Armoured Vehicles, Army Live Bullets Will Be Used To Surround Red-Shirts From 6pm

[FatherF]

tulsathit

Minutes ago, explosion heard near the Silom intersection, TV Thai reported. less than 20 seconds ago via TweetDeck

[gregb]

After 2 hours of watching Thai TV, (forgive me if this has already been mentioned, I don't have time to go through 50+ pages of comments)

The shots almost certainly came from the Dusit Thani hotel. It is likely (though impossible to confirm at this point) that the perpetrators are a group who have suffered economic losses from the extended red shirt rallies. The fact that the government ordered the military into the region at the exact same time the attempt takes place implies there was some knowledge of what was going to transpire by the government officials, but they were probably not the people directly responsible for the event. The implication is that the media personell who lured Seh Daeng into a position where he could be taken out from a window in the hotel were either a willing or unwilling accomplice in the event.

I still believe this is an opportunity for the government to capitalize on the momentum generated by this event, and try to replace the red shirt leaders with more moderate factions who are interested in reconcilliation.

Let us all hope that whatever happens from this point forward, that the red rally is dispersed, and that some attempt is made to restore the rule of law to Thailand. Nobody else need die for this senseless protest. The only people who can possibly benefit from continuing the terrorist encampment are the red leaders who are criminally compromised.

I suspect if the reds go home now, there is still a chance the government will allow new elections before 2011. The best chance to avoid needless death is to end this senseless protest before things spiral further out of control.

Truthfully, no matter what side of the divide you are on, you have to believe that minimizing loss of life is the prime motivator here. The best way to do that is to break up the rally and get people back on track to follow the proposed road map. If everyone agrees to go home now in exchange for returning to the road map, this is likely still possible. Amnesty for the red leaders is not an acceptable part of that map, so that requirement should be shelved by the red rank and file.

I personally hope that there is a way forward from here, but as long as the reds continue to hold the Thai people in contempt, I doubt that is possible.

[MaxLee]

Chavalit's birthday wish

Gen Chavalit wants the red-shirts to end their rally as his 78th birthday gift, and expects the political stand-off to be resolved in the next few days.

I DIDN'T MAKE THIS UP - Go to homepage of BP and see for yourself!

This is old news hours from yesterday morning. ha....ha....haaa

Edited May 13, 2010 by MaxLee

[alex_aka_P]

What does the guy in striped shirt have in his pants pocket? This is not a sarcasm or anything. I just can't work it out from this photo...

A leather mobile carrying case, IMO.

Most definitely an iPad.

iPad is much greater in size, FYI.

And...I am hardly imagine a Isaan rice farmer with an iPad (it is a very expenceve toy - especially for Issanians - to be brought to the clash site, and to be carried like this). Anyone with SUCH of revenue are staying far from this all, believe me.

Get real, bro.

[indemnity]

She means "doesn't pull through" as in if he remains in a coma... in a vegetative state.

He can be kept alive on a respirator indefinitely, but if he is in a vegetative state, a decision will need to be made as to whether to keep him on a respirator or not.

Often it depends on an EEG which measures brain activity. If it's not registering or is minimal, a decision to stop the life-sustaining equipment is often made and then the respirator is turned off and the patient dies.

Thanks, I assumed she meant doesn't pull through as in dies. Didn't realize it was now factual about the coma with all the rumors flying. Didn't know if she was another radical or what. My thoughts go out to her and hope she is simply a daughter and not also a violent extremest.

with the advent of modern medical technology, it's the long-standing medical ethics issue of brain dead versus heart dead and what to do.

Further amplifications:

Maj Gen Khattiya in critical condition

By The Nation

Published on May 14, 2010

Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdiphol was in a very critical condition late last night after the leader of the red shirts' alleged militant wing had been shot in the head at the Saladaeng intersection on a high tension day marked by mysterious gunshots, explosions and almost total blockade of the Rajprasong rally site by government troops.

Khattiya, who only hours earlier had threatened to take over the red movement from moderate leaders, was shot by a sniper shortly after giving an interview to a small group of local and foreign reporters.

