Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Sunday

[webfact]

Sunday April 11 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]

Thailand in turmoil after 15 die in bloody clashes

BANGKOK(AFP) -- Thailand was in turmoil Sunday after 15 people died in fighting between anti-government protesters and the military on the blood-splattered streets of the capital.

Red Shirt protesters called on the country's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej to intervene in the month-long crisis early Sunday, saying it was the "way to prevent further dead."

"Did anybody inform the king that his children were killed in the middle of the road without justice?" Reds' leader Jatuporn Prompan asked protesters. "Is there anyone close to him who told him of the gunfights?"

Thai security forces fought street battles with protesters in the heart of Bangkok on Saturday, leaving 15 dead and hundreds injured in the country's bloodiest political violence in almost two decades.

Although he has no official political role, the hospitalised king is seen as a unifying figure.

And during an 1992 uprising he chastised both the military and protest leaders, effectively bringing the violence to an end.

A Japanese cameraman with the Reuters news agency was among those killed as the army cracked down on supporters of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, following almost a month of demonstrations.

The Reds hurled rocks as troops tried to clear one of two protest sites in the capital with tear gas as gunshots echoed around the city.

The dead included 11 civilians and four soldiers. Almost 700 people were hurt.

The army later retreated, calling for a truce with the demonstrators, who were holding five soldiers hostage.

Thousands of demonstrators were also refusing to leave another rally site.

Riot shields and pools of blood were left scattered near the city's famous Khaosan Road backpacker district.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva offered his condolences but refused the protesters' calls to resign.

"I and my government will continue to work to resolve the situation," he said in a televised address to the nation.

It was the country's worst political clashes since 1992 as the White House called for "restraint by both protesters and security forces."

The mostly poor, rural Reds say the government is illegitimate as it came to power with military backing in 2008 after a court ousted Thaksin's allies from power.

Abhisit invoked emergency rule Wednesday after the Reds stormed parliament, prompting lawmakers to flee.

The embattled premier has insisted he will not cede to the Reds' demand and call elections.

Tens of thousands of police and soldiers were mobilised to restore order, provoking an angry response from the red-clad movement.

It was the latest chapter in years of political turmoil in Thailand pitting Bangkok's ruling elite against the mainly working class Reds.

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

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-11

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

PM mourns loss of lives

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva last night expressed sorrow for the deaths following clashes between soldiers and protesters.

In his speech broadcast at 11.25 pm, Abhisit said he and his government still have the duty to ease the situation and restore peace in the country. "I promise the government will carry out [the task] with transparency, fairly and in a way that benefits the country and the people," he said.

The prime minister offered condolences to families of the victims and indirectly asserted that he would not bow to the protest leaders' demand for him to step down.

He said there must be independent investigation to be conducted by experts to determine the causes of deaths. "Both sides should not accuse each other of causing the losses."

Abhisit said the authorities and the protest leaders agreed earlier yesterday to end their clash to prevent further losses. "The government has stopped the operation and protesters have retreated to the rally site."

He said the government was left with no choice but to enforce the law by trying to disperse the protests, adding that earlier failures to do so had a negative impact on the country's image.

-- The Nation 2010-04-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Protesters mass in northern Thailand

CHIANG MAI (AFP) -- Hundreds of "Red Shirt" protesters massed outside a provincial hall in northern Thailand Saturday chanting anti-government slogans, after clashes in the capital, officials said.

The protesters took over the area in front of the building in Chiang Mai, Thailand's largest northern city, after authorities launched a crackdown in Bangkok to clear Red Shirts from one of their rally sites.

"There has been no violence so far -- they are only shouting anti-government slogans," said an official inside the building in Chiang Mai.

The protesters were surrounded by 400 security personnel, who were trying to negotiate their departure, said a military source.

More than 130 people were injured Saturday in clashes between Red Shirt protesters and security forces in Bangkok.

Chiang Mai is the hometown of fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who has encouraged demonstrations by the Reds after being toppled in a 2006 coup.

Thai army spokesman Sunsern Kaewkumnerd told AFP that authorities were monitoring Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen provinces -- areas where Thaksin enjoys broad support -- but did not expect Red Shirt uprisings around the country.

The Red Shirt movement accuses the current government of being illegitimate because it came to power with military backing in 2008 after a court ousted Thaksin's allies from power.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-11

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Protesters blamed for gunfights, bomb attacks

By The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- The Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) said yesterday that protesters were carrying guns and bombs during the clash at Khok Wua intersection last night.

