TNT Bomb Discovered Near Thaksin's Residence

[Netfan]

Is it possible that in his warped mind he truly believes that all he needs is to get thru the election and everything will be fine? It looks as if everything he is doing is designed to just to carry TRT / him back into power- no thought as to what might happen in an actual trial; doing whatever is in his legal (and beyond) power to stop demonstrations. It's a one track mindset, obsessed with hanging in.

[John K]

'PLOT TO KILL PM'

4 Army officers charged

Internal security officers face attempted murder charges over alleged plan to harm Thaksin with car-bomb

Police yesterday charged four Army officers with the attempted murder of Prime Minister Thaksin Shin-awatra. One lieutenant colonel was taken into custody.

The charges relate to the alleged attempt on Thaksin's life late last month.

The four officers identified yesterday morning are Maj-General Phairoj Theerapharb, Colonel Suraphol Supradit, Lt-Colonel Manas Sukprasert and Sgt-Major Chakhrit Janthara.

Lt Thawatchai Klinchana - who has already been charged with illegal possession of explosives - now faces additional charges of attempting to murder Thaksin, an on-duty official; attempted murder of others; criminal conspiracy and forging and using official documents.

He has denied all five offences.

A team of police investigators apprehended Manas yesterday evening at Erawan Camp, home to the Army Special Operations Command. Police and military officials reached an agreement for him to be handed over to police.

Police have requested the other three officers present themselves at the Crime Suppression Division at 10am on Thursday.

There they will be asked to formally acknowledge the charges. If they fail to appear, arrest warrants will be sought.

All five officers are assigned to the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) and reportedly have close ties with Isoc deputy director General Pallop Pinmanee. Pallop was dismissed immediately after Thawatchai was arrested.

Thawatchai is an Isoc staff member who has been in custody since the alleged plot was foiled nearly two weeks ago. Police discovered him with a car loaded with explosives near caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Bang Phlat residence on August 24.

Police have not revealed evidence against Manas or the three others.

Neither did investigators provide details of the roles played by each of the suspects despite verified reports clearly indicating that all officers played different roles in the alleged plot.

Chakhrit is reportedly accused of "identifying the target" and obtaining the Daewoo sedan purchased by Suraphol.

Manas was reportedly responsible for obtaining explosives.

Phairoj is alleged to have coordinated between team members and others that may have masterminded the plot.

Police are waiting for the results of examinations of electronic circuits found at the Suphan Buri home of Manas in a raid last Saturday. The tests will determine if the circuits were similar to those found with explosives in the Daewoo sedan occupied by Thawatchai.

Phairoj was described as an Army expert assigned to Isoc. He said yesterday he was not a flight risk and was waiting to receive orders from superiors to present himself to the police.

He admitted knowing three of the officers charged. He had seen Thawatchai, but never spoken to him.

Police Central Investigation Bureau commander Lt-General Montree Jamroon said the request for the officers to present themselves voluntarily was made to comply with Defence Ministry regulations that stipulated arrest warrants be issued only when suspects failed to cooperate.

A lawyer for Thawatchai, Nithikorn Nonthasawas, said an application would be made for his client's release after his first 12-day detention period expires today.

Nithikorn complained about police releasing a video-disc with an apology by Thawatchai for driving the car. He said the video violated his client's rights.

"He has become a defendant in a more serious crime in the eyes of the public when the only charge against him was being in illegal possession of explosives," the lawyer said.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09/05...es_30012811.php

[John K]

I don’t suspect Thaksin has figured out that if he does this to people on something the majority of the public have rejected as fake, they would vote for someone who does not do this. Getting punished without reason does not go down well. Particularly true if people get a choice, ‘Hmmm Do I vote for someone who will make up a story and punish me without reason or not.’ I suspect the people in Isaan have a rough enough life without someone doing this to them too. It looks like this was not well thought out by Thaksin.

[Jai Dee]

Gen. Sirichai: Defence Ministry has not yet ordered the suspects involved with the car bomb to take a break from their posts

Gen. Sirichai Thanyasiri (สิริชัย ธัญญสิริ), the Permanent-Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, insisted that his ministry has not yet ordered the military officials who were allegedly involved with the car bomb to take a break from their posts.

Gen. Sirichai said that the investigation team has invited the four suspects for interrogation. He said that they are only suspects, so an order for them to temporarily leave their posts has not been issued yet. He however expressed his confidence that this matter will not create a negative image of the army.

