Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Monday

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Monday May 10 Red-shirt rally live updates

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

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

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No clemency for terrorists, PM says

By THE NATION

Independent panel will be formed to probe security forces-reds clashes

BANGKOK: -- In a move to counter a backlash and allegations he colluded with terrorists in a bid to merely win the next election, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reiterated yesterday terrorists would not be granted clemency and political rules and regulations would not be amended without heeding public opinion, or changed in favour of his Democrat Party.

Facing mounting criticism of colluding with terrorists and the Opposition, Abhisit announced in his weekly television show that an independent committee would be formed to carry out free and fair investigations of clashes between security forces and protesters.

The PM has received both support and harsh criticism for his attempt to get the red shirts to back a road map to peace, by emphasising a new general election to be held in mid-November as the gist of the deal.

Abhisit insisted that conflicts over political rules and regulations must be ironed out but he did not promise charter amendments. However, he guaranteed that if any political rules would be changed, it would not be collusion among politicians since he would ensure that there would be a public hearing before going ahead with the changes and no rule would be changed to benefit the ruling Democrat Party.

During the TV programme, the prime minister urged red-shirt leaders to decide by tomorrow on whether to accept the reconciliation road map, to prevent more loss of life because of terrorist acts.

'SAVE LIVES, ECONOMY'

"Do not hesitate to join the reconciliation road map to save life and prevent more economic losses. Please rush to announce an end of the rally. It will be too late to wait till May 15. Schools are about to open for new semester," the PM said.

"If the rally is not called off, protesters will face a very high risk. The terrorists will act again, they will use violence against protesters and their leaders," the prime minister said.

Meanwhile, Abhisit also named suspended Army specialist Major Gen Khattiya Sawasdiphol as the mastermind and chief terrorist who tried to undermine the road map to bring about political reconciliation.

The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation had earlier analysed that the person who was behind the latest bomb attack that killed two police officers and wounded 13 people near red shirts' rally sites at Sala Daeng and Lumpini on Friday night had only one goal in mind - to sabotage the peace process.

Abhisit said only a group of terrorists wanted to under-mine the peace process because once the process was done, they would be alienated and would not be able to use red-shirt people as their human shields.

"I can name names. The one who clearly showed that he is against the reconciliation road map is Major General Khattiya Sawasdhipol," the prime minister said in the second half of his weekly TV programme. The second part was broadcast live on NBT.

Abhisit said Khattiya had announced clearly that he did not want the protests to end and he had been trying to coordinate with red-shirt leaders in the provinces to counter such a decision by red-shirt leaders in Bangkok.

Abhisit said Khattiya also listened to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"I can say that Thaksin is not happy with the reconciliation plan because the process will not benefit him at all," the prime minister said.

He said the reconciliation process would not allow Thaksin to get his impounded assets back and would not grant him an amnesty.

Responding to criticism that he failed to push for comprehensive reform that would rebuild the nation and prevent more political crises, Abhsit promised a standing assembly of national reform made up of respectable and acceptable figures to work on reforming the country to ensure equality and a fair society. It would be set up under a special mechanism so the body would have special authority and would continue to exist despite a change of government.

He said on Wednesday and Thursday he would hold a meeting of the National Committee to Build Strong Committees to draw up objectives for the assembly.

Under the five-point road map to peace, Abhisit said he had decided that a new law on press control would be drafted to prevent the media from causing national division by forming an independent committee to monitor the media. The monarchy would be strictly protected and any form of lese majeste would result in legal action.

-- The Nation 2010-05-10

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No bail deal: govt

By The Nation

Red leaders want bail as soon as they surrender, govt says it's up to court; Protesters say Abhisit, Suthep must bear responsibility for Apr 10 deaths; PM wants red bosses to decide by tomorrow on accepting peace deal

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's road map for national reconciliation is stalled with the government unable to reach common ground with protesters over a covert deal on criminal charges against the red shirts' leaders.

The red shirts have openly said they did not demand an amnesty against charges of terrorism or lese majeste but they want bail immediately when they turn themselves in to police after the end of the marathon protest at the Rajprasong business area, a source said.

The government would not guarantee police granting them bail and wanted the red leaders to take their chances when seeking bail in court, the source said.

