Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Tuesday

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Tuesday May 4 Red-shirt rally live updates

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Thai protesters mull PM offer of November elections

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's Red Shirt protest movement was on Tuesday to consider Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's proposal to hold elections in mid November as a way of ending the country's political crisis.

A spokesman for the movement, which has demanded the immediate dissolution of Abhisit's government, said late Monday it would discuss the prime minister's proposal before responding.

"We may have offers for the government. We may not agree to everything," one of the protest leaders, Jatuporn Prompan, told AFP.

Speaking on national television, Abhisit said Monday that he was ready to hold elections in November to resolve the tense standoff with anti-government protesters, who have occupied Bangkok's commercial heart.

He said the proposed timetable, under which an election will be held a year earlier than scheduled, was subject to all parties agreeing to a five-point reconciliation process aimed at ending the crippling impasse.

The plan calls for respect for the monarchy, greater social equality, an impartial media, an independent probe into the current political crisis and a debate on the need for constitutional reform.

"I'm convinced that it will not take long to achieve national reconciliation and when we achieve national reconciliation the government is ready to hold elections on November 14," said Abhisit.

"I think this is the best solution at the current time," he said.

The mostly poor or working class "Red Shirt" protesters have occupied parts of Bangkok since mid-March, defying a state of emergency in their bid to topple a government they see as elitist and undemocratic.

There have been a series of tense confrontations between the demonstrators and the security forces in Bangkok, where 27 people died and nearly 1,000 were injured in unrest last month.

The Red Shirts have reinforced roadblocks and stepped up security checks on the perimeter of their sprawling protest site, which has been fortified with barricades made from piled up truck tyres, razor wire and bamboo stakes.

Abhisit last month rejected a compromise offer by the Reds to disperse if elections were held within three months, and the protesters have reverted to their original demand for immediate polls.

In March he had offered to hold elections by the end of the year but protest leaders rejected the proposal.

A failed April 10 attempt by the army to clear demonstrators from part of Bangkok's historic district sparked fierce street fighting that left 25 people dead and hundreds injured.

Many of the Red Shirts want the return of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup and lives overseas to avoid a jail term for corruption.

Their campaign has caused several hotels and major stores to shutter their doors and prompted foreign governments to warn against travel to the "Land of Smiles," dealing a heavy blow to the important tourism sector.

The movement faced heavy criticism after about 100 supporters raided a hospital last week, mistakenly believing it sheltered security forces preparing a crackdown.

The think-tank International Crisis Group has urged Thailand to consider mediation from outside to avoid a slide into "an undeclared civil war".

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-04

Published with written approval from AFP.

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ANALYSIS

Last chance for peace

By TULSATHIT TAPTIM

The Nation

PM urges reds to accept his offer to hold election on Nov 14 to avoid more bloodshed; red shirts to respond to govt's road map today and decide on future of Ratchaprasong protest

BANGKOK: -- Is the light at the end of the tunnel that of a train coming our way? The answer depends on how the red shirts, who have been tired, dispirited and discredited, respond today to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's unexpected offer to hold a general election on November 14 this year.

Whether the 30-minute national address last night is a game-changing moment will be known soon. As of now, the ball is squarely in the red shirts' court. The roars of the crowds at the Rajprasong intersection at the end of Abhisit's statements could mean anything, but from day one the protesters have never been the ones making decisions.

Optimists say the Rajprasong occupation may even end in a day or two. They see Abhisit's offer as a carrot being dangled before demoralised red leaders who have had their personal well-being threatened by possibly serious legal action and their image smeared by the Chulalongkorn Hospital invasion, arms seizures, as well as alleged links with armed militants.

The real "stick" is yet to come. On Sunday, an emergency Cabinet meeting was called to approve the possibility of an armed crackdown, which would almost surely be accompanied by terrorism charges against key leaders, who already face lesser accusations of violating the state of emergency law.

It was thus a good psychological moment for Abhisit to lay down his five-point "road map" on the table. "This is your graceful exit," was his unspoken message. Take it, or you will see armoured vehicles moving in through the other door.

Now, it's a matter of whether common sense prevails among the red shirts. They poured into Bangkok on March 12 knowing that the political calendar at that time tentatively set the general election for late next year. Abhisit virtually told the movement to think about it, now that he had agreed to reduce the waiting period by half.

