PM rejects any proposal for an amnesty for political offenders

[aussieinthailand]

Doesn't this just mean he's reinforcing the lack of freedom of speech?

not when that freedom has the potential to instigate violence and conflict?

smedly why? why do you back a junta leader that planed the coup with others for their own gain?

While I agree that speeches' of hate and violence need to be held accountable, but this not what the PM is doing, he openly condemns people for expressing their opinions when they are not in line with his, This is proven beyond a shadow of doubt often when others that are politically in line with the junta are left to say and do what they like.

A red bowl is not a potential to instigate violence, Students calling independent instigations into corruption is not a threat too peace, clicking like on FB is not threatening violence to the country, reporters asking the junta questions is not irresponsible. But you support a man that thinks they are a threat to the country and should be gaoled with no chance of amnesty whilst giving himself and his cohorts complete blanket amnesty is morally corrupt and beyond any notion of honor.

[tuanku]

The lesson of history is that repressive minority rule, even supported by the force of arms, cannot last forever. It just needs a trigger to set off the backlash (and there is a possible one in waiting). In the event I hope that Prayuth lives long enough to find out how ineffective his self legislated amnesty really is.

[jesimps]

No comment!!!!!

[jesimps]

Great, the politicians need to learn that they too can go to jail maybe next time then they wont rouse up people to burn or to bomb and kill. Once they understand that not only the lowly food soldiers can go to jail but they too they would calm down a bit and the country would be a lot better.

All those amnesties are a bane to this country.. getting one for Thaksin is what started all this. Politicians keep thinking they are above the law and by doing so keep breaking up the country. In normal countries those that fired up the protesters for burning BKK would be in jail and a bombing campaign against anti government protesters that is just un thinkable in normal countries. All because politicians think they can't be touched.

Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it but its politicians that got us here in the first place, without the amnesty for the crook from Dubai there would not have been street protests and the army would not have had to step in. Or maybe the PTP should not have unleashed their killer squats bombing and shooting up protesters.

What's wrong with you fanboys? Took eleven posts before someone blamed Thaksin for what the present PM's decreed.

[jesimps]

Great, the politicians need to learn that they too can go to jail maybe next time then they wont rouse up people to burn or to bomb and kill. Once they understand that not only the lowly food soldiers can go to jail but they too they would calm down a bit and the country would be a lot better.

All those amnesties are a bane to this country.. getting one for Thaksin is what started all this. Politicians keep thinking they are above the law and by doing so keep breaking up the country. In normal countries those that fired up the protesters for burning BKK would be in jail and a bombing campaign against anti government protesters that is just un thinkable in normal countries. All because politicians think they can't be touched.

Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it but its politicians that got us here in the first place, without the amnesty for the crook from Dubai there would not have been street protests and the army would not have had to step in. Or maybe the PTP should not have unleashed their killer squats bombing and shooting up protesters.

Rob I agree that there should NOT be any amnesty for politicians that have broken serious laws.

Unfortunately there are politician's as well as students, academics, political science members protesters mothers, people with a red bowl, people commenting anything at all regarding politics, clicking like on FB, criticizing the junta/the referendum and the public are being condemned as "political offenders", sorry mate but most of the country and the world would think they are NOT "political offenders" but they are people with a conscience and stand by it even when threatened with gaol.

Then some could say most of the country and the world would think this is a morally corrupt regime that thinks it's self is above the law and hypocrites' of the highest order.

So Rob, just who are innocent "political offenders and whom are guilty?

And I'm afraid that being a politician dose not mean you do not have the right to your conscience and to express it, but the junta has made that a crime.....

"Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it" Seriously is that it?

If it walks like a hypocrite and talks like a hypocrite then it's a ________!!!

Oh i agree about the red bowl and student leaders, I am more talking about the people like Jattuporn / Suthep and others that get away with almost anything and keep stirring up trouble.

Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed. Without that he would not be in this mess. So I can understand that amnesty for him and the army as they were forced into this. But I agree it looks quite hypocritical. However in most countries if your forced to commit a crime because of an other crime it is usually looked upon much more favorably then when you were not forced into it. (there are cases of people killing murderers of their kids that walked ) i see this in a similar light he was forced to act.

The PTP's amnesty bid was shot down by the democratic checks and balances, there was no need for the protests and the resulting coup. What you say is BS.

Also, the blame for everyone killed or injured during the protests should lie squarely on the shoulders of Suthep, his masters and fellow conspirators.

Edited July 2, 2016 by jesimps

[baboon]

Great, the politicians need to learn that they too can go to jail maybe next time then they wont rouse up people to burn or to bomb and kill. Once they understand that not only the lowly food soldiers can go to jail but they too they would calm down a bit and the country would be a lot better.

All those amnesties are a bane to this country.. getting one for Thaksin is what started all this. Politicians keep thinking they are above the law and by doing so keep breaking up the country. In normal countries those that fired up the protesters for burning BKK would be in jail and a bombing campaign against anti government protesters that is just un thinkable in normal countries. All because politicians think they can't be touched.

Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it but its politicians that got us here in the first place, without the amnesty for the crook from Dubai there would not have been street protests and the army would not have had to step in. Or maybe the PTP should not have unleashed their killer squats bombing and shooting up protesters.

Rob I agree that there should NOT be any amnesty for politicians that have broken serious laws.

Unfortunately there are politician's as well as students, academics, political science members protesters mothers, people with a red bowl, people commenting anything at all regarding politics, clicking like on FB, criticizing the junta/the referendum and the public are being condemned as "political offenders", sorry mate but most of the country and the world would think they are NOT "political offenders" but they are people with a conscience and stand by it even when threatened with gaol.

