Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Sunday

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Sunday April 25 Red-shirt rally live updates

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

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PM rejects deadline

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday rejected the red-shirt protesters' precondition for him to agree to dissolve the House of Representatives within 30 days, closing the door on a third round of stalled truce talks.

"The 30-day deadline is not an issue. House dissolution must be done for the benefit of the whole country, not just for the red shirts. And it must be done at the right time," he said.

"The ultimatum is just aimed at getting the attention of the foreign media. I don't think it's the answer to the problem," he said.

"Negotiations must be done to find a solution for most of the country, not just the red shirts, who are just part of society."

Nattawut Saikua, a red-shirt leader, said there was no point then in continuing discussions. "These negotiations will stop. We will not talk anymore," he said.

The prime minister appeared with Army chief General Anupong Paochinda during the recording of his Sunday morning television programme inside the 11th Infantry Regiment. Abhisit has been billeted at the military barracks since the red shirts began their protest last month.

He told reporters after the filming he had invited the Army chief, who is in charge of security-related operations for the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation, to appear on the show to talk about what he was doing about the red-shirt protests.

Viewers would get a "clearer picture" when the "Confident in Thailand with PM Abhisit" programme is broadcast this morning, he said.

Political problems would be addressed in a political way while security problems would be addressed in a "security way".

"On the political issue, we have to ask the majority of society - not just the red shirts - how to solve it. We have to be responsible for the people of the entire country for the country's future and for democracy. On the security issue, we are doing well, particularly with law enforcement," he said.

Nattawut said earlier yesterday that red-shirt leaders had persuaded the protesters to extend their deadline for a dissolution of Parliament - from immediately to 15 days - in order to prevent any further loss of life among the demonstrators.

Veteran politician Chaturon Chaisaeng, who appears frequently at red-shirt rallies, called for a resumption of talks to avert any further losses by the feuding sides. He also urged the prime minister to disband the House within three months.

Chaturon said the supporters of both sides seemed to be getting conflicting information about incidents, which led to differences in their perception.

Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, rector of the National Institute of Development Administration, said the third round of talks would never take place without the red-shirt leaders first getting the green light from fugitive ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who he said has the final say in the red-shirt movement.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said Thaksin should call off the red-shirt protest for the sake of the country. "I urge ex-PM Thaksin to sympathise with his compatriots," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-25

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Crackdown expected within 48 hours: Reds

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

BANGKOK: -- The anti-government red shirts said yesterday they were bracing for a crackdown within 48 hours to end their occupation of the Rajprasong shopping area.

Red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua claimed he had learned Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had ordered a crackdown on protesters within 48 hours.

Nattawut did not say where the information came from but other protest leaders said earlier they had learned from sympathisers in the Army that troops were being mobilised despite negotiations which had been going on for some time.

Jatuporn Promphan, another red-shirt leader, yesterday claimed Army chief General Anupong Paochinda had ordered an additional 70 companies of police to be deployed and heavy weaponry to crack down on the protesters in a day or two.

He claimed he had been tipped off that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had summoned Anupong, telling him he would not bow to the red shirts' proposal to dissolve the House in one month and instructed that Anupong break up the rally immediately.

Anupong said he was waiting for the right timing to execute the crackdown on the protesters. The Army chief told the PM he had summoned lower-ranking red-shirt leaders and ordered them not to bring more protesters to the Rajprasong rally.

Jatuporn said Anupong had instructed 70 companies of police to report to him at the 11th Infantry Regiment by noon today.

He said 23 companies of soldiers would move to Lumpini Park, three companies of quick-response units, 200 motorcycles and pickup trucks - apart from 150 motorcycles from other military units that would operate in plainclothes but be fully armed with M16 and A2 guns, including 2,000 shotguns.

About 80 of them would disguise themselves and mix with red-shirt protesters and would shoot at the leaders when the crackdown order was issued, he claimed.

