Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Wednesday

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Wednesday April 14 Red-shirt rally live updates

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Red Shirts to escalate anti-government protest

BANGKOK (AFP) -Thailand's "Red Shirts" prepared Wednesday to escalate their anti-government protest, ending an uneasy calm and sparking fears of a return to the worst civil unrest in two decades that left 21 dead.

The Reds have vowed to turn up the heat on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva after a tense standoff in the capital, vowing fresh action in their bid to force immediate elections.

"We'll put pressure on the government again to dissolve parliament," said one of the red-clad movement's leaders, Nattawut Saikuar. "We'll advance our push to kick out this government."

Days after the country's worst political violence in almost 20 years, clamer scenes returned to the capital as revellers splashed each other with water and daubed their faces with clay to celebrate the Thai new year.

But thousands of Reds camped out in two sites in central Bangkok are expected to step up rolling rallies that have already dealt a heavy blow to the holiday paradise's vital tourist sector.

Nattawut called on the military "to stop sheltering" Abhisit, suggesting the protesters could march on an army base again.

Abhisit's future is looking precarious after the Election Commission called for the abolition of his ruling Democrat Party over allegations of illegal political donations -- a move that could trigger the government's collapse.

The Reds, who draw their support largely from Thailand's rural poor community and accuse Abhisit's government of being illegitimate and elitist, have hailed the election body's move but said it would not change their aims.

The government has accused ousted former leader Thaksin Shinawatra of stoking the unrest in the heart of Bangkok that has prompted growing international alarm.

"Everyone is washing their hands but he is a bloody terrorist," Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said in an outspoken tirade in Washingto, likening him to past "elected" leaders such as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin and Benito Mussolini.

He said Thaksin, who has been living in self-imposed exile since 2006 to avoid a jail term for corruption at home, was an "instigator" of the civil unrest and financing the Red Shirts' demonstrations.

The foreign minister said, however, he expected a negotiated resolution to the long-running crisis and even touched on the highly sensitive role of the royal family in the future political life of the country.

"It is a process that we have to go through and I think we should be brave enough to go through all of this and to talk about even the taboo subject of the institution of the monarchy," he said.

Speculation has grown over whether the government will call early elections in a bid to defuse the stand-off, but the Reds have insisted they would accept nothing less than immediate polls, saying the time for negotiations is over.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said year-end polls were still the best option.

"It is possible in seven or eight months, but nine months is an appropriate time because the government needs to give people time to heal," he said.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-14

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Banharn to PM: Decide soon on Parliament dissolution

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Banharn Silapa-archa yesterday called on the ruling Democrat Party to decide soon on what to do about dissolution of the House of Representatives and constitutional amendment, describing it as the "last chance" for solving the worsening political crisis.

He also offered to phone fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra to ask him to take part in talks with the government. Banharn said he needed "the green light" from the Democrats for him to act as a go-between.

Thaksin, now in self-imposed exile, is believed to have retained his influence over the leaders of the protesting red shirts and to be a major supporter of the ongoing anti-government protests.

Banharn, speaking in his home province of Suphan Buri, urged former Democrat leaders Chuan Leekpai and Banyat Bantadtan to help Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Premier Suthep Thaugsuban by getting involved in the efforts to solve the crisis.

'Abhisit in real trouble'

"I urge Chuan and Banyat to help Prime Minister Abhisit and Suthep. They are in real trouble now.

A party meeting should be called urgently to determine what to do - when to dissolve the House and how to amend the Constitution," Banharn said, adding that Chuan and Banyat have much influence within the ruling party.

"They [the Democrats] have to make it clear [what they are going to do] and not just stay idle. The situation is getting worse every day and I can't say when there will be armed fighting again," he said.

The veteran politician pleaded for the Democrats to make a decision urgently, or he would not try to help them again.

"I won't talk to the other side now. I am speaking to the Democrats. I am not pressuring or threatening. I am just saying what should be done first. If they don't do anything, then neither will I. In a short period of time, I will fly overseas for a 15-day trip to England."

Banharn said he was in favour of House dissolution within six months and the six constitutional amendments proposed by a parliamentary committee.

But he disagreed with the prime minister's idea of holding a public referendum on the proposed charter changes.

