Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Monday

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Monday April 5 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.

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Chaos looms

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok residents brace for more traffic, economic and political turmoil; Red shirts threaten to make another 'move' today, refuse to disclose destination

Bangkokians are bracing for traffic, economic and political turmoil today as the stand-off between the government and the red shirts, who continue to occupy the Rajprasong Intersection, reaches arguably its most precarious stage yet.

With the government reluctant to use force to clear the economic and tourist hub of protesters over the weekend, the impact of the area's closure on traffic will be felt the most today, and business groups are expected to pile on the political heat as losses keep accumulating.

Several malls in the area remained shut yesterday, and their owners might be forced to keep the gates closed today, depending on what move the red-shirt leaders make.

The plight of business operators in the area will certainly be one of the key topics when Thailand's leading business umbrella organisations meet today to discuss the worsening political situation and its effects on the economy.

Silom off-limits

The government, giving additional orders through the Internal Security Act, declared routes leading to Silom off-limits and subsequently managed to keep tens of thousands of protesters at Rajprasong instead of seeing them stage a potentially explosive march into the heart of the financial district. The orders also cover roads leading to the stock market.

The red shirts, buoyed by ballooning numbers in the evening, which went up to tens of thousands, threatened to make another "move" today but refused to disclose their destinations.

A legal fight will run parallel to the political showdown. The government will seek civil and criminal court orders respectively for the protesters to leave Rajprasong and for the arrest of their leaders. The red shirts will resort to the delaying or legal-resistance tactics employed by their yellow-shirt opponents.

'Not constitutional'

The government insists that since the protest has caused great trouble to other citizens, it is no longer constitutional. The red shirts counter that it is within their constitutional rights to go "peacefully" anywhere.

Police have advised Bangkokians to avoid Rajprasong today or use the BTS if necessary. But Pol Maj-General Panu Kerdlappol, deputy Bangkok police chief, admitted the extent of the traffic chaos would depend much on what move the red shirts make today.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's dilemma will become more pressing today as frustration among many Bangkokians is set to intensify on the first business

day to be affected by the red campaign.

He vowed yesterday to move ahead step by step legally in dealing with the red shirts, who insist if the government wants to disperse the rally, troops will have to come and haul them away one by one.

Despite government legal orders blocking key routes to other key business districts, the red shirts suggested they would defy them today, and Silom, the stock market and Yaowarat remained vulnerable. Such defiance would definitely throw the ball into Abhisit's court, throwing his "step by step" plan into disarray.

The red shirts had the advantage of numbers.

The massive crowds, government security officials admitted, made it impossible to attempt to disperse them by force.

The size of the red rally at Rajprasong impressed even the movement's detractor. Maj-General Khattiya Sawasdipol said he was confident that a crowd this large could move anywhere regardless of any off-limit orders.

Good news from Hua Hin

A little piece of good news came from Hua Hin, where visiting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, attending an international meeting on the mekong river, showed a considerably softened stand towards the Abhisit government.

He shook hands with the Thai leader, invited Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban to Cambodia and, last but not least, stated that Thaksin Shinawatra will never be allowed to use his country to attack the Bangkok administration.

-- The Nation 2010-04-05

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THE NATION: Red-shirts may rally at other banned sites (e.g.Rama4, Sathorn, Silom, Surawongse, Charoenkrung, Rajdamri, Phayathai ,Ratchadapisek, Dindaeng) by 10 am Mon.

MCOT: M-67 hand grenade hurled into NBT, no casualties; car bomb at Poseidon massage parlour in Ratchadapisek area, one injured

MCOT: M-79 shot from pickup truck at Chiang Mai Makro fails to explode; experts successfully defuse

TAN Network: Reds remain @ Ratchaprasong intersection.Leaders refuse to disperse despite threat of arrest.Nearby bizs review situation on daily basis

TAN Network: Red leaders prepare 2nd and 3rd generation leaders in case of arrest.Lawyers standby to appeal against court order to disperse.

