Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Friday

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BMA medical centre revives casualties Thursday night at 1 deaths, 32 injuries

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Emergency Medical Centre said one man was killed and 32 others were injured when grenades were fired at an area in front of Dusit Thani Hotel Thursday night.

The slain man was identified as Chartchai Bualao, 25.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

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THE NATION: Urgent: Police officially arrested Seh Daeng on terrorist charges at Vajira Hospital.

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Protesters briefly surround Channel 3 mobile broadcast unit

At 9:10 am Friday, protesters besieged a mobile broadcast unit of Channel 3 outside the Lumpini Park.

The protesters alleged that Channel 3's reports were biased against the red-shirt people.

The protesters eventually freed the broadcast vehicle following a talk with staffs of the TV station.

No one was injured in the incident.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

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MCOT: MCOTEnglishnews Red Shirts block Rama 4 road, extend their blockade from Pratunam to Ratchaprarob, damage three military vehicles at Wireless intersection

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Seh Daeng under police's detention at Vajira Hospital

Officers from the Thung Mahamek police station used an arrest warrant to put Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdiphol under police detention at the Vajira Hospital.

He was arrested on charges of terrorism.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

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TAN Network: CRES denies involvement in shooting of Seg Daebg, will continue to surround red-shirts & prevent more reds from provinces

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

'Who would dare to get me'

Suspended Army specialist Maj General Khattiya Sawasdipol yesterday gave an interview to The Nation's Pongphon Sarnsamak, not long before he was shot in the head. He is still in critical condition.

The 13-minute and 16-second interview is given near an MRT station beside the statue of King Rama VI at Lumpini Park.

Q : The crackdown on the demonstrators will take place tonight [last night]?

K : My guess is that they won't do it during night time. They would do it at dawn - as a military doctrine says an offensive should be carried out at dawn.

Q : Then how possible is that it will be carried out at dawn?

K : It depends. We all have empty hands. Let's see if they are crazy enough to do it. The whole world and the world media are watching whether the soldiers are crazy enough.

Q : If you think a cracdown is possible at dawn, don't you have any plans?

K : I don't know about the red masses. I don't get involved with their fighting, which will be unconventional. I won't be a part of their fight. I only walk around the protest site to give them moral support. I don't know how they will fight.

Q : The armed men in black will emerge this time?

K : They will. The same guys. They will show up to justify [the government's actions]. They walk around carrying guns. They are the government's men that showed up on April 10. They are showing off for foreign media cameras.

Q : How possible will there be torching of shopping malls near the protest site?

K : Nothing. This is not discussed.

Q : How many men are under your command?

K : There is none. It's just me. I have never seen anyone carrying weapons here. They are armed with only morale and will power. I don't know where the unidentified force come from.

Q : Regarding your coming speech, who will you address it to?

K : To the red guards.

Q : The guards are under your command?

K : No. They are from the provinces, and now work together.

Q : And what about the King Taksin Force that you trained?

K : That was over two years ago. The force disbanded itself. The red guards you see now travel to Bangkok along with the protestors from 75 provinces. They come and work together.

Q : What is your view on infighting among the red-shirt leadership?

A : The "dove" leaders took money from the government and the "hawk" leaders want to expose them, but they don't dare to. But the "hawk" leaders have me, so I expose the "dove leaders".

Q : Who are the dove leaders?

K : Nattawut Saikua, Jatuporn Promphan, Dr weng Tojirakarn, and Wisa Khanthap.

Q : Who are the hawk leaders?

K : Arisman Pongruangrong, Suporn Atthawong, Khwanchai Praipana and Payap Panket.

Q : Your are not included?

K : I don't get involved with the protest.

Q : You are not a hardcore?

K : No. I work separately from the leaders. I don't speak on the stage. I work on the security for the protest. The leaders want me out, but I'm not leaving. I will take care of the protesters, because I know they will be killed if I leave.

Q : The infighting will weaken the protest?

K : No. The doves are bad leaders. The red shirts have come to fight and die. How can they make a deal [with the government] for themselves? The PM's road map, the surrender of Suthep Thaugsuban at the DSI, and at the CSD. I exposed them all. The red shirts have come here for House dissolution, not for the road map.

Q : What do you have to explain to the people about the red shirts' demand?

K : We come here for House dissolution and now we are fooled by the first-tier leaders. Now we are waiting for the second-tier leaders, who have now given a pledge to carry on the protest and now one backs out. Arisman is the leader.

It is not certain if Jatuporn will join the bandwagon. He jumped in and just jumped out.

Q : How many men are still with you if the protest is over, or if the doves give up?

K : Everyone will stay, because the essentials are all here - water, food, tents, generators and mobile toilets.

