Foreign Ministry to brief envoys on ‘Bangkok Shutdown’

[webfact]

Foreign Ministry to brief envoys on ‘Bangkok shutdown’ today
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 8 – Foreign diplomats in Thailand are scheduled to attend a briefing at the Foreign Ministry today on measures to cope with the expected anti-government protesters’ seizure of Bangkok on Monday.

Sihasak Phuangketkeow, permanent secretary for foreign affairs, said some Bangkok embassies have expressed concern over the political situation and possible inconveniences for their citizens and tourists on Monday.

He said the Foreign Ministry will explain to them the government’s preparations and measures to deal with the protesters’ threatened move to occupy major areas in the capital.

Foreign embassies will be given details of state agencies to be contacted in case of emergency, he said.

Meanwhile, the National Police Bureau said combined police and military forces will be on duty at 30 significant locations during the ‘Bangkok shutdown’ on January 13.

Deputy national police chief Worapong Chiewpreecha met urgently with metropolitan police officers yesterday to map preparations for the massive demonstrations which are intended to paralyse Bangkok.

Pol Gen Worapong said a number of schools and at least 19 hospitals are located in the occupied zones where traffic flow will be affected.

Traffic police under a royally-sponsored project, attached to the Traffic Police Division's 6th division, will be on standby with medical equipment and promptly coordinate with the Police Hospital and Police Aviation Unit in moving patients in case of emergency, he said.

He said 56 police companies and 40 military companies will be mobilised to maintain order and provide conveniences to people in Bangkok on Monday. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-01-08

[LuckyLew]

They should get the professor from Chang Mai ...

she could use her same words from a couple weeks ago

It is a farang fault .... you should all go home

[djhotsox]

" to deal with the protesters’ threatened move to occupy major areas in the capital."

What areas are these exactly? I am wondering if I need to make preparations or to make myself scarce......??

[geriatrickid]

" to deal with the protesters’ threatened move to occupy major areas in the capital."

What areas are these exactly? I am wondering if I need to make preparations or to make myself scarce......??

Stock up for a couple days, because I have a feeling that an iron fist is going to clear out the protestors if they get too pushy.

[thhMan]

Amazing how a low IQ culture can let this happen.

Its premeditated terrorism and all they will do is prep for it?

They know who, what and when.... all they need do now is shut the perpetrators down

[webfact]

Foreign envoys assured of safety during Bangkok Shutdown
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 8 - The Thai Foreign Ministry today clarified the tense political situation to foreign envoys and said it would ensure their safety as several embassies are located in the "Bangkok Shutdown" protest areas.

Sihasak Phuangketkeow, permanent-secretary for foreign affairs, said foreign diplomats from 63 countries, including 28 ambassadors, attended the briefing at the foreign ministry on measures to cope with the Jan13 "Bangkok Shutdown" by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC ) and possible related inconveniences.

Mr Sihasak notified the envoys that their work might be affected but said that the government is well prepared with security measures to protect the embassies and diplomats' operations under international treaty obligations.

He said security measures will be tightened at embassies, particularly those located in areas likely to be blocked by the anti-government protesters such as Silom, Sathorn, and Witthayu.

The embassies can contact with the government around the clock, said Mr Sihasak, adding that as of now, no embassy has declared being closed next Monday.

The permanent-secretary for foreign affairs said he informed the diplomats that the Thai government adheres to peaceful and democratic means to solve the conflict. It is open for political reform and willing to listen to opinions from all parties.

Some foreign diplomats, however, voiced concern over the situation, such as the French ambassador to Thailand who expressed hope that the Thai government would provide sufficient protection to the embassy with its electricity supply having been cut off by the protesters.

The German ambassador expressed his concern over possible airport seizure, Mr Sihasak said he ensured the diplomat that such an incident will not happen as protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban earlier announced that the protesters would not do so.

Following rumours of a possible coup, Mr Sihasak said no diplomat asked about this issue.

Meanwhile, PDRC spokesman Akanat Promphan said their Monday march to drum up support for "Bangkok Shutdown" received a warm welcome from the public.

He said over Bt2.5 million in cash were donated by the public during yesterday's march.

He urged the Centre for the Administration for Peace and Order (CAPO) to stop slandering the protesters with groundless accusations of drug use and weapons theft. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-01-08

[kkerry]

 

He urged the Centre for the Administration for Peace and Order (CAPO) to stop slandering the protesters with groundless accusations of drug use and weapons theft.

