Live: Police Launch PAD Clean-Up – Or So It First Seemed

Friday morning, on day 4 of the PAD’s occupation of Government House and public places and institutions, Thai police started coordinated action against PAD besiegers. It remains doubtful that Government House will be entered at this point, but one by one those PAD strongholds shall fall.

In a related development police were able to “recapture” stashes of bullets and automatic guns stored at a Government House wing. PAD had earlier announced the discovery of the weapons. A PAD armed to the teeth at Government House … PAD though notified the find to Dusit Police Station, saying they had nothing to do with the weapons. Follow us live:

8.45 pm: I call it a day – until emergency law is declared? Maybe that corrupt government requires such drastic PAD action, my wife explains. And she knows everything. What slightly bothers me though is that “right wing” reporting of mine a commentator observed. That’d be shameful. Oh, and then this after 10 pm: Samak will be asked to step down by his key allies, says The Nation. And the Bangkok Post has the “Army turns on Samak” – resign or dissolve the house.

8.30 pm: Again disputes if tear gas was used at Metropolitan Police headquarters or not. Two reporters interviewed by NTB, one saying it definitively was and the other no, he didn’t feel any burning in the eyes … NBT propaganda?

8 pm: Samak hints at emergency law, reports The Nation: “Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej did not rule out the use of the controversial Emergency Law, saying he wanted to wait after the ceremony for today’s opening of a government sponsored that will be preside by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.” And the Civil Court cancels the Government House eviction following “police brutality” … Looks like the PAD’s “gang of five” enjoys some very very powerful backing. Police brutality?! Join a demonstration in Kuala Lumpur.

7.55 pm: ThaiPBS TV shows some dramatic footage of protesters trying to storm Metropolitan Police headquarters. Waving Thai flags and approaching in groups … Hospitals preparing, ASTV reports.

7.25 pm: ASTV reports police firing tear gas at protesters around Metropolitan police headquarters. Some 1,000 police officers trying to block quite an amount of angry protesters demanding the – quoting ASTV – “handover” of brutal officers. Earlier on PAD leader Sondhi had threatened that 100,000 protesters will surround the Metropolitan Police and National Police office if they failed to prosecute officers who attacked protesters at clashes during the day. The injuries suffered were minor, CNN’s Dan Rivers had reported. According to ASTV reports police prevented a food delivery from entering Government House. PAD assures there’s enough food for everyone.

7.20 pm: ASTV ponders Samak’s options. Emergency law with the army taking over and in control? What authority would the prime minister be able to pass on the many different factions? Dissolution of parliament? Samak’s ruling PPP has made provisions to “survive” within a new party. The “new old” Thaksin proxies would most likely win another victory at snap elections.

7 pm: Do we already see the handwriting of Pallop Pinmanee in the actions of the PAD? First strike attempts and civil disobedience are classic tactics learned in his earlier fields of services. What next? It remains unclear how many people “camp out” at Government House. State of emergency in the making? Could make history how “peaceful” radical determination can break a government with all its weaponry and logistic backing. This very backing’s now at stake. Wouldn’t be surprised if PAD manages to block Bangkok Suvarnabhumi international airport in a “surprise action” …

Situation Room: The king won’t love what’s going on in his country – mainly/partially delivered by subjects assuring to do it all for the honor and strength of the crown. If authorities don’t act decisively now they’ll lose control. With Newin fleeing the scene of crime? Newin Chidchob, a close aide of fugitive prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, will travel to London Friday night, according to The Nation. Newin and his wife will board a THAI flight to London, where Thaksin and family are taking refuge. Me wonders how many bags they will bring along? The authorities have their back to the wall. Anarchy rules the “patience approach.”

6 pm: Southern airports closed, tourists stranded. Airports Authority of Thailand cancels all flights from and to Phuket, Krabi and Hat Yai until further notice, reports The Nation: “The acting president of the AOT said the airports will remain closed indefinitely until the situation changes.”

5.50 pm: Army chief worried. General Anupong Paojinda is adamant there’ll not be another coup but expresses concern over the use of force against PAD protesters at Makawan Bridge, reports TOC. General Anupong Paojinda reiterates his belief that there’ll not be another coup. He adds the military will not interfere with the police’s operations. I wonder: Did putschists ever announce a coup beforehand? Wasted time to ask him if the army’s planning a coup.

5 pm: PAD’s core leader Sondhi demands justice for the injured protesters. Threatens drastic action if police do not prosecute officers who “attacked” protesters, reports TOC. “says 100,000 PAD protesters will surround the Metropolitan Police headquarters and National Police office if they failed to meet the PAD’s request.”

Phuket airport stormed? The Nation with another breaking news.

Politicians enjoying a bath in the protest crowd: The Democrat’s leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, who so far distanced himself from the PAD’s protests, had earlier on tried to show some presence at Government House and certain sympathy for the protesters, reported The Nation. Our elected Bangkok governor Rosana Tositrakul joined the protest at Government House and “led about 100 people to demonstrate in front of the Metropolitan Police head office.” Via The Nation.

