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

[Emptyset]

The Police say M16 and they do the reenactment with an M16 (i presume) EDIT: IT COULD JUST BE A PIECE OF PIPE IN THE POLICE PICTURES.

pictures of reenactment :

popcorn police 2.jpgpopcorn police.jpg

Pictures from the day:

popcorn 2.jpgpopcorn 3.jpg

popcorn.jpg

Something SERIOUSLY wrong there. They are obviously different weapons!

A close up of the barrel of the weapon, produced just after the clash, appeared to match an M16, not a Tavor. So it was thought that the Laksi shooter was using a short-barrelled M16. To my mind the picture was pretty conclusive - tho I'm about as far from an expert as you can get in this area, so...

[GeorgeO]

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.

If the RTP were doing their job with some semblance of impartiality, we would have heard of similar efforts going into the killers of the non-violent individuals, including children, who have died at the hands of your heroes...!!

How many arrests so far in relation to the overnight attacks on anti-government protester sites...?

If you were not so blinkered, you would express your disgust at the actions of both sides in this dispute...!!

[casualbiker]

The Police say M16 and they do the reenactment with an M16 (i presume) EDIT: IT COULD JUST BE A PIECE OF PIPE IN THE POLICE PICTURES.

pictures of reenactment :

popcorn police 2.jpgpopcorn police.jpg

Pictures from the day:

popcorn 2.jpgpopcorn 3.jpg

popcorn.jpg

Something SERIOUSLY wrong there. They are obviously different weapons!

A close up of the barrel of the weapon, produced just after the clash, appeared to match an M16, not a Tavor. So it was thought that the Laksi shooter was using a short-barrelled M16. To my mind the picture was pretty conclusive - tho I'm about as far from an expert as you can get in this area, so...

Find a picture that shows an M16 or M4 (short barrel version) the same as the popcorn picture .. I've had a look. Can't find a military picture BUT I can find one of a Tavor.

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[AleG]

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.

If the RTP were doing their job with some semblance of impartiality, we would have heard of similar efforts going into the killers of the non-violent individuals, including children, who have died at the hands of your heroes...!!

How many arrests so far in relation to the overnight attacks on anti-government protester sites...?

If you were not so blinkered, you would express your disgust at the actions of both sides in this dispute...!!

Obviously anyone found to have used weapons and injured people should be arrested and punished accordingly; but the Lak Si incident has a context, less than a week before a group of anti-government protestors was ambushed and their leader murdered by a group of Red Shirts, it is absolutely unreasonable to expect the PDRC not to seek to defend themselves from other similar attacks, specially on the face of an at best indifferent but most probably complicit police force.

[djjamie]

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

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.

This is very typical of dj, murder or attempted murder is OK as long as its your side doing it and his master manipulation and distrotion of the facts are typical as well. Black May 1992 as he is referring too ended when Gen Suchinda the current coup leader at the time ordered the murder of 52 protesters, 3,500 arrest many of them where totured and over 2000 of them disappearing never to be found. The General later appologized and resigned only to be given the job as Chairman of then Telcom Asia, now known as True, which is well known supporter of the now democratic/yellow party.

And here he the coup monger with his good friend.

BTW - Murder and attempted murder is despicable which is why Vivat is a hero. He potentially saved the lives of dozens at the hands of Ko Tee's street gang.

[Arjay]

What a "rat"! 300 baht per day? These guys probably work for both sides with no political conviction except for money!

[Eric Loh]

Doesn't matter what each opposite sides said. One man with a gun out of the street and that's what matter.

[newcomer71]

Apart the usual rants from both sides, we learnt nothing new.

Everyone knew both faction were armed, and supported by different factions, one from the UDD, one from the anti-government.

Both violent wings that has to disappear from the scene or things can only get worse.

Who said only one side is violent, or is blind, or need a fast consult by a good psychiatrist.

[londonthai]

misleading title "'Popcorn Gunman' supported by PDRC in Lak Si attack, police say".

actually, it's not police, but the popcorn gunmen admitted the origin of the weapon, orders received from and who was harbouring him while in hiding.

o, the nation

[Mackie]

Apart the usual rants from both sides, we learnt nothing new.

Everyone knew both faction were armed, and supported by different factions, one from the UDD, one from the anti-government.

Both violent wings that has to disappear from the scene or things can only get worse.

