Thai Army Chief denounces new UDD Chairman Jatuporn

[webfact]

Army Chief Denounces New UDD Chairman
By Khaosod English

Mr. Jatupon Prompan (speaking) on UDD rally stage, 15 March 2014

BANGKOK: -- Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army has expressed his contempt toward the appointment of the new Redshirts leader, going as far as branding him a "bandit".

Well-known Pheu Thai MP and longtime Redshirts activist, Mr. Jatupon Prompan, was appointed the new chairman of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) over the weekend, replacing Ms. Thida Thavornseth.

But Mr. Jatupon's rise to the helm of the UDD apparently did not please Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha, who implied in a press conference that Mr. Jatupon and his fellow Redshirts activists will not be respected by the military, as they have previously committed unspecified illegal actions.

"I don't give importance to these people and all those who have committed illegal actions," Gen. Prayuth told reporters during his visit to Narathiwat province today.

He added, "It's not appropriate for an official [like me] to argue with bandits. If they want to be aggressive toward the military, I will be aggressive, too. I will not accept this".

The army chief also claimed he had no intention to take side in politics, and he did not want to "push the people" into any particular side.

However, Gen. Prayuth went on to stress that he would likewise display the same hostility toward the anti-government protesters if they had organised separatist movements and insulted the Royal Family - thereby repeating anti-government protesters' accusation that the UDD intends to secede some parts of Thailand, and that the Redshirts harbour anti-monarchy attitude.

Asked by a reporter whether he would seek dialogue with Mr. Jatupon, Gen. Prayuth gave a emphatic no. "He doesn't have enough honour for me to correspond with, and he never shows any honour for anyone".

Gen. Prayuth also expressed his "pity" for the Redshirts to have "an immoral man" as their leader.

"Thai people must have their eyes opened already," Gen. Prayuth said, "If they are not happy with something, they should file lawsuits. Don't criticise the monarchy, or the court, or the military".

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1395033684&section=11&typecate=06


-- Khaosod English 2014-03-17

[bkkjames]

Gloves are coming off.

[Costas2008]

Gen. Prayuth, nobody could have said it better than you.

[TVGerry]

Not surprising he did that. I mean Jatuporn! Really?!

As bad as Thida was, she was still considered a moderate red shirt, which isn't saying much. But Jatuporn is an extremist. He's only one step below Ko Tee. For the army chief to come out and directly denounce him shows how bad the situation is. Things are going to get bad.

[drand11]

Kinda crazy that they put a controvertial person as leader. NOT a smart move politically. They are a political party, correct? Amazing.

[RogueExpat]

Sheer madness letting this lunatic be in charge of 100's of 1000's of fanatical brainwashed individuals.

Good thing the military is letting them know where they belong in the scheme of things if they are going to keep employing illegal tactics to meet their ends.

Rather ironic though, appointing Jatuporn.

It wasn't so long ago that he was leading the charge forcibly removing farmers from their land to make way for the mega palm plantations. Great bastion of democracy this madman political activist is......

Sooner this guy ends up in the oubliette the better, for all concerned.

Edited March 17, 2014 by RogueExpat

[londonthai]

"Gen. Prayuth said, "If they are not happy with something, they should file lawsuits. Don't criticise the monarchy, or the court, or the military".

the military qual with the monarchy and courts?

or maybe above them?

[Thailand]

Dumb move.Thida was bad enough.

"The army chief also claimed he had no intention to take side in politics, and he did not want to "push the people" into any particular side."

But isn't that exactly what he is doing?

[than]

Reds know final day come, and they prepare for uprising, Jatuporn was one of red monkey how call for burnt city in 2010, but Army will not let him do the same thing this time....

We support Thai Army move

[Mister Fixit]

Oo-er. Strong words. Countdown to coup?

[NongKhaiKid]

Oh No, I feel another lawsuit coming on.

Of course Jatuporn could order a cordon be set up around Army HQ with orders to seize Ge. Prayuth if he's seen.

Don't laugh as ... !

[SABloke]

Not surprising he did that. I mean Jatuporn! Really?!

As bad as Thida was, she was still considered a moderate red shirt, which isn't saying much. But Jatuporn is an extremist. He's only one step below Ko Tee. For the army chief to come out and directly denounce him shows how bad the situation is. Things are going to get bad.

At least Jatuporn is easy on the eyes..

[xminator]

From the book "Examples of what an army chief in a civilized and democratic country should say nothing about"

[lomatopo]

Of course the Army Pooh Bah is impartial and above politics.

The army chief also claimed he had no intention to take side in politics

Presumably a wink-wing, nudge-nudge accompanied this massive prevarication? Yes he speaks daily about political issues? Go figure.

