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Explosions And Heavy Gunfire In Bangkok Ahead Of Elections

Tyler Durden's picture




 

17 years ago, the first major Emerging Market crisis started in Thailand, leading to the Russian default and the collapse of LTCM ushering in the era of Too Big To Fail. This time, all the world needed for the second major EM crisis, was for Ben Bernanke to announce he is giving global central planning a break (because one can be certain the Untaper will be right back on the agenda as soon as the S&P enters a bear market). Ironically, Thailand has largely been insulated from the EM decimation, even through it is now in as bad a political shape as it ever was, and one day ahead of the February 2 general elections things are getting from bad to worse. AFP reports that explosions and heavy gunfire rattled Bangkok Saturday as pro- and anti-government protesters clashed on the eve of controversial Thai elections seen as unlikely to end a cycle of violence in the kingdom after months of opposition rallies.

So far the market has discounted the political tensions' impact on the economy, but that may change soon, especially if tomorrow's election fails to stabilize the unstable political situation. "Tensions are high in the capital ahead of snap elections on Sunday, which opposition demonstrators have vowed to block as they seek to prevent the likely re-election of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra."

Tensions reached a breaking point hours ago when bystanders, security personnel and journalists raced to take cover in a shopping mall after a masked gunman man began spraying bullets from an assault rifle during confrontations between government supporters and opposition demonstrators, according to an AFP reporter.

AFP reports from the ground:

At least six people were injured as a busy intersection in a northern suburb of the capital was turned into a battle zone with volleys of sustained gunfire ricocheting off buildings for over an hour in a daylight attack that sent shockwaves across the city.

 

Bangkok has been rocked by weeks of sometimes bloody political violence during rallies by a loose coalition opposed to Yingluck and the enduring influence of her brother Thaksin Shinawatra -- a former premier ousted by the military in 2006.

 

Saturday's clashes happened after demonstrators blocking ballot boxes from being delivered from the Lak Si district office -- one of 50 in the capital -- were confronted by a group of some 200 government supporters, some armed with sticks and metal bars. At least two explosions were heard in the area before the firing began.

 

"The clash point is the intersection, gun shots seemed to be fired from both sides," said Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher with New York-based Human Rights Watch, who was at the scene. He said a reporter was among the injured.

 

The firing started after talks between the rival groups broke down in the area, which is roughly split between Yingluck's supporters and those backing the opposition protests, Sunai added.

 

"This is what we forecast for tomorrow. Tensions could flair up into violence very easily," he told AFP, adding that protesters had been evacuated and tensions appeared to have calmed after nightfall. At least 10 people have been killed and hundreds injured in clashes, grenade attacks and drive-by shootings since the opposition rallies began three months ago.

 

The unrest is the latest round of political instability to hit Thailand since royalist generals ousted Thaksin seven years ago, unleashing a cycle of sporadically-violent street protests.

If there is any silver lining about the current cycle of violence is that so far it has not reached the proportions of the 2010 clashes when a military crackdown on pro-Thaksin Red Shirts demonstrating against the previous government left more than 90 people dead and nearly 1,900 injured.

The backdrop to the protests is a years-long political struggle pitting the kingdom's royalist establishment -- backed by the courts and the military -- against Thaksin, a billionaire tycoon-turned-politician. The current protesters are mainly made up of Thaksin's foes in the Bangkok middle classes and southerners, backed by factions in the elite.

 

They are demanding Yingluck's elected government step down to make way for an unelected "people's council" that would oversee loosely defined reforms to tackle corruption and alleged vote-buying.

 

"The government is corrupt. If we let the vote go on then they will come back, so we should not hold the election," said opposition protester Sirames, who gave only one name, at the Lak Si office before the violence broke out.

 

Yingluck's opponents say she is a puppet for her elder brother Thaksin Shinawatra, who lives in Dubai to avoid a prison term for graft. Around 130,000 police are set to protect 93,000 polling stations across the country on Sunday.

 

Yingluck is likely to win the poll, helped by strong support in Thaksin's north and northeastern heartlands.

 

But uncertainty hangs over the results, with unrest threatening polling and several constituencies without a candidate. Authorities on Saturday said protesters were also blocking ballot boxes being delivered to polling stations across southern Thailand -- the stronghold of the opposition Democrat Party.

While the probability of a deadly escalation tomorrow is slim - for now - the last thing the EMs need at this point is the flaring of risk at yet another key focal point, especially one that has so much deja vu emotional significance for market participants. We will keep an eye on Thailand over the next 24 hours and update as needed.

