Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Updates - Saturday

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Saturday March 20 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 19

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t348916.html

Updates March 17

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t348232.html

Updates March 16

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t347906.html

Updates March 15

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

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

Bangkok Traffic Police preparing for a tough Saturday

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Traf...ng-t348747.html

Thai Red Shirts declare 'class war'

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Red-Shi...ar-t348629.html

Red-Shirts to splash one million Cc of blood on Govt House

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Red-shirts-S...lo-t347659.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/

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Both sides dig heels in on talks

By THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The chance of peace talks between the government and the red shirts hung in the balance yesterday, with both sides remaining firm about their conditions for negotiations.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), meanwhile, remained determined to broker talks even after fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra on Thursday had dismissed the independent organisation as lacking neutrality.

"I am willing to talk, but it should not be in this climate of intimidation," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in an interview.

The PM said he did not think the House dissolution requested by the protesting red shirts would ensure an end to the political conflict.

"The talks should focus on the national interest. I have never ruled out negotiations," he said.

Abhisit also said that while the red-shirt leaders said they were ready to talk to him, Thaksin had rejected the NHRC's offer to act as "the link" between the two sides.

"I am waiting to see if the leaders or Thaksin have the final say in this matter," he said.

In his interview with TV Channel 9 last night, the prime minister said there were several demands from the Thaksin camp. For example, Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Pattama said he wanted an amnesty for the former premier.

"I have no duty to negotiate about personal interests. If the talk is about exchanging benefits, I won't get involved," Abhisit said.

Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan yesterday said the protesters were willing to hold talks with the government under the condition that the House must be dissolved.

He said all sides must also agree that they would accept the results of the next election without holding further protests.

"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," Jatuporn said.

A red-shirt source said Thaksin wanted the anti-government rally to continue in order to increase pressure on the government.

"The red shirts are now getting the upper hand, as our peaceful rally is proving effective. But if the rally continues as suggested by Thaksin, without allowing talks with the government, which is being called for by society, the red shirts may end up defeated.

The masses may turn back to supporting the government," the source said.

NHRC president Amara Pongsapit said the agency was acting as a link between the feuding sides in order to ensure a peaceful solution to the conflict.

"We want to make sure there will be no violence during the rally," she said.

Taejing Siripanit, an NHRC member, said the commission could not stay idle when there was the chance the political confrontation could escalate into armed struggle.

"If that turns out to be the case, the losers are the country," he said.

Another NHRC member, Chuchai Supawong, called on Thaksin to allow the negotiation process to begin.

"I urge Thaksin to stop the distortion and trying to end the talks process. That's tantamount to removing the bridge to peace," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-03-20

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More UDD protesters approaching Bangkok for Saturday rally

BANGKOK (NNT) - Supporters of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) from up-country are reported en route to the capital city of Bangkok to join the major rally on 20 March.

The UDD supporters guadually converged at Phan Fah bridge, the main stage for the rally, on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road on their seventh rally day to pressure the Democrat-led administration to step down and call for an election.

The UDD mass rally since 12 March has been proceeding peacefully amid heightened security at risk areas around the capital.

Puea Thai MP Jatuporn Prompan has announced that the group will stage a major mass demonstration in Bangkok this weekend to demand the House dissolution while another UDD core figure Nattawut Saikua reaffirmed that the group will neither use violence nor trespass upon any establishements during the rallies.

According to the group's plan, the UDD supporters will move together in one procession, starting at 10.00 am on Saturday from Yommarat Bridge through different routes around the capital and return to Phan Fah Bridge on 18.00 hrs.

-- NNT 2010-03-20

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Red Rally: Streets to Avoid This Weekend

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 onto Klongtan via Phra Kanhong road.

From there the protesters will make their way back to Rama 4 road, through to Silom, then turn right onto Charoenkrung road. 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 2010-03-20

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THE NATION

Red-shirts march in Bangkok A: Yommaraj,Petchaburi,Asoke-Ratchadaphisek-Lad Phrao,Lad Phrao Rd,Bang Kapi,Lamsalee,Ramkhamhaeng,KlongTan

Red-shirts march in Bangkok B: Phra Khanong, RamaIV, Silom,Charoenkrung,Yaowaraj,Pokklao Bridge,Ban Kaek,WongWianYai,Phra Chao Tak

Red-shirts march in Bangkok C: Mahaisawan,Tha Phra, Charan Sanitwong, 35 Bowl Intersection, Pinklao Bridge, Rajdamnoen,Phan Fa Bridge

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'Stay in, bangkokians'

By THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Fearing the urban middle-class Bangkokians would either join the red shirts today or confront them, Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra has advised people to stay at home while the demonstrators march through the capital.

