Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Thursday

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Provincial governors ordered on state of emergency

BANGKOK, 8 April 2010 (NNT) – Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul has reiterated all provincial governors across the country to publicize and clarify the government's reason in declaring the state of emergency in Bangkok and its vicinities.

Speaking via a videoconference at the Ministry of Interior on Thursday, Mr Chavarat ordered all provincial governors to publicize and clarify the state of emergency, which has been imposed to prevent and suppress unrest incidents affecting national security.

In addition, the minister tasked provincial governors to tighten security measures of government offices, especially provincial halls not to be surrounded or trespassed.

Supporters of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) have been gathering in front of provincial halls in many provinces after the declaration of the State of Emergency on Wednesday evening. Some of them have dispersed to travel to Bangkok instead.

Gatherings of more than five people and mobilization of people to the capital city are banned in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and some districts of vicinities. However, UDD supporters are now gathering at the main rally sites of Phan Fa Bridge and Ratchaprasong Intersection.

Mr Chavarat also told provincial governors to be in their provinces at all times to direct operations in maintaining peace and to report to the Ministry of Interior directly in case of emergency.

-- NNT 2010-04-08

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PM cancels trip to Vietnam

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva decides on Thursday to cancel his schedule to attend the Asean Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya who are already in Hanoi will represent Thailand on Abhisit's behalf.

Earlier Abhisit rescheduled his visit to Vietnam. He initially planned to go to Vietnam on Thursday to attend the first day of the Asean Summit in Vietnam and return to Bangkok on the same day.

The premier would then go to Hanoi again on Friday to attend the second day of the Summit and return home in the afternoon.

The change of schedule came after his government declared state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding provinces on Wednesday to deal with the pro-Thaksin protesters having seized the Rajaprasong Intersection and Pan Fah Bridge.

Abhisit was initially scheduled to leave Bangkok on Thursday and return on Friday.

-- The Nation 2010-04-08

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Govt has no plan to use violence against UDD

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The government has no plans to resort to violent measures against the street-protest of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) despite the state of emergency declaration.

Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and Acting Government Spokesperson, Dr Panitan Wattanayakorn, affirmed that the government would not use violent method to disperse the protesters. He said such rumor disseminated within the society at present was distorted.

Dr Panitan reasoned that the government has declared the state of emergency as the sole Internal Security Act (ISA) enforcement was deemed inadequate to maintain peace and order in the country. He said the government does not aim to harm people gathering at Ratchaprasong Intersection.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on 7 April 2010 at 18.00 hrs declared the state of emergency in Bangkok and adjoining Nonthaburi as well as some districts in the central provinces of Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Pathom, and Ayutthaya with an objective to curb the situation.

The acting spokesperson also downplayed the internal conflict between the government and the military. He said the relationship between the two of them remain healthy and they could work together in order to restore peace to the kingdom as soon as possible.

Dr Panitan added that number of UDD demonstrators has already reduced as most of them understood the situation better while the government has stated its readiness to provide buses for those who wish to return to their hometowns without any charges.

-- NNT 2010-04-08

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Bangkokpundit: SMS from Prachatai 2 hrs ago, the MICT has requested a court order to close down Prachatai server. Checking now Prachatai.com is down.

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THE NATION: PTV (Reds TV) has totally been cut off, INN reports. Red leaders announced tomorrow's protest will be the biggest gathering ever

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THE NATION: Interior Minister Chavarat told governors nationwide via a veideo conference not leaves their provinces

TAN Network: MRT closes exit no. 1 at Silom station due to presence of red-shirt protesters, passengers may exit/enter via exit no. 2.

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THE NATION: At 12.05 Jaturon took the stage and told Reds that the blackout of PTV means the end of Govt

THE NATION: All redshirt media outlet closed. Red radio on rerun.//it'll b difficult to ride a taxi. all Reds taxi'll be frustrated.

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THE NATION: Natthawut Thursday threatened to unleash “severest” retaliation if government refused to restore the satellite television broadcast by PTV.

TAN Network: PTV broadcast on all media suspended. Red-shirt leaders announced biggest rally tomorrow to defy Emergency decree.

THE NATION: No fun for Songkran as BMA cancels the capital water festival along Silom Road, JS 100 radio reports.

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Dwindling protests at Phan Fa Bridge

BANGKOK: -- The red-shirt activities of the main rally site at Phan Fa Bridge have been scaled down as the majority of red shirts and their leaders shift focus to Rajprasong.

