Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Sunday

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THE NATION: Update: Closed -Central Chidlom, Central World, Siam Paragon, Sim Centre, Siam Discovery.

THE NATION: PTT has started distributing NGV since 9.30am today, expecting NGV will be fully available this afternoon. via JS100 radio.

THE NATION: NGV should be available in Bkk & surrounding provinces this afternoon but NGV Hotline is not available today. (pls DONT call).

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THE NATION: at thaicom station, initial reports say reds have managed to make technicians reconnect PTV signals.

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THE NATION: PM Abhisit called leaders of all coalition partners to a meeting at the 11th Infantry Regiment at 1 pm Sunday, a coalition source said.

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PM holds meeting of coalition leaders

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva called leaders of all coalition partners to a meeting at the 11th Infantry Regiment at 1 pm Sunday, a coalition partner source said.

The source said the coalition partners might propose House dissolution if the situation continues to deteriorate.

-- The Nation 2010-04-11

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BMA medical centre revises death toll to 19

BANGKOK: -- The Erawan Emergency Medical Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has revised the death toll of the clashes between troops and red-shirt protesters to 19.

Fourteen of them were civilians and five were soldiers, the centre announced.

A total of 825 others were reported to be injured in the clashes.

-- The Nation 2010-04-11

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THE NATION: Blood needed at King Mongkut Hospital - especially group O and B. Donation at Chalermprakiat Bldg.

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THE NATION: Blood needed at King Mongkut Hospital - especially group O and B. Donation at Chalermprakiat Bldg.

cyberbkk: I went there earlier and 0 negative was highly appreciated

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THE NATION: Calling O-negative blood type. Donation needed. pls head to Chalermprakiat Bldg at King Monkut hospital. Now...

[george]

US condemns violence in Thailand

The US condemned fierce street clashes between Thai troops and anti-government protesters that left at least 19 dead and hundreds injured.

State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said the US "deeply regrets the violence on the streets of Bangkok April 10, and the loss of life."

"Violence is not an acceptable means of resolving political differences. We call on the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and the Thai security forces to show restraint going forward," he said in a statement, calling for negotiation between the sides.

At least 19 people were killed and 825 injured in street clashes between Thai troops and the red-shirted protestors in the heart of the old section of Bangkok, government sources confirmed Sunday.

Among the dead were 14 civilians, including one Japanese photographer for working for Thomson-Reuters, and four soldiers, according to the latest report from the government's Narenthorn Medical Centre.

A tense standoff between government troops and demonstrators continued Sunday in the two main protest sites, Phan Fa Bridge in the old part of the capital, and at Ratchaprasong, a posh shopping and hotel district in modern Bangkok.

"The United States firmly believes both sides can and should work out disagreements peacefully through earnest negotiation," Crowley said. "We once again stress the importance of all players in Thailand working to resolve differences in a way that strengthens democracy and rule of law. We strongly support the Thai nation and its people during this difficult period."

-- The Nation 2010-04-11

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[george]

Nation: Front page of The Nation "Our Darkest Hour" http://yfrog.com/el52eej

Nation: Govt press conference on TV now. Panitan speaking on TV

Nation: Weng's son shows photo of a protester shot in his head. said reds were unarmed: http://tweetphoto.com/18022288

MCOT: Public Health Ministry: 20 dead including 15 civilians and five soldiers, 842 injured in Saturday’s clashes

Nation: Govt spokesperson offers his condolence to losses."Govt will go ahead to enforce the law, provide safety for ppl, and bring back normalcy."

[george]

Nation: Govt Spokesperson: Govt is ready to prove in the court that no fatal weapon used by military side. Panitan is now translating his press con in English for foreign press.

Nation: "We're committed to restore the situation ASAP," said Panitarn. He insists govt will work with transparency and adhere to HR practice.

Nation: Panitan said the govt is collecting all evidence and will explain to public what happened last night. According to Panitan, there were weapons taken from officers. "Weapons taken fr them will return ASAP." Gov reaffirm the rule of engagement and the live bullets could b used only in the case of self-defence.

Nation: Panitan said govt had strict orders for officers: "No injuries caused from live bullets fr the officers as far as we have evidence." "We are happy to receive more info if there are different evidence otherwise," said Panitan.

MCOT: 90% of tourists check out at Khao San backpacker haven after nearby clashes between military, protesters Saturday night. Death toll rises to 20.

841 was injured

TAN: Govt assures to bring forth facts of what happened during the clashes last night which led to violence and death in the country.

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Nation: Panitan said tear gas fired to the officers are not the types used by the military as well as grenades and machine guns. Govt will later release information including footage of some individual equipped with machine guns to the public.

