TNT Bomb Discovered Near Thaksin's Residence

[sriracha john]

More intrigue... more "facts"??? :

Thai leader accuses military officers of assassination bomb plot

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has accused a small group of military officers of plotting to kill him with a powerful bomb that police discovered near his home.

Police defused a potent mix of TNT, plastic explosives, fertilizer and fuel oil found Thursday in the trunk of a car at an intersection near Thaksin's home, which they said was a foiled attempt to kill the prime minister.

An army officer was arrested shortly after the bomb was found and charged with illegal possession of explosives, prompting Thaksin to sack a top general.

"There are three to four military officers involved in the assassination plot. Some of them are retired," Thaksin said.

"We know which group made (the bomb) and more suspects will be arrested," he said.

But the billionaire prime minister said that no link had been discovered between the plot and retired general Chamlong Srimuang, who helped spearhead months of anti-Thaksin protests that rattled Bangkok earlier this year.

Thaksin said his security team had spotted the car carrying the bomb at least twice in the last two weeks.

The premier and other top officials tried to quash speculation in the Thai media that the bomb scare might have been a political stunt.

"If somebody had made this story up, no one would have been arrested. Eventually the police investigation will prove it," Thaksin said.

Thaksin's security had already been beefed up ahead of elections, following scuffles between his supporters and groups opposing his rule.

- AFP

[Plus]

Now they all say about the bomb ready to go off - it's an official version. How many people have seen the early reports? How many people realise that at the time of Gen. Cods. Wallop press-conference there were no reports of detonators of any kind? His words are all over the media, and he clearly stated the bomb was not assembled.

If it wasn't assembled, <deleted> the car loaded with explosives was doing there driving pass the security several times and then left parked for hours? What kind of assassination attempt is that?

Gen Cods. Wallop said that it would take an hour to assemble the bomb, why would the bombers choose to do it outside Thaksin's residence? Long AFTER he has left the compound.

How long will the government be able to ignore these issues?

Bottom line, Thaksin has completely abandoned any pretense of following the law and takes big gambles that he will get away with it - beating up protesters, planting fake bombs etc.

[Tony Clifton]

Car gets pulled over, supposed bomb apparently ready for detonation, journalist or photographer present already while driver is allowed to stay where he can trigger the bomb while questioned with everyone dangerously standing by the car?

Police closely watch army officer for fear of suicide

Police on duty at the Crime Suppression Division closely monitors the army officer arrested Thursday related to the alleged bomb plot to kill the premier for fear that he might try to commit suicide.

Police at the CSD head office checks Lt Thawatchai Klinchana, 43, every 15 minutes.

Thawatchai was arrested when he was about to get into a car carrying explosive devices near the home of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Thursday.

The Nation

Why are they making this public? Seen the apparent seriousness of the circumstances, a suspect should not even be allowed 30 seconds without surveillance. Unless the 15 minute gaps can allow for a convenient accidental death.

Edited August 25, 2006 by Tony Clifton

[Plus]

Now they all say about the bomb ready to go off - it's an official version. How many people have seen the early reports? How many people realise that at the time of Gen. Cods. Wallop press-conference there were no reports of detonators of any kind? His words are all over the media, and he clearly stated the bomb was not assembled.

If it wasn't assembled, <deleted> the car loaded with explosives was doing there driving pass the security several times and then left parked for hours? What kind of assassination attempt is that?

Gen Cods. Wallop said that it would take an hour to assemble the bomb, why would the bombers choose to do it outside Thaksin's residence? Long AFTER he has left the compound.

How long will the government be able to ignore these issues?

Bottom line, Thaksin has completely abandoned any pretense of following the law and takes big gambles that he will get away with it - beating up protesters, planting fake bombs etc.

[cclub75]

"If somebody had made this story up, no one would have been arrested. Eventually the police investigation will prove it," Thaksin said.

Again, a great sophism !

It's becoming really funny.

More seriously : they are following the plan. Now they are talking about a plot, with some military officiers, or a group willing to "bring down the government".

Next step ?....

[Plus]

As if Thaksin hasn't pissed off lots of people already, he now takes on another group - graduates of Class 7

A friendship ends

With his life seemingly on the line, Thaksin finally runs out of patience with Pallop

Ties between Thaksin Shinawatra and Pallop Pinmanee date back more than two decades. This changed abruptly within hours after the discovery of a car laden with explosives near the prime minister's residence yesterday morning.

