10,000 Police, Soldiers, Security Officials Deployed To Keep Security At Government House

[george]

About 10,000 police, soldiers, security officials deployed to keep security at Government House

BANGKOK: -- About 10,000 policemen, soldiers and defence volunteers were deployed to keep security at the Government House.

The officials were spread out around the government seat.

The officials also put up barbed wires around the fence of the Government House and they set up barricades using fire trucks, water trucks, road rollers and containers.

The officials used containers to set up a blockade on the road next to the Orathai Bridge with only a small passage for people to walk past.

On the road next to Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge, the officials also set up containers and suspect detention vehicles and leave a small passage for officials to walk past.

The officials did not put blockade on the road next to Chamai Maruchet Bridge but simply used metal barricades to line up the road.

But the officials used 8 containers to block the road along the Prem Prachakorn Canal so that Cabinet members could use the Gate 7 on the road to enter and leave the Government House compound.

-- The Nation 2009-03-26

[george]

Red-shirt crowd building up for showdown at Sanam Luang

BANGKOK: -- The crowd of red shirts start on Thursday to build up, though slowly, for their mass rally, billed as a showdown with the government, at Sanam Luang.

Red-shirt leaders have been scheduled to appear on stage and kick off the protest around 11.00 am.

Some red shirts from upcountry took an overnight trip and arrived to the rally site around dawn.

Red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praipana from Udon Thani said he organised for 13 buses and three train carriages to transport the protesters.

-- The Nation 2009-03-26

[george]

GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Red shirts plan long siege

About 35,000 protesters expected to rally today

BANGKOK: -- Coalition politicians and security advisers braced themselves yesterday for the red shirts' mass rally starting today in the capital that is viewed as setting the stage for an "all-out battle" to force the government out of office.

Sources from the administration and security agencies estimate that 25,000 to 35,000 protesters would gather at Government House.

If this final push fails to bring about any significant political change, the government would stay in power for a long time, the sources said.

Some 5,000 to 6,000 supporters from the provinces would be brought by MPs belonging to the opposition Pheu Thai Party and 15,000 would come from Bangkok alone, according to estimates.

Others would join the rally as detractors of the government, the ruling Democrat Party and the People's Alliance for Democracy, or simply as observers, the sources said.

Authorities will not allow demonstrators to enter the Government House compound or any state agency, the sources said.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban ordered security at Government House to be beefed up.

Military officers were seen congregating inside the compound as plans were laid to prevent the mob from gaining access.

Leaders of the red shirts said the protesters would gather at Sanam Luang in the morning and proceed to Government House sometime before noon.

Nattawut Saikua, a Pheu Thai politician and one of the protest leaders, said the red shirts would surround Government House and set up a stage for a long siege there.

However, government sources said the protesters were expected to disperse by Sunday to make way for the opening of the annual Red-Cross Fair nearby, with HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presiding.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he would be absent from his office in Government House as he would be busy all day attending meetings at Parliament.

He reminded the protesters to abide by the law.

Any attempt to blockade or occupy Government House would not be tolerated, he said.

Deputy Premier Suthep said the special Bt1-billion budget for Internal Security Operations Command projects would be used to dilute anti-government protests.

Suthep, who is in charge of security affairs, said that since the country was facing a serious political divide, the funds would be spent to boost loyalty to the monarch among the people and pre-empt lese majeste cases that could destabilise the country.

Isoc would also use the project funds to tackle economic problems in line with His Majesty the King's principle of sufficiency economy, which was the best way to cope with the country's recession, he added.

-- The Nation 2009-03-26

[JimsKnight]

Ring of steel!

These boys have learned the lessons of previous days

[hammered]

Officials say 35K. Organisers 200-300K and a PTP MP 300K. An Asian news source even mentioned 500K. Big difference there.

Udon lovers and Love Chiang Mai 51 two of the more controversial red groups (both linked to multiple counts of violence) are both reportedly bringing a thousand.

Anyway someone has miscaluclated badly on one or maybe even both sides.

This is a big day for Thaksin. He has put himself behind this turnout after his lieutenants failed to deliver the numbers on previous occasions, and he needs a game changing play soon.

Promises to be an interesting day especially with the new amnesty bill reportedly including amnesty for all politcal crimes up to and including May 9, 2009!

