Bangkok: 9 dead, 554 hurt in 84 days of rallies

[webfact]

9 dead, 554 hurt in 84 days of rallies
WISIT CHUANPIPATPONG
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- EIGHTY-FOUR DAYS of anti-government rallying in Bangkok have seen a total of nine deaths and 554 injuries, while the authorities intercepted 44 guns and five explosives. The casualties were reported by the Erawan Emergency Medical Service Centre, as of January 20.

One reason given for the caretaker government to implement the emergency decree covering the capital and its outskirts for 60 days was the violence and weapons usage leading to deaths and injuries.

The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) and its allies launched the protest on October 31, 2013, when the House passed the amnesty bill. Violent incidents broke out around the rally sites and worsened during the "Bangkok Shutdown".

A total of five M26 and RGD-5 type hand grenades were hurled at Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's home, Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra’s Suan Pakkard Palace, the marching protesters on Banthad Thong Road, and the rally's backstage area at Victory Monument.

Some explosives were also used to threaten individuals.

Other indicating factors of potential violence were the seizures by police of guns and explosives.

The Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order reported the following weapon seizures during arrests (excluding those seized from checkpoints around rally sites), as well as missing weapons, from October 31, 2013 to January 16, 2014:

1. 44 guns seized as evidence and another 27 guns reported stolen or missing during the Thai-Japanese Stadium and Labour Ministry clashes.

2. The guns seized from the Ramkhamhaeng and Thai-Japanese Stadium clashes were mostly pistols. The Ramkham-haeng incident yielded 34 spent cartridges and seven spent bullets from the 18 guns involved (.45, .38 spc, 9mm, .32 (long), .32 (7.65), .25, and .22LR calibres). The clash between the Student and People Network for Thailand's Reform (STR) protesters and riot police yielded 6 spent cartridges and 31 spent bullets from 16 guns involved (.32, 9mm, .38 spc and .45).

A police source in the investigation into protest guards' shooting around rally sites said the .38 calibre bullets used were found to be fired from homemade guns.


-- The Nation 2014-01-23

[Nowhereman60]

Meaningless figures, why not look at how many been killed and injured in the deep south during this same period. No one here wants to talk about that.

[greg71]

Meaningless figures, why not look at how many been killed and injured in the deep south during this same period. No one here wants to talk about that.

Same could be said for the dozens of road deaths per day .

[noitom]

Meaningless figures, why not look at how many been killed and injured in the deep south during this same period. No one here wants to talk about that.

Right, the Thai establishment doesn't care about the Thai and Muslim dead - over 6,000 in the Thai south and tens of thousand injured over ten years.

[JoeThePoster]

It's official, protests are safer than holiday driving.

[american12bthai]

Meaningless figures, why not look at how many been killed and injured in the deep south during this same period. No one here wants to talk about that.

The news doesnt want to focus on the problems that thaksin really F'd up on. My heart bleeds for the soliders, and the muslims down there. THAT IS WHERE CHELRM SHOULD BE. but no, he is scared of the south. its cozy in bkk.

[CelticBhoy]

9 dead, 554 hurt in 84 days of rallies

Would be higher if it was rally driving.

[FangFerang]

Five explosives? What about the 23 pipe bombs?

Edited January 23, 2014 by FangFerang

[darren84310]

Great stats for the police.... How many people have been caught and charged?

[Bernard Flint]

SIRS

The truth of the matter is that if Suthep thought he was organising a non- violent protest,then the guy is not to be trusted,he must be mad.

[aaron ysl]

SIRS

The truth of the matter is that if Suthep thought he was organising a non- violent protest,then the guy is not to be trusted,he must be mad.

This mad guy is crazy for power and misused the public trust for his personal gain actually. Crying for democracy and wipe out corruption. Which government doesn't corrupt in the world? Whoever Comes into power will tend to do so. nobody can guarantee the next government from this protester is not corrupt too. It's regrettable that what used to be friendly and peaceful Thai people now fighting among themselves and amid in this economic crisis!

Sent from my GT-I9082 using Tapatalk

[Baerboxer]

Meaningless figures, why not look at how many been killed and injured in the deep south during this same period. No one here wants to talk about that.

The news doesnt want to focus on the problems that thaksin really F'd up on. My heart bleeds for the soliders, and the muslims down there. THAT IS WHERE CHELRM SHOULD BE. but no, he is scared of the south. its cozy in bkk.

But didn't Chalerm sort all this out in 90 days when he was in charge. You must remember all his high profile visits down South and skillful negotiations?

