Protest death toll rises to eight

[Lite Beer]

Protest death toll rises to eight
The Sunday Nation

Eight people have been killed and more than 300 injured over the past two months due to the overheating political tension that led to clashes with police on Thursday and a drive-by shooting early yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- An anti-government protester was shot dead and three others seriously injured by unknown gunmen at a demonstration site near Government House early yesterday morning, emergency medical staff said.

The four men were shot just after 3am on Saturday near gate number 4 at Government House, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Erawan Emergency Medical Services Centre.

A man was also shot while driving near Government House about an hour later (4am), police said.

Yottana Aongart from Chumphon was shot in the torso. The bullet pierced from the right to the left side of his body. He was admitted at Klang Hospital but died shortly after.

Yottana, 26, was the eighth death in the anti-government protest. Five of these died at Ramkhamhaeng University at the start of the month, while two were killed in a clash between police and protesters at the Thai-Japanese Stadium in Din Daeng on Thursday. More than 300 others have also been injured, some seriously.

In the situation early yesterday, Saneh Lohasart was shot in the left ankle and sent to Rajavithi Hospital, while Surapong Somklaew, 19, was shot twice in the body and Pravit Thongprang, 25, shot above a knee. The latter two were sent to Ramathibodi Hospital.

Police Captain Surapol Jaihao of Nang Lerng police station said police found four bullets of unidentified sizes, plus bullet holes in an electricity generator and a concrete barrier nearby. Investigators would check close-circuit video from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and nearby schools.

Surapol said a pickup truck "led" a car to the scene before unknown gunmen in the backseat of the car lowered the window to shoot the four men.

Forensic police went to the scene yesterday to collect evidence but said it would take time before results of the close-circuit camera investigation would emerge.

Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) spokesman Pol Major Gen Piya Uthayo said in a press conference at 1.30pm yesterday that a group of men in a gold-bronze Toyota with unidentified licence plate drove from Phitsanulok Road through Nang Lerng intersection straight to Chamai Maruchet bridge. They stopped the car and sprayed shots into barriers near the Students and People's Network for Thailand's Reform (STR) protest site, before fleeing toward Rama V Road.

Moreover, Sombat Nakpetch, 48, was shot in the leg while driving past Oratai Bridge near Government House as he and his wife were delivering food to police officers in Government House, Piya said.

He said the gunshots were fired from within 200 metres.

When Sombat tried to drive to a hospital, his pick-up crashed into a police booth on Rama VI Road, Piya said. Sombat was treated at Kasemrad Hospital, in Prachacheun.

Piya said police would discuss with STR on strengthening the security in the area.

People's Democratic Reform Committee spokesman Akanat Promphan called for police to take responsibility, saying it was their duty to ensure the safety of protesters.

Deputy Metropolitan Police commissioner Maj-General Thitiraj Nonghanpitak said police would investigate thoroughly and make the case clear to prevent further conflict. He asked people not to presume who the wrongdoers are.

-- The Nation 2013-12-29

[MaxLee]

Now it's that time for politicans in power to hire and pay mercenary gunmen, men in black or whoever to strike fear into the opposition's protesters.

t's also an act of revenge: "You killed our Redshirt protesters in 2010, now we kill your Anti -government people." and vice versa, so violence will never stop.

[EricBerg]

Eight dead people so far. Hundreds injured. And still the madness will not stop. Since the last time similar happened nothing much changed. Ifear this time will not be different.

[Bluespunk]

"Forensic police went to the scene yesterday to collect evidence but said it would take time before results of the close-circuit camera investigation would emerge."

Why? Does it take that long to view what the cameras pick up?

[Roadman]

The election should be caned now. At this rate the death toll will be past the 90 odd from 2010 before it is held.

Hop on board the Merry Go Round, all your favorite colours to choose....it's never ending stupidity. These clowns who call themselves politicians should hand themselves into His Most Royal Highness now for his forgiveness and guidance.

The problem is either of the main two politicial parties can only think of the other being the problem, and being out to destroy the other, thereby missing the obvious in that they as a whole are the problem. The politicial parties influence on Thailand total governance needs sliced down to less than 50% for a while with the balance of greater shared by the bussiness sector, the judiciary, and other professional and social groups etc. and kept with a watch ful eye from the Army until the politicial arm can learn to play with others. Only then should they be then allowed to gradually win over to the politicial side a greater proportion of the original power holders.

[GentlemanJim]

I wonder if all the families will be paid 7 mill baht by Yingluck this time?

[canuckamuck]

A perfect situation for murderers and other sickos to go unchecked. Open Pandora's box and this is what you get.

Of course the power brokers probably get some kind of thrill having people kill or die for their cause.

Thailand is teetering on the edge of being the next Egypt, Libya, Syria, Sudan.