NAtion: Panitan said govt is committed to make sure the justice will be served for all. "We are ready to enter into the justice process," he said.

Nation: Blood needed at King Pramongkutklao Hospital, especially B and O. Contact Chalermprakiat Building immediately.

MCOT: CRES: Govt ready for justice process over Saturday clashes which claim 20 lives; army personnel return to base to inventory missing weapons

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Nation: Back to Panitan's speech: most officers injured by tear gas which is the type that is not used by military & securities officers.

Anonymous: There is nothing like the smell of rubber bullets in the morning.

RichardBarrow: PM said real bullets [only] shot in the air (Memo to PM - Bullets fall to Earth and still can kill! Do not shoot live rounds into the air!)

[george]

Nation: King Monkut Hopsital just announced another officer dead Sgt.Maj. Jamnian (no last name states as of now) via JS100 radio.

Nation: Panitan: govt is willing to join hands with all indpendent groups including representative of protesters to probe into the causes of death.

Nation: Panitan said govt found hand-made weapond that corresponds with the majority of injured officers. "We hope by doing so (inviting all independent parties to engage in investigation), we can find out the truth," said Panitan. Govt expects to spend a few days to bring back normalcy. "We are fully committed to resolve situation." he said.

[george]

Nation: Traffic is very heavy from Bangkok to Korat. A motorist reports to spend 7 hours and hasn't reached a destination. via JS 100 radio.

Nation: Panitan's newly-ended press con highlights issue of the day. Who were responsible for the shooting? Was there third party involved? Photos were being circulated about suspicious characters carrying dangerous arms or using them. U guys will see a lot of those pics today. Pls just b reminded many of them require verification. At his press con, Panitan listed names of weapons found that were not supposed to be used by govt troops.

Nation: Update on the OB Van seizure: Red shirts asserted that they seized Ch.9 & TPBS OB vans because they caused scrambled signals.

[george]

Nation: Al Jazeera has a footage on unidentified men armed with M16-AK47

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Nation: Thaksin issues statement holding Abhisit responsible

And some good news...:

TAN: Soldiers captured by the red shirts are now released. They look exhuasted and covered with bruises and cuts caused by clashes.

[george]

Thai soldiers did not fire live bullets at protesters: govt

BANGKOK (AFP): -- Thai soldiers did not fire live bullets at anti-government protesters in violent clashes in the capital that left 19 people dead and over 800 injured, a government spokesman said Sunday.

"There were no live bullets fired at protesters," Panitan Wattanayagorn said in press conference shown on national television.

Fourteen civilians, including a Japanese TV cameraman, and five soldiers were killed in Saturday's crackdown on red-shirted supporters of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra in Bangkok, emergency services said.

"Weapons were used only in self-defence and to fire into the air. We don't find any evidence that soldiers used weapons against people," said Panitan.

The violence erupted when troops tried to clear one of two sites in the centre of the capital occupied by the protesters for the past month.

As the clashes intensified gunshots echoed around the city and both sides accused the other of using live ammunition.

The army has said some soldiers fired live ammunition into the air to try to disperse demonstrators while others used blanks and rubber bullets.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-11

Published with written approval from AFP.

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NATION: Maj-Gen Khattiya said Sunday the so-called ‘Ronin’ warriors or underground warriors helped red-shirt protesters battle troops on Saturday.

MCOT: Phramongkutklao Hospital calls for donors of blood groups O and B for those injured in Saturday clashes.

TAN: Red shirts took over Channel 9 and TPBS vans at Thaicom, claiming that the news are bias toward them. It was returned after negotiation.

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Red Shirts to government: take responsibility for loss of life in clashes

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Bangkok's Red Shirt leaders are gathering information on casualties in Saturday’s clashes between the red-clad protesters and the military to help victims.

Natthawut Saikuea, a UDD movement leader, said his ‘Red Shirt’ people were sorry for Saturday’s incidents and a fund will be set up to help the victims.

Yesterday’s incident was not asking for the return of the protest site to the public, but was an attack on civilians, Mr Nattawut said. Those who ordered the operations must take responsibility for that and legal action must be taken against them, Mr Nuttawut said.

He said the group would hold a condolence ceremony for the 14 civilians killed at the Democracy Monument on Sunday evening.

Another top UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan said the Red Shirts are discussing with lawyers to file a complaint against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for ordering to break up the rallies and that the group may lodge a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice.

Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), told a press conference that earlier six soldiers were held hostage by protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) but two have been released.

The others are detained behind the Red Shirt stage at Phan Fa Bridge and the Red Shirts are cooperating with the authorities to return them to government hands.