CRES spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said at a televised press conference that gunshots were fired by the protesters and injured at least two soldiers.

The press conference took place before a clash erupted later last night when protesters started a gunfight and threw grenades at anti-riot soldiers, causing scores of injuries. At press time, at least eight people were killed and almost 500 injured.

Sansern said it was necessary to crackdown on the red-shirt protesters because they were being violent. He added that the red shirts also tried to storm the 1st Army Region in the morning, and after being pushed back, they returned to Phan Fa Bridge to incite more violence.

The spokesman insisted that the Army operations were in line with the seven internationally accepted crowd-control measures.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the authorities were left with no choice but to disperse the crowds, adding that troops would only use force when necessary to reclaim areas.

"All actions have been and will be in accordance with human rights, legal and international standards," Panitan explained.

Meanwhile, deputy Army commander General Prayuth Jan-ocha yesterday promised to bring normalcy back to the country as soon as possible. He also called on the red shirts to respect the law and think of the country.

A source said that during a CRES meeting yesterday, Prayuth expressed dissatisfaction at the fact that the red shirts were mistreating soldiers.

-- The Nation 2010-04-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

EDITORIAL (REVISED)

These bloody clashes must cease immediately

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- With the situation now out of control, let us hope Songkran week will usher in a period of reflection and calm

The bloodshed that ripped apart the veneer of civility left in the country's politics yesterday was a tragedy waiting to happen.

A miffed Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva apparently appealed to the conscience of the armed forces on Friday over their lax implementation of the emergency decree.

Abhisit was reportedly so upset after rampaging red-shirt protesters managed to get the blacked-out PTV back on air that he gave the top brass a stinging lecture on "responsibility".

"I'm not asking you to take sides," Abhisit reportedly said, amid rumours of him falling out with military. "I'm just asking you to protect the legal power of the state."

Setting at rest the rumours, the armed forces responded to the premier's upbraid with a renewed resolve yesterday as they attempted to purge key areas in downtown Bangkok seized by the red shirts.

The result has been gory. The country witnessed its bloodiest political conflict since the 1992 unrest, and one that the whole country had been dreading for more than a month. The clashes between the Army and the red-shirt protesters have left 11 killed, including two soldiers. Undoubtedly, this tragedy will result in a series of recriminations and finger-pointing even as the dead on both sides are mourned. But the most critical thing for all sides in the conflict is to end the confrontation, back off and to desist from all acts of provocation. This message must undoubtedly be heard on the red-shirt stage, where emotions have been running high.

For the last few years, a culture of protest has repeatedly challenged governments and the armed forces - be it through the seizure of Government House, the airport or the Rajprasong intersection. Governments have been prevented from discharging their duties and forced to be on the run by mobs that claim to be speaking for the masses. This cultural of provocative recalcitrance and civil disobedience is making a mockery of democracy and threatens a breakdown of the administrative machinery. It is a price the country can ill afford to pay.

To be fair to the armed forces, the red-shirt campaign put many parties, including the military, in a damned-if-you-do-damned-if-you-don't situation.

How long could the country have endured the siege of a key economic target with the serious danger of a domino effect tripping the rest of the economy? How much longer could the government have continued to be on the run in the country's capital? Had the red shirts continued to pursue talks with the government on the time frame for the dissolution of the House, which is their key demand, without being intractable on their 15-day deadline, it is possible things would not have come to such a pass. In a democracy, negotiations are the only way to resolve a stand-off, even if that involves using interlocutors.

While yesterday's tragedy cannot be easily forgotten, if the lessons it holds out are learned, it is possible to avoid another confrontation of a similar or greater scale. At the end of the day, reds, yellows or people of any other hue are all still Thai.

The military has offered a ceasefire. The red shirts, however great their grief and however intense their angst, must respond positively. And efforts must immediately be made to get negotiations back on track.

Let this coming week's Songkran usher in a period of calm.

-- The Nation 2010-04-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

MCOT: Eighteen dead including 14 civilians, 4 soldiers and 825 injured in bloody clashes: Erawan Emergency Centre

[webfact]

Traffic info: MRT subway running but Silom station closed; BTS skytrain resumes service but Chidlom station closed; Khao San Road Songkran cancelled

[webfact]

List of the victims of the Black Saturday

The followings are 15 of 18 victims killed when red shirts protesters battled with soldiers.

