Foreign Residents Empty From Bangkok Protest Area

[webfact]

Foreign residents empty from Bangkok protest area

by Patrick Falby

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Franz Dobersberger carries his bewildered pet baby rabbit in a shopping bag, a column of black smoke rising down the road behind him as he evacuates his apartment block in the Thai capital.

"There has been no electricity since last night," says the 39-year-old German. "This has been going on too long."

He is one of the many foreign residents forced to cope with the increasingly violent political crisis unravelling on the streets of Bangkok.

Gunfire and explosions have rung out around the capital since Thursday, as troops stepped up security measures to search for weapons and reduce the number of people entering an area occupied by anti-government "Red Shirt" protesters.

Within the sprawling four-kilometre (2.5-mile) demonstration site in central Bangkok, streets are blocked, stores are shut and foreign embassies have closed, countries warning against travel to the tense capital.

The Red Shirts' rally base has spread out from the city's upscale retail heartland, forcing mass closures of shopping malls and hotels, while fearful residents have steadily left the area.

"I've lived here 18 years and I've never, ever seen anything like this in Thailand," said David Quine, a British software developer whose home is behind the Reds' two-metre-high barricades made from bamboo, tyres and razor wire.

The Reds condemn the current administration of premier Abhisit Vejjajiva as illegitimate because it came to power with army support in a 2008 parliamentary vote, two years after a coup ousted populist prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thailand's army said Sunday it would impose a curfew on parts of Bangkok after two days of intense clashes between soldiers and Red Shirts around the protest zone left at least 25 people dead and more than 200 wounded.

Shirley Chan, a 42-year-old housewife from Hong Kong, says most of the people in her apartment building within the sealed-off protest area have moved out to hotels elsewhere in the city.

She said that she heard lots of gunshots on Friday but the area has been calmer since and her family has decided to remain at their home.

"From yesterday all the shops were shut. My husband had to ride a bike to go and buy some food," she says.

"It really causes us lots of inconvenience shopping or for the children going to school. We don't know when it will end.

"As long as the water and power are still on we're going to stay here."

On the other side of the barricades, Australian Tony Segadelli, 39, looks on as troops huddle behind sandbags. Even though his power was cut Saturday evening, he says he wants to stay in the area.

"Everybody else keeps telling me to get out, but as long as they keep firing that way instead of this way I'll stay," Segadelli says.

"I suspect I'm the only one left in my building."

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-16

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Civilians in the firing line of Bangkok's deadly showdown

by Ian Timberlake

BANGKOK, (AFP) -- As gunfire sounded outside his condominium, Khrichana Phanitphong tried to warn his friend to come in from the balcony. Too late.

"I was worried about my friend so I opened the window to warn him to come inside. I had just started speaking to him before he was shot," Khrichana said.

"Then I was shot in my right shoulder," Khrichana, 32, a former pop singer, told AFP from his hospital bed Sunday in the Thai capital, Bangkok.

After several days of intense clashes between soldiers and "Red Shirt" anti-government protesters, human rights groups have expressed concern over the risk to innocent civilians, journalists and even medical rescue workers.

At least 25 people -- none of them soldiers -- have died in the latest fighting, with more than 200 people wounded. Many of the dead were shot.

"It's like a war," said Chalida Pajaroensuk, director of the People's Empowerment Foundation, a Bangkok non-governmental organisation concerned with human rights.

"No one is safe in this situation."

Khrichana said his friend was among the dead.

"His body is still on the balcony and it cannot be taken away yet because the soldiers did not allow anyone to go in," he said.

Khrichana said he and his friend were shot in the Ratchaprarop district, one of two key battle zones on the perimeter of the Red Shirts' fortified encampment, which extends for several square kilometres (metres).

The military on Saturday declared a "live fire zone" in Ratchaprarop where a foreign witness said he earlier saw troops fire towards a group of Red Shirts advancing with a Thai flag. Three bodies were later seen on the ground.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said Thai authorities were on a "slippery slope" towards serious human rights abuses by designating live fire zones.

"It's a small step for soldiers to think 'live fire zone' means 'free fire zone', especially as violence escalates," the group said.

"These are city neighbourhoods, and the government should remember that ordinary people live there, not only protesters."

Under United Nations rules, lethal force must be used only in cases where a person poses an imminent danger to others' lives, Human Rights Watch said.

Facing a military armed with assault rifles, the protesters have fought with homemade weapons including fireworks, rockets, slingshots, and burning tyres.

An AFP photographer saw one demonstrator firing a handgun on Saturday.

Numerous grenades have been fired in recent days and weeks, many at military or government targets, authorities say.

Khrichana said he and three friends were trapped Saturday in his 23rd-floor apartment, unable to go outside because unrest had already erupted in the neighbourhood.

