Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Sunday

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Sunday May 16 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 Saturday

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Eight dead as urban warfare breaks out in Bangkok

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Raging violence in the heart of the Thai capital claimed eight more lives Saturday as the embattled premier vowed no turning back and the army threatened a crackdown on thousands of protesters.

Two days of street battles between soldiers and anti-government "Red Shirts" have left 24 people dead, all civilians, and 187 wounded. The military declared one area of Bangkok a "live fire zone" as troops struggled to regain control.

Scenes of urban warfare erupted on the southern and northern fringes of the Red Shirts' sprawling encampment in the heart of Bangkok, after the army moved in Thursday to seal off the area.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who last week shelved a plan to hold early elections because the protesters refused to disperse, warned the government "cannot turn back" in the two-month standoff.

Soldiers opened fire on demonstrators, some of them armed or hurling Molotov cocktails, as plumes of black smoke billowed from burning tyres.

Three bodies were seen lying on the ground in the area where the military posted a sign declaring live ammunition was being used, according to an AFP photographer.

More than 50 people have been killed and 1,600 have been wounded since the protests began on March 12, according to figures from the emergency services and the public health ministry.

"The current situation is almost full civil war," said a protest leader, Jatuporn Prompan. "I am not sure how this conflict will end."

Protesters rolled burning tyres at soldiers and launched fireworks at helicopters hovering over the capital, which is under a state of emergency.

The army warned it would move against the demonstrators' main rally site unless they disperse, but it gave no timetable for the action.

"There is a plan to crack down on Ratchaprasong if the protest does not end," said the army spokesman, Sunsern Kaewkumnerd.

"But authorities will not set a deadline because without effective planning there will be more loss of life."

For two months thousands of protesters have turned a large area of Bangkok into a virtual state within a state, crippling a retail and hotel district and disrupting daily life for residents in the city of 12 million people.

The United States warned Saturday against all travel to Bangkok and authorised the evacuation of non-essential embassy staff and families.

In the Silom business and tourism hub, close to the main rally base, two men were shot and left badly wounded Saturday after about 30 protesters, one armed with a small handgun, clashed with troops, an AFP photographer said.

The Red Shirts were throwing stones and Molotov cocktails when the shooting occurred.

Numerous M-79 grenades had been fired at security forces in various areas on the edges of the protest site overnight, a government spokesman said, and there were reports of more grenades exploding Saturday.

The kingdom has been riven by years of political turmoil since the Reds' hero, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was ousted in a bloodless coup in 2006. Its society is deeply divided between the urban elite and rural poor.

The rally site, where demonstrators sleep on mats on the ground and listen to speeches and music blasted from giant speakers, stretches for several square kilometres and is fortified with razor wire, bamboo stakes and piles of tyres.

The mostly poor and working class Reds say the government is elitist and undemocratic because it came to power in a 2008 parliamentary vote after a court ruling ousted elected allies of Thaksin.

A Thai court handed six-month jail sentences to 27 protesters arrested during Friday's clashes.

A journalist, a photographer for The Nation newspaper, was injured and in a serious condition after a bullet shattered a bone in his leg while covering Saturday's clashes, further underlining the risks facing media in Bangkok.

He was the fourth journalist to be shot and injured in just two days in the capital, where a Japanese cameraman was killed last month during unrest.

On Thursday night renegade general Khattiya Sawasdipol, a key Red Shirt supporter, was shot in the head near the rally site.

His condition had slightly improved Saturday but he was still in a critical state, said Chaiwan Charoenchokethavee, director of the Vachira hospital.

Protest leaders have called for the intervention of revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 82. But the monarch, seen as a unifying force, has been hospitalised since September and has avoided commenting directly in public on the crisis.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-16

Published with written approval from AFP.

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THE NATION: Latest death list (in Thai) http://bit.ly/dtBMAc. Youngest victim was 24. But there are a few unidentified male victims.

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Thai protests: Eyewitness accounts

Thailand's PM Abhisit Vejjajiva has said troops will "push forward" with an operation to end an anti-government protest in the heart of Bangkok.

People in the area have been sharing their stories with the BBC.

Read more: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8684405.stm

-- BBC 2010-05-15

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Violent clashes continue in Thailand

CNN's Sara Sidner reports amid gunshots and from the streets of Bangkok, Thailand.