Then some could say most of the country and the world would think this is a morally corrupt regime that thinks it's self is above the law and hypocrites' of the highest order.

So Rob, just who are innocent "political offenders and whom are guilty?

And I'm afraid that being a politician dose not mean you do not have the right to your conscience and to express it, but the junta has made that a crime.....

"Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it" Seriously is that it?

If it walks like a hypocrite and talks like a hypocrite then it's a ________!!!

Oh i agree about the red bowl and student leaders, I am more talking about the people like Jattuporn / Suthep and others that get away with almost anything and keep stirring up trouble.

Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed. Without that he would not be in this mess. So I can understand that amnesty for him and the army as they were forced into this. But I agree it looks quite hypocritical. However in most countries if your forced to commit a crime because of an other crime it is usually looked upon much more favorably then when you were not forced into it. (there are cases of people killing murderers of their kids that walked ) i see this in a similar light he was forced to act.

The PM is keeping a very tight lid on things for very obvious reasons, everyone knows how things can kick off here and we also all know there are divisive elements that would like nothing better, better to be safe than sorry, I don't particularly like what he is doing and many see it as oppressive, I also have very clear memories of guns and grenades on the streets of Thailand with people being slaughtered including children - for now it is the lesser of two evils and we have peace on the streets

yes a red bowl is very innocent - so is a red shirt - just a bowl and just a shirt

Better watch tomatoes, lipstick, fire trucks and the red beacon lights on the top and bottom of aircraft too - Can't be too careful, you know. In the last instance, I saw them used on a flight to none other than the United Arab Emirates. Hmmm....

[robblok]

Great, the politicians need to learn that they too can go to jail maybe next time then they wont rouse up people to burn or to bomb and kill. Once they understand that not only the lowly food soldiers can go to jail but they too they would calm down a bit and the country would be a lot better.

All those amnesties are a bane to this country.. getting one for Thaksin is what started all this. Politicians keep thinking they are above the law and by doing so keep breaking up the country. In normal countries those that fired up the protesters for burning BKK would be in jail and a bombing campaign against anti government protesters that is just un thinkable in normal countries. All because politicians think they can't be touched.

Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it but its politicians that got us here in the first place, without the amnesty for the crook from Dubai there would not have been street protests and the army would not have had to step in. Or maybe the PTP should not have unleashed their killer squats bombing and shooting up protesters.

Rob I agree that there should NOT be any amnesty for politicians that have broken serious laws.

Unfortunately there are politician's as well as students, academics, political science members protesters mothers, people with a red bowl, people commenting anything at all regarding politics, clicking like on FB, criticizing the junta/the referendum and the public are being condemned as "political offenders", sorry mate but most of the country and the world would think they are NOT "political offenders" but they are people with a conscience and stand by it even when threatened with gaol.

Then some could say most of the country and the world would think this is a morally corrupt regime that thinks it's self is above the law and hypocrites' of the highest order.

So Rob, just who are innocent "political offenders and whom are guilty?

And I'm afraid that being a politician dose not mean you do not have the right to your conscience and to express it, but the junta has made that a crime.....

"Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it" Seriously is that it?

If it walks like a hypocrite and talks like a hypocrite then it's a ________!!!

Oh i agree about the red bowl and student leaders, I am more talking about the people like Jattuporn / Suthep and others that get away with almost anything and keep stirring up trouble.

Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed. Without that he would not be in this mess. So I can understand that amnesty for him and the army as they were forced into this. But I agree it looks quite hypocritical. However in most countries if your forced to commit a crime because of an other crime it is usually looked upon much more favorably then when you were not forced into it. (there are cases of people killing murderers of their kids that walked ) i see this in a similar light he was forced to act.

The PTP's amnesty bid was shot down by the democratic checks and balances, there was no need for the protests and the resulting coup. What you say is BS.

Also, the blame for everyone killed or injured during the protests should lie squarely on the shoulders of Suthep, his masters and fellow conspirators.

No the amnesty could be revived at any moment. That was what was in the newspapers and I know red cheerleaders love to ignore that and they also love to ignore that most of the attacks and bombings were done by reds (90%) and the reds were the only ones who killed children and cheered about it on video. (too bad that that cant be deleted).

So go back supporting those murderers of kids, that massacre in Trad of a peaceful democrat demonstration was just that.. a massacre. There is NOTHING on the same level done by the yellows.

[seajae]

"Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed."

"The amnesty was dropped. The protests were fading. The protests could have been ended at any time by the military making it clear there wouldn't be a coup and there would be elections. The coup was unnecessary.

The coup was staged to prevent elections. It was strictly for the benefit of the military and certain parties that can't be mentioned. To think anything else is delusional."

If that was the case then they wouldnt have had to step in but the reds were up to their old tricks and killing innocent people including kids and the ptp were doing nothing about it, in fact they were supporting and cheering them on. As soon as the general jumped in all the violence stopped, the ones causing it were arrested, weapons were seized, the reds were the ones that caused all this under you know who's orders with the ptp letting them have full reign. What Thailand needs are laws to be followed and judges that are prepared to stick to them, this letting these criminals get bail constantly instead of being locked up is bullsh*t, maybe if they were locked up after committing a crime we would see a lot of the problems back off but that would require a proper working legal system that was adhered to. Until face is removed from the equation along with wealth or a hi-so name as a defence we will not see any improvement, all sides need to be done and many of them jailed for what they have done, the blame lies with many on both sides not just the one.

