Anti-govt protest leadership and Thai govt trade accusations over twin attacks

[webfact]

Both Sides Trade Accusations Over Twin Attacks
By Khaosod English

EOD officers inspect the grenade attack near anti-government protest rally in downtown Bangkok, 23 February 2014

Aftermath of the grenade and gunfire attacks at PCAD rally in Trat province, 22 February 2014

BANGKOK: -- Both anti-government protest leadership and the government have accused each other of being complicit in the latest spree of violence against the protesters.

Although Bangkok has seen sporadic drive-by shootings and grenade attacks at various venues in recent weeks, the scale of violence has exponentially increased over the weekend.

The first of the twin attacks occurred at a rally site of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) in Trat province on the night of 22 February. Unidentified assailants threw grenades and opened fire into the crowd, injuring at least 40 people. At least one five-year old girl was killed in the attacks.

A local administrative official said the firearms used in the attack were a handgun, a shotgun, and "a number of unidentified weapons".

Hours later, a second attack took place near another PCAD rally in Ratchaprasong intersection - which locates in the shopping district of Bangkok - on Sunday afternoon. An explosive device - believed to be an M79 grenade - was launched at the protesters in front of Big C shopping mall, and the subsequent blast wounded at least 22 people in the vicinity.

A six-year old girl was killed by the attack almost immediately. Her five-year old brother later died at hospital today, medical workers announced.

Witnesses said the two children were about to exit a tuk-tuk with their parent when the M79 grenade landed next to the vehicle. Mr. Thayakorn Yod-Ubol, father of both children, said he was taking the pair to shopping at Big C department store.

The twin attacks, apparently intended to cause large number of casualties among the largely-peaceful protesters, were the worst acts of political violence in months. Previous grenade attacks on PCAD demonstrators on Banthat Thong Road and Victory Monument in January killed one protester and injured scores of others.

No group has publicly claimed responsibility of the brutal attacks over the weekend. The police have not arrested any suspect related to the cases.

Both sides blamed each other for the incidents. Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary-general of the PCAD, said the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had engineered the attacks to justify the enactment of the State of Emergency, and to intimidate the demonstrators following a court ruling which prohibits the authorities from curbing the protests.

Mr. Suthep added that he will seek legal action against Ms. Yingluck and other top officials for their alleged plots to kill and maim PCAD supporters.

Mr. Ongart Klampaiboon, deputy chairman of the Democrat Party which supports the PCAD movements, likewise condemned the incidents. He expressed his belief that the attacks were coordinated to stir violence in the country.

"Ms. Yingluck has to take responsibility for these events," Mr. Ongart said at the press conference, "If she remains silent, the people in the society will question whether the violence was instigated by the authorities for political purpose".

The Democrat also complained that the police have failed to apprehend any suspect in connection to the attacks on PCAD protesters while the drive-by shooting at a Redshirts leader′s residence in Udon Thani province was followed by swift investigation and arrests.

Meanwhile, spokesman of the ruling Pheu Thai Party condemned the attacks on PCAD rally sites at a press conference, calling the incidents "barbaric and evil", but he also denied the government′s involvement and suggested that the PCAD leadership is complicit in the attacks.

"These actions do not benefit the government. They only benefit the people who want to create a situation of conflicts," Mr. Prompong Nopparit said, "Only the masked men who are waiting to reap the mangoes under the tree will benefit from this".

He further voiced his suspicion that the attacks seem to always occur whenever the protest momentum is ebbing.

Both Ms. Yingluck and Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva also separately expressed their sympathy for the losses of lives in the latest wave of violence on their Facebook accounts.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNU16SXlNemM0Tmc9PQ==

-- Khaosod English 2014-02-24

[CelticBhoy]

Let's face it, they are both to blame.

Children 4,5, and 6 years old dead.

Pathetic. Time to get their ships in order.