The prime minister was almost back to his brimming-with-confidence self yesterday. The road map, he said, was a result of comprehensive consultations with virtually everyone who mattered. It calls for joint national efforts to rebuild political and economic systems to address legitimate problems of the poor, reinforce the bonds between Thais and the monarchy and make sure that the news media are a constructive tool for society in an age of fast-evolving technology.

An independent investigation will be launched into recent violent incidents that have deepened the national divide.

"This is what I think can really solve your problems along with the national problems," said Abhisit, seeking to communicate directly with the red shirts, at the end of his address. However, he vowed to go ahead without their cooperation, although that would mean the November 14 election date could be postponed. In a firm, yet pleading tone, he urged them to accept the road map so the whole nation can happily celebrate Coronation Day tomorrow together.

Red leaders Jatuporn Promphan and Nuttawut Saikua suggested the movement would give an answer as early as today. They did not comment on the content of the PM's road map, but, knowing the red shirts, the absence of criticism should encourage Abhisit.

With increased public pressure in the wake of the Chulalongkorn Hospital incident and greater likelihood of a crackdown, red-shirt leaders themselves had appeared to be preparing more generous offers for the government in exchange for them being treated as political offenders rather than slapped with terrorism- or national security-related crimes.

Before Abhisit's announcement, Nuttawut insisted the red shirts had never shut the door on further talks. The government should make an offer and the red shirt leaders would consider it, he stated. "The government should say how many months it wants," he said.

It did sound like the red shirts were waiting for a way out. Public pressure has combined with daily fears for a crackdown, not to mention the harsh environment - extreme heat, the smell as well as the fact that it was getting harder every day to mobilise people to join their rally.

An estimated 6,000 red shirts gathered at the protest site during the day and some 8,000 at night, far fewer than when the protest began. Many are women and children, raising concern on both sides about their safety.

A window of opportunity for peace had been opened before April 10 but was ignored with a disastrous consequence. Now, it has been reopened again and where the nation is headed is entirely up to the red shirts.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

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Road map designed to address poverty, injustice

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- In order to deal with the current political crisis and seek reconciliation, three issues - dissolution of the House, terrorism, and the monarchy institution - were being addressed separately, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday.

Suthep said a road map to solve poverty and justice issues among the poor would be unveiled to bring about national reconciliation. However, he said the road map could only be adopted after approval by all parties involved.

Suthep said the time frame for dissolution of the House would depend on the prime minister and refused to go into detail. Abhisit earlier told Kyodo news he was willing to dissolve the House before the nine-month time frame offered earlier to red shirts.

Suthep said terrorism and anti-monarchy cases would be pursued separately. He said 'terrorists' were eyeing to kill soldiers and civilians in the hope of setting off a people's revolt. As such the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) would work in tandem with 10 other government offices.

As for the charge of abolishing the monarchy institution, the matter would be designated as a special case. Suthep insisted there existed a movement to overthrow the monarchy institution, with various media working together in a conspiracy. Arrest warrants would eventually be issued, he said.

"As for the use of force, it is clear now that protesters are not peaceful and armed. Their demonstration is illegal and violates other people's rights - such as shutting down traffic routes and seizing department store areas and invading a hospital. It will take time [for the government] to address these issues because we will have to explain to those innocent people that their continued participation [at the rally] will result in heavier penalties. Most important, they will end up as human shields - so relatives of these people should tell them to leave the protest site as authorities deal with the hardcore leaders."

Suthep said the crackdown would involve both military and police forces and those still at the protest site could not claim ignorance of the consequences. Heavy forces would be used so as not to risk more civilian deaths under the hands of terrorists, said Suthep. He refused to say if the crackdown would take place by Wednesday.

As for the call from the international communities to deal with the protesters in accordance with international standards, the deputy premier said "foreigners don't know enough about Thailand like Thais themselves."

Asked about the government's willingness to negotiate again, he said the government was still willing.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

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Senate divided over seriousness of threat to royal institution

By Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

More talks with red shirts urged to avoid more deaths

BANGKOK: -- The Senate yesterday showed itself divided about whether the anti-monarchist charge was a hoax or the government should use military force to crack down on the red-shirt protesters.

Many urged Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to negotiate and give peace a chance. They were also split on the muzzling of red-shirt media under the emergency decree.

However, many who otherwise hold differing views on what immediate steps the government should take admitted that double standards and social, political and economic disparity were real issues that need to be addressed through reform.

