Bangkok Red-shirt Rally - Live Updates - Monday

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Monday March 15 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.

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Related topics:

Updates March 14

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t347258.html

Updates March 13

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t346948.html

Updates March 12

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t346680.html

Arrest warrant issued for red-shirt core leader Arisman

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Arrest-Warra...Co-t347177.html

Thai Govt Likely To Enforce State Of Emergency On Top Of ISA

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Govt-En...nc-t347220.html

PHOTOS:

Lots of Red Shirts Photo Impressions - And please add your own!

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Photo-Impres...-M-t347298.html

Current weather in Bangkok, plus forecasts:

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

[george]

TAN Network: Reds at Pan Fah prepares to begin their march to 11th Military Infantry at 9am

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Army base targeted

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- March to Bang Khen starts at 9am, but protests likely at many sites

Red shirt protesters plan to storm the 11th Infantry Regiment - the government's "war room" and safe house - if Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva does not dissolve Parliament by today, to try to achieve its goal of toppling the "aristocrat-backed" government.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva rejected the reds' demand, saying yesterday his government had the right to stay in office until the end of the current electoral term - late next year.

"Dissolving Parliament or the resignation of a government is a normal practice in the democratic system. I have no problem with that, but how can we dissolve the Parliament to have a snap election when our politics is still in deep divide and conflict?" he said.

The next election, if there was one, would have to go through violence because many people were dissatisfied with the electoral rules, he said.

The red shirts claim Abhisit has no legitimacy to stay in power as his Democrat Party did not win the previous election. They have mobilised a large mob in an effort to bring his administration down.

Prime Minister Abhisit, Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda and Army chief General Anupong Paochinda are using the the 11th Infantry Regiment compound as a "safe house" during the protest.

The huge red-shirt group will start marching from Rajdamnoen Avenue - the main protest site - at 9am via Victory Monument and walk along Phaholyothin Road to the infantry regiment in Bang Khen district.

Red shirt leader Nattawut Saikua said the protesters would not break into the army compound or surround it for a long time but would protest at many spots - follow Prime Minister Abhisit everywhere he goes.

Another leader, Jatuporn Promphan, said he learned that the military boosted its force at the infantry regiment to 7,000 troops, and prepared anti-riot equipment such as water cannons and tear gas for possible use against the protesters.

A military source confirmed that the Army has brought an additional 20 companies of troops to the infantry regiment to protect government leaders and military commanders.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsubhan was seen yesterday with Army chief Anupong and commanders inspecting troops' readiness at the compound.

"We are here to protect the law and democracy. We don't see the protestors as the enemy but we have to prevent them from breaking the law," Suthep told the troops.

"This is the first ever, soldiers, that you have to perform your duty without weapons. I know it is every difficult, but we have to do it."

Lt General Daophong Ratanasuwan, deputy Army chief of staff, said the military would try its best not to use violence against the protesters. He told soldiers to exercise utmost restraint and not to use force even if protesters provoke them.

Red shirt protesters continued to arrive from the provinces to the capital yesterday to join the rally. Their leaders claim that 300,000 people have massed but the authorities gave a more conservative figure - 52,000.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is de facto leader of the red-shirt group, phoned in to the rally's main stage at Rajdamnoen Avenue last night. He asked supporters who could not get to Bangkok to set up separate rallies in their provinces to help pressure the government.

The red shirts had been moulded into a solidarity movement, he said in a 45 minute speech.

Troops were based at many locations around Rajdamnoen Ave near the protest site including Thammasat University's Tha Prachan campus where a company of soldiers was, a university official said.

Prime Minister Abhisit said his government respected the red shirts' right of assembly in accordance with the Constitution, as long as they protest peacefully.

The Constitution Court set guidelines in 2008 that gave protesters constitutional protection as long as they demonstrate peacefully and under a legal framework, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-03-15

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[george]

Reds get a mixed reception

BANGKOK: -- More red-shirt protesters poured into Bangkok yesterday - to a mixed welcome. Workers in the capital who are migrants from elsewhere cheered them on, while those better off appeared indifferent.

