Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Updates - Tuesday

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Tuesday March 23 Red-shirt rally live updates

Here you can follow the live updates from the media, hour by hour. To make it easy to follow, this thread is read-only.

See discussion topics in the post below.

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Related topics:

Updates March 20

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t349041.html

Updates March 19

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t348916.html

Updates March 17

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t348232.html

Updates March 16

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t347906.html

Updates March 15

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t347530.html

Updates March 14

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t347258.html

Updates March 13

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t346948.html

Updates March 12

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t346680.html

2,000 Red-Shirts Biker To Protest In Bangkok Today

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/2-000-Red-Sh...Ba-t349766.html

Red Shirts To March On Bangkok Streets Again, Saturday, March 27

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Red-Shirts-M...ts-t349522.html

Thai Red Shirts declare 'class war'

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Red-Shi...ar-t348629.html

PHOTOS:

Lots of Red Shirts Photo Impressions - And please add your own!

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Photo-Impres...-M-t347298.html

Current weather in Bangkok, plus forecasts:

http://weather.thaivisa.com/bangkok/bangkok/

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TAN Network: INN: Gen Chaovalit preparing to request meeting with Gen Prem

TAN Network: 22 companies of police on guard at Parliament building tomorrow; 8 surrounding roads closed to traffic

THE NATION: Man to watch 2day: Chavalit, who's kicking off lobbying coalition allies for a "national govt". Also seeking to meet Prem.

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Jatuporn: Gov't Trying to Provoke Protesters

DAAD Leader Jatuporn Prompan has come out to bash the government for installing barbed wire around the Parliament compound.

He says the administration is trying to provoke the protesters into causing violence.

Security measures have been raised as the government is set to attend tomorrow's Parliament session.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-23

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Chavalit not trying to break up the coalition : aide

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh has denied any attempts to break up the Democrat-led coalition, his aide Chawengsak Thongsaluay said on Tuesday.

"The story about Chavalit is not true and I don't know the intent of the news source," Chawengsak said.

At the party's meeting on Monday, Chavalit and a number of opposition MPs exchanged views and concerns on the current political situation, he said.

The participants agreed work together to overcome the predicament but there was no discussion about attempts to break up the coalition alliance, he added.

Sources claimed the main opposition party assigned Chavalit to lobby junior coalition leaders to abandon the Democrats.

The lobbying was meant to bring about the collapse of the government, paving way for early elections as demanded by the red shirts.

Sources also said Chavalit planned to start his "lobbying efforts" by meeting with Suwat Liptapanlop of Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party.

-- The Nation 2010-03-23

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Negotiaions still possible but not for Thaksin : Korbsak

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government will continue to explore ways for a negotiated settlement with the red shirts but this does not include agendas related to ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, secretary general to the prime minister Korbsak Sabhavasu said on Tuesday.

"The red-shirt leaders must think it through in shaping their demands - if they want the House dissolived, this is not related to Thaksin at all or if they want to discuss Thaksin's issues, then the government might not be in a position to negotiate," he said.

Korbsak voiced optimism for talks to happen eventually despite several failed attempts.

On Monday, Thaksin's brother Payap Shinawatra floated an idea that he could be a go-between to arrange the negotiations between the government and Thaksin in order to end the street protests by the red shirts.

Payap said the political predicament would dissipate if the government agrees not to put Thaksin in jail if he returns from his exile.

In his reaction, Korbsak said Thaksin's problems stemmed from the judicial decisions and that the government had no mandate to intervene in the judiciary.

Chart Thai Pattana Party ranking figure Somsak Prissanananthakul said the Democrats would never help Thaksin eluding his jail term.

"Ranking Democrats like Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan and Abhisit Vejjajiva will not abandon their principles," he said.

Somsak called on Prime Minister Abhisit to take charge for organising talks with the red shirts and parties concerned.

