Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Thursday

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THE NATION: Khon Kaen update: Reds allow soldiers to get Army vehicles off the train but ask to ride along to ensure they don't head to Bkk.

THE NATION: MRT opens its service as usual but Gate 1 & 2 at Silom station are closed.

THE NATION: More celebs spotted in multi-coloured mob, the latest is model Yo Yosawadee who went to Wong Wien Yai rally yesterday. via ASTV

THE NATION: Yo: "No work for models for 3 weeks and the red protest affected hundreds thousands lives. They should have moved to other places."- ASTV

THE NATION: Celebs who join the multi-coloured rally so far: comedian Thep Phongarm, Sincharoen Brothers band, model Yo Yosawadee & director Alongod.

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Nutthawut to Allow Soldiers to Proceed to Southern Border Provinces

BANGKOK: -- Key red-shirt leader Nutthawut Saigua has ordered, via a telephone-link, the red-shirt protesters who are gathering at Khon Kaen train station to allow the train carrying soldiers, military equipment and supplies to pass through to the southern border provinces.

However, Nutthawut demanded that a number of red-shirt protesters be allowed to accompany the train to ensure that the soldiers were not going to be sent as reinforcement for military forces that are being assembled to allegedly prepare to disperse the red-shirt protesters in Bangkok.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-22

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British Chamber of commerce

(via email)

BCCT ADVISORY: POLITICAL UNREST - 22-30 APRIL

BCCT Advisory - Political Unrest & Demonstrations: Bangkok 22 - 30 April 2010

Red Shirts

The "Red Shirts" (United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship - UDD) continuous protests and occupation of critical road networks in Bangkok to support their demands for the dissolution of Parliament and the removal of Prime Minister Abhisit, has entered its sixth week and has created a politically charged atmosphere in which severe military intervention appears to be a considered option.

This week the Thai Army moved hundreds of soldiers into the Silom business district area of Bangkok and Headquarters of the Bangkok Bank to prevent the Red Shirt protestors from entering this area. In response to the military blockades in Silom, Red Shirt protestors opted not to move to that part of the City, but to continue to occupy the Ratchaprasong area. The current occupation of the Ratchaprasong area, one of Bangkok's busiest sections, has stalled this section of the city and impacted millions of Thais, foreign embassy personnel, and tourists alike; and has resulted in the closure of Bangkok's popular shopping hubs said to be costing Thai businesses 200 to 500 Million Thai baht per day.

Yellow Shirts

On 18 April 2010 (last Sunday), leaders of the "Yellow Shirt" movement (People's Alliance for Democracy) gave the Thai government a one-week suspense to end the Red Shirt protests and restore peace and order or the Yellow Shirts would hold their own counter-demonstrations with what they say will be their "biggest rally ever." The Yellow Shirts purportedly are not adverse to directly clashing with the Red Shirts, but stated this is not "an eye for an eye," but their local enforcement of Thai law if the Government military and police force cannot.

No-Colour or Multi-Colour Shirts

Amidst the Red Shirt protests and threats of Yellow Shirts reactivating, a new group of "No-Colour" or "Multi-Coloured Shirts" have formed, 5,000 strong, to show support to the local government and military, and they demand an immediate end to these protests that are weakening the economy, impacting tourism, and putting Thailand in a poor international view. Everyday the Red Shirt protests continue, this new group vows to counter-demonstrate at the Victory Monument (Ratchathewi district, northeast of central Bangkok, at the center of a traffic circle at the intersection of Phahoyothin road ). They have also indicated that they will protest in Silom every day from now on.

On 21 April a smaller group of approximately 500 No-Colour Shirts protested in Silom, in the vicinity of the military blockades. The No-Colour Shirt protestors claim they will have up to 100,000 people demonstrate in the Dusit Palace Royal Ground, Ratchadunnern area, this Friday the 23rd of April. On the same day at Sala Daeng intersection there was confrontation with red shirts leading to some violence which resulted in 1 foreign tourist being injured.

