodyguard.

Former MP and ally Wallop Yungtrong, who is a physician, said he had looked at Pracha's x-ray film.

The bullets entered from the back and exited at the shoulder, he said. Pracha initially received a surgery to remove the bullets at Bang Pakok I Hospital before being transferred for his recuperation.

Police said the attack took place at the parking lot of Big C store at Phra Pradaeng. Pracha was in the driver's seat and the gunman fired from the back. Forensic checks found nine bullet holes at the car but no bullet casings were left at the scene.

Police said witnesses gave a conflicting account about the gunman and how he fled. Some said the gunman drove a pickup truck. Other said he was on a motorcycle.

Police spokesman Maj General Prawuth Thawornsiri said investigators suspected the political rivalry as motive.

National police chief General Wichean Potephosree instructed Phrapadaeng police to solve the case in a speedy manner, he said.

-- The Nation 2011-05-11

[animatic]

Well the jousting begins.

Of course PT will blame the Dems or BJT or anyone else,

and never consider admitting that removing one PTP guy moves others up the line, and that it may not be the one just below him, but someone several rungs down who still would move up, and could easily hold a 'face loss grudge' for a decade.

So many suspects so little time.

So besides Thaksin, who is this guy aligned with, and formerly aligned with, and in competition with?

Murky but dangerous ; is the best description about the power plays we get for the next 6 weeks.

The bullets entered from the back and exited at the shoulder, he said. Pracha initially received a surgery to remove the bullets at Bang Pakok I Hospital before being transferred for his recuperation.

Uh, the bullets exited his shoulder,

but they operated to remove them???

Edited May 11, 2011 by animatic

[jayboy]

Not sure if politically motivated?

My bet is on an inside job, the usual dirty tactics that are employed when you need public sympathy, something like a car bomb, or an attempted assasination, and claim the other side is out to hurt you. Not like we haven't seen that before on numerous occasions....

I wonder whether you would have come so quickly to this conclusion if the politician shot had not been PTP.

[Deez]

Not sure if politically motivated?

My bet is on an inside job, the usual dirty tactics that are employed when you need public sympathy, something like a car bomb, or an attempted assasination, and claim the other side is out to hurt you. Not like we haven't seen that before on numerous occasions....

If that is true...Ouch...talk about drawing the short straw

[Geeraphun]

Well the jousting begins.

Of course PT will blame the Dems or BJT or anyone else,

and never consider admitting that removing one PTP guy moves others up the line, and that it may not be the one just below him, but someone several rungs down who still would move up, and could easily hold a 'face loss grudge' for a decade.

So many suspects so little time.

So besides Thaksin, who is this guy aligned with, and formerly aligned with, and in competition with?

Murky but dangerous ; is the best description about the power plays we get for the next 6 weeks.

The bullets entered from the back and exited at the shoulder, he said. Pracha initially received a surgery to remove the bullets at Bang Pakok I Hospital before being transferred for his recuperation.

Uh, the bullets exited his shoulder,

but they operated to remove them???

Yes, forensics of course performs surgery in order to find out wether the bullet or bullets did infact exit or stay inside. You seem very quick in blaming and questioning proceedures. Are you a forensic Scientist sir?

Edited May 11, 2011 by soundman
Fixed quote tags.

[Thaddeus]

Well the jousting begins.

Of course PT will blame the Dems or BJT or anyone else,

and never consider admitting that removing one PTP guy moves others up the line, and that it may not be the one just below him, but someone several rungs down who still would move up, and could easily hold a 'face loss grudge' for a decade.

So many suspects so little time.

So besides Thaksin, who is this guy aligned with, and formerly aligned with, and in competition with?

Murky but dangerous ; is the best description about the power plays we get for the next 6 weeks.

The bullets entered from the back and exited at the shoulder, he said. Pracha initially received a surgery to remove the bullets at Bang Pakok I Hospital before being transferred for his recuperation.

Uh, the bullets exited his shoulder,

but they operated to remove them???

Yes, forensics of course performs surgery in order to find out wether the bullet or bullets did infact exit or stay inside. You seem very quick in blaming and questioning proceedures. Are you a forensic Scientist sir?

I don't think that was an analysis of the procedure, it was an analysis of the statement.

[webfact]

Pheu Thai MP Wounded in Drive-by Shooting

Pheu Thai Party MP for Samutprakarn Pracha Prasopdi was attacked in a drive-by shooting last night.

His doctors say he is now in stable conditions.

