Army Chief Prayuth Warns Pheu Thai

[webfact]

Prayuth warns Pheu Thai

By THE NATION

Tensions rise as Army chief fumes after soldiers on anti-narcotics mission are threatened

Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha issued a stern warning to the Pheu Thai Party yesterday, raising pre-election tension after a Bangkok Pheu Thai candidate and his men allegedly threatened soldiers on an anti-narcotics mission.

In one of his strongest remarks yet to the opposition party, Prayuth criticised what he implied was an act of provocation against the Army, which was committed to supporting a peaceful, democratic election.

"If nobody respects the law, what good is the election? How can the country survive if you have your election but outlawed measures are used to pressure [state officials doing their job]?" Prayuth asked.

"I have been doing my best to keep the election campaign atmosphere good. Please don't take a swipe at us, and let state authorities - be it police or soldiers - do their job. If you don't give them room to function, what good will the election be?"

The outburst followed an incident on May 23 in which Pheu Thai's Nong Chok district candidate Pairoj Issara-seripong and some aides allegedly threatened a smaller group of soldiers disseminating anti-drug questionnaires in Kokfaek in the district.

Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the Army spokesman, said the group displayed pistols, with Pairoj telling the soldiers: "If I blow a whistle, you **** will not be able to **** leave this area."

The area was a "red zone", with red clothes hanging out to dry outside many homes. The Pheu Thai side suggested that Pairoj's group was reacting to residents' fears that the soldiers were on a political mission to intimidate them.

Pairoj yesterday filed libel charges against Sansern and denied his group flashed guns to threaten the soldiers.

"We did not carry any weapons," he said. "We sought to talk to the soldiers to find out what was going on, as their presence caused panic among the people in the area. Some of the people were afraid that drugs could be planted on them to frame them as they were red shirts."

Pairoj's action against Sansern apparently fuelled Prayuth's anger. "Who do you think you are, threatening officials like that? I can accept it. If sending two soldiers leads to problems like this, how about sending 50 next time? Let's see if they can lay siege to soldiers again. If 50 doesn't work, it will have to be 100. Will it have to come to that?" he said.

The strong remarks all but blew away the semblance of a cordial atmosphere that followed Pheu Thai prime-ministerial candidate Yingluck Shinawatra's olive branch to the Army. In a recent interview, Yingluck said she was ready to call on Prayuth and seek his advice. The Army turned down her offer, saying it wanted to stay out of politics during this crucial period of the election campaign.

In her latest interview yesterday, Yingluck told TV Channel 3 that if she became prime minister her government would treat the military professionally. She vowed to respect the military's role after the election, saying Pheu Thai "will only implement defence policies as promised to voters".

During the interview, Yingluck was asked if she was worried that Pheu Thai would miss out on forming the next government even if it won the election. "Let's just say that democratic rules should be adhered to, and that is allowing the party that wins the most votes to have a chance to form the government first," she replied.

Prayuth denied that he harboured prejudice against Pheu Thai. "I only have prejudice against people who break the law. Therefore, no matter which party you belong to, just don't break the law. If you break the law, it's no use talking. Talking to lawbreakers is meaningless. You must obey the law. Otherwise, you will be punished and then you will complain about injustice," he said.

"Soldiers have never changed. We are still the people's soldiers. We have a duty to protect the nation, religion and the monarchy and the people have a duty to uphold the law."

Prayuth insisted he had tried his best to stay out of politics during the election campaign. "I treat everyone with equal respect and I just expect the same in return. Please don't exploit us and drag us into issues that aren't supposed to be issues," he said.

-- The Nation 2011-06-10

[MILT]

Yingluck better get a handle on this

[timekeeper]

Yingluck better get a handle on this

if she has an issue, she'll need a tissue............

[jackdawson]

is it just me or did it just get a little hotter in the kitchen ?

= awesome

[RogueExpat]

Yeah, PT people tend to get a bit pissed of when you attempt to remove their [rather dubious] election financing methods.

"If I blow a whistle, you **** will not be able to **** leave this area."

[Thaddeus]

is it just me or did it just get a little hotter in the kitchen ?

= awesome

Yep, and it's a kitchen that has way too many chefs.

[DocW]

So what was the army doing in the district in the first place? Maybe if they wern't there, the villagers wouldn't have been intimidated. They say they are NOT involved in the politics so stay out of a "red zone" and try hanging out in a "yellow zone" for a change. Remember them? The ones who seized the airport bringing Thailand to a halt.

[MaiDong]

So what was the army doing in the district in the first place? Maybe if they wern't there, the villagers wouldn't have been intimidated. They say they are NOT involved in the politics so stay out of a "red zone" and try hanging out in a "yellow zone" for a change. Remember them? The ones who seized the airport bringing Thailand to a halt.

Read the OP again.

"soldiers disseminating anti-drug questionnaires in Kokfaek in the district"

Edited June 10, 2011 by MaiDong

[MaiDong]

So what was the army doing in the district in the first place? Maybe if they wern't there, the villagers wouldn't have been intimidated. They say they are NOT involved in the politics so stay out of a "red zone" and try hanging out in a "yellow zone" for a change. Remember them? The ones who seized the airport bringing Thailand to a halt.

