Bangkok put under state of emergency for 60 days

[webfact]

POLITICS
City put under state of emergency for 60 days
The Nation


The government

BANGKOK: -- THE CARETAKER cabinet yesterday imposed an emergency decree covering the capital and its outskirts for 60 days. This will give officials more power to handle the anti-government protest, which it claims has been a cause of violence, death and injury.

From today, the entire capital and Nonthaburi, plus parts of Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan will be under emergency law.

To enforce the decree, the authorities have set up a so-called Peacekeeping Centre, replacing the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order, to keep order.

Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul will supervise the centre's policies, with caretaker Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung as director in command of the centre. Police chief General Adul Saengsingkaew and the Defence Ministry's permanent secretary Nipat Thonglek have been named as operating directors.

The decision to impose the decree was made by caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and some members of her Cabinet, including Surapong and Chalerm, sources said. In a sign of possible disagreement, there were only military representatives instead of commanders present at the meeting yesterday, sources said. With a lack of military chiefs at the centre, the police under Adul will be at the frontline.

Yingluck said she had instructed operations officials to exercise utmost restraint when handling the protest. Asked if the situation would turn violent, like in 2010, she said the government would mostly have the police force overseeing operations. Protesters should not be worried, as police would operate in accordance with law.

"If the soldiers are put under police command, it will be problematic," academic Panitan Wattanayagorn said. "I have never seen troops being placed under police [control]."

Surapong reasoned that the emergency decree was necessary given that protesters led by Suthep Thaugsuban had violated the law, raided government agencies and state banks, as well as threatened state officials. Violent incidents were intentional and meant to hurt and kill people, he claimed.

Since the anti-government protest began in November 30, at least nine people have been killed and 554 injured.

The foreign minister said that diplomats and representatives of the international community would be briefed about the situation and the consequences of the emergency decree.

Meanwhile, hardliner Chalerm said he would call a first meeting today to map out an operation plan to handle the current situation as well the February 2 election. He said that the police would not hunt Suthep but wait for him to surrender.

The decree authorises the authorities to announce a curfew, limit people's movement and even censor the media, National Security Council secretary-general Paradorn Pattanatabutr said earlier.

Officials operating under the decree would get some immunity from legal consequences under the Penal Code, he said.

The emergency decree was declared at about 6.30pm last night at a press briefing instead of a live TV broadcast, as is usual.

Suthep said it was unnecessary for the government to invoke the emergency decree, as this was not an emergency situation. "Protests have continued peacefully over the past three months. We will defy the emergency law," he said.

Earlier, caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she did not want to resort to using force to control the situation, deputy government spokesman Parkdehans Himathongkom said.

At present, police and security officials are carefully monitoring rally sites, and not allowing any weapons to be smuggled in, he said.

Yingluck also expressed sympathy for officials who were intimidated, humiliated and harassed by protesters, while the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) yesterday denounced the protesters' hostile behaviour against a senior official at the Department of Special Investigation.

DSI chief Tarit Pengdith, who is also a member of CAPO, said it was not acceptable that protesters led by the People's Democratic Reform Committee stormed into the Software Park and belligerently demanded that DSI officials stop working. The protesters also chained the office doors shut on Monday.

Tarit told a press conference that was broadcast live on TV that the PDRC leaders and security guards had set a bad precedent for society by cornering Pol Colonel Nirand Adulsak, chief of Special Cases Division 1, and scaring and scolding him.

Chumphon Junsai, a PDRC leader, led the mob to surround the building to block DSI personnel from working.

Tarit said that they had also gone there believing he was inside. The protesters' verbal assault forced Nirand to wai the PDRC leaders and guards, begging them not to hurt him, Tarit said. The act was a serious crime and needs to be condemned, he said.

He noted that Nirand could have used a gun to defend himself, but chose not to do so for fear of causing deaths and injuries.

Emergency decree

Effective for 60 days (January 22-March 22)

Agency responsible: Peacekeeping Centre (located at the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence, Chaeng Wattana Road)

Supervisor: Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul

Commanding director: Caretaker Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung

Operating directors: Royal Thai Police commander-in-chief Pol General Adul Saengsingkaew and permanent secretary of Defence General Nipat Thonglek

Affected areas: Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani's Lat Lum Kaeo district and Samut Prakan's Bang Phli district.


