Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Saturday

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Saturday April 24 Red-shirt rally live updates

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Peace overtures

By THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Red shirts propose House dissolution in 30 days and election in three months; Anupong says use of force will not solve problem, could have long-term ramifications

The red-shirted protesters offered a compromise time line for Parliament dissolution in 30 days, instead of immediately as demanded earlier, and were ready to negotiate with the government, leader Veera Musigapong said yesterday.

"We are ready to be more flexible in enabling the government to have more time to prepare for the necessary tasks," Veera told his red-shirted protesters at the rally stage at Rajprasong intersection.

"To prevent more violence and loss of lives, the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship agreed to return to talks with the government," he said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva did not respond directly when he was asked by reporters about the red-shirted group's new proposal, saying there were some attempts by several peace dedicated groups for resumption of negotiation.

"The important thing now is for everybody to comply with the law as well as take responsibility for past incidents," he said.

"The political problem should be solved by political means, but threatening [by violence] will not bring any political solution," he said.

Together with the new proposal, the protesters also called for setting up an independent body to probe the bloody incident on April 10 and 22, which claimed a total of 26 lives and injured almost a 1,000 people.

Before and during the negotiation, the government should also stop threatening the protesters, Veera said.

The red-shirt leader made the offer of political talks to foreign diplomats from many countries who visited the protesting site yesterday, saying the Thai government under Prime Minister Abhisit might be able to accept his new conditions.

With the new time line, the government would have another 60 days after the dissolution of Parliament to stay in power before the snap election as per law, he said.

However, some red shirts at the protest site disapproved the new stance announced by their leaders. Many asked the leaders to stay firm on the old stance of insisting on a quick dissolution.

Another red-shirt leader, Natthawut Saikua, tried to calm down the masses by saying the new stance was not a retreat but a tactic in the struggle for victory.

Prior to the announcement of the new stance by the red shirts, the pro-government multicoloured people yesterday gathered at Royal Plaza calling on the authority to proclaim martial law to disperse the red shirts.

The red-shirted protest was not peaceful and illegal, so the government must use law to restore order and peace, said Tul Sittisomwong a leader of the group.

The multicoloured group ended their two-and-a-half-hour assembly at 6.30pm yesterday and decided to gather again at 4pm at Chatuchak Park.

However, Army chief General Anupong Paochinda has ruled out the use of force to resolve the political predicament, Army deputy spokeswoman Colonel Sirichan Ngathong said on yesterday.

"The use of force to disperse the red shirts will cause untold damage and will have far-reaching implications, but the problem will not end," Sirichan quoted Anupong as telling the Army top generals during a two-hour meeting.

Anupong said it was necessary to bring about understanding among Thai citizens, she said, adding the Army's role is to act as cushion to prevent the opposing sides from attacking one another.

The military will ensure the rule of law and unruly crowds would be penalised in accordance with relevant laws, she said.

In the Army assessment report, the predicament was instigated by concerted efforts designed to grab power and overthrow the monarchy, she said.

The top generals were instructed to relay Anupong's message urging the Army ranks not to get involved in the rallies, she said.

She stated that Anupong wanted the Army to play a critical role in bringing about understanding as a way to heal the social divisions and that he also emphasised the priority of the armed forces was to safeguard the country.

"Keeping the national interest in mind, the Army remains ready to help resolve the predicament via reasoning and not attacking fellow Thais," she quoted Anupong as saying.

-- The Nation 2010-04-24

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RED SHIRTS RALLY

Red shirts leader offers new condition

BANGKOK: -- A red shirts leader said he will meet government side Friday night to offer new condition to end the political deadlock on Friday Abhisit government dissolves the House within 30 days.

He said he would meet the government side on Friday night but does not reveal the location.

If the government agrees to dissolve the House within one month, it is negotiable, Veera Musikapong said.

"After the House dissolution, the government will have another 60 days to prepare for elections.," Veera said.

Therefore, in total it will be 90 days, Veera said. He was speaking after meeting with a group of a group of foreign diplomats who visited Rajprasong rally site on Friday.

PM Abhisit Vejjajiva has offered to hold elections by the end of 2010; one year ahead of schedule, to cease the political deadlock caused by red shirts rallies.

However the reds rejected the proposal.

-- The Nation 2010-04-24

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'Hotel Rwanda' banned, deemed too controversial

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- State Railway of Thailand governor Yutthana Thapcharoen yesterday came out to oppose screening of the 2004 film "Hotel Rwanda" at Hua Lamphong railway station.

Refusing to grant permission for it to be shown on the station's 200inch LED screen, Yutthana claimed the film could worsen tensions, because it was based on the reallife political conflict between Rwanda's Hutu and Tutsi tribes that resulted in the deaths of almost 1 million people in 1994.

