Thai army chief warns military 'may use force' if unrest continues

[webfact]

Thai army chief warns military 'may use force' if unrest continues

BANGKOK, May 15, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's army chief warned Thursday that the military may "use force" if political violence escalates in a six-month crisis which has left 28 people dead and hundreds wounded.

"I want to warn every group -- especially those who use violence and war weapons against innocent civilians -- to stop now because if the violence continues the military may be needed to come out... to restore peace and order," General Prayut Chan-O-Cha said in rare official statement.

He added his troops "may need to use force to resolve the situation" if it escalates, warning of "decisive measures" if civilians are hurt.

His comments come after three people died and more than 20 others were wounded early Thursday in a gun and grenade attack on an anti-government protest camp in Bangkok's historic heart.

Fears of civil conflict are also mounting, with rival groups of supporters massed in or around Bangkok.

Thailand's military has staged 18 successful or attempted coups since 1932, and supporters of the battered government say they fear it may act again as the political turmoil rumbles on.

In 2010, the military led a crackdown on pro-government "Red Shirts" gathered in Bangkok that left scores dead, hundreds wounded and parts of the city's commercial centre in flames.

Red Shirt leaders have warned of an imminent military coup in the ongoing crisis, while anti-government protesters have repeatedly urged the military to step in.

The army has been at pains to stay neutral in public during the current round of political turmoil.

Anti-government demonstrators want an appointed premier to replace the caretaker government which has limped on since Premier Yingluck Shinawatra was booted out of office by a court last week.

"This time the problem is complicated and has several dimensions," Prayut added in his statement.

Thailand has been politically split since 2006 when Yingluck's older brother Thaksin was ousted by a bloodless military coup.

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

[See the bears]

Suthep's tactics finally working

[webfact]

Army chief announces 7-point statement, calling all parties concerned to adhere to peaceful means; to take action if crisis becomes violent /MCOT

[jaidam]

With the benefit of hindsight, the army ought to have had a proper coup as soon as it was obvious that the PM had hobbled the judges during his asset hiding case after he first won power. He had no place continuing in a public capacity after that disgraceful event. The dozen or so years of chaos that his over-riding the justice system gave us was unfortunately quite an obvious result.

For this impending coup, they need to have a clear cut goal. That is to remove any trace of Shin DNA from any position of authority, for all time. I know how I would do that.

[h90]

the only one with common sense as it seems

[scorecard]

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

Suthep's tactics finally working

On the other hand perhaps the good general is saying that if the police can't / won't fulfill their responsibilities then someone else will need to do so.

[jennywren]

Well without the full scale intervention of the Russian Army on his side he could turn the country into Pattani, Northern Ireland or Afghanistan.

These stuffed suits can't control 2 provinces, so the rest of the country inc. Bangkok they have no chance.

The might of the japanese army could not fully suppress the country, even though they were on the same side!!!!

This army is made up mostly of conscripts who were too poor or stupid to avoid the draft. They look like an army, and make noises like one, but we've seen them in action time and time again and they manage to make the Police look well trained!!

Go for it General. You know you want to.... You're just not brave enough to... along with all the others in the Elites who are pushing you forward and hiding under your petticoat.

Edited May 15, 2014 by jennywren

[sjjmmi]

Bring it on then, Clank Clank goes the sound of Tanks on the streets Again

[Nickymaster]

Suthep's tactics finally working

What tactics? I believe the army chief was referring to yesterday's bombing of PDRC supporters (while they were sleeping).

[The stuttering parrot]

Wow the coup mongers must be doing handstands now!

Wipe the shins DNA off the earth.I know what I'd do.

Blah blah blah most of the key board warriors have never seen a angry man an couldn't rip the skin off a rice custard!

The last thing Thailand needs is a coup!

What have a coup shove the lame duck abhisit back in unelected or sutep .Maybe throw the fake monk in.Hes earning quite a rep as a stand over man like his boss.

Democracy is the worst form of government ! Except for all the rest!

Good on ya Winston !

[See the bears]

With the benefit of hindsight, the army ought to have had a proper coup as soon as it was obvious that the PM had hobbled the judges during his asset hiding case after he first won power. He had no place continuing in a public capacity after that disgraceful event. The dozen or so years of chaos that his over-riding the justice system gave us was unfortunately quite an obvious result.

For this impending coup, they need to have a clear cut goal. That is to remove any trace of Shin DNA from any position of authority, for all time. I know how I would do that.

With the benefit of hindsight, the army should have rounded up the yellow shirts back in 2006, when they began to obstruct democracy. The government at the time had led strong economic growth, repayment of public debt, reduction in the military budget and perhaps most importantly an improvement in income equality. The potential growth lost in the past 8 years through the actions of a few greedy and jealous individuals has robbed the Thai people of their peace and prosperity. The facade of reforms and transparency is simply a ploy to maneuver their way back into power. They as well as any clear-headed individual knows that reforms will take decades, not months.

