Police Fire Tear Gas At Protesters In Front Of Parliament

[marshbags]

Footage displayed now of all the various contingents of PAD from across the nation arriving and making their way through... diversity from Thai Airways Employee Union to Sriracha Fisherman to Phitsanalok PAD Chapter, etc. etc.

the ThaiAir girls that were shown drew lots of applause...

I've got this on in the background - looks like a very large crowd arriving. Lets hope it all remains civil.

Just to add that a donation of 400,000 baht has been donated by them towards the cause

marshbags

P.S.

Thought you were going to give yourself Sriracha John a mention for a second, S.J. ( known to fish occasionally by coincidence )

Edited November 23, 2008 by marshbags

[LaoPo]

You seem to despise the success of Singapore and it's leaders but you can't deny the fact that Singapore is a rather successful state with a high GDP per capita of some $ 50.000, all created within some 43 years, versus a mere GDP per capita of $ 8.000 for Thailand. It will be a long way before Thailand can even touch that kind of GDP per capita.

LaoPo

Maybe it's interesting to go back in time a little and have a look where countries like South Korea and Japan are now...both countries involved (and started) in different wars..we all know that.

Thailand, Korea and Japan (and Singapore much later) were all in a bad economical shape after WW II and Korea after 1953.

GDP per capita in 2007:

Thailand: $ 8,000

S Korea: $ 25.000

Japan: $ 33.000

Singapore: $ 50.000

Care to explain ?

Not much to explain...is there ?

LaoPo

do your figures for singapore include the Indian , Malay , Indonesian , mainland Chinese and Filipino peoples living and working in singapore ?

is the number derived from the paper profits of lkw's daughter in laws company ?

singapore is not a country to emulate in my opinion

The figures, as mentioned, are per capita.

And the numbers are derived from the CIA.

It's up to you of course whether you want to call Singapore a country or not; maybe a state ?

Hmmm...are the Seycheles a country or a state ? Liechtenstein ? Maldives ? Malta ?

It's not the number of people or size which makes a certain area a country or not but the international acceptance and recognition and whether or not they have a membership status in the UN and other bodies I suppose.

LaoPo

[Nampeung]

Thanks to Sriracha John for giving us proper updates on what's actually happening instead of waffling

[LaoPo]

Thanks to Sriracha John for giving us proper updates on what's actually happening instead of waffling

Reading the Bangkok Post and The Nation -online- for yourself isn't too difficult. At the same time it would save you from searching Thaivisa for news, not to speak of the waffling of course...

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/index.php

&

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/

LaoPo

[jdinasia]

hmmmm The CIA World factbook is mostly facts self-reported by the nations in question. The GDP's listed would not include visiting labor and it is not in any way indicative of individual people's incomes. Merely the GDP of the country divided by the population estimate I believe Why any country's GDP is in this thread totally escapes me!

[LaoPo]

hmmmm The CIA World factbook is mostly facts self-reported by the nations in question. The GDP's listed would not include visiting labor and it is not in any way indicative of individual people's incomes. Merely the GDP of the country divided by the population estimate I believe Why any country's GDP is in this thread totally escapes me!

1. If you doubt the GDP facts by the CIA I would welcome better facts from your sources; please submit them.

2. Plachon and myself were discussing the difference in development between Thailand and other Far East nations, since WWII. All of those countries had the same chances, opportunities and challenges. That's why.

That Thailand lacks substantially with the mentioned countries says something about the deeper problems within the country. But, to be fair, that's even worse with countries like Myanmar/Burma (GDP $ 1,900), Cambodia ($ 1.900), Laos ($ 2.000), Indonesia ($ 3.600), Philippines ($ 3.200), Vietnam ($ 2.600).

However, the GDP per capita from Malaysia is $ 14,500 (2007) versus a mere $ 8,000 for Thailand; numbers, again, by the CIA, but I would really welcome better numbers if you please.

Doubting numbers, from whatever source, is easy. Supplying the proper numbers something else.

LaoPo

[Scott]

I thought we were measuring things with the Gross Happiness Index?

Oh, yes, they aren't rating very high on that one lately either!

[jitagon]

Thanks to Sriracha John for giving us proper updates on what's actually happening instead of waffling

Seconded.

