Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)
Showing posts with label Anupong Paojinda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anupong Paojinda. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Thai Army Chief Calls for Parliament to be Dissolved
Anupong Paochenda (Photo: AP)VOA News 12 April 2010
Thailand's influential army chief has called for parliament to be dissolved and early elections held as the best way to end anti-government protests.
General Anupong Paojinda said Monday he does not want to use force against the thousands of red-shirted protesters who are demanding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva resign.
The general said dissolving parliament appears to be the reasonable step to take.
Thailand's election commission Monday recommended Prime Minister Abhisit's Democrat Party be dissolved, accusing it of accepting a multi-million dollar campaign contribution in 2005.
A party spokesman says it fully complied with funding laws.
The red-shirted protesters carried mock coffins through the streets of Bangkok Monday to mourn the victims of Saturday's violennce in the Thai capital.
At least 21 people were killed and more than 900 injured when police fired at demonstrators -- some of whom were also armed.
Most of the so-called "Red Shirts" support exiled Prime Minister Thaskin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup because of allegations of corruption.
The protesters call Mr. Abhisit an illegitimate leader.
Mr. Thaskin has the backing of many rural and poor Thais.
General Anupong Paojinda said Monday he does not want to use force against the thousands of red-shirted protesters who are demanding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva resign.
The general said dissolving parliament appears to be the reasonable step to take.
Thailand's election commission Monday recommended Prime Minister Abhisit's Democrat Party be dissolved, accusing it of accepting a multi-million dollar campaign contribution in 2005.
A party spokesman says it fully complied with funding laws.
The red-shirted protesters carried mock coffins through the streets of Bangkok Monday to mourn the victims of Saturday's violennce in the Thai capital.
At least 21 people were killed and more than 900 injured when police fired at demonstrators -- some of whom were also armed.
Most of the so-called "Red Shirts" support exiled Prime Minister Thaskin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup because of allegations of corruption.
The protesters call Mr. Abhisit an illegitimate leader.
Mr. Thaskin has the backing of many rural and poor Thais.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Anupong: Don't enter disputed border
19/09/2009
BangkokPost.com
BangkokPost.com
National army chief Anupong Paojinda on Saturday called on the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters in Si Sa Ket province not to enter the Thai-Cambodian disputed border as it would be dangerous.
The yellow-shirt PAD vowed to move into 4.6 square kilometres of land around the ancient Preah Vihear temple that is claimed by both countries.
"The army will act in accordance with the government's bilateral negotiation plan. We are now working on it and we will not do anything beyond this course," Gen Anupong said.
"The protesters can say they love the country but going into the disputed area would be dangerous and there could still be landmines," he said.
He said protests can take place if it can help improve the situation.
If the protesters entered into the disputed area, they could be arrested and the Cambodian government would say Thai people were trespassing on its territory. If the Thai government refused to accept the claim, the protesters might not be released, he said.
Gen Anupong also shot down the coup rumours, saying people should stop thinking about them.
"There is no need to stage a coup because we can solve problems through understanding and cooperation. I insist that no one will stage a coup," the army chief said.
The yellow-shirt PAD vowed to move into 4.6 square kilometres of land around the ancient Preah Vihear temple that is claimed by both countries.
"The army will act in accordance with the government's bilateral negotiation plan. We are now working on it and we will not do anything beyond this course," Gen Anupong said.
"The protesters can say they love the country but going into the disputed area would be dangerous and there could still be landmines," he said.
He said protests can take place if it can help improve the situation.
If the protesters entered into the disputed area, they could be arrested and the Cambodian government would say Thai people were trespassing on its territory. If the Thai government refused to accept the claim, the protesters might not be released, he said.
Gen Anupong also shot down the coup rumours, saying people should stop thinking about them.
"There is no need to stage a coup because we can solve problems through understanding and cooperation. I insist that no one will stage a coup," the army chief said.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tense but calm around Preah Vihear [-Troops reinforcement is only for show ... they do not want to fight: Anupong]
26/06/2009
Bangkok Post.com
Bangkok Post.com
The Thai-Cambodia border remains calm despite troop reinforcements by both sides near Preah Vihear temple and the disputed area, army chief Anupong Paojinda said on Friday morning.
There was no confrontation and the situation would not lead to violence, Gen Anupong said.
He confirmed Thai troops have been reinforced following reports that extra Cambodian troops and artillery had been deployed to the area.
Gen Anupong said the two sides agree they do not want to fight.
Thai soldiers had been warned to be alert, but not to initiate a clash with Cambodian troops.
Tension along the border has risen since Thailand decided to petition against the listing of the ancient khmer temple by the World Heritage Committee, which approved the application by Phnom Penh. Thailand has repeatedly argued the old temple should be jointly registered as a world heritage site.
There was no confrontation and the situation would not lead to violence, Gen Anupong said.
He confirmed Thai troops have been reinforced following reports that extra Cambodian troops and artillery had been deployed to the area.
Gen Anupong said the two sides agree they do not want to fight.
Thai soldiers had been warned to be alert, but not to initiate a clash with Cambodian troops.
Tension along the border has risen since Thailand decided to petition against the listing of the ancient khmer temple by the World Heritage Committee, which approved the application by Phnom Penh. Thailand has repeatedly argued the old temple should be jointly registered as a world heritage site.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Officials open to talks ahead of Thai visit
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Written by VONG SOKHENG AND THET SAMBATH
The Phnom Penh Post
Written by VONG SOKHENG AND THET SAMBATH
The Phnom Penh Post
Cambodian officials said Tuesday they had yet to receive official notification of a visit this weekend by Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, reportedly to hold talks with Hun Sen on the growing dispute over Preah Vihear temple's World Heritage listing, according to Thai media.
"We haven't received an official letter from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs informing us about the visit," Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said, adding that Cambodia welcomed any negotiations on the issue.
The Bangkok Post reported Tuesday that Suthep would arrive Saturday to clarify Thailand's position on the temple, following Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's announcement last week that Bangkok would challenge the temple's World Heritage status at this week's UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in Seville, Spain.
Abhisit's announcement prompted Hun Sen to accuse Thailand of "infringing" on Cambodia's sovereignty.
Union leader Rong Chhun, a vocal critic of Thailand's moves on the frontier, said Tuesday that he has no plan to protest against Suthep's proposed visit, but said the machinations of the Thai government showed it has no real intention of resolving the border standoff with Cambodia.
"I think that Thailand's activity has clearly infringed on Cambodia's sovereignty, and the visit of the Thai government is just to lobby and prolong the conflict, in order to bide their time and take our land," he said.
Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers, said Tuesday that the 33rd Session of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, which opened Monday, was yet to address Thai complaints about the inscription of Preah Vihear.
The temple was listed in July 2008, prompting an escalation of tensions between Cambodia and Thailand and a troop buildup along the border. Thailand has long sought the joint listing of the site.
Cambodian border troops remain on alert, reporting that Thailand brought up tanks, artillery and infantry to Phnom Trop, a few kilometres from Preah Vihear.
An RCAF officer stationed at the temple, who declined to be named, said the Thai action had forced Cambodia to bolster its own forces at the front.
"We held a tank exercise [Monday] at the hillside near the temple," he said. "It is just an exercise. We want to show Thailand that we have everything ready for battle. If they dare to come into Cambodian territory, we will resist them."
According to Thai media reports, Thai army chief General Anupong Paojinda made a visit to the Thai-Cambodia border near Preah Vihear temple Tuesday morning, following reports Cambodia had sent re-inforcements of troops, 130mm artillery pieces and T-54 tanks to the border.
Yim Phim, commander of Brigade 8, said he did not meet Anupong, but added that the Cambodians, in pulling up additional armed forces, were only reacting to Thai moves.
Kamrob Palawatwichai, first secretary of the Thai Embassy, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
"We haven't received an official letter from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs informing us about the visit," Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said, adding that Cambodia welcomed any negotiations on the issue.
