Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Tuesday

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Tuesday April 20 Red-shirt rally live updates

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BURNING ISSUE

Crisis seems to be building towards a bloody climax

By Avudh Panananda

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The longer the showdown between the government and the red shirts persists, the bleaker the prospect of democracy thriving in Thailand appears.

While each and every person involved in the power struggle professes to cherish democracy, Thailand is being mired in undemocratic turmoil fuelled by escalating street protests, "loyally green" soldiers backing the government, "watermelon soldiers" backing the red shirts and "cantaloupe soldiers" backing the yellow shirts.

Regardless of what they say, the government and the red shirts are committing a huge blunder - fighting in the streets instead of via the ballot box. The only way for democracy to advance is by heeding the voice of the people. Instead, the opposing sides are trying to defeat one another by force.

As things stand now, the turmoil has not bottomed out but keeps descending into an abyss.

The April 10 bloodbath failed, unfortunately, to shock the parties concerned to their senses.

The red shirts have been preparing to spread their protest from Rajprasong to Silom. They are erecting barricades designed to serve dual purposes - to repel anti-riot forces and to advance to Silom.

The government too is gearing up to evict the red shirts from Rajprasong and stop their advance into Silom. The opposing sides have changed their operative words from non-violence to justified violence.

Less than two weeks after the violence at Rajdamnoen, the government and the red shirts are poised to transform the central business district into their next battlefield.

Lurking around the corner are the yellow shirts who have just issued a seven-day deadline for the government to rein in the red shirts.

Should the yellow shirts decide to join in the fray, presumably under a multi-coloured banner, the situation will morph into a three-way fight.

If Thailand is ever to see the resumption of normalcy, politicians of all stripes must do two things - renounce the use of street protest in their power struggle and stop playing the military card to influence the political outcome.

Comment continues: The Nation

-- The Nation 2010-04-20

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Holiday Inn closes its doors

By Suchart Sritama

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Holiday Inn Bangkok has become the first city hotel to shut down temporarily, after occupancy in the Rajprasong area was driven down to as low as 2 per cent by the political protest.

"All are in bad shape as there are no tourists coming to the country," Prakit Chinamourphong, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said yesterday.

More hotels are expected to follow the Holiday Inn's lead, he said.

Those along Sukhumvit Road and the Chao Phya River are also facing the same situation, he said.

In Bangkok, the average occupancy rate is as low as 20 per cent - less than half of the 50 per cent seen during a normal low season, he said.

Kongkrit Hiranyakit, chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said the government's move to declare some demonstrators as terrorists only worsens the situation. Many tourists have reconsidered their trips, since travel insurance does not cover acts of terrorism.

"This message carries even stronger negativity for the industry than the internal political tension," he said.

The Holiday Inn Bangkok, under International Hotel Group management, is a budget hotel of Erawan Group. Erawan and the hotel chain however decided to keep running the InterContinental Hotel Bangkok - another group property in the area - despite the 10-per-cent occupancy rate.

Centara Grand Hotel at CentralWorld and Anoma are also operating at less than 10 per cent full.

Dusit International, which operates the Dusit Thani Bangkok on Silom Road, where the red-shirt demonstrators plan to block business today, issued a statement yesterday, calling for all parties to take into account the calamity that would ensue.

Dusit CEO Chanin Donavanik said in the statement that the bloodbath on April 10 had taken a heavy toll on the travel and tourism industry, as well as on the hospitality business as a whole.

"This of course brings us disappointment, as we achieved a great performance in the first quarter and had a strong finish forecast for the year-end. We expect the issue to be resolved by the second quarter and look forward to being back on track soon," he said.

"We would like to convey our sincere condolences for the loss of families and friends who have been affected by this event. We are also deeply concerned about our friends and partners whose businesses are located in the middle of the demonstration areas," he said.