Moreover, the red group wants Prime Minister Abhisit and his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban to face justice and responsibility for the death of civilians in bloody clashes on April 10 at Khok Wua Intersection, Banglamphu.

"The death of people is important for us. Who will take responsibility for that incident which killed and injured hundreds of people," red shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan said.

"We don't want amnesty for our charges and we dare to face justice but the prime minister should do the same," he said. "We want the same treatment.

"We know this society wants reconciliation but we cannot leave our colleagues' deaths without getting justice for them," Jatuporn said.

Prime Minister Abhisit said in his weekly television program yesterday that red shirt leaders should decide by tomorrow if they will accept his reconciliation road map, to prevent more loss of life because of terrorist attacks.

"Do not hesitate to join the reconciliation road map to save life and prevent more economic losses. Please rush to announce an end of the rally. It will be too late to wait till May 15. Schools are about to open for new semester," he said.

"If the rally is not called off, protesters will face a very high risk. The terrorists will act again; they will use violence against protesters and their leaders," the PM said.

Red leader Nattawut Saikua said the prime minister should not force the red group to end the protest quickly, since there were still many points to work on for "real conciliation".

"The reconciliation does not simply mean the dispersal of the protest and dissolution of the Parliament - we have to think carefully how to move out of the political crisis and go to the election smoothly," Nattawut said.

"Abhisit should be well aware of the fact that so many people don't want to see an election. We should help each other to prevent a political 'accident' which could destroy our democracy," he said.

The five-point reconciliation plan was at risk from attacks such as those on security forces in Silom and Lumpini Park on Friday night.

Abhisit named suspended Army specialist Major Gen Khattiya Sawasdiphol as the mastermind and chief terrorist trying to undermine his plan for political reconciliation.

Abhisit said Khattiya also listened only to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"I can say that Thaksin is not happy with the reconciliation plan because the process will not benefit him at all," the prime minister said.

He said the process would not allow Thaksin to get impounded assets back and would not grant him an amnesty.

Khattiya said he was not involved in attacks but Abhisit tried blaming him, as the PM was desperate and could not command the military and police to handle the situation.

"I am not afraid of you, as three of you - Abhisit, Suthep and Army chief Anupong (Paochinda) - must respond to the death of people," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, academics from the Network of Peace and Justice urged the government yesterday to lift the emergency law and for red shirt protesters to end their nearly two-month-long protest to move toward national reconciliation.

The government should also stopped bans on some media in order to enabling people to get comprehensive information from all sides.

"The national reconciliation won't happen if freedom of expression and communication is limited," the academics said in their statement yesterday.

If the government lifted the emergency law, leaders of the red group facing arrest warrants should end the protest and turn themselves in to the authorities and face justice, the academic said.

The network is a group of some 150 academics including prominent historians Chanvit Kasetsiri and Nithi Eawsriwong.

-- The Nation 2010-05-10

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Their Majesties sponsor funerals of 2 policemen

By The Nation

Their Majesties the King and Queen have graciously sponsored the funerals of the two police killed in shooting and grenade attacks in Bangkok on Friday, with wreaths and money presented to the families of the deceased.

BANGKOK: -- HRH Princess Sirindhorn also had her money distributed to the families of Pol Sgt Major Witthaya Phromesamlee, of Nong Maphong Police Station in Chainat, and L Cpl Kannuphat Lertjanphen, of Thung Maha Mek Police Station in Bangkok.

Privy councillor Kamthorn Sinthuwanont yesterday presented the princess' money in a ceremony at Tree Thossathep Temple where the funerals are being held, after Grand Chamberlain Prathueng Hammathat bestowed Their Majesties' money on the families.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva presided over the state funeral for both officers in the evening. Witthaya's body departs Bangkok today for Ubon Ratchathani, where its cremation will be held on Thursday.

National Police spokesman Pongsapat Pongcharoen said the royal patronage was greatly appreciated and had boosted the morale of all police tasked with crowd control operations against the red-shirted protest in Bangkok.

The two families received other funds and welfare benefits from the police force and the two officers will be awarded posthumous promotions.

