Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Tuesday

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Tuesday April 27 Red-shirt rally live updates

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King: Do your duty

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King last night said public officials should be strongly determined to perform their duties to the best of their ability, to maintain peace in the country.

His Majesty advised newly appointed Supreme Court judges to serve as good examples and an inspiration for other groups of public officials and members of the public in doing their duty with a strong and clear will.

It was HM the King's first public appearance and speech since the red shirts began their anti-government protests in Bangkok on March 14.

The group of judges, led by Supreme Court President Sobchoke Sukharom, had an audience with His Majesty at about 5pm at Siriraj Hospital, where the monarch has been staying since being admitted last September 19 with a lung inflammation and high fever.

It is customary for new judges of top courts to take an oath in front of His Majesty before starting their duties.

His Majesty also said "some people" in this country appeared to have failed to do their duty.

"Do your job with honesty. In this country there may be some people who forget their duty. You should be an example by working honestly and properly, your job is very important," HM the King said in his speech, which lasted about 15 minutes.

"It will show there are officials in the country who perform their duties with a strong and clear will and are determined to maintain stability in the country. This will give people the determination to perform their own duties, as well."

His Majesty also stressed the importance of honesty in maintaining justice and peace in the Kingdom.

"Working honestly will boost the country's progress and help the country live in peace and contentment," His Majesty said. "You should help maintain justice. If you can follow your oaths strictly, it will help the country remain orderly."

His Majesty did not directly address the ongoing political deadlock between the government and red-shirt protesters who are demanding an early dissolution of Parliament.

Many Bangkok residents have become more critical of the authorities, particularly the police, over their inaction in dealing with red-shirt protesters openly violating the law. Protesters have blocked roads and railways and set up checkpoints to ensure no Army or police reinforcements from upcountry can reach Bangkok to participate in dispersing the crowd in the Rajprasong shopping area.

Shortly after HM the King's royal message was made, a joint force of soldiers and police managed to disperse a red-shirt mob blocking part of Phaholyothin Road in Pathum Thani province.

His Majesty gave a similar speech to another group of judges in February, shortly before the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders handed down its decision to seize Bt46 billion in frozen assets from accounts held by fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his family.

-- The Nation 2010-04-27

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BTS cancels all services

The skytrain (BTS) cancelled all of its services Tuesday morning because red-shirt protesters used tires to block the railways at the Chidlom station.

-- The Nation 2010-04-27

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RUNAWAY EX-PM

Thaksin in Montenegro, quashes ill-health rumours

By The Nation, Agencies

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday surfaced in Montenegro, ending rumours of ill-health spreading throughout the Kingdom.

The fugitive ex-premier was last seen on April 9 speaking to his anti-government supporters via a video link.

Thaksin landed at Tivat Airport in his private jet last Friday before travelling with his entourage - but no family members - in two Mercedes-Benz limousines. He checked into the luxury Milocer Hotel, Montenegro's Vijesti newspaper reported.

Rumours have been rife on social networks over the past several days he might be having serious health problems. Some said a series of five pictures released on his Facebook page were doctored to cover up his poor health. Others even claimed he had died.

"This is my country ... I am now Montenegrin," Thaksin said yesterday in the capital, Podgorica, adding that he hoped to invest in the Adriatic country.

"We're looking for investment opportunities but have not reached any conclusions," he said after meeting with representatives of the First Financial Bank, a part of Greece's Restis Group, owned by shipping magnate Victor Restis.

The group, which took over the lease of luxurious Sveti Stefan Island in Montenegro last year, earlier denied Thaksin was negotiating possible investments there.

Thaksin also denied any agreement had been reached.

This is Thaksin's third visit to the country. The last time he was there was on March 13, when he arrived by private plane in the coastal town of Tivat from Dubai.

Montenegrin officials have so far failed to explain how Thaksin obtained citizenship in this former Yugoslav republic.

The populist former prime minister was ousted in a September 19, 2006 coup and has been living abroad, mostly in Dubai, to avoid a

prison term for corruption.

Thaksin said he remained in contact with anti-government demonstrators who "just fight for democracy, let them fight for democracy and justice".

Britain, Germany and a handful of other states have barred Thaksin from setting foot on their soil, but Montenegro maintains there is no international warrant for his arrest.

