A S T V Loses Signal After Soldiers' Protest: Bangkok

[webfact]

ASTV loses signal after soldiers' protest

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The ASTV satellite television station lost its broadcast signal for more than an hour yesterday evening, reportedly due to technical problems.

However, people are starting to get suspicious because the problems reportedly began just hours after more than 50 soldiers showed up at the headquarters of the ASTV newspaper demanding that it stop using rude words against Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha.

"Abusive words used against the Army chief have hurt our feelings. He is at the heart of the Royal Thai Army," Master Sergeant First Class Anuchit Sinlapawatee said yesterday. "If the ASTV newspaper does not stop using verbal abuse, we will consider further action." Anuchit works in a psychological operation unit of the 1st Army Area.

ASTV host Kamonporn Romthongkham heard the soldiers' complaint yesterday.

ASTV outlets are under the control of Sondhi Limthongkul, a co-leader of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Meanwhile, the Army's deputy chief, General Dapong Rattanasuwan, called on the soldiers to be patient and not react carelessly. Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Prayuth had told his subordinates to be calm and refrain from violating any laws.

-- The Nation 2013-01-12

[siampolee]

"Abusive words used against the Army chief have hurt our feelings. He is at the heart of the Royal Thai Army," Master Sergeant First Class Anuchit Sinlapawatee said yesterday. "If the ASTV newspaper does not stop using verbal abuse, we will consider further action." Anuchit works in a psychological operation unit of the 1st Army Area.

Dammed good job that Master Sergeant First Class Anuchit Sinlapawatee isn't in a front line fighting unit, all the rude words that are uttered in an engagement scenario would indeed soon have him dispirited and defeated.due to his hurt feelings.

Master Sergeant First Class Anuchit Sinlapawatee works in a psychological operation unit of the 1st Army Area, One cannot really say the fellow is actually challenged in his sphere of operations can one ? Take about 5 minutes to turn him, indeed in a battle of wits I would say the fellow is unarmed.

Interesting to see that sections of the military are meddling in civilian matters again irrespective of what political hue that civilian group may espouse.Perhaps alarm bells should start ringing vis a vis a coup or increased civil disorder under the guise of protecting the brass and a select family who wield self serving political influence..

Edited January 12, 2013 by siampolee

[Thai at Heart]

Amazing. Saying something is enough to get the army to rally.

What about following orders, discipline, rank, order. Who the hell allowed these idiots to do this? Are these men soldiers?

Call them soldiers, protesting like this they are acting like *******

I am not going to say anything, cuz they might come visit me. What a bunch of *******

[dcutman]

"Abusive words used against the Army chief have hurt our feelings. He is at the heart of the Royal Thai Army," Master Sergeant First Class Anuchit Sinlapawatee said yesterday.

AWWWW.

Here is an ice cream cone and your favorite blanky, make you feel better. Tomorrow we get to go to the Cambodian border and kill illegal loggers, yaaaa!

[jayboy]

Although I am opposed to ASTV for a wide variety of reasons it would be completely hypocritical not to give my full and unreserved support now in the face of this harassment by soldiers and the scarcely veiled threats they have made against the station. Let me spell it out. It is neither here nor there that some feelings were hurt. All soldiers who joined this protest should be disciplined because the army is meant to be non political. It does not matter that ASTV stands for all I see as negative in Thai politics. On this occasion I am entirely on its side

[Thai at Heart]

Although I am opposed to ASTV for a wide variety of reasons it would be completely hypocritical not to give my full and unreserved support now in the face of this harrassment by soldiers and the scarcely veiled threats they have made against the station.Let me spell it out.It is neither here nor there that some feelings were hurt.All soldiers who joined this protest should be disciplined because the army is meant to be non political.It does not matter that ASTV stands for all I see as negative in Thai politics.On this occasion I am entirely on its side

Its a childish insult, but the army brings it on itself through history of getting involved.

However, soldiers cannot visit places and protest. That is it, period. All of those who attended this childish protest should be kicked out.

