Bangkok Red-shirt Rally - Live Updates

[webfact]

Saturday March 13 Red-shirt rally live updates

Here you can follow the live updates from the media, hour by hour. To make it easy to follow, this thread is read-only.

See discussion topics in the post below.

FOLLOW US:

You can also follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk

or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/farang

- Breaking News via SMS text messages to your mobile phone or handheld device

To subscribe dial *424010011 on AIS, One-2-Call, DTAC or True Move networks

14 days complementary subscription for Thaivisa members.

If you have questions about the Breaking News SMS service, email [email protected]

________________________________________________________________________________

If you have news and want to contact our news editor, please email webfact(at)thaivisa.com

[webfact]

MARCH 14 MASS RALLY

Surging to Bangkok

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thousands of red shirts are heading for Bangkok from several provinces to take part in tomorrow's mass rally.

Some have been making merit and praying for victory, while others are bringing stocks of food and clothes to be able to camp out for several days.

The reinforcement of protesters from upcountry will play a crucial role for the red-shirt movement, given that the turnout at six Bangkok-based rally sites was rather low yesterday.

Despite the red-shirt leaders' promise to mobilise up to a million people, less than 10,000 protesters showed up at the sites.

Many sources say the number of protesters from the provinces will not be huge. In fact, one of them said the number being mobilised from the Northeast was 30 per cent lower than expected.

"Many locals have backtracked because they were being paid less.

Initially, they were each promised Bt2,000 plus free petrol, but when they were ready to head for Bangkok, they were told that they would only get Bt1,500 and would have to pay for the petrol themselves," a source said.

Yet, red-shirts were busy across the country yesterday, with several Pheu Thai MPs seen facilitating the protesters' trip to Bangkok.

In Si Sa Ket, Pheu Thai MP Thanet Kruarat reportedly allowed the red shirts to fill up their vehicles for free at his petrol station. Each of these vehicles was emblazoned with a sticker that proclaimed: "We Will Reclaim Democracy".

"We will rally peacefully," Si Sa Ket red-shirt leader Dr Sawai Sodsai said, adding that his province alone would provide at least 3,000 demonstrators.

So far, more than 1,000 protesters each from Maha Sarakham and Ubon Ratchathani have shown up, along with more than 3,000 from Khon Kaen. In the North, hundreds of vehicles were filled up yesterday, which took them as far as Nakhon Sawan last night.

Leaders insisted that the number of protesters would swell to more than 100,000 by the time they leave for the capital today.

Supporters from the South, which is considered a Democrat stronghold, included 200 people from Krabi and 100 from Phatthalung.

"We will fight with the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship until the end to help Thaksin Shinawatra return as prime minister. But if the DAAD retreats, we will do so as well," Sukij Singto said in his capacity as leader of the Krabi 53 Group.

He added that his group would cover travel expenses for the protesters before it is reimbursed in Bangkok.

Meanwhile, the red shirts booed Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban when he showed up in Ayutthaya's Wang Noi district to inspect the police checkpoint.

Authorities have put up numerous police checkpoints between Bangkok and seven other provinces.

-- The Nation 2010-03-13

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[george]

Popular topics:

Thaksin's last chance

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thaksin-s-Chance-t346949.html

MASS RALLIES FOR THAKSIN

Cursing rituals kick off protests

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Cursing-Ritu...Pr-t346950.html

Organizers hand out cash to red-shirt people:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Video-Organi...-s-t346886.html

THAKSIN, WHERE'RE YOU?

Govt believes Thaksin is in Cambodia

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=3409731

BANGKOK WEATHER FORECAST:

http://weather.thaivisa.com/bangkok/bangkok/

[george]

Updates:

TAN Network: Thaksin S. tweets to urge red-shirt protesters to join protest in Bangkok while he will travel to join his children in Europe.

TAN Network: Red-shirt supporters from N and NE make way to Bkk, rally stage set up at Phan Fah Bridge, checkpoints set up at at-risk spots

TAN Network: Dusit Poll:42.39% pleas for peace, 35.11% unsure govt can handle red-rally.

Nation: Thaksin denies he was expelled from Dubai

[george]

Bangkok Post: Red-shirts move to the capital

Tw: No military or other security @ Pattaya bus station.

[webfact]

Security hightened at rally site

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Police and military personnel have been strictly safeguarding Ratchadamnoen Road and Siriraj hospital area against potential violence during mass rallies of an anti-government group.

Starting today, Ratchadamnoen, the major protesting point for the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), will be sealed off.

A stage and tents have been set up along the road by the demonstrators. No irregularities have been reported.

The Siriraj Hospital, where HM the King is hospitalized, is under strict surveillance and protection. Navy officers are taking care of security in the area.