Military Intervention

The use of the Thai Military to end the ongoing protests crippling the city appears to grow more viable. The Commander for the "Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation" stated the military would no longer use "soft steps," and could use their weapons if their lives were threatened, but would avoid excessive force. The Commander stated his troops were instructed to keep a distance between the demonstrators and themselves and if demonstrators break the line to initially use tear gas and then other weapons to deal with the demonstrators decisively.

Analysis

A looming military solution appears to become increasingly more probable as each day the protests continue on and the increasing possibility of thousands of other counter-protestors add to an already highly charged environment. The 26th of April (Monday) suspense date given by the Yellow Shirts and the desperate need to resume business in this part of Bangkok, shapes this weekend as a critical time to end the current standoff.

Indicators of imminent military action to be attuned to include Government Declarations of Martial Law and the establishment of a curfew.

The use of live ammunition can be expected and injuries and deaths exceeding past recent encounters can be anticipated. The protestors past use of antiquated and/or homemade grenades and explosives may result in collateral damage to civilian on-lookers and the general public in the vicinity of any encounters.

Recommendations

Given the current political unrest and the possibility of military intervention, the BCCT Security Committee highly recommends:

1. Everyone.

a. Try not to make unnecessary trips into the City. When you need to travel, review maps and establish alternate routes. Avoid the areas of concerns. Currently sections of roads have already been closed by protestors or government forces. These include:

. Chidlom Road from Petchaburi Road until Chidlom intersection.

. Ratchadamri Road from Saladaeng (corner Rama IV Road) intersection until Pratunam intersection.

. Thai-Japanese Friendship Bridge from Rama VI Road until Sam Yan intersection.

. Ploenchit Road inbound and outbound from Ploenchit intersection adjoining Wireless Road.

. Rama I Road inbound and outbound from Ratchaprasong intersection to Pathumwan intersection.

Additionally as noted in the latest BCCT Bangkok Travel Advice, for security reasons the following department stores and shopping malls around Ratchaprasong intersection and Siam Square remain closed:

. CentralWorld

. Zen

. Big C Rajdamri Superstore

. Gaysorn Plaza

. Amarin Plaza

. Siam Center & Siam Discovery Center

. Siam Paragon

b. Consider utilizing BTS or MRTS if operational and available.

. Bangkok Mass Transit (BTS) is currently operating all stations. One may anticipate several BTS stations closing in the event of military intervention against the protestors. For current information on BTS operations contact their hotline number at 02- 617- 6000

. Bangkok Metro (MRT) is currently operating all stations. For customer relations center, please contact at 02- 624- 5200

c. Monitor the local news / and Internet sites for any changes in political movement or activities.

2. Management.

a. Stay informed. It might be a good idea to dedicate select staff to monitor ongoing news releases from radio, Internet, and other forums to have up to date information on protestor or government activities and areas to avoid.

b. Keep all personnel informed on known, expected, and planned venues of protests, demonstrations, rallies and areas of Bangkok to avoid.

c. Update your Emergency Points of Contact list.

d. Establish Contingency Plans for personnel who become stranded at the workplace, their residences, or enroute.

e. Identify and keep updated alternative routes from your point of origin to other significant destination points.

f. Consider closing the premises in the event you are in or adjacent to the planned political activities.

3. Security.

a. Establish checkpoints on a 24/7 basis. Monitor, screen/identify, and check all pedestrians and vehicles (including motorcycles) entering your site.

b. Increase security roving patrols on perimeter, car parks, and ground floor areas.

c. No unauthorized outsiders should be allowed on the premises. For authorized and legitimate personnel (e.g. vendors, contractors, suppliers or visitors) arrange for escort onto the premises.

d. Utilize a hand held metal detector (or walk through metal detector) for all persons entering your facility.

e. Ensure all unoccupied offices, rooms, and functional areas are locked when not in use.

Steve Graham

Vice Chairman

BCCT Safety & Security Group

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Veera still leading the red shirts: Natthawut

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua on Thursday denied speculation that Veera Musigapong had resigned his leadership due to differences related to the April 10 violence.

