Air Force Commander suggests to take actions to curb social division
18 March 2009
Thai News ServiceAir Force Commander-in-Chief Air Chief Marshal Ittiporn Suppawong suggests authorities to take strict actions against any movement to create social division, saying that he is not worried about ex-premier's attempt to distort information since he believes Thai people can judge by themselves.
Upon the spreading rumors of the movement attempting to assail the operations of the Government and the military, Air Chief Marshal Ittiporn said that the military had no duties to inspect such issues. He said that if the movements were found to be illegal, responsible authorities, especially the police should take stern actions since he believed that people would become more divisive if the situation kept going on this way.
Air Chief Marshal Ittiporn said that the military had been convening to discuss and follow the situation constantly. If the situation turns out not so good, according to the military's evaluation, the military will convene to formulate measures to solve the problem.
Still, the Air Force Chief said that he believed in the current situation nothing could cause any worry.
Thai police officer said connected to grenades haul arrested
29 April 2010
BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific Bangkok Post website on 29 April
[Unattributed report from the "Breaking News" section: "M79 cop arrested"]
The police officer wanted in connection with the seizure of 63 M79 rounds in Pathum Thani province on Wednesday has been arrested.
Pol Lt-Gen Krisda Pankhongchuen, the Region 1 Provincial Police chief, said on Thursday afternoon Pol Sgt-Maj Prinya Maneekhot was arrested while a pick-up truck he was driving stopped at the red light at the intersection of Klong 12-Lam Luk Ka road in Lam Luk Ka district of Pathum Thani.
During the course of a tense interrogation, Pol Sgt-Maj Prinya confessed to have in his possession the 63 rounds M79 grenades seized by police during the stand-off between the red shirts and government forces near the National Memorial on Wednesday. He said the ammunition, when seized, were being transported to his clients.
He, however, denied any involvement in the past M79 attacks in Bangkok and other provinces or activities of the red shirts of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship.
Before his arrest, Pol Sgt-Maj Prinya went to KasikornBank at the Zeer department store in Rangsit and withdrew 290,000 baht. He proceeded to Krung Thai Bank at Si Mum Muang market nearby and withdrew another 300,000 baht. He was subsequently arrested at the intersection by police who followed him from the banks.
In a search of his vehicle, police found a 9mm handgun, a fully-loaded magazine, a monocular, four fake car licence plates, camouflaged military pouches, and 700,000 baht cash.
In an earlier search of a car at his house before the arrest, police recovered three M16 rifles and 100 ammunition magazines, three M79 grenade launchers, ten barrels for M79 launchers and many other articles.
Pol Maj-Gen Methi Kusolsang, the Pathum Thani police chief, said he had order Pol Sgt-Maj Prinya dismissed from the police force pending further investigation to establish if he was a member of an illegal arms trade ring.
Police on Wednesday confiscated 63 rounds of M79 grenades from a motorcycle on the inbound lane of Vibhavadi Rangsit road during the clashes between government forces and red shirts near the National Memorial. The rider fled as he approached an air force checkpoint and left behind a bag containing the M79 rounds.
Police also recovered the police ID cards of Pol Sgt-Maj Prinya and ID cards of two other people in the bag.
Air force HQ is new bolthole for PM
Wassana Nanuam
29 March 2010
Bangkok PostThe air force headquarters at Don Muang has emerged as a second refuge for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, as he dodges red shirt protesters in the capital.
The 11th Infantry Regiment in Bang Khen district serves as his main temporary home and workplace as the government figures out how to deal with the anti-government protest by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship.
However, there have been two times when Mr Abhisit has been asked to monitor the situation from Don Muang instead. Both occurred when the UDD demonstrators took their rally to the 11th Infantry Regiment.
When the red shirt protesters moved to the regiment on March 15, Mr Abhisit had left the base in a helicopter to inspect Bangkok traffic. His trip ended at the air force headquarters where he stayed until the protest at the regiment receded.