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Protesters tear 6th order of Peacekeeping Operations Command

BANGKOK: -- Protesters at the Rajprasong Intersection tore copies of the 6th order of the Peacekeeping Operations Command right after they receive the copies from police Monday morning.

Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Pol Maj Gen Phanu Kerdlarpphol, Traffic Police chief Pol Maj Gen Uthaiwan Kaewsa-ard and some senior officers led policemen to hand over 1,000 copies of the order to the protesters at 7:30 am.

The senior officers first talk to Natthawut Saikua, seeking his cooperation for the distribution of the documents.

Natthawut told the protesters to receive the order so that the policemen could complete their mission.

After getting the order copies, Natthawut led the demonstrators to tear them.

-- The Nation 2010-04-05

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SET chief: stocks trading to operate as usual

BANGKOK: -- The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) president Patareeya Benjapolchai said trading of stocks will operate as usual this Monday despite the anti-government protests at Rajprasong area where seven broker companies are located.

Even if staffs of securities brokerage firms cannot enter their offices at the Rajprasong area, the securities trading back-up system will be able to service securities customers.

Similarly, if the red-shirts proceed to rally at the Silom business area, the back-up system will also be implemented to facilitate securities trading, Patareeya added.

-- The Nation 2010-04-05

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Bangkokians told to be patient till crisis eases up

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva went on TV yesterday morning and urged the red shirt protesters to stop blocking roads and return to their rally at Phan Fa Bridge.

Abhisit said the Peace-keeping Operations Command had ordered protesters to vacate Rajprasong Intersection but the government would use lenient measures to try to end the crisis.

The prime minister also told Bangkokians, who were dissatisfied by the protests, to be patient as the government was trying to ease the situation through negotiations.

He said the protesters were Thais too so the government would try to solve the problem without causing bloodshed.

The prime minister said the issuing of the POC order did not mean the government would use force to break up the rally - it simply wanted to tell the protesters it was illegal to cause hardship to others.

"The POC issued clear orders for the demonstrators to leave the area but it did not mean what we will use force to break up the demonstration," the prime minister said during a special TV address at 9am.

"Senior police at the level of deputy commissioner-general were assigned to negotiate and explain the orders to protest leaders."

The PM said the situation had eased after protesters stopped blocking Sukhumvit Road and motorists could make a left turn to travel on Rajdamri Road and make a left turn to the Royal Thai Police headquarters.

Abhisit said his government respected the constitutional right of the protesters and had already held talks twice with red-shirt leaders to seek a compromise.

But a lot more other people disagreed with the demand of the protesters, he said, adding that those who opposed the protesters may be more than the number of the red-shirt supporters.

He insisted his government came to office in line with rules of international parliamentary standards and he was not trying to remain in office till the end of his term ends, in a year and nine months time.

Abhisit said the government was willing to shorten his term if that so would solve the political problems but it was clear that immediate House dissolution, as demanded by the protesters, would not resolve the political divide.

He said the protest leaders and representatives of all sectors should join the government in trying to find a solution acceptable to all sides to end the crisis and preventing political violence.

With cooperation from all sides, such solution could be reached in less than a year and he would dissolve the House.

"The POC's orders for the protesters to leave the area are still being enforced. So, the protesters should return to Phan Fa. The government has the duty to enforce the laws and keep security," he said.

"We expect that a number of people want the government to take harsh actions but we will follow international practice. We will use lighter measures before using harsher ones.

"I would like to seek cooperation from the people to be patient. The government will rush to ease the situation and lead the country back to normality without loss of life."

-- The Nation 2010-04-05

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Hatyai Poll: Govt deemed sincere to solve political rift

SONGKHLA (NNT) .. The majority of southern people still have confidence in the sincerity of the government to solve the persisting political deadlock, according to the recent survey by Hatyai Poll of the Office of Research and Development of Hatyai University.

