All eyes on army as crisis peaks

[fab4]

It warned the military the red shirts have a duty to protect democracy and would mobilise if there is a military coup.

I really hope that there isn't any more violence, but for Jatuporn and Nuttawut to warn the army is ridiculous. When the army shut down and dismantled the red fortress in 2010 neither one was visible, they were gone. Some might say they were cowards, others may say they showed good judgment, in any case the army knows what to expect from this pair. The mighty KO Tee, who wouldn't back down, wouldn't shut up and knew no fear is on the run like a convicted PM. Sounds like a case of talk the talk but no walking the walk.

but for Jatuporn and Nuttawut to warn the army is ridiculous. When the army shut down and dismantled the red fortress in 2010 neither one was visible, they were gone.

Really? You sure about that?

Red Shirt anti-government protest leaders announce their surrender to a gathered crowd from the stage inside the protesters’ camp in downtown Bangkok on May 19, 2010. Thai protest leaders surrendered and told thousands of Red Shirt supporters to end their weeks-long rally after an army assault on their fortified encampment. (PORNCHAI KITTIWONGSAKUL/AFP/Getty Images)

http://wodumedia.com/crackdown-in-bangkok/red-shirt-anti-government-protest-leaders-announce-their-surrender-to-a-gathered-crowd-from-the-stage-inside-the-protesters-camp-in-downtown-bangkok-on-may-19-2010-thai-protest-leaders-surrendered/

Edited May 10, 2014 by fab4

[heybruce]

In “visiting” various television stations, Mr Suthep demanded that they broadcast live his nightly speeches and not air statements from Capo

Gives you an idea of the press freedoms we can expect if he ever got his way

It works in North Korea.

[heybruce]

Is it really "peaking"?

Seems like there is still much room for escalation.

If The army utilizes the sections along highway 2 and feeders then no red army armed will be trailing down to BKK, same goes for Highway 4 from the south.

This was not done before the last siege of BKK, because of a LAZY police force, so we may as well not have a police force and let the army control civilians----there would be less flaming road blocks for money--caring and protecting the public is a priority---less crime. Army courts to convict.

Everyone is grumbling about the corrupt police--the corrupt government--the only solution --REFORM FIRST--- BUT with a sound government to control then and only then give the caring to the army boys, I would trust an army road check more than a police one---just saying--my take on it.

Short term measure only till the police are sorted and scanned.

No intelligent person disputes that the results of the 2011 election reflected the will of the majority. They weren't perfect, but the results were legitimate. In addition, no intelligent person thinks that the Democrats can win a fair election at this time, and possible ever in the future. Suthep knows this, that's why he's calling for "reform" and being vague about the details and time required. "Reform" sounds much nicer than "disenfranchise" or "undemocratic autocracy".

[Publicus]

Every time Jutaporn open his mouth the word coup comes out.

The reds really are desperate to give their boss Thaksin the coup the has been doing his best to instigate.

I suspect the armed element are primed and ready and we can expect direct hit and run attacks against less well guarded military bases as well as protesters and other soft targets.

Even then The army will likely resist moving in.

What they need to do is insist that they combine with the police and never work alone.

That way they will force the police to be part of any actions taken against any and all sides.

That way they are not taking over the Govt but acting as a peace keeping force with the police.

Indeed forcing helping the police to do their job by being with them.

Really? I hope you've considered the following:

"On the evening of 19 September 2006, the Thai military and police overthrew the elected government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. At the time, the premier was in New York City for a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.

At 18:30, Royal Thai Army Special Forces units moved from Lopburi province towards Bangkok.

By 21:00, the Special Forces units had arrived in Bangkok.

At 21:40, police commandos arrived at the residence of Thaksin. Army tanks soon took position throughout Bangkok.

