Abhisit asks Army chief for more troops to safeguard protesters

[webfact]

Abhisit asks Army chief for more troops to safeguard protesters



BANGKOK: -- Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva this morning urged Army commander-in-chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha to deploy more soldiers to safeguard anti-government protesters following the increase of violent armed attacks at protest sites.

In a live interview with Blue Sky TV today, Abhisit said he wanted the army chef to draw more army personnel to safeguard anti-government protesters as now anti-government protesters became targets of violent attacks and the police could not be able to make any arrest of the assailants.

The latest bomb attack left 28 protesters injured, seven seriously, when two hand grenades were thrown.

Abhisit said that in almost all violent cases against anti-government protesters, investigation by the police proved to produce no progress.

He said that since he used to work closely with the army chief, he wanted him to come out and take more care of the people.

He said he understood the army chief well and knew that he was trying his best under the framework of laws.

He said he wanted the army chief to deploy more personnel to protect the people from being harassed by armed men.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/abhisit-asks-army-chief-troops-safeguard-protesters/


-- Thai PBS 2014-01-20

[poisonus]

They may as well come out and take over all the government's duties, because they are incapable of doing anything apart from plunder and steal.

[KimoMax]

It isn't Rocket Science to know that the Protest areas need to have Checkpoints on all Roads into and out of the main protest areas.

The Police do that all the time to get Helmet and License Tea Money

[Nowhereman60]

Why didn't you do that back in 2010 when you were PM instead of sending them in to kill the protesters.

[Local Drunk]

He's correct in asking for this. (it would seem strange in the West) The people who have the right to protest are afraid to leave their homes and join the protest because the Police can't do the job. I can certainly speak for the Thais that I know... They feel much safer with the military around than the police.

[AryanicAristocrat]

In 2010, the red communists were not peaceful protesters but rather terrorists from upcountry who were trying to burn down and destroy Bangkok and some of the red communists affliated groups were even a danger to the Royal Instituition as they were supporting a Presidency of Thaksin for a Republic to replace the Kingdom of Thailand.

[pantareiyingluck]

Abhisit. Dedicate your time to design plans to narrow the gap between rich (You) and the hard (er) working poorer class. Dedicate yourself for equal study opportunities for your fellow citizens, not rivals, but your Thai people. Instead of stirring up and stirring up this pathetic elitarian anarchistic minority protests. You can better. If you want......

[TVGerry]

Well the police have shown their usual ineffectualness in dealing with the violence and grenade attacks. Not to mention the fact they've always been on the side of the Shinawatras and are rightly distrusted by the protestors. Therefore, if they can't do their jobs, it's only right that someone who can does so.

[Scamper]

Bravo. This is more actually likely to happen at this point, as the army is clearly exacerbated by the lack of any objectively in the police whatsoever. The rub for the army, though, is that they do not want to get involved. Having said that, the actions and inactions of the police may finally tip the balance. The army is pledged to protect the public. And unlike the police, they believe in that pledge.

[icommunity]

As usual, AV is ignoring the progress that had been made on the investigation by the police and has not condemned the protester for blocking the police gathering of evidence.

The DEM's PDRC/PCAD protest leaders should be arrested instead of protected. Suthep should be arrested on sight by law enforcement officer not protected.

[Thailand]

Won't is be nice when they all pack up and go home and the country returns to it's well proven, tried and tested corrupt ways.

You know it makes sense.

[55Jay]

In The Nation's Exclusive Interview with Suthep on 12 January, he was quoted saying if there was serious violence, he would send protestors home. He qualified "serious violence" as civil war. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696022-exclusive-interview-peoples-revolution-will-win/

This is mere low intensity conflict, lobbing grenades around and shooting up protest venues, so it doesn't qualify just yet. Game on (still).

As the self appointed leader of this organization, with a fancy title like Secretary General, Suthep should be the one on record asking for more troops. It's not like he's been shy about acting like he was the defacto leader of Thailand up to now. Why did he punt to Abe? Surely Abe didn't do this w/o consulting Suthep. I think Suthep threw him a bone, chance for a little face time to show he cares about The People (too).

For Suthep and the Dems, the more Army the better.

[geriatrickid]

In 2010, the red communists were not peaceful protesters but rather terrorists from upcountry who were trying to burn down and destroy Bangkok and some of the red communists affliated groups were even a danger to the Royal Instituition as they were supporting a Presidency of Thaksin for a Republic to replace the Kingdom of Thailand.

Rubbish.