Chulalongkorn Hospital said three police out of the eight wounded in both attacks were still in custody, including Sr Sgt Major Kiattisak Ancharin, who needs to undergo a second brain operation soon.

Metropolitan Police chief Santhan Chayanont said those behind the two attacks last Friday night were likely affected by actions taken by police or the arrests of people on many occasions.

"The manner of attacks appeared to be acts of revenge or to teach some lessons to police. However, those stationed at both scenes were merely doing their jobs and were from different units than the officers who made the arrests," he said.

Now 2,000 police - three times the number before the Friday night attacks - were assigned on foot patrol at and around the Ratchaprasong Intersection where the red shirts have been camping out since March 12.

All police operating around the protest site are now instructed to carry handguns for self-defence. Anti-riot officers had not been allowed to carry firearms before.

-- The Nation 2010-05-10

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MCOT: Assailant on motorcycle hurls giant firecracker at EC chairman Apichart Sukhagghanond 's home at Bang Sue area, no one hurt

THE NATION: Multi-colored shirts urged PM to force Reds to leave Ratchaprasong. Suthep set Mon. deadline for Reds to end protest and join PM peace plan

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Red Shirts Might Announce Decision on Peace Plan this Morning

Red shirt protesters are conducting a merit making ceremony this morning at 9:30 A.M. After the ceremony, they are expected to make an announcement on whether or not they will disperse and join the prime minister's five-point road map to reconciliation.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-10

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EC chairman's house attacked with homemade bomb

BANGKOK: -- A small homemade bomb was hurled into the house of Election Commission Chairman Apichart Sukhagganond in Bangkok's Bang Sue district late Sunday night.

The explosion caused slight damage to the house. No one was injured.

The homemaker told police that the explosion occurred at 11:30 pm. She said Apichart has not been staying at the house since the red-shirt movement held Bangkok protests.

-- The Nation 2010-05-10

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MCOT: M79 grenade fired at Bangkok Bank's Ratchada-Ladprao branch late Sunday night but failed to explode, only glass shattered

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Cabinet to Meet at Government House Tomorrow

The Abhisit administration has announced its intention to move its weekly Cabinet meeting back to the Government House after using the 11th Infantry Regiment facilities during the political unrest.

Tomorrow's meeting with be the first Cabinet meeting to be held at the Government House since red shirt protesters started their mass demonstrations in Bangkok on March 12.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-10

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MCOT: PM's Office Minister Sathit: Govt still waits for Red Shirts to decide when to disperse from Ratchaprasong protest site

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MCOT: Police: 3 China-made bombs found at Bangkok home of EC chairman Apichart Sukhagghanond; two fail to explode

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Red Shirt leaders demand PM, Deputy PM to face justice for April 10 clashes

BANGKOK (TNA) -- The anti-government 'Red Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Monday said it could not reach

conclusion on its proposal for national reconciliation, but said legal action should be taken against Prime Minister Abhisit Vajjajiva and his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban for their responsibility for the death of civilians in Bangkok clashes between security forces and protesters on April 10.

After five hours of discussion, a UDD core leader Jatuporn Prompan said the UDD leaders could not find the conclusion on their own reconciliation plan in response to the premier's five-point road map and when it would end its demonstration at Ratchaprasong area.

Mr Jatuporn said there were so many topics to be discussed particularly legal cases as some of the UDD leaders felt that it would not be fair that only the Red Shirt leaders would face prosecution on charges of terrorist attacks and attempt to overthrow the monarchy.

He said the UDD wanted Mr Abhisit and Mr Suthep to stand trial their responsibility for the deaths of people in bloody incident on April 10.

The key Red Shirt leader said the deaths of people was very serious and was important for the Reds. Until now no one has taken responsibility for that incident which have seen may deaths and hundreds injured.

He added that the UDD leaders who were facing charges did not demand amnesty but wanted the prime minister and his deputy to be treated in a similar manner.

If no legal action has been taken against anyone responsible for the deaths of people, the Red Shirt leaders found it was difficult to explain to there supporters to end the demonstration, he said.

Mr Jatuporn said the Red Shirts knew the society want reconciliation but the UDD leaders could not let their supporters' deaths be in vain without getting justice for them.