1 Mr Ampon Katiyarat, 43

2 Mr Yuttana Thongcharoenponporn, 23

3 Mr Paison Tipkom, 37

4 Mr Sawat Wangam, 43

5 Mr Hirouki Muramoto

6 Mr Tawattanachai Kladsuk, 36

7 Mr Thotsachai Mekngamfa, 44

8 Mr Charoon Charnmaen, 46

9 Mr Wasant Puthong, 39

10 Mr Tawil Pomsantia, 43

11 Mr Kanueng Chatteh

12 Private Patapon Puriwatprapan

13 Private Anupong Muangrampan

14 Private Singha (last name unknown)

15 Sgt Chamnien (last name unknown)

-- The Nation 2010-04-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Govt: Negotiations Only When Reds Follow Law

Thai Prime Minister Secretariat Korbsak Sabhavasuk says future negotiations between the Thai Government and the Red Shirt Movements are only possible when the anti-government protesters obey the law.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: Latest toll: 19 dead and 807 injured.

THE NATION: People support the third round of negotiation between redshirt leader and government, ABAC poll.

[webfact]

CHRONOLOGY

A day of raging battles

How the clashes happened:

10.40am: Some 300 red-shirted protesters from the rally site at Phan Fa Bridge battle police at the Larn Luang intersection. Red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praiphana tells the protesters to gather in a group of 300. He asks them to push police away from the checkpoint at the intersection.

11.30: When two police serve arrest warrants on three red-shirt leaders at the Rajprasong intersection, a table holding Buddha images collapses, causing a red image of the Emerald Buddha of the protesters to break into two. Red-shirt guards rush to cover the broken Buddha image with sheets of newspaper and do not allow photos to be taken.

11.45: Some red-shirt leaders alert protesters about a possible crackdown by troops. The leaders, including Wisa Khanthap, Kwanchai Praiphana and Phaichit Akksornnarong, tell the protesters that they learned that troops were advancing on the Phan Fa rally site.

Protesters use pickup to block five accesses to the main rally site - Democracy Monument, Wanchart Bridge, Larn Luang intersection, Pom Prakarn intersection and Misakawan intersection.

12.50pm: Red shirts, led by Kwanchai, move from Phan Fa Bridge to the First Army Area headquarters on Rajdamnoen Nok Road, claiming they want to demand the Army to stop serving the government.

When they try to storm the compound, soldiers close the gates and train water cannons on them. The protesters throw pieces of wood at the troops before retreating to a site nearby, the Sue Bah area. Reporters say gunshots were heard coming from the area.

1.00: A reporter says protesters and soldiers clashed at Misakawan intersection on Rajdamnoen Nok Road. Soldiers fired guns into the air to disperse a group of protesters, up to six of whom were wounded. A company of soldiers doubled back to the King Chulalongkorn Monument to cut off a group of protesters. Soldiers had moved to Makkhawan-Rangsan intersection, in front of the United Nations building.

1.20: Hundreds of riot police are deployed at Ploenchit intersection while red-shirt leaders call for the protesters to form barricades to counter police.

TV footage shows police in full gear marching to Ploenchit, which is near Rajprasong, the venue occupied by red shirts for days. The deployment indicates that the government plans to disperse the pro-Thaksin protesters.

Red-shirt leaders tell the protesters to wake up and come out of their tents. They distribute handkerchiefs to protect the protesters from tear gas.

The leaders call for red shirts upcountry to go to their city hall and do whatever they want.

1.50: Protesters and soldiers clash again when the Army shoots tear gas and water at the red shirts who tried to raid the First Army Area headquarters on Rajdamnoen Nok Road.

The operation pushes the protesters back to the Misakawan area nearby. A protester is hurt.

2.00: Department stores around Rajprasong begin to close early amid the tense situation.

2.10: Some 1,000 troops from the First Army Area head to Phan Fa Bridge.

The troops march past the Education Ministry to Makkhawan-Rangsan Bridge.

A helicopter flies over the area. Officers tell non-protesters to leave.

Red-shirt protesters confront three companies of Border Patrol police at the Chidlom intersection.

The police had approached from the Asoke intersection past Ploenchit to the Chidlom intersection, where protesters rushed to try to push them back.

Police are armed with only shields and batons. Outbound lanes of Sukhumvit Road are closed.

