Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Saturday

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THE NATION: Panitan on TV now.

THE NATION: Panitan: "Govt trying to coordinate with reds to clear ways for certain important areas like hospitals.

THE NATION: Panitan: "State of emergency not yet necessary. Internal security Act is still sufficient."

THE NATION: Panitan: "Suvanabhumi is well protected and security officials will strictly enforce the law."

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THE NATION: PM is attending a security meeting in Hua Hin.

MCOT: PM Abhisit arrives at Hua Hin, promptly meets security agencies over Red Shirt rally in Bangkok's Rajprasong area

THE NATION: Panitan: 1555 hotline shud b utilized if public spot anyth suspicious.

THE NATION: Panitan: "Foreign delegates attending Mekong meeting in Hua Hin have been informed of Thai politicl situation."

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THE NATION: Bangkok police spokesman: 30,000 reds in the Rajprasong area. 4,000 remaining at Phan Fa. a few thousands at NBT.

THE NATION: Bkk police spokesman: Tens of thousands of police/traffic police are being deployed to maintain order.

THE NATION: Bkk police spokesman: "Every police is in the streets".

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THE NATION: Siam Square shops have begun closing.

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State of emergency not necessary yet: Panitan

Deputy PM's Secretary-General and acting Government Spokesman Panitan Watanayakorn said the Internal Security Act enforcement is still sufficient to control the situation although the red-shirt protesters paralyzed the heart of Bangkok.

He said the government is trying to coordinate with protesters to important areas like hospitals near the Rajprasong Intersectin.

"The Suvanabhumi International Airport is well protected and security officials will strictly enforce the law."

-- The Nation 2010-04-03

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Anti-government protesters asked to open traffic at Rajprasong area

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Worries over traffic jams around a prime business area in central Bangkok have prompted the government to ask anti-government protesters who are blocking the road to open traffic to allow motorists to pass by on Saturday, according to a spokesman of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO).

Spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd told a press conference after Saturday's CAPO meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, that the peacekeeping centre is concerned that the Red Shirt protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) assembling at Rajprasong will close the key business area.

Negotiations are being held with key UDD leaders asking them to open one traffic lane on the road, said Col Sansern.

The CAPO spokesman asked media to provide still photographs and video coverage if violence erupts so that legal actions could be taken against those responsible, he said.

The peace and order meeting also discussed intelligence reports which said 10 - 15 foreign workers from Mae Sai district bordering Myanmar will join the protesters in Bangkok, said Col Sansern. If they arrive and join the demonstrators, legal action will be taken against their employers and their work permits will be revoked, he said.

CAPO discussed possible imposition of the Emergency Decree as the UDD activists have rallied for three weeks in the capital demanding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the House without condition and hold a new fresh general election.

Security has been tightened in several sensitive areas including two television stations -- Modernine TV and NBT, two markets of Nang Lerng and Bobae, and at government offices including the 11th Infantry Regiment where CAPO is based after reports that the protesters might march there, Col Sansern said. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-03

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THE NATION: Academic on TV: "Too late for state of emergency now."

TAN Network: Red shirts cause traffic between Ladprao Intersection and Din Daeng Intersection. Police block inbound cars into Ladprao Intersection.

Thaivisa member: As of 2pm, the intersections at Yommarat and Uruphong were clear of reds. Seen a number of them wander off, probably headed home.

THE NATION: Tourist police assisting tourists at Pathumwan Princess Hotel. Hotline for tourists is 1672.

THE NATION: Ar Bt200-300 million could b lost this weekend due to the closing of Dept stores at Rajprasong area:Thanawat Pholvichai, UTCC director.

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THE NATION: Situation remains tense yet peaceful in front of Channel 11. Police commandoes there are only armed with shields and batons.

THE NATION: Red-shirted leaders is going to annouce its plan to stay overnight at Rajprasong:TNN

THE NATION: Democrat spokesman says it's difficult to provide safety to the Red shirts today as they didn't inform their march route in advance.