[TVGerry]

3 months of protests and there have been constant nightly gun and bomb attacks on the protestors and the police have managed to catch ZERO. Yeah it's obvious that the protestors were bombing themselves and the police who are obviously on their side are purposely allowing the perpetrators escape.

[Scamper]

Prompong's suggestion that PDRC leaders might have been involved in the attacks is as outrageous and incredulous a suggestion as any that Pheu Thai has ever put forth. It insults the intelligence of the victims, the victims' families, as well as the intelligence of every Thai man, woman, and child.

Edited February 24, 2014 by Scamper

[winstonc]

Prompong's suggestion that PDRC leaders might have been involved in the attacks is as outrageous and incredulous a suggestion as any that Pheu Thai has ever put forth. It insults the intelligence of the victims, the victims' families, as well as the intelligence of every Thai man, woman, and child.

why am i not surprised though..remember scamps this is a country where no-one takes responsibility for anything..never never,never,said ian paisley

[Donnie Brasco]

Prompong's suggestion that PDRC leaders might have been involved in the attacks is as outrageous and incredulous a suggestion as any that Pheu Thai has ever put forth. It insults the intelligence of the victims, the victims' families, as well as the intelligence of every Thai man, woman, and child.

Thanks, there Scamper. It's always a huge re-assurance when someone with your measure of gravitas and your background in investigative procedure chimes in with this standard "dog-and-pony-show" indignation with the suggestion that there might well be a qui bono aspect to consider here.

Insurance people, detectives, arson investigators, homicide detectives, as a matter of routine ALWAYS thoroughly investigate the grieving wife or the kids. In fact ANY investigative procedure that fails to include a qui bono aspect is probably a whitewash.

There could be no other explanation.

(Scamper, Dude, you really need to get out more ;- )

"Sometimes, 'fuggedabowdit' just means fuggedabowdit."

[than]

But only one group applaused, cheered and supported these attacks

[citizen33]

Prompong's suggestion that PDRC leaders might have been involved in the attacks is as outrageous and incredulous a suggestion as any that Pheu Thai has ever put forth. It insults the intelligence of the victims, the victims' families, as well as the intelligence of every Thai man, woman, and child.

As usual Mr Scamper's incredible claims leave me incredulous.

[Dogmatix]

Jubilant red shirts at their War Drums meeting cheering news of deaths and injuries caused by pro-Thaksin militants in a grenade and assault rifle attack at a food market in Trat. Two children died so far. The man extolling the killing and injuries is a police officer.

Edited February 24, 2014 by Dogmatix

[zydeco]

But only one group applaused, cheered and supported these attacks

[/quote

We should tell anyone all they need to know.

[djjamie]

Ernest Hemingway said "A big lie is more plausible than truth."

It's a fact of human psychology that huge, totally atrocious lies are sometimes more believable than little white lies, just by virtue of their boldness. People feel that there must be some truth to it, because the claims are so extreme. People can't help but feel that "Where there is so much smoke, there must be some fire." No pun intended to the UDD.

Statements like "PCAD leadership is complicit in the attacks" and "attacks seem to always occur whenever the protest momentum is ebbing" add to this conspiracy that reiterates the "Big Lie" as being truthful.

If one only roots down even further to see where these miraculous incredible accusations stemmed from, it always seems to go back to the same little cesspool in Dubai. When thaksin moved the pieces in his cabinet reshuffle in 2012 (yes, yes yingluck is the PM) he placed strategic pawns, if you will, in places that will serve his interests in the future. One of which was putting our thaksin loyalist friend, Paradorn Pattanatabut into the position of NSC chief. Heaven forbid that the NSC makes decisions that are not thaksin agenda driven. They would then be classified as a neutral entity. A big no no in the PTP / UDD regime. Through thaksin to Paradon and finally to the PTP spokesman Prompong Nopparit who actually spends most of his time in press conferences denying things rather than highlighting successful PTP policies (not that there is any).

So with a huge dose of "The Big Lie" and a willing pawn who's most admirable trait is an undying loyalty to thaksin (he called thaksin his brother in 2012) you have a recipe for the argument they present above.

