Bangkok: Don't Leave Home Saturday: Governor Warns

[george]

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]

Thai protesters to gridlock capital with travelling rally

by Boonradom Chitradon

BANGKOK: -- (AFP) - Thai anti-government protesters announced plans Friday to snarl up the capital with a travelling rally in a bid to win support after rejecting a conditional offer of talks by the prime minister.

Military officials expect up to 30,000 "Red Shirts" to arrive in Bangkok from the provinces on Saturday to join the convoy across the capital as the movement seeks to revive its flagging campaign for snap elections.

The group rallied for a sixth day in support of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, with protest leaders vowing to reject negotiations until the dissolution of parliament's lower house.

"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.

The Reds plan to zig-zag along 45 kilometres (28 miles) of Bangkok's main roads, asking residents to join them.

Deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the protest could go ahead but warned demonstrators not to block traffic.

"The government will not interfere with their legal right to protest, but they must not block roads or intersections, or the government will not consider it a peaceful protest", he said.

"The protesters must be aware that people may not agree with them and boo them."

He said the convoy would be banned from entering a two-kilometre radius around the Bangkok hospital where the country's revered king has been staying since September.

He said the government would also consider extending the area covered by a strict security law that has been enacted for the protests, enabling the deployment of a 50,000-strong force of soldiers and police.

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

But the premier stood firm in his rejection of the protesters' demand, and said talks could only take place once the rally had dispersed.

"I am willing to talk but it should not be under this climate of intimidation," Vejjajiva said.

The protesters picketed the army base on Monday and on Wednesday threw bags of their blood at the walls of the prime minister's family home after staging the same stunt at his office 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.

The protesters, whose numbers reached more than 100,000 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 elites in bureaucratic, military and palace circles, whom they accuse of ousting elected governments.

Twice-elected Thaksin, who was deposed in a 2006 coup, has been egging them on 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 Twitter that he had returned there following a trip to the Balkan state of Montenegro.

Since Thaksin's ouster, Thailand has been rocked by protests by 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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[pepi2005]

that sounds really very dangerous!

The only thing I'd worry about would be a) my ears from their bad loudspeakers (can't Thaksin buy them better ones?)

and the traffic congestion - which certainly brings them much more sympathies with the Bangkok residents.... lol

[george]

Red Shirt caravan set to weave through key Bangkok traffic routes

BANGKOK: -- 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 2010-03-19

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Saturday March 20 Live update topic:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t349041.html

[Old Man River]

It has been reported that Jatuporn has threatened that this protest could last for a year if it takes that long to get the house dissolution.

[IvanDobsky]

and "don't throw good money after bad"

Don't you have a saying in English: "Throwing the baby out with the bath water" ?

[animatic]

Don't you have a saying in English: "Throwing the baby out with the bath water" ?

I'd use, "Shooting the other foot."

Twice.

Way to go, getting sympathy from the middle class, who now can't go out with out extra hassle.

I know education is not up to par in the north, but hel_l after 12 years to get a Uni degree

maybe Jatupron went to a LOGIC class by accident?

Nah, he's never shown the slightest inclination towards logic,

only emotion, and that's only the negative ones.

[animatic]

It has been reported that Jatuporn has threatened that this protest could last for a year if it takes that long to get the house dissolution.

Excellent, just in time for the next election too.

At that point all of Thailand will be so sick of them,

and Thaksin so knackered that they will lose.

Of course that will mean the capital will have to

move back to Ayutthaia for a spell to get some work done.

[lifeincnx]

Outside the fishbowl looking in, the red Shirts only make themselves out to be an inmmature unuducated mob - a far cry from the passive monks of Vietnam who rallied around a cuuse, not one man. This is doomed to fail from the start.The term democracy has a long way to go in the land of smiles.

[thaibkk]

heard on thai news that tourist from europe and even other asean countries are avoiding LOS more and more...

soon LOS can add ER to their name...

what does it spell ?

[mythBuster]

Tthere are so many other means of transportation that the warning sounds outright stupid. Boats, motorcycles or simply walking will do.