[phoenixdoglover]

Reuters, May 2014

Thailand's junta leader said on Friday a process of reconciliation between political factions and reforms would take about one year and only after that would a general election would be held.

Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who overthrew the government on Thursday last week, said all sides had to cooperate and stop protesting for his plan for the restoration of democracy to succeed.

"Thailand and the Thai people are facing many problems that require immediate attention and solutions," Prayuth said in a televised address.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-thailand-politics-idUKKBN0EA0J420140530

I cannot think of a significant action by the NCPO that has furthered reconciliation. (The discourse on this forum is a sure sign that concepts for reconciliation are woefully missing)

The NCPO modus operandi has been suppression, punishment, exclusion, and epic hypocrisy.

It is a crying shame the people of Thailand have very little recourse, should they share this view in the majority.

Edited July 2, 2016 by phoenixdoglover

[MZurf]

Rob I agree that there should NOT be any amnesty for politicians that have broken serious laws.

Unfortunately there are politician's as well as students, academics, political science members protesters mothers, people with a red bowl, people commenting anything at all regarding politics, clicking like on FB, criticizing the junta/the referendum and the public are being condemned as "political offenders", sorry mate but most of the country and the world would think they are NOT "political offenders" but they are people with a conscience and stand by it even when threatened with gaol.

Then some could say most of the country and the world would think this is a morally corrupt regime that thinks it's self is above the law and hypocrites' of the highest order.

So Rob, just who are innocent "political offenders and whom are guilty?

And I'm afraid that being a politician dose not mean you do not have the right to your conscience and to express it, but the junta has made that a crime.....

"Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it" Seriously is that it?

If it walks like a hypocrite and talks like a hypocrite then it's a ________!!!

Oh i agree about the red bowl and student leaders, I am more talking about the people like Jattuporn / Suthep and others that get away with almost anything and keep stirring up trouble.

Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed. Without that he would not be in this mess. So I can understand that amnesty for him and the army as they were forced into this. But I agree it looks quite hypocritical. However in most countries if your forced to commit a crime because of an other crime it is usually looked upon much more favorably then when you were not forced into it. (there are cases of people killing murderers of their kids that walked ) i see this in a similar light he was forced to act.

The PTP's amnesty bid was shot down by the democratic checks and balances, there was no need for the protests and the resulting coup. What you say is BS.

Also, the blame for everyone killed or injured during the protests should lie squarely on the shoulders of Suthep, his masters and fellow conspirators.

No the amnesty could be revived at any moment. That was what was in the newspapers and I know red cheerleaders love to ignore that and they also love to ignore that most of the attacks and bombings were done by reds (90%) and the reds were the only ones who killed children and cheered about it on video. (too bad that that cant be deleted).

So go back supporting those murderers of kids, that massacre in Trad of a peaceful democrat demonstration was just that.. a massacre. There is NOTHING on the same level done by the yellows.

"There is NOTHING on the same level done by the yellows."

I don't know. I think holding an entire country hostage ranks pretty high up there.

[elgordo38]

Quote saying that enforcement of the law and obeying the law by all parties concerned must come first. unquote of course the illegal junta is exempted. Another quote “Are these the people who are to be elected the next time there is an election?” he asked without elaborating who they are. Not to worry these people will never see office. They would never run with a loaded constitution starring them in the face with big penalties for malfeasance. Quote He made clear that he would not accept any proposal for an amnesty for political offenders of different shades unless they must first respect the law and turn themselves in to acknowledge the charges against them. unquote. This statement leaves me speechless. He who holds the gun gets respect for the law.

[candide]

"Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed."

"The amnesty was dropped. The protests were fading. The protests could have been ended at any time by the military making it clear there wouldn't be a coup and there would be elections. The coup was unnecessary.

The coup was staged to prevent elections. It was strictly for the benefit of the military and certain parties that can't be mentioned. To think anything else is delusional."

If that was the case then they wouldnt have had to step in but the reds were up to their old tricks and killing innocent people including kids and the ptp were doing nothing about it, in fact they were supporting and cheering them on. As soon as the general jumped in all the violence stopped, the ones causing it were arrested, weapons were seized, the reds were the ones that caused all this under you know who's orders with the ptp letting them have full reign. What Thailand needs are laws to be followed and judges that are prepared to stick to them, this letting these criminals get bail constantly instead of being locked up is bullsh*t, maybe if they were locked up after committing a crime we would see a lot of the problems back off but that would require a proper working legal system that was adhered to. Until face is removed from the equation along with wealth or a hi-so name as a defence we will not see any improvement, all sides need to be done and many of them jailed for what they have done, the blame lies with many on both sides not just the one.

The army and the judicial gave Suthep a free pass to generate as much conflict as possible. The judicial forbid the government to act against protesters in the name of freedom. The army let Suthep's mob block elections, enter government building guarded by the army, and even allowed them to force entry to the military circle in which a meeting held under protection of the military (I would gladly watch again the video if I could find it).

Plan A failed as Suthep' protest were fading. Plan B (the judicial coup) failed, you remember the one with the help of the group of 40, comprising mainly "unelected" senators. Elections were planned and all the money and energy used to put an unelected government in power was going to be lost. Luckily (sarcasm) there was also a plan C: the military coup.

As to the few weapon caches with obviously planted red shirt flags, medals, and T-shirts... or the khon kaen model...

Edited July 2, 2016 by candide

[bobmac10]

Smedley, I am truly sorry you find my posts insulting, I dare say so would your beloved PM.

