Suthep’s killing fields

There is a truly breathtaking report at The Nation on anti-democrat leader Suthep Thaugsuban’s threat to red shirts.

As well as his “threat to disrupt businesses of the Shinawatra family” Suthep “warned red-shirt leaders of possible attacks by unknown gunmen.”

Clearly, these are not unknown gunmen. If Suthep can make such a warning, he must be in charge of the gunmen.

Suthep was responding to reports that red shirt leaders said “they would lead red-shirt people to confront the PDRC protesters…”. Suthep’s response “indicated that the red shirts might face attacks by unknown [sic.] gunmen.” More astoundingly, Suthep added:

“They should come because popcorn vendors have made popcorn for them,” Suthep said, referring to the gunmen at the clash between the red shirts and PDRC protesters before election day. The clash saw some gunmen covering their rifles with popcorn bags.

He also made specific threats to specific persons:

“Natthawut Saikuar and Jatuporn Promphan should really come … I don’t know these popcorn vendors [sic.] but I really love them.”

These are real and dangerous threats, for Suthep has a history of gangsterism and, when in government in 2010, of ordering troops to gun others down. Then he ordered the use of live fire zones and snipers against red shirts. These are not idle threats.

Suthep is (again) promising murder and mayhem. His murderous proposition promises the real possibility of a dark age and the possibility of a vicious civil war. This is man the Bangkok middle class loves. This is the man the judiciary protects.