Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Sunday

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Suthep says official to seek warrant for arrest of red-shirt leaders

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the security officials will warrant for the arrest of red-shirt leaders.

Suthep, the director of the Peacekeeping Operations Command, said the POC would seek the court's approval of the arrest warrant on Monday.

He declined to elaborate on which leaders would be arrested, saying the officials were drafting the request for the court's approval.

He said it would be up to the court as to who would be arrested.

-- The Nation 2010-04-04

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[george]

TAN Network: Red shirts may move out of Rachaprasong intersection this afternoon and protest elsewherre. But the location remains unknown.

THE NATION: Reds setting up more tents/projectors at Rajprasong. Leaders to convene later today on Silom visit plan.

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Government to seek court order to force protesters from Bangkok's commercial centre

BANGKOK: -- Mr Suthep, in his capacity as director of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), spoke after protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) rallied at Rajprasong intersection for a second day, paralysing traffic and forcing closure of several nearby luxury malls frequented by high-end shoppers and tourists.

Mr Suthep said the Red Shirt seizure of Rajprasong intersection threatened both the country's retail and tourism economies, causing far-reaching effects. Retail operators and hospitals in the area have been hard hit by the UDD moves.

Monday is a normal working day. If the protesters remain defiant and challenging the authorities, the public will be affected and the government must apply law across a specrum of soft to harsh measures until they vacate the area, according to Mr Suthep.

The security chief said he has instructed the National Police Bureau to speak to the demonstrating Red Shirts by mobile loudspeaker in cars and informing the red shirts that their rally now is violating the law. Police have been ordered to bar protesters to rally in other prime business areas including Silom Road.

The deputy premier added that he has assigned a legal team to file a petition in court on Monday, seeking its order to force the protesters to leave Rajprasong intersection.

"We have no choice but to enforce harsher legal measures, said Mr Suthep. "We don't want any clash and may dispatch law-enforcement officers to clear the area with special care to avoid causing any injuries to the people."

The CAPO director said every province has been instructed to monitor the situation following the Red Shirt leaders threat to seize city halls. If the city halls are set on fire, the protest leaders will be immediately arrested on charge of threatening national security.

Mr Suthep's stern warning, however, was disregarded by the UDD leaders.

Nattawut Saikua announced that the Red Shirt protesters will remain rallying at two locations; the main rally site at Phan Fa Bridge and at Rajprasong intersection.

Mr Nattawut pledged that the rallies will be prolonged with no ending date, but will be peaceful.

He said the UDD leaders will evaluate the situation Sunday afternoon to consider whether the demonstrators will march to other locations to pressure Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the House within 15 days.

"If the premier announces the House dissolution, the Red Shirts are ready to disperse immediately," he said.

The UDD leader also threatened to intensify the protest if their demand is not met.

-- TNA 2010-04-04

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[george]

MCOT: About 1,200 police officers to be deployed to provide security at Rajprasong; Acting police chief orders traffic problem to be resolved

[george]

TAN Network: 8 units from police divisions 1 & 7 will reinforce the 42 units at rally sites. Police to prevent red shirts from mobilizing to Silom Rd.

THE NATION: Shopping malls in Ratchaprasong that open today are Big C Rajdamri, Platinum Pratunam and MBK, according to JS 100 radio.

[george]

Thai govt tries legal moves to oust Reds from tourist hub

by Boonradom Chitradon

BANGKOK (AFP): -- Thailand's government on Sunday said it would seek a court order to force anti-government protesters, loyal to ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, to end their crippling rally in Bangkok's tourist hub.

The "Red Shirts", who are demanding immediate elections to pave the way for the return of fugitive Thaksin, escalated their three-week rally a day earlier, massing in the capital's main shopping and luxury hotel district.

With businesses and tourism threatened, the government has banned the gathering under a strict security law invoked to cover the protests, and threatened protesters with a year in jail.

Deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in charge of security, said the government would seek a court order to increase pressure on the Reds to leave after the weekend.

"Legal experts are drafting a request to submit to court tomorrow. When we have a court order the government will see what we can do," said Suthep.

"We will avoid force which risks clashes. But we may have to send authorities to the site."

Police said about 30,000 Reds, most of whom come from Thailand's poorer rural northern provinces, have ignored the government's warning to remain on Sunday.

"I am not afraid of being arrested and put in jail. I am sure I will have many people there with me," said one defiant protester, Kampa Ngaokor, a 55-year-old farmer from the northeastern province of Chaiyaphum.