The reason I criticise your posts is that in my opinion you lack any intellectual vigour in your posts.

My self I have been involved in politics, have been behind the scenes so to speak and know full well the image portrayed in the media is nothing like reality.

In addition, I have bothered to read extensively (outside of Thailand) because I am bothered by the one dimensional media here.

In my opinion, you just repeat the accepted and promoted line week after week, a very sanitised and middle-of-the-road set of values which do not rigorously challenge the Junta's monopoly on truth.

So I will continue to challenge you and your opinions whenever I feel it necessary.

[robblok]

Oh i agree about the red bowl and student leaders, I am more talking about the people like Jattuporn / Suthep and others that get away with almost anything and keep stirring up trouble.

Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed. Without that he would not be in this mess. So I can understand that amnesty for him and the army as they were forced into this. But I agree it looks quite hypocritical. However in most countries if your forced to commit a crime because of an other crime it is usually looked upon much more favorably then when you were not forced into it. (there are cases of people killing murderers of their kids that walked ) i see this in a similar light he was forced to act.

The PTP's amnesty bid was shot down by the democratic checks and balances, there was no need for the protests and the resulting coup. What you say is BS.

Also, the blame for everyone killed or injured during the protests should lie squarely on the shoulders of Suthep, his masters and fellow conspirators.

No the amnesty could be revived at any moment. That was what was in the newspapers and I know red cheerleaders love to ignore that and they also love to ignore that most of the attacks and bombings were done by reds (90%) and the reds were the only ones who killed children and cheered about it on video. (too bad that that cant be deleted).

So go back supporting those murderers of kids, that massacre in Trad of a peaceful democrat demonstration was just that.. a massacre. There is NOTHING on the same level done by the yellows.

"There is NOTHING on the same level done by the yellows."

I don't know. I think holding an entire country hostage ranks pretty high up there.

Not work of the yellows, murdering children is a thing that reds are good at 3 or 4 during the protests. The violence of the yellows never reached those levels. There were some beatings by security (and they got turned in to the police) and the infamous popcorn man in response to attacks by Isarn Rambo. (only after his continuous attacks did this happen). Still I condemn all violence on used by the yellows. But it just pales by what the reds have done.

Violence wise the red shirts are just far more extreme and the cheering after the killings in Thrat is a good example of it. If not for one of the redshirt leaders realizing how bad it looks PR wise they would not have stopped. And yes it looks bad and nobody forgets it (except the red supporters who fail to admit that the reds are a far more violent bunch)

[baboon]

^^

Well of course violence is more likely to be widespread and more extreme when you are fighting against not just your opponent, but your opponent who enjoys the full backing of the establishment...

[bobmac10]

Robblok wrote: Violence wise the red shirts are just far more extreme and the cheering after the killings in Thrat is a good example of it. If not for one of the redshirt leaders realizing how bad it looks PR wise they would not have stopped. And yes it looks bad and nobody forgets it (except the red supporters who fail to admit that the reds are a far more violent bunch)

I support the redshirts and in my opinion their rage against the elite was truly justified.

The illegal government imposed by the military promised an election and then denied one.

If it had happened in my country, I would have been out there on the street with the rest of the "rioters".

If the Junta don't give up and go away with their ill gotten millions then this place will explode and as they say "you aint seen nothing yet"

It reminds me of the lead up to the Russian revolution.

The elite, completely oblivious of the needs of the people after three hundred years of total control.

The seething resentment as their political nominees become criminalised by the government.

The increasing lack of freedom, the suppression of free speech, the lack of any real progress despite the propaganda.

All these ingredients are there now and I believe that it won't take much for the Thais to explode and ransack the citadels of the elite (Bangkok).

I won't be here to see it though, I've made up my mind that this is a situation too dangerous to be around.

I wish it could be different but these elite are prepared to cling to power to the bitter end and so it will be.

[MZurf]

The PTP's amnesty bid was shot down by the democratic checks and balances, there was no need for the protests and the resulting coup. What you say is BS.

Also, the blame for everyone killed or injured during the protests should lie squarely on the shoulders of Suthep, his masters and fellow conspirators.

No the amnesty could be revived at any moment. That was what was in the newspapers and I know red cheerleaders love to ignore that and they also love to ignore that most of the attacks and bombings were done by reds (90%) and the reds were the only ones who killed children and cheered about it on video. (too bad that that cant be deleted).

So go back supporting those murderers of kids, that massacre in Trad of a peaceful democrat demonstration was just that.. a massacre. There is NOTHING on the same level done by the yellows.

"There is NOTHING on the same level done by the yellows."

I don't know. I think holding an entire country hostage ranks pretty high up there.

Not work of the yellows, murdering children is a thing that reds are good at 3 or 4 during the protests. The violence of the yellows never reached those levels. There were some beatings by security (and they got turned in to the police) and the infamous popcorn man in response to attacks by Isarn Rambo. (only after his continuous attacks did this happen). Still I condemn all violence on used by the yellows. But it just pales by what the reds have done.

Violence wise the red shirts are just far more extreme and the cheering after the killings in Thrat is a good example of it. If not for one of the redshirt leaders realizing how bad it looks PR wise they would not have stopped. And yes it looks bad and nobody forgets it (except the red supporters who fail to admit that the reds are a far more violent bunch)

The incident that you have probably mentioned a thousand times was a despicable crime and the perpetrators deserve to rot in jail. That doesn't however excuse the army suspending (a flawed) democracy and basic human rights.

