PDRC calls DSI to file treason charge against red-shirts in Chiang Mai

[webfact]

PDRC calls DSI to file treason charge against red-shirts in Chiang Mai



BANGKOK: -- A co-leader of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) today called on the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to file treason charge against red-shirt leaders in Chiang Mai for public declaration to secede northern region to establish an independent state.

Akanat Prophan, a PDRC co-leader, wrote on his Facebook page calling on DSI chief Tarit Pengdit to file treason charge against red-shirt leaders of Love Chiang Mai Group 50 in Chiang Mai and Sor Por Por Lanna in Chiang Rai which have organized rallies calling on the separation of the country.

He said that the red shirts’ defiance to divide the country was a blatant violation of the Constitution with maximum penalty of death.

He asked the DSI chief to file treason charges against red-shirt leaders and their conspirators for their serious threat to national security, adding if the DSI chief would consider filing treason charges against those whistle blowers.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pdrc-calls-dsi-file-treason-charge-red-shirts-chiang-mai/

-- Thai PBS 2014-03-03

[binjalin]

what about same for PDRC blocking Royal Decree for elections?

[whybother]

what about same for PDRC blocking Royal Decree for elections?

I'm glad you agree that the red shirts suggesting secession should be charged with treason.

[webfact]

Army taking legal action against northern Red Shirt group
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, March 3 –The Third Army Region Command was assigned to take legal action against a Red Shirt activist group in the North for instigating a political movement to separate Thailand, according to an army spokesman.

Col Winthai Suvaree said the movement of some northern activists under the name “Sor Por Por Lanna” could be destructive and against the law.

He said the Third Army Region commander was instructed to look into the group’s activities, calling on people to be extra cautious in organising their political activities.

They can exercise their constitutional right in holding demonstrations but an announcement to separate the kingdom is against the law, he said.

Col Winthai said the army would also take harsh legal action against Red Shirt activist Wutthipong Kachathamkul, alias Ko Tee, for publicly threatening to arrest the commanders of the Royal Guards First Division and the Royal Guards 11th Infantry Department.

Ko Tee’s statement in a radio broadcast was an intimidation against state officials, he said, adding that police would be asked to speed up investigation in the case. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-03-03

[Thait Spot]

This is an attempt to corner Tharit into doing his job.

The red shirts won't like it but he will be subject to prosecution if he fails to do so

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Costas2008]

Even if they are charged with treason, they will be acquitted due to stupidity and mental disorder.

[TVGerry]

We will be able to see the double standard now.

Government won't do or even say anything against the red shirts for wanting to secede. The only people within the government taking this seriously is the Army while Poo and her brother's lackeys are mum about it. But as I recall, the DSI were actually contemplating bringing charges of sedition against the people who simply blew whistles at Thaksin's ex wife. I guess in the PTP book, blowing whistles is a more serious crime than calling for secession.

Red democracy in action. Only the other side is guilty while we're innocent even if we are doing unlawful things.

[Local Drunk]

This is an attempt to corner Tharit into doing his job.

The red shirts won't like it but he will be subject to prosecution if he fails to do so

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Tarit hasn't a clue as to what his real job is.

[Fat Haggis]

this tit for tat is ripping Thailand apart, it looks more and more likely that a coup is on the cards.

[Nickymaster]

The DSI summons people who blow whistles but is not interested to find people who shoot at the residence of a protest leader's mother.

The DSI is also not interested to investigate this rice mess.

Edited March 3, 2014 by Nickymaster

[binjalin]

And in the UK

" The Scottish independence party have been taken to the Tower"

exactly - free speech should be the foundation in any democracy

[TVGerry]

And in the UK

" The Scottish independence party have been taken to the Tower"

exactly - free speech should be the foundation in any democracy

Oh yeah, blowing whistles is also freedom of expression. And yet the government is planning to file 'sedition' charges.

[johnthompson]

I was slightly rooting for the PDRC but this makes me think twice. I consider it freedom of speech to discuss such a thing and if the majority of the thai people agrees with it then I don't see any harm.

Why do they always have to use strong words here like treason, rebellion or defamation.

[JesseFrank]

This is an attempt to corner Tharit into doing his job.

The red shirts won't like it but he will be subject to prosecution if he fails to do so

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Tarit hasn't a clue as to what his real job is.

