Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Wednesday

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TBank temporarily relocates Rajprasong offices

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thanachart Bank and Thanachart Life Assurance have temporarily moved their offices located near Rajprasong area, the current stronghold of political protesters.

The bank's Soi Tonson, the Park Place, Silom and Silom Complex offices are now moved to the Thong Lor 3, Sukhumvit and Silom 15 branches. Meanwhile, the insurance firm's office is moved from Park Place building to Ratchada Building.

Earlier, Thanachart Bank relocated its offices from CentralWorld, MBK and Discovery Centre elsewhere.

-- The Nation 2010-04-21

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THE NATION: BTS is opened but main gates at ticket booths at Siam, Rajdamri and Silom closed for security reason.

THE NATION: Keep these No. just in case. Check traffic js100 radio at 1137, bus routes 183 and BTS 02-617-6000

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THE NATION: Thai-Japan flyover on Rama V is now opened as the tyre barrier was removed. via js100 radio

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BangkokDan: Reuters reports red shirts open to talks to avoid crackdown

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Retired Soldiers Slam Soldiers Siding with Red-shirt Group

A group of retired soldiers in the north urges the ruiling government to cope with the red-shirt protesters with harsh measures in order to restore peace in the country.

A group of retired soldiers calling themselves 'Samoraphum Soldiers' in northern provinces of Chaing Rai and Phayao are calling on the defence minister and the army chief to carry out harsh measures against those who attack the monarchy and military officers who are on red-shirts' side.

The group led by Master Sergeant First Class Phisit Phiankan, submitted an open letter to a high-ranking military officer in Phayao Province, in a call for the army to speed up the crackdown on those who offend the monarchy and on the armed black-camouflaged force that used weapons to killed civilians and military officers on April 10th in Bangkok.

In addition, they urged the Army to use harsh penalties for soldiers who have misbehaved and polarised the force by taking side with the red-shirt movement.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-21

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Parliament Rejects Proposal to Form Committee to Probe Apr 10 Violence

BANGKOK: -- Parliament has turned down the proposal to set up an ad-hoc House committee to investigate the violence that broke out on April 10 when 25 people were killed and hundreds injured.

Pheu Thai MPs, who sympathize with the anti-government red-shirt protesters, protested against the decision by walking out of the assembly room.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-21

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Red -shirt Leaders Deny Amassing Weapons

BANGKOK: -- Leaders of the red-shirt protesters have denied reports that weapons are being amassed among demonstrators in Bangkok while a standoff was seen between the group and Silom residents last night.

Close to 100 Silom Road residents assembled at Sala Daeng Intersection late last night as the red-shirt group brought in four mobile public address systems.

The Silom citizens used bullhorns to communicate with the anti-government protesters, saying that though they had no qualms with democratic assemblies, they are opposed to their unlawful gathering.

The distraught residents also called on the government to step in and enforce the rule of law.

The tense standoff lasted until 4 a.m. today but did not result in any violence despite some instances of provocation by members of the red-shirt group.

The atmosphere at the red-shirt rally site at Ratchaprasong Intersection this morning was relatively quiet except for red-shirt core leader Natthawut Saikua taking to the stage to refute claims made by the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation that the group is hoarding weapons.

He challenged the center to produce evidence to back its claim that demonstrators are collecting sharpened sticks, explosives and corrosive acid before commenting that the claim was likely made to justify a protest dispersal.

The protest leader stated that the government has lost all military and police allegiance, citing intelligence that Army chief General Anupong Paochinda and Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan have resolved to remain idle against orders to move on the red-shirt protesters.

Natthawut cited an example that an order for police to mobilize along Rama IV Road last night failed when police refused to comply.

Natthawut also addressed members of the government coalition, calling on them to abandon the Democrat Party and not buy in to its openness to amend the Constitution, arguing that Democrat chief adviser Chuan Leekpai would never back the move.

He said the charter amendment was simply a final resort to extend the Democrat Party's favor among the coalition.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-21

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Gov't must enforce the law or risk a civil war: Chamlong

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government has no choice but to rein in the red shirts in a speedy and effective manner via law enforcement, otherwise the situation will degenerate into a civil war, People's Alliance for Democracy leader Chamlong Srimuang said on Wednesday.

"I have to reprimand the government for failing to act in a decisive manner as if it is waiting for civil war to erupt," he said.

If the government failed to take action, the people would lose patience and take the law into their hands, he said.

"At the beginning, the rival crowds might gently interact with one another but armed clashes will ensue," he said.