The opinion poll on the negotiation between the government and the UDD was conducted among 1,198 local people residing in 14 southern provinces from 31 March to 2 April 2010, Hat Yai University Vice President for Research, Associate Professor Thasanee Prathan reported.

The result showed 85.1% of the responents deemed the government’s negotiation proposal sincere to end the domestic political tension while only 14.9% believed in the sincerity of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

In addition, half of the respondents viewed that the popularity of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has increased after the negotiation with UDD core figures. Meanwhile, 43.7% said the popularity was unchanged and 6.3% said it declined.

The survey also mentioned that 56.6% of the respondents did not want to see the third negotiation between the government and the UDD while 43.4% looked for it. Moreover, 69.8% said the negotiation must be broadcast live if it takes place.

Regarding a solution to the political crisis, 43.2% of the respondents suggested the government continue working on the issue. 26% proposed the government negotiate with all sides concerned and 13.8% thought it should appoint a committee for political, social and economic reforms.

Only 10.6% of the respondents supported the house dissolution as requested by the anti-government UDD group.

-- NNT 2010-04-05

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THE NATION: Natthawut vows to appeal against court order if court rules to have red-shirt stage at Rajprasong removed.

THE NATION: Red shirts will move from Phan Fa to EC head office at noon to pressure it to speed up case against Democrat, Natthawut said.

MCOT: Red Shirts to leave Phan Fa at noon for Election Commission, Chaengwattana Road, demand report on probe of 'illegal donation' to Democrats

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Red shirts will march from Phan Fa to EC head office

BANGKOK: -- Natthawut Saikua, a red-shirt leader, said some of the red-shirt protesters will march from the Rajprasong Intersection to the Election Commission head office to protest against the delay in the party-dissolution case against the Democrat.

The march will be led by Suporn Atthakorn and Kwanchai Praiphana.

The rest of the protesters would stay put at the Rajprasong Intersection.

If the Civil Court rules in favour of the government to order the protesters to vacate the intersection and surrounding roads, the red-shirt movement will appeal against the ruling, Natthawut said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-05

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Red Shirts Close Intersection Downtown

BANGKOK: -- Police have reinforced security with fifty companies at the red-shirt rally, while the protestors have vowed to remain at Ratchaprasong Intersection until the House is dissolved.

The red shirt protestors have been camping out in the middle of Ratchaprasong Intersection, a commercial center in Bangkok, in an attempt to pressure the government to dissolve the lower-house.

The have also ignored a warning issued by the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order, or CAPO, to vacate the premise or face a maximum penalty of one year in prison and/or a 20,000 baht fine.

CAPO has assigned a team, consisting of Police General Panupong Singhara Na Ayuthaya, Police General Adul Sangsingkaew and Police Major-General Panu Gerdlarppol to negotiate with the red shirt leadership. However, no agreement has been reached after two failed attempts. The protestors have opened some traffic lanes leading to the nearby Police Hospital, but say that the lanes will be closed off again in the evening when there will be more protestors.

The red shirt leaders have been delivering fiery speeches, attacking the government and General Prem Tinsulanonda, the head of the Privy Council. They have also encouraged the protesters to remain at the intersection.

They've also called for more protesters at the main stage at Phan Fa Lilat Bridge to make sure the government doesn't dissolve the crowd until their demands are met.

Meanwhile, the red-shirts' legal team has prepared a request that they will submit to the Administrative Court, asking them to temporarily be allowed to remain at the intersection.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Major-General Piya Utayo has said that based on police estimates, there were approximately 4,500 protestors at Phan Fa Lilat Bridge and around 30,000 protestors at the Ratchaprasong Intersection.

The police have also requested additional officers from Regions 1 and 7 of the Provincial Police Bureau, bringing the total police forces overseeing the rally's security to 50 companies of one hundred each.

The police has been tasked with gathering information and negotiating with the protestors in order to minimize public inconveniences during weekdays.

Also, an explosive device hidden in a garbage bin exploded in the Saphan Khao district in Bangkok.

