Scores of people injured in bomb attack during anti-government rally in Trat

[473geo]

Today has seen the terrible tragedy of innocent deaths and injuries........

There is no justification for kiling innocent people...non.....but I can assure you having read many posts over the years related to violent exchanges in Thailand, there are many on these boards who carry blinkered vision and fail to condemn the perpetrators of violence when it suits their 'political' agenda

A sad day indeed

[Tatsujin]

The silence from both the Govt and the CMPO condemning the perpetrators of this incident is very telling.

[JRSoul]

Suthep has basically created the atmosphere for these type of attacks to thrive.

I doubt this scum of the earth cares that some of his people have died, he will probably use their blood as an excuse to further his own agenda and escalate things even more.

The sooner farangs on here realism and understand that Suthep is part of the problem and not the solution, the better.

Suthep has "created the atmosphere for these type of attacks to thrive" so murder of his supporters is acceptable and it's all his fault.

Do you realise how pathetically infantile that concept is?

The new UDD/PTP line is "win to survive" and it is quite accurate as many of their members face severe punishment when the courts bring them to judgement.

[TechnikaIII]

Trat governor declares attack site terrorism disaster zone

The Nation

Trat Governor Benjawan Anplueng Sunday declared Khao Saming district a disaster zone affected by terrorism so that her provincial administration can speed up compensations to the victims.

She said the injured victims will each receive Bt2,500 in compensation and the family of the slain victim will receive Bt25,000 worth of compensation.

Speaking at a press conference, the governor said the attack Saturday night at the rally site of the People's Democratic Reform Committee killed a five-year-old-girl and injured 34 other persons.

The injured victims are 17 men, 14 women and three children.

The governor said the slain victim was shot at her head and the bullet pierced through her neck. She was a daughter of Supaporn Pinja. The girl was playing at the spot while the mother was washing dishes at a noodle stall.

After the press conference, the governor visited the injured at the Trat Hospitasl.

Trat police chief Pol Maj Gen Thisathat Buranarat said police are still trying to find more information about the attackers.

-- The Nation 2014-02-23

Given that the Trat Governor has declared this incident a major act of terrorism, and the ongoing and continual bombings of courthouses, under the 1997 Constitution, Yingluck now has grounds to implement an SOE. Unfortunately, it's not the SOE PTP wants. The current conditions would justify the implementation of an SOE decree designed to protect peaceful rallies and the courthouses from attacks. It would give the police the right to stop and frisk people and to search vehicles nearing the rally sites and courthouses. That's how an SOE works under the Constitution. It isn't designed to abridge the constitutional right of protest, but to protect the citizens from acts of terrorism and war. PTP needs a major lesson in civics.

If only there were a real police force.

What we have in Thailand is a uniformed and armed criminal organization, in which there are a few threads of decency who do actually take on some police work, from time to time. But now, they may as well simply wear red shirts. Not one individual has yet been apprehended for any of the shootings or bombings against the protestors. All seem to have miraculously slipped away.

[Lite Beer]

Girl killed as fears heighten over Thai political violence

by Thanaporn PROMYAMYAI

BANGKOK, February 23, 2014 (AFP) - A five-year-old girl was killed and 30 people wounded in a drive-by shooting attack on an anti-government rally in eastern Thailand, police said Sunday.

In the latest outbreak of political violence in the deeply polarised nation, gunmen in two pick-up trucks opened fire Saturday night at a rally in a packed marketplace.

"A five-year old girl was shot and died later while 30 other people were injured," said local police lieutenant Thanaphum Naewani.

He said the shooting in Khao Saming district of Trat province, 300 kilometres (185 miles) east of the capital, was believed to be politically motivated.

Another five-year-old girl was among six people in critical condition after the shooting, Supan Srithamma, head of Thailand's Department of Medical Services, told AFP Sunday.

Television footage showed dozens of upturned plastic chairs at the rally site and abandoned street stalls after people fled in panic.

Months of rallies aimed at toppling Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra have been marred by sporadic gun and grenade attacks -- mainly in Bangkok -- by unknown assailants.

