Bangkok Red-shirt Rally - Live Updates - Sunday

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MCOT: Yaowarat gold shops close for safety, to avoid traffic congestion; will evaluate situation day by day before reopening

MCOT: Stock Exchange of Thailand, commercial banks operating normally Monday despite ongoing Red Shirt rally

Bangkok Post: Monday not a public holiday

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TAN Network: INN: Red shirts announce they will move their protest to 11th Infantry if gov't refuses to dissolve Parliament

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Discussion topic

Thaksin's rural Red Shirts swarm the capital

Red shirts to move through Bangkok Monday AM

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thaksin-s-Ru...-C-t347408.html

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Channel 11 reporting that the reds will move from Ratchadamnoen at 9am tomorrow.

Their destination believed to be 11th Infantry base on Phaholyothin Road (as you earlier reported) at about 11am.

Aim to deliver ultimatum to the government at noon.

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TAN Network: German ambassador to THL denied Thaksin S. has traveled to Germany, banned from entering Germany since 2009.

Bangkokpundit: Via journo source, a red shirt leader has said main protest days will be 14-16. Likely to hear about 10:30pm tonight

MCOT: Spokesman: PM's schedule won't be made public for safety reasons; no plan to invoke emergency law

Bangkokpundit: More likely Thaksin went to Switzerland than Germany anyway. They have banks there!

[george]

Breaking News:

Red Shirts to siege 11th infantry regiment in Bangkok:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thaksin-s-Ru...-C-t347408.html

[george]

Red Shirts threaten to dog premier to pressure for House dissolution

BANGKOK: -- An anti-government activist from United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Sunday announced some red-shirted

demonstrators will follow Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva everywhere until the UDD's demand for the House of Representatives dissolution is met.

Arisman Pongruangrong told journalists that protesters would gather at the venue for Monday's special Cabinet meeting and await a decision by Mr Abhisit.

"If the prime minister gives no response to our demand or doesn’t resign, the ‘Red Shirt’ people will dog him wherever he goes,” said Mr Arisman, stating that the Red Shirt demonstrations will be peaceful and unarmed.

Mr Arisman's remarks came as tens of thousands of UDD protesters are assembled on Rajdamnoen Avenue, and key UDD leader Veera Musikapong

earlier announced a 24-hour ultimatum for the government to dissolve the House, otherwise it will face mass demonstrations at key locations across the capital on Monday.

In other development, the prime minister has ordered the cancellation of the customary weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday as the House Speaker has called for a joint parliamentary meeting on the same day, according to Cabinet secretary-general Surachai Pooprasert.

Meanwhile, House of Representatives secretary-general Pitoon Pumhiran said

House Speaker Chai Chidchob has called for a joint parliamentary meeting

this Tuesday to debate on some issues which were not discussed last Friday.

However, the upcoming session could be postponed for the lack of quorum, said Mr Pitoon.

On the business front, Bank of Thailand (BoT) deputy governor Krirk Vanikkul said the central bank and commercial banks will open on Monday, but any commercial banks which is near protest venues are allowed to temporarily suspend their services if it is deemed necessary.

Meanwhile, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) president Patareeya Benjapolchai announced on Sunday that the bourse will not be closed on Monday despite continuing red shirted rally given that the weekend demonstrations has been peaceful and has no impact on the stock market.

The head of the exchange said, however, that the SET will closely monitor

the situation.

-- TNA 2010-03-14

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[george]

Natthawut threatens to move protesters to 11th Infantry Regiment

BANGKOK: -- Natthawut Saikua, a red-shirt leader, announced that the protesters would move to rally outside the 11th Infantry Regiment if the prime minister does not dissolve the House by 9 am Monday.

Speaking at a press conference at 5 pm Sunday, Natthawut said the red-shirt people gave the prime minister until 9 am to dissolve the House or the protesters would move to pressure him outside the regiment.

The protesters would travel on Larn Luang Road, passing the Victory Monument to Phaholyothin to the 11th Infantry Regiment, where the prime minister has been using as a safe house.

But Natthawut said the protesters would not remain at the regiment because the Pan Fah Bridge would be used as their command centre.

