Thai Junta Chief Calls For Emergency Rule In Bangkok

[Jai Dee]

Thai Premier Rejects State of Emergency as Way to Halt Protests

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont of Thailand on Thursday rejected the advice of the general who put him in power, declining to declare a state of emergency in Bangkok to clamp down on antigovernment protesters. Instead, he promised to hold elections before the end of the year.

“As of now, we will not declare a state of emergency,” Mr. Surayud told reporters after meeting with Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who led the September coup and had urged the prime minister to declare the state of emergency.

“I gave my opinion that if the situation does not constitute an emergency that jeopardizes the stability of the country, we cannot use that law,” Mr. Surayud said.

On Wednesday, General Sonthi said emergency measures were necessary in Bangkok to deal with protesters who had announced numerous rallies for the coming days.

After comments late Wednesday suggesting that he might side with the general, Mr. Surayud took the opposite tack. He said that he still had the power to declare a state of emergency, which would suspend civil laws, but that the current situation did not merit the move.

Then he set a timetable for the return to democracy.

A referendum on a constitution being drafted would be held no later than September, he said, and elections could be on Dec. 16 or Dec. 23.

Mr. Surayud’s comments, broadcast live on national television, seemed intended to reassure Thais that the military government was not backing away from its promises to cede power to a democratically elected government.

Opposition to the government, although splintered, has become increasingly vocal.

A group affiliated with the ousted prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, defied warnings from the military and the police, vowing Thursday to step up its protests.

Source: New York Times - 30 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont rejected calls for emergency rule in Bangkok to crack down on anti-coup protests, following a two-hour discussion with the Council for National Security yesterday.

Source: The Nation - 30 March 2007

[Mid]

kudos to you , Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont

[Insight]

Sadly, I'm very much in agreement with John K's interpretation of events. Although the Junta is certainly not enjoying the popularity it once had, nobody I know feels strongly enough about it to take to the streets. People have been "motivated" into this one, and not for the benefit of all.

Over 100,000 people took to the streets peacefully last year rallying for Thaksin to get out. Wouldn't it strike you as odd if (prey it doesn't happen) all h_ell broke loose with just over 2,000? An incident outside Central World Trade comes to mind...

Thaksin has proven time and time again he's bent on keeping hold of power. Intimidated or not, and act of violence by the junta would be just perfect to discredit them.

[pumpuiman]

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont rejected calls for emergency rule in Bangkok to crack down on anti-coup protests, following a two-hour discussion with the Council for National Security yesterday.

Source: The Nation - 30 March 2007

A moment of clarity!!

Now what....a rift between the PM and Sonthi?

[jumnien]

"Intimidated or not, and act of violence by the junta would be just perfect to discredit them."

Seizing control of an elected government discredited the junta. Anything else is just icing on the cake.

[leisurely]

Deeply shallow question I know, but is there going to be a demo in town tonight? I was planning to go to Lumpini, but if there's something going on I 'll leave it till next week.

[Old Man River]

Khun Surayud gave the date of elections as mid- December, that's reasonable, I think General Sonthi's request for a state of emergency and Surayud's refusal shows the latest divide between the CNS and the government.

Sonthi and his fellow coup officers are fully aware of Thaksin's attempts to come back, especially as the court cases start to surface.

Do those opponents on this forum of the coup object to the ongoing and upcoming cases of corruption?

Is it wrong to improve Thai society? because, believe me not one of the cases pending would have seen the light of day under such a great democrat as Thaksin.

General Sonthi and Khun Surayud have different viewpoints; Surayud has nothing to lose, he didn't stage the coup, he wants a quiet year before returning to The Privy Council whilst General Sonthi as the instigator of the coup knows he has to nail Thaksin and prove the coup was worth it, otherwise....

Frustrated by the apathy and cowardice of the civil service, note Khun Nam Yim Yaem of The AEC's criticism of Khun Aree of The Interior Ministry and his reluctance to forward the lottery investigation, it is plain the CNS are in no mood for complacency and apathy by government officials.

Expect a major reshuffle soon.

Khun Siripon, I agree with your comments. However, as it relates to the civil servants, let's not be too harsh. The junta said it was targeting Thaksin and former cabinet officials. However, the first ones charged were civil servants. Why say what you know only to have it turned around with criminal malfeasance charges being filed against you for judgment calls you made? Self preservation is human nature. Had the junta stayed the course and gone after Thaksin and TRT cronies, then I expect information would be free flowing.

