Two killed, 21 wounded in attack on Thai protest camp: officials

[love1012]

It's a shame people have to died for Suthep arrogance. People want the right to vote for their leaders not have someone who has other motives select someone of their choice. We need elections first, then reforms, then new elections, not else will work.

Ohhhh mongo...............you do it every time dont you? Tell me ............put aside your red saturation for a minute and answer me a question.

Do you think democrat candidates should be allowed to stand in the north and do you think they should be given protection..............if so why doesnt this happen?

Edited May 15, 2014 by love1012

[Baerboxer]

Smelling civil war.

When the judges are just puppets and the police not allowed to make its job => only violence remains.

Explain your police remark.

The rest is just cretinous

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I think he may be reffering to the fact that every time the police arrest one of the leaders of the insurrection, the courts just release them the next day.

Or he could be refferring to the areas of the Capital City where the police cannot go because of the armed guards that surround the few protesters.

If you think that stating that there is a possibility of civil was is cretinous, then you need to look to yourself.

Simplistic. Every time any legal decision goes against the Shins, despite the fact they persisted in trying to ignore the law and cheat through parliament (yep - even with a majority of seats and puppet speakers in both houses), all their supporters on here cry "judicial coup and bias". Sure, you believe they're totally honest if you want to.

The Police have not lifted a finger to protect the protesters, investigate the attacks and murders on them or even charge the perps who have accidentally been captured. CAPO openly predicts violence against the protesters and now their drunk self appointed director warns of more attacks on this scum whilst vowing to protect any pro Shin regime protesters whilst they earn their 1000 baht a day attendance money. Faced with constant intimidation and escalating violence from the red shirt militia and total lack of response with those entrusted with keeping the peace and enforcing the law, what would you do? Go home as Thaksin intended?

Thkasin's now desperate for martial law and/or a coup to spark what he will try and represent as a civil war. That is the only way he can cling to power and still hope for an amnesty for himself. Once open fighting breaks out he can pretend to be a peacemaker and therefor completely illegitimately try to be part of any negotiated settlement, which gives him a chance to try and whitewash everything since 2006, including all the law breaking under his sister's regime. He can then sweep all questions, like what happened to the unaccounted for billions in the rice scheme out of the way. All in the interests of truth and reconciliation of course.

He has shown before, and will do so again, that he couldn't care a toss for how much loss of life or damage happens as long as he gets his way. Not one Shin or red leader will be hurt or inconvenienced in anyway. All have increased their personal wealth significantly, whilst the farmers are screwed and starve. Now that truly is cretinous.

[Nickymaster]

Did they already find Koh Tee?

[seajae]

Chalerm has a lot to answer for as he is the one that has enabled this to happen and promoted it. So much for his red protection and leaving the anti ptp to be killed willy nilly, he has deliberatley allowed the reds to once again attack the protesters just to soothe his ego. When will we see capo start arresting the red scum that are doing this, never as long as the ptp are at the controls.

[webfact]

Deadly attack on Thai protest camp in Bangkok

(BBC) Two anti-government protesters have been killed and 22 others injured in an attack in the Thai capital, Bangkok, police say.

Witnesses reported explosions and gunfire at a protest camp at the city's Democracy Monument.

Protesters have been pressing the Senate to replace the cabinet with an appointed administration.

It comes after former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was removed by a Thai court last week.

Thailand has suffered months of deadlock since the protest campaign began in November, with at least 27 people killed and hundreds wounded.

Both pro- and anti-government groups have held rallies in Bangkok, raising fears of further violence.

Full story: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27419558


-- BBC 2014-05-15

[Johnnie99]

Smelling civil war.

When the judges are just puppets and the police not allowed to make its job => only violence remains.

Explain your police remark.

The rest is just cretinous

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I think he may be reffering to the fact that every time the police arrest one of the leaders of the insurrection, the courts just release them the next day.

Or he could be refferring to the areas of the Capital City where the police cannot go because of the armed guards that surround the few protesters.

If you think that stating that there is a possibility of civil was is cretinous, then you need to look to yourself.

It is the case that the police have little control over the 'protesters'.

They want a march? The roads are closed, armed civilians stand there, blocking the traffic. Thai driver tried to go about his lawful business and was surrounded by fairly angry civilians preventing him from simply crossing the rabble at an intersection.

My evidence? Eyewitness along Silom Road after the ruling against Shinawatra.

[webfact]

2 killed, 21 injured when gunmen fire on Bangkok anti-government protesters
By Kocha Olarn and Tim Hume, CNN

(CNN) -- Two people were killed and 21 injured when gunmen on a pickup truck opened fire on an anti-government protest camp in Bangkok, Thai officials say.

