4 Grenades Explode Near Thailand's Anti-government Tv Station

[LaoPo]

BREAKING NEWS:

Four explosions occur in Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Four nearly simultaneous explosions occurred in Bangkok early Monday morning.

The first bombs exploded at about 3:50 am at the police booth at the Bang Lamphu Intersection.

Channel 3 reported that the second bomb exploded five minute later at 3:40 am at the road-island park between Wat Soamanus and Bang Lamphu.

The station said two more explosions occurred behind the office of ASTV at 3:45 am.

No one was injured in the four explosions.

The first explosion damaged the police booth, breaking its glass windows.

-- The Nation 2008-11-24

Breaking news below:

- Protesters begin "last battle" at Parliament

- 4 grenades explode near ASTV TV station

- PAD Protesters besiege Parliament, Police head office, electricity cut off

- 5 MPs, 1 senator stranded inside Parlaiment, House meeting postponed indefinitely

[LaoPo]

PAD plans mass protest outside parliament today

Monday November 24, 2008

Chai to suspend meeting if violence threatens

MANOP THIP-OSOD and SIRIKUL BUNNAG

Parliament President Chai Chidchob will decide this morning whether to postpone or cancel the House-Senate joint session in the face of the mass protest planned by supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Mr Chai said yesterday that if the PAD protest shows indications of becoming violent he could postpone the joint meeting, or even end the present session of parliament.

With the approach of His Majesty the King's birthday on Dec 5, he wanted to ensure there was no violence.

He planned to try and enter the parliament between 8am and 9am. The meeting is scheduled to start at 10am.

Mr Chai softened his position after a huge turnout of PAD supporters yesterday, estimated at 40,000, to join in what PAD leaders term the "final battle" to bring down the government led by acting People Power party leader and Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

continues here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/241108_News/24Nov2008_news01.php

LaoPo

Edited November 23, 2008 by LaoPo

[LaoPo]

UDD told to avoid protest march route

Monday November 24, 2008

MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

The United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) yesterday told its supporters not to gather today to counter a rally by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) at parliament.

The pro-government group's stance was announced yesterday during the Kwam Jing Wan Nee (Truth Today) talk show at Wat Suan Kaew in Nonthaburi, which coincided with a massive gathering of PAD supporters at Government House.

Key UDD leader and talk show host Veera Musikhapong claimed the pro-government group would avoid confronting the PAD today, which has decided to wage its "final war" on the Somchai Wongsawat government.

The PAD accuses Mr Somchai of being a proxy for convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"If there is a clash, it would be between the PAD and police," Mr Veera said. "Let them [PAD supporters] show their real self and let military and police officers do their duty."

He asked the PAD to "honour the nation" by not blocking parliament and stopping it from convening. Legislators will sit today to consider 12 agreements to be signed during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Chiang Mai on Dec 15.

continues here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/241108_News/24Nov2008_news03.php

LaoPo

[sriracha john]

PAD leaders reach first barricade

Sondhi Limthongkul, Pipop Thongchai and Somkiart Pongpaibul, 3 co-leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy, reached the first police barricade at petrol station of the First Army Area at 7 am.

About 1 company of police are blocking the road, using some vans and 10 suspect detaining vehicles.

The PAD sent Suriyasai Katasila to negotiate with police to move out of the way.

- The Nation / 2008-11-24

[sriracha john]

Police retreat into Parliament

Police who form the last defence line in front of Parliament retreated to be stationed inside the compound after protesters arrived at the scene at 7:26 am Monday.

Some police moved into the compound of the Dusit Zoo.

Police also deployed 4 fire engines inside Parliament.

- The Nation / 2008-11-24

[marshbags]

DAAD urged to keep away from PAD protesters if they lay siege to Parliament

By The Nation Published on November 24, 2008

Pro-government protesters were urged yesterday not to interfere with the People's Alliance for Democracy protesters who are planning to lay siege to Parliament today.

Veera Musigapong, host of the third mobile Truth Today show, urged members of the Democratic Alliance for Democracy or "the red shirt people" not to interfere with the PAD's rally when they move to besiege Parliament. "We will wait and see one day and decide our next move later,'' he said.

Chatuporn Prompan, a leader of government supporters and also a host of the third mobile Truth Today show at Wat Suan Kaew, said he was informed that there would be an arson attack at the Thai Khu Fah building either last night or tonight.