The Bangkok Post reported Tuesday that Suthep would arrive Saturday to clarify Thailand's position on the temple, following Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's announcement last week that Bangkok would challenge the temple's World Heritage status at this week's UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in Seville, Spain.
Abhisit's announcement prompted Hun Sen to accuse Thailand of "infringing" on Cambodia's sovereignty.
Union leader Rong Chhun, a vocal critic of Thailand's moves on the frontier, said Tuesday that he has no plan to protest against Suthep's proposed visit, but said the machinations of the Thai government showed it has no real intention of resolving the border standoff with Cambodia.
"I think that Thailand's activity has clearly infringed on Cambodia's sovereignty, and the visit of the Thai government is just to lobby and prolong the conflict, in order to bide their time and take our land," he said.
Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers, said Tuesday that the 33rd Session of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, which opened Monday, was yet to address Thai complaints about the inscription of Preah Vihear.
The temple was listed in July 2008, prompting an escalation of tensions between Cambodia and Thailand and a troop buildup along the border. Thailand has long sought the joint listing of the site.
Cambodian border troops remain on alert, reporting that Thailand brought up tanks, artillery and infantry to Phnom Trop, a few kilometres from Preah Vihear.
An RCAF officer stationed at the temple, who declined to be named, said the Thai action had forced Cambodia to bolster its own forces at the front.
"We held a tank exercise [Monday] at the hillside near the temple," he said. "It is just an exercise. We want to show Thailand that we have everything ready for battle. If they dare to come into Cambodian territory, we will resist them."
According to Thai media reports, Thai army chief General Anupong Paojinda made a visit to the Thai-Cambodia border near Preah Vihear temple Tuesday morning, following reports Cambodia had sent re-inforcements of troops, 130mm artillery pieces and T-54 tanks to the border.
Yim Phim, commander of Brigade 8, said he did not meet Anupong, but added that the Cambodians, in pulling up additional armed forces, were only reacting to Thai moves.
Kamrob Palawatwichai, first secretary of the Thai Embassy, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Anupong: Cambodian border peaceful [... if only Thailand does not cause trouble]
21/05/2009
BangkokPost.com
BangkokPost.com
The situation along the border with Cambodia is peaceful and military leaders on both sides will ensure it stays that way, army chief Anupong Paojinda said on Thursday.
Gen Anupong was speaking at the start of a visit to the Second Army Region, which is responsible for the disputed border area.
Phnom Penh has demanded Thailand pay 75 million baht in compensation for damage caused to a market during the deadly clashes between the two sides last month. The government has refused to pay, insisting the market was on Thai territory.
On the southern unrest, Gen Anupong said violence is notthe way to solve the problem. He planned to visit the southern region soon.
On Wednesday, insurgents shot dead two elderly women and set their bodies on fire.
Gen Anupong was speaking at the start of a visit to the Second Army Region, which is responsible for the disputed border area.
Phnom Penh has demanded Thailand pay 75 million baht in compensation for damage caused to a market during the deadly clashes between the two sides last month. The government has refused to pay, insisting the market was on Thai territory.
On the southern unrest, Gen Anupong said violence is notthe way to solve the problem. He planned to visit the southern region soon.
On Wednesday, insurgents shot dead two elderly women and set their bodies on fire.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Thaksin has been found out, and out-manoeuvred
Before noon yesterday, key red-shirt leaders like Veera Musikapong and Nattawut Saikua, among others, realised it was time to cave in. They understood that it would be futile to continue fighting because their boss, Thaksin Shinawatra, had been finished.April 15, 2009
By Thanong Khanthong
The Nation
Yes, the plug had been pulled and the fugitive former PM was completely routed.
It will be difficult for Thaksin to seek asylum because most countries would not want to welcome him now that they have witnessed the riots and subversive tactics used by his supporters in Bangkok. Thaksin was caught telling blatant lies on CNN and BBC, feeding false information to the global audience that his red-clad supporters were fighting for democracy - when in fact they were burning Bangkok to pave the way for his return.
He was reading a script, telling the international news channels that the military had killed many of his pro-democracy protesters, when in fact there was not a single such case of death reported. The only two people who died, had done so during clashes between Bangkok residents and the protesters.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was wisely exercising restraint, allowing Thaksin to make blunders.
Thaksin, who bet all his political fortune on April 13, has failed miserably. He had his red shirts set fires around Bangkok just as Neptune overshadowed the Sun - a bad omen.
He thought he had big military and police bosses on his side, as well as some politicians on the government wing. He remembered to move his family out of Thailand a few days before the Songkran inferno. Khunying Pojaman is currently shopping in Dubai, still with plenty of money in her pocket.
Thaksin thought he could hold Thailand hostage as he bargained for his return, his amnesty and his Bt76 billion in assets. He thought he was entitled to a royal pardon because he had Thailand in the palm of his hand.
But his strategy backfired. Thaksin failed to get critical mass support. On the contrary, Bangkok residents rose against his red-shirt supporters, who were burning Bangkok while he - just as Nero fiddled while Rome was burning - was singing on his karaoke machine. The subversive tactics being used by the red shirts appalled the global audience.
This was a critical factor. If most Thais were to rise against the red-shirt movement, then Thaksin could only go under. Thaksin thought that the burning of Bangkok would force the country into lawlessness and the military would step in to intervene in his favour.
The plan did not work.
The whole world realised that Thaksin had duped it all along, and many Thais were disgusted by his ability to destroy the nation in exchange for his return to power.
Bangkok was ravaged all Songkran Day, before the security forces brought the situation under control. By then Thaksin must have realised that the game was up.
Now all the red-shirt leaders will be going to jail under treason charges. If you plant gas tanks and threaten to set them ablaze, you are committing an act of terrorism and subversion against the state. It is not too difficult to trace who ordered the trucks to be brought onto the streets.
Now Abhisit has emerged as a strong leader. He has almost transformed overnight from a lame-duck PM who was forced to cancel the Asean Summit in Pattaya into a leader who can defuse a political crisis in a subtle and artful way. There were no deaths during the authorities' crackdown against the red shirts. Only two persons were pronounced dead, both as a result of shooting by the red shirts.
Abhisit has prevailed despite the military, the police, the security people and his own political partners plotting against him.
Though we have no evidence to substantiate doubts that these top people are linked to Thaksin, we did not see Army chief General Anupong Paochinda or police boss Patcharawat Wongsuwan show up while the red shirts were ambushing the Asean Summit. The security forces were not doing their duty, standing by idly as the protesters wreaked havoc in Pattaya.
So far none of Thailand's top security people have come out to admit that they failed to provide security for regional leaders and Thailand's guests.
Abhisit is known to have sought advice from a special unit, set up in haste under his command. As Thaksin played his cards one by one, the advisers countered each hand effectively until Thaksin lost his bet.
At this hour, with the power of the emergency decree in his hand, it is Abhisit - not the Army chief - who is the most powerful person in Thailand. He must use this occasion wisely by controlling the red shirts and dealing with the failure of the security apparatus, which has been undermining national interest and the government's stability.
We expect to see a reshuffle of top security and peacekeeping personnel soon.
However, if Abhisit resorts to his image of a timid Oxford graduate, he would be missing out on an opportunity to take the country forward. Now is the time for him to stand tall and be the prime minister of Thailand.
It will be difficult for Thaksin to seek asylum because most countries would not want to welcome him now that they have witnessed the riots and subversive tactics used by his supporters in Bangkok. Thaksin was caught telling blatant lies on CNN and BBC, feeding false information to the global audience that his red-clad supporters were fighting for democracy - when in fact they were burning Bangkok to pave the way for his return.
He was reading a script, telling the international news channels that the military had killed many of his pro-democracy protesters, when in fact there was not a single such case of death reported. The only two people who died, had done so during clashes between Bangkok residents and the protesters.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was wisely exercising restraint, allowing Thaksin to make blunders.
Thaksin, who bet all his political fortune on April 13, has failed miserably. He had his red shirts set fires around Bangkok just as Neptune overshadowed the Sun - a bad omen.