Saree Ongsomwang, leader of the People Who Do Not Accept Civil War group, said: "The purpose of showing this movie was to warn Thais to rethink the present political conflict here, which is damaging the Kingdom. Thais must focus on the future of the country. We have to believe we can resolve our disagreements on our own."

Parichart Worachin, a passenger who was waiting for a train at Hua Lamphong, remarked: "I find it deplorable that this movie has been banned. It portrays actual events and promotes nonviolence. In my opinion, the solution for Thailand is for Thais to be united. If we keep on fighting, we'll only destroy this country with our own hands."

-- The Nation 2010-04-24

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EXPLOSION AFTERMATH

Grenade victim there 'to cheer up soldiers'

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

Duangkamon Sajirawattanakul

Bohriphat Artbandikul

Grenade attack disrupts innocent citizens' lives

BANGKOK: -- The daughter of a 50-year-old woman who died from Thursday night's grenade attack on Silom Road said her mother was not a supporter of any coloured shirt and had only gone there with flowers and bottles of water to cheer up soldiers standing around the area.

"She just wanted to cheer up the soldiers. She had no special intention to join the multicoloured protesters at the Silom intersection," said Pavinee sae Lao, 29, whose mother, Thanyanant, was a victim of a series of blasts that rocked the area and left 87 others injured.

Meanwhile, Their Majesties the King and Queen have expressed their concern for the victims of the blasts. They have offered royal patronage for medical expenses for the injured victims and funeral expenses in case of fatalities.

Of the 87 blast victims, 30 have been admitted to hospitals. Two of them have severe injuries, with one of those in a critical condition requiring brain surgery.

Four foreigners were among the victims: an Indonesian reporter, an American, a Japanese and an Australian. The government will bear all of their medical expenses.

Dr Adisorn Patradul, dean of Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine, yesterday reported the result of the post-mortem examination of Thanyanant's body.

She died from injuries after a piece of metal shrapnel pierced her heart.

Adisorn said the team of doctors who conducted the post-mortem would reveal more information about the cause of her death.

"We were faced with the task of rescuing her, but when she was brought to the hospital, she had no vital signs," he said. "Finally we could not save her life."

Pavinee and her father, Wichai sae Lao, were shattered when they heard from television news reports about Thanyanant's death.

"No officer informed me about my mum's death," she said. "She just wanted to exercise her rights, because she saw the economy in the Silom area was on the slide with the red-shirt protesters demonstrating nearby."

story continues: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/...9-30127837.html

-- The Nation 2010-04-24

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SILOM BOMB BLAST

Defence perm sec questions redshirt in blaming govt for violence

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Defence permanent secretary General Apichart Penkitti yesterday asked why the red shirts were never a target, in reaction to their blaming the government or the military for violent incidents, including the five grenade attacks in Silom on Thursday night.

"In my opinion, the red shirts have become increasingly 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 the perpetrators might not have anticipated the attacks would be a setback for the red shirts.

Even though the redshirt leaders denied any involvement in the violence, it was evident that the intervention by the men in black was designed to work in their favour and that the attacks happened in concert with the activities of the red shirts, he said.

He admitted the men in black might be rogue or retired military officers. He denied the armed forces were in disarray and blamed individual soldiers for working for vested interests instead of serving the country and the King.

Regarding the handling of street protests, he said the riot force would not crack down on the protesters so long as there was no assured way to separate the innocent crowds from the "terrorists".

He pleaded for patience in resolving the standoff between the government and the red shirts. The authorities were trying to restore normalcy via law enforcement, he said, arguing that a hasty move would lead to unnecessary loss of life.

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Inspection of areas at BTS Sala Daeng station which was under M79 grenade attacks was carried out yesterday, with evidence collected and trajectory study conducted.

Note forensic scientist Pornthip Rojjanasunant, as a newlyappointed member of the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation, led the inspection.

Military trucks announced through loud speakers statements calling on Silom residents to stay clam and avoid gathering in the open. Soldiers also distribute CDs containing details and clips of the violent clashes in the government version on April 10 to passersby.

Bang Rak district office provided extra security with civil defence volunteers and municipal policemen in the areas under the attacks on Thursday night. Medical cares and psychiatric help are readied for those suffering from distress and postviolence mental trauma.

District chief Surakiart Limjaroen expressed worries over possible revenge by Silom residents againt the red shirts after their neighbours and fellow vendors were killed and wounded by the grenade attacks.

BTS is ready to give security footage from cameras at Sala Daeng station and nearby areas to police as evidence in the investigation into the grenade attacks. The 35 cameras at the intersection and nearby areas operated by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration cannot record images after red shirts cover them with black bags or turned them away in other directions.

"Whenever BMA repair staff try to remove the bags or readjust the cameras, they are confronted and scared away by red shirts," said deputy Bangkok governor Theerachon Manomaiphibool.

Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship leader Nattawut Saikua denied that the grenades were lanuched from locations occupied by the red mobs around Lumpini Park, as alleged by the government in a televised statement on Thursday night. He said evidence was needed and launching of M79 grenades must have been seen and heard by the red shirts.

Pheu Thai Party MP Anudit Nakhonthap called on the government to provide evidence supporting its statement that the launch site was in redoccupied areas. He said a site specified by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban as located behind the statue of King Rama VI was beyond effective range of M79 launcher.

-- The Nation 2010-04-24

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DSI says Methee 'implicated others'

By The Nation

Prominent red shirt Methee Amornwuthikul has implicated other people involved in the bloody April 10 clash with soldiers, the Department of Special Investigation said yesterday.

"He has named names," said directorgeneral Tharit Pengdit.

BANGKOK: -- Methee, a former actor, was arrested on Thursday morning for possessing military weapons belonging to the government. A machine gun belonging to the Army in his vehicle at the time of his arrest.

"He said he was keeping the weapon for future use," Tharit said. "He admitted he had also distributed other such weapons to his comrades."

The April 10 clash left 25 dead and more than 800 injured. Both sides suffered casualties, and afterwards the Army found many of its weapons went missing.

Tharit said Methee had planned to fight to the death if the government did not heed the demands of the Democratic Alliance of Democracy against Dictatorship (DAAD).

Since March 12, the DAAD and its redshirt supporters have demanded that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva quickly dissolve the House of Representatives.

Although Abhisit offered to dissolve the House in nine months, redshirt leaders refused to end their rally and ignored the government's call for further talks.

Instead, they led their supporters to the Rajprasong intersection, where the redshirt rally has since forced many businesses in the area, including big shopping malls and fivestar hotels, to shut down temporarily.

Tharit said Methee admitted to being on the front line when the red shirts clashed with soldiers on April 10.

"He did not identify himself as one of the 'men in black' but told us who those men were and admitted the order to shoot came from the redshirt side during the clash," Tharit said.

He said Methee claimed the number of men in black was quite high, but declined to give a specific number.

Video clips of the April 10 incident, as presented by the government, show heavily armed men in black mingling with the redshirt crowd. The government has called them "terrorists".

Tharit said Methee could face the death penalty if convicted of taking heavy war weapons away from soldiers.

He said Methee, who remains in custody, had also provided many other pieces of crucial information.

"He attended daily meetings with key redshirt members for planning. He named the venue of the meeting. It's near the Rajprasong intersection," Tharit said.

During a televisionpool programme, Tharit explained the DSI had now taken charge of cases relating to terrorism, threats against the authorities, attacks on people and illegal handling of the Army's war weapons.

This is why Methee's case falls under the its jurisdiction.

He said the DSI would work closely with other relevant agencies in such cases, including the National Police, the National Intelligence Agency and the National Security Council.

Since Methee's arrest, redshirt leaders in the Rajprasong area have tried to distance themselves from him.

"He's only declared himself as an ally. He does not follow our orders. He's acted independently.

It's just that when he showed up, he attended our activities. We don't know what he's done elsewhere," said Natthawut Saikua, another redshirt leader.

-- The Nation 2010-04-24

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Offices, hotels relocate staff, world expresses concern

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Business and financial offices as well as hotels at the Silom and Rajprasong areas have been hit hard by the violent turmoil, causing many to relocate their staff elsewhere and make necessary adjustments to keep their operations afloat.

The bomb attacks at Sala Daeng, which killed a woman and injured 80 people, have damaged investor confidence as Silom is Bangkok's financial centre.

Chanin Donavanik, the CEO of the Dusit Thani Hotel, said the hotel management had communicated with guests about security. He said there was a possibility for guests to move to other hotels under the Dusit Thani chain in other parts of Bangkok and also upcountry.

Amporn Nitisiri, director-general of the Department of Welfare and Labour Protection, said some 3,395 shops and businesses, which involve 63,601 owners and employees, at Rama I, Phloenchit and Rajprasong have been adversely affected by political turbulence. Department officials had requested that the owners or employers continue to pay their employees at the normal rate.

"Most employers have been cooperative and understand the situation well," she added.

Thirteen hotels in the area have been affected, while Isetan Department Store, CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, Big-C Super Centre and Gaysorn Plaza have had to shut operations.

Many securities houses at CentralWorld have been forced to relocate their staff and operations to other branches as security has been tightened up and clients no longer show up.

Mongkhol Kittipoomvong, the CEO of Ayudhya Securities, said the company had relocated its marketing and analytical staff and operations from CentralWorld to the Emporium.

"We have decided to relocate our staff to Emporium and also to our Bang Na and Rama II branches," said Mongkhol. "We have also set up our computer system to cope with this relocation. We don't know yet when we can return to CentralWorld."