"I do not want to see that happen so I want to warn that burning down Thai Khu Fah is equal to burning down the country and the PAD themselves,'' he said.

The third mobile Truth Today kicked off with Wat Suan Kaew abbot Phra Payom Kallayano sitting on the stage to monitor the show to ensure there would be no mudslinging, no use of abusive and provocative language and no allegations.

The abbot said he would like to listen to humble speech rather than attacks. After one hour, the monk left the stage to monitor the talk show inside his monastery.

Leaders of the DAAD took turns at the stage from Manit Chitchanklab, Jakrapob Penkair, Adisorn Piangket, and Pongthep Thepkanchana.

Adisorn said if the House was dissolved today, there would be no difference because the Constitution would be changed. "Whoever wins the election would be ousted by dictatorial rules,'' he said.

Pongthep said the Senators who stirred up problems were mostly from the group of 40 Senators. There is a need to amend the Constitution because the highest law makes it tough for judges to be neutral and the Constitution believes in permanent officials more than politicians, which is not in line with democratic system since politicians are elected by the people, he said.

He proposed that judges clean up their own acts, especially those involved in cases against former election commissioners.

Jakrapob revealed that the visa cancellation of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife by the United Kingdom was sought by a former Thai foreign minister who promised to protect the interest of the UK in Phuket in exchange for the visa revocation in order to humiliate Thaksin.

Chaturon said the PAD had violated Buddhist precepts because its leaders provoked their followers to fight instead of resorting to a peaceful struggle. "They told their people to bring arms and move to seize Parliament. They could go in and kill MPs and senators,'' he said.

He blamed some academics who had sided with the PAD by speaking in support of their movement even though they have broken the law.

Phra Payom invited the PAD to organise their rally in his temple, also adding he was not biased. He urged participants of the show to use moral sense and judgement to end political wrangling.

Over 1,000 police were deployed to keep security at the temple.

Unquote

Can you believe the crap coming out of the these self appointed, self important individuals

Talk about living in a fantasy world, an arrangement with the U.K. on the visa cancellation, indeed. <deleted> do they take us for !!!!!!!!!!

marshbags

Edited November 24, 2008 by marshbags

[brahmburgers]

It's commendable that UDD and DAAD are appearing to keep clear of the protest route.

It's also commendable that Thai police and military appear have chosen to be restrained in the matter.

It's astounding that Somchai chooses to stay a half a world away!

Maybe not so astounding, when you think; even if/when he gets back to Thailand on Wednesday, he may just go to the suburbs and have a spot of tea with some casual acquaintances - after that, maybe go and pick some wildflowers in a field somewhere.

Edited November 24, 2008 by brahmburgers

[bingobongo]

Anti-government protesters begin self proclaimed "last battle" at Parliament

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protest moved from its 'headquarters' at Government House to Parliament early Monday in what it is calling its "final battle" to pressure the government to resign.

The protest movement's earlier assault on Parliament, on October 7, was intended as a peaceful blockade to stop Parliament from convening, but ended in violence when police fired tear gas, sparking street clashes that left two people dead and nearly 500 injured.

Monday morning in Bangkok sees thousands of PAD supporters who earlier seized and have been encamped in the Government House compound since late August moving to Parliament. The streams of yellow-shirted protesters started flowing through the streets at about 6.45am and later surrounded the Parliament compound to prevent the scheduled joint session of representatives and senators from convening.

The Peoples' Alliance oppose amendments to the 2007 Constitution and believe Parliament will discuss the altering the national charter on Monday but the speakers of both the Senate and the House of Representatives have said it is not on the agenda.

Sonthi Limthongkul, a top PAD core leader, said that once the protesters arrive outside Parliament, they would disperse into smaller groups and move to major government agencies including the temporary government house at Don Mueang, the Finance Ministry, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the National Police Bureau, the Metropolitan Police Headquarters and residences of some key government figures.

Scores of police and security forces are stationed at Parliament to prevent the PAD from entering he compound.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat is in Peru from November 20-26 to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, the capital.

Early Monday two small explosions occurred near Bang Lamphu intersection -- at a police checkpoint and in bushes some 200 metres from the checkpoint.