Lt. Gen. Paradon Patthanathabut, Thailand's national security chief, said the attack took place around 2 a.m. local time near the site of Bangkok's Democracy Monument, where protesters have been camped for months.

Bangkok's Erawan Emergency Center reported that the two fatally injured victims were a 21-year-old man who was shot in the chest, and a 51-year-old man. The center did not provide further information on his injuries.

Full story: http://edition.cnn.com/2014/05/14/world/asia/thailand-protests-shooting-attack/index.html?hpt=hp_t3


-- CNN 2014-05-15

[Pralaad]

One of the reasons why PDRC guards are so brutal, is to avoid scenarios like this.

Sadly many innocent people get hurt , but then again some of their innocence could be questioned

And mind you police has not made a single arrest of attackers on anti gov camp

Edited May 15, 2014 by Pralaad

[rebelplatoon]

Lets not talk about civil war. Such a thing is bad news for the people in the country who are both citizen's and expats....but at least the expats can leave.

Many people from both sides of the divide are talking about it as a real possibility. Unless one side or the other step back from the brink............

Both sides need to step back - not just one side

The two sides that are not elected should. The red militia and Suthep. Then the two biggest elected parties should sit down, agree on an interim Government that will change electoral laws, not until the laws that govern elections are changed can there be elections. It should be impossible, if convicted of electoral fraud (twice!) to just re start a party under another name. And electorates need to be divided such, that they come closer to the popular vote.

Hardly anyone here seems to know, judging the remarks, that the Democrats WON the 2007 election by popular vote but had 60 (!!) less seats than TRT after that election. THIS is why there needs to be change BEFORE elections.

Edited May 15, 2014 by rebelplatoon

[oneday]

At this point the military should step in and clear all protesters from both sides out of the city if they don't want to see their country torn to pieces.

Thailand is now in a state of anarchy with virtually no government and getting worse each day. A very sad state of affairs for Thailand.

[love1012]

Lets not talk about civil war. Such a thing is bad news for the people in the country who are both citizen's and expats....but at least the expats can leave.

Many people from both sides of the divide are talking about it as a real possibility. Unless one side or the other step back from the brink............

Both sides need to step back - not just one side

The two sides that are not elected should. The red militia and Suthep. Then the two biggest elected parties should sit down, agree on an interim Government that will change electoral laws, not until the laws that govern elections are changed can there be elections. It should be impossible, if convicted of electoral fraud (twice!) to just re start a party under another name. And electorates need to be divided such, that they come closer to the popular vote.

Hardly anyone here seems to know, judging the remarks, that the Democrats WON the 2007 election by popular vote but had 60 (!!) less seats than TRT after that election. THIS is why there needs to be change BEFORE elections.

but in a country where the police can only collect 2$ from motorcyclists do you expect this to happen?

[webfact]

Two protesters killed, 22 injured in M79 and M 16 attacks




BANGKOK: -- Two anti government protesters were killed and 22 others injured when perpetrators fired two M 79 grenades and sprayed M 16 shots at the Democracy Monument before dawn Thursday.

One of the two dead was a guard identified as Narayos Chanpet, 21. He died from two gunshot wounds on the chest and stomach.

The violence broke out at about 2.30 a.m. at the Democracy Monument where protesters were camping to relax. Two explosions were heard, followed by assault rifle firing into protesters at the monument and at Si Yaek Kokwua intersection.

An exchange of sporadic gunfire was heard and last 10 minutes later.

Ambulances from the Erawan Centre rushed to the scene and reportedly rushed 21 injured to Hua Chiew and Central hospitals.

Two were killed at the scene from gunshot wounds. The rest 20 were also injured from gunfire.

One M 79 grenade landed on the roof of Dinsor hotel but caused no injury to occupants inside. Another landed at the base of the monument.

Samranrat and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) police inspected the scene at the Democracy Monument this morning for more evidence. The police team was led by National Police Office deputy commissioner Pol Gen Ake Angsananont.

Witnesses said perpetrators came in four vehicles and sprayed shots at guards and protesters near Si Yaek Kokwua intersection and at the monument.

Exchange of gunfire ensued and lasted 10 minutes later.

Shortly after the gunfire died down soldiers sealed off the Ratchadamnoen Avenue and adjacent Din Sor and Kokwua roads for security check. No journalist was allowed to enter the monument and Kokwua intersection except ambulances.