[londonthai]

and where is dead cop shot last thursday?

at university there was also one looter and arsonist, who died in the burning bus. Difficult to call him a protester, more like a hooligan.

also the 3 shot at university were pro-government

[noitom]

8 dead , hundreds injured in Bangkok, and thousands slaughtered and countless maimed in the Thai south where election registration in seven Thai provinces has been canceled.

[Costas2008]

Still lower than the road accidents........

[smedly]

The election should be caned now. At this rate the death toll will be past the 90 odd from 2010 before it is held.

Hop on board the Merry Go Round, all your favorite colours to choose....it's never ending stupidity. These clowns who call themselves politicians should hand themselves into His Most Royal Highness now for his forgiveness and guidance.

The problem is either of the main two politicial parties can only think of the other being the problem, and being out to destroy the other, thereby missing the obvious in that they as a whole are the problem. The politicial parties influence on Thailand total governance needs sliced down to less than 50% for a while with the balance of greater shared by the bussiness sector, the judiciary, and other professional and social groups etc. and kept with a watch ful eye from the Army until the politicial arm can learn to play with others. Only then should they be then allowed to gradually win over to the politicial side a greater proportion of the original power holders.

if they got banned for life instead of just 5 years then we wouldn't have this perpetual cycle of criminals and crooks in government and dump the immunity from prosecution of MP's - who ever heard of such a thing, these are the people that should be made an example of when they break the law not protected from it

PS............. from another TV Thread

In Bangkok, Pheu Thai Party candidates have already registered for all 33 constituencies. Pimchana Hosakul, wife of former Pheu Thai MP Karun Hosakul - who was banned from politics for five years - has registered to for Don Muang district.

[zydeco]

Does the prime minister have a comment about these deaths? Where is she? What is she doing? Has anyone seen her?

[stoneyboy]

Does the prime minister have a comment about these deaths? Where is she? What is she doing? Has anyone seen her?

I see her last week in Lom Sak if that helps.

[jaidam]

Anyone know if Yingluck's 8 premeditated murder charges/convictions will run concurrently or will be served one after the other? Assuming a 15 year jail term for each of her slaughtered victims, she will be very very old when she gets out of Bang Kwang. The way she is clinging to power there will be many more murders of the peaceful protesters demanding democracy and rule of law. So sad, and so avoidable, Thailand must urgently ratify an extradition treaty with UAE as soon as PTP reign ends to allow the sponsor of this mayhem to face his well deserved punishment as well.

[Skywalker69]

Does the prime minister have a comment about these deaths? Where is she? What is she doing? Has anyone seen her?

Where is she? -Up North.

What is she doing? -Campaning.

[Scamper]

I think it's safe to assume that there is not widespread faith in the police to get down to the bottom of anything. Investigation leads to investigation leads to case forgotten. It is unimaginable that an election campaign can proceed under these circumstances. And it is unimaginable that the prime minister can conduct a campaign in Chiang Mai as if none of this is happening.

[MaxLee]

Anyone know if Yingluck's 8 premeditated murder charges/convictions will run concurrently or will be served one after the other? Assuming a 15 year jail term for each of her slaughtered victims, she will be very very old when she gets out of Bang Kwang. The way she is clinging to power there will be many more murders of the peaceful protesters demanding democracy and rule of law. So sad, and so avoidable, Thailand must urgently ratify an extradition treaty with UAE as soon as PTP reign ends to allow the sponsor of this mayhem to face his well deserved punishment as well.

Yingluck is just being controlled by her brother.... Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai acts.

[englishoak]

Anyone know if Yingluck's 8 premeditated murder charges/convictions will run concurrently or will be served one after the other? Assuming a 15 year jail term for each of her slaughtered victims, she will be very very old when she gets out of Bang Kwang. The way she is clinging to power there will be many more murders of the peaceful protesters demanding democracy and rule of law. So sad, and so avoidable, Thailand must urgently ratify an extradition treaty with UAE as soon as PTP reign ends to allow the sponsor of this mayhem to face his well deserved punishment as well.

You are being ridiculous in your claims, this is exactly why nothing will change while everything is continuously flogged to the extreme in reactions ... people like you will dam_n this country to stagnation and polarization.

[newcomer71]

Anyone know if Yingluck's 8 premeditated murder charges/convictions will run concurrently or will be served one after the other? Assuming a 15 year jail term for each of her slaughtered victims, she will be very very old when she gets out of Bang Kwang. The way she is clinging to power there will be many more murders of the peaceful protesters demanding democracy and rule of law. So sad, and so avoidable, Thailand must urgently ratify an extradition treaty with UAE as soon as PTP reign ends to allow the sponsor of this mayhem to face his well deserved punishment as well.

