German reporter 'attacked' by PCAD at Constitutional Court

[webfact]

German Reporter 'Attacked' By PCAD at Constitutional Court

By Khaosod English

German photojournalist Nick Nostitz filing a complaint with the police after he was attacked by PCAD demonstrators in November 2013.

BANGKOK A German photojournalist has claimed he was attacked by a group of anti-government protest guards while on assignment at the Constitutional Court.

The incident reportedly happened while Constitutional Court judges were reading the verdict that ultimately found Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and some of her Cabinet members guilty of unlawfully removing the head of the National Security Council (NSC) in 2011.

Nick Nostitz said he was smoking and talking to a friend, a senior BBC correspondent, near the entrance to the court when he was suddenly approached by a group of intimidating men wearing outfits worn by the guards of the anti-government protest group, the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

Speaking to Khaosod English on phone, Mr. Nostitz said the group asked him if he was "Nick" and said that they would take him to "Luang Phu," possibly referring to the Buddhist monk and PCAD leader, Luang Phu Buddha Issara, who was organising a PCAD rally nearby on Chaeng Wattana Road.

Mr. Nostitz said when he refused and tried to leave, the men immediately attacked him and attempted to take him away, startling many soldiers, policemen, and reporters who were stationed in the area at the time.

The German reporter said he called for help, and some policemen eventually intervened and escorted him into the building, away from the PCAD guards. Mr. Nostitz said he left the building through the backdoor soon afterwards.

"They came straight at me," Mr. Nostitz told our correspondent. "Some of them must have remembered me. It looked planned."

Mr. Nostitz was previously attacked by PCAD demonstrators at Ratchadamnoen Avenue on 25 November, after a PCAD activist and former Democrat Party MP urged the crowd to "expel" Mr. Nostitz from the protest site because he was a "Redshirt journalist," an allegation vehemently denied by the German reporter.

Mr. Nostitz added that he fought hard not to be taken away today because he was well aware of what has happened to individuals who were detained by Buddha Issara's guards; media reports have indicated that several police officers have even been held and tortured by the militants.

"I can't imagine what would happen to me. It was very frightening," Mr. Nostitz said.

He said he has filed complaints with the police against the group of PCAD militants who attempted to abduct him today.

Pol.Cpt. Witthaya Kongthong, a police officer at Thoong Song Hong Police Station, said the officers will study CCTV footage of the area to identify the perpetrators. Nevertheless, he admitted that the work will be difficult because it appears that the PCAD guards who were trying to abduct Mr. Nostitz had masked their faces at the time of the incident.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1399462114&typecate=06&section=

-- Khaosod English 2014-05-08

[Mango Bob]

I guess the so called monk does not believe in freedom of the press. He sends his thugs to intimidate him. What a shameful act by these so called peaceful protesters. And the stupid part is you fools who support Suthep will agree with what the guards did. The man does not like or trust foreigners but get you to support this man who in the future would stab you in the back.

Edited May 8, 2014 by angiud
Font

[NongKhaiKid]

the attack ' startled ' police and soldiers and EVENTUALLY the police came. No need to rush into anything, stand back and make a considered command decision.

Just who was the senior BBC correspondent, no, could it have been ... ?

[Piichai]

I guess the so called monk does not believe in freedom of the press. He sends his thugs to intimidate him. What a shameful act by these so called peaceful protesters. And the stupid part is you fools who support Suthep will agree with what the guards did. The man does not like or trust foreigners but get you to support this man who in the future would stab you in the back.

Actually, the really stupid part is the people that think it's about Suthep!

Edited May 7, 2014 by Piichai

[chooka]

The mad monk and his thugs strike again. Now trying to kidnap foreign media and in front of other international journalists also.

Glad he got away and wasn't found hogtied and floating in a river.

[TimCM]

Just an insight as to what we will see if suthep get control with his paid thugs going around and disposing of the garbage. Garbage of course being anyone who doesn't bow down to the great leader. As Mango Bob said, any foreigner that supports this want to be Pol Pot better hope they don't end up as eradicated by these thugs.

