Thai Army chief says soldiers will intervene only violence is uncontrollable

[webfact]

Army chief says soldiers will intervene only violence is uncontrollable



BANGKOK: -- Army commander-in-chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said this morning that the declaration of the state of emergency is the power of the Administration.

He said under the state of emergency, the police would play leading role in keeping and order.

He declined to comment if the political conflict would ease or improve after the declaration of the state of emergency but assured that soldiers will perform their duties to the best.

He said the Army would support and assist all sides with no bias.

But in case that the conflict turns violent and is uncontrollable, then it is necessary for the Army to intervene and resolve the conflict

(Photo : twitter @duangtip_TPBS )

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/army-chief-says-soldiers-will-intervene-violence-uncontrollable/


-- Thai PBS 2014-01-22

[Patje]

Lots of words no meaning

[Tatsujin]

. . . the police would play leading role in keeping and order . . . since when? lol

Quite interesting again tho, the Army clearly putting the onus back onto the Police to keep law and order on ALL sides, a job they've failed spectacularly at in every recent incident over the past few years.

[Tatsujin]

Lots of words no meaning

Learn to read between the lines . . . what is NOT said, and how things ARE said will tell you a lot here in the LoS . . .

[Jack Mountain]

"25 jan: Thai Army Day / ว ันกองท ัพไทย
During this day, Thai King Rama IX visits the army and watches a military parade."

Wondering what will happen that day ...

[geriatrickid]

Someone should have a word with the Navy then.

[Fryslan boppe]

"...the Army would support and assist all sides with no bias"

This sitting on the fence is not sitting on the fence at all....so-called equal support for an attempted nullification of democracy by the opposition and the country’s entrenched elite and seeking to dilute Thai democracy in order to prevent the electorate from making majority choices is not fence sitting....Does anyone doubt that if the military put their collective finger between Suthep & Co's eyes and told them this party is over, that indeed their party would be over?....This all reminds me of their last mutiny against an elected Govt. by refusing to clear the airport.

Unfortunately, it all just reinforces the R'song image of the military in the eyes of the electoral majority....That soldier-on-civilian travesty has them affixed in their mind as no more than a foreign occupying military. This not me talking, but simply mirroring and reflecting what I observe and hear from within UDD/Rs circles.

I understand the General is also agitated by Jatuporn's commentary. Jatuporn seems to be the only one confronting this guy...All else kowtow, including Ms. Y. He knows full well that Jatuporn represents a wide swath of the electorate so he cannot take the comments lightly. I am sure it gives him pause. This is actually an unintended consequence of when the military was used by coup-mongers in 2006...At that time there was no organized opposition movement...Only politically naive types putting flowers in the gun barrels of soldiers....Talking about parties, that 2006 party is definitely over in 2014.

Edited January 22, 2014 by Fryslan boppe

[icommunity]

When he used the word "Intervene", did he mean coup? There is only two sides: rule of law and lawlessness.

Will the political conflict ease or improve after the declaration of the state of emergency? Not immediately. They may be an increase of violence at its early stage. The authority must act swiftly before it turns to become new problems.

[h90]

Lots of words no meaning

How much more meaning do you want:

"He said the Army would support and assist all sides with no bias."

very different than supporting the government.....They declare themself again as independent.

"But in case that the conflict turns violent and is uncontrollable, then it is necessary for the Army to intervene and resolve the conflict."

very different than supporting the police. Resolving the conflict could mean many things.

The big statement is the army is doing what they want.....

[h90]

When he used the word "Intervene", did he mean coup? There is only two sides: rule of law and lawlessness.

Will the political conflict ease or improve after the declaration of the state of emergency? Not immediately. They may be an increase of violence at its early stage. The authority must act swiftly before it turns to become new problems.

And who are the authorities? The illegal government. The corrupt police with Chalerm and Thaksins cousin as leaders?

The mob on the street who orders the bureaucrats to stop working?

Or these with the bigger club in their hands?

[icommunity]

When he used the word "Intervene", did he mean coup? There is only two sides: rule of law and lawlessness.