[OzMick]

join the army, hand in your rights as a citizen because you have become a mindless killing machine.

Why is it that the sight of a green uniform drives some people to vent their bile and bias? Not that long ago the same citizens were working their butt off in horrible conditions to help flood victims. Now that the floods have subsided they are vilified for holding a peaceful unarmed protest against insults from a pack of ultra-nationalist warmongers aimed at a leader they respect.

[Thai at Heart]

join the army, hand in your rights as a citizen because you have become a mindless killing machine.

Why is it that the sight of a green uniform drives some people to vent their bile and bias? Not that long ago the same citizens were working their butt off in horrible conditions to help flood victims. Now that the floods have subsided they are vilified for holding a peaceful unarmed protest against insults from a pack of ultra-nationalist warmongers aimed at a leader they respect.

Its amazing how freely these petty insults are thrown around and the level of offence they appear to cause isn't it.

what a mindset.

[jayboy]

join the army, hand in your rights as a citizen because you have become a mindless killing machine.

Why is it that the sight of a green uniform drives some people to vent their bile and bias? Not that long ago the same citizens were working their butt off in horrible conditions to help flood victims. Now that the floods have subsided they are vilified for holding a peaceful unarmed protest against insults from a pack of ultra-nationalist warmongers aimed at a leader they respect.

Strange how apologists for the army's abuses always refer to the flooding relief effort - as though their misdemeanours should be forgiven for doing their job.

Strange how the usual suspects once so protective of ASTV and the PAD ideas are now talking about a pack of ultra nationalist warmongers

Strange that there seems not the slightest conception that a gang of soldiers harrassing a TV station - with the threat of "further action" - may not be consistent with the army's role.(Try that act on in Beijing, Tokyo, Washington or London and the culprits would be peeling potatoes in an instant)

However I'm not here to make political points, simpply express my solidarity with ASTV.

[OzMick]

join the army, hand in your rights as a citizen because you have become a mindless killing machine.

Why is it that the sight of a green uniform drives some people to vent their bile and bias? Not that long ago the same citizens were working their butt off in horrible conditions to help flood victims. Now that the floods have subsided they are vilified for holding a peaceful unarmed protest against insults from a pack of ultra-nationalist warmongers aimed at a leader they respect.

Its amazing how freely these petty insults are thrown around and the level of offence they appear to cause isn't it.

what a mindset.

Really. Please explain why they have lost the right to protest.

[OzMick]

join the army, hand in your rights as a citizen because you have become a mindless killing machine.

Why is it that the sight of a green uniform drives some people to vent their bile and bias? Not that long ago the same citizens were working their butt off in horrible conditions to help flood victims. Now that the floods have subsided they are vilified for holding a peaceful unarmed protest against insults from a pack of ultra-nationalist warmongers aimed at a leader they respect.

Strange how apologists for the army's abuses always refer to the flooding relief effort - as though their misdemeanours should be forgiven for doing their job.

Strange how the usual suspects once so protective of ASTV and the PAD ideas are now talking about a pack of ultra nationalist warmongers

Strange that there seems not the slightest conception that a gang of soldiers harrassing a TV station - with the threat of "further action" - may not be consistent with the army's role.(Try that act on in Beijing, Tokyo, Washington or London and the culprits would be peeling potatoes in an instant)

However I'm not here to make political points, simpply express my solidarity with ASTV.

It's not strange, it is the nature of the beast to belittle others' efforts when they are no longer needed. That you would be the first is no surprise. Those who relied on their help are fortunately not so ungracious or ungrateful.

[Thai at Heart]

join the army, hand in your rights as a citizen because you have become a mindless killing machine.

Why is it that the sight of a green uniform drives some people to vent their bile and bias? Not that long ago the same citizens were working their butt off in horrible conditions to help flood victims. Now that the floods have subsided they are vilified for holding a peaceful unarmed protest against insults from a pack of ultra-nationalist warmongers aimed at a leader they respect.

Its amazing how freely these petty insults are thrown around and the level of offence they appear to cause isn't it.

what a mindset.