[martin170587]

yiiipeeee

another day of even worse traffic

i live at charansanitwong and to go anywhere usually takes a bit of time but now its just forever had to go to the airport today took almost 2 hours getting through the traffic on the way back.

and tommorow im going to ratchada to see modern dog and placebo better set off 2 hours early.. or just walk haha

il post some pics tommorow if i see any of it

Keep smiling ... mai pen rai wont be long

[westybrook]

heard on thai news that tourist from europe and even other asean countries are avoiding LOS more and more...

soon LOS can add ER to their name...

what does it spell ?

It spells LOSER sir

[smokie36]

A week of protest already with little sign of violence and disruption so far. It seems to me the red shirts want to continue to exercise their democratic right in condemning the current governments mandate.

And their legs of course!

[reenatinnakor]

i'd still want to go back and live there rather than Slough!!

[meelousee]

Hooray for the poor!

Time to get nasty I dont blame them. If I were Thai I would be in the thick and middle of this.

So now you elitists go ahead and bash me

My answer to you is simple and to the point ---->

[elcent]

at its best it will turn out peacefully and the mob just goes home after their march

or

the infamous 0815 trick to stir up unrest by hired third hands to force a coup which would be in the interest of both, the yellow leaders from PAD and Thaksin (and only for them and their cronies) - followed by

a Curfew - after then administered angels will appear to go against the army coup, lots of noise and another constitution, new election ... - this to be repeated all over again, - Thai style, and so corruption will prevail for the decades to come.

Nothing left for the people when dogs fight over a piece of bone.

[YanTree]

More than 200 police on the streets

[martin170587]

I just hope that it doesnt get out of control, or they decide to march to the airport :S

Its a shame they are destroying the tourism here

very unstable times...

[Old Man River]

It has been reported that Jatuporn has threatened that this protest could last for a year if it takes that long to get the house dissolution.

Excellent, just in time for the next election too.

At that point all of Thailand will be so sick of them,

and Thaksin so knackered that they will lose.

Of course that will mean the capital will have to

move back to Ayutthaia for a spell to get some work done.

It is just another example of how chaotic their leadership is. Just two days ago he had said they will win in four days. I think reality is setting in, finally. Anyway, with Abhisit being hounded and not being able to return home, this won't last too much longer.

[Norcan]

I just hope that it doesnt get out of control, or they decide to march to the airport :S

Its a shame they are destroying the tourism here

very unstable times...

Spoke to my mate last night who is Operations Director for the 3rd largest supplier of tourists to Thailand out of the UK.

They are having their best year ever...before anyone asks, I can't work it out either, and neither can he

[Chris Lawrence]

It sounds as though the Govt is pushing for a fight to start so they can go in and quell the disturbance? This way they won't look bad.

The Red shirts are beimg portrayed as protestors but have not breached the peace. However the Govt. appears to want to portray them as irresponsible. Up to date I haven't seen reports of this; oh the blood letting was a bit gross, but appears to be symbolic jesture.

Sounds more radical from reading TV and the comments of some posters.

[martin170587]

Outside the fishbowl looking in, the red Shirts only make themselves out to be an inmmature unuducated mob - a far cry from the passive monks of Vietnam who rallied around a cuuse, not one man. This is doomed to fail from the start.The term democracy has a long way to go in the land of smiles.

Bliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinded by the light

[martin170587]

I just hope that it doesnt get out of control, or they decide to march to the airport :S

Its a shame they are destroying the tourism here

very unstable times...

Spoke to my mate last night who is Operations Director for the 3rd largest supplier of tourists to Thailand out of the UK.

They are having their best year ever...before anyone asks, I can't work it out either, and neither can he

probabley all the reporters coming to see whats going on

[joefromdc]

and "don't throw good money after bad"

Don't you have a saying in English: "Throwing the baby out with the bath water" ?

I'd say "Don't throw out the bourbon with the branch water." But I come from the southern part of the USA...

[BigBikeBKK]

I just hope that it doesnt get out of control, or they decide to march to the airport :S

Its a shame they are destroying the tourism here

very unstable times...

From your uninformed post one might conclude that you yourself are a tourist... Tourism accounts for a very small portion of the Thai GDP and tourist arrivals will bounce back once the red mobs go home (which they've already started to do).

March to the airport?! Guess you haven't been out to Suvarnabhumi recently- I assure you the police and army are more than prepared to deal with any red shirts who might be stupid enough to wander out that way.

