Thai police hunt 75 'hitmen' ahead of election

[Admin]

Thai police hunt 75 'hitmen' ahead of election
AFP News 2011-05-26

BANGKOK, May 26, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand's national police chief on Thursday ordered a nationwide manhunt for 75 suspected professional killers in an attempt to boost security ahead of a July national election.

"The first group of 29 have repeatedly committed serious crimes and carry a bounty of 100,000 baht (3,300 dollars)," Police General Wichean Potephosree told reporters.

"A second group of 46 hired gunmen carry a 50,000 baht reward," he added.

Wichean also warned anybody found destroying election posters would face criminal charges.

"Perpetrators could be punished with three months in jail, a 6,000 baht fine or both," he said.

The July 3 vote is shaping up to be a close fight pitting Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's establishment-backed Democrats against allies of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup.

Thaksin's youngest sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, is the main opposition Puea Thai party's candidate for premier.

Police said they would focus their pre-election security operation on seizing firearms and arresting criminals in highly competitive constituencies in 10 provinces.

An opposition politician was shot and wounded earlier this month while driving his car in an attack he believes was politically motivated.

[nookiebear]

75 seems to be an interesting number to have been plucked out of 'fresh air'........Any guesses as to the success rate??

[Admin]

Morning Focus: Wanted hitmen turned themselves in (30/05/2011)

See Video:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/multimedia/morning-focus/239629/morning-focus-wanted-hitmen-turned-themselves-in-30-05-2011

[Prakhonchai Nick]

Thai police hunt 75 'hitmen' ahead of election
AFP News 2011-05-26

BANGKOK, May 26, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand's national police chief on Thursday ordered a nationwide manhunt for 75 suspected professional killers in an attempt to boost security ahead of a July national election.

"The first group of 29 have repeatedly committed serious crimes and carry a bounty of 100,000 baht (3,300 dollars)," Police General Wichean Potephosree told reporters.

"A second group of 46 hired gunmen carry a 50,000 baht reward," he added.

Wichean also warned anybody found destroying election posters would face criminal charges.

"Perpetrators could be punished with three months in jail, a 6,000 baht fine or both," he said.

They've had years to catch these buggers, but thay have been allowed to stay free. obviously well protected by their own kind!

As for destroying election posters, it's a bit late. Most of the Democrat posters round here have been defaced and destroyed already!

[manupete]

It also said on the same program that about 180 prospective MP's have asked for Police protection due to death threats from the rival parties