Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Wednesday

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2 UDD leaders contact CSD to surrender

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Two core leaders of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) under arrest warrants have contacted the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), expressing their wish to turn themselves in.

Acting Commander of the CSD Police General Supisarn Pakdinaruenart revealed that the two UDD core figures, namely Mr Kokaew Pikulthong and Mr Weera Musikapong, told the police that they would travel to the CSD at 14.00 hrs today to surrender. The officers have alerted the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Metropolitan Police Bureau to send investigative officers in to prepare for interrogation.

The CSD acting commander said that the accused would be transferred to the Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) after the questioning for detention under the State of Emergency, noting that bail consideration is beyond the power of the CSD.

Mr Kokaew this morning affirmed that he and Mr Weera would not turn themselves in as they doubted the government’s sincerity. However, he said that all UDD leaders alleged of breaching the State of Emergency were ready to report themselves to the authorities as soon as the state operation was proven sincere.

-- NNT 2010-05-12

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THE NATION: Urgent- high-ranking source- no election on Nov 14. All new ball game.

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THE NATION: Veera has reportedly resigned from UDD chairman. He seems to be only one who want to surrender and join reconcillation plan.

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CRES to 100-per cent seal off protest zone

BANGKOK: -- The Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation Wednesday announced that protest zone at Rajprasong would be 100 per cent sealed off.

CRES Spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the CRES decided Wednesday morning to step up more pressure on the protesters after the red-shirt leaders refused to accept the peace plan offered by the prime mnister.

As part of the measure, the CRES would cut off all the basic utilities, like water, phone, and power, to the protest zone.

The CRES would also not allow public buses and boats to pass through the protest zone and would not allow BTS trains to stop at the Chidlom station as a measure to prevent more people to join the protest.

"We will 100 per cent seal off all transport channels to the protest zone," Sansern said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-12

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Constitution Court extends deadline for Democrat to defend itself

The Constitution Court Wednesday extended for 30 days the deadline for the Democrat Party to defend itself in the party dissolution case.

The court agreed to wait for another month for the party to submit its written defence statement.

The party was accused of unlawfully obtaining donations from TPI Polene and of abusing development fund from the Election Commission.

-- The Nation 2010-05-12

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Bomb found at ASTV Phuket office

PHUKET: A shopping bag containing a live hand grenade was found hanging from the front door of the ASTV television network office in downtown Phuket Town Wednesday morning.

Phuket City Police were informed by the Phuket Special Branch Police at about 9am that someone had called in to report that a bomb had been placed at the office, located in a shophouse complex on Soi Nimit 1, off Chana Jaroen Road.

The office is also home to the local office of Manager Daily newspaper and the Manager Online website, all owned by media mogul and People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Sondhi Limthongkul.

-- The Nation 2010-05-12

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Minister Believes Rally to End Today

BANGKOK: -- The Prime Minister's Office minister says the government will review its planned action against the red-shirt group if its leaders refuse to end the rally today.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declined to give details of measures planned against red-shirt protesters if they refuse to end the mass rally before the deadline today, saying the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation, or CRES, has already mapped out the plan.

PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoei said the red-shirt group should decide to call off the rally around noon today if there was no rift among its leaders.

Sathit said if they refuse to comply with the deadline, the government will review planned action against the protesters but insisted authorities will perform their duties with caution on people's safety as the prime minister does not want any violence.

Deputy Interior Minister Bunjong Wongtrairat said the effort to address the national crisis cannot proceed if the red-shirt people turn down the prime minister's reconciliation plan, so the group leaders' decision must be made carefully.

Bunjong also revealed he has ordered provincial governors to keep a close watch on red-shirt people's activities in their areas, particularly in Chaing Mai, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani , but insisted there is still no need to impose the emergency law in those three provinces.

Meanwhile House Speaker Chai Chidchob said he has yet to discuss with his son Newin Chidchob, the de facto leader of coalition partner Bhum Jai Thai Party, the latter's plan to extend his political hibernation for another three years.

Newin is among executives of the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party who have been penalized by the constitution tribunal in 2006 to be suspended from politics for five years due to their guilt of hiring small parties to run in the April election in the same year.

Chai also said he has received no information on Pheu Thai Party's request for the House to take charge of drafting the national reconciliation plan.

He said the opposition party must file a motion with the House asking for parliamentary deliberation on its request and commented the move is not a ploy to throw out the peace plan proposed by the prime minister.

The House speaker also said the red-shirt group needs some time to make a clear decision if it will accept the prime minister's peace road map and end the rally but he believed the reconciliation will take place eventually.

Opposition whip chairman Witthaya Buranasiri commented that Pheu Thai's suggestion on the House's involvement in the reconciliation plan cannot be filed in the form of a motion as its content is in compliance with the recommendation by the House panel on political reform.

