Parliament of Thailand (08/25/06)
Gen Panlop Pinmanee is a man of controversy who has often been at the centre of public attention.
Until yesterday, he was deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), a post he assumed in 2001.
His dismissal from the post was in connection with an alleged bomb plot aimed at caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, involving a man who was said to be Gen Panlop's ex-driver.
Previously, Gen Panlop - who was deputy chief of the Southern Border Provinces Peace-building Command (SBPPC) - was immediately transferred out of the deep South for instructing his subordinates to use force against a group of militants hiding in the Krue Se Mosque on April 28, 2004, resulting in the deaths of 32 militants.
Gen Panlop conceded that the use of force went against an order given by his superior, Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, and that he was solely responsible for the incident.
He and two army officers who led the assault at the mosque face criminal lawsuits filed by the militants' relatives.
On May 4, 2004, he resigned as deputy chief of the SBPPC in the wake of reports criticising his handling of the Krue Se incident, maintaining only the deputy director position at Isoc.
Gen Panlop, who has maintained his hardline position, insisted the use of force is necessary in handling the southern insurgency.
He threw strong support behind the operation at Tak Bai later in the same year, which saw 78 Muslims killed.
Occasionally, he has stepped out to criticise the government's strategy for the South, saying both the state and military were ''too weak''.
Gen Panlop was born on May 25, 1936 into a farmer's family in Nakhon Pathom's Sam Phran district and graduated from Class 7 of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy in 1960 - the same class as the ''Young Turks'', including Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, Maj-Gen Manoonkrit Rupkhachorn, and the late Prachak Sawangchit.
As a young army officer, he was assigned to the front lines to defend Thailand's borders with Cambodia in Prachin Buri's Ta Phraya district in 1961, when Thailand and Cambodia were locked in a dispute over the Preah Vihear temple site.
He went on to study on the ranger course and a counter-intelligence course in the US before being appointed in 1968 as chief of the Special Thai Ranger Army - which carried out clandestine, anti-North Vietnam operations in Laos - for one year. He then headed the army's assassination team.
NT explosives (above left), detonating cables (above), along with M-8 military fuses and a detonating circuit, found in the suspect's car are shown at a press conference. — SOMCHAI LAOPAISARNTAKSIN
He joined hands with the Class 7 Young Turks, including Maj-Gen Chamlong and Maj-Gen Manoonkrit, in a coup against the Seni Pramoj government during the Oct 6 bloodshed in 1976, and in toppling the right-wing government under prime minister Tanin Kraivixien in 1977.
After a 1981 abortive coup against then prime minister Prem Tinsulanonda, he went into exile in Laos to escape the death sentence and was put in jail there for two months.
Gen Panlop once admitted that he was behind a series of assassination attempts against then army strongman Gen Arthit Kamlang-ek.
However, the general repeatedly denied that he had a hand in an alleged murder attempt against Gen Prem.
He also said he had a role in the 1992 Black May event in which his former classmate Maj-Gen Chamlong was locked in conflict with then prime minister Gen Suchinda Kraprayoon, who eventually washed his hands of politics.
His most recent work, as deputy Isoc director, involved the repatriation of around 4,500 Hmong refugees from Ban Huay Nam Khao village in Phetchabun's Khao Kho district to Laos.
Showing posts with label P. Pinmanee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label P. Pinmanee. Show all posts
November 21, 2009
Pallop Pinmanee
INSIDE POLITICS; The new man has authority
7 October 2004
Bangkok Post
Everybody has had a turn at taking command of security in the South and none has succeeded. Well, there is yet another new sheriff in town. - There is not a new sheriff as auditor-general. That little matter has everybody confused. - There are comings and goings in the cabinet, some more willing than others.
The prime minister's restructuring of the inefficient Southern Border Province Peace-building Command is widely seen as crucial to strengthening cooperation between the different security agencies operating in the southern border provinces.
Gen Sirichai Tunyasiri, the deputy supreme commander who played a vital role in the army's success against the communists in the Northeast during the 1980s, was selected personally by Thaksin Shinawatra to lead the new command, to be based at Pattani's Sirindhorn Military Camp.
Gen Panlop Pinmanee, the deputy director of the Internal Security Operation Command, said Gen Sirichai was the best man for the job as he has military experience and the charisma and leadership to lead the command. Gen Sirichai will have direct authority over all security units, including the local police and provincial governors, in the southern border region.
"Whoever is in charge of the command must have seniority and competence, otherwise he cannot hope to win the trust and respect of local officials," Gen Panlop said. "I see Sirichai as the man for the job."
The prime minister's appointment of Gen Sirichai with full administration powers over the region is not a new idea. The same structure was used during Gen Harn Leenanond's term as commander of the 4th Army in the early 1980s.
Gen Harn was picked by Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda to lead the southern forces at a time when separatists and members of the Communist parties of Thailand and Malaya all posed a threat to security. The communists gave up their armed struggle in the South in the late 1980s.
Gen Harn, who is now a senator from Satun, was given full authority to direct the fight and order the transfer within 24 hours of any government official in the South who he thought was not pulling his weight. Gen Harn also had direct command over the police and provincial governors to coordinate the security effort.
The current rift between security agencies is acknowledged by senior security officers, hence the setting up of the Southern Border Province Peace-building Command in March under the guidance of Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.
Gen Chavalit had believed the command could help reinforce the security cooperation, but it came to nothing when Lt-Gen Pisarn Wattanawongkeeree, commander of the 4th Army, withdrew his support, and Pol Lt-Gen Manoj Kraiwong, commander of Police Region 9, was also unhappy at having to report to the command.
"The SBPPC [Southern Border Province Peace-building Command] was a complete failure," said Gen Panlop, who was in charge of the command briefly before his transfer following the killing on April 28 of 106 suspected militants during clashes with government forces.
No one has been in charge of the command since.
Under the command's old structure, the person in charge did not have full administration authority to handle the troubles in the region. This is in marked contrast with the new structure, which also has the benefit of the backing of the prime minister.
"The new structure will certainly improve the cooperation in the far South since senior security officers from Bangkok have been sent down there to work under Gen Sirichai," said one veteran southern officer.
The officer said he could not work out why the prime minister had not realised earlier that the Southern Border Province Peace-building Command had not got off the ground properly.
Commissioned confusion
The July 6 ruling by the Constitution Court that the Senate's selection of the auditor-general three years ago was unconstitutional has left many people at a loss as to whether Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka should be formally replaced.
The court based its ruling on the fact that the Senate selected Khunying Jaruvan from a list of nominees, instead of considering just one candidate nominated by the State Audit Commission.
The court did not say whether Khunying Jaruvan should be replaced as a result of its ruling.
The State Audit Commission appointed Puangrat Wongpho as acting auditor-general in Khunying Jaruvan's place. On Ms Puangrat retirement on Sept 30, it then appointed Jirarat Noppawong as acting auditor-general, taking over all the responsibilities once held by Khunying Jaruvan.
Now there is also confusion whether the nine members of the State Audit Commission, whose terms expired in April but have stayed on as acting commissioners until their replacements can be appointed, can select nominees for a permanent auditor-general.
The commission has taken applications, with five people applying for the position -- three from within the Office of the Auditor-General and two outsiders.
The outsiders are Pol Lt-Gen Mongkol Kamolbut, a former lecturer at the Police Academy who can boast having once taught Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Wisut Montrivat, the younger brother of Maj-Gen Sornchai Montrivat, a Thai Rak Thai party member for Kanchanaburi.
Given the mess surrounding the commission and its past appointment efforts, many question the current process.
Surapol Nitikraipoj, rector of Thammasat University, asked why appointments were being sought now while there was still confusion surrounding Khunying Jaruvan's position.
He also put it that the Constitution Court had no right to remove a person from a position with a quango, a quasi-non-governmental organisation, such as the Office of the Auditor-General.
This matter is certain to be raised at a seminar on Oct 9 organised by the Phra Pok Klao Institute to discuss the role of the nine quangos set up under the 1997 constitution.
Removal by consent
The removal of Deputy Prime Minister Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya from the cabinet might have caught some people unaware, but within the general's camp itself, the word is that the change was in keeping with Gen Thammarak's wishes.
