Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Wednesday

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Wednesday May 5 Red-shirt rally live updates

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ANALYSIS

Reds 'welcome' offer

By TULSATHIT TAPTIM

THE NATION

PM remains on tight rope even after reds agree, defiantly, to his road map

BANGKOK: -- The truth, this time, may not be in the details. So, if one looked for a "Yes" or "No" in the red-shirted leaders' emotional roller-coaster responses to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's five-point road map to reconciliation, it could get pretty confusing. The real "reply" may have come at the very beginning from the first speaker, Veera Musigapong, who said the movement welcomed the government's offer.

The rest could be a charade, a departing act to convince protesters that no secret deal was being struck. During their much-anticipated announcement, key red leaders took turns to lambast Abhisit, listed cases of "injustice" and vowed never to trade personal legal escape with the ideology the red shirts had come to fight for. The drama, which at some point threatened to doom the road map, ended without the answer to the most-asked question: Are the protesters going home or not?"

The government believes it will be a day or two, or a few more days at the most. And when the red leaders were not on stage, where they had to display belligerence, they were smiling inside. Their key counter-demand, that the prime minister spell out when the House will be dissolved, gave them away, as his promise to hold a general election on November 14 already suggested that a House dissolution would happe some time between middle and late September.

The real bargaining, therefore, could be over the very thing that the red-shirted leaders declared they were not interested in. Charges of terrorism and attempts to overthrow the monarchy have been threatened by the government, and the red leaders yesterday challenged the administration to carry out the threats. They said they would never betray their people by accepting a deal that would save them from those charges in exchange for leaving April 10, the day many reds were killed, alone.

Naturally, any deal involving terrorism or sedition charges could never be mentioned on the red stage. But if there was anything unclear about the prime minister's road map announced on Monday, it was how the government woud pursue those charges, and whether they would cover any leader of the movement.

The red leaders in effect have thrown the ball back lamely at Abhisit, yet how he responds could be crucial. His offer was made when the movement was in disarray and needed a way out, but having made it, the offer has also become his major gamble.

In making the offer, Abhisit has alienated himself from a key, albeit reluctant ally - the yellow shirts. The movement, its extremists in particular, is having its idea reinforced that the Democrats were selfish and ungrateful. What the yellow shirts would like to see can be seen in their leader Sondhi Limthongkul's recent interview. Sondhi, virtually living in self-imposed overseas exile, preferred a clear-cut crackdown on anti-monarchy elements before reform can begin.

But reports that a "very important" person had mediated the peace plan were circulated in limited circles yesterday and lent weight to speculation that the process must now go ahead. There were voices of discontent from some coalition allies and even Abhisit's mentor Chuan Leekpai was not happy about the "House dissolution through intimidation", but the prime minister has nonetheless set the ball rolling.

A more cautious reaction came from the multicoloured movement, whose members apparently still do not know how to feel - relieved that disruptions of daily life would end soon, or bitter that the "No to House dissolution" campaign only served to delay the inevitable. But if this group primarily consists of Abhisit's admirers, it might be his only real friends at the moment.

Abhisit's tightrope act is far from over. Voices of dissent may get even louder from both sides. "You negotiated with terrorists," one camp will say. "You use terrorism to cover the government's own murderous acts," the other is already saying. The road map may be short, but this could be a very long year for the prime minister.

-- The Nation 2010-05-05

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Acceptable if...

By The Nation

Published on May 5, 2010

Leaders of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) appear ready to accept Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's five-point road map for national reconciliation, but have set the following conditions:

DAAD CHAIRMAN VEERA MUSIGAPONG

- The government must set a clear date for the dissolution of Parliament. The November 14 elections, as set by Abhisit, might |not be correct because |polls come under the authority of the Election Commission.

- To show its sincerity, the government must stop making threats.

- Red-shirt leaders do |not need an amnesty for terrorism and lese majeste charges.

- The government must stop |dragging the monarchy into political conflicts.

DAAD SECRETARY-GENERAL NATTHAWUT SAIKUA

- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) must take over all cases involving incidents on April 10, 22 |and 28.