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THE NATION: Gas stations - Esso, PTT, & Shell - along Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd are closed for security reason, NBT reports.

THE NATION: Important hotline: Hotline for tourists is 1672. Anyth suspicious call 1555. Check out traffic at 1156

THE NATION: PM attending security meeting in Hua Hin on Bkk situation. Press conference expected later today.

TNN: Red-shirted leaders is going to annouce its plan to stay overnight at Rajprasong

THE NATION: Democrat spokesman says it's difficult to provide safety to the Red shirts today as they didn't inform their march route in advance.

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16 Bus Routes Closed

16 bus routes in Bangkok have been closed as traffic continues to be at a standstill around the Red Shirt protest areas at Ratchaprasong and Vibhavadee areas.

Meanwhile inbound traffic at Vibhavaee road has been closed while the outbound traffic has been moving, but not smooth.

BTS and the MRT are still running with military assisting security for the sky train.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-03

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THE NATION: BMTA director Opas is on NBT, suggesting public bus passengers to re-check the routes regularly at 184.

THE NATION: Opas says since the rally is spreading & still ongoing, the BMTA just can't announce official new routes.

THE NATION: Natthawut Saikua invited red shirts & Bangkokians to hv dinner at Rajprasong:matichon

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Red Shirts Announcer Overnight Stay

The Red Shirts have announced that they will stay overnight at the stage they have set up at the Ratchaprasong Intersection.

This comes as the police fail to negotiate for them to alleviate the traffic.

Reports say Red Shirts have filled the whole area, making it similar to the amount of crowds that would usually be present at the area during the New Year's countdown.

Meanwhile Government Spokeperson Dr. Panitan Wattanayagorn says the government will not tolerate the shutting down of any hospitals or internaional airports in Thailand.

-- TAN

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THE NATION: "Ratprasong closure causes big problems as it's the main bus route. We'll have to plan the routes should the rally continues tomorrow."

THE NATION: Finance Minister Korn estimated ar Bt10 billion could be lost if reds rally prolonged until Songkran

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THE NATION: 16 bus lines have been cancelled so far -No. 28, 34, 39, 59, 95ก, 185, 503, 510, 520, 522, 555, 72, 556, 54, 204 & 12. Call 184 for updates.

MCOT: CAPO fears Red Shirt blockade at Rajprasong will impact public, patients at nearby Police Hospital; confident of successful talks today

THE NATION: PM said red shirts rally closing Rajprasong & Vibhavadi Rd are beyond the right in the Constitution

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MCOT: Petchburi Road at Platinum Centre, Pratunam, open for traffic; Veera announces Red Shirt to stay overnight at Rajprasong-Erewan Corner

THE NATION: Veera annouced at Rajprasong stage they'll stay overnight there and may move to hv dinner at Silom:matichon

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THE NATION: Veera annouced reds'll stay overnight at Rajprasong &may have dinner at Silom 2mrrw.

THE NATION: JS 100 Radio reports some tourists have already requested moving to hotels outside the Ratprasong area. Tourists Hotline call 1672.

THE NATION: today's Ratprasong, tomorrow's Silom. What a "high price" to pay for Red-shirts dinners this weekend!!!

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Reds Continue to Surround NBT Station

Red shirt protesters continue to arrive at the NBT station located at the Vibhavadee-Rangsit road by trucks and motorcycles.

NBT has closed the entrance and exits to the station. Security for the station has been provided by the police force.

Bus routes to the area have stopped operated while many taxis and motocycle taxis have joined the Red Shirt protesters.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-03

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Suvanabhumi Airport strengthens security following red shirts rallies

BANGKOK: -- Suvarnabhumi Airport authorities have intensified its security after red shirts protesters hold their mass rallies by besieging the heart of the capital.

The anti-government protesters marched from their main rally sites at Pan Fah Bridge on Saturday and occupied Rachaprasong intersection which are surrounded by major shopping department stories, five-star hotels in their step-up efforts to force Abhisit government to dissolve the House.

The airport which was seized by the yellow shirts protesters in late 2008 on Saturday issued a statement that it has strengthened the security at the airport.

