Redshirt region to remain under martial law

[webfact]

Redshirt Region To Remain Under Martial Law
By Khaosod English


Lt.Gen. Preecha Chan-ocha, commander of 3rd Region Army and newly-appointed member of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), 4 August 2014.

BANGKOK — A high-ranking military commander says Thailand’s military junta does not plan to lift martial law in northern Thailand – a stronghold of the Redshirt movement – because of ongoing anti-coup activity in the area.

"We have collected and considered all the information, and we realise that there are still dissidents who are campaigning discreetly," said Lt.Gen. Preecha Chan-ocha, chief of the northern-based 3rd Region Army.

Lt.Gen. Preecha said that lifting martial law would "provide an opportunity for the dissent movement to campaign openly."

"Therefore, we have decided not to repeal martial law over the provinces that the 3rd Region Army is responsible for," he said.

Lt.Gen. Preecha’s brother, army chief and Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, imposed nationwide martial law on 20 May, two days before staging a coup d’etat. Last week, a high ranking officer said the junta – formally known as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) – planned to lift martial law in 22 provinces with popular tourist attractions.

Martial law grants the military an array of special powers, including the authority to impose a curfew, arrest individuals or search properties without warrants, censor the media, ban public protests, and try civilians in military court.

In addition, the law prohibits anyone from claiming compensation from the military for any damages that result from the exercise of these powers.

Human rights groups have criticised the military’s use of the law to ban public demonstrations, arbitrarily detain hundreds of activists, and crack down on the Redshirt movement, which supported the deposed government and its de facto leader, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

In addition, many economists have warned that the imposition of martial law has dissuaded tourists from visiting Thailand.

However, Lt.Gen. Preecha said that martial law does not affect tourism or daily life in the north, which is a major stronghold for the Redshirt movement.

"People can still buy things normally, and there has been a steady flow of tourists," Lt.Gen. Preechai said, "There are fewer tourists these days, but it is because it is low season right now."

Source: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1410151372&typecate=06&section=

-- Khaosod English 2014-09-08

[TVGerry]

Better safe than sorry. Martial law may not be palatable for some but it sure beats having red shirts causing trouble and burning stuff.

[tbthailand]

knock me over with a feather.

[Mango Bob]

Sooner or later you will have to lift martial law in those areas. You think the people will forget? I doubt it.

[smedly]

Sooner or later you will have to lift martial law in those areas. You think the people will forget? I doubt it.

and what effect has it had on you ? I'll answer for you - zero

and what negative effect has it had on the general population of Thailand ? I'll answer for you - Zero

go ply your useless rhetoric somewhere else - you're like a broken record

[Sharp]

Spot on smedly

[Fat Haggis]

Many places in the North East, and Issan especially around Korat, the Army presence has been minimal, so Martial Law is no big deal to the Thais up there, I think I seen maybe 2 Checkpoints closer to Saraburi, maybe a Regional thing, other than that, the Military hasn't been out in force, it has looked and felt the same with regards to atmoshpherics as it did same time last year.

[smutcakes]

If there are people wanting to stir up trouble keeping ML in the northern provinces is sure not going to stop it.

They could simply move their activities to somewhere outside of the north.

[Thanet]

Well well well.

All those people here who harped on about how unfair Thaksin was by getting his little sister in on the act.

Here we have Prayuth's little bro calling the shots, and silence from the yellow brigade here .....

[whybother]

Well well well.

All those people here who harped on about how unfair Thaksin was by getting his little sister in on the act.

Here we have Prayuth's little bro calling the shots, and silence from the yellow brigade here .....

But you must be all for it, right?

[tbthailand]

anyone else notice this new, recent line of "defense" from the junta that martial law is not really a problem since people can still (in this case) "buy things normally"?

There was the other poll saying that martial law is not a problem for people.

And all the while the junta claiming that they still need martial law - apparently because of some external or internal threats. The threats are always rather vague and mysterious.

Can you have it both ways? Life is 'normal' and 'it's dangerous out there!'

[Gunna]

Well well well.

All those people here who harped on about how unfair Thaksin was by getting his little sister in on the act.

Here we have Prayuth's little bro calling the shots, and silence from the yellow brigade here .....

At least little bro has some experience in the army and is able to run martial law.

Unlike YL whose only previous experience was in shopping and travelling overseas, which was the only thing she excelled at while PM - She couldn't even be bothered to turn up for important committee meetings that she was chairwomen of.

[jaidam]

anyone else notice this new, recent line of "defense" from the junta that martial law is not really a problem since people can still (in this case) "buy things normally"?

There was the other poll saying that martial law is not a problem for people.

