Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Friday

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Friday April 23 Red-shirt rally live updates

Here you can follow the live updates from the media, hour by hour.

To make it easy to follow, this thread is read-only.

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Three dead, 70 wounded in Bangkok grenade attacks

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) -- A series of grenade blasts ripped through a pro-government rally in Bangkok Thursday, leaving three dead and 70 injured, including foreigners, in the latest bloodshed in the heart of the Thai capital.

The authorities said five grenades were fired from within the anti-government Red Shirt protesters' sprawling encampment, which has been fortified in recent days with sharpened bamboo stakes and piles of car tyres.

"Three people died and more than 70 were injured," said Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, adding that an M79 grenade launcher was used in the attacks, which came as the supporters of embattled Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva faced off with the rival Reds.

"It was clear that it was shot from behind the King Rama VI Monument where the Red Shirts are rallying," he told reporters.

According to a Western diplomat who asked not to be named, one Japanese and one Australian were believed to be among the injured. The United States condemned the blasts and urged all sides to exercise restraint.

The mostly working class Reds -- who are seeking immediate elections -- denied that they were responsible for the blasts, which shattered windows in the capital's financial district and prompted people to flee in panic.

"Whoever carried out the M79 attacks wants people to think it was done by the Reds. We will never attack innocent people," said a leader of the red-clad protest movement, Jatuporn Prompan.

The violence comes after a failed attempt by authorities on April 10 to disperse Red Shirt protesters sparked violent clashes that left 25 dead and more than 800 injured in the worst political violence in almost two decades.

Ambulances rushed away bloodied victims after the latest explosions, three of which happened at a station of the capital's elevated Skytrain, while one grenade exploded near the exclusive Dusit Thani hotel and another near a bank.

The blast scene was littered with pools of blood along with abandoned shoes and Thai flags, in an area home to dozens of corporate towers and a notorious red-light district.

Clashes later broke out between riot police and pro-government demonstrators who hurled bottles at the Reds, AFP reporters at the scene witnessed.

The military said earlier Thursday that it wanted to avoid further bloodshed but issued a strong warning for the Red Shirt demonstrators to leave their sprawling base in Bangkok's shopping and hotel district.

"We don't want you to risk your lives. If there is a clash you could be hurt by stray bullets," said army spokesman Sunsern Kaewkumnerd. "Your time is running out. Please leave the area."

Earlier this week he warned that the protesters faced tear gas and live weapons fire in any new clashes with security forces.

Abhisit called an emergency meeting with top security officials following the grenade attacks, but Sunsern said that there would be no nighttime crackdown on the protesters because it was too dangerous.

The army this week signalled it was preparing to crack down on the Red Shirt protesters, who have paralysed the capital's commercial heart as they campaign to overthrow a government they say is undemocratic and elitist.

But the Reds, who have been demonstrating in Bangkok for weeks in their bid to topple Abhisit's government, have remained defiant and ruled out talks until the military withdraws.

The army chief said Thursday that he hoped to end the standoff without any more blood being spilled.

"Whatever I do will depend on the situation, and the outcome would be good for the country and we can uphold the law with no people dead or injured," General Anupong Paojinda told AFP.

Any action "must be legally responsible", added Anupong, who was last week put in charge of security in the capital by the government.

The protesters appealed to the United Nations to send a peacekeeping force to Bangkok to help them.

The red 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 say Abhisit's government is illegitimate because it came to power in a parliamentary vote at the end of 2008 after a court ruling removed Thaksin's allies from office.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-23

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Check Victims Names at Chulalongkorn University

Families can check the names of victims at the Chulalongkorn Hospital at 02-2564898-9.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-23

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Heavy Security Presence Maintained in Silom

Presence of security forces remained heavy on Friday morning following a clash between red-shirt protesters and Silom locals who gathered to protest against the prolonged rally by the anti-govt demontrators.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-23

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RED SHIRTS RALLY

Court gives govt authority to crack down

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Though the Civil Court yesterday prohibited the government from cracking down on the red shirts, because the Constitution allowed protests, the authority to handle the protest was returned to the government because the reds were now disturbing public peace.

The court said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban, who oversees security matters, could take action against the protesters provided they do it in accordance with international standards.

The red-shirt group turned to the Civil Court for protection as the government threatened to use force to disperse them from the protest site at Rajprasong intersection.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

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US condemns violence in Thailand

WASHINGTON: -- The United States urged Thai security forces and anti-government protestors to refrain from violence following a series of explosions in Bangkok.

US State Department spokesman PJ Crowley condemned the violence and called on leaders of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) to "do the same."