He said he did not think immediate House dissolution as demanded by the red shirts, or the PM's resignation as proposed by a group of academics, would help solve the political crisis.

Banharn said that despite calls for Chart Thai Pattana to withdraw from the coalition, it would remain with the Democrat-led bloc to help steer the government out of the political crisis.

He said the prime minister had not recently called him for any advice. He asked Abhisit to rely on advice from a wider group of people than merely a handful of his trusted aides, like Korbsak Sabhavasu and Sirichok Sopha.

'Follow my advice'

For Banharn, the violence during the military's anti-riot operation on Saturday was caused by armed men from a third party who fired at soldiers and protesters. The clashes led to 21 deaths, including four soldiers, and injuries numbering more than 800.

However, Banharn said the prime minister should follow his advice about how to deal with the political crisis, besides talking about an investigation into the incident and blaming the violence on "terrorists".

The ex-PM, whose Chart Thai Party was disbanded under a court order for electoral fraud in December 2008, is now chief adviser to Chart Thai Pattana Party leader Chumpol Silapa-archa. Banharn was stripped of his electoral rights for five years as a result of his party's dissolution.

Chumpol yesterday urged Abhisit to call a Democrat Party meeting shortly to determine what to do about charter changes.

"It now depends on the Democrat Party, not the people. As long as they have no standpoint [on constitutional amendment], the Democrats will not be able to solve the problem," he said.

'PM not stepping down'

Meanwhile, Theptai Senpong, spokesman for the Democrat leader, yesterday dismissed a rumour that Abhisit was so disheartened that he was considering stepping down. He said the rumour was politically motivated.

"Abhisit is a democrat and he is ready to listen to viewpoints from all sides. But he will never bow to an evil force that breaks the law and tries to create anarchy in the country.

He will not allow attempts by some groups of people who try to establish a new Thai state to change the country's political system," Theptai said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-14

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DEADLY CLASHES

Hunt is on for armed terrorists: Suthep

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy PM alleges culprits linked to core DAAD leaders.

Strict measures have been taken to deal with armed terrorists among the redshirt protesters, while the police has launched an investigation into the use of warweapons on soldiers and protesters during the clash on Saturday night.

A police team has been set up to hunt down the men carrying automatic rifles, who in media footage were seen mixing in with the redshirt protesters during clashes at the Khok Wua intersection, Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban, who oversees internal security, said.

"We can't let these terrorists walk free on the streets.

Whoever they are, or work for, they must be arrested," he said, adding that the red shirts were in possession of hundreds of assault rifles that they either confiscated from soldiers or troops had left behind while retreating.

He said the redshirt movement wanted to change the country's system, and did not care about government rule.

Suthep, who is also director of the Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation, alleged that these armed terrorists were connected to core leaders of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship, adding that some of them had previously worked as guards at various protest sites.

"Once those leaders are arrested terrorism charges might be put against them," he added.

He said he was worried about the red shirts killing each other, adding that the chances were quite high of another confrontation.

Police are seeking additional information from a police detective who snatched an M79 grenade launcher from a man, hooded and dressed in black, before he fled in a van. This gunman is likely to be part of one of the many teams seen arriving at the clash site in vans.

Meanwhile, suspended Army specialist MajGeneral Khattiya Sawasdipol, retorted by saying that hunters could also be hunted before he branded Suthep as a terrorist.

He added that the armed men were not the redshirt guards, nor were they fighters under his command. "They were sent in to infiltrate the red shirts and tarnish their public image," he said.

One of the DAAD leaders, Chat Kulladilok, said the armed men belonged to two groups from the military: those wanting to rule the country after a bloodbath and those who are discontent with officers allied with Army commander General Anupong Paochinda. He refused to explain his theory about the first group, though he said, the second group was comprised of officers, known as Tigers of the East, who avidly support Anupong and his successor to be.

In related news, police obtained arrest warrants against four redshirt demonstrators and guards who assaulted motorists for showing discontent over the rallies.

One victim was a 56yearold taxi driver who was punched in face and had his vehicle damaged in Khlong Tan district by one demonstrator and the other incident involved three red shirts who surrounded a car near Silom Road.