It suggested passengers to spare three to four hours for international passengers and two to three hours for domestic passengers.

Passengers could check for more information at Call Center : 0-2132-1888, around the clock.

-- The Nation 2010-04-03

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MCOT: PM: Can handle Red Shirts in Bangkok; Officials negotiate with Reds, adhere to legal framework, no Emergency Decree

THE NATION: PM Office Minister Satit: "Rajprasong not place to assemble. Govt trying to negotiate. If fail, legal measures next."

THE NATION: Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd: "Rajprasong not place to assemble. We r confident protesters will return the area to us."

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THE NATION: Tension easing in front of NBT now. Red leaders preparing to submit a letter of complaint and then leave, hopefully.

THE NATION: BIG C is the only dept in Rajprasong area still open. It is the shelter 4 red shirts now:channel 3

THE NATION: Around Pathumwan intersection - Bkk Art & Culture Centre is closed today while Jim Thompson Musuem remains open as usual.

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PM Holds Security Meeting in Hua Hin

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has held a meeting with top security officials at the Grand Hyatt Regency Resort in Hua Hin on the security of foreign officials attending the Mekong River Summit. The meeting also dicussed the latest movements of the Red Shirt protesters in Bangkok.

Abhisit says he is trying to a arrange a meeting between the Red Shirt leaders and top senior security officials. He says more stringent laws may be in place as the current regulations may not be enough to assure security in Bangkok.

The prime minister is against the Red Shirts holding a three-day rally at Ratchaprasong area as he says this is not the solution to their problems.

He asks the Thai people to be patient with the Red Shirt protests.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-03

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THE NATION: Govt said to be stepping up negotiating efforts now to make reds leave Rajprasong, citing extreme risks that violence might occur.

THE NATION: "Songkran last yr v got blood.This yr v'll bring back democracy home. It'll b "democratic Songkran":Jatuporn Prompham on Rajprasong stage

THE NATION: Red leaders still vowed to spend the night and insisted tht Govt dissolve House first.

THE NATION: Jatuporn insisted they won't talk (with govt) unless PM dissloves the House within 15 days.

THE NATION: Reds in front of NBT arranging their convoy, shouting "House dissolution". Looking like they're ready to leave.

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PM asks Bangkokians to be patient

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Saturday that the government will send high level officials to discuss with the red shirts leaders. who led protesters to occupy the heart of Bangkok.

Abhisit said his government is stepping up negotiating efforts to make the protesters leave Rajprasong, citing extreme risks that violence might occur

The premier asked the Bangkokians who were affected by the rallies which blocked Rajprasong Intersection to be patient.

"Please do not do anything that would possibly incite the situation. The government will do its best to convince the red shirts to end their occupations at the intersection," the premier said.

He was speaking on the sideline of the mekong Summit at Hua Hin, Phetchaburi, where leaders of countries along the river also attended.

The premier said that there is no deadline for the discussion with the red shirts leaders who said the protest would be there for three days, until Monday.

He said the government would monitor the situation closely, saying the seizing of the site which are heart of the city were not in line with the constiuation.

However he said the government has no plan to disperse the protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-04-03

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Bangkokpundit: BTS train will be more frequent every 2 mins for passengers during mass demonstration

THE NATION: JS 100 radio reports the Red Cross Fair opens as usual but there aren't so many customers.

THE NATION: Reds leaving NBT now, saying talks with TV reps "satisfactory"

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Thai protesters target Bangkok's tourist centre

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Tens of thousands of red-shirted Thai protesters overran the streets of Bangkok Saturday, swarming into the capital's tourist heartland in a renewed bid to overthrow the government.

Bemused foreign visitors looked on as the supporters of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra turned a swathe of Bangkok home to five-star hotels and major shopping centres into a sea of red with another peaceful rally.

Despite sweltering temperatures, police estimated that as of early evening about 60,000 people had joined the protest -- the latest in a series of demonstrations since mid-March against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

"They are provoking the authorities to use force to disperse them," Abhisit said at a news conference.