Word up. It's 2014 and not 1944. The "communists" aren't at the outskirts of Bangkok, ok.

[KimoMax]

So how many would be willing to "Blindy" let the RTP search their person or property without a witness, or recording their search on video?

The percent would be relativly low in both th Thai and foreign communities.

The basic perception is that the RTP can not be trusted to not plant or maniplate evidence.

RTP rarely take any action unless it is in their own personal interst and for gain.

[moonao]

Why didn't you do that back in 2010 when you were PM instead of sending them in to kill the protesters.

post of the day.

[carbine1125]

Why didn't you do that back in 2010 when you were PM instead of sending them in to kill the protesters.

Catch yourself on muppet!

[gabruce]

Why didn't you do that back in 2010 when you were PM instead of sending them in to kill the protesters.

Small inaccuracy. Abhisit didn't send the army in to kill the protestors. Also different in that a sizeable portion of the protestors were violent and armed (and dangerous). They also liked playing with fires a lot. I still don't understand their need to burn tires and buildings.

[gabruce]

In 2010, the red communists were not peaceful protesters but rather terrorists from upcountry who were trying to burn down and destroy Bangkok and some of the red communists affliated groups were even a danger to the Royal Instituition as they were supporting a Presidency of Thaksin for a Republic to replace the Kingdom of Thailand.

Rubbish.

Word up. It's 2014 and not 1944. The "communists" aren't at the outskirts of Bangkok, ok.

Do you seriously think he doesn't know what year it is? Would he even have been alive then?

[tingtongteesood]

As usual, AV is ignoring the progress that had been made on the investigation by the police and has not condemned the protester for blocking the police gathering of evidence.

The DEM's PDRC/PCAD protest leaders should be arrested instead of protected. Suthep should be arrested on sight by law enforcement officer not protected.

And do you think Taksin should be extradited and serve his jail sentence and do you think the terrorists who became MP's such as Nuttawat, Jatuporn and Arisman should currently be serving jail terms too ?

[wwest5829]

Why didn't you do that back in 2010 when you were PM instead of sending them in to kill the protesters.

Small inaccuracy. Abhisit didn't send the army in to kill the protestors. Also different in that a sizeable portion of the protestors were violent and armed (and dangerous). They also liked playing with fires a lot. I still don't understand their need to burn tires and buildings.

Any time in history, in any country when the gap between the governed and those in pose grows too great you will find social stress to differing degrees being evidenced. Could be in the election of a Thaksin or an Obama in reaction to the feeling of being disenfranchised. Or could be more serious as in the revolutions of 1848 in Europe, the Russian Revolution, etc. damn those poor, they just will not stay under the thumb forever! Too bad the Thais don't have the Greek use of ostracism, which broke the political power of those perceived as too dangerous to wield power.

[fab4]

Of course the peaceful protesters need protecting

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=617871198272738

Has anybody told abhisit he is not PM anymore?

[diehard60]

Yea know with all the pictures I have seen the only armed men are sutheps men. I wonder why that is????? Oh yea thats right they work for suthep and were told to use force to help him become the sictator of Thailand.

[icommunity]

As usual, AV is ignoring the progress that had been made on the investigation by the police and has not condemned the protester for blocking the police gathering of evidence.

The DEM's PDRC/PCAD protest leaders should be arrested instead of protected. Suthep should be arrested on sight by law enforcement officer not protected.

And do you think Taksin should be extradited and serve his jail sentence and do you think the terrorists who became MP's such as Nuttawat, Jatuporn and Arisman should currently be serving jail terms too ?

You can try what the DEM had tried during their entire term with full energy and state resources but failed - even lied to the whole that it had an international arrest warrant.

Nuttawat, Jatuporn and Arisman with terrorism charges were jailed and now on bail. Should that also mean all PAD leaders should be in jails now? Their cases have been postponing for about six years. They broke the Emergency law and should be arrested without trial. Why were they not arrested after the DEM came to power?

AV and Suthep should also be in jail pending trial. Murder is a very serious case. They are on bail but they arrogantly refused to sign bail conditions. Why are they treated special. There is reason that it is easy for AV to flee the Country because he is still a British. It may be harder for Suthep and likely no Country will accept him.

[kimincm]

In 2010, the red communists were not peaceful protesters but rather terrorists from upcountry who were trying to burn down and destroy Bangkok and some of the red communists affliated groups were even a danger to the Royal Instituition as they were supporting a Presidency of Thaksin for a Republic to replace the Kingdom of Thailand.

