21 protesters sought in Thai Police HQ vandalism case

[webfact]

21 Protesters Sought In Police HQ Vandalism Case
By Khaosod English



BANGKOK: -- Police said they have identified 21 suspects who were involved in the defacing of police headquarters′ sign.

Anti-government protesters led by Student and People Network for Thailand Reform (STR) marched to the Royal Thai Police headquarters yesterday and removed the sign of the police force at the front entrance. They later spray-painted their group name and other insulting remarks on the sign.

The act was widely seen as a direct challenge to the State of Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on 21 January.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Piya Uthayo, spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, said in a press conference today that he regretted the protesters′ action, as the sign was constructed under a public budget and blessed by the late Supreme Patriarch on 17 October 2004.

However, the police saw the incident as a test of the third ethical principle adopted by the police force, which is to endure all kind of offensive gestures, Pol.Maj.Gen. Piya asserted.

"Let me assure you that we are not angry," the police spokesman told reporters.

Pol.Maj. Piya nevertheless vowed to locate the 21 protesters involved in the vandalism and prosecute them according to the laws, adding that CCTV footage has already identified the individuals. The crime has a prescription period of up to 10 years, he warned.

According to Pol.Maj.Gen. Piya, the Chief of the Royal Thai Police, Pol.Gen. Adul Saengsingkaew, has stressed that all police officers must be stoic in the face of provocative acts committed by the protesters, otherwise the situation will escalate into violent confrontation.

The spokesman also dismissed the protesters′ offer that they will pay for a new sign for the police headquarters, stating that the police will construct their own new sign which will be inaugurated in a dignified ceremony.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNU1EUTJPRFEzTVE9PQ==


-- Khaosod English 2014-01-23

[webfact]

BANGKOK SHUTDOWN
Protesters who defaced police's sign to be pursued

BANGKOK: -- Police will seek legal action against the antigovernment protesters who removed metal fonts spelling out "Royal Thai Police" in front of the police headquarters on Wednesday, police spokesman Pol Maj Gen Piya Uthayo said Thursday.

Twenty-one protesters have been identified, and more evidence is being compiled against them. The sign will be repaired as soon as budget is available.

Under the state of emergency, the police are considering reclaiming certain streets occupied by the protesters, where the occupation by small crowds is causing traffic congestion or inconvenience.

Negotiations will be held with the protesters once the police has decided on the areas or streets.

Another five companies of soldiers have been assigned to work jointly with the police to provide security and maintain order in addition to the original 45 companies, said Piya.


-- The Nation 2014-01-23

[Scamper]

The question is what is more offensive ? An administration that enacts an emergency decree that suspends for two months the freedom of the press, the freedom of expression, and the imposition of an authoritarian state - a decree that is itself illegal, as a caretaker prime minister constitutionally does not have the power to impose it ? Or this ? Khaosod - ever following the stories of substance in our time - decided that human rights suspended was just not good enough to tip the balance in favour of such a story. But as Khaosod will doubtless become the burgeoning light of journalism after all the other outlets are shut down, perhaps we will come to appreciate the world of Khaosod just as much as the Yingluck administration. It's doubtful, but constant indoctrination is a strong belief of Thida. There is always hope.

[diceq]

21 less thugs of the streets soon hopefully.

[Loles]

I can imagine when the police interrogate them. ...

Anyway I guess they deserved, they went there to destroy and make mess, not like other normal protesters.

[pipkins]

10 year statute of limitaions. Will Suthep be around 10 years to bail them out? Police have 10 years to pull them in.

They'll be in their on hands and knees pleading forgiveness on TV once this Coup fails.

Lot of people have no idea of crimes staying live for this time. Going to have to build a new prison just for the educated elites at this rate. Wonder if it will have Starbucks and bodyshop!!

[Ulic]

Good luck with that. Doubt anyone will be arrested. Just face saving.

[pipkins]

Just made the police job easier.

It's 20 now as one of them has been shot dead!!!

Really making lots of new friends out there are the students!!!!