He was rushed to the Hua Chiew Hospital but news reports said he was later about to be moved to another hospital, possibly Vajira.

His daughter confirmed with reporters that Khattiya was in a coma.

The incident took place shortly before or around 7 pm, almost in parallel with a commotion in the area caused by mysterious explosions, gunshots and sounds of firecrackers.

It was initially reported that some 20 people including women and children were injured in the related incident. But late last night, the director of the Erawan Centre, Petchpong Kamjornkarn, told The Nation that he was aware of only three people wounded including Khattiya. The doctor also expressed concern about what could be coming next.

The government yesterday stepped up pressure on the red shirts by sealing off key roads around Rajprasong, as Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva confirmed that his pledge to hold an election on November 14 no longer stayed. Before the evening incidents, a highranking government source told The Nation a crackdown seemed unavoidable, but the government would not take action after nightfall for fear of repetition of the April 10 tragedy.

Red leaders kept the Khattiya incident from Rajprasong protesters for more than hour, until Jatuporn Prompan went on stage at around 9 pm to announce that the officer was not "safe". Khattiya's relations with red "political" leaders had been soured after some of the latter showed eagerness to embrace Abhisit's fivepoint roadmap to reconciliation.

Khattiya, better known as "Se Daeng", had been threatening a "war" in the wake of the prime minister's proposal. The officer was also heavily linked with unknown "men in black" who attacked troops on April 10 at the Rajdamnoen Avenue. Before April 10, he and red leaders had disavowed each other but after the bloodshed he returned almost triumphantly to the Rajprasong rally site although he never seemed to be among the inner circles of the red political hierarchy.

The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation kept a tight lip over the Saladaeng incidents, and its latenight announcement was exclusively about extension of the state of emergency measures to cover 15 more provinces.

In a fresh outbreak of violence before press time, one man was killed and at least four others injured when red shirt protesters clashed with troops outside Lumpini Park near the Sathorn junction. The victim died at the Chulalongkorn Hospital from a gunshot wound, Nation TV reported.

Edited May 13, 2010 by indemnity

[FatherF]

tulsathit

Nation TV reporter at Chula Hospital reported hearing explosions just now. less than a minute ago via TweetDeck

[indemnity]

Emergency likely in 15 provinces

By THE NATION

Published on May 14, 2010

The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) will advise the government to declare a state of emergency in 15 more provinces to block more red shirts from joining anti-government protests at the Rajprasong shopping area.

CRES spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the new provinces were Chon Buri, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sa Ket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Lampang and Nakhon Sawan.

The state of emergency was earlier declared in Bangkok and parts of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom and Ayutthaya.

Sansern said the emergency was aimed at allowing the authorities to prevent red shirts in those provinces from travelling to Bangkok. He also said that the commanders of the Second and Third Army Regions were assigned by the CRES to work with the governors of those provinces to maintain peace there.

The decision was reached yesterday at a CRES meeting that was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, according to the spokesman.

He also said that the CRES decided to prohibit any aircraft or hang-gliders from flying over the Rajprasong area, adding that the Royal Thai Air Force would enforce the ban.

As part of the moves to mount pressure on the protesters, security forces would set up more checkpoints on roads around Rajprasong, including parts of Phetchaburi, Phya Thai, Rajprarop and Witthayu (Wireless), according to the spokesman.

He said the measure to cut off power and water supplies to the protest site would remain.

The CRES spokesman said that the purpose of deploying armoured vehicles near the protest site was to guard security forces against possible bombing or shooting attacks from terrorists hiding among the protesters. "There is no intention of harming unarmed protesters," he insisted.

He also said that in dispersing the crowd, the security forces would take measures ranging from light to harsh depending on the situation. Rubber bullets would be used as a warning to approaching protesters and if the latter became threatening, troops would fire live shots into the air to defend themselves.

Meanwhile, red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua said the protesters had still not completely reject the government's offer of national reconciliation. But the red shirts would continue their protests and defy any attempt by the authorities to disperse them.