A convoy of about 100 vehicles, mostly pickup trucks, led by some 500 red shirts on foot, advanced slowly on Sukhumvit Road in the early afternoon, blocking some traffic.

They were greeted by mostly blue-collar workers such as clerks and security guards, who waved at them.

"I'm not surprised [by the number and the welcome]," said Sombat, a 30-something security guard at the Maneeya office building.

"I'll also join them after work. It's up to [the government] now [whether to dissolve the House]. This is all we can do," he said while watching the procession at about 1.40pm from the overhead walkway to the Chitlom Skytrain station.

Sombat, who hails from Nakhon Pathom, said he hoped the government would not use force against the reds.

Many more supporters in Bangkok would join the protest in the evening after work, he said.

Nearby, two higher-paid Skytrain staff were not as enthusiastic.

"I thought that was it. But where on earth did they come from again?" one said, referring to the waves of red shirts who passed along Sukhumvit yesterday from Bang Na intersection to the main rally downtown on Rajdamnoen Avenue.

"I guess [the protest] will drag on," he said.

"Dangerous," said a woman Skytrain official who stood next to him as they watched the protesters from above being cheered on by some workers along the street below.

A red-shirt media outlet reported in the afternoon that some protesters riding longtail boats along Saen Saeb Canal were hit by objects thrown by hostile city residents.

A group of protesters went to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's residence to submit a letter calling for him to either resign or disband the House - a tactic viewed by red-shirt leader Somyos Pruksakemsuk as an additional step to pressure the government.

Somyos said he feared the reds would be criticised more today, as their presence would cause many traffic delays.

-- The Nation 2010-03-15

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Motorists advised to avoid roads near red-shirt rally site

BANGKOK: -- The Metropolitan Police Bureau Sunday advised motorists to avoid roads that are near the demonstration site of the red-shirt people.

Pol Maj Gen Phanu Kerdlarpphol, deputy commissioner of the bureau, said motorists should avoid Uthong Nai Road and Rajdamnoen Road as well as other roads that intersect with Si Ayutthaya and Phitsanulok from Government House to Wang Daeng Intersection.

He said the motorists should also avoid using Rama VIII Bridge, Pin Klao Bridge and Krungthon Bridge because of the closure of six roads - Rajdamnoen Klang, Rajdamnoen Nok, Mahchai, Nakhon Sawan, Larn Luang, Uthong Nai and Phitsanulok.

-- The Nation 2010-03-15

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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 2010-03-15

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Reds Expect to Arrive at 11th Infantry Regiment at Noon

BANGKOK: -- The red-shirt protesters are planning to start their march to the 11th Infantry Regiment on Paholyothin Road at 9 a.m. today and should arrive there by noon.

It is still not known which route they will take but they've promised to leave at least 1 lane open to traffic. The traffic police are adjusting traffic plans hourly to avoid congestion for motorists.

The 11th Infantry Regiment has installed more CCTVs in anticipation of the rally.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-15

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[george]

CONVICTED EX-PM

Thaksin warns army chief not to crack down on protesters

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday warned Army Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda not to crack down on the Red Shirted protesters. He also cautioned Gen Prayuth Chan-Ocha, the deputy army chief, against any temptation to stage a military coup.

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"Let me pass on my message to Prayuth. I have heard that you're so prepared to use force. Don't do it. Don't ever think of staging a coup," Thaksin said.

He also told Gen Anupong not to use force to crack down on the Red Shirted protesters, who are staging a demonstration to repair democracy and to rid Thailand of the "ammat (elite) system".

From an unknown place, Thaksin was phoning into his Red Shirted supporters in the evening as he sought to woo their support to bring about a political change. Some 65,000 to 70,000 Red Shirted protesters were gathering at Phan Fa Bridge, to call for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down or dissolve Parliament to pave the way for a new election.

Wearing a pullover light brown shirt, with a red collar, Thaksin spoke into a web cam that transmitted his picture to the Red Shirted audience. He also wore a pair of glass, with a tiny silver frame. His hair looked unnatural, almost like a wig.

Thaksin called on the Red Shirted protesters to wait for the next 24 hours when the deadline for Abhisit to dissolve the House is met. If Abhisit fails to do it, they would need to listen to further instruction of the core leaders.

