Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Tuesday

[webfact]

Tuesday May 11 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.

FOLLOW US:

You can also follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk

or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThaiVisaNews

- Breaking News via SMS text messages to your mobile phone or handheld device

To subscribe dial *424010011 on AIS, One-2-Call, DTAC or True Move networks

14 days complementary subscription for Thaivisa members.

If you have questions about the Breaking News SMS service, email [email protected]

________________________________________________________________________________

Current weather in Bangkok, plus forecasts:

http://weather.thaivisa.com/bangkok

[webfact]

Ball back in reds' court

By THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Deputy PM Suthep bows to red-shirt demand, will surrender to the DSI this morning over April 10 clashes; Abhisit says he'll do the same when his immunity expires at the end of the parliamentary session late this month

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban will turn himself in to the Department of Special Investigation today, government spokesman Panitan Wattana-yagorn said yesterday.

The move is a prerequisite set by the red shirts for ending their marathon protest in Bangkok's Rajprasong area.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will do the same when his immunity expires at the end of the present session of Parliament late this month, he said.

Abhisit and Suthep will turn themselves in to take responsibility for accusations made by relatives of some of victims killed during the April 10 clash between security officials and protesters.

The red shirts announced their own version of a road map for national reconciliation while accepting Prime Minister Abhisit's plan to call an early poll on November 14.

DEMANDING JUSTICE

The protesters demand justice for civilians killed in the April 10 bloodshed by bringing all those responsible to justice, red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua said.

"We agree to end the protest after Suthep turns himself in to authorities to take responsibility for the death of 20 civilians in the clash," he said.

The red-shirt leaders said they were also prepared to surrender themselves to police.

"Once Suthep actually turns himself in, we will end the protest and do like him," Natthawut said.

Suthep, as head of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), instructed security officials to remove protesters from the Phan Fah Bridge. The operation exploded into violence, with protesters resisting and mysterious gunmen shooting at officials and firing grenades.

The protesters accuse the authorities of using live bullets with the intention of killing, while the government alleges the red-shirt leaders committed terrorist acts.

DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit said Suthep would report to his agency today, but Natthawut |is demanding the deputy prime |minister turn himself in to the |Crime Suppression Bureau (CSB) instead.

Natthawut claimed there was a conflict of interest with the DSI, and that it might be lenient towards Suthep, as Tharit is a member of the CRES. However, government spokesman Panitan said Suthep must report to the DSI, because |relatives of the dead protesters |filed complaints with it and not |the Crime Suppression Bureau.

Natthawut argued that the DSI had not begun the legal process yet or issued a warrant summoning Suthep in connection with the incident. The CSB, which the protesters regard as a neutral agency, should issue a warrant for Suthep and begin the judicial process, in accordance with the law.

"Please follow this simple legal procedure and do not politicise the issue or make it more complicated," he said.

The protesters also want Prime Minister Abhisit to turn himself in, but as a Member of Parliament he has immunity while it remains in session.

Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan is an MP and will also not turn himself in until his immunity ends late this month.

He said he would go see the police together with Abhisit.

The protesters expect to receive the same treatment as Abhisit and Suthep, Jatuporn said. If police grant bail for both government officials, the red leaders deserve the same.

The red shirts were also demanding the government return their mouthpiece People Channel Television (PTV) network to the air after it was unplugged early last month, Natthawut said.

One of the five points in Abhisit's road map is media reform. The red shirts have agreed to join the scheme but demand the same treatment as rival ASTV, the main mouthpiece for the rival yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

"It's good to have an independent body that takes care of media content, in order to prevent provocations and champion reconciliation," Natthawut said. "PTV is prepared to follow the body's instructions if ASTV does."

PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said it seemed the government and the red shirts made a deal for the sake of appearances but that it would not solve the country's real problems.

"It looks like the happy-ending scene of a soap opera," he said.

Neither the DSI nor the police should grant bail for any red-shirt leaders accused of committing serious crimes, Suriyasai said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

DAILY ATTACK

Security tightened following grenade attacks

By THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A grenade went off inside the Bangkok home of Election Commission (EC) chairman Apichart Sukakkanont late on Sunday night but no one was hurt.

