Ko Tee: I Am Not Ko Tee The Redshirt

By

-

15 January 2014, 18:43

(15 January) A famous TV personality has asked the public not to confuse him with a Redshirt leader who goes by a similar nickname.

Mr. Charoenphon Onlamai, who is popularly known as Ko Tee (โก๊ะตี๋), posted the message on his Instagram account today after many of his fans criticised him on the social network for his alleged involvement with the Redshirts.

However, it appears that Mr. Charoenphon′s fans have confused him with Mr. Wuttipong Kochthammakul, a coordinator of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) in Pathumthani province – who is also known by the name Ko Tee (โกตี๋).

Although their names are spelled differently, their pronunciation is extremely close.

Mr. Charoenphon, who regularly appears on TV talk show programs and other comedy shows, pleaded in his Instagram that the misunderstanding is caused by those who listen to the news reports without looking at the photos on the screens.

"Nowadays, wherever I go people ask me if I′m a Redshirt leader!" Mr. Charoenphon complained, adding that even some of his close relatives thought he is involved in the Redshirts movement and even called him to ask where the protesters were headed on each day.

He also insisted that he has taken no side in the ongoing political crisis.

"I don′t understand what′s wrong with Thai people these days," Ko Tee the celebrity said, "In the past, you can have different opinion but there is no conflict, but nowadays, if you are not the same side, if you think differently, if you don′t wear the same colour shirt, they are enemy, isn′t that so?".

Mr. Charoenphon concluded his post by attaching the photos of himself and Mr. Wuttipong, the Redshirt Ko Tee.

"If you are still confused, I would change my name!" Mr. Charoenphon warned.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Police Welcome Protesters With Free Water

By

Khaosod English

-

15 January 2014, 17:56

(15 January) The police have distributed bottles of water to anti-government protesters who staged a rally in front of the headquarters of Royal Thai Police today.

The protesters cheered as Pol.Gen. Montri Yimyaem and his two deputies, Pol.Gen. Worata Kitwaree and Pol.Lt.Gen. Weerasak Thongsari, passed the water through the main gate, free of charge, on the particularly sunny day.

The move offers a brief reconciliation in the ongoing political crisis; previous clashes between police and protesters led by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) have resulted in a number of deaths and injuries on both sides.

Mr. Chumphon Junsai, a core leader of the PCAD who was nearby, responded to the police′s friendly gesture by saying via loudspeaker that he wishes to see more policemen in uniform facilitating the needs of the protesters.

“We have no prejudice, and we are glad to see good policemen sincerely welcoming the people”, Mr. Chumphon stated on the stage.

Pol.Gen. Montri said he is delighted that the protesters had "visited" the police headquarters for several times already, and replied to Mr. Chumphon that the police is willing to assist the protesters, as long as they are demonstrating peacefully.

However, Pol.Gen. Montri expressed his worry that a "third hand" party might attempt to spark the violence and stir misunderstandings.

“The police cannot interfere with politics, but we have vowed to look after every citizen equally,” said Pol.Gen.Montri, “If there is anything we can do, we will.

In response to Pol.Gen. Montri′s remarks, many protesters cheered and blew their whistles, but Mr. Chumphon warned that the police must keep their words.

The PCAD leader insisted that he will continue to criticise Pol.Gen. Adul Saengsingkaew, chief of the Royal Thai Police, until he "stops acting like slave" to the government.

He also vowed to break the truce and storm into the police headquarters if the protesters ever spot a helicopter carrying Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra into the compound.

Mr. Chumphon then called for the protesters to disband their rally in front of the police headquarters, explaining that they had victoriously won their demand.

“The police admitted that we are good citizens, they removed the barrier lines." Mr. Chumphon "Now you all can rest, and wait for further [instruction] from Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary-general of the PCAD”.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Chatchart Asks PCAD Not To Capture His Twin Brother

By

Khaosod English

-

15 January 2014, 16:49

(15 January) Transport Minister Chatchart Sitthipan has responded to the anti-government protesters' threat to detain him with a sense of humour.

Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, leader of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), urged the protesters yesterday to "capture" Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and all Ministers of her government.

But Mr. Chatchart said in a Facebook post later that the PCAD protesters should make sure they would not end up arresting his twin brother, Mr. Chanchai Sitthipan.

"The only thing that worries me [about the threat] is that the protesters may be confused and arrest my twin brother instead," Mr. Chatchart wrote, adding that he had instructed his twin brother to shout loudly "This is not Chatchart! This is his twin!" if he was ever detained by the protesters.

