PAD Lay Siege On Government House, NBT TV Station

[mdechgan]

The report I heard was that 200 vehicles, mostly from Chiang Mai and Kalasin, were to bring more DAAD supporters to Bangkok. Heard it about half an hour ago on TNN, but forgot to post it.

Maybe the PAD should start busing some of their own from somewhere like the South,

[davee58]

UPDATE 1-

35 hurt in Thai clashes near occupied PM's office

(Updates injured, adds details)

BANGKOK, Sept 2 (Reuters) - At least 35 people were hurt in clashes on Tuesday between supporters of Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and anti-government protesters in Bangkok, a Health Ministry official said.

The official could not confirm television reports that one person had been killed in the skirmishes near Government House, occupied since last week by protesters demanding Samak's resignation.

The pro-government crowd broke through several lines of riot police to confront members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) near the prime minister's official compound.

The two sides threw stones and wooden planks at one another before additional riot police moved in to separate them.

Live TV coverage showed one man lying on the ground with a small pool of blood next to his head.

Government supporters said shots were fired during the skirmish, but it was not clear by whom. A Reuters reporter at the scene saw two bullet casings lying on the pavement. (Reporting by Nopporn Wong-Anan and Ed Cropley, writing by Darren Schuettler; Editing by Catherine Evans)

© Thomson Reuters 2008 All rights reserved

[Tony Clifton]

3rd 4th woman I ve seen injured so far.

They keep showing over and over a man with a blue shirt who seems to be handcuffed escorted by three men in civilian clothes.

Da Torpedo must be salivating in that jailcell of hers.

Edited September 1, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[kurtgruen]

The report I heard was that 200 vehicles, mostly from Chiang Mai and Kalasin, were to bring more DAAD supporters to Bangkok. Heard it about half an hour ago on TNN, but forgot to post it.

Maybe the PAD should start busing some of their own from somewhere like the South,

So far, PAD looks like they still have things under control at the main site. They still have bands playing for the women and kids to keep them calm. (At least that is what it looks like to me). I can only get ASTV, which only shows the stage and surounding area Live and the occational taped rerun from the Nation Channel. What's happening outside right now?

Did the military step in yet to seperate the two sides?

[onethailand]

According to a report on TNN, one of the dead, from DAAD, was from Korat (I Love Korat Group) - he had been shot to death.

Unless he just happened to get in the way, it's beginning to appear as if the gunfire came from the PAD side.

[mdechgan]

3rd 4th woman I ve seen injured so far.

They keep showing over and over a man with a blue shirt who seems to be handcuffed escorted by three men in civilian clothes.

Da Torpedo must be salivating in that jailcell of hers.

Who is this person?

[Tony Clifton]

No mention of military.

To avoid at all cost unless it gets worse, police have failed but was clearly intentional.

ISN"T TODAY DISSOLUTION DAY??? Mmmmmmm...

I think the DAAD folled them by wanting them to take down the giant poster of The Little Emperor and his wife's police mugshots. Obviously, something else seems to be in the work with Samak-police-Daad-.

I think he's going for the emergency law to evacuate Govt. House but will have something whispered in his ear.

2 birds, one stone, police chief and Samak govt.

The ruling People Party power won at least a delay in its demise on Tuesday when a split Election Commission put off a decision whether to order the party dissolved. After setting Tuesday as decision day, the EC decided to put off its ruling on the dissolution case for two weeks. It will now try to reach a vote on the issue on Sept 2. (Bangkok Post)

Edited September 1, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[mdechgan]

So far, PAD looks like they still have things under control at the main site. They still have bands playing for the women and kids to keep them calm. (At least that is what it looks like to me). I can only get ASTV, which only shows the stage and surounding area Live and the occational taped rerun from the Nation Channel. What's happening outside right now?

Did the military step in yet to seperate the two sides?

Looks like the DAAD are marching. The guys with the red headbands and shirts.

It also seems like they are setting up tents.

I'm not sure what road though.

I don't know who is more injured the PAD or DAAD.

[sjaak327]

One is killed and dozens injured in the clash : doctor

A doctor confirmed on Tuesday that a man was killed and dozens were injured in the clash between pro-and anti-government protesters near the Government House.

Dr Petchpong Kamjornkitjakarn of Erawan Rescue Centre identified the first victim was Narongsak Kohtaisong. He died from wounds caused by impact of blunt object.

One of the injured was shot at chest while another has gunshot wounds, the doctor said.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30082248

[mdechgan]

Maybe we are over exaggerating because channels 3, 5, 7, and 9 are still showing soap operas.

[kurtgruen]

So far, PAD looks like they still have things under control at the main site. They still have bands playing for the women and kids to keep them calm. (At least that is what it looks like to me). I can only get ASTV, which only shows the stage and surounding area Live and the occational taped rerun from the Nation Channel. What's happening outside right now?

