Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Monday

[webfact]

Monday May 17 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.

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Related topic: Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Sunday

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[webfact]

Journalists a 'terrorist' target: Thai army

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's military Sunday urged journalists to stay out of a fortified camp occupied by protesters battling government troops in Bangkok, saying the press have become a "terrorist" target.

"The press is a target, as well as people at the protest site," army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd told reporters, adding authorities had information "terrorists" were trying to attack reporters, police and soldiers.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said armed "terrorists" are mixed in with the protesters, who number in the thousands.

Three Thai journalists and a Canadian have been shot and wounded in the legs while covering battles Friday and Saturday between "Red Shirt" protesters and troops outside the camp.

The Canadian, Nelson Rand, of the France 24 news channel, was also shot in the wrist and torso, his employer said.

Against a military armed with assault rifles, the protesters have often fought with homemade weapons including fireworks, rockets, slingshots and burning tyres.

Clashes have so far occurred on the fringes of the Red Shirt camp, and not inside the fortified Ratchaprasong compound which thousands of protesters have occupied for two months in an upscale hotel and retail district.

The army said on Saturday it plans to move against Ratchaprasong if the protesters do not disperse, but it gave no timetable for the action.

"Ratchaprasong is a dangerous zone. This area should be avoided," Sunsern said.

A Japanese cameraman was among 25 people killed on April 10 when clashes broke out during an attempt by troops to clear protesters from an area of the capital.

Human rights groups have expressed concern over the risk to civilians, journalists and even medical rescue workers during the clashes.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said it was "gravely concerned" about the deteriorating situation for journalists as government forces and protesters battled.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-17

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

BANGKOK DANGEROUS : DAY III

Timeline of Bangkok warfare

7.30pm - Erawan Emergency Center reports that the death toll of the Bangkok Warfare is now 29 and 221 injuries. The latest victims were killed by sharpnels of M-79 grenades that landed in Bon Kai area.

7.30pm - Erawan Emergency Center reports that the death toll of the Bangkok Warfare is now 29 and 221 injuries. The latest victims were killed by sharpnels of M-79 grenades that landed in Bon Kai area.

7.15pm - CRES invokes state of emergency in five provinces; Ubon Ratchathani, Mahasarakam, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon and Nongbua Lumpu.

7pm - Emergency Institute of Thailand revives death toll of the Bangkok warfare to 27 and 245 injuries.

6.30pm - CRES announces that May 17 and 18 will be official holidays for government officials. The decision was made as the clashes between troops and red shirts continued and there is no sign of subsiding.

5pm - Curfew will not be issued to handle the chaos in Bangkok : CRES. The decision was made out of concern that issuing of curfew would affect people.

4.20pm - Erawan Emergency Center revives death toll of the Bangkok Crisis to 25, and injured to 215, as of 4.20pm.

The Center identified the latest victim as Somchai Prasupan, 43.

4.19pm - Assailants fire M-79 grenades near Thai-Belgium Bridge, just about 100 meters from the troops' barricades.

4.12pm - Thai PBS reports that a cameraman of PTV was shot at his back but he is saved by a bulletproof vest.

A field reporter of Thai PBS says the PTV cameraman, Phutthapong Chusaeng, was shot while lying down on the ground along with him. He was saved by the vest as the bullet did not piece through the vest.

The two were on the roadside between the Rama IV expressway and Lumpini Tower building.

3pm - Women, children and elderly people are seen packing their stuffs and leave the Rajprasong rally site for Pathum Wanaram Temple located nearby. The temple's authority earlier announced that the temple's compound is safe zone and reserved for any protesters only with one condition, they must have no weapons.

1.40pm - CRES spokesman Sansern says in a press briefing that police, officials, Red Cross and NGOs will persuade red shirts protesters particularly women and children to abandon the protests.

The government will arrange vehicles for them to return home. The campaign to reduce the number of protesters will end at 3pm tomorrow.

1.15pm - Sansern says the CRES has learnt that the terrorists would be dressed like police or troops to try to create a situation by causing misunderstanding that two sides of security forces would fight against each other.

1pm - The spokesman of the Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation will hold a meeting at 2.30pm to decide details about curfew imposing.

CRES spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd says police will study where curfew should be imposed and when and report their plan to the CRES for discussion at 2.30pm.