Natthawut said the protester would hound the prime minister no matter where he may go.

-- The Nation 2010-03-14

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[george]

BangkokDan: Red shirts claim 300,000 protesters, interior ministry 46,000. Arial shots anyone?

TAN Network: Thammasat University cancels classes at Ta Phrachan campus Mar 15-16 due to red shirt protests

Nation: Pheu Thai to hold urgent meeting of MPs Monday

TAN Network: Srinakarinไwiroj University cancels classes Mar 15-16

[george]

Bangkok Post: Ministry: 46,000 people attend UDD rally

[george]

Pheu Thai to hold urgent meeting of MPs Monday

BANGKOK: -- The Pheu Thai Party will hold an urgent meeting of its MPs Monday to discuss the party's stand on the government's plan to declare the state of emergency, an MP said Sunday.

Worawat Uapinyakul, a Pheu Thai MP from Phrae, said the meeting will be held at 2:30 pm.

The meeting will discuss the current political situation related to the rally of the red-shirt people and the government's plan to announce the state of emergency, he said.

The meeting would also discuss the party's stand on the join sitting of MPs and senators to deliberate draft contracts for the government to sign with foreign countries, Worawat said.

-- The Nation 2010-03-14

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[george]

Thai PM ask for cooperation for rallies to remain peaceful, dismiss coup rumours

In his weekly television programme on 14 March 2010, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva commented on a number of issues pertaining to the current situation in Bangkok.

The Prime Minister noted that the situation over the past two days since demonstrators started their rallies in Bangkok has been peaceful, and the demonstrations orderly. The number of demonstrators that gathered along Radjadamnern Avenue overnight did not exceed the Government's estimation.

Recapping the Thai government's approach and action in handling the demonstrations, the Prime Minister reemphasised that his Government respects people's rights to peaceful assembly held in accordance with the law, and that it has no intention whatsoever of using violent means against the protestors. The invocation of the Internal Security Act, B.E. 2551 (2008) is intended to prevent unwarranted occurrences so that the public can carry on with their normal way of life and, should any disturbing situation occur, to enable state officials to resolve it in a timely manner and on the basis of the existing laws. Measures implemented such as the setting up of checkpoints are intended to ensure the safety of the public, including of the demonstrators themselves, not to stop people from joining the rallies, as based on intelligence reports, there could be certain elements who might exploit the situation and attempt to instigate disturbances. Be that as it may, should protesters cross the line established by the Administrative Court as to what constitutes peaceful assembly under the Constitution, such as by inciting violence or attempting to blockade government buildings or key locations, including airports, security officers would take action in a step-by-step manner in accordance with international standards, to resolve such a situation. The Prime Minister also gave assurances that security officers are well-trained and understand their modus operandi in how to handle demonstrations.

Meanwhile, coordination between the Government and the demonstrators has continued. Mr. Korbsak Sabhavasu, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, has been liaising with Dr. Weng Tojiranond, one of the protest leaders. Thus far, the Government has endeavoured to accommodate as much as possible the wish of the demonstrators, such as by allowing those who insist in bringing their vehicles into the city to be able to do so despite earlier restrictions and changing security personnel guarding major protest areas from the military to police officers so as to alleviate the demonstrators' concerns. Likewise, cooperation has been sought from the demonstrators to allow police officers to conduct weapon searches and to facilitate the Government's contact with leaders of different protest groups, particularly those who, in the past, were associated with the use of violence.

Prime Minister Abhisit also urged the public to remain calm, vigilant and to notify officials of any suspicious activities. He also urged them to use their judgment in listening to rumours which have been spread through various media, including on-line ones. As for rumours that the Government is preparing to use the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situation, B.E. 2548 (2005), the Prime Minister said that law could be used only when warranted, such as during the riots last April. Were it to be used, he stressed, measures to be undertaken must also be in accordance with international standards. As for rumours about a coup d'etat, he reaffirmed his opposition to a coup, noting that a coup is not a solution to any problem and would not benefit anyone. His administration and the armed forces work closely together and no one would want to see a coup. While military and police officers, like the general public, may have different political views, they work with professionalism and share the Government's objective of working in the interest of the public. Had the Government tried to harm the people, the police and armed forces would not have rendered it their support.

