Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Updates - Saturday

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THE NATION: Lard Prao is always bad on Saturday even without any parade. Avoid it at all costs.

THE NATION: Abhisit said the "Class War" theme is a matter of concern, because it will deepen the conflict. "Why do we have to make people hate each other?" Abhisit said.

"Thaksin's rich, and doesn't have to go to jail after being sentenced to imprisonment," Abhisit said. "Is this what we should call equality?" Abhisit said.

"The worst is the use of doctored audio clip to amplify hatred," Abhisit said.

Abhisit insisted that Thaksin must b taken out of equation if negotiations with reds can start.

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Subway's Ratchadapisek station closes gate

The gate of the Ratchadapisek station of the subway near the Chokchai-Ruammirt Road was closed at 11 am.

The closure of the station prevented passengers from entering and leaving the station.

Officials said the station's gate would remain closed until the red-shirt procession cleared the area.

-- The Nation 2010-03-20

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THE NATION: Gold shops in yaowarat will also be closed this afternoon.

THE NATION: Numbers from tV reports: Red parade to cover some 57 kilometres. There are 1,000 motorcycles and 1,500 vehicles.

THE NATION: Protesters waving to crowd, smiling, some looking like they are in Bkk for first time. Aside from traffic chaos, it's been peaceful.

[george]

THE NATION: All department/super stores in Bkk open as usual. No need to warn u against going to Imperial LardPrao, though.

[george]

THE NATION: The #redshirt procession just passed the Ratchadapisek area and has reached Ladprao 112. Motorists warned to stay away

[george]

TAN Network: Red-shirts won't march pass Charansanitwong or Pinklao Bridge. But will march on Sathon, Silom, Yaowarat, Klongtom and Worajak rd. Length of red-shirt procession estimated at 60-80km long.

TAN Network (TV): Thaksin is not chased by Interpol, despite earlier reports/rumors.

[george]

Protesters' convoy moves out on Bangkok streets; Detours Siriraj Hospital where king stays

BANGKOK: -- Anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) early Saturday bagan their convoy of cars, pickups and motorcycles criss cossing the Thai capital’s key streets, but adjusting plans at the last minute to avoid route near the hospital where the king is being treated.

UDD protesters have rallying in Bangkok for one week Saturday in their bid to force Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve the parliament and call for a fresh general election began rolling out from Phan Fah Bridge at 10am headed for key business areas including Phetchaburi Road, Ratchadapisek Road, Lat Phrao Road, Rama IV Road, Silom Road, Yaowarat Road and then back to their base area at Phan Fah Bridge.

Later the UDD leaders revised their plan of march to cross the Phrapokklao Bridge to Bangkok's Thonburi side. After Yaowaraj the motorised marchers were to travel through Wongwienyai, the Charansanitwong Road and cross Phrapinklao Bridge before returning to Phan Fah Bridge, their main protest venue but changed plans at the last minute due to considerations regarding the Thonburi side across the Chao Phraya River where Siriraj Hospital is located and the revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej is receiving treatment.

The world's longest-reigning monarch was admitted to Siriraj Hospital on last September 19 with a lung infection and fever. His condition has improved but still remain there under doctors’ close supervision.

Led by key UDD leaders, the protesters distributed leaflets saying the ‘Red Shirt people love Bangkokians’ to passersby while traffic on roads which they passed through became virtually standstill.

The UDD leaders also invited the people to join them in the demonstration which they hope to force the prime minisiter to dissolve parliament.

As their caravan snakes along Bangkok's crowded streets, the Red Shirt protesters said earlier they will distribute heart-shaped self-adhesive stickers to Bangkokians to promote an improved understanding of the ideology and goals of the protesters who say they are carrrying out the demonstration for democracy.

The protest on Saturday was also intended as an opportunity to apologise to the Bangkok residents who may face difficulties from the demonstration, said the UDD leaders. The caravan started at 10am and was expected to tangle traffic all day.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is scheduled to hold talks with senior security officials and members of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order at 11th Infantry Regiment headquarters on the outskirts of Bangkok to assess the situation on Saturday’s rally.

He is expected to give interviews to the press later in the day.

On Thursday the premier said his goverment was ready to hold talks to find best solution, while the UDD leaders said they do not objection to the talks but the prime minsiter have to open mind to listen to the protesters view without preconditions and accept its demand to dissolve parliament.

-- TNA 2010-03-20

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Photos courtesy of Ric Lawes

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THE NATION: Bkk underground train MRT operates as usual but some stations may selectively close some entrance for security reason

THE NATION: Protesters passing Ramkamhaeng University now, heading to Klong Tan intersec.