The violence has fuelled fears of more widespread unrest in the kingdom, which has suffered bitter political divisions since a military coup ousted Yingluck's older brother Thaksin Shinawatra as prime minister in 2006.

Hours after the attack leaders of the pro-government "Red Shirt" movement met in Nakhon Ratchasima, the gateway to the Shinawatra-allied northeast, to discuss ways to bolster Yingluck's crisis-hit administration.

- 'Organised terror' -

The anti-government movement condemned the attack, blaming authorities for failing to protect rally-goers.

"Weapons of war were used in an act of planned and organised terror," protest spokesman Akanat Promphan told AFP.

"This atrocity has worsened the severity of the violence against innocent protesters... it is a matter of national security," he said, urging authorities to swiftly track down the attackers.

Both sides have traded blame for sparking previous clashes, including a gunbattle between police and protesters in Bangkok's historic heart last week which left five people dead -- including a policeman -- and dozens wounded.

Seventeen people have been killed, both protesters and policemen, and hundreds injured in clashes and attacks linked to demonstrations.

Most of the recent violence has taken place in or around Bangkok, where opposition protesters are carrying out a self-styled "shutdown" of several key intersections across the city, although in dwindling numbers.

Yingluck's besieged government last week suffered another blow when a court banned it from using force against peaceful demonstrators, severely cramping its powers to handle the protests and mounting violence.

In addition to the street protests, the embattled premier is also under intense pressure from a series of other legal challenges.

She faces charges of neglect of duty over a controversial rice subsidy scheme that could see her removed from office.

Protesters accuse Yingluck's billionaire family of using taxpayers' money to buy the loyalty of rural voters through populist policies such as the rice scheme.

They are demanding she steps down to make way for a temporary unelected council that would oversee loosely defined reforms to tackle corruption and alleged vote-buying.

Thailand has been riven by deep divisions since Thaksin's ousting.

The current unrest is the worst since mass Red Shirts protests against a Democrat-led government in 2010 sparked clashes and a bloody military crackdown that left more than 90 people dead.

Some analysts say the seemingly intractable crisis could lead to protracted violence or a form of wider civil conflict.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-02-23

[transam]

Isn't it amazing that <deleted> can kill kids in the defense of THEIR politics.......Many seem to have lost the plot, have noooooooo brains, to be honest, in this land the no brains attitude is virtually in every aspect of the country.

[Tatsujin]

Suthep has basically created the atmosphere for these type of attacks to thrive.

I doubt this scum of the earth cares that some of his people have died, he will probably use their blood as an excuse to further his own agenda and escalate things even more.

The sooner farangs on here realism and understand that Suthep is part of the problem and not the solution, the better.

Thaksin has basically created the atmosphere for these type of attacks to thrive. I doubt this scum of the earth cares that some of his people have died, he will probably use their blood as an excuse to further his own agenda and escalate things even more. The sooner farangs on here realism and understand that Thaksin is part of the problem and not the solution, the better.

Funny how your statement works equally well when another's name is substituted.

[Soutpeel]

The silence from both the Govt and the CMPO condemning the perpetrators of this incident is very telling.

And when things like this horrific act occur one usually expects a senior representative of the goverment/, such as a PM to pay a visit to the location to pay their repsects and express their condolences to the victims and even visit people in the hospital and state publically in no uncertain terms the the goverment in conjunction with the police will hunt these criminals down and bring them to justice

BTW where is Dear YK ?...hiding away in a safe house ?, playing on facebook again?, out shopping ? believe the Burberry new collection is out today

[millwall_fan]

Thoughts and prayers for the little girl and her family. Thoughts and prayers too for the policeman who lost his leg and the others that have died in the violence of the last 3 months There can be no justification for violence to solve political disputes. In this litle girls name the protesters should disperse and the caretaker government should agree to fresh elections which all parties should participate in. Parliament should then decide on the future direction of Thailand - as is proper in a democracy.

[billzant]

I live in rural Thailand. Having been politically active when younger I have kept abreast - as much as I can as I am unable to read Thai - of the political struggles in Thailand. Like most of the people in the area I live, I am peaceful and what has been happening has been a spectator sport happening elsewhere. But it is not a spectator sport, what can be seen in this thread is "fanning the flames", and with lives being lost we need to try to put out the flames.