The group has witnessed cancellations, but refrained from giving exact figures. Chanin said the end of political tension would help push the Thai tourism industry back to its leading position and make Thailand an attractive destination in Asia-Pacific again.

Since February, Dusit Thani Bangkok has beefed up security. Checkpoints have been set up at every entrance. All restaurants remain open, waiting for advice from authorities.

Serviced apartments are also singing the blues.

Suwanna Buddhaprasart, senior executive vice president of Quality Houses, said Centre Point at Rajadamri was almost deserted because it was at ground zero. The red-shirt crowd was right outside the main entrance.

The executive serviced residence's occupancy rate dropped from 80-90 per cent to only 20 per cent after the company moved tenants to other Centre Point Hospitality properties.

"Other locations also face a hard time when most tourists and businesses cancel their trips to Bangkok," she said.

Siam City Research Institute said in a note that it might revise down the net profits of hotels, retailers and commercial banks that are directly hit by the demonstration, such as Erawan, Minor International, Thai Airways International and Airports of Thailand.

Retail stocks such as Big C Supercentre, Siam Makro and Major Cineplex Group, as well as developers including Land and Houses, Pruksa Real Estate and Quality Houses, are expected to sacrifice net profits because their performances are sensitive to consumer confidence.

"A prolonged rally may also affect commercial banks' lending activities," it said.

Listed companies that might be at risk from the delay in the Thai Khemkhaeng economic stimulus project may need to be reviewed, such as Siam Cement, Tata Steel (Thailand), Ch Karnchang, SinoThai Engineering and Construction, Thai Metal Trade and Bangsaphan Barmill, the research house said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-20

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POLITICAL DEADLOCK

Somchai and Chavalit want King to resolve stand-off

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former prime ministers Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Somchai Wongsawat yesterday sought a royal intervention to thwart a possible clash between the armed forces and red-shirt protesters.

The pair called for an immediate dissolution of Parliament and demanded the government pledge not to crack down on protesters.

The pair, both "pro-red" rivals of the current government and close allies of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, made strong calls pleading for the government to back down and seek a royal audience, raising the stakes to involve the monarchy in the political stand-off.

In a statement, they voiced concern over the downward spiral of the crisis. They made five points:

1. The use of force must cease and killings must stop immediately.

2. The government is obligated to guarantee there is no more loss of life in a "political assembly".

3. The state of emergency must be revoked.

4. The government must stop spreading "one-sided information", revoke its "gag" on the media and allow the people to access information.

5. Parliament must be dissolved immediately in order to return a mandate to the people.

In explaining his stand, Somchai, who is also Thaksin's brother-in-law, said he viewed a snap election as solution for the current predicament.

"I think it is fair to let the people decide on what they want," he said, voicing optimism that a ballot could end the turmoil.

He said the idea to set up a national government could be another option but there "might not be time" to form such an administration.

Chavalit said the government had no choice but to stop using force against the people.

"As a former military commander bestowed with a highest Ramathibodi medal for valor, I fully hope for His Majesty's guidance to end the long-standing conflict," he said.

Neither Pheu Thai Party nor the red shirts wanted to make a reference to His Majesty the King in an inappropriate manner, but the situation was dire, he said, adding that without His Majesty's guidance, there might be a great loss in a few days.

He said he was optimistic His Majesty would heed his plea. He added he was trying to contact the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary in order to seek the royal audience.

Deputy Interior Minister Thaworn Senneam said he deemed it preposterous for the two to trouble the King with their political appeal.

"As senior figures and prime ministers, Somchai and Chavalit should know that the King stays above politics."

He said the two were acting out of bounds by trying to politicise and tarnish the monarchy.

He urged the two to abandon their idea of involving His Majesty in the turmoil.

Bhum Jai Thai Party deputy spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said he saw no justification for Chavalit and Somchai to bring the predicament to His Majesty's attention.

"The King is staying at Siriraj Hospital and it is deemed inappropriate to cause heartache on top of His Majesty's fragile health," he said.

