3 Bangkok districts under ISA

[webfact]

POLITICS
3 Bangkok districts under ISA
The Nation

STEP TAKEN IN ANTICIPATION OF RALLIES AGAINST AMNESTY BILL

BANGKOK: -- THE CABINET yesterday invoked the Internal Security Act (ISA) in three Bangkok districts ahead of a House debate on an amnesty bill, during which an anti-government group plans a large rally.

At their meeting chaired by Deputy PM Niwattumrong Boon-songpaisan, a third of the Cabinet members resolved to enforce the ISA in the districts of Dusit, Phra Nakhon and Pom Prab (Sattru Phai) - where key political institutions such as Government House and Parliament are located.

The ISA will be in effect from today to August 10.

The National Police chief will act as head of a peacekeeping centre to be set up at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, according to National Security Council secretary-general Lt-General Paradorn Pattanatabutr, who called yesterday's meeting.

The police will monitor the situation around the clock to prevent any clashes between supporters and opponents of the bill, he said.

The ISA was invoked after increased concern about possible violence between both sides and the likely involvement of a third party, according to the NSC chief.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shina-watra, who is on an overseas trip, was aware of the resolution by the "mini-Cabinet", Paradorn said.

Other Cabinet members attending yesterday's meeting included Deputy PMs Phongthep Thep-kanjana and Pracha Promnog, Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan, Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri, Deputy Defence Minister General Yutha-sak Sasiprapha, Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome and Information and Communications Technology Minister Anudith Nakornthap, Paradorn said.

The police will prevent protesters from trespassing on the grounds of any state agency and law will be strictly enforced against any violators, according to Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Pol Maj-General Parinya Jansuriya. He said protest leaders had been asked to stay within areas designated by police and to not block traffic.

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) announced yesterday it would not take part in protests against an amnesty bill - although it was against any law that would provide amnesty to criminal offenders during political conflict.

"We call on the MPs involved to withdraw their amnesty bill in order to allow all parties [involved in the conflicts] to prove their innocence through the legal process, in a fair manner," PAD spokesman Parnthep Puapongphan read from a statement yesterday. Key PAD leaders including Sondhi Lim-thongkul, Piphob Dhongchai and Somkiat Pongpaiboon were present at the press conference.

Parnthep said the PAD leaders resolved unanimously not to be involved in any political rally at this time. Ninety-six of the group's leading figures and supporters have been banned by the Criminal Court from taking part in such events.

The House debate on the amnesty bill proposed by a group of Pheu Thai MPs is scheduled from 1pm to 11pm next Wednesday, according to Pheu Thai MP Amnuay Klangpha. He said the debate would not be telecast live through state-run TV Channel 11.

The proposed law would grant amnesty to anti-government protesters convicted of offences relating to the 2010 unrest.

He said after the bill passed the first reading, a 35-member vetting committee would be set up consisting of MPs from different political parties and only one Pheu Thai MP Worachai Hema.

Pheu Thai MP Korkaew Pikulthong, who is also a red-shirt leader, said yesterday that red-shirt MPs should not be appointed to the vetting committee in order to avoid suspicion of possible bias.

Jatuporn Promphan, another key red-shirt leader, said yesterday that he would call a meeting of red-shirt leaders this Saturday to assess the situation and "fight in a united way". He warned the red shirts against gathering to counter anti-government protesters.

"The current situation is not normal. If we take a misstep, we will face the same fate as we did before," he said

Meanwhile, the Democrat Party yesterday called on the government to review its push for an amnesty bill, in order to avoid violence. "The aggressive standpoint will not benefit the government or the PM," Democrat spokesman Chavanont Intarakomal-yasut said. He said that in invoking the ISA ahead of the anti-government protests, the government was practising double standards.


-- The Nation 2013-08-01

[webfact]

Thailand beefs up security powers for anti-government protests

BANGKOK, August 1, 2013 (AFP) - The Thai government on Wednesday invoked a special security law to control planned anti-government protests in central Bangkok, after a series of violent rallies rocked the capital in recent years.

The Thai People's Army -- a newly-formed coalition of ultra-royalist groups who despise the Puea Thai ruling party and its exiled figurehead Thaksin Shinawatra -- has vowed to protest in Bangkok on Sunday, possibly for several days.

It is targeting a government-backed bill, due to be introduced in parliament on August 7 and proposing an amnesty for those involved in several bouts of political violence that have convulsed the nation since a 2006 coup toppled Thaksin.

