Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Thursday

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Thursday May 13 Red-Shirt rally live updates

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Thai protesters vow to fight as siege looms

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's "Red Shirt" opposition protesters vowed Wednesday to "fight to the death" as authorities threatened to lay siege to their sprawling encampment in the capital after peace efforts broke down.

The government announced it would cut off food, water and power supplies to the vast rally site in central Bangkok and urged local residents to leave as it prepared to seal off the area to prevent reinforcements arriving.

The mainly poor and working class Red Shirts shrugged off the tough new measures, saying they had their own generators and that it would be impossible to cut their power without also affecting hospitals in the area.

They rejected a demand by embattled Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for the protests to end on Wednesday, putting a proposal for mid-November elections in jeopardy.

"If you want to crack down, you're welcome at any time," said one protest leader, Jatupron Prompan. "We will fight to the death."

The Red Shirts have said they will continue their rally until Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban is charged for his role in overseeing a deadly April 10 crackdown in which soldiers attempted to clear part of the capital.

Suthep went to the Department of Special Investigation Tuesday to hear a complaint against him after the Reds demanded he turn himself in to police, but Red leaders refused to disperse until a formal case is opened against him.

As Abhisit's fragile peace process stalled, the authorities announced they would cut off vital supplies, as well as telephone and transport links, to the site at midnight Wednesday-Thursday.

"This is the beginning of measures to fully impose the law," said Sunsern Kaewkumnerd, a spokesman for the government unit set up to deal with the crisis, warning the authorities were ready to use force if necessary.

"The army is ready, but at this moment I don't want to talk about a crackdown as we want to use measures to put pressure on them.

"To the residents in the area: please leave. After midnight, authorities will not allow anyone to come in," Sunsern said, noting that some homes and foreign embassies would suffer disruption to water and power supplies.

But officials were still meeting into the evening to discuss the practicalities of the plan as doubts arose over whether they could cut power to the rally site without plunging a large part of the capital into darkness.

The movement has said it agrees to Abhisit's reconciliation roadmap, which foresees elections on November 14, but wants to see the government take responsibility for the April 10 incident, in which 25 people lost their lives.

"None of the Red Shirts are afraid of your threats to cut water and power. We will run at soldiers with our two bare hands even if they fire at us with assault rifles," said one protest leader, Weng Tojirakarn.

Abhisit has warned he may scrap the plan for early elections if the protesters do not leave their vast base, which has been fortified with barricades made from fuel-soaked tyres, bamboo poles and razor wire.

"They should not make any more demands at this time otherwise it will affect the election date," said government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn. "If they don't join the reconciliation process that date may not stand."

The Reds say the government is undemocratic because it came to power in a 2008 parliamentary vote after a court ruling ousted elected allies of their hero, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was unseated in a 2006 coup.

Their ranks were boosted over the weekend by 5,000 more supporters who arrived from the movement's heartland in the impoverished rural northeast, defying a ban on rallies in the capital, which is under a state of emergency.

Twenty-nine people have been killed and almost 1,000 injured in Bangkok in a series of confrontations and attacks since the protests began in mid-March, in Thailand's worst political violence in almost two decades.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-13

Published with written approval from AFP.

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ENVOY'S TALK WITH REDS

Diplomats chafe at FM's rebukes

By The Nation

Published on May 13, 2010

Foreign diplomats yesterday asked for understanding from Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya regarding their moves to hear out all sides to the political crisis, saying their meeting with opposition parties and protesters did not mean they were siding with them or intervening in Thailand's domestic affairs.

Kasit was briefing Bangkok-based envoys on the political situation, said a Foreign Ministry official who attended the meeting.

An African diplomat asked Kasit as a career diplomat what a good diplomat can do to obtain first-hand information from the host country.

Contacting all parties should be the right thing to do, he said.

Kasit responded that he had no problem with foreign representatives desiring to gather information and views from the opposition and protesters but they should refrain from meeting them after the April 10 bloody incident since the protesters have become terrorists, said the official, who declined to be named.

The same concern was raised by more than 10 diplomats from the European Union over a lunch with Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra, since some of them were summoned by the foreign minister after meeting with the opposition.