The Permanent Secretary said that he will give a fair treatment to all military members by dispatching their representatives to be the witnesses of the investigation. He confirmed that no one will receive any special privilege as everything must be abided by the law.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Tighter security provided for the premier today

Security measures for Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra have continued to increase today, following the recent bomb plot last Friday (Sep 1). The officials have used the strings to limit the space for media members.

Strings have been laid down to block the areas of the media in front of the Office of the Secretariat of the Cabinet, as the place is being used for the Cabinet meeting today.

Vehicles with an authorized sticker can only enter and exit Gate 5 of the venue and have been strictly investigated for any explosive device.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 September 2006

[sriracha john]

A bomb a day keeps the Doctor away...

A day without a bomb is like a day without sunshine...

He's stuck between a bomb and a hard place...

Bomb today, Gone Tomorrow...

Bomb, Bomb, Bomb...

Lots of fireworks in this 'bomb'

Police breathed a sigh of relief after a frantic hour yesterday when they found that a suspicious object outside Parliament House was harmless.

Passers-by stood transfixed as explosives experts in blast suits analysed the suspected bomb.

But the experts discovered the object was just a bundle of fireworks with a primer rod stuffed into a bag. Police kept the curious behind safety barriers as the ordinance men poked and prodded at the potential bomb.

Initial visual identifications suggested the bag was a remotely-detonated explosive. But, further examination proved the contents were harmless.

The Metropolitan Police officer in charge of the operation, Maj General Pramote Pathumwong, said the incident was a "hoax."

He was convinced individuals "intent on panicking the public" planted the bag.

He pleaded with potential pranksters pondering similar stunts not to, because "it will only affect the country".

- The Nation

[cclub75]

The Metropolitan Police officer in charge of the operation, Maj General Pramote Pathumwong, said the incident was a "hoax."

Ah ! What a relief !

Another decisive and fast investigation/action of the glorious thai police.

[Tony Clifton]

A bomb a day keeps the Doctor away...

A day without a bomb is like a day without sunshine...

He's stuck between a bomb and a hard place...

Bomb today, Gone Tomorrow...

Bomb, Bomb, Bomb...

Lots of fireworks in this 'bomb'

Police breathed a sigh of relief after a frantic hour yesterday when they found that a suspicious object outside Parliament House was harmless.

Passers-by stood transfixed as explosives experts in blast suits analysed the suspected bomb.

But the experts discovered the object was just a bundle of fireworks with a primer rod stuffed into a bag. Police kept the curious behind safety barriers as the ordinance men poked and prodded at the potential bomb.

Initial visual identifications suggested the bag was a remotely-detonated explosive. But, further examination proved the contents were harmless.

The Metropolitan Police officer in charge of the operation, Maj General Pramote Pathumwong, said the incident was a "hoax."

He was convinced individuals "intent on panicking the public" planted the bag.

He pleaded with potential pranksters pondering similar stunts not to, because "it will only affect the country".

- The Nation

Experts? + Passers-by? + Bomb?

= Experts who knew beforehand what's in the package

OR

= Overrated experts = amateurs

[John K]

[Guest endure]

Those of you who think that the press is the font of all knowledge ought to re-read 'Mai pen rai means never mind' especially the parts that deal with the foreign correspondent of the Times. If they can't find out what's happening they make it up.

[sriracha john]

It's more than a charade; it's an utter mess

Every trick in the book is being used to gain an advantage; how much more is there to come?

All four Army officers summoned by police on Monday in connection with the alleged attempted assassination of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra may be attached to the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), but they are originally from the Special Warfare Command in Lop Buri.

Former armed forces supreme commander General Surayud Chulanond, who is a member of the Privy Council, also rose through the rank and file from the Special Warfare Command (SWC) during his active military career. So did General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the current army chief.

Is the car-bomb plot, whether a real attempt or just a stunt, part of a ploy to link the SWC to those who stand in opposition to the prime minister?

For the time being, Maj-General Phairoj Theerapharb, Colonel Suraphol Supradit, Lt Colonel Manas Sukaprasert and Sgt-Major Chakhrit Janthara are under investigation by the police, who have formed a theory that they could be linked to Lieutenant Thawatchai Klinchana.

