Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Thursday

[george]

Bangkok traffic: CRES to block roads around Rajprasong

The Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation will completely seal off roads around the Rajprasong rally site to block more protesters to join the rally.

The CRES announced that the complete blockade would start at 6 pm Thursday.

Phyathai Road, Phetchaburi Road, and Wireless Road would be closed to all type of transportation.

Motorists on Rama IV Road would be subject to checking by troops.

Residents of the sealed-off are will need to show identification documents to enter the area.

Protesters will not be allowed to enter the zone but they will not be blocked from leaving.

-- The Nation 2010-05-13

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[george]

RichardBarrow: For the time being, Internet and mobile phone service at Ratchaprasong seems alright.

[george]

FM Kasit: Foreign diplomats understand Thai security operations in dealing with Red Shirts

BANGKOK, May 13 (TNA) – Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Thursday that foreign ambassadors in the kingdom understand well the security operations of the Thai government applied against anti-government Red Shirt protesters, saying that no diplomat is worried about the ongoing political crisis.

The Thai foreign minister made comments as he called a meeting of Bangkok-based foreign diplomats on Wednesday to inform them about the cut-off of power and water supplies at Bangkok’s prime commercial area of Ratchaprasong in an attempt to pressure the Red Shirts to end their two month-long rally.

The briefing came as 17 embassies located in and around the Ratchaprasong area had reportedly expressed their concern over some measures of the government against the protesters that may affect the embassies.

The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) on Wednesday announced it will cut off electricity, water supplies and all kinds of public transport services at and around Ratchaprasong intersection from midnight to pressure the movement after it refused to end protest despite being willing to join the premier’s reconciliation road map.

Mr Kasit asserted that foreign ambassadors who have been informed of the current situation are unworried as demonstrations occur in many countries.

Mr Kasit said he explained to the diplomats the administration's position during this period and told them that the government has remained patient and focused on negotiations with all parties under the rule of law.

"Personally, I’m confident that Thailand will not be a failed state as the government can still run the country and there’s only one group of people causing chaos for the benefit of one person," he said.

Every embassy can receive or notify information regarding the ongoing situation around the clock from a joint-operation centre between security agencies and the Department of Protocol, as well as from a centre at the Department of Consular Affairs , according to the foreign minister

Following rumours over the spat between Mr Kasit and Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra regarding the minister’s reaction to the visit of some Bangkok-based foreign diplomats at the Red Shirt rally site, Mr Kasit said it was only a difference of opinion and he will explain his position to the governor to create better understanding.

“I have done everything under standard practices and within the agreed framework. When I see an action is inappropriate, I reprimand them with reasons, not admonish them," said Mr Kasit, given that an aide-memoire was submitted to Filipino diplomats, while some ambassadors have apologised to Thailand for their improper behaviour.

Every country is ready to morally support the Thai government to move on and no country has pressured us to disperse the crowd, while conceding that some foreign media have reported distorted information on the situation, he said, emphasising that he has already created better understanding with them.

-- TNA 2010-05-13

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[george]

THE NATION: Non-red vendors at the rally site are said to be evacuating the area in anticipation of traffic seal-off.

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THE NATION: Boat service along Klong Sansaeb will end at Asoke pier so passengers cud connect to MRT. Service available till 8.45pm. via js100 radio.

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CRES to block roads around Rajprasong

By The Nation

Blockade starts 6 pm, troops authorised to use live ammunitions

BANGKOK: -- The Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation will completely seal off roads around the Rajprasong rally site to block more protesters from joining the rally.

The CRES announced that the complete blockade would start at 6 pm Thursday.

Phyathai Road, Phetchaburi Road, and Wireless Road would be closed to all types of transportation.

Limited access will be allowed on Rama IV Road but motorists would be checked by troops.

Residents of the sealed-off area will need to show identification documents to enter the zone.

Protesters will not be allowed to enter the zone but they will not be blocked from leaving.

The blockade was announced by CRES spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, who said troops will be authorised to use live ammunitions at the all checkpoints around Rajprasong.

Sansern said the northern area to be affected by the sealing-off starts from Rajthevi Intersection to Phetchaburi Road, reaching the Phetchaburi Expressway Intersection.

On the southern side, the road will be blocked from Phetchaburi Intersection to Wireless Road to Wireless Road Intersection, reaching Rama IV road and Samyaek Intersection.

The Phythai Road will be entirely sealed off from Mah Boon Krong, reaching Rajthevi Intersection.