To be fair, I think he went once, under complete secrecy, whisked in and out.

And, the caretaker government did state very clearly there are no terrorists in Thailand.

[PaulHamon]

9 dead, 554 hurt in 84 days of rallies

Songkran 2013 - seven deadly days - approx 400 deaths and 2600 injuries

and the demonstrations are a problem.....

[belg]

compare that to 84 days x 70 death people on the roads = 5880 deahts on the road in tthe same period...

[Bernard Flint]

SIRS

The truth of the matter is that if Suthep thought he was organising a non- violent protest,then the guy is not to be trusted,he must be mad.

This mad guy is crazy for power and misused the public trust for his personal gain actually. Crying for democracy and wipe out corruption. Which government doesn't corrupt in the world? Whoever Comes into power will tend to do so. nobody can guarantee the next government from this protester is not corrupt too. It's regrettable that what used to be friendly and peaceful Thai people now fighting among themselves and amid in this economic crisis!

Sent from my GT-I9082 using Tapatalk

Very true

BBC WORLD have an arical about Suthep,and his hatred for the Thaksin family,he must have realy pissed Suthep off.The hatred runs very deep,so i would imagine he is doing this for his own needs and not for the people

[tingtongteesood]

If someone tries to have you branded a murderer for trying to stop riots that had been instigated by his followers in his name, I am sure you would be pissed off too.

Suteb has done a good job of keeping the current protests peaceful. Remember that a large amount of the injuries and at least a couple of the deaths were caused by the government paid 'thugs' ( as people seem keen to call people lately ) in their cowardly hit and run attacks. The majority of the violence has been committed AGAINST the protestors, not by them.

[crazykopite]

This is nothing compered to the amount killed and injured in the Deep South of Thailand you very seldom hear of the problems down there the disturbances in BK are nothing like what happens down there nevertheless one death is one to many brought on by a man who chooses to use violent tactics to try and get his own way rather than to have constructive dialogue with government it is he who should be in jail as far as I am concerned he is no better than that man from Dubai he may be even worse as he and his elitist friends want to set up an unelected peoples council taking the voting rights away from every Thai person . Although I am no supporter of the man in Dubai I applaud him for giving every Thai person rich or poor the right to vote for government of their choice something Suthep wants to take away from them.

[crazykopite]

If someone tries to have you branded a murderer for trying to stop riots that had been instigated by his followers in his name, I am sure you would be pissed off too.

Suteb has done a good job of keeping the current protests peaceful. Remember that a large amount of the injuries and at least a couple of the deaths were caused by the government paid 'thugs' ( as people seem keen to call people lately ) in their cowardly hit and run attacks. The majority of the violence has been committed AGAINST the protestors, not by them.

Next you will be telling us you have proof that all this violence has been caused by others as yet I have seen no proof only accusations from those leading these disturbances Suthep should be held accountable for what is happening the people of Thailand voted for the government that was in power until a week or two ago I have yet to see millions on the streets as Suthep claimed he had demanding the government to go come 2nd February we all know who is going to win the election Suthep and his thugs will be yesterday's news as they are the minority in a country of over 70 million.

[ianf]

SIRS

The truth of the matter is that if Suthep thought he was organising a non- violent protest,then the guy is not to be trusted,he must be mad.

This mad guy is crazy for power and misused the public trust for his personal gain actually. Crying for democracy and wipe out corruption. Which government doesn't corrupt in the world? Whoever Comes into power will tend to do so. nobody can guarantee the next government from this protester is not corrupt too. It's regrettable that what used to be friendly and peaceful Thai people now fighting among themselves and amid in this economic crisis!

Sent from my GT-I9082 using Tapatalk

The evidence does not point to the conclusion this poster has come to. Way, way off the mark.

[love1012]

Meaningless figures, why not look at how many been killed and injured in the deep south during this same period. No one here wants to talk about that.

Seems like some dont want to accept red shirts as murderers as well. "oooh no were not" !! boring!!

[ianf]

If someone tries to have you branded a murderer for trying to stop riots that had been instigated by his followers in his name, I am sure you would be pissed off too.

Suteb has done a good job of keeping the current protests peaceful. Remember that a large amount of the injuries and at least a couple of the deaths were caused by the government paid 'thugs' ( as people seem keen to call people lately ) in their cowardly hit and run attacks. The majority of the violence has been committed AGAINST the protestors, not by them.