Uprising in the making: “Anti-government protesters on Friday threatened to shut down Mae Moh power plant, as calls for an uprising have triggered raillies at southern airports and disrputed train services. A university radio station was seized and large numbers of people were believed to be heading to Government House.” Via The Nation.

Bangkok Pundit: Events are moving fast. Bangkok Pundit’s live-blogging brings you excellent content and developments – with Thai language media coverage.

Situation Room: Police keep on dismantling “PAD infrastructure” outside Government House. Just had my own little talk with a highly placed government bureaucrat. Says the government has to show utmost patience and base every action upon a legal basis. And if the PAD doesn’t stick to any legal basis? Silence. Well, says he, we don’t have a very good government. But two wrongs make no right. Now we have no choice anymore.

Tactical retreat? Around 3.30 pm 5,000 police pulled out of Government House, reports The Nation. Earlier on, after the police’s clashes with anti-government protesters, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej held an urgent meeting with the army chief, General Anupong Paojinda. With the weekend ahead, will more and more people join in to celebrate a huge anti-government picnic? Or let’s talk of PAD’s “peaceful violence” strategy.

4 pm: Civil disobedience, rule of the street, dissolution of the house, snap elections the catchwords of the hour. And Fly Thai if you want to support PAD. Thai Airways’ labour union informed its 15,000 members that they are entitled to take sick leave to show their disagreement with the government’s brutal action against PAD protesters.

3.30 pm: Domino strategy? PAD launches airport blockade in the South, reports the Bangkok Post, but air traffic from and to Phuket, Krabi and Had Yai seems unaffected so far according to The Nation. And would you believe it, protesters retake Makkhawan protest site, tells us TOC.

2.45 pm: Calmer. For the moment. The newly appointed police chief seems to do/know his job. Earlier on PAD core leader Sondhi announced: “Today is judgment day.” He called on his supporters living throughout the country to come into Bangkok as quickly as they can and join the anti-government rally at the Government House. If security forces don’t cordon off Government House area efficiently and vigorously, this government is soon history.

Rail strike adds pressure: CNN reports the action was meant to support protesters with the People’s Alliance for Democracy, who are demanding the prime minister’s resignation. Interesting the BBC’s “Thais speak out on protests.” Says one: “I would like to see a government appointed by the court or the king take over for the time being.”

2 pm: Arriving protesters are obviously no longer able to enter Government House compound. Thousands of people start arriving at Royal Plaza but are blocked from joining the protesters inside Government House, The Nation reports. And Bangkok Pundit posts a telling editorial link: “Putsch or Protest?” Read La Stampa’s take.

Situation Room: Very tense situation in and around Government House. The government and police have to play it careful. My take is the let the situation cool down for a day or two and not take any further drastic action today. But prove me wrong.

1.55 pm: Meanwhile about 30 senators at PAD Government House rally site. Police just confirmed that Makkhawan rally site, where the current protest movement was born in May, has been completely cleared of PAD protesters. Any word soon from any third party or side holding the real trump card?

1.50 pm: ASTV reports tensions between police and Army Division 1 (responsible for Central Thailand). An young injured protester is presented as a hero on PAD stage.

1.45 pm: Judgement day, says another speaker. Make sure that the political revolution will succeed. According to Thai media reports more ambulances are called in on stand-by. Violence feared.

1.40 pm: A female senator speaker calls on the prime minister to resign immediately. The crowd is roaring. She’s saying that Samak will definitively be forced to resign either today or tomorrow.

1.35 pm: A senator is addressing the PAD crowd at Government House and says fellow senators are worried about their safety. Says their right to demonstrate is legal as long as non-violent. He’s asking all police officers to use their conscience before using force. As a senator and Thai citizen he’s showing his support for this peaceful protest. Hmm.

1.30 pm: Big questions looming: Will more fellow yellow rally-goers join in support of the resistance at Government House? What’s the PAD’s worst case back-up plan? Meanwhile security level at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi international airport increased from level 2 to 3.

1.20 pm: Reports on use of tear gas by police disputed by several Thai TV networks. According to the Bangkok Post PAD leaders have prepared a back-up plan in case police break up the crowd. Food, drinks and teargas masks were distributed among PAD supporters.

1.10 pm: ASTV deplores the “use of violence” by police equipped with shields and batons. ASTV claims unarmed women and children were injured. Live footage shows a still busy PAD stage at Government House. ASTV reports the confiscation of “golf clubs donated as weapons.” ASTV expects new attempts to cut its satellite signal.

12.55 pm: Raids so far look like first teasers to wear out the remaining hardcore protesters. Time’s on the government’s side?

12.50 pm: ThaiPBS TV shows mountains of personal objects left behind by fleeing protesters. Umbrellas, cloths, cosmetics, slingshots. And a wide array of other small weapons.

