Senator's car dealership set ablaze by insurgents

THE NATION

SOME 15 CARS, two motorcycles and a bicycle were badly damaged after a warehouse for a Honda showroom was set ablaze in Pattani early yesterday. Picture by Charoon Thongnual

15 cars destroyed, damage bill put at Bt20 million; senator 'not targeted'

PATTANI: -- A Honda car dealership was set ablaze in Pattani early yesterday, destroying 15 cars and doing about Bt20 million in damage.

Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha said the business became a target because insurgents were unable to attack well-secured government offices in the area.

"But we will not conclude that they have changed their tactics or targets," Yuthasak said, noting that the insurgents choose any vulnerable targets.

"The military and police have to take care of all in the area," he said.

The owner of the Honda showroom is Senator Anusart Suwanmongkol. He also owns the CS Pattani Hotel, which was partly damaged by a bomb attack on July 31. However, he said he didn't feel his businesses were being specifically targeted as many others have also been attacked.

Around 10 people wearing hoods stormed into the dealership at about 3am and forced the security guard to lay down on the floor. They then set fire to the cars.

It was a five-minute operation, but it took firefighters more than two hours to get the blaze under control. Fifteen cars were completely destroyed and two more partly damaged. A stereo was stolen from one car, a dealership official said.

"Violence is intensifying in the deep South, but I don't want to blame anything or anyone," Anusart said. "I don't think it is the result of the government's operational adjustments.

"But I urge Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, as the head of all agencies, including the Internal Security Operations Command and Southern Border Province Administration Centre, to take care of the safety of the people.

"We might have many agencies operating in the deep South, but all of them are under the prime minister. The government is then obligated to review the operations and set a new direction," he said.

Pattani deputy governor Lertkiat Wongphophan said the attack on the car showroom was a psychological-warfare tactic, aiming to spread fear. He has ordered security to be beefed up in other places that might be symbolic targets, such as Buddhist temples, schools, communities, as well as transport centres.

Violence has increased in the South since early 2004, claiming thousands of lives, mostly local Muslims. The government has struggled to contain the conflict. Harsh tactics by the military, appeasement by politicians, and a restructuring of operations on the ground have had little effect.

Yuthasak said he would soon call a meeting of the newly set up operations centre under his command and aim for improved intelligence and strengthened security.

-- The Nation 2012-08-23

Lucky for the insurgents that the senator wasn't there with his uzi to protect it.

Last year Hondas were under water,

this year they are burnt out.

What's in store for 2013?

Last year Hondas were under water,

this year they are burnt out.

What's in store for 2013?

Locusts

Last year Hondas were under water,

this year they are burnt out.

What's in store for 2013?

Locusts

Metal munching locusts!

Hahaha

Government forces besieged, insurgents control the streets.

Last year Hondas were under water,

this year they are burnt out.

What's in store for 2013?

Pitbulls!!!! Four snarling pit bulls savage a MINIVAN to try to reach terrified kitten inside

What, No Fire Sale!!!! Looks like those talks aren't going so well.!!!

TIT; a quick paint job and they will be back on the forecourt as 'new and unused' bargains.

yes TIT, but ^^ is hogwash

hope the senator was well insured

Another sad day for Thailand. What are those terrorists trying to achieve by killing, maiming, burning and destroying?

Another sad day for Thailand. What are those terrorists trying to achieve by killing, maiming, burning and destroying?

Publicity!!!

What, No Fire Sale!!!! Looks like those talks aren't going so well.!!!

nope... garage sale

I wonder if the security guard gets to keep his job?

first his hotel, now his dealership, next his family, ... but he is not targetted ...

forget the pay the men in brown ?

cctv should show wich bikes they used.

Last year Hondas were under water,

this year they are burnt out.

What's in store for 2013?

Locusts

Drought.

Edited August 23, 201213 yr by Skywalker69

Senator Anusart is a favorite of the <self censored> and was appointed by the military to write the 2007 Constitution... which allowed the military to appoint him to the Senate.

In any other part of Thailand, he would be untouchable. In Southern Thailand, he's just another statistic.

Edited August 23, 201213 yr by xkmasada

"

The owner of the Honda showroom is Senator Anusart Suwanmongkol. He also owns the CS Pattani Hotel"

Remind me not to go in to business with the Senator..

Insurgents my ass. He either owed someone money or he screwed someone in a business deal. Karma can be a bitch sometimes.

Another sad day for Thailand. What are those terrorists trying to achieve by killing, maiming, burning and destroying?

It looks like terrorists are getting more bold. It is time for Thailand to ask their Mid East friends help them to bring this to a close

All insured know doubt.

All insured know doubt.

You should see the size of the Thai Embassy they are building in Islamabad,Pakistan - maybe the Taliban will come dowm to Pattani and straighten the Terr's out??? NAAAAH!!!!

insurgents ate my homework

Edited August 23, 201213 yr by Puwa

Insurgents my ass. He either owed someone money or he screwed someone in a business deal. Karma can be a bitch sometimes.

Not really insurgent style is it. The insurgents down there are pretty ruthless, the guard would definitely have been whacked, and burning cars?? Most hardneck insurgents would be embarrassed by such actions. Why do something to 'show' the owner who is boss, when you 'know the owner will pick up a cheque for 20 million from the insurers! Seems a good way to wrap up a failing car business and get top money for your stock. Anyway, don't insurgents normally claim responsibility for such things, rather than having themselves labeled by others.

Last year Hondas were under water,

this year they are burnt out.

What's in store for 2013?

Well for my new Honda license plates would be nice.

Bangkok, Aug 16, 2012 (AFP) - Thailand said Thursday it was holding peace talks with some Muslim insurgent groups in its violence-wracked south

Aug 23 2012 - Thai Senators Car Dealership Set Ablaze By Insurgents

Well, that was quick.

Last year Hondas were under water,

this year they are burnt out.

What's in store for 2013?

more insurance fraud, land encroachment & other unsolved 'mysteries'

Is it safe to assume that Arthur Daley will not stand as a candidate at the next UK General Erection?

Senator Anusart is a favorite of the <self censored> and was appointed by the military to write the 2007 Constitution... which allowed the military to appoint him to the Senate.

In any other part of Thailand, he would be untouchable. In Southern Thailand, he's just another statistic.

Aside from anything it's interesting to know that the Thai senate is populated with such luminary people as this.

Hotelier and car dealer. And i thought the appointed side of the senate was if a slightly higher ilk.