- If arrest warrants are issued for red-shirt leaders over charges of terrorism and lese majeste, the DSI should also issue warrants for those who killed protesters in the three bloody incidents, because "equality is the beginning of reconciliation".

- The government should return basic rights to the |citizens such as the freedom of movement, expression and the right |to know. It was unfair that |the government had the armed forces and |the freedom to distort information, while the red shirts had nothing.

PROTEST LEADER JATUPORN PROMPHAN

- The DSI should also charge the yellow-shirt group, which had earlier closed Bangkok airports, on counts of terrorism and lese majeste.

- The red-shirt protesters reserve the right to continue their rally in the heart of the capital until Abhisit announces the date for House dissolution.

ARISMAN PONGRUANRONG

- The government should reopen all red-shirt media outlets and give the movement freedom of communication.

-- The Nation 2010-05-05

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Rally will continue until PM gives clear answers

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

The Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) protesters vow to continue rallying at Rajprasong intersection because they have not received any clear answers from Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva regarding House dissolution and fresh elections.

BANGKOK: -- "I don't trust him because he just talked about holding fresh elections, but had not paper or official announcement to prove he will dissolve the House in the near future," Somporn Sathorn, a 63yearold from Nan province, said.

Somporn, who has been with the redshirt rally since March 12, said she would not go home until Abhisit set a clear date for House dissolution. However, she did admit that the announcement on Monday of fresh elections was a victory for DAAD, even though they did not take Abhisit at his word.

"Finally he has spoken about fresh elections, but he has not told us when he will dissolve the House," she said. "I will not go home until the PM officially announces that he will dissolve the House. I don't want him to play tricks with us."

Meanwhile, a 54yearold man from Nonthaburi, who wished to remain unnamed, said he wanted immediate dissolution of the House, adding that the election date was too far away and not acceptable.

He also said the 1997 Constitution should be brought back because the people had drafted it.

Trang native Bangyala Yeelalang, 55, said it was difficult to believe Abhisit's or the Democrat Party's words.

"Abhisit is just procrastinating. He has made no official commitments. All he has done is tell us via TV that he will dissolve the House," he said. "I think it is a game to tempt the majority of protesters to go back home so they can easily disperse the rest."

He said he has learned that people can fight the powers that be with their bare hands.

To bring about reconciliation, he suggested that the government eliminate double standards.

Meanwhile, 48yearold Siriwimon Adam from Surin province said she was fighting for former PM Thaksin Shinawatra because she loved his policies, especially his Bt30healthcare scheme, which saved her mother's life. She, too, is insisting on staying at the rally site until Abhisit officially announces House dissolution so that he cannot change his words or mind.

However, Somporn and Bangyala said they were not fighting for Thaksin, but for justice.

They also said that they had no intentions to show disrespect to the monarchy, adding that the government was just slandering them.

"We all love and respect His Majesty and his family," Somporn said.

Asked about her fears of a crackdown, Somporn said she was ready to fight with the troops and even die at their hands.

-- The Nation 2010-05-05

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PROPOSAL FOR PEACE

Road map for reconciliation to proceed: PM

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday's afternoon confirmed the activation of his road map for reconciliation regardless of how the red shirts would respond to his peace overtures. Abhisit also reminded the red shirts that the November 14 poll date might be delayed if they failed to accept the road map.

The coalition partners had been informed about the road map and its implementation plans during the Cabinet meeting, he said, adding that the coalition alliance would not issue a formal statement on the road map since it was his sole power to decide how and when to call for the fresh elections.

He admitted he had unveiled the reconciliation plans before consulting with his main coalition party. But he said he was confident he could convince the Democrats, including his party's chief adviser Chuan Leekpai, to agree to his plans.

In defending the road map, he said he did not bow down to the red shirts because the legal proceedings related to unruly protests would continue to completion. The elections will take place after activating the procedures designed to heal the political divide which should not take more than six months, he added.

As part of the social reforms, the panel in charge of community building will convene its first meeting on May 20, he said. The probes on violent incidents and other reconciliation measures would be in place before the elections while the overhaul of the political system might have be dealt with by the next government, he said.