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

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, in his video call to the protesters yesterday, called on Bangkokians to join the red shirts in fighting for democracy and justice for the future of the country.

"I apologise to the people of Bangkok for the traffic congestion but it would never ease until the red shirts win and I will return to solve the problem with sufficient subways and trains," he said.

The red-shirted protesters will today march across the capital to beg for understanding and support from the urban middle class who they hope would take their side in the class war against the so-called "aristocrat-controlled government".

The rally would bring on the streets some 20,000 vehicles and hundreds of thousands of walking protesters from all over the country. It would start from Phan Fa Bridge on Rajdamnoen Avenue at 10am.

From the bridge, where the main rally stage is located, the procession would move to Phetchaburi and turn left at Asoke intersection to Ratchadaphisek Road, Lat Phrao, Bang Kapi, Lamsalee, Ramkhamhaeng, Klong Tan, Phra Khanong, Rama IV, Silom, Yaowarat before crossing the Chao Phya River to Wongwian Yai, Charan Sanitwong and back to Rajdamnoen Avenue.

The route covers some 100 kilometres across Bangkok, red-shirt leader Dr Weng Tojirakarn said.

Another leader, Natthawut Saikua, said the protesters would distribute leaflets during the rally to make a plea for understanding from Bangkokians and invite them to join the movement.

"Please come to join, whatever colour you wear, to liberate Thailand from a class society," he said.

Governor Sukhumbhand said more than 200 city policemen would be mobilised today to help direct traffic in the capital.

Metropolitan Police Bureau spokesman Maj-General Piya Uthayo said security would be beefed up for the safety of the 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.

Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Maj-General Panu Kerdlarpphol, who oversees traffic affairs, said police would inform motorists to avoid going to roads affected by the march.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said he would not allow the rally go closer than 2 kilometres to Siriraj Hospital where His Majesty the King is being treated.

The authorities would arrest any protesters who block any roads in Bangkok, he said. "If we cannot arrest immediately, we will take a picture first and arrest later," he said.

Former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh would visit the protesters today to give them moral support. He would also bring some medicines for the protesters who might get sick from the lengthy demonstration, according to his close aide.

Many high-profile politicians and former members of the defunct Thai Rak Thai and People Power parties who were banned from politics yesterday took the stage at Rajdamnoen Avenue to show their support for the protest.

Former justice minister Phongthep Thepkanchana and former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama were among the banned politicians who took the stage last night.

-- The Nation 2010-03-20

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THE NATION: MCOT:Redshirted protesters cancel the plan to move to Charan Sanitwong Rd and Pinklao bridge as the roads are close to Siriraj hospital

THE NATION: Redshirted protesters will use stickers and red flags as symbols to prevent them from the 3rd handed person while moving across BKK.

Thaivisa: Thavisa: Core redshirt leaders arriving @ protest site. The number of ppl at the rally site appears 2 have increased over nite. off duty police and some soldiers coming to volunteer 2 assist with protection duties. They r being carefully screened.

[george]

Thaivisa: Core red-shirt leaders have arrived at the United Frot for Democracy against Dictatorship protest site at Phan Fa Bridge in cetral Bangkok in preparation for todays anti-government cavalcade.

Thousands of protesters have already boarded trucks in preparation of lavig th rally site, with the convoy length currently measuring 46km.

Red-shirt organizers have implemnted special identity measures this morning in an attempt to identify gnuine red-shirts from possible infiltrators, while dozens of off-duty police and soldiers have arrived to volunteer their services to provide security for the convoy and are being carefully screened.

-- thaivisa.com 2010-03-20

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[george]

MCOT: Red Shirts cancel Charansanitwong-Phrapinklao Bridge route because it's too close to Siriraj Hospital

Nation: Redshirted leaders urge protester to beware of fake redshirted protesters who will cause possible violence while marching throughout BKK.

[george]

Nation: The head of the line of thousands redshirted protesters are now standing at Yommarat Rd.

Thaivisa: Motorcade started to leave rally site.

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Red shirts form procession at Yommaraj Intersection

At 9 am Saturday, red-shirt people are forming a long procession of motorcycles, bikes and vehicles for marching around Bangkok.

The procession is scheduled to move at 10 am.

The movement announce it will change its route by avoiding Rama IV Road and roads near the Siriraj Hospital.

-- The Nation 2010-03-20

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Thaivisa member almeya143: The road at charan sanit wong is clear - no traffic.

