Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Thursday

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TAN Network: Kwanchai Praipana among the red shirt leaders protesting in front of the EU today

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Govt: CRES followed correct measures for crowd control yesterday

BANGKOK: (NNT) -- The crowd control operations implemented by the Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Resolution (CRES) yesterday evening followed legitimate procedures, said Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, Satit Wonghnongtaey.

Yesterday the military troops clashed with anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors near the National Memorial located on Vibhavadi Road, leaving 18 wounded and one soldier killed.

Mr Satit revealed that yesterday’s operation faced various difficulties amid pouring rain, with UDD protesters not wearing their symbolic red shirts, along with the presence of pedestrians and drivers using the roads. The military forces had instructed the innocent public to move away from the protesters to avoid casualties, said Mr Satit.

Mr Satit has also dismissed the UDD movements to the state-run TV network National Broadcast of Thailand (NBT) today adding that CRES has deployed more forces in the area.

-- NNT 2010-04-29

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TRANSCRIPT

CNN's interview with Thai PM

Thai PM Abhisit speaks to CNN's Amanpour

AMANPOUR: Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for joining us.

PRIME MINISTER ABHISIT VEJJAJIVA, THAILAND: You're welcome.

AMANPOUR: Do you hold out any hope for any compromise with the opposition, the so-called red shirts, right now?

VEJJAJIVA: Well, we hope that everybody will come to their senses.

There are a number of groups that are approaching the government, approaching the people in the red shirts movement. And they think that there should be discussions on what would be an appropriate way forward for the country.

As far as the government is concerned, we want to enforce the law in parallel with finding a political solution.

AMANPOUR: Well, let me ask you, Mr. Prime Minister, it seemed for a few days that there might be a solution, some kind of new elections, perhaps within about three months, and then you rejected that.

VEJJAJIVA: No. The -- the so-called offer was made by the leaders of the red shirts that this solution must take place in 30 days.

It just doesn't make sense. When we had two rounds of open negotiations, I made it very clear that we need to make sure that there is a roadmap so that true reconciliation can be achieved.

What we want to do is to make sure that the Thai economy is well underway as far as recovery is concerned. We want to make sure that the conditions and environment is right so that reconciliation can take place, that we would have free, fair and peaceful elections. And there is -- there are a number of things that need to be done before this solution can take place.

AMANPOUR: In fact, some of the opposition -- or, rather, some of the royalists, some of the pro-government supporters seem to be getting very hard line and a -- and are wanting to see a military crackdown. Are you going to call on the military to disperse the protesters, to -- to restore order?

VEJJAJIVA: The military, the police, the civil servants, we are all working with the same objective, which is to achieve normalcy. We recognize that there has to be a political solution down the line. At the same time, we need to enforce the law.

Now, as far as people that you call getting more hard-line, we try to say to them that, yes, we, too, want to make sure that normalcy is restored through enforcing the law. At the same time, we do not reject any kind of political solution that would be acceptable to all.

AMANPOUR: Well--

VEJJAJIVA: But we have to take into account the views of some may say the majority of people, who say that we should not cave in to terrorist tactics. And we can understand the feeling of the general public that if the government gives in to intimidation and terrorist tactics, this sets a very bad precedent.

AMANPOUR: Well, are you saying then that the opposition -- are you calling them terrorists? And how do you explain the rather large number of deaths -- more than a couple of dozen deaths -- during the crackdown on April 10th?

VEJJAJIVA: Well, first of all, as far as what happened on the April the 10th, we have said that they would cooperate with independent investigations, particularly as carried out by the Human Rights Commission, which is a neutral body.

A number of evidence now suggests that the deaths have been caused by groups of people who are called the men in black. And we also have a number of clips and evidence to suggest that the men in black were operating among the red shirt people.

AMANPOUR: Do you call them terrorists, because you did. In the immediate aftermath, you said that a group of people who we can consider terrorists had taken advantage of -- of the gathering. Is that what you're saying?

VEJJAJIVA: Yes. Yes. And I'm sure that the international community would call anybody who used weapons, who used force and intimidation to make illegal demands, who caused violence terrorists. And they are precisely that.

