Thai Police Fire Tear Gas At Political Protest

[blazes]

Sometimes I don't know if I'm too stupid to understand this government's actions, or the government's stupidity is just beyond my imagination.

Well, maybe you are indeed too stupid....were you not here in 2008 when a mere 10,000 managed to close down the airport of a major world city for a whole week or more?

[ramrod711]

The problem with instigating violence is it always attracts those who want a fight. As the old saying goes, if you go looking for trouble, trouble will find you. Looks like the police have orders to start trouble

looks like Pitak Siam have orders to start trouble taking down barricades and trying to drive in no go area.

Totally unlike the reds who spent 2 months erecting barricades, collecting tires and gasoline. How would you like it if they threatened to burn a fuel tanker in the streets, or blow up fuel storage tanks at the airport. Maybe they could attempt to blow up one of the main electric towers that supply Bangkok. You have, either a very short memory or an extremely twisted sense of justice.

[stoli]

It was very obvious by the actions of Yingluck that last few days that she was looking to make it a fight. I can understand wanting to use your available police forces in as few access points to the site as possible to better control the situation, but then again, they already had 500 police there to block the 50 protesters. Let the protesters at least have access to the site, listen to the speeches, and then move on. Al Jeseera showed it to be a party atmosphere inside the event. Why create trouble on the outside fringes? Hope it ends well.

[Docno]

Yes but if they sit there peaceful (or somewhere else where the police decide to block them), they can sit there the next 100 years trying not to provoke the police and nothing will happen (beside a M79 from time to time).

Actually I don't know how to peacefully force the government out. I also don't know how to forcefully force them out.

Recall when the PAD took over government house and 2 airports it did not impress the government....they just wanted to move to Chang Mai.

It's called free and fair elections. It's called waiting your turn and submitting yourself to the will of the people through a democratic process.

It's NOT about calling for a coup and a 5 year freeze on democratic rule, as Gen Boonlert has done as head of Pitak Siam...

[asiawatcher]

Fascism, pure fascism.

When the police disperse protesters it is fascism and when the army disperses the democratically elected government (again) what is that called?

Its called thai politics,

When a fugitive criminal on the run finances protest and political party (vote buying) with the aim to run the country from afar while pillaging the the countrys koffers ...what is that called?

well said.

[Cheesekraft]

teargassing seems like a reasonable response given how wildly out of control they get when they get left alone. I would rather not see bangkok up in flames again.

[blazes]

What a change in behavior from the police in 2010. When it was the red shirts 'protesting', they allowed them to bring in weapons, fuel, bombs, and tires every day for weeks. They were allowed to set up barricades, build fortifications, and plant explosives in nearby building, all without interference from the police. Here they are shooting tear gas the first hour of the protest.

So...you would prefer today's police to allow the importation of "weapons, fuel, bombs"? That would be equality of sorts, I guess. Not much progress though.

[coma]

The protesters removed police barriers and then tried to drive a truck, converted to a mobile stage, through a line of police in an attempt to get to an area which had been declared out of bounds.

I am having trouble finding the source of this truck/mobile stage information, please share this source.

If you can speak Thai then listen to the Thai news.

[Docno]

Ridiculous. This does not sound like a protest. Sounds like they have a higher agenda. More immaturity from Thailand. Unfortunately, police are probably warranted in use of force from the sound of things and probably will have to use a lot more force to keep mob mentality in check.

This situation us even more irrational and immature than Israel Gaza. If they don't like Yingluck, they need to wait until next election and not storm the streets.

Yes, the Pitak Siam leader has apparently, in the past, called for an overthrow of the current government and a five year freeze on the democratic process. Is it any wonder that the authorities are concerned about the ultimate goals and agenda of today's protests? And they have a pretty clear precedent to go by...

[DocN]

So ...okay...here is my question: do ANY of you actually KNOW, what is going on?

Are you on the sights? Do you know, which buildings or roads are blocked?

Do you KNOW, how people can get to the demonstration -site and IF the police is actually really trying to keep people from there?

Or are you just guessing and babbeling your usual non-sense about fascism, without even knowing what that means?

Could it ...I mean could it just be, that some hardline protesters actually tried to brake barricades and that police acted, because that is what they are there for?

Possible?

No?

Edited November 24, 2012 by DocN

[jbrain]

There were reports of cameramen's equipment seized by police.

suppression of the news.... not a positive sign

.

Intimidation of the media.......Hmmm, which previous government resorted to the same tactics ?

Hint : That government leader is still intimidating people.

[farang000999]

Fascism, pure fascism.

When the police disperse protesters it is fascism and when the army disperses the democratically elected government (again) what is that called?

Its called thai politics,

When a fugitive criminal on the run finances protest and political party (vote buying) with the aim to run the country from afar while pillaging the the countrys koffers ...what is that called?

why not prove in a court of law this alleged theft? do you just want a dictatorship?

