waerth Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 http://bangkokpost.com/news/politics/389759/radical-reds-tocking-arms-for-city-fight Violence by armed red-shirt militants against anti-government protesters is possible but remains a far-fetched scenario unless the military or other agencies force a delay in the Feb 2 election, red-shirt sources said. Independent red-shirt militants and former supporters of the Pheu Thai Party from the lower Northeast region told the Bangkok Post that weapons and ammunition have been hidden in Bangkok and surrounding areas for some months "This is not to hit the protesters but to retaliate against a coup and anyone who forces the public an government agencies such as the Election Commission [EC] and the judiciary to postpone the election," said a red-shirt source in Ubon Ratchathani. He said the underground wings of the red-shirt movement were beyond the control or command of any single boss. There are strong anti-coup and anti-court sentiments among the red-shirt mavericks who are familiar and experienced with weapon use," he said. Thaksin Shinawatra, widely viewed as the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party, disagreed with arms stockpiling for fear of being unable to control the militants and their actions, said the source. He said the red shirts have access to heavy arms through sources in the North and Northeast. Cherdchai Tontisiri, a red-shirt core leader in Khon Kaen, said many people back the Feb 2 election. If the military and other agencies intervene in the dispute, red shirts would travel to Bangkok and challenge them. Dr Cherdchai said the law must be upheld. "If the EC cannot do its job, let them resign and a new commission will be appointed. If we cannot have as many MPs as we need to convene the House after Feb 2, re-elections can be arranged until we meet the legal requirement to convene parliament," said Dr Cherdchai. Soldiers and police could volunteer to help provide the venue for registration, balloting and counting, he added. Pichit Likitkijsomboon, Thammasat University's economics associate professor and a red-shirt supporter, said concerns over bloodshed should not be considered from only the protesters' perspective. "People fear if the government doesn't postpone the election, there will be a civil war. On the contrary, if there is no election as anounced on Feb 2, there will also be anger. Those remaining underground will come out to chart their own course," said Mr Pichit. Such a fatal and insecure situation would benefit no one when lawlessness and violence prevail, he said. Mr Pichit admitted there are conflicts within the red-shirt movement as thereare a number of splinter groups, opportunists and elements which cannot be controlled. He said he believes these red shirts will reunite if they were called to arms. "The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship [uDD] needs to stop pretending to be a white-shirted group calling for the election while the anti-government protesters are dragging the country down to hell," said Mr Pichit. The former left-wing strategist said the UDD should stop mobilising people in the Bangkok suburbs. Radical local leaders such as those in Chiang Mai, Pathum Thani and Udon Thani should not block anti-government rallies in provinces or march into the capital. "Stop doing anything that will create an undesirable public image for the whole red-shirt movement," said Mr Pichit. The morality of the pro-Thaksin movement was affected since the Rajamangala Stadium clash between individual members and students around the Ramkhamhaeng University campus in late November. The violence resulted in the deaths of three red shirts and one student and dozens of injuries. "The red shirts need to keep campaigning against a coup and for the election. They should allow neutral groups to express their opinions. You don't have to blend in with them or try to steal the show," said Mr Pichit. Coalition parties such as Bhumjaithai have enthusiastically campaigned for the election in the Northeast. They also target their campaign directly at the media and certain constituencies in Bangkok for the party list candidates. "The two sides are playing for time and are trying to win public sympathy," said another red shirt in Udon Thani. Those who cause the election to be delayed would have to take the blame for any unrest that might follow, he said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavanami Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Get a bunch of farmers riled up and get ready for a rumble! Me thinks the Army can not control the country if things get ugly in BKK and the other big cities in Thailand! I would hope that way before this appears to be happening, HM would have a chat with both sides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
checkbin Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 ^^ Yup - the image of carpet-crawling Suchinda and Chamlong lives on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 The Thai Army as a whole is not that impressive, but you don't want to go up against the Thai Special Forces. They are as good as you can find in any country. The radical red shirts are likely to get a big surprise if they start a war. Still, I think they are smart enough to realise that ... I hope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavanami Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 The Thai Army has not been all that impressive in the South ...then again, who knows what their orders are? most likely we see what happens when politicians run things... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 Sporadic attacks worry army chief Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha is worried that an armed group might be behind sporadic attacks launched during the anti-government protests in Bangkok. On Tuesday, two people were injured in a bomb and gun attack near the Chalerm La 56 bridge around midnight. It is close to the Pathumwan intersection rally site. Soon after, a bomb attack occurred at the housing compound of Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. ... http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/389948/sporadic-attacks-worry-army-chief Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 Bombing at Sukhumbhand's home An M26 hand grenade was thrown into the famed Suan Pakkad Palace on Si Ayutthaya Road, home of Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra, on late Thursday night. No injuries were reported. Police said the grenade exploded on the property’s car park shortly after 10pm. It damaged a car and left a 10 cm-deep hole in the ground. The grenade was of the same type used in the attack on the housing compound of Democrat leader Abhisit Vejajjiva on late Tuesday night. ... http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/389934/bombing-at-sukhumbhand-home Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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