Divided Thailand faces warnings of civil war

[webfact]

Divided Thailand faces warnings of civil war
by Boonradom Chitradon

BANGKOK, February 25, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand risks sliding into civil war after a wave of political violence that has claimed 21 lives including several children, top security and army officials warned Tuesday.

BANGKOK, February 25, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand risks sliding into civil war after a wave of political violence in which 22 people have been killed, officials warned Tuesday as the unrest claimed the life of a fourth child.

Near-daily gun and grenade attacks in protest-hit Bangkok have raised concerns that a nearly four-month-old political crisis is entering a dangerous new phase with both sides refusing to back down.

More than 700 people have been wounded since demonstrators took to the streets for rolling rallies aimed at ousting Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and ending the political dominance of her billionaire family.

A five-year-old girl died of her wounds Tuesday after gunmen sprayed bullets at an opposition rally in eastern Thailand over the weekend -- the second child killed in the attack.

On Sunday a four-year-old boy and his sister, 6, were among three victims killed by a grenade blast at a protest site in an upscale Bangkok shopping district.

The head of Thailand's equivalent of the FBI warned Tuesday that the situation may "escalate into civil war".

Department of Special Investigation chief Tarit Pengdith urged "restraint and patience" on both sides of the political divide, during a televised address by officials handling the security response to the crisis.

His comments echoed a similar warning from the head of the coup-prone army.

"Absolutely, there will be civil war if all sides do not respect rules," General Prayut Chan-O-Cha wrote in an SMS to AFP.

"The military will do everything for the country and the people... not for a particular side," he added.

Protest and government leaders bear "responsibility for the losses", Prayut wrote, a day after warning in a rare televised speech that the country risks "collapse" unless it pulls back from the brink.

Government supporters have accused opposition demonstrators of trying to incite the military to seize power, in a country which has seen 18 successful or attempted coups since 1932, but so far the army has remained largely above the fray.

Thailand has been bitterly divided since a bloodless coup by the military in 2006 ousted Yingluck's elder brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, as prime minister, unleashing years of political instability.

The latest unrest is the deadliest since more than 90 people died during protests by pro-Thaksin "Red Shirts" in 2010 that sparked street clashes and a bloody military crackdown.

Concerns are mounting that the Red Shirts could return to the streets of Bangkok to defend the government, bringing the risk of clashes between rival protesters.

Gunfire rang out early Tuesday near a rally camp in a Bangkok park occupied by demonstrators.

Two people were slightly wounded, officials said. A rally spokesman said that gunmen had attacked the camp but it was not possible to verify his account.

- Reds to mobilise -

The Red Shirts, mainly drawn from the rural north and northeastern provinces, have held back from demonstrations in the capital since November when several people died after clashes broke out near one of their rallies at a stadium in Bangkok.

They have stepped up their rhetoric in recent days as Yingluck comes under growing pressure.

"We must be ready to come to Bangkok within 24 hours for one purpose... to protect democracy," senior Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikuar said at a press conference Tuesday.

The Reds will stage rallies over the coming weekends in the northeast as a show of strength, he added.

Yingluck has been summoned by an anti-corruption panel to hear neglect of duty charges on Thursday that could lead to her removal from office, although it is unclear if she will personally attend the hearing.

The opposition says the Shinawatra family and its allies, who have won every election for more than a decade, have fostered widespread corruption and used taxpayers' money to buy the loyalty of rural voters.

The demonstrators accuse Thaksin of running the country by proxy while living in self-exile to avoid jail for a corruption conviction.

Protest leaders want to install an unelected "people's council" to reform the country before new elections are held in around a year to 18 months.

Nobody has claimed responsibility for a series of violent incidents, sometimes involving shadowy gunmen armed with semi-automatic weapons. The authorities and the protesters blame each other for the attacks.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-02-25

Edited February 25, 2014 by george
Story updated by AFP

[TVGerry]

"We must be ready to come to Bangkok within 24 hours for one purpose... to protect democracy," senior Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikuar said at a press conference Tuesday.

The Reds will stage rallies over the coming weekends in the northeast as a show of strength, he added.