"Use violence to defeat violence is no solution, as witnessed in the three southernmost provinces," said Senator Vorawit Baru of Pattani.

Both the deep South and the present political crisis have much to do with justice, he said.

"No one can deny this must be dealt with through reform," he said.

Others, such as appointed Senator Surak Sriarun, said further loss of life might be inevitable.

"We may have to allow for loss from the use of heavy artillery," he said.

Surak said while he was against the use of force on ordinary protesters, red-shirt leaders and their guards must not be spared.

On the issue of whether an anti-monarchist movement existed among the red shirts, the Upper House was divided again, with some warning the allegation was unfounded and bound to backfire on the accusers and others taking it seriously, saying the movement must be dealt with swiftly.

"Let us stop any action that would lead to further hatred and division," said appointed Senator Lertrat Ratanawanit.

The accusation that former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh was connected with the anti-monarchist movement is "making the government look bad", he said, adding that no one in the upper chamber or the Cabinet could claim to be more loyal to the throne that Chavalit, a highly decorated soldier.

Others who buy into the anti-monarchist theory, such as appointed Senator Kamnoon Sittisamarn, must commit themselves to any time frame for dealing with this major issue.

However, Kamnnon, who is close to People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul, admitted Thailand was no longer the same.

"No matter how the demonstration at the Rajprasong intersection ends, Thailand will no longer be the same ... A new era for Thailand is dawning, but it's uncertain as to whether this will be a new era for a new Thai state or a new era for a reformed old Thai state that can adapt itself to global development," he said.

National reform in order to reduce inequality is also urgently needed, Kamnnon added.

Another major issue raised during the session was red-shirt media censorship.

Some senators said the action was tantamount to denying the right to be informed and an insult to people's ability to think for themselves.

They warned it would backfire and eventually lead to civil war. Some urged the Abhisit to remove PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey for spreading hatred and one-sided information through state-controlled media, a charge Satit denies.

"The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation appears on television and speaks in order to cause more division. Those disagreeing with it should be allowed airtime, as well," said Khon Kaen Senator Prasert Sakulsuksaphan.

Those supporting state censorship said the red shirts are being "brainwashed" and "incited" by red-shirt media, so censorship is necessary.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

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NGOs urge peace with red shirts

By Nanthida Puangthong

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Fourty-three human rights groups in Asia submitted a letter to the Foreign Ministry urging the government to avoid using violence to subdue the political turmoil, while Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya deplored the red-shirt protesters' request for help from the United Nations.

At 10am, Kasit accepted the open letter from Yup Swee Seng, a representative of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development.

The NGOs expressed concern about the political unrest and condemned the violence. They urged both sides to avoid bloodshed and to seek out a peaceful solution.

They asked the government to ensure that any dispersal of the demonstrators would adhere to international standards and to establish an independent panel to probe and punish wrongdoers.

The advocacy groups pointed to the blocking of 10 satellite television channels and websites, saying the move would detract from the country's democratic development, despite the country's invoking of an emergency law that naturally constrained certain rights.

They urged Thailand to proceed according to the missions under international law and human rights standards.

Kasit replied that the government has observed the principles of human rights, liberty and democracy for all and has been avoiding violence.

He said they didn't muzzle the media even though some outlets seemed to be inciting violence.

The NGOs should study the facts to see through all sides and avoid presenting a biased view due to obtaining inaccurate information, he said.

His office was explaining to various countries the political developments here, the issues and what the government's done, amid a "media war" that dispatched distorted information to foreign media and caused some NGOs to misunderstand Thailand, he said.

The government looked weak only because it didn't want to resort to weapons and let any innocent people or officials die, he said.

The demonstrators should drop their firearms and go back home, he said, adding that their call for a UN peacekeeping force was impractical.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

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Red rallies splitting up families

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

Red-shirt protester's son is a soldier at Sala Daeng

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt protester Booncha Hongthong has a heavy heart. Her son is among soldiers sent to curtail the rally in central Bangkok.

But that is only part of her dilemma - a situation she now finds too much to bear, especially since her new husband sustained serious injuries in the bloody clash with soldiers at the Khok Wua Intersection on April 10.

Booncha, 42, is now thinking about leaving the red-shirt rally site and taking her husband back to their hometown in Udon Thani.

"Had I known that my husband would be severely injured in the clash, I would have not let him go there," she said while sitting by a hospital bed.