11.30am - Channel 3 reports that red-shirt protesters seized traffic light booth at the Din Daeng Intersection and light a big fire in the middle of road using tyres. Think smoke was seen billowing.

11.15am : red shirts try to fire a Bang Fire rocket but it goes off accidentally and injured themselves in Din Daeng area.

The protesters also threaten to fire at authorities if they attempt to break up the rally at the intersection.

11am : Red shirt protesters burn tyres in Bon Kai area, close to Bon Kai community. The fire engulfes and razes to the ground a Tesco Express located nearby.

11am - The Chulalongkorn Hospital announces that its medical services will be closed from Monday (May 19) until further notice.

The statement says the situation outside the hospital is not safe for its medical personnel and patients so it decides to close its Out-patient Department and its special clinic after office hours until further notice.

It will also suspend all surgery operations except the case of emergency. The public can call 02-256-4183 for further information.

10am - A Nation reporter sees a woman shot at her head at 10 am Sunday while observing the protest in front of the Bon Kai community near the Rama IV expressway.

9.30am - BTS and MRT services suspended for the second day.

9am - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva urges in a TV-pool programme the protesters to abandon the protest and go home.

Speaking live on his weekly TV programme, Abhisit says the ongoing crisis would end only when the red-shirt people end their rally.

He says the authorities have so far laying siege to the protest zone without entering to the main rally zone yet.

He says the people should not join the rally because they could get a jail term if they are arrested and they could be used by terrorists as tools.

He also urges the public to screen and cross-check information before believing.

He has instructed all schools in Bangkok to postpone their new semester by one week. The schools will be open on May 24.

9am - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Emergency Medical Service Centre revives the death toll of two days of clashes between protesters and security forces to 24.

The EMS Centre says so far 198 people are injured.

Of the killed, 23 were men.

8.30am - The situation at the Bon Kai area remains very tense as protesters set a huge fire in the middle of the road using several tyres.

They pile up tyres on at the Rama IV-Wireless Intersection and set fire to the tyres, sending thick smoke into the air. The protesters appear blatant and shout to provoke troops.

8.15am - Blood pressure for Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdiphol has dropped so much that he slipped into kidney failure condition.

Doctor Chaiwan Charoenchokthawee said Khattiya's blood pressure constantly dropped until he was regarded as having kidney failure condition.

"In general, his condition worsened. Doctors are trying to reduce the waste in his blood and urologists are now helping take care of him."

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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[george]

CNN: Fierce gun battle breaks out in Bangkok, Thailand, CNN reporter near scene reports. http://on.cnn.com/b9ZUVd

The Nation photo/news page on Monday: http://tweetphoto.com/22703775 /via @LeroyNewsDesign

(23:50) On Rama3 Rd. Protesters have set many telephone booths on fire /via @Warakorn_NBC

The Nation's front page, May 17: http://tweetphoto.com/22704074 /via @leroynewsdesign

Siam Paragon, A spot for campers. http://twitpic.com/1odpaw /via @RichardBarrow

"We want the UN because we don't trust we will receive justice from organizations in Thailand," protest leader Nattawut Saikuar /AFP

[webfact]

Thailand to probe Thaksin-Red Shirt links

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Over 100 financial transactions linked to former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra will be investigated for possible connections to current "Red Shirt" protests, a government agency said Sunday.

Financial institutions have been asked to give details on transactions from 106 bank or stock accounts since September 1, 2009, said National Security Council (NSC) secretary general Thawin Pleinsri.

Assets held by the exiled telecoms tycoon and his family as well as close aides, former politicians and Red Shirt protest leaders will be frozen if found linked to the anti-government movement, he told reporters.

People who violated the law face up to two years in jail, Thawin said.

Thaksin, who was in office between 2001 and 2006, was ousted in a bloodless military coup and lives overseas to avoid a jail term for corruption.

Many of the Red Shirt protesters who have been occupying central areas in Bangkok since mid-March seek his return to power, hailing his populist policies.

At least 29 people have been killed and over 200 wounded in Bangkok since Friday, after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva shelved talks to hold early elections because the protesters refused to end the rally.

The latest clashes started when the army initiated a lockdown at the rally site, cutting telephone and electricity services and setting up checkpoints on roads into the area.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-17

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

ThaiPBS: Klong Teoi - Checking the Rd. Every car to come in, turn off lights. Protect you from being shot.

