Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Friday

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Friday May 14 Red-Shirt rally live updates

Here you can follow the live updates from the media, hour by hour.

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Related topic: Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Thursday

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Renegade Thai general shot as violence erupts in Bangkok

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK (AFP) -- A renegade Thai general allied with "Red Shirt" anti-government protesters was shot and seriously wounded Thursday in Bangkok, where violent clashes broke out between troops and demonstrators.

Gunshots and a series of loud explosions were heard close to the Red Shirts' sprawling encampment in the retail heart of the capital occupied by thousands of opposition protesters.

Major-General Khattiya Sawasdipol, a key figure in the protest movement, was shot in the head while he was giving an interview to a newspaper journalist close to the protest hub.

Another demonstrator was shot in the head in another part of the city where troops opened fire on advancing protesters, according to an AFP reporter.

Hours earlier the army had warned it would deploy snipers in the area around the rally site as part of a lockdown aimed at preventing more protesters entering.

One of Khattiya's aides told AFP by telephone from the hospital that he was believed to have been shot by a sniper, but there was no confirmation.

The dissident soldier was hit in the right temple and was undergoing an operation in intensive care, a spokesman for the official Erawan emergency centre said, adding that at least one other person was injured.

The fiery general, accused by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of trying to prevent an end to the street demonstrations, has made no secret of encouraging the "Red Shirt" protesters to oppose a reconciliation deal.

"It's important that I'm here. Everyone is here because Seh Daeng is here," he told AFP earlier in the day during an interview within the protest site, using his own nickname.

Wearing grenade pins in his floppy jungle hat and a combat knife on his belt, Seh Daeng has been regularly seen inspecting Red Shirt guards at the protest site, which has been fortified with barricades made from razor wire, fuel-soaked tyres and sharpened bamboo spears.

The clashes came after the prime minister shelved a plan for November elections and hopes faded for a resolution to a crippling two-month crisis that has sparked periodic violence, leaving 29 people dead and 1,000 injured.

An army spokesman had said earlier that troops would surround the rally site in the heart of Bangkok with armoured vehicles and that demonstrators would be allowed to leave but not enter the area.

"Snipers will be deployed in the operation," said the spokesman, Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd, after issuing a series of tough warnings to the "Red Shirt" protesters in recent weeks.

Sunsern said soldiers would be authorised to use real bullets for warning shots, self-defence and against "armed terrorists," although the government did not announce any immediate plan to forcibly disperse protesters.

An unsuccessful attempt by troops on April 10 to clear a different area in the capital's historic district sparked fierce street fighting that left 25 people dead and hundreds wounded.

Defiant Red Shirts vowed no surrender, despite the shooting of Khattiya.

"If you think the shooting of Seh Daeng will scare leaders and make them not dare to take the stage, you are wrong," one of the protest leaders, Jatuporn Prompan, said at the rally site.

"No matters what the weapons are, it means nothing to people who are calling for democracy like us. We will not leave here as losers."

Bracing for possible unrest elsewhere in the capital, the government extended a state of emergency already in place for the capital and surrounding areas to 15 more provinces.

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

Abhisit announced earlier he had ditched a plan to hold elections in mid-November under a peace plan aimed at ending the tense standoff because the protesters were refusing to disperse.

"I have told security officials to restore normality as soon as possible," he said.

The mostly poor and working class Reds, who launched their campaign in mid-March for immediate elections, initially agreed to enter the process but efforts to reach a deal that would see them go home have since broken down.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-14

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Timeline of Red-shirt Dispersal Operation

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.

Chaos broke out since around 7.30 P.M. when sound of explosions were heard at Saladaeng intersection and later reports surfaced that Major General Katthiya Sawasdiphol or Seh Daeng, a key leader of red-shirts' armed units has been shot.

Below is a timeline of the major events that have transpired so far. Log on to www.tannetwork.tv for breaking news and subsequent update of the timeline.