If all sides could agree on how to overcome the turmoil and bring about reconciliation, then the House dissolution is deemed possible, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-03-23

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Thaivisa: Bangkok traffic info: Police close off Rama 5, Sukothai, Ratchawitee roads in preperation for tomorrow's Parliament session

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Rally hurts tourism

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The private sector has urged the anti-government demonstrators currently staging a mass rally in the capital to end their activity as soon as possible before it affects tourism during Songkran holidays in April.

President of the Thai Travel Agents Association, Mr Charoen Wongananont, said the number of reservations for tour packages and accommodations has continued to drop since the rally took place.

He is concerned that if the rally is extended, it will put this year’s tourism under threat.

Many families have decided to cancel their trips as most are worried about the school admission schedule which has been postponed many times due to the ongoing rally.

The application and examination dates are still undecided.

Meanwhile, president of the Thai Hotels Association Prakit Chinamornphong admitted that the protest has become a big problem for the tourism sector.

If it is prolonged beyond 23 March, it will most likely affect the foreigners travelling during Songkran holidays.

The room reservation rate in Bangkok has been declining constantly. Early checkouts have been reported as the tourists are unsure about the situation.

-- NNT 2010-03-23

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Thailand's 'Red Shirts' make headlines but little progress - Analysis

by Sarah Stewart

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's "Red Shirts" have propelled their theatrical protest movement into a second week, but observers give them little chance of achieving their ambitions of forcing snap elections.

Despite headlines generated by stunts including splashing their own blood on the prime minister's home and offices, they have gained little traction against the government they say is the tool of Thailand's elites.

But even when the supporters of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra pack up their protest camp in Bangkok and head back to their homes, mostly in the rural north, the phenomenon they have unleashed will continue to rage.

There are predictions of years more turmoil as Thailand's political system struggles to incorporate the aspirations of the rural poor that were awakened when Thaksin came to power a decade ago on a populist platform.

"My expectation is that the protests will fizzle out," said Michael Montesano from the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore.

"I don't think that they have really tested the government in any fundamental way," he said, adding that conduct on both sides had exceeded expectations.

The rolling demonstration began on March 14, after a court seized 1.4 billion dollars of Thaksin's fortune. The tycoon was toppled in a 2006 coup and lives in exile to avoid a two-year jail sentence for graft imposed in absentia.

The Reds' campaign, including a carnival-like parade through Bangkok last Saturday, is aimed at building support among the capital's influential middle class, and in the ranks of the army, which backs the current administration.

But Thailand remains deeply mired in its colour-coded conflict which pits the red-clad Thaksin fans against rival "Yellow Shirts" who are backed by the Bangkok-based elites of the palace, military and bureaucracy.

"This is going to take years to resolve because Thaksin was the first populist who figured out how to appeal to the majority of the people," said Bob Broadfoot from the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy.

"Even if you get rid of him, the majority still exist, and they may be uneducated but they're not stupid and they're not going to be discriminated against in the system."

The Red Shirts have won respect for carrying off the current rallies virtually without incident -- after riots a year ago that left two people dead -- but analysts say they must now move beyond street demonstrations.

"At the moment they lack an ideology. They have a lot of nice bumper sticker phrases... but they need to start defining exactly what they mean by those slogans," said James Klein from the Asia Foundation.

There are fears that radical elements could resort to violence to revive the movement when it eventually ebbs, and the government has stepped up security measures including issuing weapons to senior military at key sites.

The Reds are now focusing on mounting a new rally Saturday which they say will "shut down" Bangkok with crowds bigger than last weekend's parade that drew 65,000.

"We will stay and protest no matter how long it takes, until we get what we want," said Reds leader Jatuporn Prompan.

At the protest camp, where numbers have waxed and waned between 5,000 and 100,000 since the campaign began, Thaksin's supporters are unbowed despite the steamy weather and basic conditions.

"I came here by train and arrived at the start," said Banjongsak Tangsangauntham, a 70-year-old from the former premier's stronghold of Chiang Mai in Thailand's north.

