Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Wednesday

[webfact]

Wednesday April 28 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.

FOLLOW US:

You can also follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk

or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThaiVisaNews

- Breaking News via SMS text messages to your mobile phone or handheld device

To subscribe dial *424010011 on AIS, One-2-Call, DTAC or True Move networks

14 days complementary subscription for Thaivisa members.

If you have questions about the Breaking News SMS service, email [email protected]

________________________________________________________________________________

Current weather in Bangkok, plus forecasts:

http://weather.thaivisa.com/bangkok

[webfact]

Gov warns of tough action

By The Nation

PM: We won't allow demonstrators to leave Rajprasong site and cause confusion in city

BANGKOK: -- The government yesterday warned of tough action against the red-shirt protesters, saying the authorities would no longer tolerate mobs wreaking havoc by illegally setting up road checkpoints and causing unrest in many areas of the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who heads the government's Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation, said police and soldiers would take action against red-shirt supporters violating the law at will.

"The government has intensified measures against the red shirts, because they have created a situation of unrest by setting up checkpoints that infringe on other people's rights," Suthep said. "We cannot talk to these people any longer."

He warned that any protesters found setting up illegal checkpoints would be arrested immediately.

He said in addition to road blockades, the red shirts' allies were committing terrorist acts by using war weapons in sabotage attacks on different locations.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said the government would not allow red-shirt protesters to leave their protest site at the Rajprasong intersection to cause confusion in the city.

He said the authorities had measures to deal with them.

When asked how he would respond to His Majesty the King's remark that "some people forget to do their duty", the premier said his government was focusing on the need for officials to perform their duties.

"The duty is to protect the system and the country, not to fight over political issues," he said.

Abhisit and Suthep made it clear the government would not compromise with the mobs setting up illegal road checkpoints to search passing vehicles and obstructing police and military reinforcements from upcountry on their way to Bangkok, said Democrat Party deputy spokesman Warong Dejkitwikrom.

The prime minister has instructed provincial governors all over the country, as well as the police and soldiers, to take strict action against law-violating mobs, the spokesman said.

He added that security forces would need to be armed to protect themselves as many of the protesters were found to carry weapons.

During yesterday's Cabinet meeting at the 11th Infantry Regiment, Suthep urged coalition parties to instruct their MPs to explain to their constituents the government's side of the story in the ongoing political conflict, said a source. The deputy premier also suggested the coalition parties ask their supporters to join rallies in support of the government.

Pro-government groups of multicoloured shirts have staged daily gatherings in some 30 provinces all over the country each evening against the red shirts. Suthep yesterday described the move as a positive trend and asked coalition politicians to help take care of those taking to the streets for such a rally, said the source.

Suthep told reporters that from yesterday onwards, seven permanent checkpoints manned by a joint force of police and soldiers were set up around the red shirts' protest site at the Rajprasong shopping district as part of the intensified measures. He said the authorities would also maintain security measures at important places like the Royal Palaces, Government House, Siriraj Hospital and Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The deputy premier dismissed as rumour earlier reports that the police refused to cooperate with the government in tackling the problem of the red-shirt mobs. He also rejected as groundless earlier reports that some high-ranking military officers were dissatisfied with the government's pressure on the Army to disperse the red shirts soon.

When asked if the unity between the government and the Army remained strong, Suthep responded: "Do you want to see us hugging?"

However, Suthep also said he would inform Metropolitan Police commanders that any of them who found their present responsibilities too difficult could request a transfer to elsewhere.

Abhisit promised to "do his best" about the present crisis in the face of pressure from all around, namely calls for decisive action against the protesters, for compromise and for negotiations, said a government source.

The premier is concerned any decisive move that leads to further loss of lives will put the government on the defensive, said the source. Abhisit said he did not want to see more loss of life, because terrorists were found to be mingling among the protesters and ready to use them as human shields in an armed clash.

Meanwhile, the red shirts from today will send out rapid-movement units consisting of 1,000 people to different areas of Bangkok to distribute leaflets and CDs telling their side of the story, said protest leader Natthawut Saikua.

Kwanchai Praipana, another protest leader, yesterday said the red shirts would from today "heighten the intensity" of their protests by fanning out from the protest site to different areas of the city.

-- The Nation 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

CRES okays live rounds against protesters

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation, in preparation for dispersing the anti-government protesters from the Rajprasong area, yesterday said security forces could fire live bullets if they felt threatened at close range.

