Bangkok On Rally Alert

[webfact]

Bangkok on rally alert

The Nation

Hundreds of crowd-control police are assembled outside Government House yesterday for a drill, as part of the preparation for today

BANGKOK: -- Provincial authorities told to prevent Pitak Siam supporters from reaching capital; Police chief expects 50,000 people to attend; says protest might be prolonged

Bangkok is bracing for the biggest anti-government protest of the Yingluck Shinawatra era.

The government and provincial authorities appeared to be employing various means to prevent people from the provinces and Bangkok residents from joining today's rally at the Royal Plaza.

Amid warnings of violence and the possible use of force by police, many police checkpoints have been set up along the main roads that lead to Bangkok.

Provincial governors have been instructed by the government to attempt to discourage people under their administration from joining the protest, which is being organised by the Pitak Siam group.

Phang-nga Governor Thamrong Charoenkul said yesterday that he had received an order from the government to keep an eye on local supporters of the anti-government movement. He said the local authorities attempted to persuade those people not to join the Bangkok rally, adding that checkpoints were set up in all districts of the southern province.

The governor said he expected fewer than 100 people from Phang-nga to take part in today's rally in Bangkok.

Retired Lt-General Nanthadej Meksawat, one of the rally organisers, said yesterday that prospective protesters from the provinces had been blocked from leaving their villages.

"Governors and district chiefs in every province were told to block as many prospective protesters as possible. The order was passed down to the village heads," he said.

He added that because of those efforts, he expected the number of protesters to be lower than expected.

Nanthadej said fellow protest organisers would try to persuade the Pitak Siam leader, retired General Boonlert Kaewprasit, not to call off the protest too early. He expected many protesters to arrive at the rally site late in the afternoon and in the evening, mainly because of the large-scale blockade efforts.

Protest organisers yesterday evening began setting up the main stage at the Royal Plaza. A large amount of food and other facilities, such as temporary toilets, were set up at the site.

Despite dismal predictions by some organisers of a low turnout, the national police chief expected some 50,000 people to join the rally.

click HERE for large image

National Police Commissioner General Adul Saengsingkaeo, who now heads the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order, said he believed the number of anti-government demonstrators in Bangkok would stand at around 50,000 and that the rally might be prolonged.

He warned that police would use tear gas if the protesters attempted to enter off-limits areas.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Maj-General Khamronwit Thoopkrajang said officers were well trained and would not harm people even in the event that they needed to clear demonstrators out of any area.

Police roadblocks were set up along main provincial roads leading to Bangkok, including those in Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani.

The police began their large mobilisation in Bangkok on Thursday - shortly after the Cabinet decided to impose the Internal Security Act (ISA) - and their efforts were blamed for worse-than-normal traffic congestion in the city. Several hundred more police were transported into the capital yesterday from provinces such as Ang Thong and Sing Buri.

The red shirts, who form a major source of support for the Pheu Thai-led government, gathered in their home provinces - mostly in the North and Northeast - yesterday and threatened to come to Bangkok if the situation escalated. They would wait for instructions from the red shirt leaders at the movement's headquarters at Imperial Lat Phrao department store.

Prime Minister Yingluck's house in the Lat Phrao area was yesterday guarded by a large police presence from different units.

An extra bulletproof sport-utility vehicle was added to the PM's motorcade, to be used as a spare in addition to her bulletproof van, a Government House source said.

The prime minister cancelled her scheduled appearance at a function in the Klong Toei community today.

Meanwhile, Chinnapat Bhumirat, secretary-general of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec), yesterday said it was up to school directors to decide whether to close schools located near the protest site. As many as 15 secondary schools in the three districts in which the ISA is effective ended classes at noon yesterday.

Businesspeople and economists said they did not expect the protest to have a serious impact on the economy, but warned that the situation should be closely monitored. Tourism operators reported no booking cancellations.

-- The Nation 2012-11- 24

[webfact]

Traffic police to keep a close eye on rally

Supinda Na Mahachai,

Patinya Iamtan

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Traffic Police Division says it will keep a close eye on today's anti-government protest to determine whether more roads should be closed. For instance, an extended march by demonstrators might force police to take extra measures.

At present, roads surrounding the Royal Plaza and Government House have been closed. Routes affected are Pichai Road between Khattiyanee and U-Thong Nai intersections; Rajavithi Road from Karn Ruen to Rajavithi Intersection; U-Thong Nai Road from U-Thong Nai Intersection to Royal Plaza; Rajdamnoen Nok Avenue from Makkawan Rangsan Bridge to Misakawan Intersection; Phitsanulok Road (Wang Daeng to Panitchayakarn Intersection); and Luk Luang Road.

Deputy National Police Commissioner General Worapong Chiewpreecha said key roads such as Phitsanulok were blocked to stop demonstrators from getting too close to important government offices.

When the political divide began in 2008, yellow-shirt protesters laid siege to Suvarnabhumi Airport and Government House. After that, by the Asean summit in Pattaya was brought to an abrupt end by red-shirt demonstrators in 2009.

