Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Saturday

[webfact]

Saturday April 10 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.

FOLLOW US:

You can also follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk

or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/farang

- Breaking News via SMS text messages to your mobile phone or handheld device

To subscribe dial *424010011 on AIS, One-2-Call, DTAC or True Move networks

14 days complementary subscription for Thaivisa members.

If you have questions about the Breaking News SMS service, email [email protected]

________________________________________________________________________________

Current weather in Bangkok, plus forecasts:

http://weather.thaivisa.com/bangkok

[webfact]

Security clampdown in protest-hit Bangkok

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's security forces maintained a heavy presence in Bangkok Saturday as mass anti-government protests approach the one-month mark with no end in sight to the turmoil.

Tens of thousands of police and soldiers have been mobilised to restore order in the capital, where "Red Shirt" demonstrators have occupied the main commercial district, causing traffic gridlock and prompting stores to close.

Tensions escalated on Friday when forces used tear gas and water cannon as thousands of protesters stormed a television broadcaster in the city's outskirts to try to put an anti-government channel back on air.

Top leaders of the movement face arrest for defying a state of emergency announced Wednesday by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who remained holed up at an army barracks.

The rallies, which began on March 12, are the latest chapter in years of political turmoil in Thailand pitting Bangkok's ruling elite against the mainly poor and rural Reds, who support ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

The country has been riven by political tensions since a bloodless coup ousted telecoms tycoon-turned-premier Thaksin in 2006.

On Friday about 12,000 demonstrators massed outside Thaicom, a day after the government pulled the plug on their People Television (PTV) under emergency rule aimed at quelling the turmoil.

A tense stand-off ensued with thousands of security personnel at the site on the outskirts of Bangkok. Some protesters managed to force their way into the compound of the broadcaster, which was protected by barbed wire.

Security personnel used tear gas and water cannon for first time since the mass demonstrations began in mid-March, but the stand-off later ended without any serious clashes between the two sides.

"It's crucial for the military and police to bring the situation under control," army spokesman Sunsern Kaewkumnerd told a news conference on Friday. "Police and soldiers will decisively enforce the law."

The Reds want immediate elections, arguing the government is illegitimate because it came to power with army backing through a parliamentary vote in December 2008 after a court decision ousted Thaksin's allies from power.

The government has said it does not want to use force to break up the protests, but invoked emergency rule after protesters briefly forced their way into the parliament compound.

Lawmakers fled and several senior government figures were evacuated by military helicopter.

The government has banned public gatherings of more than five people and given broad powers to police and military under emergency rule in the capital and surrounding areas.

It is anxious to avoid a repeat of clashes last April that left two people dead.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-10

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Thaksin says in phone-in he's shocked by rumours of chemo 'shock'

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The video phone-in lasted only five minutes yesterday, but it was long enough for Thaksin Shinawatra to tell his supporters and enemies alike that he's not dead yet.

"I'm shocked to learn about the rumours that I was in shock during chemotherapy," Thaksin told his red-shirt supporters.

He pulled his hair purportedly to prove that he was not wearing a wig to cover baldness caused by cancer treatment.

Rumours that he had gone into shock and required medical help from Thai doctors who were being urgently flown to Dubai spread like wildfire yesterday.

During the bad-signal video link, Thaksin insisted he was healthy, slammed the media's propaganda and predicted the Abhisit Vejjajiva government would only last a few more days.

The video showed an unusual close-up shot, with Thaksin using a mobile phone to talk instead of wearing earphones like before.

Earlier yesterday, Thaksin tweeted that he was all right.

"I would like to tell [you] that I am definitely healthy. I just feel lonely at times because I am a workaholic," he tweeted at around noon.

ASTV's claim

Yesterday morning, an ASTV host quoted an anonymous doctor at a hospital in the Sukhumvit area as saying that a man who recently visited Montenegro had suffered shock during chemotherapy.

The host went on to say that the man was then sent to an intensive-care unit of the Rashid Hospital in Dubai, because Montenegro did not have state-of-the-art medical technology.

It was widely reported that Thaksin had recently been in Montenegro.

Soon after the ASTV host spoke up, Thaksin's former lawyer Noppadon Pattama came forward to deny the rumour.