People at the protest site yesterday reported that they could not make calls from their mobile phones and suspected it could be due to phone signals being blocked. Reporters said they would use their cellphones after moving out of the area to places such as the Royal Thai Police headquarters.

[dobadoy]

n a fresh outbreak of violence before press time, one man was killed and at least four others injured when red shirt protesters clashed with troops outside Lumpini Park near the Sathorn junction. The victim died at the Chulalongkorn Hospital from a gunshot wound, Nation TV reported.

TAN now reporting the demonstrator who got shot in the eye after attacking troops is not dead, but seriously injured. Expect he'll be asking for the claim form for that 'Thaksin Compensation Fund' soon as he's able.

[alex_aka_P]

THE NATION: ‘WHO WOULD DARE TO GET ME?’ Seh Daeng told our reporter shortly before he was shot.

Thinking that you're God - is usually punishable.

Here is the clear sample. His Karma got heavy enough to be self-collapsed, ruining the host to the very hel_l.

Dura lex - sed lex©

[Phuket Stan]

Chavalit's birthday wish

Gen Chavalit wants the red-shirts to end their rally as his 78th birthday gift, and expects the political stand-off to be resolved in the next few days.

I DIDN'T MAKE THIS UP - Go to homepage of BP and see for yourself!

This is old news hours from yesterday morning. ha....ha....haaa

He has always been a joke,,,,,shifty sly joke though

[indemnity]

Yahoo News Service

Anti-government protesters use slingshots during a rally in Bangkok May 13, 2010.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anti-government protesters confront a busload of Thai policemen forcing it to u-turn and leave the area close to anti-government protesters' encampment on Thursday May 13, 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand.

[indemnity]

Reuters

An anti-government protester throws a bottle into Lumpini park, where soldiers are staying, during a rally in Bangkok May 13, 2010.

[dobadoy]

Reuters

An anti-government protester throws a bottle into Lumpini park, where soldiers are staying, during a rally in Bangkok May 13, 2010.

Looks like local teens joining in for the jolly to me - too well-dressed to be hardcore UDD.

[bendejo]

Pongphon: How many men are under your command?

Seh Daeng: There is none. It's just me. I have never seen anyone carrying weapons here.

What does the guy in striped shirt have in his pants pocket? This is not a sarcasm or anything. I just can't work it out from this photo...

iPad?

People on the site that posted this photo believe it was a gun... I can't tell though.

Looks like a phone.

So what of the blackshirt goons now? Did they all run into the nearest temple to shave their heads?

I think Seh Deng was TS's last hope.

[indemnity]

UDD´s core figures have serious meeting and calm rally-goers on gunshot incident

BANGKOK, 13 May 2010 (NNT) – Core figures of the Anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) held a serious meeting after a series of gunshot at the nearby Sala Daeng Intersection, while speech-makers on red-shirt stage at Ratchaprasong tried to calm down rally-goers at the site as they believe in the UDD guards’ potential.

A UDD core figure Nisit Sinthuprai made a speech on the red-shirt stage at the Ratchaprasong rally site after the gunshot incident.

He asked all UDD’s supporters to gather at the site and calmed rally-goers, claiming that this incident was just meant to destroy demonstrators’ spirit.

Meanwhile, UDD core figures such as Mr Nattawut Saikua, Mr Jatuporn Prompan, and MD Weng Tojirakarn held a serious meeting about the incident behind the stage.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255305130057

[indemnity]

Reuters

An anti-government "red shirt" protester holding a firecracker, used to warn of an attack, and a slingshot looks out on the perimeter of the barricaded anti-government "red shirt" encampment at Bangkok's shopping district May 13, 2010. A rogue general leading a militant wing of Thai anti-government protesters was shot in the head and critically wounded on Thursday night as armed troops blockaded the site of a five-week rally in central Bangkok.

[mccw]

I see 4 possablilities of who dun it:

1) government sniper

2) Business interests hired hitman

3) Inter red factional dispute

4) Pad pro

either way, i hope this now spells the real beginning of the end.

