PDRC guards follow strict rules and regulations, insists protest leader Thaworn

[webfact]

PDRC guards follow strict rules and regulations, insists protest leader Thaworn
Budsarakham Sinlapalavan
The Nation


In a file photo, security guards are seen surrounding People

BANGKOK: -- Thaworn Senneam, a People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) leader, insisted yesterday that the protest organisers controlled their guards with ironclad rules and that security was tightened after every attack at or near rally sites.

He said when a grenade landed near the PDRC rally in Lumpini area, he was immediately given a detailed map of the neighbourhood to reconfigure the setting up of guards. He explained that a new security system was set up according to the map, with six zones clearly marked out around the rally site.

Thaworn pointed out that the most dangerous zone in that area was where Lumpini Park meets Wireless Road, as there are many trees there and they provide perfect cover to attackers.

He said that aside from the risk of being hit by M79 grenades fired from the direction of Wireless Road, guards also had to be on alert for sniper attacks from tall buildings nearby.

"Preventive measures have been put in place, but whether they can really stop attacks depends on how serious the attackers are. If the attackers are bent on killing and injuring people, it would be very difficult to thwart them," he said.

As co-leader of the PDRC movement, Thaworn has been in charge of security for the anti-government protesters from the very start when they began rallying at Samsen train station last year.

Thaworn said initially, security guards posted at the Samsen rally site were not that conscientious because at the time nobody thought the protest would last very long. However, he said, a proper security system was set up when the rally moved from Samsen to Democracy Monument.

He went on to say that all security guards followed the same principle, though rules might be different at the different rally sites.

For instance, guards in the Lumpini area are divided into seven groups: intelligence, patrol, fast-moving guards, those coordinating with government offices, radio monitors, inspection and those overseeing the welfare of the guards.

Meanwhile, Suthep's nephew Poom Thaugsuban, who is one of the chief guards, said ensuring the protesters' safety at different rally sites cost more than Bt1 million per day, pointing out that the Lumpini rally site alone has 1,351 guards - all from the same province.

"We don't make anybody a guard if we don't know who they are or have knowledge of their background. It might create problems if we add strangers to our team," Poom said.

He also denied that Navy Seals were part of his security team.

Preeti Chaowalit, another chief guard, said he controlled the guards in his team with an iron fist - no drinking, gambling or taking drugs, though he allows them to chew krathom leaves. Apart from his ironclad rules, he said he has put another team in charge of controlling the guards and anybody caught breaking the rules must go home.

He also said that guards are allowed to carry a gun, provided it is registered and only used for self-defence. He went on to say that it is mandatory for all guards to meet in the morning to evaluate the situation before reporting for duty.

Meanwhile, Thaworn has invited specialists to teach PDRC guards how to watch out for people with suspicious behaviour.

Tinnagon Plodpai, another security chief, said there were three types of ill-intentioned people: simple troublemakers, those gathering information for the other side and those marking a target for an attack.

If caught, these people will be handed over to the PDRC investigation team before being driven out of the rally site or handed over to police.

However, he said, sudden attacks are hard to predict and hence, very difficult to control.

Tinnagon said he was not afraid if police wanted to reclaim the area occupied by protesters because the guards will set up a barrier to protect the people.

"Last Sunday's incident, in which two children were killed, should not have happened. They were innocent, had nothing to do with the protest.

"If I can give up my life or those of the guards [in exchange for the children's], I would do it," Tinnagon said.


-- The Nation 2014-03-01

[TheClog]

Think he means they are ok at intimidation and violence against women civilians going about their business

[Thailand]

[whybother]

Think he means they are ok at intimidation and violence against women civilians going about their business

When have they been violent against women?

[tx22cb]

"He also said that guards are allowed to carry a gun" - surely that can't be right; perhaps a misquote?

[pianoman]

Think he means they are ok at intimidation and violence against women civilians going about their business

When have they been violent against women?

Was it not their "Guards" who grabbed, held and intimidated the poor young lady who only worked for the Goverment... If she was my daughter I would suggest that she file charges against them for Kidnapping and False Imprisonment... Then file Civil charges against those who were supposedly in charge of the individuals involved...

Pianoman

[whybother]

Think he means they are ok at intimidation and violence against women civilians going about their business

When have they been violent against women?