Col Sansern, also army spokesman, said soldiers and police from the emergency centre were ordered to provide security at all government offices as well as setting up checkpoints on highways to prevent ill-intentioned people from carrying weapons to Bangkok.

UDD protesters occupy two major areas, Ratchadamnoen Avenue where several ministries and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific are located and at Ratchaprasong intersection, a prime commercial area in the capital.

The government has decided to adopt tougher security measures following Saturday’s bloody clashes on Ratchadamnoen Avenue between the government and UDD protesters which left 20 people dead and 842 wounded.

Police spokesman Pongsapat Pongcharoen gave assurances that transparent autopsies will be conducted on the boidies of all ten persons killed in the Saturday clashes. He said a central committee will be set up to investigate.

In a bid to defuse tensions, Army deputy chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha urged the protesters demanding Mr Abhisit to dissolve the House immediately to “cease movements which have tarnished the country’s image”.

Gen Prayuth, tipped to become army commander-in-chief in October upon the compulsory retirement of the current army chief, said he could not tolerate any longer as the ‘Red Shirt’ people break the law. He vowed to adopt every measure to bring back peace to the country as soon as possible. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-11

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Captured Soldiers Released

The last 4 soldiers captured by the red shirts are now released. Police Major General Wichai Sungprapai went to Panfah Bridge to bring them back.

The soldiers drove into the area last night when the tear gas went off causing them to not be able to find their way out.

During the capture, the soldiers were scolded but were not physically hurt. The bruises and cuts saw on them were caused by the clashes, not torture.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-11

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Thaksin tweets on twitter

In his twitter site, the former PM Thaksin Shinnawat, expressed his condolences for the families of the 14 dead protestors last night, calling them the democracy protectors while salute all the 850 injured for their courage.

He also pleaded to the military as well as the government not to perceive the red shirts as their enemy but rather Thai citizens just like the rest of the nation.

They paid taxes for all the weapons used against them.

He warned that the government should not let power and interests cloud their judgment in resolving this political unrest.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-11

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TAN Network: Suthep assures, coalition parties r on the same page w/ govt, as they r informed every steps of the way. 3rd party r blamed for violence.

THE NATION: Red leaders at Ratchaprasong allocated 500 reds to support protesters at Lad Lum Kaew.

THE NATION: Ch.3 OB van had to move out from Nang Lerng police station area after red leaders criticized media on stage. (con't)

THE NATION: Red protesters are reportedly chasing away reporters gathered at the back stage too.

TAN Network: Red shirts plan to go meet Chartthai Pattana Party leader to present a letter requesting the party to pull out of the coalition parties.

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Norwegian Randi Hit by Gunshot Just Outside Her Bangkok Hotel

A Norwegian tourist Randi Fagertun Søderholm was hit by a gunshot when she and her daughter Iris left heir hotel Saturday night.

Just outside the hotel entrance Randi, 54, broke down while she was telling her daughter that she had been hit by something, writes the Norwegian tabloid VG.

Seconds later a bullet fell to the ground.

No wonder that Norwegian tourist’s ribs are still sore.

“I am a very lucky woman. No reason to bye lottery tickets anymore” she jokes.

“The bullet must have done something though. Because I think it hit me sideways”, Randi Fagertun Søderholm.

The hotel where Randi and her daughter stayed after almost finishing three weeks of vacation had been one of the main centers of the Red Shirt demonstrations which have plaque Bangkok.

“We had heard the noise of shots before but we thought it was Chinese fireworks. After I was hit I realized that it was real gunshots we heard”, Randi says.

“At first, I wondered if there was someone who had shot with a slingshot, but realized immediately that it wasn’t. But I wasn’t afraid either. Hello. I mean what are the odds of being struck by a bullet"? Randi is asking.

source: scandasia.com

-- 2010-04-11

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Red shirts boo reporters from Phan Fa

Red-shirt leader at the Phan Fa Bridge told protesters Sunday afternoon to ask reporters to leave the rally ground.

Somchai Phaibool, a leader, told the crowd that all TV stations were biased against the protesters by refraining from airing clips of dead protesters.

He said it was useless to allow reporters to stay covering the protest and urged the protesters to boo the reporters away. At the end of his speech, protesters shouted in unison to demand reporters to leave. Reporters had to remove their green armband provided by the Thai Journalists Association.

The protesters also surrounded a mobile broadcast unit of Channel 3 t 4:10 pm and chased it out of the area.

