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

[whybother]

<snip>

There is no evidence that the majority of Thais don't support Thaksin either.The evidence doesn't in fact point anywhere other than the country is deeply divided.

Are you suggesting that Thaksin supporters voted for the Democrats or BJT, or another small party?

[JAG]

Unfortunately aren't any free elections in Thailand. At all the elections were massive vote buying. Which is of course not democratic

I seem to recall that the last general election was generally recognised as being fair and the results as being generally representative of the popular vote within the framework of the Thai electoral system.

I contrast that with the way that the previous administration came into office!

However, continue to repeat your mantra loud and long enough and no doubt some will believe it! It certainly gives you carte blanche to ignore the will of the Thai electorate in favour of your desired candidates.

Edited August 1, 2013 by JAG

[lostmebike]

Good or bad, there is no denying Thaksin has the support of the majority of Thais.

I would dispute that and would cite the losses of all by elections, bar 1, by the PTP, since the last general election, as proof.

Let's hope so

[metisdead]

Off topic posts and replies rehashing the events of 2010 have been removed.

A post with an off topic gruesome photo has been removed as well.

[DiNiro]

Yellows are dead?

Yellow is code word for the invisible hand and supporters. Wealthy Thais and army generals that have pillaged the country for decades.

Unfortunately for them, they are a minority.

Why don't they just field a candidate and honer the outcome of the election I wonder?

How about PTP honor the outcome of the last election by not having an unelected criminal dictating policy?

Yingluk is the PM. Does it matter who she consults?

That's the beauty of a democracy.

The people can decide at the next election if they are pleased.

Unfortunately aren't any free elections in Thailand. At all the elections were massive vote buying. Which is of course not democratic

Vote buying. This is what the sore losers say every time.

Fact is, the Army and Democrats refused to involve Internationel elction observers the last two elections.

Suthep said he doesn't trust foreigners. Kept them out.

[h90]

Unfortunately aren't any free elections in Thailand. At all the elections were massive vote buying. Which is of course not democratic

I seem to recall that the last general election was generally recognised as being fair and the results as being generally representative of the popular vote within the framework of the Thai electoral system.

I contrast that with the way that the previous administration came into office!

However, continue to repeat your mantra loud and long enough and no doubt some will believe it! It certainly gives you carte blanche to ignore the will of the Thai electorate in favour of your desired candidates.

No it was not, if you were in Thailand at this time, you would have seen it yourself. In the North and North East it was complete in the open. Everyone knew it. In Bangkok and in the South it was more hidden....maybe or maybe not a bit less, but still massive. And a lot discussions "why I got only 300 Baht and Somchai got 500 Baht, blablabla". As well there were organized buses from parties for factory worker who got carried to the election, voted, got the money and got sent back.

I don't care much who recognize what, if I see something complete different.

On the previous election was also a lot vote buying but far less.

Just ask Thai people, no matter what their political opinion is, everyone know it, most got the money. Most voted the party they got the money from.....

So the election was not democratic. But in my opinion if you remove all vote buying the PTP would still have won. Because Abhisit was a very weak premier and a lot Democrats did go to the elections.

[h90]

Yingluk is the PM. Does it matter who she consults?

That's the beauty of a democracy.

The people can decide at the next election if they are pleased.

Unfortunately aren't any free elections in Thailand. At all the elections were massive vote buying. Which is of course not democratic

Vote buying. This is what the sore losers say every time.

Fact is, the Army and Democrats refused to involve Internationel elction observers the last two elections.

Suthep said he doesn't trust foreigners. Kept them out.

Still all the last elections there was massive vote buying in Thailand, so whoever is the looser was right.

And actually all parties (at least these who win some seats) did some vote buying. Well known that some people took the money from 2,3,4 parties.

Unless there is a big change, new police, new courts, new laws and new constitution it will never end and speaking about democracy is just ridiculous if the guy with the most money can buy his win.

(or buy other parties or buy MPs).

[metisdead]

Link to OP which states:

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.

This topic is about what might happen on this upcoming Sunday, not about what happened in the past. Stay on this topic.