The prime minister said on Sunday in his weekly television programme that the Red Shirt leaders should decide by Monday to end their demonstration.

He said it was risky for key leaders of UDD who have voiced their support to his reconciliation plan which includes holding fresh general elections November 14, but are still demonstrating because armed terrorists infiltrating the protesters would use fiercer violence in future.

“If key UDD leaders have confirmed that they will participate in the reconciliation plan, do not hesitate to cease the rally for the safety of every group of people,” he said.

The premier said it would be too late to wait until May 15 as schools are about to open for new semester on May 17. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-05-10

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M-79 fired at Bangkok Bank's Ratchadapisek branch last night

Assailants fired M-79 grenade at Bangkok Bank's Ratchada branch last night but the explosive was dud.

The attack was found on Monday morning when a security guard of the bank fund the explosive in front of the bank so he alerted police.

Police who rushed to the scene also found a crack on the second floor of the bank which they believed caused by gun bullets.

-- The Nation 2010-05-10

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Dud M79 found at Bangkok Bank

BANGKOK (NNT) -- An M79 grenade was fired at Bangkok Bank’s Ratchadapisek branch in Bangkok last night but failed to explode.

A security guard of the Bangkok Bank branch on Ratchadapisek Road reported to the local police of a bomb he discovered at the premises this morning. However, the bomb, later identified as an M79 grenade, was dud. A preliminary investigation suggests that the grenade may have been fired from the opposite side of the street.

Officers also found bullet holes on the second storey of the building, but the type of the gun used has not been identified.

The attack caused no injuries. The authorities are currently investigating the scene.

-- NNT 2010-05-10

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Thai protesters under pressure to answer PM's offer

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Pressure mounted on Thailand's anti-government "Red Shirt" protesters on Monday to respond to an offer by the prime minister to hold elections in November if they end two months of crippling rallies.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva demanded over the weekend that the opposition "Red Shirts" give a "clear answer" by Monday on whether they will fully accept his peace roadmap, which envisages elections on November 14.

The Reds said they were still discussing their response to Abhisit's offer and would come up with their own proposals to end the crisis.

They also blamed the weekend killings of two police officers, which were followed late Sunday by two attacks including one on the home of the Thai election commission chief, on elements intent on sabotaging the peace process.

"We affirmed that we are ready to join the reconciliation process and we will offer our roadmap," one of the protest leaders, Weng Tojirakarn, said on a rally stage in the Reds' vast encampment in the retail heart of Bangkok.

"The government should not ask us to hurry up because what we are thinking about is how to make this country a strong constitutional monarchy," he said, one month after a failed army crackdown on protesters in the city's historic district sparked street battles that left 25 people dead and hundreds injured.

The Reds have signed up to the peace process but are demanding a firm date for the dissolution of the lower house of parliament before dismantling their barricades made from piles of fuel-soaked tyres, bamboo poles and razor wire.

Abhisit called Sunday for a swift end to mass anti-government protests after the two police officers were killed in gun and grenade attacks in the capital, which is under a state of emergency.

In another outbreak of violence, a bank and the home of the Thai election commission chief were targeted with a grenade and small bombs by unknown assailants late Sunday, but nobody was hurt, police said.

The grenade did not explode when it was fired at the bank, while no one was at home when three bombs were thrown at the house of the Election Commission chairman Apichart Sukkhakanont, said police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri.

"The bombs hit a nearby house and exploded. One damaged the house's fence, but injured nobody," he said. Local media said they were made from fireworks.

Thailand is reeling from the worst political violence in almost two decades in its capital, where 29 people have died and almost 1,000 have been injured in a series of confrontations and explosions.

On April 22 a series of grenade attacks left one woman dead and around 80 people wounded in the financial district.

Crowds at the Reds camp have swelled to as many as 100,000 people in the past, but last week when a resolution appeared near, numbers dwindled to just a few thousand as a weary air descended on the rally area.

On Saturday, however, their ranks were boosted by 5,000 more supporters who arrived from the movement's heartland in the rural, impoverished northeast.

In a colour-coded crisis, Thailand is largely split between the mainly rural poor and urban working class Reds -- who broadly support fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- and the rival pro-establishment "Yellow Shirts."