Q : If Suthep surrenders to CSD, the protest is over?

A : As agreed. No one will give up. They are ready for a revolution. The hawks are ready to do it since Wednesday night. Arisman announced openly to bring back the 1997 Constitution and Thaksin.

Q : What do you think about the protest continuing and the demand for the PM's resignation?

K : I don't know. The fighting is going on. The PM has the aristocracy, the military and the police behind his back. He can go on fighting.

Q : Where is Veera Musigapong?

K : He is gone.

Q : Gone where? He is not well?

K : To the UK. The red-shirted leaders are embarrassed [over Veera giving up], because I revealed all.

Q : When did Veera leave Thailand?

K : Three days ago, because I revealed the infighting. The PM got angry with me over the road map, because they could not reach an agreement.

Q : Who are the real powers among the red-shirted leaders?

K : They were all real powers, initially. But now some of them have shown their true selves, as money can buy everything, or some big people have influenced [their change of mind].

It's like a rigged boxing bout after all. But everything got stuck because of me telling the truth. That is why Abhisit and Suthep are angry at me.

Q : How many are real powers are left?

K : None. The leaders' influence is so much that their guards can beat up anyone. But Arisman is not afraid of them.

Q : You don't want to be a red leader?

K : Unsuitable. I am a soldier and responsible for security for the protest. This is enough to drive me crazy. I will become weaker in combat if I take two jobs. I can speak on the stage if permitted but I cannot go and attend meetings with them, or the border protest site will be a mess.

Q : Why is there now a military presence?

K : It happened after the deal was made [to pressure noncooperative leaders]. Some people say the deal was not fully successful because I stood in the way. Some try to find out why it is so difficult to kill me, even though I am unarmed and travel alone.

Q : Why can't they catch you?

K : Who would dare to come in here? Would you dare if ordered to catch me?

Q : What about when you are outside?

K : I don't go outside. I stay within the protest areas. It's like a spy movie if you imagine about them infiltrating among red shirts and taking me.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

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CRES Orders Crackdown on Protesters Surrounding Soldiers

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) has ordered officers to go to the rescue of a company of soldiers, trapped inside the Suan Lum Night Bazaar, by red-shirt protesters.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-14

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THE NATION: Red leaders will meet this afternoon to discuss next steps.

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@RichardBarrow: The army will close the Thai-Belgium Bridge on Rama IV Road due to the continuing situation / via @js100radio

@RichardBarrow: Reds have a bunker at Sathon Tai intersection opposite Suan Lum Night Bazaar. Best to now avoid Rama IV Road.

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Red-shirts Turn down Reconciliation

The red-shirt group held a press conference, turning down any attempts at reconciling with the government.

The group asked the prime minister how many bodies he wants to see and claimed the military is behind the shooting of Army Specialist Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol or Seh Daeng.

The group will come up with retaliatory measures this evening.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-14

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@RichardBarrow: Reds are using high pressure water hoses to tip over cars to try and block the road at Sathon Nuea / via @js100radio

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MCOTEnglishnews: CRES to go ahead clamping down on Red Shirts, to investigate killing attempt on Gen Khattiya, denies military involvement

nationnews Urgent: Tear gas has been fired in front of Lumpini Night Bazaar (TV Thai)

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BREAKING: Tear Gas Fired Close to Lumpinee Park

TPBS has reported tear gas being fired by soldiers into the group of red-shirt protesters who are rallying on Rama IV Road, close to Lumpinee Park and the Thai-Belgium Bridge.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-14

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Troops fire tear gas at protesters at Lumpini Bazaar

Troops fire tear gas at red shirts protesters near Lumpini Bazaar on Rama IV road on Friday at 12.15pm in a first step to disperse the protests.

The protesters in the area captured and vandalised two military fire trucks near the bazaar on Thursday night.

They ripped the cannon from its moorings and used its plastic barrel to shoot firecrackers from behind a sandbag bunker they had commandeered from soldiers.

The attempt to disperse came after Emergency Operations center's spokesman said Friday the dispersal is unavoidable.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

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BREAKING: Red-shirts Retaliate by Torching Bus

The red-shirt group has retaliated against officers by torching a bus of the National Police Office on Wireless Road and firing homemade rockets at soldiers.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-14

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@RichardBarrow: MRT will close MRT Hualamphong - MRT Phetchaburi But MRT Phra Ram9 - MRT Bang Sue will operate normally / via @MRT_BMCL

MCOTEnglishnews: Troops confront Red Shirt protesters at Wireless-Rama IV intersection, firing rubber bullets, police bus set on fire

@RichardBarrow: Phone signals in the Red Zone have been cut /via @js100radio

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ThavisaNews: Rama 4 Rd. shut down on both sides from Sala Daeng to Klong Toey after Redshirts clash with troops and set bus on fire on Wireless Rd

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THE NATION: Q House building on Sathorn is evacuating employees after a bullet shattered building glass window (via js100 radio)

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THE NATION: A dramatic Seh Daeng quote just a few days ago: "Brother (Phi) Thaksin doesn't want it to end. If we end protest he won't b able to return"

@Dany_k Reporter: they are burning the rubber Wheels around the bridge to get to the soldiers. One motorbike set alight also.

