Pheu Thai Fears '3rd Party' Attack During Democrat's Ratchaprasong Rally

[webfact]

Natthawut warns of unrest during Democrat’s campaign

BANGKOK, 23 June 2011 (NNT) – Pheu Thai MP candidate Natthawut Saikua has disclosed an intelligence report of an ill attempt to instigate unrest in the planned election campaign of the Democrat Party at the shopping district of Ratchaprasong on Thursday.

The outspoken MP candidate stated that a group of ill-intentioned people would be arranged to hurl bombs during the election campaign in an effort to disrupt the road to the general election. He indicated that the manoeuvre would be a result of cooperation between the known and unknown 'special powers'.

Mr Natthawut, also secretary-general to the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), then asked people, including UDD supporters to stay calm although they do not agree with the Democrat Party’s campaign at Ratchaprasong.

The Democrat Party will launch a big election campaign at Ratchaprasong Intersection, the major UDD rally site where 91 people were killed in the military cordoning operation last year resulting in the burning of Zen department store and other buildings nearby.

Meanwhile, another Pheu Thai MP candidate and UDD key figure Medical Doctor Weng Tojirakarn dismissed the allegation made by Democrat core member Korbsak Sabhavasu that the UDD has been making movements following orders of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Medical Doctor Weng stressed that no one can order the UDD, and that the UDD refused to reconcile with the government during the April turmoil last year because the Democrat-led government did not take responsibility for its military operation leading to deaths and injuries of UDD protestors.

-- NNT 2011-06-23

[Buchholz]

unknown 'special powers'.

Use of the "third hand" has been discontinued and to Natthawut, it is now the "special power"...

Natthawut Saikua has disclosed an intelligence report of an ill attempt to instigate unrest

Is the report from the Ronin Warriors Reconnaissance Regiment?

.

Edited June 23, 2011 by Buchholz

[Who, me ?]

Natthawut warns of unrest during Democrat’s campaign

BANGKOK, 23 June 2011 (NNT) – Pheu Thai MP candidate Natthawut Saikua has disclosed an intelligence report of an ill attempt to instigate unrest in the planned election campaign of the Democrat Party at the shopping district of Ratchaprasong on Thursday.

The outspoken MP candidate stated that a group of ill-intentioned people would be arranged to hurl bombs during the election campaign in an effort to disrupt the road to the general election. He indicated that the manoeuvre would be a result of cooperation between the known and unknown 'special powers'.

Mr Natthawut, also secretary-general to the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), then asked people, including UDD supporters to stay calm although they do not agree with the Democrat Party’s campaign at Ratchaprasong.

The Democrat Party will launch a big election campaign at Ratchaprasong Intersection, the major UDD rally site where 91 people were killed in the military cordoning operation last year resulting in the burning of Zen department store and other buildings nearby.

Meanwhile, another Pheu Thai MP candidate and UDD key figure Medical Doctor Weng Tojirakarn dismissed the allegation made by Democrat core member Korbsak Sabhavasu that the UDD has been making movements following orders of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Medical Doctor Weng stressed that no one can order the UDD, and that the UDD refused to reconcile with the government during the April turmoil last year because the Democrat-led government did not take responsibility for its military operation leading to deaths and injuries of UDD protestors.

-- NNT 2011-06-23

Could this message be aimed to scare the people who want attend this meeting, and put them off, by fear of being hit by bombs? A way for the PTP = UDD to say afterwards that Dems did not attract much people to their rallye, and that it is a sign that reds are more popular....

[moe666]

What is it with these clowns, third hand, special powers sounds like some 4th graders.

democrats should be playing the video clips of the red leaders inciting riots and threating to burn Bangkok. Come on guys start playing to win instead of playing defense.

[AleG]

Natthawut warns of unrest during Democrat’s campaign

BANGKOK, 23 June 2011 (NNT) – Pheu Thai MP candidate Natthawut Saikua has disclosed an intelligence report of an ill attempt to instigate unrest in the planned election campaign of the Democrat Party at the shopping district of Ratchaprasong on Thursday.

The outspoken MP candidate stated that a group of ill-intentioned people would be arranged to hurl bombs during the election campaign in an effort to disrupt the road to the general election. He indicated that the manoeuvre would be a result of cooperation between the known and unknown 'special powers'.

Mr Natthawut, also secretary-general to the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), then asked people, including UDD supporters to stay calm although they do not agree with the Democrat Party’s campaign at Ratchaprasong.

The Democrat Party will launch a big election campaign at Ratchaprasong Intersection, the major UDD rally site where 91 people were killed in the military cordoning operation last year resulting in the burning of Zen department store and other buildings nearby.

