Security in Bangkok tightened: Constitution Court's ruling

[webfact]

CONSTITUTION COURT'S RULING
Security in Bangkok tightened
The Nation

Police put in place crowd-control measures as protesters await constitutional court verdict

BANGKOK: -- SECURITY HAS BEEN beefed up in Bangkok as protesters wait to hear the Constitutional Court's ruling on charter amendment.

About two companies of policemen were deployed to secure the court compound, with 20 officers taking up sentry duty to keep out unauthorised individuals. Roadblocks and barriers have also been set up to shield the court building.

Meanwhile, five companies of police officers were deployed to secure Rajamangala Stadium, where pro-government red shirts are rallying.

Citing an approval by the prime minister, Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said yesterday that he was now in charge of running the police crowd-control measures.

He said he would work with Deputy PM Pracha Promnog, who is already in charge of national security. "I am sure my job and his would not be in conflict because we would coordinate," he added.

Chalerm added that a coordination centre has already been set up at the Labour Ministry, where a daily meeting with the police will be held. National Security Council Secretary-General Paradorn Pattanathabutr and Government Spokesman Teerat Ratanasevi also serve at this centre.

The red-shirt rally at the Rajamangala Stadium kicked off yesterday with some 1,500 protesters coming from all over the country, including Chiang Mai, Buri Ram, Udon Thani and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Red-shirt leader Thida Thavorn-seth said the protesters will disperse today if the court ruling is positive, otherwise the leaders will meet and decide on future moves.

Somphote Prasartthai, a red-shirt leader from Nakhon Ratchasima, said some 100 former paramilitary rangers hailing from the province were coming to Bangkok to serve as guards for the protest.

Meanwhile, Bangkok police chief Camronwit Toopgrajank said he was worried about a rise in general crimes, possibly because the police force will be busy handling protesters on both sides - both those for and against the government.

He said police officers had been stationed at vantage points near the Democracy Monument rally site to provide security, not to spy on the anti-government mob or to target former Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban, as he claimed to the crowd recently.

Protesters, led by Suthep, first occupied areas near Democracy Monument on November 4 to voice their opposition to the government amnesty bill, before changing the refrain to an anti-Shinawatra one.

Meanwhile, the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (STR) moved its anti-government rally to Makkhawan Bridge on November 7, while the People's Army to Overthrow the Thaksin Regime group took over the Phan Fa Lilat Bridge on November 5.

Vocational students who were part of the STR rally have moved from Makkhawan Bridge to join the crowds at Democracy Monument, coordinator Uthai Yodmanee said yesterday. However, the main body of protesters, including students from Rangsit University and members of the State Enterprises Workers' Relations Confederation, remain at Makkhawan Bridge.

According to police updates released yesterday afternoon, some 450 protesters were stationed at Democracy Monument, 250 at Phan Fa Bridge and 100 at Makkhawan Bridge. There were no rally speeches as of yesterday morning.

Police are expected today to carry out peacekeeping measures at three sites - Rajdamnoen Avenue, Raja-mangala Stadium and the Constitutional Court.


-- The Nation 2013-11-20

[Thainy Tim]

The Labour Minister taking on the role of co-ordinating the police operation.

Well that's a bit like The UK putting the Minister for Welfare and Pensions in control of the Home Office. Which basically just confirms that Yingluck has absolutely NO idea on how to run the country. He has probably been parachuted into that role because there is an agenda afoot, and the rightful man for the job can't do it. Or doesn't want to be the scapegoat after the fallout.

It takes a very cynical mind to think like this, but with this government, that is exactly what you need as you read between the lines. Nothing is straight or transparent with this lot, so reading between the lines has become a national requirement so as to a get gist of what is really happening in Thailand.

1,500 redshirts... Is that all? Bwaahahaha.

Even the red support has dwindled and the statement released yesterday regarding non-compliance with the constitutional court ruling seems to be opening more and more eyes to the fact that this rabble is stripping away democracy brick by brick until they have their Shin Dynasty Dictatorship in place.

[pedro01]

The Labour Minister taking on the role of co-ordinating the police operation.

Well that's a bit like The UK putting the Minister for Welfare and Pensions in control of the Home Office. Which basically just confirms that Yingluck has absolutely NO idea on how to run the country. He has probably been parachuted into that role because there is an agenda afoot, and the rightful man for the job can't do it. Or doesn't want to be the scapegoat after the fallout.

It takes a very cynical mind to think like this, but with this government, that is exactly what you need as you read between the lines. Nothing is straight or transparent with this lot, so reading between the lines has become a national requirement so as to a get gist of what is really happening in Thailand.

1,500 redshirts... Is that all? Bwaahahaha.