Pichai Lertsupongkit, executive vice president of Thanachart Securities, said his company had also relocated the staff from the Siam Discovery complex to the head office at Mah Boonkrong Centre.

"Many brokerage firms might lose business opportunities from the relocation of staff and operations because the operating costs will rise and also the customers will not get the same convenience," he added.

KT Zmico Securities has offices at Silom Complex and CentralWorld. A source said there was a policy that if anything happened to both offices, marketing officers would work at other branches while analysts could work from home. To date, while the CentralWorld office is closed, the Silom Complex office remains operational.

The Thai stock index fell 0.9 per cent to close at 754.58, the second-worst performer among Asian benchmark indexes, ahead of Hong Kong. The baht was little changed at Bt32.21 per dollar.

Overseas investors sold a net Bt2.33 million Thai equities today, the most since November 23.

Phongsak Assakul, vice chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the strike at Silom Road on Thursday night had seriously damaged the Kingdom's image.

"The political mess in Thailand has prompted Asean members to move the Asean Textile Federation conference from Bangkok to Indonesia," he said.

In addition, some major apparel buyers from the US and famous brand owners from the European Union were to visit Thailand in June. However, the event has already been moved to Singapore.

They will join business-matching with garment and textile manufacturers from Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia totalling 40 matches. This plan had been drawn up to make Thailand the regional manufacturing hub.

The Silom attack caused a chorus of international concern and travel warnings. From Washington to London, Singapore to Jakarta, governments joined the UN in urging all sides to show restraint.

"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.

US State Department spokesman Philip Crowley called on both the protesters and the Thai security forces to show restraint.

"The United States firmly believes that both sides can and should work out disagreements peacefully through earnest negotiation," Crowley said. "Violence is not an acceptable means of resolving political differences."

Yesterday the British Embassy amended its travel advice to advise against all but essential travel to Bangkok. "This advice reflects our concern for the safety of British nationals planning to travel to Bangkok, given the risk that violence could break out without warning during the increasingly volatile political crisis," an embassy statement said. British nationals living in Thailand or travelling to the country are advised to check the travel advice on the Embassy website regularly.

Similar advices have been given by France, Australia, Germany and other coutnries to their nationals.

-- The Nation 2010-04-24

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HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn expresses her deep concern over victims of the Silom bombing incident

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Director of the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, MD Adisorn Patradulaya relayed HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn ’s deep concern over victims of the Silom bombing incident. The Princess asked all medical personnel to work at their best to heal the injured.

The Hospital Director, along with MD Theerachote Chongsakul, Director of the Forensic Center and Chief of the Forensic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, reported results from the autopsy on the fatality from the incident, Ms Thanyanan Thaepthong, 50, that the deceased was killed by the wound from a piece of metal that cut her heart, causing bleeding in the Pericardium, from the open chest wound, with the piece of metal penetrating the body. Other details are being assembled to be summarized to authorities involved.

He added that the autopsy was jointly carried out by the Hospital and investigating officers of the Pathumwan Police Station, the attorney, the administrative official, and the offspring of the deceased.

As for a critically injured who needed brain surgery, another surgery was performed and the patient remained in a critical condition, under the doctor’s close supervision.

The Director confirmed that strict safety measures were in place at the Hospital. Unrelated persons were not allowed to use the premise. He meanwhile, asked red shirt protestors to open the route on Ratchadamri Road, so that patients can be conveniently transferred to the Emergency Section

-- NNT 2010-04-24

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Red Shirts offers three conditions for new round of talks with government

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Thailand's anti-government 'Red Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) announced Friday that it is ready to hold a third round of talks with the government if the government agrees to its three conditions -- dissolve Parliament in 30 days, appoint an independent panel to probe the April 10 and April 22 incidents and stop intimidating the protesters, according to Red Shirt leader Veera Musikapong.

Mr Veera told supporters at Ratchaprasong intersection that the UDD was deeply disappointed that what he described as their peaceful political fight had not succeeded because many protesters had lost their lives and many more were injured by an unidentified group on April 10th and April 22nd.

There was nothing to guarantee that there would not be another such incident, therefore the Red Shirts propose new conditions for a new round of talks with the government.

He said that first the government must stop all kinds of intimidation with the protesters; then to establish an independent panel to probe the April 10 and 22 incidents; and third the UDD had extended its demand for the government to dissolve the House in 30 days.

If the government accepts the three conditions, the UDD could enter talks with government, he said.

Mr Veera and other UDD leaders and opposition Puea Thai party executives including party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit met five foreign diplomats from Austria, Argentina, Peru, Denmark and Italy to discuss the UDD movement.

They reportedly asked about the prospect of talks with the government to end the political deadlock. Mr Veera said that the UDD was ready to hold talks at any time.