He said the government hoped to end the standoff through dialogue but refused to rule out invoking emergency rule -- which would ban gatherings of more than five people -- if the situation worsens.

An army spokesman, Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd, said the authorities were confident they could clear the district of Reds by nightfall.

The area "is not fit for a long-term rally and this is a key factor to force protesters to retreat," he said.

The Reds' push into the capital's tourist centre came a day after representatives of the hotel and leisure industries mounted their own counter-rallies urging an end to turmoil they fear is scaring away visitors.

Saturday's protest snarled traffic and forced some shopping malls and stores to close, but tourists seemed largely unfazed by the rally, which had a carnival-like atmosphere with dancing and live music in the streets.

"It doesn't scare me because I come here every year and know it won't be serious," said Adolf Gutounik, a 57-year-old visitor from Germany.

Thailand has been wracked in recent years by a string of protests by the Red Shirts and their rival Yellow Shirts, whose campaign in 2008 led to a crippling nine-day blockade of the country's airports.

"I don't think most tourists will like it when they come to Bangkok and face this," said Selina Poh, a 30-year-old from Singapore.

The military has mounted a heavy security response involving 50,000 personnel for the protests.

The Reds oppose the coup that toppled Thaksin in 2006 and say Abhisit's government is undemocratic because it took office through a parliamentary vote after a court stripped Thaksin's allies of power.

"Our patience is running out, but because of our patriotism we must adhere to non-violence," said Red Shirts leader Jatuporn Prompan.

The Reds had vowed that Saturday's rally would be the biggest since the demonstrations began with more than 100,000 protesters on March 14.

But authorities expected attendance to dwindle as the Songkran water festival, celebrating the traditional Thai new year, approaches in mid-April.

Nat Jantakat, a 38-year-old lychee farmer from the north, for one vowed to keep up the fight, making light of the 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) temperature.

"I've been here since the first day and I'll be here until we achieve democracy."

The Reds have staged a series of dramatic stunts to press their demands, including throwing their own blood at Abhisit's offices.

Hailing mainly from the rural poor north, they seek the return of twice-elected Thaksin, a former telecoms tycoon who lives abroad to avoid a jail term for graft at home.

The Reds rioted in Bangkok in April last year, leaving two dead and scores injured.

While their recent protests have been peaceful, a series of small explosions have hit politically significant sites and army buildings, injuring more than a dozen people.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-03

Published with written approval from AFP.

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[george]

Discussion topic here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Protest...To-t352951.html

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THE NATION: Urgent: Govt sets 9 pm as deadline for protesters to leave Rajprasong. Govt says occupying the intersection carries one-year imprisonment.

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TAN Network: Internal Security Act to be enfourced should Red Shirts fail to leave Ratchaprasong.

THE NATION: Red leaders, the three buddies, have paid worship to Erawan Shrine. They must b hoping the shrine is as apologetic as bangkokians.

THE NATION: Red leaders calling for gatherings at provincial halls.

bangkokpundit AP: Driver of porsche is grandson of prominent businessman & former Deputy PM Amnuay Viravan. Gun was found in car too

TAN Network: Attempt to negotiate with reds to get them to leave Ratchaprasong intersect'n failed.2nd attempt to negotiate to b made on Sun

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THE NATION: Phoning-in Thaksin said he was "very proud" of what reds have done "for Thailand's future."

THE NATION: Top business umbrella organisations, upset by Rajprasong closure, call meeting Monday.

THE NATION: Thaksin: "Ammat, u can't just lock up people and beat them like before" (a reference to Oct 6 Thammasat bloodbath)

THE NATION: Thaksin: "Food vendors or restaurant owners may even have better business (tks to red protest at Rajprasong)."

THE NATION: : Thaksin: The world has progressed.People realise that this is not for me, I didn't hire people to demonstrate.

THE NATION: Thaksin ended phone-in with "I worship you."

THE NATION: Govt deadline has expired. Fr what we gathered there's shouldn't be any action tonite. We shall see.

