Police to not carry weapons during Jan 13 protests

[Lite Beer]

Police to not carry weapons during Jan 13 protests

BANGKOK, 12 January 2014 (NNT) – The police will carry no weapons during the planned mass rally on Monday, while members of the public have been asked not to join the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protests.

Pol Maj Gen Adul Narongsak, Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief, admitted that he was worried about the current political standoff, but affirmed that police would be able to keep the situation on Monday under control. He also assured that police will only be carrying riot shields to protect themselves, as they have been ordered not to use weapons against the protesters.

Pol Maj Gen Adul also asked members of the public to reconsider joining the rally for their own safety because there had been a report that a third party would try to instigate violence.

Meanwhile, Deputy Army Spokesman Col Winthai Suvaree revealed that the Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) had asked the army for reinforcement in 20 locations to help police officers handle the anticipated huge crowds.

On January 13, security will be particularly tightened at important places such as the Government House, Suvarnabhumi International Airport, and TV stations.

-- NNT 2014-01-12

[tominbkk]

They'll leave the weapons to the men in black on the rooftops.

[ExpatOilWorker]

No guns for the police, but sadly some of them might contain a bullet before the week is over.

[NongKhaiKid]

No guns for the police, but sadly some of them might contain a bullet before the week is over.

Yes exactly. The uniformed officers that the public and media can see may be unarmed but what about the ' unseen hand ' unit ?

[h90]

They'll leave the weapons to the men in black on the rooftops.

The man in black who are policemen (police boss told so) and who are unarmed as can be seen on the published photos from a quadrocopter. The rifle with scope is 1 meter away...that counts as unarmed?

[kurtgruen]

It's always the same crap. I just hope, that Khun Suthep and his crew, were smart enough, to put hidden cameras everywhere, because, of course, the ones the Government put up, never seem to work, when a protester gets shot.

If I was him, I would have patrols with radio, in and on every tall building, checking the area, at all times and staying in radio contact. The police aren't doing their job, so they will have to protect themselves, against violence.

[spare5]

They'll leave the weapons to the men in black on the rooftops.

The man in black who are policemen (police boss told so) and who are unarmed as can be seen on the published photos from a quadrocopter. The rifle with scope is 1 meter away...that counts as unarmed?

Same same, protesters guards also have no guns.

[Sunisalom]

The Thai definition of weapon may not be quite as us farangians expect.

[ExpatOilWorker]

It's always the same crap. I just hope, that Khun Suthep and his crew, were smart enough, to put hidden cameras everywhere, because, of course, the ones the Government put up, never seem to work, when a protester gets shot.

If I was him, I would have patrols with radio, in and on every tall building, checking the area, at all times and staying in radio contact. The police aren't doing their job, so they will have to protect themselves, against violence.

They could also just stay home and life a peaceful life.

[spare5]

It's always the same crap. I just hope, that Khun Suthep and his crew, were smart enough, to put hidden cameras everywhere, because, of course, the ones the Government put up, never seem to work, when a protester gets shot.

If I was him, I would have patrols with radio, in and on every tall building, checking the area, at all times and staying in radio contact. The police aren't doing their job, so they will have to protect themselves, against violence.

They could also just stay home and life a peaceful life.

You could.

But if you are NOT out on the street, it could be viewed by your neighbor as been a red thaksin supporting buffalo.

I wouldn't take the chance, not in Bangkok anyway. Most of my lovely neighbor are yellow. I don't want to upset them.

Edited January 12, 2014 by spare5

[transam]

If I were a BiB I think I would phone in sick........

[ramrod711]

Everyone shouts "Democracy", well these people have a legal, democratic and constitutional right to express their displeasure with the government that is driving their country to the edge of bankruptcy. All the people who scream about Suthep should take note of how things turned out in 2010, Arisman, Jatuporn, Nattawhut and company all got rich for their part in a display that was much worse than what we are seeing now. Democracy brings responsibility, it is a promise from the people we trust with our votes to carry out their duties for the good of the country, not for some runaway. With the farmers not being paid for the rice, the government passing bills in the middle of the night, nobody can assert that these people have earned the public trust.

[Sunisalom]

If I were a BiB I think I would phone in sick........

You'd be surprised how many BIB are on the side of the protestors...

[transam]

If I were a BiB I think I would phone in sick........

You'd be surprised how many BIB are on the side of the protestors...

I wouldn't, but someone in brown is not highly regarded.

[Commander Tamson]

It's always the same crap. I just hope, that Khun Suthep and his crew, were smart enough, to put hidden cameras everywhere, because, of course, the ones the Government put up, never seem to work, when a protester gets shot.

If I was him, I would have patrols with radio, in and on every tall building, checking the area, at all times and staying in radio contact. The police aren't doing their job, so they will have to protect themselves, against violence.

They could also just stay home and life a peaceful life.

You could.

But if you are NOT out on the street, it could be viewed by your neighbor as been a red thaksin supporting buffalo.

I wouldn't take the chance, not in Bangkok anyway. Most of my lovely neighbor are yellow. I don't want to upset them.

