Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Friday

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THE NATION: ThaiPBS just showed a footage - inside a room at SC Park - there was a bomb lying on the floor. They also reported a gunshot.

THE NATION: It reads like a comedy: "Thai police tried capture Red protest leaders, leaders escape by rope, then take 2officers hostage" - AP

THE NATION: Arisman said 3 police "taken" back to Rajprasong from the comedy raid at SC Park Hotel had been let go.

THE NATION: (not only did commandos fail to arrest red leaders, some senior officers were also "taken" hostage by reds.) Up to u to laugh or cry.

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MCOT: Situation eases at SC Park Hotel: four grenades found in Arisman's room, room wall bullet-damaged

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THE NATION: In case u dn't knw it already, SC Park Hotel was among Thaksin's early investments in property.

THE NATION: Nw Arisman &other leaders have had a hard time explaining to Rajprasong reds why they stayed at the hotel in the first place.

THE NATION: One excuse by Arisman is the leaders had to be at the hotel coz they needed to "dress up" before paying visits to TV stations today.

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2 police officers remain under detention by protesters

BANGKOK: -- Two police officers remained under detention by red-shirt protesters as of noon Friday.

The two officers - Pol Col Patchara Boonyathip and Pol Lt Col Prapoj Anusiri - were taken by the red-shirt protesters to the Rajprasong Intersection after the failed operation to arrest red-shirt leaders at the SC Park Hotel at 7 am Friday.

Earlier, the protesters have already released some police officers they detained when they besieged police at the hotel but the two officers were taken to the rally site at Rajprasong to be paraded in front of the protesters there.

-- The Nation 2010-04-16

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THE NATION: "They planned to kill me. They planned to kill me," Arisman has told foreign press. "There were two (unexploded) bombs in my room"

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Police storm hotel to arrest Red Shirt leaders; Activists free leaders

BANGKOK: -- Thai police early Friday stormed a hotel on the outskirts of Bangkok after reports that protest leaders were hiding there, and the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) ordered 60 ex-politicians and prominent businessmen believed financing protesters to report.

The lightning attack on the SC Park Hotel immediately followed CRES security chief Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban TV appearance, charging that terrorists have mingled with United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) Red Shirt protesters occupying Ratchaprasong, Bangkok’s prime business area, demanding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down immediately.

Three top UDD leaders, including charismatic singer-activist Arisman Pongruangrong, Suporn Attawong and Payap Pankate, were in the hotel during the raid, but Mr Arisman climbed outside the hotel to escape. Hundreds of protesters in front of the hotel cheered as he slid down from a third-story

ledge of the hotel.

Other leaders also successfully escaped from the police custody. They later arrived Ratchaprasong intersection, with four police detained by Red Shirt protesters during the raid.

Security officials storm the hotel when the UDD opted to present complaints to management of all TV stations in the capital later Friday, charging them with unfairly telecasting the Ratchadamnoen Avenue violence last Saturday. They claimed the telecasts were one-sided and favoured the government.

According to the Erawan Medical Centre on Thursday, 24 people died and 216 others were still being treated at 15 Bangkok hospitals following the day-long clashes.

Mr Arisman, with an outstanding arrest warrant, was expected to lead the protesters to TV stations where security has been tightened since Thursday.

Embattled Prime Minister Abhisit is scheduled to speak Friday afternoon on actions he will take in dealing with the protest and on his attempts to restore peace in the country, according to Mr Suthep.

Some 60 former politicians and prominent businessmen must report to CRES for questioning Friday. Warrants for their arrest will be issued if they do not appear.

Panithan Wattanayagorn, Mr Abhisit’s deputy secretary-general, said late Thursday that the ex-politicians and businessmen include Pongsak Raktapongpisal, former deputy transport minister, Songkram Kitlertphairoj, ex-deputy commerce minister and owner of the Imperial Department Store, a UDD base in central Bangkok, and Pol Lt-Gen Chat Kuldilok, a former commander of the Central Police Investigation.

-- TNA 2010-04-16

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Protesters release two police officers

The red-shirt protesters have released two police officers they captured from SC Park Hotel during the police's failed operation to arrest protest leaders.

The two officers were released after Metropolitan Police Region 1 Commander Pol Lt Gen Wichai Sangpraphai met the red-shirt leaders at Rajprasong at 12:30 pm.

-- The Nation 2010-04-16

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THE NATION: It's gettin more hilarious:Arisman questions if police's action this morning is lawful.

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Red-shirt leaders cancel plan to march to TV stations

Natthawut Saikua, a red-shirt leader, announced Friday that the red shirt protesters would not rally at any TV station as earlier planned.

Natthawut made the announcement after police tried but failed to arrest red-shirt leaders at the SC Park Hotel at 7 am.