Kasit called in US Ambassador Eric John on Monday to express his disappointment over the diplomat's role in arranging the meeting between US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell and the former acting leader of the now defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, Chaturon Chaisang, and former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama.

Philippine Ambassador Antonio Venus Rodriguez, as the dean of the diplomatic corps in Thailand, was also asked to report earlier after a group of foreign diplomats visited red-shirted protesters at the Ratchaprasong Intersection.

"Foreign Minister Kasit should not make such an issue a big deal since the diplomats have their right to see all parties to exchange views and information," said Sukhumbhand, who is also a former deputy foreign minister.

"Many foreign diplomats used to meet former foreign minister Surin Pitsuwan and myself when the Democrat Party was in the opposition," he said. "It's a normal practice. We should not make it a problem. Our political situation is already sensitive."

-- The Nation 2010-05-13

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POLITICS

Nov 14 poll scrapped

By THE NATION

Published on May 13, 2010

Govt calls off plan to dissolve Parliament after reds refuse to heed ultimatum to end demonstration; Move to cut off power, water and food supply to protesters put on hold following plea by foreign envoys, Rajprasong residents

The government yesterday decided to scrap its plan to dissolve Parliament and call an early general election in November after the red-shirted protesters refused to leave their protest site at the Rajprasong intersection, and also put on hold a plan to cut off essential supplies to force them to disperse.

"As the protesters failed to follow the conditions agreed on in a series of negotiations earlier, we decided to cancel the November 14 election date," Prime Minister's Secretary Korbsak Sabhavasu said

The government, under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, would carry on its tasks until the end of its term next year, he said.

He added that the five-point road map for national reconciliation: to uphold the monarchy, bring justice, media reform, set up an independent body to inquire into bloody incidents and amend the Constitution would continue.

QUIET DEAL

A quiet deal between the government and red shirts chief Veera Musigapong earlier required the red shirts to end their protest in exchange for early election and surrender of Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban to authorities to take responsibility for the bloody clashes on April 10, a source said.

Suthep reported to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on Tuesday but the red shirts dismissed the gesture as a trick as the legal process against him did not really take place. The protesters demanded that Suthep, who is the chief of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) surrender to the police, face interrogation, give his fingerprint and seek bail in accordance with the legal process for normal criminal cases.

However, there was no unity among the red leaders as some, such as Veera and Kokaew Pikulthong, said Suthep's action met their demand and got ready to leave Rajprasong. But hardliners such as Jatuporn Promphan insisted that Suthep undergo a thorough legal process as a suspect for a criminal charge.

As the deal was broken, the government planned to step up harsh measures to force the protesters out of the business area, which they have occupied for more than a month, by cutting off power, water and food supply.

The plan was put on hold yesterday as residents of the area, including foreign diplomats whose embassies are located nearby, urged a review by the authorities as they would be heavily affected, rather than the protesters.

European diplomats expressed their concern to Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra yesterday over the planned cut-off of power and water supply.

The CRES took their concerns into account and had to weigh the impact of the tough measures on local residents, business centres, hospitals and embassies, said spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd.

PROTESTERS 'NOT AFRAID'

Red-shirt leader weng Tojirakarn said the protesters were not afraid of the government's measures and they were ready to face the situation and planned to pay back.

The chief of the red-shirt security guards, Aree Krainara, said the measures would have no impact on the protesters as they have their own power generators and get water supply directly from fire hydrants, which would never be short of supply.

Saner Wisutthana, deputy president of the labour union of Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), announced on the protesting stage that the MEA has no policy to cut off power supply in the areas as the authority cannot afford its consequences.

The CRES reportedly asked all operators of telephones, mobile phones, buses and trains, besides public utility agencies for electricity and water, to prepare to suspend services and put pressure on the protesters.

However, as of yesterday, all the operators said they did not receive any formal request from the CRES and many public facilities could not stop their service.

A mobile-phone operator said it cannot stop signals for mobile-phone service due to a consumer protection law. Cutting off or jamming cellphone signals can be done only in case of a critical security situation like in the restive South, a company official said on condition of anonymity.

The CRES called an urgent meeting last night with many public utility operators like the MEA, the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority, mobile-phone companies and Bangkok Mass Transit Authorities to seek ways to cut their service with minimum impact on consumers in the protesting area.

