'People's Army' to go ahead with Bangkok rally

[webfact]

POLITICS
'People's Army' to go ahead with rally
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- One anti-government group yesterday decided it would go ahead with its street rally next week against an amnesty bill, despite the imposition of the Internal Security Act.

Leaders of the People's Army to Overthrow the Thaksin Regime, previously known as Pitak Siam, said there had been no changes in its plans for a mass demonstration.

Another anti-government group, Thammatipatai, left its protest site at Sanam Luang, also covered by the emergency powers, after camping out there for months.

A "mini-Cabinet" meeting of a third of all members on Wednesday imposed the ISA in three Bangkok districts - Dusit, Phra Nakhon and Pom Prab Sattru Phrai - from yesterday to August 10.

The House of Representatives is poised to take up the amnesty bill proposed by a group of MPs from the ruling Pheu Thai Party next Wednesday. Critics say it is aimed at helping to whitewash the lawbreakers from the political confrontations of 2010, as well as fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Admiral Chai Suwannaphap, a leader of the People's Army, said the rally for Sunday was still on schedule even though some leaders had said the plan might be reviewed.

AVM Watchara Ritthakanee, another leader, said the group would disclose the rally venue tomorrow. The group would petition the National Human Rights Commission and the Ombudsman to knock down the government's "premature" invocation of the ISA.

"We campaign under the Constitution, but the government tries to limit our right to public assembly although there is no protest yet," he said.

Thaikorn Polsuwan, another leader, said the group was not afraid of the ISA.

"It's because we will gather under the democratic framework. But this government's true colours are showing," he said, adding that it was a dictatorship posing as democracy.

No more than 20,000 protesters are estimated to rise up against the bill this week but their numbers will increase on Sunday, said Pol Maj-General Adul Narongdej, spokesman for the Metropolitan Police.

Pheu Thai MP Worachai Hema, a key sponsor of the bill, said the government should dissolve the House and call a snap election if the debate is marred by political unrest.


-- The Nation 2013-08-02

[webfact]

Anti-govt protesters told to stay away, or face tough suppression
By English News



BANGKOK, Aug 2 – The Thai capital's police warned today that stern action will be taken against political protesters who break into the city's three crucial districts declared off-limits under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Metropolitan police spokesman Adul Narongsak said the three districts of Phra Nakhon, Pomprab Satrupai and Dusit are sealed off from any rallies from today until August 10.

Violators will be severely and without exception be dealt with by anti-riot forces deployed at significant government buildings, he said, adding the situation has remained normal since Wednesday midnight.

Two radio-controlled aircraft, attached with closed-circuit cameras, will hover about 300 metres above the areas to facilitate ground surveillance.

Photography from the planes can last 30 minutes and cover a two-kilometre area, and photographs will be sent directly to the National Police Bureau’s Operations Centre to enable the authorities to evaluate the situation and be on alert for intervention by a third party, he said.

Prompong Nopparit, spokesman of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, categorically denied a report that members of the Shinawatra family and associates of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra were planning to leave the country during August 1-10.

August 1-10 is a crucial political timing as the controversial amnesty bill is scheduled for a parliamentary debate next Wednesday and an anti-government network plans a mass rally in Bangkok on Sunday.

He said Ms Yingluck was scheduled to visit Rayong after returning from her African trip in order to observe the oil slick, he said.

He threatened to petition the Election Committee next week, seeking to dissolve the opposition Democrat Party after its leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and deputy leader Suthep Thaugsuban urged Democrat MPs to join anti-government rallies.

The Democrats’ behaviour is a breach of Section 68 of the Constitution, he said. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-08-02

[Robby nz]

Metropolitan police spokesman Adul Narongsak said the three districts of Phra Nakhon, Pomprab Satrupai and Dusit are sealed off from any rallies from today until August 10.

Didn't realize that the ISA meant no one was allowed to protest in the areas at all, thought it only meant some sort of control over activities.

The Thai capital's police warned today that stern action will be taken against political protesters who break into the city's three crucial districts declared off-limits under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

So anyone who goes into these areas will be bashed and beaten.

How does that affect the reds who are already there? of course not at all they are part of us.