-- CNN 2010-05-15

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Death toll climbs in Bangkok as Thai PM warns of civil war

May 15, 2010 -- Updated 1720 GMT (0120 HKT)

Click image below to start slideshow

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- At least eight people have been killed as Thai security forces declared a "live firing zone" in downtown Bangkok on Saturday following days of deadly clashes with anti-government protesters.

Saturday's fatality takes the total number of deaths to 25 since a government-backed clampdown on protesters exploded into violence on Thursday. More than 150 people have been wounded, according to emergency officials.

Read more: edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/15/thailand.anti-government.protests/index.html?section=cnn_latest

-- CNN 2010-05-15

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ThaivisaNews: LivePicture: Soldiers still alert along sathorn: http://twitpic.com/1o244c /via @vaitor

ThaivisaNews: TNN: Khunying Pojarmn left for Singapore -Chavalit to Kunming & Banharn will fly to HK.

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THE NATION: France 24 reporter Nelsan Rand, injured on Friday, is safe now and has been moved to Bangkok Nursing Home hospital.

Twitter/CengizYar: photos from Saturday afternoon at Rama IV http://to.ly/47wP

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THE NATION: Bomb explosion at Kae Lai Bangkok Bank branch just b4 2am, shattering glass window, signboard.

THE NATION: I'm sorry, some reports say Bkk Bank explosion happened at midnight.

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THE NATION: Nobody was injured in the Bangkok Bank's Kae Lai branch explosion.

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TAN Network: Reds threatened to raid nearby dept stores after CRES cut off access to supplies.

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RichardBarrow: RT @photo_journ: Abt 7-8000 ppl remain in Ratchaprasong. Piles of trash starting 2 smell. redshirts mood defiant & determined

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Red-shirts Threatened to Search for Supplies in Nearby Malls

The red-shirt protesters have threatened to raid nearby department stores after the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation has cut off the protestors access to supplies.

Meanwhile, a bomb went off last night at a Bangkok bank branch in Kaerai area.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-16

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Battle rages on

By The Nation

PM defends policy, says the govt cannot turn back now; Natthawut demands cease-fire and talks as death toll rises to 22

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva last night defended the government's protest-containment policy, arguing it was the best way to address Bangkok's security situation.

The premier insisted there would be no turning back, although Natthawut Saikua, one of the protest leaders, asked for an immediate cease-fire and a return to the negotiating table.

Yesterday saw deadly clashes between security forces and protesters at Bon Kai, Rajprarob and nearby areas of Bangkok, resulting in 22 deaths and 172 injuries.

At noon, several grenades were launched from M79s in the Din Daeng/ Rajprarob area, resulting in many injuries. This prompted the security forces to step up their action by declaring the area a "live bullets" zone.

Many used-car tyres were burnt by the protesters to create fire and smoke while large water and garbage trucks were used by protesters and militants to get close to the lines set up by security forces.

In his nationally-televised speech from the 11th Infantry Regiment, the premier said after the clashes between protesters and security forces the containment policy aimed to restrict the number of protesters at Rajprasong, which was estimated at around 6,000 at the latest count.

Rajprasong and surrounding areas and roads have been sealed off since Thursday, with joint police/military checkpoints set up to prevent anyone entering the 4-5 sq-km area.

"This is to pressure them to end their rallies and to minimise losses. Authorities only set up barricades around the Rajprasong area and they have not yet entered inside," the premier said.

"However, there are groups of armed militants out there, trying to stop the security forces from doing their work. I insist that our containment policy is necessary as we cannot allow the movement to use armed militants to overthrow the government.

"This policy is currently the only way to restore law and order in this country, as we earlier attempted to use other methods, such as holding negotiations [but they failed]. Now we need to have the protesters end their rallies if we wish to see minimum losses.

"As long as there are rallies, there will be attacks from armed militants. Hence, I asked the public to cooperate with authorities by getting themselves out of the current conflict so that officials can do their work on your behalf," the premier said.

Abhisit also urged the public to be cautious about rumours and untrue stories as his administration remained committed to a free press.

The Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation reported that there were four factors contributing to deaths and injuries: infighting among red-shirt guards; armed militants hidden among protesters; protesters were attacked by those unhappy with the movement; some casualties had resulted from troops defending themselves.

At least, 30 armed militants were arrested yesterday, according to Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the CRES spokesman.

Meanwhile, protest leader Natthawut said the government must order the security forces to stop their actions. "Now, there must be a cease-fire like what the government did on April 10."