Taksin's Red Shirts are done- even though some of them won't admit it yet.

If the Red Shirts can come back under RESPECTABLE leadership with CLEAR GOALS they might actually have a chance, but as long as they have a mentally unstable homophobic convicted criminal as their leader they don't stand a chance.

Gum kee dee kwa gun tot

[elcent]

-- The Nation 19/03/2010

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The red-shirt leaders have just announced that their Saturday march will cover more roads.

Now the planned route for the red march will be Yommaraj Intersection, Petchaburi Road, Asoke Intersection, Ratchadaphisek Road, Ratchadaphisek - Lad Phrao Intersection, Lad Phrao Road, Bang Kapi Intersection, Lamsalee Intersection, Ramkhamhaeng Road, Klong Tan Intersection, Phra Khanong Intersection, Rama IV Road, Silom Road, Charoenkrung Road, Yaowaraj Road, Pokklao Bridge, Ban Kaek Intersection, Wong Wian Yai, Phra Chao Tak Road, Mahaisawan Intersection, Ratchadaphisek - Tha Phra Intersection, Charan Sanitwong Road, 35 Bowl Intersection, Pinklao Bridge, Rajdamnoen Avenue, and Phan Fa Bridge.

[martin170587]

I just hope that it doesnt get out of control, or they decide to march to the airport :S

Its a shame they are destroying the tourism here

very unstable times...

From your uninformed post one might conclude that you yourself are a tourist... Tourism accounts for a very small portion of the Thai GDP and tourist arrivals will bounce back once the red mobs go home (which they've already started to do).

March to the airport?! Guess you haven't been out to Suvarnabhumi recently- I assure you the police and army are more than prepared to deal with any red shirts who might be stupid enough to wander out that way.

Taksin's Red Shirts are done- even though some of them won't admit it yet.

If the Red Shirts can come back under RESPECTABLE leadership with CLEAR GOALS they might actually have a chance, but as long as they have a mentally unstable homophobic convicted criminal as their leader they don't stand a chance.

Gum kee dee kwa gun tot

Not a tourist been living here for a year.

as for the airport i went there yesterday and today and yes i saw the army with its posts but only about 10-15 soldiers/police officers i wouldnt really say enough to stop the propossed 30,000+ reds..

Merely stating a worst case scenario.

but dont get me wrong i do agree with you im sure it will stay controlled and hopefully this will all be over in a week or less.

then we can get back to the norm.

[Old Man River]

I just hope that it doesnt get out of control, or they decide to march to the airport :S

Its a shame they are destroying the tourism here

very unstable times...

From your uninformed post one might conclude that you yourself are a tourist... Tourism accounts for a very small portion of the Thai GDP and tourist arrivals will bounce back once the red mobs go home (which they've already started to do).

March to the airport?! Guess you haven't been out to Suvarnabhumi recently- I assure you the police and army are more than prepared to deal with any red shirts who might be stupid enough to wander out that way.

Taksin's Red Shirts are done- even though some of them won't admit it yet.

If the Red Shirts can come back under RESPECTABLE leadership with CLEAR GOALS they might actually have a chance, but as long as they have a mentally unstable homophobic convicted criminal as their leader they don't stand a chance.

Gum kee dee kwa gun tot

Not a tourist been living here for a year.

as for the airport i went there yesterday and today and yes i saw the army with its posts but only about 10-15 soldiers/police officers i wouldnt really say enough to stop the propossed 30,000+ reds..

Merely stating a worst case scenario.

but dont get me wrong i do agree with you im sure it will stay controlled and hopefully this will all be over in a week or less.

then we can get back to the norm.

On the airport, it would take the police and military a whole lot less time to get there than 20,000 people marching through the streets of Bangkok.

[dude007]

It has been reported that Jatuporn has threatened that this protest could last for a year if it takes that long to get the house dissolution.

Every day this silly ridiculous protest takes longer, every day the Thai people will get more and more fed up with them. How can they look for support in this city where everyone hates them for causing all these problems and making the whole business losing hundreds of thousands Thai Baht! There will be soon clashes with the Bangkokians, who also consider themselves to be a "power" too.

Red shirts, go home. Your message was clear and now you haven't anything more to win... After all, it was a compete failure, admit it!

Edited March 19, 2010 by dude007