Next you will be telling us you have proof that all this violence has been caused by others as yet I have seen no proof only accusations from those leading these disturbances Suthep should be held accountable for what is happening the people of Thailand voted for the government that was in power until a week or two ago I have yet to see millions on the streets as Suthep claimed he had demanding the government to go come 2nd February we all know who is going to win the election Suthep and his thugs will be yesterday's news as they are the minority in a country of over 70 million.

Hardly an analysis that bears up to scrutiny. Sure people voted, but what they did not vote for was a 'regime' controlled by a person from outside of the country in a way that is not acceptable under any democratic or parliamentary system. The fact that Thaksin thought and PT carried out his requests is well documented and Parliamentarians from the 'ruling' party have said so themselves. So it's hardly news. And the emotive use of the word 'thugs' is simply manipulation and speculation. There is more evidence from the behaviour of the red shirt hard core (especially in places like Chiang Mai) that the word 'thugs' would be more appropriately used to describe these people. Indeed, the whole history of the Thaksin administrations is one akin to thuggery. The extra judicial killings of 2500+ so-called drug dealers, the political assassinations of 18 political opponents documented by Amnesty International, the torching of Bangkok and the huge acts of violence and intimidation informs the Thaksin style. I have seen no evidence of this from Suthep. Off course, it is understood that every movement has its' mavericks and when you get the oddball who doesn't understand the game (parallels perhaps with the crazy minority of soccer supporters) it doesn't mean that the whole movement is of the same ilk. Indeed, the above post suggests that it was written by someone who either has an ideological interest in the outcome (for example, an extreme right-winger) or someone who simply does not have any feeling for his fellow humans and their rights. What we are seeing in this struggle is a movement organised to overcome a despotic self-exiled leader and his family who have manipulated this nation and its' people for far too long. The population of Thailand is less than 70 million, by the way.

Edited January 23, 2014 by ianf

[Tatsujin]

If someone tries to have you branded a murderer for trying to stop riots that had been instigated by his followers in his name, I am sure you would be pissed off too.

Suteb has done a good job of keeping the current protests peaceful. Remember that a large amount of the injuries and at least a couple of the deaths were caused by the government paid 'thugs' ( as people seem keen to call people lately ) in their cowardly hit and run attacks. The majority of the violence has been committed AGAINST the protestors, not by them.

Next you will be telling us you have proof that all this violence has been caused by others as yet I have seen no proof only accusations from those leading these disturbances Suthep should be held accountable for what is happening the people of Thailand voted for the government that was in power until a week or two ago I have yet to see millions on the streets as Suthep claimed he had demanding the government to go come 2nd February we all know who is going to win the election Suthep and his thugs will be yesterday's news as they are the minority in a country of over 70 million.

Hardly an analysis that bears up to scrutiny. Sure people voted, but what they did not vote for was a 'regime' controlled by a person from outside of the country in a way that is not acceptable under any democratic or parliamentary system. The fact that Thaksin thought and PT carried out his requests is well documented and Parliamentarians from the 'ruling' party have said so themselves. So it's hardly news. And the emotive use of the word 'thugs' is simply manipulation and speculation. There is more evidence from the behaviour of the red shirt hard core (especially in places like Chiang Mai) that the word 'thugs' would be more appropriately used to describe these people. Indeed, the whole history of the Thaksin administrations is one akin to thuggery. The extra judicial killings of 2500+ so-called drug dealers, the political assassinations of 18 political opponents documented by Amnesty International, the torching of Bangkok and the huge acts of violence and intimidation informs the Thaksin style. I have seen no evidence of this from Suthep. Off course, it is understood that every movement has its' mavericks and when you get the oddball who doesn't understand the game (parallels perhaps with the crazy minority of soccer supporters) it doesn't mean that the whole movement is of the same ilk. Indeed, the above post suggests that it was written by someone who either has an ideological interest in the outcome (for example, an extreme right-winger) or someone who simply does not have any feeling for his fellow humans and their rights. What we are seeing in this struggle is a movement organised to overcome a despotic self-exiled leader and his family who have manipulated this nation and its' people for far too long. The population of Thailand is less than 70 million, by the way.

+1 . . . but you're wasting your breath trying to unbrainwash Thaksin supporters . . .

[shiok]

SIRS

The truth of the matter is that if Suthep thought he was organising a non- violent protest,then the guy is not to be trusted,he must be mad.

This mad guy is crazy for power and misused the public trust for his personal gain actually. Crying for democracy and wipe out corruption. Which government doesn't corrupt in the world? Whoever Comes into power will tend to do so. nobody can guarantee the next government from this protester is not corrupt too. It's regrettable that what used to be friendly and peaceful Thai people now fighting among themselves and amid in this economic crisis!