Even the red support has dwindled and the statement released yesterday regarding non-compliance with the constitutional court ruling seems to be opening more and more eyes to the fact that this rabble is stripping away democracy brick by brick until they have their Shin Dynasty Dictatorship in place.

Are you kidding? Chalerm has been put in place because he's not afraid to bang a few heads together.

From a PTP perspective - he's absolutely the right man for the job. It's irrelevant that he's currently the labor minister.

[Robby nz]

Are you kidding? Chalerm has been put in place because he's not afraid to bang a few heads together.

From a PTP perspective - he's absolutely the right man for the job. It's irrelevant that he's currently the labor minister.

You are right of course Chalerm has the proven ability to talk with both feet in his mouth.

He is also expendable as he only has 41 days before his head gets cut off.

[hellodolly]

PTP new recipe for failure

He said he would work with Deputy PM Pracha Promnog, who is already in charge of national security. "I am sure my job and his would not be in conflict because we would coordinate," he added.

[BeforeTigers]

Sudenly wish I'd have studied up on Thai politics the past 2 years I've been here.
All of these politician's names barely register. Shame.

[lemoncake]

1500 red shirts? but the latest headline was 30000 were heading to Bangkok, are they not little too short on numbers?

[Thait Spot]

So they pull this old fossil off his life support machine, pull out his drips and put his bully boy togs on once again?

God help Thailand

[ratcatcher]

Sudenly wish I'd have studied up on Thai politics the past 2 years I've been here.

All of these politician's names barely register. Shame.

Here's a few for the time being:

1. Thaksin Shinawatra......................The man all this fuss is about

2. Yingluck Shinawatra.....................Thai P.M. and loyal sister of the above.

3. Plodprasop Suraswadi..................Science & Tech Minister, propeller proponent.Whistler.

4. Kittirat na Ranong.........................Finance Minister and creator of Little White Lies & Cooked Books.

5. Chalerm Yubamrung.....................Police Capt,Labour Minister, Oenophile,soon to be executed.

6. Abhisit Vejjajiva.............................Democrat Party Leader. "Mass Murderer".

7. Suthep Thaugsuban.....................Former Democrat M.P. Now leading Anti Thaksin/government rally.

8. Thida Tawornseth.........................UDD Red Shirt Leader, Communist.

9. Weng Tojirakarn...........................Husband of Thida,, Communist.

10. Jatuporn Promphan....................Red Shirt Firebrand, Thaksin Lieutenant..

11. Nattawut Saikua..........................M.P. Deputy Min of Agr. Red Shirt Spokesman.

12. Pantongtae (Oaf) Shinawatra.....Son of Thaksin Shinawatra. Facebook Warrior.

Hope that helps.

[Local Drunk]

Sudenly wish I'd have studied up on Thai politics the past 2 years I've been here.

All of these politician's names barely register. Shame.

It's not the politics so much as it is the culture you need to understand . If you understand the latter then the former falls into place quite naturally.

[Local Drunk]

Sudenly wish I'd have studied up on Thai politics the past 2 years I've been here.

All of these politician's names barely register. Shame.

Here's a few for the time being:

1. Thaksin Shinawatra......................The man all this fuss is about

2. Yingluck Shinawatra.....................Thai P.M. and loyal sister of the above.

3. Plodprasop Suraswadi..................Science & Tech Minister, propeller proponent.Whistler.

4. Kittirat na Ranong.........................Finance Minister and creator of Little White Lies & Cooked Books.

5. Chalerm Yubamrung.....................Police Capt,Labour Minister, Oenophile,soon to be executed.

6. Abhisit Vejjajiva.............................Democrat Party Leader. "Mass Murderer".

7. Suthep Thaugsuban.....................Former Democrat M.P. Now leading Anti Thaksin/government rally.

8. Thida Tawornseth.........................UDD Red Shirt Leader, Communist.

9. Weng Tojirakarn...........................Husband of Thida,, Communist.

10. Jatuporn Promphan....................Red Shirt Firebrand, Thaksin Lieutenant..

11. Nattawut Saikua..........................M.P. Deputy Min of Agr. Red Shirt Spokesman.

12. Pantongtae (Oaf) Shinawatra.....Son of Thaksin Shinawatra. Facebook Warrior.

Hope that helps.

LAMO Rat! I wish I had the patience to type all that out!

[h90]

Sudenly wish I'd have studied up on Thai politics the past 2 years I've been here.

All of these politician's names barely register. Shame.

