Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Friday

[webfact]

THE NATION: DSI chief Tharid Phengdit on TV.

THE NATION: Tharid : Current acts of terrorism carry death penalty.

THE NATION: DSI chief Tharid Plengdit condemned the act of terrorism.

THE NATION: Tharid: warns that those behind act of terrorism will face penalty including death penalty.

THE NATION: Tharid said actor-turned-activist Methi Amornwuttikul, who was arrested yesterday, was involved in armed attacks against troops.

THE NATION: Thanrid warns the public to stay away from the rally. "Gathering at a rally is against the law at the moment."

THE NATION: That was it. He warned that acts of terrorism carry death penalty and gave details of charges against Methi. press con ended.

THE NATION: From our nwsroom: We expect multicolours rally @ Royal Plaza this aftrnoon to b big, with people wanting to show defiance against attackers.

[webfact]

CRES Classifies 4 Crimes as Special Crimes

BANGKOK: -- During a press conference at 11.30 A.M., a representative of the Center of the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) announced that the Department of Special Investigation has classified 4 crimes as special crimes to be prosecuted by the DSI. These charges incl. terrorist acts, intent to harm the public and state officials, acts to threaten the government and lastly acts of sabotaging state equipment and supplies.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

MCOT: DIS: Detained Red Shirt ally Mathee confesses protesters seized army weapons during April 10 clashes, distributed them to use against troops

[webfact]

Methee tells it all : DSI

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- An actor-turned-red shirt whom red shirts movement denied his leading role actually involved in deadly clashes between the red shirts protesters and troops on April 10.

Tharit Pengdit, director general of department of special investigation, said Methee Amornwuttikul, who was arrested on Thursday, confessed that he and his team involved in the clash with the troops at Si Yak Kok Woe intersection.

During the clashes, he and his team snatched weapons, including rifles, from soldiers.

"At first Methee claimed that he distributed the weapons to many people and did not keep any. However after arresting him on Thursday, we found a weapon in his car," he said. Methee then retracted his statements.

He also said that the red shirts protesters used heavy weapons to shoot the soldiers.

Methee also revealed sources of the heavy weapons used in the clashes.

Tharit quoted Methee in a TV-pool programme aired on Friday as saying he was one of the red shirts' core leader and had attended meetings of the core leaders many times at a disclosed location.

Red shirts leader Nuttawut Saikua said Thursday that Methee was simply an ally of the movement and had no role of controlling and planning the protest.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: Chulalongkorn Hospital's OPD will be closed on April 23-25. via js100 video.

THE NATION: MRT Update: MRT has started operating the Hualampong Line from Bang Sue to QSNCC from 11am

THE NATION: Blood needed at Thai Red Cross as supply is low especially RH Negative. via @apsorn, js100radio.

THE NATION: Update on Silom injury: 30 people are still in hospitals including 1 policeman,1 soldier & 4 foreigners. Two still critical in ICU.

[george]

MCOT: Thai Red Cross Society faces shortage of blood reserves; seeks public donors for all blood groups in case of emergency

[george]

Army chief should intervene to detain PM: Surapong

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party MP Surapong Towijakchaikul on Friday called on Army chief General Anupong Paochinda to "do everything in his power", such as imposing the house arrest on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, in order to resolve the political crisis.

"It is now evident about the political failure to resolve the predicament, therefore Anupong must make an urgent decision for a crisis resolution," he said, voicing anger at Abhisit related to the April 10 violence and the last night's grenade attacks at Silom.

Surapong suggested for Anupong to step in to restore normalcy but stop short of staging a coup which he said was unacceptable.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[george]

Bangkok Bank head office, most firms on Silom Road closed at midday

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Bank head office and most firms on Silom Road allowed staffs to leave office at midday for their own safety, Matichon Online reported.

The firms closed the office at midday after the BTS and subway system announced that their services would stop at 6 pm.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

SILOM BOMB BLASTS

40 senators condemn bomb attacks

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A group of 40 senators on Friday condemned the Silom bomb attacks on Thursday night which killed one and injured many others.

"We wish to condemn the violence that caused by use of war weapons on the innocent people who practised their democratic rights," the senators said in a statement.

They expressed regret that innocent people were killed and injured in the attack.