A giant stage was erected at the Phan Fa Bridge where the red shirts began yesterday to fortify their street demonstrations. Jatuporn Phromphand, one of their leaders, declared that the red shirts would finish off the Abhisit government within four days.

Thaksin, once again, accused Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, the president of the Privy Council, as the man behind his downfall. He repeated a story that the elite were afraid of his political popularity so they came up with all attempts, including a 2006 military coup, rid him from power. The elite were also behind a series of political manouvre to undermine his party and supporters.

"The ammat were the problem of the country. They are behind all the rumours so that they can continue to maintain their power," he said.

Thaksin also accused the Abhisit government as the most corrupted and ignoring the plight of the Thai people.

He also referred to the death of Pol Col Sompien Eksomya, who was killed by the southern insurgents in a bomb attack on Friday, as representing the failure of Abhisit to handle police transfer properly. Pol Col Sompien had asked for a transfer out of Bannangsta, Yala, to Trang after serving the police department for 39 years. His transfer got stuck in the bureaucratic procedure.

He said the government has brought into Bangkok and distributed arms to the military force from the upcountry at the largest number ever to deal with the Red Shirts.

"But the military has a duty to defend the country - not to crack down on the people," Thaksin said.

-- The Nation 2010-03-15

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[george]

BangkokDan: Dan Rivers on CNN: Next 24 hrs critical, they don't seem to have the numbers to force change, small core faction could stir up trouble

TAN Network: 8 armored trucks used to secure building where National Peacekeeping Command is located. As many as 32 companies of soldiers guarding National Peacekeeping Command

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Troops Stepped up at 11th Infantry Regiment

In expectation of the red-shirt rally today, the 11th Infantry Regiment has brought in an additional 8 armored vehicles and 34 companies of soldiers to take care of security.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-15

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TAN Network: 8 armored trucks used to secure building where National Peacekeeping Command is located

TAN Network: As many as 34 companies of soldiers guarding National Peacekeeping Command

TAN Network: Reds start to set up procession to 11th Infantry; prepared to move at 9 A.M.

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Reds Expected to Use Victory Monument and Paholyothin Rd for March

Red-shirt leaders have not revealed the route they will use to march to the 11th Infantry Regiment on Paholyothin Road but it will most likely be Ratchadamnoen Avenue to Victory Monument and onto Paholyothin Road.

The authorities are meeting at the 11th Infantry Regiment to discuss their plans to handle the red-shirt protest.

The traffic police are expecting to close off roads to be used by the red-shirts for their march. Traffic has been good so far this morning as less vehicles are seen on the roads.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-15

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TAN Network: Army spokesperson: All government agencies estimate number of protesters at no more than 90,000

TAN_Network: Army spokesperson on FM101: Protesters might tire themselves out by tomorrow at the latest

Army Spokesperson: 11th Infantry contains large weapons arsenal; will protect it at all costs

[george]

TAN Network:

More than 500 motorcycles and 50 pick up trucks used to lead red procession

Some protesters left at Pan Fah Bridge to guard stage;most to proceed to 11th Infantry

[george]

Thaksin rally to doorstep Thai government at army base

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK: (AFP) - Tens of thousands of Thai protesters loyal to deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra were to march on an army base housing the government on Monday, as they stepped up their street campaign.

Hundreds of extra troops were deployed at the barracks on the northern outskirts of Bangkok after the protesters, decked out in their signature red shirts, told the government it must dissolve parliament or face further protests.

At least 86,000 "Red Shirts" began their rally close to ministry offices at midday on Sunday amid tight security, and gave Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva 24 hours to meet their demands.

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

The Red Shirts had dubbed their rally a "million man march" but police estimated their numbers reached only 86,000 while protest leaders said they had more than 100,000.

A 50,000-strong security force including soldiers and riot police was deployed across Bangkok and surrounding provinces ahead of the rally, under a strict law that allows authorities to ban gatherings and impose curfews.

Most of the Red Shirts were expected to leave their site for the barracks at 9:00 am, travelling by bus, car and on foot to put pressure on Abhisit and the country's top brass who are all based there during the protests.