In a televised address, premier Abhisit Vejjajiva urged the Red Shirts to return to a protest site in the capital's government quarter.

"(We) know that some people want the government to use tough measures but we are all Thai. The government will use international standards starting with soft measures," Abhisit said.

Authorities are seeking to avoid a repeat of last April's clashes with Red Shirts that left two people dead, six months after riot police took on the Reds' rival Yellow Shirts in other bloody scenes outside parliament.

Thai society is split between Thaksin's Reds, who accuse Abhisit's government of being elitist and army-backed, and the Yellow Shirts, supporters of the country's establishment who accuse Thaksin of gross corruption.

The Reds continued their demonstrations under sun umbrellas amid sweltering temperatures on Sunday, forcing many shopping malls to close for a second day and seizing up traffic in the district.

"We use our rights (to stay) under the constitution because this is a peaceful protest," Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikuar told reporters.

Police said some 60,000 protesters had filled the upmarket shopping area on Saturday, but tourists appeared largely unfazed, with some enjoying the rally's carnival-like atmosphere with dancing and live music in the streets.

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.

Thaksin, a billionaire former telecoms tycoon who lives abroad to avoid a jail term for graft at home, has regularly addressed the protesters via videolink, urging them not to back down.

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

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

The Yellow Shirts' protests precipitated the 2006 coup that deposed Thaksin, while their 2008 campaign led to a crippling nine-day blockade of the country's airports.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-04

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Peacekeeping Operations Command issues 6th order prohibiting march

The Peacekeeping Operations Command issued the sixth order to prohibit protesters from staging a march.

The order was given on TV hours before a group of protesters would stage a march to Silom.

-- The Nation 2010-04-04

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THE NATION: Sansern is on TV to announce the 6th CAPO announcement - a similar to yesterday yet brief and he was alone.

THE NATION: Govt has declared as off-limits roads leading to Silom.

THE NATION: CAPO warns protesters and gives details of prohibited areas covering Ratchaprasong, Silom, Sathorn, Charoenkrung and Ratchadapisek.

THE NATION: "Those who refuse to comply may be jailed for a maximum of one year, or fined a maximum of 20,000 Baht or both," Col Sansern announces.

THE NATION: In other words, protesters trying to get to Silom either on foot or vehicles can b arrested.

TAN Network: Protesters plan to spread out from Pan Fah Bridge and Rachaprasong intersection, to Silom and Yaowarat roads.

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MCOT: CAPO statement: Persons likely to cause chaos banned from entering 11 added locations in central Bangkok; Violators face 1-year jail term

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Red shirts blocked from marching to Silom and Sathorn areas

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Security Operations Command on Sunday issued another order which would block red shirts protesters from staging protests in Silom and Sathorn areas.

SOC spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnered appeared in a TV-pool programme at about 4.10pm, detailing lists of roads where "suspected instigators" are prohibited to enter.

"Those who want to enter the prohibited sites have to get permission from authorities concerned," Sansern said. Those who violate the order would face one-year jail term and/or a fine of Bt20,000.

The roads prohibited include Silom, Charoenkrung, Surawongse, Rama IV and Ratchadapisek.

The order was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban who is also director of the Security Operations Command.

The issuing of the sixth order clearly showed the government's attempt to block the red shirts protesters who are now seizing Ratchaprasong Intersection from moving to Silom and Sathorn roads.

Leaders of the red shirts on Saturday announced that they would expand the protests to Silom and Sathorn areas which are main business zones of the capital.

-- The Nation 2010-04-04

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THE NATION: Big C Rajdamri _ which has remained opened against all odds from yesterday _ is closing its gates and will close all day tomorrow.

TAN Network: ISOC has announced the 6th order—a list of prohibited roads including Silom, Charoenkrung, Surawong, Rama 4th & Rachadapisek roads.

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Seh Daeng Announces Red Shirt Plans

According to Kattiya Sawadipol, Protesters plan to spread out from the current two locations, Pan Fah Bridge and Rachaprasong intersection, to Silom and Yaowarat roads.

"Seh Daeng" says he thinks police and military will not be able to prevent the red shirts from breaking through their barriers.

He continued onto quote ex-Premier Thaksin Shinawatra saying the people must fight full steam ahead to retrieve democracy.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-04

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Police concerned at fertiliser pipe bombs in capital

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Police in the Thai capital are concerned that homemade pipe bombs using urea fertiliser similar to those used by insurgents in the restive southern provinces have appeared.