 

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Sat, 02/01/2014 - 10:45 | 4391134 fonzannoon
fonzannoon's picture

I took simon black's advice and store my gold in Thailand. This is quite disconcerting.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 10:45 | 4391136 RacerX
RacerX's picture

I'm sure you're gold will be well taken care of.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 10:51 | 4391141 negative rates
negative rates's picture

Best way to break up a fight, is with a bigger fight.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:14 | 4391183 SWRichmond
SWRichmond's picture

See how easy it is for agent provocateur to cast a shadow on an election?

Cui Bono?

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:23 | 4391193 Disenchanted
Disenchanted's picture

Looks like the economic hitmen are in fine form in Siam...

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 15:06 | 4391568 Miles Ahead
Miles Ahead's picture

Nope.  It's not that thing (econ hitmen).  It's the other thing.  No time to explain, time to roll out to Soi 11...

Anyway this is all that really matters... (aw, thought we could post pictures!) I got a nice T-shirt!

Gotta get your souvenier.  I'm American after all...  tomorrow gotta get me a bandanna...

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 18:18 | 4391950 The_Prisoner
The_Prisoner's picture

+1 Thaksin is a globalist stooge, and the reason the globalists want to wreck havock in Thailand is that the king, and the Thai people's culture of agrarian self-sufficiency is naturally opposed to the globalists plans of control of the individual through urbanisation and debt.

http://www.landdestroyer.blogspot.com.au/

http://landdestroyer.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/self-sufficiency-local-solu...

 

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 23:53 | 4392792 Tabarnaque
Tabarnaque's picture

Yingluck (better said Taksin) is an economic hit man working for the Anglo-American banking cartel. His aim is to enrich himself as much as he can through heavy corruption of all kind while getting the country heavily indebt.

 

The situation in Thailand is a fight between the old oligarch of Thailand against the G-7 Banksters. If Yingluck (Taksin) wins then Thailand will eventually loose its sovereignty as the national debt builds up to unsustainable levels and the IMF and WB will be called in to place the country under the control of their so called “structural adjustment programs”. This is the same story that happened over and over, again and again all over the world.

 

The fascist G-7 Banksters have fucked up so many countries: Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, Egypt, Argentina, Greece, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, just to name a few... I hope the Thai nationals win this fight.

 

This election will not resolve the current political clash. It will only worsen the situation.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:27 | 4391198 AlaricBalth
AlaricBalth's picture

One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble
Not much between despair and ecstasy
One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble
Can't be too careful with your company
I can feel the Devil walking next to me
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R9cNtrrCP0E

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 10:50 | 4391142 fonzannoon
fonzannoon's picture

I just got a voicemail from Marc Faber. It was just him laughing that evil laugh and then he said "Goood Luck wit Yo gowld chump I have beeeen in Palm Springs this whole time".

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 15:27 | 4391617 Frank -THE COIN -
Frank -THE COIN -'s picture

Yingluck in German translates to ShitOuttaLuck.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 10:50 | 4391144 Yellowhoard
Yellowhoard's picture

All your gold are belong to us now.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 10:53 | 4391151 IridiumRebel
IridiumRebel's picture

Mine is in Argentina. I got a letter in Spanish that said, "Tienes no mas oro. Chengate." I don't know Spanish so if someone could translate that'd be great.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:06 | 4391174 negative rates
negative rates's picture

It's says your gold got trusted, or liberated as we say in the bis.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 12:23 | 4391271 Emergency Ward
Emergency Ward's picture

"You have no more gold.  Fuck yourself.  Con mucho cariño, Cristina"

 

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 12:57 | 4391360 IridiumRebel
IridiumRebel's picture

Garcia!

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 14:01 | 4391464 El Vaquero
El Vaquero's picture

Grassy Ass!

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:25 | 4391197 LoneStarHog
LoneStarHog's picture

Glad I ignored that advise and stored my in Siam.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 16:16 | 4391703 Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill's picture

Hope you stored it under the floating market Fonz.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 16:31 | 4391727 DosZap
DosZap's picture

Wonder if FABER has temporarily relocated to SingaPOOR?.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 20:04 | 4392219 Martel
Martel's picture

I took simon black's advice and store my gold in Thailand. This is quite disconcerting.

Marc Faber lives in Thailand, yet stores his gold in Singapore freeport.