Authorities have pointed out that the explosive device was different from ones used in previous attacks, and has ordered security officers to keep an eye open for suspicious objects.

The authorities also said that no major breakthrough has been made in the ongoing investigation of recent grenade attacks.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Major-General Amnuay Nimmano has met with investigation officials from Regions 5, 6 and 9 of the Metropolitan Bureau in preparation to charge those who have violated CAPO' s orders.

Currently police officers are interviewing witnesses and have been reviewing evidence found in the rally.

CAPO is planning to summon the red-shirt leadership, demanding they acknowledge their criminal charges.

The police said that they have not been able to arrest the red-shirt leaders as there fear the large number of protestors would incite chaos.

Amnuay claims that this is not an attempt to harass the red-shirt leaders, and that it is merely a legal procedure.

Due to the red-shirt rally, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority has temporarily suspended more than 30 bus routes.

The 184 hotline is being flooded with calls by the public regarding bus services.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-05

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Thailand steps up legal fight against protests

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand turned up the legal heat on defiant red-shirted protesters loyal to fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, seeking a court order Monday to move a crippling rally out of Bangkok's tourist hub.

Tens of thousands of Thaksin supporters have paralysed a swathe of the capital, causing several major shopping malls to shut and traffic to grind to a halt on a key road through the commercial and luxury hotel district.

Tensions in the capital grew with an early hours blast outside a massage parlour owned by the family of the commerce minister, but police said no one was injured.

Elsewhere, an unexploded hand grenade was found outside the government-run National Broadcasting Service of Thailand, while in a provincial town a grenade was fired into a supermarket parking lot.

The attacks are the latest in a series of unexplained explosions since the rolling demonstrations began in mid-March by Thaksin supporters who are mainly from the rural poor north of the country.

The Reds are demanding immediate elections, accusing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government of being undemocratic because it took office in 2008 through a parliamentary vote after a court stripped Thaksin's allies of power.

Abhisit's government has already banned the Reds' gathering in the tourist hub under a strict security law, threatening protesters with a year in jail.

The authorities stepped up their legal fight Monday, seeking a court order to increase pressure on the protesters to leave the area.

Senior Reds, however, said they would not be cowed by the threat of arrest, adding they would pass the torch to new leaders if detained.

"Regardless of who brings an arrest warrant to me today I will not accept it," said Jatupron Prompan, a key Reds figure. "There is no law in the world banning its national from using roads."

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

The government, however, wants 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 rival Yellow Shirts in bloody scenes outside parliament.

On Sunday, deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of security, said the government wanted to end the standoff peacefully.

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

Tourists in the upscale shopping area have appeared largely unfazed by the noisy protests, with some enjoying the rally's carnival-like atmosphere with dancing and live music in the streets.

Police said up to about 58,000 Reds rallied on Sunday in their trademark colour, surrounding a stage where leaders issued diatribes and sang protest songs.

Business chiefs have warned the action could inflict heavy losses on the tourism and other industries.

But the stock exchange said it would operate as usual Monday, urging investors to "consider the credibility of news sources" on the protests.

Thai society is split between the 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.

Thaksin, a billionaire former telecoms tycoon, lives abroad to avoid a jail term for graft at home.

Thailand has been wracked in recent years by a string of protests by the Reds and the Yellows, whose campaign in 2008 against Thaksin led to a crippling nine-day blockade of the country's airports.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-05

Published with written approval from AFP.

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MCOT: Attorney General, for govt, submits complaint to civil court to order Red Shirts removed from Rajprasong; UDD lawyer defends protesters

THE NATION: Thailand's Retailers Association has said the Rajprasong seizure has caused Bt2 billion losses to retail business.

THE NATION: Central Chidlom confirms the store is opened today at 12. Shoppers are recommended to take BTS. By car - take Xpressway & enter soi Somkid

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MCOT: Red Shirts begin protest at Election Commission on Chaengwattana Road; more supporters joining action cause traffic jam on Vibhavadirangsit Road

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Grenade incident at NBT TV, no casualties; 1 hurt by car bomb at massage parlour

BANGKOK (TNA) -- No casualties were reported in a midnight grenade attack on Thai state television NBT, the second incident 10 days, but a parking attendant was wounded in a car bombing Sunday night at Poseidon massage parlour in the capital's Ratchadapisek area.