"If an attacker comes within 100 metres, officials will fire tear gas first, but if he comes closer, within 30 metres, guns may be fired," said spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd.

"We're now making sure operational officials understand they should try not to take any lives. However, they will have to act in accordance with the actual situation."

The armed forces are prepared for the operation to retake the Rajprasong area, but the final decision and orders will come when the time is right, he said.

Authorities and protesters have been confronting each other in the Rajprasong area since early this month. The government has said it will remove the red shirts but has so far been unable to do so.

For now, the authorities will prevent people from bringing more lathe-style weapons to the protest site. Officials have set up seven checkpoints around the Rajprasong intersection, on Phya Thai, Sala Daeng, Phongpraram, Narathiwat, Silom, Henri Dunant and Asoke-Montri roads, Sansern said.

Those carrying weapons into the area will be arrested under the emergency decree, Sansern said.

Asked whether the CRES had discussed media reports about the protesters preparing gas for use against the military, Sansern said no but that commanders on the ground were aware of this.

"These officials have experience with all kinds of weapons used by the protesters, including M60 machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades," Sansern said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Newin vows to protect the monarchy

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Faction leader Newin Chidchob of the Bhum Jai Thai Party yesterday voiced his readiness to spearhead a campaign to protect the monarchy and fight the red-shirt menace.

"Law-enforcement officials must speedily tackle any offences against the monarchy, and if this fails I am ready to stand side by side with the people to protect His Majesty the King, the country's most revered figure," he said.

Newin said it was every Thai citizen's sacred duty to safeguard the monarchy and repel any attacks on the revered institution.

The influential politician, who was once the right-hand man of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, became a royalist after he was acquitted in a corruption case involving a rubber plantation last year. He collected factions from the now-defunct People Power Party to form Bhum Jai Thai, which later became a coalition partner supporting the present Democrat-led government.

Even though Newin has been banned from politics for five years, he continues to play an active role in the party and the government. He also chairs many committees to organise events and ceremonies in praise of the monarchy and gave birth to the blue-shirt movement to protect the Royal Family.

Red shirts behind activities deemed harmful to the monarchy will be brought to justice, because a case, backed by evidence, has been built against them, Newin said.

Officials, all of whom have sworn their allegiance to the monarchy, cannot be indifferent to evidence of plots against His Majesty, he added.

Commenting on the involvement of Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, he said a news clip aired by Channel 3 last December was proof of Chavalit's true colours.

The clip highlighted Chavalit's remarks given to former communists, outlining his thoughts on the monarchy.

"I believe people can form their own judgement of Chavalit after viewing the clip," Newin said.

In the clip, Chavalit pointed out similarities between the prevailing predicament and the 1932 revolution that grabbed power away from the monarch, he said, questioning whether Chavalit was hinting at the past to foreshadow his present movements.

Bhum Jai Thai Party spokesman Supachai Jaisamut also called for prompt action against those involved in plotting against the monarchy.

The legal proceedings must be followed through to a successful conclusion, Supachai said, voicing concerns about the situation spiralling out of control due to the lapse of law enforcement.

-- The Nation 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THAICOM

Govt wants Thaicom concession revoked

By THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet yesterday asked the Information and Communications Technology Ministry and the Council of State to jointly find a legal channel to revoke a company's concession, suspected to be Thaicom, for alleged failure to comply with Section 43 of the concession.

Pumin Leetiraprasert, deputy spokesman of the PM's Office, said yesterday that the Cabinet had assigned the ICT Ministry and the government's legal arm to jointly seek ways to terminate the concession of a telecom company that had failed to comply with Section 43. But he did not specify the company's name.

A Cabinet source revealed that Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban had said in the Cabinet meeting that both state agencies should jointly seek legal ways to terminate Thaicom's concession as the government had asked Thaicom to stop providing broadcasting service to some satellite TV programmes many times, but the company had declined to do so.

According to Section 43 relating to the legal powers of the ICT Ministry, the ministry cannot take any action to disrupt the satellite concessionaire's operation, except in a case deemed necessary to protect national security or to proceed according to its legal duty.

In a separate matter, the Cabinet yesterday approved the plan of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and relevant state agencies to invest in the infrastructure projects worth a combined Bt196 billion.

The move is in line with the approval of the council of economic ministers for the projects on Monday.