Witthaya said the prime minister's draft version is difficult to accomplish, so the House should serve as the middleman to seek the best way out.

He insisted Pheu Thai will present its proposal in the next House meeting and he believed it will win approval from several parties .

-- Tan Network 2010-05-12

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Relatives of slain protesters file complaint against PM

Relatives of three red-shirts killed during a bloody clash with soldiers Wednesday lodged a complaint with the Criminal Suppression Bureau (CRS) against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban and Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES).

The clash, which erupted on April 10, caused 25 deaths and injured more than 800 victims. Soldiers were among the dead and the injured.

-- The Nation 2010-05-12

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ThaivisaNews: Bangkok: Skytrain (BTS), Subway (MRT) services unchanged for today. Service Thursday depends on political situation after midnight

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THE NATION: Thai government calls off proposed November election, stops negotiations with Red Shirt protesters, government official says - Reuters

THE NATION: And Central Chidlom will close its store tomorrow. #whatsup

THE NATION: It's official coming out from Korbsak that the govt will no longer honor Nov 14 election deal & no more talk 2 #redshirts. Really back 2 sq1

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THE NATION: Reds have bluffed themselves into a dead-end. Korbsak has officially said govt will no longer honour Nov 14 election deal. And no more talks

THE NATION: Also, veera has reportedly quit as chairman of the red movement.

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THE NATION: As to whether Veera has already reported to DSI, all we've heard is he is ready to do so after clearing a few things up.

THE NATION: We've phoned metropolitan electricity and water works officials. They have recieved no order to cut supplies to rajprasong.

THE NATION: With such an uproar coming from residents, we don't think govt will resort to the water/power measures. At least not now.

THE NATION: Embassies in the area have also voiced concern over the water/power measures, Bkk governor said.

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THE NATION: People near Rajprasong heard an official fr metropolitan electricity spoke on red shirts stage that they won't cut the electricity.

Reuters: Thai army spokesman says postponing measure to cut off supplies to protesters

US Embassy: Latest Warden Message for U.S. Citizens regarding the possibility of water and electricity outages in Central Bangkok: http://bit.ly/abIBiC

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British Embassy, Bangkok:

There are reports that the Thai Government are planning to take a number of measures from midnight on 12 May to increase the pressure on the red shirt demonstrators currently located around the Ratchaprasong intersection, the central business district of Bangkok. These include an increase in security personnel around the perimeter of the rally site and a threat to shut off of power and water supplies in the surrounding area. The Government have has also requested that buses, the BTS Skytrain and boats stop their service in the Ratchaprasong area from midnight on 12 May. Tensions remain high in and around the Ratchaprasong intersection and there could be an outbreak of violence. Travellers are advised to avoid this area and if violence breaks out to remain indoors and monitor media and this travel advice.

[george]

THE NATION: Latest on #redshirts on TPBS: leaders've changed the meeting 2 a glass room -no more container meeting.>>dont know wht difference- security?

Sms received by Thaivisa member in BKK: SMS ทุกฝ่ายวอนแกนนำผู้ชุมนุมมีความจริงใจต่อแผนปรองดอง เห็นแก่ความปลอดภัยของผู้ชุมนุมเป็นที่ตั้ง...ศอฉ.

ThaiPBS: Nutttawut echoed Jatuporn's speech last night as he said #redshirts would fight until they get justice.

[george]

THE NATION: The absence of Veera gives more weight for the news that he resigned as the chief of UDD movement.

THE NATION: Sansern says the water/power cutoff measures may be postponed from midnight to tmmrw morning.

THE NATION: As for PM, we still believe he would be on TV, but timing seems to have been postponed as always.

MCOT: Korbsak says election set Nov 14 scrapped due to Red Shirts prolonged rally; reconciliation plan still on

THE NATION: This reads a bit funny as CRES, according to Sansern, will revise its measure to cut power & water again at 7.30pm. Sansern said that the govt wanted revise the plan for fear of effect on people living in Rajprasong area.

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THE NATION: Chula University’s demonstration school,primary section, has decided to postpone the start of the new semester from May 17 to 24.

THE NATION: About 80 schools includ tutorial schools R located arnd Rajprasong rally site. Most schools R scheduled 2 open 4 new semesters on Mon. Wat Patum Wanaram School located exactly at the rally will have classes inside the Bangkok Business College on Phetchaburi Rd instead.

NATION TV: Korbsak: We had talked (to #redshirts) a lot for quite some time but new conditions are always added. Guess red leaders couldn't agree.