Lying there was her 32-year-old husband Chanta Chansuk. Due to serious injuries, he has remained in the BMA General Hospital since the night of April 10. He needs close medical supervision.

"At the rally site, red-shirt leaders are always hiding behind us. Common people like my husband and I always had to stand in the front line," Booncha lamented.

She said her family had joined the rally because they really wanted to see a return of democracy in Thailand.

"We went to the rally to fight for our rights. We did not go there to die for other people, not even the red-shirt leaders," Booncha said.

With her husband in the hospital, Booncha has heard that her 22-year-old son - who is a private - is stationed at Sala Daeng Intersection. Troops have been deployed there to ensure that the red-shirts don't try wreak havoc on Silom Road after occupying Rajprasong Intersection and forcing many city stores to shut down.

The red shirts - who now don different colours to counter the government's plan to disperse them - have occupied Rajdamri Road also.

"I feel bad. My son is there to carry out his duty. But my grandparents, my relatives and many friends are at the rally site on Rajdamri Road," Booncha said.

Her son joined the military two years ago. He is due to be discharged in October. He used to tell his mother he wanted to join the cadet school but has now changed his mind.

"There is no dignity for soldiers if they hurt people," she said. "My son just told me that he does not want to kill anybody."

Booncha admitted that her husband was not really sure who injured him.

Being jobless, Chantha usually joined the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) rallies whenever they were held. He had been at Phan Fa bridge for days and nights because he thought Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva should dissolve the House of Representatives.

On April 10, Chantra was in the third row of protesters confronting companies of troops sent to disperse them.

He said he had been standing at Khok Wua Intersection since 4pm. The confrontation between protesters and troops had stopped for a while and started again at 7pm. Two hours later he was shot and collapsed. He said he did not know who shot him just that a friend dragged him away from the clash site.

Wounded with shrapnel that pierced a lung through his back, he was sent initially to Klang Hospital and a doctor told him the shrapnel would be stuck in his lung for the rest of his life.

"From now on, he won't be able to work hard. I will have to look after him for the rest of my life," Booncha lamented.

Thongplon Yuanyee, a 59-year-old mother, said her son, a soldier, was seriously injured on April 10. With the clash causing casualties to both sides, this grieving mother said she had sympathy for both soldiers and the anti-government demonstrators.

"We all come from the same place and we all are brothers and sisters," she said, "I don't want a bloody clash like April 10 to happen again."

On that night, her 25-year-old son, Sergeant Praprutdee, was deployed from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the Army's First Region headquarters.

"I was ordered to disperse anti-government protesters at Phan Fa bridge," Praprutdee said. Around 1pm a group of protesters moved to the front of the First Region Army base. For the next hour, a company of troops tried to force them back to Jor Por Ror Intersection and Satriwittaya School near Din Sor Road.

"Of course I had a weapon but I did not shoot people," he said. From 3pm to 5pm, he was stationed at Satriwittaya School. Clashes then erupted and serious violence broke out between 8pm to 9pm.

"I was injured by a bomb which I suspected might be an M79 grenade but I could not see the trajectory," he said.

At that time he was standing near a tank. He was injured by shrapnel which pierced his lung, as he only wore a soft-plated protective vest. He was sent to Pramongkutklao Hospital around midnight.

"Even being severely injured I did not hate protesters as they are my brothers and sisters," he said.

"I knew that protesters did not have any war weapons. They just held sticks and [threw] stones. [However] I don't know where the bomb came from," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

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Multicoloured rally continues

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Multicoloured movement meet at the Victory Monument on Monday to give moral supports to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his government.

Waving placards and banners, the protesters shouted their slogans and urged the premier to take legal actions against the red shirts leaders who involved in raiding Chulalongkorn Hospital last week.

They also urged Abhisit not to dissolve the Parliament as demanded by the red shirts protesters.

The multicoloured rallies were suspended for a few days after the Chula hospital raid for fearing of their safety. The rallies were resumed during the weekend.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

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Townhouse raid nets war weapons

By THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A predawn raid by an Army-police team on a Soi Onnuj 17 townhouse in Bangkok's Suan Luang district yesterday found war weapons and Molotov cocktails allegedly linked to the red-shirt demonstrations, Department of Special Investigation chief Tharit Pengdit said.