He said he viewed the prevailing crisis as caused by wrongdoers who refused to accept the justice system. He also stated he did see a parliamentary debate or any negotiations as a way to overcome the crisis.

"This is not a political conflict but an attempt to elude the law," he said, warning about the collapse of the rule of law if wrongdoers were allowed to negotiate out of their predicament.

Should the government remain indecisive, he suggested for the First Army Region to intervene and declare the martial law.

"It will take no more than two hours to disperse the red shirts," he said, arguing the risk is worth taking to safeguard the country.

The government could be informed after the completion of the anti-riot operation and the worst that could have happened to military officers involved is to face a job reassignment, he said.

Unless the government could manage to gain control of the situation, the country might face a coup, he said, though admitting he saw a slim chance for power seizure to happen.

After the expiry of its seven-day deadline to disperse the red shirts, the PAD would step out to restore peace, he said.

The PAD will join hands with all patriots to safeguard the monarchy and do everything possible to stop "the act of terrorism", he said, dismissing speculation about setting the stage for the military to seize power.

-- The Nation 2010-04-21

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Thaivisa News: Traffic info: CRES ordered Police to close lanes near Rama 4 Rd. from Wireless Rd. intersection to Henry Dunant intersection

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Culprits fired RPG at PTT petrol depots in Pathum Thani

PATHUM THANI: -- Culprits fired an rocket propelled grenade to PTT's petrol depots in Pathum Thani's Lumlukka district on Wednesday morning.

Police believed the attack was an attempt to stage a sabotage in the country.

Police found the RPG's components at the depots.

The attack caused a hole at the T410D depot which contained 22 million liters of oil. Luckily, officials could extinguish a small fire and sealed the hole in time before the fire extended.

At first, police believed that the culprits used an M-79 grenade.

-- The Nation 2010-04-21

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Red Shirt protesters not allowed to rally at other locations

BANGKOK (TNA) -- The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) set up by the government will not allow the anti-government Red Shirt protesters to move the protest to other locations, Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, CRES spokesman said.

Meeting Wednesday, CRES decided to not allow protesters to move to a new location, particularly at Siriraj Hospital where His Majesty King Bhumibol has been hospitalised since September and Silom business area.

Military will be deployed to protect other areas and it does not mean that protesters can encamp at Ratchaprasong, the capital's high-end shopping district for long. Troops and police will take decisive action under the law to handle that.

The Red Shirts moved to encamp at Ratchaprasong intersection on April 3. Their almost three-week blockade has critically-damaged tourism business and shopping malls in the area.

Summonses were issued for 52 people to give statements to the CRES. Twenty-one have reported, but the other 31 did not show up, Col Sansern said, adding that arrest warrants will be sought for the 31 who did not appear while additional summonses will be issued for a second batch of 54 potential witnesses, including community radio hosts, taxi and motorcycle taxi drivers and Red Shirt guards, he added.

He also denied press reports that the Japanese cameraman was killed by a bullet from soldiers, saying the investigation has yet finished and no conclusion has yet come out from the Scientific Crime Detection Division.

It is not true that bullets coming from the front of the protesters were fired by soldiers. Terrorists can fire from any direction to hurt innocent people and create misunderstanding. Video clips revealed earlier can prove that, Col Sansern said.

Gunmen in black jackets also stood in front of the protesters, the spokesman said.

Following the CRES statement on the Red Shirt’s armed militant and preparations of the use of weapons against government troops, Red Shirt key leader Nattawut Saikua on Wednesday denied the accusation and challenged the security agency to show evidence to back up its claim.

The CRES earlier said the terrorists mingling among red-shirted protesters are well-equipped with hand grenades, molotov cocktails, sharpened staves and even bags and bottles of acid for use against the troops.

Mr Nattawut claimed the sharpened staves were stabbed down on the ground of the rally site as fencing to prevent the possible crackdown of the troops, while brushing aside investigation into the activists homemade rockets, saying they were just colourful stories among the protesters, and not aimed to harm army personnel.

“The Red Shirts have only fishnets to catch the army personnel who will disperse the crowd,” said the protest leader.

"Until now the situation is still uncertain as to whether the government will order the new crackdown, said Mr Nattawut, but if the CRES is ready to disperse crowd, the people are also ready, as we believe no soldier and police are on the government’s side.

Mr Nattawut commented as he and and the families of those who died in the April 10 clashes between the protesters and the army together held a news conference reaffirming that the deceased Red Shirt protesters were killed by M16 assault rifle bullets which is the weapon of the soldiers.

Mr Nattawut said the army and the government cannot claim that the death was not caused by their operation.