"From now all, all red-shirt leaders will not separate from one another," Natthawut said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-16

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THE NATION: Veteran comedian Thep Pho-ngarm joined muli-coloured patriot group led by Tul at Victory momument today. via Thai Rath.

THE NATION: A group of people from Ent industry will gather at Cosmic RCA at 7pm to express their concern about current situation

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Evaluation on Ratchaprasong closure scheduled next week

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) next week will evaluate effects from the demonstration of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) after the UDD resolved to gather only at Ratchaprasong Intersection.

TTAA President, Charoen Wangananont, stated that the association next week would convene a meeting with its members to evaluate the situation. He said a declaration might be made to call for all sides to end the conflict via negotiation means after the meeting.

Mr Charoen admitted that Thailand has lost more than ten billion THB of income from tourism and service businesses operating around Ratchaprasong Intersection where the UDD is gathering. He added that the national image has also been tarnished from the political unrest.

The president continued to say that businesses in Ratchaprasong usually flourish during Songkran festival, but this year the area is quiet due to political problems.

Some shopping malls around Ratchaprasong have been closed due to the political demonstration of the UDD for safety purposes.

-- NNT 2010-04-16

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Domestic tourism affected by political unrest

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Domestic tourism has been severely affected from the ongoing political tension and bloodshed as the number of Thai tourists has reduced by 70%, according to the Association of Domestic Travel (ADT).

ADT President, Maiyarat Phreerayakoses, reported that the number of Thai tourists has declined by 70%, especially in tourist destinations located 300 kilometers or more from Bangkok despite the current Songkran festival high season.

The president said Thai people usually travel a lot during summer time as parents can take their kids out for trips during school breaks. She said room occupancy is usually almost at 100%. She then voiced concern that the tourism situation would continue to be stagnant after May.

Current short-term solutions include cooperation between ADT, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Government Pension Fund (GPF) to arrange special tour packages for GPF members to encourage both current and retired government officials to travel.

The president added that the TAT would also help with public relations until September 2010 in order to stimulate Thai people to travel more frequently.

-- NNT 2010-04-16

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THE NATION: Army chief has called meeting of senior officers (ranked major general up) on Monday.

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THE NATION: Patriot group led by Tul stations at Lak Si Monument now till 6pm and another group meets at Victory monument from 4-6pm.

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Our mission is to hunt down Abhisit government : Arisamun

BANGKOK: -- Red shirts leader Arisamun Pongruengrong who escaped arrest on Tuesday morning declared war on Abhisit government.

After arriving at Rajprasong rally site, Arisamun told the cheering crowds, "From now on our mission is to hunt down Abhisit and Suthep. Our patience is at its limit. This is a war between the government and the red shirts,'' he told the cheering crowds.

"Police kicked the door open and threw smoke and stun grenades into the room. Luckily I ran to the window and used an electric cord to climb down," he said.

The protesters welcomed him like a hero. He also acted like a hero.

Arisamun escaped the commando raid at the SC Park Hotel on Luang Praditmanutham road by using an electrical cord to climb down from balcony of his room which is on the third floor.

-- The Nation 2010-04-16

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Pink shirts give supports for PM

BANGKOK: -- Thousands of pro-government activists rallied outside an army base where the government has used as working venue on Friday, chanting support for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his government.

About 5,000 pink-clad people, calling themselves "Civilians Protect the Country" gathered in front of the 11the Infantry Regiment, in the morning. They waved Thai national flags and calling for the authorities to act against anti-government protesters or red shirts.

Abhisit has been sleeping and working at the base for the past month, after the reds occupied key parts of the capital.

Tul Sittisomvong, a leader of the group, said they had submitted a letter to the government, asking for more action against terrorists and protesters who are not protesting peacefully.

"We also call for the army to support the government," he told reporters. The new movement would hold daily two-hour evening rallies at Victory Monument to oppose the reds' demand until the situation returned to nomalcy.

Bloody clashes between the red shirts and troops on April 10 protesters and security forces on Saturday left 23 people dead and more than 800 injured.

-- The Nation 2010-04-16

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People urge army chief, military, to take action against protesters

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Charging that anti-government protesters, backed by fugitive ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now demonstrating a Bangkok’s prime business crossroads, have already caused many deaths and left hundreds wounded, as well as critically damaging Thailand’s economy, several thousand Bangkokians on Friday urged Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda to come out and take action against the protesters.

Bangkok residents who are feeling victimised went to 11th Infantry Regiment headquarters in northern Bangkok where Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is sheltering temporarily, carrying their encouragement to boost his morale and submitted an open letter to Gen Anupong through the Royal Thai Army secretariat, saying that the violence on last Saturday, April 10, was carefully planned by Mr Thaksin.

Gen Anupong should have realised this and must “restore his dignity as a career soldier”, the letter said, adding that the people hope that they would not have to walk back empty-handed and chase the protesters away by themselves.

Protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) who are staunch supporters of Mr Thaksin, ousted in a bloodless coup in September 2006, have demonstrated in the capital since March 14. The demonstration turned violent that day when government security forces clashed with the protesters on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

Simultaneously, Bangkok citizens submitted another letter, read by retired Gen Pathompong Kesornsuk, former chief adviser to the Supreme Command, to a number of senior government officials including Panithan Wattanayagorn, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister.

The letter said UDD protesters had abused the rights of assembly provided by the Constitution, and that they acted like terrorists and broke the law.

Protester actions have led to the deaths of two dozen people, and resulted in hundreds more being hospitalised, while the economy has been damaged by tens of billion baht, causing fears among innocent Thais throughout the country, the letter said.

“If the government and the military stay idle towards the protesters, a [peoples'] movement will come out in full force to protect the country by themselves,” said the letter read by Gen Pathompong. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-16

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-- The Nation 2010-04-16

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THE NATION: Some more details emerging from the SC Park Hotel fiasco.

THE NATION: Apparently, two police groups, who didn't talk to one another, were involved in the operation.

THE NATION: The first group had blended in at the hotel since Thursday night. U knw, disguising themselves as guests and all.

THE NATION: This first group, reportedly, managed to "lock the targets". All they needed were house keys to get into the suspects' rooms safe and sound.

THE NATION: Then this first group, inexplicably, committed cardinal sins by asking for house keys from staff of hotel Thaksin was once proud owner of.

THE NATION: And then, also inexplicably, the other group of police, this one in full uniform, arrived with fanfare, though without marching band.

THE NATION: The rest we have seen, more or less. We r trying to further reconstruct the events.

THE NATION: It was believed that reds living nearby the hotel were alerted once the first group sought the house keys (around pre-dawn or dawn)

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THE NATION: People Network for Protecting the Nation urged army to consider martial law,or other tough measures to tackle political unrest

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Bid to arrest protest leaders fails: Government spokesman

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Attempts by Thai police to arrest the leaders of anti-government red-clad movement United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) "failed utterly” Friday morning, according to Panitan Wattanayagorn, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister and acting government spokesman.

Speaking to journalists after police stormed the SC Park Hotel on Praditmanutham Road in Bangkok's Wangthonglang district in an attempt to arrest top UDD leaders with outstanding arrest warrants but the key leaders escaped, Mr Panitan said it was a failure by the police who must report their action to the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES).

CRES was set up by the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva after the State of Emergency was imposed in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces on April 7.

The centre, he said, will continue seeking the UDD leaders, and will consider options such as apprehending them directly from Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong intersection.

Mr Panitan said it is difficult to arrest UDD leaders because armed terrorists are now among the protesters and innocent people could be hurt if force is used.

Meanwhile, Prompong Nopparit, spokesman for the opposition Puea Thai Party, said he and his party’s legal team will submit a letter to the Board of Special Cases (BSC) chaired by Prime Minister Abhisit on Saturday, opposing its plan to bring last Saturday’s violence for discussion.

Mr Prompong said the protesters died “abnormally and were killed by officials who said they had to carry out orders”. He said it is necessary to conduct autopsies before the issue could enter the judicial system but the CRES opted to twist the cause of the deaths by citing that they were killed by other people by using government-controlled media saying it was within the government’s own right to take the action.

The government has said that armed terrorists who had mingled with the protesters had killed Thai Army soldiers and protesters alike on April 10. It said terrorists are still infiltrating the protesters.

As the Puea Thai Party plans to oppose the meeting, BSC members on Friday agreed that the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) should handle special cases dealing with terrorism, threats against the government and harming civilians which have occurred since late 2009, according to Tarit Pengdit, the agency's director-general.

Mr Tarit said the BSC agreed that 10 government-concerned units should work together in order to create transparency and in order to bring peace back to the country and its people. He said it is still impossible to say when the cases could be solved.

The 10 agencies include DSI, the Office of the Attorney General, the Royal Thai Army, the National Intelligence Agency, the National Security Council, the Royal Thai Police's Special Branch, the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the Central Investigation Bureau, the Judge Advocate General's Department and provincial police in many regions.

Especially serious cases are expected to be handled by DSI while others will be dealt with within the regular scope of work of the Bangkok police, Mr Tarit said. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-16

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MCOT: Red Shirt activist Worawut Vichaidit faints while speaking at Ratchaprasong rally, sent to nearby Police General Hospital

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THE NATION: PM was supposed to give a press con at 4 pm. It's late by two hrs now.

THE NATION: Panitan says he's not certain if PM will have a press con soon.

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21 taxi motorcyclists, owners of community radio stations report to EOC

BANGKOK: -- A total of 21 taxi motorcyclists and owners of community radio stations reported themselves to the Emergency Operations Command Friday afternoon.