[george]

Update:

Red-shirt march to Gov't House might face delayed-start: Natthawut

BANGKOK: -- The march from Sanam Luang to Government House might not be able to begin at noon as planned because of delayed arrivals of the red shirts from upcountry, co- organiser Natthawut Saikua said on Thursday.

Natthawut claimed that authorities were trying to block the red shirts to travel to Bangkok.

Inspite of the possible delay, the red shirts will definitely proceed with the plans to blockade Government House though whey will not trespass on or illegally occupy the seat of the government, he said.

-- The Nation 2009-03-26

[yogi]

how about airport security?

[hammered]

Update:

Red-shirt march to Gov't House might face delayed-start: Natthawut

BANGKOK: -- The march from Sanam Luang to Government House might not be able to begin at noon as planned because of delayed arrivals of the red shirts from upcountry, co- organiser Natthawut Saikua said on Thursday.

Natthawut claimed that authorities were trying to block the red shirts to travel to Bangkok.

Inspite of the possible delay, the red shirts will definitely proceed with the plans to blockade Government House though whey will not trespass on or illegally occupy the seat of the government, he said.

-- The Nation 2009-03-26

So authorities blocking, lower numbers than expected or both?

[Scott]

They should use water cannons....or wait, that might be more of a treat than a deterrent!

[george]

Thaksin to make phone-in to rally at 7 pm

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party MP Jatuporn Promphan said former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would make a phone-in to address the protesters at the Government House at 7 pm.

-- The Nation 2009-03-26

[Steve2UK]

Update:

Red-shirt march to Gov't House might face delayed-start: Natthawut

BANGKOK: -- The march from Sanam Luang to Government House might not be able to begin at noon as planned because of delayed arrivals of the red shirts from upcountry, co- organiser Natthawut Saikua said on Thursday.

Natthawut claimed that authorities were trying to block the red shirts to travel to Bangkok.

Inspite of the possible delay, the red shirts will definitely proceed with the plans to blockade Government House though whey will not trespass on or illegally occupy the seat of the government, he said.

-- The Nation 2009-03-26

So authorities blocking, lower numbers than expected or both?

According to my print edition of yesterday's Bangkok Post (different wording online) - paragraph from the front page article headlined "Thaksin faces new threat" :

"Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul has threatened to transfer provincial governors if they fail to prevent red-shirt protesters in the provinces from joining the anti-government rally in Bangkok tomorrow."

[Steve2UK]

So authorities blocking, lower numbers than expected or both?

As per Bangkok Post's print edition report of the Interior Minister's threat to provincial governors (quoted above), it certainly looks like authorities are doing what they can to block. As for "lower numbers than expected" - it seems to be a worldwide tradition for any and all protest organisers to a] talk up the numbers they "expect" and b] talk up the numbers that actually show up - while the authorities will usually talk them down. "Lies, damned lies and statistics" springs to mind .

Edited March 26, 2009 by Steve2UK

[h90]

Officials say 35K. Organisers 200-300K and a PTP MP 300K. An Asian news source even mentioned 500K. Big difference there.

Udon lovers and Love Chiang Mai 51 two of the more controversial red groups (both linked to multiple counts of violence) are both reportedly bringing a thousand.

Anyway someone has miscaluclated badly on one or maybe even both sides.

This is a big day for Thaksin. He has put himself behind this turnout after his lieutenants failed to deliver the numbers on previous occasions, and he needs a game changing play soon.

Promises to be an interesting day especially with the new amnesty bill reportedly including amnesty for all politcal crimes up to and including May 9, 2009!

I recalled on a PAD demonstration, while it happened (not a forecast) the numbers ranged from 5.000 to 550.000 people.

Everyone is lying methinks...

[Jai Dee]

UDD protesters flocking to Sanam Luang

The red clad United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protesters have continuously traveled to Sanam Luang before marching to besiege the Government House today (March 26th) amid tight security.

The UDD protesters, reportedly from other provinces, will march from Sanam Luang to surround Government House to demand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to resign and dissolve the parliament.

In the gathering site, there are many stalls selling accessories used in the demonstrations such as red shirts, headbands and clapping feet. In addition, the "Truth Today" program hosted by Jatuporn Prompan and other UDD core leaders are relayed at the rally site.

Meanwhile, more than 22 companies of metropolitan police are stationed around Government House to provide security and prevent the demonstrators from entering the premises during their rally today.