Less than an hour later, Thaksin tweeted for the first time since Tuesday.

He began his message by saying that the rumour being spread in Thailand was ridiculous, and that he was sad to see that rote learning allowed so many Thais to fall victim to rumour-mongers.

I had a check-up in Russia on March 30 and everything was fine, except for a minor fat-level problem. I am not prescribed any medicine," Thaksin said.

Avoiding speeches

Although he is a hero in the eyes of red-shirt demonstrators, the ex-premier had not made any video-link speeches to them since last Saturday.

Commenting on his absence, Thaksin tweeted that he had not addressed the red-shirt demonstrators in Bangkok out of worry that their intentions might have been misinterpreted.

"They have been rallying for democracy and justice," Thaksin's message read.

Commenting on his next plan, he said he would be heading to

Saudi Arabia in response to an invitation from a Saudi prince, who wanted him to join in developing a new city near Mecca and establishing an agriculture centre near Riyadh.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Tourism and credit ratings both hit by unrest

By Suchat Sritama,

Wichit Chaitrong

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Forty-three countries have issued travel advisories to their citizens following the declaration of a state of emergency in Bangkok on Thursday.

The damage is estimated at over Bt10 billion as shopping malls closed doors and foreign clients at hotels in the Rajprasong area were scared away by anti-government protesters.

As political instability is threatening the economy, Japan Credit Rating downgraded Thailand's local currency long-term senior debt rating to "A" from "A+", reflecting the view that political and social conflict and unrest have started undermining the country's economic growth and public finances.

The rating outlook is negative as the protracted political and social unrest is caused by deep-rooted and complicated issues the country confronts, which may not be solved in a short period of time, JCR said in a statement.

Chakkrit Parapuntakul, director-general of the Public Debt Management Office, said representatives from Moody's Investors Service, the US-based credit rating agency, would meet Finance Ministry officials next month to conduct a review of Thailand's credit rating. While admitting that political factors would be the most important issue for the review, he is optimistic that the rating can be upgraded.

"If we can explain that our economy still expands despite political uncertainty, the credit rating agency may upgrade our credit rating to "A-", he said. Currently Thailand's sovereign credit rating by Moody's is "BBB+".

According to Prakit Piriyakiet, deputy governor for marketing communications at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Latvia and Spain have lifted travel warnings to the top level, banning citizens from going to Thailand, while China and Poland raised the warning level.

Latvia and Spain lifted their travel advisories from the third to the fifth level, advising their citizens against entering Bangkok. Poland also adjusted the level from second to fourth.

Of all 43 countries, only South Korea put the warning at the lowest level, simply calling on its citizens to stay alert. Thirteen countries' warning is in the second level - "exercise caution"; 15 in the third level - "high degree of caution"; and 10 in the fourth level - "reconsider need of travel".

The Thai Hotels Association (THA) yesterday said the sector would be at great peril if the political turmoil continued. Hotels in the Rajprasong area are expected to show very low occupancy rates during the Songkran Festival due to the cancellations of Asian tourists.

At least six overseas meetings and exhibitions have been cancelled while seven events were postponed.

TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni is optimistic that despite the disappearance of Asian tourists during the water festival, long-haul tourists, particularly from Europe, would continue to come to Thailand.

Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa was also adamant that the impact was not as severe as claimed by private operators. He was upbeat because tourist arrivals through 30 immigration offices totalled 4.5 million in the first quarter, compared to 3.6 million in the same period last year. In the quarter, tourism spending rose 29 per cent on year to Bt178 billion.

Despite the political chaos, the number of international tourists during April 1-8 also rose 5 per cent on year to 200,231 from 190,812 visitors in the corresponding period last year.

"The overall tourism business is still growing despite the unrest," said Chumpol. He flatly denied reports of massive cancellations during the Songkran Festival.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

37 companies of troops deployed to guard Thaicom earth station

BANGKOK: -- A total of 37 companies of troops were deployed to guard the Thaicom satellite earth station in Pathum Thani's Lat Lum Kaeo district at 10:30 pm Friday night.

The troops came from the 9th Cavalry Division in Kanchanaburi, 2nd Cavalry Division in Bangok and the Don Mueng-based Air Defence Command.