I live in Thambon Saen Tung.

[mrtoad]

Suthep has basically created the atmosphere for these type of attacks to thrive.

I doubt this scum of the earth cares that some of his people have died, he will probably use their blood as an excuse to further his own agenda and escalate things even more.

The sooner farangs on here realism and understand that Suthep is part of the problem and not the solution, the better.

More hate posting from you. Why don't you condem the perpetrators of this disgusting attack, rather than suggest that this was caused by Suthep?

[kurtgruen]

Bringing Children to "Peaceful" protests, in not an uncommon thing, anywhere in the world. Bringing children to protests, where violence is expected, is a different story. I do believe, that most of these peaceful protesters in Trat, did not expect to get attacked by grenades and drive-by shooters. The following is a response from the PDRC...

People's Democratic Reform Committee - PDRC shared Kanok Ratwongsakul Fan Page's photo.

This courageous 8 year-old girl, critically injured in last night's slaughter in Trat province, has lost her life (this is reportedly an image of her from late last night). One more adult victim also passed away this morning bringing the current Trat fatalities to five (2 children, 3 adults).

This is the second child murdered in last night's bombing. The first was a 5 year-old girl. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all 5 deceased and of all those injured in this horrific attack. Again, we condemn the assailants and those behind the slaughter at Trat, and fervently hope that they are swiftly brought to justice.

...The sad thing is, that people are dying, because of a few very rich and very selfish people, on both sides.

Our condolences to the victims!

[AleG]

RT@waanspeaking RT @nikhon_: (A) red shirt leader said on stage in Korat he/she was gratified by attack at PDRC Trat stage. Tida had to stop him/her.

Nothing to add...

Edited February 23, 2014 by AleG

[bkkjames]

RT@waanspeaking RT @nikhon_: (A) red shirt leader said on stage in Korat he/she was gratified by attack at PDRC Trat stage. Tida had to stop him/her.

Nothing to add...

Anyone surprised?

Edited February 23, 2014 by bkkjames

[chaiyapoon]

How many more have to die before the politicians sit down together and sort out the way ahead.

[mrtoad]

RT@waanspeaking RT @nikhon_: (A) red shirt leader said on stage in Korat he/she was gratified by attack at PDRC Trat stage. Tida had to stop him/her.

Nothing to add...

Disgusting, but it is nothing new. Red Shirt Thugocracy in action.

[wave]

Suthep has basically created the atmosphere for these type of attacks to thrive.

I doubt this scum of the earth cares that some of his people have died, he will probably use their blood as an excuse to further his own agenda and escalate things even more.

The sooner farangs on here realism and understand that Suthep is part of the problem and not the solution, the better.

Suthep has "created the atmosphere for these type of attacks to thrive" so murder of his supporters is acceptable and it's all his fault.

Do you realise how pathetically infantile that concept is?

The new UDD/PTP line is "win to survive" and it is quite accurate as many of their members face severe punishment when the courts bring them to judgement.

Sutheps is actively creating an environment of hate and intolerance.

You can not ignore the massive effect of the daily diatribes of Suthep and the PDRC on their supporters and opponents alike.

I don't believe Moonao or anyone else is saying that murder is an acceptable or justified response to it.

It is not.

Suthep and the PDRC do share a responsibility to the increasing acts of violence.

So do the Government, Police and various legislative bodies

To say there is no benefit from violent disruption shows a deep lack of understanding of Thailand's political theater, past and present.

[moonao]

Suthep has basically created the atmosphere for these type of attacks to thrive.

I doubt this scum of the earth cares that some of his people have died, he will probably use their blood as an excuse to further his own agenda and escalate things even more.

The sooner farangs on here realism and understand that Suthep is part of the problem and not the solution, the better.

More hate posting from you. Why don't you condem the perpetrators of this disgusting attack, rather than suggest that this was caused by Suthep?

I do condemn this disgusting attack, but I also condemn Suthep for creating the environment for these type of attacks to thrive.

Wake up. Suthep has been escalating the situation for the last several weeks.