The army are not in any way in power to "fix" Thailand. They have successfully overthrown civilian governments 12 times since 1932. None of the coups fixed anything, and the "PM' has clearly shown that the only thing he is interested in is preserving the rights of the old elite.

[aussieinthailand]

"Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed."

"The amnesty was dropped. The protests were fading. The protests could have been ended at any time by the military making it clear there wouldn't be a coup and there would be elections. The coup was unnecessary.

The coup was staged to prevent elections. It was strictly for the benefit of the military and certain parties that can't be mentioned. To think anything else is delusional."

If that was the case then they wouldnt have had to step in but the reds were up to their old tricks and killing innocent people including kids and the ptp were doing nothing about it, in fact they were supporting and cheering them on. As soon as the general jumped in all the violence stopped, the ones causing it were arrested, weapons were seized, the reds were the ones that caused all this under you know who's orders with the ptp letting them have full reign. What Thailand needs are laws to be followed and judges that are prepared to stick to them, this letting these criminals get bail constantly instead of being locked up is bullsh*t, maybe if they were locked up after committing a crime we would see a lot of the problems back off but that would require a proper working legal system that was adhered to. Until face is removed from the equation along with wealth or a hi-so name as a defence we will not see any improvement, all sides need to be done and many of them jailed for what they have done, the blame lies with many on both sides not just the one.

Although I do agree with your last few lines, I must protest and disagree with some of your statement seajae,

You say "the reds were up to there old tricks and killing innocent people including kids and the ptp were doing nothing about it, in fact they were supporting and cheering them on." I think you are very mistaken, the ptp were not supporting any one killing people/kids at all but you and a few last remaining junta huggers keep trying to re-wright history. Yes there were some disgusting low life people that cheered when this was announced and they should be ashamed.

Just like the people that were slaughtered in the protesters in 2010 wouldn't you agree? and please don't try the old they (military) were defending themselves, cause there's plenty of video evidence to show the protesters were being killed some of them volunteer nurses and aid workers in temples, and it was the Dems that gave the order....

Like you said plenty of blame to go around and not just one side, but funny you don't mention that in your yellow defense and hatred of red's.

The people of the north have been victims of the center minority for decades and still slandered/insulted/and treated as non equals and in some cases not even Thai, so yeah they get together and defend their government again and again.

If the military did their job and the police were Aloud to do their job then things could be different, Remember the courts told the ptp that the police could not touch protesters as they are peaceful all the while cutting power/water invading buildings threatening staff to leave work, destroying equipment, plenty of video evidence out there as well the courts are bias and you know it.

[tuanku]

The PM is keeping a very tight lid on things for very obvious reasons, everyone knows how things can kick off here and we also all know there are divisive elements that would like nothing better, better to be safe than sorry, I don't particularly like what he is doing and many see it as oppressive, I also have very clear memories of guns and grenades on the streets of Thailand with people being slaughtered including children - for now it is the lesser of two evils and we have peace on the streets

yes a red bowl is very innocent - so is a red shirt - just a bowl and just a shirt

Better watch tomatoes, lipstick, fire trucks and the red beacon lights on the top and bottom of aircraft too - Can't be too careful, you know. In the last instance, I saw them used on a flight to none other than the United Arab Emirates. Hmmm....

I understand the desert sand around Dubai is quite reddish in colour too, and that the Isaan soil is also red. Might be a connection?

[baboon]

The PM is keeping a very tight lid on things for very obvious reasons, everyone knows how things can kick off here and we also all know there are divisive elements that would like nothing better, better to be safe than sorry, I don't particularly like what he is doing and many see it as oppressive, I also have very clear memories of guns and grenades on the streets of Thailand with people being slaughtered including children - for now it is the lesser of two evils and we have peace on the streets

yes a red bowl is very innocent - so is a red shirt - just a bowl and just a shirt

Better watch tomatoes, lipstick, fire trucks and the red beacon lights on the top and bottom of aircraft too - Can't be too careful, you know. In the last instance, I saw them used on a flight to none other than the United Arab Emirates. Hmmm....

I understand the desert sand around Dubai is quite reddish in colour too, and that the Isaan soil is also red. Might be a connection?

Interesting point. It is well known that if you take the names 'Isaan' and 'United Arab Emirates', mix the letters up then add and subtract a few, what you get is 'Shinawatra rule only'. Coincidence?

[heybruce]

"Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed."

"The amnesty was dropped. The protests were fading. The protests could have been ended at any time by the military making it clear there wouldn't be a coup and there would be elections. The coup was unnecessary.

The coup was staged to prevent elections. It was strictly for the benefit of the military and certain parties that can't be mentioned. To think anything else is delusional."

If that was the case then they wouldnt have had to step in but the reds were up to their old tricks and killing innocent people including kids and the ptp were doing nothing about it, in fact they were supporting and cheering them on. As soon as the general jumped in all the violence stopped, the ones causing it were arrested, weapons were seized, the reds were the ones that caused all this under you know who's orders with the ptp letting them have full reign. What Thailand needs are laws to be followed and judges that are prepared to stick to them, this letting these criminals get bail constantly instead of being locked up is bullsh*t, maybe if they were locked up after committing a crime we would see a lot of the problems back off but that would require a proper working legal system that was adhered to. Until face is removed from the equation along with wealth or a hi-so name as a defence we will not see any improvement, all sides need to be done and many of them jailed for what they have done, the blame lies with many on both sides not just the one.

