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

[Bangyai]

I always respect people who stand up for what they believe.

With the er...possible exception of Thaksin nes pa ?

[sriracha john]

Protesters start moving to Prem's house

Thousands of protesters started moving from the Royal Plaza at 10:10 am Wednesday heading to the residence of Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda.

They paused briefly to reshape the procession in front of the First Infantry Division.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

Thaksin in Command of Red-Shirt March to Prem’s Residence

More red-shirt protesters are gathering as they prepare for their biggest rally yet. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be directing all operations.

The 111 group of former Thai Rak Thai Party members have taken turns getting on stage as red-shirt protesters prepare to march to Privy Council President, Prem Tinsulanonda's residence, or Baan Si Sao Thewet, late this morning.

The gathering will be organized into three groups. The first group is the movement group, which includes DAAD or Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship leaders Veera Musikphong, Jatuporn Phromphan, and Nuttawut Saikea. This group will be responsible for the stage and movements.

The second group is the strategic team which includes Puea Thai Party leaders, former People Power Party and Thai Rak Thai Party leaders. The group includes former premier Thaksin Shinawatra who will call the shots in today's rally.

The third and last team is the operations team, which includes high-ranking military officers close to Thaksin along with officers who will monitor the situation as the rally proceeds. If violence breaks out, this team will immediately step in.

The rally's operations have not been set in stone. Instead, Thaksin will evaluate and discuss the situation with fellow leaders before giving further orders.

At the same time, the peacekeepers are still employing the same strategy which includes deploying 17 Army companies, 2 Navy companies, and 2 Air Force companies. All forces will be taking orders from Division 1 Commander-in-Chief

Lieutenant- General Kanit Saphitak.

While reinforcements are standing by, police officers from Metropolitan Police Headquarters, Special Operations Police Department, and Boarder Police will be the main source of peacekeepers.

Military officers will take the role of reinforcers, some of whom have already been deployed inside the Government House, while police officers protect the entrances and exits.

Meanwhile, more than 3,500 police officers have deployed in front of Baan Si Sao Thewet, Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda's residence. The commander has asked the officers to stick to their roles as peacekeepers and to be patient with the protesters.

Commander Kanit believes that officers will not spark violence as the officers are only armed with shields. In addition, Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda left his residence last night and has not returned.

- TOC / 2009-04-08

[sriracha john]

Assassins bidding to gun down Privy Councillor arrested

Police officers of Provincial Police Region 1 arrested three suspects preparing to assassinate Privy Councillor Charnchai Likitjitta, claiming the three suspects had pleaded guilty and are now being interrogated secretly at the Provincial Police Region 1 headquarter.

Deputy Police Commissioner-General Police Colonel Jongrak Juthanont said the three suspects included Sakchai Saelim, 28, accused to be the sniper, Kamik Sukanchanakan, 33, accused to be the coordinator, and Panupong Ratanapaiboon, 32, accused as the motorbike rider. Pol Col Jongrak said police had seized a 38-caliber pistol, 10 bullets and a motorcycle as evidence.

Pol Col Jongrak asserted that the three suspects had pleaded guilty and revealed the person ordering the assassination. The gang said they were told that Mr Charnchai was a famous businessperson.

Police tracked a 600,000 baht transfer into the gang’s account as a deposit. The gang said they would be paid the rest after the assassination was successful before 8 April 2009.

On the other hand, Mr Charnchai Likitjitta, the Privy Councillor and former Justice Minister revealed that he did not know why anyone wanted him to be killed. In addition, he declined the involvement to help the Council for National Security masterminding the 19 September coup to overthrow the Thaksin-led government. He said he would be more careful from now on.

Late last night, a major from the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bang Khen was summoned to be interrogated of the assassination plot.

- ThaiNews / 2009-04-08

[h90]

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/toc/ViewData...?DataID=1013592

the two arrested guys who attacked the PMs car were released without bail...unbelievable.

If I do the same in any other country......

