Bangkok On Edge After Deadly Grenade Blasts

[webfact]

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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[Miiyai46]

Thai emergency services have refused to confirm the government's claim that three people died in Thursday night's violence.

They say one woman died.

Well, what is going on Abhisit.........the situation is clearly out of control and all kind of misleading information is being issued by your govnt!!!

[hungryINbangkok]

Thai emergency services have refused to confirm the government's claim that three people died in Thursday night's violence.

They say one woman died.

Well, what is going on Abhisit.........the situation is clearly out of control and all kind of misleading information is being issued by your govnt!!!

don't be a douche...."the situation is clearly out of control and all kind of misleading information is being issued by"....EVERYONE!

[koosdeboer]

DSI chief tharid said actor-turned-activist Methi Amornwuttikul, who was arrested yesterday, was involved in armed attacks against troops.

[crev]

No end in sight. Is there a way to end this peacefully?

[kenallday]

Its nice to see Bangkok getting on to the TV - looking forward to my trip there now should be exciting just like being in Basra

[moskito]

sorry, but i wonder a little bit of these grenades.

Is it so easy to get them? Maybe the government should follow where they came from....IF they really want too.

Never heard they sale this weaponry in 7/11 or Lotus

[evanson]

No end in sight. Is there a way to end this peacefully?

In a word 'NO'

Sadly the dithering Abhisit's only choice now is to stop issuing threats to send in armed troops, and to actually bloody do it. Which could have been avoided if he'd had the strength for which his position as PM calls and had this nipped in the bud weeks ago. (Is he privy to army 'Intelligence' reports on likely outcomes?) But he hasn't.

Abhisit son, NOW!

[franzzz]

sorry, but i wonder a little bit of these grenades.

Is it so easy to get them? Maybe the government should follow where they came from....IF they really want too.

Never heard they sale this weaponry in 7/11 or Lotus

DUDE, IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH BAHT YOU CAN GET A NUCLEAR WEAPON. and no neither 7-11

or tesco sell them

[mythBuster]

As soon as Suthep appears on TV (toothless I noticed yesterday, so he can't bite) I immediately have to switch to independent foreign news outlets to verify his stories. Suthep could easily feature in "Liar Liar part II. While Suthep knew without due investigation that the grenades were fired by the reds, while everybody was looking to a rooftop and soldiers were scrambling to take the stairs in oder to check out a building nearby, Suthep knew precisely where the grenades were fired from. I do not doubt that he knows, as he needs a pretext to start killing more people and stay in power but at least do not embarrass your own forces. They just detained 5 people 2 reds, 3 yellow who were suspects. Those people had to be released right afterwards because Suthep has staged his absurd claim.

Suthep is a disgrace for the country. He is incompetent and power hungry. This turmoil shows also why it was a stupid thing to grant amnesty to coup takers. Coup takers are nothing more than criminals when they overthrow a elected government. Given the fact that the kangaroo courts in Thailand apply laws retroactively there is hope however, a new law can see the people who stand on the roots of this problem (Sonthi cs) go to jail in the future.

Given the fact that prosecutors do not have learned their lessons and still divert ny action of yellow shirt protest leaders the red shirt leaders know that they can do as they pleased they will not be punished anyhow. And if that is the case we just want to make a good breakfast and break some more eggs.

This government has refused to govern. This government was too busy making Thaksin a scapegoat for everything including the hot weather today. If Abhisit has sticked to his promise of reconciliation Thailand was still a good place for tourists and investors. But because Abhisit was only chosen to become prime minister because he is weak, inexperienced and easily manipulated by scrupulous people like Suthep he was put in the driver's seat He is still in the driver's seat only it is sitting a bit uncomfortable now.

The fact that the elite and the army put Abhisit where he is now shows that they are way dumber than the poor rice farmer they so despise. In times of crisis you do not need a man in his 40's born with a silver spoon in his mouth educated in Oxford who never proved himself.

It is time for a new Coup, and time to bring Anand Panyarachun back one more time. At least he has the experience and other than Prem he is respected. So where is the coup and where is Anand. Anopong should not become AnuPANG and kill hundreds of people. Abhisit has to go.

