General Prayuth: Govt 'obliged to act against secession calls in city'

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PARTITION
Govt 'obliged to act against secession calls in city'
Panya Thiosangwan,
Jeerapong Prasertpolkrung
The Nation

Army chief says CMPO, administration are dutybound to take criminal action

BANGKOK: -- The government is obliged to deal with extensive secession calls made by red-shirt groups based in Bangkok and adjacent areas under the state of emergency, while the Army has taken action against those making similar calls in the North, Army commander General Prayuth Chan-ocha said yesterday.

The government and its anti-protest command base, the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order, are obliged to take action against the secession calls, which are illegal under four articles of the Criminal Code, Prayuth said. "It is the duty of the government and the CMPO to maintain peace and enforce the law in areas declared to be under the state of emergency," he added.

The Army chief was responding to a new wave of secession calls made by Wuthipong Kotchathamkhun aka "Ko Tee", a hardline leader of the pro-government Pathum Thani-based red-shirt group, who declared that his group had posted banners at several locations in northern Bangkok and Pathum Thani calling for a partitioning of the country.

Certain red-shirt groups in Chiang Mai and Phayao that promoted the idea of secession are now facing charges of sedition after Prayuth ordered military prosecutors to file the charge against them with local police.

"I have followed legal steps by giving information [about the secession call made by Wutthiphong] to the CMPO and the police, not through hunting them down or making arrests," the general said, adding that the Army was now following legal steps - like it did when dealing with violent protests by the red shirts in 2010.

Meanwhile caretaker Premier and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, speaking during a visit to Sakon Nakhon, called for an end to discussions of the secession calls made by her supporters, saying she did not agree with the idea and insisting that Thailand was indivisible.

The political divide in Thai society would be widened if the issue were discussed further, she said.

Prayuth, asked to speculate on how the political instability would end, said everyone should return home and let the normal process continue.

"We should all respect the rules and believe in the justice system. No one wins using violence and arms, and it's impossible for the military to allow everyone to fight each other," he added.

Responding to Yingluck's statement about military emplacements around Bangkok harming the country's image, Prayuth said the bunkers were necessary because most soldiers manning them were unarmed.

The Army was planning to adjust their number and locations, he said.

"Maybe flowers or pink drapes can be used to decorate the bunkers, in order to soften how they look, but soldiers are soldiers - they can't look weak or too tidy," he said tongue in cheek.

Asked about Prayuth's statement on the use of flowers and pink drapes to decorate bunkers, Yingluck said she regarded it as "a result of a normal discussion", and said such scenarios in tourist areas in Bangkok would scare off visitors.


-- The Nation 2014-03-07

[RogueExpat]

UDD leadership (and their Pheu Thai backers) should show responsibility for what their minions do on the battle field and commit sepaku , or at least stand up and face the music, instead of appearing gutless.

[Curt1591]

How about dealing with calls for overthrow of a sitting government by groups in Bangkok?

[Huk]

How about dealing with calls for overthrow of a sitting government by groups in Bangkok?

Not sure of the relevance of your comment since one (sedition) is a capital crime and the other (protesting) is a human right.

[ChrisY1]

How about dealing with calls for overthrow of a sitting government by groups in Bangkok?

The article is about secession calls by red shirt individuals or groups...!

[ThailandNoob]

How about dealing with calls for overthrow of a sitting government by groups in Bangkok?

The article is about secession calls by red shirt individuals or groups...!

One of the reasons that they said they wanted secession was that they felt the courts were handing down rulings in favour of the protesters (e.g. that they were "not trying to overthrow the government" and that they were "nonviolent").

Sent from my IS11T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[RockyBeerbelly]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

How about dealing with calls for overthrow of a sitting government by groups in Bangkok?

The CMPO is dealing with these groups. They have to do this within the boundaries of the law, which pisses Chalerm off big time.

Your comparison is ridiculous really. This bunch of corrupt cronies of Thaksin who call themselves the democratically elected govt have been raping the country for the last couple of years and dont allow any checks and balances (amnesty bill, rice scheme disaster, water mismanagement program, tablets for school, etc,. etc.). As soon as anybody dares to challenge them, they are bias, unfair, facists, etc. That is the reason why we are in this mess. You should be lucky that some people finally got out of their chairs and try put an end to the Thaksin dictatorship and his corrupt bandids....

[Rob8891]

Here we go...typical deflection of an issue with "but, but, but...It's not fair... The other side did it first it's not our fault"

Face up to the thrust of the OP..red sedition.

