AeroThai and SET are in protesters' sights

[webfact]

POLITICS
AeroThai and SET are in protesters' sights
Budsarakham Sinlapalavan
The Nation


Manorah, a famous traditional show indigenous to the South, is performed at the anti-government rally site at Victory Monument, which has been occupied by protesters.

Hardline group warns of blockade if PM doesn't step down by 8pm

BANGKOK: -- In an attempt to increase pressure on the government, the hard-line movement Students and People Network for Thailand's Reform (STR) yesterday confirmed it planned to blockade the Stock Exchange of Thailand and the offices of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AeroThai) if caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra did not resign.

STR coordinator Uthai Yodmanee said the group would wait until 8pm tonight - its deadline for Yingluck to step down.

"If Yingluck does not resign by then, the STR will block the stock market and the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand office," he said, adding that STR leaders were designing a strategy on how to blockade the two places.

Any disruption of AeroThai's services could cause chaos for civilian aircraft, including domestic and international passenger flights, scheduled to land in Thailand, as well as those flying through Thai airspace, Uthai said.

STR was ready to rally at any alternative venue where cabinet members worked on behalf of the caretaker government, he said. "The STR will step up its efforts in a peaceful way," he added.

Caretaker Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt said yesterday that if anti-government protesters occupied the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand compound as they have threatened, they would be charged with terrorism.

Police and soldiers had been mobilised to protect all operational bases of AeroThai, whose central command is located in Bangkok's Thung Maha Mek area. The Stock Exchange of Thailand compound is located on Ratchadaphisek Road near the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre.

The president of AeroThai, Prajak Sajjasophon, said the agency's operations were crucial to the safety of air passengers and international flights - so protesters should consider the country's image before deciding to disrupt its services.

The main anti-government movement, the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), which leads the anti-government efforts including the Bangkok shutdown campaign, yesterday reaffirmed it would not seize airports, key transportation systems or the stock market.

PDRC chief Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday declared a total shutdown of all state properties in the next few days, as well as the possibility of holding the prime minister and some Cabinet members captive to force her caretaker government to resign, to make way for a reform plan he had designed.

Speaking at a rally stage at the Asoke intersection, the PDRC chief said the capital would be occupied round the clock until protesters' months-long street protests - of which the Bangkok shutdown campaign is a part - achieve their aims.

Suthep said he was approached by an unnamed individual yesterday morning and offered a postponement of the general election from February 2 to May 4, but he had snubbed the offer. "Government buildings will be completely shut down in the next few days. I will take the lead," said Suthep.

PDRC spokesman Akanat Promphan said the committee had no plans to seize AeroThai, the train stations, the public transport system or the stock exchange.

"The PDRC wants the public to be minimally affected by its movement, and to leave them options for commuting," he added.

If any PDRC ally decided to disrupt key transport systems, Akanat said, the group would negotiate with them and they would be unlikely to make any move beyond the PDRC's resolutions.

About 1,000 protesters marched to the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board, as they claimed that the PM's secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva would use the place to work. They blew whistles and urged officials there to stop work for five days. About 100 officials walked out of their office as protesters cheered and blew whistles. Having found no one left in the NESDB office, they closed the gate with a big lock.


-- The Nation 2014-01-15

[Prbkk]

Indeed they should be charged with terrorism. Some of these people think they can interfere with air traffic control with impunity?. Think again...they will lose (the very little remaining) support in the international community. This is an idiotic but not surprising move by this nasty fringe group of thugs.

What is The Nation not telling you? The story says staff from the National Economic and Social Development Board walked out of the office to the applause of protesters. That part might be true . What we are NOT told by The Nation is that those same staff were told by the protesters to leave the building or be dragged out ( as reported in other Thai and foreign media).

The Nation's selective reporting of the facts goes on and on

[britmaveric]

Unfortunately international consensus is already against them. However it will be far worse if they try to mess with air traffic control and no doubt endangering lives of the flying public.

[NongKhaiKid]

An upcoming test of Suthep's leadership ? He might just find out that he's not in total control and that mobs can take on their own dynamic.