The representatives of the operators told the CRES that they cannot cut off their service as it would heavily affect people living and doing business in the area, rather than the protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-05-13

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THE NATION: Panitan: do leave Rajprasong area as CRES will start a new measure called "reduce the scale of rally"

THE NATION: Someone said on FB that part of Sarasin area is black out now. Anyone can confirm that? Or nearby area?

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APRIL 10

Relatives file case with CSB against PM

By The Nation

Published on May 13, 2010

Suthep, CRES also named over deadly clashes

Relatives of three red-shirt protesters killed during the bloody April 10 clash with security forces lodged a complaint yesterday with the Crime Suppression Bureau against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban and the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation for ordering the deadly dispersal operation.

"My son was unarmed. I never thought soldiers would be so merciless," said Banjerd Foongklinjan, one of the relatives, who were accompanied to the CSB by a secretary to red-shirt leader Prateep Ungsongtham Hata.

Banjerd's 29-year-old son was among those killed when the crackdown on April 10 took a violent turn, leaving 25 people dead or dying and wounding more than 800, including soldiers.

"I urge the media to condemn the murderers, and I hope the CSB will give us justice," Banjerd said.

Although he has also filed similar complaints with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the National Anti-Corruption Commis-sion, he doubts the DSI can deliver justice, because it works under the CRES.

"We're turning to the CSB because it has a mandate to investigate and should be able to expedite the case," he said.

The CSB questioned all of the relatives who showed up but said it would review all pertinent laws before deciding how to proceed.

The relatives' decision to approach the CSB follows the demand a few days before by the leaders of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) for Suthep to turn himself in to police to face charges.

The DAAD said this was a precondition for winding down their two-month long rally at the Rajprasong Intersection.

DAAD leaders said Suthep reporting to the DSI on Tuesday was unacceptable, because the DSI was part of the CRES, which was headed by Suthep.

DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit and Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Maj-General Amnuay Nimmano told a press conference that Suthep was correct in submitting himself to the DSI, because his alleged offence was within that agency's jurisdiction.

"It is in the category of causing bodily harm to people," Amnuay said. "This category is under the DSI, in accordance with a resolution of the special case committee issued on April 17."

The case against Suthep regarding the April 10 incident will have to be transferred to the DSI anyway, no matter where it is filed now, he said.

"So it's not reasonable to call on Suthep to turn himself in to the CSB," Tharit said.

Amnuay said the issue of bail for the DAAD leaders should not be discussed now, because they had not yet surrendered to police.

"Besides, whether bail is to be granted is for the court to decide," he said.

So far, some DAAD leaders were wanted only for violating the emergency decree. "If the decree is revoked, the case ends," Amnuay said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-13

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GOVT'S LATEST WARNING

Agencies say they receive no orders

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

Mayuree Sukyingcharoenwong

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- After the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) announced that it was cutting electricity and power supply at the red-shirt rally site by midnight last night as well as suspending bus and Skytrain services, related agencies said they had received no such orders.

However, the Police General Hospital appeared to be prepared for the shutdown.

Director Jongjet Aowajenpong said the hospital had prepared generators to supply power round the clock, as well as 1,000 litres of diesel to run them. About 40 or 50 patients may have to be moved to buildings that are equipped with generators, he added. The hospital also contacted the Maen Sri Waterworks Office to provide it with water tanks, while the hospital staff have stored water just in case.

Assistant to Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) director, Nares Boonpieum, said the CRES had only told the BMTA to think about passengers' safety. So, the BMTA adjusted 20 bus routes to avoid the protest area yesterday morning but did not suspend any of its bus services, most of which will run until 11pm as per normal, while 130 buses will cover 29 routes from 11pm until 5am, he said.

Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) executive Anat Apapirom said the CRES had talked with the BTS, but refused to provide details. However, he confirmed that BTS services were continuing as usual.

Marine Safety and Environment Bureau director Veerasak Tinnavech said they had not received any orders for cancelling boat services.

Meanwhile a source at the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) said there were no plans to cut power in any part of Bangkok. "The protesters are using their own generators, not power generated by us. Also, we will not cut the electricity because it would affect innocent people," the source said.