This post angers me, it's full of complete ignorance.

So, my neighbours are sucked into the red shirt lie, does that mean that I should move out of this 'red zone'? What kind of a divided country could this become if we followed your lead??

[animatic]

Therefore, no matter which party you belong to, just don't break the law.

If you break the law, it's no use talking.

Talking to lawbreakers is meaningless.

You must obey the law.

Otherwise, you will be punished and then you will complain about injustice," he said.

Pretty simple.

The army was distributing anti-drug flyers,

and the PTP /Redshirts are paranoid....and violent.

The army chief was talking about ALL people doing security and not just army.

[jdinasia]

So what was the army doing in the district in the first place? Maybe if they wern't there, the villagers wouldn't have been intimidated. They say they are NOT involved in the politics so stay out of a "red zone" and try hanging out in a "yellow zone" for a change. Remember them? The ones who seized the airport bringing Thailand to a halt.

Yellows have been prosecuted and convicted for several offenses. More are in the works. --- The general didn't just talk about reds --- he talked about all Thais.

"so stay out of a red zone" you say --- ummmm while we all know that some reds are well enough armed to form an army. The job the military was doing there is in their purview and the politics of the people living there was not the reason they were there. Apparently there were 2 soldiers following orders doing an anti-narcotics mission (getting information via anti-drug questionnaires) ... I would not consider 2 soldiers intimidating when there are fellow reds all around, would you?

The general has a point --- if the military won't be allowed to do its work peacefully with 2 soldiers --- will they have to send 50 or 100 next? That WOULD look like intimidation. This appears to be just another case of the reds escalating the tension on purpose for political ends.

[Siripon]

Talking about the Ratchaprasong deaths last May, some say that acting,resigned and retired personnel in both the police and army were involved.Some of the black shirts were based on an island in a neighbouring country, travelling back and forth to Bangkok. Perhaps nothing has been made public because of the army saying for protecting its own-'Don't sue your superior, don't kill your junior and don't sell your friends.'

Apparently Sanoh Thianthong said if Pheua Thai become the government there will be no transfers of top army personnel and the army will be allowed to choose the Defence Minister whilst Sanoh himself is trying to revive his friendship with Pravit Wongsuwan.

,

[OzMick]

So what was the army doing in the district in the first place? Maybe if they wern't there, the villagers wouldn't have been intimidated. They say they are NOT involved in the politics so stay out of a "red zone" and try hanging out in a "yellow zone" for a change. Remember them? The ones who seized the airport bringing Thailand to a halt.

do you really believe that there are parts of Thailand off-limits to the RTA, for any reason? If so, you and your red-shirt mates might get another painful lesson.

and why exactly would 2 officers handing out anti-drug questionnaires be intimidating to anyone not in the drug trade

[Buchholz]

Apparently Sanoh Thianthong said if Pheua Thai become the government there will be no transfers of top army personnel and the army will be allowed to choose the Defence Minister whilst Sanoh himself is trying to revive his friendship with Pravit Wongsuwan.

The Army will, no doubt, select # 8 Pheu Thai Party-list MP candidate Jatuporn for the position of Defence Minister in Yingluck's Cabinet.

.

[RogueExpat]

and why exactly would 2 officers handing out anti-drug questionnaires be intimidating to anyone not in the drug trade

I think that is the whole point.

By handing out those flyers, they were intimidating people in the drug business and were subsequently told to piss off, or else......

[OzMick]

Apparently Sanoh Thianthong said if Pheua Thai become the government there will be no transfers of top army personnel and the army will be allowed to choose the Defence Minister whilst Sanoh himself is trying to revive his friendship with Pravit Wongsuwan.

The Army will, no doubt, select # 8 Pheu Thai Party-list MP candidate Jatuporn for the position of Defence Minister in Yingluck's Cabinet.

.

Jatuporn is #8? Do they normally get that many by party list? Could he have a date with a judge instead?

[whybother]

and why exactly would 2 officers handing out anti-drug questionnaires be intimidating to anyone not in the drug trade

I think that is the whole point.

By handing out those flyers, they were intimidating people in the drug business and were subsequently told to piss off, or else......

... by aides to the PTP candidate.

[MrChangers]

Two soldiers doing anti drug questionnaires? You do not use the military to do any questionnaires like some high street MORI poll.

[whybother]

Two soldiers doing anti drug questionnaires? You do not use the military to do any questionnaires like some high street MORI poll.

Why not? The Thai army are involved in policing the drug industry. Therefore, they are involved in anti-drug questionnaires.

[Buchholz]

Apparently Sanoh Thianthong said if Pheua Thai become the government there will be no transfers of top army personnel and the army will be allowed to choose the Defence Minister whilst Sanoh himself is trying to revive his friendship with Pravit Wongsuwan.

The Army will, no doubt, select # 8 Pheu Thai Party-list MP candidate Jatuporn for the position of Defence Minister in Yingluck's Cabinet.