13/05/2010

11.50

Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) announced the plan to surround anti-government red-shirt protesters and use armored vehicles, rubber and live bullets to persuade them to leave Ratchaprasong intersection at 6 P.M. Public transports and utilities will also be suspended.

14.15

BTS announced services at high risk areas (Silom, Chidlom, Siam and Ratdamri) will be suspended at 6 P.M. onwards. MRT also announced that services to Silom and Lumpini stations will be suspended at 6 P.M. when the CRES launches an operation to disperse the protesters.

17.45

Roads near Ratchaprasong intersection closed incl Ratthewee, Petchburi (near express way exit), Wireless Road, Rama I Road and Ratchaprarob Road.

18.39

CRES invoked Emergency Decree in 15 additional provinces, oversee by Region 2 & 3 Army chiefs

18.45

Ratchaprason area turned into no-fly zone after unidentified aircraft spotted above the red-shirt protest area. CRES feared air-terror strike imminent.

19.15

Major mobile phone operators cooperated with authorities, agree to cut signal around Ratchaprasong area.

19.36

Grenade-like sounds were heard at Saladaeng intersection, reporters believe they were M-79. Members of media and public took refuge in nearby buildings on Silom. Sounds of gunfire and firecrackers continued to be heard. Movements of armored vehicles seen moving from 11th Infantry to Ratchaprasong Intersection.

19.55

Major General Katthiya Sawasdhipol has reportedly been shot in the head. He was admitted to the ICU at Hua Chiew Hospital.

20.15

Several news agencies reported Seh Daeng had died from the serious head injury.

20.20

TAN Network reported at Hua Chiew denied Seh Daeng is dead. She confirmed he was wheeled out of the ICU 5 minutes ago and seemed to be in a serious condition.

20.40

Gunshots around Saladaeng have quiet down about half an hour ago but the number of those injured still cannot be determined.

20.50

Military checkpoints set up around Huachiew Hospital while police officers inside hospital conduct strict check for weapons among red-shirts.

21.00

CRES announcement: ban on entrance to Petchburi, Phayathai, Wireless, Rama IV, Ratchaprarop, violation will entail 2 yr jail term

21.20

Red-shirts on Ratchaprasong stage announced Seh Daeng is in a safe condition.

21.45

Reports have surfaced that several key leaders of the red-shirt movement have resigned after Major General Katthiya Sawasdiphol, or Seh Daeng, was shot by a sniper this evening. They include Weera Musikapong, Wisa Kanthap and Paijit Aksornnarong. Meanwhile, several key members, such as Weng Tojirakarn, Jaran Dittapichai and Korkaew Pikulthong are considering leaving the movement.

- Almost no movement from Lumpini Park where another group of red-shirt protesters are gathering except earlier reports of street lamps being smashed and CCTV cameras destroyed by the red-shirt protesters.

23.00

Another skirmish broke out between red-shirt leaders and security officers when protesters walked from their rally site around Lumpinee Park to a checkpoint on Rama IV Road close to Sathorn Road. Gunshots rang out and when things quiet down, 25-year-old Chartchai Chalao was found lying on the ground and believed to be dead but it was later revealed he is still alive. He was shot in the eye and is in critical condition. At least four other people were injured.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-14

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US closes embassy in Thailand, 'very concerned' about violence

WASHINGTON (AFP) -- The United States Thursday closed its embassy in Bangkok and said it was "very concerned" about the violence between the Thai government and protesters there.

"We're very concerned, we're watching it very closely," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters, adding the US embassy was closed to the public because it is close to the areas of violence.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-14

Published with written approval from AFP.

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[Maestro]

Thai Red Shirt leader shot

Seh Daeng, a leader of an anti-government protest group in Thailand was wounded in a shooting.

CNN's Dan Rivers reports.

-- CNN 2010-05-13

[Maestro]

Thai red-shirt supporter Gen Khattiya shot

A renegade Thai general who backs anti-government protesters has been shot, shortly after a deadline for troops to seal their Bangkok protest camp passed.

