Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Saturday

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THE NATION: A skirmish has been reported btw reds/troops in front of First Army Region Hq. Initial accounts say there were some injuries.

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Red shirts protesters try to storm in First Army Region compound

BANGKOK: -- Red shirts protesters move from their Pan Fah Bridge to gather in front of the First Army Region on Si Ayudhaya road shortly before 1am Saturday.

They claimed they wanted to demand that the army stopped serving the government.

They were seen trying to storm into the compound. The soldiers reacted by closing the entrances and training water cannon.

The protesters retreated to a site nearby.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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UPDATE

Red shirts try to storm into First Army Region

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Red shirts protesters move from their Pan Fah Bridge to gather in front of the First Army Region on Si Ayudhaya road shortly before 1am Saturday.

They claimed they wanted to demand that the army stopped serving the government.

They were seen trying to storm into the compound. The soldiers reacted by closing the entrances and training water cannon.

The protesters retreated to a site nearby.

The leaders speaking on the stage claimed that the soldiers tried to kill unarmed people.

They called for people to come out to help their comrades. Nuttawut Saikua reportedly is travelling from Rajaprasong Intersection to Pan Fah Bridge.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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THE NATION: tanks/armoured vehicles have been seen in Bkk today. Army denied predictable coup rumours, saying mobilization was for protection purposes.

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THE NATION: tanks/armoured vehicles have been seen in Bkk today. Army denied predictable coup rumours, saying mobilization was for protection purposes.

THE NATION: On red stage at Rajprasong, leaders are telling protesters that dispersal was upcoming. Masks, wet towels being distributed.

[george]

Nation: Security agency confirmed two armoured personnel carriers are heading to provide protection at Prem's residence.

Explosion heard at Region 1 Army on Sri Ayutthaya Rd.Red-leader Kwanchai demands soldiers defy orders by Abhisit govt.1 injured.

sItuation at Ploenchit. Lots of police facing lots of protesters

Nation: Latest developments are indicating that ....my Saturday is screwed one more time.

TAN: Red shirts try to storm First Army Region compound

Richard Barrow: Management at Paragon and Siam nervous. Security block most ground floor entrances with shoppers inside.

[george]

Nation: Plenty of troops at Sri Ayutthaya Rd/ Helicopter hovers over Rajprasong-Ploenchit

Ch.11 has a live report from 1st Army Region compound. Water canon and rubber bullets were used.

TAN: Large no. of riot police moving in, equipped with shields&batons.No evidence of tear gas yet.More protesters head to Misakkawan

Nation: On red stage at Rajprasong, leaders are telling protesters that dispersal was upcoming. Masks, wet towels being distributed.

Richard Barrow (journ.) A couple of people handing out masks. Took one myself. Lots of media here behind stage

I am going to walk down to Ploenchit now. All quiet in front of CentralWorld (apart from concert).

TNN and Ch 11 report live on the area around 1st Army Region. Red shirts are reportedly moving back to Misakkawan Intersection.

TNN footage shows royal plaza relatively empty but there are military vehicles heading in the Phan Fa direction.

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Standoff Between Red-shirts VS Soldiers at Region 1 Army HQ

BANGKOK: -- A number of red-shirt protesters, gathering at Region 1 Army headquarters, demanded the soldiers stop carrying out the orders of the Abhisit administration. They are now at a standoff at the Misakkawan intersection. Riot control officials have sprayed high-pressured water at the protesters, rubber bullets were also believed to have been used.

Red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praiphana, who leads the protest at Region 1 Army, has called for more protesters to join the rally in front of the Region 1 Army HQ. A number of protesters are seen traveling on foot, some on motorcycles, to join their fellow protesters at the Misakkawan intersection.

Around 5,000 anti-riot military officials have now formed lines of defence, slowly advancing onto the protesters, forcing them to back away from the Region 1 Army HQ.

Meanwhile, more army convoys are seen travelling on routes leading to Cha Mai Maruchet Bridge, near the United Nations HQ, and Misakkawan intersection.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-10

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Red shirts protesters retreat but still confront soldiers

BANGKOK: -- The army has fired tear gas and trained water cannon into red shirts protesters who tried to raid the First Army Region on Rajdamanoen Nok road on Saturday.