At the wong vian yai round about - there are 3 police cars and around 10 bikes ..

At wong vian yai bts station - 1 pick up of red shirts - 3 ppl at that coast.

The rest all is clear at chareon krung yet.

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Leader tell red shirts not to retaliate against angry Bangkokians

BANGKOK: -- A red-shirt leader announced on the Phan Fah stage Saturday morning, telling the protesters not to retaliate against Bangkokians who may express anger towards them during the march.

The leader told the protester to only say apology to the dissatisfied Bangkokians.

The leader also reminded guards that there could be infiltrators who might try to have the movement look bad by committing violence.

-- The Nation 2010-03-20

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Thaivisa: Red-shirt motorcade starting to leave 46km long

MCOT: Red Shirts start forming caravan to criss-cross BKK, Chonburi protesters head to BKK to join motorcade, police facilitating traffic

TAN Network: Red-shirts begin lineup,head of the procession at Yommarat,tail at Ratchadamnoen rd.Leaders say won't march near Siriraj Hospital

THE NATION: The Route of redshirted protesters' today march across BKK with cover 100 km/The Nation's graphic team/

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THE NATION: Red-shirt leader Dr Weng Tojirakarn told protesters to No mad,No violence,No reaction but Smile, give Love and Happiness while marching BKK

Thaivisa: On motorbike racing 2 front no edge. Residents giving rousing welcome encouragment

THE NATION: 100s redshirted protesters are now at Nation Tower RT

THE NATION: Red leaders have warned protesters not to get angry and be very friendly. (Ummmm....should they warn Bangkokians instead?)

THE NATION: "Send smiles, send happiness, send understanding" is the theme of today's parade.

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Police gears up measures for rally today, recommends public transportation

BANGKOK (NNT) — The Metropolitan Police Bureau has geared up measures to handle the mass rally of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) today.

The public is advised to use public transportation as heavy traffic congestion is anticipated during the rally.

Deputy Police Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Major General Panu Kerdlarppol had instructed the police bureau citywide to be on alert and prepared at all times with the UDD movement.

The police will be stationed at light signals and nearby routes with the UDD movement, which is anticipate to stretch for almost 60 kilometers long, Police Maj Gen Panu said.

The deputy police commander also advises the public to complete their errands before 09.00 hrs and closely monitor the situation. Public transportation such as busses and trains are advised to be used.

Roads that should be avoided include Petchburi Road, Ratchadapisek, Ladprao, Ramkhamhaeng, Rama 4 and Yaowarat, which are usually congested, due to operations of private companies and tutor schools for children.

At 12.00 hrs, the UDD protestors are expected to arrive in the Ladprao and Bangkapi area and arrive at Rama 4 at 14.00 hrs. The rally is expected to be completed at 17.00 hrs.

For more information about traffic conditions, the 1644 hotline can be contacted.

-- NNT 2010-03-20

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THE NATION: Reds will claim Bangkokians welcome them due to some people greeting, but who know what those who caught in the traffic think

Thaivisa: no replies while on redshirt motorcade. at least 30.000 ppl. Thousands of cars, truck, motorbikes

Asianewsnetwork: BANGKOK: redshirts are massing in front of The Nation newspaper. They plan to cover some 100km of roads to reach out to city folks.

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CAPO asks UDD to lessen traffic

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Government’s Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) had asked the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) to open certain routes to ease traffic congestion in the city.

According to Army spokesman, Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, this will help lessen inconveniences for the public, avoid traffic conflicts, and personal confrontations that may arise from frustrated citizens.

Today, more than 30,000 UDD protestors from various provinces are expected to be in Bangkok.

The protestors will travel around the city in hopes of attracting more people to join the rally after its unsuccessful attempts to elicit a Parliament dissolution and the resignation of the Prime Minister last Saturday.

Meanwhile, Col Sansern confirmed that the situation can be under control and violence can be avoided if the UDD cooperates.

-- NNT 2010-03-20

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TAN Network: Red-shirt protesters begin citywide march.Residents of Petchaburi Soi 7 verbally attacked reds b4 security officers intervened

THE NATION: Hundreds of reds on motorcycles have paid brief visit to The Nation HQ. They have left to join the city parade. The visit was noisy but there was no incident.

THE NATION: The visitors submitted a letter complaining about Nation reporting of the movement.

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THE NATION: Unless your life depends on it, don't go near Phetchburi Rd now. Red parade moving there; traffic must b paralysed around the area.

So many red on motorcycles today. They can't be those from the provinces. Must b the pro-red taxi motorcyclists.

