PCAD Blames Signal Failure On Govt

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14 January 2014, 13:26

Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban addressing the protesters at Pathumwan Intersection, 14 January 2014

(14 January) A leader of anti-government protesters has blamed errors during the live broadcast of their rally yesterday on the government.

The incident occurred when Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary-general of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), took to the rally stage on Pathumwan Intersection at around 19.30 yesterday and attempt to address the protesters who were occupying the intersection.

However, his voice could not be heard at the stage. Mr. Suthep′s voice was also missing on the live broadcast of the rally transmitted by Blue Sky TV, a satellite channel allied to PCAD and the Democrat Party.

PCAD leaders at another rally stage near Lumpini Park who were broadcasting the live feed of Mr. Suthep′s speech similarly faced the audio problem regularly, causing the crowd to boo and blow their whistles in anger.

Eventually, Mr. Chinnaworn Boonyakiat, a leader of PCAD at the stage, decided to address the crowd himself instead of continuing to broadcast Mr. Suthep′s speech. He claimed that the government has jammed the protesters′ electronic devices with a malicious signal.

"Tyrannical governments act this way," Mr. Chinnaworn said.

Mr. Suthep would personally tour every stage and give a speech at each rally stage if the government continues to bully the PCAD in this manner, he added.

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Democrats To Evict Bad Spirit After Shooting

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14 January 2014, 11:45

Democrat chairman Abhisit Vejjajiva at the evil-eviction ceremony, 14 January 2014

(14 January) The Democrat Party has conducted a ceremony to expel evil spirits after the party's office in Bangkok was sprayed with gunfire.

Yesterday morning unidentified gunmen drove a grey Toyota Camry to the office in Phayathai district and discharged their firearms at a coffee shop, called A Big Seat, which is located inside the office′s compound. No injuries was reported.

While Democrat chairman Abhisit Vejjajiva blamed the attack on political intimidation, Mr. Juti Krairuek, Secretary General of the Democrat Party, suggested that the incident could have dire supernatural effects on the party as well.

To remedy this, he said, the party has invited 9 monks for a merit making ceremony today in front of the statue of Mother Earth Squeezing Her Hair, the symbol of the Democrat Party.

“This would bring us some goodness to fight against the evil we have attracted," Mr. Juti said, "So hopefully we do not have to meet in the next lifetime”.

The event was attended by numbers of the party′s bigwigs, including former executives, former MPs, president of party’s branches and several party members. Mr. Abhisit also attended the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sutham Rahong, Director-General of the Democrat Party, stated that they had strengthened their security policy inside the office’s area, as well as asking for supports from Phayathai and Bang Sue police to maintain the safety around the perimeter.

He also suggested that more lighting equipment is needed around the party′s office.

Mr. Sutham also stated that the party had obtained some "good evidence" regarding the shooting incident on CCTV camera.

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Pro-Election Rallies Organised In 16 Provinces

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13 January 2014, 17:41

(13 January) Local Redshirts and other citizen groups in upcountry provinces have staged rallies and demonstrations to oppose the "shutdown" of Bangkok by anti-government protesters.

The demonstrators also expressed their support for the 2 February election, which anti-government protesters led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) is calling to be scrapped.

Instead of an election, PCAD has demanded that an unelected ′People′s Council′ be installed to implement series of "reforms" deemed necessary by PCAD leadership. In the bid to pressure the government to bow down to this demand, PCAD supporters have occupied many roads and intersections in Bangkok today.

But PCAD′s move to "shutdown" Bangkok and its demand for ′People′s Council′ has angered many Redshirts and citizens who wish to see the election on 2 February, and they have staged their own counter-protests across 16 provinces to express their stances.

In Chiang Rai province, over 3,000 demonstrators marched from Chiang Rai City Hall to Pho Khun Meng Rai Statue to protest against violence and PCAD′s occupation of Bangkok.

Around 1,000 people led by ′Northerners Love Thailand′ group later marched to the Royal Thai Army′s Camp Meng Rai Maharaja to demand a promise from the army not to stage any coup against the government. However, the military sent no representative to respond to the protesters′ demand.

Separate protests in the province were held by Chiang Rai′s local chapter of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and ′Laotian Mothers Love Democracy′ group to protest against the PCAD and renew calls for the general election to be held as planned. The protests were joined by 300-500 people.

