'Popcorn Gunman' supported by PDRC in Lak Si attack, police say

[webfact]

'Popcorn Gunman' supported by PDRC in Lak Si attack, police say
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, March 20 - The so-called 'Popcorn Gunman' arrested in relation to the shooting attack in Bangkok's Lak Si district on the eve of the Feb 2 general election confessed that his ammunition was provided by an armed faction of the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).

Vivat Yodprasit, 24-year-old Phitsanulok native, who was named as the 'Popcorn gunman' after concealing his gun with a popcorn bag during the clash with red shirt supporters on Feb 1, was arrested yesterday in Surat Thani and was taken to a news conference in the capital today.

Mr Vivat said that he was given the gun which came in a popcorn bag given by a PDRC guard head called 'Men'. When he was informed of the tension in Lak Si, he went to the site and fired 20 shots from his M-16 assault rifle.

He admitted that he attended the PDRC rallies for two months and was hired at Bt300 per day to be a protesters' guard, but he did not know the person who ordered the shootings.

The alleged gunman will be charged with premeditated attempted killing, illegal possession of a firearm, carrying firearms in the city and public venues and violation of the state of emergency.

Pol Lt Gen Winai Thongsong, assistant to the national police chief, said three suspects remain at large. They have been named and police are now seeking court to approve arrest warrants for them.

For Mr 'Men' who heads a guard group in the PDRC movement, Gen Winai said his real name has been identified. He also provided shelter for the popcorn gunman while he was in Surat Thani.

It was reported that there are five armed guard groups at the PDRC rally site in Chaeng Wattana area. Each has dozen members who are well trained to use guns.

Meanwhile, PDRC spokesman Akanat Promphan today slammed the arrest of the popcorn gunman saying that it was a plot.

He noted that police sought court to issue warrant against four people, but the court approved only one of them due to insufficient evidence.

He urged police to clarify their activities and arrest other suspects for other cases of violent attacks which have made no progress. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-03-20

[fab4]

Oops. Still as long as he was only firing his Tavor in a defensive way, as some of our more enlightened posters claim, it will all turn out OK.

I suppose that as the ammunition was supplied by the peace loving PDRC it does explain the use of the popcorn bag. He had to keep the shells so that he could explain how many he had used to the PDRC accountants. Suthep is running a tight ship now that the rallies have been going on for 5 months - he's getting a bit low on the readies.

[fab4]

"For Mr 'Men' who heads a guard group in the PDRC movement, Gen Winai said his real name has been identified. He also provided shelter for the popcorn gunman while he was in Surat Thani."

Police have issued an artists impression of the Mr.Men they are seeking:

Edited March 20, 2014 by fab4

[Costas2008]

Of course, the police will say.........

Red supporters to the bone.

Anything to accuse PDRC, nothing against their own.

The more I hear about them, the more I support Sutherp and his aim to reform this police force.

Edited March 20, 2014 by metisdead
Font reset to default forum font.

[webfact]

“Popcorn” gunman says he was paid 300 baht/day to provide security



BANGKOK: -- The masked gunman who was seen shooting at redshirt supporters with an assault rifle concealed in a popcorn bag said he was paid 300 baht/day as wage to provide security for the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) rallies.

The man who was later called “Popcorn” fighter confessed to the police during a press conference at the Narcotics Suppression Bureau chaired by caretaker Labour Minister and Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) director Chalerm Yubamrung and Pol Lt Gen Winai Thongsong, an assistant police chief.

The 24-year-old Phitsanulok native identified as Vivat Yodprasert, known among demonstrators as the “popcorn gunman”, said he worked as a security guard for the PDRC in exchange for a daily compensation of 300 baht.

He said he was given the M 16 assault rifle from a PDRC guard on Chaengwattana protest site on the eve of the February 2 general election.

He was taught how to use the gun, and had never used weapons and never created violence before the Lak Si incident.

On the day of the violence, he said he received a radio signal from another guard to come out and protect Luang Pu Buddhaissara to protect and drive away the redshirts from taking it over.

The abbot was leading protesters to seize the Laksi district office to prevent voters to go to the poll the next morning.

He said after that day he returned the gun to the PDRC guard and went into hiding when his photos appeared and widely shared on the Internet.

Assistant police chief Pol Lt-Gen Winai Thongsong said the police could trace the popcorn gunman after receiving cooperation from journalist to give his photos and from photos shared on the social network.