The EOC has summoned over 50 people suspected being involved in organising the red-shirt rally to report themselves to be interrogaed.

The 21 were interrogated by military officers and then they were interrogated by Crime Suppression Division police officers.

-- The Nation 2010-04-16

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THE NATION: Red leaders fear for their safety- net has been spared out to cover stage area to prevent any attack from high rises. via @naew_nbc

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Puea Thai MPs march to state television station asking for airtime

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Opposition Puea Thai party's members of parliament on Friday went to state television, National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT), seeking airtime to clarify last Saturday's violent crackdown at Bangkok's Democracy Monument at Khok Wua intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

MP Anudit Nakorntap said the state station has provided only one-sided sources and distorted information, causing confusion and misunderstanding among the public. He said that the station should serve the public more than the government.

Twenty-four persons died and 216 others were still being treated at 15 Bangkok hospitals following the day-long clashes between soldiers and demonstrators of the United Front for Democracy against dictatorship (UDD) last Saturday, April 10.

Suebpong Nutriyatas, NBT director for information technology, received a letter submitted by the members of parliament and said he would give it to the station's director, for he had no authority to make a decision on such request. MP Anudit said if NBT was not ready, he would try to find other channels for public clarification.

The Puea Thai's MPs later visited Channel 3 and the Thai PBS TV stations to ask for justice to distribute their sources of information and file footage on the April 10 incident.

The Red Shirt protesters led by Arisman Pongruangrong earlier scheduled to protest at all television stations Friday, starting from 11am. The plan was however cancelled as police commandos raided a hotel where Mr Arisman and other key Red Shirt leaders were staying.

Mr Arisman and the protest leaders narrowly escaped arrest with the help of Red Shirt protesters, then returned to the group's main rally site at Ratchaprasong intersection. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-16

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Suspects begin reporting to CRES for questioning

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Persons in various professional fields, including ex-politicians and businessmen, suspected of involvement in financing the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) movement on Friday began to report to the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) for question, according to centre spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd.

Col Sansern commented after Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in his capacity as CRES director, said that 54 former politicians and prominent business figures must report for questioning. Arrest warrants will be issued if they do not appear.

Col Sansern revealed that the 54 suspects are in business, politicians, former state officials and persons in various other occupations, but he declinedto disclose the names and number of those who appeared for questioning on Friday.

The spokesman said that the emergency centre did not specify the reporting period, but it will last for an appropriate period and those summoned must appear only at the 11th Infantry Regiment.

Arrest warrants will be issued for those who fail to report, said Col Sansern, their names will be given in this process.

The CRES spokesman reaffirmed that the agency will warn the suspects, directly or indirectly, and they will be informed in advance over the arrest and that all contact with police and other security personnel will be recorded.

When asked whether the suspects might be frightened and dare not to report, Col Sansern said that they should not fear so long as they didn’t do anything wrong.

Col Sansern emphasised that the police can detain suspects for a certain period under the Emergency Decree if they were found to have connection with unlawful protest.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn earlier said that suspects on the CRES list include former deputy transport minister Pongsak Raktapongpisal, Songkram Kitlertphairoj, ex-deputy commerce minister and owner of the Imperial Department Store, a UDD base in Bangkok, and Pol Lt-Gen Chat Kuldilok, a former commander of the Central Police Investigation.

Mr Songkarm said on Friday that he has not received any letter from CRES, and said he has insufficient money to finance the Red shirt movement as accused.

Mr Songkram said he will reconsider whether to present himself for questioning once he receives the letter. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-16

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THE NATION: PM on TV now, he said "terrorism" is now the biggest problem that govt wants to solve.

THE NATION: PM: This morning police unsuccessfully tried to arrest certain red leaders.

THE NATION: PM: That doesn't mean we won't succeed in the future.

THE NATION: PM said investigation has "expanded" to cover people who supported those who wanted to create turmoil in the country.

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THE NATION: PM: Terrorist cases will be treated as special cases, which mean the cases will proceed faster.

THE NATION: PM said Anupong will now oversee peacekeeping operations now instead of Suthep.

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THE NATION: This Anupong thing is big change!!

THE NATION: PM just ended his speech lasting less than 10 mins.

THE NATION: PM said the change will make CRES work more effectively. Again, it is Suthep -out, Gen Anupong-in.

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Thai army says planning operation to disperse protesters

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's security forces are planning another operation to disperse anti-government protesters in Bangkok, an army spokesman said Friday, following deadly civil unrest last weekend.

"It's being planned. We don't know when and how," spokesman Sunsern Kaewkumnerd told reporters when asked about the possibility of a move to clear the Red Shirt demonstrators from the capital's commercial district.

"There will be an effort to retake the area. We can't allow protests there because it damages the country," he said.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-16

Published with written approval from AFP.

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