But that doesn't mean that the number of demonstrators who are present in the middle of Bangkok now are terrorists. They also have their own demands; they also have their own grievances. It's just that elements of people who are engaged in terrorist tactics are among them.

Full transcript: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/...M-30128228.html

-- The Nation 2010-04-29

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THE NATION: Manager has published an article featuring a phone interview with Sondhi Limthongkul. What he said can be summarized as following:

THE NATION: 1. Thailand's problem is far beyond Thaksin now, and even if he dies, it will not end.

THE NATION: 2. Democrats are largely responsible for escalation of the problem, through their efforts to look "neutral", which failed badly.

THE NATION: 3. "let's make clear that whoever wants 2 protect monarchy must step ths way" & proceed from there to stop the opposite movement.

THE NATION: 4. Then a big national revolution is required on all three major fronts _ economic, social and political _ so reconciliation can begin.

THE NATION: That's it. That's what Sondhi said.

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BTS_SkyTrain: Effective from April 28 until further notice,all BTS stations operate from 6am to 8pm Call 02 617 6000, 02 617 7300

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Yellow Shirts urge government to tackle ongoing crisis as soon as possible

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Thailand’s yellow-shirted People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) movement on Wednesday marched to the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bangkok suburb and submitted a letter urging the government to solve the country's political crisis as soon as possible, but saying it will not set deadline to pressure the government.

The PAD supporters led by Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang and Pipob Thongchai arrived at the 11th Infantry Regiment, site of the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES),at 10am to hand in the letter to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn and Maj-Gen Jiradej Sitthipraneet, secretary of the Royal Thai Army, received the letter from the Yellow Shirt leaders.

Gen Chamlong told the crowd who gathered there that soldiers are duty-bound to protect the country and should not let any law violator to destroy the nation.

Yellow shirt leader Gen Chamlong said the law must be strictly enforced and there will be more casualties if the government does not more quickly tackle the ongoing problem.

PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said after the group's letter was submitted that the PAD urged the government to take legal action against terrorists who mingled with the Red Shirt protesters and bring normalcy back to the country as soon as possible.

Mr Suriyasai asserted the PAD will not pressure the government or the army by giving the deadlines, saying the group believes that both the government and the army will adhere to the law.

The PAD coordinator also reaffirmed the yellow-clad will not mobilise it supporters to confront with the anti-government Red Shirts because it will lead to the loss.The Yellow Shirts dispersed after submitting the group’s letter.

PAD supporters in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Phuket also gathered at army unites in their provinces to submit the group’s letters.

The PAD on April 18 gave the government a one-week deadline to take action against the 'terrorists' that infiltrated the Red Shirt protesters.

As the deadline has passed, the PAD urged the prime minister to use a military rather than a political approach to solve the problem given that the current crisis is about national security.

The PAD is a staunch opponent of ousted convicted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra whose marathon movement against the fugitive ex-premier led to the coup of September 2006. It also launched campaign to bring down the successive governments of ex-premier Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat, both of which they said were proxies of Mr Thaksin.

-- TNA 2010-04-29

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Thai FM draws fence around 'internal affair'

JAKARTA (AFP) -- Thailand on Thursday warned the international community not to meddle in its political affairs as anti-government Red Shirts called for EU observers on the streets of Bangkok.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya told reporters after meeting his Indonesian counterpart, Marty Natalegawa, that the Thai government was "in control" of the situation and did not need foreign assistance.

"There is no need for international intervention at this point in time," Kasit told a press conference when asked if Thailand needed outside help to deal with its political turmoil.

"I think we're very much in control of the situation and it's still very much an internal affair of Thailand."

Red Shirt leaders on Thursday made a further attempt to broaden the month-long dispute that has several times erupted in violence, killing 27 people and injuring almost 1,000 in Bangkok.

The movement -- which wants immediate elections -- released a letter it planned to submit to EU ambassador David Lipman making an "urgent request" for Europe to send monitors to Bangkok to prevent another crackdown.

The planned letter followed an invitation issued by Red leaders to Bangkok's diplomatic community asking them to visit the sprawling protest last week.

Kasit said his government had been "concerned" that some diplomats had taken up the offer, although he did not specify who.

"We do not want to see that happen again," he said.