If a fringe group is hell bent on attacking the Stock exchange and Aero Thai all Suthep's inflated words, strutting and arm waving will simply be ignored.

[VegasVic]

Indeed they should be charged with terrorism. Some of these people think they can interfere with air traffic control with impunity?. Think again...they will lose (the very little remaining) support in the international community. This is an idiotic but not surprising move by this nasty fringe group of thugs.

What is The Nation not telling you? The story says staff from the National Economic and Social Development Board walked out of the office to the applause of protesters. That part might be true . What we are NOT told by The Nation is that those same staff were told by the protesters to leave the building or be dragged out ( as reported in other Thai and foreign media).

The Nation's selective reporting of the facts goes on and on

Should suthep and his thugs be stupid enough to overtake the ATC system and harm came to any passenger as a result of it, then the ICAO could bring charges against suthep at the international criminal court in the Hague Come to think of it, as weak as the Thai judicial system is against Thais (especially corrupt highly placed Thais) perhaps this is the only way that suthep could likely be imprisoned for the remainder of his life

[15Peter20]

PDRC = STR = Dems = Yellows

Edited January 15, 2014 by 15Peter20

[NongKhaiKid]

Indeed they should be charged with terrorism. Some of these people think they can interfere with air traffic control with impunity?. Think again...they will lose (the very little remaining) support in the international community. This is an idiotic but not surprising move by this nasty fringe group of thugs.

What is The Nation not telling you? The story says staff from the National Economic and Social Development Board walked out of the office to the applause of protesters. That part might be true . What we are NOT told by The Nation is that those same staff were told by the protesters to leave the building or be dragged out ( as reported in other Thai and foreign media).

The Nation's selective reporting of the facts goes on and on

Should suthep and his thugs be stupid enough to overtake the ATC system and harm came to any passenger as a result of it, then the ICAO could bring charges against suthep at the international criminal court in the Hague Come to think of it, as weak as the Thai judicial system is against Thais (especially corrupt highly placed Thais) perhaps this is the only way that suthep could likely be imprisoned for the remainder of his life

What an interesting point which would cause quite a problem for Thailand. Would the country give up one of their own to be tried overseas although I'm sure PTP would be happy to see him gone ? Might set a dangerous precedent though.

I'd like to think if these idiots do get into AeroThai all air movements would be halted and incoming flights diverted to their designated alternative airport. AeroThai supplies air traffic control for all airports in Thailand, not sure about private ones, and i have no idea how an invasion of the company in Bkk would affect the domestic airports.

[pumpuiman]

I'll be inbound from Tokyo at 8:00 pm.

wonderful.

[noitom]

An upcoming test of Suthep's leadership ? He might just find out that he's not in total control and that mobs can take on their own dynamic.

If a fringe group is hell bent on attacking the Stock exchange and Aero Thai all Suthep's inflated words, strutting and arm waving will simply be ignored.

The man most to be feared is the man who has nothing to lose. He or she is in the group somewhere.

[londonthai]

yesterday pdrc said, that they are not planning to close stock exchange and air traffic, today students confirm their earlier plan to do so.

surely, this is beyond threatening, as speculated here on forums.

maybe it's a way of begging money from some industrialists and from thai airways?

[Greer]

PDRC have repeatedly stated that they will not condone nor act in this way. This is a splinter group that is making radical statements.

Aero Thai must NOT be disrupted, as it is key to passenger safety related to all air-traffic movements in Thai airspace, and disruption would quite definitely fall under the laws of terrorism.

[geriatrickid]

I'll be inbound from Tokyo at 8:00 pm.

wonderful.

If they do something stupid, i will be surprised if it is not quashed quickly. The foreign airlines have delivered a very strong warning to the government of Thailand as to what they will do if there is a repeat of the last airport adventure. It cost them millions of $$ and this time around, they won't accept it. Several foreign governments have all had a word with their contacts in the Thai government and military.

