Army chief hits back at red-shirt leaders, telling them to stop framing military

[55Jay]

when the Army performed a parade to display its military capability, no one admired the capability

Could it be because the biggest victories of this army are against its own people?

Or that some may have been distracted by that crazy idea the Army was (actually) pre-positioning troops for an upcoming show down in Bangkok?

Not that there's any historical precedent for that.

[firestar]

Perhaps the CIC would be better saying nothing as it is becoming plainer by the day where their allegiance lies?

Yes, and I wonder why their allegiance lies there?

Could it possibly be that the other side are nothing more than scum??

Another well thought out, balanced and unifying post.

Maybe one day you will wake up and realize those with your views, on either side, are not part of the solution but the problem itself.

[AloisAmrein]

"He said the sharing of false information against the armed forces could damage the military's reputation."

The army's reputation is already severly damagad, after all the coups in the last 50 years. They better would take responsibility for the 90+ deads in the 2010 protests.

[icommunity]

Shame on you Chief, you said as quoted by media - protesters act in accord with the democratic system. It is very vulgar to said that the activities of the DEM's PDRC/PCAD are in accord with the democratic system. What will happen if the REDSHIRT drag you out of your office or threatened your people to stop work to join their protest and if not they will storm your office? You are depressed because you got entangled in politics. The Army have been making statements that are not neutral and again here you blamed on people who had their rights violated.

[pookiki]

Maybe he should transfer to the Police force. No one criticizing them!

[gabruce]

Perhaps the CIC would be better saying nothing as it is becoming plainer by the day where their allegiance lies?

True it is clearer by the day that they side with the people and country of Thailand. So it's good that he speaks so more people can understand that.

[pisico]

My dear General, you should know by now the red shirts NEVER take responsibility for anything. It's always someone elses' fault, not theirs'.

Thainess... all Thais, same, same... Yellow, red, green, pink or white. Thais can do no wrong.

[fasteddie]

Perhaps the CIC would be better saying nothing as it is becoming plainer by the day where their allegiance lies?

The Thai military take an oath of allegiance to HM the King.

Who in turn serves the democratically elected government.

[Baerboxer]

These guys don't care for the people, they just care about holding on to power for them and their elite allies.

Are you referring to the Red Shirt leaders and their elite HiSO Thai-Chinese Shiniwatra allies by chance?

I'm sure you're right, they don't give a monkeys for the people - simply labor in the family business.

[Bkk Cruiser]

Should look at this!!!

Oh Dear... I just saw the full CCTV clip of the grenade thrower on the Thai television News lobbing his little crowd pleaser from inside the door of a minimart and darting back inside the minimart unaware he had been clearly photographed.. (the Police have not released the rest of the CCTV showing him again leaving) And then this is followed by a Police spokesman making a clear statement the thrower appears to be quite well trained in the operation of that device. But of course its quite OK... I guess it could just be another anti-narcotics undercover agent whose features provide a match with facial recognition software with a specific individual in the Navy seen at the demonstrations wearing a VIP pass and of course his fake whistle. I assume the CIC would be most co-operative in proving with the support of the EC and Constitutional Court that the undercover sailor who is implicated here was either located in his barracks in Satahip or has an official letter from the Police... but then again this could all be a huge frame up of a totally innocent moonlighting Navy Seal caught in the act of littering... 2000 baht fine for that right?

Edited January 20, 2014 by Bkk Cruiser

[Baerboxer]

Shame on you Chief, you said as quoted by media - protesters act in accord with the democratic system. It is very vulgar to said that the activities of the DEM's PDRC/PCAD are in accord with the democratic system. What will happen if the REDSHIRT drag you out of your office or threatened your people to stop work to join their protest and if not they will storm your office? You are depressed because you got entangled in politics. The Army have been making statements that are not neutral and again here you blamed on people who had their rights violated.

Do you recall the red shirts threatening court judges? Decisions must favour their allies or else?

Do you remember last week the red leader urging people to kill or kidnap the CiC's daughters?

The general has been careful to stay neutral. Most sound minded people would want the army to keep out of the political wrangling. The police should keep law and order - which means protecting people exercising their lawful right of process, and also ensuring the protesters do not obstruct those not wishing to protest. Tricky - even for a real professional police force.

[Snig27]

Perhaps the CIC would be better saying nothing as it is becoming plainer by the day where their allegiance lies?

The Thai military take an oath of allegiance to HM the King.

Who in turn serves the democratically elected government.

True - in a constitutional democracy the monarch and the elected government are deemed to be the same thing. The monarch is not the person per se but the office. In taking an oath to the King they are taking it to the elected government.

[gbswales]

My dear General, you should know by now the red shirts NEVER take responsibility for anything. It's always someone elses' fault, not theirs'.