Thaksin had appeared willing to tolerate Pallop's quirks and failures, including his botched anti-riot operation that led to bloodshed at the Krue Se Mosque in Pattani in 2004. But Pallop fell out of favour as soon as Thaksin's life was in jeopardy.

At the government's intervention, Pallop had managed to keep his position of deputy director of Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) in spite of domestic and international calls for his head after the Krue Se Mosque action.

But following Thaksin's lightning order yesterday, he lost his job even before there was proof to link him to the supposed attack.

When Thaksin was a junior police officer struggling to launch a second career in business, he relied on favours dispensed by Chulachomklao Class 7 officers, including Pallop, who dominated the political landscape in the 1980s.

He secured state licences with the blessings of then political big-shot Chalerm Yoobamrung, seen as close to Class 7 officers.

Without Pallop and his Class 7 buddies, the Shinawatra telecommunications business empire might not have taken off.

After Thaksin decided to enter politics, another Class 7 officer, Chamlong Srimuang, took him under his wing and allowed the use of the Palang Dharma Party as the springboard to form the Thai Rak Thai Party.

Following his first election victory in 2001, Thaksin rewarded Pallop with the Isoc job and designated him as his right-hand man on security affairs.

At the height of street protests earlier this year, Class 7 officers, including Chamlong, and former Senate speaker Manoonkrit Roopkachorn, broke away from the government and campaigned rigorously against Thaksin.

Only Pallop pledged his unwavering loyalty, even though he also warned about a possible military take-over if Thaksin failed to reconcile differences with his opponents. His recent remarks showed increasing scepticism that democratic means could resolve the tension.

As Thaksin resumed his duties in May following his seven-week political break, the intelligence and security community started to monitor plots relating to alleged assassination attempts against the prime minister.

Veteran officials sounded the alarm on the plots but took them with a grain of salt because tip-offs could often be traced to double agents working on both sides of the government fence.

When the government leaked reports about threats to Thaksin's life, critics laughed them off as a sham to smear opponents and win public sympathy.

By the same token, the government dismissed opponents' concerns about rough handling of protesters, claiming they had an ulterior motive to harass the prime minister under the pretext of free speech.

The attacks at Central World Plaza on Monday was a case in point, demonstrating how Thaksin's supporters and opponents had choreographed their activities in order to blame the other side for violence.

The rival sides have apparently tried to sway public sentiment. For opponents, it is clear they want to expose Thaksin for his flawed leadership. The government chooses, in turn, to bait protesters to act in an unruly way in order to justify its bullying tactics instead of taking pre-emptive measures to ensure peace.

The uncovering of the alleged "car bomb" is like a replay of the Central World Plaza scuffle.

The prime minister's security officers detected a suspicious car casing in the area two months ago but took no action.

Two days ago, Mahachon Party deputy leader Akapol Surasuchart raised concern that Thaksin might have angered his opponents to the point of inciting suicide bombers to target him.

Akapol was reacting to the scuffles between Thaksin's supporters and opponents. His boss Sanan Kachornprasart has strong ties with Class 7 officers.

Following his remarks about suicide bombers, authorities suddenly decided to give chase to the same suspicious car before uncovering explosives, which - if actually connected for detonation - could have inflicted damage over a 500-metre radius.

The car had a fake licence plate and driver Thawatchai Klinchana confessed to being Pallop's subordinate on an Isoc assignment. The explosion would, hypothetically, have been on the same scale as a car bomb that went off at a Yala hotel, an incident linked to the violence in the deep South.

Pallop denied his involvement, although it is apparent that Thawatchai is an Isoc official. The mystery has deepened because the car and the explosives seem to have been issued by the government.

Members of the public have to draw their own conclusions as the government's supporters and opponents increasingly resort to underhand tactics to undermine one another.

Avudh Panananda

The Nation

[sriracha john]

Channel News Asia’s television news is reporting (it’s not on their online site yet) that Gen. Panlop has stated that the alledged bomb plot was all made up by Thaksin himself.

[hammered]

More intrigue... more "facts"??? :

Thai leader accuses military officers of assassination bomb plot

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has accused a small group of military officers of plotting to kill him with a powerful bomb that police discovered near his home.