-- The Nation 2010-04-27

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PAD lashes out at both government and military

By Wattana Khamchoo

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The People's Alliance for Democracy yesterday blamed both the government and the military for indifference, the prevailing state of lawlessness and the red shirts' usurpation of state power in several areas of the country, including Bangkok's Rajprasong intersection.

In a strongly worded statement, the PAD said the yellow shirts reserved the right to carry out their civil defence if the authorities failed to rein in the red shirts. It completely rejected any negotiations, but instead insisted declaring martial law would solve the predicament.

It also urged yellow shirts across the country to step out and join hands with other civic organisations, including the multicoloured group, to oppose the menace of the red shirts.

"The yellow shirts will increasingly step up their activities until normalcy is restored," said PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila.

To notify its stand to the government, PAD leaders Chamlong Srimuang and Pipop Thongchai on Thursday will submit the PAD statement to the 11th Infantry Regiment, the seat of the emergency administration.

In the PAD's assessment, the situation has spiralled close to anarchy because the government appears reluctant to enforce the law.

Should anarchy set in, the PAD says its rightful duty is to defend the country and its two pillars: religion and the monarchy.

In outlining its stand, it has made four key arguments:

1. While the country plunges into a state of lawlessness, the government has, unfortunately, abandoned the people to face street justice imposed by the red shirts. It is now evident the red shirts have taken control and usurped power in several areas.

2. The prime minister must show his leadership by mapping out a specific action plan to bring the culprits to justice. Thus far, the government has been vague and confused in dealing with terrorists in amid the protest.

3. The PAD calls for the extension of the enforcement of emergency rule from Bangkok to areas where attempts are being made to usurp state power. Martial law must be invoked in specific areas, in order to defeat pockets of terrorists and rein in unruly crowds.

4. The PAD spells out its five measures to restore normalcy - joining hands with other civic groups, petitioning military units to crush the terrorist movement, an awareness campaign to expose movement designs to grab power and undermine the monarchy, boycott businesses linked with the red shirts and stand ready to resume rallies.

Tul Sitthisomwong, a leader of the multicoloured shirts, said supporters were free to join the PAD. About half of his group are former PAD members.

He said 70-80 per cent of the multicoloured shirts would probably join the PAD rally at the 11th Regiment on Thursday. But he will not attend it himself, because he will be operating on a patient.

However, Tul said the multicoloureds would not encourage violence or confrontation between the groups.

-- The Nation 2010-04-27

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PRO-THAKSIN PROTESTERS

Red shirts block highways

Published on April 27, 2010

*Nationwide traffic disruptions as police, soldiers stand by, mingle while protesters search cars

Red-shirt demonstrators are blocking main roads heading to Bangkok in many provinces to intercept motorcades of soldiers and police travelling to the capital to conduct crowd dispersal at Ratchaprasong intersection, their main protest site.

Yesterday, they used trailer trucks to block all inbound Mittraphrab lanes in Khon Kaen province after roadblocks had already been set up, causing a standstill stretching for kilometres. They later apprehended a group of police officers using unarmed methods.

Roadblocks and the red shirts' unauthorised search of vehicles are commonplace and motorists had no choice but to pull over when hailed and let them search through vehicles. In cases where they refused to pull over, red shirts would swarm over their vehicles and beat or damage the vehicles until they stopped.

Road blockades had been reported in Samut Sakhon, Phetchabun, Chachoengsao, Lop Buri, Sara Buri Khon Kaen, with no resistance from police or soldiers. Only blockades in Phitsanulok province and on Paholyothin Roads in Pathum Thani-Rangsit area were successfully breached by border patrol police and soldiers.

Reports said police had dealt lightly with road blockades in the other provinces. In many incidents, red shirts and policemen were seen mingling or chatting to each other after initial confrontation.

Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship leaders praised the actions of red shirts in Khon Kaen who successfully blocked or slowed down troops travelling to Bangkok, dubbing it "the Khon Kaen model" in which all district chiefs complied with local red shirts' demands. Acting as the protesters' representatives, they later submitted open letters to the provincial governor asking him not to instruct civilian officials to stop red shirts from their anti-government activities.