[iang]

The Australian Government has today upped the travel advisory warning level to Thailand, as a rusult of last night's activities, to "reconsider your need to travel". This is for all of Thailand & not just Bangkok! This is just one small step away from the top warning level of "do not travel", which is already in place for Yala, Pattani & Narathiwat.

Irrespective of the rights & wrongs of this, the damage to the Thai economy must be huge and with no end in sight, the country's international credability must be in question.

Even with an immediate solution & cessation of demonstrations etc, the tourism industry in particular is going to take a very very long time to recover.

Do protestors on all sides really know & fully appreciate the current & long term damage they're doing to their own country?!

[thaigold]

No end in sight. Is there a way to end this peacefully?

Well, why not let them vote? Plus, it just might save some innocent lives - and some people say, the economy too.

Edited April 23, 2010 by thaigold

[TIT]

I say dump LSD in the water bottling plants BKK.. then give it to all the REDS..

Now, that would be fun to watch on Thai TV...

Interesting idea. Sadly I think slightly more explosive items will end up being dumped on the red shirts in the near future.

I reckon we're heading for the inevitable nasty crackdown(s) followed by a Military Government yet again. It seems that this country isn't really ready for Democracy yet.

[Tejas]

The Australian Government has today upped the travel advisory warning level to Thailand, as a rusult of last night's activities, to "reconsider your need to travel". This is for all of Thailand & not just Bangkok! This is just one small step away from the top warning level of "do not travel", which is already in place for Yala, Pattani & Narathiwat.

Irrespective of the rights & wrongs of this, the damage to the Thai economy must be huge and with no end in sight, the country's international credability must be in question.

Even with an immediate solution & cessation of demonstrations etc, the tourism industry in particular is going to take a very very long time to recover.

Do protestors on all sides really know & fully appreciate the current & long term damage they're doing to their own country?!

I am not sure what they think at this point. That assumes something.......

Looking forward, I do believe that after this is all over the plan to bring tourists and expats back will likely involve:

1) raising prices for everything, especially hotel prices

2) implementing even more Draconian visa rules and regulations

Of course, this is precisely the opposite of what they should do.

But TIT.

[Mario2008]

1 post deleted and suspension given under our zero tolelrence policy in the political threads.

2 replies to it deleted as well.

[anotherpeter]

No end in sight. Is there a way to end this peacefully?

Well, why not let them vote? Plus, it just might save some innocent lives - and some people say, the economy too.

No government should be forced to call elections by violent mobs.

[Maximus33]

DSI chief tharid said actor-turned-activist Methi Amornwuttikul, who was arrested yesterday, was involved in armed attacks against troops.

It is clear, if the reds are peaceful, they would not want someone else causing violence on their behalf and should go home.

[pontius]

No end in sight. Is there a way to end this peacefully?

Well, why not let them vote? Plus, it just might save some innocent lives - and some people say, the economy too.

If ALL CAPS isn't appreciated then you still have The Big Font in bold and color!, Eh? It makes your opinion so much more valuable.

Seriously,

This has nothing to do with new elections, falang-reds, (you still remind me of wiggers, hehe) or do you really believe that those, er, protesters risk their lives just to get to vote 6 months earlier? Puuuulease, get real. This has to do with payments and propaganda.

[zakk9]

Unfortunately, Abhisit and the cabinet members are showing very clearly that they are not able to deal with this. If the military had anybody to put in charge, we would have a coup this weekend, but I'm afraid they are as incompetent as the politicians in charge. I've never thought that I would hope for a military coup, but that seems to be the lesser of three evils.

No, I don't think the reds have anybody who can govern this country either. Their Great Leader is a criminal and although he did some good things for Thailand, that is completely overshadowed by his complete lack of moral.

[Teddy3943]

As soon as Suthep appears on TV (toothless I noticed yesterday, so he can't bite) I immediately have to switch to independent foreign news outlets to verify his stories. Suthep could easily feature in "Liar Liar part II. While Suthep knew without due investigation that the grenades were fired by the reds, while everybody was looking to a rooftop and soldiers were scrambling to take the stairs in oder to check out a building nearby, Suthep knew precisely where the grenades were fired from. I do not doubt that he knows, as he needs a pretext to start killing more people and stay in power but at least do not embarrass your own forces. They just detained 5 people 2 reds, 3 yellow who were suspects. Those people had to be released right afterwards because Suthep has staged his absurd claim.

