Chalerm vows non-stop campaign to clear sites

[webfact]

Chalerm vows non-stop campaign to clear sites
The Nation


Hundreds of riot police fan out along Rajdamnoen Avenue in an operation to reclaim a protest site outside Government House yesterday.

Says 'Operation Valentine' a success; PDRC says it will resist

BANGKOK: -- The man in charge of the government's Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) yesterday vowed to step up the operation to evict anti-government protesters, while the protest groups remained defiant about continuing their street rallies.

Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, the CMPO director, told a media briefing that yesterday's "Operation Valentine" to "reclaim" the areas occupied by protesters had shown that the police were well prepared to raid the protest sites any time they liked.

"Anywhere we go, we could seize it all - but we don't want to do it [forcefully]," he said, adding that caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had advised against the use of force for fear of bloodshed.

"After this, we will do it non-stop until everything is finished," Chalerm said. "We will reclaim the areas outside Government House. Whether it's three days or seven days, we will have to enter the compound."

However, he added that the protesters would not be dispersed, although the police would be ready to arrest the main protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, if they had a chance to do so.

"It's a success to retake some blocked roads and Government House. There are some roads in front of Government House that protesters are still occupying, and we don't want to enter that area because we want to avoid a clash," Chalerm said.

He also claimed weapons and drugs had been found during yesterday's operation, which ran counter to the protest leaders' claim that the anti-government rally was peaceful.

Akanat Promphan, spokesman for the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), described the police operation as a failure, adding that it was simply aimed at pleasing the "big boss". He was alluding to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is believed by his opponents to be pulling the strings behind the government.

Akanat said many of the police officers taking part in the operation had been armed with rifles. He showed pictures of those officers to reporters during a media briefing.

The spokesman said the PDRC would continue its protest and would resist in a "civilised and non-violent way" any attempt to break it up. He also dismissed the CMPO claim the protesters were armed.

Some protest leaders claimed weapons had been planted at their rally site after the demonstrators left. During Operation Valentine, several hundred riot police removed barriers, sandbags and tents outside Government House and the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road. However, they later retreated from Chaeng Wattana to avoid clashes with demonstrators who returned to the site, according to a live broadcast on the satellite-based Bluesky Channel TV station.

Two people were injured in yesterday's operation and were admitted to hospital for treatment, according to the Erawan Medical Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

It was the authorities' first attempt to reclaim the protest sites since demonstrators began their "Bangkok shutdown" rally on January 13. Police said later in the day that "the real thing" would take place today, when they would again attempt to reclaim the Chaeng Wattana site, which is headed by Buddhist monk Phra Buddha Issara.

Provincial Police Region 1 chief Pol Lt-General Naret Nanthachot said eight companies of riot-control police would today be deployed to reclaim the Government Complex.

If anti-government protesters resorted to arms to counter the operation, he said special task-force teams would be deployed to protect riot-control officers.

He added that the police had moved to reclaim government premises because of rising complaints from people whose livelihoods had been adversely affected by blockaded roads.

He also said the police had failed to get protest leader Phra Buddha Issara to enter talks yesterday, but they would make a second attempt to do so today.

Meanwhile, five suspects were arrested yesterday. They included Bunrom Moolma, charged with carrying a communications radio; Natetip Chaiyan, charged with possessing narcotics; and Worawut Saengthong, charged with carrying a gun, bullets and amphetamines.

Of the other two - unidentified men - one was apprehended for allegedly hurling a tear-gas canister into police ranks during the crowd-control operation.

The operation faced no resistance from protesters at the Government House and Chaeng Wattana sites. The highest tension was at the latter rally site, when columns of police moved towards the protesters but stopped about 100 metres from them.

Remaining calm, the protesters started praying while others asked police why they had to try to disperse the protest on Makha Bucha Day, which is a major Buddhist holiday.

Reporters observing the police operation noted that it appeared the police and the protesters had colluded about yesterday's operation. To some observers, it seemed to be merely "for show".

They noted that police moved in at the Government House protest site shortly after protesters had left the venue. Later, moments after police left the area, the protesters returned to the site.

However, this suspicion was dismissed by a senior CMPO figure. Tarit Pengdith, who is also the Department of Special Investigation director-general, dismissed reports that police and protest leaders had secretly made an agreement so that there would be no confrontation.

He said the police's Operation Valentine had not been intended to disperse anti-government protesters, but to apprehend rally leaders who have arrest warrants on their heads and who are hiding among the demonstrators.

Rally security guards could be arrested if they resisted, he added.

Tarit claimed the operation had proceeded peacefully, with the suspects and security guards abandoning the sites.

"Police inspections at the sites found many illegal objects such as weapons, drugs and bomb elements. Operations will continue at the proper time to crack down on the suspects," he said.