In the northeastern region of Nakhon Ratchasima, a group calling themselves ′People of Korat Love Democracy′ staged a rally in front of The Mall department store, which was joined by over 3,000 people from 32 districts. The group was protected by UDD guards and 30 police officers.

Some placards held by the protesters read, "Stop Coup", "Against Violence", and "Respect my rights under the Constitution, thank you for no coup".

The demonstrators later marched to Thao Sura Naree Statue, where they released over 3,000 red-white-blue balloons as a gesture for peace. The protest leaders also read out statements detailing their three principles: oppose all forms of coup d’état, oppose the shutdown of Bangkok, and support the 2 February election.

Meanwhile, in Pathum Thani province, just outside Bangkok′s urban perimeter, around 5,000 demonstrators marched with white balloons in support of the 2 February general election. They also expressed their support for governmental officials in the province.

Mr. Pongsathorn Sajjachonphan, the Governor of Pathum Thani province, later greeted the protesters and stated that he wished to see no violence. "Everybody wants to see a peaceful country", he told the protesters.

Pathum Thani recently saw a violent confrontation between local Redshirts group and PCAD supporters who marched in the province inviting citizens to join the shutdown of Bangkok. A number of people have been injured in the clash, and some of them had been wounded by gunshots.

Elsewhere in the country similar pro-election demonstrations were held, such as:

Kamphaeng Phet: 3,000 people have gathered in front of the City Hall to support the election. Ms. Katriya Kritattakarn, Member of the Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), stated that she and fellow protesters are ordinary people who wish for a democratic regime under the King as Head of State.

She stated that they do not want any party or movement to derail the election, and they will not accept any representative body appointed without democratic principle. The group later marched around the provincial municipality area asmany supporters joined.

Phayao: Approximately 5,000 protesters, some of them UDD supporters, marched in support of the election. They also gave roses to the police representatives to show their solidarity and launched white balloons as gesture of non-violence.

Mr. Siriwat Jupamadtha, Phayao UDD Coordinator, said that pro-democracy Phayao locals wish to demonstrate their wish in 4 points; (1) oppose any forms of coup, (2) oppose PCAD and their preceding Yellowshirts group (3) support the police (4) support the election.

Udonthani: UDD leader Kwanchai Praipana led his supporters to ride their motorcycles around the province. Over 500 people and 1,000 motorcyclists joined the convoy.

Buriram: Pro-election rallies there were attended by 4,000-5,000 UDD supporters and other citizens.

Sri Saket: At least 7,000 Redshirts from 22 districts, led by Mr. Sawai Sodsai, showed up for their counter-protests. Local Redshirts leaders also criticised Mr. Suthep for shutting down Bangkok, and vowed that they would escalate their campaigns if the election on 2 February is scrapped.

Ratchaburi: Over 3,000 locals and UDD supporters wearing white shirts rode on motorcycle in Mueang Ratchaburi municipality to support the 2 February election and oppose any military coup.

Smaller protests, demonstrations, and other activities were similarly organised in other provinces such as Lamphun, Kalasin, Loei, Sakon Nakhon, and Uttaradit.

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Public Transports Can Handle Bkk Shutdown: Chatchart

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13 January 2014, 16:59

(13 January) Transport Minister Chatchart Sitthipan has asserted that public transportation has been able to cope with "Bangkok Shutdown" so far.

"I have inspected the eastern zone [of Bangkok] such as Lad Krabang, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Airport Link, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand," Mr. Chatchart said on his Facebook post, "Generally, the situation can still be handled".

He added that the effect of the "shutdown" might have been partially eased because many citizens have avoided traveling and many schools have been closed down.

The "shutdown" has been engineered by supporters of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), who have been occupying a number of major intersections, landmarks, and roads in Bangkok in the bid to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

In the Facebook post, the Transport Minister also claimed he had talked with taxi drivers at Suvarnabhumi Airport, instructing them to exercise restraint and take care of their passengers.

"I am very worried that there would be confrontation between motorists and the protesters," Mr. Chatchart said.

More than 30 public bus routes have been diverted in many districts, such as Ladprao Intersection, Victory Monument, Chaeng Wattana Road, Silom, Ratchaprasong, and Siam, according to Mr. Chatchart, warning that the public should avoid these areas for the time being.

He also dismissed rumours that he had ordered a halt in the rail service along southern Thailand, the stronghold of current anti-government protests.

"Even if I did that, it would be useless and I would only be criticised for nothing, because much of the mass travels by buses, vans, and personal cars," Mr. Chatchart explained in the Facebook post, adding that he has performed his duty without political discrimination.