So the new UDD leader is bandit, has committed unspecified illegal actions, has no honor.

I thought there were libel/slander laws here? But maybe those only apply to the "other side".

[h90]

Dumb move.Thida was bad enough.

"The army chief also claimed he had no intention to take side in politics, and he did not want to "push the people" into any particular side."

But isn't that exactly what he is doing?

Thida was great....I really enjoyed her.....I think Thaksin has a time machine and kidnapped her in the 1960s.

Everything, from the design, pictures, speeches is so 1960s commies. When I was young these style communists (and in my area there were many) were already almost extinct or 90 years old and in ICU.

And all her speeches are like exact 1:1 translations of what I heard as child....

The other communists tried to give themself a modern reasonable style.

Or maybe Thida is really Margot Honecker camouflaged.

[h90]

Of course the Army Pooh Bah is impartial and above politics.

The army chief also claimed he had no intention to take side in politics

Presumably a wink-wing, nudge-nudge accompanied this massive prevarication? Yes he speaks daily about political issues? Go figure.

So the new UDD leader is bandit, has committed unspecified illegal actions, has no honor.

I thought there were libel/slander laws here? But maybe those only apply to the "other side".

or everything can be proofed....

[bendejo]

not surprising at all.

RTPF means red, army is pro-yellow

[ramrod711]

From the book "Examples of what an army chief in a civilized and democratic country should say nothing about"

I think he may have lost any respect for Jatuporn and company when they wanted to kidnap his family. He has every right to comment on these thugs. Not one of them ever saw a law, a court or a parliamentary rule they respect, or would even recognize.

[dcutman]

Hopefully Jatuporn is returned to where he belongs, soon.

Edited March 17, 2014 by dcutman

[binjalin]

commenting on politics again? *sigh*

[Crushdepth]

The General tells it how it is. How can anyone deal with a pathological liar?

Sent from somewhere in the Pacific

[seajae]

shows what a bunch of hypocrites the reds are, they demand that the officers involved in 2010 should not be allowed to be put in positions of power then appoint the red that called for violence and blood as their leader. Seems they just like to be able to tell everyone else what to do, as they say do as we say not as we do.

[Tatsujin]

The 2nd great article in one day, very cutting and biting . . . refreshing and a very obvious change in attitudes.

[Costas2008]

commenting on politics again? *sigh*

I know....you didn't like what the General said and as you have nothing else to say, you can keep sighing.

Life is tough, sometimes.

[DrTuner]

From the book "Examples of what an army chief in a civilized and democratic country should say nothing about"

This is Thailand, not a western "civilized and democratic country". Military has ruled the country as long as it's been called Thailand, including the current constitution. It's good that the ones in power speak up.

Prayuth seems to be the only one with brains in this circus act called "Thai democracy".

[ChrisY1]

Probably the best decision that the Reds could have made to gain infamy......having Jatuporn in charge of these thugs, has now made them the enemy of the Thai military...good move for Thailand.

Lets see what happens now.....one wrong move, hopefully, will make the Kwanchai failed attempt seem like kindergarten stuff!

[kimamey]

I do agree with him regarding Jatuporn but before he makes accusations about illegal acts he might want to reflect on the army's action in relation to the deaths in 2010.

[kimamey]

Of course the Army Pooh Bah is impartial and above politics.

The army chief also claimed he had no intention to take side in politics

Presumably a wink-wing, nudge-nudge accompanied this massive prevarication? Yes he speaks daily about political issues? Go figure.

So the new UDD leader is bandit, has committed unspecified illegal actions, has no honor.

I thought there were libel/slander laws here? But maybe those only apply to the "other side".

or everything can be proofed....

It can still be defamation in Thailand. stupid but true.

[Blackmirage2013]

Jatuporn is a fat baby and is equally fat and disturbing colleague, Khun Thida need to get a life or get out of Thailand... they do nothing positive and only give a crap about themselves.

[h90]

Of course the Army Pooh Bah is impartial and above politics.

The army chief also claimed he had no intention to take side in politics

Presumably a wink-wing, nudge-nudge accompanied this massive prevarication? Yes he speaks daily about political issues? Go figure.

So the new UDD leader is bandit, has committed unspecified illegal actions, has no honor.

I thought there were libel/slander laws here? But maybe those only apply to the "other side".

or everything can be proofed....

It can still be defamation in Thailand. stupid but true.

yes...in Thailand....But there are things people don't sue....Like when ASTV/Manager told that Yingluck isn't Thaksins sister, in fact she is his daughter. She didn't sue.

Discussing these things at court might be more inconvenience than what can be won??? Just an idea...