When 5,000 UDD supporters visited the 11th Infantry Regiment late yesterday morning, Mr Abhisit was again absent. The premier had left for Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin district on Saturday to inspect a meeting venue for leaders from the Mekong region. He also met his wife and children there and stayed overnight.
On his return to Bangkok yesterday, he visited the regiment briefly to pick up some documents and travelled to Don Muang again to prepare for talks with the UDD in the evening.
The air force base has become a second refuge for Mr Abhisit, particularly when red shirt protesters visit the 11th Infantry Regiment.
Air force commander Itthaporn Subhawong has prepared two houses to serve as a residence and meeting place for Mr Abhisit, the defence minister and senior military officers.
The air force base at Don Muang is his new, second temporary home and office, but still will not make the red shirts go away.
Thailand: PAD protesters vacate Government House; reinforce airport positions
2 December 2008
Thai News ServiceFrequent grenade and shooting attacks in recent weeks on the anti-Somchai government Peoples' Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters occupying Government House since August 26, the long-standing occupation of Thailand's seat of government was lifted Monday, not as a change of heart regarding the policy, but to reinforce their fellow protesters at the capital's two airports.
Retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, a key PAD leader, told protesters occupying Government House that it is better for them to leave the compound and join their PAD compatriots occupying Don Mueang domestic airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport, but for their personal safety and because the airports are more politically sensitive than the traditional centre of government.
Demonstrating at the two airports has proven more effective than staying at Government House, Gen. Chamlong said.
It was unclear whether PAD security guards will continue to occupy Government House.
The protesters seized Government House on August 26, forcing his predecessor and the prime minister's staff to leave the compound. Mr. Somchai and his staff moved to Don Mueang airport, Bangkok's former international port of entry, the temporary site of the national government, but it was occupied by the protesters last Wednesday.
By Monday afternoon, most protesters had left Government House and headed to the two airports.
The protesters have demanded that Mr. Somchai resign unconditionally and not amend the 2007 charter.
Meanwhile, security measures at Don Mueang airport have been tightened as police have joined PAD security personnel to patrol the area to prevent any third party from launching any violent attacks.
Air Force commander-in-chief Air Chief Marshal Ittiporn Suppawong said he and his subordinates will help transport stranded foreigners so that they could return to their home countries.
In echoing Army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda's earlier request for Mr. Somchai to resign and return power to the people by holding a general election, ACM Ittiporn said the prime minister should resign because he has no office now and the country would suffer more as long as he stays on.
On reports that pro-government supporters may be dissatisfied with whatever rulings to be made Tuesday by the Constitution Court which might dissolve three political parties, including the ruling People Power Party headed by Mr. Somchai, ACM Ittiporn said it is the duty of police to provide security and take severe action against lawbreakers. - TNA
Arrest warrants sought for pad's five leaders
28 August 2008
The Nation (Thailand)Samak assigns Kowit to take control of quelling unrest as chaos grips the capital
Police will today seek the court's approval to issue arrest warrants for at least five leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which yesterday staged a final showdown against the Samak-led government.
Pol Maj-General Suraphol Tuanthong, the deputy chief spokesman of the National Police Office, said the leaders could be prosecuted under sections 215, 216, 113 114 of the Criminal Code.
The five named as core leaders are Sondhi Limthongkul, Maj-General Chamlong Srimuang, Suriyasai Katasila, Pipop Thongchai and Somkiat Pongpaibul.
A state of chaos gripped Bangkok yesterday as the PAD laid siege to a state-owned TV station and head offices of the police, as well as the Finance, Education, Transport and Energy ministries.
The dramatic face-off, which started at 5.30 in the morning with the seizure of NBT TV station on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Highway, led to a 10-point fall in the main Stock Exchange of Thailand index, which closed at 668.92.