"I am tired because of the heat but I have no plan to return home. I will stay here until there is a dissolution of the house," he said as he sat in a folding chair set up next to an electric fan.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who came to power in December 2008 in a parliamentary vote after a court decision removed Thaksin's allies from government, must hold elections by the end of 2011.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said in Hong Kong this week that the troubles had not yet caused major damage but admitted that Thailand's turbulent history had been an impediment to investment in the past.

"We have politics that is impossible, frankly, to understand", he told an investment conference.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-03-23

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Sec-Gen to PM Refuses to Negotiate with Thaksin

BANGKOK: -- The secretary-general to the prime minister has played down the offer made by Thaksin's brother to mediate negotiations between fugitive former prime minister and the government.

Yesterday, President of Pheu Thai Party's Northeastern MPs, Payap Shinawatra, brother of the fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said that Thaksin is prepared to negotiate with the government.

Payap added that negotiations could take place behind closed doors or in public. However, it must be carried out in accordance with democratic principals.

Payap has also offered himself to be the mediator of the negotiations between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the fugitive former premier.

He also pointed out that if the government is sincere about solving the problem, it must negotiate before the country is suffers further damage.

Thaksin's brother also said that if the negotiations are to take place in Thailand, Thaksin must not be prosecuted by law and the government must guarantee his safety.

If the negotiation is to take place outside the country, it must be done through a video conference call, which must be broadcast live to the public.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister's Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu said that it is possible for the negotiation between the government and the red-shirt leaders to take place despite the fact that the efforts have failed many times before.

The government will do whatever is necessary to move the country forward, adding that the matter will certainly brought up at the Cabinet meeting.

Regarding Payap's offer to mediate the negotiation, Korbsak said that he personally believes that the red-shirt group need to clarify their demands.

However, if the red-shirts want to discuss issues surrounding Thaksin with the government, Korbsak doubted that it can be done..

Korbsak added that the reason he has not negotiated with the infamous red-shirt medical doctor, Weng Tochirakarn, is that he is merely a coordinator.

The framework for negotiations must be laid down with its leaders before the real negotiation process could take place.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-23

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Red Shirts won't go to Ministry of Public Health when Cabinet convenes

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Thailand's anti-government protesters from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD)--the Red Shirts--have decided not to go to Ministry of Public Health where the Cabinet will convene its weekly meeting Tuesday while calling for its supporters nationwide to go to Bangkok Saturday for another mass rally, according to UDD leaders.

Mr Jatuporn Prompan said that on Tuesday the demonstrators would stay at the Phan Fah Bridge on Ratchadamneon Avenue, its main protest site, where their rally entered its second week and would not go to protest at the Ministry of Public Health.

The government had shifted its weekly meeting from Government House to the Ministry of Public Health in Nonthaburi to avoid protest by the Red Shirt demonstrators.

The Red Shirt protesters on Sunday announced that they would apply new strategy by sending sone 10,000 members to follow Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva everwhere he goes to pressure him to bow to their demand to dissolve parliament and call fresh election.

Mr Jatuporn said the information the Red Shirt received indicated that the government may incite the violence and blamed the incident on the Red Shirt protesters just similar to the incident at the Interior Ministry during Songkran protest last year.

The prime minister's car was attacked by the protesters at the Interior Ministry but Jatuporn said Mr Abhisit was not in the car and he claimed that the government had soldiers wear red shirts and act violently so as to frame charges against the UDD.

However, Mr Abhisit repeatedly said that he was in the car that was battered by anti-government protesters at the Interior Ministry and the government had not plotted the violence that broke out at the Ministry.

Meanwhile, another UDD leader, Natthawut Saikua, said that althoughthe Red Shirts would not to go to the Ministry of Public Health, it will send 500 volunteer motorcycles across Bangkok on four main routes to the 11th Infantry Regiment, Government House, the prime minister's home at Sukhumvit 31 and the route that they snaked around the capital on Saturday.

He also urged the Red Shirt supporters nationwide to travel to Bangkok again on Saturday for another mass rally after the motorcade last Saturday was successful.