The amnesty bill would scrap charges against protesters involved in incidents from the September 2006 coup until May 2012 -- barring the leaders.

Opponents fear it will be manipulated by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's government to grant her brother Thaksin an amnesty, paving the way for his return by waiving his two-year jail sentence on corruption charges.

To head off possible unrest, the cabinet has invoked the Internal Security Act for ten days in three inner districts of the capital, a senior government official said.

"We estimate that there will be a large number of protesters from the camps both 'for' and 'against' the bill... so to prevent them from confrontation we have to invoke the special security law ," Paradorn Pattanatabut, secretary-general of the National Security Council, told AFP.

The security law enables the government to prevent the use of certain routes or vehicles, impose a curfew, ban gatherings, carry out searches of buildings and censor the media.

Paradorn said protesters have yet announce where the rallies will be held but the measure will secure parliament in the city's historic centre.

An attempt to introduce an amnesty bill into parliament was aborted last year after "Yellow Shirts" who support the opposition Democrat Party rallied outside the legislature, evoking memories of their staunch street opposition to Thaksin in 2006.

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

The unrest occurred under a previous establishment-backed Democrat government that was swept from power in 2011 polls by the allies of Thaksin.

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


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-08-01

[Tatsujin]

The police will prevent protesters from trespassing on the grounds of any state agency and law will be strictly enforced against any violators, according to Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Pol Maj-General Parinya Jansuriya. He said protest leaders had been asked to stay within areas designated by police and to not block traffic.

If only the Police had done their job back in 2010, so many lives, so much damage could have been prevented.

[waza]

"The security law enables the government to prevent the use of certain routes or vehicles, impose a curfew, ban gatherings, carry out searches of buildings and censor the media."

The stage is set

Edited August 1, 2013 by waza

[weescotsguy66]

So what 3 areas of Bangkok it does not say.....More bad reporting

[scorecard]

Thailand beefs up security powers for anti-government protests

BANGKOK, August 1, 2013 (AFP) - The Thai government on Wednesday invoked a special security law to control planned anti-government protests in central Bangkok, after a series of violent rallies rocked the capital in recent years.

The Thai People's Army -- a newly-formed coalition of ultra-royalist groups who despise the Puea Thai ruling party and its exiled figurehead Thaksin Shinawatra -- has vowed to protest in Bangkok on Sunday, possibly for several days.

It is targeting a government-backed bill, due to be introduced in parliament on August 7 and proposing an amnesty for those involved in several bouts of political violence that have convulsed the nation since a 2006 coup toppled Thaksin.

The amnesty bill would scrap charges against protesters involved in incidents from the September 2006 coup until May 2012 -- barring the leaders.

Opponents fear it will be manipulated by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's government to grant her brother Thaksin an amnesty, paving the way for his return by waiving his two-year jail sentence on corruption charges.

To head off possible unrest, the cabinet has invoked the Internal Security Act for ten days in three inner districts of the capital, a senior government official said.

"We estimate that there will be a large number of protesters from the camps both 'for' and 'against' the bill... so to prevent them from confrontation we have to invoke the special security law ," Paradorn Pattanatabut, secretary-general of the National Security Council, told AFP.

The security law enables the government to prevent the use of certain routes or vehicles, impose a curfew, ban gatherings, carry out searches of buildings and censor the media.

Paradorn said protesters have yet announce where the rallies will be held but the measure will secure parliament in the city's historic centre.

An attempt to introduce an amnesty bill into parliament was aborted last year after "Yellow Shirts" who support the opposition Democrat Party rallied outside the legislature, evoking memories of their staunch street opposition to Thaksin in 2006.

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

The unrest occurred under a previous establishment-backed Democrat government that was swept from power in 2011 polls by the allies of Thaksin.

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

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-08-01

More poor / inaccurate reporting by AFP, who after many years still take the red or yellow approach, etc.

Example: The paymaster wasn't convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for corruption, he was convicted / sentenced for abuse of power.

[Slip]

So what 3 areas of Bangkok it does not say.....More bad reporting

At their meeting chaired by Deputy PM Niwattumrong Boon-songpaisan, a third of the Cabinet members resolved to enforce the ISA in the districts of Dusit, Phra Nakhon and Pom Prab (Sattru Phai) - where key political institutions such as Government House and Parliament are located.