Four Black Hawk helicopters and a Chinook helicopter would be used. Twenty special task force officers were being readied to rappel down ropes and capture red-shirt leaders.

Jatuporn said the crackdown would be carried out by today or tomorrow. "We are ready to fight till death. No matter how many weapons they are going to use,'' he said.

Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situations spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd admitted they were preparing to suppress the protesters at Rajprasong but waiting for the right timing. He confirmed the deployment of 70 companies of police from the Police Region 1-7 to execute the crackdown. Police commanders of seven regions would oversee their subordinates and work under the policy of the centre.

He said the media had misinterpreted that the centre would not use force. "Everyone knows that the area has been influenced by terrorism but not everyone in the rally is a terrorist so we have to make sure that innocent people who are misled can leave the area, though it would be impossible to take all of them out of that area,'' he said."When we are well-prepared, we will be ready to crack down on the terrorists. We can even use the word 'suppress' with them. The present situation is not the right time to execute the plan, but we are working towards achieving the goal. We are confident that we can reach it,'' he said.

The centre had thus planned to reduce the number of protesters in the capital and provinces and restrict their campaigns by not allowing them to do what they did. He said society expected to see security forces crack down on the protesters even though Anupong believed using force to quash the protest would add fuel to the fire as protesters in provinces would step up their struggle and the uprising might spread across the country. He said the government and the centre, therefore, had to launch a public campaign in parallel to create understanding and reduce social conflicts.

Sansern denied reports that the government, the military and police were not united, saying the PM, the Army chief and the National Police chief met and talked every day.

-- The Nation 2010-04-25

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APRIL 10 CLASHES

Khattiya and red leaders deny Methee's 'admissions'to DSI

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Claim govt fired grenades, not reds; say actor's actions not linked

BANGKOK: -- Army specialist Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol yesterday denied that actor Methee Amornwuthikul was his aide, as claimed, and insisted that the firing of M79 grenades was the work of the government.

Department of Special Investigation director-general Tharit Pengdit had said earlier that Methee confessed to committing acts of sabotage by firing grenades and shooting during the mayhem on April 10 at Khok Wua intersection near Democracy Monument.

Khattiya, who is popular among the red shirts, said the government tried to link Methee to him because he belonged to the red shirt movement even though he did not know the actor. "I know him superficially and met him at red-shirt rallies. I like him though - he is a fighter,'' he said.

No one believed that Methee had made such a confession as it was one-sided information put out by the government and no one had heard it directly from Methee.

Nattawut Saikua, a red-shirt leader, dismissed Tharit's statement that Methee confessed to taking guns from soldiers to fire at them outside Satriwitthaya School. Nattawut said Methee could not have done that because soldiers and red shirts clashed outside the school before the red shirts got the guns from soldiers.

Weng Tojirakarn, another red-shirt leader, said he suspected the police might have framed Methee by forcing him to take a gun. He admitted Methee was part of the red-shirt movement but said he was not a leader is responsible for policy. He believed that if Methee truly had a gun, he probably got it during the turmoil. He did not believe Methee fired the weapon at the order of the red shirt leaders. "Methee's action had nothing to do with the red shirts,'' he claimed.

Democrat Party spokesman Buranat Samutrak said Methee's confession confirmed a belief that acts of sabotage on April 10 were committed by the red shirts, not a "third party".

Tharit said he revealed only part of Methee's confession to send a signal to whoever possesses war weapons to stop using them because they would face serious action.

He said Methee's family was not allowed to visit him because he was arrested during the state of emergency but he had been well-taken care of by soldiers and his whereabouts had to be kept secret to prevent the red shirts from bringing a mob to pressure investigators.

-- The Nation 2010-04-25

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27 remain in hospital, three in a coma

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

BANGKOK: -- Some 27 of the 87 people wounded by grenades or in clashes near Silom Road on Thursday night remain in hospital, with three of them in a coma, the Erawan Medical Centre said yesterday.