OMG - a rebel without a cause!

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[ExpatOilWorker]

It's always the same crap. I just hope, that Khun Suthep and his crew, were smart enough, to put hidden cameras everywhere, because, of course, the ones the Government put up, never seem to work, when a protester gets shot.

If I was him, I would have patrols with radio, in and on every tall building, checking the area, at all times and staying in radio contact. The police aren't doing their job, so they will have to protect themselves, against violence.

They could also just stay home and life a peaceful life.

You could.

But if you are NOT out on the street, it could be viewed by your neighbor as been a red thaksin supporting buffalo.

I wouldn't take the chance, not in Bangkok anyway. Most of my lovely neighbor are yellow. I don't want to upset them.

Going to work like any Monday is not an option for your lovely elite neighbors?

[DrTuner]

I just hope, that Khun Suthep and his crew, were smart enough, to put hidden cameras everywhere

Unless they shut down mobile networks, there must be thousands of mobile phones with cams and the ability to upload videos to youtube.

Then just add here: https://www.facebook.com/PDRCThailand . Fixed cameras are yesterday.

[mca]

It's always the same crap. I just hope, that Khun Suthep and his crew, were smart enough, to put hidden cameras everywhere, because, of course, the ones the Government put up, never seem to work, when a protester gets shot.

If I was him, I would have patrols with radio, in and on every tall building, checking the area, at all times and staying in radio contact. The police aren't doing their job, so they will have to protect themselves, against violence.

They could also just stay home and life a peaceful life.

You could.

But if you are NOT out on the street, it could be viewed by your neighbor as been a red thaksin supporting buffalo.

I wouldn't take the chance, not in Bangkok anyway. Most of my lovely neighbor are yellow. I don't want to upset them.

OMG - a rebel without a cause!

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

More like rebel without a clue

[Commander Tamson]

Everyone shouts "Democracy", well these people have a legal, democratic and constitutional right to express their displeasure with the government that is driving their country to the edge of bankruptcy. All the people who scream about Suthep should take note of how things turned out in 2010, Arisman, Jatuporn, Nattawhut and company all got rich for their part in a display that was much worse than what we are seeing now. Democracy brings responsibility, it is a promise from the people we trust with our votes to carry out their duties for the good of the country, not for some runaway. With the farmers not being paid for the rice, the government passing bills in the middle of the night, nobody can assert that these people have earned the public trust.

The present government was voted in by the majority of Thai voters - that is Democracy. Yes they are a bunch of thieving corrupt besterds, whose only reason for getting into politics was to line there own pockets And Suthep was and is no different.

I would be delighted and so so happy for my adopted country if Suthep and his followers actually did achieve a total reform of the political system, but come on! Suthep's only agenda here is to rejoin feeding trough.

And if the majority of Thais want Thaksin & his policies back - well that's good reward for their own stupidity.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[473geo]

Everyone shouts "Democracy", well these people have a legal, democratic and constitutional right to express their displeasure with the government that is driving their country to the edge of bankruptcy. All the people who scream about Suthep should take note of how things turned out in 2010, Arisman, Jatuporn, Nattawhut and company all got rich for their part in a display that was much worse than what we are seeing now. Democracy brings responsibility, it is a promise from the people we trust with our votes to carry out their duties for the good of the country, not for some runaway. With the farmers not being paid for the rice, the government passing bills in the middle of the night, nobody can assert that these people have earned the public trust.

There is minimal violence because the current administration is wise to the intentions of Suthep, also the current administration are employing rather differing tactics through the whole affair, in fact coming out of it all this far, with credit for their actions

The deploying of non armed police is shifting the ball back to Suthep, don't step over the line or you lose all credibility

A long way different to the previous shoot them in the streets debacle created by Abhisit and Suthep in their efforts to cling to power

[h90]

They'll leave the weapons to the men in black on the rooftops.

The man in black who are policemen (police boss told so) and who are unarmed as can be seen on the published photos from a quadrocopter. The rifle with scope is 1 meter away...that counts as unarmed?

Same same, protesters guards also have no guns.

????????? What you want to tell? It is OK that the police is shooting with sniper rifles because there might be a guard with a gun?

[h90]

Everyone shouts "Democracy", well these people have a legal, democratic and constitutional right to express their displeasure with the government that is driving their country to the edge of bankruptcy. All the people who scream about Suthep should take note of how things turned out in 2010, Arisman, Jatuporn, Nattawhut and company all got rich for their part in a display that was much worse than what we are seeing now. Democracy brings responsibility, it is a promise from the people we trust with our votes to carry out their duties for the good of the country, not for some runaway. With the farmers not being paid for the rice, the government passing bills in the middle of the night, nobody can assert that these people have earned the public trust.

The present government was voted in by the majority of Thai voters - that is Democracy. Yes they are a bunch of thieving corrupt besterds, whose only reason for getting into politics was to line there own pockets And Suthep was and is no different.

I would be delighted and so so happy for my adopted country if Suthep and his followers actually did achieve a total reform of the political system, but come on! Suthep's only agenda here is to rejoin feeding trough.