"Veera did not quit but he has not appeared on the rally stage because of the division of responsibilities (among the core leaders)," he said, explaining Veera's absence.

Speculation spreaded that Veera disagreed with the direction of the protests for fear of a repeat of bloodletting incidents.

-- The Nation 2010-04-22

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Red Shirts' Bangkok fortress becomes tourist hot spot - Scene

by Rachel O'Brien

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Barricades of tyres and sharpened bamboo sticks mark the perimeter of a sprawling protest camp in central Bangkok that has become a no-go area for police but an unexpected tourist attraction.

Curious foreign visitors snap photos amid the razor wire even as red-shirted demonstrators defy a threatened crackdown, railing against the government through loudspeakers while troops and riot police watch from a distance.

The vast encampment is a virtual state-within-a-state, managed by a legion of black-shirted security guards who confidently operate checkpoints, direct traffic and frisk those seeking entry.

By night the standoff in the heart of the Thai capital between anti-government campaigners and armed security forces becomes rowdy and tense, with numbers swelling on both sides.

On Wednesday evening scuffles broke out between the red-shirted protesters and hundreds of rival government supporters, with bottles, stones and firecrackers hurled across enemy lines.

But during the day, tourists like Brian Holdridge from the United States happily snap photos of posing "Red Shirts" at their lively rally encampment, brushing off his girlfriend's fears things could turn violent.

"I don't feel threatened whatsoever. Everybody is very friendly, offering around free food," said the 32-year-old IT salesman, as nearby two grinning backpackers took a souvenir photo with protesters in signature scarlet garb.

The Reds' mass rallies, demanding snap elections to oust a government that they say is undemocratic and elitist, erupted in mid-March and descended into fierce clashes with security forces on April 10 that left 25 people dead.

Despite fears of an imminent army crackdown on the protesters, who have paralysed a four kilometre (2.5 mile) stretch of Bangkok's retail hub for days, inquisitive foreigners have ignored widespread warnings to stay away.

"I've been to a lot of music festivals in America and this has the same feel," Holdridge said, as he wandered near the noisy main rally stage, strung with a large banner saying: "Welcome to Thailand. We just want democracy".

As defiant Reds began to sharpen bamboo sticks, erect barricades and stockpile broken paving stones on fears of a crackdown, a Western diplomat in Bangkok said it was "common sense" that foreigners should steer clear.

"There are obviously dangers and it's not prudent to do this catastrophe tourist thing," said the diplomat who declined to be named, adding that foreigners could also face insurance problems if they ignored warnings.

"If they aren't in accordance with the travel advice of their respective countries they are on their own."

But some tourists -- who are allowed to pass freely through the barricades -- shrugged off the security concerns.

"They told us to stay away from such places but I don't think it's dangerous," said visiting German Jorgen Mutter, 42, as he bought a donut from a protest vendor for his tanned, sarong-wearing girlfriend.

Tens of thousands of Reds, mostly from the impoverished north, are massed inside the camp near the financial district, where troops were deployed on the streets Monday for the first time since the April 10 clashes in the old city.

On the nearby Patpong nightlife strip, sex tourists have largely been replaced by troops patrolling its neon-lit alleys armed with assault rifles.

While some curious tourists chose the protest site over the city's river tours and temple trips, many had no choice but to leave the commercial zone due to the closure of 13 hotels and five department stores.

"The reason we are suspending is to make safety a priority for our guests and employees," said Pam Nopasri, marketing director for the capital's ritzy Intercontinental Hotel and the Holiday Inn.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-22

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Topic discussion: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Red-Shirts-B...ri-t358381.html

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Civil Groups Gather to Protect Kingdom

Civil groups across the nation are demonstrating strong opposition against the anti-government demonstration at Ratchaprasong intersection.

They calling themselves the 'multi-coloured shirt group' say they want to protect the nation.

An 83-year-old woman, Tangneaw Musikkaoe made a speech to offer Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva moral support as she attended a pro-government rally in the southern province of Nakhon Sithammarat.

Also in Satun Province, a group of 4,000 people marched through local streets to express support for the monarchy and the nation.