"I will use the same trick, too," Mr. Chatchart joked.

The Minister added that he cannot stop the protesters from apprehending him, since he likes to travel on public transportation such as boats and buses to visit many areas.

In the same post, he stated that he had been visiting the northbound train route from Rangsit district to Donmueang district, before stopping at BMTA′s depot this morning.

Bus officers reportedly told Mr. Chatchart that they had experienced a decrease in number of passengers and approximately 30% loss of normal income. They also mentioned that the roads are quite empty due to ongoing PCAD protests in Bangkok.

Mr. Chatchart then visit the offices of Thai Traffic Police to meet Pol.Col. Rueangsak, Deputy Chief of the Royal Thai Police, and Pol.Maj.Gen. Jirasan, Director of Traffic Department.

Mr. Chatchart said he had praised the two police officers for working since early morning in cooperate with the Ministry of Transport to facilitate the traffic needs of people of Bangkok.

“Overall, the traffic is still controllable, even though there are more traffics that yesterday, but less than usual”, he wrote on the Facebook post, “The protesters had been marching around to many state agencies … and the officials have been avoiding a confrontation because it will lead to violence".

The Transport Minister also warned Bangkokians to stay alert and plan their journey before leaving their houses, and advised that the parking space provided by the Ministry is still available as an option for those who wish to park their vehicles.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Protesters Surround National Park Dept.

By

Khaosod English

-

15 January 2014, 16:26

(15 January) Anti-government protesters have staged rally in front of Department of National Park on today amid rumours that security officers were mobilising there.

The protesters set off from a rally site organised by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) at Ladprao Intersection this morning and marched along Phaholyothin Road to the Department, which also housed the Department of Forestry.

Mr. Suchart Srisang and Mr. Somsong Ek-nok, leaders of the protesters, said they had received reports that "thousands" members of the security forces were gathering at the state agency for a crackdown operation against the protesters.

PCAD leaders explained that the protesters want to prove the reports by their own eyes.

At the Department compound, the protesters rallied outside the gate and invited civil servants to join the campaign against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Some officials were welcoming the PCAD protesters at the main gate.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Wichet Kasemthongsi, later told reporters that the rumour about massive presence of the security forces is not true.

He said only 200 officials visited the Department to attend an event for the Forestry Resources Reservation Day on 14 January, and have left Bangkok since yesterday.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Army Representative Visits PCAD Rally After Shooting

By

Khaosod English

-

15 January 2014, 15:08

(15 January) The Royal Thai Army has sent a representative to inspect an anti-government rally site following a gunfire attack there last night.

The attack took place close to Chalermla Bridge at midnight last night, where many protesters were sleeping in their tents and camps near the main rally stage at Pathumwan Intersection.

The rally site is one of the 7 major intersections and roads occupied by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) as a part of "Bangkok Shutdown" campaign.

Two individuals were reported injured by the gunfire, which erupted sporadically for an hour. Reports suggest that one of them is a garbage collector working for Bangkok city authorities, while the other person is a 55 year old woman from Surat Thani province.

The police have not arrested any suspect in connection with the attack, and details concerning the incident are not immediately clear, but witnesses in the area claim the gunfire came from the direction of the nearby Asia Hotel. Loud bangs of firecrackers were also heard during the attack.

Although PCAD protest sites have been targeted by drive-by shootings and bomb attacks in the past, the gunfire attack at Chalermla Bridge last night is widely seen as one of the most high-profile incidents so far, as it took place in the downtown heart of Bangkok, and in extreme proximity to Sra Pathum Palace, the official residence of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn.

Later this morning, Maj.Gen. Nattaphon Srisawasdi, a high-ranking officer of the Royal Thai Army, visited the protest site at Pathumwan Intersection with his entourage to inspect the scene and meet with troops stationed nearby.

Maj.Gen. Nattaphon said his visit has been directly ordered by Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army.

Gen. Prayuth has instructed the army leadership to provide security to the people in timely manner, Maj.Gen. Nattaphon told reporters, but added that the army has been also ordered to maintain its distance from the ongoing "conflict".

Maj.Gen. Nattaphon later met with soldiers and other security forces inside Sra Pathum Palace to discuss the attack last night. The officials reportedly told Maj.Gen. Nattaphon that the security inside the palace has not been affected in any way by the incident.