A series of bomb blasts in Silom area on Thursday night, killed one and injured many others.

They also called for the government to take immediate actions according to the international standard against those who are behind the attacks.

They also support participation from the public to condemn the use of violence.

Meanwhile Chief of department of special investigation condemned the series of bomb blasts in Silom area on Thursday, branding the attack as terrorists acts and the penalty is capital punishment.

"On behalf of DSI and authorities concerned, we want to condemn the actions particularly those who were behind them. We wish to warn that the actions' penalty is death sentence," he said.

He also warned people to avoid the red shirts protests as they are illegal gathering.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: Anupong's in an emergency meeting

THE NATION: So, there was no Hotel Rwanda screening today at Hua Lamphong thanks to technical problem, however, statement was read

THE NATION: The screen was booked but there'sno official approval from State Railway of Thailand. Ab 30 ppl stand for a minute of silence for victims.

THE NATION: Bangkok Bank's HQ on Silom Road is now closed. via js100 radio

MCOT: Forensic expert Khunying Porntip inspects multi-grenade hit area in Silom, declines comment

THE NATION: Chulalongkorn Hospital: no firing of M79 from its building.

[webfact]

BMA to sue 40 mn THB from UDD

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will sue the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) for damages of more than 40 million THB due to the prolonged demonstration in the capital city.

Bangkok Deputy Governor, Pornthep Techapaibul, elaborated that the damages at Phan Fa Bridge alone are about eight million THB, and the damages might include overtime payment for BMA officials throughout one month of more than 40 million THB as well.

Mr Pornthep stated that the legal proceedings to sue for damages from the UDD is inevitable because the UDD has destroyed public property as it has built up forts at Lumpini Park and at Phan Fa Bridge.

Based on a survey in Lumpini Park, the deputy governor said the damages there could not be concluded at present. However, he believed that actual figures would be assessed within 23 April 2010 and would be included as evidence to sue for the damages.

Mr Pornthep also extended an invitation to the general public affected from the demonstration of the UDD to take part with the BMA to sue the UDD.

-- NNT 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Army meeting on crisis

BANGKOK: -- Army chief General Anupong Paochinda on Friday's afternoon convended an extraordinary meeting to top generals to determine the military stand on the prevailing crisis.

The meeting of the top brass was postponed from Monday since the scheduling was in confict with an emergency meeting called by the prime minister.

Anupong is scheduled to adopt a position on the military involvement in crowd control in the wake of the April 10 violence. This afternoon's meeting is expected to foreshadow a next move related to the red shirts in Rajprasong.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

US, Australian citizens warned agaisnt visiting Thailand

By The Nation

The United States' State Department alerts US citizens travelling to and residing in Thailand of ongoing demonstrations in Bangkok. Due to escalating violence in central Bangkok, all US citizens should avoid nonessential travel to Bangkok.

Those travelling outside of Bangkok in Thailand should be aware of the possibility of disturbances elsewhere and should exercise caution and good judgement.

The warning replaces the Travel Alert dated April 20, to update information on security concerns and to recommend against travel to Bangkok at this time. This Travel Alert will expire on July 22, 2010.

Australia's Foreign Affairs Department on Friday urged citizens to reconsider any plans to travel to Thailand.

"We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Thailand due to the recent deterioration in the security environment caused by widening political unrest and civil disorder," the advisory said.

"There is a strong possibility of renewed violent clashes in Bangkok between demonstrators and security forces.

"These clashes could involve the use of lethal force and could occur at any time," it said, warning Australians to stay away from protest sites in the Thai capital.

On the evening of April 22, several explosions occurred in the Silom/Sala Daeng area at the Sala Daeng BTS Skytrain station causing a number of injuries, including three fatalities.

"The possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out. US citizens should avoid travel to and lodging in this area. You should monitor local news concerning demonstrations and avoid such areas, if possible. If US citizens must travel to these areas, they should exercise special caution and remain vigilant with regard to their personal security. Immediately report to law enforcement or security personnel any unattended packages or bags or suspicious objects in public areas," the US State Department said.

