Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Friday

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Friday May 7 Red-shirt rally live updates

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CRES warns of force if reds don't disperse

By The Nation

Published on May 7, 2010

BANGKOK: -- The government's Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation yesterday threatened to use force with the red-shirt protesters if they still refused to disperse despite the prime minister's proposal for political reconciliation.

Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the CRES spokesman, said that yesterday's meeting of the centre agreed it still has the duty to complete its task.

"The red shirts don't have much choice left and they have no right to bargain with us. The prime minister's proposal does not mean there will be no dispersal of the protest," Sansern said.

"The government is doing its work to solve the problems and the CRES has its responsibility to deal with an illegal protest in which terrorists are hiding," he added.

The spokesman said the CRES has set up more checkpoints around the protest site at the Rajprasong shopping area and its security forces were closing in. He said the checkpoints were aimed at preventing perpetrators from smuggling weapons out of the protest site.

"Between 10 and 20 people have been arrested each day for carrying weapons," he added.

When asked if there would be a dispersal operation soon, Sansern said there would be no such action in the next three to four days as this is a period for celebration of His Majesty the King's coronation. "We will discuss it after that," he said.

Meanwhile, red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikua yesterday regarded the CRES spokesman's remark as a threat, which he said would not benefit the reconciliation efforts.

"I want the government to shut Colonel Sansern's mouth. He seems to be unaware the talk is beginning and the world is welcoming it," Nattawut said.

"The military does not know what should be done. Is this what the government wants, negotiating while killing people?" he added.

Weng Tojirakarn, another red shirt leader, said the CRES appeared to be disputing the prime minister's words and acting as if it was an "independent state". "Between them, who really has the final say?" he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-07

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PM'S ROADMAP

Roadmap still in balance

By The Nation

Published on May 7, 2010

Yellow shirts condemn 'shameful' deal, tell PM to withdraw proposal or resign; Abhisit warns if red shirts reject road map, he will pursue plan but not dissolve the House

BANGKOK: -- Embattled Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva spent yesterday working to convince all parties to support his five-point road map for national reconciliation - while major supporters, the yellow shirts, strongly opposed him and rival red protesters demanded he take all stakeholders into an accord.

The PM managed to keep his ruling Democrat Party in order after a meeting to explain his plan to steer the country out of the political crisis. Party chief adviser and former prime minister Chuan Leekpai, who was earlier upset with the plan, agreed to throw his support behind Abhisit to move on.

Abhisit badly needed to overcome two major obstacles: the government supporting People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and the red protesters' Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD), both of which were making extreme demands on his government.

The yellow wearing PAD condemned the prime minister for skirting around his job in order to work out a deal with the red shirts, whom they deemed as terrorists.

"The road map for reconciliation is, in fact, a shameful deal which will spawn the growth of terrorist and anti-monarchy activities nationwide," the PAD said in its statement.

PAD leaders, including Chamlong Srimuang, Somsak Kosaisuk and Pipop Thongchai, were present in full force when their spokesman Suriyasai Katasila read out the statement.

Suriyasai urged Abhisit Vejjajiva to reconsider and put his road map on hold. The only alternative was for Abhisit to step down in order to allow a more qualified leader to rein in the red shirts, he said.

A major PAD concern is that they don't want the banned politicians and red leaders to get amnesty.

Hours after the PAD press conference, its representatives met Abhisit to exchange views on the road map.

Prime Minister Abhisit promised the PAD not to grant amnesty to any persons or join hands with the opposition Pheu Thai Party to form a new government after an election, said PAD spokesman Panthep Puapongpan.

The PAD has its own New Politics Party (NPP) but Panthep said they did not discuss party matters with the prime minister and just conveyed NPP leader Sondhi Limthongkul's message of concern over safety of people if the government ran an early election.

Abhisit explained he would not dissolve Parliament for a new election as long as he was not confident in the people's safety- and would not amend the constitution for the benefit of politicians or his own Democrat Party, Panthep said.

Both sides did not reach common ground yesterday because they did not negotiate adjusting their stance but just simply exchanged views, said PAD leader Pipop Thongchai.

The PAD would accept the premier's view on discussions with other leaders and setting a plan to move later, he said.

Abhisit said after the meeting he needed to clear the way with all concerned parties on the implementation of the road map. He would meet Dr Tul Sittisomwong, leader of multicoloured group today, to exchange views as the group remained in disagreement with the plan to dissolve the Parliament.