He thought he had big military and police bosses on his side, as well as some politicians on the government wing. He remembered to move his family out of Thailand a few days before the Songkran inferno. Khunying Pojaman is currently shopping in Dubai, still with plenty of money in her pocket.
Thaksin thought he could hold Thailand hostage as he bargained for his return, his amnesty and his Bt76 billion in assets. He thought he was entitled to a royal pardon because he had Thailand in the palm of his hand.
But his strategy backfired. Thaksin failed to get critical mass support. On the contrary, Bangkok residents rose against his red-shirt supporters, who were burning Bangkok while he - just as Nero fiddled while Rome was burning - was singing on his karaoke machine. The subversive tactics being used by the red shirts appalled the global audience.
This was a critical factor. If most Thais were to rise against the red-shirt movement, then Thaksin could only go under. Thaksin thought that the burning of Bangkok would force the country into lawlessness and the military would step in to intervene in his favour.
The plan did not work.
The whole world realised that Thaksin had duped it all along, and many Thais were disgusted by his ability to destroy the nation in exchange for his return to power.
Bangkok was ravaged all Songkran Day, before the security forces brought the situation under control. By then Thaksin must have realised that the game was up.
Now all the red-shirt leaders will be going to jail under treason charges. If you plant gas tanks and threaten to set them ablaze, you are committing an act of terrorism and subversion against the state. It is not too difficult to trace who ordered the trucks to be brought onto the streets.
Now Abhisit has emerged as a strong leader. He has almost transformed overnight from a lame-duck PM who was forced to cancel the Asean Summit in Pattaya into a leader who can defuse a political crisis in a subtle and artful way. There were no deaths during the authorities' crackdown against the red shirts. Only two persons were pronounced dead, both as a result of shooting by the red shirts.
Abhisit has prevailed despite the military, the police, the security people and his own political partners plotting against him.
Though we have no evidence to substantiate doubts that these top people are linked to Thaksin, we did not see Army chief General Anupong Paochinda or police boss Patcharawat Wongsuwan show up while the red shirts were ambushing the Asean Summit. The security forces were not doing their duty, standing by idly as the protesters wreaked havoc in Pattaya.
So far none of Thailand's top security people have come out to admit that they failed to provide security for regional leaders and Thailand's guests.
Abhisit is known to have sought advice from a special unit, set up in haste under his command. As Thaksin played his cards one by one, the advisers countered each hand effectively until Thaksin lost his bet.
At this hour, with the power of the emergency decree in his hand, it is Abhisit - not the Army chief - who is the most powerful person in Thailand. He must use this occasion wisely by controlling the red shirts and dealing with the failure of the security apparatus, which has been undermining national interest and the government's stability.
We expect to see a reshuffle of top security and peacekeeping personnel soon.
However, if Abhisit resorts to his image of a timid Oxford graduate, he would be missing out on an opportunity to take the country forward. Now is the time for him to stand tall and be the prime minister of Thailand.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Gen Anupong: Clashes at Thai-cambodian Border Caused by 'Misunderstanding' [-Thaksin may seek self-imposed exile in Cambodia]
BANGKOK, April 4 (TNA) - Thailand’s Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda said Saturday that clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers at the disputed border on Friday resulted from ‘misunderstanding’.
Soldiers of each country stationed on the disputed border area thought that the other side intruded into their country’s territory, said Gen. Anupong, adding that Thailand would not use force to resolve the problem.
Thailand and Cambodia must resolve their differences through negotiations, Gen. Anupong said, noting that they are being prepared, he said as he was about to board a military aircraft to visit an Ubon Ratchathani hospital where soldiers wounded in the border clashes are being treated.
Two Thai soldiers and two Cambodian soldiers died in the fighting while nine Thai soldiers were wounded. The clashes took place near the ancient Preah Vihear temple.
Gen. Anupong said negotiations will take place at the ministerial level as well as with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
However, he said senior army officers of both countries in the disputed area will play a significant role in finding ways to end the dispute. Cambodian troops have fired heavy weapons into the Thai territory since Friday’s clashes.
The number of Thai soldiers stationed in the area remains unchanged, even though plans to evacuate villagers living near the disputed area have been prepared, Gen. Anupong said.
On rumours that Thailand’s former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra might seek self-imposed exile in Cambodia, Gen. Anupong said concerned officials were probing the accuracy of the reports.
Gen. Anupong said he hoped the Thai people would understand the needs of the country and not join next Wednesday’s threatened large-scale rally in Bangkok by Mr. Thaksin’s supporters.
Soldiers of each country stationed on the disputed border area thought that the other side intruded into their country’s territory, said Gen. Anupong, adding that Thailand would not use force to resolve the problem.
Thailand and Cambodia must resolve their differences through negotiations, Gen. Anupong said, noting that they are being prepared, he said as he was about to board a military aircraft to visit an Ubon Ratchathani hospital where soldiers wounded in the border clashes are being treated.
Two Thai soldiers and two Cambodian soldiers died in the fighting while nine Thai soldiers were wounded. The clashes took place near the ancient Preah Vihear temple.
Gen. Anupong said negotiations will take place at the ministerial level as well as with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
However, he said senior army officers of both countries in the disputed area will play a significant role in finding ways to end the dispute. Cambodian troops have fired heavy weapons into the Thai territory since Friday’s clashes.
The number of Thai soldiers stationed in the area remains unchanged, even though plans to evacuate villagers living near the disputed area have been prepared, Gen. Anupong said.
On rumours that Thailand’s former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra might seek self-imposed exile in Cambodia, Gen. Anupong said concerned officials were probing the accuracy of the reports.
Gen. Anupong said he hoped the Thai people would understand the needs of the country and not join next Wednesday’s threatened large-scale rally in Bangkok by Mr. Thaksin’s supporters.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Sacrava's Political Cartoon: Our Jiva Baby
Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thai Premier Rebuffs Army Chief's Ballot Call to End Protests
By Daniel Ten Kate and Suttinee Yuvejwattana
Nov. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Thailand Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat rebuffed a call from Thai Army Chief Anupong Paojinda to step down and hold early elections to end five months of protests that killed at least six people and culminated in yesterday's seizure of Bangkok's international airport.
``We need to protect and restore democracy,'' Somchai said in an address broadcast late yesterday on national television. ``The protesters are breaking laws as they are armed and have seized the airport, which is damaging the country.''
Somchai, who rejected a previous resignation call from Anupong, returned yesterday to the northern city of Chiang Mai from an overseas trip. He said the government will have a cabinet meeting today to decide on measures to restore order.
The airport's seizure, damaging the nation's key tourism industry in its busiest season, forced a confrontation that Somchai and the army had tried to avoid. Anupong refused to enforce a state of emergency declared by Somchai's predecessor in September after deadly street clashes in Bangkok.
``The government should return the power to the people,'' Anupong told reporters after meeting with business leaders and academics yesterday. ``We will not seize power. We are just making a suggestion and will let the government decide.''
Suriyasai Katasila, a leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy which is leading the protests, said Somchai should resign and accept his party's proposal to form a new government of representatives of various interest groups. Somchai shouldn't call an early election, he said.
``Dissolving the Parliament will still leave the country with social divisions,'' he told reporters at the airport late yesterday. ``Mr. Somchai should step down and pave ways for a new government with people from various interest groups.''
Continue the Seizure
``We will continue the seizure, as long as Mr. Somchai remains in power,'' Suriyasai said in remarks broadcast by television Channel 3. In addition to the airport, the PAD also occupies Somchai's ceremonial and temporary offices.
Thai stocks erased losses to end higher as investors bet on military leaders finding a positive resolution to the standoff. The benchmark SET Index added 3.37 points to 395.22. The gauge has fallen 55 percent since the protests began May 25. Thailand's baht slid to 35.27 per dollar, the lowest in 21 months, and government bonds fell, driving yields up from near a two year low.
``If not handled carefully, properly and soon, the country would tip toward anarchy,'' said Panitan Wattanayagorn, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. ``When security evaporates, you are faced with a chain of events that can't be controlled.''