Asked if he had any regrets about not accepting the government's November 14 election ultimatum, he said the movement wanted to continue in order to seek justice for those killed on April 10.

In the northeast province of Udon Thani, about 600 protesters gathered at a community radio station to watch a telecast from Rajprasong, while there were about 100 protesters in the northern province of Lampang.

-- The Nation 2010-05-16

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Rescue worker among 22 killed

By Duangkamon Sajirawattanakul

The Nation on Sunday

As of 8pm last night, some 22 people had died and 172 were wounded in the latest clashes between red-shirt protesters and security forces, Bangkok's Emergency Medical Centre said.

Erawan Centre director Phetpong Kamchornkijkarn said one Liberian tourist was among those hurt yesterday, bringing the number of foreign casualties to four.

On Friday, a Canadian, a Pole, and a Burmese were wounded.

At midday, the toll stood at 17 people killed, all civilians, and 147 wounded.

Out of the 71 patients remaining at 18 hospitals, 11 were in intensive care at Charoenkrung Pracharak, Kluay Nam Thai, Phya Thai 1, Chulalongkorn, Wiparam and Kasemrat Rattanathibet hospitals.

Suwinai Busarakhamwong, director of Kluay Nam Thai Hospital, which treated 20 victims, said five patients were now in their ICU.

Meanwhile, the Emergency Medical Institute of Thailand has banned its medics from entering the dangerous "red zones", instructing them to wait outside till violence in areas where there are clashes to subside or for the wounded to be brought out for medical help.

Institute chief Chatree Charoencheevakul said yesterday the death of an emergency medic from Vajira Hospital during Friday's skirmishes had shaken emergency officials.

The institute had proposed to buy 100 bullet-proof vests but they wouldn't arrive in time for this conflict, he said.

The institute has offered Bt200,000 life insurance coverage for its 60,000 officials nationwide, with the institute contributing half of the Bt200 annual premium, he said. But the rescue officer who was killed had not joined this insurance scheme.

The rescue officer, identified as Boonthing Pansila, reportedly went on a motorcycle into the battle zone to assist the wounded but was shot in the neck, he said.

Going into the clash areas during gunfights was very risky, he said. The institute would consider contributing financial assistance to the dead man's family besides the Bt400,000 compensation from the government, he added.

Vajira Hospital director Dr Wanchai Charoenchokthavee said he ordered all ambulances and emergency personnel to withdraw from the protest site. He said he was saddened by Boonthing's death on duty despite wearing the white emergency uniform.

His death had upset and demoralised co-workers, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-16

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Medics banned from entering 'red zones'

By The Nation

The Emergency Medical Institute of Thailand has banned its medics from entering the dangerous "red zones", instructing them to wait outside for the violence in the clash areas to subside or the wounded to be brought out for medical help.

Institute chief Chatree Charoencheevakul said yesterday that death of an emergency medic from Vajira Hospital during Friday's skirmishes had shaken up the emergency officials.

The institute had proposed to buy 100 bulletproof vests but they wouldn't arrive in time for this conflict, he said.

The institute has offered Bt200,000 life insurance coverage for its 60,000 officials nationwide, with the institute contributing half of the Bt200 annual premium, he said.

But the official who was killed hadn't joined this project.

The official, identified as Boonthing Pansila, reportedly went on a motorcycle into the battle zone to assist the wounded but was shot in the neck, he said.

Going into the clash areas during gunfights was very risky, he said. The institute would consider contributing financial assistance to the dead official's family besides the Bt400,000 compensation from the government, he added.

Dr Wanchai Charoenchokthavee, director of Vajira Hospital, said he had ordered all ambulances and emergency personnel to withdraw from the protest site.

He said that he was saddened by Boonthing's death on duty despite wearing the white emergency uniform and that the loss of one of their co-workers had demoralised the staff.

-- The Nation 2010-05-16

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Princess sends gifts to Chula Hospital

By The Nation on Sunday

HRH Princess Sirindhorn graciously had her representative bring food, drinking water, seven mobile air-conditioners and eight industrial fans to patients and medical staff at Chulalongkorn Hospital yesterday.

Adviser to HRH's Personal Affairs Division Tirawat Sujaritkul presented the items to hospital director Adisorn Patradul yesterday evening. He said the Princess was concerned about them.