[geriatrickid]

yesterday pdrc said, that they are not planning to close stock exchange and air traffic, today students confirm their earlier plan to do so.

surely, this is beyond threatening, as speculated here on forums.

maybe it's a way of begging money from some industrialists and from thai airways?

All they will get is a beat down from the special units on standby.

[dcsw53]

Having seen fist fights break out at Novosibirsk airport when there was an announcement of flight cancellations because of appalling weather, it would be interesting to see the reaction of hundreds of Russians to the news that they could not go home. I am sure they would be quickly joined by the Brits ( you know we love a good scrap ) and others.

Allowing the closure of air traffic control is unthinkable, if they go ahead and try the stakes have jumped considerably, confrontation is inevitable.

[spare5]

yesterday pdrc said, that they are not planning to close stock exchange and air traffic, today students confirm their earlier plan to do so.

surely, this is beyond threatening, as speculated here on forums.

maybe it's a way of begging money from some industrialists and from thai airways?

All they will get is a beat down from the special units on standby.

I have said these before. PDRC chief Suthep Thaugsuban has no control over these students.

Since when student listen to grown-up.

If there is an accident due to lack of resources at AeroThai end, Thaksin/Yingluck will have to take responsibilty.

[Thait Spot]

Indeed they should be charged with terrorism. Some of these people think they can interfere with air traffic control with impunity?. Think again...they will lose (the very little remaining) support in the international community. This is an idiotic but not surprising move by this nasty fringe group of thugs.

What is The Nation not telling you? The story says staff from the National Economic and Social Development Board walked out of the office to the applause of protesters. That part might be true . What we are NOT told by The Nation is that those same staff were told by the protesters to leave the building or be dragged out ( as reported in other Thai and foreign media).

The Nation's selective reporting of the facts goes on and on

Should suthep and his thugs be stupid enough to overtake the ATC system and harm came to any passenger as a result of it, then the ICAO could bring charges against suthep at the international criminal court in the Hague Come to think of it, as weak as the Thai judicial system is against Thais (especially corrupt highly placed Thais) perhaps this is the only way that suthep could likely be imprisoned for the remainder of his life

Before you start flapping about with aviation, you need to understand a few things.

If ATC and all it's back ups and redundancy were compromised, all aircraft carry sufficient fuel to divert to an alternative airport. Inconvenient for sure but not in itself any more of a danger than a power cut (already happened) or fog or snow.

Secondly, this is not Suthep - this is the students.

The rest of your post isn't worth any comments

[KimoMax]

Disrupting International AeroThai Radio would be an "Act of International Terrorisim" and surely should and would be met with Internationally and UN approved appropriate force to include Lethal Force.

A Terrorist Act as planned by STR could even encounter "International Support" to pre-emt or stop the stated "Terrorist Act".

Such an Act as threatened by STR would stir International opinion "Against" All the Protesters who would be "Blamed" for International Terrorisim.

Edited January 15, 2014 by KimoMax

[ginjag]

I'll be inbound from Tokyo at 8:00 pm.

wonderful.

If they do something stupid, i will be surprised if it is not quashed quickly. The foreign airlines have delivered a very strong warning to the government of Thailand as to what they will do if there is a repeat of the last airport adventure. It cost them millions of $$ and this time around, they won't accept it. Several foreign governments have all had a word with their contacts in the Thai government and military.

My god you have good insider information here, where did you find this ???? "quote" "Several foreign governments have all had a word with their contacts in the Thai government and military" Are you a runner as in bookies runner, who allows you this inside info ??? Or maybe I miss the nationwide news.

[LivinLOS]

yesterday pdrc said, that they are not planning to close stock exchange and air traffic, today students confirm their earlier plan to do so.

surely, this is beyond threatening, as speculated here on forums.

maybe it's a way of begging money from some industrialists and from thai airways?

All they will get is a beat down from the special units on standby.

Was stated in a post that the area was checked out and there were no special security in place and merely the one usual half asleep nose picking old boy security guard with a baton.