He ruled out the ratification process for his road map, saying his remarks and commitments were binding. He also said he deemed it necessary to continue enforcing the state of emergency for the time being in order to ensure the mandate to complete related legal procedures, such as the rounding up of suspects involved causing agitation.

He said secretary general to the prime minister Korbsak Sabhavasu and Army chief General Anupong Paochinda would be jointly responsible coordinating the emergency rule.

-- The Nation 2010-05-05

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PM's road map timing wrong : PAD

By The Nation

Published on May 5, 2010

A People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader said yesterday that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's roadmap for political reconciliation was untimely and premature.

BANGKOK: -- Suriyasai Katasila, the PAD coordinator, said the plan had been announced before the authorities were able to deal with the terrorists and the movement plotting to bring down the monarchy.

"The prime minister's road map is a good idea and is supported by many people. But it comes at a wrong time, which may make it difficult to succeed," Suriyasai said. "While the society is still unable to tell right from wrong, the process for national reconciliation will never reach its goal. It will just offer a way out for the mob leaders and the Abhisit government, but not Thai society as a whole."

The PAD leaders will meet before noon tomorrow to discuss the matter before announcing their stance, Suriyasai said.

Meanwhile, Assoc Prof Harirak Sutabutr, vice rector of Thammasat University, who is part of a group of 303 academics, said yesterday that he supported Abhisit's road map, though he disagreed with an early House dissolution.

He said the government had already made many concessions and should no longer yield to any of the red shirts' demands.

"If the government yields any further, it will lose its credibility," he said, adding that the government should focus on enforcing the law rather than negotiating with the red shirts.

In a related development, election commissioner Prapun Naigowit yesterday voiced his support for the PM's road map, saying that it would lead to talks and make the situation better.

He said the Election Commission was ready to hold elections, though for the polls to take place on November 14, as suggested by the PM, the House should be dissolved no later than the end of September.

-- The Nation 2010-05-05

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Chulalongkorn Hospital resumes some operations tomorrow

By The Nation

Published on May 5, 2010

Medical staff at Chulalongkorn Hospital work from temporary desks to accom modate outpatients yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- The hospital has stopped using its Phor Por Ror building, which is better equipped, because of last week's raid by antigovernment protesters. Chulalongkorn Hospital opens some of The Nation

Today, Chulalongkorn Hospital will start readmitting patients who were transferred to other medical facilities following the redshirt protesters' brazen raid on the night of April 29.

In a statement released yesterday, the hospital said it would take back patients who were willing to return.

"The patients will stay in the buildings along Henri Dunant Road," it said.

Chulalongkorn's two largest buildings are located on Rajdamri Road, though the hospital recently decided not to use them out of concern for the safety of its patients and medical staff.

Antigovernment protesters have been camping out on Rajdamri Road for weeks now, erected bunkerlike structures and have set off firecrackers in the area. Some nurses said redshirt guards of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD), which organised the rally, had even asked to search them.

However, the last straw came when hundreds of redshirt guards stormed into the hospital to check if soldiers were hiding in its buildings on Rajdamri Road last Thursday.

On Friday, the hospital transferred all its patients including the Supreme Patriarch to other medical facilities and suspended most of its medical services.

One of the patients, a 70yearold man, had a cardiac arrest while being transferred, and though he has been resuscitated, his brain shows no signs of response.

Kasemrat Prachachuen Hospital said the man passed away yesterday afternoon.

Meanwhile, public condemnation of the hospital raid has prompted DAAD leaders to apologise and remove protesters from the area next to the hospital.

In response to their move, Chulalongkorn Hospital yesterday started providing treatment to the more than 1,000 outpatients who showed up yesterday.

"The hospital will resume fullscale services for all its outpatients at the Phor Por Ror building [on Rajdamri Road] from Thursday onwards," the hospital announced yesterday.

According to the hospital, its emergency rooms and delivery theatres will also operate round the clock from today. However, surgery will only be provided for emergency cases. Beyond office hours, all clinics will remain suspended until Sunday.