Army Chief
The army chief, who helped oust former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a 2006 coup, said protesters must leave the airport, adding that violence wouldn't solve the conflict. Somchai should make a decision soon, Anupong said, insisting that the military ``isn't pressuring the government.'' Somchai, Thaksin's brother-in-law, helms the People Power Party, which faces dissolution after one of its executive members was found guilty of buying votes. Parties linked to Thaksin have won four elections since 2001 on strong rural support for its platform of cheap health care and village loans.
The protests are headed by the People's Alliance for Democracy, a group comprised mostly of the Bangkok middle class, royalists and bureaucrats. Alliance members have blocked roads, seized buildings and wielded guns and metal bars with impunity in protests that started May 25. They want a new political system that dilutes the votes of the country's rural majority.
Protesters' Meeting
The protesters held a meeting during the night to consider the army's request that they leave the airport, a spokesman said.
Surapol Nitikraipot, rector of Thammasat University, who sat alongside Anupong at the briefing, said the government must heed the army's call to step down.
``If the government rejects our proposal, we will not listen to them,'' he said. ``We will use civil disobedience.''
Separately, protesters prompted the closure of Don Mueang Airport, according to the manager, Aniruj Tanomkulbutr.
Demonstrators were emboldened last month when Queen Sirikit attended the funeral of a protester who was killed in a clash with police. Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej is revered as a symbol of stability in a nation that has endured 10 mostly bloodless coups since ending absolute monarchy in 1932.
``Thailand has a history of resolving these things peacefully,'' said William Heinecke, chairman of Minor International Pcl, a U.S.-born Thai citizen who has lived in Thailand for decades. ``The only potential mediator, really, is the military.''
Thailand, Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, faces its slowest growth in eight years as the political conflict saps domestic spending and the global recession hurts exports. Tourism, which comprises about 7 percent of gross domestic product, fell to its lowest level in three years after the protests turned violent in September.
Man Killed
A man was killed in clashes between political rivals in Chiang Mai after the premier arrived in the city. A series of deadly grenade attacks against demonstrators in the past two months triggered what protesters said would be this week's ``final battle.'' Police offered token resistance as armed demonstrators forced their way into government buildings and finally the airport.
About 3,000 tourists were evacuated yesterday to nearby hotels, said Serirat Prasutanond, general manager at Suvarnabhumi Airport, who said it won't reopen ``until the situation returns to normal.'' Four anti-government protesters were injured in an explosion outside the facility earlier yesterday.
``What the PAD and its backers are unleashing is an even deeper crisis in Thai society, and who knows where it will land,'' said Giles Ungpakorn, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University. ``The conservatives might force through a government they want at the moment that is going to cause deep resentment.''
To contact the reporters on this story: Daniel Ten Kate in Bangkok at dtenkate@bloomberg.net; Suttinee Yuvejwattana in Bangkok at Suttinee1@bloomberg.net
``We need to protect and restore democracy,'' Somchai said in an address broadcast late yesterday on national television. ``The protesters are breaking laws as they are armed and have seized the airport, which is damaging the country.''
Somchai, who rejected a previous resignation call from Anupong, returned yesterday to the northern city of Chiang Mai from an overseas trip. He said the government will have a cabinet meeting today to decide on measures to restore order.
The airport's seizure, damaging the nation's key tourism industry in its busiest season, forced a confrontation that Somchai and the army had tried to avoid. Anupong refused to enforce a state of emergency declared by Somchai's predecessor in September after deadly street clashes in Bangkok.
``The government should return the power to the people,'' Anupong told reporters after meeting with business leaders and academics yesterday. ``We will not seize power. We are just making a suggestion and will let the government decide.''
Suriyasai Katasila, a leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy which is leading the protests, said Somchai should resign and accept his party's proposal to form a new government of representatives of various interest groups. Somchai shouldn't call an early election, he said.
``Dissolving the Parliament will still leave the country with social divisions,'' he told reporters at the airport late yesterday. ``Mr. Somchai should step down and pave ways for a new government with people from various interest groups.''
Continue the Seizure
``We will continue the seizure, as long as Mr. Somchai remains in power,'' Suriyasai said in remarks broadcast by television Channel 3. In addition to the airport, the PAD also occupies Somchai's ceremonial and temporary offices.
Thai stocks erased losses to end higher as investors bet on military leaders finding a positive resolution to the standoff. The benchmark SET Index added 3.37 points to 395.22. The gauge has fallen 55 percent since the protests began May 25. Thailand's baht slid to 35.27 per dollar, the lowest in 21 months, and government bonds fell, driving yields up from near a two year low.
``If not handled carefully, properly and soon, the country would tip toward anarchy,'' said Panitan Wattanayagorn, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. ``When security evaporates, you are faced with a chain of events that can't be controlled.''
Army Chief
The army chief, who helped oust former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a 2006 coup, said protesters must leave the airport, adding that violence wouldn't solve the conflict. Somchai should make a decision soon, Anupong said, insisting that the military ``isn't pressuring the government.'' Somchai, Thaksin's brother-in-law, helms the People Power Party, which faces dissolution after one of its executive members was found guilty of buying votes. Parties linked to Thaksin have won four elections since 2001 on strong rural support for its platform of cheap health care and village loans.
The protests are headed by the People's Alliance for Democracy, a group comprised mostly of the Bangkok middle class, royalists and bureaucrats. Alliance members have blocked roads, seized buildings and wielded guns and metal bars with impunity in protests that started May 25. They want a new political system that dilutes the votes of the country's rural majority.
Protesters' Meeting
The protesters held a meeting during the night to consider the army's request that they leave the airport, a spokesman said.
Surapol Nitikraipot, rector of Thammasat University, who sat alongside Anupong at the briefing, said the government must heed the army's call to step down.
``If the government rejects our proposal, we will not listen to them,'' he said. ``We will use civil disobedience.''
Separately, protesters prompted the closure of Don Mueang Airport, according to the manager, Aniruj Tanomkulbutr.
Demonstrators were emboldened last month when Queen Sirikit attended the funeral of a protester who was killed in a clash with police. Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej is revered as a symbol of stability in a nation that has endured 10 mostly bloodless coups since ending absolute monarchy in 1932.
``Thailand has a history of resolving these things peacefully,'' said William Heinecke, chairman of Minor International Pcl, a U.S.-born Thai citizen who has lived in Thailand for decades. ``The only potential mediator, really, is the military.''
Thailand, Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, faces its slowest growth in eight years as the political conflict saps domestic spending and the global recession hurts exports. Tourism, which comprises about 7 percent of gross domestic product, fell to its lowest level in three years after the protests turned violent in September.
Man Killed
A man was killed in clashes between political rivals in Chiang Mai after the premier arrived in the city. A series of deadly grenade attacks against demonstrators in the past two months triggered what protesters said would be this week's ``final battle.'' Police offered token resistance as armed demonstrators forced their way into government buildings and finally the airport.
About 3,000 tourists were evacuated yesterday to nearby hotels, said Serirat Prasutanond, general manager at Suvarnabhumi Airport, who said it won't reopen ``until the situation returns to normal.'' Four anti-government protesters were injured in an explosion outside the facility earlier yesterday.
``What the PAD and its backers are unleashing is an even deeper crisis in Thai society, and who knows where it will land,'' said Giles Ungpakorn, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University. ``The conservatives might force through a government they want at the moment that is going to cause deep resentment.''
To contact the reporters on this story: Daniel Ten Kate in Bangkok at dtenkate@bloomberg.net; Suttinee Yuvejwattana in Bangkok at Suttinee1@bloomberg.net
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
[Thai] PM meets Army chief, Supreme commander to discuss border issue
October 22, 2008
The Nation
The Nation
Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat held a meeting with Army Commander-in-chief Gen Anupong Paochinda and Supreme Commander Gen Songkitti Jakkabatra Wednesday morning to discuss the Thai-Cambodian border disputes.
The meeting was held at 7:40 am at the temporary government seat at the Don Muang airport.