UDD core leader Veera Musikapong read the movement's third statement affirming that the Red Shirts had only one proposal - dissolve the House and return power to people.

However, the UDD was open for talks but both sides must have full authority in making decision, he said, adding that the government must be represented only by Mr Abhisit as he has full authority to dissolve Parliament.

He said after the House dissolution every group would be immediately dissolved and an agreed upon social consensus that every political party could campaign in every area and after the general elelction every group must accept to let the country go on. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-03-23

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THE NATION: Pheu Thai Party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit said he is arranging meetings w/ coalition parties to push for Parliament dissolution

Bangkok Post: Protesters distribute red stickers

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Senators Request Non-Vote Parliamentary Session to Discuss Protests

BANGKOK: -- Senators have submitted a letter to the Senate president requesting that a non-vote parliamentary session be held to allow the Cabinet to report on the red-shirt rally.

As the representative of a number of senators, Senator Kamnoon Sitthisamarn, Senator Somchai Sawangkarn and Senator Rosana Tositrakul have submitted a letter signed by 81 senators to Senate President Prasopsuk Boondej, requesting that a non-vote parliamentary session be held.

The proposed session will give the Cabinet an opportunity to give a report on the red-shirt rally and for the Senators to consult with each other about the current situation.

Prasopsuk said that the request will be submitted to the prime minister for his consideration.

The senate president also pointed out that the timing of the meeting is entirely up to the prime minister.

However, he hopes that it will be held no later than early April as to demonstrate the government's sincerity in solving the country's problems.

Also in a Senate session, Kamnoon expressed concerns regarding the so-called “class war” that was discussed at the red-shirt rally.

He said that if the government continues to ignore this issue, it could have dire consequences. Kamnoon suggests people from various backgrounds need to be recruited to assist the government in solving the country's problems.

And while Kamnoon believes that the prime minister should not dissolve the parliament, Kamnoon said that the premier should directly negotiate with the red-shirts.

He also said that the negotiations between the two sides should be broadcast live for the public to see.

Somchai has expressed concerns that the topics being discussed at the red-shirt rally could deepen the social conflict and said that the government should investigate the source of the rally's funding.

However, he said that the negotiations should be done behind closed doors.

-- Tan Network 2010-02-23

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Security reinforced nationwide

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Security measures have been stepped up in various provinces after anti-government demonstrators gathered in front of the city halls.

At the City Hall in Nakhon Sawan Province, authorities are safeguarding the points of entrances and exits 24 hours, only allowing civil workers to enter.

Provincial police officers were instructed to inspect important government agencies all day.

Meanwhile, in Phitsanulok province, Commander of the Phitsanulok Provincial Police, Police Major General Tammanoon Petchburikul has launched a line of 171 crowd control police officers to areas where the protests take place.

The officers are unarmed, only equipped with a shield and a bludgeon.

However, in Buri Ram province, security has not been increased with no protests so far. A march by the “silent voice” or people who disagree with protests has recently taken place in the province to call for peace.

-- NNT 2010-03-23

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Senior members of Democrat urged to talk with UDD

BANGKOK (NNT) – Senior members of the ruling Democrat Party are urged to be mediators negotiating with the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) in order to solve the ongoing political conflict, Opposition Chief Whip Wittaya Buranasiri said.

Mr Wittaya viewed that representatives of the government to talk with the UDD should be senior members of the party, such as Democrat Chief Advisor Chuan Leekpai and Democrat Party Advisor Banyat Bantadtan.

He reasoned that they had power in the party and had seniority in Thai politics.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is the current leader of the ruling Democrat Party and many ministers in the coalition government are members of the party as well.

Regarding the UDD’s march around Bangkok on 20 March 2010, the Opposition Chief Whip said it was the highest point of the UDD’s political movement against the government.

He suggested that the prime minister should now deal with the rallies himself.

Mr Wittaya added that the UDD demonstrations caused damages to the nation less than the airport seizure by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in November 2008.