Jatuporn is #8? Do they normally get that many by party list? Could he have a date with a judge instead?

Pheu Thai will likely get all their Party-list MP's in office down to around # 30 to # 40 (possibly higher if they do well in the voting).

When all the MP's that Red Shirts out on bail (or otherwise charged) get into Parliament, their immunity starts with the first session being held (likely a month after the election).

.

[Buchholz]

and why exactly would 2 officers handing out anti-drug questionnaires be intimidating to anyone not in the drug trade

I think that is the whole point.

By handing out those flyers, they were intimidating people in the drug business and were subsequently told to piss off, or else......

... by aides to the PTP candidate.

... by gun-toting aides to the PTP candidate. :ph34r:

.

Edited June 10, 2011 by Buchholz

[Samuian]

is it just me or did it just get a little hotter in the kitchen ?

= awesome

Yep, can feel it all the way down here - temperature rising!

"If I blow a whistle, you **** will not be able to **** leave this area."

Clear thread against the armed forces - bullying army staff and "unlawful"... maybe tickling Prayuth a wee bit..after his refusal to meet Yinluck...

Why would Yingluck talk about "if I am the prime minister......." does she engage fortune tellers, clairvoyants too, or is she just so sure that PT will win the majority in this election, if so, why, because the "entire nation" misses the grand master so much?

Well... I know - the "fortune tellers" are just that good!

and... yep, by the way, is it just a coincidence between Automatic TELLER Machines and Fortune TELLER or does my imagination run wild?

Edited June 10, 2011 by Samuian

[thaikahuna]

It is going to be a very interesting next 3 weeks. (Mods, If this is a double post please remove one.)

[Samuian]

So what was the army doing in the district in the first place? Maybe if they wern't there, the villagers wouldn't have been intimidated. They say they are NOT involved in the politics so stay out of a "red zone" and try hanging out in a "yellow zone" for a change. Remember them? The ones who seized the airport bringing Thailand to a halt.

It seems you are on the wrong side of the fence my dear - who tells whom what, and since when are red shirts entitled to do just that?

Signs are set to confrontation already and again NOT by the government or the army!

"Attack, Attack" has been set as an option by the red shirt leaders in those districts, if there is "anything fishy" at ballot time...!

Edited June 10, 2011 by Samuian

[animatic]

So what was the army doing in the district in the first place? Maybe if they wern't there, the villagers wouldn't have been intimidated. They say they are NOT involved in the politics so stay out of a "red zone" and try hanging out in a "yellow zone" for a change. Remember them? The ones who seized the airport bringing Thailand to a halt.

It seems you are on the wrong side of the fence my dear - who tells whom what, and since when are red shirts entitled to do just that?

Signs are set to confrontation already and again NOT by the government or the army!

"Attack, Attack" has been set as an option by the red shirt leaders in those districts, if there is "anything fishy" at ballot time...!

Anyone not red is clearly to be driven out...

keep the locals on message and all others out of earshot.

[Gers1873]

is it just me or did it just get a little hotter in the kitchen ?

= awesome

Yep, and it's a kitchen that has way too many chefs.

Why not gag the army and return all soldiers to barracks until elections are over. If the red shirts start up their nefarious ways again then let the police deal with them............. use the army only as a last resort.

Also ban all assemblies sponsored by either Red or Yellow shirt camps.

A peaceful election run-up, a fair and free election and election results accepted and respected by all........ Oh I forgot this is Thailand - nurse where's my medication???

[tragickingdom]

The opposition might document this gentleman's words very well. it might come in handy when Thailand's soldiers and leaders follow those of Libya and Syria to the international courts. Prayuth should keep his mouth shut. He is army leader and his soldiers are still judged by the public. It is very clear however that he will do everything in his power to influence the election. Haven;t noticed any drugs raids in the Democrat led areas where the financiers of the drugs trade have their seats.

[whybother]

The opposition might document this gentleman's words very well. it might come in handy when Thailand's soldiers and leaders follow those of Libya and Syria to the international courts. Prayuth should keep his mouth shut. He is army leader and his soldiers are still judged by the public. It is very clear however that he will do everything in his power to influence the election. Haven;t noticed any drugs raids in the Democrat led areas where the financiers of the drugs trade have their seats.

They could be there, it's just that no one has threatened them if they don't leave.

[drdoom6996]

Yingluck better get a handle on this

She scares the living daylights out of me. I can honestly say if she is Prime Minister and they absolve her brother of his crimes, even though convicted, I will move to another country.

Reds make the problems and Reds blame the whole country for the problems. They are never at fault. They remind me of earlier times in America and the problems with the Mafia. The Mafia was the law and they owned the police. Scary stuff

[drdoom6996]

So what was the army doing in the district in the first place? Maybe if they wern't there, the villagers wouldn't have been intimidated. They say they are NOT involved in the politics so stay out of a "red zone" and try hanging out in a "yellow zone" for a change. Remember them? The ones who seized the airport bringing Thailand to a halt.

Why can't the country just go RAINBOW?????????????????????