[wealth]

So what 3 areas of Bangkok it does not say.....More bad reporting

.. was wondering the same ...

nevertheless, I heard a heavy kind of gunfire at around 11 - 11:30pm last night. Something that sounded a bit different from normal guns or fireworks. It's hard to say the direction from where it came from. Could have been on the way to the gov somewhere on Phetchaburi road - klong Tan, nor sure though.

Not sure if this is connected with this reporting ... - and something we'll never hear about?

[webfact]

Anti-govt protesters unrelenting despite imposition of security act
By English

BANGKOK, Aug 1 – Anti-government activists have vowed to rally in Bangkok on Sunday despite an enforcement of the Internal Security Act (ISA) in three capital districts from today through August 10.

Chai Suwanparp, a leader of the People’s Army against the Thaksin Regime, said he believed a large number of people would join the demonstration but he would not disclose the rally site.

The government will impose the ISA in three districts including Dusit, Pomprab Satrupai and Phra Nakhon where Government House, Parliament, the Royal Palace and government buildings are located.

Admiral Chai said the authorities have started blocking the movement of provincial protesters who were planning to travel to Bangkok for Sunday’s rally.

Pichet Pattanachote, another core leader, said members of the People’s Army will hand over letters protesting the amnesty bill to various international organizations and embassies in Bangkok.

The amnesty bill, proposed by the ruling Pheu Thai Party, is tentatively scheduled for a debate in the Lower House next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit stood firm that the amnesty bill proposed by Pheu Thai MP Vorachai Hema will be deliberated in the House of Representatives next Thursday and Friday, as originally planned.

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, in his speech via Skype to a group of people in Nakhon Ratchasima province yesterday, said he wanted to see an end of conflicts in the country.

He said Thai society has become more selfish and self-centred and that politicians should work for the benefit of the people so that Thailand will move on.

Mr Thaksin said he wanted to return to his homeland despite knowing that it would not be easy. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-08-01

[wealth]

covered areas are Dusit, Phra Nakhon and Pomprap Sattruphai districts.

[ratcatcher]

Thailand beefs up security powers for anti-government protests

BANGKOK, August 1, 2013 (AFP) - The Thai government on Wednesday invoked a special security law to control planned anti-government protests in central Bangkok, after a series of violent rallies rocked the capital in recent years.

The Thai People's Army -- a newly-formed coalition of ultra-royalist groups who despise the Puea Thai ruling party and its exiled figurehead Thaksin Shinawatra -- has vowed to protest in Bangkok on Sunday, possibly for several days.

It is targeting a government-backed bill, due to be introduced in parliament on August 7 and proposing an amnesty for those involved in several bouts of political violence that have convulsed the nation since a 2006 coup toppled Thaksin.

The amnesty bill would scrap charges against protesters involved in incidents from the September 2006 coup until May 2012 -- barring the leaders.

Opponents fear it will be manipulated by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's government to grant her brother Thaksin an amnesty, paving the way for his return by waiving his two-year jail sentence on corruption charges.

To head off possible unrest, the cabinet has invoked the Internal Security Act for ten days in three inner districts of the capital, a senior government official said.

"We estimate that there will be a large number of protesters from the camps both 'for' and 'against' the bill... so to prevent them from confrontation we have to invoke the special security law ," Paradorn Pattanatabut, secretary-general of the National Security Council, told AFP.

The security law enables the government to prevent the use of certain routes or vehicles, impose a curfew, ban gatherings, carry out searches of buildings and censor the media.

Paradorn said protesters have yet announce where the rallies will be held but the measure will secure parliament in the city's historic centre.

An attempt to introduce an amnesty bill into parliament was aborted last year after "Yellow Shirts" who support the opposition Democrat Party rallied outside the legislature, evoking memories of their staunch street opposition to Thaksin in 2006.

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

The unrest occurred under a previous establishment-backed Democrat government that was swept from power in 2011 polls by the allies of Thaksin.

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

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-08-01

Just to give a little balance here to AFP's red/yellow style.

Thaksin as a member of the elite (super rich) is also adored by many wealthy Thais who benefit hugely from the populist policies enacted by his government.

Thaksin is also reviled by many working class and poor people who see him for what he is. An opportunistic megalomaniac.

[Skywalker69]

So what 3 areas of Bangkok it does not say.....More bad reporting

Cabinet members resolved to enforce the ISA in the districts of Dusit, Phra Nakhon and Pom Prab (Sattru Phai) - where key political institutions such as Government House and Parliament are located.