Police could not say whether the attack was politically motivated, although he has been criticised by the red-shirted demonstrators for "stalling" an EC decision to disband the Democrat Party over a political infraction.

The explosive thrown into the house was initially reported to be |a large firecracker, but police |ordnance personnel later said it |was a Chinese-made hand grenade with a home-made detonator. Two more grenades were found in the house.

The attack at about 11.30pm caused property damage at his residence on Krungthep-Nonthaburi Soi 43, where he has not stayed for over four months.

A surveillance camera was found out of order not long before the attack.

Police said they were guarding the homes of key government officials and important figures and would heighten the security level.

Early in the morning an M-79 grenade was fired at a Bangkok Bank branch near the Ratchada-phisek-Lat Phrao intersection, causing no casualties.

One M-79 grenade was found within the bank compound and one large and one small hole on the bank's glass front.

Police are determining whether other weapons were used in the attack.

The M-79 grenade did not work possibly because it was launched from the Ratchadaphisek-Lat Phrao flyover, too short from its target.

Phaholyothin police said the branch had 11 closed-circuit cameras but none covered the areas at the front.

Meanwhile, Rungnapha Phrome-samlee, the widow of Pol Senior Sgt-Major Witthaya, who was killed in an earlier M-79 attack on Lumpini Park, has been granted special permission to serve in the police force.

Upon official approval and |completion of enlistment procedures, she will be assigned to Pho Sai Police Station in Ubon Ratchathani, her and her late |husband's home province, National Police spokesman Pongsapat Pongcharoen said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Related topic discussion

Time The Red-Shirts Leaders Bit The Bullet

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Time-Red-Shi...le-t363954.html

[webfact]

MEDIA REFORM

Groups urge outlets to be ethical, not stir unrest

By The Nation

Seek independent agencies to keep eye on reporting

BANGKOK: -- Many media groups issued an open letter on media reform yesterday addressed not just to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, but also the public.

"Press freedom should exist alongside morals and adherence to media ethics," the letter said.

The Thai Journalists Association, the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association and Thailand Cable TV Association were among 10 bodies who put their names to the letter, which was issued in response to Abhisit's road map to national reconciliation.

The road map, which was released last week, emphasised that while media shall have the freedom to present information, independent mechanisms should be installed to ensure that no media outlet tries to incite hatred or encourage conflicts.

In the letter, the media agencies admitted that some outlets had indeed distorted information and caused conflicts in society over the last few years. They urged people to exercise their judgement when receiving information from media.

"If you find anything inappropriate, alert us immediately," the media organisations said.

They argue that only ethical media outlets should be protected under the Constitution.

They also supported the idea of having independent organisations in the academic or civil sector monitor the media in order to protect consumers.

The open letter also encouraged the government to quickly overhaul NBT television station.

It said the Senate should expedite its vetting of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) bill.

The 10 media groups said that once the NBTC has been set up the government and all other relevant parties should fully support it to ensure it can work in a fair and efficient manner.

The letter said that until the NBTC was established, the subcommittee on broadcasting under the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) should ensure that community radio stations, satellite and cable TV stations operate legally.

"All media outlets should be ethical and take responsibility for ethical offences," the letter said.

The 10 media organisations said they were ready to work with the government and other parties in pushing for media reform so it "allows the media to work with freedom and social responsibility, and toward national reconciliation".

-- The Nation 2010-05-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Cabinet meetings back to normal

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Today's weekly Cabinet meeting returns to Government House after a two-month hiatus due to the anti-government protest by the red shirts.

Democrat MP Sirichok Sopha said yesterday that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva would from now on be based at his Government House office and wanted Cabinet meetings to be held there again.

Earlier, Sirichok said the prime minister had gone to work at Government House from time to time but because the red-shirt rally had not ended, he also had to stay at the 11th Infantry Regiment to attend meetings of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation.