-- The Nation 2014-01-22

[Thaddeus]

Surapong reasoned that the emergency decree was necessary given that protesters led by Suthep Thaugsuban had violated the law, raided government agencies and state banks, as well as threatened state officials. Violent incidents were intentional and meant to hurt and kill people, he claimed.

And the violent people are the protesters are they?

[Nowhereman60]

lets get these thugs off the streets and let the average citizen have his streets and access to government agencies. normal life needs to go on. The people has had enough of Suthep and his crowd of thugs.

[englishoak]

Surapong reasoned that the emergency decree was necessary given that protesters led by Suthep Thaugsuban had violated the law, raided government agencies and state banks, as well as threatened state officials. Violent incidents were intentional and meant to hurt and kill people, he claimed.

And the violent people are the protesters are they?

Violence does not have to be physical in nature but their acts are and have been violent yes. as have the physical attacks on both civilians by some of these protesters and the attacks on them. It is time to stop things sliding further out of control. First step is to call SOE, what goes on from here is down to the Gov to work out. I don't think this gov will use the same force as the one in 2010 which will be a good thing. No one wants that.

Suthep and co if they had any shred of decency and are for what they claim which is peace should accept talks and pack up and go home for their own supporters sake if not the countries..

[Bluespunk]

lets get these thugs off the streets and let the average citizen have his streets and access to government agencies. normal life needs to go on. The people has had enough of Suthep and his crowd of thugs.

Problem is they've also had their fill of corrupt govt.

[Cricketnut]

lets get these thugs off the streets and let the average citizen have his streets and access to government agencies. normal life needs to go on. The people has had enough of Suthep and his crowd of thugs.

Problem is they've also had their fill of corrupt govt.

Agreed... And then another corrupt government comes into power, or even worse the Military.... Thailand needs to learn what democracy really is first and foremost and then implement this. It wont be an overnight process either...

[Ricardo]

Perhaps the Commanding Director & CAPO Peacekeeping Centre Supervisor might discuss their next moves, over a good bottle of wine, or three ?

I wonder whether they think it's still possible, to hold an unbiased free-and-fair national election, whilst a State of Emergency is in effect for the capital & surrounding-areas ?

Earlier, caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she did not want to resort to using force to control the situation,

Apart from tear-gas grenades, water-cannon, rubber-bullets, riot-police & whatever visiting Cambodian irregular-forces might volunteer to assist, that is ...

[mrtoad]

The fact that they are using The Headless one to be in charge of this is quite concerning. A delicate situation, now in the hands of an alleged criminal, drunk, thug who takes orders from a convicted criminal fugitive. It's going to get messy.

[maxme]

The fact that they are using The Headless one to be in charge of this is quite concerning. A delicate situation, now in the hands of an alleged criminal, drunk, thug who takes orders from a convicted

criminal fugitive. It's going to get messy.

How is that different from when Suthep was in charge of the last SOE?

Edited January 22, 2014 by maxme

[mrtoad]

The fact that they are using The Headless one to be in charge of this is quite concerning. A delicate situation, now in the hands of an alleged criminal, drunk, thug who takes orders from a convicted

criminal fugitive. It's going to get messy.

How is that different from when Suthep was in charge of the last SOE?

Read the details.

[englishoak]

The fact that they are using The Headless one to be in charge of this is quite concerning. A delicate situation, now in the hands of an alleged criminal, drunk, thug who takes orders from a convicted

criminal fugitive. It's going to get messy.

How is that different from when Suthep was in charge of the last SOE?

Read the details.

the details are the same, people are getting killed and its gotten out of hand, exactly what SOE is for, same as 2010 there is no difference.

[Ricardo]

The fact that they are using The Headless one to be in charge of this is quite concerning. A delicate situation, now in the hands of an alleged criminal, drunk, thug who takes orders from a convicted

criminal fugitive. It's going to get messy.

How is that different from when Suthep was in charge of the last SOE?

Because Suthep didn't "take orders from a convicted criminal fugitive", who Skypes in from overseas, perhaps ?