"We also call on Thai security forces to show restraint going forward," Crowley said Thursday.

Bangkok has been the scene for weeks of protests demanding that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve Parliament and hold new elections.//DPA

"Violence is not an acceptable means of resolving political differences," Crowley said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

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5 suspects arrested related to Silom bomb attacks

Five suspects were arrested related to the bomb attacks at Silom.

They were taken to the Thung Mahamek Police station for interrogation.

One of them is a retired soldier.

Four were arrested at the Robinson Department Store.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

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Reds ask the United Nations to step in

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The red-shirt movement submitted a letter addressed to the United Nations' secretary-general yesterday, asking the agency to dispatch international peacekeepers to Thailand to help protect the protesters.

Red-shirt leader weng Tojirakarn handed the letter over to a UN representative at the UN regional headquarters in Bangkok.

"I want the peacekeeping force to stop Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban from dispatching soldiers to kill the red shirts who have nothing but their bare hands," weng said.

He called on 2,000 volunteers to protect his convoy while he was travelling from Rajprasong to Rajdamnoen Nok Avenue, where the United Nations building is located.

Upon arriving, a UN officer insisted that only five red-shirt representatives be present to submit the letter. The rest were told to wait outside the gates under the close watch of about 100 police officers.

Pheu Thai MPs who have joined the anti-government rally, also called on the UN to join the investigation into the April 10 clashes on grounds of human-rights violation.

Thitima Chaisaeng, Pheu Thai MP for Chacheongsao, said the government had used violence and war weapons to disperse the red-shirt rally on the night of April 10, leading to 25 deaths and more than 800 injuries. This was a violation of human rights and breached the international standards of controlling crowds of innocent people who were only calling for House dissolution.

The march to the UN headquarters yesterday was the first red-shirt procession after the April 10 clashes.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

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Topic discussion: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Reds-United-...ep-t358577.html

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OVERDRIVE

A simple guide to anarchy and chaos

By Thanong Khanthong

Political upheaval is underway. Most people are confused as to what exactly is going on. Here are my observations:

1. The red shirts are rallying against the 2006 coup. They are staging a modern version of a people's revolution. They have all three elements necessary for a revolution: A party, mass support and an army. The April 10 clash between red shirts and troops represents the first round of an armed struggle against the government. They are applying pressure with the street rally, via parliamentary means and also through violence. At the same time, a third party is carrying out acts of sabotage almost on a daily basis outside the capital.

2. The red shirts want to amend the Constitution to weaken the monarchy. Dr weng Tojirakarn, one of the red-shirt leaders, admitted the other day that one of the political aspirations of the red shirts is to reduce the Thai monarchy to a similar status to that of Japan, the UK, the Netherlands and others.

3. The chief sponsors of the red shirts are Thaksin Shinawatra, the Pheu Thai Party, the elite, the military and an unnamed militia, the police, big businesses, NGOs and leftists. This movement also appeals to the masses both in Bangkok and upcountry.

4. In essence, the red-shirt phenomenon is a clash between new money and old money for power - which has little to do with the claims of the masses.

5. Apart from weakening the monarchy, the red shirts intend to give amnesty to banned ex-Thai Rak Thai politicians and also to core leaders of the red shirts now detained under the Internal Security Act.

6. I am surprised by the change of heart of many characters at this juncture. Rosana Tositrakul, a progressive senator, sprung a surprise by proposing amnesty for the red-shirt leaders so they can have a soft landing after the dispersal of the rally. Kasit Phirom, the foreign minister, recently spoke in Washington DC and called for reform of the Thai monarchy in a changing world. Anand Panyarachun, a former prime minister, views the red shirts as part of a social and political movement similar to the human rights movement in the US. He found nothing unusual in Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Somchai Wongsawat's request for His Majesty the King to mediate. Banharn Silapa-Archa was more straightforward, calling the move by Chavalit and Somchai as "inappropriate" because this crisis should not involve the monarchy.

7. The Democrat Party is at risk of being dissolved. The Election Commission has ruled that the party should be dissolved for financial irregularities. But the case will have to be vetted by the attorney general and it may or may not go to the Constitution Court. There have been attempts to accelerate this process to dissolve the party. If Abhisit dissolves Parliament, he would serve as acting PM. If the Democrats are dissolved while he is PM, there will be a political void. With a dissolution, there exists only the Senate. The Senate president will go through a process to pick a new PM. The Constitution could even be amended to allow a non-MP to serve as PM. Thus the motivation of some who call for a House dissolution.