"We're trying to solve the problem within the confines of the rules of law, and trying to avoid the use of force and trying to talk to the protesters for them of course to come to the negotiating table and... disarm," Kasit said.

He said he was visiting Indonesia, a fellow founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to express his government's thanks for Jakarta's expressions of concern.

He also wanted to give a first-hand report of the situation and outline the steps the government plans to take to end the crisis.

"There's no need for ASEAN help but the expressions of concern by each ASEAN country we fully appreciate.

"We are a functioning government. We are in a position to handle the situation," he said.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-29

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Kasit is expected to meet Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during his visit.

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THE NATION: It's business as usual at MBK shopping mall despite being close 2 red-controlled area.Safe access via BTS National Stadium.

MCOT: EU issues statement expressing concern over situation in Thailand; urges negotiation to resolve problem after receiving letter from Reds

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THE NATION: Due to security concern, Transportation Min. will postpone indefinitely the test run of Airport Link originally scheduled tomorrow:Thairath

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Airport Rail Link service postponed due to ongoing rally

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has indefinitely postponed the opening date of its airport rail link service for safety reasons due to the ongoing protest.

Transport Minister Sopon Zarum stated that the postponement of the airport rail link service which was earlier scheduled to open on 30 April came after the prolonged political conflict and the recent BTS seizure case of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors.

The indefinite postponement was made to ensure passenger safety.

Mr Sopon affirmed that the Airport Rail Link service will be opened for commercial purpose on July, as scheduled.

Interested rail operators who want to join the test run service can still report themselves with the required documents to the SRT. During this time, the ministry would frequently conduct test runs to build confidence among the commuters before the official service started, Mr Sopon added.

-- NNT 2010-04-29

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Another 2 subcommittees appointed to probe 10 Apr bloodshed

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has appointed two additional subcommittees to investigate the 10 Apr bloodshed between security officers and supporters of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

Speaking after a meeting with many sectors, NHRC Chairperson, Prof Dr Amara Pongsapich, announced that the first set of committee would be working on legal issues and related regulations about the incident while another set would be working on fact finding and evidence collation.

Prof Dr Amara added that the NHRC also welcomes information gathered from the public via hotline 1377, via post at 123 Chaeng Wattana Government Center, or by e-mail at [email protected]. The NHRC would combine all received information for consideration again in the next two weeks.

The chairperson admitted that there were difficulties in the operation but she promised that the NHRC would try its best to work for the public.

In response to the refusal of the UDD to send in its representatives to work with the subcommittees of the NHRC, Prof Dr Amara uttered that she had no other solution, but the main aim is to obtain complete information from all sides.

The chairperson said all sets of committees appointed consist of officers involved with the situation; therefore, she also wants the public to send in information.

-- NNT 2010-04-29

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EU asked to prevent "imminent military crackdown"

Bangkok: -- Red shirts protesters on Thursday appealed to the European Union through its its office in Bangkok to send observers to their rally site to prevent "an imminent military crackdown."

The urgent appeal to EU Ambassador David Lipman was written by red shirts leader Veera Muksikapong and delivered by three red shirts supporters.

"As a respected international organisation, we appeal to you to assign representatives to monitor the government's actions," the letter said. "Faced with the threat of tanks and impending bloodshed, we are appealing to your help in averting a human rights catastrophe." Although the protests were initially peaceful, they turned more confrontational in April, prompting the government to put the capital under emergency decree that effectively outlaws large gatherings and grants authorities some immunity in cracking down on the protests.

So far, 27 people have died in protest-related violence with the latest clash occurring Wednesday when troops used barricades and rubber bullets to prevent the protesters from leaving Bangkok for neighbouring Pathum Thani province to stage a demonstration there.

The highway showdown left one soldier dead and 18 civilians wounded.

-- The Nation 2010-04-29

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RichardBarrow: I'm back at Ratchaprasong intersection. Crowds here growing larger. I'm now going to walk East to Phloenchit.

RichardBarrow: Amarin is open as normal with safe entry via BTS Chidlom.

THE NATION: Central Chidlom is very quiet -only a few shoppers and the store is now playing "Rak Kan Wai Terd" song!!