Military and police investigators inspected the front gate of NBT television after a motorcycle passenger hurled what was believed to be an M-67 grenade into the station compound on Vibhavadirangsit Road near midnight, but the projectile fell into a canal near a security tent and no one was injured.

Investigators found the trigger of a grenade at the scene. Security personnel at NBT did not notice the assailants as there was heavy traffic at that time and the motorcycle passed through at high speed.

There was no closed circuit television to trace the assailants, but police believe they may be the men who threw a grenade at the station on March 27, injuring a soldier and a security official.

Meanwhile, a bomb hidden inside a car parked at the Poseidon massage parlour in Ratchadapisek was exploded at around midnight, wounding one person.

Initial investigation, according to police, indicated that the bomb was a rod of TNT explosive, weighing 2 to 5 kilogrammes and placed under the passenger seat beside the driver seat as many traces of bomb powder were found there. The bomb severely damaged the car and a nearby vehicle.

Nearby windows were shattered, and a boy working as a parking attendant was wounded in the stomach and was sent to hospital.

The car's license plate showed it was registered in Chiang Mai, and police said it was genuine.

The incident was silimar to a car bombing in the Suthisarn area nine years ago, said police.

Witnesses told police that a man wearing short pants and a black jacket parked the car at Poseidon, staying in the car for 10 minutes before leaving.

In Chiang Mai, an M-79 grenade was fired from a passing pickup at a Makro wholesaler outlet on the Superhighway at around 2am on Monday morning.

No one was injured as the grenade failed to explode and expert successfully defused it.

Police said the grenade fell on the parking lot, 100 metres from the store.

It was the ninth grenade incident in Chiang Mai. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-05

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Red-shirt Leader Ends Talk with Election Commission Rep

Representatives of the Election Commission have come out to hear the complaints of the red-shirt protesters, led by Kwanchai Praiphana, a red-shirt leader in Udon Thani, in front of the EC headquarters on Changwattana Rd.

Kwanchai demanded to know when the EC will disband the Democrats party. He's also demanded all 5 EC commissioners show themselves to the red-shirt protesters.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-05

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Deputy PM: State of Emergency Could Be Invoked If Necessary

The deputy prime minister in charge of national security has indicated that the Emergency Decree could be enacted, if deemed necessary, in order to control the red-shirt protestors.

He has also prepared a request for the court asking them to remove the protestors from the Ratchaprasong Intersection.

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the national security, Suthep Thaugsuban, who is also the director of the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order, or CAPO, has announced that security authorities are seeking a court order to remove the protestors from the Ratchaprasong Intersection.

Suthep said that, if granted by the court, the authorities will adhere strictly to standard procedures, and that the Emergency Decree could be enacted to maintain order if chaos breaks out.

In other provinces, security officers have been ordered to guard the provincial town halls from arson or trespassing. Those who have been found to have violated the law will be charged immediately, as not to jeopardize national security.

Suthep added that blocking an intersection downtown is not a political gathering that is permitted by constitutional rights, but is a public disturbance which has been damaging to the economy.

As a result, the protestors who remain at the intersection will no longer be protected by Article 63 of the charter.

As such, CAPO has requested a court order to remove the the protestors from the intersection.

Suthep then traveled by helicopter from the 11th Infantry Regiment compound to Hua Hin district in Prachuap Khiri Khan to join the prime minister and other Cabinet members for the Mekong River Summit.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-05

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FLASH NEWS: Attorney Gen Seeks Arrest Warrants against Red Leaders

The Attorney General Office (AGO) has filed a petition with the Criminal Court for arrest warrants to be issued against 5 key leaders of the red-shirt protesters; including Veerak Musikkapong, Natthawut Saigua, Weng Tojirakarn, Jatuporn Prompan and Arisman Pongruengrong, for their involvement in the blockade of the Ratchaprasong intersection.

