Thai Police prepare for possible major protest or riots over amnesty bill

[webfact]

Police prepare for possible major protest or riots over amnesty bill
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police have staged three days of anti-riot drills, from Saturday till Monday, in anticipation for anti-government protests in coming days as when parliament will debate bills such as a controversial amnesty law.

The anti-riot drill prepared for two scenarios: a takeover of the parliament or Government House.

Police expect some 5,000 protesters to converge on Sunday. The drill was presided over by National Police Chief Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew and a number of senior police.

Actual anti-riot deployment would be headed by Bangkok Metropolitan Police Chief Pol Lt Gen Camronwit Thoopgrajank and would involve 30 companies of police, including anti-riot police and police commandoes.

VIPs will also be given extra security and police have prepared an additional backup of officers if needed.

The drill took place at both Government House and the Parliament.

Police said they would adhere to international standards of engaging with protesters starting from the removal of people who are not-protesters from a crowd, then setting up barriers to prevent protesters from entering restricted areas. They would then hold talks and if negotiations failed and laws were broken and violence used against officers, police would then arrest violators using handcuffs.

An anti-riot noise generator, plus water cannons, tear gas, pepper spray and batons would be used if necessary - but protesters would be warned in advance.

Camronwit stressed that the law would be upheld and that protesters must respect this.


-- The Nation 2013-07-29

[waza]

Sounds familiar

[Tatsujin]

Sounds familiar

No . . . not familiar . . . the Police were suspiciously absent/lethargic back in 2010. It was mostly left to the Army to come in and try to sort the problems that could have been nipped in the bud long before if the Police had done their job properly back then.

[siampolee]

Wasn't reported a short while back that senior police officers had met with the puppet master,n o doubt plans were being made to suppress any opposition to the bill?

[djjamie]

So what precautions are in place against the red shirt rally that have shown extreme violence before in the form of the ASEAN summit, threatening to blow up LPG trucks, grenade attacks at Thai banks, attacking Thai charities with grenades, attacking NPP and TPI buildings with grenades, storming parliament, attacking NPP and TPI buildings with grenades, storming a police hospital, storming TV station, bombing electricity pylons, taking 2 police hostage, destroying CCTV cameras, dumping tyres on sky train tracks.

[Robby nz]

Police said they would adhere to international standards of engaging with protesters starting from the removal of people who are not-protesters from a crowd

How do they plan to tell that people are " not-protesters" if they are with the protesters?

Which international standards? from Iran, Egypt, Uganda?

but protesters would be warned in advance.

Yes indeed, try to intimidate them and scare them off.

[Sunderland]

Much as I think the country is sliding into a deep pit, I can't see the opposition mustering enough support to block the attempt to push through an amnesty. The level of apathy by the majority of the population towards anything political - even in Bangkok - is such that the upcoming amnesty bill is being followed more closely by foreigners on thaivisa's forum than by the general Thai public. That should say all that needs to be said about the unity of the opposition to the amnesty bill.

Sad, but true.

[jaidam]

So what precautions are in place against the red shirt rally that have shown extreme violence before in the form of the ASEAN summit, threatening to blow up LPG trucks, grenade attacks at Thai banks, attacking Thai charities with grenades, attacking NPP and TPI buildings with grenades, storming parliament, attacking NPP and TPI buildings with grenades, storming a police hospital, storming TV station, bombing electricity pylons, taking 2 police hostage, destroying CCTV cameras, dumping tyres on sky train tracks.

Someone forgot to use their Neuralyzer this morning as per PT brief 7.4 for skeptics of the great eternal regime. Talking about the forbidden history is not conducive to reconciliation.

[rubl]

Sounds familiar

No . . . not familiar . . . the Police were suspiciously absent/lethargic back in 2010. It was mostly left to the Army to come in and try to sort the problems that could have been nipped in the bud long before if the Police had done their job properly back then.

I assume dear Waza was referring to the 50,000 police officers on high alert last October (November?) when Pitak Siam planned a rally. Also lots of 'speedtraps', zigzag routes enforced, razorblade wire and of course at the first hint of troubles teargas.

[Eddy B]

Amnesty: a decision by a government that allows political prisoners be free. Also a fixed period of time that during sometone is not punished for their crimes. Well, I as a non-thai national would like nothing more tan this bill to be burned and that the DSI do their job and bring Tanksin back to jail, and replace his sister and relegrate all of his family to nong.

[Sunderland]

From this evening's news posting on the Nation's website: "Security at Parliament and Government House beefed up Monday as a precaution against protesters once the controversial amnesty bill is tabled next Wednesday.

Concrete barriers were placed at all entrances and exits of Government House in a move to keep out the Pitak Siam group, which is expected to show up on Sunday morning.

One police truck was also seen parked nearby along with a vehicle armed with a long-range acoustic device emitting ear-splitting sirens. Two police tents were also set up and a photograph of the group's leader was posted on a metal barricade near one of the tents. However, police say it is not a "wanted" poster.