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

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in charge of the country's security, said the protesters would be permitted to approach the base but could not trespass onto it, and would not be permitted to obstruct traffic nearby.

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," Suthep said.

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 avoid a jail term for corruption.

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.

Last month Thailand's top court confiscated 1.4 billion dollars of the telecoms tycoon's wealth and he addressed the crowd by video link late Sunday, urging his supporters to press on.

"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 said from an unspecified location in Europe.

Since the coup in 2006, Thailand has been wracked by a string of protests by the Red Shirts and their rival Yellow Shirts, whose campaign in 2008 led to a crippling nine-day blockade of the country's airports.

This rally is the largest in Bangkok since the Reds rioted in April last year, leaving two dead and scores injured.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-03-15

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Red-shirt/Thai Army clashes expect today

BANGKOK: -- The first confrontations between the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), aka the red-shirts, and Thailand government security forces is expected to occur later this morning as tens of thousands of protesters move from the rally stage at Phan Pha Bridge on Rajdamnoen Avenue to the 11th infantry regiment at Bangkhen.

With its limited finances rapidly dwindling, the red-shirt leadership is becoming increasingly desperate to achieve results and yesterday signaled its intention to besiege the army base where Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has set up a “war room” to monitor the protest.

After giving the government of Mr. Abhisit a 24-hour ultimatum to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections, key red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan late yesterday said the red-shirts will not wait for the deadline to expire before taking the protest to the Prime Ministers doorstep.

A fleet of six-wheel trucks fitted with the signature over-size loudspeakers and amplifiers of Thai political protests has been assembled close to the main rally stage overnight, and this morning UDD workers were busily making last minute preparations for the vehicles to get underway.

Yesterday afternoon Mr. Jatuporn said: “We will be out the front of Mr. Abhisit’s hiding place by midday unless he agrees to dissolve the parliament and hold elections. We will start moving from here (the Rajdamnoen Avenue rallying area) starting at 9am and by midday will have the [military] base surrounded.”

At the same time as red-shirt leaders were announcing their decision to take their protest on the road, the Government was contemplating declaring a state of emergency, a move that would significantly escalate tension in the capital where expectations of of riotous clashes between security forces and protesters has seen Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams replaced by almost empty streets and malls devoid of shoppers.

The scene in front of the rally’s stage at Phan Pha Bridge was considerably empty this morning, with many protesters hunkered down in their marquees having breakfast and making preparations to move to army base.

Yesterday Royal Thai Army spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said an additional 20 companies of troops – about 3,500 soldiers – had been sent to protect the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bangkhen district against any invasion by red-shirts.

Last night Thailand deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban and army chief General Anupong Paojinda visited the 11th infantry regiment and urged soldiers there to exercise utmost restraint while carrying out their duty.

Early this morning police said they expected traffic to be heavily congested in the Viphavadi-Rangsit and Phaholyothin areas as the red-shirt convoy took to the roads.

-- thaivisa.com 2010-03-15

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[george]

TAN Network: National Peacekeeping Command sets up 7 steps in prep including soldiers/shields, water, vocal warning, tear gas, clubs,rubber bullets

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TAN Network: National Peacekeeping Command sets up 7 steps in prep including soldiers/shields, water, vocal warning, tear gas, clubs,rubber bullets

THE NATION: Motorists advised to avoid Victory Monument, Phetchaburi, Phaholoyotihn

THE NATION: Thanpuying Wiriya visits protesters

TAN Network: INN: Red shirt protesters start to leave the Pan Fah area

Thaivisa: Thousands of red-shirt protesters have boarded trucks at the rally site in preparation for moving to Bangkhen

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First group of red shirts reach Lard Prao Intersection

At 9 am Monday, the front part of the red-shirt procession reached the Lard Prao Intersection on their way to the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bang Khen, TNN Channel reported.

The front part is comprised of protesters on motorcycles.

They stopped at the Intersection to wait for other protesters, who were travelling on pick-up trucks and other vehicles.

The protesters plan to reach the 11th Infantry Regiment at noon when the 24-hour deadline for the government to dissolve the House expires.