[jitagon]

P. Off Lao Po

Seconded - again. Some on this forum just like the sound of their own yap.

[sriracha john]

TOC / 2008-11-23

===================================================================

PAD supporters fully occupy roads outside Government House

By 5:50 pm, protesters fully occupied the Rajdamnone Nok and Phitsanulok outside the Government House.

The protesters occupied the Rajdamnone Nok Road from Misakawan Intersection to Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge.

More protesters continued to join the rally.

The Nation / 2008-11-23

[jdinasia]

hmmmm The CIA World factbook is mostly facts self-reported by the nations in question. The GDP's listed would not include visiting labor and it is not in any way indicative of individual people's incomes. Merely the GDP of the country divided by the population estimate I believe Why any country's GDP is in this thread totally escapes me!

1. If you doubt the GDP facts by the CIA I would welcome better facts from your sources; please submit them.

2. Plachon and myself were discussing the difference in development between Thailand and other Far East nations, since WWII. All of those countries had the same chances, opportunities and challenges. That's why.

That Thailand lacks substantially with the mentioned countries says something about the deeper problems within the country. But, to be fair, that's even worse with countries like Myanmar/Burma (GDP $ 1,900), Cambodia ($ 1.900), Laos ($ 2.000), Indonesia ($ 3.600), Philippines ($ 3.200), Vietnam ($ 2.600).

However, the GDP per capita from Malaysia is $ 14,500 (2007) versus a mere $ 8,000 for Thailand; numbers, again, by the CIA, but I would really welcome better numbers if you please.

Doubting numbers, from whatever source, is easy. Supplying the proper numbers something else.

LaoPo

All of which has NOTHING to do with the topic. btw --- go back and read what I wrote

[h90]

Thanks to Sriracha John for giving us proper updates on what's actually happening instead of waffling

Seconded.

SJ continue the good job....always good Infos

[sriracha john]

Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Police Major-General Amnuay Nimmano

NCCC to probe police over crackdown on protesters

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) agreed Tuesday to set up a panel to investigate National Police Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Metropolitan Police Chief Suchart Muankaew and his Deputy Amnuay Nimmano over the lethal crackdown on People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) demonstrators last Tuesday. The crackdown left two people killed and more than 400 injured. The move came after the Democrat Party handed a letter to the NCCC, accusing PM Somchai Wongsawat, Pol Gen Patcharawat, Pol Maj-Gen Amnuay, Pol Lt-Gen Suchart and Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Jongrak Juthanont of using lethal weapons to disperse anti-government protesters. Somchai and Jongrak, however, do not face investigation.

Amnuay this time...

Observers welcomed to monitor police response to protesters

BANGKOK, Nov 23 (TNA) - Independent bodies and committees are allowed to closely monitor the authorities' operations in response to Monday's intended mass demonstration by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a senior police officer reported.

Speaking after Sunday's joint meeting between police, the army and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials to plan their response to the protest, Pol. Maj-Gen. Amnuay Nimmano, Deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau Commander, said that the permission is aimed at showing official sincerity in ensuring that the police use peaceful means to deal with the mass PAD protest at Parliament Monday.

Maj-Gen. Amnuay insisted that the police will adhere to international standards of practice to cope with the situation but declined to reveal any details about the operation.

He called for the PAD group to protest peacefully and to refrain from any verbal attack which might incite violence, adding that the PAD leaders will be held responsible if violence occurs.

Meanwhile, Peoples' Alliance supporters from more distant provinces moved to join the anti-government activities at Government House on Sunday. In the latest development, PAD core leader Pipob Thongchai asked some demonstrators to move from the Government House to Makkawan Bridge as the compound was crowded.

Meanwhile, four schools near the protest site are closed on Monday.

Edited November 23, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Anti-government protesters take part in a rally in central Bangkok November 23, 2008. Thousands of anti-government protesters rallied in central Bangkok on Sunday, the start of what they call the "final battle" in a five-month street campaign to oust the administration.