8. PM Abhisit is indecisive. He is afraid that if troops move in to evict the red shirts, they might be met with armed resistance. If there are more deaths, he will be blamed. Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban and Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda are also reluctant to use force. The indecisiveness and stalemate has raised security problems in the capital to boiling point.

9. Negotiations for a truce are difficult. Abhisit has called the armed red shirts "terrorists". If he were to hold talks with the red shirts now, it would amount to negotiating with terrorists. It is difficult to distinguish the terrorists from the innocent protesters.

10. The mechanisms for maintaining law and order are breaking down. The police are doing virtually nothing against repeated red-shirt violations of the law. Illegal weapons are brought into Bangkok in vast quantities.

11. People in multicoloured shirts, tired of the chaos, are coming out to air the message of peace. They have been partially infiltrated by the yellow shirts, who are waiting anxiously for the government to take decisive action against the reds.

12. We are on the threshold of anarchy and a possible change of regime. If no action is taken or solution found, a clash between the reds and the multi-coloured shirts could take place again to widen the conflict. By that time, a civil war might not be avoided and it will be almost impossible handle.

13. All parties are playing at brinkmanship, holding the entire country hostage. Abhisit himself is caught between a red-shirt revolution and an impending military coup, as the situation appears already to be out of control.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

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Topic discussion: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-Sim...-C-t358578.html

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MASS TRANSIT

Mass transit rescheduling

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- From 6am today, the underground train service is shorterned to serve only from Bang Sue station to Thailand Cultural Centre station due to safety reasons, according to the morning report of Thai PBS.

The TV station also reported that Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) will further suspend the operations at three stations - the National Statudium, Rajadamri and Saladaeng - for the entire day. The Mo Chit-On Nuj section as well as the Chong Nonsi and Wong Wien Yai section are running as usual.

The Silom section was suspended immediately after the bomb blasts at BTS Saladaeng Station last night, which have already killed 3 passengers and injured many.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

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MCOT: BTS Skytrain operating only 6am-6pm; MRTA subway running only between Bangsue and Thailand's Cultural Centre

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Police confront red shirts at Sala Daeng after protesters refuse to back off

BANGKOK: -- Thousands of police are confronting with red shirts protesters at Sala Daeng Intersection on Friday morning.

Police ordered through megaphone that they would demolish the protesters' barricades made of bamboos and typres.

Police ordered the protesters who formed a wall behind the barricade to retreat.

However the protesters at the orders of their leaders on stage refused to back off.

The confrontation started at about 7.30am on Friday after series of bomb blasts hit the area on Thursday night, killing one and injuring many others.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

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THE NATION:

Bomb Explosion at Sala Daeng Station

//Admin: (beware: it contains some graphic scenes)

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THE NATION: Erawan centre: 29 people still being treated at hospitals.

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THE NATION: BTS - Silom line isn't running from National Stadium to Chong nongsi.

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MCOT: Red Shirts agree to retreat 100 metres from Saladaeng intersection, police backs to Dusit Thani Hotel where they station

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AFP: Australia on Friday urged citizens to reconsider any plans to travel to Thailand. The United States on Thursday urged its citizens to stay away from Bangkok. Also Canada and several European countries warned over Thai tensions.

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NESAC urges PM to accelerate reading Budget Bill and dissolve House

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Thailand's National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC) has urged Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to speed up the reading of the 2011 Budget Bill to ensure its passage within July and that he dissolve the House of Representatives for a snap election.

NESAC chairman Okas Teparagul said the council is making the proposal to the premier as a possible way out of the current political crisis.

Mr Okas said that Thai society is experiencing divisiveness. The current turmoil is a political crisis, which should be solved by political and peaceful means, not by resorting to violence.

An immediate House dissolution would put the country’s administration at a standstill, he admitted, but for the benefit of the economy and society, the council proposed a compromise for both conflicting parties to make a new agreement to benefit wider society.

Under the agreement, the government and members of parliament will speed up the reading of the 2011 Budget Bill to ensure its passage in July.

Then, the premier must declare a dissolution of the House for a snap election, and that all parties must accept the result.

At the same time, the Red Shirt demonstrators must end their rallies nationwide immediately when the premier dissolves the House, he said. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-22

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BMA to ask UDD to open area for cleaning operation

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will call on the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors to open the gathering area at Ratchaprasong junction for a cleaning operation.

Based on the reports of BMA officials, MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra disclosed that over 30 tons of waste have piled up as a result of the demonstration in the area. The BMA will designate a working team to perform clean-up tasks in the area.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Pornthep Techapaiboon has been assigned to coordinate with the UDD protestors, in order to complete a speedy and efficient clean-up operation.

