Bangkok protesters 'hit by rubber bullets'

[webfact]

Protesters 'hit by rubber bullets'
The Nation



CAPO insists police only using tear gas, chemically-treated water spray

BANGKOK: -- Several demonstrators and two news-crew members were reportedly hurt by rubber bullets during attempted raids by protesters into restricted areas.

The Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), however, has insisted that police are still relying only on tear gas and chemically treated water spray to keep the demonstrators away.

Navamindradhiraj University president Bhichit Rattakul confirmed that at least two patients, one of them a reporter, were shot with rubber bullets and sent to the Vajira Hospital. The hospital is part of his university.

He said the hospital planned to examine the water mixture found on patients from rally sites too, because most patients had developed skin rashes.

"We will be examining the water mixture to determine what it contains," he said.

Surachet Watcharawisit, chief photographer of the Daily News newspaper, reportedly sought treatment at the Hua Chiew Hospital yesterday after being shot in the ear by a rubber bullet. He needed 23 stitches.

As anti-government protesters clashed with police yesterday at several sites around Bangkok - including Karn Reun Intersection, Pol 1 Intersection and Chamai Maruchet Bridge - word spread that live bullets were being fired along with rubber bullets and tear gas. During the chaos, it was also reported that a news van from Media News was shot at, while an Al Jazeera news van reportedly sustained two shots from an unknown type of bullet.

At 3pm, Students and People's Network for Thailand's Reform (SRT) leader Kittichai Saisa-ard called on its supporters to retreat, explaining that police were using heavy weapons in response to the use of ping-pong bombs by unidentified men.

Police, however, insisted they used neither real nor rubber bullets.

"We don't use [such] force," CAPO spokesman Maj-General Piya Uthayo told a press conference yesterday afternoon.

CAPO secretary-general General Worapong Chewprecha, who is also a deputy national police commissioner, explained there were clear standard measures to stop any attempt to prevent the situation from getting out of control.

"Our measures correspond to actions taken by demonstrators," Worapong said, "Any use of force will ease as soon as demonstrators go for lighter measures."

He said if demonstrators gathered peacefully, police would just give information and advice.

If demonstrators committed minor offences, police might try to negotiate and use pressure tactics, he said.

"We may need to use some tools too, but those tools will not endanger demonstrators' lives," he said.

Worapong said police would issue warnings before any use of tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets.

"In those cases, after the situation eases, we will also deliver medical help to injured demonstrators," he said.

He insisted that tear gas used by police was not dangerous.

"I have tested it myself. After exposure, I had an eye irritation but only for a while," he said.

Worapong said police did not use tear-gas launchers, out of concern they might be mistaken for grenade launchers.

Still, he said if the situation descended into a riot, police would need to use the harshest measure - the use of live bullets.


-- The Nation 2013-12-03

[notmyself]

chemically treated water spray to keep the demonstrators away.

A chemical weapon by any definition.

[jackrich]

As Thais would say, som nam na.

I think everyone has had enough time to go home by now. If you get hurt, it's nothing but your own fault.

[whybother]

The Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), however, has insisted that police are still relying only on tear gas and chemically treated water spray to keep the demonstrators away.

So they're using the rubber bullets for other purposes?

[whybother]

As Thais would say, som nam na.

I think everyone has had enough time to go home by now. If you get hurt, it's nothing but your own fault.

A lot of people said that about 2010.

[Emptyset]

chemically treated water spray to keep the demonstrators away.

A chemical weapon by any definition.

Sunai from Human Rights Watch tweeted yesterday on this:

Sunai ‏@sunaibkk 19h

@WilwithoneL Dyed water is not acid or poison as claimed by Blue Sky Channel and ASTV

Also worth keeping an eye on his feed for those concerned about human rights violations.

[newcomer71]

chemically treated water spray to keep the demonstrators away.

A chemical weapon by any definition.

Water mixed with chlorine is chemically treated.

I will sue my condo for put threat at my life.

[slk350]

There lucky is only Rubber Bullets, could been worse.

AND WRIGHT SO !!!

i was 20 years in a Riod Police, you can not be in defence all the time , you have to attac and chase them .

if there demonstrate peacefully NO Problem , but this Criminals and Thugs deserve it to feel it on there own body.

[Halion]

I keep seeing references to chemically treated water being used. Does anyone know what chemical is being added to the water?

[Loles]

.... AND what did they wait ??? chocolate cake with capu'yen ?

[Loles]

As Thais would say, som nam na.

I think everyone has had enough time to go home by now. If you get hurt, it's nothing but your own fault.

A lot of people said that about 2010.

Yes, and this is true for 2010. and 2013. also.

You have to understand the really big crowd is at home, or try to work.

These dirty lots on roads (pro and contra) make/made show business, free circus and a lot of damages (material and immaterial too).

Just check this Isuzu truck in the picture. Do you know how much is it? But the "peaceful protesters" destroy / destroyed (2010.) anything.

Edited December 3, 2013 by Loles

[smedly]

As Thais would say, som nam na.

I think everyone has had enough time to go home by now. If you get hurt, it's nothing but your own fault.

and would you say the same thing about the reds in 2010 ?

I think not

[Jasun]

I keep seeing references to chemically treated water being used. Does anyone know what chemical is being added to the water?

A lot of people are asking this question. Latest theory is that it is a forensic marking agent.

[gemini81]

So it wasn't feces like poster Doc claimed.

[Baerboxer]

There lucky is only Rubber Bullets, could been worse.

AND WRIGHT SO !!!

i was 20 years in a Riod Police, you can not be in defence all the time , you have to attac and chase them .

if there demonstrate peacefully NO Problem , but this Criminals and Thugs deserve it to feel it on there own body.

Glad I'm not from your country.

Normally its for the courts to decide if someone is a criminal following a trial and considering the evidence.

In most civilized countries, the police must act in accordance with the law, and individual officers are also subject to the law. Unfortunately the Thai criminal justice system and law enforcement is somewhat questionable. Would you turn these loonies loose?

Otherwise you get what is known as a police state where you often find a lot of law and very little order.