They condemned the anti-government demonstration which has brought Bangkok's business district to a halt, and led to injuries and property damages.

The opposition has also been voiced against former Prime Minister General Chavalit Yongchaiyut and Somchai Wongsawat after they tried to seek an audience with His Majesty the King to put an end to the current political deadlock.

In Songkhla Province, people of all walks of life gathered to voice support for the monarchy, the Abhisit-led administration, and the military force.

Songkhla residents said they will gather here at the municipality office everyday at 6 p.m. to sing the anthem and show their love for the nation.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-22

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Red Shirts urge UN to dispatch peacekeeping troops to guard protesters

BANGKOK (TNA) – Anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Thursday submitted a petition to the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, urging him to send peacekeeping troops to help protect the Red Shirts.

Several hundred Red Shirt protesters led by Weng Tojirakarn arrived the UN headquarters in Bangkok before noon, while a large number of riot police have been deployed to maintain order there.

UDD key leader Weng earlier announced to the red-shirted supporters rallying at the capital’s prime commercial area of Ratchaprasong for the third week that they will seek protection of UN peacekeeping troops to prevent Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Premier Suthep Thaugsuban from ordering the killing of the empty-hand protesters.

Mr Weng claimed it is obvious that the Abhisit government intended to harm the people.

At the same time, some 20 members of parliament of the Opposition Puea Thai Party on Thursday submitted a letter urging the UN secretary-general to investigate alleged human rights violations of the Thai government in the April 10 incident.

The opposition MPs said the Abhisit government’s operation in dispersing the crowd was not compliant with international standard practices.

They said the government should use trained riot police in the operation instead of army troops.

The MPs also accused the Abhisit government of distorting information over the clashes, and called for a probe.

Twenty-five people were killed while more than were 800 injured in day-long clashes between military personnel and Red Shirt protesters on April 10, in the army’s mission to retake the protest site after the UDD supporters encamped there, demanding the premier to dissolve the House, since March 14.

Severe casualties occurred in the clash at Khok Wua intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue where an unidentified group of gunmen fired grenades and bullets at both protesters and soldiers.

The prime minister said after the incident that the unidentified group of gunmen are “terrorists” and that they mingled with the protesters to ignite chaos, pledging to stay on to carry out the investigation and distinguish innocent protesters from the terrorists. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-22

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THE NATION: under-fire Chavalit has issued a statement saying Thailand's constitutional monarchy is the best political system in the world.

"I can't see any democratic system that is better our constitutional monarchy system," Chavalit said.

"The monarch does not exist to be above politics. He exists to protect our democracy," Chavalit said.

"Thailand has maintained its sovereignty this long because we have had monarchy as our head of state," Chavalit said..

"Whenever we had trouble, when one side or the other abused its power, it was always the monarch who exercised his power to repair damage"

"As it was the case after the Oct 14 uprising and the May 1992 crisis," Chavalit said.

"Without the monarchy our country could have unravelled in 1992. So why are people saying HM mustn't be urged to intervene in this crisis?"

"Even the Democrats once urged HM to appoint a caretaker govt. Wasn't that infringement of HM's role and status. Why criticize me now?"

THE NATION: Chavalit's statement has been made public by Pheu Thai Party.

THE NATION: chavalit said blocking him means blocking a noble Thai tradition allowing citizens in distress to seek royal help.

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THE NATION: FCC's panel discussion on Thailand's Current Political Crisis is held today at 8pm

Panelists at FCC include Ambassador of Sweden Lennart Linnér, Prof Thanet Aphornsuvan, Prof Gothom Arya and Dr Pijaya Nagavajara.

The access to the FCCT's event tonight can only be via the Skybridge connected to Maneeya Center- no access by road from Ploenchit

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RED SHIRTS DEMONSTRATION

Methee is just our ally : Nuttawut

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Red shirts on Thursday distance itself from an actor-turned-red shirt detained on Thursday for allegedly having an official pistol, saying he is simply an ally of the red shirts.

Methee Amornwuttikul is not one of the leaders and has no leading role in controlling the protesters, Nuttawut Saikua said Thursday afternoon.