Mr Veera said that the Red Shirts had earlier demanded that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve Parliament in 15 days, but after bloody clashes between the protesters and the army on April 10 at Ratchadamnoen Avenue, leaving 25 dead, the UDD urged the premier to dissolve Lower House of Parliament immediately.

Then, Thursday's M-79 grenade attacks on Silom Road which caused one dead, the UDD realised the importance of the lives and safety of the people, and adjusted its demand to call on government to dissolve the House in 30 days, he said.

Mr Veera said the government would have another 30 days, under the terms of the Constitution. Then, the government would have totally 60 days for a new general election which was considered an appropriate timeframe that was earlier proposed by group of academics.

Meanwhile, the Red Shirts agreed to return to their staging area near Sala Daeng intersection and withdrew from Silom after talking with Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 1 Commander Pol Maj-Gen Wichai Sangprapai.

Gen Wichai reasoned that the area was not safe after the Red Shirt protesters confronted the Silom community group and so-called Multi-Coloured Group and skirmishes had occurred over several nights before the M-79 attacks Thursday night.

They removed the tents but left the their tyre and sharpened bamboo stave barricades in place.

In related developments, the Multi-Coloured Group gathered at the Equestrian Statue of King Rama V, Chulalongkorn, at the Royal Plaza to show their support for the government.

The demonstrators wore different coloured shirts, waving Thai flag and a yellow flag with the symbol of His Majesty the King.

The group is made up of middle-class Bangkok residents, academics, the business community and members of the social network Facebook.

Since Songkran they have gathered in various locations every evening to show their force in support of prime minister and against the dissolution of Parliament. The gathering on Friday was their biggest rally.

The protesters took turns to deliver speeches in support of the government and attacked the UDD. They urged the prime minister to be courageous in implementing martial law to deal with the Red Shirt protesters decisively and effectively enforce the law against them.

They also strongly condemned the M79 attack on Silom Road on Thursday night. The rally was scheduled to end at 7pm. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-24

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Thai rivals mull compromise offer to end political crisis

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's red-shirted protesters and the embattled government on Saturday deliberated over the first steps towards a peaceful solution to their long-running deadlock.

The world community has urged both sides on Thailand's political divide to find a compromise, after two bouts of clashes this month that have left 26 dead and hundreds injured including demonstrators and security forces.

As fears grew of a crackdown to close down a vast "Red Shirts" encampment in the heart of Bangkok, and end weeks of crippling street rallies, the army chief said Friday that the use of force was no solution to the crisis.

"The best thing is to create understanding among the people. The army's job now is to take care of the people, and not allow Thais to attack each other," General Anupong Paojinda told a meeting of military top brass.

The Reds, who had been seeking snap elections to replace a government they condemn as illegitimate, shortly after softened their demands and said they would accept a dissolution of parliament in 30 days.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who came to power in a 2008 parliamentary vote after a court removed allies of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra who was ousted in a coup, was noncommittal on the Reds' offer.

"I am determined to solve the problem," he told reporters late Friday, adding that a political solution could not be reached amid threats and intimidation.

Abhisit, who has been holed up in a military barracks since last month because of the protests, added: "I have a duty to solve the problem. If I can't I should not be here."

Red Shirt leaders on Saturday calmed their supporters, some of whom were angry over the concessions.

"The new proposal does not mean we are retreating, in political terms we are on the offensive because otherwise the international community will put pressure on us," Jaran Ditsatapichai said.

"If we shut down the door for negotiation it will be bad for us," he said, adding that foreign diplomats who met with the Reds on Friday had urged them to find a solution to avoid a looming crackdown.

Jaran said the military was reluctant to disperse the rally -- a manoeuvre that would likely cause huge casualties -- and that a crackdown would be shelved during the current negotiating phase.

Other Reds leaders were irritated over Abhisit's response to their proposal, and said they would continue calling in supporters from their stronghold in the country's impoverished and rural north.

"Don't insult our Red Shirts' olive branch, we offered a compromise to avoid further loss of people's lives," Kwanchai Praipana said at the protest camp that has paralysed Thailand's main retail district for three weeks.

"We can fight for one more year, don't underestimate us, we will have more people willing to come and join us at this rally site," he said.

Abhisit condemned fresh violence on Thursday that saw a series of grenade blasts tear through a pro-government rally, saying the attacks, which left one dead and scores injured, "aimed to kill ordinary people".

Tensions have been high since April 10 clashes, sparked by a failed attempt to dislodge protesters from their original rally base in Bangkok's historic district, which triggered clashes that killed 25 and injured 800.

The deepening crisis, and earlier warnings from the army that protesters could face live weapons fire in any new clashes, triggered alarm at the United Nations and among foreign governments.

Many nations have issued urgent calls for restraint and warned their citizens to stay away from the protests or avoid Bangkok altogether.