2.20: Troops fire tear gas at protesters at the Misakawan intersection.

At the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal, troops move forward and turnwater cannon on the protesters. Some leaders on stage there are arrested.

2.30: Four Skytrain stations suspend operations. Passengers are told to use nearby stations as authorities are preparing to disperse the red shirts at Rajprasong. The four stations are Rajdamri, Siam, Chidlom and Ploenchit.

2.35: Troops push red-shirt protesters from Makkhawan-Rangsan Bridge in the direction of Phan Fa while starting to fire tear-gas canisters.

Protesters retreat, as they are not wearing any gear to protect themselves from the gas. Several have

runny eyes. Troops have crossed over Makkhawan-Rangsan.

2.50: Troops have already seized control of the area in front of the Kurusapa Auditorium at the Education Ministry, Modernine TV reports.

Military officers urge protesters through loudspeakers to go home.

The protesters stand on both sides of the canal while the troops maintain their position in front of Kurusapa hall.

3.15: Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra sends an SMS to his followers' phones using TSLive, which reads "Abhisit has ordered to suppress protesters and urged people to help protesters. Democracy and justice must be real".

3.20: Some 1,000 troops advance from the Royal Plaza to Makkhawan Bridge. The red shirts try to prevent them from proceeding to the Chor Por Ror intersection. The two sides confront each other at Makkhawan Bridge.

3.30: Hundreds of troops arrive at the bridge to reinforce those already there. Armed with batons and shields, they form lines to keep people from entering the rally area.

3.45: About 1,000 soldiers seize Makkhawan Bridge by firing bullets and tear gas into the air. Protesters run back as the fumes spread.

The soldiers line up and walked towards the protesters to reclaim the area. Protesters fight to take the area back while soldiers do not pay any attention to their actions.

While soldiers fired tear gas into the protesters, the protesters threw objects into a group of soldiers. Soldiers retreat, as many of them were injured.

Some soldiers are still at Phan Fa Bridge and fire rubber bullets to warn protesters to move out of the area.

3.50: Thai PBS reports that troops are firing tear gas at protesters. A Thai PBS reporter at the scene is apparently affected by tear gas, as she chokes and stops reporting.

Gunshots are also heard as troops fire into the air.

Thai PBS reports that the crackdowns against the red-shirt protesters at Phan Fa have so far wounded 33 people.

4.00: Thai PBS reports that protesters are fighting troops at Makkhawan Bridge. Protesters armed with sharpened bamboo sticks surge at the troops while the sound of gunshots continues. Thai PBS says troops fired rubber bullets at the protesters.

4.12: Protesters cheer as troops step back from the confrontation line at Makkhawan Bridge.

Protesters reclaim their rally area from the troops and push them back across the bridge.

4.18: Thai PBS reports that troops are retreating from Makkhawan Bridge to the area in front of Kurusapa Hall.

The station says the wind blew the tear gas back on the troops, causing them to be unable to defend their position at the bridge.

5.20: Bullets of an M16 assault rifle are found in the area near the Old Siam mall, which shuts down later.

5.21: Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman of the Emergency Operations Command, confirms that Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban ordered the crackdowns on protesters.

The crackdown began at the First Army Area headquarters and continued to the Phan Fa rally site.

Sansern says 234 companies were mobilised to carry out the operation to break up the demonstration.

The crackdown was necessary, as protesters would not obey the emergency decree, which prohibits demonstrations, he says.

The dispersal of the demonstrators would be completed before night falls, he says.

5.30: About 1,000 troops march from Bovornnivate Temple to the Khok Wua intersection to push protesters back.

5.55: At Phan Fa Bridge, tear-gas canisters are thrown into a group of red shirts sitting in front of the stage, dispersing them.

Reporters also suffer tear-gas irritations. Protesters don masks to protect themselves.

6.00: Protesters shoot tear gas at soldiers. Soldiers play a song called "Rak Khan Wai Terd" (Love Each Other) and tell protesters to go back home.

6.22: Protesters try to fire rockets into the air after seeing a helicopter flying near the demonstration site.

6.51: Soldiers settle in at the Democracy Monument. They play another song, "Poh Luang Khong Roa" (Our Beloved Father), while many protesters express anger at the troops after hearing that many of their numbers were injured.

6.48: Troops keep people out of the Khok Wua intersection on Rajdamnoen Avenue and prepare tear gas and rubber bullets.