-- The Nation 2010-05-05

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EDITORIAL

An offer they should not refuse

By The Nation

The red shirts must decide whether to accept the offer of a November election or risk more bloodshed in a final confrontation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has effectively put the ball in the red shirts' court. For the sake of the country, it is in their best interest to take up his offer.

Abhisit announced on TV on Monday night that the next general election would be held on November 14 if his roadmap for reconciliation in the political crisis is not interrupted.

From the look of it, the proposal seems quite fair. It may take time for the supporters of the red shirt movements to become convinced that this is an exit strategy for them, but let's not forget also that there are a number of hawks out there who may want to settle old scores before a true reconciliation can really take effect.

Abhisit talked about the need to reform education, healthcare and social welfare, and added that the government will ensure freedom of the press. Moreover, an independent committee to investigate the deaths and injuries in clashes between troops, police and protesters on April 10, at Silom Road, and on Vibhavadi Road would be set up. At the same time, public feelings of injustice regarding the political system, especially after what has happened over last few years, will be addressed.

On the same day as this announcement, the government sent out columns of armoured vehicles to be used to disperse the red-shirt demonstrators. No date has been set, but one can assume that the operation to remove them from their encampments will not be pretty. Monday also saw Bt49 billion of ousted premier Thaksin's confiscated assets go into the state's coffers.

The choice for the reds is simple: Break away from the former premier and reform the red movement into one that stands for something that is much more than the vested interest of Thailand's fugitive ex-prime minister. In this way, the reds will still have a chance for the future.

This is of course easier said than done. But, considering the fact that for the past few days the red leaders have been shooting themselves in the foot and making huge blunders - including the infamy of storming Chulalongkorn Hospital - perhaps it's high time that the movement entered into some serious soul searching.

International norms stipulate that hospitals are off limits to all warring factions. Upon learning of the incident, a huge number of Thais became enraged, and urged the government to crush the reds by any means necessary, even if it meant the loss of lives. They cited international standards of decency, but one can sense that it was hatred in their hearts that motivated them to call for such drastic action. This is not to mention the red shirts' clash against the government troops on April 10, after which the prime minister called them "terrorists".

Hiding behind international norms to crush one's enemies is easier than admitting that there is some degree of personal satisfaction in seeing the reds defeated and humiliated. But all sides now need to do some serious thinking about what kind of country we want to live in.

We should not forget that there are women and children in areas held by the reds, and it would be wishful thinking to believe that Abhisit's call for troop restraint would save them from possible injuries. The use of violence is not alien to Thai security officials, and history has shown that. It's just that up to this particular juncture, no one has wanted to bear the political cost of further bloodshed. But that equation is about to change. The red leaders know it; everybody knows it.

If they are going to fight on in the name of "democracy", justice and decency, then the reds need to make sure that the women and children and elderly are permitted to leave the occupied encampments. But perhaps they don't mind having blood on their hands as long as they get what they want.

-- The Nation 2010-05-05

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Arrest warrants sought for leaders

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Investigation is obtaining arrest warrants for nine leaders of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship for their alleged acts of terrorism during the monthlong protest of redshirted demon strators in Bangkok.

Director-general Tharit Phengdit said the investigation into violence and the alleged use of war weapons would continue despite the prime minister's road map to reconciliation.

The nine people facing arrest include core red-shirt leaders Veera Musigapong, Nattawut Saikua, Jatuporn Promphan and Dr weng Tojirakarn as well as suspended Army specialist Maj-General Khattiya Sawasdipol.

In addition, three red-shirt guards were yesterday ordered detained after a large cache of war weapons and ammunitions were found in a police raid at their Bangkok home, while Pheu Thai member Methee Amornwutthikul's detention was extended by another 12 days.

Meanwhile, government investigation into a rocket-propelled grenade attack last month near the Defence Ministry has revealed more findings, but it still cannot be concluded if the target was indeed the Emerald Buddha Temple as reported by the media.

Noted forensic scientist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand, who led the investigation, quoted trajectory scientists yesterday as saying that the shooter of the RPG round was kneeling, judging from recoil residue at the launch site.