[Insight]

"Intimidated or not, and act of violence by the junta would be just perfect to discredit them."

Seizing control of an elected government discredited the junta. Anything else is just icing on the cake.

Elected. Now there's a broad stroke.

[Old Man River]

Sadly, I'm very much in agreement with John K's interpretation of events. Although the Junta is certainly not enjoying the popularity it once had, nobody I know feels strongly enough about it to take to the streets. People have been "motivated" into this one, and not for the benefit of all.

Over 100,000 people took to the streets peacefully last year rallying for Thaksin to get out. Wouldn't it strike you as odd if (prey it doesn't happen) all h_ell broke loose with just over 2,000? An incident outside Central World Trade comes to mind...

Thaksin has proven time and time again he's bent on keeping hold of power. Intimidated or not, and act of violence by the junta would be just perfect to discredit them.

There is a good analysis in this morning's Nation by Thanong Khantong discussing the current situation. He comes to the same conclusion you do in that violence by the junta will work against them.

[jumnien]

He'd probably win again if allowed to run. We'll see how the military candidate fairs, or how fair the "election" come Sept. 2008.

[Mid]

He'd probably win again if allowed to run. We'll see how the military candidate fairs, or how fair the "election" come Sept. 2008.

up to speed please ......................

the election is now December

[jumnien]

First Sept 07, then Oct, now Dec, yeah, sure, there's an election around the corner and we're not going to hold onto power. Some people will believe anything.

[Mid]

but , but , but ,

they said so .........................................

[John K]

Now we shall see what the tone is of the protest. What the PM said simply reinforced what was generally know.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1213806

OK let me see, you need a constitution before you can have an election, and then you need time to campaign and have the EC set up the elections.

Although the initial promise was given to have the elections in September, the person(s) who said that have little control over events that lead up to that time. All things considered being one or two months off on a prediction with this many variables in my mind not a lie. I see it as more of a poor choice of words having that many uncontrolled variables and unforseen delays.

Unless I am missing something, has there been a delay based on some questionable reason?

[Plus]

First Sept 07, then Oct, now Dec, yeah, sure, there's an election around the corner and we're not going to hold onto power. Some people will believe anything.

Like you believe that Thaksin's government was ELECTED. It stopped being elected after he dissolved the parlament.

He tried to claim legitimacy by calling snap elections but they were eventually declared illegal, null and void.

[Jai Dee]

Surayud denies having conflicts with Sonthi

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont Friday denied that he had conflicts with Council for National Security Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin over the proposal for declaration of state of emergency in Bangkok.

"It's not an issue of being rifted. We simply have different stand," Surayud said.

Army chief Sonthi earlier suggested that the government invoke the emergency decree to announce state of emergency in Bangkok to prevent anti-government protests from spiraling out of control.

Source: The Nation - 30 March 2007

[sbk]

pardon me for going off topic here, but, rifted?

I am assuming this is a poor translation from the Thai by The Nation newspaper.

[Mid]

lota leeway and reading between the lines required sbk

[Jai Dee]

Stirring up trouble will shut door on Thaksin forever

Inciting rallies to violence could lead to a second coup and finish him once and for all

Believe it or not, die-hard supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra are doing the ousted premier a great disservice.

Their latest rally, originally due to be held at Sanam Luang today, is just another example of the continuing downward spiral of fractious politics.

Society remains in suspense as rival sides descend into a bottomless pit of venom. And Thaksin is likely to suffer every inch of the way while his supporters, paradoxically, try to salvage his name.

The hue and cry about today's rally revolves around the anti-coup banner, although Thaksin is the man at the centre of attention. Authorities have voiced concern that ill-intentioned elements will try to provoke bloodshed in an attempt to bring him back to power.

The theory about inciting violence may appear odd but it should not be dismissed outright, because it could be a catalyst for events in the days to come.

When Thailand was under martial law during the three months after the military seized power, anti-coup rallies were held at Sanam Luang, and elsewhere around the country, but the authorities let them go in order to reduce tensions.

Although the authorities kept a watchful eye, protest organisers and anti-coup activists were free to air their views. After the official lifting of draconian security measures, more protests took place uninterrupted.