-- The Nation 2010-04-11

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TAN Network: Kwanjai, DAAD key member told CAPO not to distorted facts n blamed red shirts for fired bullets, n threaten 2 parade the bodies 2 PM house.

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THE NATION: Phramongkutklao Hospital stops accepting donors today. Anyone likes to donate can visit the hospital tomorrow 8.30-15.30pm.

THE NATION: I feel better lerning this: hundreds of Thais and foreigners went to Phramongkutklao Hospital to donate their bloods. God bless you.

THE NATION: Thai Red Cross opens during Songkran festival from 8am to 3.30pm.//finally blood for a good cause

THE NATION: Democrat will discuss with coalition parties this eveening:Suthep Thaugsuban:Thai News Agency

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Nation: Al Jazeera has a footage on unidentified men armed with M16-AK47

Look for it starting at 2:25 in the above video. This is a screenshot from it:

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Tourists shaken as bloodshed erupts in Bangkok

by Rachel O'Brien

BANGKOK (AFP) -- "People started running and screaming. We were being shot at," says 19-year-old Briton Sarah Colvin, one of the many foreign tourists caught up in the political violence sweeping Bangkok.

"It shook us up a lot. We needed valium to sleep," she says, surveying the aftermath of Saturday's bloody battles just by Khaosan Road, Bangkok's iconic backpacker strip. "A lot of people we've spoken to are getting out of here."

Clashes between anti-government "Red Shirts" and security forces, which left 20 people dead and over 800 injured in the Thai capital, have delivered another severe blow to the country's vital tourism industry.

"I won't be coming back to Bangkok. Maybe the islands, but not Bangkok. I'm going to leave tonight. Yesterday was really scary," said Flavia Kupka, 32, a waitress from New Zealand on her first visit to the "Land of Smiles".

The Southeast Asian nation has been beset by repeated demonstrations by rival red- and yellow-clad protest groups, hitting an economy that sank into recession last year for the first time since 2000 amid a severe global economic crisis.

One of the most economically damaging protests in late 2008 saw the pro-establishment Yellow Shirts blockade Bangkok's two airports for nine days, stranding hordes of angry travellers.

But Saturday's violence, which followed almost a month of rallies by the Reds, was the country's worst for 18 years and shook visitors as it spread into normally tourist-friendly Khaosan Road.

"There were bullets coming all over us. Bombs as well, petrol bombs within about 10 feet of us," said factory worker Tony Doohan from Ireland, standing by debris and pools of blood covered with Thai flags and red roses.

"I saw Red Shirts with a gun they must have stolen off the cops. They all had sticks and were throwing glass bottles... anything they could find really," the 25-year-old said. "It's a bad time to be here."

Retail and tourism sectors have taken a battering by the Reds' weeks of protests -- especially since they took over Bangkok's main commercial hub on April 3, disrupting traffic and causing major shopping centres to close.

The Thai Retailers Association said Thursday -- a day after a state of emergency was declared -- that the protesters' occupation of that district had caused more than one billion baht (about 31 million dollars) in losses.

Further west at the Dang Derm Hotel on Khaosan Road, receptionist Jaringa Jaiya said Sunday that fearful guests had begun checking out after the violence intensified.

"Sure it will be bad for business. I think visitors will be shocked that this happened in Thailand. People want to get out of Bangkok," she said.

April is the month of Songkran, a water festival for the Thai new year, and usually attracts thousands of tourists. Bookings were already down this year, and now the celebrations are reported to have been cancelled in Khaosan.

Hong Kong was one of the countries to step up warnings over the city late Saturday, raising its travel alert for Bangkok to the highest level of "black" meaning that travellers' safety would be under "severe threat".

But not all visitors were deterred from a return trip to the kingdom, famous for its paradise beaches, fiery cuisine and glittering temples.

"We were told they didn't want to hurt tourists because they live off tourism. It was scary but it wouldn't put us off coming again," said Danish backpacker Charlotte Stage, 19.

"Both the Reds and the army were really nice to us," added French tourist Eva Minassian. "They were actually protecting us -- both sides -- so I don't think we're very much in danger".

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-11

Published with written approval from AFP.

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TAN Network: It is confirmed 874 people injured from the clash last night with 20 deads.

TAN Network: Weera demanded on the stage that PM dissolve the Parliament and leave the country immediately, if he isn't he would be trialed as criminal.

THE NATION: After being chased out by Reds and accused as biased, journalists are now reluctant to go back to Phan Fa bridge

TAN Network: 72.8% from ABAC Poll, people want third talk between government and DAAD.

TAN Network: Prompong, Puethai Party spokeman and 8 red shirts press charges against PM and Dept PM Suthep for the violent clashes last night.