The Yellows were up to their old tricks of trying to seize the government without elections. A few government supporters went over the edge, but there is no evidence the PTP government was in anyway involved, encouraging illegal activities, or cheering the violence. To the contrary, Suthep was using violence to provoke violence in hopes of justifying a coup. The PTP government was doing its best to prevent violence, which is why it tolerated the protests for so long.

In other words, your making excrement up. The criminals that most need to be locked up are the ones who seize power illegally.

[heybruce]

Rob I agree that there should NOT be any amnesty for politicians that have broken serious laws.

Unfortunately there are politician's as well as students, academics, political science members protesters mothers, people with a red bowl, people commenting anything at all regarding politics, clicking like on FB, criticizing the junta/the referendum and the public are being condemned as "political offenders", sorry mate but most of the country and the world would think they are NOT "political offenders" but they are people with a conscience and stand by it even when threatened with gaol.

Then some could say most of the country and the world would think this is a morally corrupt regime that thinks it's self is above the law and hypocrites' of the highest order.

So Rob, just who are innocent "political offenders and whom are guilty?

And I'm afraid that being a politician dose not mean you do not have the right to your conscience and to express it, but the junta has made that a crime.....

"Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it" Seriously is that it?

If it walks like a hypocrite and talks like a hypocrite then it's a ________!!!

Oh i agree about the red bowl and student leaders, I am more talking about the people like Jattuporn / Suthep and others that get away with almost anything and keep stirring up trouble.

Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed. Without that he would not be in this mess. So I can understand that amnesty for him and the army as they were forced into this. But I agree it looks quite hypocritical. However in most countries if your forced to commit a crime because of an other crime it is usually looked upon much more favorably then when you were not forced into it. (there are cases of people killing murderers of their kids that walked ) i see this in a similar light he was forced to act.

"Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed."

The amnesty was dropped. The protests were fading. The protests could have been ended at any time by the military making it clear there wouldn't be a coup and there would be elections. The coup was unnecessary.

The coup was staged to prevent elections. It was strictly for the benefit of the military and certain parties that can't be mentioned. To think anything else is delusional.

Thaksin would have put in place another proxy government promising more rice schemes - free cars - free laptops 1000baht minimum wage and free kitchen sink just as long as he won and the process would have started again, changes were needed before any more elections - Thaksins amnesty is now a pipe dream that will never happen, the only way he is coming back to Thailand is through a jail cell. Deal with it

The PTP was at a low point in popularity in the spring of 2014, along with the Democrats. Any populist promises made would have lost all credibility with the failure of the rice program. A July 2014 election would have given new politicians with new ideas a chance. However it also would have resulted in a government with electoral legitimacy, making a coup difficult. That is why the military acted when it did.

Regarding amnesties and pipe dreams, so long as generals grant themselves amnesties for coups, politicians will keep trying to do the same for lesser crimes.

[Thechook]

Great, the politicians need to learn that they too can go to jail maybe next time then they wont rouse up people to burn or to bomb and kill. Once they understand that not only the lowly food soldiers can go to jail but they too they would calm down a bit and the country would be a lot better.

All those amnesties are a bane to this country.. getting one for Thaksin is what started all this. Politicians keep thinking they are above the law and by doing so keep breaking up the country. In normal countries those that fired up the protesters for burning BKK would be in jail and a bombing campaign against anti government protesters that is just un thinkable in normal countries. All because politicians think they can't be touched.

Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it but its politicians that got us here in the first place, without the amnesty for the crook from Dubai there would not have been street protests and the army would not have had to step in. Or maybe the PTP should not have unleashed their killer squats bombing and shooting up protesters.

Rob I agree that there should NOT be any amnesty for politicians that have broken serious laws.

Unfortunately there are politician's as well as students, academics, political science members protesters mothers, people with a red bowl, people commenting anything at all regarding politics, clicking like on FB, criticizing the junta/the referendum and the public are being condemned as "political offenders", sorry mate but most of the country and the world would think they are NOT "political offenders" but they are people with a conscience and stand by it even when threatened with gaol.

Then some could say most of the country and the world would think this is a morally corrupt regime that thinks it's self is above the law and hypocrites' of the highest order.

So Rob, just who are innocent "political offenders and whom are guilty?

And I'm afraid that being a politician dose not mean you do not have the right to your conscience and to express it, but the junta has made that a crime.....

"Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it" Seriously is that it?

If it walks like a hypocrite and talks like a hypocrite then it's a ________!!!

Oh i agree about the red bowl and student leaders, I am more talking about the people like Jattuporn / Suthep and others that get away with almost anything and keep stirring up trouble.

Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed. Without that he would not be in this mess. So I can understand that amnesty for him and the army as they were forced into this. But I agree it looks quite hypocritical. However in most countries if your forced to commit a crime because of an other crime it is usually looked upon much more favorably then when you were not forced into it. (there are cases of people killing murderers of their kids that walked ) i see this in a similar light he was forced to act.

The PM is keeping a very tight lid on things for very obvious reasons, everyone knows how things can kick off here and we also all know there are divisive elements that would like nothing better, better to be safe than sorry, I don't particularly like what he is doing and many see it as oppressive, I also have very clear memories of guns and grenades on the streets of Thailand with people being slaughtered including children - for now it is the lesser of two evils and we have peace on the streets

yes a red bowl is very innocent - so is a red shirt - just a bowl and just a shirt

But 99.95% of the people love, adore and support prayuth. What is he so terrified of and why is he constantly persecuting those 0.5% of the population. Why is there still the need of this power and you will love me law or else.