FARED: 'First Aid Red Shirts' http://twitpic.com/1odt6t /via @RichardBarrow

Violence could make foreigners net sellers: Foreign investors are likely to dump...... http://bit.ly/ake29M /Updates: http://bit.ly/9VkUId

[Maestro]

Fierce gun battle breaks out in Bangkok

May 16, 2010 12:36 p.m. EDT

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- A fierce gun battle, punctuated by explosions, broke out Sunday in Bangkok in an area where anti-government protesters have amassed by the thousands, according to CNN reporters near the scene.

The gunfire had lasted longer than 15 minutes, said CNN's Dan Rivers, who called it "intense and fierce." The shots sounded like automatic gunfire, he said.

It was unclear whether the Thai military or the protesters were shooting, he said.

Read more: http://us.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/16...ests/index.html

-- CNN 2010-05-16

[Thaivisa News]

BBC: 'Thailand rejects protesters' UN-backed talks plan' http://bit.ly/cOSxO8 /Updates: http://bit.ly/9VkUId

Situation still unstable on Sathorn Soi1. @BangkokLife : "we just need police or army outside PANDANUS bar/rest"

Tonight: Laem Chabang, Chon Buri. http://tweetphoto.com/22707902 /via @Thaitvnews

Sala-Daeng Update: (00:33) Two very loud explosions just went off near Sala-daeng. LOUD. /via @babiefishie

[Maestro]

Innocent being targeted in Bangkok

CNN's Dan Rivers says the innocent are being shot at as Red Shirt protesters face off against police in Thailand.

-- CNN 2010-05-16

[Thaivisa News]

Sala-Daeng Update: (00:37) Exchange of gunfires heard after the explosions. /via @babyfishie

Guardian: Pics from today's events (May 16th) of Smokey Bangkok and its homemade rockets: http://bit.ly/bQ7cKg

Sala-Daeng Update: (00:42) Automatic weapons involved and multiple single shots going on for minutes. /via @babyfishie /http://bit.ly/9VkUId

Nana crossing heading towards Ploenchit is barricaded! /via @sajal

Video taken on May 15: Running commentry. Soi Ngam Duplii, Rama4: http://bit.ly/aDmq7s

iReport.com has been confirmed to be blocked. "Emergency Decree on Public Administration. In emergency situations, BE 2548".

Urgent: The British Embassy is closed to the public until further notice. The situation will be reviewed on a day-by-day basis.

Urgent: British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance should call 02 305 8333 (in Thailand)

Urgent: Keep up to date with the latest travel advice from the British Embassy here: http://bit.ly/aSZz2S

[Thaivisa News]

Sala-Daeng Update: Another LOUD explosion followed by repeat single shots /via @babyfishie

pdate: CNN's iReport confirmed to be blocked on True ISP within Thailand. TOT are currently not blocking the website.

Update: The Nana blockade people are asking about was not manned. Just orange cones blocking the road. /via @sajal

Sala-Daeng Update: Yet another loud explosion. Man, I wish I knew what kind of weapon it was /via @babyfishie

Urgent: Bangkok hotel facing a protest site is under gunfire, guests shelter in basement. Details coming.

(00.45) Fighting is going on in Silom after #redshirts throwing 'home-made' bombs at area near the Dusit Thani Hotel. /via @Thitabhas

Urgent: Hotel under gunfire right now is Dusit Thani (within Sala-Daeng)

Urgent: We received a few phone calls (from hotel staff) and they said, 'Come down you are under attack'. /AFP

Urgent: "Everybody is now in the basement, about 100 people," he said by telephone from the Dusit Thani hotel. /AFP

"I was in bed. There was a big explosion very close to my room. the wall outside was hit by bullets" said AFP photographer Pedro Ugarte /AFP

[Maestro]

Photo album on Flickr, courtesy of ThaiVisa member TallForeigner:

www.flickr.com/photos/ratchaprasong/

Photos taken on Ratchaprasong Road on Sunday, May 16, 2010, 5pm - 6.30pm

[Maestro]

Clashes continue for 3rd day at Din Daeng, Bon Kai

By The Nation

Published on May 17, 2010

29 dead and 221 injured over four days, Erawan Centre says

The sound of gunfire, bombs and grenades was heard throughout the day near sites where protesters and security officials clashed in central Bangkok yesterday as the government moved to end the marathon demonstration.