Weerasak Futrakul, permanent secretary for Foreign Ministry, also attended the meeting which lasted about over an hour.
The Army chief and Supreme commander refused to answer reporters' questions after the meeting.
The meeting was held at 7:40 am at the temporary government seat at the Don Muang airport.
Weerasak Futrakul, permanent secretary for Foreign Ministry, also attended the meeting which lasted about over an hour.
The Army chief and Supreme commander refused to answer reporters' questions after the meeting.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Anupong caught between a rock and a hard place
A conundrum for the general
Tuesday October 21, 2008
Saritdet Marukatat
Bangkok Post
COMMENTARY
Tuesday October 21, 2008
Saritdet Marukatat
Bangkok Post
COMMENTARY
For Army chief General Anupong Paojinda, his main worry is not the border situation between Thailand and Cambodia. It is in fact the political warfare with Prime Minister and Defence Minister Somchai Wongsawat.
Now everybody wants to know what the most influential military officer has in mind, after the government leader turned a deaf ear to the general's remarks made on TV last Thursday. Although Gen Anupong alone spoke, the presence of all military and police leaders sitting side by side with him sent a signal to Mr Somchai that they were not on his side and that the premier should seriously consider what the Army chief was saying.
Gen Anupong's position is not really surprising. He had already made a gesture opposing the bloody crackdown on Oct 7. On that day, when PM Somchai came out for a press conference at the Supreme Command, Gen Anupong was with him. But the general decided not to stand too close to the prime minister. He kept a distance between himself and PM Somchai.
Days later, Gen Anupong called for the government to take responsibility for the police crackdown which had led to the deaths of two demonstrators with over 400 injured.
Now he decided to step up pressure on PM Somchai by making it quite clear to him that a resignation from the premiership was the best and only way to resolve the political crisis between the administration and the People's Alliance for Democracy.
Even before Mr Somchai succeeded Samak Sundaravej as prime minister, relations between the government and the armed forces were already "unusual". Gen Anupong decided to not make any move against the PAD after Mr Samak declared a state of emergency in Bangkok in the hope that soldiers would crack down on the protesters once and for all.
Mr Samak must have been quite upset when the army leader failed to act. With the result that demonstrators are still ensconced at Government House. Instead, it was Mr Samak who had to go, after he was no longer favoured by the People Power party to run the government.
Mr Samak might have been even more furious, given that he'd already given the armed forces a free hand to do what they wanted with the annual armed forces reshuffle list.
Now Mr Somchai might be feeling something similar, too; but he has decided to directly counter-attack Gen Anupong in refusing to step down or dissolve parliament. Do not forget that PM Somchai is the Defence Minister as well, and has the authority to punish the army leader. But he has not done so and instead has simply made clear his position that he wants to stay on.
The prime minister cited three key events he and his cabinet members are obliged to take full responsibility for: the Royal cremation ceremony of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana next month; the events celebrating His Majesty the King's birthday on Dec 5, and the Bangkok summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which Thailand currently chairs.
The bottom line is, PM Somchai will not go as the army leader wishes; neither will he take any action against the general.
Mr Somchai is taking a big gamble on his position. His decision to hold on to power means he is passing the ball back to Gen Anupong's court. But it will be very difficult for the army chief to make further moves.
The army leader is caught between the pro- and anti-government camps. He still has a hangover from the coup two years ago. Gen Anupong and other top brass at the time were criticised for being "too nice" to their opponent, Thaksin Shinawatra, the brother-in-law of this prime minister. If he wishes to stage a coup again, Gen Anupong can expect street challenges from pro-government sympathisers as well as international pressure.
The PAD does not see him as its ally, either. The longer the PAD stays on the streets and at Government House, the uglier will be its attacks on Gen Anupong for ignoring its calls to have his soldiers and tanks bring down a government they claim is Mr Thaksin's proxy.
For Gen Anupong, finding a way to end the political battle with PM Somchai is not easy, indeed.
Saritdet Marukatat is News Editor, Bangkok Post.
Now everybody wants to know what the most influential military officer has in mind, after the government leader turned a deaf ear to the general's remarks made on TV last Thursday. Although Gen Anupong alone spoke, the presence of all military and police leaders sitting side by side with him sent a signal to Mr Somchai that they were not on his side and that the premier should seriously consider what the Army chief was saying.
Gen Anupong's position is not really surprising. He had already made a gesture opposing the bloody crackdown on Oct 7. On that day, when PM Somchai came out for a press conference at the Supreme Command, Gen Anupong was with him. But the general decided not to stand too close to the prime minister. He kept a distance between himself and PM Somchai.
Days later, Gen Anupong called for the government to take responsibility for the police crackdown which had led to the deaths of two demonstrators with over 400 injured.
Now he decided to step up pressure on PM Somchai by making it quite clear to him that a resignation from the premiership was the best and only way to resolve the political crisis between the administration and the People's Alliance for Democracy.
Even before Mr Somchai succeeded Samak Sundaravej as prime minister, relations between the government and the armed forces were already "unusual". Gen Anupong decided to not make any move against the PAD after Mr Samak declared a state of emergency in Bangkok in the hope that soldiers would crack down on the protesters once and for all.
Mr Samak must have been quite upset when the army leader failed to act. With the result that demonstrators are still ensconced at Government House. Instead, it was Mr Samak who had to go, after he was no longer favoured by the People Power party to run the government.
Mr Samak might have been even more furious, given that he'd already given the armed forces a free hand to do what they wanted with the annual armed forces reshuffle list.
Now Mr Somchai might be feeling something similar, too; but he has decided to directly counter-attack Gen Anupong in refusing to step down or dissolve parliament. Do not forget that PM Somchai is the Defence Minister as well, and has the authority to punish the army leader. But he has not done so and instead has simply made clear his position that he wants to stay on.
The prime minister cited three key events he and his cabinet members are obliged to take full responsibility for: the Royal cremation ceremony of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana next month; the events celebrating His Majesty the King's birthday on Dec 5, and the Bangkok summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which Thailand currently chairs.
The bottom line is, PM Somchai will not go as the army leader wishes; neither will he take any action against the general.
Mr Somchai is taking a big gamble on his position. His decision to hold on to power means he is passing the ball back to Gen Anupong's court. But it will be very difficult for the army chief to make further moves.
The army leader is caught between the pro- and anti-government camps. He still has a hangover from the coup two years ago. Gen Anupong and other top brass at the time were criticised for being "too nice" to their opponent, Thaksin Shinawatra, the brother-in-law of this prime minister. If he wishes to stage a coup again, Gen Anupong can expect street challenges from pro-government sympathisers as well as international pressure.
The PAD does not see him as its ally, either. The longer the PAD stays on the streets and at Government House, the uglier will be its attacks on Gen Anupong for ignoring its calls to have his soldiers and tanks bring down a government they claim is Mr Thaksin's proxy.
For Gen Anupong, finding a way to end the political battle with PM Somchai is not easy, indeed.
Saritdet Marukatat is News Editor, Bangkok Post.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sacrava's Political Cartoon: Warlord of the Ring
Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)Anupong surprised [Thai] top brass
Monday October 20, 2008
WASSANA NANUAM AND AEKARACH SATTABURUTH
Bangkok Post
CALL FOR PM TO QUIT
WASSANA NANUAM AND AEKARACH SATTABURUTH
Bangkok Post
CALL FOR PM TO QUIT
Army chief Anupong Paojinda did not consult other military commanders before he took the bold step of calling on Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to step down, according to a military source.
Gen Anupong made the call during a TV talk show on Thursday.
The source, who is close to Supreme Commander Songkitti Chakkabatr, said Gen Anupong's suggestion took the other armed forces commanders by surprise.
Gen Anupong was accompanied by the supreme commander, the navy chief, the air force chief and the police chief.
The source said all Gen Songkitti had said to his close aides was that Gen Anupong had asked him to join him in the talk show, which would essentially touch on military policy regarding the Thai-Cambodian border situation.