In this regard, the Government would continue to communicate with the public and disseminate factual information about the situation, including through the newly established website, www.capothai.org.

The Prime Minister believed that if the situation over the next few days could be handled in a peaceful and orderly manner, then the Thai people would see it as the country's democracy progressing to another level. The Government is ready to listen to the demonstrators' views and grievances, and that any scrutiny on its performance could be done within the parliamentary framework. However, as for the demands that he resign and the House of Representatives be dissolved, it should be understood that this could be done, but it must be based on valid reasons. The present Government came to office through constitutional means and thus has every right to govern until its term expires by the end of 2011, although given how the democratic system work, the dissolution of the House could take place.

In addition, Prime Minister Abhisit assured the public that the ongoing demonstrations had not distract the Government from other work, including addressing difficulties facing the public, such as the drought and fluctuating prices of major agricultural produces.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangkok 2010-03-14

[george]

BangkokDan: 300,000 ppl? 1 person / 1 sq m = 0.3 sq km; Rajdamnoen's 50 m wide = tightly red for 6 km? Just asking

TAN_Network: DPM Suthep: Emergency decree to be used only if necessary;reds can surround 11th Infantry but cannot enter

[george]

MCOT: Deputy PM Suthep, top military officers visit troops at 11th Infantry Regiment; instruct patience when Red Shirts protest there

[george]

Thaksin's supporters issue ultimatum to Thai government

BANGKOK: -- Red-clad supporters of deposed Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra vowed Sunday to march on military barracks holding the government as they stepped up protests in Bangkok amid tight security.

Organisers of the "Red Shirts" said more than 100,000 people, mostly from the poor rural north, had converged near the capital's government offices in their trademark tops, demanding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve parliament.

The turnout was far lower than the "million man march" the Reds had predicted, but more than an official police estimate of fewer than 80,000 at the rally grounds in the politically divided kingdom.

The Red Shirts issued an ultimatum to the government, which it accuses of elitism and double standards, saying it must step down and call fresh elections within 24 hours or face mounting protests.

"We will leave here to listen to the government's answer at the 11th Infantry Unit where the government is," Red Shirt leader Natthawut Saikuar told reporters behind the rally stage.

"If they fail to answer our demands we will announce our next step," he said.

Nattawut said most of the rally crowd would travel by car and on foot at 9am (0200 GMT) Monday, to the barracks on Bangkok's northern outskirts, where the government has mounted a security operation with soldiers and police.

Authorities invoked a strict security law to oversee the rallies, allowing them to call out troops, ban gatherings and impose curfews. A 50,000-strong security force has been deployed across the capital and surrounding areas.

Protesters arriving by road and river throughout the day continued to pour into Bangkok's historic quarter, where the crowd remained in jubilant spirits, waving red flags and foot-shaped clappers.

Some demonstrators, wearing red cowboy hats as a sign of their rural roots, had travelled for up to two days by pick-up truck and bus to reach the venue.

"This government says it will help but the money never reaches the people," said food vendor Soon Boonpha, 47, who came from Maha Sarakham province in Thailand's northeast.

Abhisit has rejected the calls for his resignation, saying on his weekly television show: "I have my right to complete my term." He has until December 2011 to call elections.

He said he had "no plans to crack down" at the rally, which had so far been "peaceful and orderly."

He nevertheless warned the public not to be complacent about the potential for violence, saying earlier this week that there could be "sabotage" and cancelling a weekend trip to Australia because of the protest.

The rally is the latest in a string of protests to rock the politically tumultuous nation, which is divided between Thaksin's supporters and opponents.

The Red Shirts have held a number of rallies since Abhisit came to power in December 2008, after a court decision removed Thaksin's allies from

government following an airport blockade by the royalist "Yellow Shirts."

Sunday's protest is at least the largest in Bangkok since the Reds rioted in April last year, leaving two dead and scores injured.

The rallies come two weeks after Thailand's top court confiscated 1.4 billion dollars of Thaksin's assets, and are the latest chapter in political turmoil that began when he was toppled in a 2006 coup.