Who said only one side is violent, or is blind, or need a fast consult by a good psychiatrist.

To put the sign of equality between two sides is absolutely hypocritical. You're simply taking things out of the context. Let's be realistic here. No one denies that there are armed people on PDCR side. However their job is to protect protesters. As far as I know they've never taken any offensive measures. Unlike UDD/Red shirt militants who bomb, kill and intimidate people across Thailand with impunity.

This particular case highlights absolute hypocrisy when it comes to Thai police force. Ko Tee led red shirts militants in Lak Si on that particular day, they launched the attack and were met with the resistance. The police escorted Ko Tee in their van and arrested a so called popcorn shooter. Can't you see the problem? What are people suppose to do if the police cannot or do not want to protect them and at the same time cooperate with the proven terrorist who openly promotes violence and dreams of a civil war. Get some perspective. Or simply follow your own advice and get some consultations scheduled.

Edited March 21, 2014 by Mackie

[rubl]

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.

For a rich teacher you seem to have funny ideas and a rather distinct vocabulary.

'murdering, coup mongering fascists' as in those who killed 'only' a few children? As in those who openly warn about robbing banks to finance violence if things will go against their darling 700++ billion rice scam' Yingluck? Fascists as in UDD leader Jatuporn threatening a big battle to be executed 'peacefully'?

Poor Rubi's losing it! I know it must be a sad day for you & your undemocratic dimwitted friends. Sorry buddy, your unlikely dreams of a glorious yellow victory have been literally shot down in flames.

Interesting comment. May I interpret it as you disagreeing with what I wrote?

Mind you, from a teacher, especially a 'rich' teacher I would have expected some more solid comment on the contents of my reply. My fault obviously, how one can err

[rubl]

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.

The last protest? You mean one in 2014? As for 2010 it would seem that all 'important' red-shirts are out on bail, provided by this benevolent government.

Now back to the shooter, interesting that he seemed to return fire, as anti-government protesters were shot at, but no pictures or clips of that.

The place was full of International Press. They took photos of the people who threw bombs from the bridge, they took photos of the car that rammed the people trying to vote, they took photos of the PDRC guards in green headbands firing at the people trying to vote, they took photos of the popcorn shooter firing at the people trying to vote.

They did not take any photos of Red-shirts, they did not take any photos of gunmen firing at the protesters. Maybe the International Press are all corrupt red-shirt allies or maybe there were no redshirts of people firing at the protesters.

In my opinion it was another case of the PDRC opening fire in response to a bang from one of thier own bombs.

Are we still talking about the clashes at Laksi?

"Bystanders, security personnel and journalists raced to take cover in a north Bangkok shopping mall after a man pulled an assault rifle from a bag and began spraying bullets during a stand-off between government supporters and scores of opposition demonstrators, an AFP reporter at the scene said."

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/701301-shots-blasts-as-protest-rivals-clash-on-thai-election-eve/

"Bombs were reportedly hurled into PDRC protesters and gunshots were heard periodically.

Two explosions were heard at around 3.45pm. and followed by four bomb-like sounds.

Both sides reportedly exchanged gunfire and sporadic gunshots and gun-like sounds continued."

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/701301-shots-blasts-as-protest-rivals-clash-on-thai-election-eve/page-2#entry7379916

[Dogmatix]

Questions

1. Why did he pull up his balaclava in front of photographers after firing the weapon? Did he want to be identified for some reason or is he just stupid?

2. Why didn't he do the same as PDRC guards who are caught with weapons and tell the police he will exercise his right to remain silent and testify only in court? Did the police ramp up the voltage to his testicles or, again, is he just stupid? Appearing on the Chalerm circus show is hardly likely to enhance his chances in court and the police's evidence might be unreliable, particularly if they can't find the weapon which seems to have been a Tavor while they keep talking about an M16.

3. If the police are so efficient, why have they not arrested any of the gunmen who were shooting from the other side of the fire fight or any of the red shirt grenadiers at the Trat and Big C attrocities? In the murder of Sutin the only progress they have made is to try to frame his close friend and fellow protest leader - a sick joke from a national police force.

[newcomer71]

Apart the usual rants from both sides, we learnt nothing new.

Everyone knew both faction were armed, and supported by different factions, one from the UDD, one from the anti-government.

Both violent wings that has to disappear from the scene or things can only get worse.

Who said only one side is violent, or is blind, or need a fast consult by a good psychiatrist.