[RockyBeerbelly]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

How about dealing with calls for overthrow of a sitting government by groups in Bangkok?

The article is about secession calls by red shirt individuals or groups...!

One of the reasons that they said they wanted secession was that they felt the courts were handing down rulings in favour of the protesters (e.g. that they were "not trying to overthrow the government" and that they were "nonviolent").

Sent from my IS11T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

They are trying to overthrow this corrupt govt. Nobody is denying that. They do so nonviolent. The rulings of the courts are not done in favour with the anti govt demonstrations, but in line with the law, and the law is something the average UDD red shirt has difficulties with. They really thought that once they were in power they could do whatever they wanted, because they were elected in to govt after all. That is the distorted red shirt form of democracy. Any foreigner with a bit brains, and a good understanding of Thai politics understands this....

[Spartakos]

Hmm, let's see they "felt" that they have been given unfair treatment by the courts and that is the reason to call for civil war. And I personally felt they were given unfair treatment by the courts for allowing hardcore elements of this shady at best movement to be allowed outside the prison cell.

We finally agree on something.

[ManofReason]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

How about dealing with calls for overthrow of a sitting government by groups in Bangkok?

The article is about secession calls by red shirt individuals or groups...!

One of the reasons that they said they wanted secession was that they felt the courts were handing down rulings in favour of the protesters (e.g. that they were "not trying to overthrow the government" and that they were "nonviolent").

Sent from my IS11T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

They are trying to overthrow this corrupt govt. Nobody is denying that. They do so nonviolent. The rulings of the courts are not done in favour with the anti govt demonstrations, but in line with the law, and the law is something the average UDD red shirt has difficulties with. They really thought that once they were in power they could do whatever they wanted, because they were elected in to govt after all. That is the distorted red shirt form of democracy. Any foreigner with a bit brains, and a good understanding of Thai politics understands this....

1. This allegedly corrupt government. I can baselessly accuse Suthep of being honest. Just because I make the allegation - doesn't mean it's true.

2. They do so non-violently (umm...popcorners and the police discovery of PDRC guards weapons caches puts paid to the supposed non-violence).

3. One of the main reasons Thailand sits so lowly in global corruption rankings is the ongoing corruption of the nations judiciary (corruption is not just about money - ask the Red Bull kid)

4. The mini mob in the street trying to overthrow the legitimate government appear to be the ones at odds with and having difficulty with the law.

5. The Reds were wrong on one front, they really thought that once they were in governemnt they would be able to do what they had been elected to do without an illegal insurrection by a bunch of yellow crims.

Edited March 7, 2014 by ManofReason

[RockyBeerbelly]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

How about dealing with calls for overthrow of a sitting government by groups in Bangkok?

The article is about secession calls by red shirt individuals or groups...!

One of the reasons that they said they wanted secession was that they felt the courts were handing down rulings in favour of the protesters (e.g. that they were "not trying to overthrow the government" and that they were "nonviolent").

Sent from my IS11T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

They are trying to overthrow this corrupt govt. Nobody is denying that. They do so nonviolent. The rulings of the courts are not done in favour with the anti govt demonstrations, but in line with the law, and the law is something the average UDD red shirt has difficulties with. They really thought that once they were in power they could do whatever they wanted, because they were elected in to govt after all. That is the distorted red shirt form of democracy. Any foreigner with a bit brains, and a good understanding of Thai politics understands this....

1. This allegedly corrupt government. I can baselessly accuse Suthep of being honest. Just because I make the allegation - doesn't mean it's true.

2. They do so non-violently (umm...popcorners and the police discovery of PDRC guards weapons caches puts paid to the supposed non-violence).

3. One of the main reasons Thailand sits so lowly in global corruption rankings is the ongoing corruption of the nations judiciary (corruption is not just about money - ask the Red Bull kid)

4. The mini mob in the street trying to overthrow the legitimate government appear to be the ones at odds with and having difficulty with the law.

5. The Reds were wrong on one front, they really thought that once they were in governemnt they would be able to do what they had been elected to do without an illegal insurrection by a bunch of yellow crims.