Pheu Thai MP Worachai Hema, a key sponsor of the bill, said the government should dissolve the House and call a snap election if the debate is marred by political unrest.

So there we have it.

If anyone tries to stop us getting what we want we should throw all the toys out of the pram and call an election.

PT democracy just keeps getting better and better.

[PoodMaiDai]

The hub of tough suppression.

[angsta]

You forgot to add an election that PT will win, again. They only ever 'lose' when the army gets involved.

Your idea of democracy is clearly very different from mine.

[Emptyset]

Metropolitan police spokesman Adul Narongsak said the three districts of Phra Nakhon, Pomprab Satrupai and Dusit are sealed off from any rallies from today until August 10.

Didn't realize that the ISA meant no one was allowed to protest in the areas at all, thought it only meant some sort of control over activities.

The Thai capital's police warned today that stern action will be taken against political protesters who break into the city's three crucial districts declared off-limits under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

So anyone who goes into these areas will be bashed and beaten.

How does that affect the reds who are already there? of course not at all they are part of us.

Pheu Thai MP Worachai Hema, a key sponsor of the bill, said the government should dissolve the House and call a snap election if the debate is marred by political unrest.

So there we have it.

If anyone tries to stop us getting what we want we should throw all the toys out of the pram and call an election.

PT democracy just keeps getting better and better.

Not sure why you think the red shirts are already in the areas where the ISA is enforced? I haven't seen any reports claiming that. Anyway, I don't agree with areas being off-limits, though even in well-established democracies like the UK, protesters must first negotiate with the police in order to be allowed to protest near the parliament building. It's wrong, but not particularly out of step with other democracies. Regards your final point, I'd think calling an election better than stubbornly clinging on, forcing the bill through and shooting anyone that disagrees, wouldn't you?

[tominbkk]

You forgot to add an election that PT will win, again. They only ever 'lose' when the army gets involved.

Your idea of democracy is clearly very different from mine.

If the democrats started bribing and kowtowing to farmers and peasants like the Red PT, it would be different. But they have integrity.

[whybother]

You forgot to add an election that PT will win, again. They only ever 'lose' when the army gets involved.

Your idea of democracy is clearly very different from mine.

I reckon they would struggle to get a majority of seats if an election was held now.

I'm sure they would be able to cobble together a coalition though. They've got enough money to spread around.

[Robby nz]

Not sure why you think the red shirts are already in the areas where the ISA is enforced? I haven't seen any reports claiming that. Anyway, I don't agree with areas being off-limits, though even in well-established democracies like the UK, protesters must first negotiate with the police in order to be allowed to protest near the parliament building. It's wrong, but not particularly out of step with other democracies. Regards your final point, I'd think calling an election better than stubbornly clinging on, forcing the bill through and shooting anyone that disagrees, wouldn't you?

It was reported that a group of reds with a name something like the peoples radio network or something, don't remember the full name and am not going back to look, are already in the area to help protect the Govt.

So you believe they will shoot anyone who disagrees with them.

You could be right but I wouldn't go as far as to say that.

You forgot to add an election that PT will win, again. They only ever 'lose' when the army gets involved.

That may not be such a gimmie, look at PT's last 2 defeats in BKK and Don Muang and their lowered majority in Chaing Mai and I understand they have also lost 2 other by elections, then it would seem their support is definitely on the way down.

Considering what is happening in the country now they would have to make some serious promises to keep the support they have and we see what the promises they made last time are doing to the economy.

If they did get the most number of seats they would still need the parasite parties to prop them up but the Dems would be in the same position if they got a majority.

And of course we saw what happened last time the Dems were in Govt, the reds came out and rioted in an attempt to overthrow them. an attempt which ended in death and destruction.

So if the Dems did win would we have a repeat performance?

Nor a rosy picture for the country whichever way.

[culicine]

To avoid a tough suppression, take a note from the red shirts. Make it a family outing! Bring the kids alone. Would this government tear gas children?

[hellodolly]

You forgot to add an election that PT will win, again. They only ever 'lose' when the army gets involved.

Your idea of democracy is clearly very different from mine.