To put the sign of equality between two sides is absolutely hypocritical. You're simply taking things out of the context. Let's be realistic here. No one denies that there are armed people on PDCR side. However their job is to protect protesters. As far as I know they've never taken any offensive measures. Unlike UDD/Red shirt militants who bomb, kill and intimidate people across Thailand with impunity.

This particular case highlights absolute hypocrisy when it comes to Thai police force. Ko Tee led red shirts militants in Lak Si on that particular day, they launched the attack and were met with the resistance. The police escorted Ko Tee in their van and arrested a so called popcorn shooter. Can't you see the problem? What are people suppose to do if the police cannot or do not want to protect them and at the same time cooperate with the proven terrorist who openly promotes violence and dreams of a civil war. Get some perspective. Or simply follow your own advice and get some consultations scheduled.

Did I put both sides on the same level? No, you imagined that and put your rant on.

My post was against whoever justify violence, and even when have proofs that the other side has its armed wing, there's always a justification for them.

Both are armed, and both are ready to shoot and kill. It is proved so just admit it. Is too hard to do that?

If you felt offended so you are among the ones who told only one said is violent... In that case I renew personally my invitation to visit an optical shop or a good psychiatrist.

[Fat Haggis]

Apart the usual rants from both sides, we learnt nothing new.

Everyone knew both faction were armed, and supported by different factions, one from the UDD, one from the anti-government.

Both violent wings that has to disappear from the scene or things can only get worse.

Who said only one side is violent, or is blind, or need a fast consult by a good psychiatrist.

To put the sign of equality between two sides is absolutely hypocritical. You're simply taking things out of the context. Let's be realistic here. No one denies that there are armed people on PDCR side. However their job is to protect protesters. As far as I know they've never taken any offensive measures. Unlike UDD/Red shirt militants who bomb, kill and intimidate people across Thailand with impunity.

This particular case highlights absolute hypocrisy when it comes to Thai police force. Ko Tee led red shirts militants in Lak Si on that particular day, they launched the attack and were met with the resistance. The police escorted Ko Tee in their van and arrested a so called popcorn shooter. Can't you see the problem? What are people suppose to do if the police cannot or do not want to protect them and at the same time cooperate with the proven terrorist who openly promotes violence and dreams of a civil war. Get some perspective. Or simply follow your own advice and get some consultations scheduled.

And yet you can't see the problem is that he broke the law in doing so, what is so hard to understand about that?

Do you think I could walk about downtown Bangkok with an AK slung over my shoulder and say "It's okay, I'm here to protect the people" and the authorities will just let me go??

You're not just talking about a handgun here, you're talking about a Military Grade Assault rifle, these are not designed to shoot fairground fluffy ducks, they're designed to kill..period.

The weapons were illegal, again you have a hard time understanding the Laws of the Land..

I don't give a monkeys about the Cops not doing their job, but had there not been a cockstand between the protestors and the police from the onset maybe they would have been more sympathetic. EVERYONE knew before this started where the loyalty of the Police lay, so why was it such a big suprise.. When you try to take the law into your own hands by breaking it, then you really don't have a leg to stand on when you're caught.

The debate isn't about why there was a need to protect them, but here's a kicker, every single man and his dog knew there would be violence, as this has been the way it's been in Thailand for decades now, and yet, people took to the streets, without a care in the world, everyone knew that violence was coming, but it didn't deter them. It was never a case of IF, but WHEN!

When the violence did come, it shouldn't have been a big surprise, but the smart thing for the protestors and their leaders would have been to disperse and minimise the risk of fatalities... they chose not to, and I can't blame them, but there comes a point where fruitless and pointless deaths SHOULD mean more to the leadership, than getting one over his nemesis.

Big Boys rules, if you're going to do something that's against the law, and with something that's illegal, you take your chances and if you get away with it, fine, but if it all goes wrong... quit bleating and do the time..

It's not so difficult to understand that what he did was against the law, and he will pay the price, as will anyone else caught with illegal weapons

[rubl]

Apart the usual rants from both sides, we learnt nothing new.

Everyone knew both faction were armed, and supported by different factions, one from the UDD, one from the anti-government.

Both violent wings that has to disappear from the scene or things can only get worse.

Who said only one side is violent, or is blind, or need a fast consult by a good psychiatrist.