The popcorn gunman who was admired by anti-government protesters as a hero who helped to disperse the hardcore redshirts led by Ko Tee was arrested in Surat Thani where he went into hiding.

He faced charges of attempted murder, owning and carrying gun in public places, and violation of the emergency decree.

(photo : twitter @OHcrime_ThaiPBS )

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/popcorn-gunman-says-paid-300-bahtday-provide-security/


-- Thai PBS 2014-03-20

[coma]

Talk about putting words into somebody's mouth. This guy is being used as a tool by Chalerm to make his case against the PDRC. Chalerm seems to have found his next new best buddy in the accused.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=UU6S1mez4I0c86zEyObiYiKA&v=1KVJCsQ7ObQ#t=314

[Local Drunk]

Headline sounds like something the police would say... "Hey! Do you know who my daddy is?" is at the viewers left. Perhaps they are chatting about tactics. I'm puking at the lack of professionalism on both sides.

[Rich teacher]

Of course, the police will say.........

Red supporters to the bone.

Anything to accuse PDRC, nothing against their own.

The more I hear about them, the more I support Sutherp and his aim to reform this police force.

That's it buddy, keep cheering on the murdering, coup mongering fascists and put down the RTP for doing their job.

[webfact]

Thai 'popcorn gunman' says he was hired by protesters

BANGKOK, March 20, 2014 (AFP) - A Thai gunman who gained national notoriety after opening fire at a political clash with an assault rifle in a popcorn bag said Thursday he had been hired by anti-government protesters.

Images of the man, nicknamed the "popcorn gunman", went viral after he was seen during a dramatic gunfight with government supporters in Bangkok on February 1 wearing a balaclava and bulletproof vest.

He was hailed by some within the anti-government movement as a hero.

Wiwat Yodprasit, who was arrested Wednesday and faces charges of attempted murder and possession of a gun, told reporters he had been trained to use the M16 rifle by the protesters' private security guards.

The 24-year-old said he was paid $9 a day to act as a guard for the movement, which is backed by the Bangkok-based establishment and wants to oust Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

"The head of protest security gave me a M16 to use... I fired 20 bullets. I used the popcorn bag to keep the bullet casings from falling to the ground," Wiwat told a press conference.

The daytime clash broke out in the district of Lak Si after opposition demonstrators blocked ballot boxes from being delivered for a general election.

Protest leaders have repeatedly denied that their guards or supporters carry weapons.

Wiwat was arrested at a temple in the southern town of Surat Thani -- the home town of firebrand protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban.

His image has been widely used by protesters as a symbol of defiance against the authorities and the rival pro-government "Red Shirts" movement.

He was identified after police released a picture of him later removing his balaclava.

Protest spokesman Akanat Promphan said Wiwat was being used by police as a "scapegoat", without confirming whether he was a security guard for the movement.

"He did not intend to hurt anyone but to protect innocent people," Akanat said, adding the protesters will support his legal case.

Authorities seized on Wiwat's confession as further proof that anti-government demonstrators are armed.

"Suthep has repeatedly said that his protest is peaceful. That is absolutely not true," said Labour Minister Chalerm Yubumrung, who heads the government's security response to the months-long crisis.

Political violence, often targeting protesters with gunfire and grenade blasts, has left 23 people dead and hundreds wounded in recent months.
The bloodshed has abated since protesters scaled down their rallies at the start of March and converged in a city centre park.

On Tuesday Thailand ended a near two-month state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas, reflecting the improved security situation.

Yingluck's government, in a caretaker role following an incomplete February election, still faces a series of legal challenges that could lead to her removal from office.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-03-20

[Local Drunk]

Of course, the police will say.........

Red supporters to the bone.

Anything to accuse PDRC, nothing against their own.

The more I hear about them, the more I support Sutherp and his aim to reform this police force.

That's it buddy, keep cheering on the murdering, coup mongering fascists and put down the RTP for doing their job.

Since when? They can't direct traffic much less investigate a crime. Why do you think they take pictures of defendants with evidence in front of them or the usual finger pointing. The suspect is always guilty before he ever reaches court. They are incompetent beyond belief and are usually drunk before 3 pm. What's your excuse? Please say why you believe Charlem and his deputies, and why you want this type of justice to continue.