[Baerboxer]

"Mr Thaksin said he wanted to return to his homeland despite knowing that it would not be easy." (MCOT online news)

Load of crap. He has a Thai passport, albeit illegally iissued, and is extraorinary wealth with which to by a plane ticket. He can return home any time he wants.

What is not easy is trying to find a way to quash the criminal conviction and imprisonment sentence that he is a fugitive from, and to avoid the other more serious outstanding charges against him.

He is trying to find a political solution to a legal problem.

[tomross46]

The police will prevent protesters from trespassing on the grounds of any state agency and law will be strictly enforced against any violators, according to Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Pol Maj-General Parinya Jansuriya. He said protest leaders had been asked to stay within areas designated by police and to not block traffic.

If only the Police had done their job back in 2010, so many lives, so much damage could have been prevented.

Police Captain Chalerm, has told us that the men in black were police, and that Gen Sea Dang was shot by police snipers. So the police were involved.

[JetsetBkk]

Just to give a little balance here to AFP's red/yellow style.

Thaksin as a member of the elite (super rich) is also adored by many wealthy Thais who benefit hugely from the populist policies enacted by his government.

Thaksin is also reviled by many working class and poor people who see him for what he is. An opportunistic megalomaniac.

Another AFP quote from another thread: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/657575-their-majesties-to-return-to-hua-hin-palace-governor/?p=6672099

Thailand has been rocked by sporadic rival street protests for years, with ultra-royalist nationalist "Yellow Shirts" and rural working class "Red Shirts" both taking to the streets.

So "Red Shirts" are not royalists?

.

Edited August 1, 2013 by JetsetBkk

[billd766]

This time hopefully protestors on ALL sides will be equally treated by the police (assuming that they bother to show up).

I also think that this time there will be many many live links to the social networks tweeting live so it may be difficult for the police and government to hide things.

[4evermaat]

Is there a good thread or article summarizing what each major thai political party is and what their stance/side/view/aim is? The red/yellow shirt thing is somewhat confusing with different reports and i cannot tell who is red or yellow, so to speak.

"...the 2nd best time to plant a tree is today." Sent from ThaiVisa app (Galaxy Note 2).

[virtualtraveller]

One way or another it's going to end badly for Yingluck. She's had her day in the sun, Thailand will suffer, her naive idea that having gained power with a majority mandate everything should be accepted and they be left to get on with their 'election promises' will end in tears.

[trainman34014]

Get it on. The sooner they start fighting the sooner it will end and then they can start blaming each other as they always do. What goes around comes around; Thai politics are a roundabout that nobody can get off.

[Thai at Heart]

The police will prevent protesters from trespassing on the grounds of any state agency and law will be strictly enforced against any violators, according to Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Pol Maj-General Parinya Jansuriya. He said protest leaders had been asked to stay within areas designated by police and to not block traffic.

If only the Police had done their job back in 2010, so many lives, so much damage could have been prevented.

They need an ISA to be able to carry out basic police work.

[siampolee]

The whole scenario carries the hallmark of a frightened administration who know that time is running out for them in the popularity stakes and of course there is a slowly advancing disaster regarding the costs of all the populist vote buying schemes creeping like glacier that will in the not to distant future do immeasurable damage to the Thai economy thanks to the puppet master and his little string puppets..

They need to find the emergency exit to run with their loot and of course affix the blame on others for the resultant financial and civil chaos.

Indeed democracy is a very endangered species here at this moment in time.

[tominbkk]

So what 3 areas of Bangkok it does not say.....More bad reporting

The Nation's motto: "If it's fit to print, we will ambiguate it"

[Robby nz]

They need an ISA to be able to carry out basic police work.

The ISA is just another form of intimidation and threat, same as the cops doing drills, the concrete barriers and barbed wire and the reds who are already camped there to "protect the Government".

I see he protest groups are playing it cagy by not saying what they will do or where they will do it, other than saying that they will protest.

All they need to do is hold their rallies outside the ISA areas with good crowds along to show their opposition.

Better if each different group had their rallies in different places then they would have the cops and reds running in all directions.

If that happened the Govt would claim a great victory having kept the demonstrators away from parliament.

But in reality it would be a big loss of face for after spending all the money and police time nobody turned up in their ISA zones but still showed their opposition elsewhere.

[tominbkk]

So what 3 areas of Bangkok it does not say.....More bad reporting

The Nation's motto: "If it's fit to print, we will ambiguate it"