Almost Bt177 billion will be for the SRT's investment plan: 11 ready-to-invest projects costing Bt87.53 billion and 10 others costing Bt89.28 billion that are awaiting a feasibility study. The rest of the money, as requested by the highways and rural roads departments, will be used for 114 flyovers and railway crossings nationwide.

-- The Nation 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Thaicom 'cleared' over interference

Information and Communica-tions Technology Minister Ranongruk Suwanchawee Tuesday said Thaicom had no involvement whatsoever in the signal interference that disrupted the tape of the "Confidence in Thailand with PM Abhisit" programme on Sunday after it had been on the air on the NBT channel for just three minutes.

"The disruption had nothing to do with Thaicom," she said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Normal skytrain, subway services at all stations

Normal BTS skytrain service is available this Wednesday at every station from 6:00 to 20:00 hour, with the exception of Sala Daeng station (Silom) which will close earlier at 19:00 hour.

As for the MRTA subway, service is available today from 6:00 to midnight, except Lumpini station (near Silom) which will close at 19:30 hour.

-- The Nation 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Chavalit slams govt for 'cold-blooded murder', frame-up over 'terrorism'

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh yesterday lashed out at the government for "ordering killings" and for framing him as the mastermind behind "terrorism" during the protests.

In a related development, red-shirt leaders rigorously denied their involvement in a campaign designed to overthrow the monarchy and threatened to sue the government for defamation.

"I condemn both of you - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban - as murderers," Chavalist said in a bid to deflect the charges.

The main opposition party also called a press conference to rebut allegations that Chavalit and the red shirts were linked to acts of terrorism designed to grab power and that the red-shirt protests were just a pretext for establishing a "New Thai State" and abolishing the monarchy.

Chavalit said he was not responsible for instigating violence, arguing the real culprits were Abhisit and Suthep who ordered a crackdown on the red shirts in cold blood.

"You will be haunted by your murderous acts and I am certain you will get your deserved punishment," he warned.

Chavalit also denied he was in any way involved with armed groups, saying he had always been an advocate for change via peaceful means. However, he added he would not file a counter lawsuit on grounds that he deemed it futile to litigate about his reputation.

He also insisted he was justified in seeking an audience with His Majesty the King and soliciting royal intervention to end the turmoil.

"If all sides think my move is inappropriate, then I will have to suspend my request for a royal audience," he said.

Meanwhile, red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua said none of the reds were linked in any attempts to harm the monarchy.

He said portraying the reds as disloyal to the monarchy was just a figment of the government's and the military's imagination, adding that the reds had instructed their lawyers to initiate a defamation lawsuit.

He went on to question why the authorities were labelling the reds as terrorists when those involved in violence in the three southernmost provinces were classified as insurgents.

Red-shirt leader weng Tojirakarn said the reds were struggling to achieve six goals, none of which was about overthrowing the monarchy as alleged.

The six goals are to advance democracy with the King as head of state, to overthrow the ammart or the elite, to uphold peaceful means, to combine political and economic struggles, to get rid of double standards and restore the suspended 1997 charter.

-- The Nation 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

Topic discussion: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Chavalit-Sla...lo-t360130.html

[webfact]

SILOM ATTACKS

Top-secret trajectory report handed to govt

By The Nation

DSI dismisses speculation it fabricated Methee's statements

BANGKOK: -- The trajectory study of the M79-launcher grenade attacks on the BTS Saladaeng station on April 22 has been completed and provided quietly to the government, forensic scientist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand said yesterday.

She refused to provide details, saying the reports were confidential and meant only for the eyes of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga.

Five grenades were apparently targeted at Silom residents and vendors, who were verbally attacking the redshirt protesters camped out across the street behind a bamboo barricade.

After the attacks, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the grenades had been launched from an area occupied by the red shirts, a statement the redshirt leaders dismissed as baseless.

Meanwhile, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) dismissed media speculation that it had fabricated a statement by Methee Amornwutthikul, a Pheu Thai member arrested recently with war weapons, implicating redshirt leaders' role in the April 10 violent attacks on soldiers.

Directorgeneral Tharit Phengdit said Methee had said the same thing in three interviews and progressively added more details without any intimidation by DSI agents.

"It was not quite a confession. He volunteered all the information, very proudly describing his role in an operation involving causes that he believes in. This information is invaluable to our investigation anyway," he added.

A source with the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situations (CRES) said arrest warrants would be issued for "those involved in illegal activities" next week, including several leaders of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship who organised the redshirt rally and blocked two major intersections in Bangkok since March 12.

