Shots, blasts as protest rivals clash on Thai election eve

[dotx]

There's a tiny dog inside the car. That really doesn't sound like somebody who's out to get into a fight.

[oldthaihand99]

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

They are fighting for reform .. nobody other than pro-government support have said no election .. Suthep said reform then elections in 12-18 months.

I could ask. Why is Yingluck clinging to the PM's seat when she could step down for the good of the country?

1. Suthep is as corrupt as they come

2. YL's party is democraticly elected & wants to keep her.

3. She is fighting for continued democracy, & vs a "time out" from it, which could never end.

4. Let the people decide what is for the good of the country, at the polls & by dialoque, education & civil peaceful protests thereafter.

1. I agree.

2. Ummm. The party owner wants to keep her.. is it best for Thailand though?

3. Again ummm. Not sure she or Phua Thai understand what a Democracy is.

4. I tend to agree. So will ask why the poll wasn't postponed until a slightly later date. As it will not meet those requirement now?

What requirements? One party refuses to have candidates in this election & is doing everything they can to stop others from voting and make void the results.

What good would a postponement accomplish? Three more months of illegal protests with no properly functioning government, BKK's & Thailand's economy further destroyed, and no guarantee the protest group would not again hassle voters & refuse to participate?

[Badbanker]

Only problems is that many poling booths are dangerous places and most Thais in Bangkok are scared that they will be abused or beaten or shot by 3rd hand if they go!

[newcomer71]

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.

Defenders of the constitution

What a joke. Do really think the constitution and democracy is just about freedom to vote.

If they reallly knew what the constitution was about they would be including almost all if the higher gov and YL as well for.

Before you start making these terrorists a heroe you may want to go online and read your constitution.

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

Democracy it's not just about vote, but is a direct consequence. No vote, no democracy at all.

[Scott]

A post encouraging others to attend the protests has been removed.

This is the rule:

29) Not to lobby members.

[than]

It's very amazing to see the observations and "proof of violence" commit by PRDC, but remind that during last weeks PRDC was attack by "unknown assailant"

Don't be surprise if now there defend themself.

And remember there was gun fight between the red and PRDC. journalists were in PRDC side it's normal there show pictures of PRDC guard with weapon

If some journalist were in the red side I think there was the same picture.

Stop to jump in conclusion like Chalerm

[Gil]

Where is the Police and the Army?

They've been told to avoid violence!

[fab4]

It's very amazing to see the observations and "proof of violence" commit by PRDC, but remind that during last weeks PRDC was attack by "unknown assailant"

Don't be surprise if now there defend themself.

And remember there was gun fight between the red and PRDC. journalists were in PRDC side it's normal there show pictures of PRDC guard with weapon

If some journalist were in the red side I think there was the same picture.

Stop to jump in conclusion like Chalerm

Spinning like a top

[pipkins]

CNN is reporting the gunfire came from anti-government protestors.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Everybody is mate. I've seen this reported

Reuters

BBC

Straights Times

NY Times

ASP

Nation not having it and that other paper that helps out the Elites when the chips are down had the wrong captions on them. Now they know they are PDRC they took one off!!!! So balance are Thais, but the funny thing is, they think nobody notices.

The pics are all genuine, all from foreign media and all pointing at PDRC.

We are hoping (the wife is a bit of a red) that some names will be put to some of them as there is a massive amount of sharing going on at Pantidotcom, FB etc.

I think there could be names and even army serial number attached to some of the PDRC gunmen today.

Whatever happens. I can't see the Junta explaining it away anytimg soon. Could a change in the air though as the Courts just approved arrest warrants for 3 of the leaders.!!! Hope they put them in Dusit zoo where we can feed them falang food via catapult!!

[metisdead]

Another reminder for some, there is to be No Discussion Of The Monarchy In Political Context

Posts have been removed.

[casualbiker]

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.

Defenders of the constitution

What a joke. Do really think the constitution and democracy is just about freedom to vote.

If they reallly knew what the constitution was about they would be including almost all if the higher gov and YL as well for.

Before you start making these terrorists a heroe you may want to go online and read your constitution.

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

Democracy it's not just about vote, but is a direct consequence. No vote, no democracy at all.

That statement is true enough.

[oldthaihand99]

There are more people WANTING to vote than there are protesters trying to stop the vote, and you can be sure there are some short tempered, prone to violence Thai among the larger group, which DOES NOT categorically make them Red Shirts, as some on here with their biased, prejudicial beliefs seem to automatically brand them as.

The poll that just came out showed the majority did not want an election right now. It was in the Post.

Poll of 100 from Chinatown & a hi so neighborhood?

[BlueNoseCodger]

A couple of observations...

1. The photos of the car with the army hat etc is either convenient or the car owner is incredibly daft at disguise? I will believe it only if they find his golf clubs in the back. Poor time for humour i know...sorry

2. Someone mentioned khemer language being spoken? Which team are they from although i probably know.

3. After last weeks murder and previous nightly events, it appears that team protesters have had enough of being 'protected'

4. A long night tonight and even longer day tomorrow no doubt

5. When the Brit embassy issues statements to the effect of stay indoors, take it seriously. They have a sad habit of being correct.

Sent from my LG-P970 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

1. The hat/badge photo is supposed to be from the car, the reg matches, but you need a second confirmation. I can see the badge on the front, if they can find a good photo of that.