Will the political conflict ease or improve after the declaration of the state of emergency? Not immediately. They may be an increase of violence at its early stage. The authority must act swiftly before it turns to become new problems.

And who are the authorities? The illegal government. The corrupt police with Chalerm and Thaksins cousin as leaders?

The mob on the street who orders the bureaucrats to stop working?

Or these with the bigger club in their hands?

I think you have your own answers to your questions before you ask.

[Scamper]

This was the press conference that we have been all waiting for. And in it, Prayuth indeed strikes a significantly different tone that the one put forth by Chalerm and Surapong. In fact, the distinctions he makes are striking. He stresses that the emergency decree is a prerogative of the administration - not the army - and that the police will take the key role. And he very carefully uses the phrase - violence not under control - as being a trigger for any military involvement. Unlike the administration, he is not pointing fingers or taking sides. To be sure, Prayuth will be seeing what the police will do. And he will doubtless be very concerned about the revelations by a senior Thai Navy officer that Cambodian mercenaries have been smuggled in to attack the protest movement. To be sure, Prayuth's eyes are wide open, and without bias. It is good that there is a sensibility such as his that can temper the anxieties of a public that has become increasingly aware of the ambitions of a certain man in Dubai, and what he seems prepared to do.

Edited January 22, 2014 by Scamper

[webfact]

Thai army chief: 'Wait and see' if decree improves or worsens unrest
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 22 - The Thai army chief today declined to comment on the caretaker government-invoked Emergency Decree, stressing that the spate of attacks on protesters was not triggered by the anti-government movement and the military knew the identities of the assailants.

In an interview with the media on the first day of Emergency Decree enforcement, Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said he would wait and see if the situation will improve or become worse, and warned the authorities to not use violence against protesters.

"If the situation escalates to an unsolvable level, the military will have no choice but to solve it. The outlawed group which resorts to violence was not the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC). We're preparing evidence to press for police action. The problem of Thai people must be solved by Thai people. Don't allow others to get involved in Thailand," he said.

He said the military has assigned 40 companies of military personnel to maintain public order without any special protection to specific groups, adding that they have been guarding public property and people's safety.

Gen Prayuth said the administrative branch is empowered to invoke the Emergency Decree and the national police chief is accountable for using forces (against protesters).

He expressed grave concern on escalating disunity in society and called on Thai people to minimise violence, hatred and conflicts.

"Conflicts between police and protesters have intensified. That's why the military has to reinforce. Please understand that the military has not stayed put or taken side. I do hope we will not be ushered into unsolvable violence. Please don't let it happen," pleaded the army chief.

He condemned outlawed groups for creating violence, disclosing that they have strongly threatened government authorities in their radio talk shows.

"They are not PDRC members. They should not be born on Thai soil. They're in dire need of violence, worsening resolution attempt. We have to find a way out for differences of opinions among Thai people," he concluded.

The Yingluck Shinawatra caretaker government has invoked the Emergency Decree in Bangkok and some areas in adjacent provinces, effective for 60 days starting today. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-01-22

[Nowhereman60]

I think there is no doubt that things have already started to get bad. General time to send in the troops, the citizens of Bangkok want their city back.

[pookiki]

Wait and see -- and then? It would be great to see the armed forces play a constructive role to maintain public order in tandem with other agencies tasked with the same responsibility. I still maintain that the biggest mistake was allowing too many protest sites. How does the right to protest trump people's right for safe passage to earn a living?

[bigbamboo]

Someone should have a word with the Navy then.

Nobody takes the Thai navy seriously.

[rickirs]

Lots of words no meaning

So "controllable violence" is okay? I guess I would have to credit the grenade throwers as providing controllable violence, otherwise they'd blow themselves up.

[bangkokheat]

well thats a green light for violence

[ratcatcher]

I think there is no doubt that things have already started to get bad. General time to send in the troops, the citizens of Bangkok want their city back.

Surely General Prayuth made it quite clear that it is the responsibility of the police to maintain law and order.