The government has nothing to clear with the red shirts as every thing was made clear to them, he said. "Unless the red shirts take part in the process, the road map will move on - but I would not dissolve the Parliament," Abhisit told reporters.

Also, the government would not negotiate with red leaders on an amnesty on criminal charges, he said.

Red leader Natthawut Saikua said his group would continue its protest in the heart of the business district of Rajprasong until the government cleared the air for all concerned parties and their issues, notably Abhisit's major alliance with PAD on the road map.

In order to make the road map go smoothly, another red leader Jatuporn Promphan proposed all concerned parties, including the government, coalition parties, opposition party, the PAD, DAAD and the military sign an accord to accept the road map and the result of the next election.

The red shirts said they might disperse on May 15 but Abhisit said it was too far away.

-- The Nation 2010-05-07

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CHULA INVASION

Controversy over evacuation

By The Nation

Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit yesterday revealed that of all inpatients transferred out of Chulalongkorn Hospital last week, four have died.

BANGKOK: -- Speaking at a House session, Jurin said three of the patients succumbed to cancer at the Kasemrad Prachacheun, Hua Chiew and BMA General hospitals. The other, he said, died from diabetes, heart disease and kidney failure at a Samut Prakan hospital.

The Chulalongkorn Hospital transferred all its inpatients including the Supreme Patriarch to elsewhere out of concerns for their safety. The transfer took place after hundreds of antigovernment protesters stormed into the hospital buildings on the night of April 29 to check if there were soldiers inside. Prior to that, the protesters had already camped out in an area right next to the hospital for weeks, causing serious concerns among the hospital's staff all along.

Jurin yesterday pointed out that five organisations of medical workers agreed with the Chullalongkorn Hospital's move, saying that the transfer was necessary and condemning those who obstruct the process of giving medical treatment to people.

According to Jurin, Chulalongkorn Hospital has clearly announced that it has strictly observed the Red Cross principles including neutrality and that it has not suspended all of its medical services. Its emergency room remained open despite the turmoil right next to where it had operated.

In response to a question as to why the hospital started evacuating some of their patients even prior to the raid, Jurin said only 10 patients were evacuated in the first place and that was because an explosive sound erupted nearby.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban said that, prior to the Silom clash, the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation's offer to have soldiers guarded the hospital was turned down on ground of the hospital's wish to remain neutral. Hence he confirmed that there was no soldier inside the hospital but only some local policemen guarding in front of the hospital.

When the redshirt protesters stormed the hospital on the night of April 29, it threatened medical staff and thus the hospital decided it was no longer safe thus evacuated its patients, he said. He said that forensic expert Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan's comment that two grenades were shot from the hospital was based on the detection of nitrate in the hospital's toilet and affirmed that this matter was to be investigated further.

Earlier in the same House session, Pheu Thai MP Prasit Chaiwirattana questioned the Chulalongkorn Hospital's neutrality.

Although admitting the redshirt raid on the night of April 29 into the hospital was wrong, he said he wasn't sure if all was a plan leading to the martial law implementation.

He said that the hospital should be neutral and not allow police or soldier into the premise and that the hospital director had no right to say because of certain people the hospital had be closed for security because the redshirt didn't do anything suggesting they wanted to harm the hospital people.

Prasit also asked if NBT broadcasting pictures of patients being evacuated was a journalist ethical violation.

-- The Nation 2010-05-07

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Rajprasong protests set back tutorials, students

By Manassa Manorat,

Wimontri Kaewprachum

The Nation

Political turmoil is not only affecting people, private and state agencies and schools, but also tutorial schools near the redshirt protest site.

Arisara Tanapakit, deputy director of Enconcept EAcademy, a popular English language tutorial school said a branch at Siam Discovery had already closed.

BANGKOK: -- Arisara ,who better known as an English language tutor named Kru P Nan, said she had to cancel all courses at the Siam Discovery branch for the security of students and because of the shopping complex's renovation plans. All have had to move to other branches. And although the branch has closed, she must still pay a rental of around hundreds of thousand baht a month.

A chemistry tutorial school, Pure Chem Centre, has been told by parents it should suspend classes as they were afraid violence near the rally site would harm their children travelling to school.

Uraiwan Sivakul or Ajarn Ou, director and chemistry tutor of the school, said she received lots of emails, phone calls and letters from parents whose children had registered to take courses with her and were concerned for their children's security. They had urged her to suspend classes.