MEA union deputy president Saneu Wisuthana went on the red-shirt rally stage at Rajaprasong intersection to say that he had checked with MEA executives and confirmed that there was no policy to cut power in the area.

A source at the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority said that, in practice, blocking water supply would cover a large area and affect lots of people. If there was any order to cut water supply, it should come from the authority's governor, the source said. At the time of press, there were no orders to cut the water supply.

As for plans to cut mobile-phone signals in the protest area, a source from a service provider who asked not to be named, said mobile-service providers and the CRES had met to discuss cooperation measures though they had agreed to not cut the signal for the moment.

The National Telecommunications Commission as well as sources from service providers said the same thing - they had received no written order to cut off services. A source said the prime minister would have to send a letter to the National Telecommunication Commission first, but no such contact had been made.

Meanwhile, businesses in the Rajprasong area said cutting off the water and power supply would not have a negative impact because most businesses had moved their offices to other locations, a representative of the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association said.

Gaysorn Plaza's head office have moved to Sukhumvit road, while companies in CentralWorld have also moved, the representative, who wished to remain unnamed, said. Besides, most buildings in the area have backup power that can last 24-48 hours.

Prakit Pratipasen, chairman of Erawan Group, which owns Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, said the new measure would not affect the hotel as it remained closed.

-- The Nation 2010-05-13

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REDS RALLIES

Rajprasong rally holding schools hostage

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The ongoing red-shirt rally at the Rajprasong intersection is posing a threat to the thousands of students waiting to start their semesters soon.

There are more than 80 schools, including those offering tutorial classes, near the rally site.

"It's not just about inconvenience, but it's also about their safety," Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat said yesterday, adding that if everyone embraced the road map for reconciliation, the situation would have improved and the children would not have to suffer.

Chinnaworn added that his ministry was monitoring the situation round the clock.

"If necessary, we will ask the affected schools to postpone the start of the new semester or hold their classes elsewhere," he said.

Triam Udom Suksa, Srinkharinwirot University's Pathumwan demonstration, Chulalongkorn University's demonstration and Wat Patum Wanaram schools are among the many others close to the rally site.

The primary section of the Chulalongkorn University's demonstration school has decided to postpone the start of the new semester from May 17 to May 24.

The Wat Patum Wanaram School - now accessible only on foot because it is located exactly where the rally is going on - plans to hold its classes inside the Bangkok Business College on Phetchaburi Road instead.

Several other schools have also decided to teach their students elsewhere.

The upper-secondary Triam Udom Suksa School is having policemen guard its compound and has changed its timings from 7.30am-3.30pm to 8.30am-2.30pm.

"We have also asked parents to drop off and pick up their children every day until the rally ends," the school's director Wisarut Sontichai said.

"We will also cancel all after-class activities for safety reasons," he said, adding that the school would provide extra classes once the situation returns to normal.

The Mater Dei School, which is also only accessible by foot, has advised its students and their parents to regularly check the school's website for updates. It has also promised to send text messages to them if there is any change in the situation.

-- The Nation 2010-05-13

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MRT_BMCL GD: All MRT Stations will operate as usual 6.00 - 24.00. for more services update pls call 02624 5200 (Mon-Fri 07.00-20.00)

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BMTA will stop bus services if Govt disperses the rally

BANGKOK (NNT) – The Director of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) mentioned that the BMTA would stop its bus services in all routes in case the rally termination measure of the government was enforced.

Following the announcement of Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban, the President of the Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), pressure will be exerted , and the rally at Ratchaprasong could be dispersed if supporters of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) still remained at the site.

The BMTA Director Opas Petmunee cited that in case such measure was launched at night, the BMTA bus services might not get the impact. However, the situation will be closely monitored and the number of buses may be reduced to prevent the demonstrators using buses as their bunkers. The Director added that if there was violence , all buses would be called to the stations for safety.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited (BMCL) Director of Event Support and Promotion, Maj Gen Chatchai Praditpong stated that the MRT subway would stop its operation if the government ordered the dispersal of the anti-government demonstration and the situation was deemed severe.

-- NNT 2010-05-13

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@RichardBarrow: Today is a government holiday for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony at Sanam Luang. Watch live on Thai TV.

