Bangkok Bomb Scares Raise Some Tricky Questions For Govt

[webfact]

ANALYSIS

Bangkok bomb scares raise some tricky questions for govt

AVUDH PANANANDA

THE NATION

The annals of modern history show that nearly all politically motivated bombing incidents have been domestic affairs rather than foreign ones.

Yet it is a curious coincidence that bomb scares are popping up at a time when Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her red-shirt allies appear to be diverging on a number of issues, such as the road map for a charter rewrite, amending the Defence Administration Act and the cosy friendship with the military that is leaving the reds out in the cold.

If the government is serious about solving these bomb scares, then it should pursue all leads, including taking a closer look at disgruntled red-shirt allies.

Although government leaders and their allies have been singing a chorus of solidarity, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung had made remarks indicative of a more extraordinary intrigue than what meets the eye.

Last week, police received a tip-off before detecting and defusing a home-made bomb planted on Rajdamnoen Avenue. This coincided with holiday festivities.

Chalerm, police, security officials and political commentators all agreed that this incident was politically motivated. While the police and security officials were cautious about speculating which political group might be responsible, Chalerm was quick to blame certain rogue soldiers for making moves to undermine the government and pave the way for a coup.

However, the burning question here is, why did Chalerm try to link the Rajdamnoen scare to his government's opponents when the bomb found was assembled in a manner very similar to those linked to red-shirt supporters and found in connection with the rallies last year?

Bombs linked to disgruntled officers in the wake of the 2006 coup were different from the one found last week and the six uncovered early yesterday.

Furthermore, Chalerm has been circulating the initials of certain top brass who are allegedly behind these bomb scares, but these names are seen as being closer to the reds rather than to the yellow shirts.

Yesterday at around 3am police arrested Sakon Nakhon native Jeerawat Janpeng, 55, on suspicion of planting bombs. After Jeerawat made his statement, police uncovered six home-made explosives in three spots in the eastern outskirts of Bangkok.

The bomb squad staged an elaborate and painstakingly slow operation for reporters to witness how the bombs were disposed of. Many see this bomb scare as a move to divert public attention from hot issues such as the questionable repeal of a passport ban for fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Chalerm chaired the morning's press conference to showcase Jeerawat's arrest, but he did not appear to be his usual boastful self and abruptly terminated the meeting in less than 20 minutes.

Jeerawat kept smiling while Chalerm took all the questions on his behalf. The deputy PM's replies were short, terse and vague on Jeerawat's background and his role in the bomb scares.

National police chief General Priewpan Damapong said Jeerawat had confessed to being involved in the Rajdamnoen bomb scare before tipping the police off about the six bombs yesterday morning. However, Chalerm played down this point, saying Jeerawat had decided only to testify in court.

Both Chalerm and the police chief chose not to mention that the bombs found were similar to those linked to last year's political disturbances. The deputy PM also chose not to refer to his previous claims that the culprits included rogue soldiers bent on undermining this government.

Even though all key leaders in the red-shirt movement are advocates of a peaceful struggle, last year's bombing incidents took place in connection with their rallies. A powerful bomb exploded by accident in Metta Mansion in Nonthaburi, leading to the discovery of a link between the explosives and certain red-shirt supporters.

It sounds strange and illogical that certain red shirts or rogue elements would want to push out the very government they tried so hard to install. Yet past politically motivated bomb scares have proved to come from friends rather than foes.

When the government came to power in August, Pheu Thai leaders and their red-shirt allies spoke in unison about their distrust of the military.

This month Yingluck and her deputy Chalerm have made an about-turn and are warming up to the top brass. Red-shirt leaders appear to be left isolated within the main coalition party in their push to revise the military appointment process.

Yingluck has openly supported Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, while the red leaders are demanding his removal.

More important, the government seems to have switched tracks, giving charter rewrite a lower priority even though the reds want to move at full speed to repeal the 2007 Constitution.

