Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Updates - Friday

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Anti-government protesters on Friday rejected a conditional offer of talks by Thailand's premier, saying they would not give up their struggle until they had toppled his administration.

The "Red Shirts" rallied for a sixth day in support of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra with leaders of the dwindling Bangkok protest vowing there would be no negotiations until the dissolution of the lower house.

"I am willing to talk but it should not be under this climate of intimidation," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in an interview on an army-run national television channel.

But leaders of the largely rural-based Red Shirts said they would hound Abhisit until he bows to their demands, beseeching supporters at the rally to remain and calling for a class war.

"The Red Shirts are not refusing to negotiate but the prime minister has to dissolve the house first and all parties have to sign a pact saying they will respect the result of elections so the country can move ahead," Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan told the crowd.

Abhisit said he had not been able to return home to see his family since the rally began, as he and other members of his army-backed government have been holed up at a military barracks over security fears.

The protesters picketed the army base on Monday and on Wednesday they threw bags of their own blood at the walls of his family home after staging the same stunt at his office gates a day earlier.

Police said about 18,000 red-clad protesters remained on Thursday during the rally's evening peak, less than a fifth of the number who turned out nearly a week ago when the group swept into the capital to call for snap elections.

Bangkok and surrounding provinces remain under a strict security clampdown for the so-far peaceful rally, with a 50,000-strong force of soldiers and police on the streets.

Protest reinforcements are expected to travel into Bangkok on Saturday to join a convoy around the capital in a bid to garner more support from city residents and spread their anti-elitist message.

A military official said up to 30,000 more Red Shirts were expected to arrive and police have said they have prepared for the predicted traffic chaos.

The protesters, whose numbers reached more than 100,000 when the rally began on Sunday, say Abhisit's government is illegitimate because it came to power with army backing via a December 2008 parliamentary vote, after a controversial court ruling removed Thaksin's allies.

The next polls must be held by December 2011.

The Reds say they are fighting Thailand's privileged elites in bureaucratic, military and palace circles, whom they accuse of ousting elected governments.

Twice-elected Thaksin, who was deposed in a coup in 2006, has been egging on his supporters via videolink and online postings from exile, as he avoids a two-year jail term for corruption at home.

Amid rumours that he has been forced out of his main base in Dubai, Thaksin said on Friday on Twitter that he had returned there following a trip to the Balkan state of Montenegro, as he encouraged the Reds to press on.

Since Thaksin's ousting, Thailand has been rocked by protests of both his supporters and opponents that have sometimes turned violent.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-03-19

Published with written approval from AFP.

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webfact · March 19, 2010

SATURDAY RALLY

Red-shirt marching routes detailed

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The red-shirt movement Friday announced the 20 routes it would march its protesters on Saturday to "thank Bangkokians" for their support.

The names of 20 routes where the proetstors would march on Saturday were revealed by Aree Krainara, the head of the red-shirt security guards.

The march would begin at the Pan Fah Bridge at 10 am. The procession could be as long as 80 kilometres, said Weng Tojirakarn, a red-shirt leader

According to Aree, the procession would also be joined with 2,000 motorcycles.

The procession would move to Petchaburi road until Asok intersection then turn left on to Ratchadapisek road along to the Fortune Tower.

Then the protestors will move to Ladprao and continue to Bangkapi until Lamsalee intersection and will proceed to Ramkamhaeng road, then move forward to Klong Tan Intersection, to Phra Kanong Intersection, and turn right to Rama IV road.

Then, the protesters would proceed to Silom, Yaowaraj and back to their base at Phan Fah bridge in the evening.

Jatuporn Promphan, a red-shirt leader, said the march would be held to thank Bangkokians for their support for the red-shirt movement.

-- The Nation 2010-03-19

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webfact · March 19, 2010

Jatuporn offers talk with PM

BANGKOK: -- Jatuporn Promphan, a red-shirt leader, Friday apparently softened his stand and told the prime minister to schedule a day for negotiation with the red-shirt leaders.

Jatuporn said the red-shirt leaders were willing to hold a peace talk with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva that on ground that House dissolution must be included as a condition for ending the on-going conflicts.

He said all sides must ratify a pact that they would accept the results of the next election without holding more protests.

Jatuporn said the red-shirt movement planned a march on Saturday to thank Bangkokians, not to try to cause trouble to them.