One aide said Gen Thammarak had asked the prime minister to remove him from the cabinet so he could concentrate on campaigning for their Thai Rak Thai party in the Northeast.
There are 136 seats up for grabs in the Northeast in the election tentatively scheduled for Feb 13,.and Gen Thammarak, a founding member of Thai Rak Thai and the party's chairman for the Northeast, is hoping the party can take at least 120 seats from the region.
"Gen Thammarak felt he had a lot to do for the party and should be allowed to leave the cabinet and concentrate on party strategy since it is only four months to the election," the aide said.
Gen Thammarak reportedly has spoken to MPs in the Northeast who were surprised when they heard he was being removed from the cabinet.
"They were concerned Gen Thammarak's removal would have a negative impact on the party's campaign in the Northeast," the aide said.
There were other surprises in the reshuffle, especially the appointment of Gen Samphan Boonyanand as the new defence minister replacing Gen Chettha Thanajaro. Gen Samphan is a former permanent secretary for defence.
"The prime minister is known to have been close to Gen Samphan for quite a long time," said one senior officer. "That is why he personally picked Samphan to be the assistant to the defence minister in late 2003.
"Samphan was once a trusted aide of Gen Sunthorn Kongsompong, who reportedly earned the respect of the prime minister before he entered politics."
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra initially wanted Gen Mongkol Ampornpisit, a former supreme commander, to take the defence portfolio but the general declined the offer.
"Gen Mongkol did not think the timing was right to enter politics since the present administration would only last till early next year," said one of Gen Mongkol's aides.
He said Gen Mongkol also felt uncomfortable about taking the job as he would be replacing Gen Chettha, a close colleague in the past.
The aide said he was confident however that Gen Mongkol would take a cabinet seat after the next election if he was approached a second time.
Luang Por Ut-tama, the highly respected abbot of Wat Wanwiwae-garam in Kanchanaburi's Sangkhla Buri district, once told Gen Mongkol to be very careful about rushing into politics before early next year.
7 October 2004
Bangkok Post
Everybody has had a turn at taking command of security in the South and none has succeeded. Well, there is yet another new sheriff in town. - There is not a new sheriff as auditor-general. That little matter has everybody confused. - There are comings and goings in the cabinet, some more willing than others.
The prime minister's restructuring of the inefficient Southern Border Province Peace-building Command is widely seen as crucial to strengthening cooperation between the different security agencies operating in the southern border provinces.
Gen Sirichai Tunyasiri, the deputy supreme commander who played a vital role in the army's success against the communists in the Northeast during the 1980s, was selected personally by Thaksin Shinawatra to lead the new command, to be based at Pattani's Sirindhorn Military Camp.
Gen Panlop Pinmanee, the deputy director of the Internal Security Operation Command, said Gen Sirichai was the best man for the job as he has military experience and the charisma and leadership to lead the command. Gen Sirichai will have direct authority over all security units, including the local police and provincial governors, in the southern border region.
"Whoever is in charge of the command must have seniority and competence, otherwise he cannot hope to win the trust and respect of local officials," Gen Panlop said. "I see Sirichai as the man for the job."
The prime minister's appointment of Gen Sirichai with full administration powers over the region is not a new idea. The same structure was used during Gen Harn Leenanond's term as commander of the 4th Army in the early 1980s.
Gen Harn was picked by Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda to lead the southern forces at a time when separatists and members of the Communist parties of Thailand and Malaya all posed a threat to security. The communists gave up their armed struggle in the South in the late 1980s.
Gen Harn, who is now a senator from Satun, was given full authority to direct the fight and order the transfer within 24 hours of any government official in the South who he thought was not pulling his weight. Gen Harn also had direct command over the police and provincial governors to coordinate the security effort.
The current rift between security agencies is acknowledged by senior security officers, hence the setting up of the Southern Border Province Peace-building Command in March under the guidance of Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.
Gen Chavalit had believed the command could help reinforce the security cooperation, but it came to nothing when Lt-Gen Pisarn Wattanawongkeeree, commander of the 4th Army, withdrew his support, and Pol Lt-Gen Manoj Kraiwong, commander of Police Region 9, was also unhappy at having to report to the command.
"The SBPPC [Southern Border Province Peace-building Command] was a complete failure," said Gen Panlop, who was in charge of the command briefly before his transfer following the killing on April 28 of 106 suspected militants during clashes with government forces.
No one has been in charge of the command since.
Under the command's old structure, the person in charge did not have full administration authority to handle the troubles in the region. This is in marked contrast with the new structure, which also has the benefit of the backing of the prime minister.
"The new structure will certainly improve the cooperation in the far South since senior security officers from Bangkok have been sent down there to work under Gen Sirichai," said one veteran southern officer.
The officer said he could not work out why the prime minister had not realised earlier that the Southern Border Province Peace-building Command had not got off the ground properly.
Commissioned confusion
The July 6 ruling by the Constitution Court that the Senate's selection of the auditor-general three years ago was unconstitutional has left many people at a loss as to whether Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka should be formally replaced.
The court based its ruling on the fact that the Senate selected Khunying Jaruvan from a list of nominees, instead of considering just one candidate nominated by the State Audit Commission.
The court did not say whether Khunying Jaruvan should be replaced as a result of its ruling.
The State Audit Commission appointed Puangrat Wongpho as acting auditor-general in Khunying Jaruvan's place. On Ms Puangrat retirement on Sept 30, it then appointed Jirarat Noppawong as acting auditor-general, taking over all the responsibilities once held by Khunying Jaruvan.
Now there is also confusion whether the nine members of the State Audit Commission, whose terms expired in April but have stayed on as acting commissioners until their replacements can be appointed, can select nominees for a permanent auditor-general.
The commission has taken applications, with five people applying for the position -- three from within the Office of the Auditor-General and two outsiders.
The outsiders are Pol Lt-Gen Mongkol Kamolbut, a former lecturer at the Police Academy who can boast having once taught Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Wisut Montrivat, the younger brother of Maj-Gen Sornchai Montrivat, a Thai Rak Thai party member for Kanchanaburi.
Given the mess surrounding the commission and its past appointment efforts, many question the current process.
Surapol Nitikraipoj, rector of Thammasat University, asked why appointments were being sought now while there was still confusion surrounding Khunying Jaruvan's position.
He also put it that the Constitution Court had no right to remove a person from a position with a quango, a quasi-non-governmental organisation, such as the Office of the Auditor-General.
This matter is certain to be raised at a seminar on Oct 9 organised by the Phra Pok Klao Institute to discuss the role of the nine quangos set up under the 1997 constitution.
Removal by consent
The removal of Deputy Prime Minister Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya from the cabinet might have caught some people unaware, but within the general's camp itself, the word is that the change was in keeping with Gen Thammarak's wishes.
One aide said Gen Thammarak had asked the prime minister to remove him from the cabinet so he could concentrate on campaigning for their Thai Rak Thai party in the Northeast.
There are 136 seats up for grabs in the Northeast in the election tentatively scheduled for Feb 13,.and Gen Thammarak, a founding member of Thai Rak Thai and the party's chairman for the Northeast, is hoping the party can take at least 120 seats from the region.
"Gen Thammarak felt he had a lot to do for the party and should be allowed to leave the cabinet and concentrate on party strategy since it is only four months to the election," the aide said.
Gen Thammarak reportedly has spoken to MPs in the Northeast who were surprised when they heard he was being removed from the cabinet.
"They were concerned Gen Thammarak's removal would have a negative impact on the party's campaign in the Northeast," the aide said.
There were other surprises in the reshuffle, especially the appointment of Gen Samphan Boonyanand as the new defence minister replacing Gen Chettha Thanajaro. Gen Samphan is a former permanent secretary for defence.
"The prime minister is known to have been close to Gen Samphan for quite a long time," said one senior officer. "That is why he personally picked Samphan to be the assistant to the defence minister in late 2003.
"Samphan was once a trusted aide of Gen Sunthorn Kongsompong, who reportedly earned the respect of the prime minister before he entered politics."