Did the military step in yet to seperate the two sides?

Looks like the DAAD are marching. The guys with the red headbands and shirts.

It also seems like they are setting up tents.

I'm not sure what road though.

I don't know who is more injured the PAD or DAAD.

3:25am...I'm not sure if I should stay up or go to bed. I guess the smart thing would be to go to bed and be well rested tomorrow. I'm sure we'll see it all on YouTube, after the governments plans to censor it fail.

I don't think anyone can blame the PAD now, if they have to defend themselves against drunk Thugs with weapons. It was pretty peaceful and non-violent up until this point. Sad turn of events.

Talk to you guys tomorrow

[Tony Clifton]

Army seems to be deploying small force, 6 men deep across a road, not sure where.

Loaded with photographers, Samak will love that. POlice also present in riot gear.

PAD seem to be negotiating with police.

Live reporter has smiling PAD guards behind him, complete opposite of the drunken DAAD mob behind him earlier.

Go to bed? And miss the coup a la Sri Racha John?

(He missed the last one, not wishing for a new one)

Edited September 1, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[mdechgan]

I wonder what will happen in the morning.

Will it be a holiday and all government offices and banks close?

Will the other labor unions have sympathy and strike because of the government's lack of control of violence.

Will Banharn and the other parties still give Samak their support?

[sjaak327]

Death on the street

(BangkokPost.com)

The army intervened early on Tuesday after pro-government demonstrators attacked opponents occupying Government House and killed at least one protester from the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Another 21 people were injured in the clashes, and the army commander ordered four companies of Army troops - about 400 soldiers - to the scene.

"Soldiers must leave the barracks to help restore peace," said army commander Anupong Paojinda. Troops were armed with batons and shields as they arrived at the scene.

The dead man was shot in the chest and beaten around the head, reporters at the scene said. Friends said he was a PAD supporters from Nakhon Ratchasima, who had only arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday with a busload of friends, to support the demonstrations aimed at forcing the government to resign.

The condition of the other, injured protesters could not immediately be learned.

The clash occurred when police yet again failed to hold their lines separating pro- and anti-government protesters near Government House.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=130255

[davee58]

One killed in Thai demo clashes

Thai television showed supporters of Samak Sundaravej marching towards Government House (1 September 2008)

Thai TV earlier showed supporters of Mr Samak going to Government House

A person has been killed in clashes between anti-government protesters and supporters of Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej in Bangkok, officials say.

TV pictures showed a man lying on the ground with a pool of blood around his head after the violence near the prime minister's compound, Government House.

Earlier, the protesters vowed further disruption unless Mr Samak resigned.

Leaders from the People's Alliance for Democracy said their supporters would close more airports and start strikes.

Three airports reopened on Sunday after being forced to close for two days by demonstrations, but rail services are still suspended.

An emergency debate in parliament failed to end the stalemate between Mr Samak's coalition and his opponents, who accuse him of being a front for the former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7592942.stm

[kurtgruen]

Army seems to be deploying small force, 6 men deep across a road, not sure where.

Loaded with photographers, Samak will love that. POlice also present in riot gear.

PAD seem to be negotiating with police.

Live reporter has smiling PAD guards behind him, complete opposite of the drunken DAAD mob behind him earlier.

Go to bed? And miss the coup a la Sri Racha John?

Well, since you put it this way, maybe I'll stay up for a few more minutes. (or at least until my wife wakes up and reads me the riot act)

[Tony Clifton]

DAAD were clearly outnumbered, suicidal move to walk onto PAD turf.

I m waiting to see <deleted> beat up on the women riding a motorcycle, PAD or DAAD? Horrible.

ASTV? "And the band played on... Ball of confusion..."

Looking at the footage of a PAD member negotiating with police, these guys seem to be wearing heavier gear the the lines of police broke through.

Edited September 1, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[onethailand]

Apparently the DAAD was led by a number of people on motorcycles - so my guess is that the women were DAAD (well actually, they must've been if you saw the red bandannas) and that they were beaten up by PAD supporters.

[kurtgruen]

DAAD were clearly outnumbered, suicidal move to walk onto PAD turf.

I m waiting to see <deleted> beat up on the women riding a motorcycle, PAD or DAAD? Horrible.

ASTV? "And the band played on... Ball of confusion..."

Looking at the footage of a PAD member negotiating with police, these guys seem to be wearing heavier gear the the lines of police broke through.

I guess when you fill a mob of criminals and thugs with booze, red bull and God only knows what else, they think they are invincible. Of course they have to earn their 500 Baht, too.

[RadioCityMike]

According to a report on TNN, one of the dead, from DAAD, was from Korat (I Love Korat Group) - he had been shot to death.

Unless he just happened to get in the way, it's beginning to appear as if the gunfire came from the PAD side.