[Wilsonandson]

Great, the politicians need to learn that they too can go to jail maybe next time then they wont rouse up people to burn or to bomb and kill. Once they understand that not only the lowly food soldiers can go to jail but they too they would calm down a bit and the country would be a lot better.

All those amnesties are a bane to this country.. getting one for Thaksin is what started all this. Politicians keep thinking they are above the law and by doing so keep breaking up the country. In normal countries those that fired up the protesters for burning BKK would be in jail and a bombing campaign against anti government protesters that is just un thinkable in normal countries. All because politicians think they can't be touched.

Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it but its politicians that got us here in the first place, without the amnesty for the crook from Dubai there would not have been street protests and the army would not have had to step in. Or maybe the PTP should not have unleashed their killer squats bombing and shooting up protesters.

Rob I agree that there should NOT be any amnesty for politicians that have broken serious laws.

Unfortunately there are politician's as well as students, academics, political science members protesters mothers, people with a red bowl, people commenting anything at all regarding politics, clicking like on FB, criticizing the junta/the referendum and the public are being condemned as "political offenders", sorry mate but most of the country and the world would think they are NOT "political offenders" but they are people with a conscience and stand by it even when threatened with gaol.

Then some could say most of the country and the world would think this is a morally corrupt regime that thinks it's self is above the law and hypocrites' of the highest order.

So Rob, just who are innocent "political offenders and whom are guilty?

And I'm afraid that being a politician dose not mean you do not have the right to your conscience and to express it, but the junta has made that a crime.....

"Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it" Seriously is that it?

If it walks like a hypocrite and talks like a hypocrite then it's a ________!!!

Oh i agree about the red bowl and student leaders, I am more talking about the people like Jattuporn / Suthep and others that get away with almost anything and keep stirring up trouble.

Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed. Without that he would not be in this mess. So I can understand that amnesty for him and the army as they were forced into this. But I agree it looks quite hypocritical. However in most countries if your forced to commit a crime because of an other crime it is usually looked upon much more favorably then when you were not forced into it. (there are cases of people killing murderers of their kids that walked ) i see this in a similar light he was forced to act.

The PM is keeping a very tight lid on things for very obvious reasons, everyone knows how things can kick off here and we also all know there are divisive elements that would like nothing better, better to be safe than sorry, I don't particularly like what he is doing and many see it as oppressive, I also have very clear memories of guns and grenades on the streets of Thailand with people being slaughtered including children - for now it is the lesser of two evils and we have peace on the streets

yes a red bowl is very innocent - so is a red shirt - just a bowl and just a shirt

But 99.95% of the people love, adore and support prayuth. What is he so terrified of and why is he constantly persecuting those 0.5% of the population. Why is there still the need of this power and you will love me law or else.

Because this popular fellow is waiting in self exile to pounce and take Thailand and it's treasures from him and his army buddies.

[ggt]

that enforcement of the law and obeying the law by all parties concerned must come first.

Thailand should put the US on its watch list...of countries whose political parties do not obey their own country's laws...

[JAG]

Good on you sir, show those political snakes that there will be a price to pay should the err on their duties to

serve the people and country that have chosen them to represent, no more " forgive and forget " crap,

that only served to embolden rouge politician to continue with their crocked ways.....

"The people and country that have chosen them......"

Do you get the irony?

[JAG]

Prayut you have stayed way past your mandate and done nothing but talk, its time to go.

Umh, he never actually had a mandate....

[JAG]

Great, the politicians need to learn that they too can go to jail maybe next time then they wont rouse up people to burn or to bomb and kill. Once they understand that not only the lowly food soldiers can go to jail but they too they would calm down a bit and the country would be a lot better.

All those amnesties are a bane to this country.. getting one for Thaksin is what started all this. Politicians keep thinking they are above the law and by doing so keep breaking up the country. In normal countries those that fired up the protesters for burning BKK would be in jail and a bombing campaign against anti government protesters that is just un thinkable in normal countries. All because politicians think they can't be touched.

Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it but its politicians that got us here in the first place, without the amnesty for the crook from Dubai there would not have been street protests and the army would not have had to step in. Or maybe the PTP should not have unleashed their killer squats bombing and shooting up protesters.

Rob I agree that there should NOT be any amnesty for politicians that have broken serious laws.

Unfortunately there are politician's as well as students, academics, political science members protesters mothers, people with a red bowl, people commenting anything at all regarding politics, clicking like on FB, criticizing the junta/the referendum and the public are being condemned as "political offenders", sorry mate but most of the country and the world would think they are NOT "political offenders" but they are people with a conscience and stand by it even when threatened with gaol.

Then some could say most of the country and the world would think this is a morally corrupt regime that thinks it's self is above the law and hypocrites' of the highest order.

So Rob, just who are innocent "political offenders and whom are guilty?

And I'm afraid that being a politician dose not mean you do not have the right to your conscience and to express it, but the junta has made that a crime.....

"Now a good point is made that the general gave himself an amnesty, so be it" Seriously is that it?

If it walks like a hypocrite and talks like a hypocrite then it's a ________!!!

Oh i agree about the red bowl and student leaders, I am more talking about the people like Jattuporn / Suthep and others that get away with almost anything and keep stirring up trouble.

Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed. Without that he would not be in this mess. So I can understand that amnesty for him and the army as they were forced into this. But I agree it looks quite hypocritical. However in most countries if your forced to commit a crime because of an other crime it is usually looked upon much more favorably then when you were not forced into it. (there are cases of people killing murderers of their kids that walked ) i see this in a similar light he was forced to act.