Phra Pradaeng Police examined a bronze Toyota Camry owned by Pheu Thai MP for Samutprakarn, Pracha Prasopdi after he was the victim of a drive-by shooting on Suksawadi Road last night.

He was shot in the shoulder and is being treated at Bang Prakok 1 Hospital.

Pracha was on his way home from a funeral when he was attacked.

He claimed the bullets were fired from either a black motorcycle or a black, four-door pick-up truck.

Police found four bullet holes in the driver's side window and another two on the other side.

Pracha's friend Wanlop Yangtrong, a former Pheu Thai MP, suspects the motif behind the attack is political, considering the upcoming election.

Security authorities are worried that the attack was the start of more poll-related violence to come.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-11

[animatic]

Well the jousting begins.

Of course PT will blame the Dems or BJT or anyone else,

and never consider admitting that removing one PTP guy moves others up the line, and that it may not be the one just below him, but someone several rungs down who still would move up, and could easily hold a 'face loss grudge' for a decade.

So many suspects so little time.

So besides Thaksin, who is this guy aligned with, and formerly aligned with, and in competition with?

Murky but dangerous ; is the best description about the power plays we get for the next 6 weeks.

The bullets entered from the back and exited at the shoulder, he said. Pracha initially received a surgery to remove the bullets at Bang Pakok I Hospital before being transferred for his recuperation.

Uh, the bullets exited his shoulder,

but they operated to remove them???

Yes, forensics of course performs surgery in order to find out wether the bullet or bullets did infact exit or stay inside. You seem very quick in blaming and questioning proceedures. Are you a forensic Scientist sir?

Actually, I have been hired by New York City Public Defender as a consulting forensic analyist at one point. Since you ask....

Secondly forensics is about crime scenes, but forensic surgery is ONLY done on corpses... the crime scene investigator would use the MD's reports as to projectile travel. No Dr. would just root around to find the bullets path for the legal aspects, only what is done to help the patient because of the bullet. "First, do no harm"

The 1st thing they do, after stabilizing the patient, is xray to see if the lead is still in the body and look for bone fragments and chips along it's route. which is why I questioned the badly reported statement above. I have had Doctors in the family too.

Forensic–adjective

1.pertaining to, connected with, or used in courts of law orpublic discussion and debate.

2.adapted or suited to argumentation; rhetorical.

–noun

3.forensics, ( used with a singular or plural verb ) the art orstudy of argumentation and formal debate.

Forensic science

Edited May 11, 2011 by animatic

[aaacorp]

strangely, the first reaction of some posters was that th red shot themselves this politicians....sure it s one more time thaksin's motivation, the nang fah yellows or any opposition would not do that....i think the red also ordered the yellow to take down the airport to have more sympathy.....

[webfact]

PM visits shot Pheu Thai MP Pracha at Rama IX Hospital; asks police to step up security for all MP candidates before election /TAN_Network

[animatic]

strangely, the first reaction of some posters was that th red shot themselves this politicians....sure it s one more time thaksin's motivation, the nang fah yellows or any opposition would not do that....i think the red also ordered the yellow to take down the airport to have more sympathy.....

Actually this sounds more party/party or internal-party political infighting, not red shirts. Thai politicians have been shooting each other for better position for decades before the Red Shirts even existed.

Edited May 11, 2011 by animatic

[webfact]

Violence targeted on popular political party before election

BANGKOK, 11 May 2011 (NNT)-Former Prime Minister’s Secretary General Korbsak Sapavasu has revealed an attempt to instigate violence prior to the upcoming election, creating fears among political figures while being on the road for political campaigns.

Mr. Korbsak, also overseeing the election campaign on policy and strategy for the Democrat Party, indicated the likelihood of a third party using violence against any political party which stood a chance to win the election.

He cited the ambush on a former Phue Thai MP from Samut Prakan province, Pracha Prasopdee, last night when he was shot. He further explained that the similar incident was also reported in the past when he was campaigning for votes.

However, he stated that his Party might increase security during the campaign, but everyone took responsibility for their safety out there. He believed that this would not have any significant impact on the election given that everyone in the country wanted democracy.

-- NNT 2011-05-11

[animatic]

Hows about inspecting ALL billboards for ALL parties?

Ove print run of several percent is not unusual for printing companies.

But also ballots destroyed in transport accidents and the like must be replaced promptly.

It really comes down to WHO and HOW the printed ballots are guarded, and not if there was a overprinting of more than 1 to 1.