Previously, Mr. Chatchart has said to reporters during his inspection at Suvarnabhumi Airport that the police and soldiers are doing their best to maintain public safety at the airport.

He also asked that the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (SRT) reconsider their threat to shutdown the offices of Stock Exchange and Aeronautical Radio Thailand unless Ms. Yingluck resigns by 15 January.

"It would massively affect the global flight systems that fly across Thai airspace," Mr. Chatchart said.

Although he cannot convince the SRT to abandon their plan, Mr. Chatchart told reporters, he would like to ask them not to carry out the threat, since it is beyond the protesters′ democratic rights.

Asked whether he believes a military coup is possible, Mr. Chatchart simply said that "there has always been this kind of rumour".

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Overseas Voting Kicks Off Today

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13 January 2014, 15:59

Redshirts supporters and other citizens rally in support of 2 February election in Nakhon Ratchasima province, 13 January 2014

(13 January) Despite the ongoing attempt to derail the 2 February general election, Thais living in foreign countries have already begun their voting.

Mr. Sek Wannamathee, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said overseas election kicked off today in 67 nations, organised by their respective 91 Thai embassies and consulates.

The advance voting has seen no problem, Mr. Sek said, and no illegal activity has been reported so far.

"There is no act of obstructing the election," he told reporters.

Mr. Sek said Thais living overseas who wished to participate in the general election have registered with their local embassies or consulates.

The voters have 2 ways to cast their ballots: by voting personally at election booths held in embassies, Thai temples, and other venues designated by the authorities, or mailing their ballot to their embassies, according to Mr. Sek. The ballots would then be sent to each district office of Election Commission in Thailand.

Voters overseas have until 26 January to cast their ballots.

He also told reporters that the overseas election would not be affected by ongoing protests by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), since the government has not changed or postponed the election.

However, if the government decides to postpone the 2 February election, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is prepared to accommodate the change, he added.

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Bangkok Shutdown: PCAD Closes Additional Roads

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13 January 2014, 14:48

Anti-government protesters camping inside Chatuchak Park near Ladprao Intersection

(13 January) The anti-government protesters′ attempt to "shutdown" Bangkok has extended beyond their original plans.

The People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) has previously vowed to "shutdown" the capital city by occupying 7 major intersections, landmarks, and roads, in the bid to pressure the government Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra into resignation.

The PCAD has also demanded that the general election on 2 February be scrapped in favour of the establishment of an unelected ′People′s Council′ to implement series of "reforms" deemed necessary by the PCAD leadership.

The 7 sites the PCAD has previously marked for occupation are the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road; Ladprao Intersection; Victory Monument; Saladaeng Intersection and the nearby Lumpini Park; Asoke Intersection, Ratchaprasong Intersection; and Pathumwan Intersection, where PCAD has erected their ′main′ rally stage.

Apart from those 7 sites, however, additional roads had been closed down by PCAD protesters and their affiliated groups.

For instance, the People′s Force of Democracy to Overthrow Thaksinism (PEFOT) have closed down both inbound and outbound lanes of Rama VIII Bridge, using big lorries and other barricades to block the road. The protesters there say they will "spend the night" on the bridge.

Protesters on Ratchaprasong Intersection had also rallied in front of the nearby Royal Thai Police Office.

Traffic on Rama IV Road has been severely affected after Wireless Intersection, Saladaeng Intersection, Henri Dunant Intersection, Sam Yan Intersection were all closed by PCAD protesters, including Thai-Belgium Bridge and Thai-Japan Bridge.

On Chaeng Wattana Road, the protesters have set up additional "temporary" stages in front of Constitutional Court Office and TOT Public Company Limited. It is reported that PCAD protesters have blocked Chaeng Wattana Road with sandbags, car tyres, and iron fences.

Ploenchit Intersection and some stretches along New Petchaburi Road have been likewise closed down by the protesters.

It is difficult to keep track of locations occupied by protesters, as many of them have fanned out from their major rally sites to neighbouring areas.

Meanwhile, many parts of downtown Bangkok are unnaturally quiet, devoid of the usual busy traffic, since many office workers have chosen to work from home to avoid the "shutdown" while a number of schools have also been closed.

Although public bus routes have been severely affected by the shutdown, it is reported that public transports are still available in many area, and many commuters have relied on BTS and MRT systems.