In Phitsanulok, a company of 150 policemen with the Border Patrol 31 force finally pushed through red shirts and their barricades after hours of negotiations and initial pushing and shoving. They later breached the red shirts' line after 10 minutes of melee which saw slight injuries suffered by both sides.

In Pathum Thani, police initially made little efforts to push through a red-shirt line set up on inbound Phaholyothin lanes and around 10 soldiers in a back-up force were apprehended when they arrived the scene.

Another back-up force of soldiers later arrived and confronted the red shirts, before firing real bullets in the and charging the protesters. Soldiers retook the position and reopened the traffic which was heavily congested for hours. Forty red shirts were apprehended and kept in military custody in an unknown location.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday in a Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation meeting that it was not likely that Internal Security Act would be immediately imposed in the provinces to deter nationwide disturbances and disruption caused by red shirts.

Abhisit reportedly instructed police to dismantle remaining road blockades across the country within three days. Acting police chief Patheep Tanprasert reportedly "agreed to follow his order" and vowed "immediate arrests of red shirts setting up or manning roadblocks" from now on.

-- The Nation 2010-04-27

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Two 'symbolic' bomb attacks injure seven

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Two bomb attacks were carried out late last night against two symbolic targets - the Chiang Mai police headquarters and the Bangkok home of veteran politician Banharn Silapa-archa, which was targeted twice before and this time saw seven people wounded.

Later, a fake bomb was also found near Chulalongkorn Hospital on Rajdamri Road - located not far from where red-shirt demonstrators are camped or from the Sala Daeng BTS station, where an M79 attack killed one and wounded scores of others on April 22.

A live grenade was also found in front of a luxury-car showroom off Rama IX Road. Police ordnance officers said later that the K75 grenade's safety pin had not been removed.

At Banharn's home on Charan Sanitwong Road, policemen guarding the house said two men on a Honda Sonic motorcycle dropped a grenade on the pavement before fleeing. The M67 grenade bounced off the curb and rolled toward the middle of the street where it exploded, injuring seven victims including three policemen.

One of the victims, 33-year-old Namon Sorrawong, was badly injured because the grenade rolled under her car before exploding. She said this was the second time she had been caught in a political clash. Previously she had a miscarriage from the impact of an explosion during the violent clashes around Soi Phetburi 7 last Songkran.

Namon, with a severe wound to her right torso and five pieces of shrapnel embedded in her body, sustained the worst injuries among the seven victims. Banharn's daughter Kanchana, and his wife Khunying Jaemsai, visited Namon at hospital to offer their sympathy. In an interview, Namon called for an end to the continuous violence.

Meanwhile, Banharn's brother and leader of coalition partner Chat Thai Pattana Party, Chumpol Silapa-archa, said this second attack was merely a taunt, though he hoped no more such taunts were made. He said his party still supported the Democrat-led government, and that the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship's demand for House dissolution within 30 days was not reasonable.

Late yesterday, police released the sketch of a suspect, who was riding pillion without a helmet. The suspect is believed to be a large man, aged between 20 and 30, with shoulder-length hair, 170-centimetres in height and has big lips and a big face. He faces possible charges of attempted murder, possessing explosives and causing property damage.

In related news, an M79 launcher was used in an attack on the Provincial Police Region 5 compound in Chiang Mai, causing property damage but no casualties.

Police said it appeared that well-trained people had used the M79 launcher and that the attack was probably meant to scare the police from dispatching forces for the crowd dispersal operations in Bangkok.

Meanwhile, 51-year-old Walaipan Sangkho, who suffered serious head injury in the April 22 explosion in Silom area and has already undergone two sessions of brain surgery, remains in critical condition, Chulalongkorn Hospital deputy director Dr Somrat Jarulaksananant said yesterday. Though the second surgery went well and her vital signs are normal, she still remained unconscious, he said, adding that doctors had her under constant surveillance.

As for the fake bomb left at the hospital's entrance yesterday morning, Somrat said the suspicious object turned out to be something made of rubber and was not found at the hospital's entrance as reported but in the red-shirt rally area.