OK "ManofReason". Be a Man and publicly come out and tell our fellow bloggers here on TV that

• the Rice scheme is a well working, corrupt free program and beneficial for both the farmers and the country as a whole,
• The amnesty bill was NOT proposed to whitewash Thaksins' and his fellow red shirts' of the crimes they have committed, but was done for the greater good of the country,

The popcorn men are there to protect the demonstrators, because the police is absolutely useless in that respect. They are clearly siting with the govt, which is fine, thats the way things are in Thailand. But then expect resistance when Chalerm decides to start shooting down the peaceful demonstration (remember, no burning of billion baht department stores this time around), or when there is continued bombing of the demonstration sites.

A democracy allows people to have different opinions, and expelling people from the North of Thailand because they dont think like a red shirt is not democratic, or ManofREason, do you think that is democratic as well? Oh ya, and please tell me how democratic it is to shoot @ someone (or their mother) because you are being whistled at?

Edited March 7, 2014 by RockyBeerbelly

[GeorgeO]

How about dealing with calls for overthrow of a sitting government by groups in Bangkok?

How about staying on topic, as opposed to trying to change the subject every time an issue arises which doesn't fit in with your personal political agenda,,,?!

[TheReporter]

I am totally at a lost here, in terms of the actions of the military. Suthep has been making daily speech about overthrowing a duly elected government and encourage his followers to kidnap and take any government officials hostage and it seems no legal problem with this. On the other hand, some small groups are speaking and wishing to be separated from BKK and the military jumps in to make things seem like they are traitors. Obviously, the military is on the side of the Yellow Shirts.

[ManofReason]

I am totally at a lost here, in terms of the actions of the military. Suthep has been making daily speech about overthrowing a duly elected government and encourage his followers to kidnap and take any government officials hostage and it seems no legal problem with this. On the other hand, some small groups are speaking and wishing to be separated from BKK and the military jumps in to make things seem like they are traitors. Obviously, the military is on the side of the Yellow Shirts.

Would you please desist from pointing out the obvious and stating facts, it will upset the delusional amongst us.

[Curt1591]

Go off topic?! For Christ's sake! You clowns are the ones who level everything down to "it's Thaksin's fault!" As I have said before, this isn't a protest to bring down a faulty government; it's an attempt to exorcise the evil Thaksin!

Speaking of agendas, ...

The general has been biting his tongue, waiting for some excuse to come down on the "opposition to the opposition". This has given him his excuse.

As far as peaceful, lawful protests goes, this fiasco has crossed the line, numerous times, and continues to do so.

The reds have voiced the possibility of "secession". Suthep, and the protesters, are actually the ones that have always been guilty of "sedition".

The military is it's own, autonomous branch of the Thai hierarchy. This doesn't mean, however, they are "neutral".

Anyone who believes we are looking at a level playing field, is truly delusional….

Edited March 7, 2014 by Curt1591

[xminator]

What extensive secession calls in Bangkok? Did I miss something in the news the last week?

I'm pretty sure someone want this to be true, but it does not change the fact that the only real separatist movement is in south Thailand.

[Valentine]

Go off topic?! For Christ's sake! You clowns are the ones who level everything down to "it's Thaksin's fault!" As I have said before, this isn't a protest to bring down a faulty government; it's an attempt to exorcise the evil Thaksin!

Speaking of agendas, ...

The general has been biting his tongue, waiting for some excuse to come down on the "opposition to the opposition". This has given him his excuse.

As far as peaceful, lawful protests goes, this fiasco has crossed the line, numerous times, and continues to do so.

The reds have voiced the possibility of "secession". Suthep, and the protesters, are actually the ones that have always been guilty of "sedition".

The military is it's own, autonomous branch of the Thai hierarchy. This doesn't mean, however, they are "neutral".

Anyone who believes we are looking at a level playing field, is truly delusional….

Because the ruling party feel they can rape & pillage the country with impunity, as they were "democratically elected", then there will never be a level playing field & this is the exact reason why we are in this situation today.

[Scamper]

The divide between the former prime minister and Prayuth is now as wide as the Grand Canyon. And getting wider. There couldn't possibly be more of a disconnect. They don't agree with anything. It is as bad as an association can get. They can only effectively talk to each other through the media. The dysfunctional nature of it is being aired through the media. Just how bad is it ? Well, Prayuth is absolutely outraged by the secession movement, as all are loyal Thais. But the divide comes here - he wants to see these people brought to justice, Yingluck does not. Not only that, Chalerm says that the movement doesn't exist and says there is no evidence of it !