Bombings now occur almost daily as anti-government protesters march to demand the government dissolve the House of Representatives.

A bomb made from urea fertilizer exploded at Saphan Khao intersection, not far from the protesters base. The explosion occurred at a dump site near Saphan Khao bridge around 9.30 pm and destroyed a bin.

No casualties were reported, but police have asked for cooperation from the public to inform them immediately if they find suspicious PVC pipes unattended on streets.

Metropolitan Police spokesman Pol Maj-Gen Piya Uthayo said police initially believed bombers using urea pipe bombs want to create unrest in the country rather than hurting people.

Pol Maj-Gen Piya also said about 1,200 police officers will reinforce security personnel at Rajprasong intersection to provide security at the Red Shirt protest site. No order has been issued to disperse the protesters, he said. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-04

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THE NATION: It seems Silom move now on hold. Awaiting conformation.

THE NATION: Urgent. Ch3 reports Red-shirted leaders vow to continue their rally at Ratchaprasong and no plan to move out from the area.

THE NATION: Ch.3 also quoted the leaders for the planned march to likely prohibited area. "destination will be announced later," they told the media.

THE NATION: Off-limit routes announced by Govt today include routes to stock market.

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THE NATION: It seems Silom move now on hold. Awaiting conformation.

THE NATION: Urgent. Ch3 reports Red-shirted leaders vow to continue their rally at Ratchaprasong and no plan to move out from the area.

THE NATION: Off-limit routes announced by Govt today include routes to stock market.

THE NATION: Recapping: Reds announce they will "stay long" at Rajprasong& will announce nxt move 2morrw. (unspoken msg is Silom plan is off)

THE NATION: SMS TV5 says Hun Sen told Suthep Cambodian law "doesn't allow" use of Cambodia to create political problems in other countries.

THE NATION: Suthep has agreed to have a meal at Hun Sen's home in Cambodia.

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THE NATION: On red TV, crowd has swollen back to tens of thousands, apparently. Nuttawut on stage now.

THE NATION: Nuttawut: "We have named our representatives ready to discuss with business operators as to what can be done to allow business to go on."

THE NATION: Nuttawut's offering to hold talks with business operators in the area.

THE NATION: "This is yr biggest business opportunity, actually. Never before have you seen this many potential customers in front of u."

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Cambodia will not invite Thaksin to the country during red shirts' protests : Hun Sen

Cambodia will not invite ex-Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra to the country during the period that the red shirts hold mass rally in Thailand, Khmer PM Hun Sen said.

Thai Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban quoted Hun Sen as saying that the move will aim at preventing Thaksin from using Cambodia as a stage to criticise the Thai government.

Suthep on Sunday met Hun Sen on the sideline of mekong Summit.

This surprised many as Hun Sen himself criticised Abhisit government and angered the government by appointing Thaksin as his economic adviser.

-- The Nation 2010-04-04

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TAN Network: Insufficient bathrooms at Rachaprasong. BMA sends in 2 more trucks. Central World opens up 1st fl bathrooms. Concerned about hygiene.

THE NATION: Chamlong said the same "We brought u customers" thing when yellow shirts rallied at Paragon.

THE NATION: Nuttawut has a good point! alot of new customers, and they have 2000 baht spending money!

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MCOT: Red Shirts ignore CAPO ban on other protest sites, vow to stay at Rajprasong with no end date, to rally at other locations Monday

THE NATION: Weng said 400,000 people at Rajprasong now.

THE NATION: there must b something wrong with 'Old Weng' eyes. 40000 crowd become 400,000!! Haha>>>Agree more or less. 80,000 max.

Bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS evening news leads with CAPO's regulation, issued pursuant to Internal Security Act, making it illegal to occupy certain roads

Bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS evening news: Abhisit: Dissolution now is not the answer. The govt is looking for an answer out of the current situation

Bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS evening news: Next story is quoting various NGOs & academics on the need for a third round of talks between reds-government

Bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS evening news: UDD leaders won't comply with govt issuance of regulation to leave. State it is contrary to Section 63 of constitution

Bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS evening news: UDD state they are staying, but are willing to negotiate with business operators in the area so they can open

Bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS evening news: Suthep will take UDD to court tomorrow to apply for court order (UDD state they will fight this in court)

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THE NATION: Hope Weng is a better Doctor than he is at estimating crowds. Having just come from there and my estimate is 25,000.