Lack of drug use more like it. Suthep is clearly off his meds, has been for some time...

[webfact]

POLITICS
Embassies, diplomats concerned at Bangkok shutdown
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Foreign embassies, and particularly those located near rally sites, on Wednesday expressed concern at the political situation ahead of the mass rally and Bangkok shutdown on January 13, Foreign Ministry's permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkaew said.

Some 20 foreign embassies on Silom, Sathorn and Wireless roads could be affected by the demonstrations.

Sihasak was speaking after briefing foreign diplomats about the situation concerning the antigovernment protesters who plan to organise a mass demonstration on Monday to shutdown the city.

Of the 63 attendants from 50 countries, 28 were ambassadors and included those from France, Germany, Denmark, Italy and Canada.

Thailand, as a host country, is committed under the Geneva Convention to provide safety and security for their work as well as for the travel of embassy staff.

Sihasak said he briefed the diplomats about the safety measures and ensured them that the government would solve the problems in a peaceful way and in line with democratic principles.

The Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) will be in charge of taking care of the safety of the embassy and their staff.

He quoted some foreign diplomats as expressing concern at reports that the protesters will close down many intersections and their expectations that their vehicles would be able to enter and leave the embassies without trouble.

The French Ambassador to Thailand has expressed particular concern as its temporary embassy is located in the compound of CAT Telecom Plc on Charoen Krung Road, which saw its electricity cut during earlier protests.

The German ambassador to Thailand expressed concern at rumours that the protesters will seize the airports. "I confirmed to the ambassador that rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban has guaranteed there will be no shutting down of the airports," he said.


-- The Nation 2014-01-08

[rubl]

" to deal with the protesters’ threatened move to occupy major areas in the capital."

What areas are these exactly? I am wondering if I need to make preparations or to make myself scarce......??

Stock up for a couple days, because I have a feeling that an iron fist is going to clear out the protestors if they get too pushy.

I would think that only when people start hoarding fearing shortages that there might grow a need to stock up a bit. Still shortages as seen during the October - December 2011 flooding I do not expect.

[diehard60]

Foreign envoys assured of safety during Bangkok Shutdown

By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 8 - The Thai Foreign Ministry today clarified the tense political situation to foreign envoys and said it would ensure their safety as several embassies are located in the "Bangkok Shutdown" protest areas.

Sihasak Phuangketkeow, permanent-secretary for foreign affairs, said foreign diplomats from 63 countries, including 28 ambassadors, attended the briefing at the foreign ministry on measures to cope with the Jan13 "Bangkok Shutdown" by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC ) and possible related inconveniences.

Mr Sihasak notified the envoys that their work might be affected but said that the government is well prepared with security measures to protect the embassies and diplomats' operations under international treaty obligations.

He said security measures will be tightened at embassies, particularly those located in areas likely to be blocked by the anti-government protesters such as Silom, Sathorn, and Witthayu.

The embassies can contact with the government around the clock, said Mr Sihasak, adding that as of now, no embassy has declared being closed next Monday.

The permanent-secretary for foreign affairs said he informed the diplomats that the Thai government adheres to peaceful and democratic means to solve the conflict. It is open for political reform and willing to listen to opinions from all parties.

Some foreign diplomats, however, voiced concern over the situation, such as the French ambassador to Thailand who expressed hope that the Thai government would provide sufficient protection to the embassy with its electricity supply having been cut off by the protesters.

The German ambassador expressed his concern over possible airport seizure, Mr Sihasak said he ensured the diplomat that such an incident will not happen as protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban earlier announced that the protesters would not do so.

Following rumours of a possible coup, Mr Sihasak said no diplomat asked about this issue.

Meanwhile, PDRC spokesman Akanat Promphan said their Monday march to drum up support for "Bangkok Shutdown" received a warm welcome from the public.

He said over Bt2.5 million in cash were donated by the public during yesterday's march.

He urged the Centre for the Administration for Peace and Order (CAPO) to stop slandering the protesters with groundless accusations of drug use and weapons theft. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-01-08

I wonder what he does with the money that gets donated????? What account does it go in????? His or his wives?