Sun, 02/02/2014 - 03:01 | 4393037 Kirk2NCC1701
Kirk2NCC1701's picture

Marc lives in Thailand for tax purposes and scheduled 'HW Maintenance'.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 10:50 | 4391146 IridiumRebel
IridiumRebel's picture

Yes, but what about Justin Bieber?....and the Super Bowl?

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 10:52 | 4391148 General Decline
General Decline's picture

The guy in the first pic appears to be taking careful aim with that 2" barrel revolver. I hope the guy he is shooting at is immediately outside the frame in front of him. Hey, you run what u brung, I guess.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:07 | 4391171 cossack55
cossack55's picture

In the US the revolver would have a 6x42 scope on it.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:59 | 4391248 CoonT
CoonT's picture

Probably won't find a "Got 7.62?" bumper sticker, on the back of his toyota. This guy needs to get in touch with Mr. Wolverine...

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 10:55 | 4391156 Pheonyte
Pheonyte's picture

You know it's serious when the orangutans take to the streets.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:13 | 4391182 Ignatius
Ignatius's picture

And a patriotic chimp at that (holding a flag).

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:21 | 4391189 General Decline
General Decline's picture

Put the Stars and Stripes in the monkey's hand and you'd barely be able to tell him apart from a typical American voter.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 12:01 | 4391255 Urban Redneck
Urban Redneck's picture

It would be more serious if the dinosaurs were donning their old military fatigues. The guy who was PM when the Asian Financial Crisis struck also led not one, but two successful counter-coups against other elements within the military before becoming PM.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 15:22 | 4391604 Joenobody12
Joenobody12's picture

What is our president doing over there ? 

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:03 | 4391167 Papasmurf
Papasmurf's picture

It's okay as long as they don't have to wait more than 30 minutes to vote.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:08 | 4391176 observer007
observer007's picture

Latest News from Bangkok

Lots of casualties:

http://tersee.com/#q=thailand&t=text

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:11 | 4391180 cossack55
cossack55's picture

Another photo of the cat with the snub-nose.  I'd guess .357.  Love the way he is crawling with the hammer cocked.  

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:36 | 4391207 General Decline
General Decline's picture

It's difficult to concentrate on firearm safety when there's MONKEYS ROAMING THE STREETS WAVING FLAGS!!

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:55 | 4391241 Keyser
Keyser's picture

You mean like these people? 

http://www.secretsofthefed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Tea-party-marc...

or perhaps this guy

http://www.janetwise.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ConfederateFlag.jpg

Folks really shouldn't throw stones when they built the fucking glass house. 

 

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 12:38 | 4391316 Overfed
Overfed's picture

There sure have been an awful lot of worshippers of the State and Jackboot popping up around here lately.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:20 | 4391190 goldhedge
goldhedge's picture

This is not the "Democracy" you are looking for...

Now move along.

 

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:28 | 4391196 JustObserving
JustObserving's picture

Meanwhile if you protest here, you will be treated like a terrorist:

The New York Police Department’s disclosure that it deployed ‘counter-terror’ measures against Occupy protesters encamped in downtown Manhattan’s Zuccotti Park is just the latest example of the so-called War on Terror creeping into every day life

In a nation of fast-food and football junkies, a militarized police, infinite spying by the NSA, fluoride in the water, high obesity, the highest incarceration rate in the world, it is not easy to protest anything.  If you protest in the land of the free, you must be a terrorist:

But already, the Israelification of American law enforcement appears to have intensified police hostility towards the civilian population, blurring the lines between protesters, common criminals, and terrorists.”

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/12/04/report-israeli-model-underlies-mil...

In breaking news, the UK takes a big leap to fascism on Monday.  If you are a journalist, you must be a terrorist:

UK media organizations have warned that if a government bill authorizing police to seize journalists' notebooks, photos and digital files is passed Monday, it could seriously endanger press freedom in the country.

 Currently, requests for reporters’ notebooks and files must be made in open court, and representatives of news organizations are allowed to be present in the courtroom. However, if Clause 47 in Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Letwin's deregulation bill is passed February 3, secret hearings could authorize the seizure of journalists’ files. 