"US citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence with little or no warning. US citizens are urged to avoid the areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and to exercise caution in their movements around Bangkok. Political demonstrations are expected to continue in Bangkok indefinitely. As a result, traffic congestion and difficulty of movement is possible throughout Bangkok, and traffic patterns may change unexpectedly as demonstrators block roads. There have been numerous incidents of explosive attacks, including several isolated grenade attacks, in and around Bangkok and Chiang Mai over the past two months. Additional explosive devices have been discovered before detonation. Some of these incidents occurred at or near areas frequented by US citizens. These incidents appear to be motivated by domestic politics and do not appear to be acts of international terrorism. The possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out."

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Australians warned against visiting Thailand

Australia's Foreign Affairs Department on Friday urged citizens to reconsider any plans to travel to Thailand.

"We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Thailand due to the recent deterioration in the security environment caused by widening political unrest and civil disorder," the advisory said.

"There is a strong possibility of renewed violent clashes in Bangkok between demonstrators and security forces.

"These clashes could involve the use of lethal force and could occur at any time," it said, warning Australians to stay away from protest sites in the Thai capital.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: US Emb has announced "town hall" mtg regarding the situation for US citizens (bring passport) on Mon, 26, 14:00 at JW Marriott

______________________________________________________

RAJPRASONG RALLY

Foreign diplomats to visit rally site : Nuttawut

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Foreign envoys of 40 countries will visit the red shirts protesters at Rajprasong rally sites, red shirts leader Nuttawut Saikua said Friday.

The visit scheduled on 4pm clearly showed that the reds' fighting for democracy has been monitored by the international community.

Nuttawut said if PM Abhisit Vejjajiva wanted to disperse the red shirts protesters, he should have it done during the diplomats' visit.

He told the protesters to be a good host by cleaning up the rally sites from Lumpini Park to Ploenjit intersection to welcome the guests.

He said he would invite the diplomats to be on stage during the visit.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Governments warn citizens to avoid Thailand

SYDNEY (AFP) -- Governments around the world warned their citizens to avoid Thailand's capital Bangkok as deadly political violence paralysed the city centre Friday.

From Washington to London and Canberra governments also joined the UN in urging all sides to show restraint as riot police faced off against thousands of anti-government "Red Shirts" behind heavily fortified barricades.

Tensions in the long-running political standoff rose after five grenade blasts hit the area on Thursday night, leaving one Thai woman dead and scores wounded, including foreigners.

"There is a strong possibility of renewed violent clashes in Bangkok between demonstrators and security forces," Australia's foreign affairs department said, as it confirmed that an Australian was among the wounded.

"We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Thailand."

The United States also warned that more violence was possible.

"Due to escalating violence in central Bangkok, all US citizens should avoid non-essential travel to Bangkok," the State Department said, upgrading a travel alert issued two days earlier.

"The possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out."

The State Department also urged travellers to exercise caution in provincial areas, warning that protesters could spread to other parts of the kingdom if dispersed in the capital.

Britain, France and Austria urged their citizens to stay away from the demonstrations, while Finland said it would move its embassy from the area to temporary premises.

London warned against all but essential travel to the Thai capital due to the "increasingly volatile" situation on the streets.

French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said in a statement: "We advise our compatriots to exercise the utmost caution and in particular not to go to places where there are political gatherings."

He expressed concern over stern warnings by Thai army spokesman Sunsern Kaewkumnerd that force could be used in a crackdown against the anti-government protesters.

"We reiterate our call to the authorities and protesters to act responsibly," Valero said. "It is more indispensable than ever for dialogue to prevail over confrontation."

Austria's foreign ministry also issued a travel warning, advising against any unnecessary trip to the Thai capital, citing a "high security risk for the greater Bangkok area".

The United Nations appealed to authorities and anti-government protesters to avoid further violence and settle their dispute through dialogue.

"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 told a press briefing.

"This is a moment that requires restraint on all sides."

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 Reds began mass anti-government rallies in Bangkok in mid-March that degenerated into fierce clashes with security forces on April 10, leaving 25 dead and more than 800 injured.

The Thai authorities say Thursday's grenade attack came from within the Red Shirts' sprawling encampment, which has been fortified with sharpened bamboo stakes and piles of car tyres.

The protesters are demanding immediate elections.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-23

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

Topic discussion: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Governments-...ns-t358673.html

[webfact]

THE NATION: Mall update: Central Chidlom will close at 5pm today.

