Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Sunday

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Sunday May 2 Red-shirt rally live updates

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

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

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Thailand calls emergency meeting as tensions rise

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thai officials Saturday called an emergency cabinet meeting as a top think-tank warned the stand-off between the government and "Red Shirt" protestors could deteriorate into an "undeclared civil war".

Deputy premier Suthep Thaugsuban, in charge of national security, told reporters the meeting would be held at a Bangkok military base on Sunday to analyse how to cope with the protest rallies that began in mid-March.

While tensions increased in the capital, the International Crisis Group (ICG) said Thailand must consider mediation help from other countries to avoid a slide into further violence.

"The Thai political system has broken down and seems incapable of pulling the country back from the brink of widespread conflict," the ICG report, which was released late Friday, said.

"The stand-off in the streets of Bangkok between the government and Red Shirt protesters is worsening and could deteriorate into an undeclared civil war," it added.

Thailand is reeling from its worst political violence in almost two decades in the capital, where 27 people have died and nearly 1,000 injured in a series of clashes, but the government has rejected suggestions of outside mediation.

The country's Department of Special Investigation said it seized bullets, grenade parts and official government security documents Saturday in a raid on the Bangkok apartment of one Red leader, Suporn Attawong.

However Jatuporn Prompan, another core Red leader, used an evening news conference to accuse authorities of planting the material.

The demonstrations are the latest chapter in years of turmoil pitting the ruling elite against the Reds, who say the government came to power illegitimately in 2008.

Many of the Reds come from Thailand's rural poor and urban working classes and support former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup and now lives overseas to avoid a jail term for corruption.

Protest leaders on Saturday slammed management at a Bangkok hospital, saying its chaotic evacuation of patients after it was stormed by Red Shirts was a ploy to make the protesters look bad.

The Reds have faced heavy criticism after about 100 supporters raided Chulalongkorn hospital Thursday evening under the mistaken belief it sheltered security forces preparing a crackdown, following deadly street violence.

The 1,400-bed hospital evacuated most of its patients because of the incident, and Red leaders have apologised profusely.

"The hospital did not hear our apology. They dramatised the evacuation of patients, turning it into a tragedy to paint Red Shirt people as bad," Red leader Jatuporn said.

The Reds, who have occupied sections of Bangkok for over a month in their bid to force snap elections, claim the hospital was used in an April 22 grenade attack on a pro-government rally that killed one and wounded dozens.

The government said the grenades were fired from inside the Reds' camp -- an accusation the movement has denied.

Thailand's Medical Council criticised the storming of the hospital and asked protesters to respect medical personnel, while police were deployed at the hospital to ensure neither security forces nor Reds use the grounds.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva vowed to prosecute those who were involved in the hospital incident.

Thai television reported Princess Chakri Sirindhon went to Chulalongkorn Saturday to visit one of its last patients, 96-year-old Patriarch Prasangkaraj, and suggested that the country's ailing head Buddhist monk switch hospitals.

New York-based Human Rights Watch issued a statement on Saturday calling for all sides to "negotiate a political solution before the situation escalates".

"Thailand is spiralling further into political violence as protesters, counter-protesters, and security forces respond tit for tat against attacks and provocations," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

Some 70 bomb and grenade attacks have been carried out by unknown parties in Bangkok since the Reds began street protests in mid-March, according to the rights group.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-02

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Cabinet to discuss security crisis

By Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet will hold a special meeting today to tackle the deteriorating security situation in Bangkok as speculation widens that martial law will be imposed by the military.

Cabinet sources said a draft bill on public gatherings would also be discussed to tighten limits on the freedom of assembly.

Jatuporn Promphan, a red-shirt protest leader, said in the evening the government may declare martial law today so the military can crack down on demonstrators at the Rajprasong intersection.

The red-shirt protesters would continue to fight without retreating even if martial law was invoked, he said.

The government's Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation warned that force would be used if police failed to talk the red shirts into clearing space around Chulalongkorn Hospital.

The bill on public assemblies or political gatherings was first considered last month when there were violent red-shirt rallies.

Some argue that it would be unconstitutional to require protesters to inform authorities 72 hours in advance of any group activities, as would be required under the bill.

A court would decide whether a political gathering was lawful or not under the bill.

The proposed law prohibits the occupation of public venues such as airports, transport, government offices, palaces and embassies, as well as requiring a permit to use a loudspeaker.