Major General Khattiya Sawadispol was shot in the head and seriously injured.

Thai troops have surrounded the tens of thousands of Red Shirt demonstrators who have been occupying the capital for two months.

Gunshots have been heard and there are reports of an explosion at a key Bangkok intersection.

Humphrey Hawksely reports.

Read more: Pro-protest Thailand general shot

-- BBC 2010-05-13

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[Maestro]

THE NATION: Minutes ago, explosion heard near the Silom intersection, TV Thai reported.

THE NATION: Gunshots have also been heard at the intersection.

[Maestro]

THE NATION: Seh Daeng has been sent from Hua Chiew to Vajira Hospital.

THE NATION: A deputy Hua Chiew director said Seh Daeng was not operated on while at Hua Chiew.

THE NATION: The doctor said Seh Daeng was sent to Vajira because it has better equipment.

[Maestro]

THE NATION: Nation TV reporter at Chula Hospital reported hearing explosions just now.

THE NATION: The Nation TV reporter said many reporters have left the Dusit Thani hotel, where they had gathered, following what sounded like explosions

THE NATION: It's clearer now that Seh Daeng's removal to Vajira Hospital has more to do with security than medical reasons.

[george]

Britain to shut Bangkok embassy amid protests

LONDON, May 13, 2010 (AFP) - The British embassy in Bangkok will close on Friday amid the violence in the Thai capital, a Foreign Office spokeswoman told AFP.

"The embassy will be closed tomorrow but we'll still have a hotline," the spokeswoman said.

"We'll be monitoring the situation in Bangkok on a day-by-day basis."

The United States closed its Bangkok embassy Thursday.

Thai "Red Shirt" protesters clashed with troops in the heart of the capital Thursday, leaving one dead and eight wounded.

The clashes came after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva shelved a plan for November elections and hopes faded for a resolution to a crippling two-month crisis that has sparked periodic violence, leaving 30 people dead and about 1,000 injured.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-14

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[george]

THE NATION: Seh Daeng attack has overshadowed reports that Veera is leading quite a few red leaders in abandoning rally.

"The others" include Adisorn Piengket, Visa Khantap and Visa's wife Paijitr.

And guess what, Weng is also rumoured to be in the list of those giving up. Along with Jaran Ditta-apichai and Korkaew Pikulthong.

Pls note, though, that red leaders (those not mentioned) have always denied split between them.

Dead toll so far from this political crisis since April 10: 30

[george]

One dead as violence erupts in Bangkok

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK, May 13, 2010 (AFP) - Thai "Red Shirt" protesters clashed with troops in the heart of the capital Thursday, leaving one dead and eight wounded, including a renegade general allied with the demonstrators.

Gunshots and a series of loud explosions were heard close to the Red Shirts' sprawling encampment in the retail heart of the capital occupied by thousands of opposition protesters.

One red-shirted demonstrator was shot in the head, and appeared to have been killed, as troops opened fire on advancing protesters, according to an AFP reporter.

Police later confirmed that one person had died while emergency services reported that eight people had been injured in the latest violent clashes.

Major-General Khattiya Sawasdipol, a key figure in the protest movement, was also shot in the head and seriously wounded while he was giving an interview to a newspaper journalist close to the protest hub.

Hours earlier the army had warned it would deploy snipers in the area around the rally site as part of a lockdown aimed at preventing more protesters entering.

One of Khattiya's aides told AFP by telephone from the hospital that he was believed to have been shot by a sniper, but there was no confirmation.

The fiery general, accused by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of trying to prevent an end to the street demonstrations, has made no secret of encouraging the "Red Shirt" protesters to oppose a reconciliation deal.

"It's important that I'm here. Everyone is here because Seh Daeng is here," he told AFP earlier in the day during an interview within the protest site, using his own nickname.

