Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Monday

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Monday April 26 Red-shirt rally live updates

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

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

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Urgent: 6 injured in bomb attack, shooting at Banharn's house

BANGKOK: -- Eight people were wounded and property damage was reported after a bomb attack hit a Bangkok home of former Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-Archa Sunday night.

Bangk Plat policeman Samart Salungyoo, who was on duty at the house, reported seeing a motorcycle was speeding past the front of the house on Charan Sanitwong Road before a loud bang, which instantly wounded eight people and damaged a car parked nearby.

-- The Nation 2010-04-26

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Bomb Attack at Residence of Veteran Politician

BANGKOK: -- An explosive, believed to be an M67, was thrown at the residence of former leader of the now defunct Chart Thai Party, Banharn Silpa-archa, in Charansanitwong 55.

The attack took place at around midnight last night, injuring 8 people.

Banharn's been banned from politics for 5 years but still yields a significance influence over govt coalition party Chart Thai Pattana.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-26

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Latest M-79 attack hit Chiang Mai police's headquarter

CHIANG MAI: -- Assailants fired a grenade from an M-79 launcher at headquarters of the Provincial Police Region 5 in Chiang Mai Sunday night, causing property damage but no casualties.

The grenade hit the outside of a building and caused cracks in a concrete wall and many glass mirrors to shatter, damaging most to an office of deputy commander Pol Maj General Bandhop Sukhonthaman.

Crime scene investigation was underway at press time and police speculated that the attack was politically motivated.

-- The Nation 2010-04-26

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Chaotic situation

By The Nation

Red leaders change outfits to non-red colours, and warn protesters of a major government crackdown

BANGKOK: -- Many red-shirt protesters changed their clothes to appear in different colours yesterday, creating a chaotic situation across the nation after the government rejected offers to talk and prepared to retake the protest site of Rajprasong.

Protest leaders were seen changing their outfits to many colours as they warned supporters of a major government crackdown.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday appeared on television together with Army chief Anupong Paochinda to show unity between the government and the military.

The premier said there were connections between groups supporting the red-shirt protest - former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyud, Army expert Khattiya Sawasdipol and various protest leaders were taking different action for the same purpose, to topple the government, he said.

Ahbisit said the government would disperse the protesters from Rajprasong, but did not make clear when and how. "The main point now is not whether or not to disperse but how to solve the whole problem," he said.

Anupong said the Army would follow the government's instruction but would not take any sides in the political game. "We are an army for the nation, for the monarchy and for the people. We will do our job without taking sides," he said.

PM's instructions to governors

Abhisit later called a meeting with provincial governors around the country asking them to block red-shirt group activities, notably on what he called 'terrorism acts' and violence.

Hundreds of protesters yesterday blocked Phaholyothin road in Pathum Thani to prevent police from the North and Northeastern provinces reinforcing in the capital for a possible crackdown on protesters.

Some 50 police vehicles with 500 police officers were stopped. The blockade also caused traffic congestion in Prathum Thani's Rangsit area which is the main route from northern regions to Bangkok.

Kamronwit Thoubkrachang, deputy commander of the First Police Region, negotiated with the protesters to pave a way for traffic flow in Paholyothin road but failed to get the police officers continue their journey to the heart of capital.

In northeastern Udon Thani province, a group of protesters led by Wichian Khaokham, Pheu Thai's MP blocked the Friendship road in Nonsa-ard district to bar military and police from travelling to Bangkok.

Some 10 vans and 6 trucks loaded with 178 police officers who would rotate with colleagues in the capital were stopped yesterday in the district.

In northeastern Chaiyaphum province, protesters stopped some 100 police officers travelling from Nong Khai and Leoi to Bangkok.

In northeastern Ubon Ratchathani, some 3,000 protesters took into custody seven people from Ratchathani Asok community accusing them of being security guards for the pro-government group People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

The community is a branch of Santi Asok which belongs to PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang. Before leaving, the protesters set on flame a model ancient ship displayed in the community. The seven hostages were held at a radio station in the province. Police were unlikely to take any action as the protesters outnumbered them.