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Protesters reach New Phetchaburi

By 10:30 am Saturday, the head of the red-shirt procession reached the Pratunam Intersection.

The head of the march comprised motorcyclists.

They distributed letters to apologise to Bangkokians for causing inconvenience.

-- The Nation 2010-03-20

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MCOT: Red Shirt caravan moves out to criss-cross Bangkok; leaves Yommaraj with large motorcycle escort; motor convoy expected confuse traffic all day

TAN Network: Police beef up security at Bangkok Bank headquarters and CP Tower on Silom Rd during red-shirt citywide march.

Thaivisa: the main vehicle motorcade is being preceded by thousands of motorbikes. redshirt guards helping police with traffic control but its hopeless

Shops emptying as people rush 2 look at this homogeneous redshirt motorcade

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TAN Network: Shops in Yaowarat (China Town) closed for the day during red-shirt citywide march.100s officers patrol streets.

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UDD rally on Charansanitwong, Pin Klao Bridge called off

BANGKOK (NNT) – Nattawut Saikua, a core leader of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has decided to call off the UDD procession on Charansanitwong Road and Phra Pinklao Bridge to avoid possible untoward incidents.

Mr Nattawut revealed that that the mass rally on Charansanitwong Road and other risky areas has been rerouted to avoid important landmarks.

The core leader also annouced that if any red-shirts are found in these areas, they are counterfeits and officers can arrest them immediately.

The UDD has called another major protest today in the capital of Bangkok where thousands of vehicles are expected to join the anti-government parade.

The procession will start from their rally base at Phan Fah Bridge, before the mass will proceed to Petchburi Road, Ratchadapisek, Ladprao, Ramkhamhaeng, Rama 4 and Yaowarat.

The rally is expected to end by 17.00 hrs today.

-- NNT 2010-03-20

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THE NATION: Pratunam, Plenchit, Chid Lom are now areas to avoid.

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Jatuporn Adamant Red-shirts Won't March to Siriraj or Suvarnabhumi Airport

Red-shirt key leader Jatuporn Promphan reiterated that the red-shirt protesters will not march to Siriraj Hospital nor Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Jatuporn said he did not want the government or a third party to sabotage the red-shirts by assuming the identity of the red-shirts to incite chaos.

He added that the red-shirt protesters have not ruled out the possibility of opening a dialogue with the Abhisit administration.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-20

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TAN Network: Large no. of petrol stations in Bkk closed temporarily, fear red-march could get out of hand.To re-evaluate at 1 p.m.

THE NATION: Red parade reaching Lardprao intersec. They will now head toward Lamsalee.

TAN Network: Red-shirts moved pass Fortune Tower in Rathadapisek area, moving towards Lum Salee area.

THE NATION: A lot of reds waiting for the parade at Imperial Lard Prao.

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'Red Shirts' take to streets to win over Thai capital

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thousands of red-clad Thai protesters began to snake across Bangkok on Saturday in a festive travelling rally aimed at winning over the city's residents to their flagging anti-government campaign.

Police said around 20,000 "Red Shirts" joined the convoy across the capital in pick-up trucks, buses, cars and on motorcycles after they rejected a conditional offer of talks by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva a day earlier.

The group planned to zig-zag along 45 kilometres (28 miles) of Bangkok's main roads bearing flags, smiles and music, in an attempt to recruit residents to their waning rally calling for elections, now into its seventh day.

Backers of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, the Reds -- mainly from poor rural areas -- say they are fighting Thailand's elites in bureaucratic, military and palace circles, whom they accuse of ousting elected governments.

The protesters 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.

"We will travel to find love from the people of Bangkok and to unite them with us, the poor peasants, to overthrow the elite-backed government," protest leader Veera Musikapong told the crowds before their convoy set off.

Protest numbers peaked at more than 100,000 last Sunday and have so far been peaceful, but army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd said he worried "there could be some clashes" Saturday.

Speaking by videolink to the crowds Friday night, Thaksin, who was deposed in a 2006 coup and lives in exile to avoid a jail term for corruption, apologised to the city's residents in advance for the heavy traffic.

"It will continue until we win and regain our justice, but I will repay you when I return," he said.

Deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban has said the convoy could go ahead but warned demonstrators not to block traffic, "or the government will not consider it a peaceful protest", he said.

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.

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.

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.

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

Since Thaksin was ousted, Thailand has been rocked by protests by both his supporters and his opponents, many of whom are in Bangkok and accuse him of corruption and of disloyalty to the revered royal family.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-03-20

Published with written approval from AFP.

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