To put the sign of equality between two sides is absolutely hypocritical. You're simply taking things out of the context. Let's be realistic here. No one denies that there are armed people on PDCR side. However their job is to protect protesters. As far as I know they've never taken any offensive measures. Unlike UDD/Red shirt militants who bomb, kill and intimidate people across Thailand with impunity.

This particular case highlights absolute hypocrisy when it comes to Thai police force. Ko Tee led red shirts militants in Lak Si on that particular day, they launched the attack and were met with the resistance. The police escorted Ko Tee in their van and arrested a so called popcorn shooter. Can't you see the problem? What are people suppose to do if the police cannot or do not want to protect them and at the same time cooperate with the proven terrorist who openly promotes violence and dreams of a civil war. Get some perspective. Or simply follow your own advice and get some consultations scheduled.

Did I put both sides on the same level? No, you imagined that and put your rant on.

My post was against whoever justify violence, and even when have proofs that the other side has its armed wing, there's always a justification for them.

Both are armed, and both are ready to shoot and kill. It is proved so just admit it. Is too hard to do that?

If you felt offended so you are among the ones who told only one said is violent... In that case I renew personally my invitation to visit an optical shop or a good psychiatrist.

Actually, my dear chap, you did.

You somehow suggest that both sides are violent ignoring that the anti-government side is the side which got condemned, harrassed and shot at from nearly the first protest day, whereas the 'others' came out to get rid of the anti-government protesters and to 'protect' their government and Isaan darling Yingluck.

[newcomer71]

Apart the usual rants from both sides, we learnt nothing new.

Everyone knew both faction were armed, and supported by different factions, one from the UDD, one from the anti-government.

Both violent wings that has to disappear from the scene or things can only get worse.

Who said only one side is violent, or is blind, or need a fast consult by a good psychiatrist.

To put the sign of equality between two sides is absolutely hypocritical. You're simply taking things out of the context. Let's be realistic here. No one denies that there are armed people on PDCR side. However their job is to protect protesters. As far as I know they've never taken any offensive measures. Unlike UDD/Red shirt militants who bomb, kill and intimidate people across Thailand with impunity.

This particular case highlights absolute hypocrisy when it comes to Thai police force. Ko Tee led red shirts militants in Lak Si on that particular day, they launched the attack and were met with the resistance. The police escorted Ko Tee in their van and arrested a so called popcorn shooter. Can't you see the problem? What are people suppose to do if the police cannot or do not want to protect them and at the same time cooperate with the proven terrorist who openly promotes violence and dreams of a civil war. Get some perspective. Or simply follow your own advice and get some consultations scheduled.

Did I put both sides on the same level? No, you imagined that and put your rant on.

My post was against whoever justify violence, and even when have proofs that the other side has its armed wing, there's always a justification for them.

Both are armed, and both are ready to shoot and kill. It is proved so just admit it. Is too hard to do that?

If you felt offended so you are among the ones who told only one said is violent... In that case I renew personally my invitation to visit an optical shop or a good psychiatrist.

Actually, my dear chap, you did.

You somehow suggest that both sides are violent ignoring that the anti-government side is the side which got condemned, harrassed and shot at from nearly the first protest day, whereas the 'others' came out to get rid of the anti-government protesters and to 'protect' their government and Isaan darling Yingluck.

No, I did not and you should try to read... I did not judge how much the 2 groups are violent. I only stated that besides someone still does not admit it, both have armed extremist groups. Tell me it's not true?

[Scott]

Off-topic/inflammatory posts and replies deleted.

[rubl]

Did I put both sides on the same level? No, you imagined that and put your rant on.

My post was against whoever justify violence, and even when have proofs that the other side has its armed wing, there's always a justification for them.

Both are armed, and both are ready to shoot and kill. It is proved so just admit it. Is too hard to do that?

If you felt offended so you are among the ones who told only one said is violent... In that case I renew personally my invitation to visit an optical shop or a good psychiatrist.

Actually, my dear chap, you did.

You somehow suggest that both sides are violent ignoring that the anti-government side is the side which got condemned, harrassed and shot at from nearly the first protest day, whereas the 'others' came out to get rid of the anti-government protesters and to 'protect' their government and Isaan darling Yingluck.

No, I did not and you should try to read... I did not judge how much the 2 groups are violent. I only stated that besides someone still does not admit it, both have armed extremist groups. Tell me it's not true?

