Crackdown On Anti-Thaksin Movement

[hammered]

Additional comments by Interior Minister provide a rather bizarre interpretation of the Constitution:

Kongsak: PAD rallies illegal

Caretaker Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana yesterday warned the People's Alliance for Democracy to end its rallies against caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during the run-up to the Oct 15 election or face legal punishment. ACM Kongsak said rallies would be deemed as contravening the election law, which prohibits any actions that either damage or boost the credibility of individuals or political parties. He said authorities must take action against anyone breaking the law as the royal election decree was now in effect. ''Everyone must stop now or be held in violation of the law. What is deemed appropriate during a demonstration is that it must not affect the voting for political parties,'' he said. Prinya Tevanaruemitrkul of Thammasat University's law faculty, denounced the caretaker interior minister's threat, saying PAD members had voiced their opinions in good faith and they could continue to do so despite the election decree. PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said the PAD was a civic movement, not a political party, so it had the right under the constitution to gather peacefully.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/29Aug2006_news10.php

this is the age old authoritarian government, as seen in many places in the world, claim that certain acts of legislation override a constitutional guarantee - in this case the right to peacefully demonstrate. Legally the government claim is highly tenuous, but the spokesperson gives it away with his statement that it "must not affect the voting for political parties". Of course the PAD rallies, which are not funded by any political party will even if media censored be seen and may even have an effect. However, any pro-TRT umbrella group organizing a rally will need massive funding to pay its participants. That is expensive. These groups also have a history of getting out of control which will also not do the TRT party any good.

At the moment the entire TRT strategy is keep the bad stories about us away from eevryone by all means possible. Now isnt there something in a democracy about people making informed decsions on who to vote for after analysising all the information?

[sriracha john]

TRT 'will bring millions of people to city'

"However many people Sondhi [Limthongkul] can bring, I will bring more," he said. Former Nakhon Ratchasima MP Suporn Atthawong said people from the Northeast want to visit Bangkok to encourage Thaksin, but former MPs have warned them to avoid a conflict.

"I and other [Thai Rak Thai members] told people in each constituency that we have to keep cool."

However, Suporn said that if Thaksin was still pressed by Sondhi and the PAD, perhaps more than 10 million people could go to Bangkok.

"They don't want to make a fight with Sondhi. They want to protect the premier and to keep democracy," he said.

The Nation

But where can TRT or the police find 10 million black shirts from, to fit all these 'former rubber tappers', so that they don't arrest or beat up the wrong set of protesters by mistake ?

The latest versions of "men in black" attire will be an improvement from the ones used at Central World Plaza by rubber tappers to beat up old men and women. They are designed to avoid the confusion caused there that resulted in a few of these guys beating on each by mistake because of the plain nature of their chosen clothing. These are far more distinct:

[sriracha john]

"unforgettable Thailand" ...in the sense of unforgettable bump on the head for participating in a initially -peaceful protest - perchance?

What's next in the unforgettably cunning mind of the caretaker PM:

Will he lose his credit cards (before he loses his marbles) to an unsavory Malaysian character - who suddenly empties the Thaksin family bank accounts. Then the PM can stand before his minions with a tear in his eye and declare he's broke. Within days, millions of identically scripted cards will get mailed to him - from the NE and Chiang Mai - expressing heartfelt sorrow.

followed by the release of thousands of origami birds dropped from Air Force One.

[womble]

Actually i've been giving it some thought, PAD is not a political party and is not aiming to promote any political party.

This means a rally held by them should be perfectly legal unless they are infiltrated by thugs from the other side.

A huge rally by TRT supporters on the other hand runs a huge risk of breaking election laws which is something Thaksin cannot afford to risk, especially when he is unaware of how strict the new

EC may be.

I think there is a possible way out should the new EC really wish to solve this huge problem facing the country.

Thaksins mouth will more than likely come out with something that will violate election laws, it's quite possible that he could be stopped by the new EC.

He really has taken things too far now and I think we will eigher see him stopped by the EC or the court cases, or we will see him create violence to take control and not have to attend those court cases.