-- TNA 2010-04-21

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BPost: Reds halt army train in Khon Kaen

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MCOT: RPG component found near leaking oil container at Thai Petroleum Pipeline oil depot in Pathum Thani; believe grenade fired from motorway

MCOT: Red Shirt leaders to protesters: be vigilant, ready for govt move to disperse them, cite report that workers in malls, hotels asked to leave

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THE NATION: Big anti-red rally called at Silom on Friday. Organizers vow to mobilize 100,000

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THE NATION: The Friday anti-red rally is called not at Silom but Amporn Garden near the Royal Plaza. They aim to mobilized 100,000.

THE NATION: Many offices in Rajprasong area have asked workers to go home early. But we haven't heard any tip about any imminent troop action.

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Thai 'Red Shirts' rule out talks despite looming crackdown

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's "Red Shirt" protesters on Wednesday ruled out talks with the government despite fears of a crackdown that has seen them fortify their rally base with home-made barricades.

Jatuporn Prompan, a core leader of the red-shirted campaigners who are pushing for fresh elections, said talks were "out of the question" after street clashes in Bangkok earlier this month that left 25 people dead.

"It's impossible to hold negotiations between killers and those who have been killed," he said.

Entrances to the vast Reds encampment, which has engulfed Bangkok's upscale retail district, were blocked with barriers made from bamboo poles and car tyres draped with plastic sheeting.

Piles of sharpened bamboo sticks and broken paving stones have been stockpiled, triggering fears of new confrontations with the security forces, which have warned they will respond with tear gas and live weapons fire.

Tensions are running high after April 10 clashes, sparked by a failed attempt to dislodge the protesters, which left 19 Red Shirts, five members of the security forces and one foreign journalist dead.

The Reds said they are now braced for action from security forces, who have warned they will use tear gas and live weapons fire if necessary against the protesters who have mounted four weeks of rolling street rallies.

Red leaders denied allegations they are hoarding weapons, and hit out at army warnings that troops are authorised to use lethal force.

"The government is subtly preparing for a brutal crackdown on us. Please stop trying to find a reason to kill innocent people," said senior Red figure Nattawut Saikuar.

"Anyone with common sense can see that we cannot fight against assault rifles like M16s armed only with sharpened bamboo," he said. "We are not terrorists but have come here empty-handed to call for democracy."

Protesters were forced Tuesday to cancel plans to march from their base to the nearby Silom financial district after thousands of troops descended with assault weapons and razor wire to secure the area.

Hundreds of members of the security forces and Red Shirts are now facing off at the perimeter of the two zones, separated by a long stretch of the makeshift barricade.

Protesters waved flags, played music and rallied the crowd in speeches broadcast over large speakers, while overhead armed troops patrolled from pedestrian walkways screened off with black netting.

The Reds have said they are focused on bolstering numbers at their rally camp, which stretches along four kilometres (2.5 miles) of some of Bangkok's major thoroughfares, ahead of an offensive they expect before next Monday.

Besieged shopping centres and hotels have been forced to close amid the mayhem, worsening the damage to the economy of the tourist paradise and its reputation as the "land of smiles".

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who is defying calls to quit and call fresh elections, has said the government is determined to rout the Red Shirts and did not rule out the prospect of martial law being declared.

"Security officials are not complacent, we will take quick action and do it to the best of our ability. The government does not want to see protracted protests but it's not easy as they are armed," he said Monday.

The protesters are mainly supporters of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup and is living in exile to avoid a jail sentence for corruption.

The Reds, who draw much of their support from the rural poor, say Abhisit's government is undemocratic because it came to power in a parliamentary vote after a court ruling removed Thaksin's allies from office.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-21

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Topic discussion: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Red-Shi...om-t358121.html

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THE NATION: still developing story: Tension in Khon Kaen after reds seized a train loaded with 21 Army vehicles and detained 230 soldiers.

THE NATION: Negotiations have been going on btw provincial officials and red leaders in khon Kaen. The tran seizure took place after 2 pm.

THE NATION: The reds claimed the vehicles and soldiers were meant to reinforce Bkk operations but officials say they were supposed to go to Pattani.

THE NATION: there are hundreds of reds surrounding the train blocking it from leaving provincial station.

THE NATION: More reds have been heading to the Khon Kaen train station following calls from pro-red community radio hosts.