About 60 injured victims of the confrontation between pro- and anti-government protesters were allowed to go home.

The centre also reported that 839 people were wounded and 25 killed in the April 10 clash between red-shirted protesters and soldiers at Phan Fa Bridge and Khok Wua intersection.

Meanwhile, Supatra Masdit, president of the Centre for Asia Pacific Women in Politics, said yesterday that prayers for peace would be held at Pra Kaew Temple at 7am today.

During the "Stop One Hour for Thailand" event, the Putthajayamangkalakatha canon will be recited nine times.

Organisers hope the ceremony will bring peace and security to the country and Thai people.

It will be broadcast nationwide by National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, so those at home can join in the activity, she said.

In related news, Chulalongkorn Hospital director Dr Adisorn Patradul yesterday sought cooperation from red-shirt protesters camped at the hospital entrance on Rajdamri Road - not to intrude in the hospital compound, after some reportedly carried crude large sticks and demanded to search its buildings on Friday night. This action made staff feel uneasy and have fears for their safety.

The red-shirt rally also prompted the hospital to close its special-hour clinic from Friday till today, he said, asking the red-shirts to open a lane from Rajdamri Road to Sala Daeng intersection so ambulances can reach the emergency room more easily.

-- The Nation 2010-04-25

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EDITORIAL

Opportunity for talks should be pursued

By The Nation

Despite doubts about red-shirts' sincerity, it's a chance for peace

Anything is better than what happened on Rajdamnoen Avenue on April 10. And nothing could be worse than what happened in Silom on Thursday night. Conspicuously, to say the least, an opportunity has arisen for the Abhisit government to renew negotiations with the red shirts - and it is a chance that should be grabbed with both hands. Like it or not, we don't have too many choices.

Unfortunately, the two sides couldn't find a common ground and the secret negotiations yesterday afternoon failed to buy more time. Violent clashes could very well be a possibility as riot police and soldiers are poised to move in and disperse the crowd.

The peace overture from the red shirts should be cautiously welcomed, not just because killings and violence would otherwise continue, but also because feelings associated with the violence, its prelude and its aftermath are driving us toward a break-up of nationhood. Mutual hatred has become stronger than ever and prejudice has dictracting everyone's thinking. If Rajdamnoen is a travesty, Silom is a real shame. Emotions have been getting too high, overwhelming reasoning and rationality. The country needs a break, immediately.

The red shirts, over the past two days, seemed to be retreating. Their leaders suggested they would accept House dissolution within 30 days and a further 60 days to prepare for an election. "Our victory is an end to the killings," one of the leaders said. "We are not conceding. We had nothing to lose to begin with." Another leader, Veera Musigapong, said the movement was "ready to be more flexible in enabling the government to have more time to prepare for the necessary tasks."

Unfortunately, neither side seems to understand that in negotiations concessions have to be made in order to move on.

Story continues: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/...d-30127881.html

-- The Nation 2010-04-25

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Political rally impacts expressway operating income

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Political demonstration impacts the number of vehicles using the services of the Bangkok Expressway PLC (BECL) by 50 thousand cars a day, with collected revenue reduced by a million THB a day, says BECL Managing Director.

BECL Managing Director Payao Marittanaporn admitted that the company got an impact from the political rally which resulted in a decreased number of vehicles and revenue earned from the expressway services in particular at the Yommarat toll gate and others gates inside the city, from a million persons using the service with an income earned about 20 million THB per day. She was still confident that during the school-semester the number of customers would turn to normal.

With the shift of governmental center to Chaengwattana since last year end, the number of new expressway users tends to increase to 80 thousand people a day and the company turnover will not be affected. In 2010, the income is expected to rise by 2.5% or about 180 million THB from the profit obtained in 2009 of 1.702 billion THB.