[diehard60]

POLITICS

Embassies, diplomats concerned at Bangkok shutdown

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Foreign embassies, and particularly those located near rally sites, on Wednesday expressed concern at the political situation ahead of the mass rally and Bangkok shutdown on January 13, Foreign Ministry's permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkaew said.

Some 20 foreign embassies on Silom, Sathorn and Wireless roads could be affected by the demonstrations.

Sihasak was speaking after briefing foreign diplomats about the situation concerning the antigovernment protesters who plan to organise a mass demonstration on Monday to shutdown the city.

Of the 63 attendants from 50 countries, 28 were ambassadors and included those from France, Germany, Denmark, Italy and Canada.

Thailand, as a host country, is committed under the Geneva Convention to provide safety and security for their work as well as for the travel of embassy staff.

Sihasak said he briefed the diplomats about the safety measures and ensured them that the government would solve the problems in a peaceful way and in line with democratic principles.

The Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) will be in charge of taking care of the safety of the embassy and their staff.

He quoted some foreign diplomats as expressing concern at reports that the protesters will close down many intersections and their expectations that their vehicles would be able to enter and leave the embassies without trouble.

The French Ambassador to Thailand has expressed particular concern as its temporary embassy is located in the compound of CAT Telecom Plc on Charoen Krung Road, which saw its electricity cut during earlier protests.

The German ambassador to Thailand expressed concern at rumours that the protesters will seize the airports. "I confirmed to the ambassador that rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban has guaranteed there will be no shutting down of the airports," he said.

-- The Nation 2014-01-08

"The German ambassador to Thailand expressed concern at rumours that the protesters will seize the airports. "I confirmed to the ambassador that rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban has guaranteed there will be no shutting down of the airports," he said."

Right! And all of you out there really really believe what suthep "guarantees".

[Bpuumike]

Amazing how a low IQ culture can let this happen.

Its premeditated terrorism and all they will do is prep for it?

They know who, what and when.... all they need do now is shut the perpetrators down

Indeed. The major protest leader has at least 2 outstanding arrest warrants against him.

[spidermike007]

Oops. We seem to have lost control of a large portion of the population. Not sure how that happened. The people do not seem to like us anymore. Has that ever happened to you, in your country, Mr. Envoy? Wow. This is really difficult. My PM, and the ministers she appointed are not sure what to do. We just do not have any good solutions. Do any of you guys have any good ideas? Can you advise us on how to run a country? Please. Pretty please. I would really appreciate any help on this.

[stoli]

Amazing how a low IQ culture can let this happen.

Its premeditated terrorism and all they will do is prep for it?

They know who, what and when.... all they need do now is shut the perpetrators down

Just as they always know when and where it is going to happen in Berkley, California, and Washington, D.C., and no action is taken. People have a right to protest. You may not like it, I may not like it, but it is something that should be protected, just as it is now. This happens in most countries, except a few like China, Cuba, North Korea, and a few others.

[JAG]

Foreign envoys assured of safety during Bangkok Shutdown

By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 8 - The Thai Foreign Ministry today clarified the tense political situation to foreign envoys and said it would ensure their safety as several embassies are located in the "Bangkok Shutdown" protest areas.

Sihasak Phuangketkeow, permanent-secretary for foreign affairs, said foreign diplomats from 63 countries, including 28 ambassadors, attended the briefing at the foreign ministry on measures to cope with the Jan13 "Bangkok Shutdown" by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC ) and possible related inconveniences.

Mr Sihasak notified the envoys that their work might be affected but said that the government is well prepared with security measures to protect the embassies and diplomats' operations under international treaty obligations.

He said security measures will be tightened at embassies, particularly those located in areas likely to be blocked by the anti-government protesters such as Silom, Sathorn, and Witthayu.

The embassies can contact with the government around the clock, said Mr Sihasak, adding that as of now, no embassy has declared being closed next Monday.

The permanent-secretary for foreign affairs said he informed the diplomats that the Thai government adheres to peaceful and democratic means to solve the conflict. It is open for political reform and willing to listen to opinions from all parties.

Some foreign diplomats, however, voiced concern over the situation, such as the French ambassador to Thailand who expressed hope that the Thai government would provide sufficient protection to the embassy with its electricity supply having been cut off by the protesters.

The German ambassador expressed his concern over possible airport seizure, Mr Sihasak said he ensured the diplomat that such an incident will not happen as protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban earlier announced that the protesters would not do so.