Under the bill, the police will be basically given carte blanche to access journalists' information without their consent. 

http://rt.com/news/freedom-seizure-journalists-bill-512/


 

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:36 | 4391210 john39
john39's picture

wake up call. we are all palestinians now.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 12:01 | 4391250 Keyser
Keyser's picture

The irony is the people on this thread that don't realize this and then denigrate the thais for wanting a legitimate government. Enough so to take to the streets in protest for weeks on end. Unless you live under a rock, Thailand ain't the only place where the natives are running amok, while the sheeple in the US celebrate their annual championship gladiator event.  

He who sacrifices freedom for security deserves neither. - Benjamin Frankllin


Sat, 02/01/2014 - 12:20 | 4391275 TPTB_r_TBTF
TPTB_r_TBTF's picture

Democracy only works for the Majority,

 

so all over the World,

 

Violent Minorities take to the streets.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 20:27 | 4392275 nevket240
nevket240's picture

Dear Keyser,

please turn off your computer, pull up your pants, put the box of tissues back on mummies table and go play with the traffic outside. There we go little one, you will have more 'smarts' between your ears after a radiator go through that space than what exists now.

 

:denigrate the thais for wanting a legitimate government: ?????????????

The Royalist ( corrupt Royal coutiers) and Military ( the real rulers of Siam ) and Bangkok mafia ( mainly Chinese families ) want an "unelected" council you WankerPedia expert.

regards

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 21:20 | 4392374 satoshi911
satoshi911's picture

T h a i I will not mention, last week they (ZH) posted an OP on thailand I got deleted/banned within 15 minutes. Obviously talking about T H A I here is like talking about A I P A C, a big fucking no-no.

Nevket I'm impressed, you got 4 years on ZH and your not a goldman-sachs apologist.

Only one commenter on this entire thread  understands th ai la nd, and that is nevket240

Sun, 02/02/2014 - 00:43 | 4392887 Marigold
Marigold's picture

What planet are you living on ? The Thaksin Red Shirt government is stripping the country clean with it's rice scheme vote buying scam among others. The educated middle classes have taken to the streets to shout enough and it will not be the rule of the majority who vote themselves more goodies. I applaud the courage of the protesters who are willing to stand up to these facist thugs of Thaksin.

Sun, 02/02/2014 - 05:17 | 4393103 Casey Stengel
Casey Stengel's picture

Every business person I've talked to here says who in their right mind is going to vote for being ruled by an unelected ruling council.

We should check with Simon to see what he advice he has. The head guy at the concierge desk chuckled and said go anywhere you want in the morning hours and avoid 6 or 7 places in the afternoon/evening. Enjoy you stay in Bangkok. 

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 11:51 | 4391232 shovelhead
shovelhead's picture

If only Mittens supporters were that loyal...

We could have flag waving monkeys in our streets too.

America.

The Land of Missed Opportunity.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 12:21 | 4391280 Deo vindice
Deo vindice's picture

If spelling and grammar are to be the measure, then many of them also post on internet forums ... even ZH.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 15:40 | 4391644 ReactionToClose...
ReactionToClosedMinds's picture

and it is 'really' the corrupt West/'banksters'/CIA fueling disenchatment of Ukraine .....messing with an exemplarary regime .....that is the 90+% sentiment here ...got it.  More throwing the baby out with the bathwater .... but is is easier that way .... you don't have to discern or think or examine the specifics or broader dynamics.

Look I'm not  here to preach but sometimes people get fed up ...as they are trying to express in Thailand (where I do not take a side as I do not know enough....Ukraine I know enough about ...they have a problem inherently because Stalin annexed a large chunk of Russia onto Ukraine to subdue any protential Ukrainian 'voting' expression ... how clear do you need it ?)

 

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 20:18 | 4392239 Rakshas
Rakshas's picture

Ok so on the subject of morans; which is the greater statement on the - fuck it let's call it the American Experience  for lack of a stupider way to say it - Honey fucking BOO BOO or George W? 

could it be they are both abstract horsemen of the appocolypse??  

 

in the words of the Prophet - We're shit outta luck and Jolly Well Fucked........

 

RIP GC - you won

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 12:42 | 4391325 Kirk2NCC1701
Kirk2NCC1701's picture

A man watches a bankster movie on TV, when the lights go out and shots are heard.

 “When shots are heard, you get stressed.  When you get stressed, you need to get away. When you need to get away, you go for something exotic – like Bangkok"

"When you go for something exotic, you get bitten by something exotic. When you get bitten by something exotic, things swell up.”  [The man is bitten in the face by an exotic insect and his face swells up.]