Thawatchai drove the bomb-laden car and was arrested under dubious circumstances two weeks ago in the Bang Phlat area near the prime minister's residence.

And they all have close ties to General Pallop Pinmanee, the deputy director of Isoc. Pallop was sacked hours after Thawatchai's arrest.

The day after the car-bomb incident, a group that called itself Rak Ya (Grassroots) went to the residence of Privy Council president General Prem Tinsulanonda and called for him to protect Thaksin. Prem's supporters viewed this rally as an attempt to somehow link the statesman with the alleged plot on the prime minister's life.

The first shot was fired after a prolonged confrontation between the Prem and Thaksin camps. Prem has had to keep his cool. He has been repeatedly challenged by the Thaksin camp, who look upon him as a "charismatic person" "beyond the Constitution" trying to undermine the prime minister's political standing.

Prem, now 86, was forced to rally the military behind him, dressing in full combat uniform and paying a visit to the Army, Navy and Airforce to try to rouse loyalty from junior officers. His message is that the military must serve the country and His Majesty the King. He is also calling for the military to honour good persons and to shower contempt on those who come to power through corruption and other immoral means.

Prem has had a hard time trying to persuade key officers to his side because they are being swayed by Thaksin's influence, so he has had to concentrate on rallying support from the younger generation of military professionals.

The military has been deeply divided, accentuated by the car-bomb incident. The annual military reshuffle, which is now under intense negotiations, is part of the power play, in which both Prem and Thaksin would like to have some influence.

A military option cannot be ruled out to resolve the political crisis if the confrontation continues until to the point where it damages the country's stability. One of the main reasons that Thaksin can continue to hang on to power is strong support from a powerful clique in the military - who have a deep dislike of Prem.

Thaksin is adopting a go-for-broke strategy. Every attack against him will be responded in kind by his attackers. When Dr Prawase Wasi, the senior citizen, came out recently to call for the political leadership to make a sacrifice and adopt 10 ethical commandments, he was attacked by Thaksin's followers.

The same thing happened to Anand Panyarachun, the former prime minister, who was slated by Thaksin's supporters following his captivating warning about Thailand's potential to become a "failed state". Anand declared that he could not stay neutral during this time of political crisis. "We have to choose between the good and the bad. We can't stay neutral," he said.

Anand said if the political crisis continues, Thailand might develop into a "failed state" or a country ravaged by internal turmoil, until it needs intervention from the United Nations.

When he went shopping at Siam Paragon about three weeks ago, the premier was greeted by "Thaksin - Get Out" shouts from some ill-wishers. His bodyguards and followers immediately physically attacked these opponents. Later at Central World, the prime minister's supporters, wearing white shoes and wrist bands, also used excessive physical force to hurt the Thaksin critics while police stood by and did nothing to prevent the violence.

The Central World incident threatened to rock the PM's stability. But the car-bomb incident stole the headlines. All newspapers went on to cover the car-bomb plot and buried the Central World violence on the inside pages.

Fearing the government might not have enough support on the air-waves, Samak Sundaravej was brought back to resume his media role. Samak will go eye-to-eye with Sondhi Limthongkul, one of the key members of the People's Alliance for Democracy, in the media war aimed at shaping public opinion.

Samak, through his MV1 cable TV, will tell the government's side of the story, while Sondhi's ASTV cable TV has been quite successful so far in undermining the PM's credibility.

Between now and the election, one can expect to see more confrontations, more violence and greater divide in the country as Thaksin stakes all on his desperate bid to cling to power. But his opponents will try to prevent any comeback. The atmosphere is now returning to the post-Shin Corp sale period. Even networks of medical personnel have called on Thaksin to step down from politics. And the Thaksin camp is preparing to bring in grass-roots supporters to hit back in an eye-for-an-eye strategy.

- The Nation

[ding]

Ever se the movie V for Vendetta ?

[Plus]

Watch this, it's classic

http://www.filecabi.net/video/thailandbombsquad.html

[Jai Dee]

Watch this, it's classic

http://www.filecabi.net/video/thailandbombsquad.html

Scary stuff...

[Jai Dee]

Bomb disposal police prepare to fire a water jet on a suspicious box found yesterday outside Parliament House that turned out to be a fake bomb.