Demonstrators who seek to block public passages must inform the public in advance and those affected can seek a court ruling on whether such a gathering should be allowed.

Participants are also banned, under the proposed law, from carrying any weapon or concealing their identity. They can only move from one site to another if it is approved by respective police stations.

Advocates say the law will ensure that future peaceful assemblies are in line with the junta-sponsored 2007 Constitution and the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, of which Thailand is a signatory.

The raison d'être of the law is to better define what constitutes peaceful assembly and spell out the responsibilities of demonstrators and authorities. It also includes penalties for offenders who break the new law.

-- The Nation 2010-05-02

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Govt needs to back up anti-monarchist claim: Charnvit

By Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- The government's claim that an anti-monarchist movement aims to overthrow the monarchy may backfire and negatively affect the institution unless the Abhisit Vejjajiva government produces evidence soon to back up the allegation, noted historian and former rector of Thammasat University Charnvit Kasetsiri has warned.

"In a way, this is dangerous for the institution because so many people have been accused and they stand idly to be lynched to death like students during the October 6, 1976 incident," said Charnvit, referring to the October 6, 1976 massacre when dozens of university students were killed in front of Thammasat University by a right-wing mob that believed the students were anti-monarchist.

Charnvit, a leading authority on that tragic episode of Thai history, said the red shirts would almost definitely fight back. "[The charge] is very dangerous to the institution itself. He added that even back in 1976 many of those accused of being anti-monarchist had to hastily be granted amnesty.

Over the past few days, many red-shirt leaders implicated in the alleged plot to overthrow the monarchy institution have begun taking legal action against the government for allegedly libelling them.

Charnvit said the government and the prime minister would be embroiled in lawsuits that could drag on for years.

He said claims that former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh was part of a conspiracy to overthrow the monarchy made least sense, as Chavalit was a decorated general, a former Army chief and Supreme Commander, who played a crucial role in bringing an end to the communist insurgency in the early 1980s.

"This charge won't work with Chavalit," he said, adding that the whole allegation against some 30 people, mostly red-shirt leaders may "boomerang" against the government. He was "surprised" the government made the allegation in a blatant way, with Abhisit making the accusation publicly, although details were "vague".

"Normally, such allegations are made secretly or with much beating around the bush, so I'm surprised," Charnvit said.

Another surprising aspect was the red-shirt protesters from Bangkok and surrounding areas. Tens of thousands were working class people who join the protest at Rajprasong in the evening who work and reside in and around Bangkok but are originally from upcountry. Charnvit called them "ru-ban" people, a mixture of rural and urban people.

The historian said the current conflict was not limited to Bangkok but had spread to other parts of the Kingdom and the opposing groups were not two elite groups like in the past.

"I don't think the conflict will end in Bangkok," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-02

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Supreme Patriarch moved to Siriraj Hospital

By The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Chulalongkorn Hospital yesterday transferred the Supreme Patriarch to Siriraj Hospital and now has only its emergency unit still in service.

Meanwhile, the red shirts agreed to open access for the hospital's patients as Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva ordered police to reclaim areas in front of the hospital.

Chulalongkorn Hospital director Dr Adisorn Patradul said all inpatients have already been transferred to other hospitals. And the emergency unit would now provide service only from morning until 4pm each day.

"We haven't closed down the hospital. It is still open but we have to adjust according to the situation for the safety of the patients and our staff," Adisorn said.

On Thursday night, about 200 red shirts marched from the rally

site at Rajprasong to the hospital, which is located nearby, claiming they had to search the building because military officers were hiding inside.

However, a subsequent highly controversial search found no troops in the building.

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited the Supreme Patriarch at Chulalongkorn Hospital yesterday afternoon.

Adisorn said the Princess requested the Supreme Patriarch be transferred to Siriraj Hospital.

She was concerned about the safety of medical staff, Adisorn said. She also told them to closely monitor the condition of all patients transferred to other hospitals.

Red-shirt leader weng Tojirakarn said fellow leader Veera Musigapong had talked to the hospital director and agreed to open access for patients. The hospital could resume full operations today.

He said the red shirts did not mean to harm or threaten anybody but searched for soldiers in the hospital only to protect protesters' lives.

At 1.45pm yesterday red-shirt protesters removed tyres and bamboo bunkers from a lane in front of the hospital's emergency building. But they still put up a line of metal barricades so they can stop and check passing vehicles.