[webfact]

Confrontation at Makkawan Rangsan Bridge continues

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Some 500 protesters still confronted police at the Makkawan Rangsan Bridge at 10:40 am Saturday, trying to break through the police barricades to join the rally at the Royal Plaza.

Police used a sound truck to urge the protesters to make a detour to join the rally site via either the road in front of Benjama Bophit Temple or in front of the First Infantry Division.

Gen Kittisak Ratprasert, a protest leader tried to lead the protesters to the direction of the temple, but some of the demonstrators insisted they would march straight on through the police lines.

-- The Nation 2012-11- 24

[asiawatcher]

The problem with instigating violence is it always attracts those who want a fight. As the old saying goes, if you go looking for trouble, trouble will find you. Looks like the police have orders to start trouble

looks like Pitak Siam have orders to start trouble taking down barricades and trying to drive in no go area.

Totally unlike the reds who spent 2 months erecting barricades, collecting tires and gasoline. How would you like it if they threatened to burn a fuel tanker in the streets, or blow up fuel storage tanks at the airport. Maybe they could attempt to blow up one of the main electric towers that supply Bangkok. You have, either a very short memory or an extremely twisted sense of justice.

Correct - many of the pro PTP bloggers here have selective memory and still think this govt was elected by 'democratic' process. Vote buying, handouts, sale of forward contracts on primary and secondary industry, nepotism in the extreme - but yes, PTP is a democratically elected govt at the hands of an exiled convicted narcissistic dictator who is pissed off the country seized USD1.9BN of 'his questionable' wealth, hell bent on revenge.

[FOODLOVER]

The governments escalation will backfire. They should have allowed the peaceful protest instead they confront. Shameful tactics by Yingluck.

[pattayadingo]

Looks like they are thinking the best defense is to attack.

Notice the Red Neck Scarfs on these Police.

Click to enlarge.

Yeah and another group has yellow scarfs, another blue, another green. Ignorance is bliss.

You beat me to it

Most likely colour coded by sections and nothing wrong in that.

[BeforeTigers]

As a matter of principle- all things being equal- I would take a corrupt elected government over a junta every time.

[monkfish]

The protest is very close to Parliament and Government house http://bit.ly/TZO7pl

So needs to be contained!

Edited November 24, 2012 by monkfish

[farang000999]

Correct - many of the pro PTP bloggers here have selective memory and still think this govt was elected by 'democratic' process. Vote buying, handouts, sale of forward contracts on primary and secondary industry, nepotism in the extreme - but yes, PTP is a democratically elected govt at the hands of an exiled convicted narcissistic dictator who is pissed off the country seized USD1.9BN of 'his questionable' wealth, hell bent on revenge.

No other political parties engage in vote buying.

The Election Commission yesterday disqualified the Democrats' Samut Prakan MP-elect Soracha Weerachart-wattana for vote-buying.

[Robbie Dye]

Then on Wednesday wash away all the bad stuff with a few Krathongs and it never happened, did it ?

[jbrain]

One thing I am certain of today - not to believe any news reports from the Authorities

From the OP - Blocking their way to what ? the protest site ?

Is this what this disgraceful government is going to do, block protesters from reaching the site and inflame the situation, I thought this would have been peaceful today but now I think the tactic is for the police to stir the trouble - coming from Charlerm it sounds about right

It seems the NO GO area basically surrounds the protest site? So how on earth can they reach the site? This is surely inflaming the situation, as you state? The govt simply does not want the protest to proceed; stupidly thinking protesters will pack up and go home.

Absolute rubbish. There are still two entrances where the police are carrying out orderly and peaceful checks. Stop flaming. The protesters tried to drive a truck through a police line

Why have so few entrances????? This will just drag out the protest and cause more clashes.

Answer : to provoke the protesters

[MrSlatersParrot]

I've just heard that 120 have been arrested at Makassan bridge?! and the police say some were armed with guns and knives.

I don't know if this has yet been reported here.

So it seems their intentions were to seize the bridge?

Peaceful demonstration I think NOT.

[catmac]

Fascism, pure fascism.

When the police disperse protesters it is fascism and when the army disperses the democratically elected government (again) what is that called?

Its called thai politics,

When a fugitive criminal on the run finances protest and political party (vote buying) with the aim to run the country from afar while pillaging the the countrys koffers ...what is that called?

The fantasy land, where the supporters of the party that was humiliated at the last election dream up all sorts of silly, childish conspiracy theories. That's why I call them the "Kindergarten Kids", maybe they should grow up and accept the will of the people as expressed in the last General Election.

Edited November 24, 2012 by catmac

[webfact]

Tensions flare at political rally in Bangkok

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK, Nov 24, 2012 (AFP) - Thai police fired tear gas as tensions flared at an anti-government protest Saturday in the capital Bangkok, the scene of several outbreaks of violent unrest in recent years.