-- The Nation 2010-03-19

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webfact · March 19, 2010

Thaksin says he is now in Dubai

DUBAI: -- Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced Friday he is now in Dubai.

Posting message on his Twitter page ThaksinLive four hours ago, Thaksin said he would like to send his best wish to his supporters from Dubai.

The Thai Foreign Ministry earlier claimed that the United Arab Emirates had banned Thaksin from entering the Arab kingdom.

"Hello, I would like to send my best wishes from Dubai. I hope democracy and justice will return to the Thai society so that the country will have peace and all Thais can smile to one another," Thaksin posted the message.

-- The Nation 2010-03-19

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webfact · March 19, 2010

Red Rally: Streets to Avoid This Weekend

BANGKOK: -- The reds-shirt protesters will once again take to Bangkok streets in an efforts to draw Bangkokians' attention to their cause. They have revealed they will be marching on various main roads and bridges in Bangkok, starting from 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 20.

These streets include:

Yommarat road

Petchaburi road

Ratchadapisek road

Ladprao road

Bangkapi road

Ramkamheng road

Rama 4 road

Silom road

Yaowarat (China Town) road

The protesters will be moving to Yommarat Intersection then march towards New Petchaburi road and then onto Asoke Intersection.

From there, the protesters will march to Ratchadapisek road, passing Robinson Ratchada, then turn right at Ladprao road.

The red-procession will then make their way pass Bangkapi Intersection and turn right again at Lum Salee Intersection before heading to Ramkamhang road.

From Ramkamhang road, the protesters will be making their way to Rama 9 road and into Klongtan via Phra Kanhong road.

From there the protesters will make their way back to Rama 4 road, through to Silom, passing Twenty Two roundabout. Lastly, the protesters will head to Pahurat area and return to Pan Fah Bridge, the main rally site.

The red-shirt procession will be protected by motorcycles, both in front and at the back of the procession.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-19

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webfact · March 19, 2010

MCOT: Army 2nd Cavalry Division at Sanampao steps up nighttime security after gasoline firebomb attack; Jatuporn denies Red Shirt involvement

MCOT: Red Shirt plans motorcades from Phan Fah through Phetchaburi, Ratchada, Lad Prao, Rama 4, Yaowaraj, Charoenkrung, starting at 10am Sat

webfact · March 19, 2010

Red-shirt Leader Pledges Year-Long Rally

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt protesters will tomorrow move their protests to five areas in Bangkok to seek city residents' participation in their anti-government activities.

A protest leader says the rally could drag on for a year until the government dissolves the House.

Core leader of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship, or DAAD, Jatuporn Prompan said his group's mobile protests tomorrow aim to convince people living in Bangkok to join its anti-government activities and the trip will start at 10 a.m.

Other DAAD core leaders today traveled around Bangkok, asking city residents to join its rally. The group planned to travel to five areas, namely Petchaburi Road, Rama IV Road,Yaowaraj, Silom and Bang Kapi.

Jatuporn insisted the DAAD is ready to hold a year-long demonstration if the government would still ignore its demand for a House dissolution and he urged the prime minister to listen to the group to make way for negotiations.

Jatuporn said if the premier dissolves the House, government coalition parties must promise they will accept the election outcome whatever it will be and he warned if the premier does not bow to the DAAD's demand and there is a chaos, the people will come out against the ruling Democrats.

Commenting on the proposed joint parliamentary meeting on political crisis , Jatuporn said he agreed to the idea but urged the prime minister to show his sincerity in seeking a way out.

He also accused Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban of engineering a plot to stage chaos and put the blame on red-shirt protesters.

Jatuporn also claimed he has been informed by an Army officer that the seized parts of M-79 grenade launchers and M-16 rifles at private factories were produced to orders from Thai state agencies for sales to minority groups in Burma, so the prime minister and the military should give explanation on the matter.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the red-shirt rally at Panfa Lilas Bridge this morning was rather quiet with a number of protesters gathering to hear their leaders' speeches.

The decline in the number of protesters also allowed more traffic lanes around the rally site to reopen.

At the same time, Sakrapee Prommachat, the man who was dressed as a Brahmin priest to perform the red-shirt blood pouring ritual, presented evidence on his ordination to counter the allegation by Phra Khru Whama Dhepmuni, the Brahmin priest chief at the Devasathan Brahmin Temple in Bangkok.