MCOT: Deputy PM Suthep: PM Hun Sen promises to bar Thaksin entry to Cambodia so long as anti-Thai government Red Shirt protest continues

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THE NATION: Deputy Bkk Gov Pornthep Techapaiboon says 7 BMA staff taking care of mobile toilets were attacked by red-shirts at Phanfa Bridge yesterday.

THE NATION: BMA has pulled out the service and only provides knock-down type toilets at the rally site. BMA has filed a charge with police.

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Security centre widens locations where 'troublemakers' banned

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Thailand's Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) issued its sixth statement Sunday afternoon, extending locations in business areas where persons identified by intelligence sources as tending to cause unrest or instigate violence are banned from entering to prevent road blockades and occupying public areas.

Spokesman Col Sansen Kaewkamnerd read a statement signed by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban during a televised broadcast.

An earlier CAPO statement ordered the red-shirted protesters to leave Rajprasong, where they had camped since Saturday, prompting nearby shopping malls to close, and paralysing traffic.

The new statement is aimed at preventing protesters from moving to other key business and public areas.

Blocking public transportation routes can cause trouble to the public, preventing them from living their normal lives and work, and such an action is not a peaceful demonstration under the Constitution, said Col Sansern.

Under the enforcement of the Internal Security Act (ISA), CAPO issued the additional statement to prevent persons who are likely to instigate unrest and violence which are threat to peace and national security from entering some portions of seven major roads in Bangkok’s key business areas.

The seven roads include Rama IV, Sathorn, Silom, Surawongse, Charoenkrung, Rajdamri, Phayathai, Ratchadapisek and Dindaeng.

Violators are subject to one year's imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of Bt 20,000.

Col Sansern said the sixth statement was issued as a warning to prevent a widening of protest areas, different from an earlier statement, which was issued to ban the gathering at the Rajprasong intersection after protesters had already occupied the site.

The spokesman said about 10,000 protesters are staying put at each protest site, both Phan Fa Bridge and the Rajprasong intersection at the moment. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-04

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Red Shirts defy government ban, set to rally at other spots Monday

BANGKOK (TNA) -- The leaders of Thailand's anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Sunday vowed to stay put in the capital’s prime commercial area, Rajprasong, and are set to rally at other locations in a show of defiance against a ban of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO).

Key UDD leader Nattawut Saikua announced the latest tactics after the CAPO issued the sixth statement barring persons who are likely to instigate disturbances from entering an additional seven key routes in Bangkok.

The new statement is aimed at preventing protesters from moving to other key business and public areas. Violators could face maximum one-year jail terms.

The banned routes include Rama IV, Sathorn, Silom, Surawongse, Charoenkrung, Rajdamri, Phayathai, Ratchadapisek and Dindaeng.

Mr Nattawut said that the Red Shirt leaders agreed to continue staging their protest at Rajprasong intersection with no stated ending date, until Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolves the Parliament.

Mr Nattawut said the UDD has appointed a team to coordinate with retail operators in an attempt to allow them to do their businesses as usual.

Mr Nattawut added that the UDD will lead its supporters to other locations banned by CAPO at 10am Monday to put more pressure on the prime minister, but refused to disclose the targeted destinations.

The UDD leader said the group does not recognise the CAPO ban regarding the seven routes, saying the protesters have rights and freedom to march on streets.

Following the remarks of Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban that the government will file a petition to a court Monday seeking approval to force the Red Shirts out of the Rajprasong area, Mr Nattawut said the Red Shirts’ legal team will also file a counter-petition the government’s move.

Another UDD leader, Jatuporn Prompan, reiterated that the deputy premier cannot restrict the rights and freedom of peaceful demonstrations.

Mr Suthep told a news conference Sunday evening after discussing with the premier who is now attending the Mekong River Commission (MRC) summit in Hua Hin that the prime minister has authorised him to file a complaint with the police against the Red Shirt leaders who led the Rajprasong rally.

Over the possibility of applying an Emergency Decree enforcement, Mr Suthep said that until now it has been unnecessary to invoke the law.

Mr Suthep added that Mr Abhisit will attend a CAPO meeting at the 11th Infantry Regiment after the MRC summit ends Monday.

Meanwhile, Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) president Patareeya Benjapolchai said the exchange held talks with the Association of Securities Companies about the protest situation at Rajprasong where seven broker companies are located.

She assured investors that stock trading will operate normally on Monday.

If employees cannot enter their offices in Rajprasong, a back-up system will be applied to service customers.

If the protesters move to the Silom business area, the back-up system will also be applied to facilitate trading and transactions, said Mrs Patareeya. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-04

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