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra initially wanted Gen Mongkol Ampornpisit, a former supreme commander, to take the defence portfolio but the general declined the offer.
"Gen Mongkol did not think the timing was right to enter politics since the present administration would only last till early next year," said one of Gen Mongkol's aides.
He said Gen Mongkol also felt uncomfortable about taking the job as he would be replacing Gen Chettha, a close colleague in the past.
The aide said he was confident however that Gen Mongkol would take a cabinet seat after the next election if he was approached a second time.
Luang Por Ut-tama, the highly respected abbot of Wat Wanwiwae-garam in Kanchanaburi's Sangkhla Buri district, once told Gen Mongkol to be very careful about rushing into politics before early next year.
Pallop Pinmanee
Controversial Thai general sent back to Muslim south.
By Trirat Puttajanyawong
24 August 2004
Reuters News
BANGKOK, Aug 24 (Reuters) - A Thai general moved out of the largely Muslim south after his troops stormed a mosque during a bizarre uprising in April will be sent back to the region, Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said on Tuesday.
General Pallop Pinmanee, accused by government-appointed investigators of using excessive force in an attack in which 32 lightly armed Muslims were killed, would head the southern border province development board, Chavalit said.
Pallop appeared to show no remorse on Tuesday for storming the mosque on a day when more than 100 Muslims were killed in an uprising in the largely Malay-speaking south that no one has explained adequately.
"We can't act like a wimp," said Pallop, who has admitted ignoring Chavalit's orders to end the mosque confrontation peacefully but has faced no disciplinary action apart from being pulled out of the south.
"This is urban guerrilla warfare," Pallop told Reuters. "We have to resort to all means to bring peace to the region quickly. We have to search, destroy and reconstruct the region."
Pallop will be based in Pattani province, home of the historic Krue Se mosque his men stormed.
"Unity among agencies is the most crucial part now, so I've appointed him to help me in my work," said Chavalit, who is responsible for national security.
"The violence is worse than ever" and had reached a "critical" stage, Chavalit said.
BOMBS, GUNS, MOTORCYCLES
Bomb attacks on symbols of the largely Buddhist central government, such as state buildings, and ambushes of security officers have become daily incidents in a region where a low-key separatist insurgency was fought in the 1970s and 1980s.
Gunmen set off the renewed violence on January 4 by raiding an army camp, walking away with nearly 400 M-16 assault rifles and setting fire to dozens of schools.
The government says it cannot pinpoint precisely what sparked the renewed violence, in which more than 322 people have been killed, but says the area, a relatively poor one despite its rich resources of rubber, palm oil and fish, needs a long-term development plan.
Insurgents have ambushed officials, police and soldiers from the pillions of motorcyles and the army said on Tuesday it would search every motorcycle carrying a male passenger in a bid to halt such attacks.
"If honest citizens feel inconvenienced by our searches, please condemn those villains who have wreaked havoc on our people," the army said in a statement.
Pallop's new appointment came on a day the government announced the annual reshuffle of top military officers. Among other changes, army commander Chaisit Shinawatra, a cousin of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, will move to the largely ceremonial post of Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Thai newspapers have reported Chaisit was to be "moved upstairs" when the new appointments became effective on October 1 because of conflicts with Defence Minister Chetta Thanajaro on handling the south. Chaisit denied the reports.
By Trirat Puttajanyawong
24 August 2004
Reuters News
BANGKOK, Aug 24 (Reuters) - A Thai general moved out of the largely Muslim south after his troops stormed a mosque during a bizarre uprising in April will be sent back to the region, Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said on Tuesday.
General Pallop Pinmanee, accused by government-appointed investigators of using excessive force in an attack in which 32 lightly armed Muslims were killed, would head the southern border province development board, Chavalit said.
Pallop appeared to show no remorse on Tuesday for storming the mosque on a day when more than 100 Muslims were killed in an uprising in the largely Malay-speaking south that no one has explained adequately.
"We can't act like a wimp," said Pallop, who has admitted ignoring Chavalit's orders to end the mosque confrontation peacefully but has faced no disciplinary action apart from being pulled out of the south.
"This is urban guerrilla warfare," Pallop told Reuters. "We have to resort to all means to bring peace to the region quickly. We have to search, destroy and reconstruct the region."
Pallop will be based in Pattani province, home of the historic Krue Se mosque his men stormed.
"Unity among agencies is the most crucial part now, so I've appointed him to help me in my work," said Chavalit, who is responsible for national security.
"The violence is worse than ever" and had reached a "critical" stage, Chavalit said.
BOMBS, GUNS, MOTORCYCLES
Bomb attacks on symbols of the largely Buddhist central government, such as state buildings, and ambushes of security officers have become daily incidents in a region where a low-key separatist insurgency was fought in the 1970s and 1980s.
Gunmen set off the renewed violence on January 4 by raiding an army camp, walking away with nearly 400 M-16 assault rifles and setting fire to dozens of schools.
The government says it cannot pinpoint precisely what sparked the renewed violence, in which more than 322 people have been killed, but says the area, a relatively poor one despite its rich resources of rubber, palm oil and fish, needs a long-term development plan.
Insurgents have ambushed officials, police and soldiers from the pillions of motorcyles and the army said on Tuesday it would search every motorcycle carrying a male passenger in a bid to halt such attacks.
"If honest citizens feel inconvenienced by our searches, please condemn those villains who have wreaked havoc on our people," the army said in a statement.
Pallop's new appointment came on a day the government announced the annual reshuffle of top military officers. Among other changes, army commander Chaisit Shinawatra, a cousin of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, will move to the largely ceremonial post of Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Thai newspapers have reported Chaisit was to be "moved upstairs" when the new appointments became effective on October 1 because of conflicts with Defence Minister Chetta Thanajaro on handling the south. Chaisit denied the reports.
Pallop Pinmanee
Resignation of 'commander' in charge of Krue Se violence 'rejected'.
5 August 2004
Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies
BANGKOK, Aug 5 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh today turned down the resignation offered by a 'commander' who ordered an attack on a mosque in the southern province of Pattani in late April that left over 100 suspected militants dead.
Gen. Chavalit told TNA that he disapproved the resignation as the deputy head of a command centre for promoting peace and order in southern border provinces of Gen. Pallop Pinmanee, who is also Deputy Director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC).
"I appreciate the responsibility shown by Gen. Pallop, but did not sign his resignation, as the country still needs a person who is brave and devote for work like him. I'd like Gen. Pallop to be patient and continue to work for the position", he said.
Military and police officers opened fires on the Krue-sae Mosque in Pattani Province with grenades and automatic rifles on 28 April.
It was the bloodiest incident in a day of fierce fighting between government forces and militants that left 107 suspected militants in all dead.
An independent fact-finding commission found that the authorities had used "unnecessary forces" against the militants who had taken refuge in the abandoned mosque.
It said the level of forces and weapons used in the attack on the mosque were "disproportionate.
The crisis at the Krue Se Mosque should have been resolved peacefully, said the report, which was released on Tuesday.
Gen. Chavalit said that there is no disagreement between him and Gen. Pallop, but he and Gen. Pallop perform duties at different levels; that is he is at the strategic level, while Gen. Pallop is at the tactic level, which may lead to a difference in some decision makings, but both intend to perform the best for the nation.
Gen. Pallop was moved out of the area in an order signed by Gen. Chavalit just hours after the incident.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra today praised the high 'spirit' of Gen. Pallop in bravely taking the responsibility for the incident by offering to resign.
However, he noted that the commission's report did not blame the military and police officers involved, but, instead, indicated that the level of forces and weapons used in the attack on the mosque were 'disproportionate'.
"I understand well that the government forces were pressed by the tense situation, in which their fellows were shot dead by the militants, state weapons were robbed, and unknown plans of the militants inside the mosque when the darkness of the night was looming, and so had to make such the decision to prevent any uncontrolable incident ", he said.
"The report of the commission is quite clear, and is understandable. The government has assisted local residents and families affected by incident", he added.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Bhokin Bhalakula told TNA that he believed the prime minister would discuss with his cabinet to seek for an appropriate way-out of the controverial Krue Se incident.