Sansern said the roads will be blocked in square shape.

"In this square blockade, the Phyathai, Phetchaburi and Wireless Road will be closed to traffic," Sansern said, adding that Rama IV Road will provide limited access to motorists.

He said all types of transportation, including buses, BTS trains and subway and passenger boasts will not be allowed to pass through the blocked area.

Sansern said residents and people working in the blocked zone would be allowed to travel through the checkpoints if they present their documents like household registrations and workers' ID cards. They will receive stickers for their vehicles to enter the zone.

He said the troops and police would close in on the rally zone and would be backed up by armoured vehicles.

"We need to use the armoured vehicles to shield troops and police from being fired at because we are confident that armed terrorists are among the protesters," Sansern said.

Sansern said troops would first try to prevent attacks by protesters by using rubber bullets but if protesters still attack the officials to try to seize weapons, the officials will need to use live ammunitions to defend themselves.

He said officials would first try to fire into the sky to intimidate attacking protesters and would aim at those with weapons.

Sansern said troops will be armed with M16 assault rifles and Travo assault rifles.

Sansern said the court approved the CRES' request for mobile phone operators to cut off phone signals in the protest zone.

He said the court allowed the phone signal blackout to be made for six hours each time for unlimited number of times until the situation improved.

-- The Nation 2010-05-13

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THE NATION: Weng: Veera will surely return today.

THE NATION: TR@Cake_NBC - Sansern: in case of any clash btw protesters and officials during seal-off operation, CRES may use rubber bullets.

BTS SkyTrain: May 13th, from 6.00 p.m. trains will not stop at Siam,Chit lom,Phloen Chit and Ratchadamri Stations.Others stations open until midnight

THE NATION: MRT will NOT stop at Silom and Lumpini stations from 6pm. But the rest of service is on until midnight.

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THE NATION: So far, we've received info that many offices allow staff to leave at 3.30-4pm. Traffic should be heavy after 4pm.

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Red-shirts Leaders Deny Veera Has Resigned

BANGKOK: -- The red-shirt core leaders have once again today reiterated that core leader Veera Musikkapong, who led the peace talks with the Abhisit administration in March, has left the red-shirt movement. Reports have begun to surface that Veera has given up his position as one of the three main core leaders of the red-shirt protesters once it was apparent that they were going to reject the road map proposed by PM Abhisit.

The core leaders promised Veera will make a stage appearance today.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-13

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CRES to begin isolating UDD rally at 18.00 hrs today

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) has drawn a deadline at 18.00 hrs today for the anti-government protestors to leave Ratchaprasong Junction, warning that countermeasures will be imposed.

During the press briefing this morning, CRES Spokesperson Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd declared that the authorities were ready to block the roads and cut off the water and electricity supplies in the Ratchaprasong area from 18.00 hrs today to pressure the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) demonstrators to vacate the rally site.

The facility systems are being altered to minimize the impact on the Ratchaprasong residents. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kasit Piromya has also ensured that the operation will not affect the 17 foreign embassies located in the area.

The procedure will be carried out at Ratchaprasong and its perimeter, including Pathumwan, Pratunam, Chid Lom, and Sala Daeng Intersections. Phaya Thai Road, Phetchaburi Road, and Wireless Road will be closed to traffic and public transportation. General commuters other than the local residents will be forbidden from entering the area.

UDD supporters who wish to leave the rally site can notify the officers for free transport back home. All business operators have been asked to temporarily close their shops to facilitate the operation.

Col Sansern added that armored trucks would be sent in to prevent ill-intentioned individuals from instigating violence. He affirmed that the vehicles would only be used as barriers in case of a terrorist attack to prevent damages and avoid unnecessary battles. However, armed forces will be deployed in the area to prevent untoward incidents.

-- NNT 2010-05-13

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Businesses Around Ratchaprasong Close Early

BANGKOK: -- Reports have come in that businesses located in Ratchaprasong area have closed early today ahead of the planned dispersal campaign announced a few hours ago by the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES).

Forty four hospitals have been notified of the situation and be on alert for possibility of emergency medical care being required.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-13

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Thaivisa member: Roads around Ratchaprasong are being blocked now! Eye witness reports from my Staff says they are shutting down the roads now.

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THE NATION: TR @js100radio (Inbound) Sukhumvit fr Ploenchit Xpressway exit will be closed. Motorists have to take Duang Pitak Rd to enter Rama IV.