No one would be dead if Suthep was at the negotiating table, instead of INFLAMING the situation and generating division and hatred. Suthep is an absolute scumbag and I hope soon justice is served to him with the full force of the law.

[bkkjames]

Suthep has basically created the atmosphere for these type of attacks to thrive.

I doubt this scum of the earth cares that some of his people have died, he will probably use their blood as an excuse to further his own agenda and escalate things even more.

The sooner farangs on here realism and understand that Suthep is part of the problem and not the solution, the better.

Suthep has "created the atmosphere for these type of attacks to thrive" so murder of his supporters is acceptable and it's all his fault.

Do you realise how pathetically infantile that concept is?

The new UDD/PTP line is "win to survive" and it is quite accurate as many of their members face severe punishment when the courts bring them to judgement.

Sutheps is actively creating an environment of hate and intolerance.

You can not ignore the massive effect of the daily diatribes of Suthep and the PDRC on their supporters and opponents alike.

I don't believe Moonao or anyone else is saying that murder is an acceptable or justified response to it.

It is not.

Suthep and the PDRC do share a responsibility to the increasing acts of violence.

So do the Government, Police and various legislative bodies

To say there is no benefit from violent disruption shows a deep lack of understanding of Thailand's political theater, past and present.

The Red leaders quoted above contradict your statement about being acceptable. Save the big word's like political theatre for the parent's of the dead kids

[Smiles]

RT@waanspeaking RT @nikhon_: (A) red shirt leader said on stage in Korat he/she was gratified by attack at PDRC Trat stage. Tida had to stop him/her.

Nothing to add...

Most inhuman way of expression. Does he/she care for those innocent victims at all?

[Smiles]

Sad to see such heartless people giving speech on stage.

Edited February 23, 2014 by Smiles

[GreenSnapper]

RT@waanspeaking RT @nikhon_: (A) red shirt leader said on stage in Korat he/she was gratified by attack at PDRC Trat stage. Tida had to stop him/her.

Nothing to add...

Most inhuman way of expression. Does he/she care for those innocent victims at all?

Why do they write "he/she"? Was it a ladyboy, or just hearsay nobody knows anything about?

[mrtoad]

Suthep has basically created the atmosphere for these type of attacks to thrive.

I doubt this scum of the earth cares that some of his people have died, he will probably use their blood as an excuse to further his own agenda and escalate things even more.

The sooner farangs on here realism and understand that Suthep is part of the problem and not the solution, the better.

More hate posting from you. Why don't you condem the perpetrators of this disgusting attack, rather than suggest that this was caused by Suthep?

I do condemn this disgusting attack, but I also condemn Suthep for creating the environment for these type of attacks to thrive.

Wake up. Suthep has been escalating the situation for the last several weeks.

No one would be dead if Suthep was at the negotiating table, instead of INFLAMING the situation and generating division and hatred. Suthep is an absolute scumbag and I hope soon justice is served to him with the full force of the law.

I don't need to wake up, been here long enough to see that there is more to this than Suthep.

Thaksin and Chalerm are absolute scumbags as well, Thailand would be better off without them. How many were killed last night?

I am looking forward to Tari announcing murder charges against Yingluck and Chalerm, after all we wouldn't want double standards.

[wave]

Suthep has basically created the atmosphere for these type of attacks to thrive.

I doubt this scum of the earth cares that some of his people have died, he will probably use their blood as an excuse to further his own agenda and escalate things even more.

The sooner farangs on here realism and understand that Suthep is part of the problem and not the solution, the better.

Suthep has "created the atmosphere for these type of attacks to thrive" so murder of his supporters is acceptable and it's all his fault.

Do you realise how pathetically infantile that concept is?

The new UDD/PTP line is "win to survive" and it is quite accurate as many of their members face severe punishment when the courts bring them to judgement.

Sutheps is actively creating an environment of hate and intolerance.

You can not ignore the massive effect of the daily diatribes of Suthep and the PDRC on their supporters and opponents alike.

I don't believe Moonao or anyone else is saying that murder is an acceptable or justified response to it.

It is not.

Suthep and the PDRC do share a responsibility to the increasing acts of violence.

So do the Government, Police and various legislative bodies

To say there is no benefit from violent disruption shows a deep lack of understanding of Thailand's political theater, past and present.