REUTERS

[jitagon]

Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Police Major-General Amnuay Nimmano

NCCC to probe police over crackdown on protesters

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) agreed Tuesday to set up a panel to investigate National Police Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Metropolitan Police Chief Suchart Muankaew and his Deputy Amnuay Nimmano over the lethal crackdown on People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) demonstrators last Tuesday. The crackdown left two people killed and more than 400 injured. The move came after the Democrat Party handed a letter to the NCCC, accusing PM Somchai Wongsawat, Pol Gen Patcharawat, Pol Maj-Gen Amnuay, Pol Lt-Gen Suchart and Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Jongrak Juthanont of using lethal weapons to disperse anti-government protesters. Somchai and Jongrak, however, do not face investigation.

Amnuay this time...

Observers welcomed to monitor police response to protesters

BANGKOK, Nov 23 (TNA) - Independent bodies and committees are allowed to closely monitor the authorities' operations in response to Monday's intended mass demonstration by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a senior police officer reported.

Speaking after Sunday's joint meeting between police, the army and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials to plan their response to the protest, Pol. Maj-Gen. Amnuay Nimmano, Deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau Commander, said that the permission is aimed at showing official sincerity in ensuring that the police use peaceful means to deal with the mass PAD protest at Parliament Monday.

Maj-Gen. Amnuay insisted that the police will adhere to international standards of practice to cope with the situation but declined to reveal any details about the operation.

He called for the PAD group to protest peacefully and to refrain from any verbal attack which might incite violence, adding that the PAD leaders will be held responsible if violence occurs.

Meanwhile, Peoples' Alliance supporters from more distant provinces moved to join the anti-government activities at Government House on Sunday. In the latest development, PAD core leader Pipob Thongchai asked some demonstrators to move from the Government House to Makkawan Bridge as the compound was crowded.

Meanwhile, four schools near the protest site are closed on Monday.

Well what the hel_l is that supposed to mean?! If the PAD protesters chant Taksin/Somchai ork bpai! Is Amnuay suggesting this would give carte blanch to the police to open fire?! The pen is mightier than the sword (or chant in this case), but no match for a gun ?!!!

[Los78]

Thanks to Sriracha John for giving us proper updates on what's actually happening instead of waffling

Reading the Bangkok Post and The Nation -online- for yourself isn't too difficult. At the same time it would save you from searching Thaivisa for news, not to speak of the waffling of course...

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/index.php

&

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/

LaoPo

I agree LaoPo. Its very easy to read it for yourself with out needing to always post every article or even better just post a link to the article you are refering too. Also why is there a need to add to the articles your own comical opinions? and sometimes editing the articles? Im sure that is not permitted from the author.

[Nampeung]

As discussed by many others, Sriracha John provides us TV members with concise info on what's happening now... the newspaper link don't do that. We (from all over the world) enjoy SRJs posts and thanks him for them. Thanks to him this thread is a handy update any time of the night or day where one can get information on Thailand's crisis all in the one place

[JacknDanny]

Thanks to Sriracha John for giving us proper updates on what's actually happening instead of waffling

Reading the Bangkok Post and The Nation -online- for yourself isn't too difficult. At the same time it would save you from searching Thaivisa for news, not to speak of the waffling of course...

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/index.php

&

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/

LaoPo

I agree LaoPo. Its very easy to read it for yourself with out needing to always post every article or even better just post a link to the article you are refering too. Also why is there a need to add to the articles your own comical opinions? and sometimes editing the articles? Im sure that is not permitted from the author.

Thats why its called the NEWS CLIPPINGS Section

SJ always puts his comments in a different colour just in case some numb nuts out there thinks its the real news

The sense of humour is obviously wasted on you.

[Moonrakers]

What JacknDanny said.

If people don't want to read the news clippings then why read a news clippings thread.

And personally I'd much rather read news clippings from the press rather than some daft conversation about how these protests could be related to GDP.

Carry on as you are SJ.

[LaoPo]

And personally I'd much rather read news clippings from the press rather than some daft conversation about how these protests could be related to GDP.

Some people fail to see that there wouldn't be ANY protests at all if Thailand would have the same GDP as Malaysia, Japan or S Korea; that's why.

Everybody would have a good life instead of being poor and having to fight and protest for a better future.

It's more than 60 years since WWII ended and ALL those countries had the same chances. Thailand failed and TV members should look back a bit further than the past 1, 2 and present government(s).

Unrest, poverty, uproar and protests are always related to income and GDP, one way or another.

LaoPo

[baht&sold]

And personally I'd much rather read news clippings from the press rather than some daft conversation about how these protests could be related to GDP.