The red guards set up a checkpoint to inspect vehicles that enter and leave the hospital after opening a lane leading to the hospital gate.

Red-shirt leader Maj-General Khattiya Sawasdiphol said the group would block the road again if it learnt of any military or police movement against the red shirts.

Earlier, Khattiya disagreed with removing their barricade, saying troops could be easily deployed to crush the protesters without bunkers.

In a separate development, Pheu Thai Party said the government had sought to create hatred in the people for the red shirts.

Deputy spokesman Anudit Nakorntap said the hospital planned to evacuate patients before April 29, as it learnt of the government's plan to put more pressure on protesters at Rajprasong.

-- The Nation 2010-05-02

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CRES warns protestors to keep clear of hospital area or be forced out

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) issues a stern warning to UDD protestors to keep clear of the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, or be forced out by authorities by Sunday.

Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, Spokesperson of CRES and the Royal Thai Army, reported that the CRES evening meeting chaired by CRES Deputy Director, and joined by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, reviewed the case of UDD hospital search, condemned by all sides. This led to questions on why military force was not used to defend hospital area which was part of the Red Cross Society.

He said that the Prime Minister ordered local police to establish their authority in the hospital, and to clear areas in front of the hospital, to create confidence for medical personnel and the general public by tomorrow morning.

The police will start with negotiations and are prepared to use force when necessary. The Prime Minister emphasized that no rally would be allowed up to Sarasin junction.

-- NNT 2010-05-02

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Ex-policeman in custody for grenade attack

By The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday brought an ex-policeman, arrested for the rocket-propelled grenade attack on the Defence Ministry on March 20, to apply for an initial 12 days of detention.

Suspect Bundit Sitthichum, 42, and Supanat Hulawet, 43, who is suspected of providing a getaway vehicle, will be in custody until May 12, pending interviews with 36 witnesses and forensic results.

DSI officials objected to the pair being released on bail because of fears they might flee, tamper with evidence, or carry out other acts of sabotage.

Bundit and Supanat, however, deny any wrongdoing.

Earlier, DSI chief Tharit Pengdit had said Bundit confessed to being hired by a man with ties to a political party for Bt500,000 to bomb the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), but the rocket missed the target as it hit an electric wire and bounced to hit the Defence Ministry instead.

Following Bundit's arrest, police also interrogated Muang Pattaya police Pol Lt-Colonel Supachai Puikaewkham, Passakorn Sirilak and Wayupak Noree. They found Supachai and Bundit were friends and that Supachai's wife and red-shirt protester Jureeporn Sindhiprai used Bundit as her chauffeur and bodyguard. She and Bundit went together to join the red-shirt rally in Bangkok prior to the attack.

Yesterday at 8am, a team of 20 DSI officials searched Supachai's house in Chon Buri's Bang Lamung district, where only a female housekeeper was present, and seized some undisclosed documents.

DSI also searched the homes of Bundit, Supanat, Passakorn and Wayupak, Tharit said yesterday. However, they found no other serious weapons.

Meanwhile, DSI officials, raided a room in the First Apartment block in Bangkok's Lat Phrao Soi 71, following a tip off it was a safe house for red shirt co-leader Suporn Atthawong, but they failed to find Suporn.

The officials found 29 bullets for a 9mm pistol, nine rifle bullets, three used safety pins, two car-licence plates, a copy of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation information, a SIM card and a portable hard disk.

DSI also had Khunying Porntip Rojanasunand, director of the Justice Ministry's Central Institute of Forensic Science, collect DNA samples and other evidence for possible bomb components.

-- The Nation 2010-05-02

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EDITORIAL

The red shirts have completely lost their way

By The Nation

Protest leaders have regressed to what they claim to be fighting against

BANGKOK: -- The red shirts are sliding down a slippery slope. Maybe so is the whole nation, but the anti-government protesters, in storming a public hospital one day and blocking a provincial airport in search of a rival political movement's leader the next, are leading the way. All their promises have been forgotten - to be "peaceful", to not copy the yellow shirts, or the "parade to send love and smiles to Bangkokians" which took place a few days after the Bangkok campaign began on March 12.

