State of Emergency in Bangkok:Thai Army called in

[CougarKing]

Another coup in the works?

State of emergency declared in Bangkok
By The Nation

PM to have absolute control; PAD to go on protesting despite state of emergency; more people join protest at Government House, pro-government protesters regroup at Sanam Luang, 436 BMA schools closed


Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Tuesday morning declared the state of emergency in Bangkok following a fatal clash between the pro- and anti-government supporters early in the morning which killed at least one man and injured dozens.

Reasoning that some groups of people caused disturbances in Bangkok that affect the peace and security, Samak announced the enforcement of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations in Bangkok.

The prime minister's order also appointed the army chief to be in charge of enforcing the emergency decree in Bangkok.

The announcement exempted the enforcement paragraph 1 of Article 9 which prohibits people from leaving their houses, meaning people can still go to work.

The state of emergency prohibits gathering of more than five people.

The state of emergency authorises the authorities to evict people from any place or prohibit them from entering a place.

The state of emergency also prohibits news publicity in a way that terrifies the public.

The Manager's website said the protesters occupying Government House were determined to stay on. Protest leaders also told the demonstrators that the government could soon shut down ASTV, the cable TV network belonging to the People Alliance for Democracy. The announcement sent some PAD members to the ASTV headquarters.



The state of emergency also allows the authorities to detain suspects for seven days and would prohibit people from making illegal entries into government offices.

After learning about the emergency situation announcement, the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship-led protesters dispersed from the area near the Rajdamnone Boxing Stadium but regrouped at Sanam Luang.

The leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy also were unperturbed by the state of emergency, saying the protest would continue at Government House.

Thai PBS reporter reported from the scene that more people came out to join the rally Tuesday morning.

After making the announcement, Samak appeared in good mood when he accompanied his party member to apply for the Bangkok governor election Tuesday morning.

At 7:20 am, Samak accompaiend Praphat Jongsanguan to apply as a Bangkok governor election candidate at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration head office.

Democrat Party MP Sathit Wongnongtoey said the state of emergency would allow the prime minister to have absolute control.

Sathit said it seemed that the government foresaw the violence and state of emergency.  He said the prime minster and People Power MPs indicated the violence would take place when they spoke during a debate on the political crisis Sunday night.

Supreme Commander Gen Boonsrang Niampradit said the people should stay calm and the government would take only necessary actions.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced that its 436 schools will be closed for three days following the announcement of the state of emergency in the capital.

The Nation

Anupong insists soldiers will not be armed with guns


Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda insisted Tuesday soldiers will not use guns when dealing with protesters.

He said soldiers will be armed only with shields and batons.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30082311



Army chief promises not to block people from provinces


Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda said Tuesday that the emergency committee would not block provincial people from coming to Bangkok but would try its best to negotiate with the people to convince them not to worsen the situation.

He was speaking to a press conference at the Supreme Command held after a meeting of an emergency committee.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30082310



Anupong promises to take side with people


Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda promised that the military will choose the side of the people if it has to take any action.

Anupong, the chief enforcer of emergency decree in Bangkok, was answering questions during a press conference at the Supreme Command. The press conference was held after Anupong chaired a meeting of senior officers in charge of enforcing emergency decree in Bangkok.

Answering a reporter's question, Anupong said the military would try its best to protect the people. He added that police would do the same.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30082309



Hat Yai airport closed


The Hat Yai International Airport was closed Tuesday afternoon following protests by supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Airport officials confirmed that the services of the airport were suspended indefinitely since 1 pm.

All flights betwene Bangkok and Hat Yai were cancelled.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30082319



PAD supporters seize Phuket provincial hall: Sondhi


Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy have seized the Phuket provincial hall, Sondhi Limthongkul, a PAD leader, told the protesters at Government House at 12:20 pm.

Sondhi announced to the protesters in Phuket through his ASTV, urging them not to damage the government property.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30082307

 

[The Bread Guy]

Only a slight tangent - looks like some potential bad boys in Thailand are reportedly swearing allegiance to AQ:

"....The Majlis Shura of Mujahideen who gathered in a meeting in Pattani Darussalam, on 20 Rajab 1429, report and give glad tidings to the Ummah concerning 3 things .... The Majlis Shura of the Mujahideen in South West Asia renew their allegiance and obedience to the commander of the Mujahideen Osama Bin Laden, May Allah preserve him and his Mujahid companion Sheikh Aiman Az Zawahiri. And by the will of Allah, we will fight under the flag and banner that he has raised, as long as it is in the obedience of Allah and His Messenger peace be upon him. We do not intend to refute the allegiance or commit any act that refutes it....."

From the Int'l Crisis Group (ICG) profile for Thailand:

"...There is widespread concern in the region that left unchecked, the unrest in the largely Muslim Malay provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat could turn into a mass-based insurgency, or even a regional jihad, although to date there is no evidence of any external involvement in violence..."

And more recently from ICG:

"....The insurgency’s lack of a declared political leadership or platform is a major obstacle in the search for a negotiated settlement. Nonetheless, there is much that the government could do unilaterally to address Malay grievances in the realms of education, justice, language, history and economy. But this requires a rethinking on the part of the predominantly Buddhist state, which needs to recognise the distinct ethnic identity of Malay Muslims and find ways of allowing them to be Thai citizens without having to compromise their cultural differences...."

 

[tomahawk6]

The Army has been in charge since the last coup. This may end up being a purge of Thaksin's party/supporters.