Really. Please explain why they have lost the right to protest.

Intimidating a TV station as odious as it might be, for a political statement? so soldiers are free to put on uniform, leave their jobs and do this?

I thought normally, soldiers followed orders. What are they protesting? To protect the honour of their chief? What an example of discipline. Hope Thailand never gets the bomb and someone says someone is too chicken to use it.

Did anyone ever ask the boss if he felt offended?

Great. Soldiers taking it personally and acting on their personal grievance. Listening to prachas views on the Temple issue, he us trying very hard to stay out of it, so bravo these pillocks for taking the bait.

Edited January 12, 2013 by Thai at Heart

[pedro01]

They called Prayuth "a woman on her period".

Seriously, I think the small demonstration in support of their boss was fine & to be expected.

Good lads.

[Thai at Heart]

They called Prayuth "a woman on her period".

Seriously, I think the small demonstration in support of their boss was fine & to be expected.

Good lads.

What do they have to call him for then to bring out the tanks?

[OzMick]

join the army, hand in your rights as a citizen because you have become a mindless killing machine.

Why is it that the sight of a green uniform drives some people to vent their bile and bias? Not that long ago the same citizens were working their butt off in horrible conditions to help flood victims. Now that the floods have subsided they are vilified for holding a peaceful unarmed protest against insults from a pack of ultra-nationalist warmongers aimed at a leader they respect.

Its amazing how freely these petty insults are thrown around and the level of offence they appear to cause isn't it.

what a mindset.

Really. Please explain why they have lost the right to protest.

Intimidating a TV station as odious as it might be, for a political statement? so soldiers are free to put on uniform, leave their jobs and do this?

I thought normally, soldiers followed orders. What are they protesting? To protect the honour of their chief? What an example of discipline. Hope Thailand never gets the bomb and someone says someone is too chicken to use it.

Did anyone ever ask the boss if he felt offended?

Great. Soldiers taking it personally and acting on their personal grievance. Listening to prachas views on the Temple issue, he us trying very hard to stay out of it, so bravo these pillocks for taking the bait.

For Prayuth to comment would be politicising his position. Non-commissioned officers and ordinary soldiers have no such constraint, and still have the right of citizens to peaceful political protest.

If you ever put on a uniform yourself, you might realise that although you may be required to work 24/7 and beyond all normal OHS protection, you are allowed free time if requested. OTOH simply walking off your duty is a serious offence (unless you are related to Chalerm) but their is no evidence this has happened.

[Thai at Heart]

Soldiers shouldn't get dragged into this type of petty rubbish. Ordinarily, uniformed soldiers aren't allowed to make this type of protest arbitrarily are they? Would you be allowed time off to go and complain or protest at a tv station?

Ironically, the reds should go round to ASTV, to defend the army. Lol

Edited January 12, 2013 by Thai at Heart

[jayboy]

join the army, hand in your rights as a citizen because you have become a mindless killing machine.

Why is it that the sight of a green uniform drives some people to vent their bile and bias? Not that long ago the same citizens were working their butt off in horrible conditions to help flood victims. Now that the floods have subsided they are vilified for holding a peaceful unarmed protest against insults from a pack of ultra-nationalist warmongers aimed at a leader they respect.

Strange how apologists for the army's abuses always refer to the flooding relief effort - as though their misdemeanours should be forgiven for doing their job.

Strange how the usual suspects once so protective of ASTV and the PAD ideas are now talking about a pack of ultra nationalist warmongers

Strange that there seems not the slightest conception that a gang of soldiers harrassing a TV station - with the threat of "further action" - may not be consistent with the army's role.(Try that act on in Beijing, Tokyo, Washington or London and the culprits would be peeling potatoes in an instant)

However I'm not here to make political points, simpply express my solidarity with ASTV.

It's not strange, it is the nature of the beast to belittle others' efforts when they are no longer needed. That you would be the first is no surprise. Those who relied on their help are fortunately not so ungracious or ungrateful.