MR Sukhumbhand stated that security units such as fire trucks, ambulances, and municipal officers together with the police have been tasked to stay alert for any danger around all major important places.

-- NNT 2010-04-23

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Canada, US Condemn Last Night's Bombings at Silom

Canada and the US have both condemned last night's bombings on Silom Road as an act of cowardice.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon issued a statement asking the anti-government protesters to refrain from violence.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-23

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Their Majesties the King and Queen to Pay Medical Expenses of Silom Victims

Their Majesties the King and Queen have graciously sponsored the medical bill of those injured from last night's bombings on Silom Road.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-23

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Pro-red Actor Said to Confess All

Pro-red shirt actor Methee Amornwuthikul, who was arrested by the police yesterday for possession of military-registered weapon, has reportedly confess all according to the Department of Special Investigation director-general.

The director-general said the star told the authorities where weapons were stashed and who the men in black were.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-23

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TAN Network: BTS cuts short Silom line from Chongnonsi-Wongwianyai and operation time for all routes to just 6pm

TAN Network: MRT operates only from Thailand Cultural Center-Bangsue and refrains from operating the Hualumpong-Rama IX stations but runs until midnight

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BTS, MRTA Adjust Routes and Schedules

BANGKOK: -- The BTS skytrain has announced that it will cut short its service today and run the last trains at 6 p.m. It's Silom line will run only from the Chongnonsi station to Surasak, Taksin, Krungthonburi and end at Wongwianyai. Its Sukhumvit line will be in operation for all stations from Morchit to Onnuch.

The MRT subway has shortened its route by half, offering services at only 9 out of 18 stations today. The stations where the service is offered are the Thailand Cultural Center to Bangsue while stations from Hualumpong to Rama IX will be closed. The MRT's services will be on from 6 a.m. to midnight as usual.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-23

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Reds agree to move back 100 meters from Saladaeng

BANGKOK: -- The red shirts have agreed to adjust their position by moving back 100 meters from Saladaeng Intersection but will not dismantle their barricades made of spike bamboos and tyres, the Metropolitan Police Region 5 commander said on Friday.

Maj General Anuchai Lekbamrung said the step-back by the red shirts would ease the tense situation in the wake of last nigt's five grenade attacks agains the Silom crowds, seen as pro-government.

Almost a thousands policemen in full riot gear were deployed early this morning at Saladeang opposite the red-shirt line at the King Rama VI located in front of Lumpini Park while negotiations were in progress.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

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Thai capital on edge after deadly grenade blasts

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thai riot police faced down thousands of anti-government protesters Friday after grenade attacks left one woman dead and scores wounded in the latest bloodshed of the escalating political crisis.

The violence in the heart of Bangkok late Thursday further heightened tensions in the standoff between the government and Red Shirt protesters and triggered alarm in the international community which appealed for restraint.

On Friday, hundreds of riot police armed with batons and riot shields shouted through loud hailers across the protesters' barricade at a key intersection in Bangkok's business hub which has been paralysed by the turmoil.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the grenades were fired from within the sprawling Red Shirt encampment, which has been fortified with sharpened bamboo stakes and piles of tyres.

But leaders of the protest movement denied they were responsible.

Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikuar told demonstrators to prepare for a crackdown by security forces, which have warned that time was running out after more than a month of anti-government rallies.

"The authorities are trying to push in," Nattawut told the crowd from a rally stage, where live pop music had been entertaining a dancing crowd since dawn despite Thursday's bloodshed.

The grenade blasts comes after a failed attempt by authorities on April 10 to disperse the Red Shirts sparked clashes that left 25 people dead and more than 800 injured in the worst political violence in almost two decades.

Suthep said an M79 grenade launcher was used in the attacks in a luxury shopping district in Bangkok, giving a toll Thursday of three dead.

But Thai emergency services said Friday that only one person was killed, a Thai woman, and 85 injured, including three foreigners from Australia, Indonesia and the United States.

The mostly working class Reds -- who are campaigning for immediate elections and the ouster of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva -- denied that they were responsible for the blasts.

"Whoever carried out the M79 attacks wants people to think it was done by the Reds. We will never attack innocent people," said a Red Shirt leader, Jatuporn Prompan.

Ambulances rushed away bloodied victims after the grenades exploded at a station in the elevated Skytrain, outside the exclusive Dusit Thani hotel and near a bank.

The blast scene was littered with pools of blood along with abandoned shoes and Thai flags, in an area dotted with dozens of corporate towers and a notorious red-light district.