Thai police sought Friday to push the Red Shirts from a confrontation zone on the edge of the financial district where they have clashed with hardline pro-government mobs.

The Reds stepped back but kept in place a fortified barricade made of truck tyres, sharpened bamboo staves and plastic sheeting doused with fuel, which forms the front line of their vast encampment.

The Reds, drawn from the ranks of the rural poor as well as the urban working class, mostly support Thaksin who now lives overseas to avoid a jail sentence for corruption.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-24

Published with written approval from AFP.

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MCOT: Election Commissioner: EC ready for general election if House dissolved; supports talks between government, Red Shirts to find political solution

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THE NATION: MRT in full service today till midnight (but not stopping at Silom)

THE NATION: BTS service ends at 7 pm today and tomorrow.

THE NATION: BTS Morchit-Onnuj is normal. But Silom line stops at Chong Nonsi-Surasak-Taksin-Krung Thonburi-Wongwien Yai stations only.

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THE NATION: Sansern latest on SOE operations: Govt still will push to "reclaim" Rajprasong, waiting for appropriate time.

THE NATION: Now the idea, Sansern said, is to put pressure and alienate "terrorists" from innocent protesters as much as possible.

THE NATION: Govt still not officially respond to reds' 90-day election timeframe (floated unofficially by some red leaders yesterday)

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Pro-government group gathers amid tight security

BANGKOK (TNA) -- The pro-government ‘Multi-Coloured Group’ gathered early Saturday at a park on the eastern outskirts of Bangkok, chanted songs praising Thailand’s monarch and condemned anti-government protesters demanding that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve the House within 30 days and call for a fresh general elections.

Led by Tul Sitthisomwong of Chulalongkorn University, the group gathered at Suan Luang Rama IX Park and condemned anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) for their rally in central Bangkok since March 12.

Expressing the group's intention to protect the institution of the monarchy, Dr Tul attacked UDD protesters and fugitive, ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra for their "wicked plan on sowing divisiveness among Thais".

He urged the so-called ‘Red Shirt’ protesters to follow the model of the self-sufficiency economy, initiated by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and urged more Bangkokians to come out of their homes and join his group.

Dr Tul said he was warned by Chulalongkorn hospital guards that UDD supporter Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol came seeking him but he said is unafraid of the army officer. Red Shirt protesters appeared outside a hospital building on Friday and demanded to see him, he said.

The ‘Multi-Coloured Group’ plans to rally at Bangkok’s Chatuchak Park Saturday evening, hold prayers at the Emerald Buddha Temple Sunday morning and gather at the Victory Monument in the evening.

No violence was reported during the rally early Saturday as about 100 anti-riot police provided security around the park.

The group is composed of middle-class Bangkok residents, academics, the business community and members of the social network Facebook.

Since Songkran they have gathered in various locations every evening to show their powerful support for the prime minister and against the dissolution of Parliament.

The Chulalongkorn Hospital activist also slammed a demand proposed by UDD leader Charun Ditha-apichai to Prime Minister Abhisit to dissolve the House in five months, saying that it is unacceptable no matter how many months the UDD proposed because it could create a bad example in society.

What Mr Charun said was not based on the rights of people in the country while it is uncertain that the UDD wanted to “find a way out for the Red Shirt leaders", said Dr Tul.

UDD leaders proposed to Mr Abhisit during talks on March 28 and 29 that he dissolve the House in 15 days without condition but changed the stance to immediate House dissolution after the April 10 clash on Bangkok’s Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

Their latest change came after a group of Bangkok-based foreign diplomats held talks with UDD leaders and visited the rally site at Ratchaprasong intersection on Friday. They have proposed the House dissolution in 30 days.

“The ‘Multi-Coloured Group’ people aren’t fighting for the survival of the government and Mr Abhisit. They’re fighting to enable the government and state officials to perform their duty. When peace is restored in the country, the government and the prime minister must display their responsibilities by either dissolving the House or resign,” said Dr Tul.

He vowed that his group would continue fighting until normalcy returns or until the UDD protesters cease demonstrating. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-24

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THE NATION: Unconfirmed reports heard by our reporters say Veera and Korbsak are negotiating on a possible six-month timeframe.

THE NATION: "Dissolve House now!" is no longer rallying cry at red stage. Red leaders we talk to no longer say that demand.

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BTS adjusts routes this weekend, all trains to Silom cancelled today

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The BTS Skytrain has made some adjustments to its Silom Line to facilitate its passengers following the recent bomb attacks at Sala Daeng station.

According to Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited, the Silom Line of the BTS Skytrain will operate five stations and will close its operations at 19.00 hrs on 24-25 April 2010. The five Silom Line stations comprise Chong Nonsi, Surasak, Saphan Taksin, Krungthonburi, and Wongwian Yai stations.