Meanwhile, another Pheu Thai MP candidate and UDD key figure Medical Doctor Weng Tojirakarn dismissed the allegation made by Democrat core member Korbsak Sabhavasu that the UDD has been making movements following orders of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Medical Doctor Weng stressed that no one can order the UDD, and that the UDD refused to reconcile with the government during the April turmoil last year because the Democrat-led government did not take responsibility for its military operation leading to deaths and injuries of UDD protestors.

-- NNT 2011-06-23

Could this message be aimed to scare the people who want attend this meeting, and put them off, by fear of being hit by bombs? A way for the PTP = UDD to say afterwards that Dems did not attract much people to their rallye, and that it is a sign that reds are more popular....

It's not much different from making a fake (hopefully) bomb call.

[hanuman1]

If the PTP doesn't make public statements calling for their followers to stay out of trouble, then that's the problem. If they do, then it's just a cover to allow some covert armed wing of theirs to act violently without any negative repercussions.

If you don't trust anything they say or do, there's absolutely no point in demanding they make such statements. Apart from to have another reason to have a go at them.

[Who, me ?]

If the PTP doesn't make public statements calling for their followers to stay out of trouble, then that's the problem. If they do, then it's just a cover to allow some covert armed wing of theirs to act violently without any negative repercussions.

If you don't trust anything they say or do, there's absolutely no point in demanding they make such statements. Apart from to have another reason to have a go at them.

In their recent history, did they say anything that could be taken for true or reliable?

No one asked them to make such a statement in a way or another, no one asked them to spread fear and confusion, no one asked them to interfere in Democrats campaign.

What do they fear to hear tonight? What are they afraid that people will discover tonight? The truth today?

[rixalex]

If the PTP doesn't make public statements calling for their followers to stay out of trouble, then that's the problem. If they do, then it's just a cover to allow some covert armed wing of theirs to act violently without any negative repercussions.

If they were just telling their own supporters to stay away, that would be fine, but they aren't, they are saying stay away because they have information from sources that they won't reveal, that there will be trouble. This is causing an atmosphere of panic and fear. If they were actually sincere about trying to prevent trouble, why not just go to the authorities with the information they have and let them deal with it?

[webfact]

Pheu Thai Party Hopes For Constructive Rally at Ratchaprasong

As the Pheu Thai Party's top candidate arrives in the east for her election campaign, she mentioned that she hopes the Democrat Party's upcoming rally will be positive.

The Pheu Thai Party's number one party list candidate Yingluck Shinawatra said she hopes the Democrat Party's upcoming rally at Ratchaprasong Intersection will be a positive one.

Ratchaprasong Intersection was previously used as a major rally site for the red-shirt supporters of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship or DAAD, before their rally was ended with a military crackdown.

Yingluck said she hopes the speech will focus on tactics for improving the people's quality of living, as she believes it's what the people would love to hear.

She said if the core members of the Democrat Party were to make any negative reference to the Pheu Thai Party, she would consider seeking prosecution.

She added that her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had nothing do to with the red-shirt group, and that he has no right to control any of their movements.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-23

[Buchholz]

Natthawut warns of unrest during Democrat’s campaign

Could this message be aimed to scare the people who want attend this meeting, and put them off, by fear of being hit by bombs? A way for the PTP = UDD to say afterwards that Dems did not attract much people to their rallye, and that it is a sign that reds are more popular....

It's known as the "Udon Model"...

Pro-Thaksin groups prepare to confront their PAD allies

The Nation

Published on July 3, 2008

Opponents of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) claim to have found a way to contain spreading anti-government movements in the northern and northeastern strongholds of the pro-Thaksin Shinawatra People Power Party (PPP).

They have endorsed a strategy used against a PAD rally in mid-town Udon Thani last Saturday. They call it the Udon Model.

More than 1,000 locals were mobilised to the rally site in only a few hours to oust local PAD leader Charoen Mookachornphan from the city. Earlier, Charoen had taunted local anti-PAD leaders by saying he was not afraid of their threat to expel him from Udon Thani if he did not stop holding mini-rallies against the government.

Last Saturday from early morning, two programme hosts urged listeners to leave home and gather at the rally in front of PAD-leader Charoen's gold shop and also at his house on Baan Huay Market Road.

Some phone-in callers who wanted to join the rally but lived far away were told they would be provided transport in pickups.

