Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Friday

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Facebook group calls on govt to end 'illegal' rally

Some 50 Facebook users rallied in front of the 11th Infantry Regiment Friday morning to show support for the government and urged the administration to end the red-shirt rally which they deemed illegal.

The group is led by Phakkhadej Preechachanachai, the owner of the fan page titled "We are confident that 1 million Thais are against House dissolution".

They handed over flowers to the prime minister through the officials and submitted three-demand to the government. The three points are:

1. Government protect the country and the people.

2. The government must end illegal rally which is affecting the people's rights and liberty.

3. The government must announce clearly who harmed the people.

-- The Nation 2010-04-30

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MCOTEnglishnews: Medical Council, health related agencies condemn Red Shirt storming hospital, violation of int'l practice, calls for no future searches

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Umbrella group of medical profession groups condemn red shirts for storming hospital

The umbrella group of five medical profession groups Friday condemned red-shirt protesters for storming into Chulalongkorn Hospital Thursday night.

The umbrella group includes the Medical Council, the Nursing Council, the Pharmaceutical Council, the Council of Medical Laboratory Scientists and the Council of Physical Therapists.

Representatives of the five councils held a press conference at the Medical Council to condemn the action of the red-shirt protesters.

They called on the red-shirt protesters to step away at least 100 metres from Chulalongkorn Hospital and stop blocking the transfer of patients to the hospital.

The councils called on the protesters to stop any action that would disrupt the works of medical personnel.

-- The Nation 2010-04-30

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Red-shirt Leader Defends Hospital Raid

BANGKOK: -- A red-shirt leader said his group's raid on Chulalongkorn Hospital last night was aimed at preventing an attack from soldiers they believed were hiding in there.

Red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikeu insisted his group was monitoring movement within the Chulalongkorn Hospital and believed armed military men were using one of its buildings as a shelter because food supplies have been delivered there.

Natthawut claimed last night's raid stemmed from concerns that soldiers who were inside the hospital could shoot protesters as was the case during the clash on Vibhavadhi Rangsit Road.

The red-shirt leader claimed that the group could not find soldiers in the hospital compound because their commander was alerted about the move disclosed on the rally stage so all soldiers were ordered to leave the hospital.

Natthawut claimed they returned at 9 p.m. so the group decided to raid the building.

He also said soldiers in the hospital building opened fire at protesters when they entered.

However, Natthawut apologized to the hospital's staff and patients over the inappropriate behavior of some protesters and red-shirt guards, but asked for sympathy as they are waging this political war with their bear hands.

He said from now on, Weng Tojirakarn will take charge of coordinating with the hospital but he warned other hospitals against providing shelter to armed soldiers.

Natthawut also called on the government to present evidence for allegations against red-shirt core leaders in a campaign to topple the Monarchy because such charges are very severe and could stir political discord.

He also denied the group's alleged involvement in armed masked men carrying guns during the clash on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, insisting there in no evidence to prove the accusation.

Natthawut pointed fingers at the government for possibly setting up those scenes.

Meanwhile, another red-shirt leader Weng Tojirakarn said his group has the highest respect for the medical profession, but if the prime minister is using hospitals as part of the political war, he and the CRES director must be held responsible.

He affirmed the group will not interfere with Chulalongkorn Hospital in the future.

At the same time, red-shirt leaders who led protesters in last night's raid on Chulalongkorn Hospital asked the management of private companies not to offer shelter to soldiers.

They also asked military officers to exercise their own judgment on orders from their commanding units.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-30

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Court approves 12-day detention of lese majesty suspect

The Criminal Court Friday approved the first detention period of 12 days against a Rayong businessman who was arrested for allegedly posting lese majesty messages on his Facebook page.

The court allowed investigators of the Department of Special Investigations to detain Wipas Raksakulthai from April 30 to May 11 pending further investigation.

Wipas was charged with violating Article 112 of the Criminal Code by insulting His Majesty and with violating the Computer Crime Act by posting defamation messages on web pages.

-- The Nation 2010-04-30

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Man arrested for lèse majesté, linked to UDD network

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has arrested a man charged with lèse majesté after posting a message on the social networking website Facebook, with contents offending the royal institution, posing a threat to national security.

According to DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit and Deputy director-general Pol Col Narat Sawettanan, the suspected 37-year-old Wipas Raksakunthai is from Rayong province and linked to the anti-government group United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

Mr Wipas however denied the charge of disseminating the message but admitted that he is part of the UDD network.

According to Mr Tharit, the DSI had sought an arrest warrant from the court and led an investigating team to arrest Mr Wipas at his house in Rayong, where the police found computers, telecommunication device, video and audio clips as well as pictures and articles instigating rifts and clashes within the society.