The red group said it was retaliating against Chamlong who had called on the government to disperse the protesters. PAD will meet today to step up measures after accusing the government of failing to remove the red group from Rajprasong.

In northern Chiang Mai province, red protesters confronted a pro-government multi-colour group gathered to support the government. Police asked the multi-colour group to end their activities because of the red group's aggressiveness.

Earlier, reds surrounded a state-run television station in Chiang Mai demanding the station to stop government's telecasts against the red group.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, pro-government group briefly confronted red protesters but police separated them before a clash.

-- The Nation 2010-04-26

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Rajprasong just one piece in the puzzle : PM

By THE NATION

Govt's goal is to get country back to normal: Abhisit

BANGKOK: -- The government has refrained from using force to break up the Rajprasong rally because the demonstration was just one part of the ongoing political conflict, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.

Speaking during his weekly TV programme "Confidence in Thailand with PM Abhisit", which was recorded on Saturday and aired yesterday, the PM said the government's goal was to get the country back to normal, so they had to consider all linked moves by the red-shirt movement before taking actions to solve the overall problem.

Abhisit said the government had been making all necessary moves to consider the overall picture, such as moves by the red-shirt movement overseas and in rural areas in planning what to do.

Abhisit said the jigsaw puzzle was "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.

"The government's mission is beyond whether Rajprasong can be cleared," he emphasised in the later part of the programme.

He said the government and Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) had considered all moves connected to the red-shirt movement since it launched massive rallies in Bangkok on March 12, and found that all the figures and incidents were coordinated and linked intentionally.

He also cited the suspended Army specialist Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdiphol and former Army chief Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh as being linked to actions of the red-shirt movement. It was the first time the prime minister has mentioned this pair's names public in this context.

"Everything is connected. All names like Seh Daeng [Khattiya], Gen Chavalit, etc, are not cases of coincidence," the PM said.

Abhisit spoke to a programme host along with Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda.

story continues: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/...M-30127946.html

-- The Nation 2010-04-26

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Thaicom warned after PM's show hit by signal disruption

By THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has instructed NBT, the state-run television chan-nel - to pursue legal action against people who sent a powerful signal to disrupt the broadcast of his weekly pro-gramme yesterday, director Rattana Charoensak said.

"The event was not unprecedented," she said.

In August last year, the PM's weekly live programme was disrupted twice - once from Government House and also from Muang Thong Thani. Former NBT chief Suriyong Huntasarn became a "casualty" after being trans-ferred from his post because of repeated technical broad-cast problems.

The tape of the programme "Confidence in Thailand with PM Abhisit" was disrupted at 9.06am, after being on-air for just three minutes. NBT ran a message to say: "We apolo-gise for the disruption of the signal". However the pro-gramme was run shortly after - replayed from start to finish - seven minutes later.

Yesterday's programme featured an interview with Abhisit and Army Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda.

PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey, who oversees the state-run station, said the broadcast problem was not caused by the station. He said an outside signal was sent to disrupt the show. NBT techni-cal staff solved the problem by using the station's other channels to broadcast the pro-gramme.

Rattana said the station checked with Thaicom Satellite officials to ask them where the source of the dis-rupting signal came from but Thaicom officials could not provide an answer.

However to prevent any repeat of the incident, she had ordered NBT technical staff to work with Thaicom officials to locate the signal source.

She said the station had been the target of similar problems several times but the outside source signal was not strong enough to collapse its signal for a long time. However this time the signal was so powerful it caused a technical snag. Programmes that were targeted previously were news reports relating to political developments and the red-shirt rallies.

She said although Thaicom had equipment to find out the source of disruption, they did not provide her with any answer. If the signal disrup-tions happened more often, she would look into the con-tract to take legal action against the satellite company, but "we won't yet take any action against them this time."

Rattana said Abhisit came to the station when the broad-cast of his programme was disrupted but he did not blame station officials as he understood what happened.

NBT station is overseen by the Public Relations Department and has been accused of being a government mouthpiece because whenever there is a change of government, station policies on the coverage of news changes to cater to demands of the latest politicians in power.