Concerning the EASY PASS machines, she said the setting up process was completed and it was on trial. She said by this June the EASY PASS would open its services and the automatic toll fee collection would replace the existing cash system in the future for better operation.

-- NNT 2010-04-25

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Thai PM, army chief to address nation amid political crisis

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's prime minister and army chief were set to address the nation Sunday, due to outline their plans for handling the political crisis after rejecting a compromise offer from protesters.

General Anupong Paojinda joined premier Abhisit Vejjajiva for his pre-recorded weekly TV address, due to be aired at 9:00 am (0200 GMT). The address has been cancelled for the past two weeks with no reason given.

It comes after hopes for an agreement to end weeks of protests, which have been punctuated by deadly street clashes, were dashed as Abhisit on Saturday ruled out the "Red Shirts" offer to disperse 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 proposal which would have seen a ballot held in 90 days and was a softening of earlier demands for snap polls.

"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 told reporters.

In an immediate response the Reds said they would now prepare for a military crackdown to clear their heavily fortified rally encampment which has paralysed Bangkok's upscale district for three weeks.

"Abhisit has ordered a crackdown on protesters within 48 hours, that is the information I have learned," said Reds leader Nattawut Saikuar.

Nattawut did not say where the information came from but other Reds leaders said earlier Saturday they had learned from sympathisers in the army that troops were being mobilised despite ongoing negotiations.

Nattawut said the Reds would strip off the symbols of their allegiance -- the red T-shirts and other garb they have sported for weeks -- to help them fight back against the government.

He said they would stick to a policy of non-violence, but other Reds figures speaking on a stage at their sprawling camp in the heart of Bangkok promised a "guerrilla war" against the government.

The United Nations and foreign governments have urged both sides on Thailand's political divide to find a peaceful resolution, after two bouts of street violence this month left 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."

Fears of a crackdown escalated earlier in the week amid warnings from the military that protesters would face live weapons fire in any new clashes.

The army chief toned down the rhetoric Friday, saying that the use of force was no solution to the crisis, which has damaged Thailand's economy and its reputation as the "Land of Smiles".

Despite Anupong's dovish stance, army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd kept up the pressure Saturday, saying an offensive could still be launched to target Reds hardliners whom he referred to as "terrorists".

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.

They condemn Abhisit's government as illegitimate because it came to power in a 2008 parliamentary vote after a court ruling ousted allies of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Reds are mostly rural poor and urban working class supporters of Thaksin, who now lives overseas to avoid a jail sentence for corruption.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-25

Published with written approval from AFP.

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THE NATION: 1st and 2nd generation leaders of PAD will meet at ASTV head office Monday to map out yellow shirts' next move.

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THE NATION: Thaksin tweeted like crazy. Of course, he said he's alive and well

THE NATION: Thaksin said he's been to many countries so few chances to contact protesters

THE NATION: PM started program by explaining the Suthep-Anupong structure of the state of emergency centre.

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THE NATION: Can't watch PM.

THE NATION: My NBT signal gone!!!!

THE NATION: Oh no, radio Thailand which was broadcasting it also stopped. This is scaring everyone.

THE NATION: Something like this happened once or twice to Abhisit.

THE NATION: signal's back

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THE NATION: With a signal interruption apology

THE NATION: Ok, PM explaining the Suthep-Anupong chain of command.

THE NATION: On top of it it has to be the political side, so it has to be Suthep, PM said.

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THE NATION: But for opertations, how to give orders for operations, it's Anupong, PM said.

THE NATION: People have been speculating, so here's Anupong with me to answer any question, Abhisit said.

THE NATION: Host: How do u evaluate SOE operations?

THE NATION: PM: Jigsaw pieces are falling into place.

THE NATION: PM: The M79 attacks on several places, April 10 incident and the Silom attack.

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THE NATION: PM: The M79 attacks on several places, April 10 incident and the Silom attack.

THE NATION: PM: Our info on Silom points toward M79 firing from Lumpini Park.