The attempt can push the protesters back to Suan Miksakawan area nearby.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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Red-shirt Leaders Order Red-shirt Protesters to Return to Pan Fah Bridge

After the skirmish between the red-shirt protesters and the soldiers at Region 1 Army HQ, leaders of the red-shirt protesters have ordered the demonstrators to return to Pan Fah Bridge rally site.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-10

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THE NATION: No tanks in town : security officer Security officer dismissed reports on Saturday that tanks were seen in Bangkok

THE NATION: Troops advancing. Apparent sounds of gunshots heard at First Army Rg Hq.

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No tanks in town : security officer

Security officer dismissed reports on Saturday that tanks were seen in Bangkok to provide protection at Privy Councillor's president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda.

The officer said that they are not tanks but armoured personnel carriers and humvees that are deployed in the capital.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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THE NATION: NBC reporters say rubber bullets have been fired at 1st Army Region.

THE NATION: Red leaders on Phan Fa stage said what happened at First Army Rg was work of "fake reds".

THE NATION: TNN shows troops pushing back red protesters. Loud speakers blaring messages saying protestes have to "give back" the areas.

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THE NATION: Troops are in front of UN building now. Holicopters hovering above.

THE NATION: At rajprasong, red leaders speak constantly on the phone, tense.

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THE NATION: Panitan: I'm sure if we go step by step, there shouldn't be much [violence].

THE NATION: Panitan: Some information can't be made public at the moment (to facilitate enforcement of SOE)

THE NATION: Panitan on TNN: govt are taking back areas for the public and have got Pitsanuloke Rd.back. Plan to take back some more.

THE NATION: Full gear police deployed to Ploenchit, spreading rumours of dispersing (14.27)

THE NATION: anitan still emphasizes importance of info, however, he said some info couldn't be revealed so that SOE could be enforced fully.

THE NATION: Reds Rajdamnoen using monks as front line, TNN said.

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Full gear police deployed at Ploenchit Intersection

BANGKOK: -- Hundreds of full gear police have been deployed at Ploenchit Intersection while red shirts leaders call for the protesters to form barricades to counter police.

A TV footage showed the full gear police marched to Ploenchit which is near Rajprasong Intersection which has been under siege of red shirst protesters for days.

The deployment spread reports that the government plan to disperse the pro-Thaksin protesters.

Meanwhile red shirts leaders told the protesters to wake up and came out of their tents. They distributed handkerchiefs, telling the protesters to prepare for tear gas.

The leaders also called for red shirts in upcountry to go to their city halls and do whatever they want.

Meanwhile the army has fired tear gas and trained water cannon into red shirts protesters who tried to raid the First Army Region on Rajdamanoen Nok road on Saturday.

The attempt can push the protesters back to Suan Miksakawan area nearby.

Security officer dismissed reports on Saturday that tanks were seen in Bangkok to provide protection at Privy Councillor's president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda.

The officer said that they are not tanks but armoured personnel carriers and humvees that are deployed in the capital.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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Tear Gas Used on Protesters, Monks Form Barrier to Protect Protesters

TNN news reported that in an effort to prevent the soldiers from advancing on the red-shirt demonstrations, monks have formed a protective line in front, separating the red-shirt protesters from the soldiers.

Meanwhile, cannisters of tear gas were also thrown at the protesters, who have managed to pick some up and threw them back at the soldiers.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-10

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THE NATION: Urgent - BTS closes Siam, Silom, Rajdamri and Ploenchit exit

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THE NATION: Rumours at Ratchaprasong intensifies_ Siam Paragon, Siam Center, & Siam Discovery has just announced they'll close at 2.30pm.

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Protesters confront 3 companies of BPP policemen at Childlom Intersection

BANGKOK: -- At 2:10 pm, red-shirt protesters confronted 3 companies of border patrol policemen at the Chidlom Intersection.

The policemen were approaching from the Asoke Intersection past Ploenchit to the Chidlom Intersection, the protesters rushed to confront them to try to push the policemen back.

The police were armed only with shields and batons.

The outbound Sukhumvit Road was closed.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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ASTV: Military Intends to Move in, Take Back Pan Fah Bridge

ASTV online reported that the military intends to move in on the protesters, who are gathering at the Pan Fah Bridge area.

Acting Government Spokersman Panithan Watanayakorn won't confirm if the authorities plan to force the protesters out of the Pan Fah protest site. He also declined to reveal the plan of actions to be employed by the military but stressed the soldiers will adjust their strategies to suit the current situation and to ensure that areas protected by the Internal Security Act and the Emergency Decree are protected from the red-shirt protesters.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-10

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Authorities Also Attempt to Take Back Ratchaprasong

A large number of anti-riot officers are moving in to surround the protesters at Ratchaprasong Intersection, who have placed six-wheeler trucks around the perimeters of the Ratchaprasong intersection to prevent the officials from advancing forward.