Red-shirt lawyer Wasuthep Srisoda has immediately filed an appeal against the AGO's request.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-05

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THE NATION: Reds have tightened security for their leaders, reinforcing barriers and increasing personal guards in face of arrest warrants.

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Red-shirt Protesters Breached Barriers, Officials at EC HQ Urged to Leave

Red-shirt protesters, led by Kwanchai Praiphana from Udon Thani, have breached the barriers erected by security officials in front of the Election Commission headquarters on Changwattana Road.

They are now within the compound of the EC HQ, a large number of protesters are right at the main entrance of the EC building.

Key red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praiphana threatened to 'intensify pressure'.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-05

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Red Shirts protest at Election Commission HQ

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Thailand's anti-government 'Red Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) carried their protest before noon Monday to the offices of the Election Commission (EC) in surbuban Bangkok, demanding that the poll agency speed up its probe into alleged unlawful donations to the ruling Democrat Party.

However, the election watchdog agency's five commissioners were not in the offices when the demonstration began.

UDD leader Nattawut Saikua made the announcement in the third day of a Red Shirt protest at the capital’s prime commercial area, Ratchaprasong, to pressure Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve Parliament.

A contingent of Red Shirt protesters remained at the group’s main rally site at Phan Fa Bridge, Rachadamnoen Avenue, since their campaign ousting the Abhisit administration began in mid-March.

The Red Shirt leaders on Sunday announced that they will lead their red-clad supporters to other locations banned by the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) on Monday to put more pressure on the prime minister, but refused to disclose the targeted destinations.

Key Red Shirt leader Nattawut said Monday morning that Suporn Attawong and Kwanchai Praipana will lead UDD activists from Phan Fa Bridge to the EC headquarters in Chaengwattana Road to pressure the EC to speed up its investigation of what he called an "unlawful Bt258-million donation to the Democrat Party which could lead to the dissolution of the ruling party.”

Mr Nattawut said that the UDD representatives will urge EC chairman Apichart Sukhagghanond to apply the same standards in case proceedings as they did to the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai and People's Power parties.

The Democrat Party was earlier accused of violating the Constitution, which prohibits a political party to receive financial donations of over Bt10 million a year from a company, by accepting Bt258 million in donations from listed company TPI Polene in 2005.

Mr Nattawut added that the Red Shirt caravan will pass Paholyothin Road and head to Chaengwattana where the EC office is located, saying the UDD does not respect the CAPO’s ban on 11 routes.

Following the government’s plan for an injunction to force the Red Shirts leave the Ratchaprasong intersection, Mr Nattawut asserted that the UDD will not move from the area and has sent a legal team to file an immediate counter-petition against the government’s move.

The UDD leader said he has been told that the government is now seeking an arrest warrant against him and other top Red Shirts, including Veera Musikapong, Jatuporn Prompan, Weng Tojirakarn and Arisman Pongruangrong.

The protest leader however asserted that the UDD leaders will nevertheless lead their supporters and are unworried over possible arrest, as leaders of the 'Yellow Shirt' People’s Alliance for Democracy could run their protest despite being issued warrants.

"If the key protest leaders are detained, a second generation of Red Shirt leaders will replace them, and a third generation will take the job if the second is also detained,” Mr Nattawut said.

Shortly afterward, the attorney-general filed a petition at Civil Court Monday morning to order the red-clad protesters to leave Ratchaprasong intersection and ban them from entering 11 commercial routes.

The Red Shirts’ legal team submitted a counterpetition after the government’s petition had been filed.

Meanwhile, the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) said Monday that the high-end shopping malls in the area remain closed for the third consecutive day since the red-shirted protesters encamped there on Saturday.

However some offices, luxury hotels and some shops in Siam Square are open. The RSTA will assess the situation on an hourly basis and will consider the safety of customers and employees as its first priority.