As of noon on Thursday, some 200 protesters were gathering in front of the Phan Fa rally stage.

None of the rally organisers were seen and speakers on the stage were incumbent and former lawmakers from Pheu Thai Party. They made fiery attacks against the shut-down of PTV.

-- The Nation 2010-04-08

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THE NATION: PM’s Office Satit Thursday confirmed a complete shut-down of PTV broadcast as of this morning following night-long attempt to block uplink.

TAN Network. Nutthawut threatens to intensify rally to highest level if PTV broadcast doesn't resume by tonight.

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Red shirts rallying in 17 provinces

The red shirts are rallying in 17 provinces in the North and the Northeast to support their fellow protesters in Bangkok, Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul said on Thursday.

"Although protests are sprounting up, there are no reports of any danger," he said, reaffirming the authorities can control the situation.

Provincial governors are under instruction to enforce a highest-level security to protect government installations in their respective provinces, he said.

Security forces in the provinces have been tasked to guard provincial halls but not to clash with protesters if they staged a raid, he said, explaining that security cameras would record each incident for the prosecution.

-- The Nation 2010-04-08

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THE NATION: Reds block Soi ChokechaiRuammitr where Red taxi centre is located to protect its community radio station.

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Security not increased at Suvarnabhumi Airport

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Increasing security preparations to a higher level at Suvarnabhumi Airport and other international airports under Airports of Thailand (AOT) is not necessary, according to the AOT president.

Following the government’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Bangkok and nearby provinces on Wednesday evening, AOT president Serirat Prasutanond said current security measures at the third level is sufficient for guarding the airports’ premises.

He said that the number of passengers using AOT’s international airports on daily average is about 130,000. Also, the number of tourists during the upcoming Songkran holiday, or the Thai New Year, has increased.

According to the AOT executive, during the festivities from April 9-18, 550 added charter flights have been booked apart from normal flight timetables, or about 50 extra flights daily.

There were usually 750 flights operating through Suvarnabhumi Airport on a daily basis, according to statistics gathered during the government’s use of the Internal Security Act in mid-March in response to the Red Shirt protests of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

The airports agency will again monitor flight operations situation and passenger numbers at the airport to estimate the impact of the State of Emergency, Mr Serirat said. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-08

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THE NATION: Prachatai website has been blocked but activities are now active on FB.

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THE NATION: Panitarn on TV, informing public on behalf of Centre of Emergency Adminstration Centre (CEAC - hereafter).

TAN Network: Govt reiterates need for Emergency Decree,explains need to control provocative media outlets;PTV

TAN Network: Panitarn: Govt aims to restore normalcy.Emergency Decree won't affect lives of foreign visitors, no limitation on travel w/n THL.

TAN Network: HOTLINE: For foreigners wishing to inquire about Emergency Decree contact Foreign Affairs Min hotline at 02-575-1023

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Pheu Thai to seek court injunction against emergency rule

BANGKOK: -- The Pheu Thai Party has appointed a legal team to petition for a judicial intervention to repeal the state of emergency declared on Wednesday by the government, its MP Surapong Towijakchaikul said on Thursday.

"Pheu can not stand on the sidelines anymore," he said.

Surapong said his party's legal team is expected to submit the petition with the Central Administrative Court seeking the injunction against the enforcement of emergency rule.

The legal team will also seek the Constitution Court ruling on the constiionality of the state of emergency, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-08

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CAPO Reiterates Need for Emergency Decree

During an official press conference by the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), Army spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd reiterated the need for the Emergency Decree to be invoked. He's also denied rumors that the administration is planning to launch a violent crackdown on the red-shirt protesters and plans to announce a curfew.

Meanwhile, acting Government Spokesperson Panithan Wattanayakorn also explained that the Emergency Decree will not affect the lives nor place any restrictions on the movement of foreigners in the Kingdom.

He's also explained how the decree will not have any significant impact on foreign visitors in Thailand. He added that the decree will allow the government to restore normalcy in the Kingdom and take action against media outlets that broadcast provocative messages. A special hotline number has been set up to help answer questions about the Emergency Decree. For foreigners wishing to inquire about Emergency Decree contact Foreign Affairs Min hotline at 02-575-1023.