Wearing grenade pins in his floppy jungle hat and a combat knife on his belt, Khattiya, 58, has been regularly seen inspecting Red Shirt guards at the protest site, which has been fortified with barricades made from razor wire, fuel-soaked tyres and sharpened bamboo spears.

The clashes came after the premier shelved a plan for November elections and hopes faded for a resolution to a crippling two-month crisis that has sparked periodic violence, leaving 30 people dead and about 1,000 injured.

An army spokesman had said earlier that troops would surround the rally site in the heart of Bangkok with armoured vehicles and that demonstrators would be allowed to leave but not enter the area.

"Snipers will be deployed in the operation," said the spokesman, Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd.

Sunsern said soldiers would be authorised to use real bullets for warning shots, self-defence and against "armed terrorists," although the government did not announce any immediate plan to forcibly disperse protesters.

An unsuccessful attempt by troops on April 10 to clear a different area in the capital's historic district sparked fierce street fighting that left 25 people dead and hundreds wounded.

Defiant Red Shirts vowed no surrender, despite the shooting of Khattiya.

"If you think the shooting of Seh Daeng will scare leaders and make them not dare to take the stage, you are wrong," one of the protest leaders, Jatuporn Prompan, said at the rally site.

"No matters what the weapons are, it means nothing to people who are calling for democracy like us. We will not leave here as losers."

Bracing for possible unrest elsewhere in the capital, the government extended a state of emergency already in place for the capital and surrounding areas to 15 more provinces.

The United States closed its embassy in Bangkok close to the protest site, saying it was "very concerned" about the violence. The British, and Dutch embassies also suspended visa services.

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

Abhisit announced earlier he had ditched a plan to hold elections in mid-November under a peace plan aimed at ending the tense standoff because the protesters were refusing to disperse.

"I have told security officials to restore normality as soon as possible," he said.

The mostly poor and working class Reds, who launched their campaign in mid-March for immediate elections, initially agreed to enter the process but efforts to reach a deal that would see them go home have since broken down.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-14

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Maestro]

RED RALLIES

Maj Gen Khattiya in critical condition

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 hightension 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.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

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[Maestro]

THE NATION: Channel 7 quoted Veera as saying he remains Red. He said he disappeared coz he was talking secretly w/ Gov

Difference, though, between remaining Red and leaving rally.

[Maestro]

4 seriously injured at Lumpini clash late Thursday

Protesters clashed with troops at Gate 2 of the Lumpini Park at 11 pm Thursday night, causing at least four of them to be seriously injured.

One of them was shot at their eye in front of the Ua-Chuliang Building.

All the injured protesters were rushed to Chulalongkorn Hospital.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

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[george]

US, UK closes Embassies in Thailand, 'Very concerned' about violence

Full story:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/US-UK-Closes...nd-t364959.html

[Maestro]

THE NATION: Seh Daeng remains in coma and it's gone quiet, at least temporarily at saladaeng.

THE NATION: Seh Daeng's condition should be announced by Vajira Hospital tomorrow.

[Maestro]

THE NATION: Something is happening at the Petchaburis side, Massive loud explosions &what sounds like gunfire. (02:28)

THE NATION: more taxis arriving &more reds in the middle of the road, lots of noise, cant C much. Still firing rockets

[Maestro]

THE NATION: Thaksin has just sent his tweet, condemning the use of force on protesters. (2.42)

HIs latest tweet, Thaksin criticized govt 4 not being sincere & just in its reconciliation plan. "Reconciliation is not only beautiful wrd."

[Maestro]

THE NATION: More on Petchburi Road. @veen_NT Can see they have set up a small barricade outside Vanit, ambulance is here also.

                      more taxis arriving &more reds in the middle of the road, lots of noise, cant C much. Still firing rockets.

[Maestro]

'Mob Rule' in Bangkok

CNN's Dan Rivers reports on the escalating violence in Bangkok after Thai Red Shirt leader General Seh Daeng was shot.

CNN 2010-05-14

[Maestro]

THE NATION: redshirt guards R sent 2 Lerd Sin hospital thx 2 fatigue. That explained the earlier news that ambulances went in2 Sarasin Road.