The first blast damaged windows at the checkpoint but no one was injured, while the second was 15-20 minutes later. Both explosions were believed to be homemade bombs put in place early and detonated by remote control.

It was reported that the offices of ASTV, headed by PAD co-founder Sondhi, was also the target of a small bomb, but there was no confirmation.

Several PAD members have been killed in bombing attacks since early October.

The PAD coalition, a self-proclaimed 'democracy' movement began protesting against the then Thaksin government in 2006. The United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), opposed to the PAD, also claims to represent 'democracy'.

-- TNA 2008-11-24

[jbowman1993]

I am praying for peace, but part of me knows that there will be no way forward unless something happens to change the status quo. I just hope that "something" is not a violent confrontation.

[george]

Parliament surrounded; Electricity cut off

BANGKOK: -- Anti-government demonstrators led by People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leaders Sondhi Limthongkul, Piphob Thongchai and Somkiat Pongpaiboon surrounded the parliament on Monday morning, and electricity to the state building was cut off.

During the march to the parliament, thousands of the PAD supporters, including women and children, together with vehicles with loud speakers travelled through the steel fences set up by the police at ease. Elder supporters of the group were on standby at Government House.

The core members announced to the protesters that the PAD will win the final battle.

PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang told the demonstrators to march without carrying weapons and assured them that the PAD will come up victorious. He said the key members will decide whether the protesters will be divided into groups to rally in other places later during the day.

Mr Piphob called on people outside Bangkok to join the mass protest, adding that the PAD’s victory is on their hands.

“We have to stop the parliamentary meeting aimed at amending the constitution, especially the draft proposed by Md Weng Tochirakarn. We have to stop them,” said Mr Piphob.

At the Metropolitan Police Bureau and the intersection near the Equestrian Statue of King Rama V the Great, about 300 police men armed with shields and helmets were aligned to control the protesters.

-- Bangkok Post 2008-11-24

[jubby]

I know speaking nicely is very important in Thailand. I've just listened to a PAD spokesman and also to a Government spokewoman live, haven't got a clue what they are talking about. Don't usually comment on 'Thai Politics' as its drilled into us that its not falangs buisiness.

the wife translated for me and it would seem clear that the PAD guy ain't speaking nicely and that he is trying to rally his troops into a frenzy. Fighting frenzy I would say, using someone who we cannot mention as a weapon. He appears to be fanatical and ain't going nowhere until he gets his way. The goverment spokeswoman was speaking nicely, I don't think there's a cat in hells chance of a peaceful resolution unless someone influential steps in to prevent the impending bloodbath.

[Jai Dee]

Army Chief adopts peaceful means to control PAD protest

Army Commander in Chief insisted the military would not adopt violent method to control antigovernment People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protest’s situation, if the group moved to gather in front of the Parliament.

Army Chief Gen Anupong Paochininda (อนุพงษ์ เผ่าจินดา), in his capacity as chairman of the joint committee inspecting the political situation, revealed after chairing rehearsal of parade of Royal Guards in honor of His Majesty the King that the committee had no special authority to control the PAD’s gathering, who would move to block the Parliament on Monday.

He added the military would not impose harsh measures to control the situation, hoping to see peaceful demonstration.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere of the parade's rehearsal was smooth. People watched the rehearsal curiously.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 24 November 2008

[george]

5 MPs, 1 senator stranded inside Parlaiment

BANGKOK: -- Five MPs who reached Parliament before 6 am were stranded inside Monday.

They were Kiartikorn Phakpiensilp (Matchima Tippatya-Prachinburi), Somchai Phetprasert (People Power Party-Nakhon Ratchasima), Paween Saejueng (PPP-Si Sa Ket), Thanusak Lek-uthai (PPP-Uttaradit), and Boonyod Sukthinthai (Democrat-Bangkok).

Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn was also stranded.

-- The Nation 2008-11-24

[george]

Chai cancels meeting

BANGKOK: -- Parliament President Chai Chidchob made a phone call to the press room to formally announce the cancellation of the joint House-Senate sitting.

He said the meeting would be postponed until the situation improves.

He said the meeting would be held only after the PAD could reach an agreement with the government.

-- The Nation 2008-11-24

[Jai Dee]

Police step up security at Parliament

Police are setting up security detail in the interior and exterior perimeter of the Parliament as the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters are approaching the place.

