Suthep Slams Red Media For Smear Campaign

[webfact]

Suthep slams red media

By The Nation

Suthep Thaugsuban, former director of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation, attacked red media yesterday for its smear campaign in misleading the public by distorting the centre's order to security officers on the use of guns during the April protests last year.

Suthep said the CRES's actual order was that in light of security threats, security officers were allowed to use shotguns against armed men at a distance between 30 and 50 metres by aiming at the bottom of their bodies. However, some red newspapers highlighted only part of the phrase to read that officials were allowed to shoot at people, and made headlines out of it.

Suthep said this order was issued on April 13 after there were three incidents involving men dressed in black mingling among protesters and firing at security officers and people, killing 26 and injuring 800.

The CRES had to prevent a recurrence of such an incident by permitting officers to fire from shotguns, which are not classified as heavy weapons, in self-defence and to protect innocent people from the "men in black". He said the newspapers tried to mislead the public into thinking that the order was issued on April 10 to allow officials to use weapons against the people. Suthep added that the CRES had strictly banned officials from using heavy weapons and allowed officers to use only anti-riot equipment against the protesters.

However, on April 9, the protesters stormed into the Thaicom station at Lat Lumkaew, attacking security officials with knives, sticks and stones and grabbing a number of guns from them.

The centre, fearing the protesters could use the stolen guns to attack innocent people, allowed officials to use shotguns. But the order allowed them to use the weapons only in an emergency, meaning in self-defence and to protect the public. The officials were also told to strictly follow procedures if they had to use weapons.

Suthep said the new government was closely connected to the suspects in the April incident and some of the "terrorists were elected as MPs in the government, so they may be given ministerial posts".

He added that the new government might order an investigation against him but he was willing to prove his innocence through the justice system.

-- The Nation 2011-08-08

[Thai at Heart]

Well, isn't it a shame he didn't clearly articulate this during the protests?

The truth will set you free, unless of course you are a pooyai, and people just have to take what you say as the gospel truth and never ask you a question back.

[random]

aw diddums, does the naughty man not control the media anymore

He should be more concerned about not controlling the courts anymore

[beano2274]

Shotguns are not heavy weapons!!!!!! A 7.62 will kill or injure one person a shotgun is gonna kill or injure more than one person.

[hammered]

The media are coming under a different control now. Suthep better get used to the hot water as more is likely coming. Amnesty will become a lot more popular the more people get caught up in court cases for things they wouldnt want to be found guilty of. No comment on the veracity of any of the claims previous, now or coming, just the political reality.

[lovetotravel]

Shotguns are not heavy weapons!!!!!! A 7.62 will kill or injure one person a shotgun is gonna kill or injure more than one person.

You have to be pretty close to kill someone with a shotgun. Otherwise, they're just picking BBs out.

[AleG]

Shotguns are not heavy weapons!!!!!! A 7.62 will kill or injure one person a shotgun is gonna kill or injure more than one person.

You have to be pretty close to kill someone with a shotgun. Otherwise, they're just picking BBs out.

Therefore the order to use them at a minimum range of 30 to 50 meters. Still nothing to shrug off but a huge difference with a 7.62mm round at 30 meter (basically the same as point blank)

[pisico]

Shotguns are not heavy weapons!!!!!! A 7.62 will kill or injure one person a shotgun is gonna kill or injure more than one person.

You have to be pretty close to kill someone with a shotgun. Otherwise, they're just picking BBs out.

Was it birdshot or buckshot the round?

That is one of the many gray areas not revealed.

A good copy to create doubt in the heads of the feeble minded people.

[pisico]

Well, isn't it a shame he didn't clearly articulate this during the protests?

The truth will set you free, unless of course you are a pooyai, and people just have to take what you say as the gospel truth and never ask you a question back.

The order he talks about is internal and was never made public.

He can say anything he wants about it knowing that it will be almost impossible to get a hard copy of it.

He is spinning to save face (as usual) and because now he knows he is no longer untouchable.

He thought he would forever have the protection of his pals in the army and his boss but now a new reality is sinking in.

He admitted publicly though, that he was the one who gave the order to shoot.