[thaigene2]

Yes we're moving toward Endgame. The jilted 3rd generation civil service class in Bangkok are desperate to get their hands on the procurement contracts again to award them to their in-laws. The big-biz supporters of the present administration don't want to see that happen -- because they don't want those middle-class brothers-in-law of Ministry officials competing for contracts.

The military is desperate to regain its prominance - and access to the procurement contracts again.

The police seem lined up with the administration which could mean Tea Money has been assured for their loyalty -- and access to procurement contracts guaranteed in traditional style.

We'll know we're in the final act if it comes to blows between the police and military. Scary times indeed. One thing to be sure - no matter which side wins, underpriviledged Thais will still be just that. Sad state of affairs.

[sriracha john]

We all need to relax, close our eyes briefly and take a long deep breath, and then open our eyes and enjoy reading some nice, soothing news:

People encourage PM at the Government House

A pro-democratic and peace-loving group of supporters gathered in front of the Government House to give their encouragement to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Over 30 members who were wearing pink shirts and caps with the name of the group traveled to the Government House this morning. Besides from supporting the Prime Minister, the group also distributed leaflets with "We Love Thaksin" message to the public. The group handed a flower bouquet to the premier through the officials.

Later, the members disbanded and no violence took place during the gathering.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand (ThaiNews)

Peace.... and Love.... and Serenity....

now then, don't you feel much better???

Edited August 29, 2006 by sriracha john

[jdinasia]

We all need to relax, close our eyes briefly and take a long deep breath, and then open our eyes and enjoy reading some nice, soothing news:

People encourage PM at the Government House

A pro-democratic and peace-loving group of supporters gathered in front of the Government House to give their encouragement to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Over 30 members who were wearing pink shirts and caps with the name of the group traveled to the Government House this morning. Besides from supporting the Prime Minister, the group also distributed leaflets with "We Love Thaksin" message to the public. The group handed a flower bouquet to the premier through the officials.

Later, the members disbanded and no violence took place during the gathering.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand (ThaiNews)

Peace.... and Love.... and Serenity....

now then, don't you feel much better???

Could that be seen as encouraging people to vote for Thaksin? would that be illegal?

Edited August 29, 2006 by jdinasia

[Thaiquila]

This is getting to be more Marcos like everday. Thailand needs the unmentionable one again in a big way.

[sriracha john]

We all need to relax, close our eyes briefly and take a long deep breath, and then open our eyes and enjoy reading some nice, soothing news:

"We Love Thaksin" message

Peace.... and Love.... and Serenity....

now then, don't you feel much better???

Could that be seen as encouraging people to vote for Thaksin? would that be illegal?

tsk tsk, jd.... more deep breating.... more peace... more love... more serenity...

now read the article again...

[brahmburgers]

Thaksin is playing to the crowd in the NE bleachers. Those are his staunchest constituecy - besides being the most pliable, they're numerous and they respond very handily to several hundred baht for their individual votes. What we'd like to see, is the Nor'Easteners take the money and go vote for whomever they ###### well please - tho that was not easy in last April's election because the voting booths were arranged so that individual's vote could be seen by officials. Are ballots signed or otherwise marked to identify a particular person?

TRT top honchos pressure Provincial heads to get the vote - who in turn pressurize village headmen, who in turn pressure villagers to block vote for TRT. The incentive that greases the gears is, not surprisingly, money by the bucketload - sometimes tressed up in the guise of community projects etc.

To many Thais, Thaksin can do no wrong. No matter how farcical the ruse (faked bomb threats, etc) there will be hard core support with blinders firmly fastened - buffeted (and paid) by dirty tricks TRT faithful. When that support inevitably lapses, it will do so all at once, like a dam break. You can bet Thaksin has a sure fire exit strategy - that will jet him and his family out (my guess; to London) in the shake of a lamb's tail (shake of a residence gate's chain). Already, it's likely the lions' share of his vast wealth is safely tucked away overseas. Doubtful whether his billions are circulating in Thailand to benefit Thais.