The anti-government UDD used to disrupt the 14th ASEAN Summit organized in Pattaya, Chon Buri, in 2009 and rioted in Bangkok during Songkran Festival in the same year.

-- NNT 2010-03-23

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Prem in hospital for illness in old age

BANGKOK: -- Chief royal adviser General Prem Tinsulanonda, 90, has been admitted at Prommitr Hospital for treatments on age-related illnesses, Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said on Tuesday.

"Prem is sick and not involved in the current political turmoil," he said, dismissing a suggestion to involve Prem in negotiations among the government, the red shirts, ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and other parties concerned.

-- The Nation 2010-03-23

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MCOT News: Cabinet extends security law enforcement for another week from March 23 to 30 in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan

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Red shirts distribute 500,000 stickers for House dissolution

Led by their leader Weng Tojirakarn on Tuesday, the red shirts rode in a convoy of more than 1,000 motorcyles and cars to distribute more than half a million stickers around Bangkok calling for the dissolution of Parliament.

The red shirts covered more than 15 main roads in the capital.

Starting off at Phan Far Bridge from Rajdamnoen Avenue, they travelled along key routes including New Phetchaburi, Asoke, Ratchadapisek, Lad Phrao, Ramkhamhaeng and Rama IV.

-- The Nation 2010-03-23

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Thai protesters to hold candlelight vigil for King

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's anti-government protesters said they will hold a candlelight vigil Wednesday to honour the revered monarch, who has been in hospital since September.

The "Red Shirts" loyal to fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra have been demonstrating since March 14, pushing for snap elections to replace a government they criticise as elitist and undemocratic.

"Tomorrow we will light candles at eight o'clock in the evening to bless His Majesty the King's good health and to show our loyalty to the monarchy," Reds leader Jatuporn Prompan said Tuesday.

Thaksin, who lives in exile to avoid a jail term for corruption, has been accused by his critics of disloyalty to King Bhumibol Adulyadej -- a grave offence in Thailand, where the monarch is regarded by many as a demi-god.

The 82-year-old, who is the world's longest-reigning monarch, was admitted to hospital on September 19 with a lung infection and fever. He has appeared in public several times since then.

The protesters are also planning a rally on Saturday which they say will "shut down" Bangkok and exceed the parade they mounted in the capital last weekend which drew 65,000 people in a noisy but peaceful procession.

The Reds have rejected Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's offers of talks with a junior minister, saying they will only speak with the premier and only to discuss the dissolution of the lower house.

Jatuporn played down comments from Thaksin's brother, who reportedly said he could act as a go-between to negotiate talks aimed at ending the street protests, which threaten to damage Thailand's image and economy.

"Thaksin's brother gave his private comments, it does not relate to the Red Shirts and what we call for again today is the dissolution of the house," Jatuporn said.

The Reds say the government is illegitimate as it came to power with army backing via a parliamentary vote in December 2008 after a court decision ousted Thaksin's allies from power.

The ruling brought an end to a blockade of Bangkok's airports by rival, royalist "Yellow Shirts".

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-03-23

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Prem not in hospital : Pajun

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Chief royal adviser General Prem Tinsulanonda, 90, has been admitted at Prommitr Hospital for treatments on age-related illnesses, Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said on Tuesday.

"Prem is sick and not involved in the current political turmoil," he said, dismissing a suggestion to involve Prem in negotiations among the government, the red shirts, ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and other parties concerned.

Chavalit said he would meet with every political party in a bid to broker peace and restore normalcy.

He said he wanted the opposing sides to work together in overcoming the turmoil and that he would not demand the dissolution of Parliament as a pre-condition to end the protests by the red shirts.

Prem's aide Admiral Pajun Tampratheep denied, however, that Prem was sick and hospitalised.

"Prem is well and not in the hospital as speculated," he said.

Chavalit amended his statement to say if Prem were sick, he would paid a hospital visit.

-- The Nation 2010-03-23

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No crackdown planned but roads around Parliament closed Wednesday

BANGKOK: -- The Peace-keeping Operations Command is not planning to disperse the crowds as alleged and has no involvement in a spate of bombing incidents in recent days, Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on Tuesday.