CAPO also urged supporters of the red-shirt protesters not to travel to Bangkok. It's also revealed that, according to its latest estimates, the number of red-shirt protesters have significantly declined both at Pan Fah and at Ratchaprasong intersection.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-08

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Red shirts scrambling to find alternate satellite uplink

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt leader weng Tojirakarn on Thursday's afternoon said the PTV management was trying to find the satellite uplink in order to overcome the broadcasting shut-down by the Emergency Operations Command.

"Even though PTV is experiencing a black-out, its broadcast is expected to resume after finding a new satellite service," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-08

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THE NATION: Reason why we think troops will do something is simply the fact that if they wait til 2nnrw, the "big" rally day, it's back to square one.

THE NATION: Govt strategy is putting blockades at suburbs to prevent more reds to reach Rajprasong.

THE NATION: That, in addition to communications blackout on reds, hopefully wil limit their number at Rajprasong, making it easier to do anyth.

THE NATION: Reds, meanwhile, are mobilizing like mad.

THE NATION: The general feel I got from talking to redshirt leaders is that they're paranoid about being arrested in the nxy few days.

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THE NATION: Reds has formed a human wall in front of Big C Ladprao (former Imperial) to prevent military to close PTV HQ. via matichononline

Thaivisa: Pattaya Times reports at 3 pm today two armed checkpoints are in place entering the airport road. Hightened security at each entry door at arrivalband departure. Armed police and military circling the drop off and pick up areas.

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300 academics campaign against early House dissolution

BANGKOK: -- More than 300 academics Thursday launched their campaign against early House dissolution and acts of intimidation by red shirt mob.

They also called on the government to seriously enforce the laws to restore peace in the country, and to start political and social reforms for sustainable solution to the political conflicts.

A total of 303 academics from 14 state and private universities, as well as independent academics have joined the group, according to Assoc Prof Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, former vice rector of Thammasat University. He said more academics were taking part in the campaign, and those who want to join could contact the group at 089 153 1541.

The academics gathered at Thammasat University late yesterday morning to make their four-point demand: social condemnation to acts of intimidation and public disorder, government ignorance to unreasonable demand for early House dissolution, enforcement of the law to restore social peace, and political and social reforms.

-- The Nation 2010-04-08

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THE NATION: Thai Journalists Association and Cable TV association have denounced PTV and Prachathai blackout.

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THE NATION: Red leaders speaking after almost an hour of meeting in a van.

THE NATION: Meanwhile, Somkiat Pongpaiboon is on ASTV in a press con -confusing as it is about the attack at New Politics Party. Isn't Somkiat Democrat?

THE NATION: Jatuporn looking "very tense" after the hush-hush with other red leaders.

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Poll: Nearly half want Red Shirts to end protest now

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Nearly half of those polled in an opinion poll released Thursday-- 49.2 per cent-- wanted Thailand's anti-government Red Shirts to end their nearly one-month-long demonstration immediately and return home.

The poll conducted among 1,156 residents in Bangkok and nearby provinces between April 4 and 5 by Dhurakij Pundit University in reference to the red-shirted demonstrations found that 22.8 per cent of respondents wanted the movement to temporarily suspend the rally and resume political activities later after the traditional Thai New Year Songkran festival.

Nearly one in five-- 17.7 per cent-- said the ‘Red Shirt’ United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) should prolong its protest.

Regarding the real objectives of the UDD-led mass rally, over one-third-- 39 per cent-- thought the Red Shirts intended to help fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

One-third-- 32.6 per cent --believed that that the demonstrators were demanding democracy, about one in six, or 14.4 per cent, commented that the red-shirted supporters did not know clearly what they wanted to call for.

Nearly sixty-one per cent-- 60.6 per cent-- did not think that dissolving Parliament would help solve the current social conflicts, while 71.1 per cent believed that the demonstration failed to resolve the ongoing problems.

In addition, almost two-thirds or 64.2 per cent believed that the UDD demonstration would finally fail to achieve its aim against 35.8 per cent of respondents who believed otherwise.

Over forty per cent-- 41.8 per cent-- of respondents were 'bored' with the red-clad protest -- with about one-third describing themselves as sick and tired of it, one in four-- 24.6 per cent-- wanted the Reds to stop their anti-government protest.

About one in six-- 16.9 per cent-- were urging the Reds to be patient and continue their political fight.

Regarding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s performance in handling with the intensified protest, only 18.5 per cent rated the premier’s performance as excellent, while nearly half or 47.9 per cent evaluated his performance as fairly well.

