Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Monday

[Thaivisa News]

"Red sleeping after a long night of fighting. Beside him Molotov cocktails getting prepared": http://twitpic.com/1oje2f /via @freakingcat

Urgent: All offices in sensitive areas, please allow your staff to go home. It's getting difficult and risky. no BTS/MRT /via @veen_NT

The Nation: Thai stocks midday down 20.96 pt, 2.73 pct: http://bit.ly/d0c7FE

"View from Khlong Toei market roadblock towards Rama 4 Express Way Bridge" http://twitpic.com/1ojg4o /via @freakingcat

Soi Baan Plai Nuean, Royal Soi is protected by police. If u are reporter and stuck call me 0840901203. Safehouse Available. /v @freakingcat

Ramkhamhaeng University postpones its admission for new student to June 12-16. /via @js100radio @veen_NT

German Embassy: Take 3 pm deadline "very serious." Suggests if in Bangkok remain indoors at your residence or hotel /via @BangkokDan

Rama4 huge smoke cloud: http://twitpic.com/1oji3k /via @wildorchid9999

"At Din Daeng. Petrol bombs being thrown" /via @forestmat

[Thaivisa News]

Urgent: Canadian consulate temp office's in Davis hotel suk 24. I'm there now, it is open. /via @Tonymaggs

(11:30) Large fire and gunshots infront of Lumpini Tower: http://bit.ly/bgd4z0 /via @freakingcat

BTS Update: Tuesday May 18th, service at all BTS stations continue to be closed, and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

We have confirmation that the Asoke-Sukhumvit Intersection now has large amount of tyres. AVOID! /via @js100radio @Tulsathit

(13.36) There's an attempt to set up a stage at Victory Monument as #redshirts prepare steel structure. Police are on alert /via @Neaw_NBC

AFP: "The Australian embassy will be closed to visitors from Monday 17 May 2010 until further notice," said an update late on Sunday.

[Thaivisa News]

Urgent: AVOID Asok area, JS100Radio have confirmed large amount of tyres at the Asok/sukhumvit intersection.

"Soi Baan Plai Nuean, 15 police inside...if you reporter and too dangerous, go there: http://twitpic.com/1ojk6g" /via @freakingcat

Reports from two tweeters say the Asok area looks normal: http://twitpic.com/1ojlai http://twitpic.com/1ojkr6 /via @swissinbangkok @MrMcos

"Fixed wing plane flying low over protest site. I think with tannoy announcing something. Hard to tell tho." /via BBC's @aleithead

"Small prop plane seen circling downtown" "I saw that fly over me 10 mins ago coming from Don Muang area." /via @jfxberns @jazzinchiangmai

Unarmed redshirts prepare tires for burning while sheltering from snipers near CP Hotel: http://twitpic.com/1ojkqd /via @Photo_Journ

Asok Update: "I live on corner or Suk and Asok, looking down from my balcony, Nothing is happening, all is normal" /via @Kerm99

"Another picture of asok intersection" http://twitpic.com/1ojliq /via @babyfishie @jordancalvet /updates: http://bit.ly/9VkUId

(12.30) Exit of Rama 4 Expressway Khlong Toei: http://twitpic.com/1ojmvj /via @freakingcat

"Looks like we R about 2 b attacked. Army approaching" says @photo_journ

With strong winds, the burning tyres that lay on most barricades and roads are ineffective! /via @Photo_Journ

[Thaivisa News]

A shot of the light aircraft circling Bangkok conflict area: http://twitpic.com/1ojoem /via @BKKApologist

The plane circling around Bangkok is a "Pilatus Porter STOL" /via @thescratt

The plane has been dropping leaflets to protesters about the 2 year jail sentence.

Update: Jutuporn: Just take the soldiers out and we are ready to talk. Want gov to bring in a mediator for talks (UN not acceptable) ThaiPBS

"FYI STOL is Short Take Off and Landing. So very good at slow flight. Perfect for recon and also dropping leaflets" /via @thescratt

"After 3.00 pm the authorities will do everything possible to inform them to leave, including broadcast radio messages, police loudspeaker trucks and leaflets," Satit said.

"CRES will explain to the public after the operation is completed," he told reporters /AFP

"After 3 pm the authorities will do everything to inform them to leave, radio messages, police loudspeaker and leaflets," Satit said. /AFP

Asok Update: Apparently the JS100Radio report was a hoax. False information.

[Thaivisa News]

Suriwong at (14:19), people go on like its any other day: http://tweetphoto.com/22795443 /via @noppatjak

Thunder overhead. Storm & troops approaching slowly. #redshirts showing no fear /via @photo_journ

"We're hearing Nattiwat saying no need for UN for negotiations but troops must withdraw. Doesn't sound good for ceasefire." /Via @aleithead

Update: 30 minutes until CRES deadline for the red shirts. Protesters ask for a ceasefire for troops to fall back.