[womble]

i hope he does go to london or somewhere like that, he is bound to get mixed up in some insider trading or something similar which will hopefully end up in him being incarcerated there.

[Ricardo]

We all need to relax, close our eyes briefly and take a long deep breath, and then open our eyes and enjoy reading some nice, soothing news:

People encourage PM at the Government House

A pro-democratic and peace-loving group of supporters gathered in front of the Government House to give their encouragement to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Over 30 members who were wearing pink shirts and caps with the name of the group traveled to the Government House this morning. Besides from supporting the Prime Minister, the group also distributed leaflets with "We Love Thaksin" message to the public. The group handed a flower bouquet to the premier through the officials.

Later, the members disbanded and no violence took place during the gathering.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand (ThaiNews)

Peace.... and Love.... and Serenity....

now then, don't you feel much better???

Could that be seen as encouraging people to vote for Thaksin? would that be illegal?

Where are those men in black shirts - when you need them ? !

TRT are now a spent force, when they hold a gathering, and no violence results.

This demonstration was clearly designed, to erode support for our beloved acting caretaker unemployed PM, by showing that he is no longer the 'strong-man' of old. Off with their heads !

[sriracha john]

.....and HERE IT COMES:

'GOVERNMENT CRACKDOWN'

PAD leading members targeted for arrest

Court declines to issue arrest warrants, seeks clarification of charges from police

Eight leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy yesterday were targeted for arrest over their anti-government roles during months of mass rallies, but the Criminal Court declined to issue the warrants pending a hearing today.

Maj-General Chatchawal Suksomchit, deputy Metropolitan Police chief, was reported to have asked the court to issue arrest warrants for the eight PAD members.

Police claimed that the suspects tried to incite political upheaval after they held a series of rallies across the country, attacking the government and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra with their allegations.

The PAD members are Suriyasai Katasila, Karun Sai-ngam, Rosana Tositrakul, Pian Yongnu, Suwit Watnu, Chaiwat Sinsuwong, Ouaychai Watha and Sirichai Mai-ngam.

but not Chamlong nor Sonthi??

The court said it had considered the police's request and decided to seek clarification today from Chatchawal on the justification for the request and charges against the PAD members before concluding if the arrests were warranted.

good on the courts for not rushing into this potentially HIGHLY volatile situation by granting the police request for a warrant.

Nitithorn Lamlua, an attorney for the eight PAD members, earlier reported to police seeking to have all charges against his clients dismissed. He claimed that the effort by police to charge the PAD members with endangering national security and practising sedition was illegal.

Police had earlier booked charges against two groups of leading PAD members, including Sondhi Limthongkul, Chamlong Srimuang and Chirmsak Pinthong.

ahhh ok... ???

Suriyasai said police were serving the government in an attempt to stop a new round of the PAD movement before the election.

He insisted that the PAD's activities were constitutional.

Rosana said she and the others would fight all the way through the legal process if the court issued the arrest warrants.

The Nation

Edited August 29, 2006 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

One more backfire coming up.

[Ricardo]

Wonder why they don't yet include all the leaders of the opposition-parties, in this case, since they also attack the acting caretaker unemployed PM & accuse him of being naughty ?

How long can this go on - and the October 15th election still be considered 'fair & un-biased' ?

[sriracha john]

Wonder why they don't yet include all the leaders of the opposition-parties, in this case, since they also attack the acting caretaker unemployed PM & accuse him of being naughty ?

How long can this go on - and the October November 15th election still be considered 'fair & un-biased' ?

modified to reflect what most accounts that I've heard/read are estimating....

[Netfan]

.....and HERE IT COMES:

'GOVERNMENT CRACKDOWN'

PAD leading members targeted for arrest

Court declines to issue arrest warrants, seeks clarification of charges from police

Eight leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy yesterday were targeted for arrest over their anti-government roles during months of mass rallies, but the Criminal Court declined to issue the warrants pending a hearing today.

Maj-General Chatchawal Suksomchit, deputy Metropolitan Police chief, was reported to have asked the court to issue arrest warrants for the eight PAD members.