They set up barbed wires around the station's wall and made the barriers higher than the last time.

They also set up three checkpoints at the entrance to Wat Bor Thong temple, at the entrance to Shinawatra University and the entrance to Wat Nong Pladook Temple.

The soldiers at the checkpoints were armed with M16 assault rifles and machine guns.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

OPINION

Are red-shirts battling for Thaksin's Bt76 bn or democracy?

By K I Woo

Special to the Nation

BANGKOK: -- Although the red shirts and the government both claim they are fighting to uphold democracy, few people really believe that's their primary reason.

Most people believe that the word "democracy" is being used by both factions as rallying cries to gain political power and to crassly seize the moral high-ground in their current dispute.

More insidiously, a large part of the general public believe that the current disruptions are the concluding phases of deciding how former PM Thaksin Shinawatra's Bt76 billion frozen by the government will ultimately be distributed.

They believe the recent court decision announcing the seizure of Bt46 billion of Thaksin's assets will not ultimately survive the aftermath of the current disturbances.

While many of the general public supporting both factions believe they are fighting for justice, the real behind-the-scenes skirmishes are about the Bt76 billion still under the government's control.

This week's disruptions seriously affected many businesses and the public, especially in Bangkok. Some hotels have indicated 50 per cent tour cancellations for the rest of this month and next month.

Prolonged demonstrations will undoubtedly diminish economic growth and further contribute to political uncertainty, especially if they are continually held in busy Bangkok intersections.

More importantly, the protests have already begun affecting employment and other forms of livelihood for lower-income people in Bangkok.

If the current disruptions are prolonged, many people believe that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's cobbled-together coalition will fall apart and several factions will gravitate towards those with deep pockets to ensure that they remain forces in future governments.

Although conventional thinking has limited the ultimate conclusion to the division of the Bt76 billion among the different pro-Thaksin coalition groups that will form a post-Abhisit government, others are questioning whether the current red leaders will be satisfied with just getting rid of Abhisit.

Their well-run protests have brought further fears, that they have created a "red" movement with aspirations far beyond just supporting their benefactor, Thaksin.

The red movement may have initially started with the support of lower-income people outside Bangkok who benefited when Thaksin was in power.

Today, they still form the majority of red supporters that are rallying for the immediate dissolution of Parliament and the ouster of Abhisit.

However, Thaksin's use of low-income red-shirt supporters may have inadvertently unleashed a semi-dormant political movement that constitutes the majority of people in Thailand.

Although, these low-income supporters were Thaksin's primary base and he needed them to change the current political structure, there is no guarantee that the current seemingly well-led red movement will ultimately kow-tow to his requests.

More importantly, the red movement's leaders have grown more confident and strident during the current disruptions. With Thaksin thousands of kilometres away, the leaders have tasted the adrenaline of political power.

They suddenly realise that other than for financial handouts to feed protesters, they may not need Thaksin or other political parties especially if they themselves can lead a new political movement of the poor.

Their confidence has been strengthened over the past several days reportedly through increasing support from military and police factions sympathetic to the cause.

In aligning himself with the reds, Thaksin may have bought more than he bargained for.

Everywhere in the fast-moving, Internet-based world that Thaksin has capitalised on with his numerous broadcasts from all over the world, many actions have constantly surprised us with unintended consequences.

We must remember that the current global economic crisis was triggered by sub-prime home-loan defaults in the heart of low-income America.

Few people understood that a few low-income families forced into home foreclosures could trigger a worldwide economic and financial crisis.

The September 11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York taught everyone that seemingly small things can have tremendous impacts.

A few terrorists crashing airplanes into major New York City office buildings during office hours has completely changed how America sees itself.

How many of us have encountered "Homeland Security" checks on our visits to the US?

Or more importantly, how many people have been bombed into oblivion during the current war on terror.

The red-shirt leaders can taste power and they also realise that they are the key players in deciding how the Bt76 billion will ultimately be distributed.

It makes the estimated Bt200 million needed each day to feed protesters feel like chump-change.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Grenade found near power generators

By The Nation

CHON BURI: -- A live grenade was found yesterday morning near the main generators of the Provincial Electricity Authority power station in Laem Chabang industrial estate in Chon Buri province, before it was defused.