                     The red guards got sick thx 2 excessive coffee & sum energy-food excessively. TV footage showed they wr throwing up at the hospital.

                     Redshirts also try 2 control the crowd as sum of them wr aggressive after the Seh Daeng shooting incident & try 2 confront military.

More fire works and gun shots rattling down Wireless towards Pleonchit.

[Maestro]

Key Red Shirt 'general' shot in Thailand protests

A key figure in Thailand's anti-government protests has been seriously wounded as gunshots were fired out at a Red Shirt camp after the army threatened to seal the site.

The violence came after the prime minister shelved a plan for November elections and hopes faded for a resolution to a crippling two-month crisis that has sparked periodic violence, leaving 29 people dead and 1,000 injured.

Renegade Major-General Khattiya Sawasdipol was shot in the chest and was in "very serious condition," said the nurse at Hua Chiew Hospital.

Read more: www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/7719686/Key-Red-Shirt-general-shot-in-Thailand-protests.html

-- Telegraph 2010-05-13

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US, British, Dutch embassies closed

The US, British and Dutch embassies were closed Friday.

The embassies announced that it would be inconvenient for the people to travel to the embassies, which are located in the sealed-off area near Rajprasong.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

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TAN Network: Thai media reports indicate shots still heard as of 5:45 A.M. this morning

@RichardBarrow: Following BTS stations closed today: Nana, Phloenchit, Chitlom, Siam, National Stadium, Ratchadamri & Sala Daeng.

THE NATION: At 2:10 am Friday, red-shirt protesters seized 4 container trucks and used them to block the inbound Rama IV Rd at the Bonkai Intersection.

THE NATION: Chulalongkorn Hospital closes its OPD and special clinics today

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MRT_BMCL MRT: Silom & Lumpini will remain closed today. Other MRT stations will operate as normal 06:00-24:00 hotline 026245200

TAN Network: Expressway exits to Petchaburi and Ploenchit roads closed today

TAN Network: Morning rush hour heavily congested as military personnel set up check points on various main roads js100radio

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TAN Network: ASTV: Red leaders meeting right now; trying make decision before 10 A.M. today; security personnel close in around Ratchprasong

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BANGKOK DEMONSTRATION

Economic gloom as barricades seal Rajprasong

By THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok fell into chaos yesterday as the government deployed troops and armoured vehicles to seal off the red-shirt protest site, leading to early closure of buildings in the Rajprasong are and greater uncertainties to the Thai economy.

A veil of uncertainty settled over the financial district and the country's economy.

Bank of Thailand (BOT) Governor Tarisa Watanagase admitted the domestic situation was more worrying than the European debt crisis, because Thai financial institutions were rarely exposed to such crises. Political conditions are unpredictable, because it remains unknown when the protest will end.

She said the situation would be discussed "along with other factors" at the June 2 meeting of the BOT's Monetary Policy Committee.

Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) senior economist Usara Wilaipich said key economic factors remained unchanged despite the heightened political tension. The bank will review the local economic outlook only when the situation returns to normal or when new factors arise.

Taking into account the effects of the political turmoil and the debt crisis in Europe, Standard Chartered Bank expects the Thai economy to expand only 2.8 per cent this year, she said.

Siam Commercial Bank executive vice president Thun Reansuwan said events following the failure of reconciliation would further dampen investor confidence and foreign direct investment. Any more violence will batter the country's image, as will any renewed protests after this.

Many buildings will remain closed today, including some foreign embassies and those housing 18 brokerage offices. However, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) will operate as usual despite the seal-off.

SET executive Nongram Wongvanich said there were 18 brokerage offices on Rama I, Wireless and Ploenchit roads. All have prepared for the cut in infrastructure supply and are ready to pool services with other brokers to send in orders or use the exchange's auxiliary system on Ratchadaphisek Road. The auxiliary system offers up to 30 screens.