Seems to me the last time the Army was in power the PTP successors one.

Now if you are sitting in power you are involved.

Not only do you have a different idea of what Democracy is you have no idea of what has happened in the last 5 elections.

Do you really call 48% of the people ruling all the people democracy.

Using your logic Germany under Hitler was a democracy and Iraq under Saddam was a democracy.

[hellodolly]

Dissolve the house and call for a new election. That was a favorite trick of the Government in Canada. Every time they felt they were losing their grip but still had enough power to win they would call for a new election rather than play the scene out and lose every thing.

Been away now but I think they put an end to that with mandatory terms of service.

If they dissolve the house now they will still retain the majority of the votes in the house only this time they will have to bend to the will of the other parties because they themselves will not have the number of seats to do it alone.

That was the reason Thailand did not jump ahead by leaps and bounds under the Democrats.

They had a great leader but they had to please to many other parties.

[Emptyset]

Not sure why you think the red shirts are already in the areas where the ISA is enforced? I haven't seen any reports claiming that. Anyway, I don't agree with areas being off-limits, though even in well-established democracies like the UK, protesters must first negotiate with the police in order to be allowed to protest near the parliament building. It's wrong, but not particularly out of step with other democracies. Regards your final point, I'd think calling an election better than stubbornly clinging on, forcing the bill through and shooting anyone that disagrees, wouldn't you?

It was reported that a group of reds with a name something like the peoples radio network or something, don't remember the full name and am not going back to look, are already in the area to help protect the Govt.

So you believe they will shoot anyone who disagrees with them.

You could be right but I wouldn't go as far as to say that.

I saw that a group of red shirts had 'vowed' to be there, and that Jatuporn had asked them not to go there. Didn't know they were actually there already. Anyway, if they are, it's bad news for the govt. Any sort of clash that gives the army a pretext to come out to 'protect the nation' is exactly what they want to avoid. Which will have been precisely Jatuporn's reasoning in asking them not to come and protect the govt.

I don't necessarily think anyone will be shot. At least I hope they won't. But of course, far less legitimate Thai governments have resorted to such measures... even in the very recent past.

In any case, the more I think about this, the more I think something major is going to happen. I don't know if the leaked tape, the Al Quaeda video, the Hua Hin trip are all connected, but sometimes there are too many unusual things happening for it to be a total coincidence. Then there's the bill itself, would Thaksin really be risking his government just to help a few hundred reds? Of course, sometimes things are as they meet the eye, and perhaps he considers this bill necessary to placate the reds in order to move on with the real business (amending the defence admin act for instance). I don't know what the protesters game plan will be, but it's something they'll have worked on for some time. For it to work, it's pretty clear there'll have to be some bodies on the street. Who knows? I hope it'll fizzle out into nothing like the Pitak Siam protest did. That they'll make their point and go home with no damage done. But of course, if that happens, it'll have absolute no effect on the government's actions.

[hellodolly]

To avoid a tough suppression, take a note from the red shirts. Make it a family outing! Bring the kids alone. Would this government tear gas children?

Yes I recall the picture of the low life's with a child being held up for protection.

I wonder if the baby was on the Thaksin payroll.

[Emptyset]

To avoid a tough suppression, take a note from the red shirts. Make it a family outing! Bring the kids alone. Would this government tear gas children?

I think when the police attacked PAD with tear gas in 2008, children were left back at Govt House. I'm sure the cops would think twice if they saw kids. Yet it'd be pretty irresponsible to attack police barricades with children...

[anotheruser]

I have to through BKK soon. so i hope one of three things happen.

1. They rally and win

2. They don't rally at all

3. They are swiftly suppressed.

I have no dog in this race and really don't care. Up to them.

[Emptyset]

To avoid a tough suppression, take a note from the red shirts. Make it a family outing! Bring the kids alone. Would this government tear gas children?

Yes I recall the picture of the low life's with a child being held up for protection.

I wonder if the baby was on the Thaksin payroll.