The soldiers have now been able to marched to the front of Central Chidlom.

Meanwhile, BTS skytrain has suspended its services at Chidlom, Siam and Rajdamri station.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-10

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About 1,000 troops head to Phan Fa

At 2:10 pm Saturday, some 1,000 troops from the First Army Area headquarters were heading to the Phan Fa bridge.

The troops were marching past the Education Ministry to the Makkhawan Rangsang Bridge.

A helicopter was seen flying over the area.

The officers also told non-protesters to leave the area.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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THE NATION: Tear gas was fired at Makkhawan Bridge:INN

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Four skytrain stations near rally sites suspended services

Four skytrain stations have been suspended their services, passengers are told to use nearby stations as security authorites are preparing to disperse red shirts protesters at Rajaprasong Intersection.

The four stations are Rajdamri, Siam, Chidlom

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Troops fire tear gas at protesters at protesters at Phan Fa

At 2:35 pm, troops pushed red-shirt protesters from Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge to the Phan Fa direction and troops started firing teargas canisters.

The protesters were seen retreating as they did not wear any gear to protect them from the gas.

Several were seen with eyes running out.

The troops have crossed over the Makkhawan Rangsan already.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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THE NATION: Avoid Krungthon and Rama VIII bridges - use Rama III, Krungthep, Taksin, Rama VII instead - via js100 radio.

THE NATION: Urgent: BTS closed down.

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TAN Network BREAKING NEWS: BTS services to all stations have been suspended.

THE NATION: Urgent! Rama VIII Bridge (inbound to Bkk) is closed. Expressway - Ploenchit & Yomraj exits are now closed. via js100radio

THE NATION: All BTS stations are closed:TVThai

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BTS Services Suspended; All Malls around Ratchaprasong Close

The BTS skytrain has suspended all services. However, protesters are spreading rumors that soldiers would be brought into the Ratchaprasong area via the BTS so they've targeted the BTS if that actually happends.

All malls around the Ratchaprasong area have also closed.

-- Tan Network 201-04-10

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TAN Network: Soldiers successful in taking control of Makawan Bridge area from red-shirts; tents being dismantled

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Troops seize control of area in front of Kurusapa

Troops have already seized control of the area in front of the Kurusapa Auditorium at the Education Ministry, Channel 9 reported.

Military officers announced through speakers, telling the protesters to go home.

The protesters were standing on the two sides of the canal while the troops maintained position in front of the Kurusapa hall.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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THE NATION: Army spokesman Sansern said Phan Fa situation will be under control in two hrs. He asks public to stay away from the area

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Skytrains' services suspended at all stations

By The Nation

BTS authority has suspended service of all skytrain stations after red shirts leaders called for the protesters to destroy all stations.

Earlier BTS suspended only four stations near the Rajaprasong rally sites; Chidlom, Ploenchit, Rajdamri and Siam. All entrances and exits were shut down.

Red shirts leaders told the cheering crowds that BTS is servants of Amataya, and urged the protesters to go and destroyed the stations.

Guards of red shirts protesters use black plastic bags to cover security cameras of skytrain stations near Rajprasong rally sites.

Thai TV reported that red shirts leaders told the protesters to gather together, saying the government will disperse them soon.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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THE NATION: Injured protesters being treated at first-aid tents at Phan Fah (via @kttnews)

THE NATION: An NBT reporter said she heard about rubber bullet injuries.

THE NATION: Rajprasong red leaders urging crowds "never to yield our grounds".

THE NATION: BT having northeastern radio hosts urging red protesters to go home.

THE NATION: "Let's go home, brothers. And enjoy our Songkran," said a host of Luk E-saan radio programme.

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Thaksin Asks Red-shirts to Come out in Larger Numbers

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra used text messages to ask his supporters to come out to help the red-shirt protesters.

He claimed the prime minister has ordered a crackdown on the group so they must come out to help their fellow comrades.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-10

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33 people reportedly injured in crackdowns so far

Thai PBS station reported that the crackdowns against the red-shirt protesters at Phan Fa have so far injured 33 people.

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Phan Fa leaders mobilize men to block Chor Por Ror Intersection

Red-shirt leaders at the Phan Fa Bridge mobilized men to block the Chor Por Ror Intersection to try to deter the advancement of troops.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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