-- The Nation 2010-04-14

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ASTV Manager - International Press Release clip

http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews...D=9530000051614

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Their Majesties to cover treatment for those injured in clashes

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Their Majesties the King and Queen will graciously cover the medical bills for victims of Saturday's clash between troops and redshirted demonstrators.

The Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary yesterday said hospitals and agencies had been notified about Their Majesties' concern and their intent to pay for treatments.

The royal help also includes subsidy for the funerals of those who died from the street battles.

Her Majesty and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on Monday attended the funeral of Colonel Romklao Thuwatham, a members of staff with the Second Infantry Division, which took part in crowdcontrol operations on April 10. He was killed in a grenade attack aimed at the division command post near Sattriwitthaya School.

As of yesterday, 276 of the over 800 persons wounded in the unrest remained at 17 hospitals, with 17 of them in intensive care, the Bangkok Emergency Medical Service Centre reported.

The death toll remained at 21.

Phra Mongkut Hospital had the most patients, with 201.

Hospital spokesman Colonel Peerapol Pokpong said MajGeneral Walit Rojanapakdi, the division commander, was moved out of the ICU to a special ward for recovery from three fractures in his left leg made by a grenade fired from an M79 launcher.

Three other soldiers including LtColonel Kriengsak Nanthaphothidej, another unit commander with the Royal Guards, remained in intensive care for treatments for his brain injuries after a brain surgery, he added.

The two other soldiers are noncoms whose condition is causing concern, said the spokesman. One is not recovering well after brain surgery and the other underwent surgery to deal with chest injuries

Both unidentified soldiers remain in intensive care units.

Dr Pichaya Nakwatchara, director of Central Hospital, said the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary had told the hospital to seek reimbursement for treatment and funeral expenses directly from the Royal Household Bureau.

The hospital is deeply grateful for the King and Queen's benevolence, he said, adding that 13 clash victims were undergoing treatment there, with one still in the ICU.

The Human Security and Social Development Ministry urged those suffering from the Saturday violence to request financial aid at the centre for assistance to victims of unrest, located in the Community Welfare Protection Office at the Rajvithi Home for Girls.

The claimants should take along their ID card, household registration, medical certificate and a copy of a police report. More information is available by calling (02) 306 8657~8 or the 1300 hotline, or by logging on to twitter.com/prd_mso for.

Fugitive exprime minister Thaksin Shinawatra later yesterday offered to pay Bt100,000 to the families of each of the red shirts killed during the violent clashes.

He had earlier offered to pay Bt100,000 for each of red shirts killed in two separate road accidents during their trip from Bangkok back to their home provinces.

-- The Nation 2010-04-14

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BLACK SATURDAY'S AFTERMATH

Bomb blast in Ayutthaya possibly sabotage attempt

By The Nation

AYUTTHAYA: -- A Bomb explosion at a high voltage electricity pole in Ayutthaya province on April 10 when red shirts protesters clashed with troops could possibly an attempt to to black out Bangkok.

Channel 7 described the incident as a sabotage.

Three bombs were hidden at a high voltage electricity pole in the province's Pratunum Pra-in district, only two went off.

TPBS TV channel reported Saturday that in case all three bombs worked, the pole will collapse and the electricity in the province, Pathum Thani and Bangkok would be cut off.

Channel 7 quoted a witness as saying that he heard the explosions on April 10 but did not pay attention to it. Electricity officials alerted police on Tuesday about the explosion.

On April 10, the pro-Thaksin protesters clashed with the troops in Si Yak Kork Woa area. The clashes resulted in lives of 21, most of them were protesters. Of the number, eight were shot by high power rifles, the weapons used by specially-trained snipers.

PM Abhisit Vejjajiva has vowed to take action against "men in black" whom he described as terrorists. He said they exploited the situation with an aim to instigate violence and deaths.

-- The Nation 2010-04-14

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Deputy PM Suthep: Stern action will be taken against 'terrorists'

BANGKOK (TNA) -- The current State of Emergency imposed by the Thai government will be maintained as long as anti-government protesters are occupying Bangkok streets, while legal actions will be taken against the 'terrorists' mingling with the protesters, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Tuesday.

