Shots, blasts as protest rivals clash on Thai election eve

[ShannonT]

Are you serious? There is a VIDEO in this post that shows a PDRC guard shooting a rifle from a bag. It's even on CNN and BBC.

Take off your yellow glasses for a second:

That is clearly a red shirt who has hidden in the protestors ranks and is trying to make them look as though they hae weapons - Shatatwatra doesnt care if there is colateral damage - he didnt in 2010 he doesnt NOW!! As long as 'square head' can pilage the country further he doesnt care about peple who are red shirts!!

Clearly a red shirt? You really must be blind and brainwashed. In another photo posted here, the shooter has been identified as one of Suthep's guards. There's even a photo of him on the PDRC Facebook page.

[bigbamboo]

this is the result of Yingluck's insistence to have elections.

Very predictable.

Yingluks insistence on letting Thais (including you) choose a leader that might not be her. Yeh what a bitch, /sarcasm.

Maybe she's ignorant ... same as these farang reporters .... maybe she doesn't understand Thai people & culture and can not understand and predict the violence that her actions will bring ...

either that .. she either doesn't understand ... or she doesn't care.

because the violence has been very predictable

And it will get worse.

so what else can we think about her ...

this election .. or not losing face ... is so important to her that she is willing for Thai people to be killed.

Why put all the blame on Yingluck? She is only following orders.

[pipkins]

wow. There is a full video of the men with the machine guns on matichon website.

Interestingly it was shot from within the police box..... and the police box is the one that the journos were in that got shot up.... by!!!! gues who... PDRC

So, Sutheps mob finally out in the open. Plenty of stills and video now. Very good quality this one and it looks pro tv footage.

It explains why the press in the pollice box were repporting they were shot at.

Way to go Suthep. way to go. really lost the plot there didn't you.

[Ozymandias]

People on Suthep's side tell me they are winning, but people on TV say no. Certainly, if anti protestors are able to be assassinated without police reactions, other than trying to find out who are supporting the anti protestors,,then the anti protestors can't be winning. No need for some on TV to call on the army to murder them as well. Corruption wins!

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Does this actually make any sense to you? I have re-read it twice and you need to proofread more carefully - or use the edit facility. It's a jumble.

Edited February 1, 2014 by Ozymandias

[englishoak]

Its pretty conclusive in a few ways, A military element for the PRDC side either mercenary or legit serving Thai forces opened fire and ran this fire fight with military weaponry, communications and organised operational discipline, they are covering each other they are trained and know exactly what they are doing and dressed accordingly.

It cannot be said they are yellow it can only be said some of these people are working very clearly with the PRDC and the intention today was exactly the result of what the world can see.

Tomorrow we shall see I hope some calm and just voting, those wishing to try to block others from exercising their right to vote need to realise there is now no legitimacy of being peaceful, the game is up the world has proof this is not peaceful, this is an attempt to descend into chaos and call out more military intervention imo.

Stay safe people and keep an eye on the worlds media they arnt done yet, full condemnation to these scum out there shooting at civilians, what are they going to do tomorrow when half the country turns out to vote .... shoot at them all ?

Games up, clear out this protesting rabble and return the country to the people. Then go get these easily identifiable faces and put them on trial for terrorism and attempted murder, and the command who is giving these orders.

Not a fan of PTP but this isnt in any way a peaceful protest PRDC are simply an all out terrorist faction now.. time to end it and use all force required in defence and for the safety of the normal citizen.

[ShannonT]

People on Suthep's side tell me they are winning, but people on TV say no. Certainly, if anti protestors are able to be assassinated without police reactions, other than trying to find out who are supporting the anti protestors,,then the anti protestors can't be winning. No need for some on TV to call on the army to murder them as well. Corruption wins!

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Can someone make a Suthep version of #WINNING please?

[smileydude]

Where is the Police and the Army?

Usually the perpetuators are from the police and/or army.

Well from the twitter pic, he does seem to be the Suthep guard.

From the video I translated, she is saying, he is both the bomber and the shooter:

An end result, I don't see any Suthep regalia, I think he's a pro-democracy protestor

Guards are likely to be ex-military/ex police trained to use assault rifles. Shooting an assault rifle from a bag requires some skills. Both sides are armed as no one likes to be a sitting duck or feel vulnerable.

The point is who started the shooting. From the videos it seems the protestors were fired upon first and thus retaliated. The guards appeared to be taking up defensive positions. Since most of the media were concentrated around the protest group they caught the retaliation on film. Too bad nobody filmed from the direction the guards were aiming at as who would in their right mind run towards bullets no? And of course if you instigated the firing you would be wise to remain stealthy so the clips only show one side of the story.