However, the majority of students want Ajarn Ou to continue. They are afraid they will not be tutored for the whole chemistry course before taking tests for scores in the university central admissions system, she said.

Ajarn Ou said she was ready to pay back students who had already paid for courses but could not come to classes.

Kru P Nan provides selflearning videos of her postponed classes for students at every branch.

However, the famous Kru Lilly tutorial school at Siam Centre remains open despite feeling the effects of the protest.

Kitnanoch Rojanasupya, better known as Kru Lilly, a Thai language tutor, disclosed that parents were worried about their children's security, many keeping them home to study even though it upset the children.

The redshirt road blocks have also disrupted students travelling to tutorial schools, including two inside Wannasorn Building near Phya Thai intersection. Irregular BTS Skytrain timetables are another problem and many students have avoided using the BTS.

Fang, 18, expressed unhappiness over the protests that caused BTS' closure. They meant she had to leave home early in order to arrive on time and avoid traffic jams.

Mew, 17 and K, 16, said the redshirt protest had affected their school lives.

"Sometimes, when I couldn't come to study here due to the redshirt rally, I had to make up classes for my tutorial school course," said K. They wanted the red shirts to end their protest soon.

Pranee Khamnuansakunee said her daughter missed new course classes in the Siam area for three days because she could not get to them. Pranee added that parents had to keep checking updated news about the protest and avoid blocked areas. She was worried the protest would last for a long time and mysterious killers would lurk in the Wannasorn Building, as they had appeared in several places before.

The situation at Siam Discovery is lonely and silent as several tutorial school have closed owing to the red shirt blockade of Rajprasong intersection. Wannasorn building, however, is full of students studying continuously after transferring from other tutorial school branches.

With concern for student security, soldiers continue to guard the building while lots of parents are seen accompanying their children there. Among them is Supaksiri Ranjuandee, 42, a housewife, who came from Prachuabkhirikhan province to stay in Bangkok to guard her daughter and is among parents who accompany their children to the building.

-- The Nation 2010-05-07

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Nothing but pain for families of victims

By Chularat Saengpassa,

Chayanon Praneet

The Nation

Just as both sides are working on the solutions to end the political impasse, pain from the April 10 incident is still lingering in the families of soldiers and red-shirt demonstrators who have lost their loved ones.

The incident has changed their lives once and for all. To the ageing parents, they will never be able to see their sons alive again. To the heartbroken widows, the love of their life is suddenly gone. To the babies, they have no chance to grow up under the loving care of their fathers.

"My son died with his eyes wide open," Samran Wa-ngam said.

His son, Sawat, was the red shirt who was waving a red flag when a bullet pierced into his head near the Khok Wua intersection. Many video clips showed Sawat falling down and bleeding heavily from his head.

The 50-year-old father said he rushed to the scene upon hearing about Sawat's death.

"With my fingers, I tried to scoop the content of his brain back into his head I really cannot talk about it," Samran said as tears started to pour down his face.

Coming from Surin, Samran and his two sons had moved to Bangkok in the hope of getting jobs. He had worked as a security guard until his son's death made it impossible to keep up with his job schedule.

Sawat, 28, was the first family member to attend the anti-government rally held by the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship.

According to his father, Sawat was not an aggressive man. Also, he had never joined a political rally until the DAAD started their rally near where he lived in Bangkok in March.

"After he went to the rally, he came back to tell me and his younger brother that it's good. He said there was music and protest leaders talked about social injustice," Samran said.

After hearing about the rally, Sawat's father and younger brother joined the DAAD, too.

"We come from a poor family. Back in Surin, we have just one rai of land and that's not enough to feed our whole family. So we came to Bangkok to earn a living," Samran said.

Sawat had completed just Grade 6, after which he had to take any odd job or labour job that came his way except during the period he was serving as a private.

His 15-year-old brother, Woramet, has already started working. On April 10, the boy was by his brother's side most of the time.

"Soldiers were pushing us. They used batons and tear gas but we were not afraid," Woramet recounted.

He said eye irritation was too much to bear at some point and thus he rushed out to find water. That was when his brother was shot.

"My brother must not die in vain," Woramet said, as he waved the picture of Sawat's body in his cellphone.

Woramet and Sawat have now seriously wanted to see Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve the House of Representatives.

"Let make a new start. Let us allow real democracy to flourish," Sawat said.

Pranom Udnonglao, 51, lost his soldier son in the April 10 incident. "I cannot find a word to describe my pain," the mother said.