The Reds consider Abhisit's administration undemocratic because it came to power in an army-backed 2008 parliamentary vote after a controversial court ruling ousted Thaksin's elected allies.

They have said the government is intent on clinging to power until September to ensure the new army leadership line-up is appointed and the national budget is approved in parliament before it holds elections.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-10

Published with written approval from AFP.

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ThaivisaNews: Bangkok: For security reason traffic on Thai-Japan Bridge on Rama IV will be closed from 6pm-5am every day until further notice

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UDD asks for time to form its reconciliation directions

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has requested the government for additional time to formulate its direction to take part in the reconciliation roadmap proposed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

UDD Secretary-General, Nattawut Saikua, reiterated the stance of the group to take part in the reconciliation roadmap of the government; however, the group needs one to two days to work on its plans towards the reconciliation process for a peaceful and democratic country.

Mr Nattawut stated that the UDD does not want any political accidents to take place after the group disperses its gathering after rumor spread that some groups were against the upcoming election, scheduled on 14 November 2010 as announced by the prime minister.

The secretary-general added that he does not agree with the stance of Prime Minister Abhisit in forcing the UDD to stop its gathering as soon as possible. He stressed again that the directions proposed to the government by the UDD is for the national benefit, rather than the personal benefit of UDD core leaders.

The prime minister earlier stated that Army Specialist, Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol, also known as 'Seh Daeng’, and ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra want to scrap the reconciliation process. Mr Nattawut dismissed the report and said Mr Thaksin never ordered the UDD to end the peace talk.

The secretary-general then asked the prime minister and the government to maintain a positive climate, and to create reconciliation by stopping verbal attacks against the UDD via interviews. He however noted that the movement of the army specialist is not related with the UDD, emphasizing that Seh Daeng must be responsible for his own actions.

-- NNT 2010-05-10

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THE NATION: Nuttawut: Red leaders to resume road map talks at 3 pm.

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THE NATION: @ktnews: Seh Daeng: I've talked to Thaksin. Rally will go on with "2nd generation leaders" named -Kwanchai, Arisman, Suporn, Vaipoj

THE NATION: Seh Daeng to red leaders: "If u want to leave, leave. We don't care."

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THE NATION: (1pm): Seh Daeng said all redshirts leaders except Jatuporn didn't want to continue fighting. "They're out of their minds." #NNA

THE NATION: Seh Daeng to Anupong: Don't listen to Abhsit otherwise you may have no where to live (in Thailand).

THE NATION: Seh Daeng: Veera, Weng, Nuttawut and Wisa went to negotiate at the 11th Infantry and agreed to put 'hard-core' reds in jails. -NNA

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MCOTEnglishnews: Minister to PM Office Sathit: Reds must state clearly today when to end protest; if not, Cabinet to discuss Tuesday how to enforce law

TAN Network: ASTV: Seh Daeng claims Thaksin has appt'd 3 new red leaders (Arisman, Suporn, Kwanchai) and they won't be dispersing anytime soon

MCOTEnglishnews: PM assigns Korbsak to seek Red Shirt leaders' response on reconciliation plan; order security tightened at areas adjoining protest site

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PM Heads to Democrat HQ while Waiting for Red Shirts' Decision

UPDATE : 10 May 2010Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva arrived at the Democrat Party headquarters this afternnon amidst reports that party executives are meeting to discuss the details of the party dissolution case.

The prime minister is still waiting for an answer to his 5-point road map from the red shirt ringleaders.

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Seh Daeng: Thaksin Appoints New Red Shirt Leaders

Dismissed army general General Kattiya Sawasdipol now claims that Thaksin Shinawatra has appointed three new red shirt leaders namely Arisman Pongruengrong, Suporn Attawong or Rambo Esarn, and Udon Thani leader Kwanchai Praipana.

He is also claiming that they will not be dispersing anytime soon.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-10

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THE NATION: Reds seem to b undergoing blood transfusion. Leaders have been split over road map, that's why term "2nd generation" is being floated.

THE NATION: Veera, Nuttawut, Weng reportedly want to at least "suspend" protest. Jatuporn doesn't want to.

THE NATION: Arrival of Khon Kaen reds has coincided with siam reds' resurgence to be active again.