In related news, the Erawan Emergency Centre yesterday reported that 80 people had been injured from the M79 grenade explosion in Silom's Sala Daeng intersection on April 22. Nineteen people were still in hospital - six at Lerd Sin Hospital, eight at Chulalongkorn Hospital, two at the Police General Hospital and one each at St Luis Hospital, Phramongkutklao Hospital and Hua Chiew Hospital. Of the 19, two are in critical condition.

-- The Nation 2010-04-27

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Another red-shirt protester believed to have come down with H1N1

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A lab test will today confirm whether another red-shirt protester has come down with the type-A (H1N1) influenza virus.

As of yesterday, six red-shirt guards were being treated for the disease at the BMA General Hospital.

The hospital director Dr Pitchaya Nakwatchara revealed that another red-shirt protester had been admitted at his institution at 2am yesterday with a lung infection and symptoms that could be associated with the type-A (H1N1) influenza. The man afflicted is a 47-year-old Bangkok resident.

"We have put him through a lab test," Pitchaya said, adding that the result would be released today.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesman Thanom Onkatephol yesterday expressed concern about red-shirt demonstrators exposing themselves to this potentially fatal disease.

Thousands of red-shirt demonstrators have been camped out at the Rajprasong intersection for weeks to demand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve the House of Representatives.

The type-A (H1N1) influenza is contagious and can spread quickly within crowds.

"If you develop suspicious symptoms, go and get checked out at any BMA hospital," Thanom said.

He added that BMA would be willing to send mobile medical units to the red-shirt rally site if the red-shirt leaders would give them the green light.

-- The Nation 2010-04-27

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Methee will not receive immunity, warns DSI

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party member Methee Amornwutthikul will be not granted legal immunity as a state witness in exchange for information about armed men dressed in black at the violent clashes between red shirts and the Army on April 10, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) said yesterday.

Methee would still be prosecuted as a suspect in crimes charged against him, including possession of war weapons found in his car. But he could expect a reduction in prison time for his cooperation and confession during the trial on the weapons' possession, DSI secretary-general Tharit Phengdit said.

Police will hand over Methee to the military when their custody over him expires today. The DSI has not filed any charges over Methee's information, because it would need to gather evidence to support his claims.

Tharit said all people implicated by Methee as wrongdoers and supporters of armed attacks on soldiers on the night of April 10 were still in Thailand. Those not yet named in arrest warrants could travel abroad, he said.

The DSI had earlier called a meeting of 12 internal intelligence and security agencies and set up 12 DSI working committees to work on the April 10-related cases.

-- The Nation 2010-04-27

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Royal concern for students

By Supinda Na Mahachai

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is concerned for students when schools reopen near the red-shirts' protest site and areas where bomb attacks have occurred, Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat said yesterday.

Chinnaworn and the ministry's permanent secretary Chaliew Yoosimarak met with HRH the Princess yesterday.

Chinnaworn said he would assign Chaliew to plan for students' and teachers' safety in response to the Princess' concern. He will also order ministry institutions responsible for those schools to prepare for their opening day.

"They must take care of students' and teachers' safety and the school areas. I also told them to make the protest situation clear for parents and tell them to be patient."

"The protest site is blocked. The protesters don't allow people to go through. But I hope they will open traffic for students," Chinnaworn said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-27

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Victims on both sides hit by high velocity bullets, doctors say

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

Use of weapons of war revealed by 'neutral' autopsies

Some 25 people lost their lives during bloody clashes between soldiers and red-shirt demonstrators in Bangkok on April 10.

Both sides suffered casualties. And both have told different stories about how the violence erupted. Witnesses have also related what they saw at a particular spot at different times.

To many, autopsy results on the people killed can perhaps provide more reliable information.

An autopsy conducted by a team of forensic doctors revealed that one man, who died in the bloody clash between red-shirt protesters and troops on April 10, was hit by a bullet from a high-velocity gun that went through his skull from back to front.

The autopsy was conducted by a neutral team of forensic doctors set up by the police Institute of Forensic Medicine. The team was made up of 12 forensic experts and representatives of the red-shirt protesters. The group examined 11 bodies transferred from the BMA General Hospital.

Air Vice-Marshall Vichan Piewnum of Ramathibodhi Hospital was among the team. He said Vason Poothong, one of the 11 people they performed autopsies on, was shot by a bullet from a high velocity gun which pierced his skull from back to front. Vason was shot in Din Sor Rd and his body sent later to Central Hospital.