TAN Network: DPM Suthep set to appeal Civil Court injunction on red shirt protest dispersement

BPbreakingnews: PM advised to dissolve the House

THE NATION: Make-up artist Ped Apichart - another celebrity in multi-coloured rally

THE NATION: As far as death toll, we are still sticking to one dead (which was confirmed by public health ministry).

MCOT: PM reasserts intention to return country to normalcy, resolve problems with justice, do all possible to assure respectful legal procedure

THE NATION: German embassy still only warns against going to CentralWorld & Silom and of course no travels to the South.

[webfact]

Nabbed UDD activist unveils info on black-clad firemen

BANGKOK (NNT) -- A key supporter of the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) disclosed that the black-clad firemen captured on video were involved in the 10 April attack on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, according to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

The actor-turned-activist Methi Amornwuttikul, who is also a leading supporter of the UDD, was nabbed yesterday by police while carrying heavy weapons. He was suspected to be involved in armed attacks against state troops on 10 April.

According to DSI Chief Tarit Pengdit, Mr Methi gave out information on the source of armories he was holding. He revealed that the men in black, who were caught on tape firing grenades during the 10 April clash, were also involved in the series of bomb blasts on Silom Road on Thursday night.

Mr Tarit stated that the authorities were compiling information and evidence, which could not yet be unveiled.

During the latest televised press conference this morning, the DSI chief asked the public to stay away from public gatherings as the M79 grenade attacks at the commercial district of Silom in downtown Bangkok last night had left almost one hundred people injured and one dead. He also condemned the act of terrorism, warning that those involved in the crime would be subject to death penalty.

The majority of the victims from last night’s blasts were those participating in the rally of the multi-color protestors, who were demonstrating against the UDD’s movement.

-- NNT 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

DSI: Perpetrators of violence can face death sentence for committing crimes

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Following the Thursday night series of grenade attacks at Bangkok’s prime Silom Road commercial area, which left one person dead and 87 wounded, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on Friday warned attackers and those behind the plots or involved with what is officially being termed as “terrorism”, that they could face death sentences for their actions against public order and well being.

DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit, speaking in a special live television broadcast, advised the public to avoid the rally sites or crime scene areas for their safety.

Mr Tharit said the ongoing demonstrations are considered as violating the law and warned that due to the 45 grenade and bomb attacks which occurred recently the situation was considered unsafe for the demonstrators themselves.

The Board of Special Cases (BSC) earlier agreed the DSI should handle special cases dealing with terrorism, threats against the government and harming civilians after the government said armed terrorists had mingled with the Red Shirt protesters, killing soldiers and protesters alike, durign the April 10 clashes.

Twenty-five Red Shirts and soldiers were killed, while more than 800 on both sides were wounded in the day-long April 10 clashes. The most severe casualties occurred at Khok Wua intersection when an unidentified group of gunmen fired grenades and bullets at protesters and army personnel.

Regarding the arrest of Red Shirt ally Methee Amornwutthikul, one among 24 Red Shirt members under arrest warrants, Mr Tharit revealed that the detainee said he had seized the army’s weapons during the April 10 chaos in front of Satriwithaya School and later distributed them all to other red-shirted protesters.

As the police found weapons in Mr Methee’s car during the arrest, the actor-turned-activist finally confessed that the seized weapons were to be used against the troops.

Mr Tharit said that Mr Methee also confessed that his group of protesters had used “extremely dangerous weapons” against the soldiers who were attempting to retake the rally site back from the Red Shirt on April 10, according to the DSI director-general.

Meanwhile, Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan, director of the Justice Ministry's Central Institute of Forensic Science, found an explosive substance in Mr Methee’s car and collected fingerprints and evidence to find DNA samples for further inspection.

The result of her inspection is expected Friday evening.

Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikua however on Friday denied the group’s involvement with Mr Methee’s moves, saying that the actor had only joined the protests and that his actions were done on his own and not under the order of Red Shirt leaders.

Mr Nattawut admitted that the April 10 incident was chaotic and no one knows who had the weapons, saying that the Red Shirts had already returned all seized arms to the authorities and that the government could take legal action against those who violated the law.