-- NNT 2010-03-13

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Red-shirt Protesters from North and NE Begin to Make Way to Phan Fah Bridge

Since this morning a number of red-shirt supporters from nothern and northeastern provinces have begun to make their way to Phan Fah Bridge, a meeting point of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) protesters.

Checkpoints have been set up along at risk areas; heavy security presence by both police and military officials.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-13

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Security readied as Thaksin protesters head to capital

by Claire Truscott

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's security forces braced for possible violence Saturday as tens of thousands of protesters loyal to deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra headed to Bangkok for a mass anti-government rally.

A 50,000-strong security force, including soldiers, patrolled the streets and manned checkpoints into the city, in an effort to ward off demonstrators intent on inciting trouble in their bid to topple the government.

Organisers insist the protests will be peaceful, but the government has enacted the strict Internal Security Act to monitor the rally, allowing authorities to set up military checkpoints, impose curfews and limit movements.

"We are watching out for possible incidents. We don't want to exaggerate but small numbers of people may try to cause incidents... like throwing hand grenades," government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn told AFP.

Wearing trademark red shirts, around 6,500 protesters attended early demonstrations on Friday that passed without incident, Panitan said, while thousands in the rural north set off for Bangkok for the main event on Sunday.

Red Shirt organisers set up a rally stage near government ministry buildings on Saturday, but the bulk of protesters were expected to arrive during the evening, with the protest officially beginning at midday on Sunday.

The government predicts 100,000 supporters of Thaksin will turn up for the rally, but the Red Shirts say the figure will be nearer 600,000.

The protests come two weeks after Thailand's top court confiscated 1.4 billion dollars of Thaksin's assets, and are the latest chapter in a political crisis that has beset Thailand since Thaksin was toppled in a 2006 coup.

Thaksin, who has been living mostly in Dubai to escape a two-year jail term for corruption at home, has been egging on his supporters using text messages and his Twitter page.

"Thank you for your dedication.... I want to give my support to the people in the north," he told his followers on Twitter Saturday, before announcing that he was about to fly from Dubai to Europe to see his two daughters.

Exact numbers of people travelling from the north were not yet available, officials said, but police said at least 14,000 protesters departed Thaksin's home city Chiang Mai while the Reds said 10,000 had left northeast Udon Thani.

The protest is set to be the biggest since the Red Shirts rioted in Bangkok in April, leaving two dead and scores injured.

The Red Shirts mainly represent Thailand's rural poor, who benefited from Thaksin's populist policies and say the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is elitist, military-backed and has ignored their democratic rights.

The Red Shirts want Abhisit to stand down and call new elections, but he has rejected their call and cancelled a weekend trip to Australia because of the rally.

Thaksin, meanwhile, is loathed by the rival "Yellow Shirts" backed by Bangkok's establishment, who accuse him of corruption and of insufficient loyalty to the revered royal family.

Thirty-five countries have issued travel warnings for Thailand because of the protests, according to the country's tourism authority.

Analysts say the number of Red Shirts who actually turn up will be key to deciding whether they have any chance of pushing out the government before Thailand's next elections, due in December 2011.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-03-13

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

TV: Motorway & tollway from Pattaya to BKK almost empty. 1 checkpoint @ Pramam 9 exit.

TAN Network: Nat'l Peace Keeping Center warns of impersonators of police and military officials to instigate chaos.

[webfact]

MCOT: Red Shirts from 17 northern provinces heading to Bangkok; Asian Highway at Dechatiwong bridge, Nakhon Sawan, has heavy 10km traffic jam

[webfact]

MCOT:

PM affirms situation remains normal; Red Shirt protesters erecting stage at Phan Fah Bridge, their main rally venue.

TV: Public buses from Pattaya today were not subject to any searches and the two check points seen between Pattaya and Ekami were simply waving vehicles through with a cursory glance. At Ekami bus station three veey bored soldiers were killing time watching television.

[webfact]

Red shirts block Rajdamnone

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt protesters blocked the Rajdamnone Klang Road from Jor Por Ro Intersection to Pan Fah Intersection to set up rally ground Saturday morning.

They put up sound system and huge projects to broadcast activities from the main stage to several spots along the road.

Organizers also put up tents along the road to provide foods and drinks to the protesters.

Many demonstrators from provinces have arrived at the rally ground.

-- The Nation 2010-03-13

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Some 1,000 red shirts from Ayutthaya move past Wang Noi checkpoint

Some 1,000 red-shirt protesters from Ayutthaya's Wang Noi district moved past the Wang Noi security checkpoint at 10:30 am.

Police and soldiers at the checkpoint check each vehicle of the protester before letting the protesters pass through.