[rogerdee123]

Look at item #90 on the news feed. The Photo shows two men, one of them has no hands and the other is an old guy with a military helmut and a weapon under his camo shirt which says "US ARMY" ..... now are observers going to state that the US Army is involved because he's wearing US Military gear ??? Obviously not. What weapon does he have under his shirt? Is it an M-16 ? It has vents on the upper handguard so not an M1-carbine like that other guy in the new-style military helmut and red shirt (although not a 'real' red shirt I think) wearing gloves and green towel around his neck .

The purpose of this post is to illustrate that anyone from any side... i.e. from police, army, khmer, or crazy farang could be wearing anything and using any kind of gear. Someone intelligent and with a clear head on the scene needs to tell us who is shooting at whom.

Also remember in 2010 we had a man in black shooting both soldiers and red shirts at that bridge confrontation.

I guess all sides are armed and with all kinds of weapons and wearing all kinds of clothing and they are all shooting at each other.

All of them are to blame.

[BlueNoseCodger]

Another video, it looks like a rear guard for Sutheps lot threw bombs and fired shots at the pro-democracy protestors. We know the gunman was with the Suthep group, and we know he has a modern army weapon.

Here is another video showing the shot man. Yes he is a pro-democracy one.

(girl)"elder don't go anywhere"
"he's hiding in the box in the middle of the road"
(man)"police police up there up there"

(girl)"ours got shot" (I think she's pro-democracy)
(girl) "pull him back pull him to safety"
(girl)"he hide in the box on the middle of the road"
(girl)"the box middle of the road, he there"
(shot) (shot) (shot)
(guy 3:00) "on the bridge on the bridge"
(man)"call the ambulance, ambulance"
(girl) "hey don't move it yet"

[ShannonT]

Where is the Police and the Army?

Usually the perpetuators are from the police and/or army.

Well from the twitter pic, he does seem to be the Suthep guard.

From the video I translated, she is saying, he is both the bomber and the shooter:

An end result, I don't see any Suthep regalia, I think he's a pro-democracy protestor

Guards are likely to be ex-military/ex police trained to use assault rifles. Shooting an assault rifle from a bag requires some skills. Both sides are armed as no one likes to be a sitting duck or feel vulnerable.

The point is who started the shooting. From the videos it seems the protestors were fired upon first and thus retaliated. The guards appeared to be taking up defensive positions. Since most of the media were concentrated around the protest group they caught the retaliation on film. Too bad nobody filmed from the direction the guards were aiming at as who would in their right mind run towards bullets no? And of course if you instigated the firing you would be wise to remain stealthy so the clips only show one side of the story.

But didn't Suthep say that they have no arms, only "bare hands"? What are the Suthep militias doing walking around with assault rifles in a city like Bangkok?

Nothing justifies a Suthep militia out on the street.

[iancnx]

Needless to say BlueSky have been taken off air

[icare999]

Why didn't the soldiers come earlier in the day to remove the protesters and stop this from happening in the first place. This idea to wait until shots are fired isn't a good policy to stop violence.

How about because that's the job of the police.

The cretin is shooting for an hour and plod no where to be seen. Either scared shit less or ordered to keep away. Where is hardman Chalerm and his much vaunted riot snatch squads. To busy listening to Skype?

So you think the threat of violence by armed terrorists should make the authorities remove peaceful demonstrators.

Strange the only prove so far I have seen in pictures and videos is your "peaceful" demonstrators firing with guns at their opponents? Some openly in front of journalists - same trying to hide their guns under plastic bags when they fire.

And since when is the destruction of voting material, storming and occupation of government offices, holding people against their will, theft, illegal possession of firearms and explosives (all documented after arrests) violent obstruction of voters, illegal closure of main roads, coercion, intimidation - peaceful?

sorry taksin showed the way and that truth might hurt red supporters buts its still truth

[chooka]

Quite clearly here you can see the PDRC guy has a gun hidden in a bag.... So peaceful arn't they.

We been saying for weeks, there is a group of armed masked men marching with Suthep and there to protect him and the mob. Video of the day this and had a great outing on Twitter as well. Which means Reauters, AFP, BBC. All seen Sutheps peacuful protesters not obstructing polls.

Make is so much harder for the army to coup now. This video speaks a million words about this disgusting spectacle of a mob let loose in Bangkok by the Elites in order to get at their prize. Which is also out in the open now.

And another of Suthep's peaceful unarmed PDRC men. Let's be honest and face reality people both sides are armed and are just as bad as each other.

Edited February 1, 2014 by chooka

[Prbkk]

You mean the guy with the huge gun he's trying to hide in a shopping bag, and firing indiscriminately, is being defensive?