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Protesters March On Chalerm's Office

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13 January 2014, 14:20

(13 January) Anti-government protesters have marched to the Ministry of Labour this morning to pressure governmental officials into joining the protests.

The protesters split from one of the main rally sites organised by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) at Ladprao Intersection.

At the Ministry, the protesters chained every gate around the building to prevent officials from entering, while many shouted that the officials inside should switch side and join the crusade to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

The protesters also vented out their anger at Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, with some speakers saying via loudspeakers that Mr. Chalerm should stop serving ′Thaksin′s Regime′, referring to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whom the protests accused as the true puppet master behind the current administration.

Mr. Chalerm has previously angered anti-government protesters with his provocative remarks. He also threatened to have PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban under arrest.

As of Monday afternoon, there is no report of violence, and protest leaders have instructed the protesters not to break into the Ministry. The protesters still gather in front of the building, however, some of them giving speeches to the crowd, condemning Mr. Chalerm.

Approximately 200 civil servants have been ordered to leave their office out of security concern, but some others are reportedly still working inside the building. There are reports that some of the governmental officials who left later joined the protests.

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Grenade Threat At PCAD Leader's House

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13 January 2014, 12:32

(13 January) A pair of assailants reportedly hanged a grenade on the gate to the house of an anti-government protest leader in Nonthaburi province.

The residence belongs to Mr. Rachen Trakulviang, the provincial coordinator of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

Police said 2 assailants wearing motorcycle helmets arrived at the house on a motorcycle at around 02.00 this morning, then proceeded to hang a RGB 5-type grenade on the gate of Mr. Rachen′s house and fled the scene.

The grenade has been defused by a EOD unit, and police are investigating the incident.

Previously, a group of assailants also fired their weapons at the coffee shop located in the headquarters of Democrat Party in Bangkok′s Samsen Nai subdistrict.

CCTV footage reveals that the assailants arrived on a Toyota Camry without a license plate at 02.12, before slowing down the vehicle and spraying bullets at the coffee shop. The shooters then sped away.

The coffee shop was closed at the time of the shooting, police said, but 6-7 supporters of anti-government protests were camping nearby. However, no injury had been reported.

A senior police officer suspects that the shooting was meant to escalate the political confrontation. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, the chairman of Democrat Party, condemned the incident, calling it an act of intimidation.

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PCAD Guard Arrested On Drugs Charge

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13 January 2014, 11:46

(13 January) 8 people, among them an anti-government protest guard, have been arrested for using and producing illegal drugs in their apartment, police said.

Police raided the apartment, which is located in Soi Sanprasert of Bangkok′s Wang Thonglang district, at 02.10 today after receiving tips that illegal activities were being held there.

In the raid the officers arrested Mr. Wichai Mongphra, 24, the owner of the apartment room, along with his friends, Mr. Banpot Daengchu, 31; Mr. Pongsakorn Lamleuklai, 22; Mr. Haris Nhuchusuk, 24; Mr. Haneef Nhuchusuk, 24; Mr. Ahmeen Yanning, 25; Mr. Ahnaf Tamad, 19; and Mr. Boonlert Charoenwathee, 29.

The police also confiscated an amount of marijuana, a gas stove, krathom leaves, equipment to produce krathom juice, and other narcotics equipment. Officers claimed the suspects were taking drugs when the police made the arrest.

Mr. Banpot told police he works as a part time musician and security guard for the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), while the owner of the apartment, Mr. Wichai, identified himself as a regular attendant of the PCAD protests.

The police charged the suspects with possession, using, and producing of illegal drugs.

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Protester 'Steals' Crowd Control Equipment

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11 January 2014, 15:09

(11 January) An anti-government protester has been arrested for looting police equipment from the clash in Bangkok last month, according to the police.

Police said a civilian has informed the police that the suspect, identified as Mr. Jakkapong Boonrueng, 23, had stolen some police equipment during the deadly clashes between the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) and the police near Thai-Japan Stadium in Din Daeng district on 26 December.

The police then reportedly arranged a team to search Mr. Jakkrapong′s house in Bangkok′s Hua Mak district and found a number of items issued to the police force.

It is reported that Mr. Jakkrapong had stolen a bullet-proof vest, a helmet, a shin guard, a club, tear gas ammunition, a police uniform rain coat, two shotgun cartridges, and a green flare.

The suspect reportedly admitted that he attended the protests on 26 December, and explained that he stole the equipment after the protesters had stormed into the Ministry of Labour building.

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