[sriracha john]

Red-shirts begin anti-government protest 'to topple government'

BANGKOK, April 8 (TNA) - Red Shirt anti-government protesters are gathering at their main protest side at Government House for their planned massive rally intended to topple the Democrat-led government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) hope that tens of thousands of their supporters from the provinces and metropolitan Bangkok will join what they claim as being larger that any previous demonstration in Bangkok. The event is focused on three locations – Government House, the Royal Plaza, and the home of Privy Council President Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda’s Si Sao Theves residence.

About 1,000 red-clad supporters of ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra gathered at Metropolitan Police headquarters, waiting for the demonstrators who will march from Government House to the home of Privy Council President.

Thaksin has been unreservedly critical of the Chief Privy Councilor, whom he blames for having been behind all bids to restore what he calls “aristocratism”, and trying to rid the country of “truly democratic” rule, beginning with the military coup d’etat in 2006 which led the former premier to seek informal self-exile rather than returning to Thailand to confront his accusers.

Convicted former prime minister Thaksin last week urged his supporters, led by the 'Red Shirts', the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), to come out in full force on Wednesday.

Promoting for many days the Wednesday “April 8” attraction as Thailand’s largest-ever demonstration, complete with its own 24-hour television channel, the convicted former premier and his UDD supporters claim the protest will draw 300,000 participants in the capital, and additional numbers at provincial offices nationwide.

Thaksin has asked the public to repeat "the people's revolution" of past times and continues calling for a historic change to "true democracy" in Thailand.

Thousands of red-clad demonstrators have rallied at Government House since March 26, demanding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva step down, and calling for fresh elections.

Mr. Abhisit on Tuesday said his government may have to take drastic action against protesters if their much-touted mass protest in Bangkok beginning Wednesday becomes a riot.

He said his government is trying to avoid confrontation with the protesters demonstrating at the gates of his offices, blocking entrances for 12 days – since March 26.

The government has been most lenient and will not initiate any violence against the UDD protesters, but “drastic action may have to be used”, which if taken, will be intended to have “minimal losses or no loss at all,” said the prime minister.

Mr. Abhisit said he did not believe special laws such as using an emergency decree would enable state officials to do more than under normal circumstances.

Instead, such special laws, if implemented, would hurt the country’s image in the eyes of international community.

Police had stepped up security at Prem's resident as concrete blocks, barbed wire, and fire brigade water pumping trucks were placed to prevent protester access.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, heading security affairs, inspected the surrounding areas including Sri Ayudhaya Road and the Army Club. During his inspection, the UDD protesters shouted and shouted derisively at him.

The deputy prime minister reaffirmed that police would not carry firearms and must strictly inspect for arms among the protesters. He said the police would treat the protesters “softly” and urged them to demonstrate peacefully within the law.

Mr. Suthep said he expected around 20,000 protesters would attend the demonstration, far less that the 300,000 participants the UDD has been claiming.

[hammered]

I think Suthep is being a tad overoptimistic if he thinks only 20K

[TAWP]

Was delayed 30min on the toll way today due to traffic. (Around 10am.)

Noticed several taxi's with 2-3 red shirts in the back and an organizer in the front (will have red shirt but usually a west, hat and things on) in the front seat.

So they are stepping up their 'drive in people' attempts today.

[h90]

I think Suthep is being a tad overoptimistic if he thinks only 20K

I am not sure if the government has a good secret plan to outsmart them, or if they are simply silly.

let the two guys who damaged the car in Pattaya isn't a good sign.

[Samuian]

Was delayed 30min on the toll way today due to traffic. (Around 10am.)

Noticed several taxi's with 2-3 red shirts in the back and an organizer in the front (will have red shirt but usually a west, hat and things on) in the front seat.

So they are stepping up their 'drive in people' attempts today.

Those with the vest's on - are they numbered at the back as the vests of the motorbike taxistas?

Would make sense for accounting and payments, on who brought how many in...

We'll see the "people's Revolution".... the "citizens war"... anybody some SomTam & sticky Rice?

