Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Updates - Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Two television stations became targets of bomb attacks last night in the most violent day since the red shirts began their rally two weeks ago to force a House dissolution.

Shortly before 7pm, an M67 grenade was lobbed at the Army-run Channel 5 studio, wounding seven people, four of them seriously. Two of the wounded were soldiers guarding the compound.

At about 9.30pm, an M79 grenade was fired into the state-run NBT (Channel 11) studio located on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road.

The bomb exploded at the tent where soldiers were on guard, wounding four of them. They were taken to Phra Mongkut Hospital. Police investigators said the grenade might have been tossed from the elevated tollway in front of the TV station.

Yesterday's attacks coincided with a march by the red-shirt protesters earlier in the day to several locations in Bangkok to force soldiers stationed temporarily there to move out.

The casualty toll from yesterday's attacks was the highest since four grenades were fired on March 12 into the First Infantry Regiment base, wounding two soldiers. It was followed by a series of grenade attacks targeting government buildings like the Defence Ministry, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Public Health Ministry, on the day the Cabinet convened its weekly meeting.

The bomb attack on Channel 5, which is located near Victory Monument, caused a hole about 25 centimetres wide on the footpath, about 50 metres from the entrance to the studio.

Police collected a piece of a firing pin from the scene and concluded it was an M67 grenade. Investigators suspect the incident was related to the political situation.

Out of seven victims, four people including the guarding soldiers - identified as Private Chaiyasit Chaopho-en and Private Nareupong Uthensud - were severely wounded and rushed to nearby hospitals, said deputy Metropolitan Police chief Maj-General Euapong Komarakul Na Nakorn. The grenade was the same type as that used in the attack on the Legal Execution Department in the Bang Khunnont area, he said.

The security camera at the entrance showed two men on a motorcycle wearing helmets were the assailants, he said.

Police suspect the grenade bounced off the fence's wire netting and fell outside where the guarding soldiers stood, he said.

One of the wounded civilians, Jakkapong Sawangthaveewong, said he and seven other people were in a Nissan van heading towards the expressway gate when they passed

the TV station's entrance and heard a loud blast that temporarily deafened them. The van's rear left tyre burst and they pulled over and rushed their injured friends to a nearby hospital, said Jakkapong, who sustained a slight cut to his hand.

Earlier in the day, an explosion hit the Customs Department and assault rifle fire was directed at a Bangkok Bank branch in Phayao. But it remained unclear if the incidents were related to the political confusion.

-- The Nation 2010-03-28

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webfact · March 28, 2010

Twelve schools given option to close today, despite crucial exams

By The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat yesterday gave permission for the directors of 12 schools near red-shirt protest sites in Bangkok to close their institutions today despite it being examination time.

However, only Sarawittaya School postponed its competitive exam for Mathayom 1 and 4 students, until tomorrow.

Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) secretary-general Chinnapat Bhumirat said the competitive examinations for these groups of students at schools in eight provinces of the central region would be held today as scheduled, and that the exam sites would not be changed.

The eight provinces are Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya and Chachoengsao.

Chinnaworn said he had also ordered the directors of Bangkok's schools to keep a close watch on the red-shirt protest today and to prepare a Plan B for the students' exams.

"If necessary, the directors can adjust their plans for holding the competitions and I told them to find other places as spare exam sites. If there are any changes, the directors have to rush to inform parents, particularly when changing the exam sites. Parents must know where the new sites are by Sunday morning," the minister said.

He urged parents to follow the ministry's declarations and the protesters' movements closely.

Obec deputy secretary-general Somkiat Chorbpol said only Sarawittaya School, which is located near the 11th Infantry Regiment where red-shirt protesters plan to rally today, had postponed its exam out of safety concerns.

Chinnapat suggested parents and students should start their journeys two hours early to avoid traffic congestion. He said each school had already coordinated with the police, requesting them to guard the students today.

-- The Nation 2010-03-28

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webfact · March 28, 2010

Some forces pulled back but no withdrawal, Suthep insists

By The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Arisman allowed into Parliament to check for any hidden troops.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday said the government would not withdraw troops from the capital but would cut back on the numbers in some units following an outcry from the opposition over heavy security around Parliament.

Suthep, who heads the Peacekeeping Operations Command, said he had instructed the agency to reduce the military build-up in eight spots to avoid confrontation with red-shirt protesters. However, the security officials will not go back to their barracks and will remain vigilant even though the protests have not been violent so far.

He insisted the government had not overdeployed military forces, but said it had been necessary to send them to certain streets across Bangkok due to concern over the firing of grenades. A number of grenades fired from M79 launchers have consistently rocked the capital over the past two weeks.