Despite Pheu Thai being in power, the red shirts are still finding themselves embroiled in legal wrangling with no end or amnesty in sight.

Many reds, including Kwanchai Praipana, have been heard wondering aloud why the controlling majority in Parliament is failing them.

All past political bomb incidents have faded away without being solved. At issue is whether the recent bomb scares would intensify before dissipating. The answer may hinge on how well and how quickly the power brokers can work behind the scenes to quell discontent within the rank and file.

-- The Nation 2011-12-17

[moe666]

The red shirts will find that there day is done, they served there purpose no need to keep them around. Embracing the military well the army isn't going anywhere any time soon as they are a powerful part of the government unlike the red shirts.

Good luck too you red shirts you will need all you can get from the Buddha

[Moruya]

The "other" paper says the man arrested was a red shirt guard.

[AleG]

The "other" paper says the man arrested was a red shirt guard.

Really? Wow, I haven't been so surprised since... I walked out this morning and noticed the sky is blue, blue! can you imagine?

[princejohnjay]

Yeah the nation trying to twist their cheap propaganda on all the bomb scares issues to the red shirts. Yellows and their allies are saints. We hear ya AVUDH PANANANDA and The Nation.

[sparebox2]

I wonder why the bomber are caught so easy.

On TV, that guy look harmless.

And the way Chalerm pat him, as though they are friends, doing an act.

Edited December 17, 2011 by sparebox2

[OzMick]

"........... all key leaders in the red-shirt movement are advocates of a peaceful struggle..........."

Got to be the joke of the week!

[mrtoad]

I wonder why the bomber are caught so easy.

On TV, that guy look harmless.

And the way Chalerm pat him, as though they are friends, doing an act.

Yeah, probably a paid for scapegoat.

This Government disgusts me more and more everyday.

[webfact]

Fake bomb placed at Bangkhen train station; police believe it's attempt to stir up unrest /TANN

[Oberkommando]

Here we go again...

[whybother]

Yeah the nation trying to twist their cheap propaganda on all the bomb scares issues to the red shirts. Yellows and their allies are saints. We hear ya AVUDH PANANANDA and The Nation.

When have the yellows or their allies been involved in any bombings?

[princejohnjay]

Yeah the nation trying to twist their cheap propaganda on all the bomb scares issues to the red shirts. Yellows and their allies are saints. We hear ya AVUDH PANANANDA and The Nation.

When have the yellows or their allies been involved in any bombings?

why would they? they are all saints...aren't they? They have never been involved in any violent act too...they fight for democracy and equitable rights for all Thais.

[whybother]

Yeah the nation trying to twist their cheap propaganda on all the bomb scares issues to the red shirts. Yellows and their allies are saints. We hear ya AVUDH PANANANDA and The Nation.

When have the yellows or their allies been involved in any bombings?

why would they? they are all saints...aren't they? They have never been involved in any violent act too...they fight for democracy and equitable rights for all Thais.

So the yellow shirts and their allies haven't been involved in any bombings then?

[phiphidon]

However, the burning question here is, why did Chalerm try to link the Rajdamnoen scare to his government's opponents when the bomb found was assembled in a manner very similar to those linked to red-shirt supporters and found in connection with the rallies last year?

Both Chalerm and the police chief chose not to mention that the bombs found were similar to those linked to last year's political disturbances.

Even though all key leaders in the red-shirt movement are advocates of a peaceful struggle, last year's bombing incidents took place in connection with their rallies.

OK, Avudh, we get the idea, in your mind all the bomb incidents last year were down to the Red Shirts.

And then you say this

Yet past politically motivated bomb scares have proved to come from friends rather than foes.

Seeing that the Democrats were in power at the time of said "incidents" this implies you are pointing the finger at them - the theory, incidentally, that some (not all, obviously) were planted by supporters/backers of said party is not completely without merit. It provides an excuse, for example, to enact the state of emergency - how many "incidents" were reported in the months leading up to that act, 30,40? How many were solved?