Following the Silom grenade attacks, Mr Nattawut asserted that the Red Shirts were not involved with the incident, expressing regret for the victims and their families.

“[We] Red Shirts reaffirm that the bomb attacks are definitely not the work of the Red Shirts as we already asserted that we will fight through peaceful means,” said Mr Nattawut, urging state officials to take the wrongdoers for legal prosecution as soon as possible. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Bangkok governor urges govt, red shirts to resume talk

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra Friday urged the government to resume talk with the red-shirt leaders to find a solution for the on-going political conflicts.

Sukhumbhand said the two sides need to find a solution because he feared that a third party would further harm innocent people to create a situation.

Sukhumbhand said both red-shirt leaders and the government should establish a proof as to who were behind the bomb attacks at Silom Thursday night.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: Town-hall meeting with US Ambassador Eric G John, 2pm Monday, Apr26, JW Marriott ballroom. Americans only, bring passport.

THE NATION: Finland Embassy on Amarin Tower is closed &will open Monday. Now all important work is shifted to the Ambassador residence.

THE NATION: The NetEvents ICT convention in Phuket in late May has been moved to Singapore due to the political situation.

[webfact]

Forensic expert inspects multi-grenade hit area in Silom

BANGKOK (TNA) -- The director of Thailand's Justice Ministry's Central Institute of Forensic Science inspected the grenade hit area at Sala Daeng intersection and adjacent areas of Silom Road but declined to give further details or comment.

Porntip Rojanasunan gathered evidence at the Sillic House branch of the Bank of Ayudhya where blood trace and broken glass were found.

The forensic expert said she collected information to assess the damage but said she could not reveal further details.

Khunying Porntip declined to comment as to whether the M79 attacks in Silom was similar to attacks in the violence plagued southern border provinces while calling on all parties to realise that all are Thai and should learn from the incident [to prevent further violence].

Meanwhile, the pro-government Multi-Coloured Group and Silom Community Group placed flowers at the site to mourn for the dead person and those who were injured.

They were gathered outside Silom Complex for the fifth day of their movement against the Red Shirt protest, and burned headbands and ribbons of the Red Shirts to show their resentment over last night’s incident.

Meanwhile, the Businesspeoples' Club for Democracy issued their eighth statement to condemn terror and called for the Red Shirts to be responsible for the loss of life and damaged assets and to end their protest at Ratchachasong or move to another location.

The club also asked the government to take decisive legal action against the Red Shirt protesters.

Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanavisit visited the injured from the grenade attack at hospital on Friday.

Four foreigners, an Indonesian, an American, a Japanese and an Australian, are among the injured. One of the two persons who were severely wounded is in stable condition while the other, a 30-year-old woman is in critical condition and is undergoing brain surgery.

One woman was killed and another 87 persons were wounded when the series of explosions occurred Thursday night at Saladaeng intersection as the pro-government Multi-Colour group and Silom Community group are rally against the Red Shirt protest in Ratchaprasong business areas. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

POLITICAL DEADLOCK

UN express concerns over tension in Thailand

By The Nation

The United Nations Secretary General Ban Komoon on Friday expressed his concern over the continuing standoff and tensions in Thailand and the potential for this to escalate.

Ban appealed 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, said spokesman Martin Nesirky.

"This is a moment requiring restraint on all sides," he said.

Tension is mounting in the capital as many groups emerged to confront the red shirted protesters who have been confronting with the government's troopsfor days in the business centers of Rajprasong and Silom.

The red group on Thursday submitted a letter with the UN office in Bangkok calling the agency to look at the bloodshed incident on April 10 which killed 25 people and injured more than 800 others.

Asked about letters from the "red shirt" movement in Thailand, spokesperson Nesirky confirmed that two letters were delivered by protesters to the UN offices in Bangkok Thursday. He said that the United Nations had no immediate response.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Maestro]

'Heightened anxiety' after Thai grenade attacks

Riot police in Thailand have stepped back from immediate confrontation with red-shirt anti-government protesters in Bangkok's city centre.

The stand off follows a night in which five explosions killed at least one person and wounded 75.

Six weeks of protests are severely challenging the Thai government.

'Terrorists' blamed for attacks amid Thai deadlock

The Thai government is blaming unnamed "terrorists" for explosions which hit commuters in Bangkok on Thursday night, amid deadlock in the Thai capital.