"We should not try to point the finger to anybody to take responsibility for the incident. All parties intended to perform their duties best, and have been hurt enough from the incident", he said.
5 August 2004
Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies
BANGKOK, Aug 5 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh today turned down the resignation offered by a 'commander' who ordered an attack on a mosque in the southern province of Pattani in late April that left over 100 suspected militants dead.
Gen. Chavalit told TNA that he disapproved the resignation as the deputy head of a command centre for promoting peace and order in southern border provinces of Gen. Pallop Pinmanee, who is also Deputy Director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC).
"I appreciate the responsibility shown by Gen. Pallop, but did not sign his resignation, as the country still needs a person who is brave and devote for work like him. I'd like Gen. Pallop to be patient and continue to work for the position", he said.
Military and police officers opened fires on the Krue-sae Mosque in Pattani Province with grenades and automatic rifles on 28 April.
It was the bloodiest incident in a day of fierce fighting between government forces and militants that left 107 suspected militants in all dead.
An independent fact-finding commission found that the authorities had used "unnecessary forces" against the militants who had taken refuge in the abandoned mosque.
It said the level of forces and weapons used in the attack on the mosque were "disproportionate.
The crisis at the Krue Se Mosque should have been resolved peacefully, said the report, which was released on Tuesday.
Gen. Chavalit said that there is no disagreement between him and Gen. Pallop, but he and Gen. Pallop perform duties at different levels; that is he is at the strategic level, while Gen. Pallop is at the tactic level, which may lead to a difference in some decision makings, but both intend to perform the best for the nation.
Gen. Pallop was moved out of the area in an order signed by Gen. Chavalit just hours after the incident.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra today praised the high 'spirit' of Gen. Pallop in bravely taking the responsibility for the incident by offering to resign.
However, he noted that the commission's report did not blame the military and police officers involved, but, instead, indicated that the level of forces and weapons used in the attack on the mosque were 'disproportionate'.
"I understand well that the government forces were pressed by the tense situation, in which their fellows were shot dead by the militants, state weapons were robbed, and unknown plans of the militants inside the mosque when the darkness of the night was looming, and so had to make such the decision to prevent any uncontrolable incident ", he said.
"The report of the commission is quite clear, and is understandable. The government has assisted local residents and families affected by incident", he added.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Bhokin Bhalakula told TNA that he believed the prime minister would discuss with his cabinet to seek for an appropriate way-out of the controverial Krue Se incident.
"We should not try to point the finger to anybody to take responsibility for the incident. All parties intended to perform their duties best, and have been hurt enough from the incident", he said.
Pallop Pinmanee
VIOLENCE IN THE SOUTH - SUCHINDA REPORT AFTERMATH; Panlop resigns, insists he was right
5 August 2004
Bangkok Post
Inquiry panel poorly informed civilians
WASSANA NANUAM
Gen Panlop Pinmanee has resigned as deputy chief of the Southern Border Provinces Peace-building Command (SBPPBC) in the wake of a report criticising the security forces' leadership over the April 28 assault on Krue Se Mosque.
An independent inquiry panel has concluded that government forces used excessive force against Muslim militants who hid in the famed mosque in Pattani's Muang district.
The general tendered his resignation yesterday in a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the SBPPBC director. He will continue to serve as deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc).
On April 28, more than 200 militants launched simultaneous attacks on 11 military and police posts in Pattani, Yala and Songkhla provinces. Some of them later fled into Krue Se Mosque.
Gen Panlop ordered special warfare soldiers to storm the mosque in an attack which included the use of hand grenades. All 32 militants inside, armed mainly with knives, were killed.
Gen Panlop yesterday insisted he had made the right decision in ordering the assault on the mosque. The inquiry panel, chaired by Suchinda Yongsunthorn, comprised mainly civilians who knew little about military tactics, he said.
The panel's conclusion that the security forces had overreacted was based on its opinion that the militants were poorly armed. In fact, the militants inside the mosque possessed firearms and a large number of knives, Gen Panlop said.
Martial law had also been declared.
Military sources earlier said the militants had two M16 rifles, two handguns and two M203 rifles modified to fire either M16 rifle ammunition or M79 grenades.
The Suchinda panel, however, said the militants were mostly armed with knives and had only one gun.
Gen Panlop said the militants, after attacking a police outpost near the mosque, could easily have fled into a jungle about 200m away. Instead they entered the mosque where they had plenty of food and water -- an indication they had prepared for a long siege.
The soldiers had waited nine hours, from 5am to 2pm, before storming the mosque, after all negotiations and psychological approaches failed, he said.
During the stand-off the soldiers fired eight tear gas grenades, but the rounds failed to penetrate the mosque's roof netting and window grilles.
Gen Panlop said he ordered the troops to attack because he believed time was running out, as the number of people gathering around the mosque had swelled beyond 1,000.
The general also defended the troops who hurled eight hand grenades into the interior of the mosque as they charged inside, saying that was a normal military tactic. The soldiers had to take quick and decisive action to keep casualties on their side as low as possible.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said yesterday the Suchinda panel's conclusion made public was only the first part of its report. The rest would be released later.
5 August 2004
Bangkok Post
Inquiry panel poorly informed civilians
WASSANA NANUAM
Gen Panlop Pinmanee has resigned as deputy chief of the Southern Border Provinces Peace-building Command (SBPPBC) in the wake of a report criticising the security forces' leadership over the April 28 assault on Krue Se Mosque.
An independent inquiry panel has concluded that government forces used excessive force against Muslim militants who hid in the famed mosque in Pattani's Muang district.
The general tendered his resignation yesterday in a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the SBPPBC director. He will continue to serve as deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc).
On April 28, more than 200 militants launched simultaneous attacks on 11 military and police posts in Pattani, Yala and Songkhla provinces. Some of them later fled into Krue Se Mosque.
Gen Panlop ordered special warfare soldiers to storm the mosque in an attack which included the use of hand grenades. All 32 militants inside, armed mainly with knives, were killed.
Gen Panlop yesterday insisted he had made the right decision in ordering the assault on the mosque. The inquiry panel, chaired by Suchinda Yongsunthorn, comprised mainly civilians who knew little about military tactics, he said.
The panel's conclusion that the security forces had overreacted was based on its opinion that the militants were poorly armed. In fact, the militants inside the mosque possessed firearms and a large number of knives, Gen Panlop said.
Martial law had also been declared.
Military sources earlier said the militants had two M16 rifles, two handguns and two M203 rifles modified to fire either M16 rifle ammunition or M79 grenades.
The Suchinda panel, however, said the militants were mostly armed with knives and had only one gun.
Gen Panlop said the militants, after attacking a police outpost near the mosque, could easily have fled into a jungle about 200m away. Instead they entered the mosque where they had plenty of food and water -- an indication they had prepared for a long siege.
The soldiers had waited nine hours, from 5am to 2pm, before storming the mosque, after all negotiations and psychological approaches failed, he said.
During the stand-off the soldiers fired eight tear gas grenades, but the rounds failed to penetrate the mosque's roof netting and window grilles.
Gen Panlop said he ordered the troops to attack because he believed time was running out, as the number of people gathering around the mosque had swelled beyond 1,000.
The general also defended the troops who hurled eight hand grenades into the interior of the mosque as they charged inside, saying that was a normal military tactic. The soldiers had to take quick and decisive action to keep casualties on their side as low as possible.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said yesterday the Suchinda panel's conclusion made public was only the first part of its report. The rest would be released later.
Pallop Pinmanee
VIOLENCE IN THE SOUTH; Panlop turns down offer to lead key unit
22 June 2004
Bangkok Post
Peace work command centre `in disarray'
Wassana Nanuam
Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's attempt to beef up the Peace Building Command for the Southern Border Provinces (PBCSBC), set up to streamline cooperation among various government agencies, faces an uphill task now that a key candidate has refused to head the command.
Gen Panlop Pinmanee, deputy director of the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc), has for the second time turned down an invitation to take charge of the operation.
``Under no circumstances will I go back down South to head the command,'' said Gen Panlop when asked if the deputy premier had requested he help supervise the PBCSBC, reportedly now in disarray following its establishment in April.