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Red-March: Procession Reaches Rama 9 Road, Approaches Klongtan

The red-shirt procession has reached Rama 9 road and is currently approaching Klongtan area.

Red-shirt supporters on main street were seen waving at red-shirt protesters and some of them providing drinking water to the protesters.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-20

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TAN Network: Reds to cross Krungthep Bridge to Krungtonburi side of Bkk,then cross Sathon Bridge to Sathon/Silom & eventually to China Town

[george]

TAN Network: Motorists are adviced to avoid Rama IV and Sukhumvit Rd now - better take mass transit BTS & MRT

TAN Network: Red-shirt protesters expect to return to Pan Fah Bridge at 6 p.m.

[george]

THE NATION: TV showed Seh Daeng appearing near Imperial LardPrao, looking like a celeb, smiling and letting admirers take his photos.

TNA (TV): TAN: The redshirts generates around 100 tons of trash everyday, according to Bangkok Governor. BMA officials have to clean up after them.

[george]

Whoah! I just reached 4,000 friends/followers on my Facebook page: http://facebook.com/farang

THE NATION: Not to be left behind, Chavalit will join reds at rajadamnoen this evening. I bet he'll call himself a "prai" soldier.

THE NATION: The head of line of redshirted protesters have already arrived Sukhumvit 71 but the tail is still at Phanfa bridge.

THE NATION: Red parade has become sprawling as expected, with front line already reaching Kluay Nam Thai, leaving behind a long, scattered trail.

TAN Network: Leading part of procession reaches Sukumvit, end still around Yommarat; passerby throws bottle at Nattawut but misses

[george]

THE NATION: Facebook users have started sending info of outsted PM Thaksin to the Montenegro's opp. leader N. Medokjevic to oppose the granted

citizenship

TAN Network: Leading part of procession reaches Sukumvit, end still around Yommarat; passerby throws bottle at Nattawut but misses

ASTV: Klongtan residents put up sign showing displeasure with red shirt protests

[george]

THE NATION: JS100 radio station reports that the red parade changes their route - taking Rama IV instead of Rama III and heading to Saladaeng - the police are confused.

THE NATION: JS100 - The parade are not in fully controlled - the latest saw the red parade taking Charoen Krung Rd.

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THE NATION: Redshirts protesters cancel the plan to move to Rama III Rd. They now arrive Sala Daeng and will move to Silom and Chareon Krung Rd.

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THE NATION: The parade are not in fully controlled - the latest saw the red parade taking Charoen Krung Rd.

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Red-shirt protesters stuck in traffic on Ratchada-Lard Prao

At 2 pm Saturday, the traffic on the Ratchada-Lard Prao Road stood still, causing many red-shirt protesters to get stuck there.

Dissatisfied protesters honked the horns of their vehicles.

Many got off their vehicles to be under shades of trees on the road island and roadsides.

The area had no red-shirt leaders to control the situation as Natthawut Saikua had passed the area by about half an hour.

The gate to the Lard Prao station of the subway was closed.

-- The Nation 2010-03-20

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THE NATION: Some 3,000 red-shirt motorcyclists head to Silom At 2 pm Saturday, some 3,000 red-shirt motorcyclists headed to Silom Road through Rama IV Road.

They reached the Klong Toey Market at 2 pm.

TAN Network:

Procession Reaches Sukumvit; Passerby Throws Bottle at Nattawut

Leading part of the red procession reaches the Sukumvit area. Its end is reported to still be around the Yommarat intersection.

Meanwhile, a passerby reportedly threw a bottle at DAAD Leader Nattawut Saikua but misses.

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TAN Network: INN: A red shirt protester sent to hospital after fainting and falling off a motorcycle due to heat exhaustion

Current temperature in Bangkok approximately 36 degrees Celcius

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THE NATION: the Redshirt mass rally across BKK will be ended within 5 pm if they decide not go to Thonburi province

THE NATION:

Klong Tan residents protest against red shirts

Some residents of Soi Pridee 4 carried banners in protest against the red-shirt leaders when the frontline of the march reached the Klong Tan area at 2 pm.

The banners said the red-shirt protesters should have sympathy for Bangkokians.

But both sides did not quarrel or clash.

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TAN Network: Ch 11: Reporter contracts 2009 influenza while posted at the red shirt rally; Health Ministry+BMA warns public of potential outbreak

MCOT: Yawaraj gold shops stop business on Sat to avoid Bangkok's rolling Red Shirt rally Bangkok, may stay closed Sun; gold prices fall Bt200

THE NATION: Metro Bus passengers can check the route at MetroCare center 02-3011818

TAN network: INN: Pattaya Superintendent instructed to request that Arisman Pongruerngrong's bail be revoked

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TAN Network: Red shirt procession reaches Wong Wien Yai

THE NATION: Police suggest ppl working today to take expressway after work as traffic is still heavy along the red parade route.