Pheu Thai MPs and the red shirts were like mirror images of one another, Supachai said, adding it was nonsense as the red shirts were acting in defiance of the law, the main opposition party tried to involve His Majesty in their actions.

-- The Nation 2010-04-20

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Restoration of Democracy Monument, bridges planned

By Wannapa Khaopa

Onravee Tangmeesang

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Fine Arts Department (FAD) will begin restoration of the Democracy Monument, the bridges of Rajdamnoen Nok and Rajdamnoen Klang avenues, the Mahakarn Fort and Chamaimaruchet bridge early next month, Khemchat Thepchai, FAD's deputy director general said yesterday.

He headed a team of officials from FAD yesterday to inspect damage to the monument, the worst affected historical site following the April 10 clashes between red-shirt protesters and soldiers.

"Our officials will take a week to complete the inspection process at the monument and other places the red-shirts used as their main protest site and clashed with soldiers before moving to Rajprasong intersection," Khemchat said.

He added that FAD would take a week to write the restoration plan and propose it to Culture Minister Teera Slukpetch before starting work early next month.

The other sites include the Phan Fa, Phan Phiphop Lila, Makkhawan Rangsan and Chamaimaruchet bridges, as well as the Mahakarn Fort.

The monument was reportedly damaged by stray bullets and grenade shrapnel during the clashes.

Around 10 holes were found in the monument. It was also painted in i red and blue colours. A number of carved wooden flowers have disappeared.

Khemchat expected restoring of these historical places would cost hundreds of thousands of baht.

Asked if FAD would await the clashes' fact finding committee to inspect the monument before starting restoration, Khemchat said the officials would record the damage thoroughly and provide photographs of the damage to the committee if requested.

-- The Nation 2010-04-20

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Reds to intensify pressure

By The Nation

Published on April 20, 2010

BANGKOK: -- Plan mapped out to remove demonstrators from Rajprasong intersection; Premier Abhisit vows to fight on, but cannot set deadline to end crisis

As the red-shirt protesters promise another day of chaos in the capital to pressure Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva into dissolving Parliament, the security forces are standing guard to protect Silom Road.

The embattled premier, |who refuses to give in to the protesters' demands, said on television yesterday that he was not discouraged and would do his best to solve the crisis, but could not set a deadline.

"I know everyone wants this to end quickly, but those who work have to face many factors," he said. "We have to minimise the damage and do it effectively."

TROOPS, POLICE DEPLOYED

Thousands of troops and police were deployed to secure the business district yesterday as a red-shirt leader announced plans to invade the area. However, the protesters changed their plans when they spotted stern-looking soldiers - some armed with assault rifles, shotguns and pistols - on guard at Silom.

The protesters saw the presence of troops as the government getting ready for a new crackdown, |with red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua saying Silom looked like a war zone.

Another leader, weng Tojirakarn, said the government was treating the red-shirt protesters as if they were national enemies rather than fellow citizens.

"We won't make war, but will struggle peacefully until the end of our lives," he said on the main stage at the Rajprasong. "If the government launched another crackdown, it should prepare for civil war."

The protesters prepared for confrontation by covering the protest site and stage with black plastic webbing, as their guards got |ready a pile of sharpened |bamboo sticks to use as weapons.

Meanwhile, Kwanchai Praipana, a red-shirt leader from Udon Thani, called on supporters across the nation to join the rally by 8am today.

A group of 400 red-shirt protesters in the Northeastern province of Khon Kaen blocked the Friendship Road to stop military officials from travelling to the capital. They also briefly held back some 40 soldiers on their way back to barracks after their Songkran holidays.

Abhisit, meanwhile, said the government needed to remove the red shirts from Rajprasong so life in Bangkok could return to normal. He said the red-shirt leaders were holding two groups of people hostage - the capital's business community and the protesters - for their own political benefit.

The government is planning to compensate those losing financially from the protest, he said, adding that daily-wage earners in the area were the top priority.

The Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situations yesterday mapped out a plan to remove protesters from Rajprasong, said spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd.

The operation would be conducted on a step-by-step basis, from lenient to harsh, according to international standards, he said, adding that soldiers were allowed to carry arms for self-defence.

"We have made it clear that officers will not take any lives, but they have the right to protect themselves," Sansern said.

It is a shame that the protesters are using elderly people, women and children as human shields, he added.

The authorities are insisting that protesters used weapons of war against troops during the April 10 clash, which claimed 25 lives and

injured more than 800 others.

They said "terrorists" had mixed in with the protesters to hurt the security forces, but so far they have not clarified why the number of civilians killed in the violence was so high.

Abhisit said the troops were strictly abiding by the rules of engagement on April 10, but the government would make sure that justice was served on all sides.

-- The Nation 2010-04-20

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Reds leaders taking precautions

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Core leaders of the red shirt mob, who face arrest warrants in connection with the protest, have tightened security to prevent themselves from "unsafe incidents" while they rally at Rajprasong intersection.

The move comes after leaders such as Arisman Pongruangrong, Suporn Atthawong and Jeng Dokchik were lucky to avoid being taken into detention by a team of commandoes early last Friday at the SC Park Hotel, where six leaders had been staying. They were able to escape from police custody.

Suporn, known as "Rambo Esarn", said he must be careful and had asked security guards to accompany them when he needs to travel outside the rally site.

Red-shirt security guards were ordered to follow each core leader in a bid to prevent any "unsafe" incident and some unnecessary trips had been cut for security reasons.

"Each of core leaders are now being protected by security guards," he said.

Suporn is among seven core leaders with warrants out for their arrest in connection with red-shirt protests. They are Arisman Pongruangrong, Suporn Atthawong, Payap Panket, Sangiem Samranlak, Wanchana Kerddee and Yoswarit Chuklom, and Jeng Dokchik.

Suporn said all leaders had to stay and sleep at the demonstration site. Some slept on the stage, inside the shelters behind the stage, and vans at night.

At least four lights have been put up as spotlights on the top floor of buildings surrounding the rally site at Rajprasong.

A van was used as a meeting room to discuss the situation and strategic plans on how to deal with the government.

Another two vans, modified as "VIP toilets" and combined with air-conditioners, have been set up for protest leaders.

Nuttawut Saikua, a red-shirt leader, said he also was careful about trips outside the rally site since he also faced the threat of being arrested. He said he slept at the demonstration site and sometimes on the stage.

He said he had ordered security guards to keep a close eye out for strangers disguised as protesters.

However, he said everything was normal - there were no safety worries. He and Suporn did not wear bullet-proof vests.

"I invite people to join the demonstration , so how could I wear a bullet-proof vest when other protesters do not," he said "My life always has been threatened."

Jatuporn Promphan said all leaders stay at shelters behind the stage at the rally site. There was no special security or safety precautions.

Jatuporn said he would send some security guards to watch out from the top floor of buildings surrounding Rajprasong as the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation had said they would send troops to these buildings.

Like others, Suporn was worried about the safety of his family, who live in Nakhon Ratchasima province. He said they were not involved in politics and never took part in demonstrations.

Nuttawut, meanwhile, said a report about local people throwing stones at his house in Nakhon Si Thammarat province was not true. His family was not opposed by local people and were safe, he said.

Some of malls near the rally site, such as Central Chidlom and MBK have opened and are welcoming tourists and shoppers.

-- The Nation 2010-04-20

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Rights commissioners to meet Banharn

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Human rights commissioners will meet former prime minister Banharn Sinlapa-archa today as part of their efforts to seek a solution to the country's crisis.

Earlier the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) met with two other former prime ministers, Anand Panyarachun and General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.

"We will talk to Banharn on the same topic as the other two former PMs. But we hope to hear different opinions than amend the charter and dissolve the House, as he (Banharn) has always expressed through the media," NHRC chairman Amara Pongsapitch said.