[brewsterbudgen]

Maybe Richard Barrow will finally quit telling people on social media that Bangkok is perfectly safe as long as you avoid protest areas. During the red shirt protests, I told people that I was safe and explained why I wasn't concerned about what looked like full blown anarchy on international media, but I certainly wasn't willing to take responsibility for telling people it's safe to come to Bangkok. If you're an expat or know Thailand very well, you know where to look for information and know how to avoid trouble. Even then, there's no guarantees, but at least you have the tools to keep yourself safe. But, obviously, if you're asking Richard Barrow on Twitter if it's safe, it's probably not safe for you. And how does one avoid Asok and Sukhumvit when the protesters go there?

Tweet from just yesterday.

Personally I think Richard Barrow has provided (and is continuing to provide) an excellent and very valuable service. It would be a total over-reaction to post that Bangkok is "unsafe" and also not up to him to do so. He is merely answering Twitter questions honestly.

I think that he's perhaps too jaded by too many years living in Thailand to understand that the vast majority of tourists aren't looking to dodge protests or check in with his Twitter feed before heading out to see one of the city's attractions. It might be safe for me because I know Bangkok and I have a network of friends and know where to monitor for updates but I'm not your average tourist begging, "Should I cancel my trip or is it safe?" It's just been very frustrating watching his "Bangkok is safe" tweets over the last few weeks and months as tensions have escalated.

So you'd prefer him to tell people to cancel their trip as Bangkok isn't safe? He's answering questions posted to him on Twitter? Any tourist who wants official advice can go to their government website for advice - and they'd receive much the same advice! Keep away from the protest sites and Bangkok is safe.

Edited February 1, 2014 by brewsterbudgen

[ShannonT]

Needless to say BlueSky have been taken off air

For real? I haven't checked the TV yet, but the less hate propaganda that is being spread, the better.

[rogerdee123]

With apologies to kate bush.

ooooooh he's here again, the man with the gun in a bag.... No mask this time!!!! Outed on social media. Oh how the Elites must regret the internet age happening. They'll love thaksin as his company really pushed it on apace here!!!

The guy with the M16 magazine .... what's he doing ? ... pointing the magazine thinking it will go bang?

why is he holding a spent M16 cartridge between his fingers like a cigarette?

Edited February 1, 2014 by rogerdee123

[MILT]

Haven't seen anything on Thai TV at all about this, even the stations that have news programs on now. I have true, so I don't get them all, but its shameful. TNN is going on and on about preparations for the election. Showing people putting up boxes for ballots all over the country. Nice.

They were showing it on Bluesky TV

A little bit on CNN

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

This is something that I don't think has been said here...but that most people SHOULD be able to agree on.

It IS the Thai police's job to enforce the law.

--That includes protecting protesters from those throwing explosives, or at least catching those throwing them.

--It also includes protecting government election polling places and the government workers inside from protesters trying to disrupt or prevent their work, regardless of whether anyone think's the election is fair or not.

Thus far, there's little sign that the police have been able to enforce the law in any regard in all of this. How exactly are the police and their masters in the government going to explain that?

\

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

This is something that I don't think has been said here...but that most people SHOULD be able to agree on.

It IS the Thai police's job to enforce the law.

--That includes protecting protesters from those throwing explosives, or at least catching those throwing them.

--It also includes protecting government election polling places and the government workers inside from protesters trying to disrupt or prevent their work, regardless of whether anyone think's the election is fair or not.

Thus far, there's little sign that the police have been able to enforce the law in any regard in all of this. How exactly are the police and their masters in the government going to explain that?

\

[Old Man River]

Its pretty conclusive in a few ways, A military element for the PRDC side either mercenary or legit serving Thai forces opened fire and ran this fire fight with military weaponry, communications and organised operational discipline, they are covering each other they are trained and know exactly what they are doing and dressed accordingly.

It cannot be said they are yellow it can only be said some of these people are working very clearly with the PRDC and the intention today was exactly the result of what the world can see.

Tomorrow we shall see I hope some calm and just voting, those wishing to try to block others from exercising their right to vote need to realise there is now no legitimacy of being peaceful, the game is up the world has proof this is not peaceful, this is an attempt to descend into chaos and call out more military intervention imo.

Stay safe people and keep an eye on the worlds media they arnt done yet, full condemnation to these scum out there shooting at civilians, what are they going to do tomorrow when half the country turns out to vote .... shoot at them all ?

Games up, clear out this protesting rabble and return the country to the people. Then go get these easily identifiable faces and put them on trial for terrorism and attempted murder, and the command who is giving these orders.

Not a fan of PTP but this isnt in any way a peaceful protest PRDC are simply an all out terrorist faction now.. time to end it and use all force required in defence and for the safety of the normal citizen.

Interesting, as some who know about these things (here and twitter), think the opposite. The point is, the initial rush to judgement with a photo of the wrong weapon, show why rushing to judgement normally makes no sense. You may be right, I wouldn't have a clue, but certainly those who jumped in initially wouldn't have a clue either.