"Methee is just an ally of the red shirts. His movement is independent, not relying on the agreement of the red shirts' leaders. We could not order him to do or not to do,"

However the red shirts leaders are following Methee's case. He is a Thai who should be treated according to the laws. If Methee needs our help, we will discuss how to help him, Nuttawut said.

Methee was arrested and detained in Klongsarn district on Thursday. He is believed to be on his way to Rajprasong rally site.

Police believed the pistol he carried was snatched from soldiers during the clash between red shirts protesters and troops on April 10.

He is also member of opposition Pheu Thai Party.

He was reportedly taken to an undisclosed place by helicopter as police worried that the red shirts protesters would try to snatch him.

Methee is not new in controvery following his participation with the red shirts rallies.

In June last year, he was wanted for questioning in connection with his two appearances on the red-shirt rally stage. He made rallying speeches before and after the state of emergency.

He failed to report himself and then was detained at Suvarnabhumi Airport upon arrival from Vietnam. He was freed on bail.

In September last yar, he swung wild punches at fellow Puea Thai Party official over election expenses row at those he accused of shaming his beloved Puea Thai.

He turned his action-movie fighting into reality in front of a shocked crowd. The victim later filed an assault complaint against the actor at Bang Rak Police Station.

-- The Nation 2010-04-22

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Chavalit's justification to involve the monarchy in a crisis resolution

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh on Thursday issued a statement to justify his petition to seek a royal audience with His Majesty the King in order to overcome the standoff between the government and the red shirts.

Chavalit petitioned on Tuesday to be granted a meeting with the King in his capacity as the main opposition party chairman. He wanted His Majesty to thwart the looming use of force by the government to crackdown on the red shirts.

In the first variation of his statement, he raised nine points to argue that the monarchy was part of the polity and not above and beyond politics as what he said many had misunderstood.

Here is the summary of his arguments:

1. Under the principles of international law, a monarch is the representation of the country's sovereignty. In Thailand, the monarchy is an oldest and most powerful pillar of society. The King exercises his discretion for royal initiatives and royal rulings in accordance with royal traditions.

2. In the period of modernisation, Kings Rama IV, V, VI and VII safeguarded the country's independence in the face of the colonisation. The monarchy had almost succeeded in introducing democracy but this was interrupted by the 1932 revolution, resulting in incomplete transformation into genuine democracy.

3. Under Article 3 of the Constitution, the King exercises the sovereign power via Parliament, Government and Judiciary. In theory and reality, the dispensing of power is within the realm of politics. Therefore the monarchy is not above and beyond politics as understood.

4. In the Thai experience, the monarchy has always guided the country to overcome turbulent periods. It is then deemed necessary to ensure the monarchy has the full power to exercise the royal discretion. The King's interventions in the 1973 student uprising and the 1992 Black May incident are an example of the monarchy's involvement in overcoming a crisis.

5. The monarchy has been the counter balancing force to check the runaway power of a dictatorship, be it military or parliamentary.

6. The monarchy is just, hence the only viable instuttion to mend the social division.

7. In the past, the Democrat Party once called for a royally-bestowed government. His Majesty countered that he was empowered by the Constitution to intervene in a government formation. By this precedent, critics should not criticise his bid to seek the royal audience before the King will have a say on the issue.

8. It is a long-established tradition that the monarchy will accept and review petitions filed by citizens. It is deemed inappropriate to try and prevent the people's accessibility to their King.

9. His main reason for meeting with the King is the concern for bloodshed. Under the government's order, the soldiers had caused five to six deaths and more than 800 injured. And the government appears undeterred by the casualities. Therefore he has decided to seek for His Majesty's benevolence to stop the tragedies.

-- The Nation 2010-04-22

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THE NATION: Multi-coloured shirts meet today at Victory monument until 6pm. Phuket's group meets at Saphan Hin at 6pm.he did it only one time in 1192

THE NATION: Hotel Rawanda will be shown on a 200-inch LED screen at Hualampong station at noon tmrrw as cautionary tale for all Thais.