“When things swell up yo,u can’t go home.  And when you can’t go home, you become a local fisherman that they call Big Fatty Face (BFF).”

“Don’t become a local fisherman they call Big Fatty Face.  Get rid of banksters and upgrade to ZH-TV.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 19:38 | 4392157 22winmag
22winmag's picture

The DirecTV commercials are some of the most twisted doom-porn comedies every to grace a television set.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 12:42 | 4391331 johngerard
johngerard's picture

Maybe it's time for the first foreign invasion in Thailand's history? Surely we have a responsibilty to protect...someone or other?

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 20:45 | 4392261 nevket240
nevket240's picture

Another WankerPedia expert. The French had Garrisons in Bangers before WW2. The Thai were on the Japs side and eventually expelled them, French, only to lose their more modern navy to a small French force in the Battle of Koh Chang. In actual fact, Siam only exists today because of Amerikan intervention after WW2, otherwise the 'mighty' Siamese were going to get the shit kicked out of them for their involvement in the Burma railway and other atrocities.

http://forum.worldofwarships.com/index.php?/topic/641-battle-of-koh-chang/

brief, but ,relevant. The treacherous Thais sided with the Japs in WW2, using them for supplies against the French and Khmer along the old Cambodian border. By the way FuckWit, Siam Reap means 'killing field of the Thai". The Khmer slaughtered a Thai army there.

http://www.countriesquest.com/asia/thailand/history/world_war_ii.htm

read the first 3 lines. (and the rest after you get dressed.)

Fuckin Morons. No fuckin idea of Thai history and the fact they are the most violent, vain and venal pricks you wll ever live with.

regards from reality.

Sun, 02/02/2014 - 13:29 | 4393577 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

Did you really mean to reference a gaming forum as a source?

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 14:21 | 4391491 williambanzai7
williambanzai7's picture

The illusion of choice, Thai style: Spit on Both Houses: http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/392612/spit-on-both-houses-by...

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 14:26 | 4391507 Rising Sun
Rising Sun's picture

This looks fucking bullish to me!!!!

 

ONWARD WITH THE SLAUGHTER!!!!!  CALL THE UN DOG-FUCKERS!!!!!

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 14:26 | 4391509 Iam Yue2
Iam Yue2's picture

1. Hellenic police sounded the alarm on Saturday, February 1, around noon when a car filled with weapons was spotted in the streets of Palaio Faliro in Athens, Greece. According to Greek news, the car had been under surveillance by the Greek Special Anti-Terrorist Unit, for days.

Sniffer dogs were used and when police opened the boot they found one RPG, 3 rockets, 3 AK-47 Kalashnikov rifles, 4 hand grenades and a large number of rounds.

Greek police officers had originally spotted the car when patrolling the area surrounding the New Democracy headquarters. It has been reported that the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit intercepted calls suggesting that the headquarters were being targeted. This led them to the car which was parked about 1km away.

2. Recent polls have shown that 62 percent of elderly people in Greece don’t have the financial means to feed themselves properly, while 65 percent say they are starving and 32 percent report having made cuts in portion sizes.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 19:36 | 4392151 22winmag
22winmag's picture

If this was America, the dude with the snubnose revolver would have a bull barrel 7.62x51 semi-auto rifle in his hands.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 19:51 | 4392183 bigmango
bigmango's picture

Unlike the USA, the Thai middle class is out in the street fighting for it's life against globalist thugs like Taksin and their MSM pals. Same game plan in Thailand as stateside though, create a legion of zombies loyal to you for their thin soup, skim the cream through corruption for yourself, and make a shrinking middle class pay for it all. Bangkok's middle class still cares enough to fight for their rights and future instead of heading down to Walmart to stock up for the gladiator games every Sunday. We'll see how many of them die for their cause this weekend.

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 20:16 | 4392248 nevket240
nevket240's picture

Must be Great Shit you're smokin dude, where the fuck do you get your ideas from???

WankerPedia???

Sun, 02/02/2014 - 02:59 | 4393035 bigmango
bigmango's picture

Lived in the kingdom for 10 years, have Thai family, study the place for a living in part. That's what is in my bowl - how about yours?

Sun, 02/02/2014 - 13:32 | 4393588 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

Could you point out a significant inaccuracy in "wankerpedia" in regards to Thailand and give a valid (non-gaming-forum) source?

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 20:28 | 4392281 boeing747
boeing747's picture

Our monkeys in DC are much taller.

Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site!