It wasn't being 'held up for protection' at all. The guy that took the picture found it disgusting (rightly so), but there were no military troops around, nor was there any threat of being fired upon at the time. IIRC, he didn't want to suggest the baby was being used as a human shield, just that the father - if it was the father holding the child - was a completely irresponsible fool. In any case, the PAD were pretty forthright about their avowed use of human shields. I suppose you have to admire them for their honesty. I'm not saying the red shirts are any better than PAD and clearly these tit for tat red shirt vs yellow shirt 'debates' have become pretty tiresome (per the thread Nostitz recently intervened on); I just think red shirt behaviour should be considered in the context of A: PAD's behaviour, B: protests & politics in Thai history, C: Thai culture and society. When considered in that light, the red shirts perhaps don't quite appear like such a monstrous abberation in the Thai body politic...

[Tatsujin]

Metropolitan police spokesman Adul Narongsak said the three districts of Phra Nakhon, Pomprab Satrupai and Dusit are sealed off from any rallies from today until August 10.

So, when the ISA was in effect on 2010, the Police wouldn't enforce it, but now they will? Double standards (as usual).

And also . . . the "People's Army" . . . isn't that what the Reds called themselves a few years back when they were protesting? Wish they'd make up their minds what they all want.

[bigbamboo]

You forgot to add an election that PT will win, again. They only ever 'lose' when the army gets involved.

Your idea of democracy is clearly very different from mine.

I seem to remember the last two elections PT said they would win..... including the one in Bangkok where they said could put up something wooden with no political experience whatsoever....... but unlike the last national election, they didn't.

.

Edited August 2, 2013 by bigbamboo

[DocN]

You forgot to add an election that PT will win, again. They only ever 'lose' when the army gets involved.

Your idea of democracy is clearly very different from mine.

If the democrats started bribing and kowtowing to farmers and peasants like the Red PT, it would be different. But they have integrity.

Yeah , sure! They have integrity, they never bribe!

I can give you the telephone numbers of at least 3 people, who got offered money from the Dems in the last general election...just not enough!

Integrity my a...

[djjamie]

To avoid a tough suppression, take a note from the red shirts. Make it a family outing! Bring the kids alone. Would this government tear gas children?

Yes I recall the picture of the low life's with a child being held up for protection.

I wonder if the baby was on the Thaksin payroll.

It wasn't being 'held up for protection' at all. The guy that took the picture found it disgusting (rightly so), but there were no military troops around, nor was there any threat of being fired upon at the time. IIRC, he didn't want to suggest the baby was being used as a human shield, just that the father - if it was the father holding the child - was a completely irresponsible fool. In any case, the PAD were pretty forthright about their avowed use of human shields. I suppose you have to admire them for their honesty. I'm not saying the red shirts are any better than PAD and clearly these tit for tat red shirt vs yellow shirt 'debates' have become pretty tiresome (per the thread Nostitz recently intervened on); I just think red shirt behaviour should be considered in the context of A: PAD's behaviour, B: protests & politics in Thai history, C: Thai culture and society. When considered in that light, the red shirts perhaps don't quite appear like such a monstrous abberation in the Thai body politic...

The soldiers knew the kids were there because they were looking at them from the end of there rifles. 1 child was downright petrified while her father was holding her legs and smiling. You can TRY to put it into context all you like. It is wrong, but them UDD supporters never could really grasp the difference between right and wrong. Just look at the terrorist leader they support.

I just think Charles Manson's behaviour should be considered in the context of A: His upbringing, B: his environment, C: his slide into criminality. When considered in that light, Charles Manson perhaps don't quite appear like such a monstrous abberationabberation. You can spin anything into context and make a devil look like an angel. That is what the UDD specialise in. You have to when you have a terrorist leader full of radical supporters.

[Bluespunk]

People's army, those 2 words again. Any group claiming to be acting the name of the people, never are. Just as the UDD with their stormtroopers are not democratic in any form and the PAD are equally undemocratic, this people's army is just another bunch of fascists acting in their own interests. Like UDD, PAD and the bully boy red shirt thugs, all this people's army cares about is their own self interest. None care about the people except as cannon fodder.

[Stradavarius37]

Same sh*t, different day...

[Orac]

Have Pitak Siam changed there name in the hope that nobody will remember that they were going to disband after their dismal performance last time?