For the Sukhumvit Line, trains will operate from Mo Chit station to On Nut station as normal, from 06.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

In addition to the BTS Skytrain’s suspension of operation at Sala Daeng station, the MRT subway will also cease its stops at the station today.

-- NNT 2010-04-24

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Thai political turmoil alarms foreign govts, media

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The ongoing political turmoil in Thailand followed by a series of bomb blasts in the capital has prompted concerns among foreign governments and media.

According to AFP, the United Nations (UN) has been greatly alarmed by the Thai political turmoil as UN chief Ban Ki-moon recently voiced concerns about the ongoing stand-offs and tensions in Thailand with potential for the situation to escalate. Mr Ban stressed that all sides needed to exercise restraint during this difficult moment.

At the UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday, UN Spokesperson Martin Nesirky also appealed to both the protesters and the authorities in Thailand to avoid further violence and loss of life and to join hands in resolving the situation peacefully through dialogue.

Meanwhile, Army Commander-in-Chief General Anupong Paochinda informed AFP reporters that the Royal Thai Army had urged the anti-government protesters to avoid using violence. According to his deputy spokesperson, Colonel Sirichan Ngathong, General Anupong said during a meeting with the army top brass that a resolution could not be reached through the use of violent means. The army chief, who is also the director of the Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), elaborated that violence would not end the current problems but would instigate repercussions.

General Anupong pointed out that the most important thing was to create understanding among the public that it was the military’s responsibility to protect them and that it would do the utmost to prevent any further violence or attacks.

In response to a report that another crackdown by the government is possible within next week, CRES Spokesperson Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd has officially dismissed the rumor.

-- NNT 2010-04-24

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PM expresses deep regret for Silom victims

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has expressed his deep regret over the bomb attacks on Silom Road on Thursday night, affirming that the government is doing its best to solve the turmoil as soon as possible.

Mr Abhisit stated that the government and relevant agencies had been monitoring the situation and working on the case. He said the top priority at this moment was to prevent a recurrence of such incident and avert confrontation between the two groups of protestors.

Although police units had been tasked with controlling the crowd, the premier admitted the complication from the terrorists’ infiltration among the demonstrators, using children, women, and the elderly as human barriers against officers and making the operation more difficult.

The Prime Minister pleaded the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors to leave the rally site and the pro-government multi-color group to retreat to avoid possible clashes.

Meanwhile, the investigations on various grenade attacks are underway with some progress.

A series of bomb blasts broke out in the commercial district of Silom in downtown Bangkok on Thursday night following a confrontation between the multi-color protestors and the red-shirt UDD supporters. The incident left one dead and almost a hundred others wounded, 30 among which were in critical condition.

-- NNT 2010-04-24

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Korbsak says he no longer negotiator with red shirts

PM's Secretary-General Korbsak Sabhavasu posted a message on his Twitter page that he is no longer the chief negotiator with the red-shirt leaders.

"The prime minister has assigned another person to take over the job," Korbsak said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-24

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THE NATION: Mall update: Central Chidlom is opened until 7pm today. Silom Complex is closed.

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THE NATION: Mall Update - Central Chidlom will closed its doors at 6.30pm today (instead of 7pm).

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UDD urges PM to consider House dissolution within 30 days; EC ready to hold elections

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva should consider the anti-government protesters latest proposal to dissolve the House of Representatives within 30 days and organise a fresh general elections, a key United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leader said Saturday.

Meanwhile the Election Commission (EC) said the agency is ready to hold general elections if both the government and UDD protesters could compromise on the election timeframe.

UDD leader Natthawut Saikuea said his movement’s latest proposal, announced Friday, should be considered by Mr Abhisit in order to “prevent the loss of more lives” and his movement is prepared to fight back if the government -- the temporary Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) -- tries to disperse the protesters now occupying the Ratchaprasong and Saladaeng areas, paralysing two of Bangkok’s prime business districts.

Mr Natthawut said if the prime minister decides, the government and the UDD can negotiate how to restore peace in society, but the House must be dissolved within 30 days. The current government would become a caretaker administration for another 60 days awaiting the general elections.

“However, if Mr Abhisit turns down the offer, we (the UDD) will continue to fight,” said Mr Natthawut, adding that the prime minister should not take too long a time in considering his proposal.

Election Commissioner Prapan Naikowit, meanwhile, said his agency would not have a problem to hold fresh general elections within the maximum 60 days after the House dissolution if both the government and UDD leaders agree.

Mr Prapan said the Constitution stipulates that the EC must conduct general elections within 45 days, not exceeding 60 days after the House is dissolved.

“Negotiations are the only (political) solution for the country now. The ‘Red Shirt’ protesters have been considerably flexible in the past, therefore, both sides should negotiate on the timeframe,” said Mr Prapan.