Of the 113 people already summoned by the CRES for questioning, 62 have already turned themselves in and provided useful information, acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

CRES is monitoring the use of war weapons in sabotage or attacks after intelligence reports said warweapon ammunition had been smuggled in from a neighbouring country. This is in addition to the weapons the red shirts seized from soldiers in several confrontations.

Police had said earlier that a Sunday night bomb attack in front of veteran politician Banharn Silapaarcha's Bangkok home would not be taken over by the DSI, because it was a criminal attack aimed at an individual, not a crime that can be regarded as an act of terrorism.

Police said they could not yet tell if this attack was linked to or masterminded by the same group behind an attack last month at the same spot.

Meanwhile, the 11 redshirt protesters arrested for setting up a roadblock on Phaholyothin inbound lanes on Monday in Pathum Thani province were each given a 15day jail sentence before being released on a bail guarantee of Bt50,000 each.

The 11 men were charged with gathering with the intent of inciting unrest and blocking public ways without permission. The court handed them immediate imprisonment, but they appealed and were finally had their request for release granted.

Pheu Thai MP Sumet Ritthakhanee paid up the bail guarantee totalling Bt550,000 out of his own pocket.

-- The Nation 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

OPINION

Open letter to red-shirt leader Dr Weng Tojirakarn

By Dr Veerasak Chongsuwiwatwong

Dear Weng,

I have thought for days on whether it's a good idea to write to you, due to many concerns. I don't know whether it is too late, as some incident might happen that prevents you from reading this letter. Or it is possible that you and your people might not like this letter and subsequently bring trouble to me and my family on the grounds that I should not be involved in this conflict. However I eventually decided to write to you to exchange views that might be useful.

Many people ask whether I know you. I can say that I have known you very well since I was your senior student activist. I met you for the first time in 1969. I know you are a mathematical and scientific genius and are interested in Buddhism. You were among the first student group to have a chance to learn Buddhism from Bhuddathat Pikkhu's Wat Than Nam Lai, in the days before the monk was well known. Later you became a student leader and joined the October uprising (in 1973).

I have not met you often since then, but learnt from media that you are still interested in political participation and democracy. I have joined an anti-coup movement since our country stepped backward after the last coup. Seizure of power by force, and inequality before the law, as you point out, are problems. Your movement is useful for the country.

Many middle class people, whom I know, see you in a negative light since you joined the movement of people who lost power. Many people argue that you aren't involved with those who lost power but have some things in common. I don't know whether such things are right or wrong. What I have seen is that you and your movement have a political talent, as you can mobilise a mass rally against the government.

Your organisation and tactics are better than those of the government. You are able to reinforce your movement in a short period after a crackdown. I think your opponents cannot compete with you in this sense. Your strong and well-organised movement and legal team are not second to the government. If the game goes in this way, I bet you could defeat the military eventually. Your ability to obstruct the state is something that strategists, politicians and military experts in the future should study as a lesson.

However, I should remind you that with talent comes the necessity for morality. As Bhuddathat said, morality is more important than talent. The monk always told politicians that "Drammacracy" (Thamma Thipatai) is our social choice, not democracy, which relies on a majority decision. (Dramma in this sense means justice.) You might argue that to judge whether something is just or unjust, it is necessary to take a majority vote. But I would say that if the majority does not care about the minority, politics and war are divided by a very thin line.

I have seen you and your opponents use all means to defeat each other, for the victory alone. The experience teaches both of you that capital and a political party are not enough; you also need lawyers and the media. The latter is more important than tanks and machine-guns. Both sides have news networks and the ability to chase and corner the other.

It seems that you employ your talent just for victory. The eagerness to win is a flame in your heart. You began with a peaceful demonstration but later the desire to win forced you to use all means, including creating trouble for the public. You might believe that you are working for the nation and urge people to tolerate this crisis for your victory. For me, I think you are making the wrong move. People who are suffering as a result of your struggle see that you are not a peaceful movement. You might get support from some groups, but you will lose the support of others.

Whether you or the opposition wins, the fire in your heart will burn the country's peace, credibility and economy. Some might not mind, but as long as people are dying, I think you should stop fighting for this victory.

Worse, Thai society is greatly damaged. People who don't know each other have to come out to fight each other and hurt each other. We have no reason to be angry with each other. How will Thai people live together in the long run?