Why do you want troops sent in to clear the streets of a couple thousand protesters. I am using numbers attested to by opponents of Suthep. Surely the police are capable of that small task?

[Tatsujin]

A few key points to be taken from this:

1. The Army state again that it is NOT the PDRC causing the violence

2. That the Army knows who is doing so and are compiling evidence to present to the Police for action to be taken, and they will not tolerate any further inaction

3. They expect the Police to step up and do the jobs they are supposed to do, i.e. protect the civilians on ALL sides without prejudice or bias

4. If the Govt allows the attacks to continue against the PDRC, they WILL step in and take over

[thesetat2013]

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[uty6543]

I think there is no doubt that things have already started to get bad. General time to send in the troops, the citizens of Bangkok want their city back.

I'm guessing you are a retired military man of similar rank to a Thai General to be given him your advice. I hope he makes up his own mind as to when or if to send in the troops and which side (if any) to assist.

[Nickymaster]

"...the Army would support and assist all sides with no bias"

This sitting on the fence is not sitting on the fence at all....so-called equal support for an attempted nullification of democracy by the opposition and the country’s entrenched elite and seeking to dilute Thai democracy in order to prevent the electorate from making majority choices is not fence sitting....Does anyone doubt that if the military put their collective finger between Suthep & Co's eyes and told them this party is over, that indeed their party would be over?....This all reminds me of their last mutiny against an elected Govt. by refusing to clear the airport.

Unfortunately, it all just reinforces the R'song image of the military in the eyes of the electoral majority....That soldier-on-civilian travesty has them affixed in their mind as no more than a foreign occupying military. This not me talking, but simply mirroring and reflecting what I observe and hear from within UDD/Rs circles.

I understand the General is also agitated by Jatuporn's commentary. Jatuporn seems to be the only one confronting this guy...All else kowtow, including Ms. Y. He knows full well that Jatuporn represents a wide swath of the electorate so he cannot take the comments lightly. I am sure it gives him pause. This is actually an unintended consequence of when the military was used by coup-mongers in 2006...At that time there was no organized opposition movement...Only politically naive types putting flowers in the gun barrels of soldiers....Talking about parties, that 2006 party is definitely over in 2014.

What a load of BS boppe! You are clearly trying to give your own red propaganda some weight by using sentences like:

Unfortunately, it all just reinforces the R'song image of the military in the eyes of the electoral majority....That soldier-on-civilian travesty has them affixed in their mind as no more than a foreign occupying military. This not me talking, but simply mirroring and reflecting what I observe and hear from within UDD/Rs circles.

I understand the General is also agitated by Jatuporn's commentary. Jatuporn seems to be the only one confronting this guy...All else kowtow, including Ms. Y. He knows full well that Jatuporn represents a wide swath of the electorate so he cannot take the comments lightly. I am sure it gives him pause. This is actually an unintended consequence of when the military was used by coup-mongers in 2006...At that time there was no organized opposition movement...Only politically naive types putting flowers in the gun barrels of soldiers....Talking about parties, that 2006 party is definitely over in 2014.

And by the way, this government has nothing in common with democracy. Its extremely corrupt and only wants to whitewash its own criminals and steals billions of THB that could go to the poor. Let's hope the military stops this Thaksin clan for good. Only then will there be a future for Thailand.

[khunsiam]

Lots of words no meaning

How much more meaning do you want:

"He said the Army would support and assist all sides with no bias."

very different than supporting the government.....They declare themself again as independent.

"But in case that the conflict turns violent and is uncontrollable, then it is necessary for the Army to intervene and resolve the conflict."

very different than supporting the police. Resolving the conflict could mean many things.

The big statement is the army is doing what they want.....

meaning many things and no meaning = same same :-)

[englishoak]

stressing that the spate of attacks on protesters was not triggered by the anti-government movement and the military knew the identities of the assailants.

"If the situation escalates to an unsolvable level, the military will have no choice but to solve it. The outlawed group which resorts to violence was not the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC). We're preparing evidence to press for police action. The problem of Thai people must be solved by Thai people. Don't allow others to get involved in Thailand," he said.