Following rumours of a possible coup, Mr Sihasak said no diplomat asked about this issue.

Meanwhile, PDRC spokesman Akanat Promphan said their Monday march to drum up support for "Bangkok Shutdown" received a warm welcome from the public.

He said over Bt2.5 million in cash were donated by the public during yesterday's march.

He urged the Centre for the Administration for Peace and Order (CAPO) to stop slandering the protesters with groundless accusations of drug use and weapons theft. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-01-08

I wonder what he does with the money that gets donated????? What account does it go in????? His or his wives?

The cynic in me wonders just how spontaneous some of these donations are?

I suppose having several thousand noisy demonstrators outside your premises may help with the spontaneity?

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[menorah]

Rather than consistently 'Doom Mongering' a potential 'Bangkok Shutdown', it might serve Thai government better to assume a 'Poker Face' and keep the activists guessing at the level of military and police response likely to be encountered.

Their rhetoric puts me in mind of old 70's boxing tournaments held in UK and commentated by Harry Carpenter. No matter how good 'our man', dear old Harry could always be counted on to find an imagined 'Achilles Heel', which would dismiss our contender as having a little or no chance of winning.

A bit more positivity on the part of government would go a long way toward making this situation less than a foregone conclusion.

Edited January 8, 2014 by menorah

[tingtongteesood]

He urged the Centre for the Administration for Peace and Order (CAPO) to stop slandering the protesters with groundless accusations of drug use and weapons theft. (MCOT online news)

2nd most sensible thing I have heard all day. PT and UDD and those who are in a position to brainwash the sheeple reds have been doing the exact same thing for at least the last 4 years on a daily basis, it's hard to break old habits. Would be nice if they would stop with the lies, rhetoric, vitriolic hate speeches and hyperbole. Doubt they will, but would be very nice....

[Cricketnut]

Amazing how a low IQ culture can let this happen.

Its premeditated terrorism and all they will do is prep for it?

They know who, what and when.... all they need do now is shut the perpetrators down

Just as they always know when and where it is going to happen in Berkley, California, and Washington, D.C., and no action is taken. People have a right to protest. You may not like it, I may not like it, but it is something that should be protected, just as it is now. This happens in most countries, except a few like China, Cuba, North Korea, and a few others.

What a laugh that is. Have you had a look at Youtube of late and noted what happens to people who protest in The Great USofA, they get arrested, locked up and charged. The USA to me seems more and more like a military state and if you dont believe it, just go there and organise a protest. To say that this could happen in America is so laughable and also impossible...Freedom in the USA has been largely lost, or are you too busy on this forum to notice what is happening outside of Thailand?

[webfact]

MASS RALLY
Embassies, diplomats concerned about city shutdown
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Foreign embassies, and particularly those located near potential rally sites, yesterday expressed concern ahead of the mass rally and so-called Bangkok shutdown on Monday, the Foreign Ministry's permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkaew said.

Some 20 foreign embassies on Silom, Sathorn and Wireless roads could be affected by the demonstrations.

Sihasak was speaking after briefing foreign diplomats about the situation.

Of the 63 representatives from 50 countries, 28 were ambassadorsfrom France, Germany, Denmark, Italy and Canada. Thailand, as a host country, is committed under the Geneva Convention to provide safety for the envoys and their staff as well as ensure they have ease of travel.

Sihasak said he had briefed the diplomats about the safety measures the government was taking and ensured them that the government would solve the problems in a peaceful way and in line with democratic principles.

The Centre for the Administra-tion of Peace and Order (CAPO) will be in charge of ensuring the safety of foreign diplomats, embassies and staff.

He quoted some foreign diplomats as expressing concern at reports that the anti-government protesters will close down many intersections in the capital and hence make it difficult for them to enter and leave their embassies without problems.

He said the French ambassador was particularly concerned because his staff are currently working in the compound of CAT Telecom on Charoen Krung Road while the embassy is under renovation and had its electricity disconnected during earlier protests.

The German ambassador to Thailand was also worried about rumours that protesters would seize the two airports.

"I have confirmed that the rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban has guaranteed there will be no shutting down of the airports," Sihasak said.


-- The Nation 2014-01-09

[Chao Lao Beach]

They should get the professor from Chang Mai ...

she could use her same words from a couple weeks ago

It is a farang fault .... you should all go home

I missed that, do you have a link to what you are referring to ?