Sent from my GT-I9082 using Tapatalk

Very true

BBC WORLD have an arical about Suthep,and his hatred for the Thaksin family,he must have realy pissed Suthep off.The hatred runs very deep,so i would imagine he is doing this for his own needs and not for the people

To Barack Obama President of the United States of America January 17

Dear Mr President,

I am writing in response to Congressman Michael Turner's letter to you yesterday, urging you to publicly voice opposition to the anti-government movement and support the election on February 2. With all due respect, Congressman Turner's letter is misguided and shows a lack of understanding of the Thai political crisis. I would like to first explain what led to this crisis and clarify why the anti-government movement's aim is to achieve democracy.

As a US-trained lawyer, and citizen of the US and Thailand, I am pro-democracy. Indeed, I have often volunteered for voters' assistance groups to inform Americans on voting registration, necessary documents for voting and finding the right precinct to ensure that their votes get counted.

The anti-government protesters are also pro-democracy. The movement is not to rid Thailand of democracy, but to rid Thailand of the most tyrannical and dictatorial leader in history. Throughout history, many dictators have been democratically elected. Saddam Hussein received 100 per cent of the votes. Hugo Chavez, whom you publicly called authoritarian, was also elected by the majority.

The Thaksin authoritarian government, elected through vote-rigging, proved to be the most corrupt and the gravest human rights violator. In order to fully appreciate the current political crisis, one must examine the telecommunications tycoon's legacy. Just to name a few examples of Thaksin's egregious conduct:

n In February 2003, Thaksin launched a "war on drugs" campaign resulting in 2,800 extrajudicial killings in the span of three months. In 2007, official investigations concluded that more than half of those killed had no connection with drugs. The UN Human Rights Council raised serious concerns yet the perpetrators were never prosecuted.

n In 2004, Thaksin's security forces shot, suffocated or crushed to death 85 southern protesters in what is known as the Tak Bai massacre. Human Rights Watch has condemned this atrocity and has urged an independent criminal investigation but again, to no avail.

n According to Amnesty International, 18 human rights defenders have been assassinated or have disappeared.

n Due to Thaksin's censorship and intimidation of the press, human rights violations remain unreported.

n In an attempt to circumvent conflict of interest laws, Thaksin illegally transferred billions of baht in assets to his maids and drivers, without their knowledge.

n Thaksin aided his wife to purchase government land at a reduced rate of 1/3 in violation of the law prohibiting political leaders from engaging in business dealings with the government. Thaksin was sentenced to two years but fled the country and never served his sentence.

n Thaksin approved a US$127 million low-interest government loan to Myanmar's military-run government to purchase satellite services from his family's telecommunications business.

n While prime minister, Thaksin sold his stake in telecoms giant Shin Corp to Temasek, evading taxes worth $16.3 million.

n Thaksin's policy of corruption for his personal gain prompted the Supreme Court to unanimously order the seizure of $1.4 billion of his frozen $2.3-billion fortune.

These are just examples of the myriad ways in which Thaksin abused his power and robbed this country for his personal gain. Although in self-imposed exile, Thaksin continues to run Thailand and implement policy corruption via his sister. In a disguised attempt to foster reconciliation, the current Thaksin regime passed an amnesty bill designed to pardon protesters from all sides for engaging in political expression. At 4:25am on a Friday night, the Thaksin-controlled Parliament revised and passed the third version of the bill that would pardon all politicians ever charged or convicted of corruption since the coup. The revised bill also provided for the return of assets seized. To state the obvious, this law was passed solely to pave the way for Thaksin's return as a free man with all his wealth restored.

In a ploy to control both Parliament and the Senate, Thaksin's current government attempted to amend the Senate structure and bar appointed senators. To ensure balance of power, the Senate comprises professionals from all sectors, such as law and science. Eliminating this system would result in Thaksin's party controlling all legislative power without any checks and balances. The amnesty bill can then easily pass. The Constitutional Court struck down this measure. Nevertheless, Thaksin's government openly declared that it would defy the court's decision.

It is this blatant, systematic policy of corruption and abuse of power solely for the benefit of Thaksin that fuelled Thai citizens to stand up and say enough is enough. The protesters want democracy. But first, Thaksin's dictatorship must be eradicated.

After a decade under Thaksin's regime, one thing has become clear. Our democratic system has failed us. It has allowed an authoritarian regime to usurp power and rob the wealth of the people. When a system allows for voter fraud and places corrupt politicians above the law, citizens must question this broken system. A true democracy requires transparency, accountability and proper balance of power.