THE NATION: Traffic closed: Sarasin-Wireless Rd intersection and Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road in front of NBT. via js100 radio.

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CRES will not allow red shirts to besiege NBT

PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey said Thursday that the Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation would not allow red-shirt protesters to besiege the NBT Station.

Satit said the CRES would deploy troops to protect the station if the red-shirt protesters move to demonstrate at the station.

A red-shirt leader, Kwanchai Praiphana, announced Wednesday that he might lead protester to besiege the government-run TV station.

But red-shirt leaders announced Thursday afternoon that the protesters would not move to the NBT station to avoid clashes with authorities.

-- The Nation 2010-04-29

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TAN Network: The Sangha Supreme Council allows authorities to arrest monks joining in political rallies on site

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Authorities Allowed to Arrest Monks Who Participate in Rallies on Site

The Sangha Supreme Council has announced its decision to allow security personnel to arrest monks who participate in political rallies on site as it goes against the Buddhist Monk Act.

The arrested monks will be forced to leave the monkhood before formal charges are brought upon them.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-29

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TAN Network: Chalerm claims that Pheu Thai will decide on no confidence motion on May 3; opposition to propose Pheu Thai member as PM

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UDD to petition court over 28 April violence

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) will lodge a complaint with the Civil Court, alleging that the government’s operation during the 28 April clashes was against the international standard.

UDD Secretary-General Nattawut Saikua announced that the group was preparing to file a complaint with the Civil Court for deliberation on the legitimacy of the government's crowd control operation against UDD protesters during the clashes at the National Memorial in Don Muang on 28 April.

The UDD core leader accused the security officers of breaching the seven-step international code of conduct by using live rounds of bullets against the protesters during the scuffle.

The confrontation between troops and UDD supporters erupted near the National Memorial at the intersection of Phahonyothin Road and Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road on Wednesday afternoon when a UDD convoy, led by Mr Kwanchai Praipana, was mobilizing from the capital's Ratchaprasong business district to Talad Thai market in Pathum Thani province. One death and 19 injuries were reported from the incident.

-- NNT 2010-04-29

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Suthep insists CRES will not allow Rajprasong protesters to move out to block roads

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban Thursday reiterated that the Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation will not allow Rajprasong protester to move out to block roads and cause hardship to the people.

Suthep, the director of the CRES, said troops and police were deployed to block the protesters at the National Memorial on Vibhavadi Road because the protesters were heading to block roads in front of the Thai Market in Pathum Thani.

"I have said that if they move out to cause trouble to the people, we will take drastic action against them," Suthep said.

"I will not allow them to block roads and cause hardship to the people."

-- The Nation 2010-04-29

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EU urges negotiation to resolve Thailand’s political crisis

BANGKOK (TNA) -- The European Union office here on Thursday issued a statement expressing concerns over the situation in Thailand, urging conflicting parties to seek negotiations to resolve the problem after the anti-government Red Shirts petitioned the EU seeking help to prevent human rights violation in Thailand.

Five Red Shirt representatives submitted a letter of UDD chairman Veera Musikapong to the EU Ambassador to Thailand David Lipman.

Mr Veera's letter said the UDD has been campaigning for democracy, but it has been threatened by the government through the use of security forces and arms.

The letter also urged the EU to condemn the Thai government and stop its crackdown on innocent people.

After receiving the letter from Red Shirts, the EU issued a statement conveying its deep concern over the situation and expressing sorrow over the deaths and injuries. It also urged all parties concerned to respect the law and seek negotiation to bring Thailand out of crisis peacefully and democratically.

Meanwhile, the French news agency Agence France Presse (AFP) quoted Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, now on an official visit to Indonesia, as saying the international community should not intervene in Thai politics as the Thai government could control the situation.

"There is no need for international intervention at this point in time," said Mr Kasit. "I think we're very much in control of the situation and it's still very much an internal affair of Thailand."

The Thai foreign minister said that Thailand appreciated the expressions of concerns of ASEAN countries, but still, the Thailand can handle and that "There's no need for ASEAN to help."

In another development following the chart of a movement to overthrow the monarch earlier exposed by the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES), Red Shirt leader Korbkaew Pikulthong, whose name was on the list, said he will assign his lawyer to file a police complaint Friday afternoon against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban as CRES director, and Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd as CRES spokesman.