Adisorn said the hospital was assessing the situation closely to see if they could take outpatients on Monday. Usually 4,000 people seek treatment at the hospital every day. But with nearby roads closed, staff had had to arrange ambulances to take patients outside the zone blocked off (by the red shirts), so their relatives could pick them up.

-- The Nation 2010-05-16

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Related topic discussion:

More bloodshed in Bangkok as red siege continues

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bloodshed-Ba...nt-t365663.html

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Buses diverted to avoid clashes

By The Nation

Yesterday 37 Bangkok bus routes were modified to avoid the clash areas, while Skytrain and subway services were cancelled as a safety precaution.

For example, inbound bus No 59 (Rangsit-Sanam Luang), which usually passes Victory Monument on its way to the Phya Thai and Ratchathewi intersections and turns right towards Urupong Intersection, would instead take a right turn at Victory Monument, then proceed on Sri Ayudhaya Road, Sawnkhalok Road, Yommarat intersection and Lan Luang Road.

Other bus routes were truncated at a safe distance from the protest site and clash areas. Among them, bus No 29 (Rangsit-Hua Lamphong) now stops at Victory Monument, bus 93 (Mooban Nakkila-Si Phraya) ends at Asok-Phetchaburi intersection and bus 505 (Pak Kred- Lumpini Park) turns back at Urupong intersection.

Buses 204 (Huai Khwang-Thanam Ratchawong) and 54 (Huai Khwang-Pratunam) were not running.

Travellers were urged to check updates with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority's 184 hotline around the clock.

Bangkok Transit System said both its Sukhumvit and Silom Skytrain routes were completely halted for safety and urged people to call for more information at (02) 617 7300 exts 1834, 1842.

Bangkok Metro also closed down its subway operations at all stations.

-- The Nation 2010-05-16

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Nation photographer hit

By Veena Thoopkrajae

The Nation on Sunday

High spirits, curiosity and a strong sense of duty have made journalists vulnerable to violence during the running battles in Bangkok with The Nation's veteran photographer Chaiwat Phumpuang becoming the latest victim.

Chaiwat, an award-winning lensman who has worked on many political crises including 'Black May' in 1992, was shot in the leg while recording the action in the Rajprarop area, which has been declared by the military as a "live firing zone". A bullet smashed a bone and he ended up being sent to Phya Thai 1 hospital. He had just come back to work a few weeks after suffering partial paralysis.

"Mai pen rai (never mind)," Chaiwat told friends who visited him at the hospital. He had to undergo an operation last night.

"He was sitting beside me at the corner of a building and the bullet hit him. We couldn't move at first because the gunfire was still going on," a colleague said later.

Chaiwat is the fourth journalist casualty in the latest rampage. On Friday three journalists from France 24, Matichon and Voice TV were wounded in clashes between government forces and protesters.

The media are well aware of the possible dangers from covering street riots, but answer the professional call of duty.

"Even though they are extremely cautious, once they have cameras hanging round their necks at the scene, they only think of taking good photos," said Vichai Warapon, president of the Photographer Association of Thailand.

Photojournalists are the key to fact-finding and the closer they get to the news source, the more accurate the information. But the situation has been deteriorating to the point that they now don helmets and bulletproof vests.

Local reporters have also been shunning the area behind the main stage at the Rajprasong rally since Friday night. They used to hang around there for a chance to interview red-shirt leaders. But they moved yesterday to the nearby police headquarters due to security concerns.

Their departure also made the red-shirt leaders uneasy. Jatuporn Promphan realised the absence of the media was a bad sign. "Without them, who will guarantee the safety of our protesters?"

Some foreign journalists just arrived at Rajprasong. "They are those who can't understand Thai and perhaps aren't aware of the danger," a local reporter said.

Media activist Chavarong Limpattamapanee, a senior member of the Thailand Journalism Association, suggested that reporters should pull out from risky areas.

"It's clear that there are unidentified armed men embedded in the protester zone," he said.

And no one is taking responsibility for media casualties, he added.

Following Chavarong's advice, the TJA strongly advises its members to withdraw from the streets after sunset.

-- The Nation 2010-05-16

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Related topic discussion:

Thailand - Rivals must think of people's lives first

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-Riv...es-t365666.html

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@RichardBarrow: Bangkok Dangerous Map: http://ow.ly/1LzGR Avoid these areas or stay at home today!

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TAN Network: 7-8000 ppl remain at Ratchaprasong. Pules of trash starting to stink. Reds defiant.

