Hardliner Put In Place To Flex His Muscles At Protesters: Bangkok

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Hardliner put in place to flex his muscles at protesters

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- When members of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the multicoloured shirts managed to stop parliamentarians from attending the House debate on the reconciliation bill, the metropolitan police chiefs ended up getting punished.

Metropolitan Police Commander Winai Thongsong and his deputy Wichai Sangprapai were moved to inactive posts at the National Police Bureau for 30 days to pave the way for hardliner Kamronwit Thoupkrachang.

The move is only meant to last until the end of this month, but officers in the inner circle believe the two police officers have no chance of getting their old jobs back. Handling political protests can be difficult for police commanders. Harsh measures can end up with their positions being purged and them having to face severe legal consequences. Many senior police officers were prosecuted for their action against the PAD protest on October 7, 2008, when crowds blocked Parliament to prevent then-premier Somchai Wongsawat's Cabinet from making its policy statement. Two protesters were killed and many others injured in clashes with anti-riot police.

It is believed that Winai himself did not want to be in charge when things got tough. Therefore, his removal was really a blessing in disguise because it saved him from facing the music if something undesirable happened.

Winai is related to Pojaman na Pombejra, the ex-wife of fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Apparently, the Shinawatra clan wanted to see Winai as national police chief after Priewpan Damapong retired.

Priewpan, who is Pojaman's older brother, also wants to bring his service to a smooth end without having to face legal problems after retirement. The police chief will retire at the end of October.

Moving Winai might also prove to be good for Thaksin, because it is believed that the officer was quite independent and never listened to the former PM or his associates, notably Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung.

During an earlier reshuffle in the police ranks, Winai chose his own men instead of including those favoured by Thaksin and Chalerm. Neither Chalerm nor Thaksin were able to do anything to Winai due to his relations with Pojaman. Now, with him gone, Thaksin can choose who he wants to serve him.

This probably explains why Chalerm overlooked Winai and handed the job of controlling the PAD protesters up to police commissioner's adviser, Worapong Chiewpreecha, who allegedly has good relations with Kamronwit. It is possible that Kamronwit might become Metropolitan Police commander as a reward if he can serve Thaksin well in handling the ongoing protest.

Kamronwit was seen as Chalerm's "robocop", who is capable of terminating everything to achieve his goals. He made his name during the war on drugs under Thaksin's administration and the suppression of insurgents in the deep South when he was Narathiwat police commander. This officer is clearly being used to scare those who want to campaign against the reconciliation law.

Democrat MP Ong-art Klampaiboon and multicoloured-shirt leader Dr Tul Sitthisomwong have been calling on the police to not use violence against protesters.

"Kamronwit is a hawkish cop who tends to use violence against protesters. It's too dangerous to give him the job," Ong-art said, urging the national police chief to clearly instruct officers not to use violence against the protesters.

At the moment though, it looks like Kamronwit is using psychological tactics. After taking over, he ordered anti-riot police to conduct exercises every day in preparation for a face-off with the protesters.

Matters in the political ring are heating up as Thaksin and the ruling Pheu Thai Party are raring to push through the reconciliation and charter amendment bills, while the protesters and the opposition are all out to block them. Perhaps, Kamrowit will use this as an excuse to exercise his prowess.

-- The Nation 2012-06-07

[Buchholz]

Many senior police officers were prosecuted for their action against the PAD protest on October 7, 2008, when crowds blocked Parliament to prevent then-premier Somchai Wongsawat's Cabinet from making its policy statement. Two protesters were killed and many others injured in clashes with anti-riot police.

So the senior police were prosecuted, but what happened to Thaksin's brother-in-law's charges? And Chavalit's charges?

Former Prime Minister Somchai Charged With Criminal Misconduct

http://www.thaivisa....nal-misconduct/

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has resolved to file charges against former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, ex-deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Royal Thai Police Commissioner-General Patcharawat Wongsuwan and four other senior police officers over the violent dispersal of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters on Oct 7 last year.

[Woodcaulk]

Just in case anyone was wondering why the country has so many people with mutated chromosomes .....the incest is rampant and starts with those at the top of the political heap.

[Kilgore Trout]

For some reason, quote function won't work:

"It is believed that Winai himself did not want to be in charge when things got tough"

It seemst there are two types of leaders in this country; those described above and those who, at the slightest provocation will go balistic ape sh#t and just beat and/or kill everybody.

[wanttobuyacondo]

Thailand will disappear in destruction due to the reds.

Mai penrai as so long awaited Thaksinland will raise from the ashes.