Protect democracy? Stage rallies. You guys weren't very democratic when you guys prevented the farmers from rallying this morning were you?

It's funny that AFP mentions 'violent incidence' conveniently ignoring the fact that thse 'violent incidences' were mostly directed at the protestors on a daily basis. The protestors have more or less been peaceful but whoever is responsible for attacking them daily is obviously not.

[ExpatOilWorker]

It will be near impossible for the police to remove the protesters. The below picture is why.....

[Robby nz]

So have any of you on this board thought about what you would do if a civil war were to start ?

Do you believe you would be safe ?

Might pay to think about it.

[BigMountain]

It will be near impossible for the police to remove the protesters. The below picture is why.....

May need a fleet of forklifts! Cunning defense!

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[Jingthing]

It will be near impossible for the police to remove the protesters. The below picture is why.....

That picture is foreign propaganda. Everyone knows there are no obese Thais.

[geovalin]

Very neutral and factual AFP report. Comments are foreseeable.

[binjalin]

"We must be ready to come to Bangkok within 24 hours for one purpose... to protect democracy," senior Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikuar said at a press conference Tuesday.

The Reds will stage rallies over the coming weekends in the northeast as a show of strength, he added.

Protect democracy? Stage rallies. You guys weren't very democratic when you guys prevented the farmers from rallying this morning were you?

It's funny that AFP mentions 'violent incidence' conveniently ignoring the fact that thse 'violent incidences' were mostly directed at the protestors on a daily basis. The protestors have more or less been peaceful but whoever is responsible for attacking them daily is obviously not.

yes of course to 'protect democracy' you think the fascist Suthep will 'protect democracy'? where is Suthep's plans? reforms? who makes up the fascist Council? we don't know anything about his 'alternative to democracy'

only we must trust Suthep

let the people decide at an ELECTION - that's the democratic way

PS I'm against violence and will condemn it on EITHER side as should we all - good piece from AFP

Edited February 25, 2014 by binjalin

[ikke]

"We must be ready to come to Bangkok within 24 hours for one purpose... to protect democracy," senior Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikuar said at a press conference Tuesday.

The Reds will stage rallies over the coming weekends in the northeast as a show of strength, he added.

Protect democracy? Stage rallies. You guys weren't very democratic when you guys prevented the farmers from rallying this morning were you?

It's funny that AFP mentions 'violent incidence' conveniently ignoring the fact that thse 'violent incidences' were mostly directed at the protestors on a daily basis. The protestors have more or less been peaceful but whoever is responsible for attacking them daily is obviously not.

Both parties are violent, but we are facing the possibility of a civil war that started the first day Suthep started his rallies.

He's the only one responsible for that and should be stopped before it's too late.

[rubl]

Did UDD co-leader and agricultural expert caretaker Dept. Minister of Commerce Nattawut also mention (again) "it'll be on me" ?

[ExpatOilWorker]

So have any of you on this board thought about what you would do if a civil war were to start ?

Do you believe you would be safe ?

Might pay to think about it.

A Syrian style of civil war and I am out of here. A few odd grenades being thrown around just add to list of nuisance like traffic and visa. Life goes on (for some).

[tullynagardy]

The protestors have more or less been peaceful but whoever is responsible for attacking them daily is obviously not.

[Mentors]

Looks more like a guerilla war. Then, the days for the 'invisible hands' are numbered.

Edited February 25, 2014 by Mentors

[Yunla]

The Reds will stage rallies over the coming weekends in the northeast as a show of strength, he added.

They've already showed their strength many times. We are waiting for a show of integrity, a show of intelligence and a show of compassion. Lots of shows we would like to see, strength isn't one of them. Strength of numbers or strength of force, both things are meaningless without the right policies and philosophy.

I would hastily add that I'm waiting for similar positive shows from the other side too. At some point they all have to accept that strength of numbers and might-is-right, is not anywhere near as important as forming consensus on progressive reform policies that benefit all the struggling people in this nation.

[tullynagardy]

They've already showed their strength many times. We are waiting for a show of integrity, a show of intelligence and a show of compassion. Lots of shows we would like to see, strength isn't one of them. Strength of numbers or strength of force, both things are meaningless without the right policies and philosophy.