Columns of smoke rose over the heart of Bangkok as protesters set fire to tyres to block the visibility of armed forces and snipers, who they feared would target them from nearby high-rise buildings.

The death toll for the past four days as of press time yesterday was 29, with 221 others - including five foreigners - injured in street clashes since Thursday, according to the Erawan Medical Centre.

Protesters set fire to tyres on Rama IV Road in Bon Kai before noon, blocking traffic on the road again. At 3pm, unknown armed men launched M79 grenades into the area, prompting gunfire similar to a war zone.

Putthiping Chusaeng, a camera-man with the red-shirt People's Channel, was shot in the back but saved by a bullet-proof vest.

There was a riot at Din Daeng junction also, with protesters setting fire to tyres much of the day. Official trucks, police outposts and phone boxes were all set alight. The sounds of a gun battle was heard in the area for hours. More than 10 people were reportedly injured.

All the injured were "normal" protesters who claimed to be unarmed.

As the sound of gunfire stopped, a group of protesters set up a stage on the road between Din Daeng and Victory Monument. This allowed them to get up and make speeches criticising the government. Meanwhile many of them also put sand bags on the road to make bunkers.

The situation in Din Daeng was tense again in the evening when a 51-year-old protester, Saeng Art-montri, was injured by a gunshot. A round of gunfire lasted for minutes and ended with six people injured.

The government is trying to disperse red-shirt protesters from all areas, including the main site at Rajprasong by 3pm today.

The Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation announced a state of emergency in five more provinces in the Northeast where groups of red shirts protested against the government.

They were Ubon Ratchathani, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Nong Bua Lamphu and Sakon Nakhon.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn the authorities would continue the operation to retake areas held by protesters to maintain law and order as the protest was unlawful.

Red leader Nutthawut Saikua urged the government to call a cease-fire.

He said the red shirts were willing to negotiate but only with the United Nations as a mediator.

The government should stop its allegation of that they were 'terrorists' because the protesters were unarmed, he said.

However, Panitan said the protesters had no reason to demand them to stop the operation to disperse them.

"The government is demanding the protesters stop their activities. And the leaders should turn themselves in to face justice," he said.

The government would not accept intervention from any international organisations to end the crisis, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

"It's quiet here now. Nothing going on. Probably into position to fire" /via @Michael_Yon

[Thaivisa News]

33 people have died and 239 have been hurt in the Thai capital, emergency services said early Monday. /AFP

"Took me 1 hour to get safe to SalaDaeng, now its teargas and m16 shots here. Silom red shirt fortress seems to be alive again" /via @vaitor

Reds shooting fireworks. Dusit thani is empty and looks messed up. I am hiding in the backalley with my friend from reuters. /via @vaitor

"Constant gunfires heard at Saladaeng. Silence prevailed less than a minute each time. Now another LOUD explosion" /via @babyfishie

Press in the Basement of the Hotel: http://bit.ly/9TAz9P /via @Michael_Yon @veen_NT

Dusit Thani: Shooting continues. There was just an incoming grenade but did not land near here. Close but not here /via @Michael_Yon

Sala-Daeng Update: silence rightnow... /via @vaitor //Updates: http://bit.ly/9VkUId

Dusit Thani Update: "War is much simpler. Prefer to be with soldiers" http://bit.ly/8YSHTO /via @Michael_Yon

[Thaivisa News]

Sala-Daeng Update: Less than 10 mins of silence, now the battle is on. Sparodic single gunshots. /via @babyfishie

"How the hel_l did I end up in a Bangkok basement with a bunch of journalists?had to escpe frm basement" http://bit.ly/9jbRj0 /v @Michael_Yon

Dusit Thani Update: "Small arms single shots. Sounds like 5.56mm." /via @Michael_Yon

"Foreign journos from several news orgs and hotel staff evacuated to Dusit Thani's basement". /via @babyfishie

Small arms sounds like 5.56 about 10x shots close Continues. About 13x shots now. http://bit.ly/a2sUJN /via @Michael_Yon

"Can still hear sporadic weapons fire from our condo 700 meters away from Dusit Thani at Sala Daeng" /via @shanetorr

Update: 33 people have died and 239 have been hurt in the Thai capital, emergency services said early Monday /AFP

"Silent now. Nothing. (Which means nothing. Massive firefight could break out in seconds)" /via @Michael_Yon

[Maestro]

Bangkok: A city divided by protests

last updated at 19:25 GMT, Sunday, 16 May 2010 20:25 UK

As government efforts intensify to dislodge the anti-government "red-shirt" protest camp from the centre of Thailand's capital, Bangkok, the BBC's Vaudine England looks at the prospects for peace.