Senior PEA official Wijit Thanessanont said there would have been a power blackout in a vast part of the estate and other areas had the grenade gone off and destroyed the generators. The blackout could have also caused power failure at another power station in Aoi Pai, leading to blackouts in other areas, he added.

The safety pin of the M67 grenade had been removed and its safety lever had been bound to a sticky tape when it was found at 9.30am. Police explosivesdisposal personnel said the hot sunlight could have melted or loosened the tape, which would release the lever and detonate the grenade.

In Bangkok, police later arrested two redshirt guards for being in possession of homemade bombs and machetes along with other unauthorised items, while they were riding a motorcycle near the Victory Monument.

Natthakorn Chayathorndamrongsuk and Phitthaya Naenudon were pulled over by police after they had earlier been spotted taking pictures of soldiers stationed in the area.

The suspects have been charged with possessing weapons and explosives, along with using twoway radios without permission and driving without a licence plate, although they claimed that they had seized the bombs and other weapons from redshirt demonstrators.

A Royal Thai Police directive issued last night has instructed all 88 police stations in Bangkok to set up more road checkpoints and watch out especially for motorcycles travelling in large groups and vehicles transporting people to the red shirts' rally sites.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

PM: Govt intent on restoring peace

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The government has pledged not to let Thai people down once again as it will try its best to restore peace after the recent clash between security officers and supporters of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

Speaking in a televised press briefing on Friday night, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva confirmed that the mission of the government and related units to restore the situation to normalcy would remain the same, and they all would do their best in their operations.

The Prime Minister stated that it was evident that UDD demonstrators had breached the law in their movement to besiege the Thaicom satellite station in Lat Lum Kaeo district in the central province of Pathum Thani while the operation of the authorities, on the other hand, was not as successful as anticipated.

Prime Minister Abhisit admitted that many people had voiced disappointment with the failure of the security officers to protect the satellite station. However, he promised that the authorities would not give up and would keep moving forward to solve the ongoing political upheaval to maintain law and order.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the movements of the UDD were illegal and illegitimate and could not bring happiness to any side. He then stressed that the government had been conducting legal action against perpetrators as vowed, citing that arrest warrants for 17 core leaders of the UDD had already been issued by the Criminal Court.

The clash between security officers and UDD supporters broke out on Friday afternoon when the anti-government group was marching into the Thaicom satellite station in Lat Lum Kaeo district, Pathum Thani province. The authorities could not keep out the protestors and retreated while the protestors vacated the area after a negotiation session to return the broadcast of the People Channel. The television channel was successfully put back on air in the evening before experiencing a blackout again at night.

-- NNT 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Bangkokians plan to join Songkran festivities upcountry

BANGKOK (NNT) - A poll by Kasikorn Research Center says most Bangkokians tend to avoid political turmoil by traveling upcountry during the Songkran Festival.

Based on the poll, majority of Bangkok residents tend to celebrate Songkran Festival upcountry due to political turmoil in the capital.

This year, people are more intimidated by political threat not economic threat.

The blockade of Ratchaprasong junction on 3 April and the declaration of the State of Emergency on 7 April would affect people who decided not to leave town during the holidays especially those who planned to shop at Ratchaprasong commercial zone.

This year, Kasikorn Research Center estimated 23.2 billion THB would be spent by Bangkok residents during Songkran Festival.

Those who visit their hometowns would spend an additional 8.5% compared to 2009. Upcountry travelers tend to spend more by 15.6%, while those overseas travelers tend to spend more by 17.8%, but those who choose to celebrate in Bangkok tend to spend 8.4% less than the previous year.

The poll was conducted by Kasikorn Research Center during 17-31 March 2010 among 500 people aged between 15-65 years.

-- NNT 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Bangkok Post: Grenade blast at CS Police HQ

THE NATION: K, while we were sleeping,M79 was fired @ crime suppression HQ (no serious damage), reds pondered returning to Thaicom, and I dreamt of PM.

[webfact]

Thai govt take red TV off air again

BANGKOK: -- Red shirts' TV station was off the air again late Friday after soldiers re-occupied the ThaiCom satellite station in Pathum Thani.