" At the red-shirt protest rally, Charupong promised all proposals of all hard-core red-shirts made on the stage for implementation. They included the blockading of the office of the National Anti Corruption Commission, and all independent agencies which include Criminal Court, Civil Court and the Election Commission, kidnapping and taking senior officials hostages, and the separation of the country. " ( Thai PBS, March 5 ) "

What more evidence does Chalerm require than this ? And for anyone with eyes to see it goes much beyond this. So that is Prayuth's dilemma. He has been forced to file charges through the military, but he is still putting it at the doorstep of the CMPO, who will of course do nothing about it. He is also being forced to make public statements, which is something Prayuth rarely does. What is the result of all this ? The movement - clearly sensing no retaliation - is growing. In fact, red shirt leader Kotee is now being openly defiant of Prayuth and the banners are going up. And what is Yingluck as ex-prime minister doing ? Nothing. Sooner of later this is all going to come to a head. Prayuth is sworn by his beloved oath to his country that he will never allow secession to take root. Ex-minister Chalerm and all the other former members of the administration - including the ex-interior minister, Charupong who took part in that rally ( and who also incredulously just signed a deportation order for someone who never advocated secession ) - all of them are putting Prayuth into a very difficult position.

[RockyBeerbelly]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Go off topic?! For Christ's sake! You clowns are the ones who level everything down to "it's Thaksin's fault!" As I have said before, this isn't a protest to bring down a faulty government; it's an attempt to exorcise the evil Thaksin!

Speaking of agendas, ...

The general has been biting his tongue, waiting for some excuse to come down on the "opposition to the opposition". This has given him his excuse.

As far as peaceful, lawful protests goes, this fiasco has crossed the line, numerous times, and continues to do so.

The reds have voiced the possibility of "secession". Suthep, and the protesters, are actually the ones that have always been guilty of "sedition".

The military is it's own, autonomous branch of the Thai hierarchy. This doesn't mean, however, they are "neutral".

Anyone who believes we are looking at a level playing field, is truly delusional….

You reds keep talking about the protestors being guilty of sedition. Please allow me to remind you again of what sedition means according to wiki:

"In law, sedition is overt conduct, such as speech and organization, that is deemed by the legal authority to tend toward insurrection against the established order. Sedition often includes subversion of a constitution and incitement of discontent (or resistance) to lawful authority. Sedition may include any commotion, though not aimed at direct and open violence against the laws. Seditious words in writing are seditious libel. A seditionist is one who engages in or promotes the interests of sedition."

Now who again is constantly trying to change the constitution? And who doesn't accept any judicial decision, because they are always deemed bias?

[than]

Prayuh show the double standard of CMPO, attack, intimidation against PRDC, low profile about Reds separatist activities......

[rubl]

So, the Army suggest that since the Emergency Decree is still in place the handling of secessionists falls under the duties of the CMPO.

Well, that will give Pol. Captain Chalerm something to do when he returns from Singapore. The anti-government protesters give no problems at the moment and also not to many 'unknown' firing guns at them or lobbing the odd grenade.

Edited March 7, 2014 by rubl

[PepperMe]

How about dealing with calls for overthrow of a sitting government by groups in Bangkok?

What are you talking about???

The police and the government have been doing everything they can to crack down on protesters in BKK. Arrest warrants, staging of fake evidence, fake kidnapping charges and even ordering bombs to be thrown at them and guns to be shot at them, and even killing random children that are not even protesters (strange how 2 days in a row the kids were killed who were alongside the rallies to make a point that the rallies are dangerous and possibly turn the locals against the rallies).

I would think they have been doing plenty.

The only people who are allowed to break the laws and NOT have the government or police act are the red shirts, UDD and of course PTP cabinet ministers. But most of all, government backed terrorist rebels who call for a republic of Lanna, and who will create a situation in the north many times worse than what we already have in the south.

Get your facts straight before posting.

Edited March 7, 2014 by PepperMe

[Leung Falang]

se·di·tion [si-dish-uhn] Show IPA

noun

1.

incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government.

2.

any action, especially in speech or writing, promoting suchdiscontent or rebellion.

3.

Archaic. rebellious disorder.

No doubt talking about a regional secession would be sedition, and so would be taking over government offices, trying to bring down the government by blocking traffic.

I haven't read the constitution but both of these would meet the dictionary definition but may meet the constitutional definition.

[ManofReason]

Go off topic?! For Christ's sake! You clowns are the ones who level everything down to "it's Thaksin's fault!" As I have said before, this isn't a protest to bring down a faulty government; it's an attempt to exorcise the evil Thaksin!

Speaking of agendas, ...