-- The Nation 2010-03-13

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

PM, Suthep attends peacekeeping meeting

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his deputy, Suthep Thaugsuban, attended a meeting at the Peacekeeping Centre at the 11th Infantry Regiment Saturday meeting.

The meeting was held at 9 am.

Those attending the meeting included Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, PM's Secretary-General Korbsak Sabhavasu, Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda, Deputy Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, and Army Chief-of-Staff Gen Phirun Paewpolsong as well as First Army Area Commander Lt Gen Khanit Saphitak,

-- The Nation 2010-03-13

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

FLASH NEWS: Peace Keeping Committee Warns of Police/Military Impersonators

The National Peace Keeping Center has issued a warning that there could be police and military impersonators trying to instigate vilolence or unrest.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-13

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[george]

Bangkok Post: Bangkok red shirts shut down roads, set up stage. PM: Situation normal amid rallies.

TAN Network: Police in Wang Noi confiscate 100 fake M79 grenade launchers from a nearby business

Nation: Photos of reds heading to Bkk. http://bit.ly/bl3lu6

Bangkok Post: West and South red-shirts on the way

MCOT: Security beefed up at Siriraj Hospital; Protesters gather in central Bangkok

Nation: According to numbers compiled by manager website, the biggest gathering point in Nakhon Sawan failed to reach the 100,000 people target..

[webfact]

PM calls meeting with CAPO on protests

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will attend a meeting with the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) today to discuss protests by the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD). Reinforcements are likely in the capital Bangkok.

The purpose of the meeting today is to round up the center's performance and evaluate the situation of the UDD, said Acting Government Spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn. More demonstrators are expected to show up today.

Acting to the acting spokesman, the government will deploy more police officers to facilitate traffic and prevent third parties or illegal residents from travelling to the city.

Mr Panithan said security officers would have to be very careful especially at night. Cooperation with residents in the rally areas is needed for efficient security operations.

____________________________________________________________

UDD approaching capital city

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors from other provinces are converging on Bangkok for a mass demonstration scheduled for tomorrow in the city.

The UDD supporters have reportedly passed Wang Noi in the central province of Ayutthaya, heading to the capital to gather at Phan Fa Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Road. They are expected to reach the city before 12.00 hrs.

In Nakhon Sawan this morning, a UDD group has released more than one thousand of vehicles from a sports field in the province to travel to Ang Thong. Those from the northeast have gradually traveled to the city by bus and pickup truck.

Strict vehicle inspections are conducted by police and army officers operating at the Wang Noi checkpoint which is the last security checkpoint leading to Bangkok.

-- NNT 2010-03-13

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Security beefed up at Siriraj Hospital; Protesters gather in central Bangkok

BANGKOK (TNA) -- The Thai navy has stepped up security around Siriraj Hospital where His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is being treated while anti-government protesters gather in central Bangkok awaiting their colleagues from upcountry to join them in a planned mass rally scheduled for Sunday aiming to topple the coalition government.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of national security, early Saturday visited Royal Thai Navy headquarters and was briefed on security measures provided by the navy around the hospital.

The world’s longest-reigning monarch was admitted to Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital September 19 with a lung infection and fever. His condition has improved steadily since then.

Navy Commander-in-Chief Adm Khamthorn Pumhiran later told journalists that the navy had coordinated with the Marine Department which allowed ferry and boat taxis to use only five piers along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River to pickup passengers.

The order is issued to provide safety to the hospital which is situated on the riverside.

Meanwhile, supporters of an anti-government Red Shirt movement of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) began gathering at Sanam Luang and at Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue for the second day Saturday awaiting protesters arriving from the north and northeast to join them in the mass demonstration in the capital Sunday.

The planned massive demonstration is aimed at ousting the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and calling for a fresh election.

Fugitive, ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra late Friday telephoned from an undisclosed destination and talked to UDD supporters while they rallied at a stadium in the central province of Nakhon Sawan. They were due to leave for Bangkok early Saturday.

He wrote in his social network website Twitter denied news reports that he was evicted from Dubai. He said he still is staying there and will travel to a European country to meet his two daughters who have finished their study trip. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-03-13

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

NATION: According to numbers compiled by manager website, the biggest gathering point in Nakhon Sawan failed to reach the 100,000 people target.

NATION: There were about 1,500 vehicles at the Nakhon Sawan gathering point before they moved to Bkk.

NATION: Not sure if use of pick-ups is good idea. Impressive on TV moving along highway,but it slows things down&not effective transporting masses

NATION: Abhisit and Suthep sounded v compromising on TV. U can criticize them for many things, but they are no Samak Sundaravej. (RIP Samak)

_____________________________________________________________

Police Confiscate 100 Fake M79 Grenade Launchers in Wang Noi

Police officers in the Wang Noi area have raided a local business and have confiscated 100 fake M79 grenade launchers. It is still unknown why the business owners had the fake launchers in their possession.