To only call both groups violent you already put them next to each other and compare. That assumes that your comparition makes sense which it doesn't.

Mind you even that deflects from the fact that the anti-government protesters were targetted from nearly the first day they 'dared' to protest against the Yingluck government which tried to push through a blanket amnesty bill which suddenly even covered Ms. Yinglucks first two years governing. It deflects from those 'others' who did the targetting, shooting, lobbing of grenades, killing children and rejoicing at it.

Edited March 21, 2014 by rubl

[Dap]

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.

No one really needs to "put down the RTP" as they do

a right fine job all on their own ... "buddy"!

[gabruce]

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.

The violence was wrong. Having an assault rifle was also a huge mistake. I'm assuming that the facts are accurate (which isn't necessarily true). Everyone should also note that they haven't arrested anyone from the Red Shirt side, and given past history, they never will.

[chooka]

Guess this is pretty good evidence that the PDRC and not as loving and peaceful so many have been arguing they are. There are violent people of both sides.

[Fat Haggis]

Posting pictures of yourself on facebook doing illegal stuff is also dumb !!

Many people seem to miss a small detail, in that he was in hiding in a PDRC leaders house at the time of his arrest so he was "grassed" on by someone from within his organisation/group.

Damage limitation? Or sacrificial lamb? or both, or maybe just someone just simply disagrees with how the PDRC have no accountability over their Armed guards?

As a law abiding citzen, would you report a crime if you seen one occuring, or would you turn a blind eye, and let it happen? Or report it afterwards?

[newcomer71]

Did I put both sides on the same level? No, you imagined that and put your rant on.

My post was against whoever justify violence, and even when have proofs that the other side has its armed wing, there's always a justification for them.

Both are armed, and both are ready to shoot and kill. It is proved so just admit it. Is too hard to do that?

If you felt offended so you are among the ones who told only one said is violent... In that case I renew personally my invitation to visit an optical shop or a good psychiatrist.

Actually, my dear chap, you did.

You somehow suggest that both sides are violent ignoring that the anti-government side is the side which got condemned, harrassed and shot at from nearly the first protest day, whereas the 'others' came out to get rid of the anti-government protesters and to 'protect' their government and Isaan darling Yingluck.

No, I did not and you should try to read... I did not judge how much the 2 groups are violent. I only stated that besides someone still does not admit it, both have armed extremist groups. Tell me it's not true?

To only call both groups violent you already put them next to each other and compare. That assumes that your comparition makes sense which it doesn't.

Mind you even that deflects from the fact that the anti-government protesters were targetted from nearly the first day they 'dared' to protest against the Yingluck government which tried to push through a blanket amnesty bill which suddenly even covered Ms. Yinglucks first two years governing. It deflects from those 'others' who did the targetting, shooting, lobbing of grenades, killing children and rejoicing at it.

You continue to put in my mouth words that I never wrote, or think that I never thought.

For a detailed picture: One side showed much more violence than another. Not much more to comment about this, because is quite evident.

I still stand on my principle that whoever said only one side is violent, is just telling utter lies.

[rubl]

To only call both groups violent you already put them next to each other and compare. That assumes that your comparition makes sense which it doesn't.

Mind you even that deflects from the fact that the anti-government protesters were targetted from nearly the first day they 'dared' to protest against the Yingluck government which tried to push through a blanket amnesty bill which suddenly even covered Ms. Yinglucks first two years governing. It deflects from those 'others' who did the targetting, shooting, lobbing of grenades, killing children and rejoicing at it.

You continue to put in my mouth words that I never wrote, or think that I never thought.

For a detailed picture: One side showed much more violence than another. Not much more to comment about this, because is quite evident.

I still stand on my principle that whoever said only one side is violent, is just telling utter lies.

I don't put words in your mouth, I just say what the particular sequence of words and comparitions imply or seem to imply.

The anti-government side seems to retaliate mostly, the other side to start the attacks. The anti-government protesters started with (almost) no guards, till the police began harrassing them as the Yingluck government started to feel threatened. The "go home, there's more to follow" from Yingluck didn't impress the protesters and pressure against those protesters only grew to the point where some now say "see, they're violent".

[newcomer71]

To only call both groups violent you already put them next to each other and compare. That assumes that your comparition makes sense which it doesn't.