Most of the police officers will remain inside Government House while some will be deployed at the gates on both Phadung Krung Kasem Canal side and Ratchadamneon Road side.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 26 March 2009

[Jai Dee]

Metropolitan Police brief National Police on UDD rally via video conference

The Commander of the Metropolitan Police this morning (March 26) reported the events of the anti-government protest at Sanam Luang to the Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police via video conference, informing him that the situation in the early hours of the rally remained under control.

Metropolitan Police Commander Police Lieutenant General Worapong Chiwpracha joined a gathering of his deputies and Bangkok police commanders in conducting a video conference with the Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police this morning.

The conference was to brief the National Police on the unfolding of the anti-government rally at Sanam Luang. Police Lieutenant General Worapong stated that the situation remained under control with demonstrators gathering in an orderly fashion. Nonetheless, 22 police corps, 3,300 in number, have been stationed with the protest to oversee its movements.

Traffic around Sanam Luang and the Government House however remained normal with no closures as yet.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 26 March 2009

[hammered]

So authorities blocking, lower numbers than expected or both?

As per Bangkok Post's print edition report of the Interior Minister's threat to provincial governors (quoted above), it certainly looks like authorities are doing what they can to block. As for "lower numbers than expected" - it seems to be a worldwide tradition for any and all protest organisers to a] talk up the numbers they "expect" and b] talk up the numbers that actually show up - while the authorities will usually talk them down. "Lies, damned lies and statistics" springs to mind .

The authorites can control some: a few thousand even maybe ten or twenty thousand or so around the country but they cant stop the rally reaching its range. If it were to be in the hundreds of thousands I would guess that would be evident now although after 6PM it will increase when work finishes and it cools down. I havent seen number estimates but it is probably going to be in tens of thousands.

No doubt the authorites have stopped some, which is wrong and talked others out of coming but the delay until 2PM now seems to start to indicate oragnisers are also getting embarrassed or making excuses. Thaksin wont be happy if they end up with say 20-25K after all his phone efforts and, I have to say it money, as no large rally ever occurs without some paid to play characters. Oddly enough a low turnout may cause organisers to think of more drastic movements. Huge demos dont need stunts to make them impressive and send a message whereas small demos are a waste of time in terms of sending messages without drama.

Early days but those predicting several hundreds of thousands are looking like they are off. No doubt this comment will now come back to haunt me;)

[Sunderland]

Perhaps all thes pointless protests are a tactic to waste taxpayers' money on security and try to bring down the government that way.

Even Sunderland Football Club get more people to watch them than the 'masses' expected to try and topple a government!

[hammered]

Seems receiving the 2 grand is more popular than Thakson's rally.

Plus the coalition chief whip knocks the "commit any crime you fancy in a red or yellow shirt and get off scot-free before May 3" bill on the head:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...bill-chief-coal

[george]

Protesters forming procession for marching to Government House

BANGKOK: -- At 12:40 pm Thursday, protesters blocked the Rajdamnone Road in front of the Government House Lottery Office, making preparations to march to the Government House.

About 100 motorcycles were gathering in front of the procession.

The motorcyclists also carried flags.

-- The Nation 2009-03-26

[george]

The red march begins

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirted protesters began their march from Sanam Luang to the Government House at 12:45 pm Thursday.

Their leaders, Jaral Disthachai, Natthawut Saikua, and Jakrapob Penkair, travelled in a car that was leading the march.

By 1:31 pm, the head of the procession reached the Pan Fah bridge and they protesters paused briefly to reshape the procession.

Some of the protesters also gathered at the Makkhawan Bridge to wait for the procession.

-- The Nation 2009-03-26

[Jai Dee]

PM concerned anti-government protest could become violent

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed worried that the ‘Red Shirts’ of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protest could become violent, but affirmed that the government’s security personnel had applied every precaution to prevent any untoward incident.

Mr. Abhisit, interviewed in a television broadcast late Wednesday, said that the government observed and understood the people’s basic rights under democratic principles to protest against the government, but that person who broke the law would be prosecuted under the law.

He added that the nation could not move ahead if it remains adrift amid unresolved conflict and violence.

The UDD began gathering at Sanam Luang for a large-scale rally on Thursday vowing to oust the three-month-old government.

The Red Shirts plan to march to Government House beginning at 10-11am and expect to cordon off the Government House premises indefinitely.

Meanwhile, military security personnel began taking positions at Government House Wednesday afternoon to provide security to the Thai Prime Minister’s Office staff and related offices and agencies.

