Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Saturday

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THE NATION: Six military trucks loaded with troops have left 11 Regiment

THE NATION: PM Abhisit will be on air in 20 mins:TVTHAI

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Panithan confirms operations to "reclaim traffic areas" begin

Deputy PM Secretary-General Panithan Wattanayakorn confirmed on Channel 9 and TNN that the "operations to reclaim traffic areas" have started.

He was referring to the crackdown against the protesters on the Rajdamnonen Road.

He said the authorities wanted to reclaim the traffic areas so that people could travel and the protesters had already been warned that their gathering was illegal.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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[george]

Bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS: Reporter at scene states that soldiers at firing guns into the air (from video though the guns are horizontal). ThaiPBS has video of use of tear gas at Makkawan bridge. ThaiPBS says the bullets from guns were rubber bullets

Nation: We have heard no reports of any red arrest. Nation reporters Praphasri saw hundreds of troops reinforcing force at the Makkhawan Bridge at 3:30 pm.

Nation: 33 people reportedly injured in crackdowns so far. 1,000 troops advance from Royal Plaza to Makkhawan

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Authorities Begin Near-Simultaneous Operations to Claim Back Protest Sites

BANGKOK: -- At around 1 p.m. this morning the government launched an almost-simultaneous operations to claim back the protest sites seized by the anti-government red-shirt protesters.

Since earlier this morning, military convoys were seen moving through Bangkok streets, especially the areas near Pan Fah Bridge, the red-shirts' main rally site. Undaunted by news and reports of possible dispersals of the protesters, the red-shirt leaders staged mobile rallies at various sites including Thaicom building in Lard Lum Gaew area in Pathum Thani Province and Region 1 Army headquarters on Sri Ayutthaya Road.

The mobile rally at the Region 1 Army HQ has resulted in a minor skirmish between the protesters and anti-riot military officials. Confronted by the red-shirt protesters, who demanded they defy the government's orders and stop acting as a tool to the Abhisit administration, around 5,000 anti-riot military officials were deployed to form lines of defence in front of the Region 1 Army HQ. The officials slowly advanced on the protesters and had forced them to fall back.

Red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praiphana had urged the protesters from Pan Fah to join the mobile rally at the Region 1 Army HQ. As more red-shirt protesters moved in on the anti-riot officials, high-pressured water was prayed at the protesters, rubber bullets and tear gas were used to deter the demonstrators from breaching the human security barriers.

After around 15 minutes, the red-shirt leaders announced on the main stage at Pan Fah Bridge, calling for the red-shirt protesters to return to the Pan Fah rally site. While the protesters were falling back towards the Pan Fah stage, military officials were moving in from Makkawan Rangsan Bridge to pressure the red-shirt protesters to leave the area. A small number of monks, who are sympathizers of the red-shirt movement, had formed a protective line between the protesters and the military officials. Sounds of explosions, believed to be from tear gas grenades, were also heard from the Makkawan Rangsan Bridge near the UN headquarters.

At around 2.15 P.M. the government claimed it had regain Pitsanulok Road from the protesters.

At the same time, a similar operation was taking place at areas surrounding the Ratchaprasong intersection. Anti-riot officials, moving on foot, were moving in on the protesters at Ratchaprasong area. In response to the heavy security presence, red-shirt leaders at Ratchaprasong ordered six-wheeler trucks to be placed around the perimeter of the protest site to prevent the authorities from advancing on the protesters.

Red-shirt leader Nuttawut Saigua had called for red-shirt supporters to join their fellow protesters at Ratchaprasong and Pan Fah.

The Center for the Administration of Peace and Order said it's prepared to use incremental measures, from light to intensive, to reclaim the areas protected by the Internal Security Act and the Emergency Decree.

So far, no serious injuries or deaths have been reported. Vajira Hospital has revealed that 8 people have been treated for rally-related injuries.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-10

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TAN Network: PTT has stopped transporting NGV gas services in Bkk and vicinities due to protest situation, Pinklao Bridge closed

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Fight going on at Makkhawan

At 4 pm, Thai PBS reported live protesters battling troops at the Makkhawan Bridge.

Protesters armed with sharpened bamboo sticks were seen surging at troops while sounds of gunfire continued.

Thai PBS said troops fired tear gas rubber bullets at the protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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THE NATION: Nuttawut: "This is just first round. Even if Phan Fa will b taken, govt can never win."

THE NATION: PM Abhisit may postpone his statement to evening after the situation under control, The Nation's Govt House reporter.

THE NATION: Troops at Makkhawan reinforced:

bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS near Phan Fa area states a bullet hit their vehicle. She believes from trajectory it was bullet fired into air. shows where it hit

TAN Network: CAPO Spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd reiterated army will claim back Pan Fah Bridge protest site by tonight.

THE NATION: At 4:18 pm, Thai PBS reported troops were retreating from Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge to the area in front of Education Ministry.

THE NATION: The wind blew tear gas back at the troops, causing them to be unable to maintain position, Thai PBS explained.