-- The Nation 2010-04-26

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Six redshirt guards in hospital with A(H1N1) flu

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Six redshirted guards have contracted Type A(H1N1) influenza but are now in safe condition at Central Hospital.

The six unidentified men had been taking part in the antigovernment demonstrations in Bangkok since March 12 until they were admitted to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administrationrun hospital on Friday after reporting a high fever on Wednesday and Thursday.

The patients were being treated with oseltamivir, BMA spokesman Thanom Onkatephol said yesterday.

He called on the red shirts to seek medical exams at hospitals if they manifest symptoms or develop high fever.

The BMA has coordinated with Dr weng Tojirakarn, a redshirt leader, to provide medial assistance and maintain surveillance for the H1N1 flu, as the constant temperature and climate change in Bangkok increased the possibility of an outbreak among the demonstrators.

No replies have yet come from their leaders.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Malinee Sukwetchaworrakij called on redshirt leaders or the media to confirm medical records at the hospital proving that the six red shirts had the potentially fatal disease.

She was countering a public statement from the protesters accusing the BMA of spreading false H1N1 outbreak news to scare away the red shirts.

Dr Malinee said the red shirts' travels and likely relocation throughout Bangkok or the country would raise the risk of a secondary outbreak, considering that the incubation period of the flu had started on Wednesday and Thursday and the disease was still contagious.

"This [travelrelated] situation is occurring under similar circumstances and factors in many countries with reported cases among concert goers, which resulted in further infections and even deaths," she warned.

-- The Nation 2010-04-26

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Sales of luxury goods hit hard by protests

By NALIN VIBOONCHART

KWANCHAI RUNGFAPAISARN

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Manufacturers and importers of fashion and luxury products have felt a big impact on sales performance from the closures of major shopping malls in the area near the Rajprasong intersection, and from the resulting plunge in consumer sentiment, caused by the red shirt anti-government demonstrations, which have rocked Bangkok's major shopping district since the beginning of this month.

Many of the firms have adapted their business strategies to offer products directly to high-end shoppers.

Boonkiet Chokwatana, president and CEO of ICC International, a manufacturer of many brands of apparel and cosmetics such as Arrow, Wacoal, BSC, Elle, Essence, Lacoste and Guy Laroche, said the impact on the firm of the red-shirt demonstration in the Rajprasong area was mitigated by the fact that the company has many other retail outlets both in Bangkok and major provinces.

The major shopping complexes like CentralWorld, Gaysorn, Amarin Plaza and Siam Paragon have temporarily closed operations.

"However, the unrest, which has hit many areas of Bangkok, particularly on Silom Road, will heavily impact the sentiment of shoppers, who are not in a shopping mood," said Boonkiet.

He took a philosophical attitude towards the current political problems.

"From a business perspective, I would like to see this issue settled quickly; I cannot say what the government should or should not do to solve the problem," added Boonkiet. "I myself strongly believe that he who has ill intentions toward the country will be doomed sooner or later. Dhamma always defeats vice," he said.

Orand Puipunthavong, vice president of PP Luxe, an importer and distributor of luxury fashion products, including Emilio Pucci and Loewe, said the two brands are only sold at retail shops in major malls in the Rajprasong intersection like CentralWorld, Gaysorn and Siam Paragon.

The closure of those shopping complexes due to the red-shirt demonstration since early April had severely impacted the company's performance, he said.

"Our sales have dropped dramatically by 80 per cent so far this month, compared to a normal sales period," said Orand.

He said the company had adapted its sales strategy by making direct approaches to regular clients, who would be presented with details of the new summer collections of luxury brands as a method of generating revenue amid the Rajprasong crisis.

At the same time, the company is also negotiating with The Mall Group to lease retail space at Emporium Department Store.

Story continues: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/...s-30127906.html

-- The Nation 2010-04-26

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EDITORIAL

Reds must realise restraint has its limitations

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Public sentiment is running high as it wants to see normalcy restored soon

For nearly two months, the Abhisit government has demonstrated extraordinary tolerance and showed restraint in handling the red-shirt protests in Phan Fah, Rajprasong and Sala Daeng intersections. Daily announcements from the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) indicated the government was working hard to cope with the situation, even though ill-intentioned elements continue to create havoc by firing mortars and throwing bombs at protestors and passers-by, causing unnecessary death and injuries. Public sentiment is running high as it wants to see normalcy restored as soon as possible.