THE NATION: Platinum Mall on Pratunam will be closed at 5pm today. Tomorrow the mall is closed. via js100 radio.

@RichardBarrow: MBK will close at 6pm tonight for the first time since the Reds moved in / via TNN24

BreakingNews Update: Thai military says forces will surround protest encampment in Bangkok with armored vehicles - BBC http://bit.ly/9KNzyx

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THE NATION: On redshirt stage,leaders call reds to come join them wherever they are. Wonder if CRES can handle the influx of reds if it happens.

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THE NATION: Sathorn traffic is congested. (16.31) via JS100 radio

@thai news: AIS, Dtac willing to cut signals

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MCOTEnglishnews: Companies, shops in Silom close early, employees leave work early; CRES orders set up of security checkpoints after 6pm

THE NATION: TR @Noppajak (4.30) Rambo announces he would lead Silom side while Jeng Dokjig will be the head on MBK side.

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THE NATION: RT @waerth: @veen_NT Dutch Embassy send SMS to registered nationals. Avoid Rajprasong area. Clash between army &reds expected

(Correction: RT @lindavanderwijk: Dutch emb SMS did NOT say clash expected. just b very careful.>>sorry I RT & thought it was part of SMS.)

THE NATION: TRaffic extremely heavy on wireless and ruamrudee now. No signs of police or military at all.

THE NATION: DJ Om told protesters that if Rajprasong was dispersed, go and seize provincial halls and arrest governors and deputy govts.

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@RichardBarrow: Bangkok Dangerous Map updated with surrounding of Red Zone http://digg.com/u1X49N

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THE NATION: Thai Court allows phone signal blackout to be made for six hours each time for unlimited number of times

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Khattiya says 80 red-shirt groups will go on fighting even without leaders

BANGKOK: -- Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdiphol said Thursday that some 80 red-shirt groups have signed a pact with him to continue demonstrating even if red-shirt leaders call off the rally.

Khattiya said if the red-shirt leaders decided to disperse, he and Arisaman Pongruangrong would take over immediately to continue the rally.

Khattiya said he would provide security for the demonstrators while Arisaman would lead the demonstration.

He said staffs of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would provide foods and other support for the demonstrators.

-- The Nation 2010-05-13

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Siege of Red-shirt Rally Set at 6 P.M.

BANGKOK: -- The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation has ordered security forces to use armored vehicles, rubber bullets and live rounds during this evening's operations to disperse the red-shirt demonstration in Ratchaprasong area.

Spokesman of the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation, or CRES, Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd disclosed this morning that by 6 p.m. today armed soldiers will surround the Ratchaprasong rally site of the red-shirt group.

Armored vehicles will be used to besiege the area from Ratchathevi Intersection to Petchaburi Road in the north and extend to Wireless Road and Rama IV Road in the south.

Traffic in nearby areas will be highly restricted or closed ahead of the complete suspension of public transport services and public utilities in Ratchaprasong area.

The CRES has stated that protesters who wish to leave will be permitted to do so before 6 p.m.

Those who choose to leave, however, will not be allowed to return and area residents must produce evidence to authorities before traveling into and from Ratchaprasong.

Colonel Sansern assured that security forces will adhere to international protocol if a confrontation takes place.

The spokesman noted that although authorities will be equipped with live rounds they will initially respond to any threats with rubber bullets.

The CRES spokesman elaborated that the live rounds will be used in only three situations - to scare off the protesters by being fired into to the air, in self defense and against armed antagonists.

No heavy arms, such as grenades, will be used. Sharp shooters and armored vehicles will assist troops during today's operations.

Mobile phone signals will be blocked in the area for six hours once the operations begin.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-13

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THE NATION: From Rajprasong: black guards walking around everywhere with sticks, catapults etc>>stay safe.

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@RichardBarrow: Soldiers moving down suriwong towards silom (17:14) #redshirts

@RichardBarrow: If you are in or near the Red Zone, you are advised to leave now via BTS or MRT before local stations close in 35 minutes at 6 p.m.

THE NATION: Avoid suriwong! Tails back to Rama 4 intersection

THE NATION: BTS extremely crowded at Siam

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THE NATION: No air-conditioning space and food supply from redshirt popular spot as McDonald's at Amarin Plaza has been closed since 4pm.