I love how the courts still say the yellows are peaceful, yet this happens on their doorstep. Not corrupt at all

[TimCM]

I guess the so called monk does not believe in freedom of the press. He sends his thugs to intimidate him. What a shameful act by these so called peaceful protesters. And the stupid part is you fools who support Suthep will agree with what the guards did. The man does not like or trust foreigners but get you to support this man who in the future would stab you in the back.

Actually, the really stupid part is the people that think it's about Suthep!

Actually, the really stupid part is those who think isn't.

Glad to see you supporting the attempted abduction and probable torture so we can all see your moral compass

[waza]

A distressing situation for the partisan photographer, but the perfect opportunity to get a scoop. Its a pity the incident, "startling many soldiers, policemen, and reporters who were stationed in the area at the time" that they were so surprised the seasoned journalists didn't take a few picture.

Edited May 8, 2014 by waza

[TimCM]

Another one of those fake news by Khaosod paid by Thaksin. We all know that Nick is red, and most probably paid by Thaksin. BBC mention nothing, that is the best proof that Nick is lying. Also, masked man will not allowed in court.

And suthep claims they are the educated ones. Something I don't agree with, must blame on Thaksin. Wow, must have 2 Thai degrees for that. Using your logic, you must be getting paid corrupt money from the yellows who just love corruption when they benefit.

[bkkgooner]

I still do not understand why the Chanegwattana site has not be retaken by armed police?

It is a gigantic government complex that is needed for government to function properly and yet there is a handful of scum and a few road barriers holding it, send in a massive force at 5 am one morning using tear gas and high powered water hoses why are the Thais so inept when it comes to law and order?

[Tatsujin]

Let me get this straight . . . this attempted abduction occurred outside the Constitutional Court, which at the time was surrounded by reporters, Police and Army personnel (lots of them) . . . and alleged PCAD guards in masks walked about attempting to abduct the totally impartial reporter with no one doing anything until later on when they woke up?

My credulity is being stretched here just a little.

[waza]

Look they made me cry

[guru]

Another one of those fake news by Khaosod paid by Thaksin. We all know that Nick is red, and most probably paid by Thaksin. BBC mention nothing, that is the best proof that Nick is lying. Also, masked man will not allowed in court.

BBC's man in bangkok, Jonathan Head posted this news on his twitter account yesterday. I believe it happened outside the court.

[Scott]

Off-topic and troll posts removed. Posts discussing or criticizing the news source are off-topic and will be removed.

[TimCM]

Another one of those fake news by Khaosod paid by Thaksin. We all know that Nick is red, and most probably paid by Thaksin. BBC mention nothing, that is the best proof that Nick is lying. Also, masked man will not allowed in court.

BBC's man in bangkok, Jonathan Head posted this news on his twitter account yesterday. I believe it happened outside the court.

So to use yellow buffalo logic, then Thaksin is so rich and powerful, all of the BBC, and Reuters, are all being paid for editorial

I used to think Thaksin's influence was a bad thing for Thailand, until I realized how batcrap crazy and dangerous the other side was

[chooka]

Nick.jpg Look they made me cry

Yea it was just an attempted kidnapping and an assault by a group of thugs against a single person. He should man up grow a pair, real men only dream of such joy, being kidnapped beaten and probably thrown into a river to die.

[Tokay]

He doesn't understand Thainess or peaceful protesting. Silly farang.

[Oddjob]

Another one of those fake news by Khaosod paid by Thaksin. We all know that Nick is red, and most probably paid by Thaksin. BBC mention nothing, that is the best proof that Nick is lying. Also, masked man will not allowed in court.

BBC's man in bangkok, Jonathan Head posted this news on his twitter account yesterday. I believe it happened outside the court.

Jonathan Head BBC Their 'reporting' on politics in Thailand is a joke.

[GentlemanJim]

I am glad for Nick that he was never one of the journalists who were embedded with the British or American troops fighting close quarter combat in Afghanistan..

[Emptyset]

The BBC correspondent in question was Jonathan Head who tweeted on the incident at the time:

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 16h

Nick Nostitz was attacked by PDRC thugs at Const. Court. Police and soldiers right next to him but scared to intervene.