Edited March 20, 2014 by Local Drunk

[StealthEnergiser]

No need to smile Chalerm you also have a few charges to answer to , this hero is just trying to save his country and good people from being invaded by red shirt thugs.

[Local Drunk]

I like him... I actually have a few Popcorn t-shirts...

[djjamie]

One could assume that Vivat Yodprasert saved the lives of many innocent people at the hands of the murdering coup monger (1992 coup) fascist Ko Tee and is illegitimate street gang of disenfranchised undisciplined youth. He even stated they would terrorize, loot and burn Bangkok, again, under certain conditions. Without this brave mans assistance one could postulate that the casualties would have been much higher and the terrorist regime under the command of an accused terrorist, accused mass murderer, convicted criminal fugitive whose frustration over his electoral futility and is only surpassed by his anti-democratic impulses and his love for coups when he can makes billions from them.

On a side note the police force through there undemocratic minority driven actions have proven yet again that "equal protection under the law" is a principle of democray they just dismiss as it does not suit their agenda.

The true criminals in the above photo are all the people sitting around Vivat.

[rubl]

Oops. Still as long as he was only firing his Tavor in a defensive way, as some of our more enlightened posters claim, it will all turn out OK.

I suppose that as the ammunition was supplied by the peace loving PDRC it does explain the use of the popcorn bag. He had to keep the shells so that he could explain how many he had used to the PDRC accountants. Suthep is running a tight ship now that the rallies have been going on for 5 months - he's getting a bit low on the readies.

As usual by now the police only 'finds' evidence against violence by possibly PDRC related people AFTER those anti-government protesters had been harassed from protest day one by government, Pheu Thai MP's and members, police, DSI, CAPO and 'peceful' red-shirts. AFTER the police failed to give protection.

Blame the protesters of course, they should have gone home as then PM Yingluck asked them to.

[fab4]

Oops. Still as long as he was only firing his Tavor in a defensive way, as some of our more enlightened posters claim, it will all turn out OK.

I suppose that as the ammunition was supplied by the peace loving PDRC it does explain the use of the popcorn bag. He had to keep the shells so that he could explain how many he had used to the PDRC accountants. Suthep is running a tight ship now that the rallies have been going on for 5 months - he's getting a bit low on the readies.

As usual by now the police only 'finds' evidence against violence by possibly PDRC related people AFTER those anti-government protesters had been harassed from protest day one by government, Pheu Thai MP's and members, police, DSI, CAPO and 'peceful' red-shirts. AFTER the police failed to give protection.

Blame the protesters of course, they should have gone home as then PM Yingluck asked them to.

Yes, rubl, whatever you say, rubl,

Edited March 20, 2014 by fab4

[webfact]

Popcorn Gunman' Linked To PCAD Guards Unit
By Khaosod English

BANGKOK: -- The suspect identified by the police as a gunman who engaged in the pre-election gun battle last month claimed he was a member of anti-government "guards" unit.

Mr. Wiwat Yordprasit was arrested by the police in Surat Thani province yesterday. Police alleged that Mr. Wiwat was the man behind the masked militant seen firing his weapon concealed in a popcorn bag at pro-government protesters during the clashes in northern Bangkok on 1 February, a day before the 2 February general election.

While much of the media referred to the masked man as "popcorn gunman", many anti-government protesters praised him as "popcorn hero" who helped "protect" the protesters from their political rivals.

The violence left one elderly paralysed after being hit by a bullet.

In a police press conference today, Mr. Wiwat said he was an ordinary day-to-day employee before he joined the security unit of the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) when anti-government protests took off months ago.

Mr. Wiwat told reporters he took up the job voluntarily, and he received a daily payment of 500 baht in return. According to the suspect, his squad consisted of himself and three other guards, commanded by a guard leader called Men.

On the day of the gun battle in Laksi district, Mr. Wiwat said, he was handed an M-16 rifle concealed in a large popcorn bag by his squad leader Men, which he used to fire at least 20 rounds in the direction of pro-election demonstrators.

Mr. Wiwat said he returned the weapon to his handler after the fighting subsided and fled to lay low at the residence of Men's wife in Surat Thani before he was eventually arrested.

The suspect said he had not received any combat training prior to the incident. He also claimed he did not know how PCAD guards have acquired the weapon. Police said they still have no located the firearm reportedly used by Mr. Wiwat.