The gunfire left over 20 injured, and two dead.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/two-protesters-killed-22-injured-m79-m-16-attacks/


-- Thai PBS 2014-05-15

[AleG]

Better take samples of the bomb residue and run it against all samples of past attacks, including the large stash of bomb making material found in Lumpini Park. We need to find the culprits before more people get hurt.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

You think they are going to find a match between an M-79 round and one of the black powder pipe and ping pong bombs found at Lumphini?

Why not compare them with the actual M-79 grenades found in possesion of Red Shirts?

A police source said the M79 grenades had the same lot number as those fired at the Thai PBS head office on February 26, while the RDG-5 grenades had the same lot number as those used in previous attacks in Bangkok's Bang Na area, Chon Buri and Nonthaburi.

[rabas]

Better take samples of the bomb residue and run it against all samples of past attacks, including the large stash of bomb making material found in Lumpini Park. We need to find the culprits before more people get hurt.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Indeed. As we have seen the yellows and their supporters are very capable of attacking their own and then alleging that redhirts are culpable. This tactic has been well used in the past.

When?

[Nickymaster]

Smelling civil war.

When the judges are just puppets and the police not allowed to make its job => only violence remains.

Explain your police remark.

The rest is just cretinous

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The military high command told the police not to take forceful action against the PDRC protestors.

It started back in November when multiple statements were made.

For example;

Explaining how a crowd of unarmed civilians was able to break through the main gate into the army compound, Gen. Prayuth said: “The army did not want to use any force and we didn’t view the protesters as enemies or opponents. They are actually Thais who have different political opinions.”

Thanyarat Doksone And Jocelyn Gecker, Associated Press | November 29, 2013

The police have been complaining that they are not allowed to take effective action. Remember the protest by the police in December when one of their officers was murdered?

BANGKOK, Thailand -- Thai police staged a protest Monday to show their frustration after weeks of dealing with aggressive and often violent anti-government demonstrators, with officers saying that the order for them to show restraint has left them vulnerable and humiliated.

About 500 police with family and friends gathered in a public square near the main protest camp in Bangkok, four days after a policeman was shot dead in a pitched battle with demonstrators who were trying to stop candidates from registering for February elections. Most police are allowed to carry only batons and riot shields, while selected officers are equipped with tear gas canisters and guns to fire rubber bullets. Orders to show restraint have resulted in police several times being trapped by demonstrators and forced to bargain for their release.

The Associated Press Published Monday, December 30, 2013 8:49AM

Are you defending the Thai police force?

[kingalfred]

Smelling civil war.

When the judges are just puppets and the police not allowed to make its job => only violence remains.

just another red pyscho

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Tatsujin]

Are the pro-Govt lackeys still going to try to pretend this is all self-inflicted by PDRC? Or can we lay it to bed now that the pro-Govt supporters are attacking the anti-Govt supporters and have been doing so since this all started?

[webfact]

Attack on Thai protest camp leaves 2 dead, 24 wounded
by Anusak KONGLANG

BANGKOK, May 15, 2014 (AFP) - Grenade blasts and gunfire rocked an anti-government protest site in Thailand's capital Thursday, leaving two dead and 24 wounded as fears of wider political violence mounted in the crisis-hit kingdom.

The attack, which shattered weeks of relative calm on the streets of Bangkok, comes as opposition protesters push for the appointment of an unelected premier in a move that has infuriated government supporters.

The dismissal of prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra from office last week in a controversial court ruling has sent tensions soaring in the Southeast Asian nation, which has endured years of political turmoil.

Her "Red Shirt" supporters have warned of the threat of civil war if power is handed to an unelected leader.

Unknown assailants fired two M79 grenades into a rally camp early Thursday at the city's Democracy Monument -- a stone's throw from the city's famed backpacker zone -- followed by a burst of gunshots, police said.

The first victim was a protester who was sleeping at Democracy Monument, while the second was a protest guard who died from gunshots," Police Major Wallop Prathummuang told AFP.

The city's Erawan Emergency Centre said two people were killed and 24 wounded in the attack, which took place at 3am (2000 GMT Wednesday). It said one person was in a critical condition.

There were no immediate reports of the identity of the gunmen, but both pro- and anti-government supporters are known to have armed hardliners and have blamed each other for previous bloodshed.

The deaths take the toll from six months of protests aimed at toppling the government to 27, with hundreds of others wounded in gun and grenade attacks mostly targeting opposition protesters.

Fears have intensified that the nation's political deadlock could spiral into street clashes between rival protesters following the ousting of Yingluck by the Constitutional Court for the unlawful transfer of a top security official.