Mr Suthep, also chief of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation, told journalists that it is necessary to separate terrorists from the protesters and the government will take legal action against those terrorists”.

He said he had ordered police to set up a special task force to investigate identifying 'terrorists' now mingling with protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), at Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Bangkok's prime business area, Ratchaprasong, demanding that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve the House and call general elections.

Mr Suthep said police possess photographs sent by the media and others and they are now able to identify the terrorists holding M16s. AK47s and M79s as well as their home addresses. He said warrants for their arrest will be issued as it is “impossible to let them walk freely in the country.”

Charging that the “terrorists have close connections with UDD leaders”, Mr Suthep said some are even security guards posted at the rally platforms.

“These people (terrorists) could do anything in order to achieve their desired objectives. They don’t care whether those killed are ‘Red Shirt’ people, police, military or state officials,” said Mr Suthep.

He charged that the 'terrorists' now in Bangkok wanted to “change Thailand” and that changing the government is now a petty issue for them.

His remarks echoed Monday’s statement issued by embattled Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva that his government considered armed assailants attacking government security forces last Saturday to be “terrorists”. He urged the public not become a tool of the terrorists.

Saturday’s clashes on Ratchadamnoen Avenue left 21 people dead and 863 persons wounded, according to Erawan emergency services.

On the State of Emergency imposed since April 7, Mr Suthep said it has to be extended because the government has no alternative measure to deal with the ongoing political turbulence.

Meanwhile, Their Majesties the King and Queen have granted assistance to the families of all those who died and to the wounded from the clashes, according to Mr Suthep. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-14

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ANALYSIS

PM Abhisit's minefield

By Somroutai Sapsomboon

Tulsathit Taptim

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- EC's decision on Democrats adds to multi-pronged pressure faced by PM

In the midst of the political chaos - a situation closer to anarchy, in fact - the Election Commission has dropped a bombshell.

The decision to seek the dissolution of the ruling Democrat Party could not have come at a worse time, from half the nation's perspective at least, but that was probably what the other half of Thailand felt late in 2008, when the People Power Party (PPP) was dissolved right in the middle of the Suvarnabhumi Airport crisis.

So, what's the deal? Why did the EC all of a sudden choose to make an already complicated situation even more so? The real answer could be a complex one - or perhaps not.

Less than two days after the bloodiest political violence in two decades and two hours after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had vowed to dig himself out of the jam, the EC decided to twist the knife.

Pro-Democrat pessimists see the EC's move as a warning that if Abhisit stubbornly tries to fight on, he might end up "dead on the prime minister's chair", like Somchai Wongsawat before him.

Play safe, dissolve the House and give your party a chance, goes this theory. In other words, if Abhisit chooses to wait until a Constitution Court ruling comes, a guilty verdict would surely hand over power to the Pheu Thai Party camp. It would be automatic, without the need for a general election.

While this theory suggests some kind of a conspiracy - either among the commissioners themselves or between the EC and the Attorney-General's Office, which has to approve the Democrat case and send it to the Constitution Court - another theory is much more straightforward: the commissioners, seeing the political winds starting to shift, could be simply trying to save themselves.

The red shirts besieged the EC headquarters last week and threatened to come back if there was no progress on the long-delayed Democrat case. However, the possibility of another menacing red-shirt rally may not be as scary as the threat of a legal clampdown similar to the one that sent "pro-Thaksin" commissioners to jail a few years ago. Election commissioners may have a prestigious job but, politically and legally speaking, they are among the most vulnerable.

Perhaps the real motive was a simple "Let's pass the buck to the Attorney-General's Office." The latter will have to make a decision within 30 days on what to do with the case. It can pass it to the Constitution Court or tell the EC the case holds no ground, in which case the commission will have to choose whether to drop it or reaffirm the case and be the prosecutor itself.

The real question is whether Abhisit has the luxury of time to wait for those possible developments. The red shirts are still occupying the Rajprasong intersection and are literally calling for his head. The Army, in its attempt to distance itself from Saturday's bloodbath by blaming "politics", seems to be drifting further apart from the government. Coalition allies, meanwhile, are getting increasingly restless.