[jbowman1993]

PM: Crowd dispersal may be necessary

By: BangkokPost.com

Published: 8/04/2009 at 09:04 AM Crowd dispersal may be necessary if there is a people's uprising, but there will be no use of force, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Wednesday morning.

Mr Abhisit's statement came as large number of red-shirts continue to gather in Bangkok on the day of its mass rally.

Security in front of Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda's residence and government's offices has been stepped up to prevent the anti-government protesters from invading into the house. Close circuit tvs have been installed to record the rallies.

The prime minister said protesters breaking the law will be arrested and legal procedure will be taken against them.

Mr Abhisit also talked about the incident where his car was attacked when it was leaving the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Pattaya Hotel on Tuesday, saying that it damages the reputation of the country.

He said he can accept the people's demonstration in a democratic way, but if the rallies are for other agendas that affect national security then he cannot let it happen.

Interesting last sentance.......but it seems his party can support Yellow shirted rallies that shut airports, parliament, government offices and the like.

Shutting the main international airport affects National Security, so why did Democrat MP's not only support it, but be part of it, and also later appoint those involved in it to be "advisers".

Stupid comment, I thought he was supposed to be intelligent.

I assume your last was typed on your iphone, while at the front line of the protest, right LH?

[jbowman1993]

I always respect people who stand up for what they believe.

With the er...possible exception of Thaksin nes pa ?

When has Thaksin ever stood up for what he believed in? Now, "Run away for what he believed in" would be spot on.

[JacknDanny]

I don't expect for this to do any real good, but I'll give it a try.

Can we please have a description of what happens today, and not endless (and usually pointless) debates about who is "right" and "wrong".

I am a foriegner with a family in Thailand, in Bangkok. I am working here in Greece now. What I would like is a honest description of events as they happen.

In the past what we have had is more name calling, arguements, political rhetoric, etc. than plain facts.

I would hope that this time we can get a honest description of what happens.

I would much prefer that honest description than political opinions.

As I said my family is in Bangkok, and I am here in Greece. I will try to keep in touch with what is going on via the news, and via this forum. You can understand I am just concerned about the events in Thailand, and how they might effect my family.

So please, just give the news, not your political opinions on who is 'right" and who is "wrong"

Like I said, i don't really expect this request to do any real good. But I'll give it a try.

I live in hope.

P.S. I share the hope for restaint and political maturity from all...both sides...and hope that no violence will occur.

Oh Dear, Irma Farang,

This is an Ex-Pats Forum....

fo·rums also fo·ra (fôr, fr)

a. The public square or marketplace of an ancient Roman city that was the assembly place for judicial activity and public business.

b. A public meeting place for open discussion.

c. A medium of open discussion or voicing of ideas, such as a newspaper or a radio or television program.

2. A public meeting or presentation involving a discussion usually among experts and often including audience participation.

If you want news, I suggest a news-site or click "google" and type Bangkok+Red shirt....

No avoiding opinion, restraint or immaturity here I'm afraid. However since it's a Latin word not a greek one, I understand your error

I am sure that providing your family don't wear inappropriately coloured shirts and avoid certain areas they will be as safe as anyone can ever be in Thailand

Wearing a seat belt in a car or a helmet on a motorcycle is also a good idea. Don't mean to be overly facetious but you get the point surely?

Fellow-working-away-from-family-in Thailand-Ex-Pat

The guy is asking for information ,as his family is here. It doesnt need smart ars comments from people like you.

[h90]

I always respect people who stand up for what they believe.

With the er...possible exception of Thaksin nes pa ?

When has Thaksin ever stood up for what he believed in? Now, "Run away for what he believed in" would be spot on.

Thaksin believes in money and he always stood up when there was some money he could put in his pocket.

[TAWP]

Just found out I knew some more red fans that I knew.

One of them, reasonably highly educated, been abroad too, actually said that "all tv-channels [besides one] is banned from showing anything negative about the current government" [and that is why people are tricked into thinking they are anything other than bad] and that "red is innocent, yellow got paid to ruin" when I mentioned that communists are aligned with the red movement in response that she thought the current installment was like a communist dictatorship...and when i said both yellow and red are wrong.