Twice-elected Thaksin, who has been living mostly in Dubai to escape a two-year jail term for corruption at home, remains popular with the rural poor for

the populist policies he introduced after coming to power in 2001.

But he is loathed by the Yellow Shirts protest movement, which has the backing of Bangkok's establishment, who accuse him of corruption and of disloyalty to the revered royal family.

The telecoms tycoon has been encouraging his supporters to attend Sunday's rally using text messages and his Twitter page. On Saturday he left his main base in Dubai to travel to Europe, where he said he was meeting his two daughters.

Thaksin was due to address the rally by video link late Sunday.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-03-14

Published with written approval from AFP.

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NATION: Bkk Pattana school resumes on Mon till noon. Parents are advised to check the school website 1st in the morning for an update.

MCOT: Acting Police Chief: Security measures rise to highest level Sunday night

MCOT: Acting Police Chief: No obstruction of Red Shirt rally at 11th Infantry Regiment if no law violation

MCOT: German envoy to Thailand: Thaksin banned in Germany since 2009, will be arrested if identified; no confirmed report he uses another name

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Bangkok Post: Thammasat closed Mar 15-16

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TAN Network: Thaksin congratulates reds in advance for their victory;warns military not to stage coup

MCOT: Thaksin speaks via video link from unknown destination urging Red Shirts to rally peacefully

MCOT: Thaksin asks troops not to use force against unarmed demonstrators

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MCOT: Thaksin urges supporters: Don't give up, 'I'm a symbol of injustice'; Red Shirt fight no longer personal but public interest, true democracy

TAN Network: Thaksin tells provincial supporters to rally at respective city halls

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TAN Network: Jatuporn announces that reds will leave Pan Fah area at 9A.M.

THE NATION: one-hour Thaksin phone-in has ended. he didn't say where he was, only "what" he was. Yes, "symbol of democracy". He did say that.

THE NATION: You are not fighting for me, he said. You are fighting for democracy. he said he was a "symbol of democracy".

THE NATION: He said the elites need not fear him. "I'm 1 million per cent Buddhist". "I have a forgiving mind".

THE NATION: "If a man like me can be persecuted, they can persecute you too. Will you allow that to happen?" Thaksin said.

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THE NATION: Thaksin said he never intended to overthrow monarchy. "Only the ammart (royal advisers) that I want to overthrow".

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Thaksin rally to march on barracks housing Thai leaders

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Anti-government demonstrators vowed Sunday to march on military barracks housing Thailand's top leaders as their icon, deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra, urged them from exile not to give up.

The red-clad protesters -- assembled amid tight security in public spaces near government offices in Bangkok -- have vowed to step up their campaign if the government does not dissolve parliament within 24 hours.

"We will leave here to listen to the government's answer at the 11th Infantry Unit," Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikuar told reporters. "If they fail to answer our demands we will announce our next step."

The Red Shirts, who stem largely from the country's poor and support the populist Thaksin, had predicted a "million man march" but in the event said more than 100,000 protesters turned up Sunday. Police said there were 86,000.

Nattawut said the Reds would travel by bus, car and on foot on Monday morning to the army base on Bangkok's northern outskirts, where the government has mounted a huge security operation with soldiers and police.

An army spokesman said security had been beefed up with hundreds of extra troops at the barracks, where Abhisit and other key ministers along with the country's top brass were staying during the protests.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in charge of the country's security, said the protesters would be permitted to approach the base.

"Protesters can circle the barracks but they must not obstruct traffic or intrude into the barracks or they will be arrested," Suthep told reporters.

He said it was too early to say if emergency rule would be invoked to crackdown on the rally.

"We have to see how the situation develops but I reaffirm that we will act reasonably and appropriately," he added.

The Red Shirts are loyal to former prime minister Thaksin, who was ousted in a coup in 2006 and is living abroad, mostly in Dubai, to escape a jail term for corruption.

Last month Thailand's top court confiscated 1.4 billion dollars of his wealth.

"I ask all Red Shirts not to give up. Don't worry about me. This is not a one-person issue, we all fight for justice. I am the victim of bullies among the elites," Thaksin told the rally in a 50-minute address by video link.