The increasing pressures - from the red shirts, the Army, coalition allies and the EC - must now be staggering. However, how their different agendas help or make things worse for the Democrats remains to be seen.

The Army wants to make sure the annual reshuffle - to go into effect in October - is not meddled with. Abhisit's allies want to amend the charter first to give themselves better chances in a new election before the prime minister dissolves the House. The red shirts want a House dissolution now.

To add to the complexities, Pheu Thai - the parliamentary arm of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra that is allegedly trying to shake itself from his shadow - does not want to amend the Constitution.

Assuming Abhisit manages to scrape through the highly acrimonious and dangerous aftermath of the bloodshed, he will have three months or so if the dissolution process against the PPP in 2008 is anything to go by. The PPP case stopped for one month at the Attorney-General's Office, and it then took the Constitution Court less then two months to come up with a devastating verdict.

The dust is still up in the air. All of a sudden, Abhisit faces a bigger crisis than did Samak Sundaravej, Somchai Wongsawat and, in many aspects, even Thaksin Shinawatra. Even if he manages to navigate the current minefield, the EC's decision means what awaits him on the other side could be something just as deadly.

-- The Nation 2010-04-14

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MCOT: Court issues warrants for 3 red shirts vandalising car in Silom; another for red shirt assaulting Klong Tan taxi driver

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Leading Incompetently Could Result in Disaster

BANGKOK: -- The disaster on Ratchadamnoen Road and nearby areas during Songkran holidays may have saddened most Thai people. It is hard to believe that the blood bath during the turmoil was broadcast live on television along with the images of the injured soldiers, bloody wounds inflicted by red shirts' assault weapons.

Members of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) who have claimed that they are fighting for democracy are now being labeled as red-shirt rebels. The group, funded by fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is aiming to topple the government through the use of force.

While shedding his alligator tears, Thaksin expressed his sadness from the incident. In fact, while on sick bed, Thaksin must have been satisfied for causing a great deal of damage to the country which he will not be able to return to for the rest of his life.

From the clashes which started on Saturday's afternoon, it was obvious that the soldiers were at a great disadvantage. It was almost like they were sent into a battle without knowing what they would face. As it has turned out, the red shirts were armed and supported by some unknown forces, equipped with deadly weapons.

The military's operation to reclaim the areas from the protester was a disaster because the government did not know who were the real enemies. Also it was ordered by a politician who was seemingly inept in the matter of national security. It could considered be the work of a “hardworking but incompetent” person.

Not making a decisive decision in a timely manner could be considered a serious failure, as many soldiers were sent to their deaths. To avoid worsening the situation, the final authority must be give to the military before it is too late or even at a cost of being possibly called 'murderers' by the protest leaders.

After the first drop of blood has been drawn, the next one will not matter as much. PM Abhisit must embrace the fact that it is unacceptable to be indecisive because not only it will put soldiers' lives at risk, it could also render Thailand into a “failed state”.

Because of being overly concerned, despite being fully empowered by the law, PM Abhisit has now being labeled by the red-shirts as a tyrant.

The defeat of the military was brought on by the government's lack of clear direction. The government's decision to negotiate with the defiant red-shirt leaders in order to minimize the loss has further robbed the public of their trust and hope.

Now, the red shirts even have the audacity to propose that they should be granted amnesty despite what they have done to the country. Or the government wants the public to think that the officers from all armed forces are incapable of fighting the red shirt leaders and their supporters. Everyone knows that is not the case. The blame should be put on the politicians in charge who were inexperienced in the matter of national security and military operations.

The politicians must stop being pretentious and let the soldiers do their job; declare the martial laws or do whatever it takes to put down the rebellion. The country's future looks bleak if the politicians are still in command of the battle.

Taken from Len Nork Sapa Column by Sophon Ongkarn, Kom Chad Leuk Newspaper, Page 2, April 12, 2010

Rewritten by Kongkrai Maksrivorawan

-- Tan Network 2010-04-14

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THE NATION: Leader of a govt troops unit killed last Sat.was pin-pointed by laser-guided weapon,according to vdo clip of foreign media

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Some 500 facebook's anti-red page gather at Victory Monument

BANGKOK: -- Some 500 fans of the anti-early House dissolution and anti-red shirts page of facebook gathered at the Victory Monument at 2:10 pm Tuesday.