I hate that anyone got hurt, but it seems that sooner or later, civil disobedience always leads to violence. They either push until the police push back or push until the opposition pushes back. Without violent confrontation there is no publicity and without publicity, there is no point in protesting.

[onethailand]

The dead man was shot in the chest and beaten around the head, reporters at the scene said. Friends said he was a PAD supporters from Nakhon Ratchasima, who had only arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday with a busload of friends, to support the demonstrations aimed at forcing the government to resign.

I may have heard wrong as the group was identified by initials - so if he was PAD and not DAAD, then probably the shots came from the DAAD side.

[Tony Clifton]

Apparently the DAAD was led by a number of people on motorcycles - so my guess is that the women were DAAD (well actually, they must've been if you saw the red bandannas) and that they were beaten up by PAD supporters.

Seems from another angle the woman sought refuge near the m cycle and wasn't riding it. Hard to say who s who with everyone wearing different colors, red and yellow on both sides.

[onethailand]

Thai PBS reports that there is a high chance that Samak will declare a state of emergency (or at least that's what I understood).

[Tony Clifton]

Apparently the DAAD was led by a number of people on motorcycles - so my guess is that the women were DAAD (well actually, they must've been if you saw the red bandannas) and that they were beaten up by PAD supporters.

Seems from another angle the woman sought refuge near the m cycle and wasn't riding it. Hard to say who s who with everyone wearing different colors, red and yellow on both sides.

I think that's it for tonight, the drunks have tipped over by now or left with their 500 baht bills for the nearest blind pig for another drink.

[Thai at Heart]

Has the government issued any emergency order?

This looks bad on TV, someone needs to issue an immediate curfew, and get a few thousand riot police/army out there quick.

[onethailand]

Apparently the DAAD was led by a number of people on motorcycles - so my guess is that the women were DAAD (well actually, they must've been if you saw the red bandannas) and that they were beaten up by PAD supporters.

Seems from another angle the woman sought refuge near the m cycle and wasn't riding it. Hard to say who s who with everyone wearing different colors, red and yellow on both sides.

Could be we're talking about different women. I was watching TNN and Thai PBS - in one section of video, there was one woman in light blue getting treatment for a cut above her left eyebrow. Shortly thereafter, two more women were brought to an ambulance (not sure it's the same ambulance but I think it was) - with blood seeping out from wounds to the head. Both of the latter two women were wearing red bandannas or hairpieces.

The one I saw near a motorcycle was quite a large woman - wasn't even sure it was a woman though - and not sure which side she/he belonged to.

[onethailand]

Has the government issued any emergency order?

This looks bad on TV, someone needs to issue an immediate curfew, and get a few thousand riot police/army out there quick.

Samak is still enroute - no order has been issued as of yet.

There are probably close to a thousand police and military on site now.

[kurtgruen]

Here is the latest from the Bangkok Post...

The army intervened early on Tuesday after pro-government demonstrators attacked opponents occupying Government House and killed at least one protester from the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Another 21 people were injured in the clashes, and the army commander ordered four companies of Army troops - about 400 soldiers - to the scene.

"Soldiers must leave the barracks to help restore peace," said army commander Anupong Paojinda. Troops were armed with batons and shields as they arrived at the scene.

The dead man was shot in the chest and beaten around the head, reporters at the scene said. Friends said he was a PAD supporters from Nakhon Ratchasima, who had only arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday with a busload of friends, to support the demonstrations aimed at forcing the government to resign.

The condition of the other, injured protesters could not immediately be learned.

Dr Petchpong Kamjornkijjakarn, head of the Bangkok emergency unit of the Public Health Ministry, told reporters that the dead man and another protester had suffered gunshot wounds during the skirmishes. He put the number of injured at 34, and said four were in critical condition.

The clash occurred when police yet again failed to hold their lines separating pro- and anti-government protesters near Government House.

[Thai at Heart]

Has the government issued any emergency order?

This looks bad on TV, someone needs to issue an immediate curfew, and get a few thousand riot police/army out there quick.

Samak is still enroute - no order has been issued as of yet.

There are probably close to a thousand police and military on site now.

Well patently not enough police/army. The moment I heard that the police were not going to carry full riot gear to keep the stupid senators happy, I could see this coming from a mile away. What did these people expect. They made the police absolutely toothless by complaining of a few scratches through the week.

There was no controlling force from the police. So what do we have now. A bunch of guys in red shirts spoiling for a fight, and if someone doesn't get in there to sort it out it could get very nasty.

[Tony Clifton]

The early police manoeuvres are shown over and over at different times during the march, nothing short of a Monty Python movie.

A national shame worthy of treason charges

(like we saw against PAD earkier this week) for inciting and helping a group to a riot hand in hand with this dead-end government.

NBT has gone back to regular programming, the muslim hour followed by something totally unrelated to events. .

Edited September 1, 2008 by Tony Clifton