Commander of the royal bodyguards at the palace, Maj.Gen. Warah Boonyasith, also told reporters that Gen. Prayuth has explicitly ordered the army to help the people of all sides and to prevent violent incidents.

To improve the security in the area around Pathumwan Intersection, Maj.Gen. Warah said the army will deploy response units in 10 spots in the vicinity.

"Gen. Prayuth has ordered us to pay attention to the area surrounding Huan Chang Bridge," Maj.Gen. Warah said, using the common name of Chalermla Bridge, "As it is very close to Sra Prathum Palace. He also asked us to reach understanding with the protesters that they must make way for royal convoy. The protesters understood that".

Redshirts activists have accused the Royal Thai Army of giving tacit support PCAD protests, but the army has repeatedly denied the allegation.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Abhisit's House Attacked By Grenade, Suspects Arrested

By

Khaosod English

-

15 January 2014, 14:29

(15 January) Police have arrested suspects thought to be involved in the grenade attack on the residence of former Prime Minister and Democrat Party chairman Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Unidentified individuals hurled a grenade at Mr. Abhisit′s house in Bangkok′s Bangna district last night, causing some damage, but no injury has been reported.

The attack came amid the increasingly tense political fight which pitted the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and the protesters led by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), which is supported by the Democrat Party.

Headquarters of the Democrat Party in Bangkok was also attacked with gunfire by unidentified assailants earlier this week.

Additionally, PCAD protesters near Pathumwan Intersection rally site also came under gunfire attack last night. Two people are reported injured; it is not clear who shot at the protesters.

Following the incident at Mr. Abhisit′s house, police in Bangna police have arrested 4 individuals on suspicion of orchestrating the attack. They were identified as Mr. Anusorn Pinitkhun, 45; Mr. Suna Thinkaew, 53; Ms. Khamprai Saengsawaeng, 45; and Ms. Chanapha Denmart.

Police also reportedly confiscated a number of weaponry carried by the suspects, such as handguns, explosive devices, and a number of ammunition.

Pol.Col. Thawatkiat Chindakuansanong, commander of Bangna Police Station, said initial interrogation suggested that the suspects were not involved in the grenade attack on Mr. Abhisit′s residence.

Nevertheless, he said, the 4 individuals would undergo further investigation.

Later in the day Mr. Abhisit called the attack on his residence and other violent incidents in recent days a political "intimidation". He noted that all targets of these attacks are anti-government figures.

"I don′t know if these events are what the US would describe as restraint," Mr. Abhisit said during an interview with Democrat-allied Blue Sky channel, referring to the statement released by US Department of State which praised the Thai authorities for handling the anti-government protests with restraint.

The Democrat Party chairman claimed that these violent incidents would further erode the legitimacy of Ms. Yingluck′s government, and insisted that the "Great Mass of the People" would not be deterred by these threats.

"It will only escalate the situation," Mr. Abhisit told a Blue Sky reporter. He also criticised the police for failing to locate individuals who engineered violence against anti-government targets.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Detectives Beaten By PCAD Protesters, Police Say

By

Khaosod English

-

15 January 2014, 13:26

(15 January) 4 police officers have been hospitalised after they were beaten by anti-government protesters, according to a police statement.

Spokesperson office of the Royal Thai Police said the 4 officers were detectives operating under the Special Branch Police.

According to the statement, at around 23.00 last night the officers were gathering intelligence near Lumpini Park where supporters of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) were holding a rally.

Suddenly, the police claimed, a group of protester guards attacked the detectives. They were later sent to hospital.

3 of the officers suffered from bruises, while the other officer lost 3 teeth and had small wounds on his face, the police said.

Their conditions have been described as stable.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Chiang Mai Activists Hold Anti-Coup Vigil

By

Khaosod English

-

14 January 2014, 19:16

(14 January) A group of Chiang Mai University academics and students has held a candlelit vigil to oppose any possible military coup.

Thailand is once again gripped by rumours that the army might stage a coup to oust the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, amid the ongoing mass protests against her.

Over 100 people joined the vigil, which was held this evening in front of Kawila army barrack in Chiang Mai′s Mueang district. Some activists placed candles around the barrack′s entrance, while others held up placards expressing support for non-violence and democracy.

The students and academics also staged a brief sit-in to voice their opposition to "civil war" and military coup.