Suthep is a disgrace for the country. He is incompetent and power hungry. This turmoil shows also why it was a stupid thing to grant amnesty to coup takers. Coup takers are nothing more than criminals when they overthrow a elected government. Given the fact that the kangaroo courts in Thailand apply laws retroactively there is hope however, a new law can see the people who stand on the roots of this problem (Sonthi cs) go to jail in the future.

Given the fact that prosecutors do not have learned their lessons and still divert ny action of yellow shirt protest leaders the red shirt leaders know that they can do as they pleased they will not be punished anyhow. And if that is the case we just want to make a good breakfast and break some more eggs.

This government has refused to govern. This government was too busy making Thaksin a scapegoat for everything including the hot weather today. If Abhisit has sticked to his promise of reconciliation Thailand was still a good place for tourists and investors. But because Abhisit was only chosen to become prime minister because he is weak, inexperienced and easily manipulated by scrupulous people like Suthep he was put in the driver's seat He is still in the driver's seat only it is sitting a bit uncomfortable now.

The fact that the elite and the army put Abhisit where he is now shows that they are way dumber than the poor rice farmer they so despise. In times of crisis you do not need a man in his 40's born with a silver spoon in his mouth educated in Oxford who never proved himself.

It is time for a new Coup, and time to bring Anand Panyarachun back one more time. At least he has the experience and other than Prem he is respected. So where is the coup and where is Anand. Anopong should not become AnuPANG and kill hundreds of people. Abhisit has to go.

Oh, the Thais are so coup-minded! You realize that this is only another demonstration of weakness? The Thai community is very aware of the weakness of the state system. That's why you see all around so many occurences of not obeying rules and laws, inactive police and the deadliest traffic you can imagine. In my view this country is close to anarchy.

[wasabi]

These red shirts are terrorists. Bombing their fellow countrymen should not be tolerated in any way, how could any constitution protect such actions? Thailand's Mai Bphen Rai stance on law is going to be it's own undoing. I don't think this is just another protest and back to business as normal. The world has evolved a lot since the massacres of the past, with communication and global competition now at play there are more elements to consider. Also I don't believe there was ever someone as well funded and powerful as Thaksin behind the scenes before. We all smile at Thailand's charming incompetence when it's something silly like an elephant taking a dump on Sukhumwit but there is a dark side to an ability to institute law and order as well. Thailand is slipping further into violence and disorder undoing decades of progress.

Edited April 23, 2010 by wasabi

[hjvdhoef]

No end in sight. Is there a way to end this peacefully?

Well, why not let them vote? Plus, it just might save some innocent lives - and some people say, the economy too.

No government should be forced to call elections by violent mobs.

Right because this government don't know what elections are,they are voted by the elite, military .When this happen in a Western country the people don't take it either.

But I think you're to long in Thailand and you don't know it either.

[hjvdhoef]

New elections and the show is over.But this government know they will loose.

[Foggy Bottom]

Nahhhhh - just mix all that confiscated viagra into the water being delivered to the red camp - wait twenty four hours then go in and march them out just like Noah - two by two

Seriously though, my feeling is that Abhisit has the wrong portion of the army on the streets - he's using infantry, what he needs is the field engineers with their heavy equipment for removing obstructions and clearing terrain.

Just roll forward with side by side bulldozers, dirt-blades lowered, backed up by airfield fire trucks firing water cannons over the bulldozers without let up - it'd wash the less staunch protesters away from the contact lines, and the die-hards would have the choice to move or die ..... thing is, the bulldozers would be pushing so much barricade rubble in front of them, the die-hards wouldn't get within 10 metres of the dirt blade, so it all becomes nominally a use of non-lethal force (protesters hurt by their own bamboo, not army equipment). Heck the firetrucks could even spray fire fighting foam instead of water - that would really disorganise the hordes. Water from water cannon makes it too much like Songkran - and that of course is sanook, not a serious measure.