The promise never to follow the yellow shirts' controversial actions is being mocked by their weeks-long occupation of the city's key business district and tourist hub, leading to a damaging domino effect on big, medium and small business operators alike in the Rajprasong area and beyond. Threats to "extend" the rally site to Silom were met with the emergence of rival groups, culminating in grenade attacks from M79 launchers on the other side a week ago.

Then came the Chulalongkorn Hospital infamy. The invasion of the public facility, which serves a lot of lower-income people, dealt yet another big blow to the red shirts' proclaimed ideology to seek political equality through peaceful means. Nobody was hurt, it might have been argued, but then the same could have been said about the Suvarnabhumi Airport seizure. Persistent jokes about red leaders' strategies - good things we ignore, bad things we copy - are fast turning into a sad motto or slogan.

And what right do the red leaders think they have to launch a manhunt for the head of the "multicoloured" group, which is, like the red shirts, a political movement? Dr Tul Sitthisomwong was forced to return to Bangkok on Friday after a group of red shirts 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, who must have feared for his life.

Editorial continues: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/...y-30128413.html

-- The Nation 2010-05-02

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BPbreakingnews: PM: CRES must reclaim hospital area

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MCOTEnglishnews: PM: Government has clear solution to handle Bangkok protest; asks the people to be patient while process under way

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MCOTEnglishnews: Red Shirts remove barricades outside Chulalongkorn Hospital, open traffic lane for patients to hospital after talks with BKK Police Chief

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MCOT: Pro-govt multi-coloured group to gather at Royal Plaza Sunday afternoon, demanding authorities to speed up handling Red Shirt protest

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Protesters remove barricades up to entrance to Queen Sirikit Building

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt protesters Sunday agreed to remove barricades on Rajdamri Road up to the entrance to the Queen Sirikit Building of Chulalongkorn Hospital.

The protesters started removing barbed wires, tyres and sharpened bamboo sticks on the Rajdamri Road in front of the entrances to the emergency building and Queen Sirikit Building following a talk with Metropolitan Police commissioner Pol Lt Gen Santhan Chayanon at 9:30 am.

-- The Nation 2010-05-02

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PM hints at cracking down on protesters outside Chulalongkorn Hospital

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Sunday hinted at using force to remove protesters from Rajdamri Road so that they would no longer affect the medical services of Chulalongkorn Hospital.

Speaking during his weekly TV programme, Abhisit said it was saddened to see red-shirt protesters storm inside the hospital, prompting the hospital to halt its service and transfer patients to other hospitals.

The prime minister said the government had prepared measures to deal with the problem.

"We now have clear-cut measures to deal with it. We have made a decision to take an action, which is being carried out. Our operation will meet the international practice and we will try to minimise the impact," Abhisit said.

He said the operation would have to become successful with sustainable results.

-- The Nation 2010-05-02

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UDD asked to retreat from hospital area

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital has asked the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors to retreat from the area in front of the hospital in order to facilitate medical operations and incoming patients, according to MD Adisorn Patradul, the hospital director.

MD Adisorn Patradul stated that intrusions in the hospital by UDD members on Thursday was deemed inappropriate and could exacerbate patients’ fear. He said, further, that the hospital had coordinated with other hospitals to transfer patients, including the details of their symptoms and medical history.

MD Adisorn added that the hospital had also dispatched additional medical staff to take care of patients who were transferred to other hospitals in a bid to ensure safety. Meanwhile, the hospital will be responsible for those who do not have enough money to pay for their medical expenses.

Chulalongkorn hospital will send letter to the UDD core figures demanding them to retreat from the area in front of the hospital to Sarasin junction.MD Adisorn mentioned that the hospital would not be able to resume normal operations by tomorrow and would remain closed for its out of patient services until further notice.

Last Thursday, UDD members stormed into the hospital to search for military troops rumored to be hiding inside and preparing to disperse the UDD gatherings, causing a large number of patients in the hospital to be urgently transferred.

-- NNT 2010-05-02

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PM vows to resolve current national crisis

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The government is aware of the current national problem and is striving to consistently tackle the unresolved crisis, according to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Speaking his weekly talk show on Sunday, PM Abhisit expressed thanks to all Thais for their encouragement and recommendations in the government's operations to resolve the ongoing political problem. He, however, insisted that the government's Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) has been working on security measures and policies to handle the anti-government rallies in Bangkok and other parts of the nation, especially the blockage of mass mobilization, misinformation propagation and the facilitatation for the security forces into the targetted zones.