Was it not their "Guards" who grabbed, held and intimidated the poor young lady who only worked for the Goverment... If she was my daughter I would suggest that she file charges against them for Kidnapping and False Imprisonment... Then file Civil charges against those who were supposedly in charge of the individuals involved...

Pianoman

Ahh, yes ... the poor young civilian lady who only worked for the government - the government spokesperson - got a bruise on her arm. Such unrestrained violence from the PDRC guards.

[lostinsurin]

Think he means they are ok at intimidation and violence against women civilians going about their business

When have they been violent against women?

Was it not their "Guards" who grabbed, held and intimidated the poor young lady who only worked for the Goverment... If she was my daughter I would suggest that she file charges against them for Kidnapping and False Imprisonment... Then file Civil charges against those who were supposedly in charge of the individuals involved...

Pianoman

Ahh, yes ... the poor young civilian lady who only worked for the government - the government spokesperson - got a bruise on her arm. Such unrestrained violence from the PDRC guards.

So bruising women is okay? That's a rather strange idea.

The chap that takes full responsibility for the guards should get a lawyer, what a plonker.

[rickirs]

What right does Suthep and the PDRC have to establish their own armed guards to control the public, create investigation/interrogation teams to act on public property against civilians, seize and control public thoroughfares, and to block police from entering protest areas except at PDRC's permission? Such vigilanti acts attract and invite violence; Suthep his PDRC should be held accountable as an accessory to any violence that develops.

[Prbkk]

In contrast to this piece, there is a story in today's Bangkok Post highlighting the intimidation of ordinary citizens by these guards. One elderly man asked the guards not to smoke in the exercise area of Lumpini park. One of the guards opened his shirt to show his tattoo. Little more than mafia thugs.

[Fat Haggis]

Think he means they are ok at intimidation and violence against women civilians going about their business

When have they been violent against women?

Was it not their "Guards" who grabbed, held and intimidated the poor young lady who only worked for the Goverment... If she was my daughter I would suggest that she file charges against them for Kidnapping and False Imprisonment... Then file Civil charges against those who were supposedly in charge of the individuals involved...

Pianoman

Ahh, yes ... the poor young civilian lady who only worked for the government - the government spokesperson - got a bruise on her arm. Such unrestrained violence from the PDRC guards.

You condone their behaviour then?

[hanuman2543]

"Preeti Chaowalit, another chief guard, said he controlled the guards in his team with an iron fist - no drinking, gambling or taking drugs, though he allows them to chew krathom leaves."

Isn't that against the law? AFAIK khratom leaves are a controlled substance of cat 5 and only the possession is already a criminal offence. When he allows the use he should face the consequences according to the Thai Penal Code. How responsible is it to have guards "high" on krathom? Same BS as "that guards are allowed to carry a gun, provided it is registered and only used for self-defence". Registered to whom? The Navy? I really much doubt that private people are allowed to carry concealed guns at demonstration sites.

[whybother]

So bruising women is okay? That's a rather strange idea.

The chap that takes full responsibility for the guards should get a lawyer, what a plonker.

You condone their behaviour then?

It's not OK, and I don't condone it. I don't condone exaggerations either.

[icommunity]

Suthep's nephew Poom Thaugsuban, revealed that it costs more than Bt1 million per day for all the security guards. If Lumpini rally site has 1,351 guards, it means each get 740+ a day. Of course, they have different grades and categories - from the SEAL, soldiers, popcorn brigade, and then street thugs and village thugs of rubber and oil palm plantations. It would be interest how much each get from each grade and category.

[Fat Haggis]

By exagerrating I'll assume you yourself were there to witness the incident and don't believe that some people get the benefit of the doubt?

Then if not it's just your opinion that exaggeration tends to only come from the red side, would it be fair then to state that it was a gross exagerration of the reported numbers of the protestors on a daily basis, and that there never was 6 million people on the streets at one time then?

[diehard60]

Who's rules? Certainly not the rule of law and order.

[diehard60]

So bruising women is okay? That's a rather strange idea.

The chap that takes full responsibility for the guards should get a lawyer, what a plonker.

You condone their behaviour then?

It's not OK, and I don't condone it. I don't condone exaggerations either.