Police claimed that the suspects tried to incite political upheaval after they held a series of rallies across the country, attacking the government and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra with their allegations.

The Nation

]"A government that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a government that is afraid of its people." John F. Kennedy

[veteran]

:Here we go again TIT

[Plus]

In 1992 the government (led by Suchinda) faced months of street protests, but the actual crackdown and bloodbath occured only after Chamlong was arrested.

Situation is not the same now, but the government's attempt at arresting PAD leaders is worrysome.

Revived street protests and ensuing confrontation will certainly lead to Thaksin's resignation, just like back in April, so he, perhaps, simply tries to prevent any demonstrations at all. Or maybe the police are simply doing their duty without any actual intent fo arresting anyone.

[baabaabobo]

"We learn from history that we learn nothing from history." - George Bernard Shaw

[navajo]

NOW THE QUESTION IS: WHO IS GOING TO CRACK DOWN ON THE POLICE???

[sriracha john]

Thailand 'at risk of becoming failed state'

Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun yesterday warned that Thailand could become a failed state in need of salvaging by the United Nations unless there was a concerted effort to end division. Without mentioning names, Mr Anand blamed the current caretaker government for bringing crisis to the country. ''Thai society is split into two,'' Mr Anand said. ''The figures do not matter, whether it is 19 million or 16 million,'' he added in an apparent reference to the number of votes caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra claims to have gained in elections in 2001 and in April this year. ''If Thai society is still divided and there is so much hate, and the environment is conducive to prolonging this hate, and to sustaining conflict, it is frightening, very frightening. It is something that all sides must work to prevent from happening. I don't want to use the term employed by the UN for African countries, that is failing or failed states that the UN has to rehabilitate,'' he said. ''I don't want Thailand to come to this, but it is possible if the situation continues this way for a long time, and no one can, has the means, the desire or the intent to manage it.'' Mr Anand said he was not neutral, however. ''In my life, I have never been impartial when it comes to choosing between right and wrong, good and bad, democratic and undemocratic.'' The political turmoil was the result of an attempt to distort the constitution by people who exploited it. He directed his comments at an unnamed person who often urges others to ''play by the rules''.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/31Aug2006_news01.php

Edited August 30, 2006 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Alliance rallies 'violate poll law'

A Thai Rak Thai legal expert yesterday called on the Election Commission (EC) to take legal action against the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) for "violating election law" by holding a rally against caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Wichit Plangsrisakul said yesterday he learned the PAD would hold a "Be United to Topple the Thaksin Regime" rally in Prachuap Khiri Khan on Sunday. The EC and its provincial officials should keep a close eye on the rally as it was likely to violate the law by mobilising people and damaging the reputation of the party, its candidates and its leader, he claimed.

Meanwhile, caretaker Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana said yesterday he was sorry to cause any misunderstanding by saying on Monday that the government was preparing to invoke the election law to punish the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) if it holds an anti-Thaksin rally during the lead-up to the new election.

He said he didn't mean any particular group but wanted government officers to exercise the law to prevent any violence that might happen due to people's different political opinions.

The Nation

-------------------------------------------------------------------

while one TRT stooge drops the baton and quickly backtracks on his comments, another TRT stooge comes along to pick up the baton and races on stupidly......

"a legal expert" ... "a clown expert" is more accurate.

[sriracha john]

.....and HERE IT COMES:

'GOVERNMENT CRACKDOWN'

PAD leading members targeted for arrest

Court declines to issue arrest warrants, seeks clarification of charges from police

Eight leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy yesterday were targeted for arrest over their anti-government roles during months of mass rallies, but the Criminal Court declined to issue the warrants pending a hearing today.

Maj-General Chatchawal Suksomchit, deputy Metropolitan Police chief, was reported to have asked the court to issue arrest warrants for the eight PAD members.

Police claimed that the suspects tried to incite political upheaval after they held a series of rallies across the country, attacking the government and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra with their allegations.

