Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Friday

[webfact]

Red Leaders in Serious Discussions as Military Close In

BANGKOK: -- Reports indicate that red shirt leaders are in serious discussions as to what actions they want to take next.

Many of the red shirt group's leaders are suggesting that negotiations be held with the government to prevent further bloodshed.

However, Jatuporn Phrompan and Arisman Phongruengrong are against the idea and insist they fight to the end.

The leaders are expected to come to a decision by 10 A.M. this morning.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-14

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

MRT_BMCL: BTS Sukhumvit Line operating from Mo Chit - Rachathewi - Mo Chit and from On Nut - Asok - On Nut from 6 A.M.

THE NATION: Read Seh Daeng's interview with The Nation not long before he was shot: http://bit.ly/90hk7G

[webfact]

Thailand's Red Shirts up security in tense Bangkok

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's "Red Shirt" anti-government protesters stepped up security Friday after clashes left one dead and eight wounded, including a renegade general allied with the demonstrators.

Black-clad guards at entrances to the sprawling protest site in central Bangkok were armed with slingshots and arrows Friday morning, and had sealed access at one main entrance.

The fresh violence in the capital late Thursday came after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva shelved a plan to hold early elections in November and hopes faded for a resolution to the crippling political crisis.

Renegade Major-General Khattiya Sawasdipol -- who had been accused of trying to stymie government moves to reconcile with the protesters -- was shot in the head and seriously wounded while giving an interview to a newspaper journalist close to the protesters' camp.

Another demonstrator died in clashes with security forces.

Red Shirts vowed no surrender despite the shooting of the fiery general, known as Seh Daeng.

"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 matter what the weapons are, it means nothing to people who are calling for democracy like us. We will not leave here as losers."

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 prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was unseated in a 2006 coup.

Abhisit said he had scrapped a plan to hold elections in mid-November under a peace plan aimed at ending the standoff because the protesters were refusing to disperse from what has essentially become occupied territory.

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 eventually broke down.

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

The United States said it was "very concerned" about the violence, and closed its embassy because it is close to the protest site.

"The government has to continue to have a dialogue with the demonstrators and they need to reach an agreement on a path forward," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters.

Asked if there was a threat to democracy, he said: "There are fundamental fissures within Thai society and the only way to resolve this and to develop a civil and inclusive society is through peaceful negotiation."

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

Hours before the general was shot the army had warned it would deploy snipers in the area around the Reds rally site to prevent more protesters entering.

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

But it was the protesters who still seemed in control Friday morning. The only armoured vehicle seen was one Humvee. Troops had blocked one main road with a water cannon, and dozens of police wearing bullet-proof vests were gathering.

Part of Bangkok's elevated rail system was shut down Friday morning, including a section through the key tourist area of Sukhumvit Road.

Authorities had vowed to block transport links as part of efforts to seal the protest site.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-14

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

TAN Network: Motorists advised to avoid North Sathon Rd. Several public buses used to close off road.Police forced to limit access to only on South side.

@RichardBarrow: MBK shopping mall reported to be closed today. Things must be bad in Bangkok!

TAN Network: Vajira Hospital says Seh Daeng's cond has marginally improved but still unstable. Dept of Special Invest'n sent in security to safeguard SD

[webfact]

MCOT: Vajira Hospital director: Gen Khattiya's operation to remove bullet from head 'successful' but he's in critical condition with brain edema

MCOT: One died, eight injured in clash between security forces and Red Shirt protesters last night; gunfire, or fireworks heard throughout night

[webfact]

ThaivisaNews: MRT (Subway) operating normally except for Silom and Lumpini stations

[webfact]

@RichardBarrow: In [sala Daeng] area phone signals for AIS & DTAC are cut leaving only HUTCH /via @aunonline

@RichardBarrow: TNN24 reported last night that AIS & DTAC co-operated with government to cut signal leaving only True Move.

[webfact]

TAN Network: Red shirt protesters close outbound lane of Thai-Belgium Bridge; traffic slow via @js100radio

@RichardBarrow: Today Central Silom Complex is closed /via @js100radio

[webfact]

TAN Network: INN: Taxis close down Wittiyu intersection

[webfact]

Thaksin condemns shooting of Maj Gen Khattiya

Fugitive ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra said in his twitter that he telephoned daughter of Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol who has been in a coma after being shot at the head reportedly by a sniper on Thursday night.