He admitted that the government will execute tasks in a cautious manner despite the fact that it might be risky for causing losses or confrontation between security forces and the anti-government group.

The government will consult the army about the imposition of martial law in limited areas if necessary, said PM Abhisit, adding that the matter will be discussed at today's special cabinet meeting.

-- NNT 2010-05-02

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60 victims of the April violence remain hospitalized

BANGKOK (NNT) -- A total of 60 people injured from the April violence still remain under medical care in hospitals.

According to the latest report released by the Erawan Emergency Medical Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, 44 victims of the 10 April clash between the troops and the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors are presently receiving medical treatment in hospitals. Four patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), consisting of three at Phramongkutklao Military Hospital and one in Rama 9 Hospital. A total of 25 deaths have been reported during the clash.

Seven injured patients of the 22 April grenade attack at Saladaeng Intersectioin remained hospitalized. One of whom is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). One death was reported in the bombing incident.

Nine wounded people of the 28 April violence at National Memorial in Don Muang area are currently recieving medical treatment at the hospitals. One patient is still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A total of one death and 18 injuries have been reported during the scuffle.

-- NNT 2010-05-02

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MCOT: Red Shirt refuse to open road to Sarasin intersection, citing safety concerns

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PM says govt will not declare martial law

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva insisted on Sunday that the government will not declare martial law.

Speaking during weekly TV programme, Abhsit said the special Cabinet meeting at 10 am Sunday would not lead to the declaration of martial law.

-- The Nation 2010-05-02

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MCOTEnglishnews: Special Cabinet meeting considers law enforcement using military force to carefully handle protest; no talk of martial law

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PM says govt already made decision how to deal with red-shirt protesters

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Sunday said his government has already made a decision to deal with the protesters at Rajprasong commecial area.

Speaking during his weekly TV programme, Abhisit admitted that of of people asked the government about the measures for dealing with red-shirt protesters. He said the government had already prepared measures to deal with the problem.

"We now have clear-cut measures to deal with it. We have made a decision to take an action, which is being carried out. Our operation will meet the international practice and we will try to minimise the impact," Abhisit said.

He said the operation would have to become successful with sustainable results.

-- The Nation 2010-05-02

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Chulalongkorn Hospital director fears stampede if rally remains beside hospital

BANGKOK: -- The director of the prestige Chulalongkorn Hospital said the management decided to shut down operations for fear of stampede if the protesters continue to demonstrate on Rajdamri Road beside the hospital.

Doctor Adisorn Phattharadul said the hospital would resume operation only if protesters clear both inbound and outbound Rajdamri Road from Saladaeng to Sarasin intersections.

Adisorn said the management fears stampede of patients and medical personnel if an untoward incident happen.

-- The Nation 2010-05-02

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Thaksin blasts 'proganda', declares: I'm still alive

Former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra has belied persistent rumours of his death

Nirmal Ghosh

The Straits Times

Former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra Saturday ((May 1) belied persistent rumours of his death, telling The Straits Times on the phone that he was very much alive.

In a brief conversation, made possible through a friend of his, Thaksin said: "I'm still alive. You're talking with a man, not a ghost."

Speaking from an undisclosed location, he went on to castigate the Thai government for "ungentlemanly" tactics such as broadcasting "propaganda" through its own media outlets while shutting down critical media.

Thaksin, overthrown in a coup d'etat in September 2006, is overseas dodging a two-year sentence for corruption in Thailand. A photograph obtained from his Facebook page showed that he was in Moscow last Tuesday.

Loathed by Thailand's old-money aristocratic elite, who believe he is a closet republican, he has been trying to claw his way back into the country on the coat-tails of the red-shirted United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), most of whose supporters would like to see him back.

His activities are a thorn in the flesh of the Thai government, now facing increasingly provocative street protests from the UDD.

Last week, Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs moved to further limit the operating space of the former premier. On Thursday, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya - a former outspoken supporter of the right wing, royalist People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) - summoned Philippine Ambassador Antonio Rodriguez to voice his displeasure that some foreign diplomats had met the red shirt leaders. Rodriguez is the dean of the Bangkok diplomatic corps.

The UDD had earlier briefed members of the diplomatic community and invited them to visit the movement's main rally site at the upscale Ratchaprasong intersection. Many took up the invitation.