There is nothing to take responsibility for that I know of. Using violence against a dictatorship is always justified.

Seriously - you really believe the wild rumours about someone wanting a dictatorship - when any leader is unpopular (and most are) it is easy to brand them dictators - there is however only one side here seeking an unelected government and that is closer to dictatorship (though a million miles from being so) I do however think that it is stupid for the army to say that the level of violence is not the same - that is inviting extremists who want a coup to become more violent

[55Jay]

Should look at this!!!

Oh Dear... I just saw the full CCTV clip of the grenade thrower on the Thai television News lobbing his little crowd pleaser from inside the door of a minimart and darting back inside the minimart unaware he had been clearly photographed.. (the Police have not released the rest of the CCTV showing him again leaving) And then this is followed by a Police spokesman making a clear statement the thrower appears to be quite well trained in the operation of that device. But of course its quite OK... I guess it could just be another anti-narcotics undercover agent whose features provide a match with facial recognition software with a specific individual in the Navy seen at the demonstrations wearing a VIP pass and of course his fake whistle. I assume the CIC would be most co-operative in proving with the support of the EC and Constitutional Court that the undercover sailor who is implicated here was either located in his barracks in Satahip or has an official letter from the Police... but then again this could all be a huge frame up of a totally innocent moonlighting Navy Seal caught in the act of littering... 2000 baht fine for that right?

You have the site or link to the CCTV? Like to see it.

[webfact]

Stop Smearing The Military: Army Chief

By Khaosod English

BANGKOK: -- The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army has asked the media to stop making libelous remarks about the military.

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters today that he is deeply concerned by the ongoing violent situation, after two separate grenade attacks on anti-government protesters left one dead and scores injured.

He said the security forces and the protest leaders should work cooperatively to provide security for the protesters.

"There has been accusation against all sides on the social network," Gen. Prayuth, "Please give the officials some time to investigate in details before concluding who the perpetrators are".

He added, "Please stop smearing the military and the police. Instead, [we] should work together to find the perpetrators and punish them under the legal process".

The Army has also urged the Royal Thai Police to investigate the cases in a timely manner, the army chief said.

Furthermore, Gen. Prayuth said everyone should listen to the teachings of His Majesty the King, who has encouraged the Thais to perform their duties well. He told reporters that the soldiers have been their duties appropriately, so there should be no slandering rumours about the military.

"Please give some dignity to the military. Whoever says things that damages the military is undermining the armed forces," Gen. Prayuth fumed, "They accuse the military of preparing to do this or that. If they continue to think like this, we can′t coexist".

Gen. Prayuth continued, "The military is doing military′s works. The police is doing police′s works. The demonstrators are making demands according to democracy, while the government is fixing problems. If the media mess up their reporting, there won′t be a resolution to the conflicts".

He told reporters that he had to express his frustration because he had been stressful in recent days. "The military aren′t happy. They have to care for their subordinates, and now they have to listen to these criticisms everyday. You might be pressured, but please know that every soldier is more pressured than you," Gen. Prayuth said.

Nevertheless, Gen. Prayuth stressed that "the army is not the enemy of the people".

He also dismissed reports that the military will intervene in the current crisis.

"In 2010, the military came out to work as required by their duties, but we end up getting criticised. It′s something really painful. So, I don′t want to see that happen again, because the country would be damaged," the army chief said, referring to 2010 Redshirts protests which were eventually ended in a bloody crackdown by the military operations.

"Please don′t think I am not doing my duty. When things are calm, they are suspicious about the military, but when there are troubles, they switch to calling for the military to come out," Gen. Prayuth said, "Let me thank everyone for placing hopes on the military, but the armed forces have to think together. We work ... with principles and reasons. We don′t make decisions based on hatred".

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNU1ESXdOVGsyTUE9PQ==


-- Khaosod English 2014-01-20

[Zolt]

Stop Smearing The Military: Army Chief

... unless it's with peanut butter. We loves peanut butter.

[casualbiker]

Shame on you Chief, you said as quoted by media - protesters act in accord with the democratic system. It is very vulgar to said that the activities of the DEM's PDRC/PCAD are in accord with the democratic system. What will happen if the REDSHIRT drag you out of your office or threatened your people to stop work to join their protest and if not they will storm your office? You are depressed because you got entangled in politics. The Army have been making statements that are not neutral and again here you blamed on people who had their rights violated.

When did the PDRC "drag " anyone out of their office???

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Bkk Cruiser]

Should look at this!!!