[Soi Dog]

I still think the answer is a UFC cage match between Suthep and Chalerm, winner take all. Who needs elections?

[rogerdee123]

lets get these thugs off the streets and let the average citizen have his streets and access to government agencies. normal life needs to go on. The people has had enough of Suthep and his crowd of thugs.

The thugs are in the Govt and the police ... that's why the average citizens are out on the streets

[bitterbatter]

Surapong reasoned that the emergency decree was necessary given that protesters led by Suthep Thaugsuban had violated the law, raided government agencies and state banks, as well as threatened state officials. Violent incidents were intentional and meant to hurt and kill people, he claimed.

And the violent people are the protesters are they?

Maybe Cointelpro

[bitterbatter]

The fact that they are using The Headless one to be in charge of this is quite concerning. A delicate situation, now in the hands of an alleged criminal, drunk, thug who takes orders from a convicted

criminal fugitive. It's going to get messy.

How is that different from when Suthep was in charge of the last SOE?

Let's hope that instead of lighting tire barriers on fire and then shooting bullets randomly into the smoke, that they use non-violent tech to disperse crowds such as LRAD.

[lovetotravel]

Wow. Charlem in charge? Adul in charge? Police act in accordance with the law (that will be a first)? Censure of media? Officials in charge getting immunity?

A sure fire recipe for a disaster.

[Baerboxer]

lets get these thugs off the streets and let the average citizen have his streets and access to government agencies. normal life needs to go on. The people has had enough of Suthep and his crowd of thugs.

Nowhereman60 - Voice of the People ! Unfortunately self appointed and self opinionated.

Almost all Thais I know don't care a great deal about Suthep. But, they are passionate now about removing Thaksin and his gang from exploiting and controlling their country. Rightly or wrongly, they see the Shin clan as the worst possible gang to be in power. This is their view not mine.

However, I would admit this is a small group of friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. I wouldn't claim to know what all the people think and want, like you do.

Your comments remind me of the statements the extreme left union leaders used to make in the UK in the 70"s. They always claimed to know what everyone really wanted, was thinking, and new what was best too.

[Baerboxer]

Wow. Charlem in charge? Adul in charge? Police act in accordance with the law (that will be a first)? Censure of media? Officials in charge getting immunity?

A sure fire recipe for a disaster.

Wonder if all this is a pre-cursor to getting ready to ram the amnesty bill through as soon as they can and get the boss home?

Immunity and Amnesty for all - Zero the clock! Wonder who thought that one up?

Immunity - so YL can't be charged with murder for any deaths that come out of this. She nothing to do with it. The boys in charge will be given immunity too. Smart - avoids having to face trumped up charges in the future.

[Arjay]

I don't imagine Suthep will be surrendering soon . I am not for the present government nor for the protesters but, for the sake of the country the Shinawatra's need to resign from politics. Then Thailand can have an election. All these problems of the past years have been caused by hatred of Thaksin. How can one man rule a country without even being present? I am sure Thaksin has enough money so what motives does he have?

[kkup]

lets get these thugs off the streets and let the average citizen have his streets and access to government agencies. normal life needs to go on. The people has had enough of Suthep and his crowd of thugs.

Nowhereman60 - Voice of the People ! Unfortunately self appointed and self opinionated.

Almost all Thais I know don't care a great deal about Suthep. But, they are passionate now about removing Thaksin and his gang from exploiting and controlling their country. Rightly or wrongly, they see the Shin clan as the worst possible gang to be in power. This is their view not mine.

However, I would admit this is a small group of friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. I wouldn't claim to know what all the people think and want, like you do.

Your comments remind me of the statements the extreme left union leaders used to make in the UK in the 70"s. They always claimed to know what everyone really wanted, was thinking, and new what was best too.

Correct, they don't care about Suthep, just want Thaksin etc out. They also don't care about corruption as long as the proceeds are divided evenly

[lovetotravel]

I don't imagine Suthep will be surrendering soon . I am not for the present government nor for the protesters but, for the sake of the country the Shinawatra's need to resign from politics. Then Thailand can have an election. All these problems of the past years have been caused by hatred of Thaksin. How can one man rule a country without even being present? I am sure Thaksin has enough money so what motives does he have?