[Prbkk]

Indeed they should be charged with terrorism. Some of these people think they can interfere with air traffic control with impunity?. Think again...they will lose (the very little remaining) support in the international community. This is an idiotic but not surprising move by this nasty fringe group of thugs.

What is The Nation not telling you? The story says staff from the National Economic and Social Development Board walked out of the office to the applause of protesters. That part might be true . What we are NOT told by The Nation is that those same staff were told by the protesters to leave the building or be dragged out ( as reported in other Thai and foreign media).

The Nation's selective reporting of the facts goes on and on

Should suthep and his thugs be stupid enough to overtake the ATC system and harm came to any passenger as a result of it, then the ICAO could bring charges against suthep at the international criminal court in the Hague Come to think of it, as weak as the Thai judicial system is against Thais (especially corrupt highly placed Thais) perhaps this is the only way that suthep could likely be imprisoned for the remainder of his life

Before you start flapping about with aviation, you need to understand a few things.

If ATC and all it's back ups and redundancy were compromised, all aircraft carry sufficient fuel to divert to an alternative airport. Inconvenient for sure but not in itself any more of a danger than a power cut (already happened) or fog or snow.

Secondly, this is not Suthep - this is the students.

The rest of your post isn't worth any comments

OK, if it's the students only, then Suthep must denounce it...clearly, unequivocally. He has not done so. His campaign is looking rather rocky: he can't ( or won't)control the loony students, he is in conflict with Korn, he had a big disagreemnet yesterday with the buddhist monk, Abhisit cannot be seen....this is coming off the rails at a rapid clip

[ikke]

"Government buildings will be completely shut down in the next few days. I will take the lead," said Suthep.

He's taking the lead of terrorism at all time, and this is what he's up to after the government would be down,"the lead"

Followers still not understand that he is dangerous for mankind, let's hope the special forces, troops that protect this government buildings will get a hand on him.

[DocN]

All according to plan, isn't it?!

[gerrythepoet]

It is fine to start with a campaign and accept support from all those that have an interest in your stance. However when you allow others to take over or mismanage your plans then it is not your campaign and you have created an achilles heel. The students have proven they are a law onto themselves and the game plan is not going as smoothly as Suthep thought it would. The effect to take over AEROTHAI to some posters does not matter so much if each of the airports can rely on running their operations without it. However one TV poster mentioned that RTAF do need the services of AEROTHAI, then the Military must act. Terrorism is all that this campaign has been about but the students are spearheading it into a collision course with those that do not wish to be involved.

[VegasVic]

Indeed they should be charged with terrorism. Some of these people think they can interfere with air traffic control with impunity?. Think again...they will lose (the very little remaining) support in the international community. This is an idiotic but not surprising move by this nasty fringe group of thugs.

What is The Nation not telling you? The story says staff from the National Economic and Social Development Board walked out of the office to the applause of protesters. That part might be true . What we are NOT told by The Nation is that those same staff were told by the protesters to leave the building or be dragged out ( as reported in other Thai and foreign media).

The Nation's selective reporting of the facts goes on and on

Should suthep and his thugs be stupid enough to overtake the ATC system and harm came to any passenger as a result of it, then the ICAO could bring charges against suthep at the international criminal court in the Hague Come to think of it, as weak as the Thai judicial system is against Thais (especially corrupt highly placed Thais) perhaps this is the only way that suthep could likely be imprisoned for the remainder of his life alt=whistling.gif pagespeed_url_hash=3700464609 width=19 height=18>

Before you start flapping about with aviation, you need to understand a few things.

If ATC and all it's back ups and redundancy were compromised, all aircraft carry sufficient fuel to divert to an alternative airport. Inconvenient for sure but not in itself any more of a danger than a power cut (already happened) or fog or snow.

Secondly, this is not Suthep - this is the students.