The DSI team said two occupants were responsible for shooting at an Army helicopter - injuring a soldier on board - while distributing leaflets for red-shirt demonstrators at the Phan Fa Bridge on April 10. They have allegedly been lying low in the house since.

Two suspects - Surachai Nilsopa, 33, and Chatree Srijinda, 28 - were arrested in the raid and taken to the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation for questioning.

Authorities also seized an M16 rifle along with 480 rounds of ammunition, a carbine-1 rifle with 115 rounds, five AKA rifles along with 247 rounds, three M67 grenades, five M26 grenades, four M79 grenades, 20 giant firecrackers, 18 shotgun cartridges, several |slingshots along with glass beads, 107 Molotov cocktails and items with red-shirt symbols, as well as a Honda Civic car with fake licence plates.

The evidence is being submitted to forensic tests, Tharit said, adding that the weapons and the red-shirt symbols initially convinced authorities of the links to the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) demonstration.

DAAD co-leader Natthawut Saikua, commenting on the arrests, said red-shirt guidelines prevented demonstrators from using weapons. But if the arrests showed clear evidence of wrongdoing, then the case should proceed in accordance with legal procedures.

However, he said anyone trying to say this was the DAAD's doing would have to have evidence.

His group had nothing to do with the arms cache, and the two suspects' names were not on the list of DAAD guards.

Natthawut also said they found a Facebook profile of a person with the same name - Surachai Nilsopa - with material opposing the House dissolution and ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Natthawut also took the opportunity to call for the DSI to investigate the death of 21 civilians in the April 10 clash between soldiers and red-shirt demonstrators.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

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CRES: Tanks on Standby Ready to Disperse DAAD

The Center for Resolution of Emergency Situation revealed that the center is prepared to disperse the red-shirt protesters at the Ratchaprasong intersection with soft measures and hard measures.

The Center for Resolution of Emergency Situation or CRES spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd revealed that security forces officials are ready to disperse the gathering of red-shirt protesters while weapons may be used in dealing with the crowd.

The CRES spokesman revealed that the number of red shirts at the Ratchaprasong intersection in the morning was at about 6,000 and in the evening the number will go up to 8,000.

The attempt to stop more protestors from joining the rally has been successful, while the CRES believes that the remaining protestors wish to return home but are being forced to stay on.

When asked if CRES is pleased that the red shirts are allowing more access to Chulalongkorn Hospital, he said this question should be directed to the executives of the hospital. He questioned why the red shirts are so persistent in occupying the spot at Saladaeng intersection and said that they might be hiding weapons in Lumpini public park.

Regarding a photograph presented to the media by Opposition MP Promphong Nopparit in support of a claim that soldiers are stationed in the hospital, the CRES spokesman dismissed it as untrue.

He said the photograph captures an incident on April 29 when soldiers encountered 4-5 men in black near the hospital.

The soldiers presented themselves and asked to search them, but the men in black fired at them before running to hide in the hospital. The soldiers fired back at them in self-defense.

Meanwhile, Deputy PM and CRES Director Suthep Thuagsuban said it is clear now that there is a group of militants who have killed both civilians and soldiers in the hopes of overthrowing the current government.

Suthep said arrest warrants against them will be issued this week. Regarding dispersion of the gathering, Suthep said that if the protestors do not give up as told, force will be used against them.

He went on to say that in the case that red-shirt leaders use weapons, due measures will be taken and he cannot guarantee safety for any of them.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-04

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Reds to respond to peace overtures this afternoon

The red shirts will on Wednesday's afternoon finalise their decision on the reconciliation road map and the November 14 elections offered by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday.

Core leaders, including Veera Musigapong, Jatuporn Promphan, Nattahwut Saikua and Jaran Dithapichai, have positively reacted to Abhisit's peace overtures.

Jaran conceded to having closed-door negotiations before the prime minister outlined his road map to end the stand-off.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

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UDD responds positively with PM’s proposals

BANGKOK (NNT) -– The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has responded rather positively with the proposal for national reconciliation presented by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva via a televised address.

Shortly after the televised address of the prime minister, UDD Deputy Chairperson, Jatuporn Prompan, on Monday night responded that the proposal is deemed a better solution than dispersing the crowd violently.

Mr Jatuporn however announced that the UDD would not reject or accept the proposal yet. On Tuesday, UDD core will meet to officially discuss and inform the prime minister of the group's stance towards his national reconciliation road map.