I must say it looks beautifully packaged. The unfortunate truth for them however is when unwrapped it is still only b#llshit.

[JamesDean3]

Now any of the red shirt/yingluck apologist tell me why only one group and that is their main supporter and right hand thugs the Red Shirts extol the virtues of killing innocent people especially children. Please tell me. For the love of the Lord why on earth would they cheer the death of a human being. Please tell me !!! Only sociopaths, psychopaths, murderers would do this kind of thing. Please tell us the reason. Why !!! Why !!!

[smedly]

the fact that an ex redshirt leader was on stage in Trat might give a clue as to who is responsible for this act of terrorism and murder of innocent people and children - it is a disgrace that the red leaders actually cheered the news as it was announced amonst them were PTP MP's who should now be at least sacked and removed from office in disgrace

While their leader condems the acts as terrorism her MP's are cheering the incident

It really is discusting

[WhizBang]

Jubilant red shirts at their War Drums meeting cheering news of deaths and injuries caused by pro-Thaksin militants in a grenade and assault rifle attack at a food market in Trat. Two children died so far. The man extolling the killing and injuries is a police officer.

What disgusting vile creatures these reds are. They just make me want to vomit.

Can you imagine what they would be saying if it was some of their children that had been killed? Would they be cheering then?

[Basil B]

The government has accused the anti government supporters of being "complicit" on the attacks upon itself, Just who speaks for the government, Goebbels or Lord Haw Haw?

[fleeing]

While it would likely be a waste of police resources to seriously investigate the red-shirt speaker, Deb Daeng's, possible involvement with the attack in Trat, surely the least one could expect of the UDD leadership would be to suspend his membership of the organisation. To take no action at this time will only be interpreted as tacit approval of his encouragement of terrorist attacks, which will only encourage other extremists to go on a killing spree.

[rickirs]

It's curious that Suthep complains about the lack of police support to investigate violence against PDRC when he forcibly them keeps away from his protest sites, intimidates them with violence, and has his private armed guards secure the protest areas. When there is violence, Suthep's forces rush into crime scenes as a vigilante mob that destroys evidence, plants false evidence, and frightens witnesses away. What should be happening is the protest areas be weapons-free, flooded with police to watch for potential violence from ANY direction, immediately secure crimes scenes, seek to apprehand suspects, and conduct real time investigations. But apparently Suthep feels such degree of police coverage interferes with his control.

[bigbamboo]

Jubilant red shirts at their War Drums meeting cheering news of deaths and injuries caused by pro-Thaksin militants in a grenade and assault rifle attack at a food market in Trat. Two children died so far. The man extolling the killing and injuries is a police officer.

What disgusting vile creatures these reds are. They just make me want to vomit.

Can you imagine what they would be saying if it was some of their children that had been killed? Would they be cheering then?

Even Thida tried to muzzle this rabid redshirt, although whether for the sake of decency or the red movement is open to speculation.

I only hope he hasn't got the effrontery to show up at a Buddhist temple again and if he has he is given the bum's rush.

[bigbamboo]

Let's face it, they are both to blame.

Children 4,5, and 6 years old dead.

Pathetic. Time to get their ships in order.

No. Time to ship out.

[hiwave]

These attacks show the sick mentality of all involved and while there are people like this running around un challenged what chance is there for a peaceful Thailand in the future

Sent from my CnM-TP-7DC-8-B using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Smokemachine]

Thank you three times, Yingluck.

[ShannonT]

Mr. Ongart Klampaiboon, deputy chairman of the Democrat Party which supports the PCAD movements, likewise condemned the incidents. He expressed his belief that the attacks were coordinated to stir violence in the country.

"Ms. Yingluck has to take responsibility for these events," Mr. Ongart said at the press conference, "If she remains silent, the people in the society will question whether the violence was instigated by the authorities for political purpose".