Red-shirt rallies on several key roads in Bangkok yesterday went off without any confrontation with security officials, who were instructed to treat the protesters with flexibility and harmony.

"The situation has subsided and many areas have no military officials, but only police who were instructed to keep alert in key areas such as at Parliament in order to prevent break-ins by ill-intentioned groups. When the rally was passing Parliament, police were told to exercise tolerance to the best of their ability in the face of any provocation,'' Suthep said.

The deputy prime minister added that the government would form a judgement on a daily basis whether to extend the imposition of the Internal Security Act.

The protesters were allowed to rally on any roads of their choosing, but their procession came to a standstill when they reached U-thong Nai Road, where the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and Parliament are situated. The area was heavily protected by a number of security officials to prevent protesters invading the compound.

The red-shirt leaders negotiated with officials and were granted permission to pass through after promising not to break into Parliament.

Red-shirt leader Arisman Pongruangrong and 20 protesters were allowed to enter Parliament to see if military forces were hiding inside the compound.

Security officials gave in to the red shirts' demand to check on the number of soldiers and allowed them to enter the compound after many of them had pushed the main gate.

After looking around inside the building and finding no officials, Arisman went to the King Rama VII Monument and brought out a fake copy of the 2007 Constitution, which was burned.

-- The Nation 2010-03-28

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webfact · March 28, 2010

Breaking point

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Having forced troops in inner city to retreat, red shirts will go for broke today at 11th regiment

The red-shirt movement will today seek direct talks with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on dissolving the House by inviting themselves to his temporary quarters.

Abhisit remained silent yesterday concerning the red-shirt leaders' plan to meet him at the 11th Infantry Regiment base, where he has been spending his nights.

The red shirts said they would ask the military to open the gates of the base this morning so that their leaders - Jatuporn Promphan, Natthawut Saikua, Veera Musigapong and Weng Tojirakarn - can walk in.

Fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, in a video-link speech last night, praised the red shirts for their "beautiful success" in the march earlier in the day that managed to force soldiers out of eight locations near the main protest site at Phan Fa Bridge.

The red shirts also moved to Government House, but later agreed to turn back after the security forces guarding the compound insisted on not allowing them in.

Natthawut said the red shirts would be going for the "end game" by surrounding the military camp in Bang Khen, where the PM has set up a command centre, at around 10am.

"When we reach the 11th Infantry Regiment, we'll open talks immediately. We're not asking anything from you. We are the real owners of this country," Natthawut said.

"If Abhisit makes the excuse that he's absent or busy, we'll consider him a worthless person, not suitable to serve as PM any longer," he added.

Jatuporn said the rally would be approaching the end game today at the 11th Infantry Regiment and asked all supporters to turn up there in a show of force.

"Wherever Abhisit runs away to, he still has to find a neutral place for talks. All four of us will walk in to negotiate. We'll go barehanded and will stake our lives to give power back to the people. If the negotiations do not end, we'll raise the rally to another level," he said.

Deputy Premier Suthep Thaugsuban, Army chief General Anupong Paochinda, deputy Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha and PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey held a meeting to discuss the red shirts' planned attempt to break into the 11th Infantry Regiment.

They agreed that it would be a serious matter if any outsiders intruded into the base, which also serves as the military's armoury.

So far street violence has been avoided. And it was a busy day for the red-shirt protesters who gathered in the several tens of thousands to apply pressure on the military and police to lay down their arms and go back to their barracks. The military is now providing protection for the capital under the Internal Security Act.

Realising the red shirts might try to provoke an overreaction, the military decided to play it safe and yielded to their pressure by moving troops out of Wat Tridhosthep, Wat Makut Kasatriyaram, Wat Khae Nang Lerng, Wat Somanas Vihara, Wat Bowornniwet Vihara, the Royal Turf Club (Nang Lerng Racecourse), Vajiravudh College and Dusit Zoo.

"We have to remove the yoke of the coup. The military who stay in the temples and schools must leave," Jatuporn said. "If they don't leave, we'll use our bare hands to tear down the fences and gates."

Abhisit and Suthep flew back to Bangkok from Cha-am, where the Democrats were holding their party convention. Abhisit has said he was willing to disband Parliament but there must be conditions attached.

Chaturon Chaisang, a former Thai Rak Thai Party member, said Abhisit should take the initiative to negotiate.

Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the military's spokesman, said the military could not return to e barracks as long as the red shirts' rally continued. "The military is providing security to the capital," he said.

So far 23 blasts have been reported, targeting mostly Bangkok Bank branches and government premises.