[carra]

Many senior police officers were prosecuted for their action against the PAD protest on October 7, 2008, when crowds blocked Parliament to prevent then-premier Somchai Wongsawat's Cabinet from making its policy statement. Two protesters were killed and many others injured in clashes with anti-riot police.

So the senior police were prosecuted, but what happened to Thaksin's brother-in-law's charges? And Chavalit's charges?

Former Prime Minister Somchai Charged With Criminal Misconduct

http://www.thaivisa....nal-misconduct/

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has resolved to file charges against former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, ex-deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Royal Thai Police Commissioner-General Patcharawat Wongsuwan and four other senior police officers over the violent dispersal of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters on Oct 7 last year.

So based on this logic Abhisit and Suthep should be charged over the deaths at the hands of the military in 2010?

[ThaiOats]

Many senior police officers were prosecuted for their action against the PAD protest on October 7, 2008, when crowds blocked Parliament to prevent then-premier Somchai Wongsawat's Cabinet from making its policy statement. Two protesters were killed and many others injured in clashes with anti-riot police.

So the senior police were prosecuted, but what happened to Thaksin's brother-in-law's charges? And Chavalit's charges?

Former Prime Minister Somchai Charged With Criminal Misconduct

http://www.thaivisa....nal-misconduct/

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has resolved to file charges against former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, ex-deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Royal Thai Police Commissioner-General Patcharawat Wongsuwan and four other senior police officers over the violent dispersal of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters on Oct 7 last year.

So based on this logic Abhisit and Suthep should be charged over the deaths at the hands of the military in 2010?

That depends. Were the yellow-shirts burning down buildings and lobbing grenades? I also believe Abhisit and Suthep said they wouldn't invoke their MP status if charges were found as long as the 'other guy' is willing to take responsibility too.

[carra]

That depends. Were the yellow-shirts burning down buildings and lobbing grenades? I also believe Abhisit and Suthep said they wouldn't invoke their MP status if charges were found as long as the 'other guy' is willing to take responsibility too.

Were all the red shirts that were shot burning down building and lobbing grenades? can you see my point? maybe the yellows that died were not involved in the violence, but the same can be said of many of the reds that died, and lets not even start comparing numbers as you will be on a loser right away, not even all those that died were red shirts, there were medical staff, reporters etc etc etc.

I guess you are one of these that thinks the yellows were peaceful in their protest despite the shootings, beatings, car bombs etc etc etc.

as for suthep and abhsiit, lets hope they keep that promise when the time comes, its all just bluster, they are terrified of Thaksin coming back so will say anything to try and prevent this.

[LuckyLew]

Sounds promising, a person with violent tendancies

being put in a position where he might get a chance

to use force.

Guess he does not really care, if he can get rid of

protestors thru any means and help get the free Thaksin

bill thru parliament, he will surely be looked at as a hero

and will get a big fat envelop and a free ride

[nurofiend]

Why assume this is only targeted at one group?

exactly... that one question just blows the whole insinuation of this article out of the water.

the police are just gonna let the red shirts do as they please are they?!

[Buchholz]

as for suthep and abhsiit, lets hope they keep that promise when the time comes

No need for them to worry.... not with the precedence set by their predecessors Somchai, Chavalit, and Thaksin never facing their charges.

.

[kimamey]

Many senior police officers were prosecuted for their action against the PAD protest on October 7, 2008, when crowds blocked Parliament to prevent then-premier Somchai Wongsawat's Cabinet from making its policy statement. Two protesters were killed and many others injured in clashes with anti-riot police.

So the senior police were prosecuted, but what happened to Thaksin's brother-in-law's charges? And Chavalit's charges?

Former Prime Minister Somchai Charged With Criminal Misconduct

http://www.thaivisa....nal-misconduct/

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has resolved to file charges against former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, ex-deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Royal Thai Police Commissioner-General Patcharawat Wongsuwan and four other senior police officers over the violent dispersal of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters on Oct 7 last year.

So based on this logic Abhisit and Suthep should be charged over the deaths at the hands of the military in 2010?

If there is sound evidence against them, yes. But Thaksin is using all the other cases and this one to try and get past his own. It may be the case of course that the evidence against Abhisit and Suthep (who incidentally I don't think much of) is just not there. I wonder if the red shirts realise that if he gets his way nobody will be held responsible for the deaths in 2010? I'm sure a little while ago some of them where complaining that justice was too slow coming.