For the average men and women, the non-use of force - the government's hallmark - does not augur well with their present frame of mind. For them, non-use of force is equivalent to ineffective use of force. They have been raised in a society where force can and should be used, especially during a state of Emergency Decree or in times of national crisis.

After all, the authorities have declared - and used tough language - in urging passer-bys not to join the protesters in Rajprasong and Sala Daeng which have been designated dangerous areas. The community has strong views that force should be used to disperse protesters and normalcy should be restored at all cost and by any means necessary.

But Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, continues to insist on the non-use of force. He wants to ensure the confrontation this time will end peacefully depite the deadly clashes on April 10. The political cost for the use of force appeared to be too high for the state sector to take up. Obviously, Abhisit is working against great odds. News reports emerged that the intra-military rivalries and police non-compliance have impeded Abhisit's authority.

One interesting development was the emergence of the deadly armed element that has resulted in the death of protestors, soldiers and a Japanese cameraman. The unnamed armed group, which has been labelled "terrorist" by the CRES, has been a key factor in the continuing demonstration.

A thorough investigation is needed to dig out the truth as to who are behind this use of force. It has been said that this armed group comprises both active and inactive military personnel with experience in fighting unconventional warfare. Taking them down is like fighting an uphill battle as they blend among the reds as they extract maximum damage. In the next few days, the role of the militant group will be decisive as they have already created a "fear factor" among the protesters.

The Abhisit government's strategy is to stay put with its current plan, separating the red-shirts protesters from the passers-by and from the so-called terrorists. At the same time, it has been trying to convince those from the rural areas to return home by providing free transport. But for this strategy to have any chance of success, their grievances and issues raised concerning income disparity and other hordes of complaints must be taken up as top priority.

The Pheu Thai Party has badly damaged its own credibility by trying to convince the Bangkok-based foreign diplomatic community that the government are killers. These diplomats are not stupid and they know full well who are the real culprits behind the ongoing mayhem.

The world community is watching Thailand very closely. International human rights organisations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have issued statements reflecting the government's constraint in managing the conflict and attempts to restore law and order.

Sooner or later the moment of truth will smack the reds in the face. Don't be surprised if some of these red leaders are banned from entering a number of these foreign countries.

-- The Nation 2010-04-26

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Topic discussion: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Red-Shirts-R...im-t359481.html

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THE NATION: BTS skytrain opens for service every station 6am.-8 pm,same w/ subway 6am. to midnight,but Silom station to close at 7:30pm today

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Bangkok traffic info: Avoid Thai-Japan overpass at Saladaeng intersection as Red-shirts set up tyres barricade blocking 1 traffic lane early Mon.

RichardBarrow: All MRT stations are in service as normal 6 am - midnight except MRT Silom which closes early at 7.30 pm

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Normal BTS skytrain & subway service at all stations

The BTS skytrain service is available at all stations from 6 a.m.to 8 p.m. this Monday.

The MRTA subway service provides service at all stations today from 6 a.m. to midnight, but the Silom station will close earlier at 7:30 p.m.

-- The Nation 2010-04-26

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Police Attempt to Clear Red-shirts from Thai-Japanese Bridge

Police are attempting to negotiate with the red-shirt protesters to open up access on the Thai-Japanese Bridge.

The protesters have used car tyres to block off one lane of the bridge, motorists've been advised to avoid the area.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-26

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MCOT: Hand grenade found in front of emergency room of Chulalongkorn Hospital, bomb experts rush to defuse

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MCOT: M-79 shot at Provincial Police Region 5 HQ in Chiang Mai, no casualties; 2 K-75 bombs at Rama 9 luxury car showroom fail to explode

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11 wounded in bomb attack at ex-PM Banharn's Bangkok home

BANGKOK, April 26 (TNA) - Eleven persons, including three police, were injured late Sunday when a hand grenade was throw at a police security detail at the Bangkok residence of former prime minister Banharn Silapa-archa on near Soi Charan Sanitwong 57, in Bangplad district.

