Police want soldiers backing them at rally

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PITAK SIAM

Police want soldiers backing them at rally

Published: 19 Nov 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The national police chief is proposing the government use the Internal Security Act (ISA) to contain the anti-government protest planned by the Pitak Siam group in Bangkok on Saturday.

Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew said he would propose to the National Security Council (NSC) Monday that it implement the security act to cope with the rally.

Use of the act, if approved, would empower the prime minister to order soldiers to bring the rally under control to maintain security.

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moruya
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Discussion 27 : 19 Nov 2012 at 13.0327
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One would have thought that the police would have learned some lessons since Somchai's government presided over the police killing and shooting limbs off PAD supporters.

Certainly with all the Shinawatras and Damapongs heading up the force you would have though the police would be among the best trained in the world at protest management in order to avoid the situation that resulted in the 2010 deaths.......
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fundeena
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Discussion 26 : 19 Nov 2012 at 12.5326
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Why police fear?
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Sensible69
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Discussion 25 : 19 Nov 2012 at 12.0225
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@Discussion 15.

Its not that they need solidiers, it is that with the ISA in place the army are part of the "command chain" and therefore its impossible for anyone to claim the situation is "out of control" and a coup is needed by the army to get control back, as with the ISA invoked and in place the army is "already" part of the control chain.

This is quite simple to understand.
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mitrapaap
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Discussion 24 : 19 Nov 2012 at 11.5224
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So the reds blame Abbhisit for having used the Army to quell the red shirt's violent appearance at Rajprasong, and now this government's police chief calls for the army for just monitoring a movement that has no violent record at all? A little bit embarrassing. And how will that look on the world's stage: Thai Army mobilized to monitor peaceful demonstration.
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rebel4ever
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Discussion 23 : 19 Nov 2012 at 11.4223
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Pointoffew disc 16: When announced it was 38.8 for the Euro, now 39.3. That's half a Baht my friend... Up to above 40 Baht again, as it should be...
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englishbob
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Discussion 22 : 19 Nov 2012 at 11.3822
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The police want the aarmy to attend just in case there is any work to be done.

When you've spent your entire career, nabbing helmetless motorcyclists, shaking down nightclub and casino owners and selling on the drugs you just confiscated, it must be daunting to think you might need to do some actual police work.
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bkk-farang
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Discussion 21 : 19 Nov 2012 at 11.3121
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Maybe the Pitak Siam's group is ready for a deal: Bring Thaksin back and put him into jail where he belongs and they won’t demonstrate. Then make sure Thaksin stays in jail in solitary confinement so that he won’t be able to continue meddling with the Thai government. After that Yingluck can show us how competent she is in bringing Thailand forward.
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Sensible69
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Discussion 20 : 19 Nov 2012 at 11.1420
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@Discussion 8

You miss the point.

If the ISA is invoked then the army is part of the responsilibity chain, parts of it cannot therefore, when involved, claim the need for a coup as the situation is out of control.

By invoking the ISA and making the Army part of the chain of control, it stops any elements of the Army from pushing for a coup as they are part of the chain of command.

They can hardly claim "its out of control and we need to step in with a coup" if they are made part of the chain of the command by invoking the ISA.

Which is why the ISA should be invoked - without a solid reason a coup cannot be put into place.
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supermax
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Discussion 19 : 19 Nov 2012 at 11.1319
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50.000 policemen : bigger than a Red/UDD demonstration....
Very funny Thailand !!!!
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bkk-farang
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Discussion 18 : 19 Nov 2012 at 11.1118
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Maybe we should apply a little red-shirt logic here: the best solution would be if the Shinawatra government resigns before the rally and the censure debate takes place. Then it won’t be necessary to demonstrate against this government. Otherwise the government takes full responsibility for any possible problems at this planned peaceful demonstration.
Does everybody agree? No? Why not? Or should every insured demonstrator be awarded a couple of millions after the authorities try to disperse the people?
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