Deputy House Speaker Wisut Chainarun said 700 police officers would initially deployed near Parliament on the days the controversial bill is deliberated. Also, all cars and bags entering the compound would be closely searched.

Suwichag Nakwatchrachai, Parliament secretary general, said 10 members of staff would be on standby in two shifts to escort out those who refuse to follow the House rule.

Separately, a red-shirt group - calling themselves People's Radio for the People Group - set up camp outside the Parliament complex yesterday in order to "protect" lawmakers from anti-government protesters.

The group set up a large tent and billboards carrying messages supporting the government's decision to deliberate amnesty bills. There were no police officers present at the site as of press time.

Meanwhile, Deputy House Speaker Charoen Jankomol confirmed that the amnesty bill proposed by Pheu Thai MP Worachai Hema will be considered next Wednesday."

It will come as no surprise to anyone that the red shirts will probably be allowed into an otherwise closed off area close to Parliament to protect Parliament from anti-amnesty demonstrators. Amazing Thailand!

[surangw]

time to plan on leaving bkk for a while

[OzMick]

So now it's an amnesty bill, not a reconciliation law.

[waza]

Sounds familiar

No . . . not familiar . . . the Police were suspiciously absent/lethargic back in 2010. It was mostly left to the Army to come in and try to sort the problems that could have been nipped in the bud long before if the Police had done their job properly back then.

I assume dear Waza was referring to the 50,000 police officers on high alert last October (November?) when Pitak Siam planned a rally. Also lots of 'speedtraps', zigzag routes enforced, razorblade wire and of course at the first hint of troubles teargas.

It has begun......

see post #11 by sunderland

Edited July 29, 2013 by waza

[Soi Sauce]

Welcome to Zimbabwe.

Thai people; sadly you do not know what is coming for you.

[Suradit69]

Welcome to Zimbabwe.

Thai people; sadly you do not know what is coming for you.

"Thai people; sadly you do not know what is coming for you."

Yes, it takes someone from the Thai Visa intelligentsia to know all, see all and pontificate all for the poor unwashed masses.

[hellodolly]

So what precautions are in place against the red shirt rally that have shown extreme violence before in the form of the ASEAN summit, threatening to blow up LPG trucks, grenade attacks at Thai banks, attacking Thai charities with grenades, attacking NPP and TPI buildings with grenades, storming parliament, attacking NPP and TPI buildings with grenades, storming a police hospital, storming TV station, bombing electricity pylons, taking 2 police hostage, destroying CCTV cameras, dumping tyres on sky train tracks.

You forgot burning down fire engines. They did that to show us all how stupid they really are.

One other thing you forgot and it is an important one.

They had Thaksin's approval to do all that terrorism. Even invade hospitals.

[hellodolly]

Much as I think the country is sliding into a deep pit, I can't see the opposition mustering enough support to block the attempt to push through an amnesty. The level of apathy by the majority of the population towards anything political - even in Bangkok - is such that the upcoming amnesty bill is being followed more closely by foreigners on thaivisa's forum than by the general Thai public. That should say all that needs to be said about the unity of the opposition to the amnesty bill.

Sad, but true.

Well you certainly have a good point there.

I know my wife is not following it. But I do know that if Thaksin is given a white wash job she will become very interested in it also vocal. I feel that many Thais feel that way and will react to it.

Also if he is not given a white wash job we know for sure the red shirts will react violently to it. Any Government that would even consider white washing Thaksin should be impeached or what ever. It is perfectly obvious that they have no concern what so ever for the citizens or the country.

[Johpa]

_{It is all just practice for what happens subsequent to the 60 days after the real doggy doo doo hits the fan.}

[hellodolly]

So what precautions are in place against the red shirt rally that have shown extreme violence before in the form of the ASEAN summit, threatening to blow up LPG trucks, grenade attacks at Thai banks, attacking Thai charities with grenades, attacking NPP and TPI buildings with grenades, storming parliament, attacking NPP and TPI buildings with grenades, storming a police hospital, storming TV station, bombing electricity pylons, taking 2 police hostage, destroying CCTV cameras, dumping tyres on sky train tracks.

Someone forgot to use their Neuralyzer this morning as per PT brief 7.4 for skeptics of the great eternal regime. Talking about the forbidden history is not conducive to reconciliation.

And some one forgot to think before they posted.

Acting like it never happened and putting the police more under the discipline that forbade them to interfere with red shirt activities in 2010 and in later rallies by the red shirts to act as traffic advisers and non red shirt rallies stop people getting into them.

That is not going to help matters one bit. Just inflame the majority of the population. Remember 52% of them did not want Thaksin and out of the other 48% a lot of them thought they were going to get Yingluck as the Prime Minister. So yes lets just forget what kind of scum we are turning lose on the population.

[MAJIC]

Isn't it strange how protests are no longer about Democracy like the ones at the hands of the so called peaceful Red Shirts,now only they are allowed demonstrations,and are helping the Government to block and stifle all demonstrations unless it's in the name of their Paymasters freedom to walk back into Thailand,and continue his rape of the Country unhindered,and it's quite sickening to see that all the Red Shirts ever wanted was power,and being paid to abuse it.