At about 11.30pm Bang Plat police officer Samart Salungyoo saw a motorcycle speed past the front of the house and a passenger hurled a granade at a police tent near Mr Banharn's home.

Believed to be a M-67 hand grenade, the device hit the footpath, rolled to the road and exploded wounding 11 people and damaging a car parked nearby.

The car driver was seriously injured and other seven people were wounded while three police were slightly injured. All were sent to nearby hospitals.

The bomb caused 10cm wide and 50cm deep hole in the pavement. The grenade trigger mechanism was found at the scene.

Mr Banharn came to view the scene for 10 minutes, and left without talking to reporters.

The incident was the second at Mr Banharn's home. On March 28, a woman passer-by was injured when a grenade hit the outside wall of his home and fell on the footpath before exploding.

Mr Banharn came to view the scene for 10 minutes, and left without talking to reporters.

Premier from mid-1995 to late-1996, Mr Banharn is defacto leader of Chart Thai Pattana Party, a partner in the coalition government led by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Chart Thai Pattana Party was formed after the Chart Thai Party led by Mr Banharn was dissolved early last month after a court ruling that it committed fraud in the general election of December 2007.

Meanwhile, a grenade shot from M-79 launcher hit Provincial Police Region 5 headquarters in Chiang Mai Sunday night breaking glass walls on the first and second floors. No casualties were reported from the incident.

Police believe the grenade was fired from a nearby bridge over the Ping River.

Meanwhile, two K-75 hand grenades with their triggers pulled were found outside a luxuary car showroon on Bangkok's Rama 9 Road. However, both bombs failed to explode. Bomb experts later defused the explosives. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-26

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Homemade bomb spotted in front of Chulalongkorn Hospital

A homemade bomb was spotted on the Rajdamri Road in front of the emergency room at about 8:05 am Monday.

The bomb was safely disposed by bomb-disposal police.

-- The Nation 2010-04-26

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Operation for MRT, BTS for Monday announced

BANGKOK (NNT) -- MRT underground and BTS sky train operation for Monday has been announced to be normal with some minor adjustments for safety of both passengers and staff due to the recent explosions at the business district of Silom on 22 April 2010.

MRT underground on Monday will operate normally from 6.00 to 24.00 hrs in all 18 stations from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue except for Silom station, where the service will be given only until 19.30 hrs. The train will not stop at Silom station after 19.30 hrs.

Meanwhile, BTS sky train will operate normally in all stations on both Silom and Sukhumvit lines; however, the service will be given only until 20.00 hrs only.

Further information could be enquired via MRT hotline at 02-624-5200 from 07.00 to 20.00 hrs as well as BTS hotline at 02-617-6000 or 02-617-7300 Ext 1834, 1835, and 1840.

Both MRT underground and BTS sky train had been suspending services in some stations after M79 grenade attacks on 22 April night at Sala Daeng BTS sky train, the Dusit Thani Hotel, and the Bangkok Bank Headquarters killed one person and injuring other 78 people.

-- NNT 2010-04-26

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THE NATION: As we were asleep, somebody phoned in: thaksin called at 3am. No photo - only his voice. Via @tidarat

THE NATION: The rumour that Thaksin is not well was peak after he posted a number of photos on his Facebook.

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Two People Physically Attacked by Red-shirts Guards

BANGKOK: -- Two people have filed charges against unidentified red-shirt guards and Buddhist monks siding with the protesters, following a physical attack at Ratchaprasong intersection.

Chakkrit Mongkonrattanasit, a 32-year-old employee of Central Chidlom, claims he was seriously beaten by a group of five men in their early 30s who said they were red-shirt rally security guards.

He explained that while he was walking to Chidlom station of BTS skytrain, five red-shirt people approached him and demanded to check his bag.

When they found nothing wrong, they beat him and took him to the protest site for questioning before releasing him.

Meanwhile, a 36-year-old security guard, Det Hadtakwong, has filed a charge against red-shirt guards and Buddhist monks for beating him with sticks near the Ratchaprasong intersection.