[lannarebirth]

I see 4 possablilities of who dun it:

1) government sniper

2) Business interests hired hitman

3) Inter red factional dispute

4) Pad pro

either way, i hope this now spells the real beginning of the end.

5) Military faction acting without government sanction

[seahorse]

Not sure what will be the result of the shooting of Seh Daeng -- but in most western countries -- this action that was taken would be illegal (whether he deserved it or not). He was a citizen of the country, he was not holding hostages, there was no imminent danger, he was not pointing a weapon at police, and was taken out by a sniper. Simply, this was an extra-judicial assassination.

There is a State of Emergency. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans didn't the US army open fire on looters?

[indemnity]

From just prior to Sae Daeng being shot and runs contrary to Weng's claim that Veera is too "sick" to attend:

UDD core figure Veera Musikpong faded from Ratchaprasong rally

BANGKOK, 13 May 2010 (NNT) - Veera Musikpong, a core figure of Anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) disappeared from the rally stage on Ratchaprasong junction for three days despite a confirmation of his appearance on stage this afternoon.

Mr Veera has disappeared from the rally site in Ratchaprasong for three days amid rumors of his resignation as the UDD co-leader.

Many UDD figures also failed to make it on the rally stage, including red-shirt artist Visa Kantap, a blood splashing poet who usually analyzed daily news on stage as well as Paijit Aksornnarong, his partner and rally emcee.

In addition, Army Specialist Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol alais Seh Deang cited that Mr Veera’s disappearance resulted from his knowledge of some confidential information and his attempt to seek ways to step down and join his family, residing in the United Kingdom.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255305130048

Edited May 13, 2010 by indemnity

[sbk]

Off topic trollish and inflammatory posts are being deleted. Posters will not receive notification and breaches of the rules will result in immediate suspension.

Please use the report button to notify moderators on duty to inflammatory posts

[jcbangkok]

good night

Edited May 13, 2010 by jcbangkok

[kissdani]

what would be the consequences while Seh Daeng been shot :

1) reds will get more unorganised and will go home ?

2) reds will get more aggressive and will turn mad ?

anyone ?

The military will have it easier now to stage a coup.

More assassination on all sites will come.

[mccw]

Not sure what will be the result of the shooting of Seh Daeng -- but in most western countries -- this action that was taken would be illegal (whether he deserved it or not). He was a citizen of the country, he was not holding hostages, there was no imminent danger, he was not pointing a weapon at police, and was taken out by a sniper. Simply, this was an extra-judicial assassination.

There is a State of Emergency. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans didn't the US army open fire on looters?

3000 disapeared under thaksin no trail, maybe a similar number of red leaders "dissapearing" across the country would be fair enough? and put this thing to bed (sheep with no sheppard) (or sheap with a sheapard (mrt) but no dogs)

(i dont truely wish this to happen but by reds morals such things are par for the course it seems when the boots on the other foot)

[bendejo]

DS: He was an embarrassment to the gov't, the military, and to the faction of reds who wanted to keep things peaceful (if there really is/was such a thing). I think TS was looking upon him as the ace in the hole as a last-chance for defaming Abhisit as a blood-crazed killer, but on the other hand TS could fear him because he may have been the one pointing the finger, showing financial transfer evidence, etc linking him to funding terrorism.

Looks like the show's over.

[seahorse]

do they have any evidence it was an army sniper?

maybe it was a 'false' soldier.

Am sure that when time permits, they will hold a press conference and if the gov't had any part in this shooting they will surely let us know as it would be a very proud moment for the side of good and law obeying citizens of Thailand. Hopefully the soldier who did this is not to shy and agrees to be shown on TV and recognized for his expert marksmanship and firing the shot that will be likely be the turning event in terms of stopping this violent illegal mob from further damaging Thailand.

Shy? He'd have to be crazy to do this.

[SamSipEt]

Will you all stop your holier than thou pontificating.

I know I’ll have a problem with the mods but I don’t care because you posters are all a bunch of wanke_rs.