Her Red Shirt supporters have been holding a rally in a Bangkok suburb and have vowed to defend the government, which has limped on despite her removal from office, along with nine cabinet members.

They want new elections slated for July 20 to find a path through the crisis, which has festered since last year.

The government was due to hold talks later Thursday with poll officials on preparations for the new vote. An election held in February was later annulled after demonstrators blocked voting in many areas.

Anti-government protesters refuse to join the ballot box contest and say the ruling Puea Thai party administration lacks the legitimacy to govern.

They are calling on the upper house of parliament, the Senate, to invoke a clause in the kingdom's constitution to remove the government and appoint a new premier.

But their critics say such a move has no legal basis.

Anti-government protesters have recently moved to the area immediately around Government House in the city's historic quarter -- a short walk from the site of Thursday's attack.

They are protected by several layers of concrete barriers and sand bags, while scores of protest guards patrol the area.

Protest leaders now occupy a wing of the government headquarters, holding press conferences in an attempt to show the government lacks the authority to rule.

Thailand has been cleaved apart by political divisions since 2006 when Yingluck's older brother Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted in a military coup.

Thaksin, a billionaire former telecoms tycoon, is reviled by the Bangkok elite and many southerners who accuse him of driving rampant corruption, cronyism and of being a threat to the revered monarchy.

But he has traditionally drawn strong support among the northern rural poor, who say he is the first Thai leader to improve their situation with populist policies and increasing political power.

Thaksin-led or aligned parties have won every election since 2001, but have also seen four premiers removed by coups or court rulings.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-05-15

[Chupup]

The only one interested in violence right now is the gangster Suthep and he has no scruples of arranging this attack on his own people to further his cause while he is still trying to provoke a coup with violent attacks on his own people.

The other side would gain nothing with such an attack.

OMG, what absolute bloody rubish, Suthep would gain absolutly NOTHING, whearas "the other side" are known to have the means to have carried out this attack, and probaly did, i notice that it was AFTER 10 pm when the CAPO" protection" of the red shirts was withdrawn.

[robblok]

Shows us again what side is the most violent and most brutal, good time they did not kill children like last time. The reds are nothing more as terrorists.

Yesterday we see their leaders not paying them for the protests as promised. The reds are a paid mob, the anti government pay with money and often their lives to oust a corrupt government. People are giving their lives to oust this tyranny.

I 100% condemn all the violence of the guards against innocent people, but attacks like this do make it clear why they are needed. The police is useless or maybe worse complicit.

[jaidam]

If Thaksin is not careful he might well drive the protesters to seek shelter from nightly terrorism at the airport, like he did a few years ago(much to the faux outrage of the forum frothers). He doesn't seem to have a very good memory.

[Nickymaster]

Better take samples of the bomb residue and run it against all samples of past attacks, including the large stash of bomb making material found in Lumpini Park. We need to find the culprits before more people get hurt.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Indeed. As we have seen the yellows and their supporters are very capable of attacking their own and then alleging that redhirts are culpable. This tactic has been well used in the past.

Examples? If you can't give them you should be banned for spreading false info.

Edited May 15, 2014 by Nickymaster

[Lovekorat]

Doesn't anybody recognise that Thailand is a democracy and should be proud of that? Some may not like the government but you change it through the ballot box not with the gun.

I read so many things here about corruption etc., but is it really any different anywhere else?

I have arrived from the UK and are the politicians there squeaky clean? I think not judging by how many went to jail and many that should have gone to prison for blatantly fiddling their expenses.

Please excuse my ignorance in Thai politics but having only been here a couple of months it seems to me that one side cannot win an election legally so they resort to bringing down the government in non-constitutional ways.

That is not how a democracy works.

I don't know if Yingluck was good or bad, it depends who you talk too, but she did hold the prime office which should be respected. If Thailand doesn't want her put your cross somewhere else.

Thailand is a wonderful country full of so many good things it must find a way to solve this crisis legally and within its constitution not with threats and disruption.

[kkchamling]

No use to keep protesting around. just take part an election and win the majority thats it. what a ridiculois PDRC refuse to take part on election. why these Bangkok and Southern elite neglected north and north east so much when they held power before 2001 and left them behind. Alway let these regions people suffer under the poverty. do somerhing better for north and north east in order to improve their poverty.

[pmugghc]

Unfortunately and I think we all agree that an escalation in the violence from both sides was pretty much inevitable .

I also think through all the robust poster over the last couple of months whether your a red or yellow supporter none of us wants to see any violence.