The station is apparently free from watchdog agencies, so it was no surprise to hear one caller say - without realising she was on air - she was on her way to the rally with two pistols. If some bullets were directed at the PAD supporters, she said, no one would be arrested, because: "No one will know who did it."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/07/03/politics/politics_30077154.php

Edited June 23, 2011 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

She added that her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had nothing do to with the red-shirt group

Ahhhh, back to Thaksin's own feeble denials... "I don't know them"

.

[jdinasia]

It wasn't us it was them.

Who are they?

Not us.

Are you sure?

Errr.........

If there is any violence at this rally the blame falls entirely on caretaker PM Abhisit for being so provocative> I hope this time he will be held accountable.

In a democracy, campaigning is allowed anywhere. That the spot Abhisit chooses to confront the lies told by PTP/UDD is exactly the spot they lie about the most, must be galling to them but it is certainly fair-game. The reds use the area monthly to spread their lies and propaganda, thus "rubbing salt in the wounds" that they do not want to see closed. In keeping with the "wound" metaphor, what Abhisit is attempting to do is clean some of the dirt out of the wound so it can be cleaned and eventually heal.

If any violence occurs the blame falls entirely on those that are violently opposed to democracy. In other words any violence that may occur should be blamed on those that commit the violence during an election.

[jdinasia]

If the PTP doesn't make public statements calling for their followers to stay out of trouble, then that's the problem. If they do, then it's just a cover to allow some covert armed wing of theirs to act violently without any negative repercussions.

If you don't trust anything they say or do, there's absolutely no point in demanding they make such statements. Apart from to have another reason to have a go at them.

Or to point out that Nutthawut is failing in his lawful duty to report the details of the violent group he suggests will be there. This redshirt core leader (who has been indicted for terrorism) is running for public office (party-list of PTP), That would suggest he should act in an even more protective role for all Thai people and make sure the police and the DSI have ALL the pertinent details.

[lungmi]

Maoist playbook.

The "special forces" are ready. Don't worry, they are all fake. The injured people after her mission are only fake injured humans.

[hanuman1]

If the PTP doesn't make public statements calling for their followers to stay out of trouble, then that's the problem. If they do, then it's just a cover to allow some covert armed wing of theirs to act violently without any negative repercussions.

If they were just telling their own supporters to stay away, that would be fine, but they aren't, they are saying stay away because they have information from sources that they won't reveal, that there will be trouble. This is causing an atmosphere of panic and fear. If they were actually sincere about trying to prevent trouble, why not just go to the authorities with the information they have and let them deal with it?

Well, we never know what's going on behind the scenes, but yes, your implied suggestion that perhaps they are saying this to create fear and panic may be true and maybe they want to cover themselves against accusations if violence breaks out - whether they are responsible for it or not.

I believe there have been times in the past when such warnings have been given and absolutely no violence ensued, which would suggest that they are either trying to scare people or just making a rather clumsy effort to prevent being accused of something they are not in control of if violence were to break out.

[webfact]

Thai ruling party to rally at crackdown site

BANGKOK, June 23, 2011 (AFP) - Thai police said they would deploy 700 officers for an election rally Thursday by the ruling party at the site of a deadly military crackdown on opposition protesters last year.

In a bid to attract city voters, Democrat Party leaders including Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva have vowed to reveal significant new details about last year's political violence, the kingdom's worst in decades.

The rally will take place in front of the Central World shopping centre that was gutted by fire after soldiers firing live rounds and backed by armoured vehicles broke up the "Red Shirt" anti-government protests in May 2010.

The authorities blame the Red Shirts for the fire and the violent street clashes that preceded it, while the opposition movement accuses the army of starting the blaze and shooting unarmed civilians.

The Red Shirts criticised the Democrats' decision to hold the rally at the Ratchaprasong intersection which was the focus of their demonstrations last year, which left more than 90 people dead in clashes with armed troops.

"It's inappropriate because it will hurt the feelings of people who lost their loved-ones in the incident. They will feel insulted," said a senior Red Shirt leader, Nattawut Saikuar.

The opposition asked its supporters to stay away from the rally, which Abhisit insisted would go ahead.

"A political party has the right to hold a rally," he said. "People will learn in depth about last year's incident. They will learn new information."

The Democrats took power in 2008 after a judicial ruling threw out the previous administration, and Abhisit is accused by his political foes of being an unelected puppet of the military and the establishment.