Source: The Nation - 6 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Pol. Maj. Gen. Peerapan : security measures implemented in Government House currently is at low level

Pol. Maj. Gen. Peerapan Prembhuti (พีรพันธ์ เปรมภูติ) Prime Minister’s Office permanent-secretary stated that high security measures currently implemented at the Government House is of low-level measures. He pointed that security measures will be tightened in the future.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Peerapan today inspected the performances of security officials at entrance Gate 2 of the Government House, following the increase of security measures for the premier and also within the government house.

He said the inspection today is to create understandings with the officials and people who visited the venue entering and exiting via Gate 5 which is deemed inconvenient for the visitors.

He said it is due to the orders of Prime Minister’s Office over security measures where the authorized ID needed to be checked for people and vehicles as well as any suspicious items.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Peerapan stated that the measures will be constantly implemented and they will be tightened in the future. He said the media will be monitored as well in order to create good image as Government House is the administration unit of the country.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Peerapan also spoke about the issue where the space of the media has been limited, adding that it is to provide convenience for the media as they will not be flocked in one area. He insisted that the premier did not give any order or assign over security measures.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 September 2006

[sriracha john]

Pol. Maj. Gen. Peerapan : security measures implemented in Government House currently is at low level

Pol. Maj. Gen. Peerapan Prembhuti, Prime Minister’s Office permanent-secretary stated that high security measures currently implemented at the Government House is of low-level measures. He pointed that security measures will be tightened in the future.

TNNBPRD Quote of The Day Award Winner

..he is saying that these bombs and corresponding security levels are on a specific, coordinated, and

pre-planned schedule.

Government Bomb Schedule for the Week of 5 Sep - 11 Sep 2006

Tuesday: Bomb, Security Level: High

Wednesday: No Bomb, Security Level: Low

Thursday: No Bomb, Security Level: Low

Friday: 2 Bombs, Security Level: High

Saturday: No Bomb, Security Level: Medium

Sunday: Bomb, Security Level: High

Monday: Bomb, Security Level: High

Actually, it's very considerate of the government to release the above schedule so that the general public can plan ahead accordingly, eg. traffic can be anticipated with much higher accuracy, journalists and bomb squads can schedule days off more effectively, and fertiliser shops can know when to schedule re-supplies.

Edited September 6, 2006 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Apirak urges all constituencies to closely monitor the areas to prevent possible violence

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) has presented a certificate to a janitor of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Mrs. Kesorn Joksoongnern (เกษร จอกสูงเนิน), who found the suspicious item in front of the Parliament House yesterday and was able to inform the officials in time. The Bangkok Governor has instructed all constituencies to cooperate with the police officials and to monitor the areas strictly .

Mr. Apirak said Mrs. Kesorn is a good example for the officials. He has asked for cooperation from the officials of all sides as well as people to monitor the areas to prevent any possible violence. They have been urged to immediately inform the officials regarding any of the unusual situations.

The Bangkok Governor has instructed the district offices of all constituencies to cooperate with the police officials to inspect the risky areas as well.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 September 2006

[sriracha john]

Suspect surrenders

A suspect in the alleged plot to kill the caretaker prime minister gave himself up to police last night.

Sergeant Chakrit Jantara appeared with his lawyer at the Crime Suppression Division at about 7.45pm. He had earlier escaped arrest on August 29 for the alleged attempt to assassinate caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra with a car bomb. The interrogation is expected to go on through the night.

Meanwhile, Caretaker Defence Minister Thamarak Isarangura said yesterday he had no information about reports that police were following a new lead linking a general to the alleged plot.

He said police investigators were doing their jobs and would possibly take action against General "Phor" if they had sufficient evidence against him.

Maj-General Phairoj Theerapharb is expected to show up at the Crime Suppression Division today at 10am as scheduled, said Pol Lt-General Montree Jamroon, the head investigator probing the car-bomb case.

Security at Government House has been tightened to ensure caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's safety in the run-up to the October 15 polls.

- The Nation

[Jai Dee]

PM Thaksin says high security provided for him will not affect relation with the media

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra disclosed that the high level of security for him will have no impact on his relations with the media.

This morning, the premier traveled to the Government House in high spirits amidst tight security measures. Upon his arrival, he said security officials would like to keep him distant from the media members for now. However, he stated that such measures should not have an effect on their good-natured relationships.