12.25 pm: Nearly all Thai TV channels report on the crackdown. Protest leader Chamlong, caught in a live shot on Channel 3, seen relaxed and smiling. Some protesters inside Government House compound mask themselves, getting ready for the police assault. PAD leader Sondhi though suspects that won’t happen today, as TOC reports. He says most the police most likely try to get the PAD to be on a constant state of panic and eventually tire out. He also stresses that the PAD must hold their ground until Sunday to ensure that they achieve victory. Forgot. What victory?

12.15 pm: Several units of riot police and other police agencies have reportedly been able to push inside and into the outer perimeter of Government House. Other reports suggest more PAD protesters are marching toward Government House to join their fellow rally-goers. I doubt that, but let’s see. Via TOC.

12.05 pm: PAD guards armed with baseball bats, golf clubs, sticks, sledge hammers and even a DUMBBELL form a human chain at Government House gate (via Anasuya/Twitter)

12 pm: Police have so far furthermore removed protesters’ blockades at Royal Plaza Intersection. Some TV footage shows riot police pushing, hitting and sitting on protesters inside Government House compound, reports The Nation – well, do the protesters leave a choice. Meanwhile, a PAD lawyer claims police have no right to disperse the protesters. And your right to occupy and vandalize Government House?

Tear gas? Police of brutes? According to reports police fired tear gas to disperse protesters at Makkhawan Bridge. The protester’s cordon at the Education Ministry was broken and police secured entry to several entrances of Government House. Thai TV is showing images of dozens of protesters being forced away. No blood so far.

11.50 am: Amidst mounting tensions within Government House rally site PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul urges the protesters not to be afraid and to continue to hold their ground inside the Government House, reports TOC.

Court of Appeal grants PAD right to protest: Go figure … political interference in the judiciary anyone?

11.10 am: Thousands of police raid Makkhawan rally site in a surprise attack, says TOC. Police destroy stage and tents of PAD. Some commuters will jubilate.

PAD sees it comin’: Protest leaders urge protesters to gather in front of Government House main gate urgently.




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August 29, 2008 | Filed Under Politics 

Comments

6 Responses to “Live: Police Launch PAD Clean-Up – Or So It First Seemed”

  1. BangkokDan on August 30th, 2008 4.56 pm

    Sorry ’bout that, some database error, all earlier comments deleted. New comments though possible.

    BangkokDan

  2. Goddam Pantamit on August 30th, 2008 8.04 pm

    I have to let all you know that Pantamit are communist. These people led by Jamlong, Sonthi and etc are head of communist. They are not democrate system. Those who at pantamit side are fool citizen. They were asked by a court to stop protest and leave out the gov house and get rid of things on road. But they against the court command, so are you still at their side? I have to telll you these are stupid and bullshit!

  3. Goddam Thaksin and Samak Supporters on September 2nd, 2008 2.15 pm

    So-called “Samak supporters” are all paid and drug-addicts, poor and uneducated people who would do anything for money/drugs without any practical or self-less reason.

    Pantamit are protesting PEACEFULLY, without any weapons and not even fighting back. Stop badgering and HURTING them with Thaksin’s dark force of money and power!! They want to keep the CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY (same democratic system as UK and CANADA), there is nothing wrong with that!!

    Thaksin wants to eliminate the King so he can be MORE CORRUPT and SELL THAILAND. If you care at all if you have a place to call “home”, you should NOT be supporting Thaksin!

  4. Goddam Thaksin and Samak Supporters on September 2nd, 2008 2.20 pm

    YOUR COMMENT BOARD IS MODERATED?!?! IF YOU ONLY ALLOW PRO-THAKSIN COMMENTS, YOU “ABSOLUTELYBANGKOK” SHOULD BE BANNED!!!

    YOU ARE A THAKSIN SUPPORTER.

    YOU ARE HELPING THAKSIN SELL THAILAND!!! IF ONE DAY THERE IS NO THAILAND, IT IS BECAUSE OF YOU!!! YOUR ANCESTORS DIED FOR THIS COUNTRY, FOUGHT FOR THIS COUNTRY – SO THAT YOU HAVE A PLACE YOU CAN CALL “HOME”. DOES IT MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE??! WHEN YOU ARE BETRAYING YOUR OWN COUNTRY, FOR SHAME!

    SO IF YOU ARE THAI, DAM YOU TO HELL!!! IF YOU ARE NOT, DAM YOU TO HELL, TOO FOR COMMITTING SUCH SIN!!

  5. Peter Hall on September 2nd, 2008 2.36 pm

    Whose propaganda are you watching? The BBC video I saw showed yellow masked people with sticks attacking the police who were attempting to firmly remove trespassers from government grounds, in a non violent way. If I were a cop I wouldn’t let a mob attack me with sticks. Their leader then has the gall to threaten to sue the police. Whatever next?

  6. Tear Gas UPDATE « Asian Correspondent on October 22nd, 2009 5.29 pm

    [...] Wouldn't it be seen on TV? There was a motive for the police to use tear gas as Absolutely Bangkok blogs:ThaiPBS TV shows some dramatic footage of protesters trying to storm Metropolitan Police [...]

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