Thai Military not imposing martial law

[webfact]

Military not imposing martial law

BANGKOK, 2 April 2014 (NNT) – Army Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-Ocha says there is no need to invoke martial law, while also urging all sides to respect the justice system.

Gen Prayuth has denied rumors of a possible imposition of martial law on April 5th when both pro and anti-government protesters plan to stage mass rallies, giving an assurance that the army has no plan to instigate martial law. The rumor began after fears were widely expressed that violent incidents or clashes could develop between the two rival groups.

He asserted that checkpoints would be set up at over 170 locations while necessary measures would be taken to maintain law and order, as well as to ensure the safety of all citizens.

He also called on all sides to respect the justice system, saying nobody is above the law and that everyone has to respect the court system.

The People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) and the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) are planning to stage mass rallies on the same day, April 5th. The PDRC will be calling for pre-election national reform while the UDD will be uniting to protect the country’s democracy.


-- NNT 2014-04-02

[seajae]

^{not yet anyway.............}

[givenall]

^{not yet anyway.............}

honestly this country does not deserve democracy. first stop the corruption then think of democracy

[rreddin]

^{not yet anyway.............}

By what authority would the military impose martial law? I suspect this is more mischief making by people who support a certain cause and are desirous of military intervention to achieve it.

[ubonjoe]

Removed a post advocating violence.

[Bluespunk]

"Military not imposing martial law "

Good to know.

Edited April 2, 2014 by Bluespunk

[Scamper]

" He also called on all sides to respect the justice system, saying nobody is above the law and that everyone has to respect the court system. "

There isn't much ambiguity as to what Prayuth is referring to here. Both Pheu Thai and the UDD have consistently resisted judicial rulings and have consistently sought to impede the authority of the independent agencies. Prayuth chooses his words carefully, but he still manages to remain very clear on this.

[gabruce]

What's this about the PDRC planning a mass rally on the 5th? Last I heard from the PDRC (a quote) was that they were having an executive planning meeting the same day as the Red Shirt rally. Is this truly happening or is it just sloppy/sensational journalism? Anyone know?

[bigbamboo]

So far Uncle Prayuth has kept all the naughty children in check.

There is hope yet.

[webfact]

Police, armed forces chiefs meet to discuss red-shirt mass rally

BANGKOK: -- The supreme commander on Wednesday held a meeting with the chiefs of the three armed forces and the Police chief to discuss the situation related to the red-shirt rally planned for Saturday.

The meeting was held at the Supreme Command at 10am.

The meeting, which was attended by Supreme Commander Gen Thanasak Patimaprakorn, Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, Navy Commander-in-Chief Adm Narong Pipattanasai, Air Force Commander-in-Chief ACM Prajin Juntong and Police Commissioner General Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew, lasted about four hours.

The top brass discussed the situation related to the planned red-shirt rally and the demonstration by the People's Democratic Reform Committee on Saturday.

They are worried that third-party groups might create a situation.

The military and police chiefs left the Supreme Command after the meeting without giving interviews to the media.


-- The Nation 2014-04-02

[webfact]

Martial law is unnecessary, says army chief



BANGKOK: -- Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha says there is no need to invoke martial law, while again urging all sides to respect the justice system.

Gen Prayuth has denied rumors of a possible imposition of martial law on April 5th when both pro and anti-government protesters plan to stage mass rallies in the capital.

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) claimed to round up government supporters of half a million at Saturday rally on Aksa road, the capital’s most beautiful road in Bangkok’s suburb near the Buddhamonthon Buddhist Center on Buddhamonthon Sa 4 road.

While the People’s Democratic Reform Committee said the Saturday mass rally will be taken part by all core members of PDRC branches nationwide in Bangkok

PDRC leaders expected several millions of people to show up in the capital and the provinces on Saturday to pressure the caretaker prime minister out.

Army chief reiterated his assurance that the army has no plan to instigate martial law.

The rumor began after fears were widely expressed that violent incidents or clashes could develop between the two rival groups.

Gen Prayuth asserted that checkpoints would be set up at over 170 locations while necessary measures would be taken to maintain law and order, as well as to ensure the safety of all citizens.

He also called on all sides to respect the justice system, saying nobody is above the law and that everyone has to respect the court system.

At the 107th establishment anniversary of the Thai Army ceremony Wednesday, Gen Prayuth also asked the PDRC not to request the Army oust the caretaker government, saying such action was tantamount to having an employee to fire his boss.

He also called on the police to speed up the investigation regarding the ambush on the expressway that killed an anti-government protest guard and injured five protesters, and find out the persons responsible.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/martial-law-unnecessary-says-army-chief/


-- Thai PBS 2014-04-02

[Old Man River]

" He also called on all sides to respect the justice system, saying nobody is above the law and that everyone has to respect the court system. "

There isn't much ambiguity as to what Prayuth is referring to here. Both Pheu Thai and the UDD have consistently resisted judicial rulings and have consistently sought to impede the authority of the independent agencies. Prayuth chooses his words carefully, but he still manages to remain very clear on this.

Kaewsan has made it more clear. As he has said, it is a legal issue. If any side expects to come into Bangkok with guns blazing, martial law will be declared and they will be shot.

The Red Shirts will be meeting on the outskirts of Bangkok, and I highly suspect that they have no intention to give Prayuth reason to declare martial law. Equally, I highly suspect he doesn't want it either. The hope is some settlement can be reached and things cool down. I expect this is the message Suthep will be receiving also.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[zydeco]

Nero. Rome. Fiddle.

[3NUMBAS]

quote +++++He also called on all sides to respect the justice system, saying nobody is above the law and that everyone has to respect the court system.++++

thats not true many of the BKK elite are way above the law and can get away with mass murder ,pimping ,corrupt practices ,extortion and any lawless practice else you can imagine

[rubl]

Wouldn't it be a good idea for the April 5th 'rallies' to let the police 'guard' the UDD and it's red-shirts and let the army 'protect' the PDRC. That way all violence should be preventable

[rubl]

quote +++++He also called on all sides to respect the justice system, saying nobody is above the law and that everyone has to respect the court system.++++

thats not true many of the BKK elite are way above the law and can get away with mass murder ,pimping ,corrupt practices ,extortion and any lawless practice else you can imagine

Totally agree, and just check with Pol. Captain Chalerm on this. He would completely agree as well

[WoopyDoo]

quote +++++He also called on all sides to respect the justice system, saying nobody is above the law and that everyone has to respect the court system.++++

thats not true many of the BKK elite are way above the law and can get away with mass murder ,pimping ,corrupt practices ,extortion and any lawless practice else you can imagine

Also at this point in time, the red shirt terrorists are also above the law to commit murder.

That will change once this crap hole of a government are gone and the hunters become the hunted.

[Mentors]

quote +++++He also called on all sides to respect the justice system, saying nobody is above the law and that everyone has to respect the court system.++++

thats not true many of the BKK elite are way above the law and can get away with mass murder ,pimping ,corrupt practices ,extortion and any lawless practice else you can imagine

No wonder a criminal with murder charge is still free and able to lead the mob in the streets

[toybits]

I am really encouraged by his pronouncement especially with a justice system that selectively applies the law to only one group and not the other... Bravo!!! Let the courts be the bad guys this time...

[chainarong]

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

^{not yet anyway.............}

honestly this country does not deserve democracy. first stop the corruption then think of democracy

Now you are asking for the impossible.

[fasteddie]

When is this guy just going to butt out? It's not up to him to declare martial law, his job is to obey orders, and the only orders in a democracy come from the government.