UN concerned about political violence in Thailand

[webfact]

UN concerned about political violence in Thailand

BANGKOK, 22 February 2014 (NNT) - On February 21, the United Nation's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) issued a statement through the bangkok.ohchr.org website expressing extreme concern over violence that occurred between the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protesters and police officers at Phan Fa Bridge during an attempt to retake political rally sites on February 18.

The incident resulted in at least five fatalities and over seventy injuries, resulting in the OHCHR calling on anti-government and pro-government groups to separate themselves from armed groups and end the use of violence. The government is being called on to investigate the clash, while all sides have been urged to strictly comply with the law.

The OHCHR statement added that, although details are lacking, it seems that armed groups linked to anti-government protesters escalated violence rapidly on February 18 by using live ammunition. The statement also noted that police officers seemed to have responded with live ammunition.

The OHCHR statement expressed concern that violent clashes using lethal weapons can take place in the heart of Bangkok. The use of such weapons creates unsafe conditions for political protesters and members of the public. The OHCHR is calling on all groups to refrain from using weapons and end all forms of violence. It is also calling on anti-government and pro-government groups, as well as internal security officials to ensure the safety of citizens.


-- NNT 2014-02-22

[kikoman]

Finally a news media that states the facts, my hat off to you, while you did not post the exact statement your explanation of it was accurate.

A breathe of fresh air in the Thai bias media!

Cheers

[webfact]

UN denounces violence at Phan Fah bridge



BANGKOK: -- The Southeast Asia branch of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has issued a statement expressing deep concern about violence between anti-government groups and police at Phan Fah bridge on Tuesday leaving five deaths and over 70 injuries.

Clashes broke out when anti-riot police were ordered by the Center for the Maintaining of Peace and Oder to retake the encampment of the anti-government protesters at Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue.

The OHCHR statement concedes that details of what happened are not yet clear but says limited evidence appears to indicate a well-armed anti-government group quickly escalated violence with the use of live ammunition, and that police responded, also shooting with live rounds.

“It is alarming that armed clashes with high-powered weaponry can occur in the middle of Bangkok and put at risk the safety of both peaceful protesters and ordinary people who may be in the vicinity,” the statement said.

It calls on anti and pro-government sides to disassociate themselves from armed groups, and refrain from any form of violence.

Meanwhile the statement urged leaders of both sides and security forces to ensure the safety of those genuinely engaging in peaceful demonstrations, and to make sure that all sides strictly comply with the law.

It added that the authorities must carry out a prompt, full and impartial investigation to establish the facts and to ensure accountability for this and other similar violent incidents that have occurred over the past months.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/un-denounces-violence-phan-fah-bridge/


-- Thai PBS 2014-02-22

[kikoman]

Hats off again!

[fab4]

A bottle of Lao Khao whiskey to the first person who mentions "the UN is not my father" in reply to this topic...........

[noitom]

Surely, the UN is joking. After over 10 years of killing in the Thai south with a reported 6,000 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries, the UN is now concerned about protests and violence in Thailand. Nice going guys.

[WitawatWatawit]

A bottle of Lao Khao whiskey to the first person who mentions "the UN is not my father" in reply to this topic...........

Enjoy it. Hope you don 't see reds under the bed.

[bigbamboo]

The UN stating the obvious as usual. It happened in 2010 and it happened again this time... it was inevitable.. The only difference this time is that thankfully the protesters were less violent and consequently the response more muted.

[englishoak]

Surely, the UN is joking. After over 10 years of killing in the Thai south with a reported 6,000 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries, the UN is now concerned about protests and violence in Thailand. Nice going guys.

The UN has made mentioned the south problems a few times over the years, they should be concerned about things at this time. When violence of this nature erupts in a capital city it is a major sign things are going down the toilet.

Its also meant to be what it is, a reminder that the world is watching and is also concerned about the social stability and effect it could have on other nationals and trade if it means the capital is no longer a safe place. 75% of the nations wealth goes through bkk or so we are told... the UN is right to make a statement.

[nong38]

Sooner or later and hopefully sooner all sides will find a way to talk about a solution to the present crisis without anyone losing face or being accused of losing face.

All wars end with talks about where they go from here, its to be hoped that before we get to that position that all interested groups can sit down and listen to each others positions, look for common ground and move forward so that the vast majority of Thai people can get on with their lives.

We live in hope.

[Cricketnut]

Keep hoping...

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[telecom]

ONHCR is full of crap.

It is taking news bites from government controlled media obviously.

Why are they not asking the question why there is no protection from terrorist attacks from government supporters and police?