And all the while the junta claiming that they still need martial law - apparently because of some external or internal threats. The threats are always rather vague and mysterious.

Can you have it both ways? Life is 'normal' and 'it's dangerous out there!'

In contrast with Chalerm, whose threats were neither vague nor mysterious. Chalerm said there would be bombs and attacks at such a place at such a date, and he was bang on, every time. Almost as if he knew what was going to happen ahead of time(which of course as one of Thaksins minions he did).

If the martial law stops the red bombers and terrorists from carrying out their dear leader's murderous campaigns, keep the marshall law, forever if need be.

[crisbat]

...

and what effect has it had on you ? I'll answer for you - zero

and what negative effect has it had on the general population of Thailand ? I'll answer for you - Zero

...

a. "travel insurance policies exclude cover following a military coup or the imposition of martial law, and your insurance may be invalid."

b. read this article Hotels and shops plead for end to martial law (THE NATION August 12, 2014 1:00 am)

[Cuchulainn]

Better safe than sorry. Martial law may not be palatable for some but it sure beats having red shirts causing trouble and burning stuff.

Well said Gerry.

Nobody wants these low-life guttersnipes back on the streets.

[Ricardo]

Well that's bad-news, for the Peoples Democratic Republic of Lanna, and all those who support it !

But good news for the many non-Reds in my area, who have been living with less propaganda & repression, for the past few months.

Martial law will however need to be lifted, before the next election, to permit normal campaigning to start again.

[banglassie]

Agree with those saying "it's better than having red shirts going wild and burning buildings" etc. Don't get me wrong, I'm far from a fan of the "Suthep shirts" as well..
Still fun how supposedly 90% of the population are pro-junta according to some poll as someone stated.

I understand that democracy may not always be what it seems, and that there are instances when a dictator regime is a better choice. (Take the Arabic spring vs. ISIS as an example). That does not mean I support dictators or what's going on at the moment. But fact remains I am a guest. I can always complain, but in the end it's not my game, even if I feel part of it from living here. As long as I don't hold citizenship I have no real say more than my moral views.

But the people who blamed the Shins for populist policies should take a closer look at Prayut and Co. Cause from my view point it pretty much goes both ways with constant nationalistic messages on TV, free cinema for patriotic Naresuan 5 movie (great movie btw. but the events unfolding should be seen for what it is, a movie..)

I'm not even sure why I complain, yes I'm no fan of military dictatorships, but I was no fan of the Shins as well, and certainly no fan of Suthep, and not very fond of the Democrats. I'm just a foreigner complaining on stuff no matter which country I seem to live in, and it's been a few. Every nation has it's flaws. But they get way more obvious when you live in the place.

I hope the martial law will be lifted soon nationwide. Not that it really affects me, but it's more a principle of freedom.
Also, a suggestion to NCPO and PM Khun Prayut is to stop broadcasting his shows on every channel while other programs are running. It's not like Thailand is a war-zone. It is unnecessary if you ask me and makes many people annoyed. Better to do like YL and have a once a week show on one channel that those who would like to follow up on the latest progress could watch. But to interrupt in a movie channel whenever however is just not really something needed. It was different when they where calling out names and stated new temporary laws during the actual coup. But now it's quite calm. Just saying, I think people would like it more that way, it gives a feeling that they have a choice...

[Nickymaster]

Sooner or later you will have to lift martial law in those areas. You think the people will forget? I doubt it.

1.They will not forget what Mango Bob? Please enlighten us.

2.And what will be be their reaction about the thing they didn't forget you think?.

[Cuchulainn]

Now, now Nicky. Don't tax his brain too much!!

[ChrisY1]

Well that's bad-news, for the Peoples Democratic Republic of Lanna, and all those who support it !

But good news for the many non-Reds in my area, who have been living with less propaganda & repression, for the past few months.

Martial law will however need to be lifted, before the next election, to permit normal campaigning to start again.

Election.....what election?

[gemini81]

In those areas, they prefer despotic communism and fiefdom. So they're getting along freely and easily here in comparison to what they think they want!

[tbthailand]

anyone else notice this new, recent line of "defense" from the junta that martial law is not really a problem since people can still (in this case) "buy things normally"?

There was the other poll saying that martial law is not a problem for people.

And all the while the junta claiming that they still need martial law - apparently because of some external or internal threats. The threats are always rather vague and mysterious.

Can you have it both ways? Life is 'normal' and 'it's dangerous out there!'

In contrast with Chalerm, whose threats were neither vague nor mysterious. Chalerm said there would be bombs and attacks at such a place at such a date, and he was bang on, every time. Almost as if he knew what was going to happen ahead of time(which of course as one of Thaksins minions he did).