Police defused a potent mix of TNT, plastic explosives, fertilizer and fuel oil found Thursday in the trunk of a car at an intersection near Thaksin's home, which they said was a foiled attempt to kill the prime minister.

An army officer was arrested shortly after the bomb was found and charged with illegal possession of explosives, prompting Thaksin to sack a top general.

"There are three to four military officers involved in the assassination plot. Some of them are retired," Thaksin said.

"We know which group made (the bomb) and more suspects will be arrested," he said.

But the billionaire prime minister said that no link had been discovered between the plot and retired general Chamlong Srimuang, who helped spearhead months of anti-Thaksin protests that rattled Bangkok earlier this year.

Thaksin said his security team had spotted the car carrying the bomb at least twice in the last two weeks.

The premier and other top officials tried to quash speculation in the Thai media that the bomb scare might have been a political stunt.

"If somebody had made this story up, no one would have been arrested. Eventually the police investigation will prove it," Thaksin said.

Thaksin's security had already been beefed up ahead of elections, following scuffles between his supporters and groups opposing his rule.

- AFP

Police good guys. Military bad guys. Top intelligence positions up for grabs. Fight between police and military for who gets them. The PM is an ex-cop. Then we could get into the military reshuffle.

[sriracha john]

Fired general claims Thaksin faked assassination plot

BANGKOK - An army general sacked over an alleged assassination attempt against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Friday that the plot was fabricated by the Thai leader himself.

General Pallop Pinmanee, deputy chief of the Internal Security Operations Command, was fired shortly after powerful explosives were found in a car near Thaksin's residence and an army lieutenant driving the vehicle was arrested. The junior officer had once been Pallop's driver.

Pallop said the explosive device was not wired up to go off and questioned why the driver drove past the house several times instead of triggering the explosive.

"I think Thaksin cooked the thing up to damage me," Pallop said, noting his connection with Chamlong Srimuang, a key leader in months of street protests earlier this year against Thaksin.

Pallop spoke to reporters as speculation mounted over Thursday's incident, which Thaksin described as a plot against his life.

"Bomb plot or stunt?" the English-language Bangkok Post said in its headline.

The newspaper quoted Prasong Soonsiri, a former head of the National Security Council, as saying the alleged plot was an attempt by the embattled government to divert attention from other issues and could lead to Thaksin declaring a state of emergency.

Thaksin has been under attack from Bangkok's middle class, academics, some military officers and other sectors for alleged abuse of power and corruption, but has refused to step down and insists he will be the front-runner in his Thai Rak Thai party's bid to win October elections.

Thaksin on Friday maintained the attempt on his life was genuine, saying four senior military officers, some on active duty and others retired, were the masterminds. He said he would not reveal their names.

"Why do I have to make up the story? If it's cooked up how can police arrest the suspect? The truth will be revealed when more collaborators are arrested. More suspects will be arrested soon," Thaksin told reporters.

bold added for cclub75's sophism benefit...

The suspect, Lieutenant Thawatchai Klinchana, is an officer with the Internal Operations Security Command, police Lieutenant General Montree Jamroon told a news conference Thursday. Thawatchai was charged with illegal possession of an explosive device and Montree said more charges would be brought as the investigation continued.

Colonel Kosol Ngampramuan, chief of the police bomb squad, said Thawatchai had driven his car back and forth near Thaksin's home until a security guard notified police. Thawatchai was arrested after trying to flee, he said.

Kosol said 67 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, 4.5 kilograms of TNT and 1.6 kilograms of C-4 explosive were found in the car. The material was capable of causing damage within a one-kilometer radius, and would have destroyed everything within 50 to 100 meters, Kosol said.

Lieutenant General Jumphon Manmai, chief of the National Intelligence Bureau, said the powerful bomb was primed for an explosion.

"From investigating the path that the car took, we believe it was intended to assassinate the prime minister," he said.

"I learned about the plot to harm me and my family two weeks ago. My family and I are being more cautious for the time being," Thaksin told reporters on Thursday. "I know the people who are behind the plot but I cannot say who they are. It is the duty of investigators to find out."

Police spokesman Lieutenant General Achirawit Suphanaesat urged all parties to stop speculating and let the justice system take its course.

"The investigator has evidence and witnesses to back up that this car was driven out of IOSC headquarters at 5:45 a.m. This proved that the car originated from there," he said. "Let the courts pass judgment on the culprit. No one should rush into drawing conclusions without evidence."