Gen Panlop said, however, that he would rethink his decision if he received a direct order from Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Gen Panlop said he had been deeply hurt after Gen Chavalit ordered his immediate removal from the area on April 28, after hundreds of rebels in the southernmost provinces launched an assault that eventually led to the deaths of 106 militants and five members of the security forces.
Gen Chavalit had accused Gen Panlop of disobeying his instructions to use peaceful means to end the siege at Pattani's Krue Sae Mosque, where 32 militants were killed in a shoot-out.
Gen Panlop is widely viewed as the most suitable candidate for the post.
``The person in charge must have the requisite seniority and charisma otherwise it's unlikely the command will receive cooperation and respect from other agencies,'' noted a southern security officer.
Since Gen Panlop's removal, the PBCSBC has been supervised by Lt-Gen Rewat Rattanapongsai, an army specialist said to be incapable of coordinating work with officials from other ministries.
``He is too junior to be in charge of this operation. This situation will only cause further confusion among officials in the area,'' noted a veteran official from the South.
There have been reports of chaos and confusion at the command's headquarters at Sirindhorn camp in Pattani's Yarang district.
``Deep in my heart there is still a scar left by the incident. What Gen Chavalit did to me was so destructive,'' said Gen Panlop, adding that he had been very downcast after Gen Chavalit's decision.
Gen Panlop, who came under intense criticism for his tough measures in dealing with militants at Krue Sae Mosque, was defiant yesterday saying that the violent crackdown was necessary otherwise the situation would have escalated and led to more bloodshed.
``I risked my life to be on the spot at the time so that we could swiftly tackle the problem but all I got in return was Gen Chavalit's order calling for me to get out of the area within 24 hours,'' said Gen Panlop, who is now in charge of Isoc's operations combating drugs and other illegal activities in the country.
22 June 2004
Bangkok Post
Peace work command centre `in disarray'
Wassana Nanuam
Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's attempt to beef up the Peace Building Command for the Southern Border Provinces (PBCSBC), set up to streamline cooperation among various government agencies, faces an uphill task now that a key candidate has refused to head the command.
Gen Panlop Pinmanee, deputy director of the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc), has for the second time turned down an invitation to take charge of the operation.
``Under no circumstances will I go back down South to head the command,'' said Gen Panlop when asked if the deputy premier had requested he help supervise the PBCSBC, reportedly now in disarray following its establishment in April.
Gen Panlop said, however, that he would rethink his decision if he received a direct order from Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Gen Panlop said he had been deeply hurt after Gen Chavalit ordered his immediate removal from the area on April 28, after hundreds of rebels in the southernmost provinces launched an assault that eventually led to the deaths of 106 militants and five members of the security forces.
Gen Chavalit had accused Gen Panlop of disobeying his instructions to use peaceful means to end the siege at Pattani's Krue Sae Mosque, where 32 militants were killed in a shoot-out.
Gen Panlop is widely viewed as the most suitable candidate for the post.
``The person in charge must have the requisite seniority and charisma otherwise it's unlikely the command will receive cooperation and respect from other agencies,'' noted a southern security officer.
Since Gen Panlop's removal, the PBCSBC has been supervised by Lt-Gen Rewat Rattanapongsai, an army specialist said to be incapable of coordinating work with officials from other ministries.
``He is too junior to be in charge of this operation. This situation will only cause further confusion among officials in the area,'' noted a veteran official from the South.
There have been reports of chaos and confusion at the command's headquarters at Sirindhorn camp in Pattani's Yarang district.
``Deep in my heart there is still a scar left by the incident. What Gen Chavalit did to me was so destructive,'' said Gen Panlop, adding that he had been very downcast after Gen Chavalit's decision.
Gen Panlop, who came under intense criticism for his tough measures in dealing with militants at Krue Sae Mosque, was defiant yesterday saying that the violent crackdown was necessary otherwise the situation would have escalated and led to more bloodshed.
``I risked my life to be on the spot at the time so that we could swiftly tackle the problem but all I got in return was Gen Chavalit's order calling for me to get out of the area within 24 hours,'' said Gen Panlop, who is now in charge of Isoc's operations combating drugs and other illegal activities in the country.
Pallop Pinmanee
SOUTHERN COMMAND: Pallop moved for insubordination
Piyanart Srival
30 April 2004
The Nation (Thailand)
Chavalit says direct order not to storm mosque was deliberately disobeyed
A senior general in charge of southern security was transferred for insubordination, Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said yesterday, although he respected the general for standing by his actions in Wednesday's violence.
'General Pallop Pinmanee, deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command, was moved from the South to Bangkok after he disobeyed my direct order not to storm the Krue Se Mosque on Wednesday,' Chavalit said.
'In spite of his insubordination, I would like to praise Pallop as Thailand's General MacArthur.'
Chavalit likened his actions to US President Harry Truman's removal of General Douglas MacArthur for disobedience during the Korean War in the 1950s.
Pallop, responding to Chavalit's statement, said he had no choice but to storm the mosque to root out Muslim militants holed up inside after hundreds of onlookers started attacking his troops.
He claimed that he had full mandate to supervise the raid at Krue Se.
He also denied speculation that he might face dismissal, saying only Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra could fire him.
Responding to criticism of excessive force against the young Muslims, Chavalit said security forces had acted in self-defence.
'The perpetrators charged at soldiers and policemen, shooting and stabbing them. Under the circumstances it is reasonable for troops to try and defend themselves,' he said.
He said the attackers were all adults, some of them armed with AK-47 and M-16 assault rifles, shotguns, pistols and grenades.
The deputy prime minister added that security forces would carry out tactical operations aimed at rooting out more young militants.
He admitted that the separatist movement, the illegal drug trade and local groups had together fomented Muslim militancy in the three southernmost provinces.
'I am very concerned about Muslim extremism. I expect a long ideological struggle in order to bring back misguided Muslims,' he said.
Chavalit also said Wednesday's clashes served as a lesson for security authorities to always stay vigilant against terrorism.
In an attempt to justify the Krue Se shoot-out, Maj-General Thanee Thawitsri, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 9, said security forces had stormed the mosque in order to quickly end the stand-off.
'The perpetrators refused to surrender and shot dead a policemen after tear gas had been fired into the mosque,' he said. 'Tensions escalated as Muslim onlookers started chanting in support of the perpetrators.'
With regard to the killing of 19 Muslims who were members of a village football team in Songkhla, he said the young men might have been using football as a pretext for physical training before committing terrorist acts.
Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana said security forces had observed rules of engagement when defending themselves and repelling the young militants.
He refused to comment any further, saying he had been in Bangkok when the clashes occurred.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra refused to answer questions relating to the clashes.
Piyanart Srival
30 April 2004
The Nation (Thailand)
Chavalit says direct order not to storm mosque was deliberately disobeyed
A senior general in charge of southern security was transferred for insubordination, Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said yesterday, although he respected the general for standing by his actions in Wednesday's violence.
'General Pallop Pinmanee, deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command, was moved from the South to Bangkok after he disobeyed my direct order not to storm the Krue Se Mosque on Wednesday,' Chavalit said.
'In spite of his insubordination, I would like to praise Pallop as Thailand's General MacArthur.'
Chavalit likened his actions to US President Harry Truman's removal of General Douglas MacArthur for disobedience during the Korean War in the 1950s.
Pallop, responding to Chavalit's statement, said he had no choice but to storm the mosque to root out Muslim militants holed up inside after hundreds of onlookers started attacking his troops.
He claimed that he had full mandate to supervise the raid at Krue Se.
He also denied speculation that he might face dismissal, saying only Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra could fire him.
Responding to criticism of excessive force against the young Muslims, Chavalit said security forces had acted in self-defence.
'The perpetrators charged at soldiers and policemen, shooting and stabbing them. Under the circumstances it is reasonable for troops to try and defend themselves,' he said.
He said the attackers were all adults, some of them armed with AK-47 and M-16 assault rifles, shotguns, pistols and grenades.
The deputy prime minister added that security forces would carry out tactical operations aimed at rooting out more young militants.