The DSI is to seek a permission from the Criminal Court to detain Mr Wipas. The DSI director-general urges the public to help keep a watch for the dissemination of such contents, as it violates the Computer Act, in which violators will face up to no more than 15 years in prison.

On 3 May 2010, the DSI will hold a meeting to consider the acceptance of cases relating to threats to national security, the royal institution and overthrow of the royal institution as special cases under the responsibility of the DSI. The cases will be treated in a different way from other lese majesty cases as the DSI will have to root out persons in the network for punishment, not only an arrested individual.

-- NNT 2010-04-30

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Thailand’s Supreme Patriarch transferred from Chulalongkorn Hospital to Siriraj

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Governing Board of the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital has agreed to transfer His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand to Siriraj Hospital’s 84th Years Building, following yesterday’s trespass by protesters of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

The Secretary-General of the Thai Red Cross Society Pan Wannamethee, accompanied by Director of the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital MD Adisorn Patradul, denied the UDD’s accusation of troop hideout in the hospital buildings as well as ensured the hospital’s neutrality and that it remained non-discriminating in admitting patients. The two stressed that the hospital had not requested extra security by state officers or allowed the hospital area as their base.

MD Adisorn stated he had earlier contacted the Dean and the Director of Siriraj Hospital to prepare hospital facilities for the arrival of the Supreme Patriarch. The transfer, however, will be temporary.

In addition, the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital has prepared to transfer 26 patients in coma to Siriraj Hospital this afternoon. MD Adisorn had apologized for inconvenience as it had suspended its service for out-patients from 29 April onward.

-- NNT 2010-04-30

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DSI: RPG shooter to the Defence Ministry under arrest

An armed perpetrator recently firing live RPG rounds to the Ministry of Defense was reportedly apprehended, according to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

This morning at 10.00 hrs, DSI Director General Tharit Pengdit called a meeting with the investigative officers of the Royal Thai Police, recently appointed from 30 police stations throughout Bangkok to deal with special cases. The meeting was aimed at promoting the officers’ understanding on how to deal with special investigation cases relating to terrorism and other offences linked with illegal public gatherings.

Mr Tharit also said he had received a report from the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) saying that the suspect of the RPG attack to the Ministry of Defense was already arrested and now under the military’s custody. However, in-depth information on the suspect could not be unveiled for the moment.

As for Mr Chayut Laichareon, the recently-arrested key guard of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), Mr Tharit said an initial investigation was now underway.

Speaking on a UDD query about a budget of 28 million THB approved by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for the DSI, Mr Tharit said the budget was given to procure supporting equipment for investigations and to hire more professional officers to increase the effectiveness of investigations. He said every step of the procurement procedures would be strictly monitored to be in line with the government’s disbursement regulations in a bid to ensure transparency.

-- NNT 2010-04-30

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Pheu Thai Chairman Submits Statement to Emergency Center

BANGKOK: -- This morning, the Pheu Thai Party chairman traveled to the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation to submit a written statement reiterating his loyalty to the Monarchy.

Earlier this morning, Pheu Thai Party chairman General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, along with Lieutenant General Chawengsak Thongsaluai, military officials and Pheu Thai MPs, traveled to the 11th Infantry Regiment to report to the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation, or CRES, after he was listed as a part of an intricate web of people who pose a threat to the Monarchy.

Upon arriving at the military base, his entourage was denied entry. Only General Chavalit and Deputy House Speaker Colonel Apiwan Wiriyachai were named on the permission list for the entry but Apiwan did not turn up.

General Chavalit submitted his written statement to secretary general of the National Security Council, Tawin Pliansee, and Army Secretary General Major General Jiradej Sitthipraneet.

General Chavalit was of an understanding that his entourage was denied entry to the base as it was part of the Army's security measures.

As for the fact that he was listed as a threat to the Monarchy, he said he will not file charges against CRES but it will be the Pheu Thai Party's decision if legal proceedings are to be pursued.

General Chavalit also commented on his relationship with Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda, stating that the relationship is stable and he complimented the Army commanders for their performance.

He also urged the prime minister not to order soldiers to kill protesters.

General Chavalit denied that he has been in contact with fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-30

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Prem stays in 11th Infantry Regiment: Chavalit

Pheu Thai Party chief advisor Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda is taking a refuge inside the 11th Infantry Regiment.

Chavalit was speaking to his supporters who came to the Pheu Thai head office at 1:45 pm to show him moral support.