Her son, Puriwat Praphan, held a vocational degree but was determined to become a soldier. In 2008, he successfully passed an exam and was recruited to the Royal Thai Army.

Because he worked well, he was quickly promoted to the rank of corporal.

"He always told his mother that he wanted to die on duty," the grieving mother recounted.

On April 10, Puriwat constantly called his mother and told her that he was on the front line. "He said there were bombs exploding and hung up at around 6pm. That's the last time I heard his voice," Pranom said.

Asked what she wanted to tell the government and the red-shirt demonstrators, Pranom said, "Please stop [fighting]. Please talk. Do not let anyone else suffer such huge loss".

Private Singa Onsong, 22, died on April 10 too during the clash with the red shirts.

To his wife, his death is too much to bear.

"We have a son together. He's just five months old," the widow lamented.

-- The Nation 2010-05-07

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Related topic discussion:

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TAN Network: Multi-colored shirt coordinator to meet PM at 10 A.M. this morning

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Thai government urged to build political stability to restore confidence

BANGKOK (TNA) -- The Thai government must give top priority to building political stability if it wants to restore investor confidence, according to Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) chairman Nandor von der Luehe.

He said the government must have clarity regarding law enforcement because foreign investors still have doubts over the situation in Thailand, particularly the seizure of downtown Ratchaprasong intersection by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) protesters for their rally.

However, he believed existing foreign investors in Thailand would not shift their production bases, and that new foreign investors would have more time to study the feasibility for their investment projects.

The JFCCT chief said the government should step up its efforts to retake the Ratchaprasong and return trade activities in the area to normal.

Regarding the roadmap for national reconciliation proposed by Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, he said although the announcement on the snap election remains unclear, it is one of ways out adopted by countries facing the political crisis.

Mr von der Luehe added that foreign investors were still waiting to see the UDD’s stance toward the proposed roadmap and studying details of the plan. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-05-07

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ThaivisaNews: Central Chidlom open from 10am to 7pm. Silom Complex open from 10.30am to 7pm

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Red-shirt Leaders to Declare Next Step after Multi-colored Shirts Meet PM

The key leaders of the anti-government red-shirt movement have revealed that they will wait to hear the results of the meeting between the anti-rally multicolored-shirt group and PM Abhisit Vejjajiva this afternoon before they decide on and announce their next course of action.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-07

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PAD still rejecting the road map despite PM's plea

BANGKOK: -- The People's Alliance for Democracy remains opposed to the road map for reconciliation after hearing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's explanation, PAD spokesman Panthep Puapongpan said on Friday.

PAD leader Pipop Thongchai and Panthep met with Abhisit on Thursday's afternoon in a bid to resolve their differences.

Although the prime minister said by scheduling the poll date, he wanted to the tensions to dissipate before bringing about reconciliation, the PAD was concerned about insufficient time to restore normalcy ahead of the fresh elections, Panthep said.

The snap poll might cause a vacuum of power, causing the civil servants to neglect to prosecute the terrorist suspects and the anti-monarchists, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-07

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Joint parlaimentary meeting suspended following lack of quorum

BANGKOK: -- Parliament President Chai Chidchob suspended the joint meeting of MPs and senators after they attendants did not make quorum.

The joint meeting began at 9 am when MPs and senators spent time unofficially discussing the prime minister's road map to reconciliation.

But when Chai asked the meeting to start deliberation the topic on agenda, he asked MPs and senators to insert their electronic ID card to officially inform the parliamentary computer system that they were present in the assembly hall.

The computer reported that only 299 parliamentarians were present although nearly all seats were occupied. Several MPs and senators failed to identify themselves to the system.

So, Chai suspended the meeting at 10:20 am and resumed the meeting at 11 am.

-- The Nation 2010-05-07

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ThaivisaNews: ZEN at CentralWorld is still closed.

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Multi-colored Shirts: Red-shirts Have No Right to Demand

At a pro-government gathering to sing the national anthem in Phuket province, Multi-colored group leader Tul Sitthisomwong insisted that the red-shirt movement does not have the right to demand that the premier officially announce an election date and has voiced support for the prime minister's peace solution plan.

Multi-colored group leader Tul Sitthisomwong said at a gathering of the People' Alliance for Democracy in Phuket province that it is not right to dissolve the House in a very short period of time and stressed that the red-shirt people have no right to ask the premier to announce a date for a House dissolution.