Early morning in central Bangkok. Men emerge from an makeshift bathroom area, hair neatly slicked back, towels over their shoulders, bare torsos and sarongs.

They gather around a motorbike which has just carried in newspapers showing fresh pictures of the carnage of the day before.

Read more: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8685679.stm

-- BBC 2010-05-16

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Maestro]

FINANCIAL BAN

Blacklisted

By THE NATION

Published on May 17, 2010

In a bid to cut suspected financial supplies to the still-defiant red shirts, the government yesterday slapped a ban on financial transactions on over 100 people and business entities associated with fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. (List inside)

To the government, which seems to believe that the red-shirt movement cannot function without huge financial support, the measures - announced with-out much fanfare - is supposed to be a big blow to the protesters, who already face grave logistical pressures.

The financial "blacklist" (full list on 14A) includes Thaksin, his immediate family members, his relatives, many banned politi-cians of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, business people close to the Shinawatras and sev-eral key leaders of the red-shirt movement.

The measures were announced as widespread political violence that turned key parts of Bangkok into war zones entered its third day without signs of abating. The death toll has risen to 29 people, with 221 injured (as of 9pm last night), and the Abhisit govern-ment finds itself on the defensive politically, having to face an increasing scrutiny from the global community.

The financial bans cover Thai and international transactions. Even normal deposits and with-drawals would be subject to restrictions, officials of the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation said. This reflects the government's belief the movement will wilt and with-draw from Rajprasong after being pressured logistically and finan-cially.

In fact, the financial measures, prescribed under the state of emergency, will provide a double blow for high-profile figures allegedly associated with the movement. The freezing of the financial accounts will facilitate a probe into past transfers and possible links between Thaksin, his associates and con-troversial figures like Maj-General |Khattiya Sawasdiphol and other 'enigmatic' military officers.

The banned 106

Banned_106.pdf

-- The Nation 2010-06-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Maestro]

Govt cancels plan to impose curfew for now

By The Nation

Published on May 17, 2010

The government made a last-minute decision yesterday to cancel a plan to impose a curfew on certain parts of Bangkok, gambling on hope that the spiralling violence - with the casualty toll already bigger than the official toll for the 'Black May' crisis in 1992 - could soon be put under control.

The decision was made after the government concluded that the adverse impact on people's livelihood would outweigh the benefits of isolating the agitators, assistant Army chief of staff Lt Gen Aksara Kerdpol said yesterday.

"It is deemed unnecessary to impose a curfew at this juncture as the situation remains under control," he said.

CURFEW OPTION OPEN

However, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was said to want to keep the curfew option open. "If the situation worsens in the next two days, a curfew may be imposed," a high-ranking source said.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said he was concerned that a curfew might cause inconvenience to commerce and the public.

Concern over a curfew spread after Abhisit in his weekly speech yesterday morning hinted at restricting people's movements in order to isolate the Rajprasong rally site.

Just hours after Abhisit spoke up, red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua said the protesters were free to leave the rally site if they were worried about a curfew.

"The red-shirt guards will not try to ask you to stay," Natthawut announced.

WOMEN, CHILDREN, ELDERLY LEAVE

The red shirts yesterday also agreed to a government initiative to allow women, children and elderly who want to go to leave Rajprasong.The group allowed "vulnerable" protesters to move to Wat Pathumwanaram, which is located near the rally site between Siam Paragon and Central World.

Natthawut said the red-shirt leaders did not want to be seen as using people as human shields.

As of press time, about 1,000 children and women had taken shelter in Wat Pathumwanaram. "We are going to send a team to help take care of the demonstrators inside the temple," Wallop Tangkhananurak, a prominent child-rights activist, said.

He said the team would have about 20 members and they would ensure that only women and children were allowed to stay in the temple compound.

"For male demonstrators, they can come in only if they are old," Wallop said.