Thaksin canceled a trip this week to visit flooded areas in northern Thailand and a Sept. 3 meeting with his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Sen, on the Thai-Cambodia border, government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said.

- The Associated Press

[Jai Dee]

Police escort Lt Thawatchai Klinchana, for further interrogation on Friday. Thawatchai was arrested on Thursday after his car was found loaded with explosive devices. He was accused of involving in assassination plot against caretaker premier.

Photo by Wanchai Kraisornkhajit - The Nation - 25 August 2006

[hammered]

BOT Governor: Investors’ confidence not affected by the recent bomb incident

Governor of Bank of Thailand M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula is confident that the bombing incident near the residence of Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will not affect the confidence of the investors.

Assassination attempt on PM has impact on Thai economy

BANGKOK: -- The aborted assassination attempt on Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Thursday has both direct and indirect impacts on the Thai economy, according to a top banker.

Hmm... so DOES IT affect the economy or DOES IT NOT affect the economy??

and yet, even more importantly,

Why are these comments by this guy and that guy ALWAYS so very quick to come out following just about ANY news item???

Do they not realize how it cheapens their comments and/or the relevance and significance of the news item?

The only thing missing is the normal other "so-quick-to-come-out-after-a-news-item" are the reassuring words of the TAT's governor reassuring everyone that, "Tourism arrivals will not be adversely affected by the threat to the PM's life .. blah, blah, blah"...

I'm sure they will come out with something very soon...

I'm won't be surprised if many Thais believe what was said.

Thais are taught from early age that people of authority are trustworthy.

If its government official especially head of the ministry, making whatever statement its assumed as facts.

Plus the fact that it makes them and the country look good!

Remember like a commercial used to say "Image is everything"

Following up on your point with a thai view. According to my wife this whole story of an assassination plot will be believed by lesser educated farmers in the north, and regenerate a feeling of sympathy for Mr. Thaksin. This will offset the PR disaster for him of having TV scenes of his supporters and bodyguards beating the old man, a kid and a woman. In her opinion people in the farming villages with les of an education where she hails from would not have liked this behavior to say the least, and it was probably the first time Mr. Thaksin had actually made a blunder that could have hurt him where it counted in the election. Now of course these same people will be feeling differenly.

She also maintains that nobody with an education will believe the assasination story, and that Mr. Thaksin will be aware of this unless he has lost touch with reality....

[Samuian]

..... unless he has lost touch with reality....

unless?

[Gonzo the Face]

This one did it.....no no that one did it... they were responsible , not me !!!! No No it was the PAD....No No it was the TRT.... and on and on....

How come noone has hit on another possiblility......It was the wife and the Mexican gardner.....after all, supposedly fertilizer was involved ?????/

Think about the Brazillions of $$$$ someone would inheirit.....

Ahhhhh ze plot thickens

I don't [ on a more serious note] think it had anything to do with the Southern Muslims doing it, after all they have set off hundreds of bombs in the south and if they were to go after this target, it would no doubt been the most important target they ever tried to hit. They wouldn't create as stupid a scenario as this has been. And the bomb would have been ready and it would have gone off. End of Story.

Mr. Woe is me, pity me, has my vote as the lack of brains in this one.

[Losangels]

Police escort Lt Thawatchai Klinchana, for further interrogation on Friday. Thawatchai was arrested on Thursday after his car was found loaded with explosive devices. He was accused of involving in assassination plot against caretaker premier.

Photo by Wanchai Kraisornkhajit - The Nation - 25 August 2006

He looks like being drugged and/or rough-upped.

I don't know whether he has legal representation but I doubt it, mabe just on paper he has.

Afraid to see things worst done to him

[Spenthouse]

i think the've nabbed him just after he lost his world cup bet on brazil.

[Jai Dee]

PM: emergency decree is not needed at this moment

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has indicated that there is no need to enforce the emergency decree at this period of time.

He said that the current situation in Bangkok is not as severe that the emergency decree has to be issued after a car was found to contain explosives near the premier’s residence yesterday.

However, Prime Minister still refuses to reveal the names of the people who are suspected to be behind the bomb plot yesterday.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

TRT condemns the culprit regarding the attempt to assassinate PM Thaksin

Thai Rak Thai Party deputy spokesperson Pimook Simaroj (ภิมุข สิมะโรจน์) has condemned the culprit who attempted to assassinate Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra yesterday near his residence at Charansanitwong 69.