Related Article on Thaivisa: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-s-R...ny-t364584.html

@RichardBarrow: As today is an auspicious day it is unlikely that there will be an army crackdown in the coming hours.

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ThavisaNews: Bangkok: The MRT and BTS services are operating as normal today 06:00 - 24:00

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Acting Govt Spokesman Admits Road Map Hits Deadend

BANGActing govt spokesperson Panitarn Wattanayagorn admits the peace road map, which proposed Nov 14 as the date for a new general election, has hit a deadend.

He'll discuss the matter with PM Abhisit Vejjajiva later today.

He added that if further negotiations failed to move the peace effort forward, it'll officially be called off.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-13

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@RichardBarrow: Central Chidlom will not open today due to threat of army crackdown.

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Related topic discussions:

Thai PM Abhisit Puts Plan For November Polls On Hold

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-PM-Abhi...er-t364611.html

1,500 Restaurants In Bangkok Close On Red-Shirts Rally

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/1-500-Restau...-R-t364613.html

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Pheu Thai Party Opposes Violence, Endorses Negotiation Between Government and Red Shirts

BANGKOK: -- The Pheu Thai Party's MPs Chairman has called for negotiation between the government and the red-shirt protesters. At the same time, he has expressed his opposition regarding the use of force.

Chalerm Yubamrung, the Pheu Thai Party's MPs Chairman, has refused to comment on the plan of the Centre of the Resolution of Emergency Situation or CRES to isolate the red-shirts' encampment at Ratchaprasong Intersection by cutting off electricity and water services in the area.

Chalerm said he would like to see the negotiation between the government and the red-shirts resumed. He has also called for the government to revoke the emergency decree and to grant bail for red-shirt leaders in order to bring about reconciliation.

Chalerm also said that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva should dissolve the House or resign and be replaced by someone else from the Democrat Party, such as former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai.

Chalerm also expressed opposition to the government's plan to dislodge the protesters by force, and said he believes the military will refrain from taking such action.

Chaloem claims the recent violence stemmed from a disagreement within the government itself, and the current administration will lose legitimacy if there is another violent incident.

Chalerm has also endorsed the opposition's idea to setup a reconciliation committee consisting of parliamentary members to diffuse the tense political situation..

Furthermore, Chalerm has discredited Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban's report to the Department of Special Investigation, calling the accusation of his role in the deadly April 10th clashes as a mere distraction and that the case should be forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Regarding the Democrat Party's dissolution case for accepting 258 million baht in illegal campaign contribution, Chalerm said the members of the Democrat Party must be accountable for the wrongdoing, especially Abhisit as he is the party's leader.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-13

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Heavy Gunfire, explosions and Helicopters all around Silom Bangkok

Seems things just got very bad for some reasion. No explanation media.

I'm working from home on Lang Suan and I hear what sounds like arms fire on Radjadamri. Anyone hear anything about this? Is the army moving in today?

comment: It could be fireworks, but it's difficult to determine with it echoing through the buildings.

Source Thavisa Facebook page http://facebook.com/ThaiVisaNews

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Thaivisa Member:

There is definitely no gunfire around Rajdamri. I live just behind Gaysorn Plaza and can see and hear what is going on down at Rajdamri.

There was a helicopter approaching and as always the red guards shoot a lot of bung fai rockets with firecrackers whenever they hear and/or see a heli. Before I have already seen some of these rockets misfiring, not taking off and exploding on the ground.

Therefore I would also be very careful about the "gunfire" around Silom. I would assume these were bung fai too because the heli was approaching from that direction.

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@RichardBarrow mentioned from the scene that fireworks were being launched at helicopters around 20 mins ago to keep them away

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Thaivisa Member:

I was in Rathchadamri when the helicopter flew overhead, witnessed fireworks being fired. Looks like the guys doing were having fun!

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@RichardBarrow: No police in front of Dusit Thani. Very quiet in Silom most police/army are hiding in car park buildings around the back.

@RichardBarrow: Not so many #redshirts at Ratchaprasong today. Nor down side roads. Everyone a little nervous.