Core protest organisers, such as the Saturday Anti-Coup Group and the September 19 Network, have continued to protest against the coup. A dozen other groups have rallied to their flag.

By liberal estimates, each rally attracted hundreds of protesters, and the crowds did not swell to significant numbers even after the junta and the interim government suffered a sharp drop in their popularity rating.

This month, the protest at Sanam Luang changed drastically, with the arrival of the People's TV rally. And the Council for National Security has responded by adopting a tougher stand.

PTV chairman Veera Musigapong decided to rally supporters at Sanam Luang last Friday, citing frustration over the alleged blocking of PTV's satellite broadcast. He had vowed a bigger rally today.

Veera made it clear the rally was not just about media freedom but an attempt to sway public support against the coup and to encourage the people to reject the new constitution when it goes to a referendum.

He and other station managers have ties with the Thai Rak Thai Party although they have denied any official link between their outlet and the former ruling party.

Many former Thai Rak Thai MPs showed up at last Friday's rally.

A week preceding the PTV rally, well-known activists like Weng Tojirakarn and Sant Hattheerat suddenly stepped up noisy protests against the coup.

Last Friday, Veera pushed ahead with his protest even though he did not have a city permit to use Sanam Luang. The crowd came in their thousands. Many expressed loyalty to Thaksin while confessing to having virtually no awareness on issues like media freedom or the draft constitution.

Many private "security guards" were deployed to confront city police, who tried to enforce the regulations. The rally took place after the authorities backed down.

This confrontational tactic was unprecedented. It had not been seen in other recent anti-coup protests or in last year's street protests organised by anti- and pro-Thaksin campaigners.

The CNS has deep suspicions about the PTV rally and the activists linked to it. Intelligence and security officials sounded the alarm after protest organisers fanned out upcountry to entice villagers from the Northeast to travel to Bangkok.

The majority of rural villagers are still loyal to Thaksin, although they may not realise they are just pawns in a new political power struggle.

Rumours are spreading like wildfire upcountry about large cash incentives to join the PTV rally and even more rewards if Thaksin is returned to power. No one is certain about the origin of these rumours, which do not put the ousted premier in a good light at all.

One theory is a plan to incite violence, and that certain pro-Thaksin activists allegedly hope to repeat the traumatic 1992 "Black May" incident and cause military control to crumble.

Authorities suspect rally organisers want to exploit the protests in coming weeks and months to sway public sentiment against the draft constitution. Then the CNS would be forced to enact a charter of its own prior to holding a "compulsory" general election.

Forcing a CNS version of democratic rule on the people would guarantee trouble, and possibly bloodshed. Thaksin's supporters hope their leader would then make a triumphant comeback.

There are few hard facts to back up this theory, but it explains why CNS chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin has been eager to declare a state of emergency in Bangkok. Sonthi reportedly wants to pre-empt any further political chaos.

A quick glance beyond the country's western border would confirm that a popular uprising does not always advance democratic rule. In fact it could lead to greater military control.

If Thailand descends to the verge of bloodshed, a second coup is sure to happen. And if it does, the door for Thaksin to come back might be closed for good.

Source: The Nation - 30 March 2007

[Siripon]

General Sonthi is fully aware that PTV, Pojaman TV, is fully out to overthrow the junta. Thaksin's minions have no interest in democracy, they just want their man back in power, hence the hiring of upcountry people to come to Bangkok to protest.

Of course if they thought Thaksin and his cabinet were innocent of all the cases facing them they could just relax and wait for the election, but naturally they can't do that as there's too much evidence.

Khun Surayud who took no part in the coup is not the TRT target so he's naturally more relaxed.

[sbk]

Cash for rally goers has long been a staple of Thai politics. Whats the surprise here?

[Mid]

Many private "security guards" were deployed to confront city police, who tried to enforce the regulations. The rally took place after the authorities backed down.

[John K]

4,000 join pro-Thaksin protest

PM signals end to ban on political activities

POST REPORTERS

Protesters turned out at City Hall and Sanam Luang despite Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's new bid to defuse tension by hinting that a ban on political activities may be lifted in September. About 4,000 people converged at City Hall's Lan Khon Muang public ground for a rally led by PTV, the satellite-based television station launched by former members of the Thai Rak Thai party founded by deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Chatuporn Prompan, Nattavuth Saigua and Veera Musikhapong took turns criticising the Council for National Security (CNS) for its handling of southern unrest and appointment of the new board of the Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) chaired by CNS deputy secretary-general Gen Saprang Kalayanamitr.