Why they expect people to be totally unprotected and at the mercy of over 50 armed attacks with several hundred injusred, and expect them NOT to protect themselves when everyone deserves to protect themselves against violence?

Why there has not been a single investigation ordered or conducted into attacks on protesters (especially including the one they are commenting on)?

Why the police in fact killed unarmed people who were just building fences or leaning against a wall trying to shield themselves from harm. Proving that police indiscriminately shot into unarmed people as a revenge?

If they indeed are unbiased and interested in preserving HUMAN RIGHTS..... Why do they not ask these questions?

[brewsterbudgen]

ONHCR is full of crap.

It is taking news bites from government controlled media obviously.

Why are they not asking the question why there is no protection from terrorist attacks from government supporters and police?

Why they expect people to be totally unprotected and at the mercy of over 50 armed attacks with several hundred injusred, and expect them NOT to protect themselves when everyone deserves to protect themselves against violence?

Why there has not been a single investigation ordered or conducted into attacks on protesters (especially including the one they are commenting on)?

Why the police in fact killed unarmed people who were just building fences or leaning against a wall trying to shield themselves from harm. Proving that police indiscriminately shot into unarmed people as a revenge?

If they indeed are unbiased and interested in preserving HUMAN RIGHTS..... Why do they not ask these questions?

You'll find they are just stating the facts and are impartial. The fact that the police used live ammunition is stated, but it's a fact that it was used in reaction to the attacks from armed protestors.

[chainarong]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Surely, the UN is joking. After over 10 years of killing in the Thai south with a reported 6,000 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries, the UN is now concerned about protests and violence in Thailand. Nice going guys.

Yep , these guy's are certainly on the ball

[chainarong]

To be fair I think the argument here lies else-where, Kiev, These Thai protests only have to escalate up a notch and that's the sort of end result we will be watching, 1992 re-born.

[jaltsc]

A bottle of Lao Khao whiskey to the first person who mentions "the UN is not my father" in reply to this topic...........

Of course the UN is not anyone's father in Thailand. Afterall, the UN stuck around for over 60 years, offers some financial support to what it has created, and can be identified.

[siampolee]

fab4 post # 5

A bottle of Lao Khao whiskey to the first person who mentions "the UN is not my father" in reply to this topic..

Ah, cheap gut rot whisky much like your inane comments.

[ikurauni]

They made the statement. So what?

[moonao]

Finally a news media that states the facts, my hat off to you, while you did not post the exact statement your explanation of it was accurate.

A breathe of fresh air in the Thai bias media!

Cheers

well said !

[Mot Leei]

The UN stating the obvious as usual. It happened in 2010 and it happened again this time... it was inevitable.. The only difference this time is that thankfully the protesters were less violent and consequently the response more muted.

Didn't Suthep say his protest was non-violent? They're only non-violent when everything goes their way ... but should it not .... well its easy to see the mentality of People Committed (to being) Against Democracy right here ... nastiness, rudeness, insulting ... you just know what they'd be like if they had guns. Peaceful protestors my a***

Sent from my GT-N5100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Loles]

Really ??? unbelievable !!!

The UN has concerned also in Sierra Leone, Ruanda, Serbia, North-Korea, I guess Ukraine.... etc. etc. with out any reaction and result. Ehhhhhhh .....

[templedog]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Really ??? alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> unbelievable !!!

The UN has concerned also in Sierra Leone, Ruanda, Serbia, North-Korea, I guess Ukraine.... etc. etc. with out any reaction and result. Ehhhhhhh .....

EXACTLY. Why do some people here fail to recognize that the UN is a tool....mostly for the USA. When the USA voices its opinion on foreign affairs, one should readily recognize that it is doing so for SELF INTEREST. I'm sure the USA has a cake-cutting deal with Thaksin. That can be the only reason for the Shin media friendly take on what is happening here. Look at the Ukraine, look at Venezuela....look, look, and look,,,history...read it, then post moonao.

[Rob8891]

It really is quite touching how the red apologists here suddenly latch onto the UN pronouncement rather akin to the proverbial drowning man clutching at straws. This is more especially poignant since the government and the red klingons usually treat international opinion much like a costipated owl.... (they just can't give a hoot).... Unless of course they are desperately seeking approbation and support when they know there is a declining amount to be gained domestically.

Is there any chance that they might also acknowledge the international observations as to how corrupt the rice scheme is?I Sorry just a momentary mental abberation, but stranger things have happened!