Other non-lethal weaponry can be deployed and used prior to the move-in by the authorities. For example,

Forget tear gas (more correctly called CS-gas) it's not effective against these sorts of hard core protesters. Use pepper bombs instead.

Soak the streets with water, and add non-lethal electrical charges - stop them from sitting or lying down. Deny them rest and exhaust them.

Begin building the barricades to deny egress to side sois and pedestrian alley ways - build a "cattle channel" to herd them all into somewhere like Lumpini or Sanam Luang, with holding pens and segregation areas erected there, so authorities can filter out the "red guards" and leaders - deny them the opportunity to slink off quietly once the troops go in.

There is so much the government and army could be doing to show they're serious and to demoralise / disrupt the reds, which would encourage defection from their camp, but I haven't seen any evidence of any such measures being enacted. There's too much "wait and see" and not enough "prepare and forewarn" from the government to the protesters. They need to see physical activity warning them of what's coming before any verbal warnings will have effect.

Abhisit seems to be taking the measures that Thatcher used against the coal miners in the UK in the 1970s, and I don't believe that will work in this situation. He needs to get creative and bring unrelenting psychological pressure against the rank and file, so they leave of their own accord before the showdown with the hard-core and leaders.

[TonyH]

sorry, but i wonder a little bit of these grenades.

Is it so easy to get them? Maybe the government should follow where they came from....IF they really want too.

Never heard they sale this weaponry in 7/11 or Lotus

YES I am sure "They really want too"

If you are suggesting a conspiracy why don't you just come out and say it?

As far as I can see the Government the Police and the Army want the this to just stop peacefully, do you have information or theories to the contrary because I am sure every one would like to know?

BTW How would they trace these weapons if they are tucked away in the red encampment?

[ianf]

New elections and the show is over.But this government know they will loose.

a) This is an elected government.

Calling immediate elections gives the win to the terrorist Thaksin thugs. Nobody wants that.

c) Abhisit is a true democrat, negotiated peacefully and offered 9 months. They did not take it because it was not what they wanted. Thanksin ordered a civil war. Full stop.

[FreedomDude]

No end in sight. Is there a way to end this peacefully?

Well, why not let them vote? Plus, it just might save some innocent lives - and some people say, the economy too.

But that might mean a "loss of face" and that the "terrorists win". We can't have that, can we?

[phuketrichard]

If they give the Reds what they want, ...(disolution of the hosue and Abhisit out of the country) who will run the country?

Better They sit down and agree to 6 months and new elections and the reds leave Bangkok peacefully an dend the upcomming crisis.

[TonyH]

The Australian Government has today upped the travel advisory warning level to Thailand, as a rusult of last night's activities, to "reconsider your need to travel". This is for all of Thailand & not just Bangkok! This is just one small step away from the top warning level of "do not travel", which is already in place for Yala, Pattani & Narathiwat.

Irrespective of the rights & wrongs of this, the damage to the Thai economy must be huge and with no end in sight, the country's international credability must be in question.

Even with an immediate solution & cessation of demonstrations etc, the tourism industry in particular is going to take a very very long time to recover.

Do protestors on all sides really know & fully appreciate the current & long term damage they're doing to their own country?!

Well ,, to answer your absurd question ,, NO, I dont think the protesters know or care what the damage to the tourist industry is, . Why should they,, I would think the social justice and political aspirations of the reds is more on their minds and in ref to the yellow side they are thinking about keeping their privliadged elitist status quo and will do whatever it takes to discredit any group that wants to change things.

The entity that should care about the thai economy is the government ,,, and if it really

cared ,, it would never have let the yellow shirts get near the reds last night ,,, WAHT WAS THE ARMY THINKING ??

The government it seems wants to fan the flames of crisis by allowing this ,, If it can declare Silom road off limits to the reds ,,, why in he_ll did it allow the yellows to come in

Additionally if the government cared about the economy , Abash_it would have done the right thing a long time ago and compromised and allowed for new elections.

Rubbish -

If the Government could stop the Yellows, Multi's, or whatever I am sure they would have, seems to me they cant stop ANYTHING. When the Greens and Browns get going they wont be able to stop them either.