THE NATION: The screening of Hotel Rwanda is joint initiative of 16 privte organizations

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THE NATION: Thanachart Bank moved offices: Soi Tonson, Park Place @Silom &Silom Complex offices r now moved to Thonglor3, Sukhumvit &Silom 15 branches.

THE NATION: 16 groups who holds screening of Hotel Rawanda will give press con at Hua Lampong at 12.30 before the showtime at 1pm

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Emergency Body to Bar Mobile Red-shirt Protests

BANGKOK: -- The emergency situation body vows to keep the red-shirt protesters from marching to other areas in Bangkok after some of them clashed with residents of the Silom business district.

Spokesperson of the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation, Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, said the center has already coordinated with related authorities to prevent the recurrence of last night 's clash on Silom Road between red-shirt protesters and area residents.

Coloenel Sansern added officers on duty must keep their barricades fortified to prevent protesters from marching to other areas and he insisted they are no longer allowed to move around the city.

He warned if the protesters are still adamant to proceed outside the Ratchaprasong area, they will be arrested, particularly the group's volunteer guards who he revealed have stalked state security officers.

As for the Khon Khaen red-shirt mobs' seizure of a train carrying military personnel and firearms for operations in the deep South, Colonel Sansern said the situation there has already improved.

The spokesperson also insisted the military trucks seized by red-shirt supporters in Khon Kaen's Pol district is bound for the South and he said security-related agencies in the province are coordinating to press charges against protesters for hindering the authorities' work.

The center is also set to summon red-shirt core leader Jatuporn Prompan for questioning over his group's involvement in the unruly incident in Khon Kaen.

Colonel Sansern warned if Jatuporn failed to appear, he will face the charge of violating the emergency decree, which entails a two-year sentence and a fine of up to 4,000 baht.

The colonel also said the red-shirt group's call for the deployment of a peacekeeping unit from the United Nations is only a tactic to gain media attention and he commented the request is impossible as the current conflict in Thailand is an internal affair.

He then revealed the center is seeking new communication means to raise the protesters' awareness over the public's disapproval against their moves, which include holding Bangkok residents hostage.

The center's spokesperson also advised protesters aiming to return to their home provinces to contact the authorities as the ID cards of some of them have been seized by the red-shirt core figures in their locality to make sure they will not leave the protests early.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-22

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THE NATION: RBSC: club on Henry Dunant Rd will be closed for two days 6pm to Monday 6am. It's always been open since redshirt moved near

THE NATION: Today recap: Chavalit issued statement praising HM. Khon Kaen reds released Army vehicles. Veera showed up. Multicolours gain more momentum

TAN Network: Sec Gen Korbsak reveals that there is no sign red leaders want to negotiate a truce

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THE NATION: Silom Rd is closed now after crowd swells. Our reporters at Silom Rd estimates about 500 protesters and tension gets worse.

THE NATION: We are receiving more and more calls on potentially dangerous situation at Silom.

THE NATION: My friend just phoned from Silom: "Most of ppl. from Victory Monument came here after 6pm. They just wanna come and shout at Reds."

THE NATION: First day they taunted each other. 2nd day they threw projectiles. Today's the 3rd day reds and anti-reds are facing off at Silom.

THE NATION: Police have parked 5 suspect-transport vehicles to create a barrier and further seperate the two mobs.

THE NATION: Now they have started shouting at each other already. "Scary", one of our reporters at Silom said.

THE NATION: Yellow guards arriving at Silom.

THE NATION: "white shirts" (as opposed to April 10's "black shirts") have infiltrated the anti-reds.Precautions for journos.

THE NATION: Multicolours' initial strategy is apparently to boo reds off the streets, whether that will work or not.

THE NATION: The road in frnt of Dusit Thani is crowded with multicolours. Police use big spotlights to give the area more bright lights.

THE NATION: Robinson Silom is now closed. via @pat_nation

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THE NATION: Confusion about the loud bang at the moment. But the sound is confirmed to be on the Silom group's side.