In my opinion, the PDRC are not a terrorist group. Instead, they are a target group. You can shoot them or throw grenades at them, as nobody protects them, unless they do it themselves.

Like you, I hope for a more peaceful day tomorrow.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[rogerdee123]

Ohhh no time for a mask, just so many things to do when you going out hijacking ballot papers. never enough time to cover up.

Have to make the front page of the papers with no mask and my PDRC membership card hanging round me neck.

Lets also pause for thought her as well This is the Student arm, who many of us for month have been saying are not students. They are the military wing, staffed, supported and protected by the army

Last pic from me. Anybody want to see hundred and hundreds of pieces of incrminating evidence and unbiased reports will have to fine them for themselve. It is not difficult

But that guy with the gun is from the US ARMY .. can't you see it's printed clearly on his camo shirt.

photos don't lie ... correct?

Edited February 1, 2014 by rogerdee123

[Old Man River]

With apologies to kate bush.

ooooooh he's here again, the man with the gun in a bag.... No mask this time!!!! Outed on social media. Oh how the Elites must regret the internet age happening. They'll love thaksin as his company really pushed it on apace here!!!

The guy with the M16 magazine .... what's he doing ? ... pointing the magazine thinking it will go bang?

why is he holding a spent M16 cartridge between his fingers like a cigarette?

Obviously, not a pro.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[GeorgeO]

RT@RichardBarrow: VIDEO: Gunfire & explosions in #Bangkok on the eve of national elections - RT @go6tv: คลิปปะทะ แยกหลักสี่ youtube.com/watch?v=_wVmQA… #Thailand

Any idea WHY they were beating the car?

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

From what I understand on Pantip (and I hope its true), the mob are my heroes. A group trying to move protestors away from the Laksi polling station. They say the car ran them down, and they were attacking it in revenge. The sticks they had came from the flags they were carrying in the march.

These people aren't forcing you to vote for their party, they're forcing open the polling station so you can vote for any of the candidates and any of the parties on the party list, including any of the opposition parties.

They're freedom fighters. Defenders of the constitutional right to vote.

Yep, and the shooter (caught in a photo) matches the cap and dress of PDRC guards at Laksi. Doesn't mean it was one of them, but the evidence matches.

Yes, that would be in line with the orders given out yesterday for them not to wear red but to blend in with the crowd...!!

[funcat]

Not Nation pic but as it is Reuters, some of us feel it could be genuine, unless the photographer is a thaksinisa on the dubai payroll. Quite clearly the PDRC are a paramilitary operation.

Come on Army. In US or Europe the army Would, 100% of shot all of them who did not immediately surrender. Thai Army Mai Pen Rai - we all the same Suthep gang.

Does it mean,I can't put my "The North Face" jacket anymore...?!

[Ulic]

One corrupt group calling the other corrupt group corrupt. If is wasn't for the violence

by both sides it would be amusing. Work within the system, respect the vote an negotiate

your grievances. Yes the rice scheme should end, yes Thaksin should have his passport revoked.

Yes the there should be no amnesty for either Thaksin or Suthep. But work within the democratic

system of government.

[larsjohnsson]

take away people's basic human rights and you can expect a backlash

most of the world fights FOR elections - and Thailand fights to STOP them

Suthep and his thugs are desperate.

Edited February 1, 2014 by larsjohnsson

[lostinsurin]

What Thailand needs to resolve this conflict is a REFERENDUM, which is not blocked by anyone and internationally observed.

Let people decide if they want reforms or not. If they want reforms, make it happen with BOTH sides participating, then hold elections afterwards.

If the people do not want reforms, hold elections and get this over with.

It's the only way out. Anything else will lead to a civil war.

Totally agree there Shannon,why on earth didn't they print a "reform yes/no" box on the ballot papers,maybe would have been accepted by both sides.A referendum would have quelled the violence and saved a pile of money and heartache.All too late now I guess but with all the comittees and think tanks this avenue wasn't explored.

Dream on boys, dream on.

[wealth]

Needless to say BlueSky have been taken off air

For real? I haven't checked the TV yet, but the less hate propaganda that is being spread, the better.

it's jammed, not taken down. I followed it for a while. Nothing hateful. Suthep got lots of money, average 100000 per donation in assembly style and they're still not finished for today.

[zydeco]

Never trust journalists. All of them are being paid by . . . somebody. And sometimes that somebody includes people like the CIA.

Ridiculous comment, these people are out there risking their lives so people like you can ridicule them when they film something you dont like ? .... unbelievable, tough luck pal ... truth is on camera .. suck it up.

Risking their lives. Hah! What a downright silly comment. Most of them do their reporting behind the safety of a barstool. Those out "on the front" are usually cowering from a vantage point to project their ideological prejudice. The days of combat camera crews that went along in the first wave during World War II are a fantasy of the past. These are from the Anderson Cooper (former CIA intern) school of journalism.