A lot of posters on here want the crisis over and done with but it seems all parties have reached a stalemate and it doesn't matter which way they jump it's only going to lead to more frustration for the side that misses out.

I think the EC should go ahead with the elections to relieve the pressure that's not only built up but is getting higher by the hour.

The acting PM and the leader of the democrats should at the very least come out and make a bipartisan statement calling for calm and condemning all violence on both sides .

Sutep should be treated as irrelevant as it looks like legally he is out of options except for the new speaker and if he takes suteps side then the violence will definitely escalate .

Not often I agree with you but I think this time you're close to the mark. Leaders from both sides need to step up, come out and condemn all violence from both sides, start some negotiations.

[The Deerhunter]

Smelling civil war.

When the judges are just puppets and the police not allowed to make its job => only violence remains.

Explain your police remark.

The rest is just cretinous

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I think he may be reffering to the fact that every time the police arrest one of the leaders of the insurrection, the courts just release them the next day.

Or he could be refferring to the areas of the Capital City where the police cannot go because of the armed guards that surround the few protesters.

If you think that stating that there is a possibility of civil was is cretinous, then you need to look to yourself.

Or he could be referring to the fact that the only time the police have caught anyone for bombing the porotestors, the army was there to make sure they did. But I doubt that is what he means judging by the rest of his post!!!!!!!!!!!

[pmugghc]

Better take samples of the bomb residue and run it against all samples of past attacks, including the large stash of bomb making material found in Lumpini Park. We need to find the culprits before more people get hurt.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Indeed. As we have seen the yellows and their supporters are very capable of attacking their own and then alleging that redhirts are culpable. This tactic has been well used in the past.

What do you mean "as we have seen"? Any links? If that was the case you'd bet the police would have solved at least some of these attacks on the PDRC.

[The Deerhunter]

It would be nice to see a positive verbal condemnation from Yingluck against these bombings and shootings. It might make some of us think she had the interests of Thailand at heart.

Edited May 15, 2014 by The Deerhunter

[Nickymaster]

Doesn't anybody recognise that Thailand is a democracy and should be proud of that? Some may not like the government but you change it through the ballot box not with the gun.

I read so many things here about corruption etc., but is it really any different anywhere else?

I have arrived from the UK and are the politicians there squeaky clean? I think not judging by how many went to jail and many that should have gone to prison for blatantly fiddling their expenses.

Please excuse my ignorance in Thai politics but having only been here a couple of months it seems to me that one side cannot win an election legally so they resort to bringing down the government in non-constitutional ways.

That is not how a democracy works.

I don't know if Yingluck was good or bad, it depends who you talk too, but she did hold the prime office which should be respected. If Thailand doesn't want her put your cross somewhere else.

Thailand is a wonderful country full of so many good things it must find a way to solve this crisis legally and within its constitution not with threats and disruption.

You should start by understanding why there was a coup in 2006 to understand today's situation.

The military junta in a public announcement (blamed) Thaksin for the coup. The official statement said the ousted leader had caused “an unprecedented rift in society, widespread corruption, nepotism, and interfered with independent agencies, crippling them so they cannot function. If [Thaksin's regime] is allowed to govern it will hurt the country. They have also repeatedly insulted the King. Thus the council needed to seize power.”

Today we have a similar situation.

So do you think an election can improve things? Or should we have reform to make sure people can't get away with plundering the coffers, zero transparency when spending billions of dollars and nepotism?

[webfact]

Two killed in M79 grenade, shooting attack on PDRC protesters on Ratchadamnoen Avenue
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, May 15 -- At least two people were killed and some 20 others were wounded in an attack using rifle grenades and automatic weapons at the Democracy Monument and Khok Wua intersection on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue early this morning.

Police said that at 2.45am, a M79 grenade landed near the Democracy Monument on Din Sor Road side, and then at least one M16 assault rifle was used in an attack on anti government protester guards at Khok Wua intersection.

Witnesses said that after hearing the explosion, a white pickup truck passed through Khok Wua intersection where People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) guards were posted, firing at them.

Some 20 persons were reported wounded from the grenade and shooting attacks. They were sent to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) General Hospital and Huachiew Hospital.

The BMA's Erawan Emergency Medical Centre later reported that 24 were wounded in the attack, while two were killed.

The two dead men were identified as Narayot Chanphet, 21, from Surat thani and Somkuan Nuankhanai, 51, from Chumphon who were later pronounced dead at Huachiew and BMA General hospitals respectively.

Four persons were still being treated at Huachiew Hospital, while seven remained at BMA General Hospital. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-05-15