The process that led up to the coup was meticulously planned. Planning probably started when Pheu Thai won the election, ( Suthep as good as admitted that after the coup), in fact I wouldn't be surprised if the planning started when it became apparent that Abhisit might lose the election. Nobody was "forced into a coup", they just would not and could not accept the government selected by the electorate.

It was meticulously planned, by a wide range of agencies, and that planning included an amnesty for the coup makers. After all, without he promise of an amnesty many may have been reluctant to commit what was in effect an act of treason.

Coups don't just happen when the Chief of the Army yawns, stretches, says "I am bored with this - I am taking over". They require a lot of planning like any other deliberate military operation.. The right people need to be in the right places at the right time, briefed, rehearsed, and with the resources in place to carry out their tasks. Without that being in place the chance of it going wrong is too great, and remember if it does go wrong you could well find yourself up against a wall looking at the wrong end of a firing squad.

Some very influential people decided that they had to remove the elected government, because they need ( entirely for their own benefit) to be in control when....

Anything of any substance which has happened since, (forget about lottery tickets, bike lanes and deck chairs) is calculated to ensure that they remain in control.

Edited July 2, 2016 by JAG

[seajae]

"Thing is mate the general was forced into the coup by the AMNESTY for Thaksin and the protests that followed."

"The amnesty was dropped. The protests were fading. The protests could have been ended at any time by the military making it clear there wouldn't be a coup and there would be elections. The coup was unnecessary.

The coup was staged to prevent elections. It was strictly for the benefit of the military and certain parties that can't be mentioned. To think anything else is delusional."

If that was the case then they wouldnt have had to step in but the reds were up to their old tricks and killing innocent people including kids and the ptp were doing nothing about it, in fact they were supporting and cheering them on. As soon as the general jumped in all the violence stopped, the ones causing it were arrested, weapons were seized, the reds were the ones that caused all this under you know who's orders with the ptp letting them have full reign. What Thailand needs are laws to be followed and judges that are prepared to stick to them, this letting these criminals get bail constantly instead of being locked up is bullsh*t, maybe if they were locked up after committing a crime we would see a lot of the problems back off but that would require a proper working legal system that was adhered to. Until face is removed from the equation along with wealth or a hi-so name as a defence we will not see any improvement, all sides need to be done and many of them jailed for what they have done, the blame lies with many on both sides not just the one.

Although I do agree with your last few lines, I must protest and disagree with some of your statement seajae,

You say "the reds were up to there old tricks and killing innocent people including kids and the ptp were doing nothing about it, in fact they were supporting and cheering them on." I think you are very mistaken, the ptp were not supporting any one killing people/kids at all but you and a few last remaining junta huggers keep trying to re-wright history. Yes there were some disgusting low life people that cheered when this was announced and they should be ashamed.

Just like the people that were slaughtered in the protesters in 2010 wouldn't you agree? and please don't try the old they (military) were defending themselves, cause there's plenty of video evidence to show the protesters were being killed some of them volunteer nurses and aid workers in temples, and it was the Dems that gave the order....

Like you said plenty of blame to go around and not just one side, but funny you don't mention that in your yellow defense and hatred of red's.

The people of the north have been victims of the center minority for decades and still slandered/insulted/and treated as non equals and in some cases not even Thai, so yeah they get together and defend their government again and again.

If the military did their job and the police were Aloud to do their job then things could be different, Remember the courts told the ptp that the police could not touch protesters as they are peaceful all the while cutting power/water invading buildings threatening staff to leave work, destroying equipment, plenty of video evidence out there as well the courts are bias and you know it.

maybe you should watch the video of the ptp leaders on stage at the reds rally cheering them on after they had killed a couple of kids, to me that is supporting them, then there were all the red shooters that were not stopped even though police were standing next to them while they were firing, not one red was arrested for any of the killings until the army stepped in, these are all facts that for some reason ptp/red supporters refuse to acknowledge. The reds and yellows are the bain of Thailand politics and should all be arrested but then with the ptp actually supporting the reds while being run by the same man that directs the reds actions its a no brainer as to why the reds were never worried about killing anyone, the govt was behind them 100%.

[seajae]

Robblok wrote: Violence wise the red shirts are just far more extreme and the cheering after the killings in Thrat is a good example of it. If not for one of the redshirt leaders realizing how bad it looks PR wise they would not have stopped. And yes it looks bad and nobody forgets it (except the red supporters who fail to admit that the reds are a far more violent bunch)

I support the redshirts and in my opinion their rage against the elite was truly justified.

The illegal government imposed by the military promised an election and then denied one.

If it had happened in my country, I would have been out there on the street with the rest of the "rioters".

If the Junta don't give up and go away with their ill gotten millions then this place will explode and as they say "you aint seen nothing yet"

It reminds me of the lead up to the Russian revolution.

The elite, completely oblivious of the needs of the people after three hundred years of total control.

The seething resentment as their political nominees become criminalised by the government.

The increasing lack of freedom, the suppression of free speech, the lack of any real progress despite the propaganda.

All these ingredients are there now and I believe that it won't take much for the Thais to explode and ransack the citadels of the elite (Bangkok).

I won't be here to see it though, I've made up my mind that this is a situation too dangerous to be around.

I wish it could be different but these elite are prepared to cling to power to the bitter end and so it will be.

really great to know that you support the murdering of innocent kids and adults because you think they have that right to kill people if they dont get what they want/demand, you definitely have the right mental attitdue(or lack of it) to be a red. Anyone that supports any kind of violence is a low life in my opinion especially when it involves the murder of innocent people, mate you really are pathetic