Why would Yingluck need to take responsibility for the attacks?

Is this guy out of his mind?

You don't see the UK Prime Minister taking responsibility for the subway bombings or the US President taking responsibility for school shootings.

The responsibility for the attacks lies with the attackers, nobody else.

I don't see Abhisit taking responsibility for the ~90 red shirts killed in the 2010 protests. On the contrary, he's in court denying all responsibility.

[The Deerhunter]

the fact that an ex redshirt leader was on stage in Trat might give a clue as to who is responsible for this act of terrorism and murder of innocent people and children - it is a disgrace that the red leaders actually cheered the news as it was announced amonst them were PTP MP's who should now be at least sacked and removed from office in disgrace

While their leader condems the acts as terrorism her MP's are cheering the incident

It really is discusting

Well said Smedly. The fact that they (and her) were cheered not jeered speaks volumes of their humanity & religious ethics. (Or lack thereof.)

As I said on another post yesterday. Just tune into Redshirt TV some time & watch it for a while. Look at the faces on the stage & in the crowd. You do NOT need to understand Thai to read character & (their) human nature. Then do the same at BlueSky TV. Once again, no Thai language needed. No I am not talking about who looks like a yuppie townie or who looks like an honest Northern farmer. I'm talking about who you would trust in a dark street on a dark night.

[ShannonT]

the fact that an ex redshirt leader was on stage in Trat might give a clue as to who is responsible for this act of terrorism and murder of innocent people and children - it is a disgrace that the red leaders actually cheered the news as it was announced amonst them were PTP MP's who should now be at least sacked and removed from office in disgrace

While their leader condems the acts as terrorism her MP's are cheering the incident

It really is discusting

Well said Smedly. The fact that they (and her) were cheered not jeered speaks volumes of their humanity & religious ethics. (Or lack thereof.)

As I said on another post yesterday. Just tune into Redshirt TV some time & watch it for a while. Look at the faces on the stage & in the crowd. You do NOT need to understand Thai to read character & (their) human nature. Then do the same at BlueSky TV. Once again, no Thai language needed. No I am not talking about who looks like a yuppie townie or who looks like an honest Northern farmer. I'm talking about who you would trust in a dark street on a dark night.

What channel would "Redshirt TV" be?

[TVGerry]

Mr. Ongart Klampaiboon, deputy chairman of the Democrat Party which supports the PCAD movements, likewise condemned the incidents. He expressed his belief that the attacks were coordinated to stir violence in the country.

"Ms. Yingluck has to take responsibility for these events," Mr. Ongart said at the press conference, "If she remains silent, the people in the society will question whether the violence was instigated by the authorities for political purpose".

Why would Yingluck need to take responsibility for the attacks?

Is this guy out of his mind?

You don't see the UK Prime Minister taking responsibility for the subway bombings or the US President taking responsibility for school shootings.

The responsibility for the attacks lies with the attackers, nobody else.

I don't see Abhisit taking responsibility for the ~90 red shirts killed in the 2010 protests. On the contrary, he's in court denying all responsibility.

It's not a single attack, it's a string of attacks that have been going on for months every night. And what has she done to curb those attacks? ZERO! Has her police caught any suspects to these attacks? NO! So who else is there to blame? Did she fire the police chief for being ineffectual? What about Chalerm who she appointed to head the CMPO? What has he done but go in front of the cameras and make a fool of himself? Has he done anything to help catch the bombers?

The last 2 attacks were the most serious because little children died. And still rather than do something, she goes out there to cover her ass. So yes, she should take the blame but I don't expect her too. She'll just disappear again and let her brother's lackeys handle the crisis. Except unfortunately, they don't seem up to the task.

[ShannonT]

Mr. Ongart Klampaiboon, deputy chairman of the Democrat Party which supports the PCAD movements, likewise condemned the incidents. He expressed his belief that the attacks were coordinated to stir violence in the country.