6.50: Protesters begin throwing objects, including tear-gas canisters, at advancing troops.

7.00: Troops confront protesters at the middle of Soi Khok Wua.

7.45: Troops shoot rubber bullets into the air as a warning.

8.00: A bomb is hurled into soldiers at the Khok Wua intersection, causing several injuries.

Gunshots and four more explosions are heard.

8-8.15: Grenades are fired into Government House, causing some damage.

9: Protest co-leader Natthawut Saikua offers a ceasefire, saying soldiers should stop shooting before the protesters disperse.

9.15: Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd announces in a broadcast that soldiers would keep their distance from the protesters after both sides stop firing.

9.40: Red-shirt leaders dismiss the possibility of talks with the government, branding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva a "tyrant".

11: There are 12 reported deaths from the evening's violence - nine protesters, two soldiers and one foreign photographer - and 520 injuries.

-- The Nation 2010-04-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Dr. Weng Demands Government Dissolve Parliament Immediately

Dr. Weng Tojirakarn, one of the anti-government Red Shirt leaders, criticizes the government for sending the military forces to kill Red Shirt protesters at Pan Fa area and demands for the immediate dissolution of the Parliament.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

_______________________________________________________________________

THE NATION: Quite a few middle-ranking officers were injured. One major general, Maj Gen Valit Rojpakdi, 1 of those overseeing operation, was wounded

THE NATION: Immediate future depends on the reds.

THE NATION: A number of reds heading to thaicom uplink station in Pathum Thani now.

THE NATION: 300 academics are demanding independent investigation (the same group that demanded non violence and no House dissolution)

[webfact]

THE NATION: Still no words from Thaksin. ironically, he was , as he had claimed, helping Saudi Arabia create a "new city" yesterday.

[webfact]

THE NATION: Nuttawut has started a media statement now.

THE NATION: "This is our collective national pain," Nuttawut said.

[webfact]

THE NATION: Red shirts have resolved to set up committe led by Weng and Dr Prateep to help victims and carry out investigation, Nattawut said.

THE NATION: "We will carry on with appropriate measures so our (red shirts') losses will be worthwhile," Nattawut said.

THE NATION: Nattawut is speaking in normal, non-aggressive voice.

MCOTEnglishnews: Red Shirts gather at Thaicom satellite ground station; demand authorities reconnect Peoples' Television broadcast signal

[webfact]

THE NATION: "Reds around the land regret the losses on both sides," Nattawut said.

MCOT: Troops begin pulling out in some areas, except key locations including Government House after talks between Red Shirts, military

THE NATION: An editor friend of mine told me last night Reds/Govt need to talk. An opportunistic coup'll make situation more complicated beyond words.

MCOTEnglishnews Grenade attack at TV5 television station in Phayao; no casualties

THE NATION: Thaksin said he's deeply saddened by what happened, asking reds to decide by themselves whether to go on rally.

THE NATION: Thaksin's message was apparently passed through the red leaders.

[webfact]

MCOT: All department stores in Ratchaprasong area remain closed, to evaluate situation daily

THE NATION: Thaksin, who had repeated asked red shirts to "stay a bit longer, a few days more", should show some responsibility.

[webfact]

19 dead, 807 injured in Bangkok clashes

By DUANGKAMON SAJIRAWATTANAKUL

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

BANGKOK: -- At least nineteen people were reported to have died and 807 injured from clashes between security forces and red-shirt demonstrators in different parts of the capital, National Emergency Centre's director Phetpong Kamchornkijakarn said late last night.

He said of the casualties, nine were civilians and two were soldiers. Of the civilians killed, eight were red-shirt protesters, while the ninth was a Japanese man who worked as a photographer for Thomson-Reuters.

As of press time on Saturday, six of the dead, including the photographer, had been sent to Central Hospital; two sent to Hua Chiew Hospital; three to Vajira Hospital, which included two soldiers and a 50-year-old red-shirt protester who succumbed to a heart attack.

The Japanese photographer, Hiroyuki Muramoto, died from a gunshot wound to his chest.

Of the red-shirt protesters, one of the dead was identified as 38-year-old Wasan Phoothong, who worked as a tailor in Samut Prakan province; while one was a 43-year-old guard for the movement. Another red-shirt protester killed was Sawat Wa-ngam, who, according to protest leader weng Tojirakarn, had died from a head injury.