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 16h

Nick is OK. He got out. But PDRC heavies were trying find him and detain him. And we all know what happens to people they detain.

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 16h

@FreeMindXs I think they'd have done same any time. Their (PDRC) people control access to CC. Their cameras filmed him. Then reported to security.

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 10h

@GVSRsiam @8td @CMDThai There were dozens of journalists at CC with Nick. I was close and saw what happened.

Comment from the FCCT:

"Nostitz was sitting close to the court's entrance and wearing a green Thai Journalists' Association (TJA) armband clearly identifying him as a member of the press. Having been singled out, Nostitz was told to come and see 'Luang Bu'. He was shoved hard in the chest and pushed around when he declined, and the guards attempted to take him with them.

The court was being guarded by some 20 police officers and soldiers. Police intervened after shouts from Nostitz and another journalist. Nostitz took shelter inside the courthouse and was eventually smuggled away from the scene in a police vehicle. Credit is due to everyone who contributed to defusing this incident."

http://fccthai.com/items/1401.html

[smedly]

a man with pockets fully lined - might be time to go home

[geriatrickid]

Let me get this straight . . . this attempted abduction occurred outside the Constitutional Court, which at the time was surrounded by reporters, Police and Army personnel (lots of them) . . . and alleged PCAD guards in masks walked about attempting to abduct the totally impartial reporter with no one doing anything until later on when they woke up?

My credulity is being stretched here just a little.

Mine is not. There have been multiple attacks on people, many of which have occurred in supposedly safe areas.

Another searing indictment of the police and the army.

[ClutchClark]

Let me get this straight . . . this attempted abduction occurred outside the Constitutional Court, which at the time was surrounded by reporters, Police and Army personnel (lots of them) . . . and alleged PCAD guards in masks walked about attempting to abduct the totally impartial reporter with no one doing anything until later on when they woke up?

My credulity is being stretched here just a little.

Better Title: When an Abduction is Not an Abduction.

Edited May 8, 2014 by ClutchClark

[chooka]

The BBC correspondent in question was Jonathan Head who tweeted on the incident at the time:

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 16h

Nick Nostitz was attacked by PDRC thugs at Const. Court. Police and soldiers right next to him but scared to intervene.

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 16h

Nick is OK. He got out. But PDRC heavies were trying find him and detain him. And we all know what happens to people they detain.

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 16h

@FreeMindXs I think they'd have done same any time. Their (PDRC) people control access to CC. Their cameras filmed him. Then reported to security.

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 10h

@GVSRsiam @8td @CMDThai There were dozens of journalists at CC with Nick. I was close and saw what happened.

Comment from the FCCT:

"Nostitz was sitting close to the court's entrance and wearing a green Thai Journalists' Association (TJA) armband clearly identifying him as a member of the press. Having been singled out, Nostitz was told to come and see 'Luang Bu'. He was shoved hard in the chest and pushed around when he declined, and the guards attempted to take him with them.

The court was being guarded by some 20 police officers and soldiers. Police intervened after shouts from Nostitz and another journalist. Nostitz took shelter inside the courthouse and was eventually smuggled away from the scene in a police vehicle. Credit is due to everyone who contributed to defusing this incident."

http://fccthai.com/items/1401.html

Well it appears these thugs were following the orders of the MAD MONK, go and kidnap this journalist and bring him to me. Time to go in arrest this evil monk before he has someone killed.

[ClutchClark]

Nick.jpg Look they made me cry

Yea it was just an attempted kidnapping and an assault by a group of thugs against a single person. He should man up grow a pair, real men only dream of such joy, being kidnapped beaten and probably thrown into a river to die.

Wow, they were about to beat him and throw him into a river to die?

I didn't read that part in the article.

Thanks for shedding some light. BTW, whats your source?

[JesseFrank]

Not the first time Nick got attacked isn't it. Probably there are reasons for that it's always him who get singled out

[rabas]

The BBC correspondent in question was Jonathan Head who tweeted on the incident at the time:

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 16h

Nick Nostitz was attacked by PDRC thugs at Const. Court. Police and soldiers right next to him but scared to intervene.