According to the Network for Helping Demonstrators Return Home, no one called the network for help. "The callers just asked if we could help them enter the rally site," the network's co-ordinator said. She only gave her first name, Worawadee.

Security officials have set up many checkpoints near the Rajprasong Intersection in a bid to prevent more people from joining the rally. The move, however, has also led to bloody clashes.

In the past few days, at least 29 have died and over 200 injured.

FREE TRANSPORT

Through a co-ordinated effort by the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, non-government organisations and the Red Cross, protesters - particularly women, children and the elderly - are free to leave the rally site till 3pm tomorrow. Relevant authorities insisted that those who did so would be safe. They can also get free transport to travel back to their hometowns.

Armed guards could also leave the rally if they agree to disarm.

The government has arranged for medical services, basic necessities and transport to be made available to the red shirts if they volunteer to disperse.

-- The Nation 2010-05-07

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

Recap: Day full of gunfire & firefights between protesters. Lots of CRES announcements. Live weapon shown on tv. /http://bit.ly/9VkUId

Recap: CRES announced a Curfew to become active within certain area. This was delayed until further notice.

Recap: Women, Children & the elderly were asked to evacuate from the Ratchaprasong stage area to the temple nearby.

Recap: Large reported warfare tonight around the Phetburi / Chitlom along with Sala-Daeng Area. /http://bit.ly/9VkUId

Recap: CRES give protesters until 3pm, after women/childred/elderly have been evactuated. No Timetable has been set for after that time.

Recap: Majority of Schools / Universities are shut until further notice.

Recap: Dusit Thani Hotel (Silom) was under gunfire in the early hours of Monday Morning.

Dusit Thani Update: Rumours spread among guests that there were army snipers inside the 517-room hotel, overlooks #redshirts Base /AFP

Dusit Thani Update: "Another shot sounded like same rifle same position. That's 6x sounds like 5.56" /via @Michael_Yon /http://bit.ly/9VkUId

Dusit Thani Update: The mood was calm in the basement but one female guest appeared to have fainted. /AFP

[Thaivisa News]

Recap: Correction: Schools / Universities within Bangkok are closed until futher notice. /http://bit.ly/9VkUId

Recap: Bangkok has been given two public holidays, Monday the 17th and Tuesday the 18th. /http://bit.ly/9VkUId

Recap: MRT & BTS lines will all be shut tomorrow.

Good Night all! Stay safe within Bangkok. Remember, danger zone map of Bangkok: http://bit.ly/9q48it

[Maestro]

Thai protesters call for talks as clashes leave 33 dead

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) – Thailand's "Red Shirt" protesters appealed in vain Sunday for UN-mediated talks with the government after three days of street battles in the capital left at least 33 people dead and 239 wounded.

A luxury hotel facing the protest site came under gunfire during in the early hours of Monday morning and a loud blast was heard, prompting guests to shelter in the basement.

Three commercial buildings in another area were gutted by fire.

A top protest leader urged the revered king to intervene in the crisis, which has turned areas of the city of 12 million people into no-go zones as troops use live ammunition against demonstrators, some of them armed.

The Reds, whose vast base in the heart of Bangkok is under siege by troops, said they were ready to enter peace talks with the government "immediately" as long as the United Nations mediated.

"We want the UN because we don't trust we will receive justice from organisations in Thailand," protest leader Nattawut Saikuar said as the death toll from the urban warfare jumped by seven Sunday.

The idea was quickly shot down by the government, which has repeatedly warned foreign governments not to meddle in its affairs.

"No governments allow any organisations to intervene in their internal affairs," spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

Previous talks between the two sides have failed to reach an agreement, despite an offer -- since withdrawn -- by the embattled premier to hold elections in November if the opposition demonstrators go home.

At the Dusit Thani hotel, which overlooks the Reds' encampment, guests evacuated their rooms and rushed to the basement as staff warned them the hotel was under attack, according to an AFP journalist inside.

"I was in bed. There was a big explosion very close to my room. I went out of the room, other people did too and at that moment the wall outside was hit by bullets," said AFP photographer Pedro Ugarte.

"Everybody is now in the basement, about 100 people," he said by telephone.

It was unclear where the shooting came from.

Authorities said they would send workers from the Red Cross to help protesters -- particularly women, children and the elderly -- who want to leave the vast protest area in the heart of the capital by 3:00 pm (0800) Monday.