At 22:20, Thaksin declared a state of emergency by telephone from New York. He transferred General Sonthi Boonyaratglin from his post as Army Commander to a position at the Prime Minister's Office and appointed Supreme Commander General Ruangroj Mahasaranon to take control of the crisis. His declaration, broadcast on television, was cut immediately.^[13]

At 23:00 Thawinan Khongkran, Miss Asia 1987 and head of Public Relations for Army-owned television station Channel 5, announced on TV that military and police units had Bangkok and the surrounding areas under control:

"The armed forces commander and the national police commander have successfully taken over Bangkok and the surrounding area in order to maintain peace and order. There has been no struggle. We ask for the cooperation of the public and ask your pardon for the inconvenience. Thank you and good night.^[14]

^{http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Thai_coup_d"}

^{Perhaps some people don't mind some inconveniences from time to time. Most others however do mind. Your idea is a failure in Thailand. It is mischievous at best and cynical at its worst.}

Edited May 10, 2014 by Publicus

[stoffel45]

Is it really "peaking"?

Seems like there is still much room for escalation.

Well the crumbling situation IS peaking, but next week there will be another 'peak' and the week after......

[stoffel45]

Peaking?

Next week the crumbling situation will "Peak" followed by the Mother of all Peaks, shortly thereafter there will be the Grandfather of all Peaks........ad nauseam.

Perhaps at the end of the day, the Shin Mob will have their Civil War.

[Arjay]

If CAPO and Police can choose sides so openly why can't the army, the navy and the airforce?

The Thai Army runs all the main broadcast TV networks with the exception of some smaller cable TV operators. The Army has already chosen by allowing the PDRC to occupy them.

[rreddin]

Thai tanks ready to roll. Then what? Military government? Then what? A hand pick establishment lackey? Then what?

This might happen next:

The economy tanks, Tax revenues slump. Foreign aid and co-operation is supended, except from China who wants long-term rights for its navy to use the port of Bangkok. Thailand is suspended from ASEAN. The credit rating agencies lower Thailand's rating to just above junk status and the Baht moves to around 40 to the US$. Inflation rises rapidly. Military top brass sit round the conference table shaking their heads and saying "if we had just kept out of it ".

Meanwhile, the army, which only really controls Bangkok, is unable to prevent the country from fragmenting and reluctantly agrees to it happening to avoid a civil war. Lanna/Isaan and the former Sultanate of Patini are the first to declare themselves autonomous regions with the King as head of their respective regions. Lanna/Isaan forms an economic region with Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. The US$ becomes the official currency of this economic region, although Lanna/Isaan remains a dual currency area. The former Sultanate of Patini forms an economic alliance with Malaysia and becomes a dual currency region. The Central Region, Greater Bangkok and the remaing Southern provinces all declare themselves autonomous regions with the King as head of state and retain the Baht as their currency.

The Baht loses even more value as the BoT are no longer able to control fiscal policy for the whole country.

Meanwhile, Il Duce sits in Government House in Bangkok wondering whether it would, after all, have been much wiser to have followed the democratic course. "Too late for that now" he tells himself as he heads off to a meeting with his acolytes to work out how and where find the money to pay for the new toys from China the military demanded in return for supporting him.

This is only one possible future. While it is not the best of possible futures, there are worse.

[Mr Yim]

It warned the military the red shirts have a duty to protect democracy and would mobilise if there is a military coup.

I really hope that there isn't any more violence, but for Jatuporn and Nuttawut to warn the army is ridiculous. When the army shut down and dismantled the red fortress in 2010 neither one was visible, they were gone. Some might say they were cowards, others may say they showed good judgment, in any case the army knows what to expect from this pair. The mighty KO Tee, who wouldn't back down, wouldn't shut up and knew no fear is on the run like a convicted PM. Sounds like a case of talk the talk but no walking the walk.

When do you ever see the Generals on the battle field?

[diehard60]

Sutep has gone on long enough!

He himself is the only dictator on the scene and now more intimidation from him and his yellow rabble who are not looking for any common ground just stirring up violence and hoping for a coup d'état .

They would rather see blood than see a ballot box!

Get this thug of the streets now.

The only dictator on the scene you said. stupid joke, Jutaporn--Chalerm and the rest, you lost your marbles ??? I partly agree with some of Sutheps approach, but it has sorted out a few of your saviours---PTP gang.