THE NATION: Some leftover from Thaksin phone-in: "I'll return dignity to Thai people"

THE NATION: Veera (remember the nod?) has asked Abhisit to leave the country.

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THE NATION: Explosion occurs at Saphan Khao area (22.13) A bomb planted inside a garbage bin near the Saphan Khao Intersection exploded at 9:30 pm, police said. No injuries were reported.

THE NATION: Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon will close one more day tomorrow, with other stores closely monitoring the situation.

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THE NATION: Govt press con on TV Channel 5 now. No abhisit. Just Panitan, Satit and Army spokesman Sansern.

THE NATION: Sansern said protesters must leave the area immediately or face 1 year in jail.

THE NATION: Satit said the announcement was not a prelude dispersing the protesters.

THE NATION: The announcement was to formally criminalize the protesters who refuse to leave.

THE NATION: Satit said most protesters were not aware of the govt announcement.

THE NATION: "There are a lot of people at the rally who do not know that they are now breaking the law," Satit said.

THE NATION: Govt will intensify public relations moves to let the protesters know of the announcement.

THE NATION: When all protesters are informed and if they refuse to leave, govt will then enforce the law," Satit said.

THE NATION: I can hear boos coming from some tweetple. But if u ask me, this is the only step govt can take. The crowd's too massive to do anyth harsh.

THE NATION: To recap, Govt loudspeakers will tonite blare orders for protesters to leave the rally site because they are violating the law.

THE NATION: The protesters will be told if they leave now, they won't be criminalized.

THE NATION: But if they refuse to leave, they face a year in jail if arrested.

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SATURDAY TIMELINE

A day of chaos, jubilation and rising tension in capital

9am: Trucks carrying pieces of steel structure arrive at Rajprasong intersection on Rajdamri Road next to the Brahma Shrine of Hyatt Erawan Hotel. Then, workers set up a giant stage facing the Pratunam area.

10am: Natthawut Saikua, a red-shirt leader, announces on the Phan Fa stage that protesters will march to the new Rajprasong site, while cars and trucks move to Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road.

10.14am: A bomb inside a phone booth near a public library in Din Daeng is defused.

10.45am: Motorcycles lead tens of thousands of protesters to Rajprasong.

11.30am: A bomb explodes near the Pathumwan intersection as protesters march by; no injuries are reported.

11.40am: Another group of protesters, led by Kwanchai Paipana, arrive at Din Daeng intersection on their way to parade on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road.

By this time, there is a traffic snarl-up on Bangkok's inner-city streets.

CentralWorld shopping complex and Gaysorn Plaza next to Rajprasong intersection decide to shut down for one day. Siam Paragon closes at 1pm.

A large number of tutorial schools in Siam Square also close for the day.

Bangkok's public bus services on 17 routes are suspended due to the closure of Rajprasong intersection and the protesters' parade on Vibhavadi-Rangsit.

Noon - weng Tojirakarn, a red-shirt leader, tells protesters at the Rajdamri stage that the ultimatum is still for the government to disband the House within 15 days.

3pm: Protest leader Veera Musigapong announces the red shirts will camp out on Rajprasong intersection and march to Silom Road the following day.

Police, meanwhile, issue an order for all petrol stations in Bangkok not to sell petrol in bottles or other kinds of containers, as the fuel could be used to make Molotov cocktails.

3.30pm: PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey says the government will take legal action against the protesters if they do not keep Rajprasong intersection open to traffic.

3.50pm: Premier Abhisit Vejjajiva says siege of Rajprasong intersection violates the law on peaceful demonstration.

5pm: Protesters leave state-owned NBT TV station on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road to join those at Rajprasong intersection.

6.15pm: Government says senior police officers will hold talks with protest leaders, urging them to open Rajprasong intersection to traffic.

Government says it will resort to harsh legal action if protesters fail to act.

8pm: Jatuporn Promphan announces that upcountry red shirts will seize provincial halls if government tries to disperse protesters at Rajprasong intersection.

-- The Nation 2010-04-04

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