The last Cabinet meeting at Government House was on March 9. Since then meetings have been held at the Public Health Ministry and Parliament but most frequently at the 11th Infantry Regiment.

Abhisit left his house in the morning to attend a CRES meeting at the 11th Infantry Regiment for about 40 minutes.

Late in the morning he proceeded to Government House to record a speech commemorating Farmers Day tomorrow for broadcast on state-run NBT.

-- The Nation 2010-05-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Relatives of April 10 victims file complaints with DSI against Abhisit, Suthep

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit led 14 relatives of red-shirt protesters killed on April 10 yesterday when they filed a complaint with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) against PM Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban for allegedly ordering the fatal crackdown.

The victims' relatives also filed complaints against the government with the Ombudsman's Office.

The group's complaint asked the DSI to prosecute Abhisit and Suthep for ordering the military and police to disperse red-shirt protesters by using war weapons.

Some 25 people were killed and 863 others injured in clashes on April 10. Some 19 of those killed were civilians, and six were soldiers.

"It's been 30 days since the bloody clash but the government has shown no sincerity in finding the people who ordered the bloody crackdown on April 10," Prompong said.

He said troops and police had used war weapons and real bullets to disperse the demonstrators.

"This does not follow international regulations in dispersing demonstrations," he claimed. Abhisit and Suthep "violated the criminal law" by ordering the crackdown, he said.

"They should not have launched the dispersal at night because that made it more dangerous."

Previously, Prompong and the victims' relatives had filed complaints with the Royal Thai Police, the Crime Suppression Division, Chana Songkram Police, Nang Lerng Police, the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and the United Nations.

"The agencies we filed complaints with have made no progress in finding and punishing those behind the April 10 crackdown," Prompong said.

So far, relatives of 18 victims had received Bt400,000 in compensation from the government. They also were given funds from Their Majesties the King and Queen, the Pheu Thai Party, the 111 Thai Rak Thai Foundation, and a Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) fund.

Suwimon Fhungklinchan, 48, whose 29-year-old son was killed on April 10, said she wanted the DSI and other agencies to prosecute those who ordered the crackdown and killed people including her son, who had joined the protest to fight for democracy and eliminate double standards.

"We are not talking about the compensation. Money is not a big deal for us, but justice is - it is the only thing that will compensate for those who died," she said.

Boonnam Tharueng, 54, whose 53-year-old brother was shot in the back and died later in Klang Hospital, said that the Bt400,000 given to her by the government could not bring her brother back..

"Those who ordered the crackdown must be punished and that's all we want for our brothers and sisters who died," she said. "It was not fair if the government just compensates us but lets the wrongdoers get away scot free."

-- The Nation 2010-05-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Gov't Spokesman Confirms Suthep to Report to DSI Today

BANGKOK: -- Government Spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn confirms that Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban will be reporting to the Department of Special Investigation on allegations that he ordered the violent crackdown on protesters on April 10. Reports earlier suggested that he will be arriving at 8 A.M., but those reports have not been confirmed.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

TAN Network: DSI insists Apr 10 case under its jurisdiction, Suthep doesn't need to report to police

[webfact]

MCOTEnglishnews: Deputy PM Suthep arrives at DSI amid tight security to hear complaints he must be charged for deadly April 10 crackdown

TAN Network: DPM Suthep arrives at DSI; PM arrives at Gov't House for Cabinet meeting

[webfact]

TAN Network: Reds don't accept Suthep's appearance at DSI; says he must report to police because DSI head close to CRES

[webfact]

Reds Do Not Accept Suthep's Appearance at DSI

Red shirt leader Weng Thovirankarn says the red shirt protesters do not accept Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban's appearance at the Department of Special Investigation and suggests that he must report to police instead.

Dr. Weng said the red shirt group does not trust the DSI chief because he is close personnel in the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

MCOTEnglishnews: PM Abhisit chairs weekly cabinet meeting at Government House, the first time in two months after Red Shirts stage anti-government protest

[webfact]

Suthep not meet reds' demand by surrendering to DSI : Weng

BANGKOK: -- Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban's surrender to Department of Special Investigation did not meet the red shirts protesters' demand to end the rally, red shirts leader weng Tohjirakarn said Tuesday.