Here's a few for the time being:

1. Thaksin Shinawatra......................The man all this fuss is about

2. Yingluck Shinawatra.....................Thai P.M. and loyal sister of the above.

3. Plodprasop Suraswadi..................Science & Tech Minister, propeller proponent.Whistler.

4. Kittirat na Ranong.........................Finance Minister and creator of Little White Lies & Cooked Books.

5. Chalerm Yubamrung.....................Police Capt,Labour Minister, Oenophile,soon to be executed.

6. Abhisit Vejjajiva.............................Democrat Party Leader. "Mass Murderer".

7. Suthep Thaugsuban.....................Former Democrat M.P. Now leading Anti Thaksin/government rally.

8. Thida Tawornseth.........................UDD Red Shirt Leader, Communist.

9. Weng Tojirakarn...........................Husband of Thida,, Communist.

10. Jatuporn Promphan....................Red Shirt Firebrand, Thaksin Lieutenant..

11. Nattawut Saikua..........................M.P. Deputy Min of Agr. Red Shirt Spokesman.

12. Pantongtae (Oaf) Shinawatra.....Son of Thaksin Shinawatra. Facebook Warrior.

Hope that helps.

Someone wrote once which person of the Shinawatra clan, was or is in which position...it was pretty scary. That would be a nice addition.

[ratcatcher]

Sudenly wish I'd have studied up on Thai politics the past 2 years I've been here.

All of these politician's names barely register. Shame.

Here's a few for the time being:

1. Thaksin Shinawatra......................The man all this fuss is about

2. Yingluck Shinawatra.....................Thai P.M. and loyal sister of the above.

3. Plodprasop Suraswadi..................Science & Tech Minister, propeller proponent.Whistler.

4. Kittirat na Ranong.........................Finance Minister and creator of Little White Lies & Cooked Books.

5. Chalerm Yubamrung.....................Police Capt,Labour Minister, Oenophile,soon to be executed.

6. Abhisit Vejjajiva.............................Democrat Party Leader. "Mass Murderer".

7. Suthep Thaugsuban.....................Former Democrat M.P. Now leading Anti Thaksin/government rally.

8. Thida Tawornseth.........................UDD Red Shirt Leader, Communist.

9. Weng Tojirakarn...........................Husband of Thida,, Communist.

10. Jatuporn Promphan....................Red Shirt Firebrand, Thaksin Lieutenant..

11. Nattawut Saikua..........................M.P. Deputy Min of Agr. Red Shirt Spokesman.

12. Pantongtae (Oaf) Shinawatra.....Son of Thaksin Shinawatra. Facebook Warrior.

Hope that helps.

Someone wrote once which person of the Shinawatra clan, was or is in which position...it was pretty scary. That would be a nice addition.

Glad to be of assistance.

1. Thaksin Shinawatra....................Self exiled (on the lam) criminal former P.M. of Thailand

2. Yingluck Shinawatra..................Thaksin's youngest sister. P.M. of Thailand. Avid traveler & shopper.

3. Yaowappa Wongsawat..............Younger sister of Thaksin. Wife of former P.M. Somchai Wongsawat.

4. Somchai Wongsawat.................Husband of Yaowappa, former P.M. of Thailand. Mover & shaker.

5. Potjaman na Pombera...............Ex wife of Thaksin, divorced after they fled the country. Mover & shaker.

6. Surapong Tovichakchaikul........Foreign Minister. Cousin in law of Thaksin. Obedient servant.

This is a very good photo of Shinawatra Family. It seems to be Yingluck’s wedding ceremony.

Who’s who:1 Lert,2 Thaksin,3 Potjaman,4 Yaowares,5 Yaowapa,6 Somchai Wongsawat,

7 Payap,8 Yingluck,9 Anusorn Amornchat, Yingluck’s husband,

10 Panthongtae,11 Pinthongta,12 Paethongtarn

[Thait Spot]

Sudenly wish I'd have studied up on Thai politics the past 2 years I've been here.

All of these politician's names barely register. Shame.

Here's a few for the time being:

1. Thaksin Shinawatra......................The man all this fuss is about

2. Yingluck Shinawatra.....................Thai P.M. and loyal sister of the above.

3. Plodprasop Suraswadi..................Science & Tech Minister, propeller proponent.Whistler.

4. Kittirat na Ranong.........................Finance Minister and creator of Little White Lies & Cooked Books.

5. Chalerm Yubamrung.....................Police Capt,Labour Minister, Oenophile,soon to be executed.

6. Abhisit Vejjajiva.............................Democrat Party Leader. "Mass Murderer".

7. Suthep Thaugsuban.....................Former Democrat M.P. Now leading Anti Thaksin/government rally.

8. Thida Tawornseth.........................UDD Red Shirt Leader, Communist.

9. Weng Tojirakarn...........................Husband of Thida,, Communist.

10. Jatuporn Promphan....................Red Shirt Firebrand, Thaksin Lieutenant..

11. Nattawut Saikua..........................M.P. Deputy Min of Agr. Red Shirt Spokesman.

12. Pantongtae (Oaf) Shinawatra.....Son of Thaksin Shinawatra. Facebook Warrior.

Hope that helps.