Also, the telephone lines that deflected the rocket on its way to the Defence Ministry building were hit from a decline, another physical evidence possibly showing that that the shooter was holding the RPG launcher at an incline, she said.

Speaking at a press conference, Pornthip said more evidence was needed to find out whether the RPG round was the sort that is effective at the range of 300 or 600 metres.

"If it is the latter, then there is a possibility that the target was indeed meant to be the Emerald Buddha Temple, which is located 385 metres away from the launch site," she added.

A parallel investigation, also led by Pornthip, into the M-79 grenade attack on BTS Sala Daeng station on April 22 found that five rounds were fired from more than one location, possibly from one team that kept moving or from a number of teams of attackers.

The shots at three locations, aimed at crowds of Silom residents jeering at the red shirts across the street, could have been fired from high-vantage points or from behind the statute of King Rama VI to the south of Lumpini Park. This attack killed one and injured scores of others.

Pornthip is also looking into the death of an Army private during a clash between soldiers and red-shirt protestors near Don Muang on April 28, and cannot yet determine whether the bullet that hit the victim's left temple had been fired from an M-16 assault rifle or other firearms.

The shot could possibly have come from a tall building near where he was shot while riding a motorcycle with a comrade or from a petrol station where hooded gunmen were caught in footage by al-Jazeera television.

-- The Nation 2010-05-05

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Veera says rally would end once PM announces House dissolution

Veera Musigapong, the chairman of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship, announced that the protesters could go home once Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announces House dissolution.

"We are now waiting for announcement of House dissolution. The prime minister may announce it soon and we will get to go home," Veera told the crowd at Rajprasong.

-- The Nation 2010-05-05

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MCOTEnglishnews: Red Shirts give alms to monks in merit making ceremony to celebrate Coronation Day

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Thailand's Reds optimistic rally will end soon

BANGKOK (AFP) -- A leader of Thailand's "Red Shirts" expressed optimism Wednesday that the protesters would soon end their weeks-long rally in Bangkok after they agreed to join a government reconciliation process.

"I have a feeling that we will soon return to our hometown as our goal to fight for true democracy and return power to the people is about to be achieved," said senior Reds leader, Veera Musikapong.

"We have been together for some 50 days, I really feel that we may soon return home," he told supporters as leaders of the anti-government movement offered alms to 45 Buddhist monks at their protest encampment.

The ceremony was part of celebrations for Coronation Day, which marks the 60th anniversary of the official coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch.

In a light-hearted address to the crowd, Veera said the protesters would not remain forever in Bangkok's retail heartland, which has been crippled by eight weeks of rallies that have triggered deadly unrest.

"We will not stay here until we obtain the land title deed," he joked.

"But it seems some of you are reluctant to go home, like the freed birds around the temple of the Emerald Buddha," he added, referring to the Buddhist practice of releasing caged birds.

The Red Shirts, who have been calling for snap elections to replace a government they condemn as illegitimate, agreed Tuesday to join Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's proposed roadmap which is aimed at ending the standoff.

But they are still refusing to disperse, calling on Abhisit to make clear when he will dissolve parliament for elections and withdraw troops.

Despite signs the rivals are edging towards reconciliation, the Reds' protest site in the commercial heart of the capital remains encircled with barricades of piled-up truck tyres, razor wire and bamboo stakes.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-05

Published with written approval from AFP.

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ThaivisaNews: Red-Shirts leader Veera announced that protesters could go home once PM Abhisit announces the House dissolution

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Sala Daeng grenades proven to be shot from Chulalongkorn Hospital

BANGKOK (NNT) -- M79 grenade attacks at Sala Daeng Intersection on 22 April 2010 have been proven to be shot from Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, according to the Central Institute of Forensic Science Director, Khunying MD Pornthip Rojanasunan.

The director stated that M79 grenades against protestors of the Alliance of Patriots that day could have been launched from either the seventh or the eighth floor of King Bhumibol Building in Chulalongkorn Hospital based on traces and damages found at the scene.

Khunying MD Pornthip added that nitrate, a compound of the grenade, was found at both the seventh and the eighth floor of the building while a bullet hole was also found on the outside mirror of the women’s restroom on the eighth floor.