Of course, now comes the time to blame others and the spinning goes on and on and on...

[Moruya]

I don't recall any people complaining of buckshot injuries during the protests.....

[nicknostitz]

[

Was it birdshot or buckshot the round?

That is one of the many gray areas not revealed.

A good copy to create doubt in the heads of the feeble minded people.

Buckshot.

I collected a 'Sellier & Bellot Buckshot Max 00 Buck, 70 - 2 3/4' empty and used shell at the clash site of April 28 at the National Memorial. A soldier that saw me picking up the shell wanted to take it away from me, but gave up after he realized that i will not let go of the shell, and that he would have to use violence against me to get it. Attacking a journalist would not have been a good idea in front of several of my colleagues.

I have seen many members of the security forces there loading buckshot into their shotguns after they ran out of rubber bullets.

That day not only shotguns were used, but also high velocity rounds shot from M16's. One soldier there died in a friendly fire incident.

Soldiers equipped with shotguns had two kinds of rounds with them - rubber bullets in red colored shells (maybe also green colored shells, but i am not sure - would have to go back to my photos), and buckshot in clear transparent shells.

[OzMick]

I think k.Suthep might be telling a few porkies. I watched a lot of the coverage (from a safe distance, thank you) and saw many RTA with M-16s (5.56mm not 7.62 NATO) but nary a one with a shotgun. The report of a shotgun is also quite distinctive compared to a M-16, and the predominant was the sonic boom crack of a high-powered rifle. Of course, they all might have red-shirts.

Some claim that charges brought against Thaksin were political in nature, despite overwhelming evidence of his corruption. If charges are brought against members of the past government for what was a legitimate and very restrained response to armed aggression, it will be interesting if they also will be viewed as politically based by the same persons. I'll believe when I get buzzed by a flying pig.

[random]

Yes it was very restrained to shoot and kill unarmed people sheltering in a temple, or those medics trying to give first aid.

Now lets get back on topic and slate Suthep

[Crushdepth]

Shotguns are not heavy weapons!!!!!! A 7.62 will kill or injure one person a shotgun is gonna kill or injure more than one person.

That depends how crap your aim is.

[whybother]

The media are coming under a different control now. Suthep better get used to the hot water as more is likely coming. Amnesty will become a lot more popular the more people get caught up in court cases for things they wouldnt want to be found guilty of. No comment on the veracity of any of the claims previous, now or coming, just the political reality.

It's the "red media" that he is attacking. He's never had any control over that, and he has always complained about their propaganda.

[random]

The media are coming under a different control now. Suthep better get used to the hot water as more is likely coming. Amnesty will become a lot more popular the more people get caught up in court cases for things they wouldnt want to be found guilty of. No comment on the veracity of any of the claims previous, now or coming, just the political reality.

It's the "red media" that he is attacking. He's never had any control over that, and he has always complained about their propaganda.

he had no control???? really????

how many radio and tv stations were closed and how many websites were closed? he controlled them via censorship, to say he had no control over Red media is just a nonsense.

[nicknostitz]

It's the "red media" that he is attacking. He's never had any control over that, and he has always complained about their propaganda.

Actually, no, he is not attacking the "red media", unless you can call one of Thailand's largest mass circulation papers as "red media". If you read the corresponding article in the BP he is actually attacking Khao Sod, which is one of the largest Thai newspapers, and is part of the Matichon Group.

[backtonormal]

Whatever the enquiry turns up I must believe that somewhere someone gave orders that where not acceptable or somebody disobeyed orders. In whatever case whoever is found guilty will be use as a bargaining chip - we will wipe the slate clean in return for no protests about Thaksin returning. Suthep indicated that he would be stepping down from politics to concentrate on charges, he may know whats coming.

Discussing Thaksins possible return, with a friend, we both agreed that Thaksin has acquire many vice like grips on some opponents 'nuts' that he will have no problem returning soon. An example of a 'vice like grip' is possible LM charges, against some prominent members of Thai society, arising from diplomatic cables. It does not bear thinking about, Thaksin tried to have one of these prominent people arrested on coup night. The intrigue intrigues me.