THE NATION: (two days ago, Khon Kaen reds blocked Mittapap highway, searched vehicles and sent allegedly Bkk-bound troops home)

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Red Shirt leaders urge activists to prepare for crackdown

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Key leaders of the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Wednesday urged their Red Shirt protesters encamping at Bangkok's high-end shopping area of Ratchaprasong to prepare for tightened security measures at the rally site, amid rumours of a possible crackdown by government security forces.

UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan addressed the red-shirted protesters staying at Ratchaprasong for the third week that reports said the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) had coordinated with department stores and hotels around the rally site to evacuate their employees

from the area.

Mr Jatuporn claimed the CRES's movement is a signal that there might be a crackdown soon and if mobile phone signals cannot be connected, it means the army operation is about to begin.

The Red Shirt leader told the crowd to closely monitor the situation and step up security measures at the protest area.

The demonstrators earlier installed large black nets as an awning for the stage and rally site, aiming to prevent possible attacks on the protest leaders, as well as to give shade for the protesters under the scorching sun.

Following the decision of the House not to set up a special committee to probe the April 10 clash between the Red Shirts and the security forces which left 25 persons dead and more than 800 injured, Mr Jatuporn criticised the government for not wanting an investigation of the incident.

The UDD leader also said he has learned that the Japanese cameraman of Thompson Reuters news agency, Hiroyuki Muramoto, was killed by a rubber bullet.

Mr Jatuporn claimed that the rubber bullets were used by soldiers and if fired at close range, the bullet can pierce through plywood and metal sheets.

The Red Shirt leader said the group will keep the dead bodies of its supporters for further autopsy to prosecute Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

A Thai News Agency (TNA) reporter reported that combined forces of police and army personnel have been deployed in front of and around Dusit Thani Hotel in the Silom area to ensure safety and prevent any clash between the Red Shirt protesters and those who opposed the UDD movement after some members of the public gathered Tuesday night at Saladaeng intersection confronting the UDD red-shirted activists encamped nearby at Lumpini Park.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit told the House session that he supported the Senate's general debate motion without voting this Friday.

"I reaffirm that I will use this channel to open a joint parliamentary session to hear comments from the members of parliament and senators to find the solutions out of the conflict," said the premier, "but the decision will be made by the Cabinet."

Mr Abhisit reaffirmed that the government has never intended to hurt the people, but said what had happened needed to be proven to establish the facts. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-21

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Thai protesters block military train

BANGKOK (AFP) -- One thousand Thai anti-government protesters have halted a military train carrying soldiers, heavy equipment and weapons in the country's northeast, authorities said Wednesday.

The 18-carriage train, which was travelling through Khon Kaen, which is a stronghold of the "Red Shirts" who have waged four weeks of street rallies in Bangkok, has been disconnected from its engine.

Railway officials said the Reds mistakenly believed the soldiers and equipment were destined to be used in a crackdown that authorities have warned they will unleash to end the demonstrations in the capital.

They said they were actually headed for Thailand's restive south, where a six-year separatist insurgency in the Muslim-majority southern provinces bordering Malaysia has left more than 4,000 people dead.

"The train is still parked at Khon Kaen station with 50 to 60 (national service) conscripts who are taking care of the weapons," said Lieutenant General Chotjin Kengkijkarn from the State Railway of Thailand's police force.

He said Red Shirt protesters surrounded the train, overwhelming the outnumbered soldiers, before provincial authorities agreed to stop the train from departing Khon Kean.

Thailand's south was an autonomous Malay Muslim sultanate until it was annexed in 1902 by mainly Buddhist Thailand and tensions have bubbled there ever since, escalating into the current insurgency in January 2004.

In the latest casualties there, a grenade attack and a car bomb in Pattani provinces Wednesday killed a policeman and injured dozens more police and civilians.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-21

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Topic discussion: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Red-Shirts-B...-T-t358129.html

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Red shirts seized trains and detained soldiers in Khon Kaen

By The Nation

KON KAEN: -- Red shirts in Khon Kaen separately detained altogether 230 soldiers after seizing their trains as they were about to travel to Bangkok to join their comrades to disperse the red shirts protesters.

About 1,000 red shirts in Khon Kaen gathered at Khon Kaen train station at about 1.30pm after listening to a community radio programme which claimed that soldiers would leave for Bangkok to disperse the protesters.

They then seized the train which also carried 21 army vehicles and detained 80 soldiers on board.

Their commander then ordered his soldiers to get off the train. He told the red shirts that the soldiers would go to Pattani not Bangkok as claimed, but to no avail. Khon Kaen governor and other senior officials who rushed to the scene also failed to convince the red shirts to free the soldiers and trains.