"In light of attempts to spread false informations, the people should check and verify what they heard before forming judgement," he said.

As a security precaution ahead of Wednesday's House session, the command has designated eight roads surrounding Parliament as the traffic restriction zone where traffic police are authorised to close off the routes to unauthorised vehicles.

-- The Nation 2010-03-23

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Breaking News: Tap water supply to stop tonight in several Bangkok areas.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Tap-Water-St...as-t349857.html

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Two bombs attack in Public Health Ministry where cabinet meets

Two bombs exploded in Public Health Ministry compound near a building where the Cabinet used as a venue for its special meeting.

No one was injured. The attacks took place as a press conference conducted after the special cabinet meeting is taking place.

The cabinet changed the meeting from the Government House to avoide the red shirts protesters who have been rallying at Pan Fah Bridge nearby.

-- The Nation 2010-03-23

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MCOT: Two unidentified explosive devices rock Ministry of Public Health complex; no casualties reported

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Thaksin out of Dubai, his whereabouts unconfirmed

BANGKOK: -- Ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra has left Dubai since Monday's night and his whereabouts is still unkown, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Tuesday.

Thaksin stayed in the United Arab Emirates for two days after his return from Montenegro last week, Kasit said.

On Monday's night, Thaksin cut short his video link after speaking for about five minutes, saying he had sore throat.

-- The Nation 2010-03-23

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MCOT: FM Kasit: Thaksin left Dubai last night but destination unknown; asks Thai embassies worldwide to locate him

MCOT: Minister Jurin believes grenades in Health Ministry complex fired from expressway after security personnel withdrawn, three vehicles damaged

TAN Network: Education Minister reveals M79 grenade launched from expressway after military officers left the area

TAN Network: ASTV: Police are investigating a explosive-like sound that went off near the Veteran's Hospital on Vipavadee Road

TAN Network: CORRECTION: PUBLIC HEALTH MINISTER Jurin reveals M79 grenade launched from expressway after military officers left the area

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Bangkokdan: Solid security presence @ Suvarnabhumi access roads

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HOUSE MEETING

Roads around Parliament to be closed Wednesday

BANGKOK: -- The Peace-keeping Operations Command is not planning to disperse the crowds as alleged and has no involvement in a spate of bombing incidents in recent days, Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on Tuesday.

"In light of attempts to spread false informations, the people should check and verify what they heard before forming judgement," he said.

The command is not a party to the dispute with the red shirts and its main mission is to ensure peace and social order, he said.

He added that speakers at the rally had no justification to cause a scare among the protesters.

He also said the authorities were concerned for a mud-slinging campaign designed to frame them for recent bombings as a pretext to invoke the emergency rule.

As a security precaution ahead of Wednesday's House session, the command has designated eight roads surrounding Parliament as the traffic restriction zone where traffic police are authorised to close off the routes to unauthorised vehicles.

In another order, the command has banned any attempts to stir up trouble or provoke violence at Parliament and surrounding areas.

An offender of the two peace-keeping measures can be punished by a jail term of up to one year and a fine of no more than Bt20,000.

-- The Nation 2010-03-23

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Public Health urged to vaccinate red shirts

The Influenza Foundation Thailand (IFT) is calling on the Public Health Ministry to vaccinate all red-shirt demonstrators against influenza A(H1N1) to prevent the spread of the disease.

"The disease can easily spread in a crowded area," IFT chairman Prasert Thongcharoen said Tuesday.

He said in a large crowd, the A(H1N1) virus could directly transmit from an infected person to other people via coughing or other forms of contact.

"Such transmission can take place regardless of weather conditions," he said.

Prasert believed the Public Health Ministry had enough vaccine doses for the red-shirt demonstrators.

-- The Nation 2010-03-23

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TAN Network: INN: Another M79 attack on Robinson Dept Store near Chiang Mai Airport; no injuries