"I could not identify the direction or trajectory [of the bullet]. That depends on the actions of people who died at that moment," he said. "The trajectory of the bullets at the place where Vason was shot will reveal the direction of bullets [where they were fired from]."

Vason's wound was similar to that suffered by Sawat Wangam, 28, who was also hit in the head.

Sawat, the first fatality from the clashes, was sent to BMA General at 8.43pm. The wound on his head was also caused by a bullet that pierced his brain from back to front, BMA General director Dr Pitchaya Nakwatchara said.

Japanese cameraman Hiroyuki Muramoto, from Reuters news agency, was the second victim sent to BMA General after a bullet pierced his left breast. "Hiro" was suspected to have died before arriving at the hospital, as he lost a lot of blood. "Doctors tried to pump his heart but they could not save his life," Pitchaya said.

After, medical staff brought both injured or dead from Khok Wua Intersection and Rajdamnoen Ave.

Most of those killed suffered puncture wounds on their bodies, or broken bones, such as a broken skull, and wounds on their legs.

Pitchaya said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) warned the hospital early on April 10 to be prepared for emergency cases from a bid to disperse the red-shirts. He said injured people were sent after a clash at Jor Por Ror Intersection at 2pm. Most of them had minor injuries caused by rubber bullets. More arrived at 6pm after another clash. They had severe injuries. Some of them had broken heads and legs. Some had to undergo surgery immediately - particularly brain surgery, as they had been hit by hard, high-velocity objects.

Vichan said the result of autopsy examinations showed that most of wounds on people who died were caused by bullets from high velocity guns. Only one case was caused by a bullet from a normal gun.

Most had wounds to the head, chest and/or back. Bullets from high velocity guns had severely damaged victims' organs and tissues. The size of wounds where a bullet entered the body was small but the size of wounds where bullets exited was large.

The bullet also could pass through a body and destroy organs inside. Most died immediately after being shot by this kind of gun, Vichan said.

He said five soldiers were among the dead. Pramongkutklao Hospital had conducted autopsies on three, while Vachira did the other two.

The autopsies at Pramongkutklao showed the three soldiers suffered shrapnel wounds to the brain. It also pierced their bodies and cut bloodlines, so they died suddenly.

Col Dr Piraphon Pokpong, head of Pramongkutklao's emergency section, said they received about 240 soldiers. Forty had injuries caused by war weapons, while 20 had been hit or jabbed. Two had shrapnel in the head. One is still in the intensive care unit, while the other is critical in Siriraj.

The rest of the troops had minor injuries caused by tear gas.

The first injured soldiers arrived at Pramongkutklao in the afternoon. Most had injuries caused by bricks, stones, pieces of glass, or wooded sticks. A second group arrived about 6pm. Most were affected by teargas and had shrapnel wounds. At this time about 10 civilians were brought in. Four were admitted and one underwent surgery. All were discharged.

Some of soldiers, he said, had black and blue wounds after being beaten with sticks. Some had broken bones. Some had been hit by high-velocity guns, but he could not identify the type of gun used to shoot them.

The most senior soldier killed was Colonel Romklao Thuwatham, who had a severe head wound, as he had not worn a helmet. Doctors had pumped his heart and sent him to undergo surgery but he died at 2am.

-- The Nation 2010-04-27

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OPINION

Worsening crisis pushes country towards anarchy

By Sopon Onkgara

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- By the time this article goes to press, let's hope the country is not on the verge of becoming a failed state, now that acts of anarchy by the red-shirt thugs are terrorising law-abiding citizens almost nationwide, without any serious counter-moves on the part of the law enforcement authorities.

The rapid decay in law and order, resulting from the protracted rallies by the red shirts, with their stronghold at Rajprasong intersection, has raised doubts whether the armed forces retain the capability to restore peace, now that police authority is virtually useless.

Saying that we are moving towards anarchy is not an overstatement. Seizures of police and military vehicles by the red-shirt mobs, and the blockades of streets and highways are daily events, causing trouble and bitterness to the people who fear for their safety and worry over the future of the country.