His main rival for the premiership is Yingluck Shinawatra, the youngest sister of the Red Shirts' hero, fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Although he lives abroad to escape a jail term imposed in absentia for corruption, Thaksin is widely considered the de facto leader of the Puea Thai party and his politically inexperienced sister is viewed as his proxy.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-06-23

[scorecard]

It is entirely caretaker PM Abhisit's fault if there is violence at this rally as he could and still can choose not to hold the rally in such a sensitive area, believe me this man knows what he is doing and is quite happy to see Thai people killed or injured again for his own self gain and some of you call K Thaksin selfish!!!

So, red shirts are allowed to hold rallies in this sensitive area to blame Abhisit for the deaths of 91 people (only 1 of which died in this area), but the Democrats aren't allowed to hold a rally here to explain their side of the story.

Yay for red shirts against double standards!!

I was going to mention the glaring hypocrisy of their much-vaunted-but-never-adhered-to "double standards" in this situation, but as others pointed it out, I'll just say ditto.

.

And ditto again from me.

[MrChangers]

..... and if any mischief happens the Red shirts will get the blame.

Very poor planning by Abhisits team as they are not inviting but hoping for conflict.

[Insight]

It is entirely caretaker PM Abhisit's fault if there is violence at this rally as he could and still can choose not to hold the rally in such a sensitive area, believe me this man knows what he is doing and is quite happy to see Thai people killed or injured again for his own self gain and some of you call K Thaksin selfish!!!

So, red shirts are allowed to hold rallies in this sensitive area to blame Abhisit for the deaths of 91 people (only 1 of which died in this area), but the Democrats aren't allowed to hold a rally here to explain their side of the story.

Yay for red shirts against double standards!!

I was going to mention the glaring hypocrisy of their much-vaunted-but-never-adhered-to "double standards" in this situation, but as others pointed it out, I'll just say ditto.

.

And ditto again from me.

Ditto duai.

Seems like there'll be a significant number of Bangkokians going along to this one tonight. Wonder what impact this will have on these opinion polls?

[jdinasia]

..... and if any mischief happens the Red shirts will get the blame.

Very poor planning by Abhisits team as they are not inviting but hoping for conflict.

I guess you missed where Nutthawut stated that he had knowledge of violence to occur. You know that Nutthawut is a redshirt core member AND a party-list MP candidate for PTP, right?

Who else would be gunning for the Dems? Nobody really needs to discredit the reds, they already burnt BKK. I am absolutely hoping that no violence occurs but I am fairly sure that there are some people in place to deal with it, should it occur.

I am VERY interested in seeing what "new information" PM Abhisit will be giving out tonight.

[jdinasia]

If there is any violence at this rally the blame falls entirely on caretaker PM Abhisit for being so provocative> I hope this time he will be held accountable.

Except of course that it will be covered, under the PTP's blanket-amnesty on political-case, just as their own possibly-criminal acts are covered. Now PM-Abhisit is against that amnesty, he wants the rule-of-law to apply to all, including himself. Quite right too !

If only Thaksin/TRT/PPP/PTP/Ms-Yingluck/Red-Shirts could take the same principled stand.

And the rally is only provocative, because it may remind the voters of just what the Red-Shirt leaders, many now on the PTP slate, were doing last year. This may indeed hopefully provoke an appropriate reaction at the ballot-box.

Spot on!

[rixalex]

..... and if any mischief happens the Red shirts will get the blame.

Well, they are the ones Abhisit will be attacking in his speech, they are the ones opposed to this rally and they are one of the ones with a track history of violence, so it doesn't take a Sherlock to figure out that this is the group with the motive and the means.

Very poor planning by Abhisits team as they are not inviting but hoping for conflict.

Well if anyone buys your premise that they are hoping for conflict, then that would make it good planning.

[Buchholz]

..... and if any mischief happens the Red shirts will get the blame.

Well, they are the ones Abhisit will be attacking in his speech, they are the ones opposed to this rally and they are one of the ones with a track history of violence, so it doesn't take a Sherlock to figure out that this is the group with the motive and the means.

That "track history of violence" a problem that is going to follow them. Once it's established, it's extremely difficult to have the perception changed.

It is the perception that other groups, not all that different from Red Shirts modus operandi and with a "track history" like the Ku Klux Klan, for example, face. Many incidents of violence committed with racial overtones are routinely attributed to the Klan, whether they are responsible or not. Similarly to the Red Shirts, when it is shown, since that perception has been established, that various incidents of racial violence are perpetrated by the Klan, the perception is reinforced.