I'm not buying into communists at the door but I think in 2010 they thought that Thaksin was worthy of a higher calling.

[moonao]

Abhisit, no one listens or respects you anymore. You have been used and abused by so many people, like a virgin getting taken advantage of by a bunch of young playboys.

Quit now, before your political career reaches another all time low. Try journalism or something.

[Emster23]

"now anti-government protesters became targets of violent attacks and the police could not be able to make any arrest of the assailants." Considering the army told the police to stay away at the behest of Suthep and company, they are hardly in a position to criticize the police. Like complaining pizza not delivered, but won't let delivery boy into your gated community. And when finally did let police forensics in, the scene had been so trashed up and contaminated any "evidence" would be worthless. Ab may have screwed up by asking the army to step in, blowing supposed cover of being neutral in this whole shebang. Would make it easier for army to toss a few more grenades.

[15Peter20]

In 2010, the red communists were not peaceful protesters but rather terrorists from upcountry who were trying to burn down and destroy Bangkok and some of the red communists affliated groups were even a danger to the Royal Instituition as they were supporting a Presidency of Thaksin for a Republic to replace the Kingdom of Thailand.

red communists.....5555...you're a very funny (wo)man indeed.

[pipkins]

trending thailand....

Abhisit still complainging about all the re-tweets from his years as Junta caretake. Don't seem to be taking their own advice too seriously though do they.

Abhisit is history. The sum total of his achievements were hounding Thaksin around the globe and not catching him, nor persuading any countries to deport him. Could have tried to run the country.. but why run the country when you can conduct a personal grudge match for your elite backers.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Suthep-vows-to-break-up-rally-if-protesters-block--30124594.html

[Soutpeel]

As usual, AV is ignoring the progress that had been made on the investigation by the police and has not condemned the protester for blocking the police gathering of evidence.

The DEM's PDRC/PCAD protest leaders should be arrested instead of protected. Suthep should be arrested on sight by law enforcement officer not protected.

And do you think Taksin should be extradited and serve his jail sentence and do you think the terrorists who became MP's such as Nuttawat, Jatuporn and Arisman should currently be serving jail terms too ?

You can try what the DEM had tried during their entire term with full energy and state resources but failed - even lied to the whole that it had an international arrest warrant.

Nuttawat, Jatuporn and Arisman with terrorism charges were jailed and now on bail. Should that also mean all PAD leaders should be in jails now? Their cases have been postponing for about six years. They broke the Emergency law and should be arrested without trial. Why were they not arrested after the DEM came to power?

AV and Suthep should also be in jail pending trial. Murder is a very serious case. They are on bail but they arrogantly refused to sign bail conditions. Why are they treated special. There is reason that it is easy for AV to flee the Country because he is still a British. It may be harder for Suthep and likely no Country will accept him.

Your right murder is a "serious case" which begs this question, your comic messiah in Dubai did a runner over a silly little 2 year sentence for corruption, while AV is still in Thailand facing a much more serious charge...makes you think doesn't it ?

[pipkins]

As usual, AV is ignoring the progress that had been made on the investigation by the police and has not condemned the protester for blocking the police gathering of evidence.

The DEM's PDRC/PCAD protest leaders should be arrested instead of protected. Suthep should be arrested on sight by law enforcement officer not protected.

And do you think Taksin should be extradited and serve his jail sentence and do you think the terrorists who became MP's such as Nuttawat, Jatuporn and Arisman should currently be serving jail terms too ?

You can try what the DEM had tried during their entire term with full energy and state resources but failed - even lied to the whole that it had an international arrest warrant.

Nuttawat, Jatuporn and Arisman with terrorism charges were jailed and now on bail. Should that also mean all PAD leaders should be in jails now? Their cases have been postponing for about six years. They broke the Emergency law and should be arrested without trial. Why were they not arrested after the DEM came to power?

AV and Suthep should also be in jail pending trial. Murder is a very serious case. They are on bail but they arrogantly refused to sign bail conditions. Why are they treated special. There is reason that it is easy for AV to flee the Country because he is still a British. It may be harder for Suthep and likely no Country will accept him.

Your right murder is a "serious case" which begs this question, your comic messiah in Dubai did a runner over a silly little 2 year sentence for corruption, while AV is still in Thailand facing a much more serious charge...makes you think doesn't it ?

Abhisit has the protection of the army.

It is his and Sutheps presence on the streets still and the lack of Court Action that are causing many outside media to look more closely at what is going on.

After all, there is litte violence to report so why not have a good old look into the background of a few of the key players.... and their army!!!!!