[brewsterbudgen]

It really is quite touching how the red apologists here suddenly latch onto the UN pronouncement rather akin to the proverbial drowning man clutching at straws. This is more especially poignant since the government and the red klingons usually treat international opinion much like a costipated owl.... (they just can't give a hoot).... Unless of course they are desperately seeking approbation and support when they know there is a declining amount to be gained domestically.

Is there any chance that they might also acknowledge the international observations as to how corrupt the rice scheme is?I Sorry just a momentary mental abberation, but stranger things have happened!

Why would the UN be concerned with a flawed internal policy decision? You obviously have no idea what the UN is for.

[mancub]

How do some folk here take the wording from the report " details are lacking" and " it seems that " and claim that these are now facts ?

Even the report itself is speculating, albeit likely closer to the truth than most we've seen.

[robblok]

I have just a few questions.. where did the UN get its fact from, if it had his own researchers at the site I can agree with them. If they were fed information by the government .. different story.

So until i see proof on UN personal having done their own investigation and being on site... im skeptic.

[VegasVic]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

To be fair I think the argument here lies else-where, Kiev, These Thai protests only have to escalate up a notch and that's the sort of end result we will be watching, 1992 re-born.

To be fair what is going on in Kiev is a popular uprising supported by the majority of Ukrainians, I don't think that you will see Bangkok burning and the government run out of town like in Kiev, because long before anything like that happens you will see the Thai silent majority coming in from the countryside and running suthep and his gang out of their capitol The ripple effects of what has been going on since early November has finally touched Thais all around the country and they are getting fed up. At first I think that most Thais just saw this as "the idiots " in Bangkok acting up again, but now they are getting quite perturbed since it is begining to effect them and they are wondering why it took the government so long to use the police to round up the organizers and clean up the streets I still think that by the ides of March we will see suthep and his inner circle in jail and the majority of the protestors will be disbursed and head back home down south

[VegasVic]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Really ??? alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> unbelievable !!!

The UN has concerned also in Sierra Leone, Ruanda, Serbia, North-Korea, I guess Ukraine.... etc. etc. with out any reaction and result. Ehhhhhhh .....

EXACTLY. Why do some people here fail to recognize that the UN is a tool....mostly for the USA. When the USA voices its opinion on foreign affairs, one should readily recognize that it is doing so for SELF INTEREST. I'm sure the USA has a cake-cutting deal with Thaksin. That can be the only reason for the Shin media friendly take on what is happening here. Look at the Ukraine, look at Venezuela....look, look, and look,,,history...read it, then post moonao.

"The UN is a tool for the U.S" You got to be kidding me are you really that clueless? The UN has been a thorn in the side of the U.S. for many years now and the vast majority of Americans would like to see the UN kicked out of NY and the UN building turned into condos

[VegasVic]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

It really is quite touching how the red apologists here suddenly latch onto the UN pronouncement rather akin to the proverbial drowning man clutching at straws. This is more especially poignant since the government and the red klingons usually treat international opinion much like a costipated owl.... (they just can't give a hoot).... Unless of course they are desperately seeking approbation and support when they know there is a declining amount to be gained domestically.

Is there any chance that they might also acknowledge the international observations as to how corrupt the rice scheme is?I Sorry just a momentary mental abberation, but stranger things have happened!

Honestly I think that most people could care less what the U.N. says, and BTW the only ones grasping at straws here are suthep and his merry band of fascist hooligans as their days are numbered

[templedog]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Really ??? alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> unbelievable !!!

The UN has concerned also in Sierra Leone, Ruanda, Serbia, North-Korea, I guess Ukraine.... etc. etc. with out any reaction and result. Ehhhhhhh .....

EXACTLY. Why do some people here fail to recognize that the UN is a tool....mostly for the USA. When the USA voices its opinion on foreign affairs, one should readily recognize that it is doing so for SELF INTEREST. I'm sure the USA has a cake-cutting deal with Thaksin. That can be the only reason for the Shin media friendly take on what is happening here. Look at the Ukraine, look at Venezuela....look, look, and look,,,history...read it, then post moonao.

"The UN is a tool for the U.S" alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> You got to be kidding me are you really that clueless? The UN has been a thorn in the side of the U.S. for many years now and the vast majority of Americans would like to see the UN kicked out of NY and the UN building turned into condos alt=thumbsup.gif width=25 height=19>

The UN is a toothless tiger when it comes to US interests because the USA has a permanent seat and controls votes by attrition. Sure, kudos to you that the UN has not always been in full compliance with the US agenda, but if it dares show any semblance of rebellion...see what happens. Swept under the rug. Next sound byte. Vic, I'm not a hater of the USA, I was born there, just seeing things from an outsider's perspective. Be well, bro.