Clashes later broke out between riot police and pro-government demonstrators who hurled bottles at the Reds, AFP reporters at the scene witnessed.

The United Nations appealed for restraint and several nations including the United States issued travel warnings for Thailand, which has been in turmoil since former premier Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted in a 2006 coup.

"We appeal to both the protesters and the Thai authorities to avoid further violence and loss of life and to work to resolve the situation peacefully through dialogue," UN spokesman Martin Nesirky.

Nesirky said UN chief Ban Ki-moon was "very concerned about the continuing standoff and tension in Thailand and the potential for this to escalate."

The army this week signalled it was preparing to crack down on the Red Shirts, who have shut down the capital's commercial heart as they campaign to overthrow a government they say is undemocratic and elitist.

"We don't want you to risk your lives. If there is a clash you could be hurt by stray bullets," said army spokesman Sunsern Kaewkumnerd. "Your time is running out. Please leave the area."

Despite repeated tense stand-offs with security forces, the rally has been largely cheerful with live bands performing to crowds waving signature heart-shaped clappers and selling red merchandise in support of the movement.

But the Reds, who have been demonstrating in Bangkok for weeks in their bid to topple Abhisit's government, have remained defiant and ruled out talks until the military withdraws.

The Red protesters are largely supporters Thaksin, who is now living in exile to avoid a jail sentence for corruption.

They say Abhisit's government is illegitimate because it came to power in a parliamentary vote at the end of 2008 after a court ruling removed Thaksin's allies from office.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-23

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Topic discussion: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Edge...st-t358630.html

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TAN Network: For more info on BTS route/schedule call +662-617-6000.

THE NATION: Mall Update: Central Chidlom opens from 10-7pm.

THE NATION: Confirmed event: "Furniture Grade Sale" organiser confirms the event will be held this Sat till May 2 at QSNCC.

THE NATION: Mall update: Central Chidlom opens from 10-7pm, Central Complex on Silom is closed today.

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THE NATION: Nattawut: Enough death and violence. He insisted that redshirts would stay on peacefully.

THE NATION: MRT UPdate: MRT is now operated from Bang Sue to QSNCC station.

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UDD denies involvement in Silom blasts

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has denied responsibility and involvement of the group with the recent series of explosions at Sala Daeng Intersection.

UDD Deputy Chairperson, Jatuporn Prompan, voiced condolences with causalities in the explosions but stressed to media members that the bombing incidents at the business district of Silom have nothing to do with the UDD.

Mr Jatuporn said he does not agree with use of violent measures, and such violence should not be repeated similar to the 10 Apr bloodshed. He also confirmed that UDD supporters did not enter Silom area on that day.

As Friday's mass rally plans, the deputy chairperson announced that the UDD would hold their grounds at Ratchaprasong Intersection without moving to other places for safety purposes although the Civil Court has issued an injunction banning use of violence to crackdown the protestors.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister overseeing Security Affairs, Suthep Thaugsuban, alleged that M79 grenades were launched from Lumpini Park, where the UDD is gathering.

The series of explosions took place at Sala Daeng station of BTS sky train, Dusit Thani Hotel, and Bangkok Bank Headquarters, killing at least one person and injuring more than 70 people.

-- NNT 2010-04-23

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Thai authorities say one dead in grenade blasts

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thai emergency services and the health ministry said Friday that one person was killed in grenade blasts that hit Bangkok's business district.

A Thai deputy prime minister put the death toll at three shortly after the five explosions which hit late Thursday, tearing through a pro-government crowd facing off against "Red Shirts" anti-government campaigners.

The Bangkok Emergency Medical Service said however that a 26-year-old Thai woman was the only confirmed fatality, and that 85 were injured included three foreigners from Australia, Indonesia and the United States.

"As of now we can confirm that one person is dead. We cannot find the other two people reported dead, after checking with hospitals," an official at the centre told AFP.

The public health ministry also said that one person was killed but put the number of injured at 78. It said that four foreigners were among those hurt, including one Japanese.

It said in a statement that of those injured, 30 were still hospitalised and two were in a critical condition in intensive care units.

Australian's foreign affairs department confirmed that 26-year-old Australian Benjamin Rowse had been hospitalised with minor injuries after being wounded in one of the grenade blasts that hit an elevated railway station.

The US embassy confirmed one of its citizens was injured but could not give further details.

Japan's embassy was not immediately able to comment on whether any of its citizens were injured.

The blasts came after weeks of rolling demonstrations in the capital, staged by the Red Shirts, who are demanding snap elections to replace a government they say is undemocratic and came to power illegitimately.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-23

Published with written approval from AFP.

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