I would hastily add that I'm waiting for similar positive shows from the other side too. At some point they all have to accept that strength of numbers and might-is-right, is not anywhere near as important as forming consensus on progressive reform policies that benefit all the struggling people in this nation.

Good post

Compromise is whats needed, not a c*** waving contest to show whos bigger like the clueless leaders of either side seem intent on doing

[Mentors]

So have any of you on this board thought about what you would do if a civil war were to start ?

Do you believe you would be safe ?

Might pay to think about it.

After five years i left this fallen country already two weeks ago.

[than]

"We must be ready to come to Bangkok within 24 hours for one purpose... to protect democracy," senior Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikuar said at a press conference Tuesday.

The Reds will stage rallies over the coming weekends in the northeast as a show of strength, he added.

Protect democracy? Stage rallies. You guys weren't very democratic when you guys prevented the farmers from rallying this morning were you?

It's funny that AFP mentions 'violent incidence' conveniently ignoring the fact that thse 'violent incidences' were mostly directed at the protestors on a daily basis. The protestors have more or less been peaceful but whoever is responsible for attacking them daily is obviously not.

AFP only relase new from goverments without check the fact, we are the same problem in France.......

[kurnell]

Thais haven't got the bottle for a civil war. Too much like hard work.

[sam sen]

so why is no one doing anything to prevent or deter the people who throw grenades and shoot at innocent people?

[KimoMax]

The Reds hope the Military stays in their barracks and the PCRD knows the Military will come out when the Malitia absolutely has no choice.

Unfortunately the wrighting is on the wall.

The Military stands for the Thai people's lives and welfare. Albeit not their prosperity.

They will defend the Kingdom from Civil War and Destrction to the best of their ability.

They do have the weapons, soldiers, and mandate of their mission to defend the Thailand. As well as the underlying support and loyalty of the majority Thai people to protect Thailand.

Even if it means defending Thailand from Violence and Civil War by opposing groups within the Country.

Of course within all of this are those within the Militia that will have Greed for Power and Money.

The violent attacks and threats from the opposing groups only reduces the current caretaker government's ability to remain in office without being ousted by a coup.

If a coup happens, Thailand will go on as it has the past 18 times.

Edited February 25, 2014 by KimoMax

[Robby nz]

So have any of you on this board thought about what you would do if a civil war were to start ?

Do you believe you would be safe ?

Might pay to think about it.

A Syrian style of civil war and I am out of here. A few odd grenades being thrown around just add to list of nuisance like traffic and visa. Life goes on (for some).

Thrown near you ? just a nuisance ?

[TVGerry]

"We must be ready to come to Bangkok within 24 hours for one purpose... to protect democracy," senior Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikuar said at a press conference Tuesday.

The Reds will stage rallies over the coming weekends in the northeast as a show of strength, he added.

Protect democracy? Stage rallies. You guys weren't very democratic when you guys prevented the farmers from rallying this morning were you?

It's funny that AFP mentions 'violent incidence' conveniently ignoring the fact that thse 'violent incidences' were mostly directed at the protestors on a daily basis. The protestors have more or less been peaceful but whoever is responsible for attacking them daily is obviously not.

yes of course to 'protect democracy' you think the fascist Suthep will 'protect democracy'? where is Suthep's plans? reforms? who makes up the fascist Council? we don't know anything about his 'alternative to democracy'

only we must trust Suthep

let the people decide at an ELECTION - that's the democratic way

PS I'm against violence and will condemn it on EITHER side as should we all - good piece from AFP

I trust the 'fascist' over the red shirts false 'democracy' anytime. Reforms first then elections. Until the problems are fixed, democracy will continue to fail this country. You guys talk a lot of about elections and democracy and yet we've seen years of unrest and kleptocracy. The violence that's happening right now is what Shinawatra 'democracy' has brought us. You guys love red democracy so much. Wait till they come to Bangkok again and when there are ashes of burnt buildings again like 2010, you'll see what red democracy is about.

[MunterHunter]

Thais haven't got the bottle for a civil war. Too much like hard work.

What an stupid comment!