"Ms. Yingluck has to take responsibility for these events," Mr. Ongart said at the press conference, "If she remains silent, the people in the society will question whether the violence was instigated by the authorities for political purpose".

Why would Yingluck need to take responsibility for the attacks?

Is this guy out of his mind?

You don't see the UK Prime Minister taking responsibility for the subway bombings or the US President taking responsibility for school shootings.

The responsibility for the attacks lies with the attackers, nobody else.

I don't see Abhisit taking responsibility for the ~90 red shirts killed in the 2010 protests. On the contrary, he's in court denying all responsibility.

It's not a single attack, it's a string of attacks that have been going on for months every night. And what has she done to curb those attacks? ZERO! Has her police caught any suspects to these attacks? NO! So who else is there to blame? Did she fire the police chief for being ineffectual? What about Chalerm who she appointed to head the CMPO? What has he done but go in front of the cameras and make a fool of himself? Has he done anything to help catch the bombers?

The last 2 attacks were the most serious because little children died. And still rather than do something, she goes out there to cover her ass. So yes, she should take the blame but I don't expect her too. She'll just disappear again and let her brother's lackeys handle the crisis. Except unfortunately, they don't seem up to the task.

So, what are you suggesting she should do? Walk up and down the streets asking people who's responsible?

Have you thought that possibly the attackers were professional enough not to leave any evidence? This isn't Europe or the US where there's a CCTV surveillance camera on every street corner. According to police, the Rajprasong attacks came from one of the high-rise buildings. How many cameras are pointed up towards the high-rise buildings? And the attack at the Trat evening market probably isn't full of surveillance cameras either.

On top of that, the courts have prevented the police from searching the protest areas for evidence as well as prohibited the police from being armed in those areas.

So, again, what do you suggest Yingluck or the police should do?

I'm sure she would appreciate some advice from someone as knowledgeable as you.

[TVGerry]

It's not a single attack, it's a string of attacks that have been going on for months every night. And what has she done to curb those attacks? ZERO! Has her police caught any suspects to these attacks? NO! So who else is there to blame? Did she fire the police chief for being ineffectual? What about Chalerm who she appointed to head the CMPO? What has he done but go in front of the cameras and make a fool of himself? Has he done anything to help catch the bombers?

The last 2 attacks were the most serious because little children died. And still rather than do something, she goes out there to cover her ass. So yes, she should take the blame but I don't expect her too. She'll just disappear again and let her brother's lackeys handle the crisis. Except unfortunately, they don't seem up to the task.

So, what are you suggesting she should do? Walk up and down the streets asking people who's responsible?

Have you thought that possibly the attackers were professional enough not to leave any evidence? This isn't Europe or the US where there's a CCTV surveillance camera on every street corner. According to police, the Rajprasong attacks came from one of the high-rise buildings. How many cameras are pointed up towards the high-rise buildings? And the attack at the Trat evening market probably isn't full of surveillance cameras either.

On top of that, the courts have prevented the police from searching the protest areas for evidence as well as prohibited the police from being armed in those areas.

So, again, what do you suggest Yingluck or the police should do?

I'm sure she would appreciate some advice from someone as knowledgeable as you.

The police seem to be able to catch the assailants that shot the red shirt leader but they can't even get a suspect in the bombings that have been happening for months now? It's amazing what the police here can or cannot do when they put their mind into it.

The police and Poo's government cannot guarantee our safety. They're letting a bomber blow kids up. At best, they're negligent and have let people die because they can't do their job. At worst, they're complicit in the bombings.

My advice to them is this. Resign. F off. If this government and its pet police force can't do their jobs then let the army take over.

[tominbkk]

Jubilant red shirts at their War Drums meeting cheering news of deaths and injuries caused by pro-Thaksin militants in a grenade and assault rifle attack at a food market in Trat. Two children died so far. The man extolling the killing and injuries is a police officer.

What an animal!