Early on Friday, hundreds of riot police crossed a major road to confront red-shirt anti-government protesters.

But the police later stepped back from confrontation and the reds agreed to move further away from their barricade.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8638942.stm

-- BBC 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Grenade attacks at Silom severely hit tourism industry

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Thailand’s beleaguered tourism industry sank deeper into disrepair and despair as it became even more seriously affected by the grenade attacks at Sala Daeng intersection and the adjacent BTS Skytrain station on Silom Road Thursday night and the ongoing anti-government protest, according to the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA).

Following the M79 grenade blasts, Apichart Sankary, a FETTA committee member, said the incident worsened the tourism sector and upped the number of foreign tourists who cancelled their trips for fear of the violence.

FETTA earlier estimated that if the political turmoil continues, the number of travellers to Thailand will fall by 2-2.5 million because the tourists have lost confidence in Thailand's safety measures.

Due to the escalating tension, Mr Apichart said, it is hard to see that there will actually be 15 million visitors travelling to Thailand this year as the government previously had projected.

Before the street gatherings, entrepreneurs in the private sector predicted only 12 million tourists visiting the kingdom this year.

As a result of the current political situation and Thursday's grenade attacks, he believed that reaching a level of 10 million visitors will not be easy.

Mr Apichart added that tourism operators will meet Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Suraphon Svetasreni to map out plan to solve the problems concerned in the future on Monday.

On Thursday night, five M-79 grenades fired at the Silom Road-Sala Daeng intersection, hitting the BTS Skytrain station and on the street below where the 'Silom community' and pro-government 'Multi-Coloured Group' were rallying against the anti-government 'Red Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters, killing one person and wounding 87, including foreigners.

The attacks apparently targeted the anti-Red Shirt groups, gathering on the street beneath the BTS Sala Daeng station, to confront the red-shirted protesters encamped across the street behind a barricade of tires and sharpened bamboo staves. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

Topic discussion: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Tourism...-A-t358769.html

[Maestro]

Thailand's political turmoil intensifies

By the CNN Wire Staff

"Red Shirt" anti-government protesters Friday in Bangkok's financial district; one person was killed and 87 injured.

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- Tension mounted on the streets of Bangkok as a political standoff continued Friday with no resolution in sight.

For the past six weeks, anti-government demonstrators known as the Red Shirts have been clashing with the Thai military in a Bangkok area that serves as a financial hub.

Read more: edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/04/23/thailand.protests.bangkok/index.html

-- CNN 2010-04-23

[webfact]

Dusit Thani beefs up security

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Dusit International today issued a statement following the bomb blast at the BTS Station near Dusit Thani Hotel's premise on Thursday night.

The hotel said it is ready to relocate guests to other Bangkok properties upon request. Dusit Thani is operating as usual, but security is top priority for guests and staff, said Group CEO Chanin Donavanik.

"We are working in close cooperation with all the relevant authorities. Our guests were not involved in any of yesterday's incidents and they have been fully informed of the current situation surrounding the property," he added.

Chanin strongly wished for a positive and peaceful resolution

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Why the red shirts never targeted for grenade attacks?

BANGKOK: -- Defence permanent secretary General Apichart Penkitti on Friday raised a crucial question why the red shirts were never a target if they claimed the government or the military for violent incidents, including the five grenade attacks in Silom on Thursday's night.

"In my opinion, the red shirts have become increasing violent and this will backfire to eventually turn the sentiment against them," he said.

Apichart said the Silom incident had shocked the public and that perpetrators might not have anticipated their attacks would cause a setback for the red shirts.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

TAN Network: Large no. of anti-red protesters gater at Royal Plaza,condemns Silom bombings last night.

[webfact]

Anti-red Shirts Gather at Royal Plaza

A large number of anti-red shirt protesters have gathered at the Royal Plaza to express their opposition against the ongoing red-shirt demonstration.

Speakers on the stage condemned last night's bomb attacks in Silom.

_________________________________

Red-shirts Dissemble Stage at Royal Plaza, Leave for Ratdamri Road

The red-shirt protesters have agreed to dissemble the makeshift stage at Royal Plaza to gather at Ratdamri road.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]