The commission also has a schedule to meet and discuss with two more former prime ministers, Chuan Leekpai and Somchai Wongsawat.

It will gather all the opinions and suggestions, convey them to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and release them to the public.

Amara denied earlier reports they would invite all the former prime ministers to a round table talk.

"It was a media misunderstanding. Each leader has his own stance, so it would be hard to manage them to sit and talk together," Amara said.

Sixteen civic groups led by General Ekachai Srivilas, director of Peace and Governance at the King Prajadhipok Research Institute, yesterday asked both the government and red-shirt protesters to take a step backwards.

The group submitted a letter to the Prime Minister asking the government to use peaceful means and discussion to solve the crisis. The group met and asked red-shirt protesters to leave Rajprasong area and allow department stores at the area to resume operations.

-- The Nation 2010-04-20

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Soldiers welcomed on Silom

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- By day, Silom Road is the business capital of the country - crowded with office workers and company employees. At night, it's one of the capital's playgrounds, as tourists and fun-seekers head to Patpong, the red-light district known around the world for its bars and night bazaar.

But currently at least five military companies have been deployed on and around Silom. Some troops are stationed in Lumpini Park and others at Sala Daeng BTS station.

A group of red-shirt protesters has, meanwhile, taken positions near King Rama VI in front of Lumpini Park.

"I was stunned when I saw so many soldiers standing around Sala Daeng station," said Charindhorn Paungsab, 33, who works at a private company, after she got off the Skytrain.

"I was a little nervous about the situation," she said. "Today was different from anything I've seen."

Charindhorn, who came to Silom to call on customers, said she believed the soldiers would control the crowd peacefully and without violence. Rolls of barbed wire have been laid to block the road and Sala Daeng station stairways to prevent red-shirt protesters and strangers entering the area.

Soldiers are equipped with guns - some loaded with live ammunition, others with blanks. They insisted they would only shoot in the air if threatened by protesters and would not aim at them. All were equipped with protective vests.

They stood on corners, in front of banks, small shops, and were stationed at roads such as Patpong and Silom Soi 2, known for their go-go bars.

Military trucks, cars, and four long-range acoustic devices (LRAD) were deployed along Silom, for crowd control. White vans carried heavily armed groups of soldiers into position around the area.

Some troops used a military truck equipped with loudspeakers to tell Silom residents they had come to protect them from a group of persons who could cause unexpected incidents and violence.

Story continues: The Nation

-- The Nation 2010-04-20

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TAN Network: Authorities and locals alike await for red shirt announcement at 10 A.M. of today's movements

TAN Network: Intercontinental, Renaissance, Centara Grand hotels around Ratchaprasong area close their doors today due to security concerns

THE NATION: Ch9: PM Abhisit denied Tuesday morning that he was seriously ill as alleged by red-shirt leaders.

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Red Shirts to Announce Plans for Today's Movements at 10 A.M.

BANGKOK: -- Authorities and locals alike are now awaiting an announcement from the red shirt leaders at 10 A.M. today as to what their plans are for today's large scale rally are.

Soldiers continue to secure the Silom area in anticipation that red shirt protesters might try to seize Bangkok's main financial district.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-20

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THE NATION: Traffic flowing at Silom and surrounding area amid tight security early Tue.Red-shirts will announce movement plans today at 10 a.m.

THE NATION: Hotels around Rajprasong close today, with some employees instructed to take leave (first step b4 paycut)

THE NATION: even in lower sukhumvit most hotels appear to be nearly deserted - just passed through soi 4 this morning and it was _empty_

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THE NATION: TNN: As of 9:07 am, number of provincial people at Rajprasong rally site seemed to drop a lot.

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RichardBarrow: Central Chidlom is open today 10am-7pm CentralWorld is still closed.