Sakrapee insisted his father Jaeng Prommachat was appointed a Brahmin priest to perform Brahmin ceremonies for the royal household. He will also file charges against Phra Khru Whama Dhepmuni for defaming him.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-19

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webfact · March 19, 2010

Bangkok Post: Red reinforcements head to Bangkok

THE NATION: Reds will parade frm Yomrat to Petburi, Asoke ,Ratchda, Ladprao ,Lamsali,

Ram,Rama9, Klongtan, Prahanong, Rama4, Silom, Yawrat&back 2 Rajdamnoen

webfact · March 19, 2010

Seh Daeng seeks bail for his close aide

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol, also known as 'Seh Daeng,' is seeking bail for his close aide Pornwat Thongsomboon who is alleged of planning violent incidents in Bangkok.

On Friday, Major General Khattiya with his lawyers traveled to the Criminal Court to request for a temporary release of Mr Pornwat. 400,000-THB cash is prepared for the bail; however, the court is considering whether to approve the request or not.

The army specialist claimed that his close aide was innocent. He said all the clips with faces and voices of Mr Pornwat shown in websites were purely fabricated.

Mr Pornwat is charged for breaching the Criminal Code by feeding information about grenade blasts and social turmoil in Bangkok through computer networks as well as carrying weapons in public places.

-- NNT 2010-03-19

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webfact · March 19, 2010

Bangkok Post: Phayao reds ready for Sat rally

Thaivisa: 80 km long caravan with 20,000 cars will go around BKK on Sat, red shirts leader Weng said, boasting the world's longest protest caravan

webfact · March 19, 2010

TAN Network: INN: Suthep threatens arrest if protesters block city streets tomorrow

webfact · March 19, 2010

Noppadol says Thaksin will reach Dubai Friday evening

BANGKOK: -- Although former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra greeted his fans from "Dubai", his legal advisor Noppadol Pattama said Thaksin would reach the United Arab Emirates Friday evening.

Apparently unaware that Thaksin posted a message on Twitter page greeting his fans from Dubai, Noppadol said Thaksin and was on his way to the Arab kingdom and would reach Dubai in the evening.

______________________________________________________________________________

Police launch manhunt for Molotov-cocktail taxi driver

BANGKOK: -- The Metropolitan Police Friday launched a manhunt for a taxi drive who hurled a Molotov cocktail at a tank parked inside the compound of 2nd Cavalry near the Victory Monument.

Pol Maj Gen Anan Srihiran, deputy metropolitan police chief, said police are checking for more information to try to locate the taxi driver.

He said the attack late Thursday night did not cause any damage.

-- The Nation 2010-03-19

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webfact · March 19, 2010

MCOT: Police advise commuters to use BTS and MRT to avold Red Shirt weekend caravan in Bangkok, expect critical traffic confusion for 5-6 hours

THE NATION: Just finished news meet. Main topic is we expected the rally 2b re-inforced by provincial arrivals today,tomorrw. But not by much.

Thaivisa: SET index closed at 774.59, up 15.57

THE NATION: We are preparing a graphic that u can use EVERY TIME as a guide to count protesters on Rajdamnoen. Very scientific, i can tell u.

TAN Network: SET ignores red-mass, closes +15.57 points at 774.59. Volume at Bt33.99 billion.

webfact · March 19, 2010

Pheu Thai Denies Hiring Protesters

BANGKOK: -- In response to an allegation made by the deputy prime minister in charge of security affairs, the Pheu Thai Party spokesman has denied that some party members were hired to mobilise people to join the red-shirt rally.

Spokesman of opposition Pheu Thai Party, Prompong Nopparit, responded to the statement by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in which he claimed Pheu Thai MPs in northeastern provinces were paid 15 million baht each to mobilize people to join the anti-government protests.

Prompong denied such a scandal existed in his party and called on Suthep to show evidence to back up his claim. He added that legal action will be immediately taken against party members if they were found to have accepted such payment.

The Pheu Thai spokesman went on to say that he believed Suthep's claim aimed to discredit and slander the Pheu Thai Party.

As for some Pheu Thai MPs who took to the red-shirt stage, Prompong said the party has not supported the action but all MPs have the right to express their opinions.

Prompong also called on the prime minister to dissolve the House as demanded by the red-shirt protesters, saying he is no longer fit to stay in office.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-19

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webfact · March 19, 2010

THE NATION: Personally, I don't like the idea of reds moving around town, where they will face both sympathizers and haters.