Compounded by your last statement,

All past political bomb incidents have faded away without being solved.

What are you saying here, Whats good for the goose is good for the gander?

[renaissanc]

Channel 3 have reported that the man is a disgruntled former Red Guard. If true, this will be a black eye for Chalerm and Thaksin.

[EvilDrSomkid]

The red shirts will find that there day is done, they served there purpose no need to keep them around. Embracing the military well the army isn't going anywhere any time soon as they are a powerful part of the government unlike the red shirts.

Good luck too you red shirts you will need all you can get from the Buddha

Regarding your first sentence, agreed.

Regarding second sentence, not really. The Army is a completely separate entity from the government.

If not in law, then in fact. They regard themselves as above the law.

By the way, please read my sig regarding proper use of there and their. Big difference and people do care. :jap:

[sparebox2]

Channel 3 have reported that the man is a disgruntled former Red Guard. If true, this will be a black eye for Chalerm and Thaksin.

Most of the paid Red guards, and proffesional paid guards doing it for a living. Most also served as a paid Yellow guards.

They are only doing a decent job as career, regardless of colors.

Off topic: Remember the SMS Ah Gong? He was in both Yellow & Red protest. I guess he was only there are the free food and music, and not for the color politics.

Edited December 17, 2011 by sparebox2

[mrtoad]

Channel 3 have reported that the man is a disgruntled former Red Guard. If true, this will be a black eye for Chalerm and Thaksin.

Not really most of them have now served the purpose of the Dear Leader and are dispensable.

[princejohnjay]

Yeah the nation trying to twist their cheap propaganda on all the bomb scares issues to the red shirts. Yellows and their allies are saints. We hear ya AVUDH PANANANDA and The Nation.

When have the yellows or their allies been involved in any bombings?

why would they? they are all saints...aren't they? They have never been involved in any violent act too...they fight for democracy and equitable rights for all Thais.

So the yellow shirts and their allies haven't been involved in any bombings then?

Why don't you ask yourself??

[phiphidon]

Yeah the nation trying to twist their cheap propaganda on all the bomb scares issues to the red shirts. Yellows and their allies are saints. We hear ya AVUDH PANANANDA and The Nation.

When have the yellows or their allies been involved in any bombings?

Well, there's this one,

http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=6709

Forensic results confirm cause of death in car bombing

BANGKOK, Oct 9 (TNA) - Forensic experts at Bangkok's Ramathibodi Hospital announced Thursday that DNA test results on the remains of the body found in Tuesday's car bombing confirmed that the victim died from the bombing and not before.

.........DNA investigation results of the body of the man, indicated that he died in the explosion near the Chart Thai party office

According the DNA test, the victim was identified as Pol. Lt-Col. Methee Chartmontri and that he died of the muscle injuries and burns from the bomb explosion.

Who was Pol. Lt.Col Methee Chartmontri? Basically he was a retired Policeman from Buriram who was a staunch PAD Supporter and Security Guard, and according to Sondhi, a Hero...............

http://thainewsrepor...-postponed.html

."We just learned about Angkhana and Methee's cremations and we don't want the rally [at police headquarters] to overshadow these very important events. We want the ceremonies to be the grandest," Mr Sondhi said.

"We want today and tomorrow to be the biggest days for our late heroine and hero. Their funerals are far more important than the massive rally at police headquarters," he added.

Incidentally, Khun Abhisit made a point of going to the "late Hero's" funeral. Of course that was when he was friendly with the PAD.

[h90]

Yeah the nation trying to twist their cheap propaganda on all the bomb scares issues to the red shirts. Yellows and their allies are saints. We hear ya AVUDH PANANANDA and The Nation.

When have the yellows or their allies been involved in any bombings?

why would they? they are all saints...aren't they? They have never been involved in any violent act too...they fight for democracy and equitable rights for all Thais.

In compare with the red shirts they are saints.