Nice try (though childishly transparent) at side tracking the issue.Getting back to the ostensible "cause" of the protest (and setting aside ASTV's silly insult of General Prayuth), the senior generals apparently object to ASTV's rejection of any negative ruling by ICJ on Preah Vihar.If so and looking for a silver lining, this is indeed progress in terms of recognition of international law.Question is will the usual suspects follow logic for a change and adopt the lead of the generals they invariably kowtow to ? Or will they remain in their fantasy lala land and continure to argue the dispute is all about Thaksin's interests in off shore drilling?

Edited January 12, 2013 by jayboy

[OzMick]

Soldiers shouldn't get dragged into this type of petty rubbish. Ordinarily, uniformed soldiers aren't allowed to make this type of protest arbitrarily are they? Would you be allowed time off to go and complain or protest at a tv station?

Ironically, the reds should go round to ASTV, to defend the army. Lol

Soldiers shouldn't get dragged into this type of petty rubbish..........because it offends you.

Ordinarily, uniformed soldiers aren't allowed to make this type of protest arbitrarily are they? When you hear, or much more likely don't, that disciplinary charges are being applied, you will know the rules for the RTA. As very senior NCOs are involved, and those men tend to be very much aware of the rules and regulations, IMHO you are blowing hot air to support your bias.

[OzMick]

join the army, hand in your rights as a citizen because you have become a mindless killing machine.

Why is it that the sight of a green uniform drives some people to vent their bile and bias? Not that long ago the same citizens were working their butt off in horrible conditions to help flood victims. Now that the floods have subsided they are vilified for holding a peaceful unarmed protest against insults from a pack of ultra-nationalist warmongers aimed at a leader they respect.

Strange how apologists for the army's abuses always refer to the flooding relief effort - as though their misdemeanours should be forgiven for doing their job.

Strange how the usual suspects once so protective of ASTV and the PAD ideas are now talking about a pack of ultra nationalist warmongers

Strange that there seems not the slightest conception that a gang of soldiers harrassing a TV station - with the threat of "further action" - may not be consistent with the army's role.(Try that act on in Beijing, Tokyo, Washington or London and the culprits would be peeling potatoes in an instant)

However I'm not here to make political points, simpply express my solidarity with ASTV.

It's not strange, it is the nature of the beast to belittle others' efforts when they are no longer needed. That you would be the first is no surprise. Those who relied on their help are fortunately not so ungracious or ungrateful.

Nice try (though childishly transparent) at side tracking the issue.Getting back to the ostensible "cause" of the protest (and setting aside ASTV's silly insult of General Prayuth), the senior generals apparently object to ASTV's rejection of any negative ruling by ICJ on Preah Vihar.If so and looking for a silver lining, this is indeed progress in terms of recognition of international law.Question is will the usual suspects follow logic for a change and adopt the lead of the generals they invariably kowtow to ? Or will they remain in their fantasy lala land and continure to argue the dispute is all about Thaksin's interests in off shore drilling?

I find it strange when others don't fit your labels and preconceived concepts, it is they who are wrong and not you. The thread is about soldiers protesting an insult to their leader, not the ICJ, a temple or Thaksin.

Edited January 12, 2013 by OzMick

[DocN]

As much as I despise ASTV (and most of the rest of Thailands media outlets), it is called "freedom of speech".

If the general feels offended, he can always address ASTV directly!

Some soldiers feeling offended on his behalf, threatening the media with "further actions"? <deleted>?

...oh...and...didn't we just have a discussion about what soldiers are to do in their past -time? In uniform? Not attending rallies?

Pitak Siam ring a bell, anyone?

Oh and by the way: if they have nothing better to do, than this BS...

One more thing: being a "woman on her period" is an INSULT??? A sexist remark by ASTV, and an even more sexist reaction by the army...why am I not surprised!

Edited January 12, 2013 by DocN

[Payboy]

Suing the press seems soooo 2012, now.

[Nowhereman60]

Amazing. Say ing something is enough to get the army to rally.