Although the army did not send any representative to meet with the group, some soldiers could be seen treating the protesters with friendly gestures throughout the vigil.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Shinawatra Building, Govt Offices Targeted By PCAD

By

Khaosod English

-

14 January 2014, 16:32

(14 January) Anti-government protesters have moved out of their position to besiege key buildings across Bangkok on the second day of their "shutdown" operation.

The People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) has threatened to prolong their occupation of major intersections, roads, and landmarks in Bangkok until the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra resigns.

Apart from staging rallies at 7 main locations, PCAD supporters have also been fanning out to other areas to step up their pressure against the government.

Earlier this morning, Buddhist monk Luang Phu Buddha Issara led a PCAD convoy to stage a rally in front of the Ministry of Commerce. The monk explained to the crowd that the rally was meant to criticise the government′s rice-mortgage scheme which, he said, severely affected the price of crops and damaged the national budget.

After spending 2 hours at the Ministry of Commerce, Luang Phu Buddha Issara led the crowd to besiege the Department of International Trade Promotion, accusing the Department officials of giving shelter to key members of the government.

The rally in front of the Department took a tense turn afterwards, when a group of protesters attempted to break through the compound′s front gate, causing the monk to call for calm. An official later emerged from the Department offices and negotiated with Luang Phu Buddha Issara.

The official later told the crowd that the Department of International Trade Promotion did indeed host a group of officials from the Office of Prime Minister for an "urgent meeting", but the group had already left the building before the protesters arrived.

He also asked the protesters not to storm the Department, since its work is crucial to Thailand′s export economy. Satisfied with this explanation, PCAD protesters marched back to their position near Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road.

Another brief excitement occurred in the afternoon when a convoy of military hardware passed near the protesters′ rally site on Chaeng Wattana Road, but army officers reassured the crowd via loudspeakers that the weaponry was being transported to a barrack in Bangkok for future parade show.

PCAD protesters also staged rallies in front of Customs Department, Department of Public Works and City Planning, Department of Land Transport, Ministry of Labour, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the bid to convince the civil servants not to support the government.

The protesters′ targets are not restricted to governmental buildings; earlier this afternoon a group of PCAD supporters left their rally site at Ladprao Intersection and rallied in front of Shinawatra Tower II building, which houses a number of businesses related to the Shinawatra clan.

An employee inside Shinawatra building said all offices have been closed and office workers evacuated from the building "for safety reasons".

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Suthep Advises Cabinet Members To Evacuate Families

By

Khaosod English

-

14 January 2014, 15:05

Anti-government protesters at Asoke intersection, 14 January 2014

(14 January) PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban has suggested that key members of the government evacuate their families "in case of an emergency".

The Secretary General of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) made the remark on the rally stage at Bangkok′s Asoke Intersection this afternoon, where he also thanked the protesters for their support of his campaign to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

It is the second day of Mr. Suthep′s "Bangkok shutdown" operation, in which he vowed to occupy many major intersections, landmarks, and roads in Bangkok until the caretaker government resigns and scraps the 2 February general election.

At the Asoke rally stage, Mr. Suthep stressed that his ultimate goal is to replace the current government with an unelected ′People′s Council′ which would implement "reforms" of Thai political system, and dismissed the report that the government might postpone the election to 4 May.

"We won′t accept it," Mr. Suthep told the crowd, "The election′s postponement, no matter how many months, would be meaningless in the eyes of the people. The people have thought ahead toward Thailand′s reform, and the reform required that Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra steps down first"

After Ms. Yingluck and her entire Cabinet resign, Mr. Suthep said, "political vacuum" and the PCAD will establish the People′s Council, which will implement the "reforms" before any election is held.

Mr. Suthep also mocked Ms. Yingluck′s remark that she has retreated in every possible way, "Let me tell her, it is not our duty to build Ms. Yingluck a ladder so she can step down. How she will step down must be decided on her own. What is clear is that she must step down. She cannot stay."

In the next 2-3 days, Mr. Suthep announced, the PCAD will escalate the campaign to drive her out of office by detaining the Prime Minister and every Cabinet member, while the protesters will march to besiege the residences of Ms. Yingluck and her Cabinet.

Electricity and water to these residences would be cut by the protesters, Mr. Suthep warned.

He added, "The game must end. Therefore, [I suggest] that each Minister sends their children and wives to somewhere else, so they can escape in the case of emergency,"

The PCAD secretary general also named a number of officials he described as core supporters of Ms. Yingluck, such as Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Minister of Labour Chalerm Yoobamrung, and Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadee.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Hot News

LATEST NEWS