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Jatuporn claims red-shirt march welcomed by Bangkokians

BANGKOK: -- Jatuporn Promphan claimed that Bangkokians welcomed the red shirt demonstrators.

Jatuporn told People's Channel TV whle passing through Klong Toey that the red-shirt march received warm welcome from Bangkokians throughout the way.

"I would like to respect the Bangkokians with my heart. We all must cooperate to change this country because we have been oppressed for three consecutive years," Jatuporn said.

-- The Nation 2010-03-20

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TAN Network: TNN: Some protesters return to Pan Fah as Arisman takes stage to declare success after substantial no. of Bkk residents welcome protesters

THE NATION: Over ten thousands of Redshirted protesters are heading to Thonburi area. They are now crossing the Krungthep bridge.

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Police Revoke Arisman's Bail

PATTAYA: -- The Pattaya Superintendent reveals that he has been instructed to request that Arisman Pongruerngrong's bail be revoked.

This particular arrest warrant resulted from the red shirts' seizure of the ASEAN Summit meeting venue in Pattaya in April last year.

Arisman was released on bail with conditions that he does not incite further violence.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-20

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THE NATION: Prime Minister Abhsit special interview on TNN @ 10pm tonight

THE NATION: 15:55 hrs, BKK, Pratunam Red shirts parade via hundreds of pickups going through Petchburi Rd. Heavy traffic as usual.

Mixed reactions to red parade were reported. Bystanders clapped&waved in certain areas but booed or displayed scolding banners in others.

THE NATION: Matichon reported a water bottle was thrown from a building upper floor when Nattawut's truck was passing LadPrao, almost hitting him.

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TAN network: Ch 11: MRT closes some entrances to Queen Sirikit Convention Center, Klongtoey,Silom,Sam Yan, Hua Lamphong stations

MCOT: Red Shirts divide into two groups, to Wongwien Yai and Silom Road; Expect worst traffic delays until late evening

THE NATION: Foreign Ministry's asked Thai Embassy in UAE to check if Thaksin's really there.

If he's confirmed to b there, new evidence of his political activities will be submitted to UAE govt, according to Matichon.

THE NATION: Pheu Thai MPs joined red-shirts campaign, demanding Govt to dissolve the House.They declared to boycott their parliamentary role:matichon

Bangkok Post: Red shirt convey reaches China town

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Thaivisa member report:

The Yommarat intersection is now clear.

Pickup trucks with redshirters are heading west, back to the staging area, and are quiet, just as any other vehicle going down Lan Luang.

I took a boat along the klong that runs parallel to Th. Petchaburi, seemed normal -- I was concerned they would fill them up.

The market area adjacent to Bo Be not as busy as usual at 4pm Saturday. Maybe just a delayed start.

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THE NATION: Some of the head of the red-shirt procession has already arrived Phanfa bridge and will announce victory by 6pm this evening#Matichon_Online

THE NATION: Metropolitan Police estimates number of red shirts at 25,000

THE NATION: Knw what. Maybe bringing rural folks to Bkk isnt such a bad idea. At least they can see with their own eyes how "the other side" really is.

THE NATION: TV Thai - traffic is still congested in 3 areas - Sukhumvit 71 intersection, Klong Toey intersec and Rama III.

Bangkok Post: Talks framework discussions Sunday

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THE NATION: RT JS100 radio_ Police has just opened Wong Wien Yai traffic.

TAN Network: Gen Chaovalit takes red shirt stage, compliments Veera Muksikapong on his leadership skills

Bangkok Post: P. Thai moves to boycott govt

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THE NATION: Red-shirts convoy at Yaowarat 4pm, traffic at Phetchaburi Rd still very congested.Police estimated number of red-shirts at 25,000 around Bangkok Sat.

MCOT: Metro police helicopters monitor traffic congestion on Red Shirt convoy route; advises motorists to avoid Silom Road, Yawaraj areas

MCOT: Red Shirt core leader Weera to ask Chart Thai Pattana leaders on Sunday for its stance; will talk with government, senate figures too

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THE NATION: Chavalit went on red stage to huge roar. "I have 78 years for this day", he said. Is Chavalit the new red "leader" they were talkin about?

TAN Network: Metropolitan police release official estimate of protesters at 65,000, 10,000 motorcycles, 7,000 cars