[webfact]

Deputy PM Suthep orders police to boost security protection for all MP candidates

BANGKOK, May 11 -- Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban has ordered police to step up security protection for all Member of Parliament candidates after former Puea Thai MP for Samut Prakan Pracha Prasopdee was shot last night in an incident which police believe was an attempted murder, and that it was politically motivated.

Mr Suthep said he received report from Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang, serving both as assistant national police chief and acting commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1, who initially believed that the incident may relate to the political conflict but could not specify it as national or local level as there is a local election campaign in the area.

The deputy premier, who oversees national security, has ordered the police to prepare to give security protection to all election candidates and urged national police chief Pol Gen Wichean Potephosree to apply a proactive approach to deal with any untoward incidents that may happen before the general election.

Gen Wichean said that the Forensic Science Office had reported that the bullet used in Mr Pracha's attempt killing was of .223 caliber and that the investigators put more weight on political conflict as the motivation.

He said that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had instructed the police to speed up investigation to arrest the gunmen as soon as possible and provide police protection to all election candidates.

Mr Pracha, one of the Puea Thai party members closest to fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, was shot in the back at around 9pm in the Phra Pradaeng area while he was driving his car to Phra Samut Chedi district.

Four or five bullets were shot into his car which shattered the front left of the car window. There was no confirmation that the gunmen used ma otorcycle or pickup truck as vehicle to attack him

Mr Pracha was rushed to Bang Pakok1 Hospital and doctors successfully remove bullet from his shoulder and he is now recovering.

The incident was considered the first election-related violence since the House dissolution on Monday.

Gen Wichien said he would convene a meeting of senior police officers in the afternoon to prepare for the general election scheduled to be held on July 3. Provincial police chiefs in highly-competitive and violence-prone provinces in particular Samut Prakan, Ratchaburi and Udon Thani, have been assigned to be on alert to prevent any further violence. In addition, the police in those areas will compile a list of gunmen who are believed to be active in those areas. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-05-11

[animatic]

Meanwhile the EC removes protections from the Care Taker PM. so it doesn't look like a perk.

One hand clueless about what the other is doing.

[phiphidon]

Meanwhile the EC removes protections from the Care Taker PM. so it doesn't look like a perk.

One hand clueless about what the other is doing.

Not necessarily true. No, he can't use a government issue bullet proof car. Unless he is in the habit of campaigning by shouting through car windows he will eventually have to get out and meet the public. In which case he will be afforded the same protection as every other campaigning politician.

A ban for using government-issued bullet proof vehicles during campaigning. The prime minister and Cabinet members could, however, be provided with protection from security details while on campaign trial.

http://www.thaivisa....of-campaigning/

[webfact]

ELECTION VIOLENCE

Attack on Pheu Thai MP is politically motivated : Police chief

By The Nation

The gun attack on Pheu Thai MP Pracha Prasobdee on Tuesday night was politically motivated, Police Commissioner-General Wichean Potephosree said Wednesday.

Police are hunting for the unidentified attackers who reportedly fired at Pracha in the parking lot of Big C store in Phra Pradaeng district. He was in the driver's seat when the attack happened.

The bullets reportedly entered the MP's back and exited at the shoulder.

Earlier, unidentified gunmen had fired at Pracha's office, causing him to take precautions, but Tuesday's attack occurred happened after he had dropped off his driver and bodyguard.

Wichean said that police had already collected forensic evidence at the scene of the attack.

Police are being instructed to provide tighter security for candidates in the run-up to the general election.

Wichean said that the competition for the July 3 election in Samut Prakarn, Ratchaburi and Udon Thani would almost certainly be tough.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Wednesday visited Pracha who is receiving treatment at the Rama IX Hospital.

Abhisit told reporters after meeting with Pracha for 20 minutes that the politician is better condition but needed rest.

He has already assigned Wichean to hunt down the assailants.

-- The Nation 2011-05-11

[webfact]

related topic

Thai Army Chief Concerned About Possible Chaos Before Poll

Follow this link:

[whybother]

I am absolutely sure this is just internal political infighting.

Or it could be opposition supporters trying to take out an opponent.

Or maybe it was business competition.

Or it could be something else.

I'm absolutely sure it's one of those.

[Sao Jiang Mai]

In my history and with our culture we were always taught to be proud Thai's. As a Professor with a PhD in Political Science for the past 26 years I can say at this moment that I cannot be Proud to be Thai.