Some people fail to see that there wouldn't be ANY protests at all if Thailand would have the same GDP as Malaysia, Japan or S Korea; that's why.

Everybody would have a good life instead of being poor and having to fight and protest for a better future.

It's more than 60 years since WWII ended and ALL those countries had the same chances. Thailand failed and TV members should look back a bit further than the past 1, 2 and present government(s).

Unrest, poverty, uproar and protests are always related to income and GDP, one way or another.

LaoPo

Others see that Thailand loses perhaps up to 1/3 of their GDP (equivalent) to corruption, collusion and nepotism... this is the system some are so desperate to protect at ALL costs, even at the cost of the future of the nation... (a rather de-inspiring cause)

Meanwhile... (back to the topic) the UDD are also demanding the PAD stop 'inciting violence' and to 'surrender to the legal system' which is laughable given the UDD's track record. Particularly considering the UDD burnt effegies of Gordon Brown at the UK Embassy in Bangkok, condemning the country for revoking the visa of a convicted criminal on the run (Thaksin, their pay/master).

The UDD also have yet to be taken to task for several of their rent-a-mob attacks, the most recent being storming a Santi Asoke Buddhist shopfront in Ubon on Friday, burning yet more effegies, busting up the place and throwing feces... (all of which was watched by the police whom did not intervene). The proud 'defenders of freedom' then visited the local border patrol police division to welcome the new Police Colonel...

PS; yes, do keep up the good work SJ

[sriracha john]

Thanks to Sriracha John for giving us proper updates on what's actually happening instead of waffling

Thanks to Sriracha John for giving us proper updates on what's actually happening instead of waffling

Seconded.

Thanks to Sriracha John for giving us proper updates on what's actually happening instead of waffling

Seconded.

SJ continue the good job....always good Infos

Thats why its called the NEWS CLIPPINGS Section

SJ always puts his comments in a different colour just in case some numb nuts out there thinks its the real news

The sense of humour is obviously wasted on you.

What JacknDanny said.

If people don't want to read the news clippings then why read a news clippings thread.

And personally I'd much rather read news clippings from the press rather than some daft conversation about how these protests could be related to GDP.

Carry on as you are SJ.

PS; yes, do keep up the good work SJ

The ayes carry the motion.

Thank you.

[JetsetBkk]

The ayes carry the motion.

Thank you.

The "no's" (the silent majority) just can't be bothered any more. Keep up the good work LaoPo.

Time to buy property - blood on the streets very soon.

[sriracha john]

The ayes carry the motion.

Thank you.

The "no's" (the silent majority) just can't be bothered any more. Keep up the good work LaoPo.

typical misinterpretation of actual data by the jetster.... :D

Edited November 23, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Anyhoo... moving back to the topic of the thread (which, in anticipation of some sort of additional and unnecessary retorts... is not me)... it looks like it's going to be a multi-prong approach this morning... starting within hours... with lessons learned from NBT and with the addition of Don Mueang... also the "home base" of the renegade lunatic with the M-16 Khittaya is one of the prongs...

PAD set to launch 'King Taksin Operation'

The anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) yesterday mobilised a massive gathering of protesters at Government House and Rajadamnoen Avenue for today's final push into Parliament in a last-ditch bid to topple the government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

Tens of thousands of protesters from the provinces will splinter into three groups today to surround Parliament, the temporary government office at Don Mueang Airport, and some business spots in the capital such as the Stock Exchange and the Finance Ministry, a source said.

A plan to again storm NBT television station was reportedly rejected as key members considered the previous attempt in August a failure and politically incorrect.

Dubbed the "King Taksin Operation", the protesters are comparing their fight to that of King Taksin the Great who ordered his troops to break rice bowls and pots before launching an attack on Chantaburi, meaning soldiers would have rice to eat only after the victory.

King Taksin was the great king who liberated Ayutthaya from Burma, but is not related to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, PAD's sworn enemy. *an often-encountered misunderstanding*

The PAD protesters plan to lay siege to Parliament to block the amendment of the Constitution although House Speaker Chai Chidchob said the amendment was not on the agenda. The session, instead, would tackle the negotiating framework for the Asean pacts.

A government source said Chai might cancel today's session if Parliament gates were blocked by the PAD, to avoid a recurrence of the October 7 violence when two protesters were killed and 400 others injured in clashes between anti-riot police and protesters.