[OzMick]

Why assume this is only targeted at one group?

exactly... that one question just blows the whole insinuation of this article out of the water.

the police are just gonna let the red shirts do as they please are they?!

Why would a police officer reportedly deep in Thaksin's pocket order his men to disperse his boss' private militia?

[nurofiend]

Why assume this is only targeted at one group?

exactly... that one question just blows the whole insinuation of this article out of the water.

the police are just gonna let the red shirts do as they please are they?!

Why would a police officer reportedly deep in Thaksin's pocket order his men to disperse his boss' private militia?

so you think the police will leave the red shirts alone.

i'm not going to argue because it will be pointless but i 100% disagree with that.

[WhizBang]

Hardliner put in place to flex his muscles at protesters

Any bets that he will not be flexing any muscle against the red shirts.

[Thai at Heart]

When was the last time anyone saw a "muscular" Thai policeman?

Wiry, rotund, yes, but muscular?

[moe666]

Will the police deal with the red Shirts. Time will tell.

[MunterHunter]

Will the police deal with the red Shirts. Time will tell.

And that time might be as soon as today/tomorrow...

[Buchholz]

Why assume this is only targeted at one group?

exactly... that one question just blows the whole insinuation of this article out of the water.

the police are just gonna let the red shirts do as they please are they?!

seems to be so far today... it's a good opportunity to see how the "Hardliner" police respond...

Red shirts to rally outside parliament

BANGKOK: -- The red shirts have changed their plan to stage an overnight rally in protest against the judges of the Constitution Court and will instead gather today in front of Parliament.

The stage activities and the rally will go on until midnight today.

Red-shirt guards occupied the area around Parliament yesterday in preparation for the protests.

Red-shirt leader Korkaew Pikulthong, a Pheu Thai MP, said about 100 of the party's MPs have signed a petition for the impeachment of the Constitution Court judges. Nonthaburi MP Apiwan Wiriyachai, also a red-shirt leader, was the first to sign.

Yesterday afternoon, the red-shirt guards erected tents for protesters to spend the night in.

They also set up stalls for vendors.

[OzMick]

Red shirt guards occupy area, get busy. Very organised.

Which begs the question, who is paying for this?

Is "red shirt guard" a full-time paid occupation? At what pay rate?

[Buchholz]

The red shirts have on Thursday's morning started rallying at Parliament aimed at impeaching the Constitution Court judges.

Police expect the crowds to surge to about 5,000 later in the day and about four companies of policemen have been deployed to keep peace.

The rally speakers are to address the crowds in the afternoon.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Red-shirts-start-rallying-at-Parliament-30183668.html

[Buchholz]

Red shirts to rally outside Parliament

Red-shirt guards occupied the area around Parliament yesterday in preparation for the protests.

Yesterday afternoon, the red-shirt guards erected tents for protesters to spend the night in.

Police expect the crowds to surge to about 5,000 later in the day and about four companies of policemen have been deployed

such a very appropriate setting in which to celebrate the anniversary...

Thai Parliament celebrates 80th anniversary

BANGKOK, 7 June 2012 (NNT) – The Secretariat of the House of Representatives is holding an exhibition on the 80th year anniversary of Thai Parliament.

Senate Speaker Teeradej Meepien presided over the opening ceremony of the 80th anniversary of Thai Parliament exhibition, under the theme “looking at Thai Parliament through national achieves”.

The exhibition gives information on democracy and the parliamentary system in Thailand through documents and achieves.

Visitors will understand the roles and authority of Parliament.

The event takes place at the Parliament from June 6th- July 4th.

-- Tan Network 2012-06-07

Edited June 7, 2012 by Buchholz

[otherstuff1957]

I haven't been keeping track of the various teams... Did the Yellows already leave the area around the Parliament building or are they still there?

[Yunla]

More muscle-flexing might be necessary but before the red-mist descends once again and people die, take a moment to remember how recently there were no mobs on the streets, no talk of intel agencies or police muscle, no sonic cannons, and only peripheral talk of the crimes committed in the past.

Before the red mist of bloodletting begins, it should be remembered that all these problems seen now are due to Yingluck and PTP trying to push through an Absolution Bill to null the legal conviction against her brother, the dangerous fleeing criminal Thaksin Shinawatra. If Yingluck and PTP (and delivery-boy) had not brought these bills into the arena, the country would be chugging along peacefully and Yingluck could have got on with her electoral policy mandate of improving the lives of Thailand's poorest. Sadly she did not do that but instead tried to force through bills that she claims to have never even read, bills which resulted in the current crisis.