One-third -- 33.5 per cent -- were dissatisfied with the premier’s performance, saying he was almost unable to solve the problem.

The anti-government UDD protesters have staged rally in Bangkok since March 13, demanding that Mr Abhisit dissolve Parliament and call for a fresh general election.

Responding to the protest, the Internal Security Act (ISA) has been imposed to maintain law and order in Bangkok and provinces nearby since March 12.

However, protesters remain at the main rally site, Phan Fa bridge and lay siege at the Bangkok’s prime commercial intersection at Ratchaprasong where they have staged a protest against the government since Saturday paralysing traffic and cost tens of millions of dollars daily in economic losses.

The premier on Wednesday declared state of emergency to restore peace after thousands of protesters stormed parliament on Wednesday which has sent cabinet members and lawmakers fleeing the building. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-o4-08

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THE NATION: Red leader Nattawut told protesters to bring all kinds of vehicles: "Tomorrow the vehicle army has some work to do."

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Red-shirt Leaders Snub State of Emergency

A key red-shirt leader has shrugged off the state of emergency declaration by claiming that it will prove ineffective with a mass red-shirt rally tomorrow.

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua played down the government's state of emergency declaration by claiming that red-shirt protesters will remain encamped at Panfa Bridge and Ratchaprasong Intersection.

The red-shirt leader announced that protesters will hold a mass gathering at Ratchaprasong Intersection tomorrow before 9 a.m. and called on the prime minister to wait for their next move.

He also claimed that soldiers will switch their support to the red-shirt group if the government decides to disperse the demonstrations, adding such an action will only further infuriate the protesters.

Natthawut also said his group will send a representative to press charges against the deputy prime minister in charge of national security for allowing military personnel to carry war weapons into the Parliament House.

Meanwhile, there are still a handful of protesters camped out at Ratchaprasong Intersection but red-shirt guards have been posted at other sites to prevent the government from dispersing the demonstrators.

The Panfa Bridge demonstration site has been relatively quiet with no more than 80 protesters and radio broadcasters at the venue. Core leaders like Suporn Atthawong and Payap Panketu were absent from Panfa Bridge, claiming that they were joining the demonstration at Ratchaprasong Intersection with other leaders.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-08

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BMA Cancels Songkran Festival in Bkk, Except Lan Khon Muang

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has cancelled its citywide plans for the upcoming Songkran festival. The only location where the water festival will be held is at Lan Khon Muang, the public area in front of City Hall.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-08

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THE NATION: Nattawut threatened that Reds would strike at 10 locations at the same time thks to huge crowd

THE NATION: Due to red shirt protest BMA cancels all Songkran activities in the capital. Khao San operators'll go on with celebration in there area.

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Thai Journalists Association, Thailand Cable TV Association condemns blockade of PTV broadcast, closure of website

The Thai Journalists Association and Thailand Cable TV Association Thursday issued a joint statement to condemn the government's blockade of the PTV's satellite transmission and the closure of www.prachatai.com.

The joint statement said the actions were unconstitutional and double standard law enforcement.

-- The Nation 2010-04-08

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Foreign press briefed on the State of Emergency declaration

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The government today clarified to foreign press the declaration of a State of Emergency to control prolonged demonstrations by the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

According to the Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and Acting Government Spokesperson, Panitan Wattanayakorn, the declaration of the State of Emergency aimed at resolving the situation and bringing back normalcy due to yesterday’s parliament trespassing and daily unrests.

The protective measures for the protesters will be in line with the command of the Administrative Court, which media and press will be constantly updated on the government's steps. He affirmed that the press can normally continue their duties. They only have to follow the decree's sector that restricted news distortion, an intention to raise public fear or harm national security and the public safety.

Meanwhile, President of the Thailand Trade Representative, Kiat Sitthiamorn, had revealed an economic estimation after the UDD protesters had paralyzed the city’s commercial district. He stated that a premiliminary estimation showed the daily loss of 500 million to one billion THB and this could result in 40 billion THB loss per month.

Mr Kiat further added that hotel industry had been severely affected by the protests. Over 90% of room reservation was canceled. Business representatives of Ratcharaprasong zone earlier voiced their support to the negotiation between the government and the UDD protesters to relocate the protesters back to Phanfa Bridge.

-- NNT 2010-04-08

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MCOT: Red Shirts announce plan to move to 10 undisclosed locations at 9 am Friday