Most of the political problems of the past decade have been caused by the Shin clan. Thaksin wants to come back on a white elephant as a returning hero. And of course, to get a LOT of money back.

[thhMan]

Seems like "Lord of the flies" rerun, but instead of children, its with imbeciles

[smileydude]

Some pretty vile people in charge of the Peacekeeping Center. Usually you'd want upstanding compromise-minded people taking helm but as you can see the government does not intend to end it peacefully so they bring out the pit bulls.

The Emergency decree has some interesting legal sides to it (differing from the Security Act)

1. Law enforcement are not liable for their actions and people cannot sue state officials, unlike the security act in which liability for your actions is still in place.

2. The Security Act still allows for protests, the Emergency decree bans it completely with no more then 3 people being allowed to congregate publicly. So if your pub gang of 5 are out talking in the wee hours beware of getting arrested.

3. The Emergency acts authorizes LE to surround, contain, search and arrest at will, unlike the Security act which still requires reasonable just cause and search warrants.

4. At the end of implementing the Security Act the government is required to hand in a summary report to Parliament for scrutiny therefore all acts must have a clear work plan and objective. The Emergency decree does not require any report.

So as we can see this is a draconian measure legalizing lethal force that is unaccountable.

[Fookhaht]

Some pretty vile people in charge of the Peacekeeping Center. Usually you'd want upstanding compromise-minded people taking helm but as you can see the government does not intend to end it peacefully so they bring out the pit bulls.

The Emergency decree has some interesting legal sides to it (differing from the Security Act)

1. Law enforcement are not liable for their actions and people cannot sue state officials, unlike the security act in which liability for your actions is still in place.

2. The Security Act still allows for protests, the Emergency decree bans it completely with no more then 3 people being allowed to congregate publicly. So if your pub gang of 5 are out talking in the wee hours beware of getting arrested.

3. The Emergency acts authorizes LE to surround, contain, search and arrest at will, unlike the Security act which still requires reasonable just cause and search warrants.

4. At the end of implementing the Security Act the government is required to hand in a summary report to Parliament for scrutiny therefore all acts must have a clear work plan and objective. The Emergency decree does not require any report.

So as we can see this is a draconian measure legalizing lethal force that is unaccountable.

very informative, however would like to see a source cited

Sent from my tin can via string

[Eagle60]

Garbage comment. Switch on brain before opening mouth. I have seen not one thug at all during the whole time I have walked past protesters and I am carrying on my working life as normal. As are most. Do you contribute to Thailand's economy ? Do you pay taxes ? I presume you understand the meaning of the word democracy without looking on the net and were here thoughout the last 20 years to justify such an impactive and amazing comment. My advice...think before you speak please. It does yourself an injustice as a human being. You have either not been here, are not here, or simply naive. Good luck with thinking more.

lets get these thugs off the streets and let the average citizen have his streets and access to government agencies. normal life needs to go on. The people has had enough of Suthep and his crowd of thugs.

Edited January 22, 2014 by davidcc

[Eagle60]

Very different. Very, very different.

The fact that they are using The Headless one to be in charge of this is quite concerning. A delicate situation, now in the hands of an alleged criminal, drunk, thug who takes orders from a convicted
criminal fugitive. It's going to get messy.

How is that different from when Suthep was in charge of the last SOE?

[OMGImInPattaya]

Is the emergency decree to protect the public from the likes of Chalerm?

[englishoak]

Well about 30 or so of us are going out this Friday and fully expect to be congregating for a few hours here and there publicly, if we get arrested or dispersed ill let you know.

[gerrythepoet]

It had to happen and hopefully the airports will stay secure, in it's own way tourism will come back for people's sense of security will be that the demonstrations are over especially over Chinese New Year. The SOE does give an opportunity for all sides to realise that Thailand needs it's neighbours to survive and with Toyota thinking of cutting output it sends the signal to the GOVT you are being perhaps too soft and letting the steam go on for too long. Arrest Suthep do not make him out to be a Robin Hood when the truth is he would never steal from the rich to give to the poor.