The People TV's signal was blocked again, hours after the protesters had stormed the station and forced the authorities to reverse an earlier decision to ban it.

Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd on Saturday confirmed the move, saying said security forces had returned to the station late Friday after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had ordered that People Channel be blocked.

"We had retreated on Friday because we did not want any loss of life or to hurt anyone," Sansern said. "But the station is inciting violence and spreading false and provocative information and rumours to the detriment of the country."

On Friday, thousands of protesters had moved to the Thaicom earth station in Pathum Thani's Lat Lum Kaeo district, to force the station to reconnect their satellite-linked channel after the government had unplugged it on Thursday.

A brief clash with the soldiers guarding the area left 15 people, including five officials, slightly injured as they tried to get into the station compound.

However, the red victory lasted only a few hours.

A few minutes after former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra phoned in to the rally, People Channel was off the air again. The government deployed troops at the earth station in Pathum Thani again last night

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Red shirt channel taken off air again

Posted 26 minutes ago

An opposition TV station in Thailand has been taken off air again, a day after red shirt protesters had stormed a satellite earth station and forced the authorities to restore the signal.

Fourteen protesters, three police and a soldier were wounded, in what was a violent confrontation, a medical centre said.

One red shirt suffered a gunshot wound, most likely from a rubber bullet. Others had minor scrapes.

The protesters had climbed over rolls of barbed wire and forced open the gate of the compound, holding it for about three hours in defiance of an emergency decree.

Security forces fired water cannon and tear gas in a failed attempt to push back the thousands of protesters.

But the security forces eventually pulled back rather than risk bloodshed.

The broadcasts had resumed after talks between police and protest leaders, and the demonstrators left.

Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, had ordered People Channel be blocked.

full story: abc.net.au

-- 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: Nuttawut on stage now, slamming the renewed PTV blackout. Red leaders not yet say what's the plan today.

THE NATION: Nuttawut keeps on deploring govt "deception" over PTV.

THE NATION: Nuttawut: "We still have many cards to play with Abhisit"

[webfact]

THE NATION: Nuttawut: "Abhisit, when being with commanders, don't let tears welling up. It's embarrassing." (he's suggesting Reds got moles at war room)

_______________________________________________________________

A bomb attack hit Crime Suppression Bureau

BANGKOK: -- An M-79 grenade was fired into Crime Suppression Bureau on Paholyothin road on Friday night, hurting no one.

The explosive hit an old parking lot near a construction in the compound. It damaged construction workers' shelters and an electricity pol.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: Weng on stage, the third Red leader facing arrest warrant in a row to show up in the middle of the city daring govt to arrest him.

THE NATION: Blood donation campaign to oppose House dissolution taking place at red cross society right now.

[webfact]

Weng tells red shirts at Rajprasong to rest, get prepared to another Thaicom raid

BANGKOK: -- Weng Tojirakarn told red-shirt protesters at the Rajprasong to get some rest Saturday morning before making another raid at the Thaicom satellite earth station in Prathum Thani.

Weng announced that the red-shirt protesters would have to make another raid at the station in Lat Lum Kaeo district after the PTV transmission on Thaicom went offline again.

Some 4,500 troops were deployed to guard the station Friday night.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: The blood campaign at Red Cross seems to involve students, pro-govt adults.

THE NATION: I think the people at Red Cross are from the group in Facebook campaigning against House dissolution

[webfact]

THE NATION: Open today - Siam Discover, Siam Centre, Siam Paragon (10-8pm) and Central Chidlom (11-7.30pm)

THE NATION: Jatuporn: "It won't b over b4 Songkran"

THE NATION: MBK opens from 10am-8pm - CentralWorld remains closed.

THE NATION: As for today, reds have announced on plan. Everyone expecting a Thaicom return but reds have shown ability to surprise us on big days.