Thaksin said in @Thaksinlive at about 4am Friday that he gave moral support to Khattiya, daughter of Maj Gen Khattiya, who has been treated at Vachira Hospital.

A Vajira hospital doctor said Friday morning that the general, a leading red shirt leader, had been removed bullets from his head but the condition is still critical.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

TAN Network: Reports indicate that Jatuporn and Arisman are the only remaining leaders who won't surrender

THE NATION: No official news yet on type of bullet. But one senior Erawan Centre official told us last nite it probably had caused bad brain damage.

[webfact]

THE NATION: INN has reported firing of firecrackers by reds and troops firing warning into the air outside Lumpini this morning.

THE NATION: Cellular signals remain very poor at rajprasong (via @ktnews)

THE NATION: Vajara Hospital director Chaiwan said Seh Daeng’s survival chance is still low as his brain is swelling all the time.

[webfact]

Taxis Close Down Wittiyu Intersection; Red Shirts Close 1 Lane of Thai-Belgium Bridge

Reports indicate that red shirt taxis have taken over the Wittiyu Intersection as red shirt supporters close down the outbound lane of the Thai-Belgium Bridge on Rama 4 Road.

As a result, traffic is very slow going.

There are also reports of moderate clashes between protesters and military personnel at the U Chu Liang building on Rama 4. No injuries reported.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-14

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: The area in front of U Chu Liang building http://bit.ly/9nhpOz has been a hot spot last nite and tension spot this morning btw reds& troops

MCOTEnglishnews: US closes Bangkok embassy; M79 grenade fired at Bangkok Bank, Ubonratchathani damaging entrance. but no casualties

[webfact]

THE NATION: Reds have just launched fireworks, home-made rockets at a helicopter passing overhead at Saladaeng.

THE NATION: TNN reported black-shirt fighters were seen among red-shirt protesters near Lumpini Park Friday morning.

[webfact]

Seh Daeng's chance still low: Vajira Hospital director

BANGKOK: -- Vajira Hospital director Doctor Chaiwan Charoenchokethawee said the survival chance of Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdiphol or Seh Daeng is still low because his injured brain is still swelling.

Chaiwan said the ceaselessly-swelling brain caused his survival chance to be lower than the chance that he could succumb to the injuries.

"From the general condition, we must regard that Seh Daeng could die any minute," Chaiwan said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

BTS Sukhumvit route separated into two parts

BANGKOK: -- Dr Anat Arbhabhirama, a director of Bangkok Transit System, said the Sukhumvit route of the skytrian service was divided into two parts from Onnuch terminal to Asoke station and from Morchit terminal to Rajthevi station.

The trains will not run between Rajthevi station to Asoke station, he said.

No changes will be made to the Silom route.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

60-year-old red shirt shot, injured on Phetchaburi Road

BANGKOK: -- A 60-year-old red shirt protester was shot by an unidentified gunman on Phetchaburi Road at 5:30 am Friday.

He was shot near the Wanich Building and rushed to a hospital.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Gun Attack on Bkk Bank in Ubol Ratchathani

Gunmen opened fire at the Bangkok Bank in Ubol Ratchathani province. Nine shots were reportedly fired at the Phromratch branch, breaking glass walls.

No injuries have been reported.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-14

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Chulalongkorn Hospital closed Friday

Chulalongkorn Hospital announced that its Outpatients Department will be closed Friday.

The management will make further decisions on the services on the day-by-day basis.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Shots Still Heard This Morning ; Sae Deang Still in Critical Condition

BANGKOK: -- At approximately midnight last night, Major General Katthiya Sawasdiphol, or Sae Deang, was transferred to Wachira Hospital following a decision by family members to move him from Hua Chiew Hospital. After the transfer, doctors at Wachira operated on Sae Deang’s wounds. Reports indicate that 10 units of blood were used during the operation. However, he has not regained consciousness since being shot yesterday evening and remains in critical condition.

Major General Katthiya Sawasdiphol, a main hard-line red shirt leader, was shot in the head at around 7 P.M. yesterday as he was talking to foreign journalists at the edge of Suan Lumpini Park, near the Sala Deang intersection. It was later confirmed that he was shot in the head and suffered serious injuries. He was first transported to Hua Chiew Hospital where CT-Scans were taken of the two wounds.