Mind you even that deflects from the fact that the anti-government protesters were targetted from nearly the first day they 'dared' to protest against the Yingluck government which tried to push through a blanket amnesty bill which suddenly even covered Ms. Yinglucks first two years governing. It deflects from those 'others' who did the targetting, shooting, lobbing of grenades, killing children and rejoicing at it.

You continue to put in my mouth words that I never wrote, or think that I never thought.

For a detailed picture: One side showed much more violence than another. Not much more to comment about this, because is quite evident.

I still stand on my principle that whoever said only one side is violent, is just telling utter lies.

I don't put words in your mouth, I just say what the particular sequence of words and comparitions imply or seem to imply.

The anti-government side seems to retaliate mostly, the other side to start the attacks. The anti-government protesters started with (almost) no guards, till the police began harrassing them as the Yingluck government started to feel threatened. The "go home, there's more to follow" from Yingluck didn't impress the protesters and pressure against those protesters only grew to the point where some now say "see, they're violent".

I hope with my last post I made my position clear. Thanks.

[Patje]

Can someone please tell me who the gun-man is ? Nobody is pointing !!!

[Mackie]

Apart the usual rants from both sides, we learnt nothing new.

Everyone knew both faction were armed, and supported by different factions, one from the UDD, one from the anti-government.

Both violent wings that has to disappear from the scene or things can only get worse.

Who said only one side is violent, or is blind, or need a fast consult by a good psychiatrist.

To put the sign of equality between two sides is absolutely hypocritical. You're simply taking things out of the context. Let's be realistic here. No one denies that there are armed people on PDCR side. However their job is to protect protesters. As far as I know they've never taken any offensive measures. Unlike UDD/Red shirt militants who bomb, kill and intimidate people across Thailand with impunity.

This particular case highlights absolute hypocrisy when it comes to Thai police force. Ko Tee led red shirts militants in Lak Si on that particular day, they launched the attack and were met with the resistance. The police escorted Ko Tee in their van and arrested a so called popcorn shooter. Can't you see the problem? What are people suppose to do if the police cannot or do not want to protect them and at the same time cooperate with the proven terrorist who openly promotes violence and dreams of a civil war. Get some perspective. Or simply follow your own advice and get some consultations scheduled.

And yet you can't see the problem is that he broke the law in doing so, what is so hard to understand about that?

Do you think I could walk about downtown Bangkok with an AK slung over my shoulder and say "It's okay, I'm here to protect the people" and the authorities will just let me go??

You're not just talking about a handgun here, you're talking about a Military Grade Assault rifle, these are not designed to shoot fairground fluffy ducks, they're designed to kill..period.

The weapons were illegal, again you have a hard time understanding the Laws of the Land..

I don't give a monkeys about the Cops not doing their job, but had there not been a cockstand between the protestors and the police from the onset maybe they would have been more sympathetic. EVERYONE knew before this started where the loyalty of the Police lay, so why was it such a big suprise.. When you try to take the law into your own hands by breaking it, then you really don't have a leg to stand on when you're caught.

The debate isn't about why there was a need to protect them, but here's a kicker, every single man and his dog knew there would be violence, as this has been the way it's been in Thailand for decades now, and yet, people took to the streets, without a care in the world, everyone knew that violence was coming, but it didn't deter them. It was never a case of IF, but WHEN!

When the violence did come, it shouldn't have been a big surprise, but the smart thing for the protestors and their leaders would have been to disperse and minimise the risk of fatalities... they chose not to, and I can't blame them, but there comes a point where fruitless and pointless deaths SHOULD mean more to the leadership, than getting one over his nemesis.

Big Boys rules, if you're going to do something that's against the law, and with something that's illegal, you take your chances and if you get away with it, fine, but if it all goes wrong... quit bleating and do the time..

It's not so difficult to understand that what he did was against the law, and he will pay the price, as will anyone else caught with illegal weapons

Oh no, I don't have a problem with him breaking the law. He broke the law, he will pay for it. However, I have a massive problem with the police force assissting a proven terrorist Ko Tee. Militants under his control also carried and carry AK47 freely around Thailand. Don't you have a problem with it? Thai police are not doing anyone any favours by applying the rule of law selectively. They're creating even deeper divisions in a society which is already divided across political and social lines.

[khunken]

Apart the usual rants from both sides, we learnt nothing new.

Everyone knew both faction were armed, and supported by different factions, one from the UDD, one from the anti-government.