When gunfire began in the late afternoon his friend went on to the balcony to investigate, and was mortally wounded.

Khrichana said he was only grazed on the shoulder.

In the same neighbourhood Saturday, a volunteer emergency rescue worker was shot dead while on duty, a co-worker said.

Boonting Pansila, 25, was attached to the rescue squad at Vajira Hospital, said his colleague, Kasinchai Nguanjinda.

He had been on duty since Friday night and was dispatched to stand by in the Ratchaprarop district, where he was shot on Saturday and died later in hospital, Kasinchai said.

On Friday and Saturday three Thai journalists and one Canadian cameraman were shot and wounded while covering the clashes. All were hit in the legs.

The Canadian, Nelson Rand of the France 24 news channel, was also shot in the wrist and torso, his employer said.

"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," said the media watchdog, Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that despite his sadness over a "large number" of deaths, the operation which began Thursday night to contain protesters inside their encampment would continue.

As part of the operation the military said it would deploy snipers, but army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd denied that "protesters" had been intentionally shot.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-16

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Thai army says will not impose curfew yet

BANGKOK (AFP) -- The Thai army said Sunday that it would not impose a curfew in parts of Bangkok yet because it was no longer necessary and would be an inconvenience.

"It is not yet neccessary to impose the curfew even though it would help the authorities to differentiate people from terrorists," said Lieutenant General Aksara Kerdphol, speaking at the government unit overseeing the response to the crisis.

"But it would affect ordinary people, so the centre would like to inform people that it will not impose the curfew at this time."

Earlier in the day an army spokesman had announced the authorities would impose a curfew in parts of the capital to cope with violent civil unrest, but said they details were still being decided.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-16

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[george]

UPDATE:

State of Emergency in five more provinces: Ubon Ratchahani, Maha Sarakam, Roi-et, Nongbua Lumpoo, and Sakhon Nakorn

BANGKOK:

17, 18 May announced public holidays in Bangkok

[george]

Thai protesters call for UN-mediated talks with government

BANGKOK, May 16, 2010 (AFP) - Thai anti-government protesters called Sunday for UN-mediated talks with the government after several days of violent clashes with troops left 25 people dead and more than 200 wounded.

"We call for the government to stop firing and to withdraw soldiers who are blocking the area around the protest site," said a protest leader, Kokaew Pikulthong. "We call for talks with the UN as mediator."

Previous talks between the two sides failed to reach an agreement.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-16

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Danjel]

Danish newspaper, claim that the protesters threaten to burn down 5 star hotel Hotel Dusit Thani, cause of their killed leader Seh Daeng.

Has he died yet?

link: http://www.bt.dk/udland/truer-med-saette-i...net-turisthotel

Apparently it's from a Norwegian reporter, who stays at the hotel.

[toenail]

Dear Thai Government, The next time you issue a "demonstration permit" for the city of BKK, can you limit the number of demonstraters allowed to the amount the crowd police can handle; assign the area they have to protest at (hopefully not their choice) ; and make sure the demonstration/ rally permit has the amount of HOURS (not months) the rally is to last. If this had been enforced with the "Yellow" and "Red" political gatherings in the past, we wouldn't have had these messes.

Thank you / kup,

Khun Bill

[KHUNDAN]

UPDATE:

State of Emergency in five more provinces: Ubon Ratchahani, Maha Sarakam, Roi-et, Nongbua Lumpoo, and Sakhon Nakorn

BANGKOK:

17, 18 May announced public holidays in Bangkok

George where are you getting the Public Holiday info? Has it been confirmed yet?

Thanks

Dan

[cacruden]

Danish newspaper, claim that the protesters threaten to burn down 5 star hotel Hotel Dusit Thani, cause of their killed leader Seh Daeng.

Has he died yet?

link: http://www.bt.dk/udland/truer-med-saette-i...net-turisthotel

Apparently it's from a Norwegian reporter, who stays at the hotel.

Probably just hoping to get out of paying his hotel bill

[jcartermad]

I live in Roi-Et and i have seen no troops or police presence. Where does this military rule imposed in other provinces come from?

[george]

George where are you getting the Public Holiday info? Has it been confirmed yet?

Yes confirmed, here:

Monday, Tuesday extra holidays for Bangkok

Read more:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Monday-Tuesd...an-t365886.html

[kissdani]

As part of the operation the military said it would deploy snipers, but army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd denied that "protesters" had been intentionally shot.

What are these snipers who not shot intentionally up to?

[ukfool]

As part of the operation the military said it would deploy snipers, but army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd denied that "protesters" had been intentionally shot.

What are these snipers who not shot intentionally up to?

The role of a sniper is to intentionally shoot people, what a bizarre remark from a 'Colonel' wonder where he studied his military doctrine ?

[Ulysses G.]