We want democracy. And it is through this civil disobedience that we will achieve it.

Sincerely,

Vanina Sucharitkul

cc: Congressman Michael Turner

Vanina Sucharitkul is a Bangkok-based corporate lawyer specialising in international commercial arbitration and advising clients on a diverse range of commercial litigation and cross-border disputes across Southeast Asia involving commercial contracts, investigations and anti-corruption, joint ventures, construction and infrastructure projects, environmental contamination, and employment issues. Experience acting as counsel and advocate in arbitrations across multiple jurisdictions under the auspices of institutions including the ICC, SIAC, AAA and TAI. Admitted to the California Bar and currently a member of the International Court of Arbitration of the ICC.

[plazot11]

If someone tries to have you branded a murderer for trying to stop riots that had been instigated by his followers in his name, I am sure you would be pissed off too.

Suteb has done a good job of keeping the current protests peaceful. Remember that a large amount of the injuries and at least a couple of the deaths were caused by the government paid 'thugs' ( as people seem keen to call people lately ) in their cowardly hit and run attacks. The majority of the violence has been committed AGAINST the protestors, not by them.

Please advise how many of your "Suteb Cheerleaders Team" are still actively disseminating this type of unsubstantiated crap.

[jayjay49]

Only one man is accountable for all those victims and that is Mr.Suthep!!

Sad that respected lawyer apparently gets blinded for the corruption around them. It is/was not only Thaksin, but also Abhisit and Suthep and others. It's everywhere in Thai society. Democracy starts with the majority in the driver seat, but it is does not mean that the others in the passenger seats only watch. No, they have an active role in directing the 'vehicle' Thailand. That democratic-participation level is not yet reached in Thailand, where the the winner thinks to take ALL!

Mr. Sucharitikul, in all respect, but I have the feeling you also belong to that top-layer of the Thai society, some call it even the Bangkokian Aristocracy. That group has an "Animal-Farm" behaviour - "some animals are MORE equal than others" -, as long as that mentality is in Thailand, the democracy will not evaluate to Western standards. A solid base should be established by a good constitution that is not 100% changed with every 'coup d'etat' . Such a constitution should grow, evaluate, give equal rights to all. And in the present chaos parties should talk, negotiate, compromise and look for win-win solutions. The damage inflicted upon the Thai society and economy is already tremendous. This should stop NOW, and people should strive for that One, Unified Thailand. Chokdee

[Jim walker]

And The Winner Is

[Fryslan boppe]

A case could be made that this is all the work of those on the political side of the coup-mongers, either directly or indirectly, regardless of which side it is perpetrated against....One only needs to ask, "whose agenda do these deaths and injuries serve?.....It certainly doesn't serve the pro-electoral and pro-Democratic agenda of the UDD/RS/PTP....They simply want a peaceful expediting of the election on Feb. 2nd....All this mayhem works against their agenda...

Another fact supporting this perspective, is that all of these deaths and injuries have not involved UDD/Red Shirts, as the coup-mongers hoped...They would loove to be able to have evidence of huge clashes between their electoral minority protesters and the majority electorate.....Keeping in mind their ongoing attempts to draw in the military...The UDD/RS have studiously avoided such contact as that would be hugely playing into the hands of the protesters

[pipkins]

200 on the march today.. Indeed only one side want the violence now. Reports of gun shots today.... but as they were fired by departing PDRC thugs outside and office.... thats ok.

There is almost a total lack of violence and this is the problem for some. Without it... no coup!!!!

The longer it goes on 84 days, the less effective the marches (money grabs) appearl

Longer it goes on, the more reasonable Yingluk appears and more and more media and governments side with her.

Should anybody ever wake up to Sutheps agenda the game will be up for him from his own side, but we don't hold our breath waiting for people to think and work things out do we. Espescially now the Educated Middle class have demonstrated they are nothing of the kind.

[thaigold]

It is also a sad commentary on the Thai intelligentsia in their failure to point out to the people and to the media that to protest in the streets and cause social disruption with signs, posters, and head bands stating that “We Love the King” – an action which only accuses those who don’t march, but support the majority party, do not love and respect the King. These street mobs do the country and its institutions no favor. Everybody loves and respects His Majesty the King.

[slipperylobster]

I do not understand the correlation between traffic deaths and demonstrations. The article merely states how many died or sustained injuries regarding the demonstrations. Traffic casualties are in a totally different arena.

I suppose the same people would say there are more traffic accidents than fighting during a football match??

Use the brain...