@Dany_k: It seems all soldiers are avoiding main roads and going down small soi's. ESP the soi down to Sam yaan from suriwong

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Roads, access to Ratchaprasong close at 6pm as security seals area

BANGKOK (TNA) --Thailand's Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) on Thursday ordered the closure of roads around Bangkok's prime commercial area of Ratchaprasong where anti-government Red Shirt protesters have encamped more than a month in an attempt to pressure the protesters to end their protest.

The CRES movement came as the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) announced they will stay put at Ratchaprasong until Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban surrenders to police for allegedly ordering killing of the Red Shirt protesters on April 10 crackdown, although they earlier said they agreed with the road map for national reconciliation proposed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The prime minister said on Wednesday it has been more than a week since he offered his reconciliation plan, while the Red Shirts proposed new conditions everyday. The CRES said they will cut off water and power supplies, as well as public utilities and transport services from Wednesday midnight to pressure the protesters.

The Red Shirt protesters have rallied at Ratchaprasong where market-leader luxury department stores and hotels are located since early April, forcing the closure of shopping malls, affecting some 25,000 employees.

CRES met again Thursday morning to lay out measures to completely seal off Ratchaprasong intersection, starting 6pm.

Spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said all public transport services including buses, BTS Skytrain, the MRT underground and passenger boats along the Saensaeb Canal will be suspended from 6pm Thursday.

According to the CRES, roads surrounding and leading to Ratchaprasong intersection including Phayathai, Petchaburi and Witthayu roads will be closed, except Rama IV Road.

"The public and the protesters are allowed to leave the rally site but outsiders cannot enter, only those who live or work in the area," said Col Sansern.

"They must prepare documents such as house registration documents or identity card to show to security officials at the checkpoints and they will be given a sticker as their pass to the area."

For tomorrow, said the spokesman, CRES will seek cooperation from private companies and business operators in the area to temporarily stop their businesses and allow their employees to take leave from Friday until the situation eases.

Col Sansern added the security personnel will use armoured cars to approach the rally site as such cars can prevent attacks by many kinds of weapons, saying the security agencies believe terrorists are mingling with demonstrators at the protesting area and war weapons have been hidden there.

The CRES spokesman said it is possible that terrorists at the rally site will clash with security personnel who are approaching to reduce the protest area and the authorities must carry out operation under standard practices from softest to hardest measures in seven stages, with live ammunition being used [as a last resort].

"The security operation by [the army] is not aimed at [killing] protesters, but only to stop them from approaching security personnel," said Col Sansern. "M16 rifles will be used in two or three modes, including firing into the sky to scare away protesters, firing when security personnel are attacked with apparent deadly intent and firing at persons carrying weapons in their hands."

The CRES spokesman reasserted M79 grenades and other unspecified ammunition not mentioned will not be used in the security operation.

Meanwhile UDD leader Natthawut Saikua shrugged off the CRES threat to besiege the Ratchaprasong rally site, saying the Red Shirts leaders resolved unanimously to stay put there until the deputy premier surrenders to police to face charges.

Mr Natthawut said this is not a condition or bargain, but they only want to call for justice for the Red Shirts who were killed during the April 10 incident. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-05-13

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US Embassy BKK: Warden Message: Embassy Closed Friday, May 14; Update on Possible Outages in Bangkok: http://bit.ly/cD5uGA

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THE NATION: Commercial banks situated in the Rajprasong rally area will close their branches tomorrow. TR@pranot

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THE NATION: Seh Daeng: Veera is in England now. (Weng has earlier said Veera would return to stage today)

THE NATION: Veera's son reportedly has a restaurant business in London.

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Khattiya says Veera has fled to England

Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdiphol told reporters Thursday that Veera Musigapong had fled to England.

But earlier Thursday, weng Tojirakarn, another red-shirt leader, said Veera would show on the stage Thursday after disappearing from Rajprasong for many days.

Speculations had it that Veera was hiding in Chanthaburi.

Veera's son has a restaurant in England.

-- The Nation 2010-05-13

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Police Hospital worried of stray bullets if clashes happen

The director of the Police General Hospital Thursday expressed worry over stray bullets if clashes between troops, police and protesters happen.

Pol Lt Gen Jongjet Owjenpong said the hospital is located next to the rally site and could be hit by stray bullets.

He said the hospital had installed metal walls to block stray bullets but the walls could not protect the entire hospital.

Jongjet said the hospital has prepared enough foods and waters and power generators in case of untoward incidents.

The hospital could use the supplementary power supply for three days if the main supply is cut off, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-13

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