THE NATION: INN: Troops have asked residents in/around Lumpini to leave the area.

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@RichardBarrow Stills taken from Live TV of fires on Rama IV Road http://yfrog.com/2r6b1j http://yfrog.com/2dos2ej

THE NATION: Thai PBS shows protesters burn tyres and find more material into the flame. The area is some100 m from Thai-Belgian Bridge.

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THE NATION: Sansern says continuous sounds of gunfire were soldiers closing in "in accordance with accepted standards".

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Protesters set fire to rubber tyres at two spots

Protesters set fire to rubber tyres at the Sathorn-Wireless Intersection and at the Bonkai intersection.

Black smokes were seen billowing at the two spots.

At fire at the Sathor-Wireless Intersection was about 100 metres away from a PTT petrol station where a company of troops was stationed.

Troops asked general people to clear Lumpini Park and Lumpini Night Blaza as troops were preparing to break up the rally at the Night Bazaar.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

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@Dany_k Tnn: Skirmishes going on at suan lum. Red shirts in bunker. Police shoot their guns into park. Now fighting in lumpini park

@RichardBarrow: Soldier told Nation reporter both live and rubber bullets fired today /via @noppatjak

THE NATION: JS100 radio reported the military has reclaimed the fire trucks that seized by #redshirts on Sathorn Rd.

THE NATION: TV Thai: Troops firing, moving into Lumpini.

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@Dany_k Tnn: big shots goin off now near reporter..30 soldiers try to get Into park

THE NATION: Additional area to avoid. Rama IV in front of Lumpini Night Bazaar to Lumpini Boxing Stadium.

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Pathumvan Institute of Technology closed 4 days

The Pathumvan Institute of Technology announced Friday that it will be closed four days until Monday.

For more information, please check http://www.ptwit.ac.th.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

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@Dany_k: The army has secured the Thai Belgian bridge. // (for now)

THE NATION: AFP quoted Seh Daeng as saying once that he often saw himself as Mel Gibson in Braveheart.

@Dany_k RT @WizardofWindsor: An army humvee is moving at lightning speed around area urging civilians to go home. Suggest media do the same!

THE NATION: TV shows fresh outbursts of gunfire at Lumpini

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@Dany_k RT @danieljerivers: one more dead on rama IV // <deleted>

THE NATION: In 15 minutes, more than 100 gun fire has been heard. #Nation TV

MCOTEnglishnews: MRT underground running only from Bang Sue to Phra Ram 9 for safety reasons after turmoil near Sala Daeng station, Lumpini Park

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Troops exchange gunfire with protesters at Lumpini Park

Nation TV reported at 1:30 pm that troops and protesters exchanged gunfire at Lumpini Park as troops were closing in on the red-shirt protesters inside the park.

Over 100 rounds of gunfire were heard.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

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THE NATION: More troops in 2 military trucks and 9 white vans were deployed to Wireless Intersection at 1:30 pm.

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BTS cease stops at seven terminal stations near UDD rally

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The BTS skytrain will avoid pulling over at seven terminal stations near the anti-government demonstrations at the Ratchaprasong intersection today to ensure safety of passengers.

According to Bangkok Mass Transit System (BMTS) executive Dr Anut Apapirom, the BTS that has operated since 06.00 hrs will not be stopping at Sala Daeng, Ratchadamri, Siam, National Stadium, Chidlom, Ploen Chit and Nana stations.

To facilitate convenience to regular users of the skytrain, Dr Anut said that Sukhumvit line in operation is divided into two routes, from Mo Chit to Ratchathewi and from On Nuch to Asoke.

For the Silom line, the BTS will run from Wongwian Yai to Chong Nonsi station. The closing hours of the BTS is yet to be determined, Dr Anut said. Yesterday the BTS skytrain had continued service until midnight with the exception of Ploenchit, Chidlom, Siam, and Ratchadamri stations, which closed at 18.00 hrs.

For more information, the BTS hotline can be reached at 02- 617-6000 or 02-617-7300 EXT 1834-1841.

-- NNT 2010-05-14

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