"Brokers have asked if we'll be open tomorrow, because most of their servers are located at head offices. More than half of them are prepared for this," Nongram said.

The SET Index lost 7.17 points, or 0.93 per cent, yesterday to close at 777.85 points. The baht's appreciation was also capped as authorities asked businesses and residents to leave Bangkok's commercial district, which has been occupied by protesters for the past six weeks. Police and soldiers moved in to seal the area off.

Centara Grand at CentralWorld, the only hotel in the Rajprasong area that has remained open throughout the protest, decided to close down from today until next Friday at the authorities' request.

Thai and foreign guests filling only 10 per cent of the hotel's 500 rooms were transferred to Sofitel Central Lat Phrao Hotel. All employees were urged to take further leave, and the hotel is obliged to pay 75 per cent of salaries.

Shopping complexes in the Pathum Wan and Rajprasong areas will remain closed today, with no plans to reopen if the protests continue. The complexes - Siam Centre, Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, Gaysorn and Big C Rajdamri - have been closed for 41 days.

Siam Piwat, owner and operator of Siam Centre, Siam Discovery Centre and Siam Paragon, will also shut down the Siam Tower office building today, affecting about 30 companies that have offices there.

Platinum Mall Pratunam will close today and review the decision on a daily basis.

The owner of a condominium in Soi Mahadlekluang of Rajdamri Road, said: "We've informed anyone who wants to stay at home on Friday that they should not leave home on that day. But if they have business to do, they should not come back during the day."

The Dusit Thani Hotel, on the corner of Rama IV and Silom roads, asked its staff to return home early yesterday. Offices in the Silom Complex did the same.

Agence France-Presse reported some foreign embassies closed early yesterday and that the US, British and Dutch embassies had suspended visa services.

"Taking into account which roads are going to be closed, we made the determination to suspend visa services, because it would be difficult for Thai citizens to make appointments," said US Embassy press attache Michael Turner.

A British Embassy spokeswoman said visa and consular services would be closed today and that officials would review the situation daily.

A Dutch Embassy official said the mission had notified its citizens in Bangkok that it expected the authorities to seal off the commercial district occupied by protesters.

"We recommend everybody to avoid that area," the official said.

Finland moved its embassy in Bangkok to temporary premises last month, due to security concerns arising from the nearby protest.

It was also reported yesterday that some hotels near the protest site had not been approached to close their businesses.

Sanya Sangboon, general manager of the Siam @ Siam Design Hotel and Resort in Pathum Wan district, said the hotel would operate as usual. He urged the authorities to give advance warning of any closure, since the hotel had to notify employees and guests.

The Asia Hotel, with a 15-per-cent occupancy rate, will also remain open despite the fact that Phya Thai Road, on which it is located, is blocked. However, it does have direct Skytrain access.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

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RAJPRASONG INTERSECTION

Residents speak out about measures

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

Nathapat Promkaew

Nisathip Peeratrakul

The Nation

Some all for utilities cut off if it brings back peace and disperses red shirts

BANGKOK: -- A resident who lives near the Rajprasong intersection, where antigovernment protesters have been rallying since early April, is against the government's plan to block off all access to roads surround the rally site, and check everybody's ID card and house registration papers.

"This is totally affecting my daily life," the 50yearold man, who wished to remain unnamed, told The Nation.

"We should have the freedom to go anywhere. This is my home," he said.

The man, who has been living in the Ratchathewi area for two decades now, said everyone in the community knew each other very well. Therefore, having to show identification and house registration to soldiers and police around the Rajprasong intersection was a waste of time.

"Checking people's ID card is acceptable, but checking house registration numbers is just too much," he added.

A 52yearold woman, who also wanted to be unnamed, said she was worried that blocking all access to the Rajprasong intersection would interfere with her getting to Suvarnabhumi Airport in time for her flight last night.