[DiNiro]

Yingluk is the PM. Does it matter who she consults?

That's the beauty of a democracy.

The people can decide at the next election if they are pleased.

Unfortunately aren't any free elections in Thailand. At all the elections were massive vote buying. Which is of course not democratic

Vote buying. This is what the sore losers say every time.

Fact is, the Army and Democrats refused to involve Internationel elction observers the last two elections.

Suthep said he doesn't trust foreigners. Kept them out.

Still all the last elections there was massive vote buying in Thailand, so whoever is the looser was right.

And actually all parties (at least these who win some seats) did some vote buying. Well known that some people took the money from 2,3,4 parties.

Unless there is a big change, new police, new courts, new laws and new constitution it will never end and speaking about democracy is just ridiculous if the guy with the most money can buy his win.

(or buy other parties or buy MPs).

Smart businessmen don't pay for landslides.

[Sunderland]

What I am curious about is exactly how long does the amnesty bill period run from and until? I mean, if the protests over the next week escalate and they burn down Parliament, will they also be deemed to be poor victims of all this political nonsense that has lasted ...... mmmmmmmmmmm ... forever.

I love living in Thailand. Never a dull moment with all these kids running Parliament, supposed Buddhist monks up to goodness knows what and an undercurrent of complete surprise from one day to the next.

Sixteen years living and working here and I still don't understand half of what is going on despite speaking reasonable Thai, living and working with Thais and trying to understand the mindset.

Gotta laugh about it at the end of the day or you'll go insane.

[zydeco]

time to plan on leaving bkk for a while

Some very notable people, apparently, are planning the same thing.

[Sunderland]

time to plan on leaving bkk for a while

Some very notable people, apparently, are planning the same thing.

Do elaborate. I know that two that cannot be spoken about already have. Anyone else of note that can be mentioned?

[zydeco]

time to plan on leaving bkk for a while

Some very notable people, apparently, are planning the same thing.

Do elaborate. I know that two that cannot be spoken about already have. Anyone else of note that can be mentioned?

As you clearly understand, no other elaboration is necessary. This entire week has seemed eerily quiet. Were it not for the oil spill, things would be entirely too quiet.

[MikeOboe57]

Smart businessmen don't pay for landslides.

Unfortunately Thaksin isn't a smart businessman. Just check his CV

[Sunderland]

time to plan on leaving bkk for a while

Some very notable people, apparently, are planning the same thing.

Do elaborate. I know that two that cannot be spoken about already have. Anyone else of note that can be mentioned?

As you clearly understand, no other elaboration is necessary. This entire week has seemed eerily quiet. Were it not for the oil spill, things would be entirely too quiet.

Aha ... I like a good conspiracy theory. I am beginning to see the link now between oil, Al Qaeda terrorists, a monk dressed as a policeman, a bomb in Phuket, the football riot at the Sukhothai vs. Phitsanulok football match, a Thai woman's bizarre road machine and my condo's refusal to try and connect to Cable Thai Holdings' new satellite service!

We're doomed ...

[rubl]

Link to OP which states:

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.

This topic is about what might happen on this upcoming Sunday, not about what happened in the past. Stay on this topic.

At least like in November last year the police will be prepared. Looking forward to new zigzagged routes and lots of razorblade wiring and the odd whiff of teargas. I'm sure all the upcountry TV members will be a bit jealous we Bangkokians have so much fun regularly

[h90]

time to plan on leaving bkk for a while

Some very notable people, apparently, are planning the same thing.

Do elaborate. I know that two that cannot be spoken about already have. Anyone else of note that can be mentioned?

I recall the coup and when the reds tried to burn down the city. Only five km away the life was complete normal like any other day.

If the police slaughter 100s of demonstrators , 10 km away the karaoke bar will be full like any other day and the girls will discuss the quality of Somtam.

If the General wouldn't interrupt the soap operas most people wouldn't have noticed the coup.

And right they are...from Thaksin, to his period of not elected premier, to Surayud to Samak to Abhisit I couldn't feel any major difference as well.