According to a high-ranking police officer, Mr. Wiwat has been a longtime supporter of anti-government causes. having joined rallies since the "White Mask" movements last year.

Police records also show that Mr. Wiwat had been arrested once in Pitsanulok province years ago on narcotics-related charges.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1395301472&section=11&typecate=05


-- Khaosod English 2014-03-20

[Local Drunk]

Oops. Still as long as he was only firing his Tavor in a defensive way, as some of our more enlightened posters claim, it will all turn out OK.

I suppose that as the ammunition was supplied by the peace loving PDRC it does explain the use of the popcorn bag. He had to keep the shells so that he could explain how many he had used to the PDRC accountants. Suthep is running a tight ship now that the rallies have been going on for 5 months - he's getting a bit low on the readies.

As usual by now the police only 'finds' evidence against violence by possibly PDRC related people AFTER those anti-government protesters had been harassed from protest day one by government, Pheu Thai MP's and members, police, DSI, CAPO and 'peceful' red-shirts. AFTER the police failed to give protection.

Blame the protesters of course, they should have gone home as then PM Yingluck asked them to.

Why do you even bother to waste your time replying to fabby? He's not going to convince anyone of anything; Moreover, there isn't a point of dialogue or comprise in any of his posts.

[fab4]

One could assume that Vivat Yodprasert saved the lives of many innocent people at the hands of the murdering coup monger (1992 coup) fascist Ko Tee and is illegitimate street gang of disenfranchised undisciplined youth. He even stated they would terrorize, loot and burn Bangkok, again, under certain conditions. Without this brave mans assistance one could postulate that the casualties would have been much higher and the terrorist regime under the command of an accused terrorist, accused mass murderer, convicted criminal fugitive whose frustration over his electoral futility and is only surpassed by his anti-democratic impulses and his love for coups when he can makes billions from them.

On a side note the police force through there undemocratic minority driven actions have proven yet again that "equal protection under the law" is a principle of democray they just dismiss as it does not suit their agenda.

The true criminals in the above photo are all the people sitting around Vivat.

When reality hits , it's a bit of a shock isn't it, djjamie? Leaves you floundering around looking for something, anything to salvage the situation. And this is your "anything"

"One could assume that Vivat Yodprasert saved the lives of many innocent people at the hands of the murdering coup monger (1992 coup) fascist Ko Tee and is illegitimate street gang of disenfranchised undisciplined youth"

It's all a bit pitiful when it comes down to it. The only thing this lackey is interested in saving is his sorry ass.

Your excuses for this "hero" are just pathetic.

Edited March 20, 2014 by fab4

[thesetat2013]

The police are pretty fond of stating that the PDRC laid claims to be an unarmed force. But the police are lying through their teeth as i can recall a statement by Suthep saying that protesters were unarmed and the security he hired would be armed for protecting the protesters. This was also visible during the attack at Asoke months ago. The police ran in fear and if not for these paid armed security perhaps more innocent people would have been hurt.

My point noone knows who shot first so maybe this guy is the hero the people are claiming. His testimony to the press seems to have happened quite fast. The day after he was arrested in the South. So it is also quite possible this guy is a Chalerm patsy reading a script to the press.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[JoeThePoster]

Well looks like he's changed his weapon of choice now.

[Amavel]

This piece of human garbage shot up a crowd to interrupt an election and you people defend him? This is why you can't win an election. Approving sociopathic behavior is not backed by the majority.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Fat Haggis]

The guy has nothing to lose and he's singing like a canary and telling the cops exactly what they have been wanting to hear..

He maybe a hero to many, and you can argue semantics all day till you're blue in the face, but some people seem to have a severe problem trying to grasp the fact that he actually broke the law in doing so.. If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows..

Many of you seem to have a blatant contempt for some very strict laws when it comes to arming one's self..

I suppose that in your own countries you also think that it's alright for any Tom, Dick or Harry can carry illegal weapons, on the claims it's for protecting Joe Public ?

Leave the Thai Law to the Thai lawyers, it's not about what you believe is right, it's about what the laws and the courts says is right

Doesn't read well for the PDRC, it's giving the Reds all the juicy bits they've suspected for long enough.. both sides are as bad as each other!!!

[Fat Haggis]

The guy has nothing to lose and he's singing like a canary and telling the cops exactly what they have been wanting to hear..