The EC commissioner said using violence is not a solution to the problem and UDD leaders had said that the ongoing demonstration is the last war which is not quite true because people in the country would all lose --“including the country.” (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-24

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BPbreakingnews: UDD: Army chief ordered to disperse reds

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THE NATION: Translating @suthichai: Tight security at dams and power plants around the clock for fear of sabotage -

MCOT: PM, Army Chief Gen Anupong, tape TV programme “Confidence in Thailand with PM Abhisit” to be on TV11, first program appearance together

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Army ready to regain Ratchaprasong when situation permits

BANGKOK (TNA) -- After hearing complaints by Bangkokians of their hardships in travel within the city and commuting to work due to thousands of anti-government protesters occupying Ratchaprasong intersection, Bangkok’s prime business district, for three weeks, an army spokesman said Saturday that soldiers are ready to regain the area when the situation permits, after the 'misinformed, innocent protesters' have left the rally site.

Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, as spokesman of Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), said the ongoing protest by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) is not taking place only at Ratchaprasong but it has spread to a number of provinces nationwide.

Protests upcountry can still be controlled by the government, but to disperse the crowd at Ratchaprasong could fuel protests taking place in some provinces and could aggravate hatred in future, he said.

UDD protesters have rallied at Ratchaprasong intersection since April 2 and later abandoned their main demonstration site on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

They now demand that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve the House within one month and hold fresh general elections within 60 days after that.

He said the government and the CRES should together explain to the upcountry public so they understand the situation, and at the same time convince as many innocent people as possible to leave the rally site so that government forces can disperse the protesters.

Dispersing the protesters, or even suppressing them, is not appropriate now, but with several new measures, it is “possible that we could achieve that target,” said Col Sansern.

Police are adapting their strategies to coordinate with the army, he said. Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, director of CRES, will meet with provincial governors Sunday on what should be explained to people in provinces. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-24

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THE NATION: Thanet: Red shirts 'largest popular political movement' to date in Thailand

THE NATION: Porntiwa: Commerce Ministry to meet Rajprasong business group next week in order to help businesses affected by redshirt rally. via NNA.

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MCOT: PM rejects Red Shirt proposal to dissolve House in 30 days; Government must listen to options from varied sectors

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Civil court clarifies: CRES can disperse protesters if necessary

BANGKOK (TNA) -- To erase public doubt, Thailand’s Civil Court on Saturday said the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) can indeed disperse anti-government protesters now occupying Bangkok’s prime business district “if necessary”, but emphasised that it must be “carried out in line with international standards.”

The clarification came after the Civil Court ruling Thursday was misinterpreted by the public, media and even protest leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) that the Court issued an injunction against using force to break up the UDD protesters occupying Ratchaprasong.

In order to clear the doubt, Chief Civil Court Judge Chartchai Akarawiboon said the public conclusion over the ruling was inaccurate and that “if necessary, CRES could disperse the protest crowd”, but it must consider its appropriateness and must be “carried out in line with international standards".

Mr Chartchai said the Court’s ruling followed the UDD’s key leader Jatuporn Prompan filed complaints and asked for temporary injunction on two issues.

They called for forbidding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and CRES director Deputy Minister Suthep Thaugsuban from ordering troops to disperse the protesters as demonstrators feared that a dispersal could be violent like clashes which took place on April 10.

Clashes on April 10 at Khok Wua intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue left 25 persons dead and more than 800 persons wounded, both among security forces and Red Shirt protesters.

In his complaint, Mr Jatupron asked the court to issue a temporary injunction with only trained protester dispersal to be used in line with the international standards.

Mr Chartchai clarified that the ongoing rally by UDD protesters has caused hardships and hurt people’s freedom and defendants have full rights to reclaim the area.

On second complaint, he said the CRES could disperse the protesting crowd if it deems necessary by considering appropriateness and dispersing the crowd must be carried out in line with international practices. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-24

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Thai PM rejects anti-government protesters' compromise

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Saturday rejected a compromise offer from anti-government "Red Shirts", who had said they would end weeks of protests if polls were called in 30 days.

"No, I reject it. Because they use violence and intimidation I cannot accept this," Abhisit said of the Reds' offer which was a softening of their earlier demands for snap polls.

"The 30-day ultimatum is not an issue. The dissolution (of parliament) must be done for the benefit of the entire country, not just for the Red Shirts, and it must be done at the right time," he said.

The international community has urged both sides on Thailand's political divide to find a negotiated solution to end weeks of protests that have been punctuated by deadly clashes leaving 26 dead and hundreds injured.

"The 30-day concession is just aimed at getting the attention of foreign media. I don't think it is the answer to the problems," Abhisit said.

"Tomorrow everything will become more clear when I and the army chief will jointly appear on my weekly television address."

"Negotiations must be aimed at finding a solution for the whole country, not just the Red Shirts, they are just part of society," he added. "We have to uphold the rule of law."

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-24

Published with written approval from AFP.

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