[fab4]

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

Suthep's tactics finally working

On the other hand perhaps the good general is saying that if the police can't / won't fulfill their responsibilities then someone else will need to do so.

This will be the army that handed over government house to suthep and his merry men, that kind of fulfilling responsibilities do you mean?

[See the bears]

Suthep's tactics finally working

What tactics? I believe the army chief was referring to yesterday's bombing of PDRC supporters (while they were sleeping).

[bkkjames]

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

Suthep's tactics finally working

On the other hand perhaps the good general is saying that if the police can't / won't fulfill their responsibilities then someone else will need to do so.

This will be the army that handed over government house to suthep and his merry men, that kind of fulfilling responsibilities do you mean?

Well Fab, they seem capable of protecting the red shirt protest but unable to protect the other side.

As for the other poster about protesters bombing themselves, use your brain a wee bit. Surely, the police would have been able to find and arrest at least one of them by now - it's been 6 months of bombings / shootings....

[Nickymaster]

Suthep's tactics finally working

What tactics? I believe the army chief was referring to yesterday's bombing of PDRC supporters (while they were sleeping).

If you compare the ears you will see that my guess is more accurate.

Edited May 15, 2014 by Nickymaster

[fab4]

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

Suthep's tactics finally working

On the other hand perhaps the good general is saying that if the police can't / won't fulfill their responsibilities then someone else will need to do so.

This will be the army that handed over government house to suthep and his merry men, that kind of fulfilling responsibilities do you mean?

Well Fab, they seem capable of protecting the red shirt protest but unable to protect the other side.

As for the other poster about protesters bombing themselves, use your brain a wee bit. Surely, the police would have been able to find and arrest at least one of them by now - it's been 6 months of bombings / shootings....

Before they pulled out of their urban camouflaged bunkers there were around 176 army checkpoints in place with troops to match. The grenades and shooting was still going on then and as far as I am aware they did not make one "arrest".

The ultimate embarrassment was when they handed over the government house building to suthep. And they can restore order? Perhaps a few live fire zones and snipers will do the trick. Might be some collateral damage along the way but they've shown that's not a problem - just deny everything. Prayuth is one of the old dinosaurs and should be let anywhere near providing "security" of anything.

[jennywren]

With the benefit of hindsight, the army ought to have had a proper coup as soon as it was obvious that the PM had hobbled the judges during his asset hiding case after he first won power. He had no place continuing in a public capacity after that disgraceful event. The dozen or so years of chaos that his over-riding the justice system gave us was unfortunately quite an obvious result.

For this impending coup, they need to have a clear cut goal. That is to remove any trace of Shin DNA from any position of authority, for all time. I know how I would do that.

With the benefit of hindsight, the army should have rounded up the yellow shirts back in 2006, when they began to obstruct democracy. The government at the time had led strong economic growth, repayment of public debt, reduction in the military budget and perhaps most importantly an improvement in income equality. The potential growth lost in the past 8 years through the actions of a few greedy and jealous individuals has robbed the Thai people of their peace and prosperity. The facade of reforms and transparency is simply a ploy to maneuver their way back into power. They as well as any clear-headed individual knows that reforms will take decades, not months.

It's like life of Brian isn't it.

So apart from all the above fiscal brilliance (in Thai terms is was), getting the airport open, health care, OTOP, shutting the nude bars down (really got to the sexpats with that one), Social order policy, drugs suppression (yes it did work), hounding the loan sharks in Bangkok, village loans etc.

What else did they do for us.

What did the Dems ever do, Wring their hands and whine for a coup, then another, then another, then a new Constitution to rid them (Dems) of political opposition.

[See the bears]

Suthep's tactics finally working

What tactics? I believe the army chief was referring to yesterday's bombing of PDRC supporters (while they were sleeping).

If you compare the ears you will see that my guess is more accurate.

Interesting how he got new skin. Does he go to the same specialist as Michael Jackson?

[jaidam]

With the benefit of hindsight, the army ought to have had a proper coup as soon as it was obvious that the PM had hobbled the judges during his asset hiding case after he first won power. He had no place continuing in a public capacity after that disgraceful event. The dozen or so years of chaos that his over-riding the justice system gave us was unfortunately quite an obvious result.

For this impending coup, they need to have a clear cut goal. That is to remove any trace of Shin DNA from any position of authority, for all time. I know how I would do that.

With the benefit of hindsight, the army should have rounded up the yellow shirts back in 2006, when they began to obstruct democracy. The government at the time had led strong economic growth, repayment of public debt, reduction in the military budget and perhaps most importantly an improvement in income equality. The potential growth lost in the past 8 years through the actions of a few greedy and jealous individuals has robbed the Thai people of their peace and prosperity. The facade of reforms and transparency is simply a ploy to maneuver their way back into power. They as well as any clear-headed individual knows that reforms will take decades, not months.