Bangkok Post: Monks to join red-shirt rally

webfact · March 19, 2010

Medical teams prepare for UDD mass rally tomorrow

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Ministry of Public Health called a meeting among related hospital units for the upcoming mass rally, scheduled to take place tomorrow.

MOPH Minister, Jurin Laksanawisit, said the medical implementation teams from private hospitals and hospitals under MOPH's supervision had attended a rehearsal in preparation for providing prompt service for aggrieved protesters of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

The protesters were warned of the health dangers posed by collecting and throwing excrement. Mr Jurin added the throwing of dirt at the Prime Minister's house was highly inappropriate and not politically creative.

The MOPH Minister has instructed local hospitals along the rally route to prepare sufficient antiseptic to deal with any emergencies.

-- NNT 2010-03-19

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webfact · March 19, 2010

US EMBASSY BANGKOK

March 19, 2010
This warden message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in

Thailand that it is anticipated that the United Front for Democracy

Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or "red-shirts") will embark on a

procession throughout Bangkok tomorrow March 20, 2010 with the intention

of disrupting traffic throughout the city. While it is expected that

this procession will be carried out peacefully, the potential for

violence and confrontations with security elements remains.

The UDD is expected to depart from their staging grounds in the Dusit

district at approximately 10:00 a.m. and proceed towards Petchaburi

Road. From there, the planned procession route is as follows:

-Petchaburi Road to the Asoke junction

-Asoke junction to Ratchadapisek Road

-Ratchadapisek Road to Lad Prao Road

-Lad Prao Road to Ramkamheng Road

-Ramkamheng Road to Kruay Namthai Road

-Kruay Namthai Road to Yaowaraj Road (Chinatown)

-Yaowaraj Road to Rama IV Road

-Rama IV Road to Silom Road

-Silom Road back to Phan Fa Lilas bridge en route to the Sanam Luang

staging grounds

We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to

be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into

violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of

demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any

demonstrations.

U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the

U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website

http://www.travel.state.gov/ where the current Worldwide Caution,

Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be

found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A

Safe Trip Abroad"

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which

includes valuable security information for those both living and

traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers

may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling

1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the

U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Thailand are encouraged to

register https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs with the

Department of State or the U.S. Embassy. The American Citizen Services

section of the U.S. Embassy Bangkok http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/ is

located at 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. The American

Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling

66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at [email protected]. The emergency

after-hours telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

webfact · March 19, 2010

Member report: Leaders concerned about attacks from hi-rise. Army is bringing in more troops, razor wire and heavy duty barricades. concerned will provoke an incident so can immediately apply state of emergency

webfact · March 19, 2010

Red Shirt caravan set to weave through key Bangkok traffic routes

BANGKOK (TNA) -- A convoy of vehicles carrying red-clad anti-government demonstrators led by the United Front for Democracy (UDD) is set to march through the Thai capital's key streets Saturday to roust out support from Bangkok residents and pressure the government to dissolve parliament, according to the Red Shirt movement's security guard chief.

Aree Krainara said the red convoy would begin moving from Phan Fah Bridge at 10am and then roll through New Phetchaburi Road to the Asoke intersection and Ratchadapisek Road.

They will travel along Rama 9 Road before entering the capital's key business area of Silom and Rama IV and head to Yommarat and then back to Phan Fah Bridge.

Pol Lt-Gen Santan Chayanont, chief of Bangkok's Metropolitan Police Bureau, met with other police officers in preparation for responding to the mass caravan.

Afterward he confirmed the route the UDD core leaders and their supporters will travel in caravan.

Police will prevent a possible clash between protesters, local residents and others along the route and will direct traffic to facilitate motorists.

Gen Santan said that a 'Molotov cocktail' thrown from a taxi at the Second Cavalry Division at Bangkok's Sanam Pao on Thursday night was intended to cause a disturbance or to play a prank to discredit the army.

No one was injured and nothing was damaged as the energy drink bottle filled with kerosene hit an area where a Army tank was displayed in front of the division headquarters. Security has been stepped up with the installation of a spotlight Friday.

The attacker was unlikely to have been in the group who fired M79 grenades at the First Infantry Regiment earlier this week, injuring two soldiers, Gen Santan said.

Core UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan denied any Red Shirt involvement in the incident.

About 100,000 Red Shirt protesters started gathering on Rajdamnoen Avenue on Sunday, demanding that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the Parliament and call a new election.