Ballot box YES YES after the total mess is cleared unless you want the mess to continue. GET all the dictators behind bars, do not be biased.

You want all the dictaors behind bars then start with suthep and that non monk. Now that would be a good start down the road to democracy.

[Mr Yim]

Peaking?

Next week the crumbling situation will "Peak" followed by the Mother of all Peaks, shortly thereafter there will be the Grandfather of all Peaks........ad nauseam.

Perhaps at the end of the day, the Shin Mob will have their Civil War.

It is the only way he will be returning to Thailand in the foreseeable future.

[Tom420]

This situation has been going on for years in various manifestations here, quite simply Thailand was not and is not ready for democracy. It is getting a little tedious, actually no it is getting very tedious and I can even predict the responses in these posts before I read them. Same shit different day, week, month, year. I personally cannot see any change for the better happening anytime soon, there is too much corruption, greed and ignorance across the population from the very top down to the very bottom at the civilian level. Saying that, it beats living back home

[love1012]

When this is all over (til the next time) and Suthep gets his way how will the world greet the unelected government of '400 good men' . Abhisit was an outcast as his government was propped up by the army and he was never invited anywhere, effectively an outcast on the international stage. Thaksin was still the 'go to man' if you wanted a piece of the action in Thailand.

Stand back and think about that.... Abhisit the Prime Minister cannot buy a ticket for anything, no invites and not on anybodys Christmas card list. On the other hand Thaksin ramping up his frequent flyer miles with his full schedule on international meeting in several countries. So the 'allegded terrorist' was more popular than a ;pretty boy PM' In the eyes of the world Abhisit was a Pariah.

Jump forward now to 'the voice of the people' (well 50,000 of them) Mr Suthep. Does not want elections because he cannot win that, he just wants to grab power aided by The Unconstitutional Court (who are making up the rules as they go along) hoping the army will take to the streets if he provokes the opposition supporters and police enough. This could never be an army coup because the army is split at officer ranks it was always going to be some cockermamy judicial coup.

How will the governments of the world view Suthep if they shunned Abhisit, at least Abhisit had elected MP's albeit cobbled together in an army base.

Suthep is not fighting corruption, his backers need power at all costs, they are about to change the future of Thailand. Thailand is sky diving , without a parachute back into the middle ages.

Citehhhh!!!!? Did you know when Thaksin walked out from your beloved football club which is no more than a bought team from an arab billionaire by the way, `Thaksin left you in such a bad state that the shareholders had to pay the players wages for 8 months...............he did the same to Thailand which is why NO ONE believes your red vomit drivel!!

[love1012]

Sutep has gone on long enough!

He himself is the only dictator on the scene and now more intimidation from him and his yellow rabble who are not looking for any common ground just stirring up violence and hoping for a coup d'état .

They would rather see blood than see a ballot box!

Get this thug of the streets now.

The only dictator on the scene you said. stupid joke, Jutaporn--Chalerm and the rest, you lost your marbles ??? I partly agree with some of Sutheps approach, but it has sorted out a few of your saviours---PTP gang.

Ballot box YES YES after the total mess is cleared unless you want the mess to continue. GET all the dictators behind bars, do not be biased.

You want all the dictaors behind bars then start with suthep and that non monk. Now that would be a good start down the road to democracy.

Suthep and that monk.......hahaha what a minimalist!!

[heybruce]

Peaking?

Next week the crumbling situation will "Peak" followed by the Mother of all Peaks, shortly thereafter there will be the Grandfather of all Peaks........ad nauseam.

Perhaps at the end of the day, the Shin Mob will have their Civil War.

The Shin Mob? They're not the ones with mobs on the street trying to shut down TV stations.

Suthep is trying to follow the basic playbook for revolution--discredit the government by creating chaos, preferably violent chaos. He assumes, probably correctly, that if he can generate enough chaos the military will step in and appoint a government to his liking. This government can then proceed, in a very leisurely manner, with "reforms" designed to frustrate the democratic preferences of the majority of Thais. Of course reform of the military, while badly needed, will not be considered.