Both violent wings that has to disappear from the scene or things can only get worse.

Who said only one side is violent, or is blind, or need a fast consult by a good psychiatrist.

To put the sign of equality between two sides is absolutely hypocritical. You're simply taking things out of the context. Let's be realistic here. No one denies that there are armed people on PDCR side. However their job is to protect protesters. As far as I know they've never taken any offensive measures. Unlike UDD/Red shirt militants who bomb, kill and intimidate people across Thailand with impunity.

This particular case highlights absolute hypocrisy when it comes to Thai police force. Ko Tee led red shirts militants in Lak Si on that particular day, they launched the attack and were met with the resistance. The police escorted Ko Tee in their van and arrested a so called popcorn shooter. Can't you see the problem? What are people suppose to do if the police cannot or do not want to protect them and at the same time cooperate with the proven terrorist who openly promotes violence and dreams of a civil war. Get some perspective. Or simply follow your own advice and get some consultations scheduled.

And yet you can't see the problem is that he broke the law in doing so, what is so hard to understand about that?

Do you think I could walk about downtown Bangkok with an AK slung over my shoulder and say "It's okay, I'm here to protect the people" and the authorities will just let me go??

You're not just talking about a handgun here, you're talking about a Military Grade Assault rifle, these are not designed to shoot fairground fluffy ducks, they're designed to kill..period.

The weapons were illegal, again you have a hard time understanding the Laws of the Land..

I don't give a monkeys about the Cops not doing their job, but had there not been a cockstand between the protestors and the police from the onset maybe they would have been more sympathetic. EVERYONE knew before this started where the loyalty of the Police lay, so why was it such a big suprise.. When you try to take the law into your own hands by breaking it, then you really don't have a leg to stand on when you're caught.

The debate isn't about why there was a need to protect them, but here's a kicker, every single man and his dog knew there would be violence, as this has been the way it's been in Thailand for decades now, and yet, people took to the streets, without a care in the world, everyone knew that violence was coming, but it didn't deter them. It was never a case of IF, but WHEN!

When the violence did come, it shouldn't have been a big surprise, but the smart thing for the protestors and their leaders would have been to disperse and minimise the risk of fatalities... they chose not to, and I can't blame them, but there comes a point where fruitless and pointless deaths SHOULD mean more to the leadership, than getting one over his nemesis.

Big Boys rules, if you're going to do something that's against the law, and with something that's illegal, you take your chances and if you get away with it, fine, but if it all goes wrong... quit bleating and do the time..

It's not so difficult to understand that what he did was against the law, and he will pay the price, as will anyone else caught with illegal weapons

Oh no, I don't have a problem with him breaking the law. He broke the law, he will pay for it. However, I have a massive problem with the police force assissting a proven terrorist Ko Tee. Militants under his control also carried and carry AK47 freely around Thailand. Don't you have a problem with it? Thai police are not doing anyone any favours by applying the rule of law selectively. They're creating even deeper divisions in a society which is already divided across political and social lines.

Complete agreement with that.

I will give the police some credit when they manage to arrest one, just one, of the many attackers (especially killers) of the protestors. Assuming this guy is actually what the police are saying that he is, he deserves to be put in jail prior to a trial.

The problem here is that the law in Thailand is some sort of optional rule where the police bend, contort, abuse & misuse it to their own benefit. One-sided enforcement is leaving wide open the justification for the other side to assume their own law enforcement duties.

[Fat Haggis]

Nope, no problem either rounding up ANYONE who's breaking the law when it comes to carrying firearms, illegally held, in a public place, or ANY place for that matter.

This isn't about the rights and wrongs about the lack of get up and go from the cops either, this guy was caught, and is now singing like a canary, and there should be a few more worried people within the group he belonged to at that.

This guy will say and do anything to make his sentence lighter, he's got nothing to lose, will the PDRC take care of his family when he's doing bird for a long long time on their behalf?? Doubt it..

I'm not disputing your claim about the AK47's freely, but have you got anything to substantiate what you're saying? To be honest, last time I was at home, I never saw a single group of Reds shirts, in Korat, Khon Buri, Chok Chai, anywhere, even before the election, it was almost as if these places were oblivious as to the goings on in Bangkok, and I actually suspect that many of the small towns in Korat probably don't know what goes on from day to day either, and are also probably not that interested either.