The Red leaders quoted above contradict your statement about being acceptable. Save the big word's like political theatre for the parent's of the dead kids

If anything it just confirms the fact that the ramping up of rhetoric brings nothing good to the table.

There are no "big words" to political theatre, but this is how it's played out in Thailand, unless you hadn't noticed.

To disregard the actions of the PDRC and the increasing level of violence is to be in denial of reality.

[johnlandy]

No news in Thailand, I expect we will see it on CNN first

I don't know the chronology (of when the first news hit the screens) but if you want news of or, on anything, anywhere, the BBC is my news provider of choice.

But it shows what these scum will do 'kill children' and the sadistic most tragic aspect of this latest event is that a five year old child was murdered by these

imbecilic cretins shows what the animals who walk around here will do in the pursuit of their criminal ambitions.

It would be safer in Beirut or downtown Bagdad.

Edited February 23, 2014 by johnlandy

[icommunity]

This is when police is not allowed to maintain law and order and enforcing the rule of law. It looks like more coming. The judges of courts are responsible.

YOU ARE SICK...

The perpetrators are responsible.

The police are ALLOWED to enforce the law - they just have to do it LAWFULLY!

I think you ARE SICK when calling people sick for expressing opinion. My comment was in response to

Scores of people injured in bomb attack during anti-government rally in Trat

The police was told by the judges of civil court that they are not allowed to disperse protesters and not allowed to search protest sites claiming that the protests have been peaceful and unarmed. These are two of the nine orders of the judges.

The police have been exercising utmost restraint, patient, and tolerance and used negotiation to clear illegal structures and activities that violated and threatened the lives of the public. They were met with resistance and obstruction despite negotiation.

If the CC and civil court judges think the activities carried up by the dem's pdrc/pcad were peaceful and unarmed, than we are going to see more of such 'peaceful protest' activities. I hope the judges will rule equally to all groups who adopted the dem's pdrc/pcad method of 'peaceful protest'.

Who are the perpetrators do not seem to matter anymore.

[pedro01]

RT@waanspeaking RT @nikhon_: (A) red shirt leader said on stage in Korat he/she was gratified by attack at PDRC Trat stage. Tida had to stop him/her.

Nothing to add...

Anyone know specifically who this was?

Bad PR for Thida that

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[phantomfiddler]

thaksin,s thugs in action, what else would you expect ? The merde has not even got near to the fan yet, as his private army derived from several thousand designated redshirt villages prepares for action

[citizen33]

This is of course a despicable and cowardly act that must be condemned. The problem though is that we are on a trajectory where violence on both sides is escalating, and it makes little sense to use the latest body count to justify one's own side of the argument. As some of us warned long ago, the problem when governments are overturned against majority wishes, when an election is boycotted and blocked, and when there are whispers about disenfranchising 'uneducated' northerners, is that this will stir up a highly negative reaction. This isn't so much to do with 'ought' as 'is'. The future looks black as present, and all this talk of 'end games' shows that some don't appreciate the depth of social divisions - it is about more than one man and his family.

[ScouseTommy]

Bringing Children to "Peaceful" protests, in not an uncommon thing, anywhere in the world. Bringing children to protests, where violence is expected, is a different story. I do believe, that most of these peaceful protesters in Trat, did not expect to get attacked by grenades and drive-by shooters. The following is a response from the PDRC...

People's Democratic Reform Committee - PDRC shared Kanok Ratwongsakul Fan Page's photo.

This courageous 8 year-old girl, critically injured in last night's slaughter in Trat province, has lost her life (this is reportedly an image of her from late last night). One more adult victim also passed away this morning bringing the current Trat fatalities to five (2 children, 3 adults).

This is the second child murdered in last night's bombing. The first was a 5 year-old girl. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all 5 deceased and of all those injured in this horrific attack. Again, we condemn the assailants and those behind the slaughter at Trat, and fervently hope that they are swiftly brought to justice.

...The sad thing is, that people are dying, because of a few very rich and very selfish people, on both sides.

Our condolences to the victims!

One of the very few honest and sensible replies i have read today so sad