It's like life of Brian isn't it.

So apart from all the above fiscal brilliance (in Thai terms is was), getting the airport open, health care, OTOP, shutting the nude bars down (really got to the sexpats with that one), Social order policy, drugs suppression (yes it did work), hounding the loan sharks in Bangkok, village loans etc.

What else did they do for us.

What did the Dems ever do, Wring their hands and whine for a coup, then another, then another, then a new Constitution to rid them (Dems) of political opposition.

Why stop there? You should credit Thaksin with causing the global economic boom of the last decade.

If you ever come to Thailand you will be in for a shock. Girly bars, they are still here, nothing changed. Drugs? Well after the execution of over 3,000 innocents including children, there are still drugs here. Quantity same as before Thaksins purge but the prices went up. Hardly an improvement now is it? Social order policy?? Do you mean teaching an entire population that "corruption is normal"? You have lost me with that claim.

[Fat Haggis]

Calm down folks too many getting their knickers in a twist over things out with their control !!

[h90]

Well without the full scale intervention of the Russian Army on his side he could turn the country into Pattani, Northern Ireland or Afghanistan.

These stuffed suits can't control 2 provinces, so the rest of the country inc. Bangkok they have no chance.

The might of the japanese army could not fully suppress the country, even though they were on the same side!!!!

This army is made up mostly of conscripts who were too poor or stupid to avoid the draft. They look like an army, and make noises like one, but we've seen them in action time and time again and they manage to make the Police look well trained!!

Go for it General. You know you want to.... You're just not brave enough to... along with all the others in the Elites who are pushing you forward and hiding under your petticoat.

Thailand will turn Muslim and/or Catholic?

In this case we should call Putin

[h90]

With the benefit of hindsight, the army ought to have had a proper coup as soon as it was obvious that the PM had hobbled the judges during his asset hiding case after he first won power. He had no place continuing in a public capacity after that disgraceful event. The dozen or so years of chaos that his over-riding the justice system gave us was unfortunately quite an obvious result.

For this impending coup, they need to have a clear cut goal. That is to remove any trace of Shin DNA from any position of authority, for all time. I know how I would do that.

With the benefit of hindsight, the army should have rounded up the yellow shirts back in 2006, when they began to obstruct democracy. The government at the time had led strong economic growth, repayment of public debt, reduction in the military budget and perhaps most importantly an improvement in income equality. The potential growth lost in the past 8 years through the actions of a few greedy and jealous individuals has robbed the Thai people of their peace and prosperity. The facade of reforms and transparency is simply a ploy to maneuver their way back into power. They as well as any clear-headed individual knows that reforms will take decades, not months.

Just if you would look at the statistics you would see that at the end of Thaksins time the economic went down rapidly as he took too much money out of the country.

[webfact]

Army Threatens Crackdown if Crisis Escalates
By Khaosod English

BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Army has warned that the military is willing to step in to bring about "order" if Thailand’s political unrest continues to escalate.

The warning was broadcast live on the army-owned TV Channel 5 this afternoon, hours after unidentified militants fired grenades and automatic rifles at an anti-government rally in Bangkok, killing at least three people and injuring over 20.

The statement, which was issued on behalf of army commander-in-cheif Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, strongly condemned the attack:

"The public should condemn all sides who employ violence and use military-grade weapons on innocent citizens, and the public should send information or clues [concerning the perpetrators] to the Army,” the statement read. The statement praised all efforts to seek a peaceful solution to the political crisis, but also noted: "however, legal channels and dialogues might not achieve much in this period of time, because there are many debates and disputes. [The efforts] may be too slow to respond to the situation, which indicates a rise in violence."

The army went on to issue its strongest warning of a potential military intervention yet:

"We would like to warn all groups, especially those who employ violence with military-grade weapons on innocent citizens, to cease these actions immediately. If the situation continues to be marked with violence, it will be necessary for the military to launch a full-scale effort to end the violence, in order to maintain order [and safety] in lives and properties of the people."

"If the situation escalates to the point that unrest breaks out, for the sake of public order, the army may be required to deploy the armed force to resolve the situation. In that stage, if any individual or any group of individuals or any armed group responds to the army [with violence] or continues to harm the innocent people, those individuals will be subject to extreme measures of suppression under the laws by the security forces, in which the wrongdoers will not be able to seek any compensation."

Although the army's statement did not clarify under what legal provisions the military would launch these "extreme measures of suppression," some observers believe the statement refers to a possible invocation of Martial Law. Under Thai laws, commanders of the armed forces are authorized to unilaterally impose Martial Law in the event of unrest or foreign invasion.