The rest of your post isn't worth any comments

Next to Tokyo, Hong Kong, and perhaps Jakarta, Bangkok is a major hub for flights in SE Asia! A sudden takeover by rabid students (following the wishes of the almighty suthep) would create kaos in the skies This is a major airport where you have multiple airlines on final approach at any given time, your simplistic idea of redundancy and extra fuel might be fine an hour or so after the takeover as other Asian nations make room for the flights to land, but the first hour or better will be holy terror in the skies Now go right ahead and flap on about things you know nothing about my friend, but be careful what you wish for, for you may very well get it

[smutcakes]

It is fine to start with a campaign and accept support from all those that have an interest in your stance. However when you allow others to take over or mismanage your plans then it is not your campaign and you have created an achilles heel. The students have proven they are a law onto themselves and the game plan is not going as smoothly as Suthep thought it would. The effect to take over AEROTHAI to some posters does not matter so much if each of the airports can rely on running their operations without it. However one TV poster mentioned that RTAF do need the services of AEROTHAI, then the Military must act. Terrorism is all that this campaign has been about but the students are spearheading it into a collision course with those that do not wish to be involved.

Maybe this is all a cunning ruse by Suthep. Use the brainwashed students to do something which unquestionably would lead to the arm of the military having to step in. Goal achieved by Suthep and all the while he can claim he 'never wanted that' and it had 'nothing to do with him' as despite quitting politics for good he under duress accepts to step is as secretary general to the appointed council, with his step son the leader.

[Thait Spot]

Disrupting International AeroThai Radio would be an "Act of International Terrorisim" and surely should and would be met with Internationally and UN approved appropriate force to include Lethal Force.

A Terrorist Act as planned by STR could even encounter "International Support" to pre-emt or stop the stated "Terrorist Act".

Such an Act as threatened by STR would stir International opinion "Against" All the Protesters who would be "Blamed" for International Terrorisim.

Indeed. Saviours of the world. I'm sure I saw Rambo coming through Don Muang last night

[belg]

asean in 2015 and thailand?

this is to be expected when competition will take place internationally and thailand does not want or know it...

[gabruce]

Indeed they should be charged with terrorism. Some of these people think they can interfere with air traffic control with impunity?. Think again...they will lose (the very little remaining) support in the international community. This is an idiotic but not surprising move by this nasty fringe group of thugs.

What is The Nation not telling you? The story says staff from the National Economic and Social Development Board walked out of the office to the applause of protesters. That part might be true . What we are NOT told by The Nation is that those same staff were told by the protesters to leave the building or be dragged out ( as reported in other Thai and foreign media).

The Nation's selective reporting of the facts goes on and on

A good reminder to basically not pay attention to anything in the media - or on Thai Visa for that matter. No details, no examination of the incident from different perspectives, no investigation. Just a headline a few selective details to support the headline. I'd include all of the media. Real information would be too much to ask for. As it is, there is no way to know much of anything about what is going on.

[pxlgirl]

... and the moral of the story? Actions speak louder than words.

[VegasVic]

It is fine to start with a campaign and accept support from all those that have an interest in your stance. However when you allow others to take over or mismanage your plans then it is not your campaign and you have created an achilles heel. The students have proven they are a law onto themselves and the game plan is not going as smoothly as Suthep thought it would. The effect to take over AEROTHAI to some posters does not matter so much if each of the airports can rely on running their operations without it. However one TV poster mentioned that RTAF do need the services of AEROTHAI, then the Military must act. Terrorism is all that this campaign has been about but the students are spearheading it into a collision course with those that do not wish to be involved.

Maybe this is all a cunning ruse by Suthep. Use the brainwashed students to do something which unquestionably would lead to the arm of the military having to step in. Goal achieved by Suthep and all the while he can claim he 'never wanted that' and it had 'nothing to do with him' as despite quitting politics for good he under duress accepts to step is as secretary general to the appointed council, with his step son the leader.

This is what suthep has been trying to do for the past 10 weeks, provoke the government to attack that way he and abhisit may not look as bad in contrast at their murder trail! I must say that PM Shinawatra has played her hand very cool and very well, world governmental leaders as well as the U.N. are finally speaking out against suthep and his antics One false move by suthep now (especially dealing with the Thai ATC system or the Thai stock exchange) and the Thai government will have world support in squashing suthep and his thugs in any manor they choose