The red shirts are the terror and horror for the ordinary people who never imagined that politicians - in their political power plays - would bring the country to this level of chaos and lawlessness. The previous aloofness and ignorance over the red peril - despite repeated warnings by people in many quarters - is inexplicable if not due to misplaced arrogance and self-preservation.

When Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Army chief General Anupong Paochinda appeared on television together on Sunday to explain what they intend to do, the public felt that there was a glimmer of hope. As the session went on, with interruptions caused by the red-shirt elements, the people gradually realised a sense of hollowness. Despair will certainly ensue if the situation is not reversed through prompt action.

It was ironic that neither of them showed a sense of urgency amidst the threats from the red-shirt leaders and their patrons, who have made known their intention to seize power and demolish national institutions, including the monarchy. Their talk was not a total waste of time, but it offered very little in the way of substance and confidence.

Of course, troops have been deployed in Silom Road and nearby areas to protect the central business district, but there is no guaranteed peace or security. At least five grenades were fired into Silom by the red shirts, killing a woman and injuring scores of others who had gathered there to express their grievances and resentment towards the red shirts.

Thais and foreigners view with horror the improvised fortifications set up by the red shirts on the streets leading to their rally base. Stockpiles of war weapons have been reported and acknowledged by Abhisit and General Anupong, but they just cannot come up with any ideas about how to deal with this threat.

The fear over casualties and a high death toll has been the key excuse for Anupong in not ordering a crackdown by his troops. Such a challenge by internal terrorists would never be condoned by other countries that have the means to deal with a threat to national security. But that is not the case here, despite the worsening crisis.

Earlier during the planning process, there was talk about acceptable collateral damage and the consequences of unpredictable mayhem. The reluctance of Anupong to send his troops into combat was presumed to be because he wants to retire at the end of September without any blood on his hands and a disturbed conscience, let alone lawsuits and criminal charges. Martial law has been suggested, but some of the top brass have ruled out such a measure for reasons best known to themselves.

The people feel helpless now that there is no foreseeable solution to the crisis. Peace negotiations have been rejected by both sides due to unacceptable conditions demanded, especially the question of amnesty for the red shirts who stand to face charges of treason, terrorist acts and instigation to murder soldiers.

What lies ahead? Confrontations between the red shirts and other groups are likely, and surely violence is inevitable if the crisis of lawlessness escalates. What's more? If the red shirts continue to set up checkpoints to harass other people, there could be militias formed by rival groups to take the law into their own hands as well.

In that case, it will be too late for a lame-duck government to stop the chaos, and the likelihood is of a civil war transforming our country into a real failed state.

-- The Nation 2010-04-27

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Topic discussion: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Worsening-Cr...-A-t359830.html

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Skytrains suspended after reds used tyres to block train tracks

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Travelling by skytrains is paralysed Tuesday morning after a group of red shirts used tyres to block train tracks at Chidlom station, forcing the authority to suspend all services.

Skytrain authority is now negotiating with red shirts.

However red shirts leaders said on stage at Rajprasong rally site that the blocking is a decision by a group of red shirts, not by them.

At 5am, a group of red shirts carried tens of tyres and went up to Chidlom station. they then threw the typres onto the tracks.

The skytrain authority then ordered suspension of all skytrain services shortly before the scheduled openings at 6am.

There are a lot of people who wished to use skytrains to avoid traffic which is congested following heavy rains in early morning. They looked upset when learning that the services are suspended.

Skytrain executive Anat Apapirom said in an interview with a news programme on Tuesday morning that the red shirts also turned away security cameras at the station so that they would ot capture their actions.

-- The Nation 2010-04-27

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Traffic on Sukumvit and Rama 4 Roads Heavy as Result of BTS Closure

Traffic on Sukumvit and Rama 4 roads are especially heavy this morning after the BTS Skytrain was forced to close down its services. Red shirt protesters are using tires to block the railways at the Chidlom and Ratchadamri stations.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-27

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TAN Network: Reporters are revealing that red leaders claiming that BTS blockage was not ordered; protesters are acting on their own accord

RichardBarrow: MRT operating normally today in Bangkok but all stations on BTS Sky Train closed.

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RichardBarrow: Tuesday 27 Apr: Central Chidlom and Zen will not open today.