If the martial law stops the red bombers and terrorists from carrying out their dear leader's murderous campaigns, keep the marshall law, forever if need be.

may karma bite you in the backside someday.

[tbthailand]

Well well well.

All those people here who harped on about how unfair Thaksin was by getting his little sister in on the act.

Here we have Prayuth's little bro calling the shots, and silence from the yellow brigade here .....

and is anyone surprised that he is in charge of Isaan?

not really.

[AleG]

Khaosod with the usual rabble rousing headlines, Red Shirt supporters with their veiled threats, yep, it's Monday already.

[tbthailand]

Khaosod with the usual rabble rousing headlines, Red Shirt supporters with their veiled threats, yep, it's Monday already.

yeah, heaven forbid that they actually report on things the junta actually says and does.

horrible way to start the week.

[halloween]

If there are people wanting to stir up trouble keeping ML in the northern provinces is sure not going to stop it.

They could simply move their activities to somewhere outside of the north.

Burma would be nice, or Laos. Come to think of it, they wouldn't put up with their crap either.

[citizen33]

Many places in the North East, and Issan especially around Korat, the Army presence has been minimal, so Martial Law is no big deal to the Thais up there, I think I seen maybe 2 Checkpoints closer to Saraburi, maybe a Regional thing, other than that, the Military hasn't been out in force, it has looked and felt the same with regards to atmoshpherics as it did same time last year.

Don't know the overall picture, but drove up from Bangkok to Khon Kaen twice last month and each time saw three army checkpoints, two of them north of Korat (I think near Phimai and Baan Phai).

[bangrak]

anyone else notice this new, recent line of "defense" from the junta that martial law is not really a problem since people can still (in this case) "buy things normally"?

There was the other poll saying that martial law is not a problem for people.

And all the while the junta claiming that they still need martial law - apparently because of some external or internal threats. The threats are always rather vague and mysterious.

Can you have it both ways? Life is 'normal' and 'it's dangerous out there!'

As soon as it could be made 100% sure that Thailand would forever be freed from the actions of the violent red shirts, I'm sure an vast majority of Thais would ask for the ML to be lifted. Maybe you with your red comrade friends here could positively contribute to the creation of such a safe situation, was it just by what you write on TV for a start. But when I read your: 'The threats are always rather vague and mysterious', I, alas, guess there will long be no floods in Thailand anymore by the time that can happen. As there was nothing vague or mysterious about the violences of 2009/2010 and of 2013/2014, that's all the point, but, very sadly, never ever IMO will you and the other, present and future, members of the propaganda brigade have the will nor the ability to admit it! And that's dramatic, for the red shirts' movement (which could, should play an important, peacefull, role in creating the future of this country, wthout the Shins and consorts), and for Thailand (by the absence of, any, truly 'democratic' organisation for the citizens to express their personal opinions through in politics).

[tbthailand]

anyone else notice this new, recent line of "defense" from the junta that martial law is not really a problem since people can still (in this case) "buy things normally"?

There was the other poll saying that martial law is not a problem for people.

And all the while the junta claiming that they still need martial law - apparently because of some external or internal threats. The threats are always rather vague and mysterious.

Can you have it both ways? Life is 'normal' and 'it's dangerous out there!'

As soon as it could be made 100% sure that Thailand would forever be freed from the actions of the violent red shirts, I'm sure an vast majority of Thais would ask for the ML to be lifted. Maybe you with your red comrade friends here could positively contribute to the creation of such a safe situation, was it just by what you write on TV for a start. But when I read your: 'The threats are always rather vague and mysterious', I, alas, guess there will long be no floods in Thailand anymore by the time that can happen. As there was nothing vague or mysterious about the violences of 2009/2010 and of 2013/2014, that's all the point, but, very sadly, never ever IMO will you and the other, present and future, members of the propaganda brigade have the will nor the ability to admit it! And that's dramatic, for the red shirts' movement (which could, should play an important, peacefull, role in creating the future of this country, wthout the Shins and consorts), and for Thailand (by the absence of, any, truly 'democratic' organisation for the citizens to express their personal opinions through in politics).

you do know which group has been the most violent and killed the most people in Thailand, don't you?

Tip: color is neither red, nor yellow.

[godwish4love]

Better safe than sorry. Martial law may not be palatable for some but it sure beats having red shirts causing trouble and burning stuff.

Well said Gerry.

Nobody wants these low-life guttersnipes back on the streets.

No One is Low life in this world, every individual has it role to play in a community, God make some one to be rich for a reason, we are all equal in sight of God.