Seven securities companies located in Ratchaprasong were operating normally Monday but the number of customers has dwindled. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-05

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Pro-Thaksin threaten to storm into EC office

Red shirts protesters gather in front of Election Commission office on Chang Wattana road, threatening to storm into office on Monday.

The threat was made after Election commissioners failed to show up to answer their demand concerning Democrat Party's dissolution case.

The protesters travelled from Pan Fah Bridge and Rajaprasong Intersection where they occupied for the third day.

EC sent an official to receive the protesters' letter which asked about Democrat's dissolution case.

However they further demanded that one of the five EC commissioners showed up to give an answer for the case.

-- The Nation 2010-04-05

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TAN Network: Red-shirts to seize EC headquarters if EC commissioners failed to meet & answer questions abt Bt258 donation made to Democrats

TAN Network: Kwanchai announced reds will seize EC HQ on Changwattana if EC commissioners failed to answer questions abt Democrats case by 2pm

THE NATION: Recap at EC Hq Chaengwattana: Thousands of reds waiting to meet commissioners, vowing not to leave and giving 2 pm deadline.

THE NATION: Officials/other personnel working at govt agencies located at the Chaengwattana govt centre have been instructed to go home.

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THE NATION: Arisman vows to enter the EC building, in which Human Rights Commission Hq is also located, soon to file complaints with HRC.

THE NATION: Arisaman and 20 other reds entering the building now.

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TAN Network: Arisman Pongruengrong,accompanied by 20 red guards, seek entrance into EC HQ to air grievance to Human Rights Commission office.

TAN Network: Red-shirt leader 'Rambo E-sarn' gives out EC chairman Apichart S. home address and phone number on red-shirt stage.

[george]

Breaking News:

Redshirt protesters forces Immigration Bureau HQ to close

Full story:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Redshirt-Pro...at-t353357.html

[george]

Reuters witness says hundreds of Thai protesters have forced their way into Bangkok's election commission building.

PTV: Protesters now urged to stop moving into EC HQ,speaker on stage said "those who don't stop are fake reds".

Nation: Meanwhile, Arisman and 20 guards remain inside the EC building. Reds leaders told protesters not to break into EC, They said wait for 15 mins -"deadline is 2pm". We shall see what'll happen then. If reds break in, it could be worse than Pattaya.

[george]

Nation: Red leaders at EC are all hardcore reds _ Arisman, Kwanchai, Suporn (E-saan Rambo).

A portion of protesters, 100 or more, have been inside the EC building.

TV reports show reds roaming the ground floor of the EC building. Not threatening, but situation tense and confusing.

Nation Channel reporter inside the building is reporting live with 3G video.

From video transmitted by Nation Channel reporter, I saw a few policemen inside the building, trying to talk to roaming protesters.

[george]

TAN Network: Red-shirts who breached EC building begin to leave after leader Kwanchai Praiphana personally urged them to leave.

Nation: It seems situation inside EC building is under control now.

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THE NATION: Business operators in Rajprasong have issued a statement calling on protesters to leave.

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Red-shirt Leaders Unable to Control Crowd at Election Commission HQ

A number of red-shirt protesters had breached entrances into the building of the Election Commission headquarters on Changwattana road.

Key red-shirt speakers on the stage initially chanted "push, push, push inside", urging the protesters to break into the EC building just minutes before the 2 P.M. deadline is reached.

Red-shirt key leader Kwanchai Praiphana has announced on the makeshift stage in front of the EC HQ earlier that the protesters will seize the EC building if the 5 EC commissioners failed to personally explained why the party dissolution case against the Democrat party has been delayed in comparison against similar cases which had been filed against the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai and People's Power party.

Key red-shirt speakers on the stage later called for the protesters to stop pushing inside the EC building with Kwanchai Praipana himself personally urging the protesters, who had managed to enter the EC building, to leave. Kwanchai is currently in negotiation with EC representatives.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-05

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