But you condone suthep? Sort of like the pot calling the kettle black isn't it?

[diehard60]

Think he means they are ok at intimidation and violence against women civilians going about their business

When have they been violent against women?

Was it not their "Guards" who grabbed, held and intimidated the poor young lady who only worked for the Goverment... If she was my daughter I would suggest that she file charges against them for Kidnapping and False Imprisonment... Then file Civil charges against those who were supposedly in charge of the individuals involved...

Pianoman

Ahh, yes ... the poor young civilian lady who only worked for the government - the government spokesperson - got a bruise on her arm. Such unrestrained violence from the PDRC guards.

Well if that is the case then bruising your wife for walking to the market and saying she is a spy is ok???? Right????? Be real.

[whybother]

But you condone suthep? Sort of like the pot calling the kettle black isn't it?

No it's not.

[Stan7444]

Suthep's nephew Poom Thaugsuban, revealed that it costs more than Bt1 million per day for all the security guards. If Lumpini rally site has 1,351 guards, it means each get 740+ a day. Of course, they have different grades and categories - from the SEAL, soldiers, popcorn brigade, and then street thugs and village thugs of rubber and oil palm plantations. It would be interest how much each get from each grade and category.

With 1,351 guards that should be the bulk of the number of protestors left. Therefore, all the protestors are on a paycheque at this time. What a farce.

[Jonmarleesco]

Thaworn Senneam ... insisted yesterday that the protest organisers controlled their guards with ironclad rules ...' There are rules for private armies?

'... another chief guard ... allows them to chew krathom leaves.' Oh, that's ok, then.

[jero]

Suthep's nephew is a "chief guard" stating "not just anyone" can be one of their guards. Just those (like himself) who benefit from nepotism.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Prbkk]

Another report today of a bashing by PDRC 'guards'. A senior police officer detained , tasered, bashed by 9-10 guards at Siam Square, now in hospital. ( Bangkok Post, page 3). Needless to say you won't read about it in The Nation.

[JoeThePoster]

Thaworn pointed out that the most dangerous zone in that area was where Lumpini Park meets Wireless Road, as there are many trees there and they provide perfect cover to attackers.

Looks like those Wireless Rd freelancers are gonna get more business in the coming weeks.

[Fat Haggis]

Maybe the money collected for the farmers went to the guards instead ? I don't think I actually seen a PR session where Suthep handed over a cheque for 30 Million Baht to the Leadership of the farmers, I was up in the sticks at that time, did that ever happen?

[Suriya4]

"He also said that guards are allowed to carry a gun, provided it is registered and only used for self-defence"

And police is not allowed to carry one, even on duty..... Ha ha ha.

[kikoman]

So bruising women is okay? That's a rather strange idea.

The chap that takes full responsibility for the guards should get a lawyer, what a plonker.

You condone their behaviour then?

It's not OK, and I don't condone it. I don't condone exaggerations either.

I do not condone attacks on any innocent Thai that just happened to have the bad luck to have a run in with one of those spineless goons!

Also the young lady was taken from a Bangkok street against her will by a dozen men and was subjected to sex abuse threats.

Cheers

[Boxclever]

But you condone suthep? Sort of like the pot calling the kettle black isn't it?

No it's not.

This poor woman was terrorized, kidnapped and detained against her will and you condone this type of behavior?

If this happened to your wife, your daughter, your mother it would not be a problem for you because you "don't condone exaggerations either"?

Shows the mentality and character of these anti democratic supporters

[Fat Haggis]

"He also said that guards are allowed to carry a gun, provided it is registered and only used for self-defence"

And police is not allowed to carry one, even on duty..... Ha ha ha.

Which means they couldn't have been responsible for the shooting of the protestors in the last week then?

Bet you're not laughing now

[Suriya4]

So bruising women is okay? That's a rather strange idea.

The chap that takes full responsibility for the guards should get a lawyer, what a plonker.

You condone their behaviour then?

It's not OK, and I don't condone it. I don't condone exaggerations either.

I do not condone attacks on any innocent Thai that just happened to have the bad luck to have a run in with one of those spineless goons!

Also the young lady was taken from a Bangkok street against her will by a dozen men and was subjected to sex abuse threats.

Cheers

On one is innocent in Bangkok. Both males and females.