Dear Weng, how can we help to end this major conflict in Thailand? Regions of the country are divided and dominated by conflicting political factions. How can we live together like this in this land? I think of your talent and how you can to use it to bring peace to all of us.

Dr Veerasak Chongsuwiwatwong is a professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, and the winner of the 2009 best national researcher award from the National Research Council.

-- The Nation 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

Topic discussion: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Open-Letter-...We-t360132.html

[webfact]

Bomb explodes in front of Bangkok Bank Talingchan

A grenade was hurled at the Bangkok Bank Talingchan branch early Wednesday. Nobody was injured in the explosion.

The bomb landed at the sign of Soi Borom Rajchonnanee 26, damaging the sign but did not cause any damage to the bank.

The attack happened at 3 am.

Thaworn Lokthaisong, 35, said the assailant might hurl the grenade from the elevated way nearby.

The explosion occurred just five minutes after patrol policemen visited the bank on the routine checking, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Britain warns nationals against travel to Thailand

LONDON (AFP) -- Britain on Tuesday extended a warning against visiting Thailand, urging its nationals to avoid all but essential travel to the whole country due to "violent incidents of an unpredictable nature."

It came after officials last week warned against visiting Bangkok following a series of deadly grenade attacks in the Thai capital.

In its latest advice Tuesday, the Foreign Office said it had "changed its travel advice to advise against all but essential travel to the whole of Thailand."

"This advice reflects the increasing tension in Thailand and our concern that violent incidents of an unpredictable nature are occurring in many parts of Thailand," said a statement.

"The situation is volatile and we recommend that British nationals in Thailand or planning to travel to the country check the travel advice on the embassy website regularly for details of further developments."

The Thai capital is under a state of emergency and has been rocked by the worst political unrest for almost two decades, with 26 people killed and almost 1,000 injured this month.

Anti-government "Red Shirts," mostly supporters of ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, are campaigning for fresh elections.

Around 812,000 British nationals visited Thailand in 2008, the Foreign Office said, citing Tourism Authority of Thailand figures.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-28

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

British Foreign Ministry: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/...amp;id=22129330

British Embassy Bangkok: http://ukinthailand.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for...s/travel-advice

[webfact]

THE NATION: UK has upgraded the virtual travel ban to Bangkok to the whole country.

THE NATION: "This is the very first time as far as I knw," an informed source told me regarding UK's upgraded travel ban.

THE NATION: It remains "advice", but if UK folks make travel arrangements to Thailand, authorities will take trouble to call them & advice against it.

THE NATION: UK foreign ministry's own wording: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/...amp;id=22129330

[webfact]

Related topic:

Thailand's tourism plunges drastically

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-s-T...ca-t360150.html

[webfact]

Kwanchai announces red shirts to move to Thai Market in Pathum Thani

BANGKOK: -- Kwanchai Praiphana, a red-shirt leader, said some 2,000 protesters would travel in about 150 pick-up trucks to the Thai Market in Pathum Thani to show moral support for the protester there.

The protesters would gather at the Lumpini park and leave at 10:30 am, he said.

He said protesters at the Thai Market would try to block troops from travelling to Bangkok to break up the rally at the Rajprasong.

If protesters encounter police checkpoints or barricades, they may try to break through with force, Kwanchai said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: Reds' plan today seems to be to confront troops manning strategic city checkpoints like at Saladang and Paholyothin.

THE NATION: A major Red agenda is also to restore pride in Pathum Thani.

THE NATION: The Pathum Thani-bound red convoy will use Rama 4 heading toward Vibhavadi and then Pathum Thani.

[webfact]

THE NATION: 2,000 red-shirts on 150 pick-up trucks heading to Thai Market in Pathum Thani Wed to show moral support for their comrades there

[webfact]

Thaivisa member: Abhisit has a 30 minute interview on BBC World HardTalk starting at 1030h this morning and repeated at 1530h and 2230h.

[webfact]

THE NATION: Abhisit tells BBC: Thailand's problem is no longer limited to politics. It's become also national security issue.

THE NATION: More details on red route : Rama4-Klong Toey-Ratchada-Asoke-Lardprao-Ratchayothin-Vibhavadi-Pathum Thani. (subjected to changes)

THE NATION: News-wise - Today will be action packed as Reds has just started their 'tour' - so far destinations include Thai Market in Pathum Thani.

THE NATION: Reds' plan today seems to be to confront troops manning strategic city checkpoints like at Saladang and Paholyothin.