Mr Korbkaew asserted he has never committed such behaviour and it is unacceptable that the CRES chart has raised an untrue accusation.

Another Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikua, who was also on the CRES chart, denied the accusation as groundless and that he will also file a police complaint against the agency.

Mr Nattawut added the Red Shirt legal team will file a complaint to the Civil Court seeking its order for the government to clarify the security forces' operation in handling with crowd on Wednesday during the confrontation with Red Shirts on Vibhavadi Road whether it was in line with international standard practices.

The protest leader reaffirmed the Red Shirts will not march from the rally site at Ratchaprasong Thursday as there is the risk that they will be harmed by the government. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-29

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THE NATION: Chulalongkorn Hospital recently announces to extend the closure of out-patient unit at Phor Por Ror and Sor Kor building for one more day.

THE NATION: Medical Council has asked anti-government protesters to step back from Chulalongkorn Hospital 100 meters as affected to patients.

THE NATION: Urgent: Pheu Thai has voted against submitting a censure motion.

THE NATION: Seh Dang: Kwanchai didn't flee. It was self-defence act.

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Pheu Thai Will Not Move Forward with No Confidence Motion

The opposition Pheu Thai Party has decided not to move forward with the no confidence motion against the government. It claims the current administration now has blood on its hands and the problem is behind the realm of the Parliament.

Senior member of the Pheu Thai Party Chalerm Yubamrung earlier claimed that his opposition party will be deciding on May 3 when it will hand in its no confidence motion against the Abhisit administration.

The motion was orignially slated for mid-March, but was delayed due to the red shirt protesters. He went on to reveal that a member of the Pheu Thai Party will be offered for the post of prime minister.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-29

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Chulalongkorn Hospital to remain closed another day Friday

Chulalongkorn Hospital will close its outpatient service for another day Friday after the service was cancelled Thursday.

The hospital would provide medical services for outpatients just in case of emergency, the hospital announced.

It said it would also cancel all surgery operations, except in case of emergency.

The hospital will also close its special clinic operating after office hours from Thursday to Sunday.

Its Medical School will remain closed for another day Friday after it was closed on Thursday.

-- The Nation 2010-04-29

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THE NATION: Lower court has sentenced to 2 months in jail 6 Reds for Vibhavadi blockade Wednesday, a reduction from 4-month.

THE NATION: As for the six reds sentenced to 2-mth jail, they still can appeal. No news yet on whether they will b freed on bail in meantime.

THE NATION: Pheu Thai's reason for not censuring govt _ Abhisit is too bloody-handed for Parliament to get involved with.

THE NATION: Ok now I can confirm that UDD page on FB is blocked. It says the access is temporarily denied under the Emergency Law

THE NATION: Clarification on UDD page: The direct url of UDD page is block but it is still available if one has a FB account. via @willphd

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THE NATION: Seh Daeng has challenged the miliatry: "They need 300,000 officers to disperse Rajprasong but now they have got only 10,000 or less. #NNA

THE NATION: Chavalit wil step in2 lion den (11 regiment) in full Army uniform 2mmrw. Will b accompanied by officers who have joined PTP.

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Thailand protest latest close up

-- CNN 2010-04-28

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Al Jazeera captures a gunman at April 28 Vibhavadi clash

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THE NATION: INN: Red guards captured a man "in Army uniform", interrogated him bhind Red stage, & found out he was one of them, albeit a drunken one

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Jatuporn Claims Thaksin Called Him from Russia

Red shirt leader Jatuporn Phrompan claims that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra called him on the phone today.

He said that Thaksin told him he is currently in Russia and is alive and well despite rumors of his deadly illness.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-29

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5 medical schools to take part in performing autopsy on slain troop

Five medical schools will send representatives to perform an autopsy on the troop killed during a clash with protesters in Don Muang, a doctor of Phra Mongkut Hospital announced Thursday.

Doctor Phirapol Pokpong said the autopsy would be performed at 10 am at the hospital with participation by representatives of Siriraj, Ramathibodi, Chulalongkorn, Phra Mongkut and Police Hospital's medical schools.

-- The Nation 2010-04-29

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