"I'm going on an overseas trip with my daughter, but I don't know if I will be able to leave Wireless Road. My flight is scheduled to take off at 10pm, so I should be at the airport by 8pm," the woman said.

Meanwhile, Pornpen Buaklee, 53, who works at a private clinic on Wireless Road, said she agreed with the government's moves and was ready to comply with any and all measures.

"I would do it if this measure brought back peace," she said

She added that her clinic had been badly affected by the redshirt movement because patients were too scared to visit since it was so close to the rally site. Therefore, the clinic's income has been reducing.

"My salary and overtime has been cut down because there are no patients coming to the clinic anymore," she said.

Nanta Yangyuen, 71, a food vendor, said the redshirt rally was also affecting her because they used megaphones, which were very loud at night.

"I haven't been able to sleep because of the noise and also because I'm scared about violence," she said. "Also I have very few customers. I don't want the troops to disperse the demonstrators, they should negotiate instead."

As for the government's plan to cut of electricity and water around the Rajprasong area, to push the red shirts into dispersing, the local residents and vendors did not seem to be too pleased.

Krerk, a 49yearold shopkeeper said: "I don't think the government follow up on this plan because the residents who are not red shirts will also be inconvenienced. If the government does go ahead, then shops can't open and ATMs cannot be used for a long time. Still, if this does disperse the protesters then I'm all for it. However, I don't think it will affect the protesters that much."

A cosmetic shop owner said: "This is not such a good plan. There are lots of important places around here such as embassies and hospitals. There are many foreigners living in this area, so Thailand's image will badly affected. Cutting off the utilities will affect the residents around here. Why do people who are not red shirts have to be affected?"

Sunantha, a food vendor, said: "I agree with the government's plan. If cutting off utilities does disperse the rally, then I'm all for it, though I will have problems with my income."

Peeraboon Nanthikulwanich, a 46yearold Ploenchit Road resident, said: "I hope the government really goes ahead with this plan. But they don't always do what they say they are going to, and many people have lost confidence in them."

Dum, a road sweeper, said: "The government isn't brave enough to do this. The authorities have learned a lesson from the April 10 deaths."

Fai, a 24yearold shopkeeper, said: "If the government does cut off all the utilities, then all shops will have to close down. Anyway, the red shirts have been affecting our businesses for a long time now."

Though the government did not cut off the utilities last night, it did block cellphone signals and put up some checkpoints around the area.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

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Suthep case may go to NACC

By The Nation

Allegations to pass on if they have grounds: DSI boss

BANGKOK: -- Inquiries by the Department of Special Investigation into allegations surrounding Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban's involvement in the April 10 bloodshed will be further processed by the National AntiCorruption Commission if the allegations are found to have any grounds, directorgeneral Tharit Pengdit said yesterday.

The DSI will need another two weeks to gather evidence and compile information, including interviewing relatives of redshirt demonstrators killed in the violent protest, before ruling whether the allegations are indictable.

"Deputy Premier Suthep is not a criminal suspect until the DSI completes its finding in the coming weeks," Tharit said.

The DSI has now taken over more than 100 criminal cases relating to the redshirt protest from police, including many cases against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

"Since both of them are holders of political posts, the NACC has jurisdiction to take over the cases from the DSI once allegations against them are ruled indictable," Tharit said.

The NACC initiated its own investigation into allegations against former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat over his role in the October 7, 2008 violence, because members of the People's Alliance for Democracy lodged a petition directly with the NACC.

"But the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship [organiser of the redshirt protest] submitted its petition to the DSI in this case," he said.

The Democrat Party, of which both Abhisit and Suthep are members, called on redshirt leaders to turn themselves in to the DSI to keep their own selfimposed promises after Suthep did so.

"Suthep's surrender to the DSI was in compliance with the law over jurisdictional matters, as well as a commitment to society," said deputy party spokesman Atthawit Suwanphakdee.

"Claims that DSI directorgeneral Tharit is a member of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) are inexcusable. The redshirt leaders should show responsibility for their own words," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

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