During yesterday's police operation, the prime minister visited a temple in Ayutthaya to make merit on Makha Bucha Day.

Yingluck, accompanied by her son Supasek Amornchat, arrived at Wat Phananchoeng with a broad smile to the welcome of top officials and some of her ministers. She said that she felt good after making merit, and gave an assurance that farmers would gradually get long-overdue payment for their pledged rice.


-- The Nation 2014-02-15

[mightyatom]

Chalerm says a lot of things that does not happen.

Even the police had to make special arrangements with the protest leaders to get permission to be able to do what they did yesterday.

It's just a load of bluster and blow.

All for show.

Should only serve to pump the protest numbers back up again.

Edited February 14, 2014 by mightyatom

[EricBerg]

Sigh. The guy apparently doesn't get tired of himself. That's the only worrying part of all of his statements. And as far as his entertaining abilities are concerned: he is past his expiry date. Yesterday's broken promise was the turning point.

[Red Snake]

Be the man Chalerm keep the pressure on the protesters. Make them think everyday that today could be the day you attack. Also don't fall for those lies that they don't have weapons. Everyone knows the real truth.

[JRSoul]

Is the midget in the front centre too small to carry a shield?

[hgma]

Be the man Chalerm keep the pressure on the protesters. Make them think everyday that today could be the day you attack. Also don't fall for those lies that they don't have weapons. Everyone knows the real truth.

Stick to proven Facts please!!

TIT facts are almost impossible to prove, my suggestion is thus don't comment with no facts fiction remarks.

[Red Snake]

Be the man Chalerm keep the pressure on the protesters. Make them think everyday that today could be the day you attack. Also don't fall for those lies that they don't have weapons. Everyone knows the real truth.

Stick to proven Facts please!!

TIT facts are almost impossible to prove, my suggestion is thus don't comment with no facts fiction remarks.

You want facts read the news, what it on TV that is your facts Jack.

[bkkjames]

Can you imagine being a 'news' reporter assigned to follow him? Come back everyday with a story that won't happen or at least should be sent to the Entertainment Desk Editor.

Funny enough, I kind of like the guy - he always makes me chuckle.

Back to serious stuff, did they move the comic section?

[Robby nz]

Is the midget in the front centre too small to carry a shield?

That's Chalerm..That's Chalerm... That's his disguise.

Hes cut of his legs instead of his head.

[Davidhere]

Is the midget in the front centre too small to carry a shield?

A very observant eye

.

[h90]

Sigh. The guy apparently doesn't get tired of himself. That's the only worrying part of all of his statements. And as far as his entertaining abilities are concerned: he is past his expiry date. Yesterday's broken promise was the turning point.

No you see the situation wrong......Thaksin pays, Chalerm tries to keep the flow of money, but without getting himself in danger or later in jail.

So big mouth is the safeties solution....call the leaders and ask if he can make a bit of show, helps to get more protesters and please the man in Dubai and keeps the money flowing.

What does he care if everyone sees him as a clown, as long the money transfers arrive.....And he know very well that he is past his expiration date and anyway only on the level of a soi-mafiosi.

So every day he can continue brings some money.

And yesterdays broken promise, he promised a surprise. He delivered a surprise when the police turned 180 degree and went home. It did surprise me.

[noikrit]

A Non Stop Campaign .............................. Guess his on a drinking binge ..............

[NongKhaiKid]

Is the midget in the front centre too small to carry a shield?

Maybe he's a senior officer and doesn't carry anything as he has a dogsbody to do it for him.

[Crushdepth]

Is the midget in the front centre too small to carry a shield?

His job is to look menacing.

[speedtripler]

Is the midget in the front centre too small to carry a shield?

look where his hands are positioned ,it looks like he may be carrying an M-16 in case the popcorn guys decide to start shooting

[focus27]

Of course it will be a "non-stop campaign" as it will never succeed - not with these pantomime tactics.

Oh yes, it will!

Oh no, it won't!

repeat ad nauseam.

[thesetat2013]

I like YLs last comment that the farmers would gradually get their money. Wasnt it in the news Thursday that she guaranteed to pay the farmers next week?

Gradually could mean 500 baht a month until its paid.

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

[Blackmirage2013]

Seriously, this guy is the WRONG guy to put in the job. He is a sadist and he doesn't give a shit about anyone or anything but himself. He is the most insecure, inconsiderate player in this whole political game. It is amazing that Thailand - known for its graciousness and manners, tolerates such an aberration.

SELFISH, EGO, SELFISH, EGO, SELFISH!!!!!!!!!!

Edited February 15, 2014 by Blackmirage2013

[recom273]

Is the midget in the front centre too small to carry a shield?

look where his hands are positioned ,it looks like he may be carrying an M-16 in case the popcorn guys decide to start shooting

lol .. looks like the junior mascot.

[gerry1011]

I hope the kids don't get violent when the police enters the site.