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THE NATION: TV reporters displayed a (real) bullet that has hit their car near BMA office. (Quite a distance from where the Rajdamnoen action was)

THE NATION: Today's battle will be decided at Makkawan Bridge (near UN building), where troops have been pushed back coz winds obstruct tear gas use

THE NATION: PM Abhisit will be on TV after the military reclaimed Phan Fa area fr protesters, The Nation Govt House reporter reported.

THE NATION: As of 15.45 - Erawan medical unit reported 47 injuried people - no serious case reported as of now

THE NATION: CLOSED - soi sarasin langsuan closed/

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Sansern confirms Suthep ordered crackdown

Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the spokesman of the Emergency Operations Command, confirmed that Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban Saturday ordered the crackdowns on protesters.

The crackdown began the 1st Army Area head office and continued to the Phan Fa rally site.

Sansern said 234 companies of troops were deployed to carry out the operation to break up the demonstration.

Sansern said the crackdown was necessary as protesters would not obey the emergency decree, which prohibited demonstrations.

He said the dispersing of the demonstrators would be completed before evening falls.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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THE NATION: PM at 11 regiment

bangkokpundit: Panitan on Ch5: Authorities will act in line with international practices and the processes we have set out

bangkokpundit: Panitan has mastered the politician's act of talking and saying virtually nothing.

TAN Network: Chao Phraya express boat services and ferry shuttles remained open . For more info call 1199 (Thai)

THE NATION: Situation reportedly tensing up in Chiang Mai where reds surround provincial hall.

Bangkokpost: Red threatens to seize Khon Kaen city hall

THE NATION: NBT footage shows scattered reds at Chiang Mai provincial hall. not looking intimidating.

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Foreign reporter injured, one troop needs surgery

A foreign reporter was hit by a bullet and injured in the crackdown operation near Phan Fa bridge, Channel 9 reported.

Channel 9 reproted that 33 injured people were sent to the Bangkok Medical Department while 12 injured troops were sent to Phra Mongkut Hospital.

A troop needed an urgent operation as he was pieced at his neck by a sharpened bamboo stick.

The station reported that about 20 injured people were sent to the BMA Central Hospital.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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THE NATION: Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) or sonic gun has been deployed at Misakawan Intersection now.

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Red-shirt Supporters in Chiang Mai Seize City Hall

Around 1,000 red-shirt protesters in Chiang Mai have managed to pass through the gate of the province city hall and seize the area in retaliation to the government's efforts to disperse the protesters in Bangkok.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-10

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THE NATION: Khaosod reports Reds have seized two buses.

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Sonic gun deployed at Misakawan Intersection

A Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) or sonic gun has been deployed at the Misakawan Intersection while hundreds of troops formed lines to confront protesters.

Troops have been positioned from the area in front of the Metropolitan Police head office and throughout Phitsanulok Road.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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THE NATION: Panitan is speaking on TV.

THE NATION: Panitan: "All actions have been and will be in accordance with human right, legal and international standards."

bangkokpundit: Panitan: Authorities are taking action by issuing warrants and summons for those who have broken the law

THE NATION: Panitan: "We 'd like the public to stay away from the particular areas and cooperate with authorities."

TAN Network: CAPO urges public to avoid travelling to protest areas and cooperate with authorities

THE NATION: Sansern is speaking now.

bangkokpundit: Col Sansern: 200-300 reds were trying to break into area. We used water cannons. Reds went back 2 Phan Fa & said army was cracking down.

THE NATION: Sansern: "They were pushed back but went back to Phan Fa to claim troops harassed them."

THA NATION: Sansern: "In operations today, things happened very fast and troops had to decide on the spot on appropriate actions."

THE NATION: Sansern said 2 military officers were injured form bullet. "Some protesters at KokWau intersection have got weapons."

THE NATION: Sansern: "Rumours have it troops used real bullets. That is untrue."

THE NATION: Sansern: "We will keep public informed of developments" . End of press con.

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THE NATION: MBK will close at 6 pm today. shops' owners packing up now.

THE NATION: A protester, blood above one eye, was hauled onto red stage at phan fa to show his injury, TV footage shows.

AFP: More than 90 injured in clashes in Bangkok: officials

TAN NetworK. Public Health Ministry hotline, urged public to call 24-hr hotline at 1669 to report any rally-related injuries.

bangkokpundit Public Health Min is interviewed on TNN says the government will pay for all hospital care for all those injured

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Helicopter drops teargas canisters onto protesters at Phan Fa

At 5:58 pm, Thai PBS reported that a helicopter dropped teargas canisters onto protesters.

But the protesters retaliated by releasing balloons at the helicopter.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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MCOT: Tension eases at Ploenchit intersection after police successfully talk Red Shirts into returning to Ratchaprasong after 4-hour confrontation

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bangkokpundit: Reuters:"At least five suffered gunshot wounds, including a freelance photographer shot in the stomach"

bangkokpundit: TNN: phone cross with reporter at Ratchadomern saying tear gas fired (in background u can hear repeated shots)

THE NATION: Tear gas are fired at Visut Kasat interesction:TNN

THE NATION: 108 public bus routes will stop at 21.00 tonight - for more info call 184.