-- The Nation 2010-03-28

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webfact · March 28, 2010

Thaivisa: Grenades exploded at 11th Infantry Regiment, Bangkok's Bang Khen district this morning; 4 soldiers injured and admitted to Bhumpol hospital

TAN Network: DPM Suthep: We will enforce martial law inside the 11th Infantry if protesters enter grounds illegally

webfact · March 28, 2010

URGENT: Martial Law to be Enforced if Protesters Illegally Enter 11th Infantry

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Ministry Suthep Thaugsuban announced live on television that authorities will enforce martial law inside the 11th Infantry Regiment if protesters illegally enter its compound.

Suthep went on to explain that, because the infantry houses a weapons arsenal, authorities cannot allow anyone inside and must guard the arsenal at all costs.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-28

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webfact · March 28, 2010

4 soldiers injured in 2 bomb attacks at 11th Infantry Regiment

BANGKOK: -- Three soldiers were injured when two grenades were fired into the compound of the 11th Infantry Regiment early Sunday.

The attacks happened at 4:30 am.

The two grenades landed behind the command building. It was believed the bombs were fired from Soi Wat Bang Bua.

Three of the troops were severely injured and rushed to the Phra Mongkut Hospital.

-- The Nation 2010-03-28

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webfact · March 28, 2010

TAN Network: Red shirts set up procession to 11th Infantry at Larn Luang area, led by motorcycles

webfact · March 28, 2010

PM says no talk if protesters march to 11th Infantry Regiment

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced Sunday morning that he will not hold a talk with the red-shirt leaders if they move protesters to besiege the 11th Infantry Regiment to pressure him.

He went on TV to issue an urgent announcement, saying he would negotiate only if the protesters were not moved to pressure him.

He said he would not remain inside the regiment to talk to the protesters.

He added that talk could be held only when the atmosphere was better.

-- The Nation 2010-03-28

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webfact · March 28, 2010

First group of protesters reach 11th Infantry Regiment

BANGKOK: -- The first group of protesters reached the 11th Infantry Regiment at 8:30 am Sunday to demand the prime minister to dissolve the House.

The first group of red-shirt protesters was led there by Kwanchai Praiphana, the head of the Red Udon group.

The prime minister was not inside the compound, TPBS reported.

-- The Nation 2010-03-28

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webfact · March 28, 2010

Peacekeeping Operations Command to protect key govt offices: Suthep

BANGKOK: -- The Peacekeeping Operations Command will protect key government offices, including the Government House and Siriraj Hospital, without giving any ground to the protesters, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban announced.

He announced on TV Sunday morning that the command will protect the key offices, including the Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Parliament without any more compromise with the protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-03-28

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webfact · March 28, 2010

TAN Network: DAAD Leader Nattawut Saikua responds to PM, saying they are willing to meet him anywhere, but within 1 hr

THE NATION: Redshirt leaders declare that they are ready to negotiate with PM Abhisit within an hour.They will send four representatives for negotiation

THE NATION: Abhisit says "Wherever I'm , I'm not abandoning people."

webfact · March 28, 2010

DAAD Leaders Tell PM to Pick Location for Talks within 1 Hr

DAAD Leader Nattawut Saikua responds to the prime minister's announcement that he will not be willing to negociate with protesters under current circumstances, saying they are willing to meet Prime Minister Abhisit anywhere, but the PM must respond within 1 hour.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-28

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webfact · March 28, 2010

THE NATION: Bang kaen police closes traffic in front of the 11 regiment both inbound $ outbound, reports js 100 radio

THE NATION: Military has no colour, Army chief General Anupong Paochinda, insists.

TAN Network: Phaholyothin Road in front of 11th Infantry closed to traffic as protesters from Udon Thani set up temporary stage

THE NATION: Suthep on TV now. "We have been patient and lenient. But we have to respect the feelings of the majority of Thai people," he said.

webfact · March 28, 2010

THE NATION: "Bangkok residents can clearly see that our large number of security officers virtually operate with bare hands", Suthep said.

In some cases troops were injured by bomb attacks because they were not armed (thus encouraging attackers to attack), Suthep said.

"We are sorry some innocent people have been wounded over the past few days," Suthep said.

"We won't compromise whatsoever in defending important places of the nation, like Siriraj Hospital, airport, Govt House, Parliament."

"It's impossible to let them in," Suthep said.

webfact · March 28, 2010

THE NATION: Suthep issued stern warning that troops were ready to defend 11th regiment which is being targetted by reds.

Martial law will b declared if red protesters storm 11th regiment, Suthep vowed.

"We will declare martial law only when there's emergency and it will be declared only inside 11th regiment only," Suthep said.