Business leaders expressed fears the PAD's protests could lead to more violence and bloodshed.The tension could delay investment projects in the pipeline and drive away foreign tourists unsure of their safety.
Last night, about 20,000 protesters remained inside the compound of Government House after they moved away from other state premises.Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, meanwhile, said the government would deal with the situation in a peaceful manner.
Deputy Premier Kowit Watana, also interior minister, was instructed by the premier to take charge of quelling the unrest.
In the midst of yesterday's disturbances, Samak also signed off a crucial top-level military reshuffle.General Boonsang Niempradit, the outgoing supreme commander, said leaders of the armed forces were content with the reshuffle list, which is pending royal endorsement.
According to the reshuffle list, General Songkitti Chakkabat, the Army's chief of staff, will succeed Boonsang as supreme commander, while General Apichart Benkitti will be promoted to the post of permanent secretary for defence. Admiral Kamthorn Poomhiran, the Navy's chief adviser, will be the new commander of the Navy, while ACM Ittiporn Suppawong, the Air Force's chief of staff, is promoted to the post of Air Force commander.
On the business front, Santi Vilassakdanont, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, was hopeful the political situation would not worsen, or else foreign investor confidence would be hit hard if the government were forced to declare a state of emergency.
PAD'spokesman Suriyasai said yesterday protesters would continue to take control of Government House and other installations for three days. "We will not waver in the Thai khoo fah [code for today's final action] to force the prime minister to step down," he said.
The PAD said it would today step up pressure by cutting electricity and water supplies at key government installations. Pipop, one of the PAD leaders, said more people were welcome to join the protesters at Government House, where he and colleagues have declared a "victory". Samak said yesterday's violent protests were aimed at provoking the military to stage another coup d'etat to oust his elected administration.
Samak, who is alleged to be running the government as a proxy for former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, now in exile in the UK, said he would not resign as a result of the PAD's final showdown. Samak tells foreign reporters PAD 'wants bloodshed'
In what was billed as a damage-control effort, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej told a group of foreign correspondents the street protests and storming of Government House were the work of "five or six leaders" with an axe to grind with ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
"They want bloodshed in the country. They want the military to come out and stage a coup again," Samak told a group of foreign journalists yesterday.
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which has been protesting since May, accused Samak of being a proxy of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a coup on September 19, 2006.
"My feeling is it's a group of people - five or six leaders - they don't like the former prime minister, they don't like me, and up to now they have wanted to overthrow the government, which is illegal," Samak said. Despite the fact that the bulk of the politicians under his People Power Party were members of Thaksin's now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, Samak said he did not understand why they linked him to Thaksin.
Samak said he would seek the arrest of five or six key PAD leaders and vowed to starve out the demonstrators, using "a soft and gentle approach" to get them to leave the Government House compound. Earlier, the premier said he would use "all means" to clear the streets.
Tensions rise after grenade explosion in Bangkok
Nirmal Ghosh, Thailand Correspondent
31 October 2008
Straits TimesPAD men injured; bomb also goes off outside home of anti-Thaksin judge
BANGKOK: Up to 10 anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) security guards were injured early yesterday morning by a grenade thought to have been thrown by an unidentified motorcyclist.
A crude pipe bomb also exploded earlier, at around midnight, outside the residence of Constitution Court Judge Jaral Phakdeethanakul.The judge is known as an opponent of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and later said the blast appeared to have been an attempt to intimidate him.
Separately, a man was found dead with a bullet wound to the head yesterday morning near the PAD protest site, after gunshots were heard in the area.Some mystery surrounded the blast that hit the PAD's security men on the outskirts of its protest site at Government House. PAD co-leader Chamlong Srimuang, a former general-turned-Buddhist ascetic, blamed the explosion on the government.
But police said they found the pin of the grenade at the site of the blast, which sources said could indicate that it had gone off accidentally.
The incident appeared, however, to be the latest in a series of clashes between government supporters and PAD security guards.