The fans of the page organised the gathering at through the page to show their support for the government and oppose the red-shirt movement's call for early House dissolution.

During the gathering a group of red-shirt motorcyclists rode past the group and the two sides hurled abusive words against each other with no violence.

-- The Nation 2010-04-14

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THE NATION: Facebook fans of anti-House dissolution page will gather at Victory monument again at 2 pm.

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THE NATION: BKK medical centre: 1 more civilian, 1 more troop succumbed to injuries inflicted during Saturday clashes, raising death toll to 23.

MCOT: Latest figures from Erawan emergency center show 23 people killed in Saturday’s clashes, 195 remain in hospital

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Foreign Press Say PM Under Heavy Pressure

The foreign press has pointed out that the Thai PM's administration is facing immense pressure after the violent showdown between military officials and red shirt demonstrators over this past weekend.

The Election Commission's office is looking into the possibility of dissolving the ruling democrat party.

The BBC and other foreign news agencies have pointed out that Prime Minister Abhist Vejjajiva is facing immense pressure from the Election Commission on its announcement of a possible democrat party dissolution, military commanders favoring a House disbandment and the red shirt proteters who refuse to return home.

The BBC reported that even though there is a possibility that there will be a party disbandment, it still needs to go through many legal proceedings, leaving the prime minister under great pressure during this critical period.

Foreign news agencies believe that the military is an important factor that may contribute to the current administration stepping down prematurely.

After the April 10th violent clash between demonstrators and military officials, the army's confidence has been dramatically decreased, as they are afraid of another violent confrontation with the red shirts.

There have been reports that the places where the clash took place are now quiet and empty.

The Financial Times stated that the past weekend's violence has weakened the government, as Thailand has had a history of violent clashes between the government and protesters that get beyond control of the law.

Foreign minister, Kasit Piromya stated at his meeting in the United States that the Thai government has not found a way out and believes that a compromise can not be reach between government and protesters.

Analysts believe that the eruption of violence was caused by the government's attempt to enforce the law, which failed since red shirt protesters were not willing to comply and who then retaliated by firing at military officials using live rounds.

In addition, Army commander, General Anupong Paojinda has urged the prime minister to disband the House, further forcing Abhisit into a corner.

Most analysts have are of the opinion that although the house could be disbanded and fresh elections held, the deep political rift will not be resolved, as any leaders in power will be tested by the voices of the rural people, which has been serving as the platform for ousted and fugitive ex premiere, Thaksin Shinawatra.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-14

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THE NATION: Happy Songkran everyone. Time for mall update: Amarin Plaza opens 10-6pm today. Central Childom 10-10pm.

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MCOT: Red Shirt leaders announce protesters at Phan Fa will move to Ratchaprasong today

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Red-shirts to Leave Pan Fah, Only Rally at Ratchaprasong Intersection

The anti-government red-shirt protesters have decided to leave Pan Fah Bridge, their original rally site, and will only congregate at Ratchaprasong intersection.

The red-shirt core leaders claim having only 1 strong rally ground is more effective in withstanding efforts to disperse the protesters by the govt.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-14

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CRES confirms good Military-Govt ties

BANGKOK (NNT) .. The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) has confirmed healthy ties between the military and the government following news reports that Army Chief, General Anupong Paochinda, is also pressuring the government to dissolve the house.

CRES and Army Spokesperson, Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, on Tuesday stated that the media's interpretation of the interview given by General Anupong about house dissolution did not reflect what his boss intended to convey.

The remark given by the spokesperson echoed the interview of Deputy Prime Minister overseeing Security Affairs, Suthep Thaugsuban, on Tuesday that the army chief did not press the government to dissolve the house before the time.

Colonel Sansern elaborated that the troops have not returned to their base but are now refreshing themselves in nearby areas to the rally site in order to be ready for the next operation ordered by the government.

The spokesperson added that partial security officers are still working on safety checkpoints, as police officers are responsible for inner zones of the capital city while troops are taking care of the outer premises.

Colonel Sansern admitted that the action taken against law-breaching protestors must be suspended for now, but the government is seeking ways to enforce the law without causing any losses.