The statement also warned against any defamation of the army, which will be taken as "a slandering of dignity and pride of the army. All soldiers will not accept such gesture."

The statement added that the army "belongs to the Nation, the Religion, the Monarchy, and all Thai citizens. It does not belong to any certain side. However, the army will defend dignity, pride, and uphold the public order of the nation and the people in the fullest capacity when the need arises."

The statement is bound to raise the ire of many pro-government supporters, who have long viewed Gen. Prayuth and the army as sympathetic to the anti-government cause.

Since the current crisis erupted last November, Gen. Prayuth has refused to rule out the possibility of military coup, raising fears that the army is contemplating yet another coup against the elected government.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to whom the current administration is allied, was ousted by the army in 2006.

The statement made no mention of the current caretaker government, suggesting that the army may be willing to deploy troops without the consent of acting Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisarn.

Thailand has experienced eleven successful military coups since it became a constitutional monarchy in 1932.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1400148335&section=11&typecate=06


-- Khaosod English 2014-05-15

[Robby nz]

Suthep's tactics finally working

I hope the army doesn't step in for that's exactly what Thaksin has been trying to get them to do for some time.

But as the reds continue with their violent attacks and the police stand idle they may see they have no choice to try and prevent farther bloodshed.

As I posted before the army should force the police to combine with them and never work alone.

In fact making up a peacekeeping force rather than doing anything themselves.

There would be great resistance from the police top brass but with the right inducement they would come round and I'm sure the rank and file cops would be only to happy to join with the army in patrols.

After all it will be the families of the police who will suffer should there be a coup and Thaksin brings out his red army in the civil war his so called red shirt leaders have been talking up.

[love1012]

Wow the coup mongers must be doing handstands now!

Wipe the shins DNA off the earth.I know what I'd do.

Blah blah blah most of the key board warriors have never seen a angry man an couldn't rip the skin off a rice custard!

The last thing Thailand needs is a coup!

What have a coup shove the lame duck abhisit back in unelected or sutep .Maybe throw the fake monk in.Hes earning quite a rep as a stand over man like his boss.

Democracy is the worst form of government ! Except for all the rest!

Good on ya Winston !

nurse......nurse......hes out of bed again!!!!!!!!

[love1012]

Well without the full scale intervention of the Russian Army on his side he could turn the country into Pattani, Northern Ireland or Afghanistan.

These stuffed suits can't control 2 provinces, so the rest of the country inc. Bangkok they have no chance.

The might of the japanese army could not fully suppress the country, even though they were on the same side!!!!

This army is made up mostly of conscripts who were too poor or stupid to avoid the draft. They look like an army, and make noises like one, but we've seen them in action time and time again and they manage to make the Police look well trained!!

Go for it General. You know you want to.... You're just not brave enough to... along with all the others in the Elites who are pushing you forward and hiding under your petticoat.

Thailand will turn Muslim and/or Catholic?

In this case we should call Putin

the might of the Japanese army.......how ignorant you .are............ Japan and Thailand were on the same side you dropkick!!!!!!!!!!go and read a book instead of posting garbage and lies........or clean the house!!!!!!!

[srsv1238]

With the benefit of hindsight, the army ought to have had a proper coup as soon as it was obvious that the PM had hobbled the judges during his asset hiding case after he first won power. He had no place continuing in a public capacity after that disgraceful event. The dozen or so years of chaos that his over-riding the justice system gave us was unfortunately quite an obvious result.

For this impending coup, they need to have a clear cut goal. That is to remove any trace of Shin DNA from any position of authority, for all time. I know how I would do that.

Any action by the army will backfire. The troops may side with the people and democracy instead.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[AleG]

Suthep's tactics finally working

What tactics? I believe the army chief was referring to yesterday's bombing of PDRC supporters (while they were sleeping).

I think it is time for the moderation in this forum to crack down on this group of Panthip based "Cyber Soldiers" that have been flooding the news section with misinformation and outright lies for months now.

[Mango Bob]

While you at it General why not protect the acting PM from attack from thugs. Once again you failed doing your job.

Edited May 15, 2014 by Mango Bob

[Nickymaster]

Wow the coup mongers must be doing handstands now!

Wipe the shins DNA off the earth.I know what I'd do.

Blah blah blah most of the key board warriors have never seen a angry man an couldn't rip the skin off a rice custard!

The last thing Thailand needs is a coup!

What have a coup shove the lame duck abhisit back in unelected or sutep .Maybe throw the fake monk in.Hes earning quite a rep as a stand over man like his boss.

Democracy is the worst form of government ! Except for all the rest!

Good on ya Winston !

I asked you numerous times in other threads what you think about having governors elected...

You always have a big mouth but never reply. Weak.

Edited May 15, 2014 by Nickymaster