Responding to queries of the media, the deputy chairperson stated that he personally wants everything to end before 5 May, as it marks Coronation day, an important day for Thai people to celebrate. He believed that the televised address of the prime minister should help improve the situation.

Meanwhile, UDD core leader, Suporn Attawong, commented that Mr Abhisit's proposal is very good and would enable everything to resume to a state of normalcy.

Another UDD core leader, Jaran Ditapichai, regarded the proposal as a certain level of victory for the UDD, who was able to pressure the government to reduce the time frame for house dissolution. He said the UDD had always known that it would end this way as core leaders of both sides have been in contact.

Prime Minister Abhisit spoke in a televised address on Monday night that the government is ready to hold a fresh election within 14 November 2010.

-- NNT 2010-05-04

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2 policemen killed, 33 injured in road accident

SURAT THANI: -- A chartered bus transferring anti-riot policemen from Bangkok back to Trang overturned here early Tuesday morning, killing two officers, injuring 33 others.

The accident happened at 4:15 am in Ban Nasarn district.

The bus was one of four buses chartered to transfer policemen back to Trang after they have carried out crowd-control mission in Bangkok.

The injured were rushed to the Surat Thani provincial hospital.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

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@RichardBarrow: Redshirts leaders will announce their reaction to the "Abhisit roadmap" @ 1pm 2day /via @RedPhanFa2Day

THE NATION: Everybody remains optimistic, though. And the atmosphere at the red camp is, as reporters describe it, sabai sabai, with smiles and all.

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PM proposes road map for reconciliation, general election on Nov 14

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday proposed a road map for national reconciliation to end the political crisis and set a general election on November 14, while Red Shirt protesters showed initial positive reaction to the plan and are set to announce their response on Tuesday.

In a nationally televised address Monday night, Mr Abhisit proposed a five-prong road map to reconciliation which, he said, would welcome all stakeholders who want the country back to normalcy.

Centrally he said the monarchy must not be used as a tool in political conflicts, but all parties should help protect and respect the institution.

The government earlier accused some Red Shirt supporters of intending to overthrow the monarchy and some were detained for publicised comments on websites that are considered as insulting to the monarchy.

Thailand's reform to end the conflict and restore justice in society, including better resolving economic inequality, was the second issue in the premier's proposal.

Thirdly Mr Abhsit said that the principles of the right to freedom of expression should be observed, but the media must avoid reports that could incite or instigate the conflict in society.

Mr Abhisit said that an independent panel would be set up for fact finding regarding incidents of protesters and security forces losing their lives on April 10 at Ratchadamnoen Avenue's Khok Wua intersection, at Silom Road on April 22 and at Don Mueang on April 28.

All political parties should join together to amend the Constitution and some legal issues to be agreed upon by all sides.

The premier said that he admitted that his road map could not satisfy all parties but the government believed if they received good response and cooperation from the public and all parties concerned, the reconciliation could return to society and the government was ready to let the voters to make decision again by holding a general election on November 14.

If the proposals do not receive wide support, he said, the government would go ahead as planned but the process would be delayed and the government

could not conduct a general election on November 14 as targeted, and could not set any date.

As for the premier's proposed mid-November general election, according to the Constitution he would dissolve the Lower House of Parliament between 45 and 60 days beforehand, meaning the dissolution would be fixed for sometime during late August and early September.

In earlier negotiations with the anti-government 'Red Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leaders, the government proposed to dissolve the House and call for a fresh election in nine months, or around December. The Red shirt leaders rejected the proposal, demanding that a House dissolution take place in 15 days, before changing their demand to for an immediate House dissolution.

UDD leader Veera Musikhapong announced the prime minister's road map to the demonstrators which received loud applause, while Jatuporn Prompan, another Red Shirt leader, said the group must discuss the proposal and would give its official response on Tuesday. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-05-04

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Education Minister: Schools to reopen on schedule amid protest

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat confirmed that schools would reopen on 17 May as originally scheduled while measures would be prepared to assist those located near the anti-government protest.

Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat disclosed that the executives of each educational institution located adjacent to the rally site of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) were in the process of discussing security measures and operational plans to prevent a possible disruption by the protesters.

The minister reassured that the new semester date would not be adjourned from 17 May, adding that the authorities would seek cooperation from the UDD in opening traffic in the area for the students’ convenience and safety. He also pleaded the anti-government group to uphold the rights of basic education of the students.