[webfact]

Red-shirts to Stage Another Rally at Thaicom, CAPO to Detain 24 Core Leaders in 48 Hours

BANGKOK: In response to the government's decision gto suspend red-shirt TV after soldiers had allowed the signal to be resumed yesterday afternoon, the red-shirt leaders have said they'll stage another rally at Thaicom building in Phatum Thani Province.

faced with inrtense criticisms from the public, the Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) said it'll reevalaute its strategies and aims to apprehend 24 red-shirt leaders in no more than 48 hrs.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

TAN Network: Reds may march to Thaicom again today,Central World/Amarin Plaza remain closed.Siam Paragon/Central Chidlom/Sian Discovery open for biz

[webfact]

Some 300 reds at Phan Fa battle police

BANGKOK: -- Some 300 red-shirt protesters at the Phan Fa Bridge headed to battle police at the Larn Luang Intersection Saturday morning.

At 10:40 am, Kwanchai Praiphana, a red-shirt leader, told the protesters to gather in a group of 300. He asked them to push away police from the checkpoint at the Larn Luang Intersection.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

PM chairs Emergency Operations Command meeting

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva chaired a meeting at the Emergency Operations Command at the 11th Infantry Regiment Saturday morning.

It was speculated that the prime minister would discuss measures for restoring order at the Rajprasong commercial area.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Protestors lessen at Ratchaprasong, leaders plan next move

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The number of anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors at Ratchaprasong Junction seems to be reduced this morning while the core leaders are preparing to appoint their next move.

At the rally site this morning, UDD core leaders are taking turns going on stage to make speeches although the crowd of supporters appears thinner than before.

UDD core leader Jatuporn Prompan is expected to meet with other leaders to figure their next plan to counter the repeated signal termination of the group’s People Channel.

The UDD protestors are currently scattered around Pratunam Junction, Rama I Road between Pathumwan Junction and Ploen Chit Junction and in front of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, mostly resting on the footpath or having breakfast.

The UDD has been occupying the main business district of Bangkok since last Saturday in an attempt to force the government to dissolve Parliament, resulting in closures of major shopping malls in the area.

-- NNT 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Leaders alert protesters for possible crackdown

BANGKOK: -- Some red-shirt leaders alerted the protesters at 11:45 am Saturday to get prepared for a possible crackdown by troops.

The leaders, including Wisa Khanthap, Kwanchai Praiphana and Phaichit Akksornnarong, told the protesters that they learnt that troops were heading to the Phan Fa rally site.

Protesters used pick-up trucks to block five locations around the man rally site, which are the Democracy Monument, the Wanchart Bridge, the Larn Luang Intersection, the Pom Prakarn Intersection and Misakawan Intersection.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: Red leaders told protesters to prepare well as military's deployed force near rally sites at Rajprasong & PhanFa. via TNN, NBT.

Bangkok Post: Natthawut tells soldiers to be prepared

THE NATION: PM accepts the failure of Thai Com operation yesterday and has no excuse. (translating)

[webfact]

Red emerald Buddha image at Rajprasong rally site breaks into two parts

BANGKOK: -- When police officers served arrest warrants for three red-shirt leaders at the Rajprasong Intersection Saturday, the Buddha image table collapsed, causing the red emerald Buddha image of the protesters broke into two pieces.

Two police officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau came to the back of the stage at 11:30 am with arrest warrants and they demanded to see whether Wiputhalaeng Phattanaphuthai, Worapol Prommikabutr and Pramual Chuklom were behind the stage.

Protesters then shooed away the two officers. While guards of the red shirts were asking the two officers to leave, a loud noise was heard as the Buddha image collapsed. Guards rushed to cover the broken Buddha image with newspapers and would not allow photographers to take photos.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: reinforcements continue at Thaicom station. Another failure and it will b all over, after having all the time in the world to prepare .

Bangkokpost: Sansern: 8,500 protesters this morning

[webfact]

THE NATION: About the collapsed worship table at red stage, which broke a red buddha statue, leaders take it very seriously. 90% of thais would.

THE NATION: News reports are saying red leaders turn pale like corpses when they saw the broken Buddha.

THE NATION: Nation reporter said mobile signals at Rajprasong Intersection went off, apparently because of jamming by govt.

[webfact]

THE NATION: Nation reporter sent in a report that mobile phones could not be used at the rally site at Rajprasong apparently because govt jammed signal.

[webfact]

THE NATION: JS100 radioo reports (13.00) Reds use 10-wheel truck to block Rajdamri Rd near Rajprasong Intersection.