A red shirt leader said that the leaders in Bangkok ordered the group to detain the soldiers and trains for five days.

"They told us that don't allow the soldiers to leave otherwise they would join other soldiers in Bangkok in dispersing the protesters. If we allow that happens, a large number of protesters would be killed, the leader said.

The red shirts then set up tents over the rail tracks to prevent the train from leaving the stations.

Later at about 4.30pm, a group of 1,000 soldiers blocked an intersection in Khon Kaen's Ban Pai district and seized three army buses which had 150 soldiers on board for the same reasons.

A police commander said that the soldiers were from an army camp in Udon Thani province. They were assigned to work in deep south province of Pattani, not in Bangkok as claimed by the red shirts leaders.

-- The Nation 2010-04-21

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THE NATION: Multicoloured at Silom. This group is about 80 metres from reds.

THE NATION: It's getting more worrisome at Silom. Reds &anti-Reds are too close , trading stinging songs and abuses.

THE NATION: Sparring bouts have occurred more often around Saladang, as once in a while a couple reds will sneak into Silom and vice versa.

THE NATION: Tomorrow's mission: Nattawut said redshirt would "get rid" of all military check-points w/in their vicinity.

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THE NATION: A red leader at Rajprasong said they prepared 'unlimited' skyrocket (bung-fai) to shoot at helicopters. (con't)

THE NATION: The red leader also threatened that those sky-rockets may directly hit buildings in the area.

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THE NATION: Tension at Silom as police tried 2 prevent multi-colours fr throwing stuffs at a red car.

THE NATION: I did call it Otop. Just now a red leader told supporters on stage that Reds got no weapon. "We had only Otop stuffs - net, bamboo etc."

THE NATION: Red leader Weng is talking on stage now, telling protesters to believe Abhisit's controversial tape is NOT doctored.

THE NATION: Weng: "Until he could prove scientifically that it is doctored, we can continue our belief that he ordered the killing."

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THE NATION: Weng now priased the Reds for treating the media well and asked the crowd to give them big hands.

THE NATION: Weng asked redshirts to give journalists a big hand. He said the reds treated all media well,something that they should b proud of.

THE NATION: Weng: no matter they r from ASTV or Thai Post, we should treat them properly becoz they take photos and photos can't lie

THE NATION: Weng left the stage, before parting he reminded protesters again that they have to maintain a big crowd all the time.

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CRES orders preparation for Rama IV Road closure to curb rally

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government's Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) has instructed the police to be ready to close Rama IV Road upon command in an effort to contain the anti-government rally within its area.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in his capacity as head of the CRES, has assigned the police to prepare for closure of Rama IV Road, starting from Henri Dunant intersection to Wireless intersection as well as the flyovers. The traffic in the area will be promptly closed off once ordered by the CRES for more efficient operations to control the protesters. The officers were also tasked with handling any traffic problems incurred from the road blockage.

In addition, the CRES has assigned Police General Adul Saengsingkaew, Adviser to the Royal Thai Police, to coordinate with all police officials stationed at security checkpoints or near the rally site of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to prevent people from entering the area to join the group.

Any individuals found committing such act will be intercepted and informed about the legal penalties. As a violation of the Emergency Decree, offenders are subject to imprisonment of no more than 2 years or a fine of no more than 40,000 THB, or both.

The anti-government UDD has been staging a mass demonstration at Ratchaprasong Junction and recently threatened to march on the nearby Silom Road, another important business area of Bangkok.

-- NNT 2010-04-21

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THE NATION: Clash betw red shirts and Silom protesters @ Saladaeng intresection.

THE NATION: Both sides threw glass bottles and fired sling shots 2 each others: TNN reported.

THE NATION: Smoke was seen @ the site after a loud bang. It remained unclear what caused the bang:TNN

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Silom people battle red shirts with bottle missiles

BANGKOK: -- At 11:30 pm Wednesday, about 100 residents of Silom, Klong Toey and Thanon Tok areas threw things at red-shirt protesters.

About 100 people from the three neighbourhoods gathered on the Silom Road near the Dusit Thani Hotel and exchanged abusive words with the red-shirt protesters at 11pm.

About half an hour later, they threw beer bottles, glasses and other things at the red-shirt protesters as well as firing slingshots at them.

The Bangkok residents tried to break through the line of police to clash with the red-shirt protesters who surged towards the Silom people as well.

The red-shirt people then threw two Molotov cocktails at Silomp people, prompting them to retreat.

About 30 policemen later separated the two sides but the two sides kept on firing slingshots at each other.

-- The Nation 2010-04-21

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