Worapong said policemen had also been stationed at the corners of Wat Benjamabophit or the Marble Temple and checkpoints would be set up at several spots across the city.

"We have heard that someone might try to stir things up," he said.

Meanwhile, Sing Buri police chief Maj-General Kosol Buaprasert said his unit had already sent two companies of officers to help control the situation. "We will send another company of police if necessary," he said.

Traffic Police Division commander Maj-General Piya Tawichai said random checks would be conducted on protesters heading to the rally site to see if anybody was armed.

The government put Dusit, Phra Nakhon and Pom Prab districts under the Internal Security Act on Thursday in preparation of the Pitak Siam rally.

Up to 15 secondary schools in these districts ended their classes at noon yesterday.

Chinnapat Bhumirat, secretary-general of the Office of Basic Education Commission, said yesterday that it was up to school directors to decide whether their institutions should be closed.

Deputy Education Minister Sermsak Pongpanich said that if schools were closed, they would have to provide extra classes to ensure that children's studies are not affected.

Boontham Pimpaporn, director of Rajavinit Mathayom School, said he was monitoring the situation.

"If there is any risk to students' safety, we will close the school on Monday too," he said, adding that students would be informed via mobile-phone text messages.

-- The Nation 2012-11- 24

[tominbkk]

Blocking people from joining a democratic protest makes the current administration look weak and cowardly.

[webfact]

related topic:

Police check trucks, vans heading into Bangkok

Kwanhatai Malaikarn,

Anuparp Nakkham

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police manned checkpoints along all major roads leading to Bangkok yesterday ahead of a major anti-government rally scheduled for today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....g-into-bangkok/

[Roadman]

Blocking people from joining a democratic protest makes the current administration look weak and cowardly.

Thaksin / Shinawatra policy at its best. The key point is the extent of "discouragement at checkpoints". This is only one small step from the public. The key is when the criminals in power come to charter rewrite on the one democratic power outside of the Army that holds them and the Shinwatra populist brought and paid for dynasty in check...that of judicial appointment. Thats when the crap will hit the fan for Thailand....and of course that the fugitive criminal should also be facing additional charges to those still waiting on top of his current two years porridge in Thailand for the attack he led on Bangkok in 2010. Today should be fine as long as the Reds and the UDD mobsters are not the front face for "discouragement".

Edited "here" removed. All of us for now and that is pleasing.

Edited November 23, 2012 by Roadman

[culicine]

Blocking people from joining a democratic protest makes the current administration look weak and cowardly.

Ans I assume they will also block red shirts travelling from the provinces too.....can't have any double standards after all!

[BeforeTigers]

Police are attempting to deny people their right to demonstrate disapproval of their "elected" government.

Glad to see they can appreciate irony.

You've got a long, long way to go, Thailand.

[ratcatcher]

They need to protect what they have to hide.

Visible government paranoia.

A massive show of force against what will probably amount to a weekend picnic.

[Bluespunk]

Typical PT hypocrisy. Do as we say, not as we do.

[Moruya]

What an awful government

[Songhua]

Blocking people from joining a democratic protest makes the current administration look weak and cowardly.

Ans I assume they will also block red shirts travelling from the provinces too.....can't have any double standards after all!

Wonder if 'third hand' members will be waved on through?

Hide the shirts in a box. Are you yellow? No. You may pass.

[fareastguy]

Prevented from leaving their villages in accordance with instructions given to their village heads, scrutinized at checkpoints by police located on major roads, then checked again before entering Bangkok.. but the "Reds" will have the freedom of movement to descend on Bangkok within moments should the need arise.

Democracy at it's lowest level.. more like a dictatorship in action.

[h90]

Blocking people from joining a democratic protest makes the current administration look weak and cowardly.

Ans I assume they will also block red shirts travelling from the provinces too.....can't have any double standards after all!

Wonder if 'third hand' members will be waved on through?

Hide the shirts in a box. Are you yellow? No. You may pass.

therefor they do searches.....

[h90]

Blocking people from joining a democratic protest makes the current administration look weak and cowardly.

Ans I assume they will also block red shirts travelling from the provinces too.....can't have any double standards after all!

why should they block their own staff?

The red shirts are owned by Thaksin......That isn't double standard....I guess the Red Shirts were originally planed to be a bit like the SA, but just it did work out well.

[Orac]

Prevented from leaving their villages in accordance with instructions given to their village heads, scrutinized at checkpoints by police located on major roads, then checked again before entering Bangkok.. but the "Reds" will have the freedom of movement to descend on Bangkok within moments should the need arise.

Democracy at it's lowest level.. more like a dictatorship in action.

The allegation that people are being prevented from leaving their villages is coming from one of the rally organisers who clearly has an interest in giving reasons for a potential low turnout and The Nation do not appear to have a government or official source on this despite comments from a provincial governor who only went as far as saying the government had instructed him to keep an eye on protestors. I am not saying it hasn't been said but I would also question anything someone like Jutaporn said without any corroboration as well.