He admitted that the separatist movement, the illegal drug trade and local groups had together fomented Muslim militancy in the three southernmost provinces.
'I am very concerned about Muslim extremism. I expect a long ideological struggle in order to bring back misguided Muslims,' he said.
Chavalit also said Wednesday's clashes served as a lesson for security authorities to always stay vigilant against terrorism.
In an attempt to justify the Krue Se shoot-out, Maj-General Thanee Thawitsri, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 9, said security forces had stormed the mosque in order to quickly end the stand-off.
'The perpetrators refused to surrender and shot dead a policemen after tear gas had been fired into the mosque,' he said. 'Tensions escalated as Muslim onlookers started chanting in support of the perpetrators.'
With regard to the killing of 19 Muslims who were members of a village football team in Songkhla, he said the young men might have been using football as a pretext for physical training before committing terrorist acts.
Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana said security forces had observed rules of engagement when defending themselves and repelling the young militants.
He refused to comment any further, saying he had been in Bangkok when the clashes occurred.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra refused to answer questions relating to the clashes.
Pallop Pinmanee
SOUTHERN COMMAND: Pallop moved for insubordination
30 April 2004
The Nation (Thailand)
Chavalit says direct order not to storm mosque was deliberately disobeyed
A senior general in charge of southern security was transferred for insubordination, Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said yesterday, although he respected the general for standing by his actions in Wednesday's violence.
'General Pallop Pinmanee, deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command, was moved from the South to Bangkok after he disobeyed my direct order not to storm the Krue Se Mosque on Wednesday,' Chavalit said.
'In spite of his insubordination, I would like to praise Pallop as Thailand's General MacArthur.'
Chavalit likened his actions to US President Harry Truman's removal of General Douglas MacArthur for disobedience during the Korean War in the 1950s.
Pallop, responding to Chavalit's statement, said he had no choice but to storm the mosque to root out Muslim militants holed up inside after hundreds of onlookers started attacking his troops.
He claimed that he had full mandate to supervise the raid at Krue Se.
He also denied speculation that he might face dismissal, saying only Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra could fire him.
Responding to criticism of excessive force against the young Muslims, Chavalit said security forces had acted in self-defence.
'The perpetrators charged at soldiers and policemen, shooting and stabbing them. Under the circumstances it is reasonable for troops to try and defend themselves,' he said.
He said the attackers were all adults, some of them armed with AK-47 and M-16 assault rifles, shotguns, pistols and grenades.
The deputy prime minister added that security forces would carry out tactical operations aimed at rooting out more young militants.
He admitted that the separatist movement, the illegal drug trade and local groups had together fomented Muslim militancy in the three southernmost provinces.
'I am very concerned about Muslim extremism. I expect a long ideological struggle in order to bring back misguided Muslims,' he said.
Chavalit also said Wednesday's clashes served as a lesson for security authorities to always stay vigilant against terrorism.
In an attempt to justify the Krue Se shoot-out, Maj-General Thanee Thawitsri, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 9, said security forces had stormed the mosque in order to quickly end the stand-off.
'The perpetrators refused to surrender and shot dead a policemen after tear gas had been fired into the mosque,' he said. 'Tensions escalated as Muslim onlookers started chanting in support of the perpetrators.'
With regard to the killing of 19 Muslims who were members of a village football team in Songkhla, he said the young men might have been using football as a pretext for physical training before committing terrorist acts.
Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana said security forces had observed rules of engagement when defending themselves and repelling the young militants.
He refused to comment any further, saying he had been in Bangkok when the clashes occurred.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra refused to answer questions relating to the clashes.
30 April 2004
The Nation (Thailand)
Chavalit says direct order not to storm mosque was deliberately disobeyed
A senior general in charge of southern security was transferred for insubordination, Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said yesterday, although he respected the general for standing by his actions in Wednesday's violence.
'General Pallop Pinmanee, deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command, was moved from the South to Bangkok after he disobeyed my direct order not to storm the Krue Se Mosque on Wednesday,' Chavalit said.
'In spite of his insubordination, I would like to praise Pallop as Thailand's General MacArthur.'
Chavalit likened his actions to US President Harry Truman's removal of General Douglas MacArthur for disobedience during the Korean War in the 1950s.
Pallop, responding to Chavalit's statement, said he had no choice but to storm the mosque to root out Muslim militants holed up inside after hundreds of onlookers started attacking his troops.
He claimed that he had full mandate to supervise the raid at Krue Se.
He also denied speculation that he might face dismissal, saying only Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra could fire him.
Responding to criticism of excessive force against the young Muslims, Chavalit said security forces had acted in self-defence.
'The perpetrators charged at soldiers and policemen, shooting and stabbing them. Under the circumstances it is reasonable for troops to try and defend themselves,' he said.
He said the attackers were all adults, some of them armed with AK-47 and M-16 assault rifles, shotguns, pistols and grenades.
The deputy prime minister added that security forces would carry out tactical operations aimed at rooting out more young militants.
He admitted that the separatist movement, the illegal drug trade and local groups had together fomented Muslim militancy in the three southernmost provinces.
'I am very concerned about Muslim extremism. I expect a long ideological struggle in order to bring back misguided Muslims,' he said.
Chavalit also said Wednesday's clashes served as a lesson for security authorities to always stay vigilant against terrorism.
In an attempt to justify the Krue Se shoot-out, Maj-General Thanee Thawitsri, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 9, said security forces had stormed the mosque in order to quickly end the stand-off.
'The perpetrators refused to surrender and shot dead a policemen after tear gas had been fired into the mosque,' he said. 'Tensions escalated as Muslim onlookers started chanting in support of the perpetrators.'
With regard to the killing of 19 Muslims who were members of a village football team in Songkhla, he said the young men might have been using football as a pretext for physical training before committing terrorist acts.
Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana said security forces had observed rules of engagement when defending themselves and repelling the young militants.
He refused to comment any further, saying he had been in Bangkok when the clashes occurred.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra refused to answer questions relating to the clashes.
November 20, 2009
Pallop Pinmanee
WAR ON DARK INFLUENCE - PM - Mafia is part of axis of evil.
20 June 2003
Bangkok Post
Wassana Nanuam
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra says mafia types - whom he branded part of the "axis of evil" - should stop all illicit business by July 20 or face tough legal action including asset seizures.
He was speaking to 500 staff of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) yesterday. Isoc is to monitor the behaviour of influential people.
"I give them until July 20. If they do not stop, we will seize their assets and prosecute them because they are unusually rich, evade taxes and cause trouble to people," Mr Thaksin said.
He wants influential people to declare to authorities that they are behaving.
"I give them the chance to report that they will stop doing wrong.
"If they stop, we will not rake up their past because we want to create unity. I want an end. I don't want to hurt anyone," he said.
Putting an end to dark influence in society would ensure equal opportunities for people.
"I'd like to borrow the phrase of (US) President George Bush, that they are part of the `axis of evil'. They raise people's cost of living because people must pay them. They are also a cause of corruption," Mr Thaksin said.
The government has declared war on drugs, dark influence, corruption and illegal possession of war weapons.
Isoc deputy director Gen Pallop Pinmanee said three committees were scrutinising the draft list of mafia types before sending it to the prime minister.
Interior Minister Wan Muhamad Nor Matha's committee compiled the list, which then went to Gen Pallop's committee headed by Defence Minister Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya, and the third committee of Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana.
Gen Pallop said many soldiers were included on the Interior Ministry list.
20 June 2003
Bangkok Post
Wassana Nanuam
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra says mafia types - whom he branded part of the "axis of evil" - should stop all illicit business by July 20 or face tough legal action including asset seizures.
He was speaking to 500 staff of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) yesterday. Isoc is to monitor the behaviour of influential people.
"I give them until July 20. If they do not stop, we will seize their assets and prosecute them because they are unusually rich, evade taxes and cause trouble to people," Mr Thaksin said.
He wants influential people to declare to authorities that they are behaving.
"I give them the chance to report that they will stop doing wrong.
"If they stop, we will not rake up their past because we want to create unity. I want an end. I don't want to hurt anyone," he said.