TAN Network: MRT and BTS shut completely today. Also sev. road closed call 0886 32 2092 for traffic update

TAN Network: Bangkok a ghost town. Appa. took less than 25 mins from Tha Phra to Suk Soi 35

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TAN Network: Many world newspapers front page today = clash in BKK

[george]

Bangkok: Power cut reported in whole Sathorn area

TAN: Injuries from last night 198. Reds running low on supplies, threat of breaking in to dept store from last night remains

THE NATION: Seh Daeng's condition worsened; he developed kidney failure, doctors increased medicine to try to keep him alive.

CNN: 'Death toll climbs in Bangkok as Thai PM warns of civil war' http://bit.ly/9frHV8 /http://bit.ly/du1Ocl

CNN: 'On the scene: Bangkok at boiling point' With Sarah Sidner on the ground. http://bit.ly/caDjoV

[george]

No tear gas (can be used) or burning tires as heavy rain pours down over the Ratchaprasong stage /via @photo_journ

RichardBarrow: Video showing pictures from street clashes in Bangkok http://j.mp/8XGKZu

Another smokey photo taken last night as the sun went down over Bon Kai: http://yfrog.com/jcrsrj /via @nuelkung

RichardBarrow: Redshirts warn of civil war as Thai troops told to shoot on sight (The Guardian) http://goo.gl/uk3u

photo_journ: Intoxicated foreigner comes 2 #redshirts stage w/ gash on jaw & heavily tatooed girl in barwear. Q. Wot happened. A. Bring the cameras. I was attacked by ppl oppossed 2 the #redshirts. Q. Have u been drinking. A. Yes. No. Yes. Where's the cameras. Me. Ummm have a nice day

MCOTEnglishnews: M-67 grenade attack at Bangkok Bank, Kaerai branch, no casualties

Large cloud of smoke near Lumpini area. View from building on Asoke not good /via @Kerm99

[george]

Bon Kai in the 'peoples hands', Sathorn empty and Victory Monument quiet /via @bretonbkk

US EMBASSY, BKK: Travel Warning: U.S. citizens advised to avoid all travel to Bangkok and non-essential travel to other provinces.

Fourth journalist hurt in street fighting /Bangkok Post

THE NATION: Troops have expanded control from Din Daeng to Victory Monument. Some take position on BTS Skywalk early Sunday.

[george]

US Embassy BKK: Embassy to assist family members of U.S. Embassy personnel who wish to depart Bangkok.

RichardBarrow: Erawan Center reporting that 5 foreigners have been injured during street clashes in Bangkok. No deaths reported.

Thailands Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, recording his speach: http://tweetphoto.com/22617826

TAN_Network: All quiet for the moment at Sala Daeng. Troops aim to control Din Daeng- Victory Monument. Troops have taken up position at BTS

Picture: Three redshirt protesters lying down behind a tire barricade at Bon Kai yesterday: http://bit.ly/bQqMU8

Nation: Vajira director Sunday declined to rate chance of Khattiya’s survival saying doctors are fighting to save his life minute by minute.

Thai forces locked in a tense standoff Sunday after two days of urban warfare in Bangkok. At least 24 dead, 200 people wounded. /AFP

RichardBarrow: Live report on TNN24 shows heavy rain still at Ratchaprasong rally stage. No tear gas here this morning!

[george]

Nation: PM went on TV live, insisting security forces are only besieging protesters and have not yet attempted to break up Rajprasong rally. PM Abhisit urged people not to join Rajprasong rally, saying the could be put in jail and used by terrorists.

Sunday 16 May 10,All BTS SkyTrain stations on both the Silom and Sukhumvit lines are closed till further notice for passengers' safety

People finding it hard to tell between the sounds of Thunder and Explosions on this rainy morning in Bangkok. http://bit.ly/du1Ocl

TAN: Seh Daeng BP slips down. Kidney failure according to Vajira Hosp director

BBC: Video, "These ladies have been here for two months, 'I have come to fight for Democracy, so I will fight'" http://bit.ly/aHsxml

JS100Radio: May 16-21st will bring winds from the south, heavy rainfall to come. 36-38 maximum temperature with 15-30 km/h winds.

Nationwide weather forecasts, incl. Bangkok: http://weather.thaivisa.com

"Bangkok schools will not open on Monday after summer holidays because of deadly clashes" Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday. /AFP

[george]

Sunday Summary / update on Thai Crisis

The Phuket Gazette's own correspondents and Nation partner reporters in Bangkok join our Phuket-based NEWS Hound team this morning to present a Sunday snapshot of the turmoil in Bangkok and some glimpses into its increasingly adverse impacts.