THE NATION: What does Thaksin want then? Publicly, he supports roadmap. But Seh Daeng always names him as the one who wants rally to go on.

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THE NATION: Effective from today, Chula hospital's special OPD clinic returns to normal hours 4.30-8pm on weekdays & 8.30-noon. #whatsup

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THE NATION: Surachai sae Dan, ex-communist, claims to have been approached as new red leader. (but i don't think TS would want 2 make it THAT obious.)

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Somchai claims Thaksin supports peace plan

Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat claimed Monday that his brother-in-law, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra supported the peace plan offered by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

He said he and Thaksin would like the reconciliation process to start.

-- The Nation 2010-05-10

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City Police Chief Links Friday Bombings to Terrorists

BANGKOK: -- The Metropolitan Police chief tripled the number of police officers on patrol around the rally site of Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship in the wake of the two latest bomb attacks at the Sala Daeng intersection and Lumpini Park.

Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Police Lieutenant General Santhan Chayanont revealed that progress is being made in the investigation into the two latest bomb attacks that claimed the lives of two police officers and injured 13 people near the red-shirt rally site at the Sala Daeng intersection and Lumpini Park on Friday night.

Santhan said Deputy National Police Chief Phanuphong Singhara na Ayutthaya called for a meeting with the investigation team and they concluded that the bombings were committed by a team of more than two people and that a link has been established with the culprits of other bomb attacks.

However, Santhan said it cannot be concluded which group is behind these attacks, as evidence verification by the Central Institute of Forensic Science and the Scientific Crime Detection Division is not finished yet.

The investigation team is also looking at interviews by the suspended Army specialist, Major General Khattiya Sawasdiphol given before and after the attacks.

The City police chief stated that the police can arrest Khattiya immediately following the arrest warrants against him issued by the court.

The city police chief believes that the attacks were revenge after the police arrested some of the terrorist suspects.

In the wake of the incident, he ordered the number of police officer on patrol around the rally site of red shirts to be tripled, while assuring that the increased number of police officers is meant to provide better security, not to intimidate the red-shirts.

Meanwhile, Bangkok Governor Sukhumband Paribatra visited Police Senior Sergeant Major Kiattisak Antarin who was injured by the M79 grenade attack at Chulalongkorn Hospital.

Kiattisak survived the attack at Lumpini park but grenade shrapnel impacted his left temple.

Although he has been admitted to the ICU and remains there at the time of reporting, he is out of critical condition and is able to communicate with visitors.

The doctor has prescribed him anti-biotics and expects to move him to another ward when his condition further improves.

Kiattisak's wife, Pimpan urged the terrorists to stop attacking police officers and soldiers.

She wishes not to see Kiattisak resume his security duties at the rally site.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-10

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TAN Network: Nutthawut denies rumors the three ringleaders have been removed

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MCOTEnglishnews Natthawut denies claim about Thaksin's decision to change Red Shirt leaders; UDD to conclude final response on reconciliation plan today

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Defense Ministry Not to Spare Rogue Army General

BANGKOK: -- The Defense Ministry Permanent Secretary has assured that Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol, who has become well-known as a hard-core element of the red-shirt movement, will be dealt with.

He denied that the Defense Ministry has turned a blind eye on the rogue Army specialist.

Defense Permanent Secretary General Apichart Penkitti spoke to the media briefly before leaving to join the defense minister at the 4th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Summit in Vietnam.

General Apichart said he is confident members of ASEAN will continue to support Thailand after he has explained the nature of the latest political crisis to key association members.

In response to pressure for Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol, or Seh Daeng, to be discharged from the Royal Thai Army, General Apichart stated that the matter must be dealt with according to due procedure.

He assured that the Defense Ministry is aware of the urgency of the issue. General Khattiya has been criticized for his support for the red-shirt movement and alleged peoviding of weapon training and equipment to its members.

General Apichart and Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan will be in Vietnam from May 10 to 13 to discuss regional security, humanitarian aid and disaster response.

The two will elaborate on the Foreign Ministry report on the political situation in Thailand.

The report indicates that the anti-government protests have been isolated to specific parts of Bangkok and a peace plan has already been proposed by the premier.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-10

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