Oh Dear... I just saw the full CCTV clip of the grenade thrower on the Thai television News lobbing his little crowd pleaser from inside the door of a minimart and darting back inside the minimart unaware he had been clearly photographed.. (the Police have not released the rest of the CCTV showing him again leaving) And then this is followed by a Police spokesman making a clear statement the thrower appears to be quite well trained in the operation of that device. But of course its quite OK... I guess it could just be another anti-narcotics undercover agent whose features provide a match with facial recognition software with a specific individual in the Navy seen at the demonstrations wearing a VIP pass and of course his fake whistle. I assume the CIC would be most co-operative in proving with the support of the EC and Constitutional Court that the undercover sailor who is implicated here was either located in his barracks in Satahip or has an official letter from the Police... but then again this could all be a huge frame up of a totally innocent moonlighting Navy Seal caught in the act of littering... 2000 baht fine for that right?

You have the site or link to the CCTV? Like to see it.

The clip was shown on Channel 3 about 40 minutes ago ... it has not hit the social media sites yet.. I guess the CIC will be hurriedly consulting his PR advisers at the moment..and trying to come up with the official story for the nations newspapers to run.

Edited January 20, 2014 by Bkk Cruiser

[Thailand]

"He said he was concerned with the escalating violence and asked the public to stop condemning the military and police, but instead cooperate with them in hunting for those responsible for the attacks against protesters."

And attacks against pro gov and provocation and intimidation against gov workers are OK?

[Prbkk]

Okay, some new words now: includes the RTP as a player in resolving this. Progress.

[icommunity]

Shame on you Chief, you said as quoted by media - protesters act in accord with the democratic system. It is very vulgar to said that the activities of the DEM's PDRC/PCAD are in accord with the democratic system. What will happen if the REDSHIRT drag you out of your office or threatened your people to stop work to join their protest and if not they will storm your office? You are depressed because you got entangled in politics. The Army have been making statements that are not neutral and again here you blamed on people who had their rights violated.

Do you recall the red shirts threatening court judges? Decisions must favour their allies or else?

Do you remember last week the red leader urging people to kill or kidnap the CiC's daughters?

The general has been careful to stay neutral. Most sound minded people would want the army to keep out of the political wrangling. The police should keep law and order - which means protecting people exercising their lawful right of process, and also ensuring the protesters do not obstruct those not wishing to protest. Tricky - even for a real professional police force.

No, I have not forgotten. However, the judges make ruling on political reasons and pressure and used their personal opinions - not evidence and justice according to the rule of law. What have that got to do with the lawlessness of the DEM's PDRC/PCAD? Aren't the red shirt still in jails without trial while the PAD leaders' cases got postponing endlessly?

The red leader concerned did not urge people to kill or kidnap the CiC's daughters. He suggested if there is a coup stage by the Army.

The protests has gone beyond protesting, they are violating the rights of people, threatening the democratic system of government and yet the Army is making statements intimidating the Red whenever they speak out or act concerning their suspicion, fear and anxiety. To maintain law and order, the law enforcement should have had arrested those who violated ISA, people's rights and the threatening of the democratic system of government.

The General has not been careful to stay neutral. He said he is depressed as reported by media and should seek early retirement before he breaks the law.

[Zolt]

Shame on you Chief, you said as quoted by media - protesters act in accord with the democratic system. It is very vulgar to said that the activities of the DEM's PDRC/PCAD are in accord with the democratic system. What will happen if the REDSHIRT drag you out of your office or threatened your people to stop work to join their protest and if not they will storm your office? You are depressed because you got entangled in politics. The Army have been making statements that are not neutral and again here you blamed on people who had their rights violated.

When did the PDRC "drag " anyone out of their office???

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Pretty much every time they raided, seized government offices or of late that printer shop.

Oh, and have you seen that guy in Surat Thani. He went to work at Revenue Dept in spite of the Shutdown, and for his troubles got captured by PDRC protesters and paraded across town against his will.

[casualbiker]

Shame on you Chief, you said as quoted by media - protesters act in accord with the democratic system. It is very vulgar to said that the activities of the DEM's PDRC/PCAD are in accord with the democratic system. What will happen if the REDSHIRT drag you out of your office or threatened your people to stop work to join their protest and if not they will storm your office? You are depressed because you got entangled in politics. The Army have been making statements that are not neutral and again here you blamed on people who had their rights violated.

When did the PDRC "drag " anyone out of their office???

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Pretty much every time they raided, seized government offices or of late that printer shop.

Oh, and have you seen that guy in Surat Thani. He went to work at Revenue Dept in spite of the Shutdown, and for his troubles got captured by PDRC protesters and paraded across town against his will.

Well some pictures of people being "dragged "would be nice ... .if you have any?

I have seen people leaving of their own volition ..... maybe those are who you are referring to.

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[ratcatcher]

Why doesn't Gen. Prayuth help CAPO to arrest Mr. Suthep? That would put an end to this mess. His reluctance to do so is what is prolonging this misadventure.