Thai protesters call for UN-mediated talks with government

BANGKOK, May 16, 2010 (AFP) - Thai anti-government protesters called Sunday for UN-mediated talks with the government after several days of violent clashes with troops left 25 people dead and more than 200 wounded.

"We call for the government to stop firing and to withdraw soldiers who are blocking the area around the protest site," said a protest leader, Kokaew Pikulthong. "We call for talks with the UN as mediator."

Previous talks between the two sides failed to reach an agreement.

They had their chance and they refused a sincere deal. No more stalling tactics.

[iciparis]

As part of the operation the military said it would deploy snipers, but army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd denied that "protesters" had been intentionally shot.

What are these snipers who not shot intentionally up to?

The role of a sniper is to intentionally shoot people, what a bizarre remark from a 'Colonel' wonder where he studied his military doctrine ?

He studied with Seah deng

[jackdawson]

meaning a great time to buy a rajdamri condo right ?

[phuketrichard]

Maybe i am wrong and this does not apply but when a bullet is fired into the air, it does not disapppear but must come down. Although it will not have the same force as when it was shot i would think it would be enough to wound someone if they were hit. And the Motorcycle helmuts most wear is not much better protection than a baseball cap.

[Lindern]

Thai protesters call for UN-mediated talks with government

BANGKOK, May 16, 2010 (AFP) - Thai anti-government protesters called Sunday for UN-mediated talks with the government after several days of violent clashes with troops left 25 people dead and more than 200 wounded.

"We call for the government to stop firing and to withdraw soldiers who are blocking the area around the protest site," said a protest leader, Kokaew Pikulthong. "We call for talks with the UN as mediator."

Previous talks between the two sides failed to reach an agreement.

They had their chance and they refused a sincere deal. No more stalling tactics.

You are kidding, right? "Sincere" in the same sentence as "politics" is an oxymoron and particularly here.

[Arkady]

Dear Thai Government, The next time you issue a "demonstration permit" for the city of BKK, can you limit the number of demonstraters allowed to the amount the crowd police can handle; assign the area they have to protest at (hopefully not their choice) ; and make sure the demonstration/ rally permit has the amount of HOURS (not months) the rally is to last. If this had been enforced with the "Yellow" and "Red" political gatherings in the past, we wouldn't have had these messes.

Thank you / kup,

Khun Bill

The problem, Bill, is that there is no standing law limiting demonstrations or requiring advance permission but the constitution allows the people the right to peaceful demonstration that doesn't infringe on the rights of others. The Emergency Decree curtailed freedom of assembly but by then it was too late and the government was able to enforce the decree. The police have a lot to answer for by allowing the red shirts to rally at Rajprasong from the beginning and erect a stage there that blocked traffic and clearly infringed on the rights of other citizens to pass by and go about their normal business. This took place virtually in front of National Police Head Quarters, so they can't say they didn't notice it. Now they can't be trusted with any security operations against the red shirts.

[Ulysses G.]

What a load of crap. He is doing his best to not slaughter any innocents and you still whine.

[nickupton]

Dear Thai Government, The next time you issue a "demonstration permit" for the city of BKK, can you limit the number of demonstraters allowed to the amount the crowd police can handle; assign the area they have to protest at (hopefully not their choice) ; and make sure the demonstration/ rally permit has the amount of HOURS (not months) the rally is to last. If this had been enforced with the "Yellow" and "Red" political gatherings in the past, we wouldn't have had these messes.

Thank you / kup,

Khun Bill

The problem, Bill, is that there is no standing law limiting demonstrations or requiring advance permission but the constitution allows the people the right to peaceful demonstration that doesn't infringe on the rights of others. The Emergency Decree curtailed freedom of assembly but by then it was too late and the government was able to enforce the decree. The police have a lot to answer for by allowing the red shirts to rally at Rajprasong from the beginning and erect a stage there that blocked traffic and clearly infringed on the rights of other citizens to pass by and go about their normal business. This took place virtually in front of National Police Head Quarters, so they can't say they didn't notice it. Now they can't be trusted with any security operations against the red shirts.

Let's be honest, the police shouldn't be trusted with anything greater than cleaning public toilets any more and even then only with their bare hands (and in this sentence "bare hands" is not synonymous with grenade launchers, handguns, automatic rifles, bamboo staves, rockets or slingshots).

[nickupton]

What a load of crap. He is doing his best to not slaughter any innocents and you still whine.

LOL, nice, tired of the red BS? Me too.

[KKvampire]

Thai protesters call for UN-mediated talks with government

BANGKOK, May 16, 2010 (AFP) - Thai anti-government protesters called Sunday for UN-mediated talks with the government after several days of violent clashes with troops left 25 people dead and more than 200 wounded.

"We call for the government to stop firing and to withdraw soldiers who are blocking the area around the protest site," said a protest leader, Kokaew Pikulthong. "We call for talks with the UN as mediator."

