Police issue alert amid unrest fears

[Lite Beer]

FALLOUT OF THAKSIN'S PASSPORTS
Police issue alert amid unrest fears
THE SUNDAY NATION

BANGKOK: -- Move seen as fallout of decision to revoke Thaksin's passports

THE NATIONAL police chief has ordered the police force to be vigilant over possible attempts to cause unrest or disturbances following the Foreign Ministry's revocation of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's passports.

Police General Somyot Poompanmuang issued his order, marked "urgent" and dated on Friday, to police units all over the country, including the Metropolitan Police Bureau, all nine provincial police divisions, and the Border Patrol Police.

"After the revocation of a former political office holder's passports, some people with ill intentions may attempt to cause chaos in the country. All the [police] units should closely monitor suspected groups. There should also be increased security at locations that could be possible targets of attack, such as houses of VIPs," the order said.

The police chief also ordered checkpoints to be set up in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces as a deterrent measure.

However, PM's Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana said that no suspicious movement had been detected following the Foreign Ministry move, but the security agencies were closely monitoring the situation.

"There have been only movements on social media. I believe the government will be able to control the situation," he said.

Royal Thai Police spokesman Lt-General Prawut Thawornsiri said that Somyot's order was intended to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, the police chief has sent back a recommendation by a police committee suggesting that Thaksin be stripped of his police lieutenant colonel rank because it was not signed by the panel's members, according to a police source.

The recommendation by the panel, headed by senior adviser General Chaiya Siri-ampankul, needs to have the signatures of its members before further action could be taken. The panel had earlier suggested that the national police chief remove Thaksin's police rank because he had been sentenced to jail in 2008.

Thaksin's passports were revoked after he made comments deemed damaging to the country.

In a related development, Army chief General Udomdej Sitabutr said that Thaksin had accused the government of undermining the reconciliation efforts but had failed to understand that it was he who was harming reconciliation efforts.

Former Democrat MP Nipit Intaraso-mbat said that Thaksin's latest speech in South Korea last week demonstrated that he was not interested in reconciliation and had ruined any chance of achieving the goal in the future.

He singled out the part of Thaksin's speech in which he accused the Privy Council of involvement in past military coups as the key reason his passports were revoked and he may possibly lose his police rank.

"If he hadn't made that kind of speech, he would not have lost his passport. This will also make it almost impossible for the reconciliation process led by Anek Laothamatas [the reconciliation panel chairman and a National Reform Council member] to be achieved," said the former Democrat MP.

Following Thaksin's speech in South Korea, there is a move to strip him of his police rank.

Nipit said that Somyot had no choice but to do that because he was facing pressure from various organisations, including the government, which had absolute power.

Meanwhile, former Democrat MP Watchara Phetthong said the move to strip Thaksin's police rank was not politically motivated, but was merely a legal process.

He said the move should have been done long ago, but was put on hold due to Thaksin's influence on key organisations such as the Department of Special Investigation and the police.

National Anti-Corruption Commission member Wicha Mahakhun said the graft watchdog was considering filing a case calling for the impeachment of then foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul and then premier Yingluck Shinawatra for their alleged role in issuing the diplomatic passport to Thaksin during the Yingluck administration.

"I would like to confirm that this investigation doesn't particularly take aim at one political group. We are just doing our job by completing the investigation," said Wicha.

Source :http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Police-issue-alert-amid-unrest-fears-30261308.html

-- The Nation 2015-05-31

[thesetat2013]

I am certain that although Thaksin claimed it was no big deal his passports got revoked that he is really pissed about it. Since he finances and pushes the REDS to do actions in Thailand it makes sense they would have certain fears or retaliation now. Let's just hope innocent people don't get hurt when Thaks lackeys get to work creating disorder.

[kingalfred]

If thaksins moronic minions want to come out and demonstrate because their criminal idol is no longer deemed to be Thai then they can deal with the consequences,Section 44 etc etc!

[noitom]

"The graft watchdog" certainly has been doing his job over the years.

[NongKhaiKid]

This is a dangerous double edged sword, issuing alerts about possible unrest can justify certain strong actions but can also look as if the junta isn't quite as in control as they would have everyone believe.

[berybert]

Unrest ? I thought 96% of the Thai population were overwhelmed with the job Cha Cha Cha is doing.

How can there be any unrest ?

[jaidam]

Unrest ? I thought 96% of the Thai population were overwhelmed with the job Cha Cha Cha is doing.

How can there be any unrest ?

I do not like to oversimplify the problem but allow me to summarize the reason for unrest in 4 words.

Isaan has Stockholm syndrome.

[arfurcrown]

To face the facts 95% of the population don't even now Thaksin has multiple passports.

The average Thai doesn't give a tinkers cuss about the corrupt ex P.M or his family.

The fact that Thaksin ran away yet he left his sister to face the problems shows what a despicable thing he is,and where are all those loud mouthed ex government cronies, the Chalerms Thatrits and all the rest of the rotten bunch who shouted so loudly for their share of money when sniffing the money pit?

Cowards all afraid to face or even able to understand the truth.