-- NNT 2010-04-14

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BreakingNews: Thai protest leader vows no more talks with government, says ‘red shirts’ will establish single new base for ‘final battleground’ - Reuters

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Thaivisa: Road Safety Operations Centre: 114 killed, 1,536 injured in 1,427 car accidents during the first two days of long Songkran holiday

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CNNI: Protests to resume in Thailand

Bangkokpost: Red-shirts won’t rally at army base

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THE NATION: the reason behind giving up Phanfa rally ground is because Red leaders may be arrested travelling btw 2 places.

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THE NATION: Dramatic footage from night battle in Bangkok

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/n...3&cateid=13

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Red Shirts put lives on hold to camp out in Bangkok

by Patrick Falby

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Farmer Srian Paengsun's crops have withered in the month he has spent camped in the Thai capital with thousands of red-shirted demonstrators, but he says it's a price worth paying.

"My rice fields are all dead. My wife didn't have the energy to farm them. But even though the crop is gone, this is worth it. This is what I want to do," he says at the sprawling rally site in Bangkok's historic district.

The 43-year-old from northeastern Surin province is one of thousands of "Red Shirt" protesters who have been occupying two key areas of the city in their bid to force Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to call immediate elections.

The rally sites have been fitted out with tents, canteens and large stages, where loudspeakers blast out a mixture of fiery anti-government rhetoric and country folk music.

Red Shirts have set up makeshift toilets hooked up to the local water systems, brought in trailers equipped with showers and use washing facilities at nearby temples and hospitals.

Despite a crackdown by security forces on Saturday that left 21 people dead and more than 800 wounded, Reds continue to trickle in to join the protests, which have blocked traffic and caused many shops to shut.

"Since we got news the army shot Red Shirts, more people want to come out," says 45-year-old Chalpramon Chonpasin, who joined the demonstrations this week.

Despite sweltering temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), organisers say about 30,000 Red Shirts have been sleeping at an encampment around Democracy Monument in the area that was the scene of the violence.

Another 20,000 have been camped out at a second enclave in the commercial district, which has been mostly peaceful, often with a carnival atmosphere.

The demonstrators said Wednesday they would merge the two sites, converging on the commercial hub, home to a clutch of five-star hotels and major shopping centres.

Many Reds are seeking the return of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, hailing his policies for the masses including cheap healthcare, and are refusing to go home until the government dissolves parliament.

Tiang Chaisena, 55, a farmworker who came in a neighbour's pickup truck from Chanthaburi in central Thailand, says she has been sleeping on a plastic sheet on a Bangkok street since the mass demonstrations began on March 12.

"It's not comfortable but we need to stay and fight. Everyone who comes here sleeps like this. It's very hot, but we need to stay," she says.

At a table behind the main stage in the historic district, organiser Somwan Asarasee collects Red Shirt donations, which he says go to transport, food, generators and tent rentals.

Enterprising vendors also sell food, red neckerchiefs, T-shirts and flip-flops, along with the red plastic foot and heart-shaped clappers that have become one of the quirky symbols of Thailand's anti-government movement.

Chawan Chairat, 43, closed her Bangkok karaoke bar to join the Red Shirts, but decided to make some cash selling mango salads and soft drinks from a stand in the middle of the road.

"I come to the demonstration every day and I lose a lot of money, so I thought it would be a good idea to have something to sell," she says.

At a first aid tent, former nurse Suksuipon Boonchuay, 40, says she helps treat 200 to 300 people each day, mostly for heat exhaustion or the effects of air pollution.

"More and more people come every day because we have fought for a long time," she says.

Although they are dubbed "rural hordes" by one local paper, Red Shirts say they have travelled from both near and far in their bid to oust Abhisit's government.

Teerachai Chaipayak, 25, a Bangkok law student attending a rally for his third time, says his parents disapprove of his Red Shirt support.

"They say, don't come here and they say they want to cut me from the family. I think they're just kidding, but there's some truth to the words."

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-14

Published with written approval from AFP.