2. Not Khmer, he's just trolling, it's central accent Thai near the car.

3. No, they were always armed, it's not new. Recall they even had an armed Navy guard at one point.

4. I don't think there will be much else.

5. I will be voting tomorrow, democracy is worth a little risk. I'm not expecting any problems.

[Spalpeen]

CNN is reporting the gunfire came from anti-government protestors.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

.

BBC reports the same. We'll see how brave they are tomorrow when 40 million Thai citizens come out to vote. Democracy always wins in the end.

[edwardandtubs]

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.

That gun he's firing is a Tavor assault rifle, which just happens to be the new assault rifle of the Royal Thai Army.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMI_Tavor_TAR-21

[fab4]

Take a look at this video at this 15 second mark, is that badge on the front of his car grill (left of center on the front grill)?

a lot of information will be gathered from these videos, also look at at the 44 second mark you can see an explosive device thrown in the back of the car

And if you look to the right of the scene at 55 seconds there is a guy in a camouflage jacket looking up with a revolver in his right hand..................

https://twitter.com/Anake_smk/status/429578427729842176/photo/1/large

Edited February 1, 2014 by fab4

[casualbiker]

CNN is reporting the gunfire came from anti-government protestors.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Everybody is mate. I've seen this reported

Reuters

BBC

Straights Times

NY Times

ASP

Nation not having it and that other paper that helps out the Elites when the chips are down had the wrong captions on them. Now they know they are PDRC they took one off!!!! So balance are Thais, but the funny thing is, they think nobody notices.

The pics are all genuine, all from foreign media and all pointing at PDRC.

We are hoping (the wife is a bit of a red) that some names will be put to some of them as there is a massive amount of sharing going on at Pantidotcom, FB etc.

I think there could be names and even army serial number attached to some of the PDRC gunmen today.

Whatever happens. I can't see the Junta explaining it away anytimg soon. Could a change in the air though as the Courts just approved arrest warrants for 3 of the leaders.!!! Hope they put them in Dusit zoo where we can feed them falang food via catapult!!

they are going to get the names and serial numbers from just the eyes? They were wearing balaclavas!

were there NO media pointing at the PRO government side? handy!

[philw]

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.

Yes, a PDRC man with a rifle hidden in a bag firing at red shirts.

By the way they were moving, one behind the other, the man behind spotting for the shooter, they look military trained in my opinion.

PDRC appear well armed, but then, they have lots of money behind them and powerful figures preventing the police from arresting them or taking action against them

All in my opinion of course.

Those three guys at the PDRC march do look like military to me too. All the same, walky-talkies strapped to the same place, same black caps.

It's very clear.

[Basil B]

Just waiting for Chalerm to get up on his soap box and complain because the Anti Government protesters are shooting back now, just not cricket.

Oh I forgot he ran away the other day, suppose he is hiding in Dubai now.

[than]

BBC and CNN choose their camp since 2010

When no Black shirt fire on troops

[JJttttt1]

nevertheless you can't hide the truth: Taksin is a new dictator, manipulating poor masses and abusing universal suffrage

"one person one vote" is the main misconception of Western society, which destroys Thailand now...

[crazykopite]

Where is the Police and the Army?

Back in the barracks drinking coffee !!

[Gweiloman]

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

Very predictable.

No, unfortunately, this is the result of trying to block elections

[LarryBird]

Those pictures are chilling.

[Just1Voice]

Come on, look at this guy. This is not some anti-gov protester who stopped by his local Army Surplus store on the way to the protests. This guy is Straight Up Military. Strange, he bares a striking resemblance to the "man in black" that were reported to be involved 3 years ago, and never captured. The Army says they are "staying neutral"? Apparently not all of them.

[bender92]

The guy is a terrible shot, only hit 3 with an assault rifle.

[winstonc]

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.

lets try for an answer again whose us...?????

[RBOP]

CNN and BBC showing proof of Suthep's guards firing at civilians and news reporters.

I can't wait to hear how he's going to defend that tonight on stage.

You can clearly see in the video a man next to the drivers side of the silver car holding a machete up in the air as the red mob smash his car and attempt to pull him out. Also notice the taxi driver blocking him in and getting out with a 2by4 looks at the dent the silver car made to his taxi, then gets back in his taxi and moves out of the way.

Edited February 1, 2014 by RBOP

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Where is the Police and the Army?

Some are moonlighting as gunmen or security guards. Others are doing nothing.

Can't say for certain, but it seems that the Army post shown in the YouTube video above with the explosions and beating on the car was an Army MEDICAL unit, as opposed to the Army guys with guns. Perhaps that's why they didn't wade into the fracas.

Also, note that in the report above by MCOT, which isn't usually a mouthpiece for the protesters, it says the explosives reportedly were thrown INTO the crowd of anti-government protesters -- which has tended to be the pattern in such attacks up until now.

Bombs were reportedly hurled into PDRC protesters and gunshots were heard periodically.

...

Both sides reportedly exchanged gunfire and sporadic gunshots and gun-like sounds continued.

But I'm sure, as the police said, Mr. "Peaceful Red Shirt" Ko Tee wasn't involved.

I think the fair thing to say at this point -- elements of both sides clearly possess arms and are capable of using them.

Edited February 1, 2014 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[cdnvic]

Everyone needs to calm down a bit. As we said in the pinned topic, we will be quick to remove disruptive people.