Of the two dead soldiers, one was killed by a gunshot wound to his neck.

According to reports, the biggest clash took place in Bangkok's Khok Wua intersection, where about 20 soldiers, a resident and a protester were injured. The victims were taken to hospitals nearby.

Vajira Hospital's director Dr Wanchai Charoenchokthavee said 51 injured people were admitted to the hospital, including 13 soldiers and one protester, who was sustained severe injuries to his lungs and stomach. Another protester was shot in his bottom. As of press time, the injured were undergoing surgery.

Earlier reports said another foreign journalist was shot in the head at Khok Wua intersection, and Wanchai said a foreigner called John Yinglin was among the injured. However, he could not confirm if he was a foreign journalist.

Meanwhile, Central Hospital director Dr Pitchaya Nakwatchara said yesterday that 30 injured people had been brought in from the Khok Wua intersection and Makkawan-Rangsan Bridge protest sites, of which 29 were civilians and one was a solider who had sustained head injury. Of the injured, three had gunshot wounds, including an ABC-News freelance photographer Winai Ditthajorn who was shot in his left leg.

He added that red-shirt protesters had also presented medical staff with some rubber bullets found in the clash site. Pitchaya confirmed that his hospital staff was on standby round the clock.

The hospital director later revealed X-rays of the three injured people, showing that Winai had been shot by what appeared to be a real bullet, while the two red-shirt protesters, Samak Khamsameu and Tag Benjamas, had been hit by a rubber bullet. As of press time, the three were undergoing surgery and will be under observation for three days.

Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanavisit, who is also chairman of the National Emergency Centre, said of the six soldiers sent to Siriraj Hospital, one had sustained a gunshot. He went on say that he had told all 79 emergency centres nationwide to work with Bangkok hospitals.

Emergency Medical Institute of Thailand's secretary-general Chatree Charoencheevakul said he expected the numbers of casualties to rise further, adding that he had put 1,000 medical staff and 150 ambulances on standby.

-- The Nation 2010-04-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: Bkk police chief said a man in black with M79 launcher was at clash site/scuffled wtih police and escaped, leaving the weapon.

THE NATION: Nuttawut confirmed M79 were fired toward soldiers, "but not by us. We take no responsibility."

BreakingNews: Protesters in Thailand say they will not negotiate with government, a day after clashes kill 18 - AP

[webfact]

THE NATION: About 3,000 reds at Thaicom station. Negotiating with police. There are about 800 police there, no army troops in sight.

[webfact]

UDD staging rallies at Thaicom Satellite Station

PATHUM THANI (NNT) -- The supporters of the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) have gathered at Thaicom satellite station in the central province of Pathum Thani amid heightened security by the security personnel.

About 200 anti-government UDD reportedly staged their rallies at Thaicom satellite station in Lat Lum Kaeo district, Pathum Thani province on Sunday morning, to express their dissatisfaction over the government's recent crowd dispersal operation. The UDD demonstrators from the main rally site at Bangkok's key business zone, Ratchaprasong Junction are expected to join the force during the day.

The UDD laid siege to the Thaicom satellite station on 9 April, demanding the reconnection of the People Channel’s broadcast signal. The shutdown of the anti-government television channel came after the channel was alleged of airing distorted information that affected national security.

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) has ordered security officers to disperse the anti-government group to retake the areas occupied by the UDD on Saturday. The violent clashes between state authorities and UDD supporters at Rachadamnoen Avenue have resulted in several casualties on the scene.

According to the latest report by the Emergency Medical Institute of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), there were a total of 19 deaths and 825 injuries during the riot. 14 deaths are reported to be the civilians, and 5 others are military personnel.

-- NNT 2010-04-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: Jatuporn asking reds living nearby the Thaicom station to join those in Latlumkaew heading toward Thaicom station.

THE NATION: Mall udpate: Opened - MBK, Emporium, Central Chidlom. Closed - Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, Siam Centre.

THE NATION: BTS has started its service since 10am - however it is not fully operated. (call 02-617-6000).

[webfact]

Military Forces Retreat from Red Shirt Rally Site

Red Shirt leader Supong Attawong negotiates with the army officials on guard around the Misakawan intersection to retreat a certain amount of area.

The army has proceeded to retreat. Meanwhile the Red Shirt guards have increased in numbers for tightened security.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Reds Head to ThaiCom

Five Pua Thai Bangkok Members of Parliament have lead 500 anti-government Red Shirt protesters to ThaiCom station early Sunday morning. The atmosphere around the station is tense as the MPs attempt to negotiate with Division 5 police to enter the compound to prepare the broadcast of the People's Channel.