TAN Network: Gov't Spokesman: Authorities needs time to deal with situation and protesters

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Red Leaders: We Didn't Order the BTS Blockage

Reporters are revealing that red leaders claiming that BTS blockage was not ordered and that protesters are acting on their own accord.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-27

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THE NATION: stood at Phrom Pong 15 minutes 0800-0815 nothing moved going up town. Going down Sukhumvit was fine.

THE NATION: traffic is really bad on Sukhumvit

THE NATION: was at Prhom Pong just now the sign on the shutters says closed one day

THE NATION: If it's real red who did this, this is the most stupid move of all. if it's fake reds, best move ever.

THE NATION: Lots of people stranded at on nut. All trying to get taxis and motorbikes

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THE NATION: Central Chidlom closes today.

THE NATION: Watana College cancelled summer classes of primary school for a day today.

THE NATION: BTS hotline 0-2617-6000 or 0-2617-7300 ext 1835, 1836, 1840, 1842 and 1844.

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THE NATION: Subway (MRT) is fully operated fr 6am-midnight except Silom station will be closed at 7.30pm.

THE NATION: I was at saphan kwai. Took MRT instead. Inside the train is bumper to bumper pack.

THE NATION: Redshirts block Charoenphol junction on Rama I with tires and cars cant movt towards Pathumwan intersection. via js100radio

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THE NATION: PM arrives for Cabinet meeting at 11th Infantry; orders authorities to deal with reds who closed BTS stations

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THE NATION: Red leaders aren't happy about BTS incident, reporters say. But it's impossible to blame anyone else as only they have access.

THE NATION: Red leaders told guards to remove tyres from Chidlom BTS. However, the service is still closed. #Thai PBS

THE NATION: Some buses are reportedly changing routes. Call 184 for bus and 0-2617-6000 for BTS.

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THE NATION: BTS officials say there were 25 tyres and some red guards on chidlom platform.

MCOT: Red Shirt protesters had removed over 30 tyres from BTS Skytrain Chidlom Station

THE NATION: Chidlom platform has been cleared. via @satien_nna

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ThaivisaNews: BTS announces its service is now ready - BTS will resume operation at 10am to 8pm

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THE NATION: Weng is telling reds to listen to orders from stage. Some well-intentioned people are taking things into own hands, he said.

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Initial Reports Indicate BTS to Resume Service at 10 A.M.

Initial reports from Thai media suggesting that the BTS Skytrain will resume service at 10 A.M. today and will end services at 8 P.M. this evening. The move comes as red shirt leaders ordered the red guards who placed the tires on the railway tracks to remove them and come back to the main Ratchprasong stage.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-27

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THE NATION: Red leaders look upset as they knew about BTS incidence. Charan said it could be done by others to discredit reds. Translating @satien_nna

THE NATION: Thai PBS: BTS' Anat said services will be resumed at 10 am after protesers tyres from the tracks at Chidlom station.

MCOT: BTS Skytrain resumes its all services until 8pm after Red Shirt protesters remove over 30 tyres laid on tracks at Chidlom Station

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Skytrain services to resume 10am

BTS's executive Anat Apapirom said Tuesday that the skytrain services would be resumed at 10am after red shirts agree to withdraw the typres they put on the tracks.

-- The Nation 2010-04-27

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TAN Network: Suthep:"Authorities are ready", "it won't be long now"; gov't won't stand by n allow protesters to search vehicles on the streets

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British Embassy/FCO advise against travel

"We advise against all but essential travel to the whole of Thailand.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living...ceania/thailand

•In the early hours of 27 April, substantial numbers of troops deployed in Central Bangkok. The entire BTS Sky train service has been suspended in Bangkok causing major disruption. On 26/27 April there were at least 8 incidents in various parts of Thailand involving protestors setting up barricades, in some instances leading to clashes with the security forces. There is escalating tension and the risk of violence across the country...."

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NationNews: Red-shirt checkpoints arouse anger in provinces

TAN Network: INN: See leaders announce plans to set up group clash with multi-colored shirts

MCOT: Bangkok Municipality won't collect garbage at protest site; 4 garbage trucks seized by demonstrators returned only with difficulty