@RichardBarrow: Those police trucks in the middle of Rajdamri were not there yesterday. /via @nkoleszar

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TAN Network: CRES:to encourage the protesters to disperse armored vehicles will be used to surround reds this evening. Live bullets to be used

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CRES to Surround Red-shirts This Evening, Live Bullets to Be Used

The Center for Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) has announced that to encourage the protesters to disperse armored vehicles will be used to surround the anti-government red-shirt protesters this evening.

Live bullets will be used.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-13

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TAN Network: At 6 P.M. all traffics surrounding the Ratchaprasong area, except Rama IV Road, will b closed ahead of dispersal effort by CRES

TAN Network: Public transports and public utilities will also be suspended in an attempt to get red-shirts to leave Ratchaprasong

TAN Network: Reds: Only 1 demand, DPM Suthep must turn himself in and be prosecuted for involvement in Apr 10.Signs of rift cont to emerge

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CRES Encourages Businesses Near Ratchaprasong to Close

Ahead of the planned dispersal effort by the Center for Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) at 6 P.M. this evening, the center has encouraged businesses located near the Ratchaprasong area to close early. However, no time frame has been given as to how long the businesses should remain closed.

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HOT: Traffic, Public Transport and Utilities in Ratchaprasong Area Will Be Closed at 6 P.M.

At 6 P.M. all traffics surrounding the Ratchaprasong area, except Rama IV Road, will be closed off ahead of the planned dispersal effort by the Center for Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES). Public transports and public utilities will also be suspended in an attempt to try to get anti-government red-shirt protesters to leave the Ratchaprasong area.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-13

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Related topic discussion:

Armoured vehicles, army live bullets will be used to surround Red-Shirts from 6pm

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Armoured-Veh...et-t364644.html

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Reds Won't Give Up, to Resist CRES Dispersal Efforts This Evening

The core red-shirt leaders have announced that they won't give up and disperse even when the Center for Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) has threatened to use armored vehicles to surround the protesters at Ratchaprasong and that live bullets may be used to encourage the protesters to leave the Ratcharprason area.

The leaders say the the protesters will be rehearsing counter-dispersal tactics ahead of the launch of the dispersal operation tonight at 6 P.M.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-13

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THE NATION: BTS will close Siam/Chidlom/Ploenchit and Rajdamri stations after 6pm. via @jin_nation

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Weng: Weera expected back on stage today

BANGKOK (NNT) -- United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) Chairperson, Weera Musikapong, is likely to show up on the rally stage at Ratchapasong Intersection in Bangkok on Thursday.

UDD core leader, MD Weng Tojirakarn, stated that he had phoned Mr Weera on Wednesday night, and the UDD chairperson said he might travel to the rally stage today.

Earlier, many sides speculated that Mr Weera had downplayed his role in the UDD group and departed to other countries due to conflicts with other UDD core leaders about the plan to end the prolonged protest of the group.

Nevertheless, MD Weng yesterday dismissed the rumor, saying that Mr Weera just caught a cold.

The UDD core leader added that the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) should have filed charges against Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban immediately when he turned in, in response to the final condition to end the prolonged rally of the UDD.

On 11 May 2010, Mr Suthep, as the director of the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES), reported himself to the DSI at 8.30 hrs in order to acknowledge the complaints filed against him by relatives of the victims of the 10 Apr bloodshed.

However, the UDD refused to disperse, expressing doubts toward the neutrality of the DSI.

-- NNT 2010-05-13

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THE NATION: BTS won't stop on the 4 stations Siam/Chidlom/Ploenchit/Rajdamri after 6pm. The rest opens till midnight.

THE NATION: CRES will give full details on govt measures including road closure on TV poll and FM 100 at 2pm. via js100 radio.

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THE NATION: Bangkok travel warning: Go home now if u can. Not that crackdown upcoming but govt measures will cause traffic hel_l.

THE NATION: PM confirms Nov 14 election plan is off.

THE NATION: Govt idea for today is a complete seal-off of Rajprasong. (replacing the original plan to cut water/power)

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THE NATION: I don't want to get too excited with new measures from CRES but I need to warn you all to avoid traffic in the city. Sukhumvit is not included in govt measures, but hel_l will break loose on it.

THE NATION: Saw a troop coming from the East this morning on the Bkk-Chon Buri motorway. They should be now in the city.