Korkaew Pikulthong, a rally leader, told the crowds that distorted facts are behind the problems at Suvarnabhumi airport. He said the AoT board made the problems out to be corruption when they were actually physical flaws.

''The board is out to destroy Mr Thaksin with Suvarnabhumi airport as the symbol of its mission,'' Mr Korkaew said.

Mr Natthavuth said the CNS could not solve the southern insurgency and instead had decided to blame it on the Wada political group, which was formerly affiliated to Thai Rak Thai.

Chakkrapob Penkair, another speaker, said that on the day democracy returns, the people who usurped power will have to face the music.

The demonstrators at City Hall were urged to sign a petition urging Gen Prem Tinsulanonda be removed as president of the Privy Council, and to boycott a public referendum on a new charter now being drafted. They dispersed without incident at about 11pm.

PTV speakers had suggested at the rally last Friday that Gen Prem may have been the main backer of the Sept 19 military coup.

The rally participants were largely the same group as those who joined the PTV rally at Sanam Luang on March 23, and landless farmers who had earlier camped out at the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry.

Off stage, Mr Chatuporn said PTV would not suspend its rallies even though the station obtained a licence to go on air.

Meanwhile, some 100 coup opponents, under the leadership of the Pirap Khao group, turned out at Sanam Luang, defying a ban on use of amplification equipment and make-shift stages at the public ground. Authorities made not attempt to intervene.

The rally leaders criticised the CNS and Gen Prem's involvement in politics.

Both the rallies at Lan Khon Muang and Sanam Luang proceeded under tight security.

Political parties felt Gen Surayud's proposal to lift the ban on activities conducted by political parties would come too late.

They said if the ban was lifted in September as proposed, they would be left with too little time to prepare for the general election, expected to be held in the middle of December.

Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the ban effectively kept politicians from receiving public input, which was the key to shaping up national administration policies.

''We are not the kind of people who wait for a bell to ring before we jump into the ring. We have a job to do,'' said Mr Abhisit.

Acting Thai Rak Thai leader Chaturon Chaisaeng said the elections would not be an effective democratic process if each party simply told voters to vote for their candidates.

''You did not come from elections, so you do not care and do not understand that parties have to talk with academics and other groups and explain their policy platforms to people. We do not just go out and tell them to vote for this party,'' he said.

Somsak Thepsuthin, leader of the Matchima political group, said lifting the ban in September could result in the polls being deferred, as new parties would not be able to finish registering in time.

Akapol Sorasuchart, deputy leader of the Mahachon party, said each political party should have at least 180 days or six months to prepare for the general election.

Somsak Prisanananthakul, a deputy Chat Thai party leader, said the government had decided to return the mandate to the people and so it should not worry about party activities. Besides, parties could help the government and the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA), educating people about the charter, he said.

The CDA anticipated that the public referendum could be held in September and the general election some time in late-December.

Gen Surayud said the CDA chairman, Noranit Sethabutr, had suggested the most appropriate date for the general election was either Sunday, Dec 16 or Dec 23.

''We did not discuss [the prospect of] lifting the ban in September. But we talked about a time-frame which parties should have to prepare for elections,'' he said.

''We will give them enough time.''

Gen Surayud's move was seen as an attempt to pre-empt confrontation.

On Wednesday, he talked about setting Dec 16 or Dec 23 as election day, after refusing to invoke emergency powers.

In the face of mounting protests, acting national police chief Pol Gen Seripisuth Temiyavej yesterday laid down extra security precautions and guidelines for handling of demonstrations.

In an order issued to senior commanding officers, he put Pol Gen Sombat Amornwiwat, deputy police chief for security, in charge of handling protests, with Pol Gen Vichian Potphosi and Pol Lt-Gen Adul Saengsingkeow as his assistants.

[John K]

Totally arrogant, totally self serving, nothing to do at all with democracy.

I don’t need to say much more on this.

[pumpuiman]

Where are the rallies with thousands of people who support the coup?