The group at the same time are waiting for 3,000 more Red Shirt protesters to join their forces from Klong 4 and Phan Fa. Together the protesters plan to force their entrance into the ThaiCom compound if negotiations fail.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: BTS stations at and near Rajprasong still not servicing. Train coming from morchit ends at Rajthewee. From Onnuj ends at Asoke.

THE NATION: Translating @Cake_NBC: Reds planning to parade the dead bodies on Bkk streets tomorrow.

THE NATION: Rajprasong reds say the wires are meant to electrocute troops who push their way in.

THE NATION: BTS Siam,Chidlom, Silom and Rajdamri stations still closed.

THE NATION: Call 1137 to check the names of injury and death at JS 100 radio or 1808 for DTAC and TRUEMOVE (free of chrage).

[webfact]

RichardBarrow: Jatuporn: Thaksin was traumatized by clashes. He wanted red-shirts to use their own discretion whether to carry on fighting or end protest

THE NATION: Scuffle has been reported btw reds and outnumbered police at thaicom uplink station, a TV reporter says. More reds heading there.

[webfact]

Poll: 73% want third round of talks to end bloodshed

BANGKOK (TNA) -- 73 per cent of respondents in a public opinion poll want a third round of negotiations between the government and the anti-government Red Shirt protesters after Saturday’s clashes between combined security forces and the protesters in the Thai capital which have so far left 19 people dead and 825 wounded.

Noppadol Kannikar, director of Assumption University’s ABAC Poll, said the survey, conducted Saturday among 1,124 people in 17 provinces nationwide, including Bangkok, found that 72.8 per cent of respondents want a third round of talks between the government and protesters held in a bid to end the current political crisis in Thailand.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva held negotiations with key anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on March 28 and 29. The talks ended in failure as the UDD insisted that the prime minister must dissolve the House within 15 days while Mr Abhisit reasserted that he was willing to dissolve it within nine months and call for a general election.

Well over half of those polled, 57 per cent, said they felt depressed and miserable seeing the fierce clashes between the security forces and the protesters.

Dr Noppadol said the poll also found that 93.4 per cent of respondents wanted to see peace returned to the country followed by 84 per cent expressing that more social justice should be seen and 82.2 per cent wanted to have better livelihood for the people.

By early Sunday, the Erawan Medical Centre announced that 19 persons, including a Japanese TV cameraman for Reuters news agency, were killed in Saturday night’s bloody clashes while 825 people were wounded.

The 43-year-old Japanese TV cameraman was identified as Hiro Muramoto, who was shot in the chest while covering the fighting on Ratchadamnoen Avenue and died at a Bangkok municipality facility, the BMA General Hospital, according to the Reuters Bangkok bureau chief. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

10 corpses from Saturday´s clash taken for autopsy

BANGKOK, 11 April 2010 (NNT) -- The authorities have transported the corpses of 10 people killed in yesterday’s clash between security officers and anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) for a post-mortem examination.

All of the ten bodies, including that of Mr Hiroyuki Muramoto, a Japanese photographer for Thomson Reuters who was shot dead during the riot, are brought from the BMA General Hospital to the Police Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine for autopsy.

The confrontation between security officers and anti-government supporters erupted on Bangkok's Rachadamnoen Avenue on Saturday as state authorities tried to disperse the crowd who have occupied the area for a month. A total of 20 deaths and 825 injuries have been reported during the clash so far. Of these, 15 deaths are reported to be civilians, and 5 others are security officers.

-- NNT 2010-04-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: Four soldiers remain detained by reds at Phan Fa. Red guards won't allow anyone near.

THE NATION: Four soldiers remain detained by reds at Phan Fa. Red guards won't allow anyone near.

MCOT: Red Shirts to hold mourning ceremony for victims of bloody clashes at Democracy Monument Sunday evening

THE NATION: NationTV reporter said red leaders were coordinating with Army for release of the soldier hostages, who may b freed this afternoon.

THE NATION: recapping b4 a little break: Great uncertainties remain. Reds giving mixed signals but Thaicom standoff the thing to watch today. cont

THE NATION: recapping (cont): Also to watch is PM's allies, who r afraid there could b an opportunistic coup.