He maybe a hero to many, and you can argue semantics all day till you're blue in the face, but some people seem to have a severe problem trying to grasp the fact that he actually broke the law in doing so.. If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows..

Many of you seem to have a blatant contempt for some very strict laws when it comes to arming one's self..

I suppose that in your own countries you also think that it's alright for any Tom, Dick or Harry can carry illegal weapons, on the claims it's for protecting Joe Public ?

Leave the Thai Law to the Thai lawyers, it's not about what you believe is right, it's about what the laws and the courts says is right

Doesn't read well for the PDRC, it's giving the Reds all the juicy bits they've suspected for long enough.. both sides are as bad as each other!!!

[than]

People who violate law must be punish.....

Now what about Kotee, why thai police not push investigation against his involment in Laksi incident, why thai police not make thier duty to arrest this people for sedition, terrorism, attempt murder and murder

Kotee is a problem too for Thailand safety

[casualbiker]

Oops. Still as long as he was only firing his Tavor in a defensive way, as some of our more enlightened posters claim, it will all turn out OK.

I suppose that as the ammunition was supplied by the peace loving PDRC it does explain the use of the popcorn bag. He had to keep the shells so that he could explain how many he had used to the PDRC accountants. Suthep is running a tight ship now that the rallies have been going on for 5 months - he's getting a bit low on the readies.

Strange how the Tavor has changed into an M16! !!

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Spalpeen]

Oops. Still as long as he was only firing his Tavor in a defensive way, as some of our more enlightened posters claim, it will all turn out OK.

I suppose that as the ammunition was supplied by the peace loving PDRC it does explain the use of the popcorn bag. He had to keep the shells so that he could explain how many he had used to the PDRC accountants. Suthep is running a tight ship now that the rallies have been going on for 5 months - he's getting a bit low on the readies.

Strange how the Tavor has changed into an M16! !!

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Very strange indeed. The way he worked with a spotter and used a Tavor show he has much closer links to the military than has been admitted so far.

[firestar]

As usual by now the police only 'finds' evidence against violence by possibly PDRC related people AFTER those anti-government protesters had been harassed from protest day one by government, Pheu Thai MP's and members, police, DSI, CAPO and 'peceful' red-shirts. AFTER the police failed to give protection.

Blame the protesters of course, they should have gone home as then PM Yingluck asked them to.

Plenty of Red Shirts in prison from the last protest. And if this idiot hadn't started shooting meters away from the international press who took dozens of pictures oh him including close ups of his face he wouldn't have been caught.

[djjamie]

ApologiesDouble post.

Edited March 20, 2014 by djjamie

[Rich teacher]

"They should come because popcorn vendors have made popcorn for them," Suthep said, referring to the gunmen at the clash between the red shirts and PDRC protesters before election day. The clash saw some gunmen covering their rifles with popcorn bags.
"Natthawut Saikuar and Jatuporn Promphan should really come … I don't know these popcorn vendors but I really love them."

I don't know these popcorn vendors, but I EMPLOY THEM!

[fab4]

Oops. Still as long as he was only firing his Tavor in a defensive way, as some of our more enlightened posters claim, it will all turn out OK.

I suppose that as the ammunition was supplied by the peace loving PDRC it does explain the use of the popcorn bag. He had to keep the shells so that he could explain how many he had used to the PDRC accountants. Suthep is running a tight ship now that the rallies have been going on for 5 months - he's getting a bit low on the readies.

As usual by now the police only 'finds' evidence against violence by possibly PDRC related people AFTER those anti-government protesters had been harassed from protest day one by government, Pheu Thai MP's and members, police, DSI, CAPO and 'peceful' red-shirts. AFTER the police failed to give protection.

Blame the protesters of course, they should have gone home as then PM Yingluck asked them to.

Why do you even bother to waste your time replying to fabby? He's not going to convince anyone of anything; Moreover, there isn't a point of dialogue or comprise in any of his posts.

Moreover, there isn't a point of dialogue or comprise in any of his posts.............................that I can counter intelligently. ("localdrunk" forgot to add)

I'm sure he's big enough to know where the ignore button is. Sorry, did I miss your valuable contribution to this thread, oh, hang on, here it is

"I like him... I actually have a few Popcorn t-shirts..."

Mmmm, insightful...................

Edited March 20, 2014 by fab4