,

Edited August 8, 2011 by backtonormal

[Thai at Heart]

Whatever the enquiry turns up I must believe that somewhere someone gave orders that where not acceptable or somebody disobeyed orders. In whatever case whoever is found guilty will be use as a bargaining chip - we will wipe the slate clean in return for no protests about Thaksin returning. Suthep indicated that he would be stepping down from politics to concentrate on charges, he may know whats coming.

Discussing Thaksins possible return, with a friend, we both agreed that Thaksin has acquire many vice like grips on some opponents 'nuts' that he will have no problem returning soon. An example of a 'vice like grip' is possible LM charges, against some prominent members of Thai society, arising from diplomatic cables. It does not bear thinking about, Thaksin tried to have one of these prominent people arrested on coup night. The intrigue intrigues me.

,

He has get many of them over a barrel right now, and they daren't say to much. God knows who's names will crop up having signed these documents. One thing is for sure though, I guess he has learnt by now not to mess with the army too much.

[whybother]

It's the "red media" that he is attacking. He's never had any control over that, and he has always complained about their propaganda.

Actually, no, he is not attacking the "red media", unless you can call one of Thailand's largest mass circulation papers as "red media". If you read the corresponding article in the BP he is actually attacking Khao Sod, which is one of the largest Thai newspapers, and is part of the Matichon Group.

OK. The Nation is calling it "red media".

Suthep Thaugsuban, former director of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation, attacked red media yesterday

[whybother]

The media are coming under a different control now. Suthep better get used to the hot water as more is likely coming. Amnesty will become a lot more popular the more people get caught up in court cases for things they wouldnt want to be found guilty of. No comment on the veracity of any of the claims previous, now or coming, just the political reality.

It's the "red media" that he is attacking. He's never had any control over that, and he has always complained about their propaganda.

he had no control???? really????

how many radio and tv stations were closed and how many websites were closed? he controlled them via censorship, to say he had no control over Red media is just a nonsense.

Obviously he didn't have control over all "red media". Certainly, there were some shut down, but are you saying he shut all of it down?

He definitely didn't have control of any that weren't shut down.

[TAWP]

I think k.Suthep might be telling a few porkies. I watched a lot of the coverage (from a safe distance, thank you) and saw many RTA with M-16s (5.56mm not 7.62 NATO) but nary a one with a shotgun.

I was in the area and on a daily basis saw many soldiers with shotguns.

[phiphidon]

I know that Suthep has trouble with the concept of time and dates (remember his comments on the soldiers photographed and videos on the rail tracks after the Wat Pathum Wanaram killings?) but he seems to be spinning again. See quotes below from the various CRES briefings; All BEFORE April 13th 2010. All quotes : https://sites.google.com/a/capothai.org/www/capothai/pm-press-conference-10-april-2320-hrs

CAPO Spokesperson and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep gave a press conference on 22 March 2010 on security measures and guidelines for military personnel

The Spokesperson of CAPO also distributed an information paper on guidelines for military personnel, as follows :

1. Military personnel on duty would be prepared to handle all types of situation.

2. Set up a monitoring team (carrying personal weapon) to conduct patrol in and around unit.

3. Use of weapons is authorised only in the necessary cases of self defense and threats to lives of officials and the public.

4. Military personnel in the level of Sargeant will carry a personal weapon for self-defense while on duty,whether on patrol or at check points.

5. All personnel authorised to carry weapons must wear military uniforms.

Measures regarding weapons :

1. Military personnel using weapons must strictly abide by regulations concerned.

2. Unit commanders at all levels are instructed to inform all staff under them of these measures and closely oversee implementation, so that there will be totally no error in the implementation procedure.

CAPO LIVE TV POOL press conference 9 April 1210 hrs

On 9 April 2010 at 1210 hrs., the Spokesman of the Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) held a brief press conference on the movement of the demonstrators to the Thaicom station in Pathumthani. Following the announcement of the Emergency Decree on the prohibition of entry into certain areas, around3,000 demonstrators have started to move to the Thaicom satellite station in Lad Lum Kaew, Pathumthani Province in violation of the order. The military and police authorities have to control the situation, and will gradually implement measures from light to heavy measures.