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 16h

Nick is OK. He got out. But PDRC heavies were trying find him and detain him. And we all know what happens to people they detain.

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 16h

@FreeMindXs I think they'd have done same any time. Their (PDRC) people control access to CC. Their cameras filmed him. Then reported to security.

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 10h

@GVSRsiam @8td @CMDThai There were dozens of journalists at CC with Nick. I was close and saw what happened.

Comment from the FCCT:

"Nostitz was sitting close to the court's entrance and wearing a green Thai Journalists' Association (TJA) armband clearly identifying him as a member of the press. Having been singled out, Nostitz was told to come and see 'Luang Bu'. He was shoved hard in the chest and pushed around when he declined, and the guards attempted to take him with them.

The court was being guarded by some 20 police officers and soldiers. Police intervened after shouts from Nostitz and another journalist. Nostitz took shelter inside the courthouse and was eventually smuggled away from the scene in a police vehicle. Credit is due to everyone who contributed to defusing this incident."

http://fccthai.com/items/1401.html

Well it appears these thugs were following the orders of the MAD MONK, go and kidnap this journalist and bring him to me. Time to go in arrest this evil monk before he has someone killed.

Logic cringes.

Well, if you stop killing all his people there wouldn't be a problem, would there. How many casualties have there been so far, nearly a 1000?, not counting those lost to intimidation.

Edited May 8, 2014 by rabas

[chooka]

The BBC correspondent in question was Jonathan Head who tweeted on the incident at the time:

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 16h

Nick Nostitz was attacked by PDRC thugs at Const. Court. Police and soldiers right next to him but scared to intervene.

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 16h

Nick is OK. He got out. But PDRC heavies were trying find him and detain him. And we all know what happens to people they detain.

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 16h

@FreeMindXs I think they'd have done same any time. Their (PDRC) people control access to CC. Their cameras filmed him. Then reported to security.

Jonathan Head ‏@pakhead 10h

@GVSRsiam @8td @CMDThai There were dozens of journalists at CC with Nick. I was close and saw what happened.

Comment from the FCCT:

"Nostitz was sitting close to the court's entrance and wearing a green Thai Journalists' Association (TJA) armband clearly identifying him as a member of the press. Having been singled out, Nostitz was told to come and see 'Luang Bu'. He was shoved hard in the chest and pushed around when he declined, and the guards attempted to take him with them.

The court was being guarded by some 20 police officers and soldiers. Police intervened after shouts from Nostitz and another journalist. Nostitz took shelter inside the courthouse and was eventually smuggled away from the scene in a police vehicle. Credit is due to everyone who contributed to defusing this incident."

http://fccthai.com/items/1401.html

Well it appears these thugs were following the orders of the MAD MONK, go and kidnap this journalist and bring him to me. Time to go in arrest this evil monk before he has someone killed.

Logic cringes.

Well, if you stop killing all his people there wouldn't be a problem!. How many protesters have they lost so far, nearly a 100?, not counting those lost intimidation.

If this journalist has killed these people then it is up to the authorities to apprehend him and not the MAD MONK'S thugs. Personally I don't believe he has killed even one person never mind a 100.

[ikke]

I still do not understand why the Chanegwattana site has not be retaken by armed police?

It is a gigantic government complex that is needed for government to function properly and yet there is a handful of scum and a few road barriers holding it, send in a massive force at 5 am one morning using tear gas and high powered water hoses why are the Thais so inept when it comes to law and order?

Just because it are yellows they will not retake the site, Suthep has the court on his hand.

[ikke]

Let me get this straight . . . this attempted abduction occurred outside the Constitutional Court, which at the time was surrounded by reporters, Police and Army personnel (lots of them) . . . and alleged PCAD guards in masks walked about attempting to abduct the totally impartial reporter with no one doing anything until later on when they woke up?

My credulity is being stretched here just a little.

Because you are are a Judas , Suthep supporter, you will deny all evil that Suthep advocate, the court and police is on the Dem's side so they all closed there eyes when this occurred and they always will.