Previous talks between the two sides failed to reach an agreement.

They had their chance and they refused a sincere deal. No more stalling tactics.

Exactly, The Thugs are calling for Un to mediate,They Blew their offer, IDIOTS.. The Red Terrorists have one chance. HANDS IN THE AIR , AND WALK OUT OF THE PUBLIC LAND THEY OCCUPY .

[anon467367354]

I think it is time for the Thai govenment to take a step back, stop killing your citizens and actually think what damage you have done to Thailand. The government has set Thailand back 50 yrs. The world see's the prime minister as a blood thirsty muderer.

I'm starting to get it. If you put up a sign that says "peaceful demonstration" then it is. or if it say "we are not terrorists" then we're not. If we tell the world, regardless of our actions that the gov't is using war weapons on it's citizens, then it's the gov't to blame regardless of our actions. If we attack the gov't and some of us get hurt, it's the gov't's fault for hurting us because we want our way and should get it because we want it regardless of our actions. Ths could go on and on and on regardless of our actions. Maybe we should drop all the security around all the gov't buildings and offices because the gov't should allow us to have our way regardless of out actions. It's the gov't that has set Thailand back 50 years regardless of our actions. It's the prime minister that the worlds sees as a blood thirsty "muderer" (what the hel_l is a muderer?) because we said so regardless of our actions. This is "red" thinking. Fly your flag proudly and say whatever you want regardless of your actions. You people seem to need more breathing room, so the gov't should take a step back regardless of your actions.

Edited May 16, 2010 by gr8fldanielle

[moe666]

People keep talking about the bullets fired into the air. Well they do come down and with enough force to kill. Were I live we have the New Years Tradition of shooting off guns, yes into the air. The police make it a point of parking under overpasses until it ends, there have been photos of the bullets that pass thru peoples roofs and the hospital reports of a few people admitted for gunshot wounds caused by the falling bullets.

[norwayeagle]

As part of the operation the military said it would deploy snipers, but army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd denied that "protesters" had been intentionally shot.

What are these snipers who not shot intentionally up to?

Well you can say that they are first of all posted as an observer ( with weapon to stop an act)

and if they see "irregularities,a report will be done(usually) .

Some "high rank Observers" ( long experience in their field, also high ranked) will be able to take their own decision, (after observing the situation as to dangerous from there point of view ),so act has to be taken.

Then a report will be made afterward,discussed and seen if improvement of thy act was the right thing to do.

Almost every time is a new stand,so it is often( all the time i would say) (as long as your not in a great war zone,,Irak as an example) very hard to just do it( to say it simple)

Believe me,their go is for one thing: Save life not take Life

The "observer has to live with the taken action ,and few mistakes will be made!

Oh and have to say that this is Thailand/ and not many soldiers here have the experience from Live war,nor the officers .Mistakes may occur.

[steve w]

terminal velocity for a bullet falling back down when fired into the air is about 200mph,would kill you if it hit the top of your head!

[mongoose11]

Khrichana said his friend was among the dead.

"His body is still on the balcony and it cannot be taken away yet because the soldiers did not allow anyone to go in," he said.

What's the deal with inquiry's out here?

Naivety aside for a moment can anyone quote a successful case in Thailand where a soldier/policeman has been tried for unlawfully - don't know the legal jargon - killing someone.

[toenail]

I think it is time for the Thai govenment to take a step back, stop killing your citizens and actually think what damage you have done to Thailand. The government has set Thailand back 50 yrs. The world see's the prime minister as a blood thirsty muderer.

I'm starting to get it. If you put up a sign that says "peaceful demonstration" then it is. or if it say "we are not terrorists" then we're not. If we tell the world, regardless of our actions that the gov't is using war weapons on it's citizens, then it's the gov't to blame regardless of our actions. If we attack the gov't and some of us get hurt, it's the gov't's fault for hurting us because we want our way and should get it because we want it regardless of our actions. Ths could go on and on and on regardless of our actions. Maybe we should drop all the security around all the gov't buildings and offices because the gov't should allow us to have our way regardless of out actions. It's the gov't that has set Thailand back 50 years regardless of our actions. It's the prime minister that the worlds sees as a blood thirsty "muderer" (what the hel_l is a muderer?) because we said so regardless of our actions. This is "red" thinking. Fly your flag proudly and say whatever you want regardless of your actions. You people seem to need more breathing room, so the gov't should take a step back regardless of your actions.

*********************************

As I read the above comment I felt the behavior was identical to the Reds' hero..Thaksin.

Edited May 16, 2010 by toenail

[iciparis]

http://www.ireport.com/ir-topic-stories.jspa?topicId=420484

CNN Ireports still available, maybe your IP followed by Thai authorities, but mine is hidden, foreign, while in BKK no problems here