The PAD made its way to the Parliament building this morning at 7:30 AM with it's leaders assuring a peaceful rally. The demonstrators have been instructed within their own ranks to not to approach the gates of the parliament compound and have been ordered to closely follow leader orders. Police have nonetheless placed strict security consisting of border patrol officers within the building along with other officers who have been stationed there since last night to overview the situation.

Some amount of MPs and Senators have made their way to the scheduled parliament meeting today but have been cautious of the protests, admitting the gathering may suspend the meeting.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 24 November 2008

[george]

PAD to besiege Parliament until current session expires

BANGKOK: -- Suriyasai Katasila, a leading member of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said protesters would lay siege to Parliament until the current parliamentary session expires.

The session is scheduled to expire on Friday.

House Secretary-General Phithoon Pumhiran said if the besieging continues until Friday, the current session will automatically expire.

-- The Nation 2008-11-24

[george]

Protesters besiege Metropolitan Police head office

BANGKOK: -- Protesters have surrounded the Metropolitan Police head office and pushed guarding police back into the compound, Thai PBS reported at 10 am Monday.

The station said police, who were guarding the front gate of the head office, were outnumbered and protesters gradually pushed them inside the compound.

The protesters also removed barricades in front of the Metropolitan Police head office.

-- The Nation 2008-11-24

[Jai Dee]

"Last battle" begins today

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.

Source: The Nation - 24 November 2008

[CuttySark]

The begining of the end? or the end of the begining?

[h90]

Everything is running too smooth in my opinion.

[Jai Dee]

Govt to hold urgent Cabinet meeting at 10:30 am

The caretaker prime minister called Cabinet members to attend an urgent meeting at Don Muang at 10:30 am.

Source: The Nation - 24 November 2008

[Jai Dee]

Thai protesters surround Parliament in showdown

Thousands of anti-government protesters surrounded Thailand's Parliament on Monday as riot police barricaded the building to prevent violence at a rally that demonstrators have billed their final bid to oust the administration.

Protesters calling themselves the People's Alliance for Democracy blocked the gates to the Parliament, trying to prevent lawmakers from entering, and tried to cut electrical wires outside the building to create a blackout ahead of the session.

The demonstrators were flanked by their own guards, who were armed with poles, clubs and metal rods. Many protesters carried masks and swimming goggles to protect against tear gas, which police have said they would use to maintain order.

The demonstrators initially called the protest to block Parliament from debating a bill to rewrite the constitution. That contentious issue was dropped at the last minute and lawmakers will instead debate legislation related to an upcoming regional summit.

Protesters have occupied the grounds of the prime minister's office for three months in their effort to topple the government, which they allege is the puppet of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

They accuse Thaksin, who was ousted by a 2006 military coup, of corruption and abuse of power, and claim the constitution bill before the legislature would help him stage a comeback.

Thaksin is in exile, a fugitive from a two-year jail term imposed after he was convicted last month of violating a conflict of interest law.

"I'm very scared. But it is time that we win this," said a protester, Wimon Sricarak. "We have been attacked, our friends have died, and all because they want to protect Thaksin."

Two small blasts went off before dawn Monday near the offices of a key protest leader, said police Sgt.Theerapong Rakjit. Nobody was injured and the origin of the blast was not immediately known.

The last time the group marched on Parliament, police efforts to disperse them resulted in running street battles. Two people were killed in the Oct. 7 violence and hundreds injured.

The fracas also disturbed animals at Dusit Zoo across the road, and zookeepers were forced to comfort highly strung animals such as kangaroos.

On Sunday, kangaroos, wallabies and elephants were taken by their handlers to the far side of the zoo, where they would be more protected from any mayhem. Dusit Zoo director Kanchanachai Saenwong said that despite the confrontations in the area, there were no plans to relocate the zoo.

The Education Ministry ordered four public schools in the area closed.

Police said 2,400 policemen would be stationed outside Parliament, which is about half a mile 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 The Associated Press.

The protest alliance also says it is committed to nonviolence, though forays outside its stronghold are usually led by tough young men, who carry homemade weapons such as iron rods — and in some cases handguns — and who have won a reputation for aggressive behavior.