The protesters, however, had dwindled in number over the past few days but vowed to continue their anti-government campaign as more are coming from provinces this weekend.

The National Human Rights commission helped act as a broker between the government and the UDD leaders to try to bring the two parties to negotiating table.

The Red Shirt leaders however insisted that Mr Abhisit must accept the UDD's demand to dissolve the House before any talks could happen.

Ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra poured scorn on the NHRC's attempt, accusing it of not being impartial.(TNA)

-- TNA 2010-03-19

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webfact · March 19, 2010

THE NATION: New routes have been added to reds protest: Pokklao Bridge, BanKaek intersec, Wongwien Yai, Taksin, Tha Pra, Jaran intersec, Pin Klao Bridge. It seems they forget the thonburi side in the initial plan.

THE NATION: Bkk governor Sukhumphan to Bangkokians: "Please stay home if you don't have important businesses to do outside".

webfact · March 19, 2010

Govt expects traffic snarls Saturday

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- As the red shirts are poised Saturday to march with a caravan of thousands of cars and motorcycles around Bangkok, the Peace-keeping Operations Command expects heavier-than-usual road snarls despite measures to minimise traffic woes, government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said Friday.

"The authorities are bracing for traffic woes after receiving the march schedule and routes," he said.

Panitan said he detected a rotation of the red shirts on Thursday's night with fresh protesters from upcountry arriving to take part in the march.

The crowds are expected to surge today but not as high as the peak level achieved on Sunday, he said.

In regard to attempts to stir up trouble, there were two violent incidents reported on Thursday's night, he said.

The first incident involved two separate attacks at two private homes in Soi Thong Lor. Unidentified gunmen used assualt rifles to splay bullets at the homes. No damage or casualties reported.

In the second incident, unidentified men riding a taxi threw a kerosene-filled bottle at the entrance of the 2nd Cavalry Division at Sanam Pao.

Police have detained a taxi driver on suspicion of involving in the second incident. Based on prilimary evidence, the first incidemt might not be politically motivated but a warning by underground money lenders.

The government spokesman said the prospects for talks to resolve the political differences will hinge on the rally organisers and not the government.

The red shirts include several factions, each of which has a number of leaders, he said, adding that the government is always ready for negotiations as soon as the red shirts could form their own consensus.

He also stated that the red shirts might need time to find a proper channel for negotiations since their patron Thaksin Shinawatra appeared to have opposed any talks done through the National Human Rights Commission.

-- The Nation 2010-03-19

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webfact · March 19, 2010

SATURDAY RALLY

Don't leave home: Governor warns

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra has advised city residents to stay at home Saturday as red-shirt demonstrators are to march through the capital.

The red shirts plan to go along various roads including Silom, Ratchadaphisek and Rama IV roads marking a distance of over 80 kilometres.

"If you don't have to run any errand outside, please stay home," Sukhumbhand said Friday.

He said more than 200 city policemen would be mobilised today to help facilitate traffic in the capital.

Metropolitan Police Bureau spokesman Maj General Piya Uthayo said security would be beefed up to boost the safety of demonstrators and general people.

"Checkpoints will be strictly manned and more patrols will be conducted on foot," he said.

Piya was speaking after senior police officers yesterday met to discuss on how to ensure public order during the red-shirt rally.

-- The Nation 2010-03-19

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george · March 19, 2010

The Nation: "The one we love who was in Montenegro has landed safely in Dubai", Noppadol said.

george · March 19, 2010

NATION: Thaksin: "My heart is vacant, waiting for you red brothers to be in it", he said.

george · March 19, 2010

Nation: Noppadol is speaking in a boring monotone that could end this rally in 24 hrs. [19:59]

Nation: Noppadol said Abhisit will fight the assets ruling "domestically" and "internationally". [20:10]

Nation: Our political editor has come back from the rally site. "Atmosphere's lively", she said. "It seems there are a lot of city people too".

"pro-democracy" academics are being introduced on red stage. [20:36]

george · March 19, 2010

Nation: Veera said donations are flooding in for red rally, with a lot coming from Bangkok reds.

george · March 19, 2010

Nation: Thaksin's phoning in. He stands in front of a white wall. Seems a new background.

"I'm getting older and fatter. But my mind is fresher coz seeing you gathering like this is great." "Tomorrow I believe there will be more."

george · March 19, 2010

Nation: Our reporters who monitored his Dubai phone-ins in the past said today's background is never seen before.

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Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Updates - Friday

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