The director however could not conclude if the grenade attacks at BTS Sala Daeng station and in front of Bank of Ayudhya near Dusit Hotel were instigated by the same perpetrators or not due to different projectile directions.

Khunying MD Pornthip reasoned that all CCTVs inside King Bhumibol Building inside the hospital were damaged, and therefore no traces of the unrest perpetrators could be tracked.

-- NNT 2010-05-05

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45 victims of April violence remain hospitalized

BANGKOK (NNT) -- A total of 45 people injured from the violent incidents throughout April still remain under medical treatment in hospitals nationwide, according to the latest medical report of the Erawan Emergency Medical Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

As of 5 May 2010, 38 victims injured from 10 April crackdown remain hospitalized in five hospitals. Two of whom are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Meanwhile, four injuries of the M79 bombing attack at Saladaeng intersection on Silom road on 22 April are now under close medical treatment for possible signs of worsening at four hospitals. Of the total, one still remains in the ICU. One death was reported in the bombing incident.

Three people injured from the brief scuffle at National Memorial in Don Muang area on 28 April are also now receiving medical diagnosis and treatment at three hospitals.

-- NNT 2010-05-05

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THE NATION: BTS resumes its full service from 6-24.00 for both Silom and Sukhumvit lines effective from today.

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Coronation Day event venue relocated for safety

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij has announced relocation of the venue for the 60th Coronation Day anniversary event to Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue to ensure public safety.

Mr Korn, in his capacity as chairperson of the organizing committee, stated that all activities to be held from 5-9 May 2010 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Coronation Day would be moved from Ratchadamnoen Klang and Ratchadamnoen Nai to Ratchadamnoen Nok, starting from Phan Fah Bridge to the Royal Plaza, where the main stage would be located. This is to ensure the public of safety as there is no high-rise in the area to allow any blindsided attack.

Mr Korn said the prolonged mass rally of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) had inevitably affected the economy and the tourism, citing that a negative image and detrimental news had been laid before the world’s eye. The minister admitted that it would take some time to restore foreigners’ confidence and to rub out bad impression from their views.

The 5-day celebration is scheduled to commence on 5 May at 18.00 hrs. Some of the main features include candle lighting ceremony, light-and-sound shows, decorated floats and thousands of food stalls. The road will be closed to traffic from 18.00-24.00 hrs during the 5-day period.

-- NNT 2010-05-05

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MCOT: Chulalongkorn Hospital to resume full service for outpatients tomorrow; extra clinical hours still suspended this week

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Democrat admits disunity for reconciliation roadmap

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The ruling Democrat Party has admitted disunity among its own party members in agreement towards the reconciliation roadmap proposed by Prime Minister and Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Spokesperson to the Democrat Party Leader, Thepthai Senpong, stated that not all party members agree with the reconciliation roadmap. However, the proposed roadmap is a way out for the country; otherwise, Thai politics would face a dead-end.

The spokesperson further stated that failure to seek an exit would allow intervention into the democratic system under the constitutional monarch system of Thailand. He said Thai democracy would be damaged while Thai people would suffer from such results.

Mr Thepthai believed that the prime minister would elaborate and present the roadmap to all party members again in the meeting of party MPs on 6 May 2010 as party members also have confidence and respect the decision made by the prime minister, as leader of the party.

The spokesperson explained that the issue was not discussed earlier with party members of party MPs because the matter required a quick decision-making process.

Earlier, ex-Prime Minister and incumbent Democrat Chief Advisor, Chuan Leekpai, stated that he has never heard of the proposal and he does not agree with the idea to dissolve the house.

-- NNT 2010-05-05

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MCOT: Bangkok: Democrat Party spokesman Buranat: PM expected to dissolve House during Sept 14-30

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Red shirts to campaing for Pheu Thai in next election: Weng

Red Shirt leader weng Tojorakan said on Wednesday the next goal for the red shirts is to help the Pheu Thai Party win the next election.

Weng stated on the stage that the red shirts will soon hear from the government when the House will be dissolved.

Weng said he would like to ask people to vote for Pheu Thai Party so that it would have over 300 MPs to be able to form the government.