AFP: Thailand rejected as member of UN Human Rights Council: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/artic...R3oQ6ZSXmCHYP-w

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Panitarn on TNN24: CRES still undecided as to whether to cut water/electricity supplies to Ratchprasong

THE NATION: New column of the Nation online : From the Newsroom by Suthichai Yoon and Tulsathit Taptim: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/n...9&cateid=13

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THE NATION: CRES may like this: Rajprasong backstage was dark for some seconds and #redshirts started blaming govt 4 blackout. via @satien_nna

THE NATION: (Via ktnews) Chavalit's sulking. He says he doesn't want to be "mediator" any more.

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Nov 14 election plan scrapped as Red Shirts prolong rally; reconciliation plan is 'on': Korbsak

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has scrapped his plan for a fresh general election on Nov 14 after the anti-government 'Red Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) balked at ending their protest, and refused to budge, but the government's five- point road map for national reconciliation will still be implemented, according to Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu.

Mr Korbsak said the premier withdrew the plan to dissolve the House of Representatives during Sept 15-30 for a general election to follow on Nov 14 because the UDD had vowed to continue protesting at Bangkok’s prime commercial area in Ratchaprasong until Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban surrenders to police to face charges for his role in the deadly April 10 crackdown.

Even though the Red Shirt leaders said they accepted the premier's plan, the two sides were unable to find a joint solution because the UDD has a lack of unity and proposed additional conditions that obstructed the success of talks, he said.

The five-point road map that can lead the country to reform and solve political problems would still go on as planned, he said.

Meanwhile, Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the plan to cut off electricity, water supply and all kinds of public transport services at and around the Red Shirt rally site at Ratchaprasong from midnight may not be fully implemented at midnight as announced earlier.

The cutting off power and water supply was a very detailed matter, he said, adding that CRES had to consider the impact on the protesters and general public who were not involved with the demonstration.

CRES will meet again Wednesday night to discuss in detail the areas of the plan because hospitals and important places must be taken into account, he said.

However, the other measures including traffic and mobile telephone access which CRES had planned would be publicised to the general public to know beforehand, said the spokesman.

Red Shirt leaders shrugged off the government's threat to cut water and power supplies to the Ratchaprasong protest site at midnight. They said backup power generators were already provided, and they also tapped water from the fire hydrants.

UDD leader Weng Tojirakan said that there was no more UDD leader daily meeting on Wednesday as there was no new agenda.

He said the Red Shirt's sole demand was Mr Suthep's surrender to police.

The Red Shirts will end their rally when the deputy premier turns himself in to the Police's Crime Suppression Division to face charges to be brought against him in connection with the April 10 clashes in Bangkok which left 25 people dead and almost 1,000 injured, he said. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-05-12

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THE NATION: CRES postpones the power & electricity cut at the rally site for the time being. To decide again at 6am tomorrow.

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THE NATION: today's recap: 1. SOE centre postpones power/water cut-off measure to tmrrw morning. But we doubt very much that they will do it at all.

THE NATION: 2. Reds being badly split rumours are getting louder. Veera has disappeared for 4 days now.

THE NATION: 3. A second-tier red leader told us it's "damned difficult" for red leadership to tell protesters they are ending the protest.

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THE NATION: 4. But real stumbling block, we believe, remains red leaders' overt demand and bargaining for their legal safety.

THE NATION: 5. As to Thaksin not wanting it to end, we only heard that from non-red sources. No red sources would confirm that.

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Thai army threatens force

Thailand's army threatens to use force if anti-government "red-shirt" protesters don't leave their demonstration site by the end of Wednesday.

-- Reuters 2010-05-12

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POLITICAL CRISIS

Businesses unfazed by black-out threat

By Business Desk

The Nation

Businesses in Rajprasong area said the government's threat to cut power and water supply would not lead to negative impacts, as most business have moved their offices to other locations, according to Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA)'s representative.

Gaysorn Plaza head office is moved to Sukhumvit road, while companies in CentralWorld have also moved to other offices, said the representative who asked not to be named.

Meanwhile, most of office buildings in the area also have power backup, which can last 24-48 hours.

Prakit Pratipasen, chairman of Erawan Group which owns Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, said that the new measure will not affect the hotel as it remains closed. Meanwhile, the company has heightened the security in case of greater violence.

On growing fears of crackdown, transportation service providers insist that the services would run as usual if there is no violence.

Opas Phetmunee, a director of Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), said that if protester dispersal takes place at the night time, this should not affect day-time services. However, BMTA may reduce the number of day buses by half to 500.

Without violence, Bangkok Metro Plc's (BMCL) executive Chatchai Praditpong said that underground train will continue with the service. The subway will be closed immediately in case of any violence, he said.

Meanwhile, BTS director Dr Anat Arbhabhirama said that the company uses electricity from Mo Chit and Wat Phai Singto transmission line to run the skytrain. The cut of power supply to Rajprasong would not affect the service.

"We will continue service until midnight if there is no more violence," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-12

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Wednesday is 'closed' and continues here:

Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Thursday

THURSDAY MAY 13

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...ur-t364559.html