Mr. Pimook said the Thai Rak Thai Party is against the use of violence. He stated that if the bomb exploded, then the incident would affect Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the public venues nearby as well. He said there are around four to five schools and people’s residences nearby the site.

He has asked all sides to reconcile and indicated that the social situation is fragile at the moment. He has urged all political sides not to express their opinions beyond considerably. He has also encouraged people to be more prudent with the involvement in politics and has requested the officials to accelerate the investigation of this bomb plot case.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 August 2006

[Hermano Lobo]

Stop press:

Hollywood seeks to contract PM Thaksin for cinema plot lines

The latest rumours coming out of Tinsel Town indicate that filmakers are extremely impressed with the plot performance of PM Thaksin. Radically short of new ideas themselves they see the latest incident of the fake bomb plot with the car full of fertilizer ideal material for a Hollywood film or part thereof. The car driving around the area 37 times could be a plot in itself, they are looking for a couple of 'buddy' bad guy actors to fulfil the role. Also apparently they particularly liked the drugged and beaten-up driver being hauled into public view. They have not seen such a convincing Patsy since Lee Harvey Oswald.

Hollywood thinks Thaksin will be great for audiences.

There are further rumours that the elegant and highly sensitive Quentin Tarantino has been salivating at the heavy handed dealing with the problems in the South of Thailand and the amount of shootin' of drug dealers at just about anybody else who gets in the way.

Tarantino was heard to comment " I like this guy Tarksin, he knows how to kick ass and pull the trigger. I loved the way his heavies layed into those innocent elderly protesters, we need more of that. The clampdown on the closing times for bars was a bit tame so I am looking for a real 'Cultural Revolution' with plenty of innocent victims and the cracking of heads. You can't beat a good old fashioned Dictator showing the plebs whose boss ! Go to it Taksy Babee!"

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Los Angeles Times. 08-24-06.

Edited August 25, 2006 by Hermano Lobo

[Samuian]

....and the foiled "assassination plot" when he, the other time came "too late" to the already "exploded" Thai Aircraft supposedly bringing him to his home turf.... anyone?

If after all this is brought into the equasion...

I say someone is in deep s...!

Not to mention that, he is abviously lacking some smart advisors - just look at this mess!

Once "the driver" has a yellow football shirt, on the next pic' he has one of these thai-style uniform-safari-suits on..... and they do not look as if the 2 are the same guys - it will take some time for the dust to settle - he has in fact just reached the oppsite by this blunder!

Not only him, but all the too keen "spokesmen" around...

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the greatest show on earth!" relax, sit down, have some cheese and crackers, while the show unveils...

Edited August 25, 2006 by Samuian

[Tony Clifton]

After Kill Bill, here comes Whack Thak.

If it is indeed the same guy, what's with the mole on his right cheek? It grew overnight?

Edited August 25, 2006 by Tony Clifton

[Jai Dee]

Pallop: I wouldn’t have missed if I had done it

The sacked deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), Gen Pallop Pinmanee, yesterday denied any involvement in the assassination plot against caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, saying he would not have missed if he had done it.

“In my [military] career, I used to lead hunter-killer squads,” the 70-year-old retired general told a cheering crowd of supporters in front of his ISOC office. “If I really wanted to do it [assassinate the premier], I guarantee he would not have escaped”

Gen Pallop, pictured, was abruptly dismissed by an urgent order signed by Thaksin hours after his former driver, who had been serving him as an ISOC intelligence operative in the restive southern provinces, was arrested by police with a large assortment of explosive devices that police said were intended to be used to assassinate the caretaker premier.

The general expressed skepticism that the alleged assassination plot was for real. “It’s impossible. The news reports said that the driver [of the car with the explosives] had circled the premier’s house many times. Why circle the house? If I were to do it, I would have gone ahead and bombed it…”

A member of the Class 7 graduates of Chulachomklao Military Academy – better known as the Young Turks – Gen Wallop has had a colorful and outstanding military career. Among other assignments, he has served in combat missions in Laos and South Vietnam, and along the Thai-Cambodian border. He was made a full general upon retirement from the army in 1996.