The general has been biting his tongue, waiting for some excuse to come down on the "opposition to the opposition". This has given him his excuse.

As far as peaceful, lawful protests goes, this fiasco has crossed the line, numerous times, and continues to do so.

The reds have voiced the possibility of "secession". Suthep, and the protesters, are actually the ones that have always been guilty of "sedition".

The military is it's own, autonomous branch of the Thai hierarchy. This doesn't mean, however, they are "neutral".

Anyone who believes we are looking at a level playing field, is truly delusional….

I empathise with your frustration. They do make it hard.

[Curt1591]

You reds keep talking about the protestors being guilty of sedition. Please allow me to remind you again of what sedition means according to wiki:

"In law, sedition is overt conduct, such as speech and organization, that is deemed by the legal authority to tend toward insurrection against the established order. Sedition often includes subversion of a constitution and incitement of discontent (or resistance) to lawful authority. Sedition may include any commotion, though not aimed at direct and open violence against the laws. Seditious words in writing are seditious libel. A seditionist is one who engages in or promotes the interests of sedition."

Now who again is constantly trying to change the constitution? And who doesn't accept any judicial decision, because they are always deemed bias?

Just a heads up ...

"Wiki" is just a bunch of people writing want they want to write. It may, or may not, be based in any fact.

Another heads up ...

The latest, greatest constitution, the constitution of 2007, was written up by the democrats, in their previous attempt to prevent Thaksinians from taking power again. I'm sure they'll do more better next time!

Oh! And who doesn't follow rule of law because the deem the current government corrupt?

Edited March 7, 2014 by Curt1591

[Huk]

I am totally at a lost here, in terms of the actions of the military. Suthep has been making daily speech about overthrowing a duly elected government and encourage his followers to kidnap and take any government officials hostage and it seems no legal problem with this. On the other hand, some small groups are speaking and wishing to be separated from BKK and the military jumps in to make things seem like they are traitors. Obviously, the military is on the side of the Yellow Shirts.

Would you please desist from pointing out the obvious and stating facts, it will upset the delusional amongst us.

Sorry to hear that you and Soy Sauce (Kikoman) are upset Mano - hope you get over it soon.

[BestBitterPhuket]

The country needs major reforms on every area. Gone are the days that the military and courts could rape the people of the north of Thailand through various coups. Bangkok has to share the wealth and power with the provinces, and the country needs urgent modernisation and development. The rules and laws of today are solely to protect the elite and ruling class, but those days are over. ALL of Thailand and all Thais should benefit in the future, not only the old elite, including the generals and their families.

[siampolee]

Now the illegitimate foundling that Thaksin Shinwatra adopted and named it the Red Shirt movement has come of a pre pubescent ''I know it all'' age, found its own feet and has seen with both its own and its leaders eyes the financial and political rewards that can be accumulated if one is in the seat of power.

Political patricide rules and Thaksin Shinwatra and his clan are ignored. Indeed the adopted foundling has become both an ungrateful and unmanageable brute in its political pre pubescent stage,Political acne pustules are erupting all over the political face of the Red Shirt movement and is indeed an ugly disfiguring infection as we are starting to see.

One wonders what the good Doctor Thaksin along with his political clinic assistants nurse Thida for one can or will do to treat his offspring so as to control or even better halt this political acne pustule infection.

Indeed that nasty red rash and those pustules that are spreading in certain areas and among certain individuals who seem to be carriers of the infection does need to be treated and cured.

One good tactic would be the total isolation of those infection carriers and their confinement to a sterile unit where their infection and carrying traits can be cured by following a correct form of treatment.

Hopefully no political acne pustule scars will be left thereafter treatment has been completed as reminders of this obnoxious infection

[smedly]

How about dealing with calls for overthrow of a sitting government by groups in Bangkok?

The article is about secession calls by red shirt individuals or groups...!

One of the reasons that they said they wanted secession was that they felt the courts were handing down rulings in favour of the protesters (e.g. that they were "not trying to overthrow the government" and that they were "nonviolent").

Sent from my IS11T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Just like in the west those that criticize the legal system - the courts - the police etc are usually those that are breaking the law or have broken it - this government and it's MP's and PM are prolific law breakers on so many levels it's a disgrace, the PM has already stated several times she will not be stepping down - I assume that means she is going to ignore any future court rulings - if the police were doing their job "upholding the law" she should already have been arrested. The law and the constitution are the backbone of any democracy yet here we have a countries PM already stating she is ignoring it, if the police don't arrest her then the army should