As for the situation around the protest area, reports as of 5:45 A.M. on Friday morning around the Sala Deang and Ratchprasong areas indicate that sound of gunfire can still be heard. Although things have quieted down since early Friday morning, a strong military presence remains.

Businesses and embassies in the area are closed for the day. The U.S., British, and Dutch embassies remain closed as the military crackdown is expected to intensify throughout the day. Businesses and hotels are also closed.

A skirmish broke out between red-shirt leaders and security officers at around 11 P.M. last night when protesters walked from their rally site around Lumpinee Park to a checkpoint on Rama IV Road close to Sathorn Road. Gunshots rang out. When things quiet down, a 25-year-old male protester was found lying on the ground dead. At least four other people were injured.

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

-- Tan Network 2010-05-14

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: Seh Daeng - a night b4 he got shot: "Thaksin doesn't want the protest to be over. If it's over, then (he) won't be able to go home."

THE NATION: Deputy PM’s Secy-Gen Panithan said Friday CRES is now in control of the situation of the areas around the Rajprasong rally zone.

[webfact]

Reds' guards given beverage laced with sedative Thursday night

Reds's security staffs guarding Langsuan area were given beverage possibly laced with sedative on Thursday night, an informed source Friday.

After drinking for a while, some guards fell asleep while some others appeared to be unconscious.

They were then taken to a hospital nearby.

The incident was believed to be the army's ploy to weaken the red shirts protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Panithan: CRES in control of areas around Rajprasong now

Deputy PM's Secretary-General Panithan Wattanayakorn said Friday that the Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation is now in control of the situation of the areas around the Rajprasong rally zone.

Panithan, acting government spokesman, said security checkpoints of police and troops managed to block people from entering the protest zone.

"So, the situation is now stable and the authorities are in control," Panithan said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: Asked to comment on foreign reports that Seh Daeng was shot by sniper, Panithan replied that govt cannot violate laws.

THE NATION: Mobile phone signals around Rajprasong have been unstable since last night.

[webfact]

BTS and MRT Operations Today

On Friday, May 14, 2010, the operating hours of the BTS Sky Train start from 6.00 A.M. onwards.

On the BTS is operating its Silom Line at five stations: Chong Nonsi-Surasak-Saphan Taksin-Krung Thonburi-Wongwian Yai.

The BTS Sukhumvit Line is operating from Mo Chit - Rachathewi - Mo Chit and from On Nut - Asok - On Nut.

For more information, please contact 0 2617 7300 ext. 1840.

As for the MRT subway, trains are operating from 6 A.M. until midnight tonight. However, trains are not stopping at the Silom and Suan Lumpini stations.

For more information, please call 02-624-5200 during business hours, Monday thru Friday, 7 A.M. until 8 P.M.

Expressway exits to Petchaburi and Ploenchit roads are closed today.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-14

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

TAN Network: INN: Wachira Hospital's presser on Sae Deang; shot once in the head; chances of survival slim; currently on respirator

THE NATION: Today's DC press centre on Amarin Plaza is closed. It's getting more difficult for all reporters.

THE NATION: TR@noppatjak - At Saladeange -explosion & firework have bn hrd & the longest it goes silent is abt 30 mins.

[webfact]

THE NATION: Problem about redshirts around Lumpini and Sarasin is that there r so many 'hardcore' who could do things on their own.

THE NATION: TNN reported at about 3am, redshirts had to control their members because many of them just wanna to run to military and start a fight.

THE NATION: "So redshirt guards work both ways - 2 guard redshirts from soldiers as well as 2 control them not 2 go make problems," said TNN reporter.

THE NATION: Thai-Belgian Bridge is blocked by redshirts. Avoid.

[webfact]

THE NATION: Thai-Belgian Bridge is blocked by redshirts. Avoid.

THE NATION: UDD Thailand Page on Facebook calls its members to meet at Rajdamneon. #fb

[webfact]

Red-shirts Hijack 3 Military Vehicles

The red-shirt group has hijacked 3 military vehicles close to Lumpinee Park and Sathorn Road.

Sand was poured into the gas tank while protesters battered the car with sticks and stones.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-14

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]