He said the Pheu Thai needs to command the majority in Parliament to fight against the opposition and senators in the mission to re-enact the 1997 constitution.

Weng said the red-shirt movement will have yet to wait and see if the Pheu Thai will campaign on the policy to re-enact the 1997 charter or not.

-- The Nation 2010-05-05

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Ratchaprasong entrepreneurs to give press briefing tomorrow

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) will declare the impacts from the gathering of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters to businesses in the areas on 6 April 2010.

Apart from mentioning the effects from the UDD’s political activity, the RSTA will also declare the roles, operations, objectives of the RSTA Call Center establishment, and the renovation plan in the shopping district.

The RSTA Call Center will serve as the registration center for all business owners in Ratchaprasong and nearby areas who have received negative effects from the UDD’s protest in order to relieve their difficulties.

The press conference of the RSTA led by President of the association Chai Srivikorn will take place at the JW Marriot Hotel Bangkok tomorrow from 13.30-15.30 hrs.

Representatives of many entrepreneurs in the shopping district will take part in the declaration as well.

-- NNT 2010-05-05

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Buranaj: Democrat keen to take part in reconciliatory process

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Democrat party has voiced full support of the five proposals for the national reconciliation roadmap as announced by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to find an end to the current political rifts and to protect the monarchy.

Democrat Party Spokesperson, MD Buranaj Smutharaks today said that the party would be keen to take part in the reconciliatory process to help end the current political conflicts. He also believed that Mr Abhisit already had an exact date for House Dissolution in mind which may fall during 14-30 September 2010. This would be after the allocation of the national budget and the appointment and transfers of high ranking officials have been completed, in order for the new election, scheduled on 14 November, to take place in accordance with the constitutional law. The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) would also be asked to cooperate in order to ensure transparency of the election, he added.

Meanwhile, MD Buranaj insisted that there was no serious conflict between ex-Prime Minister and incumbent Democrat Chief Advisor, Chuan Leekpai and Mr Abhisit as they had both been constantly discussing the matter despite the fact that Mr Chuan showed disagreement to House Dissolution and asked Mr Abhisit to further administer the country until the last day as Prime Minister while other members agreed to the PM’s roadmap. He also added that another meeting would be called for more discussions about the roadmap.

-- NNT 2010-05-05

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CHULALONGKORN HOSPITAL

Patients return to hospital after service resumed : director

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Many of the patients who were evacuated following red shirts' raid last week have now returned to resume treatment, as the hospital is once again open, Chulalongkorn Hospital director Adisorn Patradul said on Wednesday.

"Right now, we can't estimate the exact number of the patients who have moved back, as the number continues to increase. Some have been contacted by the hospital and told they can come back, while many others have decided to come back by themselves," he said.

However, the hospital has not yet arranged to transfer back the ailing Supreme Patriarch, as the situation remains unpredictable.

"We can't guarantee what will happen next. We want the Supreme Patriarch to rest undisturbed and we certainly don't want to keep transferring him back and forth," he said.

The normal round-the-clock emergency medical services and the delivery rooms, as well as the hospital's buildings along Henri Dunant road have already resumed services. Meanwhile, full services for outpatients will reopen on Thursday though surgery will only be provided for emergency cases. Beyond office hours, all clinics will remain suspended until May 9.

"Hospital staff are looking after the additional fees for patients transferred to other hospitals," he added.

-- The Nation 2010-05-05

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ThaivisaNews: Red-Shirts have not received govt's clear stance over House dissolution; Weng expects answer in 1-2 days before deciding to end protest

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H1N1 outbreaks feared among children attending schools in Ratchaprasong area

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Type A/H1N1 Influenza spread among protesters of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship at the rally site in Ratchaprasong district is the main cause of worry for children attending schools around the area as the new semester approaches.

The Central Hospital has reported two male protesters contracting the A/H1N1 virus, totaling 8 patients when adding to other six persons infected in April.

According to the Director of Health Department, MD Wongwat Liewluck, the fear of new outbreak arose as the symptoms were hidden in most patients, yet the virus could still be transmitted to others. He elaborated that the new cycle of transmission was most likely to occur during the rainy season, at the time of schools’ reopening.