Perhaps the most recent incident that put Gen Pallop in the controversial public spotlight was in April 2004 when, in his capacity as head of the Southern Border Provinces Peace-building Command, he ordered the storming of Krue Se mosque in Pattani, in which 32 Muslim militants were killed. He was quickly relieved of his command after the incident.

The general said he was not sorry about being dismissed, and that it was within the premier’s power to do so, although he felt a little disappointed as Thaksin had not consulted him before signing the dismissal order.

He recalled having told Thaksin five years ago, when he was asked to join the Thai Rak Thai party, that he had been a career soldier all his life, and that his allegiance lay with the nation and the monarchy above all else.

“I have risked my life serving the country. So, I’m not excited or sorry [about the dismissal],” he said.

At the height of the anti-Thaksin street demonstrations mounted by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) earlier this year, Thaksin once asked Gen Pallop whether it was true that he had sent security details to protect Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, a key PAD leader and Gen Pallop’s classmate at the Chulachomklao Military Academy.

Gen Pallop told Thaksin at the time that he did send security men to provide protection for Maj-Gen Chamlong. “It was not so much because Chamlong was my classmate. I was in charge of national security. If any untoward incident happened to Chamlong or other PAD leaders, it would reflect negatively on the prime minister as well,” he told his supporters yesterday.

Source: ThaiDay - 25 August 2006

[Gonzo the Face]

PM: emergency decree is not needed at this moment

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has indicated that there is no need to enforce the emergency decree at this period of time.

He said that the current situation in Bangkok is not as severe that the emergency decree has to be issued after a car was found to contain explosives near the premier’s residence yesterday.

However, Prime Minister still refuses to reveal the names of the people who are suspected to be behind the bomb plot yesterday.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 August 2006

He's Heerreeeeee...... that Capt. Charasmatic dude again , I'll bet...

dixie

[Jai Dee]

Finance Ministry is confident investors’ confidence will not be affected by the recent bombing incident

The Finance Ministry is positive that the unsuccessful plan to assassinate Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra by using a car bomb yesterday would not affect the confidence of foreign investors.

Fiscal Policy Office Deputy Director Somchai Sajjapong (สมชัย สัจจพงษ์) spoke about the bomb attempt incident yesterday. He stated that the occurrence would not affect the Thai economy as the authorities were able to control the situation.

He views that the circumstance would not have an impact on foreign investors’ perspective on Thailand as similar attempts had occurred in several countries before but failed to do so. He said foreign investors still perceive Thailand as a secured country.

Mr. Somchai said Thailand is still deemed a good country for investment, especially in the stock market. He stated that the most worrying issue now is the increase in fuel prices.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

Questions swirl around Thai PM bomb plot

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Sceptical Thai media questioned on Friday the government's assertion of a plot to blow up Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, but the opposition feared the incident could presage a violent election campaign.

"Bomb plot or stunt?" the Bangkok Post asked in a front page headline the day after police showed off ammonium nitrate, TNT, C4 plastic explosive and a remote control circuit they said was found in a car parked near Thaksin's house in the capital.

The vehicle was parked beneath an overpass next to a route frequently taken by Thaksin's motorcade.

However, conflicting reports from officers at the scene -- one of whom said they had found only a 10-gallon jerry can of fertiliser -- fuelled suspicions it might be a political ruse on the first day of campaigning for an Oct 15 general election.

"Is this incident fact or stage-managed?" the Thai language "Post Today" asked in a front-page editorial. "The answer lies in who will benefit from the controversy."

National Intelligence Agency chief Jumpol Manmai said police had no doubts the plot was for real and knew who was behind it, but were not yet able to make the mastermind's identity public.

"Yes, we are 100 percent sure it was an assassination plot," Jumpol told TV 9.

Immediately after the incident, Thaksin fired a top security aide whose driver, according to police, had been arrested in the car.

However, General Pallop Pinmanee, deputy director of the powerful Internal Security Operations Command, denied any involvement and said the driver was a former, not current, employee.

"It's impossible that I would assassinate the Prime Minister," said the retired soldier who fought in Vietnam and Laos during the Vietnam War. "If I had wanted to kill him, the Prime Minister would not have escaped."

ELECTION FEARS

The discovery of the alleged plot came just days after scuffles between foes and backers of Thaksin at two public appearances in Bangkok in which several people were injured.