"Men can also leave the site but they have to show they are unarmed," army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd told reporters.

The army put off a plan to impose a curfew in parts of the city but did not rule out restricting night-time movements if the situation worsens.

The wounded include six foreigners, from Canada, Italy, Liberia, Myanmar, New Zealand and Poland.

Authorities warned journalists to stay out of the main protest site, saying they were an easy target for "terrorists." Four reporters have been shot and injured and one killed in Bangkok since the unrest began in March.

The government extended a state of emergency to five more provinces, ordered schools to stay shut Monday and declared two days of national holidays to keep civilians off the streets as they battled for control of the city.

Three commercial buildings caught fire on Rama IV road, where some of the worst of the fighting has occurred, apparently because of sparks from the piles of burning tyres, emergency services said.

Facing a military armed with assault rifles, the protesters have fought with homemade weapons including Molotov cocktails, fireworks and slingshots.

Some demonstrators have been seen with handguns. The authorities say grenades have also been fired by militants opposed to the government.

All of the fatalities in recent days have been civilians. New York-based Human Rights Watch said Thai authorities were on a "slippery slope" towards serious human rights abuses by designating "live fire zones."

The Reds called on the king to intervene, saying he was the "only hope" for an end to the two-month-old crisis, which has left 63 people dead and about 1,700 wounded, including 25 fatalities in a failed army crackdown on April 10.

"I believe Thais will feel the same, that His Majesty is our only hope," Jatuporn Prompan told reporters at the rally site, where thousands of protesters were camped.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej chastised both the military and protest leaders during a 1992 uprising, effectively bringing the violence to an end, but has avoided commenting directly on the current crisis in public.

The Reds accuse Abhisit's government of being elitist and undemocratic because it came to power in a 2008 parliamentary vote after a court ruling ousted elected allies of their hero, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thai society is deeply divided between the urban elite and rural poor, with most of the Red Shirts from the north and impoverished northeast.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-17

Published with written approval from AFP.

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BANGKOK WARFARE

PM explains situation to UN chief

By The Nation

Published on May 17, 2010

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has explained the political predicament via an e-mail to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and argued against international involvement which might complicate the domestic situation, government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said yesterday.

"In his message, Abhisit pointed out to attempts to involve an international agency such as the UN in order to tip the balance one way or the other, and said this will not be in the long-term interest of Thailand," Panitan revealed.

The electronic correspondence took place after Ban called for rival sides to "do everything in their power to avoid further violence and loss of life".

Panitan said the security situation had shown signs of improving following clashes between the security forces and the red shirts on Friday night.

He said the authorities were looking into the high number of casualties, voicing suspicion that not all deaths and injuries were caused in the crossfire between security forces and red elements because a high number of men on the red-shirt side were armed and dressed like soldiers and policemen.

He urged residents living near the firing line to strictly stay inside and not to step out during exchanges of gunfire.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya issued a statement to foreign ministers of the European Union and the United States and the United Nations dismissing allegations that the government ordered the use of heavy weapons such as RPGs and M-79 grenades against anti-government protesters. On the other hand, the loss of life occurred because the protesters used weapons, the foreign minister's secretary, Chavanont Intarakomalyasut, said.

Earlier, Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the security forces did not initiate the violence but tried to fight terror activities involving unruly crowds.

Other governments would have followed the same procedures in restoring peace and normalcy just as the Thai security forces were doing, he said.

He ruled out speculation that the UN or the United States might try to step in and mediate a peaceful resolution.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Wimol Kidchob dismissed a reporter's question that the UN might dispatch a peacekeeping force.

Wimol said the possibility of the UN getting involved would come only if the situation spiralled out of control and beyond domestic capabilities to handle it.

The prevailing situation occurred because the government was trying to enforce the law to restore normalcy, and the international community understood this, Wimol said.

She said the violence would pass, and that warnings by foreign governments for their nationals to avoid certain areas were standard procedures under the circumstances.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has set up an emergency centre to assist embassies and international organisations located in Bangkok and has kept the diplomatic corps informed about security developments since March, she said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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ThaivsaNews: A navy is dead - one of the two wounded and sent to Bangkok Christain. He was shot in the head on Silom at around 1. /via @Vern_NT

ThaivsaNews: "Area around Ratchaprasong very dangerous. Totally dark, reds patroling with shotguns and livebullets" /via @vaitor

ThaivsaNews: "in sealed zones, all vehicles drive without lights, everyone is scared of snipers! /via @vaitor

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ThaivsaNews: AFP; A Thai air force trooper was killed during three days of street battles with anti-government protesters in Bangkok, emergency services said Monday, the first military death in the latest clashes.