THE NATION: Update: Two or three loud bangs were heard. Nation Channel reporter say at least two persons injured. It could be M79s, he said.

THE NATION: The reporter, quoting a soldier, said the explosions occurred at/or near BTS station.

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THE NATION: Troops are trying to clear the area. "It's quite a commotion," said Nation Channel reporter.

THE NATION: "The multicolours were scattered after the bangs and there were much fewer of them left," the reporter said.

RichardBarrow: There is confusion at the moment about explosions in Silom. Some reporting it was fireworks but other sources said grenades.

THE NATION: BTS Saladaeng is now closed.

BNONews: Reuters reporting two blasts in Bangkok

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MCOT: PM concerned at confrontation at Saladaeng: white clads replace black clads to push violence; urges Red Shirts to allow arms inspection

THE NATION: all vendors packed their stuffs and everyone abruptly left McDonald's as soon as they heard the bangs." -@patnation

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TAN Network: 3 bomb-like sounds go off in Silom;no confirmation of whether M79 or firecracker

TAN Network: 2 reported injuries result from Silom incident; BTS evacuates

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THE NATION: BTS stops its service at Saladaeng and National Stadium stations - the rest are opened. Avoid Saladaeng area.

THE NATION: One of the two injured is a Thai man. The other is a foreigner. Awaiting more details.

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THE NATION: Military has closed Silom Road and warned people to leave the area for fear of any attack.

THE NATION: Update on BTS: The National Stadium to Wong Wien Yai line runs from Wong Wien Yai to Chong Nonsee only.

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Silom Evacuated After 3 Bomb-like Sounds Heard

BANGKOK: -- TAN Network correspondent Chaowarat Yongjiranon reported while doing a story in the Phatpong area that three bomb-like sounds were heard were heard around 8 P.M. on Thursday evening. Authorities quickly evacuated the area, not sure of whether the sounds were really bombs or merely firecrackers lit by the red shirt protesters to scare off the multi-colored shirt supporters in the area.

Reports indicated that the sounds could have been firecrackers lit by red shirt protesters who were trying to intimidate. Other reports suggested that they were indeed the sounds of M79 grenades being launched into the group of multi-colored shirt protesters who have come to show their displeasure with the red shirts.

Initial reports suggest that there were three injuries. One of the three is confirmed to be a foreigner. Along with other businesses in the area, the BTS Skytrain has evacuated all passengers from its nearby station.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-22

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Bomb attacks hit Sala Daeng sky train station

BANGKOK: -- Bomb explosions hit the third floor of Sala Daeng skytrain station on Thursday night, injuring three.

The explosions were reportedly caused by M-79 grenades.

The three blasts took place just 500 meters from where the multicoloured people were confronting with the red shirts protesters at Sala Daeng Intersection.

-- The Nation 2010-04-22

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THE NATION: Injury at Silom: 3 persons - 2 Thai and one foreigner - were injured. The last one was injured from the latest blast.

THE NATION: MRT closes underground train service at Silom station.

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TAN network: INN: Civil Court grants injunction which prevents PM from using force to disperse red shirt rally

TAN Network: At least 4 blasts heard in Silom area; 4 injured so far, at least two confirmed to be foreigners

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THE NATION: Nation Chanel just reported the 5th bomb in front of Bangkok Bank (not HQ) - almost 10 were reportedly injured.

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SkyNewsBreak: At least 40 people hurt, including "foreigners", in series of blasts in Bangkok business district - Reuters reports

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TAN Network: ASTV: Officials confirm that M79 grenades launched from Suan Lumpini Park

THE NATION: Ch.9 showed the Saladaeng station's platform. A big hole was spotted on the roof. Military are now checking and seals the area.

BNONews: Update: Reuters reporting now 50 injured in Bangkok blasts.

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THE NATION: Update on BTS: no service throughout the Silom line. Sukhumvit line is opened.

THE NATION: Update on MRT: MRT stops its service at Hua Lampong, Samyan, Silom, Lumpini and Kongloey.

THE NATION: Govt spokesman Sansern confirmed on NBT that the explosions are M79. Translating @can_nw