[Artisi]

If thaksins moronic minions want to come out and demonstrate because their criminal idol is no longer deemed to be Thai then they can deal with the consequences,Section 44 etc etc!

Passport or no passport, unfortunately the convicted fugitive criminal is still Thai.

[CWMcMurray]

I completely agree with revoking his passport, as he is a fugitive...

The problem is with the below statement..

By saying the below, it will lead the whole world to believe it is only as retaliation to exercising 'Free Speech'

Which is the completely wrong message to send.

Should have just kept it as .. He is a fugitive on the run...

QUOTE:

He singled out the part of Thaksin's speech in which he accused the Privy Council of involvement in past military coups as the key reason his passports were revoked and he may possibly lose his police rank.

"If he hadn't made that kind of speech, he would not have lost his passport.

Edited May 31, 2015 by CWMcMurray

[FireMedic]

He will be weeping from his penthouse in Dubai, Singapore, or Hong Kong. 95% of Thai's couldn't show you on a map where those places are much less he economic differences. He could give a rat's toss about his Thai passports.

[smedly]

Unrest ? I thought 96% of the Thai population were overwhelmed with the job Cha Cha Cha is doing.

How can there be any unrest ?

well maybe you can do the maths and work out what 4% of the adult population is, invite them to a garden party at your place, you might need to hire some extra facilities to accommodate them

and on another note - are we about to see yet another demonstration of how Thaksins red democracy works in Thailand, maybe they can throw a few grenades into another weekend market and slaughter a few more children and have a good cheer about it on their youtube peace TV channel"

Personally I am hoping this is some individual garbage talk on social networks that will come to absolutely nothing, and those that are spouting violence shout be tracked down rounded up and locked up

[smedly]

I completely agree with revoking his passport, as he is a fugitive...

The problem is with the below statement..

By saying the below, it will lead the whole world to believe it is only as retaliation to exercising 'Free Speech'

Which is the completely wrong message to send.

Should have just kept it as .. He is a fugitive on the run...

QUOTE:

He singled out the part of Thaksin's speech in which he accused the Privy Council of involvement in past military coups as the key reason his passports were revoked and he may possibly lose his police rank.

"If he hadn't made that kind of speech, he would not have lost his passport.

agreed - the PR team of the current administration could do with some professional filtering

[Yunla]

Most people have moved on. If his diehard supporters start the whole circus show again, they will just get left behind. Now is a perfect time for them to drop this political dead weight they're dragging around, and start looking to a better future with new parties and a more virtuous leader.

[Fat Haggis]

Yunla, who do you suggest?

Most people have moved on? who would "most people" be ? You mean most people have accepted its a sad fact of life the Thai Military are always going to interfere in politics no matter what happens, that's not moving on, it's apathy!!

The day the Thai Military stops being so powerful, and answerable to the people, is the day people will be able to move on.

Edited May 31, 2015 by Fat Haggis

[h90]

If thaksins moronic minions want to come out and demonstrate because their criminal idol is no longer deemed to be Thai then they can deal with the consequences,Section 44 etc etc!

He is still Thai and surely he can get the usual passport 6 month valid for the country he sits in and Thailand to return home to hear the charges he is running from

[h90]

Most people have moved on. If his diehard supporters start the whole circus show again, they will just get left behind. Now is a perfect time for them to drop this political dead weight they're dragging around, and start looking to a better future with new parties and a more virtuous leader.

Depending on how much money he can bring in.

For a 500-1000 Baht per day you can buy a lot support from poor people

[mesquite]

If thaksins moronic minions want to come out and demonstrate because their criminal idol is no longer deemed to be Thai then they can deal with the consequences,Section 44 etc etc!

Uh..he's Thai. Cancelling his passports does not revoke his citizenship or ethnicity.

[oneday]

Everybody is soooooo scared. Thanks for making us feel safe police.

[Yunla]

Yunla, who do you suggest?

Most people have moved on? who would "most people" be ? You mean most people have accepted its a sad fact of life the Thai Military are always going to interfere in politics no matter what happens, that's not moving on, it's apathy!!

The day the Thai Military stops being so powerful, and answerable to the people, is the day people will be able to move on.

With great respect to you, the military did not interfere with politics, they stepped in to shutdown an escalating crisis, and to rescue an imploding democratic model. People were being attacked at voting sites, and there were politically-driven gunfights and grenade attacks almost daily, with innocent civilian casualties. There was road gridlock because of the factional demonstrations, and economic gridlock as local and international business was suffering terribly. Even taxi drivers couldn't do their jobs, and were even getting beaten up by political goons at demo roadblocks. In the background to all this carnage was a corrupt and inept government, who held democratic votes but held no other democratic ideals whatsoever. But they were only background to the escalating crisis on the streets, a crisis that the current regime halted in its tracks.

As for moving on, the working communities need to make new parties and get leaders that both originate from and actively represent those working communities, be that factory or field. The new leaders need to campaign on real and reasonable issues, and not just populism and gangsterism. And if voted in they need to focus their work-time on infrastructure and regulation, and improving Thailand as a whole nation with all of its people, and not focus their work-time on things like pardons and passports for overseas criminals.