The alliance accused police of being behind an attack last week in which grenades killed two protesters during demonstrations at and near the occupied Government House. Authorities have denied the charge.

Protest leaders were calling for Sunday's rally to be their biggest ever, but the number that turned out appeared to be at most just one-quarter to one-third the 100,000 supporters protest spokesman Parnthep Wongpuapan said had been expected.

"It will be D-Day. This will be our final push to bring down the government," 64-year-old protester Chokchuang Chutinaton said.

The alliance's supporters are largely middle-class citizens, who say Thailand's electoral system is susceptible to vote-buying and argues the rural majority — the Thaksin camp's power base — is not sophisticated enough to cast ballots responsibly.

They propose replacing an elected Parliament with one that is mostly appointed, a move critics charge is meant to keep power in the hands of the educated, urban elite.

Source: AP - 24 November 2008

[hammered]

Chai cancels meeting

BANGKOK: -- Parliament President Chai Chidchob made a phone call to the press room to formally announce the cancellation of the joint House-Senate sitting.

He said the meeting would be postponed until the situation improves.

He said the meeting would be held only after the PAD could reach an agreement with the government.

-- The Nation 2008-11-24

That looks like the constitutional stuff is now on a backburner. Not surprising consdiering that concerns a lot more powerful groups than just the PAD. Lets hope the amnesty idea joins it. If that happens things should calm down for a while at least.

[scratt]

Jakrapob revealed that the visa cancellation of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife by the United Kingdom was sought by a former Thai foreign minister who promised to protect the interest of the UK in Phuket in exchange for the visa revocation in order to humiliate Thaksin.

/sarcasm

Yup. That's how we roll in the UK.

And of course with our huge regional interests on that tiny island we simply could not turn up the opportunity of a single man defending our interests there...

/sarcasm

Jakrapob has clearly shown how blinkered and introverted his view of the world is if he truly said this.

The UK is not like Thailand. We don't make policy based on cash backhanders.......

[Jai Dee]

Photographs from Thairath - 24 November 2008

[george]

Six men dressed like PAD guards arrested for hijacking bus

BANGKOK: -- Six men, who were dressed like guards of the People's Alliance for Democracy, were arrested Monday after they seized control of a Bangkok Mass Transit Authority bus.

Police said the men were armed with a sawn-off shotgun and knives.

They asked the driver of a No 53 bus to leave and drove it to the Makkhawan Bridge but soldiers and police shot the bus' tyres and arrested the six.

They were taken to the Nang Loeng police station for questioning.

-- The Nation 2008-11-24

[bubba]

I posted this in the other thread, but for those who didn't see it, live streaming television coverage with English commentary is available at:

ASTV

Click the link at the middle of the page called "TOC"

Also, ASTV have ongoing text coverage at:

Thailand Outlook

[Jai Dee]

PAD sets up rally stage blocking entrance of Metropolitan Police head office

The protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy set up a stage in front of the entrance to Metropolitan Police and cut off power supply to the compound.

Veera Somkwamkid, a protest leader, said the PAD would seize the metropolitan police head office because it was used as a base for launching bomb attacks against the protesters at the Government House.

Source: The Nation - 24 November 2008

[h90]

Chai cancels meeting

BANGKOK: -- Parliament President Chai Chidchob made a phone call to the press room to formally announce the cancellation of the joint House-Senate sitting.

He said the meeting would be postponed until the situation improves.

He said the meeting would be held only after the PAD could reach an agreement with the government.

-- The Nation 2008-11-24

That looks like the constitutional stuff is now on a backburner. Not surprising consdiering that concerns a lot more powerful groups than just the PAD. Lets hope the amnesty idea joins it. If that happens things should calm down for a while at least.

new shedule is Wednessday or thursday some rumors say.

[h90]

Six men dressed like PAD guards arrested for hijacking bus

BANGKOK: -- Six men, who were dressed like guards of the People's Alliance for Democracy, were arrested Monday after they seized control of a Bangkok Mass Transit Authority bus.

Police said the men were armed with a sawn-off shotgun and knives.

They asked the driver of a No 53 bus to leave and drove it to the Makkhawan Bridge but soldiers and police shot the bus' tyres and arrested the six.

They were taken to the Nang Loeng police station for questioning.

-- The Nation 2008-11-24

police and military is unarmed....how could they shoot?