Prime Minister Thaksin also permitted the media to report the news on the meeting between him and the representatives of handicapped students, parents and the Disabled People's Association. He urged the reporters to put on their authorized cards for their own convenience.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Gen. Thammarak instructs units to reorganize its force and dispatchs some members to provide security for PM

Defense Minister Thammarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya (ธรรมรักษ์ อิศรางกูร ณ อยุธยา) indicated that all armed forces will have to take the military regulation into consideration to help the new government officials, adding that their supervision will have to be stricter.

In response to the car bomb plot where members of the army were suspected to be behind the scene, Gen. Thammarak believed that this ill-intentioned attempt will not affect the image of the Thai military. However, they army should dispatched the officers to help provide tighter security for Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He admitted that there are both good and bad officers within the army but added that the good people will be supported, while the bad ones will be punished.

As the chief of the army, the Defense Minister said that he will give a fair treatment to all members by sending several authorities to witness the consideration of the case.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Thai police arrest three army officers in alleged plot to kill Thaksin

BANGKOK, Thailand An army general and two officers were arrested on charges of plotting to kill Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, officials said Thursday.

The three officers turned themselves in to police, bringing to five the number of officers being held in custody over an alleged plot to assassinate the prime minister on Aug. 25.

All three have denied the charges against them of premeditated murder and illegal possession of explosives, said police Maj. Gen. Jeth Mongkhonhathi.

On Aug. 24, police said they defused a bomb hidden in a car near Thaksin's home and charged an army lieutenant in connection with an alleged plot against the Thai leader. A fifth suspect turned himself in Monday.

Source: The Associated Press - September 7, 2006

[cclub75]

Ah ! The "mastermind" (like the "charismatic person") is getting on stage now !

But, they can't give us details.

And better : the ploters had a plan A (bomb), a plan B (RPG !) and a plan C (coup) if the 2 previous fail. All is the "confession" (10 pages) of the young officer.

Top general said to be mastermind

Accused says 4 senior officers targeted PM over 'damage he's caused nation'

One of three military personnel linked to the alleged car-bomb plot to kill the caretaker prime minister turned himself in to police yesterday and said four other senior officers were behind the plot.

Police said Sgt-Major Chakhrit Janthara told them a four-star general masterminded the murder plot against Thaksin Shinawatra for "having damaged the country".

Citing "Chakhrit's confession", police said the non-commissioned officer had proposed shooting Thaksin, but Colonel Suraphol Supradit, who surrendered himself yesterday morning shortly after Maj-General Phairoj Theerapharb, said "the mastermind" wanted to use explosives.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09/08...es_30013088.php

[John K]

It is like....

Thaksin: OK this is who I need you to find guilty..........

[lung]

bkk-post

--

Eight more suspects in plot named

Coup d'etat planned if bombs failed to work

WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM WASSANA NANUAM

Police plan to arrest eight more suspects in connection with the alleged plot to kill caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on the basis of statements made by an army sergeant under extensive questioning on Wednesday night. A Crime Suppression Division investigator said Sgt-Maj Chakrit Chantra, who surrendered to police, also identified the mastermind of the alleged plot.

Gen Panlop Pinmanee, the former deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), is understood to be the ''General P'' allegedly named by Sgt-Maj Chakrit as the mastermind. He insisted on his innocence.

''I don't know who made up this plot to have him implicate me,'' Gen Panlop said yesterday.

''If police summon me, I won't run away. I will wait at home to see what they do. I'm not guilty and have no idea why I should plan to kill the prime minister,'' he added.

''General P'' was identified as the big boss. The sergeant-major also spoke of major-generals with the initials S and T and a colonel with the initial B as other conspirators, the source added.

Col Surapol was upset with the failed attempt on Aug 24 and ordered another try. This time they were to use either an RPG or M79 grenade launcher and if that attempt failed, they were to stage a coup d'etat.

Maj-Gen Pairoj was released on bail after being questioned, as Sgt-Maj Chakrit did not clearly implicate him in the alleged plot.

The two other suspects were sent to the Military Court's detention facility in Nakhon Pathom province.

Investigators will ask Sgt-Maj Chakrit to re-enact what he allegedly confessed tomorrow. CSD chief Pol Maj-Gen Aswin Khwanmuang said he expected police to conclude their investigation in two weeks. The case would then be referred to the public attorney.