What about following orders, discipline, rank, order. Who the hell allowed these idiots to do this? Are these men soldiers?

Call them soldiers, protesting like this they are acting like *******

I am not going to say anything, cuz they might come visit me. What a bunch of *******

It's not OK for them to protest but it's ok for the Generals to stage a coup. I smell alot of yellow skirts here.

[siampolee]

Remember though that although one does or may have political beliefs in say the U.K., (I use the U.K. as I was subject to such constrains and rightfully so too in my view) and many other nations too, you do not in fact you cannot go around airing your political beliefs whilst wearing your uniform. The same rule applies to serving police officers in the U.K. .No politicking even the putting up of a poster on your own property urging people to vote for a particular political party or person(s) is a no, no.

The same ruling guideline applies to teachers who were and I presume still are under an oblgation to teach via social studies the asorted political dogma's however they (the teachers) are barred from urging their students to vote for a particular person (s) or party.

You in the U.K and other nations too I am sure once you put on the uniform and swear your oath to Quen or President and your country and you must accept that your overt political views are not allowed..

Edited January 12, 2013 by siampolee

[jayboy]

I find it strange when others don't fit your labels and preconceived concepts, it is they who are wrong and not you. The thread is about soldiers protesting an insult to their leader, not the ICJ, a temple or Thaksin.

You would very much like to keep the underlying causes and relevant background out of it, I know.Most people I suspect would ask what prompted the insult (a silly one as I previously agreed).Anyway discussion on all that can be left for another time.Coming back to the soldiers protest you have studiously avoided addressing the unvarnished truth that gatherings of this kind by soldiers in uniform are intolerable.A secondary point is that soldiers are subject to a chain of command, so that if these misguided lower ranks are not disciplined then more senior officers are also implicated.By "disciplined" I'm not suggesting anything harsh given that it's Thailand and taming the army is work in progress.In other words a talking to and lecture on civic responsibility - that sort of thing is what's needed.The problem is that generals have set such a poor example in the past that it's perhaps not too surprising that the lower ranks are confused about the army's role in society.

Edited January 12, 2013 by jayboy

[OzMick]

As much as I despise ASTV (and most of the rest of Thailands media outlets), it is called "freedom of speech".

If the general feels offended, he can always address ASTV directly!

Some soldiers feeling offended on his behalf, threatening the media with "further actions"? <deleted>?

...oh...and...didn't we just have a discussion about what soldiers are to do in their past -time? In uniform? Not attending rallies?

Pitak Siam ring a bell, anyone?

Oh and by the way: if they have nothing better to do, than this BS...

One more thing: being a "woman on her period" is an INSULT??? A sexist remark by ASTV, and an even more sexist reaction by the army...why am I not surprised!

If you sufficient Thai language skills, walk out on to the street and tell the first adult Thai male that you encounter that he is a woman on her period. Let us know where to send flowers.

My Thai teacher told me the worst insult I could use, guaranteed to provoke a fight. It translates loosely to "you look like my wife".

[Thai at Heart]

Soldiers shouldn't get dragged into this type of petty rubbish. Ordinarily, uniformed soldiers aren't allowed to make this type of protest arbitrarily are they? Would you be allowed time off to go and complain or protest at a tv station?

Ironically, the reds should go round to ASTV, to defend the army. Lol

Soldiers shouldn't get dragged into this type of petty rubbish..........because it offends you.

Ordinarily, uniformed soldiers aren't allowed to make this type of protest arbitrarily are they? When you hear, or much more likely don't, that disciplinary charges are being applied, you will know the rules for the RTA. As very senior NCOs are involved, and those men tend to be very much aware of the rules and regulations, IMHO you are blowing hot air to support your bias.

I am not anti or biased. I don't love astv one bit. Just find it odd to see army personnel protesting at a tv station in uniform.

[DocN]

As much as I despise ASTV (and most of the rest of Thailands media outlets), it is called "freedom of speech".

If the general feels offended, he can always address ASTV directly!

Some soldiers feeling offended on his behalf, threatening the media with "further actions"? <deleted>?