M79 grenade launchers have been widely used in Thailand's political conflict in the past. The most recent attacks were made on the Army headquarters and the Government House. Police have been unable to apprehend the perpetrators.

--TAN

2010-03-13

[webfact]

Suthep vows to break up rally if protesters block roads, intrude government offices

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban Saturday vowed to break up the rally if protesters stage road blockage or intrude into government offices.

Suthep said there would be no problem if the protesters respect the laws.

"But if they violate the laws, such as blocking roads and intruding into government offices, we will have to disperse the protesters," Suthep said.

-- The Nation 2010-03-13

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[george]

NATION: Thaksin said he is visiting his daughters

Bangkok Post: Foreign Ministry: Thaksin asked to leave Dubai

NATION: Quote of the day from matichon board "Pha pa (religious donation) money?

Who say Isaan folks are poor? They all donate in Bt1,000 notes"

[george]

Bangkok Post: According to Thai FM, UAE officials have confirmed that Thaksin has been asked to leave Dubai for having used the country as political base

[george]

MCOT: Red Shirt protesters from Northern and Northern provinces break through Angthong checkpoint, lost patience cueing for police search

MCOT: UDD opening main stage at 3pm, will demand dissolution of parliament; if government does not act it will block all road in Bangkok: Weng

MCOT: Authorities search company in Wang Noi, find 100 steel tubes for making homemade weapons; investigation continues

[george]

TAN Network: DAAD leader Jatuporn Phrompan insists everything will end in 4 days; tomorrow's the BIG DAY;claims Newin's aide is stocking weapons

TAN_Network: INN: Police are interrogating owner of business where they found M79 grenade launchers;owner claims was paid 2,000 baht

TAN_Network ASTV: Police have closed down the Jor Por Ror and Pan Fah intersections

[george]

Red shirts from NE reach Pan Fah Bridge

Thousands of red-shirt protesters from northeastern provinces reached the main rally ground at the Pan Fah Bridge at 1:30 pm.

They drove to the area on the Larn Luang road and they vehicles were parked at Sanam Luang.

The arrival of so many vehicles cause heavy traffic congestions on Larn Luang Road and other roads around Sanam Luang.

-- The Nation 2010-03-13

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[george]

BangkokDan: Just passed Abhisit's house, solid security presence; easy traffic around downtown

[george]

Nation: Our latest checks: Thaksin was confirmed to be in Cambodia , where Somchai Wongsawat may already join him. As to whether he's been kicked out of Dubai, Foreign Ministry confirms he 's been "asked nicely" to leave.

Bangkok Post: BPbreakingnews Grenade launchers seized in Ayutthaya

The Nation: TV footage shows red shirt front lines in Bangkok. Rajdamnoen Avenue is starting to look red.

[webfact]

Red Shirt protesters set up platform, tents along rally venue

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) from upcountry have gradually arrived in the Thai capital while demonstrators have also set up a huge platform at Phan Fah bridge, a main protesting venue and tents were placed along Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

Officials manning checkpoints at Wang Noi district in Ayutthaya north of Bangkok on Friday asked the protesters to park their cars and use vehicles provided by the government instead in traveling to Bangkok and join the rally to avoid traffic problem, but the protesters refused and security officials eventually allowed them to travel to the capital in order to avoid confrontation.

The Asian Highway from the northern provinces was jammed with heavy traffic for over 10 kilometres particularly around Nakhon Sawan as there was a constant flow of vehicles carrying protesters to Bangkok.

UDD Red Shirts from upcountry began arriving in Bangkok and joined other demonstrators for a mass protest Sunday aimed at forcing the dissolution of parliament.

They have erected a large platform and tents along both sides of Ratchadamnoen Avenue. Not yet closed for traffic, the avenue will automatically be closed once the number of protesters increases, police said. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-03-13

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

NATION: As to whether he's been kicked out of Dubai, Foreign Ministry confirms he 's been "asked nicely" to leave.

Bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS: red shirt leader Jatuporn states the leaders won't speak today neither will Thaksin phone-in. Waiting till tomorrow

NATION: TV footage shows red shirt front lines in Bangkok. Rajdamnoen Avenue is starting to look red.

NATION: Dusit district's Sri Ayutthata and Wat Benjamabopit intersection closed

Bangkok Post: UDD: Govt must dissolve House. Govt: UDD vehicles can enter Bangkok

[webfact]

Jatuporn Ups Ante; Claims "War" Will End in 4 Days

DAAD leader Jatuporn Phrompan insists everything will end in 4 days.

He goes onto say that tomorrow will be the BIG DAY. Jatuporn claims he has obtained information that one of Newin's aides is stocking weapons.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-13

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]