The PAD members are Suriyasai Katasila, Karun Sai-ngam, Rosana Tositrakul, Pian Yongnu, Suwit Watnu, Chaiwat Sinsuwong, Ouaychai Watha and Sirichai Mai-ngam.

but not Chamlong nor Sonthi??

The court said it had considered the police's request and decided to seek clarification today from Chatchawal on the justification for the request and charges against the PAD members before concluding if the arrests were warranted.

good on the courts for not rushing into this potentially HIGHLY volatile situation by granting the police request for a warrant.

Nitithorn Lamlua, an attorney for the eight PAD members, earlier reported to police seeking to have all charges against his clients dismissed. He claimed that the effort by police to charge the PAD members with endangering national security and practising sedition was illegal.

Police had earlier booked charges against two groups of leading PAD members, including Sondhi Limthongkul, Chamlong Srimuang and Chirmsak Pinthong.

ahhh ok... ???

Suriyasai said police were serving the government in an attempt to stop a new round of the PAD movement before the election.

He insisted that the PAD's activities were constitutional.

Rosana said she and the others would fight all the way through the legal process if the court issued the arrest warrants.

The Nation

FOLLOW-UP

Court to rule on PAD warrants tomorrow

The Criminal Court will tomorrow decide if arrest warrants should be issued against seven key members of the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government and break the law under Article 116 of the Criminal Code.

The decision came after police earlier issued summonses to the seven who all failed to show up.

The seven are coordinator Suriyasai Katasila, Senator-elect Rosana Tositrakul, slum activist Suwit Watnoo, labour leader Pien Yongnoo, former MP Chaiwat Sinsuwong, teacher Euaychai Watha and labour leader Sirichai Mai-ngam.

The police's court petition against outgoing Buri Ram Senator Karun Sai-ngam was suspended due to immunity while the Senate is in session.

The court yesterday allowed all seven to speak and all insisted they were not guilty of conspiring to overthrow the law or the democratic system with His Majesty the King as head of state.

While details of the 77-page petition document submitted by Pol Maj-General Chatchawan Suksomjit are classified at present, the judges ordered a video recording of Rosana speaking during a PAD rally on March 5 to be played in order to check the accuracy of the petition.

The video was said to show Rosana mentioning a possible tax revolt which could be interpreted as disregarding the law. Rosana was quick to tell the judges, however, that she was just floating the idea in order to see what the crowd thought.

"[The police] action leads me to doubt whether what they're doing is in fact serving the politicians to prevent people from scrutinising the government," she said.

Most of the seven told the court they were exercising their rights under Article 44 of the Constitution.

Karun told The Nation that it was caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who should be prosecuted. "We did nothing wrong but we end up having charges laid against us," he said.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

NOW THE QUESTION IS: WHO IS GOING TO CRACK DOWN ON THE POLICE???

The Army???

[hammered]

.....and HERE IT COMES:

'GOVERNMENT CRACKDOWN'

PAD leading members targeted for arrest

Court declines to issue arrest warrants, seeks clarification of charges from police

Eight leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy yesterday were targeted for arrest over their anti-government roles during months of mass rallies, but the Criminal Court declined to issue the warrants pending a hearing today.

Maj-General Chatchawal Suksomchit, deputy Metropolitan Police chief, was reported to have asked the court to issue arrest warrants for the eight PAD members.

Police claimed that the suspects tried to incite political upheaval after they held a series of rallies across the country, attacking the government and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra with their allegations.

The PAD members are Suriyasai Katasila, Karun Sai-ngam, Rosana Tositrakul, Pian Yongnu, Suwit Watnu, Chaiwat Sinsuwong, Ouaychai Watha and Sirichai Mai-ngam.

but not Chamlong nor Sonthi??

The court said it had considered the police's request and decided to seek clarification today from Chatchawal on the justification for the request and charges against the PAD members before concluding if the arrests were warranted.

good on the courts for not rushing into this potentially HIGHLY volatile situation by granting the police request for a warrant.