To put it mildly, there was not an inch for negotiation in her part of what was the truth and what not. Any other info then her hardcore-liner-info was 'lies'.

Just a reflection from the morning.

[mdechgan]

Anybody have any numbers?

Is traffic really bad in BKK or is it just another normal day?

I hope it rains really heavy soon.

[JacknDanny]

Anybody have any numbers?

Is traffic really bad in BKK or is it just another normal day?

I hope it rains really heavy soon.

Sukhapiban 3 and Ladprao, were as normal about 1 1/2 hours ago.

Seriously, I didnt see 1 single red shirt wearer.

I accept that there will be protesters at the main sites, but if this "revolution" was as popular and well supported as some elements on here are proclaiming, then there would surely have been more of a visble sign from the masses

I think most people just want to get on with their lives. They are sick of all this nonsense and BS.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's family leaves Thailand

TV reports had it that the three children of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had left Thailand.

Several TV stations that Potjaman Damapong, ex-wife of Thaksin, and his brother-in-law, former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat had also left the country.

The Nation

[medegen]

That tells me something bad is going to happen and they are getting the hel_l out of dodge. I posted the same thing only i was 30 seconds late haha

[sriracha john]

Protesters surround Prem's house

Red-shirted protesters pushed through police line at the Sisao Theves Intersection to surround the residence of Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda at 11:15 am Wednesday.

They moved past the line into the Samsen Road to rally at the back of Prem's house on Soi Samsen 12.

Another group of protesters led by Jatuporn Promphan arrived in front of Prem's house at 11 am.

The Nation

Edited April 8, 2009 by sriracha john

[jbowman1993]

Thaksin's family leaves Thailand

TV reports had it that the three children of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had left Thailand.

Several TV stations that Potjaman Damapong, ex-wife of Thaksin, and his brother-in-law, former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat had also left the country.

The Nation

No, don' you remember? They just wrote the book about how much they miss Daddy. They just all happened to be overcome with emotion at the same time, and all flew out to visit him, in the Congo, Zaire, Chad, or wherever the hel_l he is.

[sriracha john]

Protesters Vow to Surround Privy Council President Residence for 3 Days

Anti-government protester leader Veera Musigapong has successfully led red-shirt protesters to the front of the residence of the Privy Council President and vowed to remain there for at least 3 days.

He took the makeshift stage in front of General Prem Tinsulanonda's residence and announced that the protesters will remain there for at least 3 days. Veera reiterated the protesters' demands for PM Abhisit Vejjajiva and Privy councilors to step down from their posts.

- TOC

[TAWP]

The coup-makers family goes out of the country to be safe in case the coup fails...how classic.

[jbowman1993]

Protesters Vow to Surround Privy Council President Residence for 3 Days

Anti-government protester leader Veera Musigapong has successfully led red-shirt protesters to the front of the residence of the Privy Council President and vowed to remain there for at least 3 days.

He took the makeshift stage in front of General Prem Tinsulanonda's residence and announced that the protesters will remain there for at least 3 days. Veera reiterated the protesters' demands for PM Abhisit Vejjajiva and Privy councilors to step down from their posts.

- TOC

First it was the PM, then the PM and Prem, now the PM, Prem, and all the Privy Councilors. If any idiots ever deserved a fire hose to the teeth, its these morons....

[h90]

Protesters Vow to Surround Privy Council President Residence for 3 Days

Anti-government protester leader Veera Musigapong has successfully led red-shirt protesters to the front of the residence of the Privy Council President and vowed to remain there for at least 3 days.

He took the makeshift stage in front of General Prem Tinsulanonda's residence and announced that the protesters will remain there for at least 3 days. Veera reiterated the protesters' demands for PM Abhisit Vejjajiva and Privy councilors to step down from their posts.

- TOC

First it was the PM, then the PM and Prem, now the PM, Prem, and all the Privy Councilors. If any idiots ever deserved a fire hose to the teeth, its these morons....

A little water does not hurt, does not harm and cooled brains work better ....