Oh yes he does, he has been rewarded

Edited March 3, 2014 by JesseFrank

[lostinsurin]

(Oh yeah, blowing whistles is also freedom of expression) Agree with you Gerry but it is slightly annoying.

But I'm all for freedom of speech and expression.

[than]

Now redhardliners and separatisms claim it's just a misunderstanding their names not refers to a new states, but why one of your hardliners and caretaker minister wish this ?

[jayboy]

what about same for PDRC blocking Royal Decree for elections?

I'm glad you agree that the red shirts suggesting secession should be charged with treason.

I think the point being made is that for a group which has actually committed sedition in attempting to overthrow an elected government and may well be facing charges, it is slightly odd to be flinging treason charges at others in respect of some loose talk about a theoretical possibility.

[icommunity]

Don't worry, the DSI will do it if there is evidence that there was a public declaration to secede northern region to establish an independent state.

However, the dem's pdrc/pcad should know that the Sor Por Por Lanna stands for Samatcha Pokpong Prachathipatai of Lanna (council of Lanna people to protect democracy), is to protect the democratic system with the king as the HOS.

They are enough evidence to prove that the activities of the dem's pdrc/pcad and allied groups are insurrection, seditious and rebellion against the state if there is no social, political and judicial injustices and double standard.

[Soutpeel]

I was slightly rooting for the PDRC but this makes me think twice. I consider it freedom of speech to discuss such a thing and if the majority of the thai people agrees with it then I don't see any harm.

Why do they always have to use strong words here like treason, rebellion or defamation.

Well actually in this case calling for the formation of a republic is treason under the current laws

The PDRC was actually trying to get rid of a government, which is debatable as to whether this is actually treason, or not, because it never involved a certain other gentleman, however the Reds have elevated this to a whole new level which is definitely treason

[aussieinthailand]

By royal decree an election signed, FACT,,, publicly defied by Suthep and his mates, But no order to charge them with anything,,,

So tell us all here just where is this so-called double standard?

[whybother]

By royal decree an election signed, FACT,,, publicly defied by Suthep and his mates, But no order to charge them with anything,,,

So tell us all here just where is this so-called double standard?

You don't read much news, do you?

http://thaifinancialpost.com/2014/02/20/arrest-warrants-issued-for-5-pdrc-leaders-for-disrupting-advance-polls/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702310-thai-court-issues-arrest-warrants-for-19-pdrc-leaders/

[PepperMe]

what about same for PDRC blocking Royal Decree for elections?

Its not a threat to national security.

[Luk Mhee]

what about same for PDRC blocking Royal Decree for elections?

Yes, Blocking a Royal decree is serious but, this is calling for organized rallies on the separation of the country. If this happens there will be no kingdom of Thailand anymore, it will be a republic of Thailand. Or is this what the master plan is?

Edited March 3, 2014 by Luk Mhee

[PatOngo]

Clowns at either end of the ping pong table.

[BeforeTigers]

Section 113 of the Criminal Code deals with actions deemed intended to abolish or change the Constitution, topple the legislative, executive and judicial powers under the constitution, or separate the land or take over the administration of it. A violator is liable to life imprisonment or death.

You tell me which side that sounds like to you.

[webfact]

Surapong rejects attempt to divide Thailand
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Mar 3 – Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul today called on the army and police to avoid a double standard in dealing with red shirt protesters in northern Thailand.

He said the proposal to separate Thailand was only the opinions of certain groups of people who have been frustrated with the opposition’s attempt to divide people and foster hatred for one another among Thai citizens.

Mr Surapong, caretaker foreign minister and chief adviser of the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO), was referring to a call by some pro-government supporters to separate Thailand’s North and Northeast into a new country.

The Third Army Region Command, in charge of the northern region, was instructed by the army chief to file lawsuit against those involved in separatism. They could be charged with rebellion, if found guilty.

“Sor Por Por Lanna” belongs to the Democracy Support and Protection Group, and it is not an abbreviation of People’s Democratic Republic Lanna as misunderstood, said Mr Surapong in his defence of the widely-criticised Sor Por Por Lanna group.

He said it was impossible to stop some people from expressing their ideas but “we have to be impartial and we will not allow any factions to instigate others and create conflicts.”

Mr Surapong said police and military personnel should be patient and perform their duties fairly while avoiding allegation of double standard.