THE NATION: PM said he was satisfied govt managed to disrupt communications network of red shirts.

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THE NATION: PM: It's not Rajprasong problem. It's the country problem. (On why it's taking govt so long)

THE NATION: PM: When the jigsaw puzzle has been complete, it will b easier for Govt to plan measures.

THE NATION: PM: Everyth is connected. All names like Seh Daeng, Gen Chavalit, etc. (what an intruging statement)

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THE NATION: PM: On April 10, we never thought there would be such an armed force.

THE NATION: PM: I do regret every time there are losses.

THE NATION: PM: We underestimated the situation on Silom as well. We never thought anyone could have done that on Thai people.

THE NATION: PM: But let me stress that this is not just about Rajprasong. We want to solve the whole problem.

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THE NATION: PM: This doesn't mean we aren't doing anyth. I have been working 14-15 hrs everyday.

THE NATION: PM: Again the target is not regaining Rajprasong but solving the country's problem.

THE NATION: Anupong: Govt action, like PM said, must bring peace. We are ready to do whatever we can to achieve that.

THE NATION: Anupong: What we will do and will not do is clear in PM's speech.

THE NATION: Anupong: Rajprasong rally 's losing legitimacy and will shrink.

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THE NATION: Anupong: We will do everyth to bring back peace.

THE NATION: Anupong said govt plan is to acheive peace./// so is the army I guess.

THE NATION: Anupong: We never thought about the violence by an armed force against our troops.

THE NATION: Anupong: Our soldiers told us they saw shooters mingling among innocent people on April 10.

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THE NATION: Anupong: It was also clear from local and international media reports about the use of heavy weapons against troops on April 10.

THE NATION: Anupong: And like PM said, we didn't expect the violent attack on Thai people like the one at Silom.

THE NATION: Host: Who are the terrorists then? Could you clarify that?

THE NATION: PM: I can answer parts of that.

THE NATION: PM: Some of them are those who advertised thmselves as such all along. They said in public what they had and what they planned to do.

THE NATION: PM: Some of them have been sought by authorities.

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THE NATION: Host: What if they are soldiers? What can Army do?

THE NATION: Urgent @SatitTrang (minister): the signal problem isn't caused by technical problem but outside signal interference. via@jin_nation

THE NATION: Anupong: Some of those armed are retired soldiers.

THE NATION: Anupong: Although as we know some are active soldiers.

THE NATION: Host: Is there unity in Army?

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THE NATION: Anupong: "We are the nation's, people's and His Majesty's army.

THE NATION: Anupong: Individually there might be some problems, but it's not significant. The whole Army institution remains solidly just like I said.

THE NATION: Anupong: We will help police to the best of our ability to get rid of all the weapons being used.

THE NATION: PM: We have at least two meetings everyday. And at least at one of the two meetings, all top brass are there.

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THE NATION: PM: I never reject political solution. but any political solution must create precedent that intimidation will bring about political change.

THE NATION: PM: The multicolours demanding that House be not dissolved are not Abhisit fans. They are people who don't want change through intimidation.

THE NATION: Host: So no House dissolution or resignation?

THE NATION: PM: I have said clearly what I think is needed to be done before we can have a peaceful election.

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THE NATION: PM: The point is not how many days from now. The point is what 's needed to be done to get a peaceful election.

THE NATION: PM: 30 days is out of question. I don't think this problem can be solved within 30 days.

THE NATION: PM: Exit strategy is not the way to go (to solve this national problem)

THE NATION: Host: How can you ease spreading anger at the moment?

THE NATION: PM: I'm admittedly worried. This is new world where everyone communicate fast.

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THE NATION: PM: I guess we just have to be straightforward and sincere and do our best to create understanding and ease violence.

THE NATION: Anupong: Everything will be done according to the law. We will intensify our action, coordination with police.