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Bangkok death toll rises to 35, including soldier: official

BANGKOK (AFP) - The number of dead from three days of street battles in Bangkok has risen to 35, including the first military death, emergency services said on Monday.

"There were two more deaths last night including a soldier and a protester," said a member of the official emergency medical centre in Bangkok, where troops and anti-government "Red Shirt" protesters are locked in a tense confrontation.

The official said the number of wounded had risen to 244. Among the wounded were six foreigners, he said.

A 31-year-old air force member was shot while on patrol Sunday night in the flashpoint Silom district, on the edge of the Red Shirts' fortified encampment, the official said, adding that he died in hospital.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-17

Published with written approval from AFP.

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TAN Network: Latest Erawan numbers at of 7 A.M.: 244 injured, 13 still in ICU, 35 deaths (8 additional deaths yesterday)

TAN Network; Rama4 Rd closed from Samyan to Sala Deang, Thai-Japan Bridge closed; Chula Soi 12 still open via @js100radio

TAN Network: In early morning presser, CRES says public should avoid conflict zones as many businesses/banks still open for business today

THE NATION: Yest'd nobody took free ride home. U think those protrsters forced to stay as human shield?>> think it's more ab comradeship. /at @dannis533

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Rama 4 Rd Remains Closed; Chula Soi 12 Open

Due to the riots, Rama 4 Road remains closed from Samyan to Sala Deang intersections.

The Thai-Japan Bridge also remains closed after disturbances reported throughout the night with at least nine M79 grenades landing in the Sala Deang intersection and surrounding areas.

However, Chula Soi 12 is still open to traffic.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-17

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Thaivisa Member:

Yesterday afternoon and evening my wife and me spent quite some time in our neighborhood (Rajprasong) and we talked to at least a hundred different people down there. We don't see even the slightest hint that anyone might be forced to stay here. We heard the leaders calling several times onto the protesters first that women and children can go to the temple compounds nearby and anyone willing to leave can do so. However we met not even one person ready to leave. All we met were determined to go through it whatever happens. It is certainly not only the comradeship that keeps them here it is the absolute 100% firm conviction that they are fighting for the right cause.

Look at the pictures I took yesterday late afternoon: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ratchaprasong/

Do these people look like they are forced to stay against their own will? I don't think so.

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Govt must offer red leaders a decent face-saving way out, then we got an end of of protest. For the moment. /at @BangkokDan

ThaivisaNews: Today, Mon 17 May, All BTS SkyTrain stations on both the Silom and Sukhumvit lines are closed until further notice for passengers' safety

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American Embassy closed again today

Phuket: -- Following the the United States warning to American citizens to avoid non-essential travel to anywhere in Thailand, including Phuket, Americans in Phuket are reminded that the warning is still in force and that the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok is closed again today.

The key paragraphs of the warning, issued by the U.S. State Department on Friday, May 15, are quoted below:

"The Department of State warns U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand of ongoing political demonstrations and unrest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Due to escalating violence in central Bangkok, including gunfire near the U.S. Embassy [95 Wireless Rd], demonstrations in Chiang Mai, and other incidents throughout Thailand, U.S. citizens should defer all travel to Bangkok and defer all non-essential travel to the rest of Thailand.

The Department of State has authorized the departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from Bangkok. This replaces the Travel Alert dated April 28, 2010, and is in response to updated information on increased violence and security concerns.

The Department of State recommends against travel to Bangkok and non-essential travel to Thailand at this time.

The U.S. Embassy, including visa operations, was closed on Friday, May 14 and will be closed on Monday, May 17. If security issues persist, the U.S. Embassy may continue to close.

To find out the current operating status of the U.S. Embassy, please go to the Embassy's website http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/

American Citizen Services (ACS) will be available for emergencies only. The emergency telephone number is 02-205 4000. U.S. citizens who currently have appointments with the ACS unit are advised to go online or call the ACS (02-205 4049) once it has reopened to reschedule.

There is no American consulate in Phuket.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-05-17

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