-- The Nation 2010-03-15

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MCOT: Red Shirts begin moving to 11th Infantry Regiment's Bangkhen headquarters to await PM's response to House dissolution demand

MCOT: Red Shirt 'column' moves to army unit to await PM's answer on House dissolution

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Lardprao Road Closed by Red March

The convoy of red-shirt protesters to the 11th Infantry Regiment has closed off the Lardprao Road area in front of the Central Department Store to wait for the rest of the protesters.

-- TAN Network

2010-03-15

[george]

ANALYSIS

Govt putting the ball in Reds' court

By Tulsathit Taptim

The Nation

Thaksin Shinawatra's rivals may have caught his mood swings. Or they may have just seen things differently between day and night.

Yesterday's decision against imposing a state of emergency was based as much on the feeling of having an upperhand as on principles. The red shirts, the government may have concluded, were not as overwhelming as they had first looked.

So, Prime Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is throwing the ball back into the red shirts' court. Today's noon deadline for the movement's House dissolution ultimatum will pass, forcing the red shirts to decide what to do next. The movement has announced a plan to besiege the 11th Infantry Regiment headquarters, but the real question is what they are prepared to do afterwards.

It had been awe-inspiring on Saturday, with thousands of trucks adorned with red flags pouring into the city. Night scenes at the Rajadamnoen Avenue seemed even more worrisome for the government. "Reds seize city" one newspaper headline screamed. Other headlines indicated that the Abhisit administration would be the one who blinked first _ through the enforcement of a state of emergency.

It might have been the heat, which probably drove many protesters temporarily away. Or it could have been a miscount on the first day. And don't overlook such simplest logistical issues as toilets. Whatever the reasons were, the number of protesters appeared to drop significantly during the day yesterday. By most accounts, it was below 100,000. All of a sudden, the goal of half a million-strong unheaval looked highly unrealistic.

Make no mistake. It can be a yellow-shirt style of energy-saving rally. The strong would stay put under scorching sun while the rest would take turn and show up in full force when the weather is kinder. Yet here are villagers from upcountry who don't know their way around that much, so their mobility will be far more limited.

There have been calls and approvals for reinforcements, sources said. Pheu Thai MPs, who had been said to be reluctant to mobilize their constituents for the rally for fear of having to spend from their own pockets, were said to be ready now to pitch in. The financial pipeline, a key issue for this whole campaign, may have been unclogged.

What dictated the stand-off remained both sides' fear of being seen as the villain in the event of a bloodshed. In this aspect, the government has more time than the red shirts, who will naturally get desperate fast if the confrontation drags on and the MPs cannot bring in substantial extra protesters.

As for the government, the military has been firmly on its side. One little worry has to do with what game the coalition partners are playing. News reports suggested the allies are not ready to jump ship, at least for now. If the solidarity is confirmed, this will leave the red shirts with two increasingly implausible scenarios of victory: An upheaval of 500,000 people or a bloody turmoil that somehow enables a pro-Thaksin coup to succeed.

Desperation calls for not only desperate measures, but also despserate rumours. One of the far-fetched gossips had a key red shirted figure being "sacrificed" _ killed to be exact _ so as to re-inflame anger, hatred and passion. Ridiculous as it may sound, this story, according to red insiders, did worry the "three buddies" who are the movement's leaders.

Is it easier to, say, besiege the stock market or do some other things to paralyze Bangkok physically and financially? Again, analysts say a lot will depend on the "human resources". Satellite operations carry the danger of the movement getting scattered and then neutralized easily if nobody is left to defend the main rallying site.

It's too soon to discuss the red shirts' "graceful exit" just after two days of their campaign. The political situation has shown its ability to swing like Thaksin's moods. The man made a substantial phone-in last night, after his travels had forced him to have only brief contacts with his supporters since their most crucial campaign began. He urged them to fight on and they responded reassuringly. But deep down, both must have known that they badly needed a catalyst and they needed it fast.