[tingtongteesood]

Of course we known and understand that part of democracy means that you have a right to free expression and to show your dissatisfaction when the government is crappy. To Thai people democracy means 'if you don't agree with me I will try to suppress you by any means possible'. Someone else said elsewhere on here 'The problem with Thai democracy is that they only believe in it when you agree with them' - never a truer word spoken.

[Bluespunk]

Have Pitak Siam changed there name in the hope that nobody will remember that they were going to disband after their dismal performance last time?

I think they're just too stupid to remember the old one so they came up with this new name.

[Robby nz]

I hope it'll fizzle out into nothing like the Pitak Siam protest did.

You sure have a weird take on history, in the Pitak Siam protest the leaders decided to call it off and send their people home when the police started to use violence against them, and yes I call teargas violence.

They did this in order that their people (including woman and children) did not get hurt.

Contrast that to the red leaders who had the opportunity to end the riots peacefully and go home.

Yet after first agreeing with the Dem Govts offer of early elections, which was what they had been demanding, they made a U turn (guess why) and made it necessary for the army to clear them out.

That Decision, U turn, call it what you like was what was responsible for all the deaths and injuries after that time.

Pitak Siam decision to call off their protest shows they have the welfare of their people at heart and the common sense to know when their people are in danger.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

You forgot to add an election that PT will win, again. They only ever 'lose' when the army gets involved.

Your idea of democracy is clearly very different from mine.

If the democrats started bribing and kowtowing to farmers and peasants like the Red PT, it would be different. But they have integrity.

[DocN]

I hope it'll fizzle out into nothing like the Pitak Siam protest did.

You sure have a weird take on history, in the Pitak Siam protest the leaders decided to call it off and send their people home when the police started to use violence against them, and yes I call teargas violence.

They did this in order that their people (including woman and children) did not get hurt.

Contrast that to the red leaders who had the opportunity to end the riots peacefully and go home.

Yet after first agreeing with the Dem Govts offer of early elections, which was what they had been demanding, they made a U turn (guess why) and made it necessary for the army to clear them out.

That Decision, U turn, call it what you like was what was responsible for all the deaths and injuries after that time.

Pitak Siam decision to call off their protest shows they have the welfare of their people at heart and the common sense to know when their people are in danger.

Oooooh, puuuuuuuuuleaze!

Do you really believe that?

Seriously?

Here is my take on it: they were not able to get the numbers (nowhere near the numbers) they promised AND some of their "people" actually were stupid enough to run right into the trap, that the government had set for them in plain sight!

They give a hoot for "their people" as much as anyone in this country.

They are -like the UDD- the butchers, that are all too willing to leave the sheep to the slaughter, if it just fits their agenda!

When will you guys finally wake up and see the reality for what it is: no matter if it is the UDD, the PAD or Pitak Siam, they are all same same!

[Suradit69]

Metropolitan police spokesman Adul Narongsak said the three districts of Phra Nakhon, Pomprab Satrupai and Dusit are sealed off from any rallies from today until August 10.

Didn't realize that the ISA meant no one was allowed to protest in the areas at all, thought it only meant some sort of control over activities.

The Thai capital's police warned today that stern action will be taken against political protesters who break into the city's three crucial districts declared off-limits under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

So there we have it.

If anyone tries to stop us getting what we want we should throw all the toys out of the pram and call an election.

PT democracy just keeps getting better and better.

Not sure why you think the red shirts are already in the areas where the ISA is enforced? I haven't seen any reports claiming that. Anyway, I don't agree with areas being off-limits, though even in well-established democracies like the UK, protesters must first negotiate with the police in order to be allowed to protest near the parliament building. It's wrong, but not particularly out of step with other democracies. Regards your final point, I'd think calling an election better than stubbornly clinging on, forcing the bill through and shooting anyone that disagrees, wouldn't you?

"...though even in well-established democracies like the UK, protesters must first negotiate with the police in order to be allowed to protest near the parliament building."

Yes, this is how the police (those running from mob) do things in a proper democracy. Thailand doesn't need any advice from these well-established twits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBtct-z9JS8

Edited August 2, 2013 by Suradit69