The source said although the armed forces chiefs agree that Mr Somchai should resign to show responsibility for the violent Oct 7 clashes, they had no idea the army chief would make such a suggestion on the show.
Air force chief Itthiporn Supawong said yesterday Gen Anupong's call for Mr Somchai to resign was his personal opinion, and that Gen Anupong was only responding to a question from the programme host.
ACM Itthiporn said the military would not take sides over the political standoff, as it is required to serve every member of the public and protect every party to ensure peace in the country.
At a rehearsal for the royal cremation ceremony for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana yesterday, Gen Anupong was seen publicly meeting Mr Somchai for the first time since his blunt call for the prime minister's resignation.
After approaching and greeting Mr Somchai, the general moved away from the prime minister and sat three chairs away from him.
After noticing that he was being eyed by media, the prime minister decided to move closer to the general, finally sitting next to him.
They then exchanged a few words, but both looked uncomfortable.
To ease the situation, Gen Anupong called one of his subordinates to brief him on the Thai-Cambodia border situation.
Gen Anupong declined to reveal the content of his conversation with Mr Somchai, but said the military's stance is to give priority to the monarchy and to serve the people.
Chusak Sirinin, the secretary-general to the prime minister, said Mr Somchai has not been discouraged or worried by the pressure from the military chiefs and other political groups, particularly the People's Alliance for Democracy.
Acting PPP spokesman Kudep Saikrachang said Mr Somchai's decision to hang on was based on the recommendation of party members.
They wanted him to stay on until the new constitution drafting assembly, the third, has been set up, Mr Kudep said.
Gen Anupong made the call during a TV talk show on Thursday.
The source, who is close to Supreme Commander Songkitti Chakkabatr, said Gen Anupong's suggestion took the other armed forces commanders by surprise.
Gen Anupong was accompanied by the supreme commander, the navy chief, the air force chief and the police chief.
The source said all Gen Songkitti had said to his close aides was that Gen Anupong had asked him to join him in the talk show, which would essentially touch on military policy regarding the Thai-Cambodian border situation.
The source said although the armed forces chiefs agree that Mr Somchai should resign to show responsibility for the violent Oct 7 clashes, they had no idea the army chief would make such a suggestion on the show.
Air force chief Itthiporn Supawong said yesterday Gen Anupong's call for Mr Somchai to resign was his personal opinion, and that Gen Anupong was only responding to a question from the programme host.
ACM Itthiporn said the military would not take sides over the political standoff, as it is required to serve every member of the public and protect every party to ensure peace in the country.
At a rehearsal for the royal cremation ceremony for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana yesterday, Gen Anupong was seen publicly meeting Mr Somchai for the first time since his blunt call for the prime minister's resignation.
After approaching and greeting Mr Somchai, the general moved away from the prime minister and sat three chairs away from him.
After noticing that he was being eyed by media, the prime minister decided to move closer to the general, finally sitting next to him.
They then exchanged a few words, but both looked uncomfortable.
To ease the situation, Gen Anupong called one of his subordinates to brief him on the Thai-Cambodia border situation.
Gen Anupong declined to reveal the content of his conversation with Mr Somchai, but said the military's stance is to give priority to the monarchy and to serve the people.
Chusak Sirinin, the secretary-general to the prime minister, said Mr Somchai has not been discouraged or worried by the pressure from the military chiefs and other political groups, particularly the People's Alliance for Democracy.
Acting PPP spokesman Kudep Saikrachang said Mr Somchai's decision to hang on was based on the recommendation of party members.
They wanted him to stay on until the new constitution drafting assembly, the third, has been set up, Mr Kudep said.
'Coup' by TV a bad mistake
Monday October 20, 2008
Bangkok Pots EDITORIAL
Bangkok Pots EDITORIAL
The decision by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to defy the coordinated demand of uniformed military and police chiefs to resign is high-risk politics. But so was the nationally televised demand of the four top military men and the police chief for the prime minister to quit. Mr Somchai and army chief Anupong Paojinda are clearly on a collision course. But it is already clear who will lose this hand-to-hand combat on the political high wire: the people of Thailand and their growing problems, and the country's image.
Gen Anupong took the wrong step when he gathered up the supreme commander and the chiefs of the navy, air force and police for a provocative interview by leading TV presenter Sorayuth Sutassanajinda. The united front may have been confident of a "digital coup" without troops on the street. Instead, the generals merely upped the stakes and tension. Like the blueprint to bring the Democrats to power last year, the military once again failed to consider all the ways their plan could fail.
The "coup" by TV was an initial failure for at least one major reason. Architect Gen Anupong presented no alternative to Mr Somchai. Indeed, in the normal course of events, Mr Somchai's resignation would bring in first Deputy Prime Minister Sompong Amornvivat as premier. Gen Anupong may have had something else in mind. By not presenting his ideas about what should follow the resignation of Mr Somchai, Gen Anupong alone is to blame for the failure of this silent coup.
But consider: whether it is Mr Somchai or his successor, there is an unappetising selection of national problems, political conflict and self-inflicted wounds on the Thai plate. Any prime minister must deal seriously with the three responsibilities mentioned by Mr Somchai. These are the royal funeral of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana in less than a month, followed by the celebration of the birthday of His Majesty the King, followed by the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Then he also must face the deadly Cambodia conflict, the five-month protest by the PAD and the economic slowdown, identified by the premier as the biggest problem facing the country. This is not to mention the more day-to-day problems vital to those involved. Southern rubber planters, for example, have suffered a huge price drop, and are asking for assistance to get through the low-demand winter months. The rice-mortgage scheme is an economic back-breaker.
As leader of the People Power party, Mr Somchai faces an electoral fraud lawsuit which could see the party disbanded and its leaders languishing in the political wilderness for five years, a suit by hostile senators over his stock market holdings and fallout from a string of court cases and arrest warrants against the party guru, Thaksin Shinawatra. As head of government, he faces the pending results of a committee investigation which could rule he is responsible for Oct 7. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission has already found the government guilty of using excessive force. Legally, Mr Somchai can ignore these probes. Ethically, he should not. Politically, he simply cannot.
That is a lot of priority problems. Inevitably, the political conflicts will bubble to the top. The real problems of the nation will suffer - the economy, unsatisfactory border security, foreign relations with Asean partners. If Mr Somchai hangs on, there will be government paralysis. A real military coup will bring major violence. Instead of solving problems, the TV appearance by the top brass has left the country in worse shape.
Gen Anupong took the wrong step when he gathered up the supreme commander and the chiefs of the navy, air force and police for a provocative interview by leading TV presenter Sorayuth Sutassanajinda. The united front may have been confident of a "digital coup" without troops on the street. Instead, the generals merely upped the stakes and tension. Like the blueprint to bring the Democrats to power last year, the military once again failed to consider all the ways their plan could fail.
The "coup" by TV was an initial failure for at least one major reason. Architect Gen Anupong presented no alternative to Mr Somchai. Indeed, in the normal course of events, Mr Somchai's resignation would bring in first Deputy Prime Minister Sompong Amornvivat as premier. Gen Anupong may have had something else in mind. By not presenting his ideas about what should follow the resignation of Mr Somchai, Gen Anupong alone is to blame for the failure of this silent coup.
But consider: whether it is Mr Somchai or his successor, there is an unappetising selection of national problems, political conflict and self-inflicted wounds on the Thai plate. Any prime minister must deal seriously with the three responsibilities mentioned by Mr Somchai. These are the royal funeral of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana in less than a month, followed by the celebration of the birthday of His Majesty the King, followed by the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Then he also must face the deadly Cambodia conflict, the five-month protest by the PAD and the economic slowdown, identified by the premier as the biggest problem facing the country. This is not to mention the more day-to-day problems vital to those involved. Southern rubber planters, for example, have suffered a huge price drop, and are asking for assistance to get through the low-demand winter months. The rice-mortgage scheme is an economic back-breaker.