Mr Chinnaworn elaborated that some affected schools might have to relocate their classes to other venues while their reopening might have to be delayed due to the prolonged demonstration. However, he insisted that the Education Ministry would come up with various measures to alleviate any hardships of the schools and their students once the new school term started.

-- NNT 2010-05-04

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THE NATION: Thai Rath: Chulalongkorn Hospital will resume medical services Thursday. Patients are being transferred back from other hospitals.

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ThaivisaNews: Suporn, UDD: Red-Shirts to reveal group's stance on PM's reconciliation plan before noon; if agree, will send Veera to negotiate

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Local Insurers Reject Applications for Riot Insurance During Red-Shirt Rally

With the ongoing risky situation at the Ratchaprasong intersection and vicinity, insurers in Thailand have denied several applications submitted for property insurance by businesses located near the venue.

The businesses are seeking coverage for property that might be destroyed during the red-shirt protest.

Assistant Managing Director of Muang Thai Insurance, Wasit Lumsum, revealed that the company has received several applications for property insurance from local entrepreneurs, who run businesses around the Ratchaprasong intersection, where the anti-government rally has been located for a month.

However, Wasit said most insurers in the country have had to reject the applications due to the high risk nature of the red-shirt gathering.

Wasit reasoned that some businesses are allowed to apply for the insurance, but they later gave up because of the 100 per cent higher insurance premiums.

Wasit said the insurance premiums have increased, especially at the red-shirt rally venue because the company has had to seek reinsurance from foreign insurers in order to mitigate the risks that could result from the violence.

Approval will be considered case by case and area by area.

Regarding riot insurance, Deputy Managing Director of Alliance CP Insurance, Patchara Taweechai Wattana revealed that ordinary life insurance policies do not cover payment of medical or death expenses caused by a riot, except for people who have insurance policies that include a riot insurance option rider.

Patchara insisted Alliance CP has no plans to issue riot insurance due to the high risk and the ongoing stress in Bangkok.

Meanwhile, the Office of Insurance Commission, or OIC, Secretary-General Chantra Booranaruek clarified doubts about the rapidly increasing riot insurance premiums, saying that riot insurance premiums are expected to go up due to the increasing stress between the government and the red-shirt protesters.

Chantra added that the Insurance Commission has no authority to control the increasing insurance premiums and insisted that a premiums for fire insurance be maintained.

She encouraged business owners around the Ratchaprasong intersection to apply for fire insurance policies before a possible increase.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-04

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Gen Public's Movement Against Red-Shirts Swells Nationwide

Normally, Thais are reluctant to talk when it comes to politics, but the Red Shirt protests have pushed even the reserved Thais to come out on the streets to express their political views, as their tolerance wears thin. TAN Network's reporter, Juarawee Kittisilpa, has the story.

For almost over a month, pro-thaksin red-shirt protesters have been rallying for the dissolution of the House in what they say is a peaceful and democratic gathering.

But the rally intensifies as the protesters bring their stage to the nerve of Bangkok's business district, causing major department stores to temporarily close down.

It is estimated that up to 500 million baht lost each day. Both big and small businesses are in jeopardy causing over 60,000 employees to become unemployed.

Living in the state of fear, anyone who opposes the red-shirts face the possibility of threats and harassments. Yet there is a breaking point for any human living in such tension.

One by one, parts of the silent majority step up on their actions. First the Internet, then to the streets.

“We cannot tolerate the way the red-shirts are doing on the street right now. But the main point is, I don’t like the idea they are going to over throw the Monarch system...”

Despite the gathering at various symbolic places, the group has gained more support in several provinces as well, including Chiang Mai and Udon Thani, which is thought to be the anti-government's stronghold.

“While the red-shit protesters are still out there, setting up barriers against authorities, there's now a group of patriot people who started off by a small group…We'll have to wait and see, because in history, the general public's power has never been defeated. For Thai-ASEAN News Network,

-- Tan Network 2010-05-04

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@RichardBarrow: Senate Speaker, coalition partners and academics back the national reconciliation plan unveiled last night by PM Abhisit /BkkPost

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Chulalongkorn Hospital to resume full operations Thursday

The Chulalongkorn Hospital will resume full operations on Thursday, hospital director Adisorn Phattharadul said Tuesday.