The government and redshirt leaders are trying to frustrate him by avoiding confrontation. For this they are being described as weak, and the Suthep lead anarchy continues.

[love1012]

If CAPO and Police can choose sides so openly why can't the army, the navy and the airforce?

The Thai Army runs all the main broadcast TV networks with the exception of some smaller cable TV operators. The Army has already chosen by allowing the PDRC to occupy them.

I liked you comment for its comedy element......if the army runs the TV network why are PRDC gathering outside TV3 trying to gain access and shut it down??? .......oh more empty headed red logic!!!!!!!

Edited May 10, 2014 by love1012

[love1012]

Peaking?

Next week the crumbling situation will "Peak" followed by the Mother of all Peaks, shortly thereafter there will be the Grandfather of all Peaks........ad nauseam.

Perhaps at the end of the day, the Shin Mob will have their Civil War.

The Shin Mob? They're not the ones with mobs on the street trying to shut down TV stations.

Suthep is trying to follow the basic playbook for revolution--discredit the government by creating chaos, preferably violent chaos. He assumes, probably correctly, that if he can generate enough chaos the military will step in and appoint a government to his liking. This government can then proceed, in a very leisurely manner, with "reforms" designed to frustrate the democratic preferences of the majority of Thais. Of course reform of the military, while badly needed, will not be considered.

The government and redshirt leaders are trying to frustrate him by avoiding confrontation. For this they are being described as weak, and the Suthep lead anarchy continues.

and yet in the same thread is a red shirt apologist crowing about the army running ALL the TV stations!!!!!! what a joke bunch of dunder heads!!!!!!

[love1012]

It warned the military the red shirts have a duty to protect democracy and would mobilise if there is a military coup.

I really hope that there isn't any more violence, but for Jatuporn and Nuttawut to warn the army is ridiculous. When the army shut down and dismantled the red fortress in 2010 neither one was visible, they were gone. Some might say they were cowards, others may say they showed good judgment, in any case the army knows what to expect from this pair. The mighty KO Tee, who wouldn't back down, wouldn't shut up and knew no fear is on the run like a convicted PM. Sounds like a case of talk the talk but no walking the walk.

When do you ever see the Generals on the battle field?

.......or Thaksin in Bangkok!!!!!!!

[wellred]

Is it really "peaking"?

Seems like there is still much room for escalation.

If The army utilizes the sections along highway 2 and feeders then no red army armed will be trailing down to BKK, same goes for Highway 4 from the south.

This was not done before the last siege of BKK, because of a LAZY police force, so we may as well not have a police force and let the army control civilians----there would be less flaming road blocks for money--caring and protecting the public is a priority---less crime. Army courts to convict.

Everyone is grumbling about the corrupt police--the corrupt government--the only solution --REFORM FIRST--- BUT with a sound government to control then and only then give the caring to the army boys, I would trust an army road check more than a police one---just saying--my take on it.

Short term measure only till the police are sorted and scanned.

I think there is too much corruption to fully cleanse. It will probably end being the lesser of 2 evils who takes charge.

[love1012]

It warned the military the red shirts have a duty to protect democracy and would mobilise if there is a military coup.

I really hope that there isn't any more violence, but for Jatuporn and Nuttawut to warn the army is ridiculous. When the army shut down and dismantled the red fortress in 2010 neither one was visible, they were gone. Some might say they were cowards, others may say they showed good judgment, in any case the army knows what to expect from this pair. The mighty KO Tee, who wouldn't back down, wouldn't shut up and knew no fear is on the run like a convicted PM. Sounds like a case of talk the talk but no walking the walk.

but for Jatuporn and Nuttawut to warn the army is ridiculous. When the army shut down and dismantled the red fortress in 2010 neither one was visible, they were gone.

Really? You sure about that?