He explained that lawbreakers have no right to propose a plan and said that this demand is obviously aimed at seeking amnesty for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

On the other hand, he voiced support for the premier's peace resolution by saying that the proposal is totally appropriate and the general public should offer its support to the government, though it may take some time.

In addition, Tul urged state officials and all citizens to do their duties faithfully and called on the government to devise an anti-graft policy to restructure the nation and prosecute cheating politicians.

Tul also said the government should take legal action against the anti-monarchy movement and media that distorts information to defame the monarchy.

He pointed out that the success of the premier will be greatest gift for all Thai people.

Still, he speculated that there might be a hidden agenda behind the premier's proposed new election of November 14, as it is too soon.

The session saw participation by leaders of People's Alliance for Democracy from 16 southern provinces as well as local residents.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-07

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Red-shirts Slam and Pressure PM

Red-shirt rally core leader Weng Tojirakan has called on at least one-million red-shirt people from across the country to mobilize to the Ratchaprasong intersection to put pressure on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the parliament as soon as possible.

Red-shirt protest leader Weng also slammed the soft-spoken premier by claiming that Abhisit is cunning-- saying that the premier does not deliver what he promises and Abhisit is good at creating an image.

In addition, Weng claimed that the Democrat Party even turned a blind eye to one of the party MPs who failed to stand up to pay his respects to His Majesty the King during the royal song.

Weng has urged the premiere to expel this MP from the Democrat party.

At the Ratchaprasong intersection on May 6th, red-shirt force's security guards were stationed at all entrance to the protest site to prevent military and police officers from infiltrating them and hiding weapons and ammunition within the rally area.

The guards claimed their actions were in line with an order by red-shirt leader, Chatuporn Prompan.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-07

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MCOTEnglishnews: Red Shirt leaders to discuss reconciliation plan today, awaiting Democrat Party, Govt position; No bargaining on criminal cases

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Army Considers Dismissal of Maj-Gen Khattiya

A source within the Royal Thai Army has reported that the armed forces has submitted a request to dismiss Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol to the prime minister for his consideration.

On May 6, a reliable source said the Royal Thai Army revealed that Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan has proposed that Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol be dismissed.

According to the report, the dismissal process was initiated last week and has already been submitted to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for his consideration.

Khattiya who is commonly known as “Sae Dang” is a staunch supporter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and has been linked with the anti-government movement's armed group.

Khattiya is now facing an arrest warrant issued by the Department of Special Investigation or DSI for violating the emergency decree and for his involvement in armed terrorism.

The DSI has summoned him to a questioning session on May 15th.

Prior to this, Khattiya was criticized for joining the red shirt rally and is seen as a more radical element in the anti-government movement.

He has also faced a number of disciplinary and criminal charges by the Royal Thai Army for making comments that were damaging to the image of the armed forces and national security.

Khattiya has also been accused of making threats, a violation of Article 41 of the military criminal code which carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison.

Khattiya has also been investigated for his role as an adviser to the anti-government movement's armed group, which has been linked with the grenade attacks on the Royal Thai Army headquarters in Bangkok.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-07

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32 injuries from 10 Apr crackdown remain in hospitals

BANGKOK (NNT) -- A total of 32 patients injured in the 10 Apr bloodshed remain hospitalized in five hospitals as of 7 May 2010, according to the Emergency Medical Institute of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) or Erawan Center.

The Erawan Center on Friday reported that only one of the remaining patients injured in the violent clashes at Khok Wua Intersection on 10 April 2010 is being treated in ICU separately.

The five hospitals include Phra Mongkutklao Military Hospital, Bhumibol Hospital, BMA General Hospital, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital, and Ramathibodi Hospital.

According to the BMA’s medical arm, the number of injured people from a series of grenade attacks at Silom on 22 April, who remain in hospital, is four while three others injured by the violent clash near the National Memorial on Phahonyothin Road on 28 April are still in three hospitals.

One of the injuries from the Silom explosions is hospitalized in ICU at present.

-- NNT 2010-05-07

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Police still ensures tight security despite easing situation

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The police will still control the demonstration of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) in full force although the situation has eased up following the reconciliation roadmap proposed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Caretaker National Police Chief, Police General Pateep Tunprasert, stated that there are only some changes of the forces, but the deployment of police officers has not been increased after the reconciliation roadmap; however, he ensured that the operation of checkpoints remain strict.

Police General Pateep added that the morale of police officers stationed around the rally site of the UDD has improved after the political situation has eased up.