While speaking to the supporters, an old man asked Chavalit about Prem's whereabouts and Chavalit replied that the Privy Council president is now staying inside the 11th Infantry Regiment.

-- The Nation 2010-04-30

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Troop slain at Don Muang clash killed by high-velocity bullet: doctors

An autopsy found that the troop, who was gunned down at the clash site between protesters and authorities in Don Muang Wednesday, was killed by a high-velocity bullet.

The autopsy was jointly conducted by representatives of five medical schools.

The doctors, who performed the autopsy, announced that the troop, Pvt Narongrit Sala, was killed by a bullet fired from a far distance and the bullet entered his left side of the brain.

-- The Nation 2010-04-30

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PM pledges government working to prevent threats to public

BANGKOK (TNA) -- The government has acted decisively to prevent any threat and intimidation to the public, Prime Minister Abhsiit Vejjajiva asserted as he addressed the nation Friday afternoon on television after Red Shirt protesters stormed a hospital Thursday, raising concerns for the safety of hospitals near the protest site.

The prime minister made the statement as Chulalongkorn Hospital transferred patients to other hospital, while the protesters have removed bunker to open one lane of Ratchadamri Road in front of hospital to traffic.

Mr Abhisit said the government understood the concern and fear on the part

of the public in reaction to the clashes between the Red Shirt protesters and security forces at Don Mueang and the Red Shirt raids into Chulalongkorn Hospital near the protest site in Ratchaprasong as some people questioned why the government let the incidents happen.

Concerning the clashes between soldiers and Red Shirt protesters at the National Memorial on Wednesday which left one soldier dead and 19 others injured, the prime minister said the security forces needed to block protesters from moving from Ratchaprasong to other locations to prevent them causing further threat and trouble to the public.

The protesters earlier set up roadblocks and created chaos outside the protest site, he said.

The law-enforcement operation was in line with the international standard however the clashes led to a loss and the government is conducting investigation to find out the fact how the loss happened.

“I assure [the public] that the government and the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation has a clear policy to prevent any threat to the public and act as necessary and proper to handle the situation. Such operations by the security forces can be expected in the future if they need to deal with a similar incident,” said Mr Abhisit.

Speaking about Thursday's incident at Chulalongkorn Hospital in which Red

Shirt protesters stormed into the compound to search for soldiers, the hospital director told the government that he did not want soldiers and police officers to guard hospital as it risked causing a misunderstanding that the hospital is harbouring security forces.

"I believe that the incident was beyond the expectation of hospital officials. I do not need to condemn such an action as not only Thai society but also the world community has already condemned that,” the prime minister said.

Meanwhile, the Medical Council of Thailand and other health-related agencies condemned the Red Shirt hospital raid, saying the move violated international practice and principles of humanity during times of civil unrest. They also called for no future searches.

The prime minister assured the public that his government continued to resolve the problem not only at the main protest camp in Ratchaprasong but also other related areas.

Officials must guard areas around the protest site such as Henri Dunant Road to prevent transporting weapons into the site, which will make it more difficult to tackle the problem.

The government is trying to quickly resolve terrorism cases [occurring in the capital] which have affected national security. A suspect in the rocket propelled grenade attack near the Ministry of Defense was arrested and the interrogation of Red Shirt key figure Methee Amornwuthikul led to arrests of more suspects involved in the April 10 attack during the clash between security forces and Red Shirt protesters at Khok Wua intersection.

"I know that when an incident occurrs, people may think the government and

the CRES are doing nothing. I can assure you that is not the case, that the government is not ignoring that. We cannot reveal details of the operations but there is certainly progress in easing the situation,” he said.

They government is also working on finding a political solution including using a reconciliation process in the future and the government will report more progress to the public from time to time, the prime minister said.

In other developments, the forensic team on Friday concluded that Pvt Narongrit Sala who was killed in the April 28’s clashes between security forces and Red Shirts in Don Mueang died from a gunshot wound in his head. The type of weapon cannot be identified, but it was a high velocity gunshot.

The victim was shot dead on the left side of his head from a distance, said Dr Somchai Poniameak, head of the forensic experts.

Initially, the forensic team will send its report and evidence to police and other agencies concerned. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-30

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One of five suspects in RPG attack at Defence Ministry believed to be involved in 8 other cases

One of five suspects arrested for allegedly taking part in firing an RPG at the Defence Ministry is believed to have been involved in eight other cases of bomb attacks.

Pol Gen Phanupong Singhara na Ayutthaya, an advisor of the Royal Thai Police, said Pol Cpl Bantit Sitthum, a former border patrol police, was found to have some M67 grenades in his car.