It fanned fears the election campaign, which kicked off officially on Thursday, might turn ugly in a country with a long history of coups and attempted coups, although none since 1991.

The main Thai stock index, which has fared poorly during an 8-month political crisis generated by a street campaign to oust Thaksin, closed down nearly one percent on Thursday and was weaker in early Friday trade as well.

The opposition Democrats stopped short of saying the alleged plot was a ploy by Thaksin to garner a sympathy vote at the poll, but said the government must come clean quickly to ensure it did not beget more violence.

"The information disclosed by the authorities so far still has not convinced the public there was a real plot," party spokesman Ong-Art Klampaiboon said. "Our society is divided now and when it is divided it is easy for violence to happen."

Thanks to solid rural support, Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) party is expected to win a comfortable victory in the election although with a smaller majority than in a February 2005 landslide.

A snap election called in April was annulled after an opposition boycott threw up an incomplete result that prevented Thaksin from being able to form a government.

Source: Reuters 25 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

ACM Kongsak believes government is not behind the bomb plot case

The Interior Minister, Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Wanthana, is convinced that the government has nothing to do with explosives in the car near Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s residence yesterday. He also indicated that the bomb in the vehicle can go off in less than a minute once being assembled.

ACM Kongsak has observed that if the wrongdoer does not want to detonate the bomb, the person should not assemble the explosive materials in advance. He said the government is not behind this unpleasant incident in order to create a situation because many consequences would follow.

He has also refused to give his views on the current social conflict and its tendency to heighten in the future. He stated that it depends whether all sides take heed to His Majesty the King’s royal address. However, the Ministry of Interior is ready to work with all parties to search for the truth of this case.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 August 2006

[Heng]

hence the botched attempt) to see something like this happen.

I would term it farcical rather than botched. It beggars belief people could be so inept if it was a serious attempt.

which is why I have such doubt.

I see people everyday raising the bar at how inept they are. And that's at simple things like truck fleet maintainence, delivering exactly what we ordered in terms of inventory, and even painting in a straight line. I'd say radio-controlled demolition has its own share of steps that people could f-up.

...back in a bit, in the car now (GPRS cutting in and out).

[John K]

I have not look at this thread since 6 am today, And just a quick skim I can say.. headlines

Many injured with car bomb that was not assembled and did not explode.

Thaksin looks to eliminate all that oppose him.

This very much reminds me of Saddam Hussein in a meeting hall when he was calling people up and then taking then out back to be shot when he first came to power.

People I think you are watching a slow motion coup in progress.

Edited August 25, 2006 by John K

[Hermano Lobo]

People I think you are watching a slow motion coup in progress.

You could well be right, but who will be the victor ? Thaksin or the Military ?

[Thaising]

Police has threatened and warn the suspect families in Ratchaburi not to give out information to the media.

General Panlop had resigned all his official post as well his membership with Thai Rai Thai Party.

Brief Evening News from ITV

[sriracha john]

Stop press:

Hollywood seeks to contract PM Thaksin for cinema plot lines

The latest rumours coming out of Tinsel Town indicate that filmakers are extremely impressed with the plot performance of PM Thaksin. Radically short of new ideas themselves they see the latest incident of the fake bomb plot with the car full of fertilizer ideal material for a Hollywood film or part thereof. The car driving around the area 37 times could be a plot in itself, they are looking for a couple of 'buddy' bad guy actors to fulfil the role. Also apparently they particularly liked the drugged and beaten-up driver being hauled into public view. They have not seen such a convincing Patsy since Lee Harvey Oswald.

Hollywood thinks Thaksin will be great for audiences.

There are further rumours that the elegant and highly sensitive Quentin Tarantino has been salivating at the heavy handed dealing with the problems in the South of Thailand and the amount of shootin' of drug dealers at just about anybody else who gets in the way.

Tarantino was heard to comment " I like this guy Tarksin, he knows how to kick ass and pull the trigger. I loved the way his heavies layed into those innocent elderly protesters, we need more of that. The clampdown on the closing times for bars was a bit tame so I am looking for a real 'Cultural Revolution' with plenty of innocent victims and the cracking of heads. You can't beat a good old fashioned Dictator showing the plebs whose boss ! Go to it Taksy Babee!"

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Los Angeles Times. 08-24-06.

extremely well written, appreciate the effort expended...

Edited August 25, 2006 by sriracha john