He insists govt will have to defend 11th regiment as the place is highly important for national security.

webfact · March 28, 2010

THE NATION: To sum up, govt to declare martial law inside 11 regiment if red shirts storm the sprawling compound.

webfact · March 28, 2010

MCOT: Red Shirts propose PM select talks venue by 10.15am; only 4 Red Shirt leaders to meet him, without protest group

webfact · March 28, 2010

THE NATION: Suthep said operations related to martial law will b updated to the public regularly.

THE NATION: Red shirts seem to soften stand now, with some reports saying protesters won't enter 11th regiment. waiting confirmation of that.

webfact · March 28, 2010

CAPO invokes martial law within the area of 11th Infantry Regiment to contain UDD rally

BANGKOK: -- The Center for the Administration for Peace and Order (CAPO) has empowered the commanders-in-chief of the Armed Forces to invoke the Martial Law once the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors intrude the 11th Infantry Regiment where the CAPO is located.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in his capacity as CAPO Director, declared in a televised press conference this morning to use of the Martial Law in the wake of the UDD movement to besiege the 11th Infantry Regiment if Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva denies their demand for House dissolution. He said the regiment has usually stored a number of weapons that the protestors might take in their possession if they go inside the compound. He said the special law will be enforced only within the regiment’s compound and its enforcement will not affect the ways of life of the general public.

He affirmed that CAPO will inform the public of the truth and every measure and step to be taken to bring peace and order. He stressed that the Martial Law will be effective only when there is an intrusion into the 11th Infantry Regiment. Once the situation is under control, the law will be revoked, he said.

-- NNT 2010-03-28

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webfact · March 28, 2010

TAN Network: Red shirt leaders confirm that protesters will not illegally enter grounds of 11th Infantry; PM has until 10:15 to respond

THE NATION: Red leaders have decided not 2 enter 11th regiment. But they will give PM one hour to say where he wants to talk, or face "new measures".

TAN Network: Ch 11: Red shirt leaders have not left Pan Fah stage; waiting for PM's response

webfact · March 28, 2010

20 companies of troops stationed inside 11th Infantry Regiment

BANGKOK: -- Army Commander-in-Chef Gen Anupong Paochinda said 20 companies of troops are being stationed to keep security inside the compound of the 11th Infantry Regiment.

Anupong also told the red-shirt protesters that soldiers are not their enemies.

-- The Nation 2010-03-28

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webfact · March 28, 2010

PM: I Will Not Negotiate Under Mob Pressure

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjejiva announced on a live television broadcast this morning that he is not willing to negotiate with leaders of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship if they bring their protesters to pressure him in front of the 11th Infantry Regiment. He said he is not denying the possibility of reconciliatory talks. However, Abhisit went on to say that using protesters to pressure him is not the right approach.

Abhisit thanked the general public for putting up with the current political situation. He revealed that he has gotten a tremendous amount of feedback from people who say the government should take action against the protesters.

Abhisit reiterated that, as long as the protesters demonstrate peacefully, they will remain free from prosecution. If and when they chose to break the law by entering any private or government property, the authorities will not hesitate to take action, as allowed by the law.

The prime minister said he will do everything in his power to keep the country peaceful. He said that, although he may not be at the 11th Infantry, he is still in control of the situation and is in constant contact with security leaders.

When he made his televised address, the prime minister had not yet received an ultimatum from the DAAD leaders, demanding him to name a location for negotiations. The leaders said they were willing to meet with him without bringing the protesters along.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-28

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webfact · March 28, 2010

TAN Network: Minister Sathit reveals that PM accepts red shirts' proposal to talk; Sec-Gen Korbsak to organize appropriate location

webfact · March 28, 2010

Minister Sathit Reveals that PM Accepts Talks with Red Shirt Leaders

BANGKOK: -- Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Sathit Wongnongtheoy has revealed that the prime minister has agreed to proposals from the red shirt leaders to schedule talks. PM Secretary General Korbsak Sapavasu is now settling the details with red shirt leaders as to the location of the talks which will take place.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-28

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webfact · March 28, 2010

THE NATION: peace talks plan seems to be agreed on. waiting for more details.

webfact · March 28, 2010

TAN Network: Sathit: Protesters must leave 11th Infantry for talks to take place

webfact · March 28, 2010

Sathit: Protesters Must Leave 11th Infantry for Talks to Take Place

BANGKOK: -- Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Sathit Wongnongtheoy has revealed that Secretary General Korbsak Sapavasu is in the process of settling the details of the location for the talks with red shirt leaders. The government, however, has one condition and that is to have all the red shirt protesters leave the 11th Infantry Regiment.

Sec-Gen Korbsak will talk to red shirt leaders as to who will represent both sides, and when and where the talks will take place.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-28

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___________________________________________________________________________

THE NATION: "The prime minister's willing to talk," said Satit. "We have received good signals," Satit said. Korbsak is coordinating with Veera, Satit said.

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