He said he was assaulted by the guards and Buddhist monks while trying to enter the protest site, after the head of the guard team, alias Cha Yak, became enraged because he was obstructed by Det at the entrance and another man who travelled on a motorcycle.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-26

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Meeting of director-generals, permanent secretaries moved to 11th Infantry Regiment

BANGKOK: -- The meeting of director-generals and permanent secretaries were moved from the Justice Ministry to the 11th Infantry Regiment.

The meeting was prepared to be held at the Software Park Building at the Justice Ministry but officials were informed in the last minute that the meeting venue was changed to the regiment.

The meeting will start at 11 am.

-- The Nation 2010-04-26

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Thailand's 'Yellow Shirts' mull next move against Reds

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Leaders of Thailand's pro-establishment "Yellow Shirts" huddled Monday to plot their next move against rival "Red Shirts" who are bracing for a crackdown on their Bangkok protest base.

The Yellows have warned they will take action to "protect the country" if authorities do not deal with the anti-government Reds who are defying a state of emergency with their mass rally in the heart of the capital.

A one-week deadline set by the Yellows for an end to the crippling protests expired with no end in sight to the tense standoff, which has twice descended into bloodshed this month, leaving 26 people dead and hundreds injured.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has rejected an offer by the Reds, who mostly support former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, to disperse if elections are held in three months' time -- softening earlier demands for snap polls.

Appearing on national television Sunday alongside his army chief, Abhisit vowed to retake the sprawling protest site that has paralysed Bangkok's main retail district, but gave no indication of when a crackdown might come.

Thailand is largely split between the mainly rural poor and urban working class Reds, and the Yellows who staged their own street protests that heralded a 2006 coup ousting their enemy Thaksin.

Yellow protesters in 2008 blockaded Bangkok's two main airports, before a controversial court verdict removed Thaksin's allies and allowed a parliamentary vote that brought in the current government.

The Yellows had remained largely silent since the Reds began mass rallies in mid-March demanding immediate elections, but there are now growing fears of clashes between the rival groups.

A tense standoff between the Red Shirts and pro-government crowds ended with fresh blood spilled on the streets last Thursday when grenade attacks left one woman dead and scores wounded.

The red-clad movement remained as defiant as ever Monday as another night passed with no sign of a crackdown on their base, which has been fortified with barricades made from piles of truck tyres and sharpened bamboo poles.

"If Abhisit fails to crack down on us, he will have to leave office," said one of the Reds' leaders, Nattawut Saikuar.

If he succeeds in forcing them out, the Reds will rally across the country and prepare for a return to the capital, he said.

When troops tried to sweep the Reds out of Bangkok's historic area on April 10 they suffered a humiliating retreat as deadly street clashes left 25 people dead and hundreds injured in the worst civil violence in almost two decades.

The military has warned protesters would face live weapons fire in any new clashes.

Hopes for an agreement to end the long-running protests were dashed Saturday when Abhisit ruled out an offer by the Red Shirts to disperse if parliament were dissolved in 30 days for elections in three months' time.

In the latest violence in the capital, 11 people, including three policemen, were injured in a grenade attack late Sunday on the house of former prime minister Banharn Silpa-archa, police said.

Another grenade attack targeted a regional police station in northern Chiang Mai province late Sunday but nobody was hurt.

Ramping up the pressure on Abhisit, the Election Commission has called for his ruling Democrat Party to be abolished over allegations of an illegal political donation in 2005 and misuse of a commission grant.

The first count will be forwarded to the Attorney General, who has 30 days to consider it. The election body has until Monday to forward the second case directly to the constitutional court.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-26

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Topic discussion: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-s-Y...Mo-t359510.html

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MCOT: Over 100 Red Shirts in Phitsanulok block main entrance to border patrol police unit to prevent police travelling to Bangkok

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THE NATION: Central Chidlom opens from 10am to 7pm today.

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THE NATION: One of most important things to watch today: HM the King to grant audience to Supreme Court judges at Siriraj.

THE NATION: Any statement to the judges will be HM's first since the reds began its campaign on March 12.