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THE NATION: 2nd Army Region commander Lt Gen Weewarit said he expected lesser numbers of red shirts from the Northeast to join the rally in Bangkok.

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THE NATION: The crowd not as massive as other red "big rally" days. Leaders must think hard about today's strategy.

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THE NATION: Riot forces have put up extra barricades at Silom Road to deter the red shirts from advancing into the central business district.

MCOT: PM chairs Cabinet at 11th Infantry Regiment amid tight security, assessing protest and discussing budget to help affected people

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TAN Network: Authorities set to close down Silom in prep for today's red shirt rally; still no word from rally site on what is planned today

TAN Network: Thai media reports quoting red leader Dr. Weng who claims reds will not march to Silom, 11th Infantry, or gov't agencies today

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MCOT: DPM Suthep: Govt ready to handle mass rally; security forces allowed live rounds if attacked by armed protesters; martial law not needed

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TAN Network: Still no word from red shirt rally as leaders continue to discuss possible actions to be taken today

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RichardBarrow: Hotels located around Ratchaprasong & nearby areas announced for safety reason they will close from noon today to April 25

RichardBarrow: Amarin shopping mall by BTS ChitLom is open but only from side entrance.

RichardBarrow; Redshirts well established on road from Ratchaprasong towards Silom. Shelters, canteens, toilets and showers.

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TAN Network: INN: CRES claims red shirts armed with bombs and sharp sticks, says soldiers will shoot if attacked

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UDD: No march to Silom today

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors will not stage their mass rally in Silom area after troops with full arms have been deployed to the area to prevent the protestors from invading.

UDD core figure, MD Weng Tojirakarn disclosed that the planned rally to Silom was unlikely today as he knew that fully armed military officers stationed around there are prepared to take action against them.

MD Weng added that the direction of UDD movement today will depend on the number of the protestors. If the group of the protestors is large, they would be mobilized to the places planned which could not be disclosed at this time. However, he said that the plan needs further discussion with other UDD core figures.

In related developments, after Puea Thai Party Chairperson General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh yesterday told a press conference he would ask His Majesty the King to intervene in the conflict in order to alleviate the current political heat, several UDD supporters such as former Acting Leader of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, Jaturon Chaisaeng and Puea Thai MPs travelled to meet the UDD core leaders. Some of them had long discussions.

-- NNT 2010-04-20

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THE NATION: it's confirmed Siam Continental Hotel is closed today.

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RichardBarrow: One lane open on Ratchadamri Rd but slow going for cars.

BPbreakingnews: Plan to ask King’s help opposed

THE NATION: Red leader Shinawat: red shirts won't go anywhere today. via KT news

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RichardBarrow: Most shops in Peninsula Plaza on Ratchadamri closed but travel agents open. Ent via garage.

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Red shirts to defend Rajprasong, Silom march cancelled: Weng

BANGKOK: -- The reds will today focus on two activities - one group staying to safeguard the Rajprasong rally site and another group to march to an undisclosed destination, red-shirt leader Weng Tojirakarn said on Tuesday.

The march destination will not include any government offices or Silom Road where security has been beefed up, weng said, confirming the cancellation of an earlier plan to advance to the central business district.

Weng was the only key leader at the rally site this morning. The other leaders, Veera Musigapong, Jatuporn Promphan and Natthawut Saikua, were absent.

The turnout of the crowds was lower than expected, numbering in thousands.

-- The Nation 2010-04-20

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RichardBarrow: I have now walked from Ratchaprasong Int. to Sala Daeng Int. and redshirt tent city goes all the way.

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RichardBarrow: Large number of red shirts on truck and motorcyles just arrived here at Sala Daeng intersection. Testing water I think.

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RichardBarrow: Turns out to be reinforcements arriving from Samut Prakan. They faced off riot police for 5 mins then turned up Ratchadamri.

RichardBarrow: redshirts from Samut Prakan continue to tease riot police at Sala Daeng via loudspeaker.