Thousands of police have been deployed for the rally, organised by the royalist group Pitak Siam, which wants Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's government to step down.

The authorities expect tens of thousands of people to attend the demonstration, the first major street protest against Yingluck's 16-month-old administration.

Police estimated that about 10,000 protesters were gathered by about 9:00 am at the Royal Plaza in the city's historic district.

"In the name of Pitak Siam and its allies I promise that we will topple this government," the movement's head, retired general Boonlert Kaewprasit, told demonstrators from the rally stage.

Police fired 10 tear gas canisters at a group of protesters who removed barbed wire and barriers blocking their route in front of a UN building close to the main rally site, police said.

"Tear gas was used in one area because protesters did not comply with the rules," said national police spokesman Major General Piya Uthayo.

Three people, including one police officer, were taken to hospital because of the effects of the tear gas, while several others received first aid at the site, according to the city's Erawan emergency centre.

The authorities said they would allow the rally to go ahead at the Royal Plaza so long as protesters gathered peacefully.

Yingluck on Thursday voiced fears the protesters aimed to use violence and to "overthrow an elected government and democratic rule", in a televised address to the nation.

The government has invoked a special security law, the Internal Security Act (ISA), in three districts of the capital to cope with possible unrest.

"We will evaluate the situation daily and if it escalates we are ready to invoke emergency rule, but so far I think the ISA will be sufficient," Thai police chief General Adul Sangsingkaew said on national television.

Politically turbulent Thailand has been rocked by a series of sometimes violent rival street protests in recent years, although an uneasy calm has returned after national elections in 2011.

Two months of mass opposition protests in 2010 by "Red Shirt" supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra sparked a deadly military crackdown that left about 90 people dead and nearly 1,900 wounded.

Thaksin's sister Yingluck is now prime minister after his political allies won a landslide election victory last year.

Thaksin, who made billions as a telecoms tycoon, is adored by many poor Thais for his populist policies while in power, but reviled by many in elite, military and palace circles who see him as authoritarian and a threat to the monarchy.

"This government ignores widespread disrespect of the monarchy and even supports the perpetrators. It is a puppet of Thaksin," Pitak Siam spokesman Vachara Riddhagni told AFP ahead of the demo.

Observers say prosecutions for insulting the monarchy have surged since royalist generals toppled Thaksin in a coup in 2006. Many of those targeted are linked to the Red Shirt movement.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-11-24

[chinthai]

Where did you get the information about driving a truck through a police line?

in TV News.

5 police injured, 2 seriously

[shawndoc]

Confrontation at Makkawan Rangsan Bridge continues

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Some 500 protesters still confronted police at the Makkawan Rangsan Bridge at 10:40 am Saturday, trying to break through the police barricades to join the rally at the Royal Plaza.

Police used a sound truck to urge the protesters to make a detour to join the rally site via either the road in front of Benjama Bophit Temple or in front of the First Infantry Division.

Gen Kittisak Ratprasert, a protest leader tried to lead the protesters to the direction of the temple, but some of the demonstrators insisted they would march straight on through the police lines.

-- The Nation 2012-11- 24

Quoting this, because its very relevant. The police aren't preventing them from getting to the protest site, merely blocking one particular route.

[FOODLOVER]

The cops were overcome by their own tear gas and taken to hospital. That i do find humorous. Upwind me thinks!

Edited November 24, 2012 by FOODLOVER

[Moruya]

As a matter of principle- all things being equal- I would take a corrupt elected government over a junta every time.

Does that include a police junta backed up by an army of red thugs?

[geriatrickid]

Interesting that The BIB are pro active. Don't doubt that the fake upholders of democracy will crush this protest, by any means possible, can't have people speaking out against The DL and his puppet government.

yes but unfortunately that is totally the wrong way to handle this situation, if this continues it will degrade rapidly into a huge civil disorder mess, these people have the right to protest they are doing nothing wrong, if they are not allowed to exercise their rights that is very dangerous

How is it an exercise of their rights if the demonstrators wish to dismantle a barricade intended to protect the UN building? If they are unable to peacefully "demonstrate" then what do you expect?

[MrSlatersParrot]

Fascism, pure fascism.

When the police disperse protesters it is fascism and when the army disperses the democratically elected government (again) what is that called?

Its called thai politics,

When a fugitive criminal on the run finances protest and political party (vote buying) with the aim to run the country from afar while pillaging the the countrys koffers ...what is that called?

The fantasy land, where the supporters of the party that was humiliated at the last election dream up all sorts of silly, childish conspiracy theories. That's why I call them the "Kindergarten Kids", maybe they should grow up and accept the will of the people as axpressed in the last General Election.

11:03 the Nation

Police have arrested 132 protesters gathering at Makawanrangsan Bridge after firing tear gas at them. Four protesters were reportedly injured from the tear gas.

The Nation.