Phanupong said the Forensic and Scientific Crime Detention Division checked and found that the M67 grenades found in Bantit's control belonged to the same shipment with M67 grenades used in the eight attacks.

Police were interrogating Bantit to find out where he had obtained the bombs, Phanupong said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-30

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TAN Network: Thailand's Human Rights Commission denounces red shirts' raid of Chulalongkorn Hospital

MCOTEnglishnews: Thailand's tourism industry losses reach US$150 million

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Thailand's tourism industry losses reach US$150 million

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Due to the protracted protests of the anti-government Red Shirts, Thailand in April has already lost over 100,000 tourist visitors and around more than Bt5 billion (US$156 million) in revenues, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates.

According to TAT Governor Surapol Sawetseranee, if the demonstrations continue, even peacefully but with political impact, Thailand’s tourist income in the third quarter will entirely vanish and the country will have to hope for a recovery in the final quarter, which is normally the country’s high season for tourism.

Mr Surapol said the current Red Shirt protests of over 50 days in the capital has seriously damaged country’s tourism industry, particularly in April.

He cited TAT statistics from a survey on tourist arrivals at Suvarnabhumi international airport, noting that around 680,000 tourists entered the country in April, causing the “Land of Smiles” to lose the opportunity to generate revenues of more than Bt5 billion (US$156 million), a 21 per cent drop from the 860,000 travellers coming to Thailand in the same period of 2008.

In March and April, Mr Surapol said there were about 1.3 million visitors entering Thailand. However, if compared to 2008, the tourist figure dropped around 4.6 per cent, counting as lost revenue of around Bt2.5 billion ($78 million). He added the reason why tourists still chose Thailand as their destination in March was because the political situation then was not as serious as it has become in April.

The TAT governor said as the demonstrations continue, the Tourism Authority can neither map out a strategic plan to deal with effects from the ongoing protests nor estimate the amount of financial losses. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-30

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Human Rights Commission Denounces Raid of Hospital

Thailand's Human Rights Commission has denounced the red shirt group's raid of Chulalongkorn Hospital yesterday evening.

A statement released by the commission said that protesters should regards medical personnel and the rights of patients with the appropriate respect.

It went onto say that the raid on Chulalongkorn Hospital, for whatever reason, was unacceptable.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-30

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MCOTEnglishnews: Finance Minister Korn warns if mass street protests last until end of the year, they may reduce 2010 economic growth by 2 percentage points

MCOTEnglishnews: Education Ministry directs 85 schools near Ratchaprasong to prepare security plan for students; new term starts May 17

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Man from Phichit asks Democrat to help send him, 24 friends home

BANGKOK: -- A man from Phichit went to the Democrat Party head office Friday and asked the party to help send him and 24 friends back home.

Kirkkiart Kulthonbodi came to the Democrat head office at 4 pm.

He said he joined the rally on Tuesday and was told he would be paid Bt200 or Bt300 a day.

He said he has not received any money so he and 24 friends decided to go home but they did not have money.

The man said 18 of 25 men from Phichit had their ID cards seized by some rally organisers.

Kirkkiart said he will have to return to the rally site to sign his name at 6 pm before sneaking out again.

Democrat MP from Phichit, Naraphat Kaewthong, took the man's phone number for contacting him later.

-- The Nation 2010-04-30

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@RichardBarrow: Don't forget that BTS will close it's sky train system in 2 hours at 8 pm. and MRT Silom will close at 7.30 pm.

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TAN Network: INN: Reds set up barriers in front of Chula Hospital again according to Gen Katiya's orders

THE NATION: reports from Chula hospital say reds r rebuilding blockade in front of the hospital after having taken it down earlier today.

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KHON KAEN REDS

Dr Tul cancels campaign in Khon Kaen

Leader of multicoloured campaign decided to return to Bangkok on Friday after a group of red shirts in Khon Kaen province blocked an exit road near Khon Kaen airport and searched for him.

They stopped every vehicle going out of the airport and searched for Dr Tul Sitthisomwong.

Tul is a leader of the multicoloured protests organised to counter the red shirts protest and to show their opposition to the reds' demand for PM Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the Parliament.

The doctor arrived at Khon Kaen airport by TG 044 at 1.30pm. He was scheduled to attend a campaign organised by multicoloured people in Khon Kaen at 4pm.

Seeing the red shirts outside the airport, organisers of the campaign had an urgent meeting with Tul who arrived and waited inside the airport, suggesting that he cancelled his plan and returned to Bangkok.

They informed Tul that leader of the red shirts in Khon Kaen who led the searching was Sunya Simma, who led red shirts in seizing military trucks and detaining soldiers in the province recently.