THE NATION: Thai Market is a revenge? It's one of few places where govt handled the situation right- regaining public space without injury (of reds).

[webfact]

THE NATION: Suthep: Chavalit will b summoned to clarify his stand on monarchy.

THE NATION: It is interesting to see if Kwanchai - with an arrest warrant - will be arrested by any officer this time. Translating @Bancha_nna.

[webfact]

PM tells whips to set date for joint House-Senate debate on political crisis

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Wednesday said it would be up to coalition, opposition and Senate whips to decide the date for holding a joint parliamentary debate on the on-going political crisis.

Abhisit was responding to a proposal of Pheu Thai MPs during the House meeting Wednesday. The MPs called for a joint sitting of the House and Senate to try to find a solution for the on-going crisis.

PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey told the House that the government would explain the situation to the Senate on May 3 after the Senate invoked Article 161 of the Constitution to demand the administration to answer questions.

-- The Nation 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

BPbreakingnews: CRES: Chavalit could face arrest warrant

[webfact]

THE NATION: Re: UK warning- my friend was lucky to get here first. When she arrived last week, the (travel to Thailand) ban was applied only Bkk.

THE NATION: UK citizen, she had to lie to come 2 BKK that she'd stay in Nakhon Nayok province outside Bkk. In reality, she can be found at Emporium!!!

THE NATION: My UK friend said govt got in touch with every airticket holder to Thailand. She had got a phone call, inquiring ab her trip.

[webfact]

MCOT: Suthep: CRES to issue summons for ex-PM Chavalit, others allegedly involved with movement to topple monarchy; those fail to appear to face arrest warrants

[webfact]

THE NATION: Urgent- Reds protesters changed its rally route to Wireless road heading to Petchburi. As of now that's what I heard on traffic radio.

[webfact]

CRES assigns troops to monitor red-shirt march: Sansern

The Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation has assigned troops to monitor the march of the red-shirt protesters from Rajprasong to Pathum Thani.

CRES spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said in case of emergency, the troops could seek help from police to deal with the situation and could also ask for reinforcements from the First Army Area Commander Lt Gen Khanit Saphitak.

-- The Nation 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

CRES sets up 6 checkpoints around Rajprasong: Sansern

Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the spokesman of the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation, said six security checkpoints have been set up around Rajprasong to search for weapons.

Sansern said the checkpoints were set up at the Phayathai Intersection, Saladaeng Intersection, Pong Pharam Intersection, Narathiwat Intersection, Henri Dunant Intersection and Asoke-Montree Intersection.

He said the authorities would not retaliate if the protesters set up parallel checkpoints but if the protesters break the laws, they will be arrested immediately.

-- The Nation 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Bangkok underground operates normally

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Bangkok’s underground service has returned to normal from 6.00 to 24.00 hrs from Wednesday onwards despite the ongoing domestic political unrest in the capital city.

Bangkok Metro Pcl (BMCL) Director of Promotion, Chartchai Praditpong, said the normal service of all underground stations will be available from today onwards, except Silom station, which will operate only until 19.00 hrs.

The operation at Silom station is adjusted for safety of all passengers and staff following the M79 grenade attacks on 22 April 2010 night at Sala Daeng BTS sky train, the Dusit Thani Hotel, and the Bangkok Bank Headquarters, killing one person and injuring other 78 others.

Nevertheless, Major-General Chartchai noted that the operation of the subway might be adjusted again to keep pace with the situation.

Passengers can inquire more information before travelling at the customer service center of the company by dialing 0-2624-5200 during weekdays from 7.00 to 20.00 hrs.

In addition, the announcement of any changes to the underground service will be available at facebook page of the BMCL – URL:Facebook.com/BMCL.MRT and twitter - URL:Twitter.com/MRT_BMCL.

-- NNT 2010-04-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: Hundreds of red-shirts vehicles heading from Sala Daeng to Talad Thai market to explain their stance to public, hoping to gain support

[webfact]

THE NATION: My source at British Embassy said the warning (of this level) is unprecedented. confirmed by my UK friends who visited Thailand 4 times/yr.

THE NATION: Reds are passing Chatuchak market now, heading to Vibhavadee Rangsit, I can see thousands from my window.

THE NATION: Thing 2 watch- BKK -Red leader Arisman yesterday threatened to burn province halls if govt stops the broadcast of community radio.

THE NATION: They're mostly on motorbikes- all going Vibhavadee northbound, could be taking Ngam Wong Wan exit.