[animatic]

Prompong's suggestion that PDRC leaders might have been involved in the attacks is as outrageous and incredulous a suggestion as any that Pheu Thai has ever put forth. It insults the intelligence of the victims, the victims' families, as well as the intelligence of every Thai man, woman, and child.

Particularly in light of the cheering and pumped fists after it was announced on the Red " War Drums" Rally stage.

Only Thida had the presence of mind to reign in the horrible display of group depravity.

And the police or ex-police guy who gloatingly made the announcement had to be physically restrained from continuing.

When you train your pawns for war, you often get war whether you are actually prepared for it or not.

Edited February 24, 2014 by animatic

[Gweiloman]

It's not a single attack, it's a string of attacks that have been going on for months every night. And what has she done to curb those attacks? ZERO! Has her police caught any suspects to these attacks? NO! So who else is there to blame? Did she fire the police chief for being ineffectual? What about Chalerm who she appointed to head the CMPO? What has he done but go in front of the cameras and make a fool of himself? Has he done anything to help catch the bombers?

The last 2 attacks were the most serious because little children died. And still rather than do something, she goes out there to cover her ass. So yes, she should take the blame but I don't expect her too. She'll just disappear again and let her brother's lackeys handle the crisis. Except unfortunately, they don't seem up to the task.

So, what are you suggesting she should do? Walk up and down the streets asking people who's responsible?

Have you thought that possibly the attackers were professional enough not to leave any evidence? This isn't Europe or the US where there's a CCTV surveillance camera on every street corner. According to police, the Rajprasong attacks came from one of the high-rise buildings. How many cameras are pointed up towards the high-rise buildings? And the attack at the Trat evening market probably isn't full of surveillance cameras either.

On top of that, the courts have prevented the police from searching the protest areas for evidence as well as prohibited the police from being armed in those areas.

So, again, what do you suggest Yingluck or the police should do?

I'm sure she would appreciate some advice from someone as knowledgeable as you.

The police seem to be able to catch the assailants that shot the red shirt leader but they can't even get a suspect in the bombings that have been happening for months now? It's amazing what the police here can or cannot do when they put their mind into it.

The police and Poo's government cannot guarantee our safety. They're letting a bomber blow kids up. At best, they're negligent and have let people die because they can't do their job. At worst, they're complicit in the bombings.

My advice to them is this. Resign. F off. If this government and its pet police force can't do their jobs then let the army take over.

I think you are slowly but surely losing it TVGerry.

The police were able to apprehend some suspects (not yet confirmed that they were the assailants, as far as I know) in the shooting of Kwanchai. Why? Because there were eye witness accounts and eye witnesses who were willing to COOPERATE with the police.

In the case of the so called "attacks" over the previous few months (use of parenthesis because they were so ineffectual except for the last two - I shall address this later on in my post), the police were not present in the area because they were not welcomed. There was no way to gather any evidence and whatever evidence there was would have likely been contaminated. Eye witness accounts (assuming there were any and given freely) would have merely amounted to one or more persons in a vehicle that drove past and threw a grenade out of the window. No information as to the type of vehicle (though if they have said an Isuzu D-Max, that would have narrowed the number of suspects down to about 2 million) or registration number.

The Kwanchai case was on a particular individual thus establishing a motive would have been possible. The other attacks were indiscriminate - possible motive is to tell the protestors to bugger off.

Are you such a Sherlock that you would have been able to arrest anyone?

As for the army, they have their hands full in the Deep South. How would you rate their performance there?

We now come back to the last two attacks. The modus operandi seems familiar. But that's where the familiarity ends. These last two attacks were designed to kill and maim. It makes me wonder as to whether the earlier "attacks" were done by the same groups of people. Whoever did the earlier "attacks" were rank amateurs compared to the despicable killers of the Trat and Rajprasong attacks.

I sincerely hope I'm wrong but I fear that all future attacks will claim lives.

The gloves are off. Completely unjustified in my opinion but when a wounded and threatened animal is cornered, it's left with a Hobson's choice.