You are being ridiculous in your claims, this is exactly why nothing will change while everything is continuously flogged to the extreme in reactions ... people like you will dam_n this county to stagnation and polarization.

I sincerely given up to expect to have a balanced reasoning with many posters here. Too many extremists, repeating the same well known things ad libitum.

I even had to read someone telling it's sure been a red shirt to kill the protester last night. They have the truth, they are always right. No need to even try to reasoning with them, or you will be labeled red-shirt or idiot...

[Mackie]

I sincerely given up to make a balanced reasoning with many posters here. Too many extremists, repeating the same well known things ad libitum.

I even had to read someone telling it's sure been a red shirt to kill the protester last night. They have the truth, they are always right. No need to even try to reasoning with them, or you will be labeled red-shirt or idiot...

You do realize that this forum is established mainly to meet the needs of foreigners in Thailand. There are many Thai forums which are more suitable for you. You can continue ranting there.

If you have sincerely given up having a balanced and reasonable discussion with other posters here - you're welcome to it. Simply stop posting on this forum. An easy solution, isn't it?

[newcomer71]

I sincerely given up to make a balanced reasoning with many posters here. Too many extremists, repeating the same well known things ad libitum.

I even had to read someone telling it's sure been a red shirt to kill the protester last night. They have the truth, they are always right. No need to even try to reasoning with them, or you will be labeled red-shirt or idiot...

You do realize that this forum is established mainly to meet the needs of foreigners in Thailand. There are many Thai forums which are more suitable for you. You can continue ranting there.

If you have sincerely given up having a balanced and reasonable discussion with other posters here - you're welcome to it. Simply stop posting on this forum. An easy solution, isn't it?

Thank you Mackie. Your arrogance is a clear proof of what I meant.

You did not need to feel offended, if you think to be a balanced and fair poster...

Thanks for your advice in quality of owner of this forum, as you clearly are, but no thanks, I will keep reading and posting here. As there are many other posters far more civil with which I can talk without being bullied, insulted or attacked.

[Mackie]

I sincerely given up to make a balanced reasoning with many posters here. Too many extremists, repeating the same well known things ad libitum.

I even had to read someone telling it's sure been a red shirt to kill the protester last night. They have the truth, they are always right. No need to even try to reasoning with them, or you will be labeled red-shirt or idiot...

You do realize that this forum is established mainly to meet the needs of foreigners in Thailand. There are many Thai forums which are more suitable for you. You can continue ranting there.

If you have sincerely given up having a balanced and reasonable discussion with other posters here - you're welcome to it. Simply stop posting on this forum. An easy solution, isn't it?

Thank you Mackie. Your arrogance is a clear proof of what I meant.

No thanks, I will keep reading and posting here. As there are many other posters far more civil with which I can talk without being bullied, insulted or attacked.

You're welcome to it. You seem to be a very confused person. No arrogance on my behalf. I was only trying to help you. Just have a look at what you said first. Bolded statement.

[newcomer71]

I sincerely given up to make a balanced reasoning with many posters here. Too many extremists, repeating the same well known things ad libitum.

I even had to read someone telling it's sure been a red shirt to kill the protester last night. They have the truth, they are always right. No need to even try to reasoning with them, or you will be labeled red-shirt or idiot...

You do realize that this forum is established mainly to meet the needs of foreigners in Thailand. There are many Thai forums which are more suitable for you. You can continue ranting there.

If you have sincerely given up having a balanced and reasonable discussion with other posters here - you're welcome to it. Simply stop posting on this forum. An easy solution, isn't it?

Thank you Mackie. Your arrogance is a clear proof of what I meant.

No thanks, I will keep reading and posting here. As there are many other posters far more civil with which I can talk without being bullied, insulted or attacked.

You're welcome to it. You seem to be a very confused person. No arrogance on my behalf. I was only trying to help you. Just have a look at what you said first. Bolded statement.

1) you are breaking the forum rules

2) I already edited the post, so it's more easy to understand

[englishoak]

I sincerely given up to make a balanced reasoning with many posters here. Too many extremists, repeating the same well known things ad libitum.

I even had to read someone telling it's sure been a red shirt to kill the protester last night. They have the truth, they are always right. No need to even try to reasoning with them, or you will be labeled red-shirt or idiot...

You do realize that this forum is established mainly to meet the needs of foreigners in Thailand. There are many Thai forums which are more suitable for you. You can continue ranting there.

If you have sincerely given up having a balanced and reasonable discussion with other posters here - you're welcome to it. Simply stop posting on this forum. An easy solution, isn't it?

Thank you Mackie. Your arrogance is a clear proof of what I meant.

No thanks, I will keep reading and posting here. As there are many other posters far more civil with which I can talk without being bullied, insulted or attacked.

+1 ... the world is full of empty heads and loud voices. Pay the trolls no mind and post away, they hate that more than anything

[SheungWan]

Still lower than the road accidents........