As leader of the People Power party, Mr Somchai faces an electoral fraud lawsuit which could see the party disbanded and its leaders languishing in the political wilderness for five years, a suit by hostile senators over his stock market holdings and fallout from a string of court cases and arrest warrants against the party guru, Thaksin Shinawatra. As head of government, he faces the pending results of a committee investigation which could rule he is responsible for Oct 7. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission has already found the government guilty of using excessive force. Legally, Mr Somchai can ignore these probes. Ethically, he should not. Politically, he simply cannot.
That is a lot of priority problems. Inevitably, the political conflicts will bubble to the top. The real problems of the nation will suffer - the economy, unsatisfactory border security, foreign relations with Asean partners. If Mr Somchai hangs on, there will be government paralysis. A real military coup will bring major violence. Instead of solving problems, the TV appearance by the top brass has left the country in worse shape.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Red shirts mobilised [-Civil war in Thailand if there's another coup?]
Another military coup will be met with resistance on Bangkok streets. Instead of giving flowers to soldiers, "people will hurl Molotov cocktails at them."
Sunday, October 19, 2008
EXCLUSIVE By Wassana Nanuam
Bangkok Post
A group of government supporters is planning to take up arms and stage running battles with the army on the streets of Bangkok if the military attempts to stage a coup against the Somchai Wongsawat administration.
Military specialist Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol, who is close to the government, said a military putsch will be met by strong resistance from pro-government factions.
United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters and several pro-government movements in the Northeast are poised to take to the streets and fight troops, he said.
Maj-Gen Khattiya, who claims to be training UDD supporters, said Molotov cocktails would be used against tanks if they rumble through the streets.
"If a coup is staged, the 4th Cavalry Battalion [which controls 50 tanks] will be blocked," he said.
"In the Sept 19 [2006] coup, tanks rolled out, but no-one dared to fight. This time, fire-bombs will be waiting.
"There is also a chance people will lie down on the streets and block the tanks. In the last coup people gave them flowers. But if they come out now, people will hurl Molotov cocktails at them."
There have been rumours of a new coup since the leaders of the armed forces, led by Army Commander Gen Anupong Paojinda, appeared on a television programme on Thursday and called on Mr Somchai to take responsibility for the Oct 7 clashes between police and protesters. The military's move was perceived as a threat to stage a coup.
Maj-Gen Khattiya blamed military leaders for creating a climate of fear in their TV appearance, as they were dressed in full military uniform.
When asked about the UDD's forces, he said they were being trained to fight and the training ground had been shifted from Sanam Luang to a training camp.
He said there were hundreds of UDD fighters whose task is to counter the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).
Maj-Gen Khattiya said UDD fighters had been approached by the government and the police to help block PAD protesters on Oct 7 and Oct 13.
On Oct 7 they were asked to go to Parliament to clear the way for Mr Somchai to leave the premises after delivering his policy statement.
However, the prime minister managed to slip out on his own.
He claimed they were asked to go to police headquarters on Oct 13 to counter PAD demonstrators who threatened to hold a rally against the previous clash. However, the PAD cancelled the rally.
Prime Minister Somchai has reportedly exercised extreme caution to avoid being captured to make way for a coup.
He took a chartered flight, instead of the usual military jet, to Ubon Ratchathani yesterday to visit soldiers wounded in border clashes with Cambodian troops.
Mr Somchai originally planned to travel to a hospital in Sapprasitthiprasong camp in the province with Gen Anupong and take an army helicopter to visit Thai troops near the Preah Vihear temple on the Thailand-Cambodia border.
He cancelled his visit to Pha Mor E Daeng for a situation briefing.
A military source close to Mr Somchai said the prime minister was urged to be cautious following Gen Anupong's televised comments.
Officers from the Air Force's Security Force Command and the police force have been sent to his house on Chaeng Wattana road to beef up security.
The source noted that the relationship between Mr Somchai and Gen Anupong had deteriorated, but the prime minister had no plans to remove Gen Anupong or any military leaders from their posts to pre-empt an attempted coup.
"The relationship between them has been totally severed. They stick with their jobs. Mr Somchai will not demote Gen Anupong. If the military want to stage a coup, let it be," said the source.
During his visit to Ubon Ratchathani, Mr Somchai was greeted by about 3,000 supporters.
However when he was asked about Gen Anupong, Mr Somchai refused to answer and walked away.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
EXCLUSIVE By Wassana Nanuam
Bangkok Post
A group of government supporters is planning to take up arms and stage running battles with the army on the streets of Bangkok if the military attempts to stage a coup against the Somchai Wongsawat administration.
Military specialist Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol, who is close to the government, said a military putsch will be met by strong resistance from pro-government factions.
United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters and several pro-government movements in the Northeast are poised to take to the streets and fight troops, he said.
Maj-Gen Khattiya, who claims to be training UDD supporters, said Molotov cocktails would be used against tanks if they rumble through the streets.
"If a coup is staged, the 4th Cavalry Battalion [which controls 50 tanks] will be blocked," he said.
"In the Sept 19 [2006] coup, tanks rolled out, but no-one dared to fight. This time, fire-bombs will be waiting.
"There is also a chance people will lie down on the streets and block the tanks. In the last coup people gave them flowers. But if they come out now, people will hurl Molotov cocktails at them."
There have been rumours of a new coup since the leaders of the armed forces, led by Army Commander Gen Anupong Paojinda, appeared on a television programme on Thursday and called on Mr Somchai to take responsibility for the Oct 7 clashes between police and protesters. The military's move was perceived as a threat to stage a coup.
Maj-Gen Khattiya blamed military leaders for creating a climate of fear in their TV appearance, as they were dressed in full military uniform.
When asked about the UDD's forces, he said they were being trained to fight and the training ground had been shifted from Sanam Luang to a training camp.
He said there were hundreds of UDD fighters whose task is to counter the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).
Maj-Gen Khattiya said UDD fighters had been approached by the government and the police to help block PAD protesters on Oct 7 and Oct 13.
On Oct 7 they were asked to go to Parliament to clear the way for Mr Somchai to leave the premises after delivering his policy statement.
However, the prime minister managed to slip out on his own.
He claimed they were asked to go to police headquarters on Oct 13 to counter PAD demonstrators who threatened to hold a rally against the previous clash. However, the PAD cancelled the rally.
Prime Minister Somchai has reportedly exercised extreme caution to avoid being captured to make way for a coup.
He took a chartered flight, instead of the usual military jet, to Ubon Ratchathani yesterday to visit soldiers wounded in border clashes with Cambodian troops.
Mr Somchai originally planned to travel to a hospital in Sapprasitthiprasong camp in the province with Gen Anupong and take an army helicopter to visit Thai troops near the Preah Vihear temple on the Thailand-Cambodia border.
He cancelled his visit to Pha Mor E Daeng for a situation briefing.
A military source close to Mr Somchai said the prime minister was urged to be cautious following Gen Anupong's televised comments.
Officers from the Air Force's Security Force Command and the police force have been sent to his house on Chaeng Wattana road to beef up security.
The source noted that the relationship between Mr Somchai and Gen Anupong had deteriorated, but the prime minister had no plans to remove Gen Anupong or any military leaders from their posts to pre-empt an attempted coup.
"The relationship between them has been totally severed. They stick with their jobs. Mr Somchai will not demote Gen Anupong. If the military want to stage a coup, let it be," said the source.
During his visit to Ubon Ratchathani, Mr Somchai was greeted by about 3,000 supporters.
However when he was asked about Gen Anupong, Mr Somchai refused to answer and walked away.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thaksin not behind border flare-up: Anupong
October 17, 2008
The Nation
The Nation
Army chief General Anupong Phaochinda yesterday described the rumour that ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra was behind the recent flare-up of violence along the Thai-Cambodian border unfathomable.
"It's an issue too deep to speculate about. Even if it were true, it would be impossible to confirm," Anupong said.
Speaking on TV Channel 3, Anupong and commanders of all of the armed forces, including the police chief, declined to speculate as to why Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had given Thailand an ultimatum to withdraw its troops from the overlapping claims.