[LuckyLew]

So what precautions are in place against the red shirt rally that have shown extreme violence before in the form of the ASEAN summit, threatening to blow up LPG trucks, grenade attacks at Thai banks, attacking Thai charities with grenades, attacking NPP and TPI buildings with grenades, storming parliament, attacking NPP and TPI buildings with grenades, storming a police hospital, storming TV station, bombing electricity pylons, taking 2 police hostage, destroying CCTV cameras, dumping tyres on sky train tracks.

NONE

Ted shirts have carte blanche and can do as they please

Protest .. rally ... block city streets ... burn down cities .... all with out a worry in the world

Other groups are monitored, challenged and threatened

by hey this is a real democratic place .. lol

[OzMick]

I imagine a scene where the amnesty bill is passed, and Yingluk comes out onto the parliament house balcony to announce to the waiting masses that their deepest wish is fulfilled and they are now "reconciled".

Of course it is fantasy as she will most likely be in S. America, or possibly a flying visit to Antarctica trying to sell rice to penguins.

[gemini81]

Welcome to Zimbabwe.

Thai people; sadly you do not know what is coming for you.

"Thai people; sadly you do not know what is coming for you."

Yes, it takes someone from the Thai Visa intelligentsia to know all, see all and pontificate all for the poor unwashed masses.

IT takes but a few years living here along with some common sense to know. If you look at the past, and you see how they're blocking all except red shirts; it is not rocket science to know the future outcome.

[Tatsujin]

Sounds familiar

No . . . not familiar . . . the Police were suspiciously absent/lethargic back in 2010. It was mostly left to the Army to come in and try to sort the problems that could have been nipped in the bud long before if the Police had done their job properly back then.

I assume dear Waza was referring to the 50,000 police officers on high alert last October (November?) when Pitak Siam planned a rally. Also lots of 'speedtraps', zigzag routes enforced, razorblade wire and of course at the first hint of troubles teargas.

Yes, I remember, but the point is that the Police (under the current Red Govt) are actually doing their jobs now . . . however they refused to do so back in 2010 under the previous Govt which allowed the protests to get way out of hand (which was the whole point of course).

[jpeg]

The Red Shirts want Taksin back to dole out more dosh, the Yellows, from the photos of Pitak Siam's last failed attempt showing protesters holding up large photos of the monarch, want to protect the King. Only. Nothing to do with 'politics' and the pillaging of the country's coffers. Apart from a few enlightened Yellows and all of the Masks who are young and were encouraged by the V movement overseas and what they stood for. True democracy. The rest is feudalism, as before.

[DiNiro]

Sounds familiar

No . . . not familiar . . . the Police were suspiciously absent/lethargic back in 2010. It was mostly left to the Army to come in and try to sort the problems that could have been nipped in the bud long before if the Police had done their job properly back then.

When the yellows riot, the police are called in and shoot tear gas.

When the reds riot the army is called in and shoot machine guns.

Civil war right around the corner folks.

[gemini81]

Sounds familiar

No . . . not familiar . . . the Police were suspiciously absent/lethargic back in 2010. It was mostly left to the Army to come in and try to sort the problems that could have been nipped in the bud long before if the Police had done their job properly back then.

When the yellows riot, the police are called in and shoot tear gas.

When the reds riot the army is called in and shoot machine guns.

Civil war right around the corner folks.

They don't allow yellow shirts to protest; only red shirts (thanks to the police as well).

[jaidam]

The amount of manpower and financial resources spent on and related to Dr.T's return could have been used in a more beneficial way, such as educating all Thai students up to Mensa standard or beyond.

[DiNiro]

Sounds familiar

No . . . not familiar . . . the Police were suspiciously absent/lethargic back in 2010. It was mostly left to the Army to come in and try to sort the problems that could have been nipped in the bud long before if the Police had done their job properly back then.

When the yellows riot, the police are called in and shoot tear gas.

When the reds riot the army is called in and shoot machine guns.

Civil war right around the corner folks.

They don't allow yellow shirts to protest; only red shirts (thanks to the police as well).

I attended a yellow shirt riot. Yes it happens. They are nasty too.

They took over and ransacked Gov House, occupied an intersection in town for months and forced the airport to shutdown.

They they spears, baseball bats, machetes, slingshots, ping pong bombs, car bombs, black shirts & guns.

One of them even ran over a policeman...then backed over him again.

The Colonel that was head of yellow security even accidently blew himself up with a car bomb. The Nation didn't cover that?

Wonder where that bomb was heading?

When they shot a bunch of police, the Chula Hospital (yellow shirt hospital) wouldn't treat the wounded.

In the Wikileaks info (that you wont see published in Thailand,) the yellow leadership instigated violence on purpose, hoping to get at least a dozen killed to prompt the coup. At least that was the info the US Ambassador had.

Eventually they got their coup after the airport takeover.

The airport takeover cost 280 billion alone according to the bank of thailand. Not mentioned in The Nation.