Urgent disease-screening checks are required at the rally site. Residents of Ratchaprasong district, students and school staff are urged to follow sanitary measures conducted by the Ministry of Public Health following the recent outbreaks. MD Wongwat hoped that the mentioned measures will prevent the spreads of virus.

As for Bangkok, 1,167 had reportedly been infected with H1N1 influenza during 1 January- 1 May 2010.

-- NNT 2010-05-05

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EC backs PM’s roadmap for national reconciliation

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Election Commission (EC) has agreed with the national reconciliation roadmap recently proposed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Election Commissioner Prapan Naikowit expressed his strong support for the Prime Minister's five-point national reconciliation plan, including the schedule of a fresh general election on 14 November 2010. He believed that the situation would return to normalcy if all sides joined hands in seeking solutions to the ongoing political crisis.

Mr Prapan also encouraged Prime Minister Abhisit to come up with a specific date for House dissolution, which he said would need to be called during 16-30 September if the general election was to take place on 14 November. The election law stipulates that the election date must be set between 45-60 days after the House is dissolved.

The Election Commissioner reaffirmed that the EC was fully ready for a new general election with a total budget of 2 billion THB. He also expressed concern over the fairness and transparency of political campaigns amongst political parties during the poll.

Mr Prapan pointed out that Prime Minister Abhisit had never discussed his reconciliation roadmap with the EC before his official announcement on Monday night while urging the media to present news with neutrality without political bias, especially during the upcoming election.

-- NNT 2010-05-05

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Red-shirt Wait for House Dissolution Date

BANGKOK: -- The red-shirt demonstrators are waiting for the Prime Minister to officially announce the Parliament dissolution date.

In addition, the rally's leaders are calling on red-shirt people to support the Phue Thai party in the upcoming election.

Anti-government rally leader Weera Musikaphong said the red-shirt people are waiting for a clear-cut date for a House dissolution as promised by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

He said that when the premier officially announces the date, it will be time for the red-shirts to disperse and go home.

Another rally leader, Weng Tochirakarn, believes the government will declare the dissolution date within the next few days.

However, Weng noted that the mission of the red-shirts people is not over, as their next duty is to win at least 370 Mp seats, whereby securing the Phue Thai party's stability in the Parliament.

He explained that the winning party still must deal with the opposition party and the Senate after the election is over.

He added that the red-shirt movement will see if the Phue Thai party is really determined to campaign for the restoration of the 1997 Constitution.

Red-shirt leaders earlier announced on the stage that they are willing to take part in the reconciliation plan as proposed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

However, they noted that the election date should be set by the Election Commission, rather than by the premier.

Therefore, the premier should provide a date for the House dissolution instead.

In addition, they insisted that the red-shirt people will not seek amnesty, especially for the two serious charges involving terrorism and attempt to undermine the monarchy.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-05

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Related topic discussion:

Special Report: The Public Gathering Bill

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-Pub...ll-t362417.html

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DSI: Origin of Silom grenade attacks yet to be concluded

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The probe result of the bomb attacks at Sala Daeng Intersection cannot yet be concluded despite evidence found at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, according to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

DSI Director-General Tharit Phengdit announced today that the DSI investigative team responsible for the M79 grenade attacks at Sala Daeng Intersection on 22 April had not formed a final conclusion on which venue in the area was used for the attack, citing that only technical speculations had been made.

Mr Tharit’s comment came after the DSI investigative team, led by Director of the Central Institute of Forensic Science (CIFS) Khunying Pornthip Rojanasunand, had detected traces of nitrate, a compound of the M79 grenade, in the women's restroom on the eighth floor of King Bhumibol Building of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

Upon the discovery, Khunying Pornthip indicated that the grenades might have been launched from the location towards the crowd of multi-color protestors gathering at the nearby Sala Daeng Junction on Silom Road.

Mr Tharit insisted that the DSI would continue probing the case and gathering evidence acquired from the investigative team and related sources before finalizing the probe result.

-- NNT 2010-05-05

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