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Red shirts block a police camp in Phitsanulok

Red shirts in Phitsanulok province block an entrance of an police camp to prevent soldiers there from travelling to Bangkok.

The blocking at Phraya Chakri camp where 150 border patrol police and seven police trucks are inside started at about 8am.

The police are scheduled to travel to Bangkok to join police forces guarding red shirts' Rajprasong rally sites.

-- The Nation 2010-04-26

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Thaksin: I'm Not Dead Yet

Ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra dismisses, via Twitter, the rumour that he was dead after experiencing a shock during a purported cancer treatment.

On his Twitter page, self-exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra rejected reports that he suffered a shock during chemotherapy.

Thaksin is reportedly battling with a third-stage prostate cancer at a hospital in Dubai.

Unconfirmed reports last Friday said that he experienced the shock after the blood type he was receiving during cancer treatment was incompatible with his blood.

The convicted prime minister also denied having asked his ex-wife, Khunying Pojaman Damapong to get blood in Thailand and fly the family's doctors at Rama 9 Hospital to perform an emergency operation on him.

He further tweeted that he supports the red-shirt group's proposal to have the House dissolved in 30 days and a fresh election organized in 90 days.

The ex-premier on the run then scoffed at the government's rejection, saying that it only wants to save money and is currently fussing with the appointment of Deputy Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-Ocha to the new commander-in-chief.

He criticised the Abhisit administration for adopting a double standard against the red-shirts, and for using force against the protesters.

Thaksin said the authority no longer considers red-shirt protesters Thai citizens.

He also explained about his absence from the recent red-shirt campaign that he does not want the group's movement to be linked to him.

He reiterated they are fighting for their causes and the nation's interest.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-26

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New Politics Party: Red-shirts Negotiate for Amnesty

BANGKOK: -- The New Politics Party's secretary-general disclosed that the government and the red-shirt movement discussed an end to the current protest, but the attempt failed due to a problem regarding a proper time frame of House dissolution.

He added that the red-shirt people have also called for amnesty for those siding with Thaksin.

New Politics Party's Secretary-General Suriyasai Katasila revealed that he has been informed that the government and the pro-Thaksin force met and talked behind closed doors, but no agreement was reached, due to a conflict involving the time frame for House dissolution.

Suriyasai went on to say that a very important issue is that the anti-government group is negotiating for amnesty for the rally leaders with offences, and also for Thaksin's network.

He said his party does not object to the negotiation between the government and the red-shirt leaders, but the practise should focus on the nation's benefit.

The party's spokesman, Samran Rodpetch, has lashed out at those who fired at innocent people at Saladaeng intersection on April 20th, saying the action was savage and cruel.

He called on the government to put an end to the protest, as the gathering is considered terrorism and the government should employ harsher methods if no martial law is implemented.

He also condemned the action of some fractions of the red-shirt people, especially the one led by Chuphong Theethuan, that have declared a war to overthrown the monarchy.

He urged the Abhisit-led administration to end this movement as soon as possible.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-26

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Army demanded to disperse UDD urgently

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The pro-government and multi-color-clad Alliance of Patriots has urged Army Commander-In-Chief, General Anupong Paochinda, to urgently disperse the rally of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) but without use of violence.

Speaking during the rally on Sunday afternoon at the Victory Monument, Alliance of Patriots Coordinator, MD Tul Sittisomwong, demanded the army chief should tackle with the UDD but with no use of violence. He said the army chief should consider himself if no action is taken.

The group coordinator added that his group would keep fighting for peace by staging rallies on a continuous basis. He declared the first step of victory after the UDD has stopped wearing red, the symbolic color of the group already.

MD Tul also announced that all anti-UDD supporters in every province would sing the national anthem in unison at 18.00 hrs on 29 April. In Bangkok, the pro-government group would gather for the activity at Wongwian Yai roundabout.

Meanwhile, another group core leader, Wanlop Tangkhananurak, said he does not fear that there would be ill-intentioned people infiltrating in the group to cause unrest after red-shirt people have stopped wearing their original color and opted to use clothing in multi-colors.

The group earlier supported the government to declare martial law to disperse the rally of the UDD.

-- NNT 2010-04-26

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