...oh...and...didn't we just have a discussion about what soldiers are to do in their past -time? In uniform? Not attending rallies?

Pitak Siam ring a bell, anyone?

Oh and by the way: if they have nothing better to do, than this BS...

One more thing: being a "woman on her period" is an INSULT??? A sexist remark by ASTV, and an even more sexist reaction by the army...why am I not surprised!

If you sufficient Thai language skills, walk out on to the street and tell the first adult Thai male that you encounter that he is a woman on her period. Let us know where to send flowers.

My Thai teacher told me the worst insult I could use, guaranteed to provoke a fight. It translates loosely to "you look like my wife".

Yeah...and? That doesn't make it sexist?

[OzMick]

I find it strange when others don't fit your labels and preconceived concepts, it is they who are wrong and not you. The thread is about soldiers protesting an insult to their leader, not the ICJ, a temple or Thaksin.

You would very much like to keep the underlying causes and relevant background out of it, I know.Most people I suspect would ask what prompted the insult (a silly one as I previously agreede).Anyway discussion on all that can be left for another time.Coming back to the soldiers protest you have studiously avoided addressing the unvarnished truth that gatherings of this kind by soldiers in uniform are intolerable.A secondary point is that soldiers are subject to a chain of command, so that if these misguided lower ranks are not disciplined then more senior officers are also implicated.By "disciplined" I'm not suggesting anything harsh, a taking to and lecture in civic responsibility -that sort of thing.The problem is that generals have set such a poor example in the past that it's perhaps not too surprising that the lower ranks are confused about the army's role in society.

The only person you agreed with was yourself, as usual. To a Thai, this is a serious insult based on their male-dominated culture.

If this kind of protest is intolerable then it will be covered by RTA regulations, otherwise it is intolerable to you because of your anti-military bias, again not unusual in the ivory tower academia set.

I still have seen no response to why non-commissioned military ranks lose their right to protest against insults levelled at their service. This is not political, on their part at least.

BTW chain of command does NOT stop soldiers thinking, having feelings and being offended. Try to grasp the concept of off-duty.

[OzMick]

As much as I despise ASTV (and most of the rest of Thailands media outlets), it is called "freedom of speech".

If the general feels offended, he can always address ASTV directly!

Some soldiers feeling offended on his behalf, threatening the media with "further actions"? <deleted>?

...oh...and...didn't we just have a discussion about what soldiers are to do in their past -time? In uniform? Not attending rallies?

Pitak Siam ring a bell, anyone?

Oh and by the way: if they have nothing better to do, than this BS...

One more thing: being a "woman on her period" is an INSULT??? A sexist remark by ASTV, and an even more sexist reaction by the army...why am I not surprised!

If you sufficient Thai language skills, walk out on to the street and tell the first adult Thai male that you encounter that he is a woman on her period. Let us know where to send flowers.

My Thai teacher told me the worst insult I could use, guaranteed to provoke a fight. It translates loosely to "you look like my wife".

Yeah...and? That doesn't make it sexist?

Of course it's sexist, like Thai culture. It's also an INSULT which is what you denied. Did you try it on a Thai?

[OzMick]

Soldiers shouldn't get dragged into this type of petty rubbish. Ordinarily, uniformed soldiers aren't allowed to make this type of protest arbitrarily are they? Would you be allowed time off to go and complain or protest at a tv station?

Ironically, the reds should go round to ASTV, to defend the army. Lol

Soldiers shouldn't get dragged into this type of petty rubbish..........because it offends you.

Ordinarily, uniformed soldiers aren't allowed to make this type of protest arbitrarily are they? When you hear, or much more likely don't, that disciplinary charges are being applied, you will know the rules for the RTA. As very senior NCOs are involved, and those men tend to be very much aware of the rules and regulations, IMHO you are blowing hot air to support your bias.

I am not anti or biased. I don't love astv one bit. Just find it odd to see army personnel protesting at a tv station in uniform.

Find it odd like many things here, then get over it.