Asked about his plan if PAD protesters successfully blocked the entrance to Parliament, Chai yesterday said, "I will lie prostrate before them and ask for permission to go inside."

Chai insisted that the proposed amendment to the Constitution was not on the agenda of the parliamentary session.

Today's protest actions come amid fears of violence after the PAD's opponents launched a series of bomb attacks on the group, killing two people and injuring dozens in a span of less than a week. The latest casualty was PAD security guard Yuthapong Samerpak who died yesterday after sustaining serious injuries from a grenade attack in the early hours of Saturday.

The PAD has also adopted contingency measures in the event something untoward happens to its five core leaders. It has appointed second generation leaders to take charge of the movement in their place. The latest to be appointed are Saranyu Wongkrachang, an entertainer, and Maleerat Kaewka, a former Senator. The two will join Samran Rodphet, Sirichai Maingarm and Sawit Kaewan as the second-generation leaders.

- The Nation / 2008-11-24

Edited November 23, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Definitely an early reveille today... followed by a Boatswain Mate's Pipe blowing "Turn To"...

(sound file for a sample of a bosun pipe piping, Turn to)

for lots of people...

Sondhi says PAD will launch simultaneous protests at 6 am Monday

Sondhi Limthongkul, No 1 leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, told the crowd at Government House Sunday night that the PAD will launch simultaneous protests at several locations around the city at 6 am Monday.

Speaking to the crowd at 8 pm, Sondhi said the protesters should get themselves ready at 6 am for moving out to the houses of several leading government leaders to conduct simultaneous protests.

He hinted that the PAD would protest at the house of Chat Thai Party Leader Banharn Silapa-archa and the house of Gen Khattiya Sawasdiphol among other locations.

Later, other PAD leaders said the protesters will launch protests at the house of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, at the Stock Exchange of Thailand, and the Royal Thai Police head office as well.

- The Nation / 2008-11-24

Edited November 23, 2008 by sriracha john

[Artisi]

" King Taksin was the great king who liberated Ayutthaya from Burma, but is not related to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, PAD's sworn enemy. *an often-encountered misunderstanding*"

Correct - a different name, different spelling, and different pronounciation - when pronunced in Thai the 2 names are not ever similar.

[sriracha john]

Police said 2,400 policemen would be stationed outside parliament, which is about one kilometre from the prime minister's compound.

"Police and soldiers will not be armed with lethal weapons, only shields and batons," government spokesman Nattawut Sai-gua told Associated Press.

2008-11-24.

==========================

hopefully, they are being honest THIS time... because before... they weren't...

Unarmed, but heavily-protected with helmets, face masks and shields, hundreds of police moved through

These shotgun-toting police must not have gotten the memo...

Armed Thai riot police officers take a position as they confront with anti-government protesters during a demonstration against government outside Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008. Scores of protesters were injured.

Associated Press

[LaoPo]

COUNTRY ON THE BRINK AGAIN

"Last battle" begins today

By The Political desk

The Nation

Published on November 24, 2008

Anti-government protesters are planning the biggest rally today in a final showdown with the government, this time going for a people's revolution to topple the Somchai administration.

"The protesters under the People's Alliance for Democracy would not totally bank on the military to come to their side in toppling the Somchai government but would rather launch their own version of the people's revolution," said a political observer.

This time they have learnt the lesson.

In the people's revolution, the protesters will be attempting to woo public support so that they achieve a critical mass of more than 100,000 people to seize the capital. Spreading out in different rallies, they will lay siege on Parliament, surround the temporary office of the Somchai Cabinet at Don Muang and take control of other key communication sites.

"By doing so, the anti-government protesters are about to launch a coup in the capital similarly to military coups of the past. The difference is that they do not carry weapons or have guns and tanks like the military," said the political observer.

But to succeed, the military must also guard their security against the police forces.

The doctors and academics plan to render support to the PAD today. The state enterprise workers also plan to launch a nation-wide work stoppage.

On October 7, 2008 when the police shot tear gas into the protesters killing one person and injuring more than 400 people, the protesters waited desperately for the military to come to their side to no avail. Now they plan to stage a revolution of their own, either with military or without military support.