Putting an end to dark influence in society would ensure equal opportunities for people.
"I'd like to borrow the phrase of (US) President George Bush, that they are part of the `axis of evil'. They raise people's cost of living because people must pay them. They are also a cause of corruption," Mr Thaksin said.
The government has declared war on drugs, dark influence, corruption and illegal possession of war weapons.
Isoc deputy director Gen Pallop Pinmanee said three committees were scrutinising the draft list of mafia types before sending it to the prime minister.
Interior Minister Wan Muhamad Nor Matha's committee compiled the list, which then went to Gen Pallop's committee headed by Defence Minister Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya, and the third committee of Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana.
Gen Pallop said many soldiers were included on the Interior Ministry list.
Pallop Pinmanee
CRIME - General's brother linked to ammo haul.
15 August 1998
Bangkok Post
The military will take legal action against a former army intelligence unit chief who allegedly ordered a huge ammunition purchase in the army's name without authorisation, an army source said yesterday.
The accused was identified as Maj-Gen Sukij Pinmanee, a retired officer and elder brother of Gen Panlop Pinmanee, secretary to Deputy Defence Minister Gen Wattanachai Wuthisiri.
Maj-Gen Sukij was reportedly a key partner in Thai Ammunition Co, allegedly owned by the wife of Lt-Col Thatchapong Thanphatthaweewong, an army officer arrested after a police seizure on Wednesday of some 700,000 rounds of assorted ammunition from his home in Pathum Thani province.
Maj-Gen Sukij was the last commander of the army's Intelligence Unit 217 monitoring the security situation along the Thai-Burmese border in Ratchaburi province. The unit was directly under the Internal Security Operations Command, which was dissolved in 1995.
According to the source, Maj-Gen Sukij, a Class 6 graduate of Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, had allegedly ordered the purchase of the ammunition in 1996, about a year after his retirement from the army. The purchase was allegedly made in the name of the army without authorisation.
The source said the army chief, Gen Chettha Thanajaro, was very concerned that some military officers were involved in private businesses and had exploited military positions for personal gain.
"The ammunition (seized on Wednesday) was imported for sale to shooting ranges in several provinces, including Lop Buri where Lt-Col Thatchapong once supervised a shooting range of the army's Special Warfare Centre," said another army source, who added the import was made legally with tax invoices for the delivery.
Meanwhile, Gen Panlop said yesterday his elder brother had set up Thai Ammunition Co in 1996, one year after his retirement.
Gen Panlop also admitted his brother had made the ammunition purchase in the army's name in the hope of facilitating the deal and speeding up the delivery.
It was "totally illegal", added Gen Panlop.
Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, who also heads the Defence Ministry, said yesterday he had instructed the police chief, Gen Pracha Promnok, to make a thorough investigation "without having to worry about anything" in order to bring the "real culprits" to justice.
Maj-Gen Pongthep Thespratheep, the army secretary, said the army was considering legal proceedings against both Maj-Gen Sukij and Lt-Col Thatchapong. The army has already suspended Lt-Col Thatchapong's promotion following the ammunition seizure.
Maj-Gen Pongthep added Maj-Gen Sukij might face serious charges.
He also said an M-16 assault rifle found at Lt-Col Thatchapong's house was borrowed from the army.
15 August 1998
Bangkok Post
The military will take legal action against a former army intelligence unit chief who allegedly ordered a huge ammunition purchase in the army's name without authorisation, an army source said yesterday.
The accused was identified as Maj-Gen Sukij Pinmanee, a retired officer and elder brother of Gen Panlop Pinmanee, secretary to Deputy Defence Minister Gen Wattanachai Wuthisiri.
Maj-Gen Sukij was reportedly a key partner in Thai Ammunition Co, allegedly owned by the wife of Lt-Col Thatchapong Thanphatthaweewong, an army officer arrested after a police seizure on Wednesday of some 700,000 rounds of assorted ammunition from his home in Pathum Thani province.
Maj-Gen Sukij was the last commander of the army's Intelligence Unit 217 monitoring the security situation along the Thai-Burmese border in Ratchaburi province. The unit was directly under the Internal Security Operations Command, which was dissolved in 1995.
According to the source, Maj-Gen Sukij, a Class 6 graduate of Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, had allegedly ordered the purchase of the ammunition in 1996, about a year after his retirement from the army. The purchase was allegedly made in the name of the army without authorisation.
The source said the army chief, Gen Chettha Thanajaro, was very concerned that some military officers were involved in private businesses and had exploited military positions for personal gain.
"The ammunition (seized on Wednesday) was imported for sale to shooting ranges in several provinces, including Lop Buri where Lt-Col Thatchapong once supervised a shooting range of the army's Special Warfare Centre," said another army source, who added the import was made legally with tax invoices for the delivery.
Meanwhile, Gen Panlop said yesterday his elder brother had set up Thai Ammunition Co in 1996, one year after his retirement.
Gen Panlop also admitted his brother had made the ammunition purchase in the army's name in the hope of facilitating the deal and speeding up the delivery.
It was "totally illegal", added Gen Panlop.
Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, who also heads the Defence Ministry, said yesterday he had instructed the police chief, Gen Pracha Promnok, to make a thorough investigation "without having to worry about anything" in order to bring the "real culprits" to justice.
Maj-Gen Pongthep Thespratheep, the army secretary, said the army was considering legal proceedings against both Maj-Gen Sukij and Lt-Col Thatchapong. The army has already suspended Lt-Col Thatchapong's promotion following the ammunition seizure.
Maj-Gen Pongthep added Maj-Gen Sukij might face serious charges.
He also said an M-16 assault rifle found at Lt-Col Thatchapong's house was borrowed from the army.
Pallop Pinmanee
Pallop quits over Thanom row.
30 April 1999
The Nation (Thailand)
THE assistant secretary to the defence minister has resigned from his post and from the Democrat Party over his comments on the appointment of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn as a royal guard.
Gen Phallop Pinmanee said Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, who is defence minister, was upset with him over his comments on the appointment of Thanom through Deputy Defence Minister Wathanachai Wuthisiri and Interior Minister Sanan Kachornprasart.
After meeting Chuan, Wathanachai directly blamed him for the incident, Phallop said.
"I have made up my mind. I cannot continue working in a situation like this. Wathanachai also told me that the prime minister had said I tried to destroy the Democrat Party," he said.
Phallop had made the comments to the press after Chuan came under attack by the media and the pro-democracy groups.
He said when the appointment was being processed, he opposed Chuan's decision by warning him through his staff that he had made the wrong decision which would lead to a lot of trouble.
Phallop denied that he instigated the protest against Thanom's He submitted his resignation to Wathanachai who would forward it for Cabinet acknowledgment next week.
Phallop said Wathanachai had asked him to review his decision but he refused.
He also submitted a resignation letter to the director of the Democrat Party.
Asked if he thought Chuan trusted him, Phallop said Chuan was not happy with his comments to the press about the military's internal affairs, such as his remarks about Chuan's decision to cut the fringe benefits of military officials without approval from the military.
He said he was not the one who revealed the issue but Lt-Gen Pirat Sawamiwat.
"Chuan thought Pirat is my friend so he blamed me. But I rather stand by my friend. The secretary's post is not that important," he said.
Phallop contested the last general election under the Democrat Party banner in Bangkok Constituency 1. He joined the party in May 1996.
He is in the Young Turk group of the "Class 7" of Chulachomklao Military Academy, or those who graduated in 1955. He took part in the April 1981 coup.
Phallop said Chuan politically destroyed several people in Class 7 including Col Prachak Sawangjit and even Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang.
"Chuan was the one who said Chamlong led people to their deaths in the May bloodshed," he said.
30 April 1999
The Nation (Thailand)
THE assistant secretary to the defence minister has resigned from his post and from the Democrat Party over his comments on the appointment of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn as a royal guard.
Gen Phallop Pinmanee said Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, who is defence minister, was upset with him over his comments on the appointment of Thanom through Deputy Defence Minister Wathanachai Wuthisiri and Interior Minister Sanan Kachornprasart.