-- The Nation 2010-03-15

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Thaivisa: The large red-shirt convoy is being flanked by hundreds of black-suited red-shirt guards as it inches its way through early morning Bangkok traffic, resulting in a kilometers long traffic jam

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TAN Network: PM to address the country before noon deadline

Thaivisa: convoy proceeding along Si Ayutthaya. Traffic grid locked on cross roads

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Thaivisa: PM now speaking on all TV channels

TAN Network: PM: Will not dissolve Parliament but will listen to protesters' grievances

TAN Network: PM: Dissolving Parliament and holding elections will not solve the whole problem

TAN Network: PM: Fixing the problem will take more time than noon today;will also have to listen to other groups which haven't joined the protests

PM: Some info used on protest stage provocative and untrue. Some groups want to incite violence

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PM's Live Address

BANGKOK: -- PM Abhisit Vejjajiva said he met with coalition partners this morning as protesters' demands are political. They agreed that this administration was democratically elected into power according to the parliamentary system with a majority vote, similar to the previous 2 administrations.

He said the administration has been able to spur economic recovery and run the country in the past 1 year and 3 months in office.

He added the protesters' demand for a House dissolution before noon today is seen as impossible. However, this does not mean the government will not listen to the protesters and the general public. The government's objective is not to remain in power but is to see the country move forward, like what the public wants.

He noted we all want to see peace in the long-run.

The PM said a House dissolution is a solution when there is a political divide in Parliament or when a crisis arises that can only be solved by a general election. However, a House dissolution and a general election seem to be only part of the conditions of the protesters. Protest speeches show the issue at hand is beyond the government.

Abhist reiterated a general election that will end all conflict must be based on regulations accepted by everyone, which cannot be achieved by noon today.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-15

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TAN Network: PM: Will go with Transport Minister to check traffic suitation in Bkk via helicopter;expect protesters to go to several locations

BMA officials start cleaning up garbage and waste at/around Royal Plaza left by protesters

[george]

PM expresses concern protest leaders use false information to incite violence

BANGKOK: -- He said the red-shirt leaders had been using doctored audio clips during the rally Sunday night to try to deceive the protesters that he ordered the use of force against them.

Abhisit said the government had no plan to use force against the protesters. He said the enforcement of the Internal Security Act was aimed at keeping law and order, not for suppressing the protesters.

The prime minister said his government would try its best to avoid clashing with the protesters.

He made the announcement, broadcast live on TV, following the meeting with coalition partners' leaders.

-- The Nation 2010-03-15

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[george]

BangkokDan: Currently a few hundred proteters in front of army headquarters

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PM turns down UDD´s request to dissolve house

BANGKOK (NNT) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva assured that House dissolution will not take place by Monday noon, in response to the request made by the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

Speaking at the 11th Infantry Regiment, the prime minister gave a press conference to elaborate his refusal to comply with the demand of the UDD after a meeting with leaders and representatives of the coalition parties. He reasoned that the government had come to power via a legitimate parliamentary process in the democratic system under the constitutional monarchy.

Prime Minister Abhisit said the refusal to dissolve the house at present did not mean that the government would not heed demands and opinions of the public, including the UDD. He confirmed that the target of the government was not to stay long in power but to move the nation forward.

The prime minister explained that a fresh election must be held peacefully under the law accepted by all sides, and the answer to such issue could not be made within midday as desired by the UDD.

Prime Minister Abhisit then promised that the government would manage the situation under the security law with respect to the rights of the UDD to move under the constitution. He stressed that the government had no initiatives to provoke violence or disperse the demonstration but would try its best to restore the situation.

The prime minister also voiced concerns with political speeches of the UDD as well as provocation to violence and clashes. He said many points made by the UDD at present were targeting beyond the government.

Meanwhile, thousands of UDD supporters are gathering in front of the 11th Infantry Regiment, and more are marching from their main rally site at Phan Fa Bridge.

-- NNT 2010-03-15

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Metropolitan Police Warns about Speeches on Stage

The Metropolitan Police held its daily press conference on the red-shirt rally, estimating the rallygoers at 90,000 as of last night. It said checkpoints found no weapons last night.

The police also warned the protesters against making statements that could constitute instigating chaos or libel on the rally stage as the speaker will be prosecuted.

The police also affirmed no double standards for protesters.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-15

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