Would be nice if people will remember to blame the PTP which seeks to implement these bills forcefully at high speed, for any chaos and future bloodshed caused by these bills. No Absolution Bill equals no problem.

Edited June 7, 2012 by Yunla

[Moruya]

Why assume this is only targeted at one group?

exactly... that one question just blows the whole insinuation of this article out of the water.

the police are just gonna let the red shirts do as they please are they?!

Why would a police officer reportedly deep in Thaksin's pocket order his men to disperse his boss' private militia?

Quite!

It remains to be seen how this will play out and if both sides are treated equally,

Any violence and the RTA could step in

[animatic]

Any bets on if he is significantly MORE hardline against Yellows than Reds?

[animatic]

Why assume this is only targeted at one group?

exactly... that one question just blows the whole insinuation of this article out of the water.

the police are just gonna let the red shirts do as they please are they?!

Why would a police officer reportedly deep in Thaksin's pocket order his men to disperse his boss' private militia?

so you think the police will leave the red shirts alone.

i'm not going to argue because it will be pointless but i 100% disagree with that.

Not alone, but they will appear to act and feign ineffectuality against them. It's a charade of course.

Or don't you think Thai Police follow the money as much or more than all others?

[hellodolly]

More muscle-flexing might be necessary but before the red-mist descends once again and people die, take a moment to remember how recently there were no mobs on the streets, no talk of intel agencies or police muscle, no sonic cannons, and only peripheral talk of the crimes committed in the past.

Before the red mist of bloodletting begins, it should be remembered that all these problems seen now are due to Yingluck and PTP trying to push through an Absolution Bill to null the legal conviction against her brother, the dangerous fleeing criminal Thaksin Shinawatra. If Yingluck and PTP (and delivery-boy) had not brought these bills into the arena, the country would be chugging along peacefully and Yingluck could have got on with her electoral policy mandate of improving the lives of Thailand's poorest. Sadly she did not do that but instead tried to force through bills that she claims to have never even read, bills which resulted in the current crisis.

Would be nice if people will remember to blame the PTP which seeks to implement these bills forcefully at high speed, for any chaos and future bloodshed caused by these bills. No Absolution Bill equals no problem.

Spot on

Yingluck can not be bothered they have offered her a Photo op handing out 115 of the 9,000000 pads she promised to get elected.

I hope she dosen't try to give them out to the schools she is withholding electricity from.

[Thai at Heart]

More muscle-flexing might be necessary but before the red-mist descends once again and people die, take a moment to remember how recently there were no mobs on the streets, no talk of intel agencies or police muscle, no sonic cannons, and only peripheral talk of the crimes committed in the past.

Before the red mist of bloodletting begins, it should be remembered that all these problems seen now are due to Yingluck and PTP trying to push through an Absolution Bill to null the legal conviction against her brother, the dangerous fleeing criminal Thaksin Shinawatra. If Yingluck and PTP (and delivery-boy) had not brought these bills into the arena, the country would be chugging along peacefully and Yingluck could have got on with her electoral policy mandate of improving the lives of Thailand's poorest. Sadly she did not do that but instead tried to force through bills that she claims to have never even read, bills which resulted in the current crisis.

Would be nice if people will remember to blame the PTP which seeks to implement these bills forcefully at high speed, for any chaos and future bloodshed caused by these bills. No Absolution Bill equals no problem.

The very nub of the problem is that the courts can't remove the appearance of chasing an agenda, and that issue goes way back beyond Yingluck and trying to push through a bill. We all know what Yingluck/Thaksin's agenda is, and many court decisions for many years have been shown apparently to go this way or that depending on circumstance and necessity.

The system has made a huge rod for its own back by swaying this way and that for many many years. This is only different because Thaksin has the finance and the will to fight back that we have the problems we have today. God knows what interpretations of what laws they are coming up with to try to fight this bill. I can imagine that one way or another, the bill will get passed, and then we all better hold onto our hats, because there are only a couple of possible of outcomes, none very good for the immediate stability of the country.

I swear they should just carbon copy a legal/constitutional system from somewhere else in the world and only allow modifications by referendum requiring 75% (maybe more) majority. Problem is, that by the time they "thaiify" it, it will be unrecognisable because over time, all sides of the political spectrum have benefited by setting up the legal/checks and balances system the way it appears to be here.

[MEL1]

Prepare for the first steps forward to the next civil war! Embrace, stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, and stay indoors if you are a farang!

Endure fair favoured rage behind the scenes, or be scolded in attendance.

-mel.