After meeting Chuan, Wathanachai directly blamed him for the incident, Phallop said.
"I have made up my mind. I cannot continue working in a situation like this. Wathanachai also told me that the prime minister had said I tried to destroy the Democrat Party," he said.
Phallop had made the comments to the press after Chuan came under attack by the media and the pro-democracy groups.
He said when the appointment was being processed, he opposed Chuan's decision by warning him through his staff that he had made the wrong decision which would lead to a lot of trouble.
Phallop denied that he instigated the protest against Thanom's He submitted his resignation to Wathanachai who would forward it for Cabinet acknowledgment next week.
Phallop said Wathanachai had asked him to review his decision but he refused.
He also submitted a resignation letter to the director of the Democrat Party.
Asked if he thought Chuan trusted him, Phallop said Chuan was not happy with his comments to the press about the military's internal affairs, such as his remarks about Chuan's decision to cut the fringe benefits of military officials without approval from the military.
He said he was not the one who revealed the issue but Lt-Gen Pirat Sawamiwat.
"Chuan thought Pirat is my friend so he blamed me. But I rather stand by my friend. The secretary's post is not that important," he said.
Phallop contested the last general election under the Democrat Party banner in Bangkok Constituency 1. He joined the party in May 1996.
He is in the Young Turk group of the "Class 7" of Chulachomklao Military Academy, or those who graduated in 1955. He took part in the April 1981 coup.
Phallop said Chuan politically destroyed several people in Class 7 including Col Prachak Sawangjit and even Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang.
"Chuan was the one who said Chamlong led people to their deaths in the May bloodshed," he said.
Pallop Pinmanee
Inbrief - Murder hunt.
24 August 1999
Bangkok Post
Police are tracing creditors of a contractor who was shot dead in front of his children on Sunday.
Detectives are focusing on the debts of Saranu Detcharoenrungruang, 41, who was gunned down in his Mercedes Benz while taking his children to lunch in Chatuchak district.
Mr Saranu's death has been linked to the failure of his Nakhon Sawan Construction Co. Unable to repay a five-million-baht bank loan, Mr Saranu had to turn to individual lenders.
Among the lenders was a prominent politician who lent Mr Saranu two million baht and was not repaid.
Statues stolen
Eight priceless statues have been stolen from the storeroom of a wat, Chakkawat police were told yesterday.
The theft from Wat Chakkawat Rachathiraj Voraviharn was discovered after monks entered the store to renovate it and found the Buddha statues had disappeared.
Iron bars of a window were forced opened by thieves, said police.
Back to work
A former Third Army commander has been nominated to replace the defence minister's secretary who quit after a series of leaks.
Gen Surachet Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya, who retired in 1997, is to be proposed to the cabinet next month by Gen Wattanachai Wuthisiri, deputy defence minister, a source said.
Gen Pallop Pinmanee resigned after being reprimanded by Chuan Leekpai over the leaking of information used by some opposition MPs against the prime minister and defence minister.
Wage pressure
Labour groups are pressing for a minimum hike in the daily wage for the next calendar year.
The Labour Congress of Thailand said the increase has been proposed to the tripartite National Wage Committee. It pointed out that workers did not demand a rise for this year because of the economic crisis.
Lae Dilokvithayarat, of Chulalongkorn University, said lower business productivity should not be cited as the reason for ignoring the hike as the government must help the employers maintain income generation.
Staying on
Prosecutors will be able to stay on past retirement age under a bill being proposed to cabinet by the Attorney-General's Office to overcome a shortage of qualified staff.
Suchart Traiprasit, the attorney-general, said the legislation was modelled on a law which empowers the Justice Ministry to recruit retired senior judges to sit in the courts of first instance.
Mr Suchart said prosecutors were highly trained, valuable people and should not be be left unutilised. It would be a shame if they were hired after retirement by private firms and eventually work to defend their employers' interests, he said.
Burma clash
Mae Hong Son - Two Burmese officials were killed and two wounded during a raid on Shan State Army troops opposite Pang Ma Pa district, sources said yesterday.
The attack was launched against a military base 3km from the border and the casualties were sustained in an ensuing 30-minute clash.
The sources said Burmese authorities seized firearms and a list of drug traffickers and manufacturers who are thought to pay protection money to the guerrillas.
Mill project
China's plan to invest in a paper mill will be high on the agenda for President Jiang Zemin during his state visit to Thailand early next month.
Pongpol Adireksarn, agriculture minister, said Beijing has asked authorities to find a 200,000-rai site for the mill.
The ministry and other agencies have prepared information about investment opportunities on pulp and paper for Mr Jiang's visit on Sept 2.
Hat stand
Troops are to be asked if they support the army chief's proposal to make a slight change to military uniforms, a source said yesterday.
Gen Surayud Chulanont has ordered personnel staff to survey troops about his proposal to switch to black berets from forage caps.
Opponents say the berets, being made of wool, are not suited to a tropical climate.
24 August 1999
Bangkok Post
Police are tracing creditors of a contractor who was shot dead in front of his children on Sunday.
Detectives are focusing on the debts of Saranu Detcharoenrungruang, 41, who was gunned down in his Mercedes Benz while taking his children to lunch in Chatuchak district.
Mr Saranu's death has been linked to the failure of his Nakhon Sawan Construction Co. Unable to repay a five-million-baht bank loan, Mr Saranu had to turn to individual lenders.
Among the lenders was a prominent politician who lent Mr Saranu two million baht and was not repaid.
Statues stolen
Eight priceless statues have been stolen from the storeroom of a wat, Chakkawat police were told yesterday.
The theft from Wat Chakkawat Rachathiraj Voraviharn was discovered after monks entered the store to renovate it and found the Buddha statues had disappeared.
Iron bars of a window were forced opened by thieves, said police.
Back to work
A former Third Army commander has been nominated to replace the defence minister's secretary who quit after a series of leaks.
Gen Surachet Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya, who retired in 1997, is to be proposed to the cabinet next month by Gen Wattanachai Wuthisiri, deputy defence minister, a source said.
Gen Pallop Pinmanee resigned after being reprimanded by Chuan Leekpai over the leaking of information used by some opposition MPs against the prime minister and defence minister.
Wage pressure
Labour groups are pressing for a minimum hike in the daily wage for the next calendar year.
The Labour Congress of Thailand said the increase has been proposed to the tripartite National Wage Committee. It pointed out that workers did not demand a rise for this year because of the economic crisis.
Lae Dilokvithayarat, of Chulalongkorn University, said lower business productivity should not be cited as the reason for ignoring the hike as the government must help the employers maintain income generation.
Staying on
Prosecutors will be able to stay on past retirement age under a bill being proposed to cabinet by the Attorney-General's Office to overcome a shortage of qualified staff.
Suchart Traiprasit, the attorney-general, said the legislation was modelled on a law which empowers the Justice Ministry to recruit retired senior judges to sit in the courts of first instance.
Mr Suchart said prosecutors were highly trained, valuable people and should not be be left unutilised. It would be a shame if they were hired after retirement by private firms and eventually work to defend their employers' interests, he said.
Burma clash
Mae Hong Son - Two Burmese officials were killed and two wounded during a raid on Shan State Army troops opposite Pang Ma Pa district, sources said yesterday.
The attack was launched against a military base 3km from the border and the casualties were sustained in an ensuing 30-minute clash.
The sources said Burmese authorities seized firearms and a list of drug traffickers and manufacturers who are thought to pay protection money to the guerrillas.
Mill project
China's plan to invest in a paper mill will be high on the agenda for President Jiang Zemin during his state visit to Thailand early next month.
Pongpol Adireksarn, agriculture minister, said Beijing has asked authorities to find a 200,000-rai site for the mill.
The ministry and other agencies have prepared information about investment opportunities on pulp and paper for Mr Jiang's visit on Sept 2.
Hat stand
Troops are to be asked if they support the army chief's proposal to make a slight change to military uniforms, a source said yesterday.
Gen Surayud Chulanont has ordered personnel staff to survey troops about his proposal to switch to black berets from forage caps.
Opponents say the berets, being made of wool, are not suited to a tropical climate.
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