Where are the anti Thaksin people?

This is freedom of speech.

If the public believes this is "bought" by Thaksin or Thai Rak Thai...they can hold a rally and voice their opinion.

At least they should be able to in a democracy.

These dictators need to be arrested and a truly elected government put in place.

A coup was not the answer, a multi nationally monitored election was the answer.

But there was no money in that...was there?

[John K]

Ok this is worth a bit of a debate. Did the coup:

'A' End a democracy.

'B' Stop a dictatorship from being born.

I personally think ‘B’ and my reasons are.

Thaksin from the word go started to dismantle checks and balances necessary for a democracy.

Thaksin put his influence in parts of the government and the military he had no business doing according to democracy.

Thaksin dissolved parliament for a self serving and not democratic reasons.

The election to replace parliament was deemed void because of irregularities and put Thailand in a unguided situation beyond the guidelines of the constitution based on Time frame.

Thaksin used every chance including some fabricated ones (car bomb) to gather more power.

By the time August 2006 arrived the only democracy in Thailand was the name on the empty shell that Thaksin gutted.

Thaksin was very openly throwing his weight around to get his way and not allow fair and free elections to happen. That included beating up old men and young children (bloodshed) with people who have now been linked to the TRT and close associates of Thaksin.

The military did a unscheduled reshuffle to move Thaksin’s people out of key positions. Thaksin countered by attempting to put them back about a month later by moving up the time table for the regular reshuffle and overriding what should have been a military only decision according to democracy. That was due to happen just about the time of the coup. Had Thaksin succeeded he would have had control of the military, the police, and virtually every part of government thus securing his dictatorship.

There was a high likelihood of more bloodshed during the PAD rally that was to have been September 20, 2006. Thaksin was getting increasingly arrogant in wanting his way and more violence was not off the table.

Does anyone care to say there was a democracy in place and that Thaksin was acting in anything close to what a democratic leader should have been acting like the morning of September 19, 2006?

Feel free to explore older threads if your memory is a bit off.

[pumpuiman]

Ok this is worth a bit of a debate. Did the coup:

'A' End a democracy.

'B' Stop a dictatorship from being born.

I personally think ‘B’ and my reasons are.

Thaksin from the word go started to dismantle checks and balances necessary for a democracy.

Thaksin put his influence in parts of the government and the military he had no business doing according to democracy.

Thaksin dissolved parliament for a self serving and not democratic reasons.

The election to replace parliament was deemed void because of irregularities and put Thailand in a unguided situation beyond the guidelines of the constitution based on Time frame.

Thaksin used every chance including some fabricated ones (car bomb) to gather more power.

By the time August 2006 arrived the only democracy in Thailand was the name on the empty shell that Thaksin gutted.

Thaksin was very openly throwing his weight around to get his way and not allow fair and free elections to happen. That included beating up old men and young children (bloodshed) with people who have now been linked to the TRT and close associates of Thaksin.

The military did a unscheduled reshuffle to move Thaksin’s people out of key positions. Thaksin countered by attempting to put them back about a month later by moving up the time table for the regular reshuffle and overriding what should have been a military only decision according to democracy. That was due to happen just about the time of the coup. Had Thaksin succeeded he would have had control of the military, the police, and virtually every part of government thus securing his dictatorship.

There was a high likelihood of more bloodshed during the PAD rally that was to have been September 20, 2006. Thaksin was getting increasingly arrogant in wanting his way and more violence was not off the table.

Does anyone care to say there was a democracy in place and that Thaksin was acting in anything close to what a democratic leader should have been acting like the morning of September 19, 2006?

Feel free to explore older threads if your memory is a bit off.

This is for the people to decide.

Not have their minds made up by the military.

Fair monitored elections are the answer....Period.

Forget Thaksin.

Vote.

[JacknDanny]

A coup was not the answer, a multi nationally monitored election was the answer.

Which would have been set up by Thaksin and his goons!!!

I do not remember you being so vocal before when Thaksin was in power, when all the unfairness and total corruption was prevalent.

He was raping and pillaging the country, and if you cannot see that, then you must have had your head buried in the sand for the past few years.

[sunshine13]

the same people screaming for taskins head were the loudest cheering for the coup and are now leading the anti-coup bandwagon. if another coup comes theyll support that with open arms.