Red Shirt anti-government protest leaders announce their surrender to a gathered crowd from the stage inside the protesters’ camp in downtown Bangkok on May 19, 2010. Thai protest leaders surrendered and told thousands of Red Shirt supporters to end their weeks-long rally after an army assault on their fortified encampment. (PORNCHAI KITTIWONGSAKUL/AFP/Getty Images)

http://wodumedia.com/crackdown-in-bangkok/red-shirt-anti-government-protest-leaders-announce-their-surrender-to-a-gathered-crowd-from-the-stage-inside-the-protesters-camp-in-downtown-bangkok-on-may-19-2010-thai-protest-leaders-surrendered/

i liked this post because of how desperate you look........ok then........they were running to Cambodia 3 minutes after the photo.......hows that.........let them try and take the army on full whack!!!!!!!!!! lets see Thaksin blubbing to the UN about their casualties..........by the way they're not his father you know!!!!!!!!!!eeeeeeew red shirt logic!!!!!!!!!!

Edited May 10, 2014 by love1012

[ginjag]

Is it really "peaking"?

Seems like there is still much room for escalation.

If The army utilizes the sections along highway 2 and feeders then no red army armed will be trailing down to BKK, same goes for Highway 4 from the south.

This was not done before the last siege of BKK, because of a LAZY police force, so we may as well not have a police force and let the army control civilians----there would be less flaming road blocks for money--caring and protecting the public is a priority---less crime. Army courts to convict.

Everyone is grumbling about the corrupt police--the corrupt government--the only solution --REFORM FIRST--- BUT with a sound government to control then and only then give the caring to the army boys, I would trust an army road check more than a police one---just saying--my take on it.

Short term measure only till the police are sorted and scanned.

No intelligent person disputes that the results of the 2011 election reflected the will of the majority. They weren't perfect, but the results were legitimate. In addition, no intelligent person thinks that the Democrats can win a fair election at this time, and possible ever in the future. Suthep knows this, that's why he's calling for "reform" and being vague about the details and time required. "Reform" sounds much nicer than "disenfranchise" or "undemocratic autocracy".

Sorry did I mention 2011---NO so that comment was not so intelligent was it ?? Did I dispute the election NO so that was not very intelligent was it ??

Did I mention the Dems and winning elections NO so again not intelligent to mention that, future unless you are a fortune teller you have no idea---not a good

intelligent answer. You are in denial. why post this to me anyway because it really has little to do with my ARMY topic.

[love1012]

Is it really "peaking"?

Seems like there is still much room for escalation.

If The army utilizes the sections along highway 2 and feeders then no red army armed will be trailing down to BKK, same goes for Highway 4 from the south.

This was not done before the last siege of BKK, because of a LAZY police force, so we may as well not have a police force and let the army control civilians----there would be less flaming road blocks for money--caring and protecting the public is a priority---less crime. Army courts to convict.

Everyone is grumbling about the corrupt police--the corrupt government--the only solution --REFORM FIRST--- BUT with a sound government to control then and only then give the caring to the army boys, I would trust an army road check more than a police one---just saying--my take on it.

Short term measure only till the police are sorted and scanned.

No intelligent person disputes that the results of the 2011 election reflected the will of the majority. They weren't perfect, but the results were legitimate. In addition, no intelligent person thinks that the Democrats can win a fair election at this time, and possible ever in the future. Suthep knows this, that's why he's calling for "reform" and being vague about the details and time required. "Reform" sounds much nicer than "disenfranchise" or "undemocratic autocracy".

when we get the shinawatras out of thailands business we can have a fair election.....one without bribery, corruption, threats murders and buying votes......it won't her perfect but it will be democratic enough............if only the red shirts could ditch thaksins dictatorship through stolen billions we could HAVE a fair election.........if they did that and Pheu Thai won i wouldn't complain..........but we need square heads nose out of the trough first!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wandasloan]

Speaking of road blocks along hwy 2, where are the Red Shirts? I thought they were suppose to have a demonstration in BKK today. It is now after 10AM and no sign of a red rally. Have the police stopped them at the road blocks as Ginjag suggest? Just wondering.

Are you at the Buddhamonthon area then? Because that is where the rally *IS* including preparations at 10am. It was it the newspapers and so on.