Nitithorn Lamlua, an attorney for the eight PAD members, earlier reported to police seeking to have all charges against his clients dismissed. He claimed that the effort by police to charge the PAD members with endangering national security and practising sedition was illegal.

Police had earlier booked charges against two groups of leading PAD members, including Sondhi Limthongkul, Chamlong Srimuang and Chirmsak Pinthong.

ahhh ok... ???

Suriyasai said police were serving the government in an attempt to stop a new round of the PAD movement before the election.

He insisted that the PAD's activities were constitutional.

Rosana said she and the others would fight all the way through the legal process if the court issued the arrest warrants.

The Nation

FOLLOW-UP

Court to rule on PAD warrants tomorrow

The Criminal Court will tomorrow decide if arrest warrants should be issued against seven key members of the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government and break the law under Article 116 of the Criminal Code.

The decision came after police earlier issued summonses to the seven who all failed to show up.

The seven are coordinator Suriyasai Katasila, Senator-elect Rosana Tositrakul, slum activist Suwit Watnoo, labour leader Pien Yongnoo, former MP Chaiwat Sinsuwong, teacher Euaychai Watha and labour leader Sirichai Mai-ngam.

The police's court petition against outgoing Buri Ram Senator Karun Sai-ngam was suspended due to immunity while the Senate is in session.

The court yesterday allowed all seven to speak and all insisted they were not guilty of conspiring to overthrow the law or the democratic system with His Majesty the King as head of state.

While details of the 77-page petition document submitted by Pol Maj-General Chatchawan Suksomjit are classified at present, the judges ordered a video recording of Rosana speaking during a PAD rally on March 5 to be played in order to check the accuracy of the petition.

The video was said to show Rosana mentioning a possible tax revolt which could be interpreted as disregarding the law. Rosana was quick to tell the judges, however, that she was just floating the idea in order to see what the crowd thought.

"[The police] action leads me to doubt whether what they're doing is in fact serving the politicians to prevent people from scrutinising the government," she said.

Most of the seven told the court they were exercising their rights under Article 44 of the Constitution.

Karun told The Nation that it was caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who should be prosecuted. "We did nothing wrong but we end up having charges laid against us," he said.

The Nation

This is a massive test case. If the courts agree that holding peaceful demonstrations is an attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government, overthrow democacy etc, there will be no way left to protest against the government. In some ways it is impossible to understand what legal experts would advise the police to bring such charges and to seek warrants, as the right to demonstrate seems to be enshrined in the constitution.

[cclub75]

This is a massive test case. If the courts agree that holding peaceful demonstrations is an attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government, overthrow democacy etc, there will be no way left to protest against the government. In some ways it is impossible to understand what legal experts would advise the police to bring such charges and to seek warrants, as the right to demonstrate seems to be enshrined in the constitution.

Not sure.

First, the Court can ask for more time, inquiry, probe, papers, video, testimony etc. You name it.

Or, they can indeed deny arrest warrants, but in the same time pursue the inquiry... Or the police can make an appeal or fill another petition.

I mean, there is no "decisive action or decision" right now in Thailand (the last one was the decision to nullify the 2 april's fool elections).

The snail game can continue, over and over.

[Plus]

Call on people not to pay taxes does not soung perfectly legal. Has the actual call been made, or the idea was simply floated, as Rosana claims?

Judicial review of PAD demonstrations is welcome - all the more reasons to see who is "right".

[womble]

Call on people not to pay taxes does not soung perfectly legal. Has the actual call been made, or the idea was simply floated, as Rosana claims?

Judicial review of PAD demonstrations is welcome - all the more reasons to see who is "right".

Calling on people not to pay taxes is a bit dodgy, but maybe they could justify it by saying so much of the taxes is being lost to corruption that they don't want to pay it until they are satisfied a government is honest with the money. They could also use thaksins sale of shin as an example and say they wouldn't pay until tax was paid on that.

[Plus]

In that case they should also be ready to face the law and argue the case in courts.

I personally think that it was "floating the idea". One of the possible scenarios for the future, not a call to action.

Easy to speculate without transcripts.