[mango66]

Unrest ? I thought 96% of the Thai population were overwhelmed with the job Cha Cha Cha is doing.

How can there be any unrest ?

no one ever said 96% !

have you brain like this leicester foodballers ?

[Fat Haggis]

Yunla, who do you suggest?

Most people have moved on? who would "most people" be ? You mean most people have accepted its a sad fact of life the Thai Military are always going to interfere in politics no matter what happens, that's not moving on, it's apathy!!

The day the Thai Military stops being so powerful, and answerable to the people, is the day people will be able to move on.

With great respect to you, the military did not interfere with politics, they stepped in to shutdown an escalating crisis, and to rescue an imploding democratic model. People were being attacked at voting sites, and there were politically-driven gunfights and grenade attacks almost daily, with innocent civilian casualties. There was road gridlock because of the factional demonstrations, and economic gridlock as local and international business was suffering terribly. Even taxi drivers couldn't do their jobs, and were even getting beaten up by political goons at demo roadblocks. In the background to all this carnage was a corrupt and inept government, who held democratic votes but held no other democratic ideals whatsoever. But they were only background to the escalating crisis on the streets, a crisis that the current regime halted in its tracks.

As for moving on, the working communities need to make new parties and get leaders that both originate from and actively represent those working communities, be that factory or field. The new leaders need to campaign on real and reasonable issues, and not just populism and gangsterism. And if voted in they need to focus their work-time on infrastructure and regulation, and improving Thailand as a whole nation with all of its people, and not focus their work-time on things like pardons and passports for overseas criminals.

With the greatest respect, but why has there been 19 coups since the 1930's if the Military are not interfering in Politics?

[dageurreotype]

To face the facts 95% of the population don't even now Thaksin has multiple passports.

The average Thai doesn't give a tinkers cuss about the corrupt ex P.M or his family.

The fact that Thaksin ran away yet he left his sister to face the problems shows what a despicable thing he is,and where are all those loud mouthed ex government cronies, the Chalerms Thatrits and all the rest of the rotten bunch who shouted so loudly for their share of money when sniffing the money pit?

Cowards all afraid to face or even able to understand the truth.

It's rolling news in every shop tv down here on Phuket ..

[gk10002000]

If thaksins moronic minions want to come out and demonstrate because their criminal idol is no longer deemed to be Thai then they can deal with the consequences,Section 44 etc etc!

Passport or no passport, unfortunately the convicted fugitive criminal is still Thai.

I point out that his "conviction" was done by a group led or controlled by an illegal military coup. Take it with a grain of salt, regardless of whether you liked the ruling or not

[Fat Haggis]

Unrest ? I thought 96% of the Thai population were overwhelmed with the job Cha Cha Cha is doing.

How can there be any unrest ?

no one ever said 96% !

have you brain like this leicester foodballers ?

93% still what's in a few % eh?

[gk10002000]

If thaksins moronic minions want to come out and demonstrate because their criminal idol is no longer deemed to be Thai then they can deal with the consequences,Section 44 etc etc!

Uh..he's Thai. Cancelling his passports does not revoke his citizenship or ethnicity.

Has the government asked for or initiated or threatened any sort of extradition attempts? If they make Thaksin a hot potato as they say, it could make his travels difficult as some airlines or countries decline him?

[mango66]

Most people have moved on. If his diehard supporters start the whole circus show again, they will just get left behind. Now is a perfect time for them to drop this political dead weight they're dragging around, and start looking to a better future with new parties and a more virtuous leader.

Depending on how much money he can bring in.

For a 500-1000 Baht per day you can buy a lot support from poor people

you mean for 2 or 3 votes on election !!

1 legal for red,

2 illegal for red with fake adresses in neighbouring anphur or non existing residents;

Ant than with all this they reach 30% and want say, they are the absolut majority !

Hopefully the new constitution will stop this illigal operations;;

[eggers]

Former Democrat MP Nipit Intaraso-mbat statement regarding Thaksin that "If he hadn't made that kind of speech, he would not have lost his passport............."

So the fact that a convicted fugitive with further outstanding charges is holding numerous Thai passports is OK.

It demonstrates, when Democrats were in Gov't,either how weak they were & are; or simply,couldn't have cared less what Thaksin did.

Yet some other poor convicted sod on the run would have had his passport withdrawn instantly.

The longer Prayut & army stay in control the better for Thailand!!

[Ulic]

Thaksin is a convicted felon on the run. Of course his passports (all Thai passports)

should be cancelled. Thailand should also enlist Interpol to bring him to justice as well.

[phoenixdoglover]

Considering all the evidence reported in the article, it was only prudent that the government take all measures to stop the imminent violence.

Just as a reminder: here is that mountain of evidence, as reported:

"However, PM's Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana said that no suspicious movement had been detected following the Foreign Ministry move, but the security agencies were closely monitoring the situation.

"There have been only movements on social media. I believe the government will be able to control the situation," he said"

I say, that's compelling stuff.