Maleerat Kaewka, a spokesman of the PAD, told the crowd to hang on until Wednesday when the people's war would be finished by then.

Others sense that bloodshed is hanging in the air as the anti-government protesters gear up their final war and the pro-government supporters are preparing a counter-attack.

"I believe that the situation will reach a breaking point next week. The temperature is now reaching a boiling point. It is just a moment away before a bloodshed happens and military coup will finish it up," said Rangsan Pathumwan, a lecturer at Chiang Mai University.

"They are now breaking into adversary groups. Some would like to please the Big Boss (Thaksin) and are ready to launch a clash."

Phromsak Saengpho, a leader of the pro-government and Red Shirt supporters in Chiang Mai, also speculated that a military coup might be imminent.

He said if a military coup were to happen over the next two to three days, Gen Anupong Paochinda, the army chief, would not have anything to do with it but it would rather be the work of the military from the upcountry joining with the Bangkok military.

"I don't believe that Gen Anupong would take part in the coup. He is afraid that if he does that he might not have the ground to stand on," he said.

He said the probability of a military coup has increased, with the military summoning leaders of the red shirt protesters in Chiang Mai into the Kavila Military Command to urge them not to join in the rally.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat is now attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Peru. He won't be back in Bangkok until Wednesday.

Yesterday protesters began to fortify their position in the Government House, numbering 50,000 people. The atmosphere looked like a festival as the protesters prepare to go for war.

Suriyasai Katasila, one of the leaders of the PAD, said the protesters will march to Parliament at seven o'clock tomorrow's morning and avoid marching at night.

The protesters have been attacked several times by small bombs and grenades, including a blast Thursday that killed one person and wounded 29.

Before leaving for Peru, PM Somchai signed a series of document to maintain internal security. One of the documents appoints Gen Anupong to head a committee, which is in charge of monitoring and maintaining security and law and order in Bangkok.

Army spokesman Col. Sansern Khaewkamnerd said police would be responsible for keeping the situation under control, but that 2,000 soldiers would be on standby in case police ask for help.

Police said 2,400 police would be stationed outside Parliament, which is about half a mile (1 kilometre) from the occupied prime minister's compound, Government House.

-The Nation Politics

LaoPo

Edited November 23, 2008 by LaoPo

[sriracha john]

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat is now attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Peru. He won't be back in Bangkok until Wednesday.

Thailand's Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat (L) stands next to U.S. President George W. Bush while wearing ponchos from Peru, during the group photo at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, November 23, 2008.

REUTERS

All the APEC leaders in their ponchos. Little Somchai is back row, 3rd from right.

Thai Rath

The protesters have been attacked several times by small bombs and grenades, including a blast Thursday that killed one person and wounded 29.

Before leaving for Peru, PM Somchai signed a series of document to maintain internal security. One of the documents appoints Gen Anupong to head a committee, which is in charge of monitoring and maintaining security and law and order in Bangkok.

4 Bombs at Banglampu Area, 2 Targeting ASTV Office

Four bombs exploded in the Banglampu area in central Bangkok early this morning, with two of the bombs targeted at the ASTV headquarters. Fortunately, the bombs caused no injuries or damages.

At around 3.40 am this morning, four bombs exploded in the Banglampu area. The first bomb hit a police kiosk at the Banglampu intersection. About five minutes later, another bomb went off close to a small park area on the Sib Sam Hang Road, close to the first bomb site.

Simultaneously, two bombs exploded in the Chaopraya River, behind the ASTV headquarters on Phra Arthit Road.

A PAD volunteer guard who was on duty at the ASTV headquarters said he heard a gunshot from the opposite side of the river. All of the guards then crouched low on the ground while keeping their eyes on the opposite side of the river. They saw a bright light like a firecracker which caused a loud explosion in the river.

A second bomb was then shot from the same location a few seconds later. It fell into the Chaopraya River, a few meters away from the Manager speedboat, docked behind the ASTV headquarters. The PAD guard believes the bombs were targeted at the ASTV headquarters, but the shooter miscalculated the distance, causing them to fell into the river. They also believe the shooter was on a boat in the middle of the river.

The bomb at the police kiosk at the Banglampu intersection caused the glass to break, but no one was injured.

- TOC / 2008-11-24

Edited November 24, 2008 by sriracha john