The caretaker national police chief also voiced his confidence that the investigation for all bombing incidents would not be affected despite rumors that Police General Phanupong Singhara Na Ayuttaya, as the chief of inquiry officers in the case, supports the UDD rally.

Police General Pateep confirmed that the police will still investigate all grenade attack cases together with the special committee.

-- NNT 2010-05-07

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No deal with UDD on reconciliation plan

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Democrat MP for Songkhla, Sirichok Sopha, as Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjiva’s close aide, has dismissed a speculated deal between the prime minister and the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) in the reconciliation roadmap.

Mr Sirichok said the proposal of Prime Minister Abhisit is very clear with a specified date for the general election on 14 November 2010, which means the period for the house dissolution would fall between 15 and 30 September 2010.

The Democrat MP stated that therefore it is only left to the anti-government UDD group to decide whether to accept the reconciliation plan or not. He admitted that the government needs to enforce the law against the protesters accordingly if the group does not accept the proposal.

Nevertheless, Mr Sirichok has urged the government to enforce the law against UDD demonstrators carefully in order to prevent a chaos like the 10 Apr bloodshed incident.

Regarding a possible dispersal of UDD protesters from their rally site at Ratchaprasong Intersection in Bangkok on 9 May 2010, the Democrat MP declined his knowledge about the matter and said UDD supporters need to decide the matter themselves.

-- NNT 2010-05-07

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ICT will review the request for the return of UDD

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Ministry will evaluate the return of the anti-government television broadcast signal People Channel (PTV) that has been cut since the beginning of April 2010.

ICT Minister Second Lieutenant Ranongruk Suwunchwee revealed that the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) group has submitted a letter to ask for the return of the signal, however the ministry will do its utmost to review the request. The decision will be instructed by the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES), Ms Ranongruk said. The ICT minister also said that the process will take up to seven days for evaluation, before any finalized decisions can be made.

Following the political row between the government and the UDD group demonstrations in the Kingdom since mid-March, the government has ordered a signal cut of the anti-government television network, PTV on grounds of distorting information, inciting hatred of people towards the authorities and creating terror in the country upon the state of emergency declaration of the government.

-- NNT 2010-05-07

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Puea Thai MPs chair agrees with reconciliation roadmap

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Opposition Puea Thai Party MPs Chairperson, Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung, has voiced agreement with the reconciliation roadmap proposed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva but has asked the government to show sincerity towards the process.

Police Captain Chalerm stated that the roadmap is theoretically good and he agrees with the proposal; however, he noted that it is not the duty of the prime minister to set the election date on 14 November 2010, but is the duty of the Election Commission.

The chairperson voiced support with the prime minister to dissolve the house between 15 and 30 September as announced because he deems it an appropriate time to do so; however, he admitted that he does not trust that the government would really follow through with the plan.

Police Captain Chalerm also urged the government to show sincerity in the reconciliation process by revoking the state of emergency and stopping its interference into media, especially People Channel television station of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

The chairperson added that the government should not start the charter amendment because it could be seen as implying that the ruling Democrat Party really wants to rewrite Section 237 about party dissolution for fear of being dissolved due to scandalous cases of the party.

Police Captain Chalerm however suggested the next government to lead the role in amending the charter while all political parties should clearly state their stances in rewriting the constitution during the election campaign. He said all sides should accept the election result for being the will of the majority decided by the public.

-- NNT 2010-05-07

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DSI Gives Red Leaders until May 15 to Turn Themselves in

The Department of Special Investigation has given 9 red-shirt leaders until May 15 to turn themselves in on charges of violating the Emergency Decree.

The DSI has also reiterated that there's strong evidence against the red-shirt leaders on terrorist charges.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-07

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Dep PM Pleads for Support for Peace Plan

BANGKOK: -- The deputy prime minister asks all parties to give their support for the national peace plan to help the country steer through the current crisis.

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security Suthep Thaughsuban said he is not worried about the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD's, objection to the prime minister's reconciliation road map and the planned election on November 14, adding all parties need time to consider the proposal.

Suthep, however, declined comment on the red-shirt group's undecided stance whether to accept the prime minister's offer but he asked all segments in the society to help seek ways for the country to escape the present crisis.

The deputy premier also believes the red-shirt leaders' plan to report to the Department of Special Investigation before May 15 will not lead to chaos and the agency's proceeding on their charges will rely on evidence.