And if the majority of Thais want Thaksin & his policies back - well that's good reward for their own stupidity.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

no they were not voted in in a democratically way....and don't forget they were already twice dissolved for cheating.

And even if they were voted in, this does not allow to them to make changes to the constitution that damages Democracy.

[Commander Tamson]

Everyone shouts "Democracy", well these people have a legal, democratic and constitutional right to express their displeasure with the government that is driving their country to the edge of bankruptcy. All the people who scream about Suthep should take note of how things turned out in 2010, Arisman, Jatuporn, Nattawhut and company all got rich for their part in a display that was much worse than what we are seeing now. Democracy brings responsibility, it is a promise from the people we trust with our votes to carry out their duties for the good of the country, not for some runaway. With the farmers not being paid for the rice, the government passing bills in the middle of the night, nobody can assert that these people have earned the public trust.

The present government was voted in by the majority of Thai voters - that is Democracy. Yes they are a bunch of thieving corrupt besterds, whose only reason for getting into politics was to line there own pockets And Suthep was and is no different.

I would be delighted and so so happy for my adopted country if Suthep and his followers actually did achieve a total reform of the political system, but come on! Suthep's only agenda here is to rejoin feeding trough.

And if the majority of Thais want Thaksin & his policies back - well that's good reward for their own stupidity.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

no they were not voted in in a democratically way....and don't forget they were already twice dissolved for cheating.

And even if they were voted in, this does not allow to them to make changes to the constitution that damages Democracy.

I agree with you entirely. But just watch who wins the next election. My point was the stupidity of the voting public - most of whom however will never see a change to their life no matter who is in power

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[citizen33]

They'll leave the weapons to the men in black on the rooftops.

The man in black who are policemen (police boss told so) and who are unarmed as can be seen on the published photos from a quadrocopter. The rifle with scope is 1 meter away...that counts as unarmed?

Same same, protesters guards also have no guns.

????????? What you want to tell? It is OK that the police is shooting with sniper rifles because there might be a guard with a gun?

I imagine this poster is referring to the aerial photograph posted about a week ago here, showing black clad police on a roof with rifles laid out nearby. Emptyset established at the time that this was a picture from 2012 posted by yellow sympathizers on this board to mislead the rest of us. Please post .the image again so that we can repost the original 2012 link and show once again the lengths to which some bloodthirsty people go to stir up hate.

[473geo]

Suthep must be getting worried, a major long running protest, minimal sporadic violence..........

Isn't Suthep facing a charge related to excessive use of force on the Thai people during a previous protest.......beginning to look as if this indeed was the case

Perhaps his concealed effort to save his own skin is not rising to expectations......or perhaps his plan is exposed and the administration is not taking the bait......

[Scamper]

An unexpected yet welcome decision on the part of the administration to not have the police carry arms - at least initially.

And yet there still is a subtext of keeping the people from joining the walks through fear.

" Pol Maj Gen Adul also asked members of the public to reconsider joining the rally for their own safety because there had been a report that a third party would try to instigate violence. "

Why not reveal the nature of that report publicly ? Wouldn't that serve to protect the public ? Or was there a report in the first place ? The public is long past the point of failing to connect the dots here. The administration is painfully transparent.The public's suspicions have been aroused on too many occasions by the inaction of the administration to protect them, to the point that they understandably no longer regard the administration as a source of their security.

" Meanwhile, Deputy Army Spokesman Col Winthai Suvaree revealed that the Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) had asked the army for reinforcement in 20 locations to help police officers handle the anticipated huge crowds. "

​This quote is hugely telling, because although the 20 locations imply the administrative buildings, the word that was used in the quote was " asked ". It does not say that the army has agreed to the request. This has been the continual narrative of the administration regarding the army. They simply do not know what they will do. So it will be very interesting to see what happens here, especially as the army has already gone on record as saying that they do not wish to be dragged into the conflict. And any such involvement would put them rather squarely into it, which is naturally Pheu Thai's preference.

" On January 13, security will be particularly tightened at important places such as the Government House, Suvarnabhumi International Airport, and TV stations. "

This announcement seems strange in that the PDRC has specifically said that they will not rally at the airport or at any TV stations. Unless the administration is trying to make a point regarding the safety of tourists. As there will be no demonstrating at the airport, the administration will clearly appear to have a very easy success. And perhaps that is the point.

[DocN]

Don't worry: someone will!

[GrantSmith]

Yes they won't be carrying them, they'll be locked up in the glovebox of the police van nice and safe :rollseyes:

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[FangFerang]

There are 'third party' violent people on both sides. It is lazy thinking to say only one side has militaristic loons.

[FangFerang]

They'll leave the weapons to the men in black on the rooftops.

The man in black who are policemen (police boss told so) and who are unarmed as can be seen on the published photos from a quadrocopter. The rifle with scope is 1 meter away...that counts as unarmed?

You are right. Not one single protestor has had a weapon, and if they did it was for self defense...

Yeah....right...