[sriracha john]

the ''General P'' allegedly named by Sgt-Maj Chakrit

The sergeant-major also spoke of major-generals with the initials S and T and a colonel with the initial B as other conspirators

I always found the odd nuance so common here in Thailand: "P" and "S" and "T" and "B" as well things like "a major political party" etc. rather peculiar. Not good or bad... just different.

Anyway, eight more identified... the alphabet is going to start running low

[kmart]

the ''General P'' allegedly named by Sgt-Maj Chakrit

The sergeant-major also spoke of major-generals with the initials S and T and a colonel with the initial B as other conspirators

I always found the odd nuance so common here in Thailand: "P" and "S" and "T" and "B" as well things like "a major political party" etc. rather peculiar. Not good or bad... just different.

Anyway, eight more identified... the alphabet is going to start running low

Open a can of "Heinz Spaghetti Alphabet" and throw it at the wall. See which letters stick....

[sriracha john]

Thai Police: Sergeant admits plot

BANGKOK, Thailand -- An army sergeant arrested in an investigation into an alleged plot to kill the prime minister has admitted his involvement, the police officer in charge of the case said Thursday.

The soldier, identified as Chakrit Chantara, admitted to all six charges against him, including attempted murder, said police Lt. Gen. Montree Jamroom. He said the suspect took part in "some stages" of the plot, but refused to elaborate.

"Army Sgt. Chakrit has confessed to committing wrongdoing," Montree, head of the Central Investigation Bureau, said at a news conference.

The suspect was shown to members of the media but he did not speak publicly about his alleged involvement.

Chakrit is one of five members of the army arrested in connection with the alleged plot to assassinate Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra with a car bomb Aug. 24. "The jigsaw puzzle is almost completed but I can't reveal it," Montree said. hmm... there's almost an entire box-worth of pieces still missing, Khun Montree...

The alleged plot has been the object of intense speculation in Thailand, which has been in political turmoil since the beginning of the year because of an active popular movement demanding that Thaksin step down because of alleged corruption and abuses of power.

Thaksin has refused to resign and has alienated large elements of the public and many members of the country's elite. He is leading his Thai Rak Thai Party to contest a new general election scheduled for Oct. 15.

Thaksin described the car bomb -- discovered before it could explode -- as an attempt on his life. But Thai media have suggested the alleged plot might have been an attempt by the embattled government to win sympathy and divert attention from other issues.

The alleged admission by Chakrit came after he and two higher-ranking officers -- Maj. Gen. Pairoj Theerapab and Col. Suraphol Supradit -- turned themselves in to police for arrest earlier Thursday.

None of the other four arrested men have so far admitted to the charges of attempted murder, attempted murder against government officials, illegal possession of explosives, illegal possession of military equipment, using forged documents and criminal conspiracy.

On Aug. 24, police said they defused a bomb hidden in a car near Thaksin's home and promptly charged its driver -- an army lieutenant named Thawatchai Klinchana -- in connection with the alleged plot.

On Monday, police sought permission from the army to question four other officers, saying arrest warrants would be issued if they didn't turn up for questioning by Thursday. One, Lt. Col. Manas Sukprasert, surrendered Monday.

Police allege that Suraphol arranged for the car and that Manas planted the bomb inside and was supposed to trigger the explosive. Thawatchai is alleged to have been the car's driver. Pairoj was allegedly the ringleader.

- Associated Press

Edited September 8, 2006 by sriracha john

[hammered]

And it is still very hard to find anyone who believes the plot, at least where I live, even with the arrests of soldiers and the "confession" of some NCO. This disconnect is just growing wider now people are charged but disbelief continues. What happens if disbelief continues if people are found guilty and jailed? Do the army believe the plot is real? They seem to allow the arrest of officers to happen easily even as the plot is ridiculed in public by so many. There are so many questions and no answers, and that is without going into the initial investigation and ever changing physical evidence.

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Sirichai: none of the four military members related to the car bomb were ordered to take a break from their jobs

Defense Ministry's Permanent Secretary Sirichai Tanyasiri (สิริชัย ธัญญสิริ) said he did not order the military members, who were involved in the car bomb plot against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to take a break from their posts.

Gen. Sirichai stated that only Captain Thawatchai Klinchana (ธวัชชัย กลิ่นชะนะ) was ordered to take a break because of his illegal action. He said further that the Ministry of Defense must be more cautious in dispatching military members to help perform the government's tasks, to prevent possible criminal activities from taking place.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 September 2006