Why would the police (or army) stop Thai citizens going about their legal life? It wouldn't just be illegal. In the current situation it would be also dangerous for the security forces doing it, and it would be very inflammatory. Anyone who advises that right now is a flat fool or a dangerous inciter to violence.

.

[The stuttering parrot]

Yes the yellows don't buy votes!

Their not corrupt!

No noses in the trough!

The yellows are pure saints !

Just ask the self proclaimed peoples medium.

Talk about living in a fools paradise!

[wandasloan]

The Thai Army runs all the main broadcast TV networks with the exception of some smaller cable TV operators. The Army has already chosen by allowing the PDRC to occupy them.

No, it does not. It runs Channel 5, and it owns and leases out Channel 7. All other channels are not military, including 3 (private) 9 (government) ThaiPBS (kind of a BBC thing, independent) and a flat-out government propaganda station (whatever government is in power) Channel 11. Of all TV stations big and small, the army runs one.

bigbamboo, on 10 May 2014 - 12:28, said:

With 'all eyes on the Army' I was wondering does anyone know who is actually the current Acting Caretaker Defence Minister...... aka their boss?

Yes. Almost, ALMOST everyone knows it is the current acting prime minister Niwatthamrong.

when we get the shinawatras out of thailands business we can have a fair election.....one without bribery, corruption, threats murders and buying votes......it won't her perfect but it will be democratic enough............if only the red shirts could ditch thaksins dictatorship through stolen billions we could HAVE a fair election.........if they did that and Pheu Thai won i wouldn't complain..........but we need square heads nose out of the trough first!!!!!!!!!!!!

So no elections ever again in Thailand. Ever? That's quite a threat. Sounds like a challenge, actually. I bet someone who's bigger than you will say, "How about we get the Sutheps out of Bangkok and have an election?" And since he's bigger than you, then what? You bring your daddy? And he brings his daddy? That sure sounds like what you want. Why are you so violent?

.

Edited May 10, 2014 by wandasloan

[rickirs]

So now Suthep reveals a little more of his reform plans - eliminate freedom of speech, unless it's his speech. Eliminate news reporting unless it's his news. Thailand has been there before just following the 2006 military coup; Suthep is just following the military road map on how to overthrow democracy.

[ginjag]

Yes the yellows don't buy votes!

Their not corrupt!

No noses in the trough!

The yellows are pure saints !

Just ask the self proclaimed peoples medium.

Talk about living in a fools paradise!

Just having one of your crazy posts again, what the heck was this rant all about ??? and who were you replying to???? was it just letting off frustration at losing the government??

[ClutchClark]

This situation has been going on for years in various manifestations here, quite simply Thailand was not and is not ready for democracy. It is getting a little tedious, actually no it is getting very tedious and I can even predict the responses in these posts before I read them. Same shit different day, week, month, year.

Did you just say that by reading these TV posts by farangs who for the most part do not speak thai, have only lived here a decade on average and who are not participants in this history--that by reading their predictable posts you have concluded that Thailand and the Thai people are not ready for democracy?

Well, maybe thats correct. After all, take a look at the red shirt and blue shirt conflicts in the USA. The Govt has been paralyzed for years. One could easily argue they are not yet ready for a democracy themselves...or maybe the people in both places are ready for an democracy but just can't shake their current oligarchies?

[Just1Voice]

Some posters seem to be of the opinion that a "civil war" would consist of "farmers" against the full blown military, tanks and all. I find that outlook hard to fathom. To my way of thinking the Reds would adopt the same tactics as the Southern Insurgents/Militants, ie: ambushes, surprise attacks to garner more weapons, ammunition and explosives. Let's face it, the Army has been totally, or near totally, useless in the South, and would fare no better in the north and northeast. The military, or whatever is left of it after the "watermelon troops" have left, would find itself trying to defend two undefendable fronts, and would pretty much be useless. And, unfortunately, this scenario could, and probably would, drag on for years. Look at how long it's been going on in the South.

[Just1Voice]

Sorry. Double post.

Edited May 10, 2014 by Just1Voice