Classic!!!

I shall unashamedly add to this

Yaowappa Wongsawat............Baleinous other sister of Thaksin who tweaks Yingluck's strings when Thaksin is otherwise ooccupied

Somchai Wongsawat...............Skeletal husband of Yaowappa, former Prime Minister, and part-time philanderer

Chayapa Wongsawat..............Daughter of the loving coiuple above, Married Lynal Nam who is the son of close aide to Hun Sen, Seang Nam

Pojaman na Pombera.............Tuberous Ex wife of Thaksin

Pintongta Shinawatra..............Daughter of Thaksin

Paetongtarn Shinawatra..........Other daughter of Thaksin who along with above boarded a THAI flight to london with 150kg baggage for 6 days in London

[GrantSmith]

Pintongta Shinawatra..............Daughter of Thaksin

Paetongtarn Shinawatra..........Other daughter of Thaksin who along with above boarded a THAI flight to london with 150kg baggage for 6 days in London

Fortunately not blessed with a resemblence to their father

[tingtongteesood]

150 kg of luggage for 6 days ? Can't help wondering what all that weight was, I bet it was 'valuables' so that if all the money from the country is cut off they still have something they can fall back on....

[GrantSmith]

Also, it's really going to suck if you're due for any interactions with Immigration in Bangkok today!

[webfact]

Thai ruling party, rivals brace for court ruling

BANGKOK, November 20, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand's ruling party faces the threat of dissolution in a touchpaper Constitutional Court ruling Wednesday, amid fears the decision could inflame the country's divisions as political rivals rally in Bangkok.

Hundreds of riot police were in and around the court ahead of its ruling on whether plans by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's party to amend the constitution -- drawn up under the military junta that deposed her divisive brother Thaksin -- are legal.

The proposed changes would make the senate a fully elected body, returning parliament's upper house to the structure it had before the 2006 coup that removed Thaksin and ushered in a period of political turmoil in the kingdom.

The nine judges began deliberating early Wednesday but were yet to reach a majority verdict, said an AFP reporter at the court.

A verdict that the ruling Puea Thai party acted unconstitutionally in its push for the change could lead to its dissolution, with leading MPs facing five-year bans from politics.

This would risk fresh conflict in a nation that has been periodically rocked by bloody street rallies.

Yingluck called for calm Tuesday, urging pro- and anti-government groups not to "be emotional and clash with each other".

Experts said the constitutional court has a range of options, from allowing the amendment bill to become law, to declaring it unconstitutional and potentially bringing down the government.

"It is a stand-off, it is a confrontation. (The decision) is very crucial because it is a test of the Constitutional Court's role," said analyst Thitinan Pongsudhirak, of Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.

He predicted the court would choose a middle option, preventing the amendment from becoming law as it stands but stopping short of a serious move against the ruling party.

Some 312 MPs and senators who supported the amendment have said they will not recognise the court verdict.

Judicial rulings have played an important role in politically turbulent Thailand.

Two pro-Thaksin premiers were forced from office in 2008 by such rulings, making way for the opposition Democrat Party, which is backed by the military and Bangkok's elite, to take power in a parliamentary vote.

Thailand's political temperature is already simmering after a controversial amnesty plan brought opposition rallies to Bangkok over fears it would have allowed Thaksin's return from self-imposed exile.

The bill was killed by a senate vote last week, but the anti-government rallies have persisted, although numbers have reduced to a few thousand over recent days.

Around 20,000 pro-Thaksin "Red Shirts" have also gathered in the capital, vowing to oppose any decision that would remove another government linked to the ousted former premier.

Puea Thai swept to power in 2011 on a wave of support for Thaksin following deadly 2010 Red Shirt street protests, which were crushed in a bloody military crackdown under the then Democrat-led government.

Thaksin, a telecoms tycoon-turned-politician, has a strong electoral base, with ardent support from many in the country's rural and working class for a raft of popular policies.

But he is loathed by the Bangkok elite and middle class, who accuse him of corruption.

Thitinan said the 2007 constitution aimed to rebalance the country's power structures away from the executive, by shifting more authority to the judiciary and making around half the senate appointed.

"If you make the senate fully elected, the people behind the coup -- or who supported the military coup and the constitution -- will see it as a loss of power," he told AFP.

He said they saw the constitution as "a last line of defence" against Thaksin and his allies.
"It's a big fight but the constitution is just the arena."


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-11-20

[smurph]

Good article looking at the issues ahead of the CC court decision here... http://asiancorrespondent.com/116010/uncharted-amendments-thai-constitutional-court-to-decide-on-govts-fate-yet-again/