PPT initially missed a report a couple of days ago on a court case regarding the “death of Channarong Polsrila, who was shot in front of a Shell petrol station on Rang Nam Road in Phaya Thai district on the night of May 15, 2010.”
This death, and others in that area saw deliberate targeting by the Army of anyone considered likely to be a red shirt. The Abhisit Vejjajiva government had imposed a state of emergency in Bangkok and live fire zones were declared around the red shirt encampment.
Suthep Thaugsuban (Bangkok Post photo)
The court heard testimony from then deputy premier Suthep Thaugsuban who stated that as “director of … [the] Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation, he ordered officials to block people from entering red-shirt protest sites and instructed officials to take action in accordance with international standards.” The former is true. If the latter, then the Army disobeyed orders. In the circumstances of the time, this seems unlikely.
In any case, Suthep went on to testify that:
officials were told to use only shields, clubs, rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons. Only commanders were allowed to carry pistols, rifles and live ammunition to defend themselves and others _ but they were not allowed to kill anyone.
Clearly, based on all the evidence of reporters, available video reports and all of the investigative reports released to date, Suthep is treating the court with contempt. He seems to think that impunity will continue to prevail.