He said the hospital will reopen its specialist clinics Tuesday afternoon and will resume full services in the intensive care unit Wednesday.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

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MCOT: Red Shirts say no conclusion on PM road map for reconciliation, waiting to see reaction from coalition parties, Democrat, to discuss again this evening

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THE NATION: Chulalongkorn Hopsital will resume all medical services on May 6. It is now opened for Emergency patients at Chongkonnee Bld.

THE NATION: Retail therapy: Central Chidlom will be opened until 7pm today.

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THE NATION: It is confirmed that now we will have to wait until this evening to hear from redshirts leader. via@jin_nation, @terryfrd

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Core Red-shirt Leaders to Give Official Response to PM Offer This Afternoon

The core red-shirt leaders have postponed the deadline for giving their official response to the PM's offer to hold a new round of fresh elections on Nov 14.

They say they want to wait for official responses from the premier and coalition parties today before they commit to a decision.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-04

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THE NATION: Latest from rajprasong: It seems red leaders, playing hard to get or not, want guarantee that coalition parties r fully with PM on road map.

THE NATION: Still we expect a red reply any time today.

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Alliance of Patriots to continue mass gathering until peace is restored

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The multicolor-clad Alliance of Patriots will arrange its political activities daily until peace is brought back to the kingdom, Coordinator of the Alliance of Patriots MD Tul Sittisomwong said.

Speaking to the gathering of the group on Monday at the Victory Monument, MD Tul announced that the group would not stop its political activities until peace is restored; therefore, the group will gather again on Tuesday afternoon at the same venue.

Networks of pro-government facebook users also take part in the activities of the Alliance of Patriots to give support to the government not to dissolve the house and protest against the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD)'s political movements.

The anti-UDD group usually launches its political activities on a daily basis from 16.00 to 18.00 hrs and disperse itself after the singing of the national and royal anthem in unison.

MD Tul has also urged Army Chief, General Anupong Paochinda, to specify when he will command his troops to disperse the anti-government UDD, which has been occupying the shopping district of Ratchapasong area for a month.

-- NNT 2010-05-04

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THE NATION: Urgent: We have heard that Pheu Thai MPs are listening to a Thaksin phone-in. Awaiting more details.

THE NATION: Noppadol has hooked Thaksin up with a Pheu Thai meeting. Reporters were also allwed to ask questions. (via Neaw_NBC)

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Red Shirts: No conclusion on PM’s road map, awaiting coalition parties, Democrats’ reaction

BANGKOK (TNA) -- The key leader of Thailand's anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Tuesday said the group still has no conclusion on a road map for national reconciliation proposed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, saying it is waiting for reactions from the ruling party and its coalition partners.

UDD leader Natthawut Saikua made his comments as the public is awaiting the Red Shirt’s response after the premier, in a nationally televised address Monday night, proposed a roadmap for national reconciliation to end the ongoing political crisis and setting a general election for November 14.

As the reconciliation plan was announced, the Red Shirt leaders showed an initial positive response and said they would discuss the group’s common position and reveal it before Tuesday noon.

Mr Natthawut, however, said the meeting of protest leaders agreed to wait and see whether the Democrat Party and other coalition parties will announce their positions over the timeframe of the House dissolution and the fresh elections in the same direction as the premier’s.

The UDD core leader claimed that recently the Democrat and coalition parties have never showed their clear stance on the issue. If possible, the prime minister should hold a joint news conference with the coalition partners this afternoon.

If there’s clearer stance from the Democrat and the coalitions, said the UDD leader, the Red Shirt leaders will meet again this evening to set the group’s position.

When asked about the proposal regarding the legal action against the protest leaders, Mr Natthawut said the matter has not been raised as the position from the coalition and Democrat parties are considered important.

Mr Natthawut reiterated the proposed reconciliation plan of the premier conformed with that of the UDD leaders, which is to end the conflict peacefully.

The Red leader also denied reports that some Red Shirt leaders already feel discouraged from their marathon rally at Ratchaprasong intersection and wanted to withdraw from the movement.

The Red Shirt key leader dismissed the report as groundless and that all leaders are ready to continue the protest.

The Red Shirt protesters began their anti-government protest March 14 demanding the prime minister dissolve the House within 15 days.

As their demand has not been met and two rounds of talks between the UDD leaders and the government ended inconclusively, the protest leaders intensified their campaign by moving the protest site to Bangkok’s prime commercial area at Ratchaprasong intersection early April. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-05-04

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