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MCOT: Police to clear areas around Phan Fa bridge after all protesters move out to Ratchaprasong; Ratchadamnoen Avenue to be open to traffic Thursday evening

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Red shirts abandon Phan Fa to bolster Rajprasong ground

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Decision made to bolster force and for safety measures. Relocation expected to be completed Thursday.

The red-shirt protesters have decided to abandon the Phan Fa rally ground to join their fellow demonstrators at the Rajprasong Intersection.

The decision to leave Phan Fa was announced by Natthawut Saikua at 10:30 am Wednesday.

He said red-shirts leaders at Rajprasong and Phan Fa reached a decision to abandon the Phan Fa site to so that the red-shirt force could be bolstered and have more efficiency.

"So, we will move our force from Phan Fa to Rajprasong, making it one big army to fight against the Abhisit government to the full extent," Natthawut said.

He said the red-shirt army at the Rajprasong will step up attacks against the government after the Songkran holidays.

He said the decision was made to avoid more clashes between troops and protesters.

"Since the government wants to reclaim the Phan Fa area, we will comply with its wish. Moreover, the government does not want to reclaim the Rajprasong area," Natthawut said.

He said the leaders assigned Jatuporn Promphan, another red-shirt leader, to explain the decision to protesters at the Phan Fa area.

The relocation would begin Wednesday evening and would be completed Thursday.

He said the protesters would not stage a march to the 11th Infantry Regiment because the red-shirt leaders learnt that the government was preparing to send troops to arrest the protesters during the march.

-- The Nation 2010-04-14

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THE NATION: Mall update: Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery close at 2pm today. Via js100 radio.

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Oppose red shirts but avoid clashing: Suthep

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, director of the government's Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation, yesterday said Bangkok residents should oppose red-shirt demonstrations in the city, but avoid clashing with them.

Suthep said Bangkokians were pressured about whether the city had been taken over by these "goons". He said some who disagreed with the red-shirt processions on Monday had been attacked.

People should ask why 60 million Thais should be "dictated to" by tens of thousands of protesters, he added.

He urged red shirts to return home and wait for a new election. At the same time he accused them of committing treason by working with "terrorists".

Suthep said he had the duty to maintain law and order, but wished not to see deaths as a result of crowd dispersal.

"I think if 10 million Bangkokians expressed their dissatisfaction, these demonstrators would not remain [in Bangkok] because people would not want to sell food or water to them.

"I'm not trying to push responsibility onto the people. If they keep on protesting for another three to five months and there is no untoward incident, then its fine.

But if some of the protesters are terrorists and hide amongst the crowd and shoot at officers, then I will have to take decisive measures, come what may."

Asked if cracking down would not damage businesses at Rajprasong intersection and khao san Road, Suthep replied that they are already damaged.

Those affected should come out to express their views, he said. But setting a fixed time line to disperse the crowd within five or 10 days - like that made on April 10 - must be made more carefully.

Suthep said he was not renouncing his duty, but claimed the spectre of thousands or tens of thousands of deaths would not be "something that people wanted to see. So we must be patient".

Asked how long the emergency decree would last, Suthep said he saw no other alternative - but played down the demand for a declaration of martial law by New Politics Party secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila, saying to it would not be right to have one person decide what is right.

Suthep accused some red-shirt guards of being the "terrorists" who joined the bloody melee on Saturday, which led to 21 deaths and more than 800 injuries.

"These people will do anything to achieve their objective, even if both red shirts and state officers are killed ...

They are cruel and will to do everything no matter how many lives of fellow Thais are lost in order to achieve a major change in accordance with their objective. I hope people understand what I mean ..."

Suthep added that these people sought change beyond that of overthrowing the government, which would be a "small thing for them".

Suwat Liptapanlop, leader of Ruam Jai Chart Pattana, said he was saddened by the April 10 bloodshed, which was unexpected. Both sides must speed up negotiations in a frank and honest manner while adhering to the national interest, he said.

Suwat said all parties would need to accept the results of a new election. In a democratic system, everyone must accept the voice of the majority.

Red-shirt co-leader Pol Lt-General Chat Kuladilok said 20 red shirts would today press charges with the police against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Premier Suthep for the murder and intended murder of more than 800 people.

-- The Nation 2010-04-14

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BPbreakingnews: P.Thai: Gen 'P' planning a coup