Police installed closed circuit television cameras throughout the premises over fears that the anti-government UDD protesters might storm the premises, and concern that the promised peaceful demonstration would deteriorate into violence.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban appeared shortly at Government House on Thursday before going to the Parliament as other ministers have official engagements elsewhere.

Deputy Interior Minister Thaworn Senneam said he expected some 15,000 demonstrators from Bangkok and as many as 7,000 to 8,000 people from other provinces to join the demonstration.

Lt-Gen. Kanit Sapitak, commander of the First Army Region responsible for security in Bangkok and Central region provinces, said the military posted at Government House will not clash with the protesters.

On worries that the demonstration could be prolonged, Gen. Kanit said it depended on the decisions of responsible civil authorities to resolve the problem, while the military would stand by only to carry out whatever duty was given.

Source: TNA - 26 March 2009

[george]

Some protesters reach Government House's fence

BANGKOK: -- By 1:30 pm Thursday, many protesters gathered outside the Government House on the side of Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge.

Government House officials were instructed to leave the compound once the some of the protesters arrived ahead of the main procession.

The officials left the compound through the Orathai Gate on Nang Lerng Road.

-- The Nation 2009-03-26

[Jai Dee]

UDD claims government obstruction

Authorities are trying to obstruct red-shirt protesters in other provinces, such as Khon Kaen, from joining the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship's rally in front of Government House on Thursday afternoon, UDD key member Veera Musikhapong claims. He said the planned noon demonstration in front of Government House would have to be delayed until 2pm, because the government was trying many ways to prevent UDD supporters from joining the protest.

He insisted the group would carry on protesting until Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva resigns, but affirmed that the demonstrators would not break into state offices or seize them. "Tonight at 7pm when the broadcast signal is ready, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will make a video-link phone-in at Government House," said Mr Veera.

UDD leader and opposition Puea Thai party MP Jatuporn Prompan also said UDD supporters in other provinces were facing difficulties in getting to Bangkok. He claimed that authorities were keeping them from using trains, tour buses and car rental services.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[hammered]

Interesting to watch the different approach by this government. They are out and high profile on a big demo day. The Samak and Somchai governments used to disppear until the next day.

Edited to add: and according to MCOT Abhisit has been working in his office this morning after cancelling some appointments:

http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=9221

Edited March 26, 2009 by hammered

[hammered]

According to the Post it is 15K

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1...rt-rally-begins

The government will be happy at this.

With Thaksin's lietenants claiming 300K would attend it is easy think of Samak's recent remarks.

Edited to add: all the government could hope for now is a massive storm around 7PM

Edited March 26, 2009 by hammered

[george]

Main procession of red-shirted protesters reach Makkhawan Bridge

BANGKOK: -- By 1:50 pm, the main procession of the red-shirted demonstrators reached the Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge and became ready to besiege the Government House.

The bridge is just one bloc away from the Government House compound.

-- The Nation 2009-03-26

[george]

100 motorcyclists seize control of Uthong Road

BANGKOK: -- About 100 motorcyclists have reached and seized control of the Uthong Road near the Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge at 1:38 pm.

The blocked the road from Makkhawan Bridge until the Misakawan Intersection.

They also honked their horns once their reached the Uthong Road.

Traffic has become congested in the area around the Government House.

-- The Nation 2009-03-26

[george]

Main group of protesters reach Government House at 1:45 pm

BANGKOK: -- The main group of red-shirted protesters reached the Government House at 1:45 pm.

Natthawut Saikua led protesters to move past barricade to occupy the road on the canal side, which is outside the Command Building 2.

The area is blocked with containers but Natthawut said he would later bring in a crane to remove the containers.

-- The Nation 2009-03-26

[Old Man River]

Update:

Natthawut claimed that authorities were trying to block the red shirts to travel to Bangkok.

It is kind of ironic that it wasn't too long ago that the authorities were trying to block the yellow shirts from traveling to Bangkok.

[hammered]

Main group of protesters reach Government House at 1:45 pm

BANGKOK: -- The main group of red-shirted protesters reached the Government House at 1:45 pm.

Natthawut Saikua led protesters to move past barricade to occupy the road on the canal side, which is outside the Command Building 2.

The area is blocked with containers but Natthawut said he would later bring in a crane to remove the containers.

-- The Nation 2009-03-26

Using a crane to remove large containers with many people milling around could be quite dangerous.