Did you know that the overall death rate (including road fatalities) in Thailand and other countries is 100% ?

[affen02]

Anyone know if Yingluck's 8 premeditated murder charges/convictions will run concurrently or will be served one after the other? Assuming a 15 year jail term for each of her slaughtered victims, she will be very very old when she gets out of Bang Kwang. The way she is clinging to power there will be many more murders of the peaceful protesters demanding democracy and rule of law. So sad, and so avoidable, Thailand must urgently ratify an extradition treaty with UAE as soon as PTP reign ends to allow the sponsor of this mayhem to face his well deserved punishment as well.

I am not sure what you mean with this, do you actually believe that Yingluck ordered this killings or... The only ones i know stand accused of murder is then vice premier Suthep and his boss dating back from demonstrations in 2010. As i see it Yingluck has done all in her power to avoid bloodshed, and she is now in a caretaker function as the constitution demands. By all means, as a foreigner, let Suthep have his way with a democratic poples committee, nothing i can do about that, but luckily i can choose if i want to continue to stay in a country run by an unelected dictator, with a political agenda that smells of power to him, not to the people.

[billd766]

"Forensic police went to the scene yesterday to collect evidence but said it would take time before results of the close-circuit camera investigation would emerge."

Why? Does it take that long to view what the cameras pick up?

Perhaps some minor "technical adjustments" need to be made.

[billd766]

Anyone know if Yingluck's 8 premeditated murder charges/convictions will run concurrently or will be served one after the other? Assuming a 15 year jail term for each of her slaughtered victims, she will be very very old when she gets out of Bang Kwang. The way she is clinging to power there will be many more murders of the peaceful protesters demanding democracy and rule of law. So sad, and so avoidable, Thailand must urgently ratify an extradition treaty with UAE as soon as PTP reign ends to allow the sponsor of this mayhem to face his well deserved punishment as well.

You are being ridiculous in your claims, this is exactly why nothing will change while everything is continuously flogged to the extreme in reactions ... people like you will dam_n this country to stagnation and polarization.

Please explain then why when protesters were killed in 2010 Abhisit has been charged with murder yet in similar circumstances you fervently believe that Yingluck should not be so charged?

Edited for bad spelling.

[Maha Sarakham Marty]

Anyone know if Yingluck's 8 premeditated murder charges/convictions will run concurrently or will be served one after the other? Assuming a 15 year jail term for each of her slaughtered victims, she will be very very old when she gets out of Bang Kwang. The way she is clinging to power there will be many more murders of the peaceful protesters demanding democracy and rule of law. So sad, and so avoidable, Thailand must urgently ratify an extradition treaty with UAE as soon as PTP reign ends to allow the sponsor of this mayhem to face his well deserved punishment as well.

You are being ridiculous in your claims, this is exactly why nothing will change while everything is continuously flogged to the extreme in reactions ... people like you will dam_n this county to stagnation and polarization.

I sincerely given up to expect to have a balanced reasoning with many posters here. Too many extremists, repeating the same well known things ad libitum.

I even had to read someone telling it's sure been a red shirt to kill the protester last night. They have the truth, they are always right. No need to even try to reasoning with them, or you will be labeled red-shirt or idiot...

Could you both be equally even-handed then and decry the posts made by opposing posters who definitively assign blame for the policeman's death to yellow shirts, when nothing has been proven as to who the shooter is?

[newcomer71]

Anyone know if Yingluck's 8 premeditated murder charges/convictions will run concurrently or will be served one after the other? Assuming a 15 year jail term for each of her slaughtered victims, she will be very very old when she gets out of Bang Kwang. The way she is clinging to power there will be many more murders of the peaceful protesters demanding democracy and rule of law. So sad, and so avoidable, Thailand must urgently ratify an extradition treaty with UAE as soon as PTP reign ends to allow the sponsor of this mayhem to face his well deserved punishment as well.

You are being ridiculous in your claims, this is exactly why nothing will change while everything is continuously flogged to the extreme in reactions ... people like you will dam_n this county to stagnation and polarization.

I sincerely given up to expect to have a balanced reasoning with many posters here. Too many extremists, repeating the same well known things ad libitum.

I even had to read someone telling it's sure been a red shirt to kill the protester last night. They have the truth, they are always right. No need to even try to reasoning with them, or you will be labeled red-shirt or idiot...

Could you both be equally even-handed then and decry the posts made by opposing posters who definitively assign blame for the policeman's death to yellow shirts, when nothing has been proven as to who the shooter is?

Oh I sure can do, both of sides speaking like they have the absolute truth, without even knowing what they are talking about, and insult, bullying and labeling anyone else having a different idea are sure out of my sight of civil debate.

Sad is that 70% of posts are of those groups.