Thaksin did not specify where he was but on his Twitter page Saturday said he was flying to see his daughters in Europe.

The authorities have deployed a 50,000-strong security force across Bangkok and its surrounds to oversee the rallies, and invoked a strict security law that allows them to call out troops, ban gatherings and impose curfews.

Protesters arrived by road and river throughout the day at Bangkok's historic quarter, where the crowd remained in jubilant spirits, waving red flags and foot-shaped clappers.

Some, wearing red cowboy hats as a sign of their rural roots, had travelled for two days by pick-up truck and bus to reach the venue.

"This government says it will help but the money never reaches the people," said food vendor Soon Boonpha, 47, who came from Maha Sarakham province in Thailand's northeast.

Abhisit has rejected the calls for his resignation and cancelled a weekend trip to Australia.

It is the latest in a string of protests to rock the politically turbulent nation, which is divided between Thaksin's supporters and opponents.

And Sunday's demonstration is the largest in Bangkok since the Reds rioted last April, leaving two dead and scores injured.

Twice-elected Thaksin remains popular for his anti-poverty policies after coming to power in 2001, but he is loathed by Bangkok's establishment, which accuses him of corruption and disloyalty to the revered royal family.

The Red Shirts have held a number of rallies since Abhisit came to power in December 2008, after a court decision removed Thaksin's allies from government following an airport blockade by rival "Yellow Shirts."

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-03-14

Published with written approval from AFP.

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[george]

Bangkokpundit: Abhisit on NBT: Rules on lawful protest are set out per Supreme Admin Court decision. Can't take over govt buildings etc.

Abhisit on NBT: Checkpoints are necessary to check weapons, not to prevent ppl to enter. Wish to thank protesters for cooperating

[george]

Bangkokpundit: NBT is pure political propaganda. Its reporting is so one-sided it merely functions as the media arm of the govt. Watch ThaiPBS.

[Jai Dee]

JOINT SESSION

MPs unhappy with joint sitting tomorrow

Published on March 15, 2010

Democrat Party MPs voiced astonishment yesterday at Parliament President Chai Chidchob's call for a session of the both chambers tomorrow, amid concerns of possible violence if red-shirt protesters try to besiege the compound.

Ong-art Klampaiboon, a Democrat MP for Bangkok, said his fellow MPs had told the chief coalition whip Witthaya Kaewparadai they disagreed with the move. They want him to consult with his counterparts from other coalition parties before informing Chai of their decision.

But Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said if Chai went ahead with the meeting, the Democrats were ready to offer full cooperation.

Deputy party spokesman Warong Dejkijwikrom said the Democrats were urging Chai to postpone the meeting as the political situation was sensitive.

Senator Rosana Tositrakul said she had talked to several colleagues and they felt it was not right to hold a meeting at Parliament now. They fear a repeat of the bloody clash in front of Parliament on October 7, 2008.

House Secretary-General Phitoon Phumhiran said Chai ordered the meeting because several matters needed urgent deliberation by the two chambers and the Senate was always busy but would be free tomorrow.

Phitoon said Chai had so far not issued a postponement.

But if MPs and senators can get a quorum, the meeting could be rescheduled, he said.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn said the meeting was requested by the Finance Ministry to approve draft contracts with foreign countries.

The Finance Ministry may talk with Chai about delaying the debate, he said.

Cabinet Secretary-General Surachai Phuprasert said the prime minister had already cancelled tomorrow's weekly Cabinet meeting because of the joint sitting.

The Pheu Thai Party said its MPs would meet today to discuss the joint sitting as well as the red-shirt rally.

Source: The Nation - 2010-03-14

[george]

Nation: It's obviously "day and night" thing now. Numbers of protesters at Rajadamnoen have ballooned back considerably.

[Maestro]

Nation: Red leader Arisman has played on stage THAT doctored audio clip of Abhisit asking Army to crack down on people.

Nation: What a shame. Thaksin should fire this guy. Seriously.

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Bangkok Red-shirt Rally - Live Updates - Monday, March 15, 2010

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t347530.html