If they have been trained by their yellow extremists parents and taught how to manipulate weapons by the "guard" thugs, it could be bloody...

Why would parents bring their kids to the front line anyway?

If something happens they will have to bear one more responsibility.

In any case, the most important is to clear the sites and arrest all these despicable people.

Sent from my iPhone...

[Blackmirage2013]

Is the midget in the front centre too small to carry a shield?

look where his hands are positioned ,it looks like he may be carrying an M-16 in case the popcorn guys decide to start shooting

lol .. looks like the junior mascot.

That is hilarious! But there is a reasonable explanation.... that midget is the "coxswain" for the police company. He sets the tempo by slapping the top of his helmet in rhythm so the police can march "left right left right" ... by the end of the assault, the midget is a few millimeters shorter.... originally, he was not a midget, so you can see the man in the picture must have been doing this for several years!!!

Edited February 15, 2014 by Blackmirage2013

[wealth]

wow, midget the widget ... isn't there a requirement for body height when you apply for police service or did he/she/it shrink on duty?

[eddie61]

Chalerm says a lot of things that does not happen.

Even the police had to make special arrangements with the protest leaders to get permission to be able to do what they did yesterday.

It's just a load of bluster and blow.

All for show.

Should only serve to pump the protest numbers back up again.

From the man who vowed to cut his head off.....

[Chao Lao Beach]

If they have been trained by their yellow extremists parents and taught how to manipulate weapons by the "guard" thugs, it could be bloody...

I agree bringing kids is stupid, really stupid but I think you have forgot that the reds ( Dear Leader) provided fee buses and paid mums to bring kids from over 1000km away in the Red Shirt Bangkok Burning Riots. (Maybe they will be back soon for another reason, many seem pissed off over the rice scam)

Time to get your head off your high horse I think and look at the big picture, no matter how murky and bizarre it is.

It will be good to get Chiang Wattana back working again, this protest is like a sticky fart.

[GeorgeO]

I hope the kids don't get violent when the police enters the site.

If they have been trained by their yellow extremists parents and taught how to manipulate weapons by the "guard" thugs, it could be bloody...

Why would parents bring their kids to the front line anyway?

If something happens they will have to bear one more responsibility.

In any case, the most important is to clear the sites and arrest all these despicable people.

ImageUploadedByThaivisa Connect Thailand1392427997.798472.jpg

Sent from my iPhone...

Didn't see you making the same comments back in 2010 when bullets were flying and some moron was holding his child above the barrier....! despicable people....really...??

[webfact]

Police keep on trying to clear Chaengwattana from protesters



BANGKOK, 15 February 2014 (NNT) - The police's operation to open the protest-occupied Changwattana road will continue on Saturday after talks failed. A high-ranking police officer has confirmed officers will not use force to disperse the protesters.

Commander of the Provincial Police Division 1 Pol.Lt.Gen.Nares Nanthachote said the police's operation to reclaim Changwattana road from anti-government protesters on Friday was due to the protest's effects on people in the area. They had suffered from the rally for a long time and intelligence had indicated that most of the violent incidents at the rally site were caused by the people's resentment against the protest, the commander said.

Police officers had tried to negotiate with protest leader Phra Phuttha Itsara but they were turned down. On 15 February, the officers would therefore send eight companies of riot control police to talk to the protesters again and try to open the blocked road, the official said.

Pol.Lt.Gen.Nares added that a special team of officers would be deployed in case the protesters used weapons against the officers and confirmed they would not crack down on the protesters.


-- NNT 2014-02-15

[saltandpepper]

I hope the kids don't get violent when the police enters the site.

If they have been trained by their yellow extremists parents and taught how to manipulate weapons by the "guard" thugs, it could be bloody...

Why would parents bring their kids to the front line anyway?

If something happens they will have to bear one more responsibility.

In any case, the most important is to clear the sites and arrest all these despicable people.

ImageUploadedByThaivisa Connect Thailand1392427997.798472.jpg

Sent from my iPhone...

at least, they don't use them as human shield or don't hold them above a tyres barricade! See what I mean? If not, you can research some of the pictures from 2010

When you start again your diarrhoea against the "yellow extremist parents" try to check what your red peaceful unarmed protesters are up to!

It might help to give a little credit to your posts

[kerrysum]

Sigh. The guy apparently doesn't get tired of himself. That's the only worrying part of all of his statements. And as far as his entertaining abilities are concerned: he is past his expiry date. Yesterday's broken promise was the turning point.

In any country, most politicians don't .........

Such is the way of the world.......

kilosierra

[binjalin]

just get on with it and stop saying 'we won't use force' get the gas and water out and clear the fascists off the streets - that's what the vast majority of Thais want

[Red Snake]

They need to take back chaengwattana from protesters no matter what the cost.