What the protesters wished to see is that Suthep surrendered to Crime Suppression police, not the DSI, weng said.

Suthep on Tuesday morning turned himself in to acknowledge complaints by relatives of some victims of the April 10 violence that he ordered the crackdown which resulted in deaths and injuries.

DSI chief Tarit Pengdit have said that DSI has been assigned to be in charge of the related cases of the April-10 violence.

The red shirts leaders announced on Monday night they would end the rally at Rajprasong site on the same day Suthep turns himself in to authorities to take responsibility for the death of 20 civilians in the clash.

-- The Nation 2010-05-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

TAN Network: Suthep insists he's merely abiding by the law in reporting to DSI; hopes road map can move forward

[webfact]

TAN Network: Suthep's arrived at DSI but its unlikely 2 end problems. Late last nite redshirts said they wouldn't accept if Suthep reports himself thr.

MCOTEnglishnews: Weng: Red Shirts not end protest, arguing Deputy PM Suthep must surrender to Police's Crime Suppression Division instead of DSI, resign

[webfact]

CRES: Emergency Decree should be further enacted until UDD disperse

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) is prepared to recommend Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to further put the State of Emergency Decree in effect until the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors disperse their gathering for fear of terrorist attacks and possible illegal transfers of war weapons out of the rally site.

CRES and Army Spokesperson, Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd stated that CRES would suggest Mr Abhisit not to cancel the decree at this time in order to maintain high security level with the rows of military officers at the rally site to prevent unexpected incidents. Col Sansern believed that there might still be some ill intentioned groups that were sent in disguise to create chaos in the gathering area. He added that the decree should be cancelled only after the protestors dispersed their mass demonstration at Ratchaprasong intersection.

Moreover, CRES would set up eight more security spots from the six current checkpoints around the rally area in order to ensure that war weapons, especially the ones that have been taken away from authorities by the protestors, will not be smuggled out of the area for use in invoking further turmoil.

Colonel Sansern also said that CRES is ready to facilitate the protestors who wish to return to their hometown.

Regarding the strip of military rank of Army specialist Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol, also known as 'Seh Dang', Colonel Sansern said that the matter would follow the set procedure, adding that any officers committing wrongdoings are liable to drastic legal actions, whatever ranks they are holding. Seh Daeng has been accused of possessing illegal weapons and being allegedly involved with the bombing attacks during the protest.

-- NNT 2010-05-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: As why DSI?, DSI director Tharit said that the April 10 case is under DSI and he needs not see police but just to be informed ab his charge.

THE NATION: redshirts are not please with Suthep turning himself in at DSI because Suthep is the head of CRES. "suthep is tharit's boss," Weng said.

TAN Network: INN quoting Suthep: Reds need to stop, people no longer tolerant of their protests;will cancel emergency decree when peace returns

[webfact]

THE NATION: Weng: "If you really want transparency, Suthep should quit from his Deputy PM post."

THE NATION: Suthep: if only the #redshirt leaders accept his action their rally cn finish 2day & they cn go home: up 2 them.

THE NATION: Coming from Weng & Arisman : #redshirts won't accept Suthep's appearance at DSI. He must turn himself in at Crime Supression Police only!!!

[webfact]

Suthep Demands Dispersement of Red Rally

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, after hearing charges from the Department of Special Investigation, said he is merely abiding by the law by reporting to the DSI.

He said he hopes his actions will help with the realization of the prime minister's road map.

Suthep went onto demand that the red shirt protesters disperse their rally, citing public sentiment which is no longer tolerant of the red shirts' actions.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

MCOT: Criminal Court dismisses 16 Red Shirt leaders petition seeking revocation of arrest warrants, saying warrants issued lawfully under emergency decree

[webfact]

MCOTEnglishnews: Suthep says he reports to DSI to let justice run course even though emergency law grant him immunity against civil, criminal offences

[webfact]

THE NATION: Frm our nws meeting: The reason why reds want Suthep to surrender with crime suppression police is because they want CSP to give him bail.