In a note circulated to the diplomatic corps the day after his meeting with the minister, Rodriguez quoted the minister as saying that "any association by foreign governments with Thaksin will be viewed by Thailand as undermining bilateral relations".

In a sharp rebuke, the Thai minister added: "A group of ambassadors had been spreading false information about the royal family, voicing opposition to the constitutional monarchy through the Internet, and making irresponsible statements on the government's handling of the ongoing protests."

This had "gone beyond the limits of diplomatic practice and were unacceptable to the Thai government", Mr Kasit was quoted as saying.

Source: http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=11693

-- ANN 2010-05-02

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PM says govt, CRES will take actions to allow Chulalongkorn Hospital to resume operations

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Sunday that the government and Centre for Resolution of Emergency will take actions Sunday so that the Chulalongkorn Hospital could resume medical services.

Speaking during his weekly TV programme, Abhsit said the operations may lead to a clash with protesters but the government would have to ensure that the hospital could resume its service.

-- The Nation 2010-05-02

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@RichardBarrow: At MRT Silom, they have 2 employees with key in hand ready to lock gates.

@RichardBarrow: Riot police in front of Chulalongkorn Hospital seem in good mood. Taking pictures of each other in front of barricade.

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@RichardBarrow: The new red barricade is blocking Ratchadamri in front of Dept of Pediatrics, Chula Hosp.

@RichardBarrow: At the moment Reds are adjusting barricade in middle of road so that both sides are open.

@BreakingNews: Red Shirt protesters agree with Bangkok police to pull back road barrier blocking hospital, but do not abandon camp - Reuters

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PM: Martial law still not needed; Protesters must stay within Ratchaprasong

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Embattled Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday there is still no need to declare martial law. He told the nation that

the immediate solution to the ongoing protest in the capital lies in controlling the demonstrators, keeping them from spreading their protest site at Ratchaprasong

intersection to other areas.

Speaking during his weekly TV and radio address, Mr. Abhisit reasserted that political problems must be solved on a lasting and “sustainable basis”. He emphasised that demonstrators from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) now at Ratchaprasong intersection, a fashionable business district in Bangkok, must be contained in the area.

UDD protesters have been demonstrating, demanding that Mr. Abhisit dissolve the House and hold fresh general election since March 13. The rally site spread to Rajprasoing on April 3 and spread along Ratchadamri Road later.

He said road and highway checkpoints illegally set up by UDD protesters must be closed. The prime minister warned that the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation will punish concerned provincial authorities if the order is neglected.

Solving the problem through “political means” has been implemented by the government steadily and is expected to be acceptable to every concerned party, said Mr. Abhisit.

Regarding the national reconciliation process proposed by several sectors aimed at resolving the current political crisis, Mr. Abhisit said his government is prepared to establish an independent committee to probe the demonstration and related matters as well as "reforming Thailand to solve injustice and poverty problems”.

Again, Mr. Abhisit reasserted that there is still no need to declare martial law to contain the demonstration. Once peace is restored the demand by UDD protesters for the House dissolution would have an “answer”.“I can announce my government’s intention very soon,” he added.

The UDD Sunday agreed to open one traffic lane in front of Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn Hospital. The agreement came after ten minutes of negotiation between Bangkok's police chief and a key UDD leader and an UDD security guard.

Police want the UDD protesters to open the entire road from Sala Daeng intersection to Sarasin Road, about a kilometre away from the intersection but the protesters refused, citing security concerns for the demonstrators who are rallying in front of the hospital.

After the talks, the Red Shirt protesters began to dismantle their bunker blocking the street in front of a Chulalongkorn Hospital building, and near the hospital boundary wall.

The police request to open the road will be considered by UDD leaders. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-05-02

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MCOT: Health Minister denies Reds claim govt order patient evacuation, but it s Chula Hospital s decision; Govt to pay for extra cost from patient transfer

MCOTEnglishnews: Reds open both lanes outside Chula hospital, but hospital confirms not to be fully operational if they don't move to Sarasin intersection

@RichardBarrow There is a big mess being left behind here at Sala Daeng but to the Reds credit, they are clearing it up.

[george]

THE NATION: Thaksin's two new photos are taken at Lake Victoria in Uganda, on May1, 2010. - at least that what it said on FB...

http://www.facebook.com/thaksinlives

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near Siam at 3:30pm

Entrance to fortress

(phone pictures/low quality)