[moo9]

Protesters Vow to Surround Privy Council President Residence for 3 Days

Anti-government protester leader Veera Musigapong has successfully led red-shirt protesters to the front of the residence of the Privy Council President and vowed to remain there for at least 3 days.

He took the makeshift stage in front of General Prem Tinsulanonda's residence and announced that the protesters will remain there for at least 3 days. Veera reiterated the protesters' demands for PM Abhisit Vejjajiva and Privy councilors to step down from their posts.

- TOC

First it was the PM, then the PM and Prem, now the PM, Prem, and all the Privy Councilors. If any idiots ever deserved a fire hose to the teeth, its these morons....

And on top it is unbelieveable that the morons can demand the step down of all Privies, who were directly appointed by the King and directly serve the King!

[mdechgan]

Protesters Vow to Surround Privy Council President Residence for 3 Days

Anti-government protester leader Veera Musigapong has successfully led red-shirt protesters to the front of the residence of the Privy Council President and vowed to remain there for at least 3 days.

He took the makeshift stage in front of General Prem Tinsulanonda's residence and announced that the protesters will remain there for at least 3 days. Veera reiterated the protesters' demands for PM Abhisit Vejjajiva and Privy councilors to step down from their posts.

- TOC

First it was the PM, then the PM and Prem, now the PM, Prem, and all the Privy Councilors. If any idiots ever deserved a fire hose to the teeth, its these morons....

Protesting the PM to step down is one thing but asking the Privy Councilors to step down isn't shooting oneself in the foot, its shooting oneself in the head.

"The members of the Privy Council or Privy Councillors are appointed and removed at the Pleasure of the King alone!"

I think the redshirts might have gone too far to insult the monarchy.

[h90]

Protesters Vow to Surround Privy Council President Residence for 3 Days

Anti-government protester leader Veera Musigapong has successfully led red-shirt protesters to the front of the residence of the Privy Council President and vowed to remain there for at least 3 days.

He took the makeshift stage in front of General Prem Tinsulanonda's residence and announced that the protesters will remain there for at least 3 days. Veera reiterated the protesters' demands for PM Abhisit Vejjajiva and Privy councilors to step down from their posts.

- TOC

First it was the PM, then the PM and Prem, now the PM, Prem, and all the Privy Councilors. If any idiots ever deserved a fire hose to the teeth, its these morons....

And on top it is unbelieveable that the morons can demand the step down of all Privies, who were directly appointed by the King and directly serve the King!

Well Thaksin mentioned HM the King already, by not naming him but the internal "security code" (if that expression is right in English).....

But it seems it doesn't disturb his fans.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Never thought I'd see the day.. some balanced opinion in an English language Thai newspaper.

(BTW, this is an example why I rate the Bangkok post slightly higher than the abysmally biased Nation; someone asked me this a couple weeks back why the BK Post merits a better view)

Red shirts need restraint and the way forward

Even before their massive showdown with the Establishment in Bangkok today, the red-shirted protesters under the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship have demonstrated through sheer numbers that they are a force to be reckoned with. Each night since their current campaign began on March 26, their ranks have swelled into the several tens of thousands through all the roads and alleys surrounding Government House, the focus of their protest.

Their opponents and sceptics still would not respect and recognise them. The pro-Establishment bias in Thai society runs deep. Most movers and shakers have an incentive to see the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva succeed and to see Thailand move forward in a direction consistent with Establishment preferences and prerogatives. They may hear the reds' noises but they discount them on various grounds, from gullibility and stupidity to financial opportunism, unwilling to listen to the reds' messages.

Full article is here: http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion...the-way-forward

[waza]

In another red-shirt movement, 500 red-clad protesters gathered in front of Pattaya police station and demand the release of Wanchalerm Gunsen the suspect of PM car smashing yesterday............The police informed the suspect of the two charges against him -assault and damaging state property- before eventually releasing him without bail...........Reportedly, the protesters were satisfied and got on buses to join the main rally in Bangkok..........http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/toc/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1013592