It is none of your business or mine so just shut the fuc_k up and let the Thais sort out their own problems in their own way what ever the outcome,

quote name='OzMick' date='2010-05-13 13:42:46' post='3591581'

Why can't we have a free and fair election with the red leaders in jail? [/quote

Legitimacy.

The Reds, like all other major groupings, must perceive the next election as free and fair. That is the only way to get them, and all other groups, to regard the outcome as legitimate and thus voluntarily accept the outcome.

Many posters here are talking about a coercive outcoming: military rule, Singapore style governance, and then of course there are the bitter loons who cant wait for (thai) blood to spill.

What i'm arguing for is a non coercive outcome: where groups of people voluntarily set aside differences to reach an acceptable of social harmony. That cannot in my judgement by achieved if those who symbolize the hopes and aspirations of one important group are incarcerated. What is important here is not what you or i think of the Red leaders or the Reds themselves. What is important is to bring the Reds back into the political process.

To do that, you have to consider how they think, and what they value. You wont lure the Reds back into the political process--including accepting an unfavorable election outcome as legitimate--if you insult them by incarcerating their leaders. You wont get them to accept an unfavorable result if they think that their chances were held back by goverment coercion.

It may well be that the choice is either between an amnesty, or--sooner or later--wide spread violence. I think Abhisit and the generals are wise men and fundamentally understand this. They have to negotiate the political narrows between extremely opposed groups who both feel that their interests area being trampled upon, with potentially horifying consequence if the govnerment get it wrong. Abhisit et al are wise to understand that time, and gentle pressure are their greatest assets.

If, in fact, this matter does end with elections widely perceived in Thailand as legitimate, Abhisit will deserve and get the Nobel Peace prize. He, and the Thai people, will have done for this country what Gorbachev, Yeltsin, and the Russian people did for theirs.

But we arent there yet. And if the armored vehicles now being discussed move on Ratchaprasong, I fear we never will.

[indemnity]

Not sure what will be the result of the shooting of Seh Daeng -- but in most western countries -- this action that was taken would be illegal (whether he deserved it or not). He was a citizen of the country, he was not holding hostages, there was no imminent danger, he was not pointing a weapon at police, and was taken out by a sniper. Simply, this was an extra-judicial assassination.

There is a State of Emergency. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans didn't the US army open fire on looters?

3000 disapeared under thaksin no trail, maybe a similar number of red leaders "dissapearing" across the country would be fair enough?

It would preempt wails of "double standard."

Edited May 13, 2010 by indemnity

[silk]

We can speculate on a lot of things:

1- The snipers are circulating freely everywhere amidst Army, amidst Red Shirts. Sae Deng has been shot by an army sniper infiltrated in the Red fortress? So, the 10th April which snipers were shooting?

2- Sae Deng has gotten information and maybe nobody want he talks?

3- How the interview and the location of the interview has been unveiled/ Mobile phone interception? Trap organised by a Mastermind? In such a case what is the role of the Journalist? trapped or playing a game?

4- Sae Deng is now an Hero for the Red Shirts. How this is going to be utilised? Is is a cooling or a warming element?

A lot of questions tonight

Yes correct but none of them should be answered by a farang...This thread is hysterical.

Im sure not one red shirt or army personal are even thinking about farangs tonight

Stick to your own politics you are only a farang after all.

paying tax in Thailand and not retired yet - is this enough explanation for you????????

Maybe if you let farang make a few decisions for you

the country would be in a better state than it is now

Doesn't seem like Thais are doing a very good on either

side of this dispute

I am a white guy i just find it hillarious that farang think they know best..Especially thaivisa inspector clueso's.

You cant vote so why get involved?

[Roadman]

I see 4 possablilities of who dun it:

1) government sniper

2) Business interests hired hitman

3) Inter red factional dispute

4) Pad pro

either way, i hope this now spells the real beginning of the end.

5) Military faction acting without government sanction

6) Army doing what they should have done within a few days of him murdering his fellow general. And even now they still couldn't successfully complete the mission.