Meanwhile, Democrat MP for Songkhla Sirichoke Sopa, also the premier's close aide, denied a speculation the road map is the result of secret negotiations between some core figures of the government and ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Sirichoke insisted the time frame for the House dissolution has already become clear after the prime minister has declared the election date on November 14.

He added if red-shirt leaders turn down the peace plan, the government will consider if a crackdown on their protests is necessary.

Deputy interior minister Bunjong Wongtrairat, also deputy leader of Bhum Jai Thai Party, expressed his support for the red-shirt group's participation in the national reconciliation plan.

Bunjong also said the push for the constitution amendment is not for political gain but for the national interest while the PAD's opposition to the matter will encourage the public to consider if the move is aimed at serving politicians.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-07

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BPbreakingnews: PAD calls for martial law

@RichardBarrow: PAD leaders call for the military to declare martial law to end the redshirt protest.

MCOT: PAD leaders reaffirm their opposition to PM's reconciliation plan and call for the military to declare the martial law to end the UDD protest.

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'Multi-Colours' give PM Abhisit 2-month deadline for a more tangible road map

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Leaders of Thailand’s Multi-Coloured shirted group (MCs) met Friday with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, stating the group’s opposition to early House dissolution and giving the premier a two-month deadline to translate into action his reconciliation road map.

The multi-coloured group led by Dr Tul Sitthisomwong and representatives from the Thailand social networking Facebook anti-House dissolution page which has about 500,000 members met with the prime minister regarding their positions over the recently-announced reconciliation plan.

Dr Tul said his group does not want the prime minister to dissolve Parliament too early and under pressure of the Red Shirt protesters.

Mr Abhisit on Monday announced his five-point road map for national reconciliation to end the ongoing political crisis which has resulted in continued street protests, clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters and a series of grenade attacks in the Thai capital.

The premier also set a new general election for November 14, if the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) participates in his road map and ends its month-long protest at Bangkok’s prime ommercial area.

The Red Shirts accepted the premier’s proposal but vowed to stay at Ratchaprasong intersection until a specific date for the House dissolution is announced, while its rival Yellow Shirts, the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), opposed the premier’s plan, saying it represents the mutual consent between the prime minister and the Reds.

After clarifying the road map with the Yellow Shirt leaders on Thursday, Mr Abhisit invited the multi-coloured group who has recently launched campaign supporting Mr Abhisit’s premiership and opposing to the Red Shirt’s demand of House dissolution.

Dr Tul explained after the meeting that it is impossible to implement the premier's five points and produce fruitful results in a short period of time.

However, the group will give Mr Abhisit until June to turn his plan into action, especially legal action against the protest leaders and protection of the monarchy.

“We disagree with an amnesty for former executives of the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, the People’s Power Party and other dissolved parties,” said Dr Tul. “The premier recently said that public voices will be heeded in dealing with any political case, maybe through a referendum, but no amnesty will be granted for those who face charges for committing criminal offences.”

The Multi-Colours reiterated they disagreed with the charter amendment regarding six issues as earlier proposed by a committee for reconciliation, political reform and Constitutional amendment, saying the amendments cannot solve the problems.

Dr Tul reasoned the Constitution is not the cause of the problem, but corrupt politicians and vote buying is. So he has proposed a stricter law to take those politicians into legal processes and election bans.

“For our next moves, we are ready to end the move immediately if the Red Shirts disperse,” said Dr Tul. “We will instead organise academic forum and seminar to educate the public.”

Meanwhile, key Red Shirt leaders are scheduled to meet Friday afternoon over the group’s position after the Democrat Party resolved to support the prime minister’s reconciliation plan.

UDD leader Natthawut Saikua said the Red Shirts have accepted the road map since the beginning and will take into account the resolutions of the Democrat Party and its coalition partners.

“This afternoon, the Red Shirt leaders will discuss that issue to make a final decision, said the UDD leader, “But if no conclusion is reached, we will have a reconciliation idea which will lead the country to democracy.”

Mr Natthawut said the UDD will consider the group’s own reconciliation plan in comparison with that of the government to make a conclusion before holding a news conference this evening. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-05-07

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TAN Network: ASTV: Red shirts to hold presser on their decision on the PM's road map at 6 P.M. this evening; sources say rally to disperse May10

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THE NATION: Some leaks from red leaders meeting. They, we have heard, discussed ending rally on May 10. Whether that's a resolution we aren't quite sure.