[MAJIC]

Please remind me again, how many people outside the protester's ranks were killed? How many grenades were thrown/fired, how many were observed carrying military rifles, and how many buildings did they burn down?

BTW Protesters were taken to Chula, police were taken to the nearby police hospital, so there would not be conflict inside hospitals. Unlike.........

Thanks for asking...

During the October 7 clashes 3 police officers were shot and injured by PAD guards (one PAD guard firing a gun at police was captured on video).

On October 30, 2008, one man was shot dead by PAD guards.

On November 1, 2008, PAD guards shot an injured the driver of a car of 5 young people who went out in Banglampoo, and made a wrong turn and came close to a PAD barricade.

On November 24, 2008, six PAD guards entered city bus number 53, forced the passengers out at gunpoint, and the driver to drive the bus towards their barricades. The bus was stopped by police officers of Nang Loern police station shooting the tires, and the guards were arrested. They carried a home made shotgun and ping pong bombs. As far as i can remember they were sentenced to two years in prison.

On November 25, a Naclop Srivichai from the PAD was arrested by Din Daeng police with an Uzi, part of a batch of Uzi's, M16's and handguns stolen by PAD guards from the Special Branch station in the first night of the takeover of government house (this was the only weapon of the haul that the state managed to get back).

The part of government house that was off limits to us reporters during the occupation and which housed guards and Naclop Srivichai was completely ransacked when handed back to the authorities, state owned items and personal items of government officials were looted. In the following days and weeks security forces found large caches of explosives and defused many booby traps.

etc...

...just to remind you.

Great - now how about a summary of the red violence of 2009/2010?

Well that would be interesting if he throws in as much information as he did for the yellow shirts.

I believe the yellow shirts were despicable in their actions but when the red shirts came along they looked like saints in comparison. Going to be a interesting fact filled read.

After all he is a reporter and that is what they are supposed to do.

Even Reporters are far from unbiased!

[hellodolly]

And we still have the stupidity of red supporters calling everything that does not support the reds or the govt yellow.

Cant you get it through your thick heads that yellow has been dead for many years.

Where are all the yellow shirts at any of the anti Govt or Democrats rallies now?

Oh you go to a rally and someone will no doubt be wearing yellow but then you walk down any street and you will see the same, it is just what they happen to be wearing and not a political statement

Someone said they went to a yellow rally but forgot to mention it was in 2006 or 7.

Those who are coming out against this Govt now are doing so for valid reasons and if their reasons differ from one lot to the next, so what, this Govt has made a lot of people very unhappy for a variety of reasons and is well on the way to completely stuffing up the country.

With all the preparations being made and the millions it must be costing if some protesters do turn up then no matter how peaceful and quiet they are the cops, reds or someone else paid to do so will have to start trouble to try to justify the preparation and expense.

As in "See we told you so we knew there would be violence"

All that the preparations are doing is showing that the Govt is scared of what the people can do and that they know that there is major opposition to their amnesty bills which at one time were called reconciliation, but now that pretense has been dropped, although they still insist that it has nothing to do with getting their hero, paymaster and real PM back free.

Should the bill be passed along with the funding bills then that pretense will go also.

You reds can never get past statements like : Thaksin thinks PT acts" and "Democracy is not my aim"

You say

"Cant you get it through your thick heads that yellow has been dead for many years."

If they could they would be to smart to be a red shirt any more.

[MAJIC]

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).

The Police assumed incorrectly in 2010,that they had a choice of which side to take action against,according to which side they supported! The end result was: neglect of state duty, bordering on Treason.

[EyesWideOpen]

If Thaksin can get this bill passed, it will certainly show his stranglehold on the country is complete. Clearly the only solution is a coup, I suspect interesting days are ahead.....

[h90]

If Thaksin can get this bill passed, it will certainly show his stranglehold on the country is complete. Clearly the only solution is a coup, I suspect interesting days are ahead.....

No it is not complete, Thaksin controls the police, the parliament, part of the courts, but not complete and some top brass of the military. But he doesn't know who really follow him and who just pretend and he couldn't put his people in the second level yet.