[RJF]

Both those behind the attacks and Suthep have blood on their hands. Anyone with half a brain knew it would lead to this months ago. If Suthep did not realize this, which would be kind of strange for a man pretending to want to lead Thailand in the right direction, then he should at least realize it now. Then, assuming the red shirts are behind this but who really knows, the only conclusion is that somehow the protests directly or indirectly incite violence and have caused children to be killed. Then you make a moral choice - is whatever I am after (and what is that exactly - only Buddha knows) worth all this? Apparently he thinks it's worth the cause. There's another reason to not blindly follow this extremely dangerous man.

[Suriya4]

The protestors have more or less been peaceful but whoever is responsible for attacking them daily is obviously not.

The popcorn man in action again?

Perhaps?

[Robby nz]

The Reds hope the Military stays in their barracks and the PCRD knows the Military will come out when the Malitia absolutely has no choice.

Unfortunately the wrighting is on the wall.

The Military stands for the Thai people's lives and welfare. Albeit not their prosperity.

They will defend the Kingdom from Civil War and Destrction to the best of their ability.

They do have the weapons, soldiers, and mandate of their mission to defend the Thailand. As well as the underlying support and loyalty of the majority Thai people to protect Thailand.

Even if it means defending Thailand from Violence and Civil War by opposing groups within the Country.

Of course within all of this are those within the Militia that will have Greed for Power and Money.

The violent attacks and threats from the opposing groups only reduces the current caretaker government's ability to remain in office without being ousted by a coup.

You have your thinking way wrong.

The reds are acting on Thaksins orders and he desperately wants a coup to be able to say his proxy Govt has been overthrown.

Then he will bring the reds out to oppose the army but not directly, they will go for soft targets and the army will have no chance, look what is happening in the south and translate that to the whole country.

Yes I have posted that before but there are those who just cant get it through their heads.

[ikke]

The protestors have more or less been peaceful but whoever is responsible for attacking them daily is obviously not.

Yeah, more or less.... Hahaha, the Suthep lovers are so funny 5555

[Rich teacher]

"We must be ready to come to Bangkok within 24 hours for one purpose... to protect democracy," senior Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikuar said at a press conference Tuesday.

The Reds will stage rallies over the coming weekends in the northeast as a show of strength, he added.

Protect democracy? Stage rallies. You guys weren't very democratic when you guys prevented the farmers from rallying this morning were you?

It's funny that AFP mentions 'violent incidence' conveniently ignoring the fact that thse 'violent incidences' were mostly directed at the protestors on a daily basis. The protestors have more or less been peaceful but whoever is responsible for attacking them daily is obviously not.

yes of course to 'protect democracy' you think the fascist Suthep will 'protect democracy'? where is Suthep's plans? reforms? who makes up the fascist Council? we don't know anything about his 'alternative to democracy'

only we must trust Suthep

let the people decide at an ELECTION - that's the democratic way

PS I'm against violence and will condemn it on EITHER side as should we all - good piece from AFP

I trust the 'fascist' over the red shirts false 'democracy' anytime. Reforms first then elections. Until the problems are fixed, democracy will continue to fail this country. You guys talk a lot of about elections and democracy and yet we've seen years of unrest and kleptocracy. The violence that's happening right now is what Shinawatra 'democracy' has brought us. You guys love red democracy so much. Wait till they come to Bangkok again and when there are ashes of burnt buildings again like 2010, you'll see what red democracy is about.

Saying goes, 'better the devil you know'.

Churchill; "No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time."

​Why should anyone trust Suthep & his appointed buddies? His 'people's council' proposition is preposterous & supported by fools.

[tullynagardy]

The reds are acting on Thaksins orders and he desperately wants a coup to be able to say his proxy Govt has been overthrown.

So Thaskin actually wants his government overthrown

That`ll do his business interests and ego the world of good

I`ve heard it all now!

[blaze]

Thais haven't got the bottle for a civil war. Too much like hard work.

What an stupid comment!

Kurnell is not aware of the prolonged existance of communist camps in the hills of Pechabun and NST- and of the battles that were waged for almost 20 years --- nor of the sacrifices made by the students who 'went to the forest' in 73. As Munterhunter says, a truly stupid comment.