MCOTEnglishnews UDD lawyer appeals against arrest warrants for leaders who will not surrender on May15 as announced until govt revokes emergency decree

THE NATION: Basically, Reds want suthep to get bail coz they want "the same standard" for themselves.

THE NATION: (a bit complicated here but Suthep doesn't require bail reporting to DSI. that's why reds want him to report to CSP instead)

[webfact]

THE NATION: Problem is, Suthep case (red filed charges against him over April 10) has been forwarded by police to DSI.

THE NATION: It will be funny, absurd, ridiculous, etc to send the case back to police so Suthep can surrender and get bail. (can u follow me :-) )

[webfact]

Court rejects reds leaders' requests to drop arrest warrants

BANGKOK: -- Criminal Court on Tuesday rejected a request by red shirts leaders to revoke their arrest warrants, saying the warrants were legally issued under the emergency decree.

The court said that that police could issue the warrants as the government has invoked the state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

The six red shirts leaders are issued the warrants for allegedly violating the emergency laws by leading a gathering of more than five people.

-- The Nation 2010-05-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: As for PTV demand, our belief is it's no big deal. PTV can be boring once rally's over. We expect govt to comply, albeit conditionally.

___________________________________

Red-shirt Leaders Won't Turn Themselves in on May 15

The core red-shirt leaders have gone back on their promise to turn themselves in on May 15.

Now they are saying they'll only turn themselves in when the Emergency Decree is lifted.

They are also expected to file for appeals against arrest warrants issued for major red-shirt leaders on May 14.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Foreign minister disturbed by US-Thaksin’s close aids meeting

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya has summoned US Ambassador to Thailand Eric G John to protest and voice dissatisfaction against the meeting between US high-ranking official and close aides of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Speaking on Monday evening, Secretary to the Foreign Minister, Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, stated that Mr Kasit has asked for understanding from the US because he is not comfortable with such a meeting, and he does not want the US to be involved with Thai politics.

Mr Chavanond added that the minister has reminded the US to realize the fragility of Thai politics, especially in the situation after 10 April bloodshed because armed forces and terrorists are infiltrating in demonstrators to harm both security officers and demonstrators.

The secretary also noted that Mr Kasit has asked the ambassador to be more careful in meeting with any groups because any sides might use him, leading to escalation of the situation.

Meanwhile, Ambassador John responded that the US supports all sides not to resort to violence and to end the conflict via the reconciliation roadmap of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in order to restore peace to the country.

US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Kurt M Campbell, earlier met with former Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Leader of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, Jaturon Chaisaeng, and ex-Foreign Minister and Legal Advisor to the Shinawatra Family, Noppadon Pattama.

-- NNT 2010-05-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

REDS RALLIES

"I'm turn in to prove my innocence" : Suthep

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said he turned himself in with Department of Special Investigation on Tuesday to "prove his innocence" not because he yielded to red shirts' demands.

"I turned myself in to prove my innocence. I am here to acknowledge the complaints not because I yield to the demand of the shirts leaders."

Suthep was speaking after meeting DSI chief Tarit Pengdit at the DSI headquarter on Chang Wattana Road to acknowledge complaints filed by relatives of victims of April 10 violence.

The complaints were filed against Suthep and PM Abhisit Vejjajiva for allegedly ordering the crackdown on April 10 during which red shirts protesters clashed with troops.

The red shirts' leaders said on Monday that they would end the rally at Rajprasong Intersection the same day Suthep turned himself in to face the complaints.

Referring to latest reds leaders' demand that he turned himself in with Crime Suppression police, not the DSI, Suthep said that the DSI is assigned to take care of the cases, not the police.

-- The Nation 2010-05-11

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: A journo to Suthep: "redshirts has no trust for DSI?" Suthep's A: "Have u seen red leaders trust anything at all?" #NNA

[webfact]

TAN Network: INN: Central Investigation Bureau claims that red shirt leaders will turn themselves in at 2 P.M.; interrogation teams prepared