THE NATION: Anupong: If situation worsens, of course military measures will have to be intensified.

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THE NATION: Anupong: Disperse or not disperse, the answer about when is not as important as whether it can bring peace like PM said.

THE NATION: PM: The Civil Court order angered some people. But there's nowhere in the world that they allow indiscriminate use of arms against people.

THE NATION: PM: Govt's mission is beyond whether Rajprasong can be cleared.

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THE NATION: PM: There's unity in our efforts to solve the problem. I won't let anyone drag his feet.

THE NATION: PM: If I fail, I won't stay.

THE NATION: PM: Not because I'm upset or anything. But because if i stay, i must b able to solve the problem.

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THE NATION: PM goes on air live after airing the pre-recorded programme.

THE NATION: PM: There has been signal interruption in the morning.

THE NATION: PM: We're investigating the signal interruption. (This address airs live - the interview was recorded yesterday)

THE NATION: PM: Cabinet and business sector will come up with measures to help those affected by Rajprasong seizure.

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THE NATION: PM talks ab compensation for death, injury and business losses.In terms of economic losses,look first after affected employees

THE NATION: PM: It's a shame that our economy was growing. It was expected that the economic growth would be over 6%

THE NATION: PM: Tourism is being considerably affected. There have been lots of international warnings, cancellations.

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THE NATION: PM is listing activities to show govt 's still functioning and tackling other problems.

THE NATION: He claims that without political crisis Thailand would have seen 6.2 & growth this year.

THE NATION: PM: Thank you.

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PM says Rajprasong seizure only part of overall problem

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government has refrained to use force to break up the Rajprasong rally because the demonstration was just a part of the problem.

Speaking during his weekly TV programme, which was recorded Saturday and aired Sunday, Abhisit said the government's goal is to return normalcy to the country so the government has to consider all connected moves of the red-shirt movement before taking actions to solve the overall problem.

He said the jigsaw puzzle is getting complete after which it will be easier for the government to plan measures accordingly.

"But let me stress that this is not just about Rajprasong. We want to solve the whole problem," the prime minister said.

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PM says Khattiya, Chavalit connected to master plan of red-shirt movement

Prime Minister Abhsit Vejjajiva said on TV that suspended Army specialist Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdiphol and former Army chief Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh are connected to the master plan of the red-shirt movement.

"Everything is connected. All names like Seh Daeng [Khattiya], Gen Chavalit, etc are not cases of coincidences," Abhsit said during his weekly TV programme, recorded Saturday and aired Sunday.

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Anupong admits some retired, active soldiers take part in arms struggle

Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda said on TV that some retired and active soldiers took part in the use of arms to attack the authorities and the people at Phan Fa and Silom areas.

Giving an interview along with the prime minister during the PM's weekly TV programme, Anupong said the Army will help police to the best of its ability to get rid of all the weapons being used by terrorists.

Anupong insisted the Army is still united as "we are the nation's, people's and His Majesty's army".

"Individually there might be some problems, but it's not significant. The whole Army institution remains solidly just like I said," the Army chief said.

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PM says he'll never reject political solution

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on TV that he will never reject a viable political solution but he said House dissolution within 30 days could not solve the problems.

"I never reject political solution but any political solution must not create precedent that intimidation will bring about political change," the prime minister said during his weekly TV programme aired Sunday.

Abhisit said the government needed to carry out measures to ensure that a peaceful election will happen after House dissolution.

"The point is not how many days from now. The point is what 's needed to be done to get a peaceful election," Abhisit said.

"30 days is out of question. I don't think this problem can be solved within 30 days."

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Abhisit says investigation going on about attempt to block NBT's satellite signal

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday that the government is investigating the brief disruption of NBT's signal while his pre-recorded TV programme was being aired.

Abhsit went on NBT live to address the people after the airing of his interview.

He said signal was briefly disrupted with interference and the government was checking it.

-- The Nation 2010-04-25

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