Thai armed-forces commander General Songkitti Jakkabatra suggested Hun Sen might have been misinformed about the situation along the border.
Meanwhile, Thai and Cambodian troops along the overlapping claims near the ancient Preah Vihear Temple grinned nervously as their respective commanders announced the two sides would conduct joint patrols but hold their ground.
Lt-General Wiboonsak Neeparn, commander of the Second Army Area, told reporters after his meeting with Cambodian officials that joint patrol should "prevent this kind of incident from happening again".
He said artillery and heavy weaponry would remain in place and not be pulled back for the time being.
"Thailand keeps its promises, but if Cambodia does not, [violence] could happen again," he said after the five-hour meeting.
He said talks would resume next Tuesday in Siem Reap but cautioned that more fighting was possible.
While most soldiers along the border were tight-lipped, a group of Thai paramilitary rangers near Pha Moh I-Daeng cliff said joint patrols were not exactly progress.
"We already ate from the same rice pot with the Khmer soldiers and conducted joint patrols with them in the disputed territory. But one bad day, politicians decided the two sides should fight," said one ranger, who asked not to be identified.
"It's bad enough to be working in this mine-infested area. We don't need any more of this," said another.
Two Cambodian soldiers were killed and seven Thai troops injured on Wednesday when tensions spilled over into a shoot-out.
Immediately after the two-hour clash, political leaders from both sides worked hard to discredit each other's claims about who fired the first shot and who captured whom.
Major-General Srey Deok, commander of Cambodian troops in the disputed border area, said his men had released 10 captured Thai rangers and handed back their weapons. Thailand, however, insists that none of its troops was captured.
"It's an issue too deep to speculate about. Even if it were true, it would be impossible to confirm," Anupong said.
Speaking on TV Channel 3, Anupong and commanders of all of the armed forces, including the police chief, declined to speculate as to why Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had given Thailand an ultimatum to withdraw its troops from the overlapping claims.
Thai armed-forces commander General Songkitti Jakkabatra suggested Hun Sen might have been misinformed about the situation along the border.
Meanwhile, Thai and Cambodian troops along the overlapping claims near the ancient Preah Vihear Temple grinned nervously as their respective commanders announced the two sides would conduct joint patrols but hold their ground.
Lt-General Wiboonsak Neeparn, commander of the Second Army Area, told reporters after his meeting with Cambodian officials that joint patrol should "prevent this kind of incident from happening again".
He said artillery and heavy weaponry would remain in place and not be pulled back for the time being.
"Thailand keeps its promises, but if Cambodia does not, [violence] could happen again," he said after the five-hour meeting.
He said talks would resume next Tuesday in Siem Reap but cautioned that more fighting was possible.
While most soldiers along the border were tight-lipped, a group of Thai paramilitary rangers near Pha Moh I-Daeng cliff said joint patrols were not exactly progress.
"We already ate from the same rice pot with the Khmer soldiers and conducted joint patrols with them in the disputed territory. But one bad day, politicians decided the two sides should fight," said one ranger, who asked not to be identified.
"It's bad enough to be working in this mine-infested area. We don't need any more of this," said another.
Two Cambodian soldiers were killed and seven Thai troops injured on Wednesday when tensions spilled over into a shoot-out.
Immediately after the two-hour clash, political leaders from both sides worked hard to discredit each other's claims about who fired the first shot and who captured whom.
Major-General Srey Deok, commander of Cambodian troops in the disputed border area, said his men had released 10 captured Thai rangers and handed back their weapons. Thailand, however, insists that none of its troops was captured.
Thai PM dodges media after army says he should go
BANGKOK, Oct 17 (Reuters) - A tight-lipped Thai Prime Minister, Somchai Wongsawat, left Bangkok for the ancient capital of Ayutthaya on Friday, the day after the army chief said he should step down.
The comments from General Anupong Paochinda in a live television interview on Thursday alongside the heads of the Navy, Air Force and police, prompted frenzied speculation of a coup, although Anupong insisted he was not about to take over.
Dozens of reporters camped outside Somchai's house in a northern Bangkok suburb on Friday morning, waiting for him to emerge. He eventually did so, but his motorcade headed straight to Ayutthaya, 70 km (40 miles) north of Bangkok.
Somchai, a brother-in-law of ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra, is due to fly later on Friday to eastern Thailand to visit soldiers involved in this week's border clash with Cambodia.
Anupong's remarks were the strongest indication that the armed forces think the time is up for the elected administration.
However, government spokesman Nattawut Saikuar said he did not think the military would dare intervene only two years after its removal of Thaksin, a coup that failed to purge him from the political system due to his sustained rural support.
'The army chief has consistently assured us that it will not happen, which is a blessing for the country,' Nattawut told Channel 3 television. 'Otherwise this cannot end. Another group of people will rise to fight the power behind the coup.'
Thailand has been riven by political conflict for the three years since the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) started its street campaign against Thaksin and his allies, accusing them of corruption, cronyism and threatening the monarchy.
The dispute between the Thaksin camp and the military and royalist elite who despise him has seen a coup, elections and more street protests, but appears to be no nearer a conclusion.
(Reporting by Pracha Hariraksapitak; Writing by Ed Cropley; Editing by Darren Schuettler and Alex Richardson).
The comments from General Anupong Paochinda in a live television interview on Thursday alongside the heads of the Navy, Air Force and police, prompted frenzied speculation of a coup, although Anupong insisted he was not about to take over.
Dozens of reporters camped outside Somchai's house in a northern Bangkok suburb on Friday morning, waiting for him to emerge. He eventually did so, but his motorcade headed straight to Ayutthaya, 70 km (40 miles) north of Bangkok.
Somchai, a brother-in-law of ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra, is due to fly later on Friday to eastern Thailand to visit soldiers involved in this week's border clash with Cambodia.
Anupong's remarks were the strongest indication that the armed forces think the time is up for the elected administration.
However, government spokesman Nattawut Saikuar said he did not think the military would dare intervene only two years after its removal of Thaksin, a coup that failed to purge him from the political system due to his sustained rural support.
'The army chief has consistently assured us that it will not happen, which is a blessing for the country,' Nattawut told Channel 3 television. 'Otherwise this cannot end. Another group of people will rise to fight the power behind the coup.'
Thailand has been riven by political conflict for the three years since the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) started its street campaign against Thaksin and his allies, accusing them of corruption, cronyism and threatening the monarchy.
The dispute between the Thaksin camp and the military and royalist elite who despise him has seen a coup, elections and more street protests, but appears to be no nearer a conclusion.
(Reporting by Pracha Hariraksapitak; Writing by Ed Cropley; Editing by Darren Schuettler and Alex Richardson).
Anupong Paochindat calls for Somchai's resignation
General Anupong Pacochinda blames the government for last week's deadly riots. [Reuters]Military leader calls for Thai PM's resignation
October 17, 2008
ABC Radio Australia
Thailand's most powerful military leader says the government needs to step down to take responsibility for the deaths of two anti-government protesters in clashes with police last week.
General Anupong Paochinda has told Thai television that the House of Representatives should be dissolved, and the prime minister, Somchai Wongsawat, should resign because blood was spilled in the confrontation.
But General Anupong says the military will not launch a coup to make it happen.
There have been 18 military coups or attempted coups in Thailand since 1932.
The last one was in 2006 which ousted Mr Somchai's brother in law, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Over the past five months, anti-government protesters have waged a campaign to force the government out.
The government is also facing pressure over a deadly border skirmish with Cambodia on Wednesday.
General Anupong Paochinda has told Thai television that the House of Representatives should be dissolved, and the prime minister, Somchai Wongsawat, should resign because blood was spilled in the confrontation.
But General Anupong says the military will not launch a coup to make it happen.
There have been 18 military coups or attempted coups in Thailand since 1932.
The last one was in 2006 which ousted Mr Somchai's brother in law, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Over the past five months, anti-government protesters have waged a campaign to force the government out.
The government is also facing pressure over a deadly border skirmish with Cambodia on Wednesday.
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