He condemned outlawed groups for creating violence, disclosing that they have strongly threatened government authorities in their radio talk shows.

"They are not PDRC members. They should not be born on Thai soil. They're in dire need of violence, worsening resolution attempt. We have to find a way out for differences of opinions among Thai people," he concluded.

That is quite some double talk, seems to be saying its not either side but some group with a thirst for violence and that would like to see the country go down the tubes. Could be the usual load of smoke and mirrors of course but could he be hinting or suggesting its the southern insurgent groups ? they certainly fit the MO along with radio talk show threats .... ahh i dunno

I will be very surprised if any evidence ever shows up against anyone, never does normally. Surprise us

[MaiChai]

Question is has he been bought?

[Crushdepth]

When he used the word "Intervene", did he mean coup? There is only two sides: rule of law and lawlessness.

Will the political conflict ease or improve after the declaration of the state of emergency? Not immediately. They may be an increase of violence at its early stage. The authority must act swiftly before it turns to become new problems.

If the situation degenerates into bloodbath and anarchy, what would you have them do? Sit around and wait for a "winner" to emerge from the rubble?

Using force against a couple of hundred thousand people is not feasible, would only inflame the situation and accelerate such an outcome.

Basically you've got a failed government on your hands here, running down its remaining options. Eventually they'll have to do what any other political party would have done first - dump their failed leadership and its cronies.

[h90]

When he used the word "Intervene", did he mean coup? There is only two sides: rule of law and lawlessness.

Will the political conflict ease or improve after the declaration of the state of emergency? Not immediately. They may be an increase of violence at its early stage. The authority must act swiftly before it turns to become new problems.

If the situation degenerates into bloodbath and anarchy, what would you have them do? Sit around and wait for a "winner" to emerge from the rubble?

Using force against a couple of hundred thousand people is not feasible, would only inflame the situation and accelerate such an outcome.

Basically you've got a failed government on your hands here, running down its remaining options. Eventually they'll have to do what any other political party would have done first - dump their failed leadership and its cronies.

There is no party with leadership.

There is a Shinawatra organization with the purpose to make money and power. No party with audiology and senior members

[shrimpythailand]

great comments - Scamper and Tatsujin - you guys are right on ... read what is not said etc...this has become a fairly Big Game Show now.. the "world" is watching... we have the dems not joining the election which is 11 days away... on my work road and home which i would usually see 10+ pickup trucks going up and down with PA blaring "Ber Nung or Ber sip ha" i only see the red's pick ups... ber 15 and 18 whatever... so as we close in on Feb 2 I would expect more violence to happen - what happened to 20,000 police and army checking these rally spots with gun shootings and grenades being thrown - 65+ people injured from the grenades? this is already 65 people too many...anyway - the army will have to be called out pretty soon methinks as the police are just not able to stop anything - if you are going to allow protests that basically shutdown a city the size of Bangkok then you have to have barricades and checkpoints all over each rally point... ok let people in to protest but they better all be going thru a metal detector to get in....oh well - nice to see freedom of protest - not nice to see lots of grenade shrapnel wounds...

so we will see how it goes but be careful... nobody really is in charge now except maybe the top police and military commanders so really it is up to them to figure out how to sort things out - and from past experience here it doesn't look all that promising - but hey - this is Thailand.. oh yah - and how to borrow 4 Billion dollars to pay the rice farmers now? 5 5 5 downtown BKK invaded by 50,000 rice farmers next week looking for 3-5 months payment... that 130 billion baht is a lot of cheese that Yingluck and associates didn't come up with... and the rice scam report is due here pretty quick... I heard selling the rice back and forth a few times to get that "extra kick" in from the gov... and it wasn't the rice farmers doing it... this should get interesting this week and next...

[Patje]

Lots of words no meaning

Learn to read between the lines . . . what is NOT said, and how things ARE said will tell you a lot here in the LoS . . .

I can read between the lines, he's saying we do whatever we want whenever we want ....