[jdinasia]

Warden message from US Embassy BKK

Starting at 1630 hours today, June 23rd, and running until about 2100 hours, the Democrat Party is scheduled to hold a political rally in front of CentralWorld mall, and the Ratchaprasong intersection, to include Rama I, Ploenchit, and Rajdamri Roads. Police estimate 5,000 people could be in attendance. Over 350 Royal Thai Police will be on hand to direct traffic and keep order during the rally. Nevertheless, US Citizens are advised to avoid this intersection as traffic and crowds will make it nearly impassable. Additionally, Skytrain stations are likely to be extremely crowded and overtaxed, as rally attendees are being encouraged to take the BTS to the event. Please bear this in mind when you commute this evening. The Embassy is not aware of any general, specific, or implied threat to US interests throughout this period; however US Citizens are reminded that the potential for random acts of politically-motivated violence remains. As a precaution, personnel should stay away from any known areas of protests or large public gatherings. Personnel are encouraged to maintain a heightened sense of awareness, be cognizant of any unattended packages/bags in public/crowded places, and report any suspicious behavior to the nearest law enforcement personnel. This email is UNCLASSIFIED

I think there may be a few more than 5k in attendance

[Buchholz]

If the PTP doesn't make public statements calling for their followers to stay out of trouble, then that's the problem. If they do, then it's just a cover to allow some covert armed wing of theirs to act violently without any negative repercussions.

If you don't trust anything they say or do, there's absolutely no point in demanding they make such statements. Apart from to have another reason to have a go at them.

Or to point out that Nutthawut is failing in his lawful duty to report the details of the violent group he suggests will be there. This redshirt core leader (who has been indicted for terrorism) is running for public office (party-list of PTP), That would suggest he should act in an even more protective role for all Thai people and make sure the police and the DSI have ALL the pertinent details.

In the other paper's breaking news, the Democrat spokesman is similarly saying that Natthawut has compromised his position as a Party-list MP by warning there will be violence at the Democrat rally. He's also complained that Natthawut has announced that the number 10 (the Democrat Party's election number on the ballot) is the number of "death."

He's urging that Natthawut be removed from the Party-list.

.

Edited June 23, 2011 by Buchholz

[jdinasia]

If the PTP doesn't make public statements calling for their followers to stay out of trouble, then that's the problem. If they do, then it's just a cover to allow some covert armed wing of theirs to act violently without any negative repercussions.

If you don't trust anything they say or do, there's absolutely no point in demanding they make such statements. Apart from to have another reason to have a go at them.

Or to point out that Nutthawut is failing in his lawful duty to report the details of the violent group he suggests will be there. This redshirt core leader (who has been indicted for terrorism) is running for public office (party-list of PTP), That would suggest he should act in an even more protective role for all Thai people and make sure the police and the DSI have ALL the pertinent details.

In the other paper's breaking news, the Democrat spokesman is similarly saying that Natthawut has compromised his position as a Party-list MP by warning there will be violence at the Democrat rally. He's also complained that Natthawut has announced that the number 10 (the Democrat Party's election number on the ballot) is the number of "death."

He's urging that Natthawut be removed from the Party-list.

.

If that happens, one would assume that Nutthawut will be living in Dubai soon, and hoping for an amnesty!

[whybother]

..... and if any mischief happens the Red shirts will get the blame.

Very poor planning by Abhisits team as they are not inviting but hoping for conflict.

I would expect that whoever gets caught performing any mischief will get the blame.

Abhisit is probably expecting conflict, since the standard Red Democracy usually means that other people are not allowed to rally or protest.

[jdinasia]

..... and if any mischief happens the Red shirts will get the blame.

Very poor planning by Abhisits team as they are not inviting but hoping for conflict.

I would expect that whoever gets caught performing any mischief will get the blame.

Abhisit is probably expecting conflict, since the standard Red Democracy usually means that other people are not allowed to rally or protest.

or disagree, or speak, or support someone else, or drive a car in Chiang Mai, etc etc etc

[Who, me ?]

..... and if any mischief happens the Red shirts will get the blame.

Very poor planning by Abhisits team as they are not inviting but hoping for conflict.

I would expect that whoever gets caught performing any mischief will get the blame.

Abhisit is probably expecting conflict, since the standard Red Democracy usually means that other people are not allowed to rally or protest.

or disagree, or speak, or support someone else, or drive a car in Chiang Mai, etc etc etc

Hmm, sounds like a dream life people will get PTP = UDD comes to power

[rubl]

..... and if any mischief happens the Red shirts will get the blame.

Very poor planning by Abhisits team as they are not inviting but hoping for conflict.

I would expect that whoever gets caught performing any mischief will get the blame.

Abhisit is probably expecting conflict, since the standard Red Democracy usually means that other people are not allowed to rally or protest.

At least the CCTV system should be working this time