I think everyone must get paranoid if being in his situation

[DiNiro]

time to plan on leaving bkk for a while

Some very notable people, apparently, are planning the same thing.

Did they order up another coup I wonder?

[impulse]

Smart businessmen don't pay for landslides.

Unfortunately Thaksin isn't a smart businessman. Just check his CV

CV, Schmee Vee. Look at the guys' bank account.

[DiNiro]

If Thaksin can get this bill passed, it will certainly show his stranglehold on the country is complete. Clearly the only solution is a coup, I suspect interesting days are ahead.....

Stranglehold?

Funny.

The voters have decided repeatedly what leader they want.

A powerful yet unpopular minority disagrees and you support that?

Sad.

[billd766]

If Thaksin can get this bill passed, it will certainly show his stranglehold on the country is complete. Clearly the only solution is a coup, I suspect interesting days are ahead.....

Stranglehold?

Funny.

The voters have decided repeatedly what leader they want.

A powerful yet unpopular minority disagrees and you support that?

Sad.

But the MAJORITY of the voters, over 52% did not agree with you, Thaksin, Yingluck, PTP, UDD or the Red Shirts but you obviously don't agree with majority rule.

[Siripon]

If Thaksin can get this bill passed, it will certainly show his stranglehold on the country is complete. Clearly the only solution is a coup, I suspect interesting days are ahead.....

No it is not complete, Thaksin controls the police, the parliament, part of the courts, but not complete and some top brass of the military. But he doesn't know who really follow him and who just pretend and he couldn't put his people in the second level yet.

I think everyone must get paranoid if being in his situation

He'd love to control the Constitution Court too, and they could soon play a very important role if any of the bills are sent to be deliberated regarding their constitutionality. Which makes the resignation of the President of the Court, Khun Wasan, very worrying.I have heard it said Thaksin already controls 4 of the judges.

[Theoutsider]

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!

Perhaps Thailand should shelve that slogan,there's nothing amazing about a bunch of thugs that ran riot and held a Country to a bloody Ramsom,closed down the Capital for weeks and tried to burn it down. Were part of a paid for exercise in paid for Terrorism now it's a case of whitewash us all (especially Thaksin) ,with an Amnesty,because like children often claim when caught out: it wasn't me,I didn't do anything.... Outrageously Pathetic!

Wow, i didn't realize the whole of Bangkok was closed.

[DiNiro]

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!

Perhaps Thailand should shelve that slogan,there's nothing amazing about a bunch of thugs that ran riot and held a Country to a bloody Ramsom,closed down the Capital for weeks and tried to burn it down. Were part of a paid for exercise in paid for Terrorism now it's a case of whitewash us all (especially Thaksin) ,with an Amnesty,because like children often claim when caught out: it wasn't me,I didn't do anything.... Outrageously Pathetic!

Wow, i didn't realize the whole of Bangkok was closed.

Somebody has been reading The Nation( and believing it)

They think that closing down a fee shoppinging centers and hotels is " the entire city"

Yet when you bring up the terrorists that commandeered an internationàl airport they dismiss it.

[MAJIC]

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!

Perhaps Thailand should shelve that slogan,there's nothing amazing about a bunch of thugs that ran riot and held a Country to a bloody Ramsom,closed down the Capital for weeks and tried to burn it down. Were part of a paid for exercise in paid for Terrorism now it's a case of whitewash us all (especially Thaksin) ,with an Amnesty,because like children often claim when caught out: it wasn't me,I didn't do anything.... Outrageously Pathetic!

Wow, i didn't realize the whole of Bangkok was closed.

Somebody has been reading The Nation( and believing it)

They think that closing down a fee shoppinging centers and hotels is " the entire city"

Yet when you bring up the terrorists that commandeered an internationàl airport they dismiss it.

There was a world of difference between the Airport bloodless sit in by the Yellow Shirts, and the Bloody violence and commandeering a City and Burning Government Buildings in various parts of Thailand,crimes committed by the Red Shirt Mob. You may believe it was of no consequence that several large companies and Vendors lost their livelihood,because of the arson and disruption,but not many would agree with you.

Edited August 2, 2013 by MAJIC