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THE NATION: Ok, bad news is, as I have discussed with fellow editors, it is far from over. A few more days at least and we don't even know how it ends.

THE NATION: Troops' advantage during day time is disappearing with the day light.

THE NATION: reds sneaking back to reinforce Phan Fa and Rajprasong and if this continues it's back to square 1.

THE NATION: If ARmy troops are determined but ineffectual at Rajdamnoen, police are useless around Rajprasong,.

TAN network: TAN_Network Reports of 19 army, police 3, civilians 71 and 1 foreigner injured.

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20 soldiers injured as protesters clash with soldiers

BANGKOK: -- About twenty soldiers were injured when red shirts protesters hurled explosives into them at Si Yak Kok Woe intersection at about 8pm.

The injured soldiers who were dragged from the scene were seen soaking with blood.

Reporters were barred and pushed back to be behind soldiers' columns.

The soldiers then fought back by shooting rubber bullets at the protesters.

Sounds of exchange of gunfires were heard sporadically.

Nation channel reporter said that the protesters had guns and fired at soldiers.

-- The Nation 2010-04-10

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bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS: On Din Sor Road, near Khao San, tear gas fired at protesters

bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS: Report of something thrown from the reds side injuring soliders

MCOT: Explosion at Kok Wua injures many in clashes between soldiers and Reds; protesters throw firebombs at soldiers

THE NATION: Leading Rajprasong reds to Phan Fa are Nuttawut and Arisman.

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bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS: Red leaders call for Abhisit to leave the country and for a dissolution in 15 days

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THE NATION: The Nation's reporter reported from Vachara hospital that a protesters were shot and his intestine flown out.

THE NATION: At Kokwua Intersection, protesters used lie ammunitions and M26 grenades while troops battled them with rubber bullets.

bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS: Reporter at hospital where military are being taken. One seriously injured

bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS: From reporter at hospital, most injuries by soldiers is from tear gas

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MCOT: 199 injured-- 55 soldiers, 9 policemen and 135 protesters-- during clashes: Erawan Medical Centre

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THE NATION: Urgent: Nuttawut says one red shot dead by troops. Arisman says "War has come".

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THE NATION: At Phan Fa, Natthawut told soldiers to cease fire within 5 mins and told reds to retreat and wait,The Nation.

THE NATION: Press con fr Sansern again now.

THE NATION: Col Sansern: "We have carried out measures step by step. Protesters countered by every means including use of bombs and real bullets"

THE NATION: Sansern: "Khun Korbsak has been instructed to coordinate with red leaders"

THE NATION: Sansern: "Troops have retreated to a certain extent. So we hope protesters at the scene will be told to retreat as well."

THE NATION: Central Hospital said one 43-year old red protester died after apparently getting clubbed in the head (via smsMCOT)

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THE NATION: Nuttawut sound willing to negotiate, saying he wanted a senior military officer to call him.

[george]

MCOT: CRES: PM's secretary-general coordinates with Red Shirt leaders to seek truce; troops retreat after violent clash

BNO News: Thai army says troops have retreated from biggest confrontation yet during month-long street protests demanding new elections.

[george]

Nation: Nuttawut: "Don't talk about revenge now. Most important is everyone must b safe. Media must b my witness that we had negotiated with Kobsak". "Please don't ask ab. revenge now. everyone must b safe here. We have lost too many tonight. From now on we won't lose anymore" Nutthawut

Nation: Now, it's apparently up to whether red leaders can calm down angry protesters.

[george]

Nation: Rally continues still at two locations - Ratchaprasong Intersection and Pan Fah Bridge.

AP: Thai protesters display body of man they say was killed in fighting with soldiers in Bangkok.

[george]

RUMOUR MILL ™: Some bad signs, though @Bancha_nna: reports that red leaders had snatched two bodies from Hua Chiew Hospital, bringing them back to Phan fa

Richard Barrow (journ.): Another body arriving at Pan Fa stage now. People openly weeping. Bodies of #redshirts on Pan Fah stage being covered in Thai flag....

Bangkok Post: Clash near Democracy monument

Nation: Hua Chiew Hospital director preparing a statement, we've heard. Probably about the alleged bodies-snatching incident.

MCOT: BMA General Hospital confirms one Red Shirt security guard, 43, dead from severe head injury

Nation: Arisman not stopping yet. He allegedly won't listen to Nuttawut.

[george]

Twitter: I am watching [Reds] on this page: http://www.uddthai.com But don't tell the government!

Twitter: let's pray people of Thailand will realize that they are brothers and sisters and will put this family feud aside forever.

MCOT: Natthawut demands decision-making person to truce talks, vows to continue peaceful protest tonight

Nation: Jatuporn screams at PhanFa "No more negotiation". Body was shown to protesters now , INN reports.