He said he would raise the army chief’s concern over the protesting situation in the North in the CMPO meeting.

Mr Surapong called on anti-government protesters to move out of several rally venues in the capital to pave the way for police and military personnel to maintain public order and safety. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-03-03

[webfact]

CMPO believes separatist groups are trying to stir up unrest

BANGKOK, 3 March 2014 (NNT) – The Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) believes that there are certain separatist groups trying to stir up unrest in the country.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, who is also chief advisor of the CMPO, mentioned about the idea of separatism that has been circulated in the Thai society, saying it was true that some groups of ill-intended people were trying to raise such issue. He however expressed his personal belief that no Thais would want to see separatism happen in the nation.

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha has instructed authorities to closely monitor all movements of the separatist supporters and urged the authorities to be impartial when launching an investigation, so that the people do not feel that double standards exist in the Thai society. Lastly, he said one’s rights should always be respected in any circumstances.


-- NNT 2014-03-03

[cocopops]

For Pete's sake! It was a throwaway remark made by an obscure <deleted> who's only claim to relevancy is belonging to a tiny activist group that virtually nobody had even heard of before now.

If there were even the remotest chance that saying these sort of things might actually lead to problems, I would support reigning this fellow in using one law or another - although "treason" still seems a bit over the top. But there isn't. Frankly I'd be quite surprised to find that the guy who actually said it, let alone anybody else, takes the idea seriously.

The suggestion that you could muster any level of support for secession from the Kingdom in Chiang Mai is risible. Folks who say otherwise are not discussing the real world, they are playing childish games.

[TVGerry]

Surapong rejects attempt to divide Thailand

By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Mar 3 – Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul today called on the army and police to avoid a double standard in dealing with red shirt protesters in northern Thailand.

He said the proposal to separate Thailand was only the opinions of certain groups of people who have been frustrated with the opposition’s attempt to divide people and foster hatred for one another among Thai citizens.

Mr Surapong, caretaker foreign minister and chief adviser of the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO), was referring to a call by some pro-government supporters to separate Thailand’s North and Northeast into a new country.

The Third Army Region Command, in charge of the northern region, was instructed by the army chief to file lawsuit against those involved in separatism. They could be charged with rebellion, if found guilty.

“Sor Por Por Lanna” belongs to the Democracy Support and Protection Group, and it is not an abbreviation of People’s Democratic Republic Lanna as misunderstood, said Mr Surapong in his defence of the widely-criticised Sor Por Por Lanna group.

He said it was impossible to stop some people from expressing their ideas but “we have to be impartial and we will not allow any factions to instigate others and create conflicts.”

Mr Surapong said police and military personnel should be patient and perform their duties fairly while avoiding allegation of double standard.

He said he would raise the army chief’s concern over the protesting situation in the North in the CMPO meeting.

Mr Surapong called on anti-government protesters to move out of several rally venues in the capital to pave the way for police and military personnel to maintain public order and safety. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-03-03

LOL! I called it correct. Surapong calls on the army not to practice double standards while that's exactly what he and the government are doing! Why aren't they condemning these separatists but are rather defending them as only 'expressing ideas'?

[Lite Beer]

Army: Separatism is illegal

BANGKOK, 3 Mar 2014, (NNT) - Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-Ocha has instructed officials to closely monitor the movements of the supporters of separatism, stressing that such a campaign is illegal.

His comment was quoted by Army's Spokesperson Col. Winthai Suwaree, in reference to the recent activities of the Lanna People's Democratic Republic or PDR Lanna, which the spokesman claimed were not creative, inappropriate and illegal.

On Friday, a group of people dressed in white and red, wearing PDR Lanna bandannas, marched in the Sankapang District of Chiang Mai, welcoming Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's visit to the area's OTOP center.

According to Col. Wintai, General Prayuth has instructed the Regional 3 Commander to take legal action against the group to prevent further movement ,while warning the public to uphold the codes of law. People are entitled to freely express their opinions within the boundary of the constitution; however, encouragement of separatism is clearly in violation of law.

In response to the threat made by a faction of the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) calling for UDD supporters to take into custody 2 of the military high ranking officials, the Spokesperson said the threat was a violation of human rights, adding that the Army would ask police to investigate into the threat and and take legal against the offenders.

-- NNT 2014-03-03