Thai Government labels Red Shirt leaders "terrorists" in failed arrest attempt

In a disturbing twist to the ongoing political crisis, Thailand's government has labeled several of the Red Shirt's leaders as 'terrorists', in a bid to arrest them and stall the pro-democracy protests.

In these dramatic pictures one of the accused is seen escaping from a Bangkok hotel that was surrounded by police, scaling down a rope and being helped through the crowd into a getaway car by fellow Red Shirts.

Arisman Pongruangrong's escape is a major embarrassment for the government, who had earlier announced that a unit of special forces had encircled the SC Park Hotel in downtown Bangkok where Arisman and other Red Shirt protest leaders were holed up.

The government has tried without success to end a month long sit-in by tens of thousands of "Red Shirt" protesters. By labeling their leaders as 'terrorists' the authorities are showing they are willing to risk another confrontation with the Red Shirts, who are campaigning to oust Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and hold new elections.

A healthy dose of intrigue was thrown into the mix however, by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who had announced the operation on national television less than 30 minutes before Arisman made his escape. It seems Suthep wanted to show his intent without having to carry out his threat.

"Now I ask the people who are demonstrating to leave the site, because we need to start our decisive operation against the terrorists."

Arisman, a pop singer-turned-activist, later returned to the scene and clambered on top of a van to give a short speech.

Thousands of Red Shirts, mostly rural poor, have congregated in Bangkok since March 12, leading to clashes that left 24 people dead and more than 800 injured in the worst political violence in nearly two decades.

The government accuses "terrorist elements" within the Red Shirt organisation of orchestrating the violence.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Thai
• Government
• labels
• Red
• Shirt
• leaders
• terrorists
• failed
• arrest
• attempt

[landsurfer66]

Also... Pro-democracy?!! The red shirts don't represent democracy. They're being used as pawns by the ousted ex-prime minister Thaksin in a destabilization tactic. Thaksin has paid them to demonstrate. This is his last desperate attempt at getting revenge on the government that has found him guilty of corruption and numerous other charges while he was in power. He is now hiding outside of Thailand, trying to topple the current legitimate government and remove the King from his throne.

[kannika12]

Karmma follow this Sakda Pongreuonrong so quick. Now he has to run like a dog. He is the leader of the terrorist. The only thing this man and his group know is harrassement and lure these innocent red like foxes lure the lambs. He is the Prai of the Nai Toon of Thaksin who sleep and eat well at hotel! And use the real innocent red as his shield. Give us back Our Bangkok! One innocent Catholic had to died by your hand,, Prai of the Nai Toon.

[darsie1]

landsurfer66 - yeah right. This is still an unelected government with no legitimacy to govern.

[racenemo]

@landsurfer66

Thailand NEEDS new elections, if the Yellow think they will be the majority it wouldn't be a problem.

I guess they want to change the electing system first to avoid the Reds taking back what is legally theirs.

Thaksin is as guilty as Abhisit, both moneygrabbers.

[TheBostonbakedbean]

Get this straight! The Red shirts are fake. They'are well-organized terrorists, with their own media (news paper, tv news, short waves radio chanel), army ( police & some military), politicians, and people. The Red shirts mobilzed brain-washed farmers who for years listen to their version of situation to the city to qualify themself as "protestors" while their army with heavy-arms force attacked the official and civilian communities

[TheBostonbakedbean]

Get this straight! The Red shirts are fake. They'are well-organized terrorists, with their own media (news paper, tv news, short waves radio chanel), army ( police & some military), politicians, and people. The Red shirts mobilzed brain-washed farmers who for years listen to their version of situation to the city to qualify themself as "protestors" while their army with heavy-arms force attacked the official

[landsurfer66]

@racenemo Yes, I'm aware of the King's health, but he's still respected and loved by all decent, law-abiding Thais. This was not a strike as you say. It was a pointless protest that served to show the world how aimless the reds really are. Educated Thais dread the thought of having a government in power that's supported by idiots who would choose to burn their own country rather than negotiate intelligently. They were given ample opportunities. Good riddance!

[racenemo]

@COSMICBUM

You are so right.

[racenemo]

@landsurfer66

The current government was not elected by the people so it ios NOT legitimate.

The King is too sick to sit on the trone.

In all strikes people are payed by the ones in charge.

Abhisit is nothing more than Thaksin.

EVERYBODY is getting rich over tha backs of the poor.

You should know how democracy could work

[COSMICBUM]

@landsurfer66 They must all be from Bangkok.

In the Farang world 1+1= 2.....but Remember,in Thailand 1+1= "whatever you want it to be"

[landsurfer66]

@COSMICBUM So, because Im a foreigner Im ignorant? I guess Im as ignorant and misinformed as all those people (red shirts) from North East Thailand. I get reports from family in Thailand. I know that there are many many Thais who share my "upside-down view point".