Firstly, the authorities will repeat the announcement to the demonstrators thatthe entry into Thaicom is illegal. Secondly, authorities have to be prepared for the situation and make it known to the public that they are ready to handle the situation. Thirdly, depending on the situation, authorities mayhave use shields, batons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to control the situation and maintain order.

The CRES spokesman also stressed that the public will be constantly informed of the actions of authorities, who have to implement the use of force according to the seven principles of the engagement by force.

The CRES spokesman also advised the public in the area to remain in their homes and not crowd around the Thaicom area, which will cause difficulties for authorities in enforcing the law. Military and police personnel will enforce the law and work to bring back peace and order to the general public

CRES Press Conference 10 April 2110 hrs

Col. Sansern Kawekamnerd, Spokesman for the Royal Thai Army and Spokesmanof the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) gave a televised press conference saying that several measures have been used to contain the demonstration throughout the day, ranging from lightto hard measures according to the seven steps of operation as announced previously.

These steps include informing the protestors that their action violates the law; show of force; use of shields; use of water cannon; use of

high power amplifiers; use of tear gas; and use of batons and rubber bullets.

As for the firing of real bullets, officers only fired the bullets up into the air in order to scare away the protestors.

PM Press Conference 10 April 2320 hrs

Therefore, on 10 April 2010, the Government decided to enforce the law by asking the demonstrators to return the areas they occupied. In this regard, clear instructions have been given that public safety must be protected as much as possible, with clear rules of engagement established.

Among others, the security officers are permitted to use live bullets only in two cases, namely, to shoot warning shots into the sky

and to defend themselves when their lives are threatened.

Edited August 8, 2011 by phiphidon

[nurofiend]

The media are coming under a different control now. Suthep better get used to the hot water as more is likely coming. Amnesty will become a lot more popular the more people get caught up in court cases for things they wouldnt want to be found guilty of. No comment on the veracity of any of the claims previous, now or coming, just the political reality.

It's the "red media" that he is attacking. He's never had any control over that, and he has always complained about their propaganda.

he had no control???? really????

how many radio and tv stations were closed and how many websites were closed? he controlled them via censorship, to say he had no control over Red media is just a nonsense.

Obviously he didn't have control over all "red media". Certainly, there were some shut down, but are you saying he shut all of it down?

He definitely didn't have control of any that weren't shut down.

but you just plain straight out said he's never had any control over the "red media"

talk about back tracking

[whybother]

but you just plain straight out said he's never had any control over the "red media"

talk about back tracking

Hi didn't have any control over what they said.

[nurofiend]

but you just plain straight out said he's never had any control over the "red media"

talk about back tracking

Hi didn't have any control over what they said.

so silencing them isn't controlling what they said?

[whybother]

but you just plain straight out said he's never had any control over the "red media"

talk about back tracking

Hi didn't have any control over what they said.

so silencing them isn't controlling what they said?

It's stopping what they are saying, and only in some cases. Not controlling them - ie having them say what he wants, which is what everyone is accusing the Nation of doing.

[nurofiend]

but you just plain straight out said he's never had any control over the "red media"

talk about back tracking

Hi didn't have any control over what they said.

so silencing them isn't controlling what they said?

It's stopping what they are saying, and only in some cases. Not controlling them - ie having them say what he wants, which is what everyone is accusing the Nation of doing.

well i could argue that silencing them is controlling them - ie having them say what he wants......nothing

it's the ultimate control of what they say

[TAWP]

but you just plain straight out said he's never had any control over the "red media"

talk about back tracking

Hi didn't have any control over what they said.

so silencing them isn't controlling what they said?

Are you decrying them for following the law and closing down illegal unlicensed radio stations?

[nurofiend]

but you just plain straight out said he's never had any control over the "red media"

talk about back tracking

Hi didn't have any control over what they said.

so silencing them isn't controlling what they said?

Are you decrying them for following the law and closing down illegal unlicensed radio stations?

what? you mean pirate radio? do you think they would've closed them down if it was an 'illegal unlicensed radio station' that played the best hits of the 80's.....you don't think there was a different agenda behind it rather than just 'OMG, a pirate radio station...we must act at once'?