[Buchholz]

Prevented from leaving their villages in accordance with instructions given to their village heads, scrutinized at checkpoints by police located on major roads, then checked again before entering Bangkok.. but the "Reds" will have the freedom of movement to descend on Bangkok within moments should the need arise.

Democracy at it's lowest level.. more like a dictatorship in action.

a provincial governor who only went as far as saying the government had instructed him to keep an eye on protestors.

The governor said a bit more...

OP:

He said the local authorities attempted to persuade those people not to join the Bangkok rally,

.

[nurofiend]

i wonder will they get the 1 million attendance? with such a charming line up of allies and with such an eloquent leader, i can't think why not.

guess it will be down to blocked roads, yeah that'll be why.

[Orac]

Prevented from leaving their villages in accordance with instructions given to their village heads, scrutinized at checkpoints by police located on major roads, then checked again before entering Bangkok.. but the "Reds" will have the freedom of movement to descend on Bangkok within moments should the need arise.

Democracy at it's lowest level.. more like a dictatorship in action.

a provincial governor who only went as far as saying the government had instructed him to keep an eye on protestors.

The governor said a bit more...

OP:

He said the local authorities attempted to persuade those people not to join the Bangkok rally,

.

There is a big difference between persuade and prevent. Also this line is attributed to local authorities and not the government which is odd given the position of the person making the quote.

[Orac]

i wonder will they get the 1 million attendance? with such a charming line up of allies and with such an eloquent leader, i can't think why not.

guess it will be down to blocked roads, yeah that'll be why.

I thought they were quoting 500,000 now and that the rally would be peaceful - I wonder what to beleive.

I hope they have provided enough toilets for that many people!

[Buchholz]

Prevented from leaving their villages in accordance with instructions given to their village heads, scrutinized at checkpoints by police located on major roads, then checked again before entering Bangkok.. but the "Reds" will have the freedom of movement to descend on Bangkok within moments should the need arise.

Democracy at it's lowest level.. more like a dictatorship in action.

a provincial governor who only went as far as saying the government had instructed him to keep an eye on protestors.

The governor said a bit more...

OP:

He said the local authorities attempted to persuade those people not to join the Bangkok rally,

.

There is a big difference between persuade and prevent.

Fully realize the difference. Just wanted to complete your quote.

.

[DocN]

What a bunch of nice allies! All for the good of Thailand...of course!

[stoli]

I just saw on Pattaya One TV that all roads leading out of Pattaya towards Bangkok will have police checkpoints 24/7 until Sunday evening. They showed the blockades checking each car passing through, and stopping vans & trucks to see inside. Going too far?

Edited November 24, 2012 by stoli

[Nickymaster]

Chalerm is wearing a red jacket. That basically sums up why this country is in such a mess.

[bigbamboo]

There really shouldn't be a problem here.

How often do you see the armed police outnumber the peaceful demonstrators?

[farangme]

Total ridiculousness. Let's just mobilize every cop in the country over this. Good time for mayhem back in the village.

Sent from my PC36100 using Thaivisa Connect App

[Baerboxer]

Police are attempting to deny people their right to demonstrate disapproval of their "elected" government.

Glad to see they can appreciate irony.

You've got a long, long way to go, Thailand.

Yep - an awful long way! Didn't notice the police doing anything to interfere with the illegal activities of the red shirts in 2010. Just vanished off the streets. But now apparently happy to stop legal peaceful protest in a democracy. Not a good sign for the future.

[Halion]

I think that from a fairly balanced and object analysis it would appear the the Government and their agents are acting in a manner to provoke rather than control.

The actions and rhetoric over the past 4 days have caused a severe esculation in cocern and most, if not all, is based on the comments, insinuations and the manipulation and distorsions from the rumour monger Chalerm and his band of brigands.

I feel that his actions are possibly two fold, one is to provoke the rally into reacting in a negative manner in order to discredit the protesters and their leadership and the other is to protract this event so that they can claim cause to delay the censure debate, based on perceived civil unrest.

Today or tomorrow this rally could turn ugly by nature of the Thai mentality and Chalerm knows this only too well.

The ability of the Thai's to go from DEFCON 5 to DEFCON 1 is well documented.

It is imperative that the rally organizers fully appreciate that they have to maintain a cool and calm disposition regardless of the incessant provocations and they have to let their supporters know that it is by way of their reactions that the success or failure of this demonstration will be judged.

I truly hope that the rally organizers do not stick their necks out to far and that the Government agencies take their heads out of their ass. If so this will be a first in Thailand.

[Unwisemonkey]

Obama leaves town and all hell breaks loose.

[Maseratimartin]

Good that all cops are in Bangkok...then they do not bother me outside!

This is all bullshitting around.

If the riots want they just need a few bottles of fuel and you will see how the nice dressed cops run....run for their life.

This is just fooling around...