[h90]

Channel 3 have reported that the man is a disgruntled former Red Guard. If true, this will be a black eye for Chalerm and Thaksin.

Why a black eye?

Who should care?

[h90]

Channel 3 have reported that the man is a disgruntled former Red Guard. If true, this will be a black eye for Chalerm and Thaksin.

Most of the paid Red guards, and proffesional paid guards doing it for a living. Most also served as a paid Yellow guards.

They are only doing a decent job as career, regardless of colors.

Off topic: Remember the SMS Ah Gong? He was in both Yellow & Red protest. I guess he was only there are the free food and music, and not for the color politics.

I know several of the yellow guards and 1 red guards: Total different people....and hard core supporter.

[Derifo]

Yeah the nation trying to twist their cheap propaganda on all the bomb scares issues to the red shirts. Yellows and their allies are saints. We hear ya AVUDH PANANANDA and The Nation.

When have the yellows or their allies been involved in any bombings?

why would they? they are all saints...aren't they? They have never been involved in any violent act too...they fight for democracy and equitable rights for all Thais.

I really would like to know exactly when the yellows or their allies have been involved in any bombings. please do tell.

[nurofiend]

Yeah the nation trying to twist their cheap propaganda on all the bomb scares issues to the red shirts. Yellows and their allies are saints. We hear ya AVUDH PANANANDA and The Nation.

When have the yellows or their allies been involved in any bombings?

why would they? they are all saints...aren't they? They have never been involved in any violent act too...they fight for democracy and equitable rights for all Thais.

In compare with the red shirts they are saints.

neither are saints, both have their rogue elements and their militant guards.

[AleG]

Yeah the nation trying to twist their cheap propaganda on all the bomb scares issues to the red shirts. Yellows and their allies are saints. We hear ya AVUDH PANANANDA and The Nation.

When have the yellows or their allies been involved in any bombings?

why would they? they are all saints...aren't they? They have never been involved in any violent act too...they fight for democracy and equitable rights for all Thais.

I really would like to know exactly when the yellows or their allies have been involved in any bombings. please do tell.

And, if I may intercede, if they did how that would justify or render irrelevant that the Red Shirts carried bomb attacks.

I tired of the "but the Yellow Shirts...!", if something is wrong its wrong, period; if you need to find an alleged wrong doing by the people you hate to justify your team doing the same or worse then you (not you Derifo, but the generic Red Shirt apologist) are morally bankrupt and are only interested in finding whatever fig leaf to cover it.

[phiphidon]

Yeah the nation trying to twist their cheap propaganda on all the bomb scares issues to the red shirts. Yellows and their allies are saints. We hear ya AVUDH PANANANDA and The Nation.

When have the yellows or their allies been involved in any bombings?

why would they? they are all saints...aren't they? They have never been involved in any violent act too...they fight for democracy and equitable rights for all Thais.

I really would like to know exactly when the yellows or their allies have been involved in any bombings. please do tell.

See Post #20

[jaiyen]

Why is it that Chalerm says that somebody with the a certain initial is responsible. Is he too scared to say their name ? Or is this just more Thai BS ? I presume if they dont say a name they cant be sued for libel or defamation. Which raises another point, can anybody tell me that of the hundreds of people that have been supposedly sued for libel( As reported in the newspaper ) have any of them gone to court and been successful ? I remember that TS was always saying he would sue for libel any time anybody said something bad about him. Thai politicians cant handle the truth !!

[Tanaka]

I wonder why the bomber are caught so easy.

On TV, that guy look harmless.

And the way Chalerm pat him, as though they are friends, doing an act.

They are. It is just a media show to show the citizens that their government is actually doing something.

[wxyz]

"Both Chalerm and the police chief chose not to mention that the bombs found were similar to those linked to last year's political disturbances."

oops, lol

hahaha

the red shirts should be happy, they already are wearing Christmas red, just need to add a splash of green.