24 dead as army told to “shoot on sight”

Since violence re-erupted in Bangkok on Thursday with the shooting of renegade army general Seh Daeng, 24 people have been killed, bringing to 54 the death toll since March 12 when the protests began. More than 1,100 have been injured, including more than 150 during the past three days.

The Guardian reports this morning that the Thai army has declared parts of Bangkok "live-fire zones", warning that anyone found entering certain roads in the capital will be shot on sight.

The move came as one of the leaders of the red shirt protesters said there would be "civil war" if the army did not pull back and declare a ceasefire.

Prime Minister defends policy

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva last night defended the government's protest-containment policy, arguing it was the best way to address Bangkok's security situation.

The premier insisted there would be no turning back, although Natthawut Saikua, one of the protest leaders, asked for an immediate cease-fire and a return to the negotiating table.

Noting that there are currently about 6,000 protesters in the Rajprasong rally area, he confirmed that the roads around and into that 4-5 sq-km area have been sealed off since Thursday, with joint police/military checkpoints set up to prevent anyone entering it.

"This is to pressure them to end their rallies and to minimise losses. Authorities [have] only set up barricades around the Rajprasong area and they have not yet entered inside," the premier said.

"However, there are groups of armed militants out there, trying to stop the security forces from doing their work. I insist that our containment policy is necessary as we cannot allow the movement to use armed militants to overthrow the government.

"This policy is currently the only way to restore law and order in this country, as we earlier attempted to use other methods, such as holding negotiations [but they failed]. Now we need to have the protesters end their rallies if we wish to see minimum losses.

"As long as there are rallies, there will be attacks from armed militants. Hence, I asked the public to cooperate with the authorities by getting themselves out of the current conflict so that officials can do their work on your behalf," the premier said.

Journalists in firing line

Three journalists suffered gunshot wounds on Friday while covering the explosion of violence in Bangkok, where troops have opened fire during tense confrontations with "Red Shirt" demonstrators in the heart of the city.

AFP reports that these incidents prompted media watchdog Reporters Without Borders to call on the army and the protesters "to guarantee the safety of the journalists" in the capital.

"The confusion reigning in various parts of Bangkok does not suffice to explain the shooting injuries sustained by several Thai and foreign journalists since April… Both camps must comply fully with the requirements of international law, according to which journalists cannot be military targets," it said in a statement.

Thai economy hammered

Bloomberg notes that the cost to protect Thai government bonds from default surged by the most in 15 months on Friday, and the baht fell as the death toll from the protests rose.

“The situation looks really bad and investors may want to sell Thai assets,” said Minori Uchida, senior analyst in Tokyo at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd.

“The protests have lasted quite long and this will hurt the economy. The baht may stay under pressure,” he added.

The baht fell 0.2 percent to 32.39 per dollar and reached 32.43, matching a one-month low touched on May 6. It may weaken to around 32.50 in the next few days, Uchida says.

Bangkok retailers hammered

The Star Telegram reports that businesses in the red shirt protest district in Bangkok are losing 174 million baht a day and some 20,000 employees have been sent home, with or without pay, or relocated, according to the Rajprasong Square Trade Association.

The Thai Restaurant Association reports that 1,500 member restaurants and small food outlets in Rajprasong and adjoining districts have temporarily shut down.

The government has already granted extensions on deadlines for paying corporate, value-added and land taxes, and other proposals, including soft loans to the ailing businesses, are being considered.

The businesses are conducting offsite sales and delivering their goods as a way to cope in the meantime.

Many of the smaller retailers, unable to afford a move to other locations or to wait for government aid, have gone out of business entirely.

UN pleads with Thailand

UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon voiced concern over the mounting violence in Thailand yesterday and urged the government and protesters to return to talks, according to a UN statement.

The Bangkok Post reports that he called on opposing sides to avert bloodshed and resume talks.

“The Secretary-General is following with growing concern the rapidly mounting tensions and violence in Thailand,” a statement issued by his spokesman said.

“He is saddened by the reports of numerous civilian deaths, including journalists, as a result of the latest clashes between protesters and security forces….

“He appeals to both the protesters and the Thai authorities to do all within their power to avoid further violence and loss of life.”

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-05-16

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