Tul then decided to take TG 045 at 2.20pm to return to Bangkok. The activity in the province started as scheduled.

-- The Nation 2010-04-30

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THE NATION: the reds rebuilding Chula hospital blockade say they were ordered by Seh Daeng who was worried about dispersal.

THE NATION: Mayhem at Silom junction. Yellow making moves to attack, Reds rush to defend

THE NATION: Noppadol: "I don't knw what to do (about Thaksin's dead rumours). I'll find an opportunity to ask him to make a public appearance."

[george]

THE NATION: Nation: The reds rebuilding Chula hospital blockade say they were ordered by Seh Daeng who was worried about dispersal.

@Dany_k: Police line outside mrt silom. #redshirts PHOTO: http://twitpic.com/1jmbc7

@Dany_k: Livepic: Sala-daeng intersection at 18:40 #redshirts http://twitpic.com/1jmbz1

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MCOTEnglishnews: Chula Hospital director, Red Cross Society representative to meet with top Red Shirts after hospital entrance is blocked again by protesters

THE NATION: Police didn't notice it but Nation's Crime editor Preecha notices he's seen the face of this Reds guard before. http://bit.ly/d2CEpA

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@RichardBarrow: Police said red shirts have rebuilt the road block on Ratchadamri road for fear of making way for govt forces to disperse them /BkkPost

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THE NATION: UDD really did get silenced on Facebook. I didn't think it was possible. Did FB bow to the Thai govt's command?

THE NATION: Complete PR disaster for reds from pantip.com Just scroll down to photos.

http://www.pantip.com/cafe/chalermthai/top...1/A9192681.html

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Chulalongkorn Hospital suspends services for outpatients after protesters storm wards

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Bangkok's King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, near the epicentre of the Red Shirt anti-government protests, has suspended services for outpatients and transferred over 100 patients to other hospitals after protesters forced their way into the hospital Thursday night searching for troops.

Chulalongkorn hospital director Adisorn Patradul and Thai Red Cross Society secretary-general Phan Wannamethee told a press conference that the hospital decided to suspend services for outpatients, and accept no new patients, except for emergency incidents.

Dr Adisorn said the hospital apologises to new patients as it had to suspend its services until the situation eases, to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

However, the emergency room is still open but without emergency operations, he said.

The hospital director said there are some 600 patients admitted in the hospital, with round 100 which could be discharged to recover at home. The rest had transferred to other buildings on Henri Dunant Road which was considered safer for the patients.

As for Thailand's Supreme Patriarch, the Sangharaja, head of the order of Buddhist monks, who is under treatment at the hospital, would remain at the hospital but is being moved to another building.

Mr Phan said that Chulalongkorn Hospital, operated by the Thai Red Cross Society, adhered to principles of the International Committee of the Red Cross, meaning that it responds with humanity and remains neutral. He affirmed that the hospital never asked or permitted police or military personnel or any persons to stay or hide in the hospital.

Through the entire afternoon, the hospital was in hectic as medical staff teamed up to transfer patients to other buildings and to other hospitals.

New born babies, patients using respirators, receiving blood transfusions, and aged patients were moved from the hospital.

A group of anti-government 'Red Shirts' from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) led by one of the leaders, Payap Panket, also an opposition Puea Thai party MP, stormed Chulalongkorn Hospital Thursday night, searching for 'hidden' troops after receiving information that 200-300 military personnel were on hospital premises preparing to disperse the protesters.

Mr Payap pushed his Red Shirts into Chulalongkorn Hospital, forcing hospital authorities to make way for them to conduct a search of the premises, but the intruders found no troops. Two 'suspects' were detained by the protesters, but were later found to be construction workers.

The top Red Shirt leaders distanced themselves from the intrusion into Chulalongkorn Hospital, saying they had never ordered a search at the hospital.

UDD leader Weng Tojirakarn, himself a medical doctor, said the Red Shirts apologised to the hospital authorities, admitting that the move was inappropriate and offered to help the hospital in some way and promised that no search would occur again.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Public Health issued a statement urging the parties concerned to observe the Geneva Convention of 1949 which specifically protects people not taking part in the hostilities (civilians, health workers and aid workers) and those who are no longer participating in the hostilities, such as the wounded, sick and shipwrecked soldiers and prisoners of war.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Erawan Centre had reported that 124 patients were transferred from Chulalongkorn Hospital to 27 hospitals throughout Bangkok.

As of Friday morning, there were 600 patients at Chulalongkorn Hospital, 100 were discharged and 124 transferred to other hospitals, and 376 remained on the premises.(TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-30

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