I am very sad to hear that you are no longer proud to be Thai. While I have never been particularly naiive about my country's numerous faults, well, perhaps in my idealistic youth, I am still very proud to be Thai. In every nation there is crime, there is hate, there is controversy and violence, it would be sad to see people give up on their countries, as you sound as though you have, by a shooting (the cause of which we, as yet, have no deeper knowledge). As respectable as you sound with your PhD and 26 years' professorial experience, and while I have none of your credentials, I still believe in my country and I also believe that more of us should try to be positive and concilatory, rather than glum and playing the blame game as so many on both sides are want to do these days. We have difficault decisions to make in the months ahead. I know where my vote lies, but I would respect any outcome (as long as there is no subsequent whitewashing of crimes). Come on, be proud to be Thai. There is still a lot going here inspite of the doom and gloom written on this forum on a daily basis by some bleak outlookers.

[AleG]

strangely, the first reaction of some posters was that th red shot themselves this politicians....sure it s one more time thaksin's motivation, the nang fah yellows or any opposition would not do that....i think the red also ordered the yellow to take down the airport to have more sympathy.....

If i remember correctly, the last murder of politician (a TRT woman) was pinned on a fellow TRT politician... who somehow is still at large. So it's not far fetched at all to consider the possibility of an inside job, so to speak.

[Buchholz]

Pheu Thai MP Wounded in Drive-by Shooting

Phra Pradaeng Police examined a bronze Toyota Camry owned by Pheu Thai MP for Samutprakarn, Pracha Prasopdi

Pracha and his Toyota...

Khao Sod newspaper

http://www.khaosod.co.th/view_news.php?newsid=TUROd01ERXdNakV4TURVMU5BPT0=&sectionid=TURNd01RPT0=&day=TWpBeE1TMHdOUzB4TVE9PQ==

Edited May 11, 2011 by Buchholz

[councilor]

I am absolutely sure this is just internal political infighting.

Or it could be opposition supporters trying to take out an opponent.

Or maybe it was business competition.

Or it could be something else.

I'm absolutely sure it's one of those.

JUST

[lungmi]

In my history and with our culture we were always taught to be proud Thai's. As a Professor with a PhD in Political Science for the past 26 years I can say at this moment that I cannot be Proud to be Thai.

I am very sad to hear that you are no longer proud to be Thai. While I have never been particularly naiive about my country's numerous faults, well, perhaps in my idealistic youth, I am still very proud to be Thai. In every nation there is crime, there is hate, there is controversy and violence, it would be sad to see people give up on their countries, as you sound as though you have, by a shooting (the cause of which we, as yet, have no deeper knowledge). As respectable as you sound with your PhD and 26 years' professorial experience, and while I have none of your credentials, I still believe in my country and I also believe that more of us should try to be positive and concilatory, rather than glum and playing the blame game as so many on both sides are want to do these days. We have difficault decisions to make in the months ahead. I know where my vote lies, but I would respect any outcome (as long as there is no subsequent whitewashing of crimes). Come on, be proud to be Thai. There is still a lot going here inspite of the doom and gloom written on this forum on a daily basis by some bleak outlookers.

I'm not Farang, I'm not Thai, I''m lungmi. I'm born on this planete. I'm proud to be a human being. I"m proud to understand most of the Teaching of the Buddha. I'm beyond nationalism, and I'm happy in Thailand.

[Buchholz]

In my history and with our culture we were always taught to be proud Thai's. As a Professor with a PhD in Political Science for the past 26 years I can say at this moment that I cannot be Proud to be Thai.

I am very sad to hear that you are no longer proud to be Thai. While I have never been particularly naive about my country's numerous faults, well, perhaps in my idealistic youth, I am still very proud to be Thai. In every nation there is crime, there is hate, there is controversy and violence, it would be sad to see people give up on their countries, as you sound as though you have, by a shooting (the cause of which we, as yet, have no deeper knowledge). As respectable as you sound with your PhD and 26 years' professorial experience, and while I have none of your credentials, I still believe in my country and I also believe that more of us should try to be positive and conciliatory, rather than glum and playing the blame game as so many on both sides are want to do these days. We have difficult decisions to make in the months ahead. I know where my vote lies, but I would respect any outcome (as long as there is no subsequent whitewashing of crimes). Come on, be proud to be Thai. There is still a lot going here in spite of the doom and gloom written on this forum on a daily basis by some bleak outlookers.

Prior to comparison, you have to realize there's one overwhelming glaring difference between yourself and Geeraphun.

[Moruya]

Give that heading a colostomy and I'll find it more believeable.

[webfact]

Police say gunman who shot at Pheu Thai MP Pracha was in a pick up truck and weapon used was M16 gun /TAN_Network