7,650 soldiers on rally alert | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

7,650 soldiers on rally alert

Published: 23 Nov 2012 at 19.51
Online news:

The army has 7,650 soldiers ready to help police during the anti-government protest this weekend, an army source said on Friday.

The directive to the army was issued by Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat, who also set up a situation room at the Defence Ministry on Friday to assess the situation and coordinate with other security agencies.

About 7,000 soldiers were ordered to stay at their posts at the 1st and 2nd Divisions of the King's Guard, Air Defence Artillery Division and the Army Air Defence Command as a backup. Another 650 equipped with batons and riot shields were ready to mobilise at any given notice, the source added.

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ricefield
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Discussion 9 : 24 Nov 2012 at 10.099
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Disc 8 - Remember when you are there that the last Ozzie that went to a rally was deported.
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andreaust
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Discussion 8 : 24 Nov 2012 at 05.128
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I will personnaly attend the rally and I have set 3 DVD recordings at different times to record the rally on TV, this will give me the pleasure of viewing the rally whenever I like.
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andreaust
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Discussion 7 : 24 Nov 2012 at 05.087
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The 7650 soldiers should control the police in case they abuse of their authority to prevent people attending the rally.
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john49
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Discussion 6 : 23 Nov 2012 at 22.486
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D2-The defense minister's priorities are to do whatever Thaksin tells him to do. They would just love to get the army involved in this.
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apachepat
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Discussion 5 : 23 Nov 2012 at 22.355
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same peace loving middle aged taxpayers that had peacefull rally that stormed government house and airports a few years ago perhaps?
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geoffo
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Discussion 4 : 23 Nov 2012 at 22.344
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Chief Adul called for patience from police during the rally. He could order his police to do as they are told but oh no ,in the typical CYA style from this Government he "hopes" his police are patient.

I also hope TS has run out of phone credit by now so everyone can calm down.
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ricefield
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Discussion 3 : 23 Nov 2012 at 22.303
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I think YS's use of ISA in this instance is brilliant. She's not using it against the Protesters she's using it against the Military. By issuing it early they have had to get into line early. If the military resists she has every right to instantly relieve the current General staff and put in her own people.
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dickemery
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Discussion 2 : 23 Nov 2012 at 20.412
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its disappointing the df minister have made this decision over a bunch of middle aged tax payering people voicing an opinon,the troops would be better redeployed in deep soth to help the suffering thai citizensl,m confussed, what are his priorities
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pjt
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Discussion 1 : 23 Nov 2012 at 20.381
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And what will the 7000 be equipped with? Firearms? How much training in crowd control and riot duty have the 650 equipped with shields and batons received? I hope the army have got their rules of engagement crystal clear and in writing and authorised by the cabinet
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