1. Probably because Gen.Prayuth and CAPO (Surapong) aren't on the same page on this subject.

2. Arresting Suthep, and Lord knows how many opportunities the authorities have had, will not solve the problem.

3. Assassinating Suthep will be a red flag to a bull. Things will explode. That is why Jatuporn and Nattawut and Prompong are still vocal.

4. If Suthep was taken out of the equation, someone else would take his place. Just like if Thaksin was removed, there's Yingluck and other spares available.

5. This misadventure has a way to run yet. No fat lady in sight.

[Just1Voice]

Shame on you Chief, you said as quoted by media - protesters act in accord with the democratic system. It is very vulgar to said that the activities of the DEM's PDRC/PCAD are in accord with the democratic system. What will happen if the REDSHIRT drag you out of your office or threatened your people to stop work to join their protest and if not they will storm your office? You are depressed because you got entangled in politics. The Army have been making statements that are not neutral and again here you blamed on people who had their rights violated.

When did the PDRC "drag " anyone out of their office???

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Pretty much every time they raided, seized government offices or of late that printer shop.

Oh, and have you seen that guy in Surat Thani. He went to work at Revenue Dept in spite of the Shutdown, and for his troubles got captured by PDRC protesters and paraded across town against his will.

Well some pictures of people being "dragged "would be nice ... .if you have any?

I have seen people leaving of their own volition ..... maybe those are who you are referring to.

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Yes, they leave of their own volition - AFTER being threatened to leave or be dragged out. Seems like the sensible option to me.

[Bluespunk]

My dear General, you should know by now the red shirts NEVER take responsibility for anything. It's always someone elses' fault, not theirs'.

There is nothing to take responsibility for that I know of. Using violence against a dictatorship is always justified.

Such a shame they took on a democratically elected govt really. Shame they only killed unarmed people just going about there lives. Shame they chose to storm hospitals. Shame they only attempted to burn down non military targets. Edited January 20, 2014 by Bluespunk

[pipkins]

when the Army performed a parade to display its military capability, no one admired the capability

Could it be because the biggest victories of this army are against its own people?

Wonder if they get medals for it. Most of the medals we see on display must be for helping with coups and following orders that suppress their fellow country men.

This is looking like a very ugly mob now and serious nationalism breaking out which is never a good thing.

With regard to violence. After 18 coups, why would anybody want to engage in elections when they are going to be overthrown. Sometimes, you have to fight and get rid of dictators.

Tiny tiny crowds out today and barely enough people to carry the bags to put money in for Suthep. Apart from beating up some office workers, intimidation and threats they have achieved nothing.

The big protest will come if Suthep gets his way. Won't take five minutes for the Reds to clear this lot off the streets if the decide to rise up. Nobody likes to hear this, but it is a more likely scenario than Suthep getting into power and staying there.

Only people thought this through less than Suthep are his followers. Bangkok business will be long time in returning to normal and the promised sanctions (they will happen, and you can flame and dislike all you want..... they happened after the last coup and they will be more rigourous if they coup again.... ) will only hurt the rich....

If the National Front in UK tried this (they have a bigger support base by the way) they would have been lynched by the public or shot by the army if they went near a government builiding or employee like this.

[kingstonkid]

Come on, general, get on your horse and run these criminals out! I have a lot more respect and faith in a disciplined person to run this country than any sort of muppet that calls themself a politician... Mark excepted.

You are kidding right. No one with an brain would think that that would solve the problem. Arresting any one of the leaders at this point would be the stupidest thing that anyone could do.

The best thing in a peaceful demonstration is to let them have it as long as they are not hurting anyone. How long did the UDD have in 2010?

After everything is over then you can act on arrest warrants but not until then. To attempt to arrest Suthep now would only insight violence an fuel that anger of the crowds.

If Yinluck and her big brother could muzzle everyone this could have been calmed down. However, every time it seems to get to a slow boil they turn up the heAt by either they or one of the PT saying something stupid.

If ThaKsin loves his country i haVe a simple suggestion SHUT UP.

[captspectre]

Is he referring to this photo...

How is that trying to frame? If they really were neutral and one of their men had been found to break their orders shouldn't they welcome the information so they could investigate?

Has it been definitively proven now that this is indeed the Officer they claim it was? Cos last I heard it was purely speculation and didn't look like the same guy as in the mug shots I saw.

The shirts the same, tghe hats the same, the nose is the same and the lanyard is the same? what don't you see or understand?

[kirk0233]

Perhaps the CIC would be better saying nothing as it is becoming plainer by the day where their allegiance lies?

The Thai military take an oath of allegiance to HM the King.

Who in turn serves the democratically elected government.

You mean - Who, in turn serves the democratically elected government? Answer - no one.