They include government supporters being 'captured' by the PAD and paraded on the movement's stage at Government House, and a scuffle in which a middle-aged woman was hit in the face by a PAD guard.
Adding to the tension, a dialogue between the PAD and either the government or mediators appears to be off the table.
The respected Mr Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Chaipattana Foundation -an organisation sponsored by the Thai king - last week called for national unity to avoid a repeat of the bloody upheavals that have peppered Thai history.
But PAD co-leader Sondhi Limthongkul on Monday rejected the suggestion, saying: 'Instead of siding with the righteous, he preached unity.'
Yesterday, the PAD mounted a protest at the British Embassy, followed by a march by several thousand supporters up Sukhumvit Road in downtown Bangkok.
In its letter to the British government, which was read in public before being delivered to the embassy, the PAD called for the extradition of Thaksin, who has been convicted of abuse of power in Thailand and is also wanted on other corruption charges.
The protesters also threatened to boycott British supermarket chain Tesco, while one of their trucks carried a huge banner with pictures of Thaksin and his wife, reading: 'Wanted for Crimes against the King.'
PAD supporter Hian Rujiawawerote, 24 and newly graduated from a British university, told The Straits Times: 'Thaksin is like our version of Suharto and Marcos. He built up a comprehensive network in everything you can think of, the financial sector and the telecommunications sector, to siphon off billions of dollars.'
And he said that if the PAD did not exist, 'it would be much easier for the government to do as it wishes'.
Not all passers-by were happy with the PAD, however. Clothing store owner Kavita Boonek, 37, said it was not helping the country and had 'chased away all the tourists'.
Thailand's Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat yesterday ordered the police to speed up its investigation of the grenade incident, besides stepping up security around protest sites and the homes of all Constitution Court judges, Xinhua reported.
The developments came ahead of an event organised for tomorrow by supporters of the beleaguered government, aimed at mounting a show of strength and warning the army off thoughts of a military coup to resolve the crisis.
Organisers hope 60,000 people will turn up at the stadium where the event is being held. A videotaped message from Thaksin may also be played.
The plan has provoked some warnings, the latest from Air Force Chief Ittiporn Supawong, who said yesterday: 'There will be a lot of protesters and the state media will broadcast the event, showing that the government is not neutral.
'The opposing reaction against the government will be more violent.'
But a lead organiser of the event, who is close to the government, told The Straits Times: 'We have made it clear we don't want any confrontation with the PAD. There will be no movement outside the stadium and no illegal activity.''
PROTEST MAY BACKFIRE
'There will be a lot of protesters and the state media will broadcast the event, showing that the government is not neutral. The opposing reaction against the government will be more violent.'
Air Force Chief Ittiporn Supawong, warning that the event government supporters plan to hold tomorrow might draw a violent reaction
Gen Prem confident national reconciliation will be achieved
12 October 2008
Organisation of Asia-Pacific News AgenciesGen. Prem Tinsulanonda, president of the Privy Council and senior statesman, said he is confident that reconciliation among the public could eventually be achieved in Thailand.
Declining to say whether it is the right time for the military to come out of their barracks and to try to solve the country's persisting political turbulence, Gen. Prem, a former prime minister, said the military knows their responsibilities.
He declined to answer whether it is appropriate for the military to remain neutral following the bloody street protests in Bangkok on Tuesday which saw two persons died and more than 400 others injured during clashes between anti-government protesters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and police.
Expressing his regret over Tuesday's clashes, Gen. Prem said he could not predict the future but that he hoped that every one would perform his or her own duty.
Newly appointed Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Ittiporn Suppawong said a military coup could not completely solve political problem.
ACM Ittiporn affirmed that the military must obey the laws of the kingdom and that they would only leave their barracks time when an emergency decree or martial law is announced.
The military will not pressure or attempt to guide the prime minister's decision because his position is superior, ACM Ittiporn said, adding that he believes the prime minister would know what he should in the last analysis. (TNA)