Some pictures from the Dusit Thani Hotel incident last night: http://bit.ly/d5D936 /via @tulsathit

"Troops on Petchburi at the end of Wireless are REALLY tense no smiles or even nods I think 3pm could see some shit" /via @beejoir

MCOT: CRES: Mastermind for Bangkok attack living abroad; warns media, general public, and rescue workers targeted

[Thaivisa News]

"Almost all guards are looking upwards for snipers, extremly paranoid" /via @beejoir

TAN: Large no. of red-shirts gathering in front of Thai Rak Thai Foundation on Nakhon Sawan Rd No violence yet

"INSANE, father puts his baby on tyre barricade under expressway" /via @freakingcat

"Some more troop movements (around 10 trucks) at petchburi/pratunam direction" /via @vaitor

High view of Asok: http://twitpic.com/1ojud9 /via @swissinBangkok /http://bit.ly/9VkUId

A father places his child on a barricade (14.15): http://twitpic.com/1ojv07 /via @freakingcat

The red baby crying after an explosion near the tyre barricade. http://twitpic.com/1ojv9w /via @freakingcat

Protesters up in Chiang Rai: http://twitpic.com/1ojmng /via @thethaireport

Shocking video of the Red-baby being put on the tyre barricade: http://bit.ly/bogxkB /via @freakingcat

Urgent Embassy Update: US, British, Australian, Dutch, Canadian, Belgium, German & Japanese embassies closed until further notice.

Bon Kai huge fire spreading over the whole road, beneath the Lumpini Tower: http://bit.ly/acczn0 /via @freakingcat

[webfact]

Chinese reporters told to leave Rajprasong

All Chinese reporters were evacuated from the Rajprasong rally zone to the Pathumwanaram Temple where they were picked up by Thai Red Cross officials Monday.

The Chinese embassy coordinated with Thai Red Cross Society and Police Hospital to evacuate all Chinese reporters form Rajprasong rally zone to the temple.

They were quickly picked up from the temple by Red Cross officials.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Panithan says protests, riots must end before talk could be resumed

Deputy PM's Secretary-General Panithan Watanayakorn, acting government spokesman, said the red-shirt people must end their protests and riots before the government would resume talk with their leaders.

Panithan said the red-shirt leaders must prove their sincerity for talk by ending the rally and have the protesters stop attacking government officials and stop rioting.

Panithan said if the red-shirt leaders stop all protests and riots, the government would resume the initial reconciliation road map.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

Korbsak on Al Jazeera confirming behind the scenes negotiations have collapsed at the moment. /Via @veen_NT @aelacallen

Thaksin's lawyer appears to be tweeting about Thai situations under @robertamsterdam /via @tulsathit

CRES: Final call for anyone leaving Ratchaprasong. /Updates: http://bit.ly/9VkUId

Live picture of Ratchaprasong: http://yfrog.com/b8dsc0101lj /via @beejoir

MRT: Tomorrow(18/5)MRT is still closed at all stations until further notice. Call Center: 026245200

Live picture at Wireless road: http://yfrog.com/0odsc0117kdj /via @beejoir

Video of Smoke and Fire Inferno, Rama 4 and expanded stage at Khlong Toei: http://bit.ly/bnRYZV /via @freakingcat

Thai PBS: Troops were deployed to reinforce security forces at the Bon Kai security checkpoint on Rama IV Road. /via @paisal_nt

"Reds probably intend to burn Lumpini Tower" http://twitpic.com/1ojzfp /via @freakingcat

[webfact]

AMERICAN TOWN HALL NOTICE

Due to ongoing security and safety concerns, the Town Hall meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 18 at 2pm has been re-formatted into a virtual Town Hall meeting to be held on-line. This will allow for a greater number of American citizens residing in Thailand to participate in a discussion with the Ambassador, the Embassy Security Officer and our American Citizens Services Chief. We regret any inconvenience this may cause but believe this will be a more effective means of reaching the greatest number of people without putting them in harm’s way. The safety of American citizens remains our primary concern.

The virtual Town Hall meeting will be held from 4 - 5pm on Tuesday, May 18.

1. To join us go to https://statedept.connectsolutions.com/bangkok

2. Enter as Guest (type your desired screen name)

3. Submit your question

The Ambassador and other key embassy officials will be available to take your questions.

If you are unable to join us, a transcript of the webchat will be made available on our Embassy website at http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/

Questions may be submitted in advance of the Town Hall webchat beginning at 8:00am on the morning of Tuesday, May 18 at 8:00am (Bangkok time). Just enter the site above to submit your question

[webfact]

Protesters Defy CRES Order to Leave Ratchaprasong by 3 P.M.

Red-shirt protesters at Ratchaprasong have ignored the Center for the Resolution for Emergency Situation (CRES) for them to leave the protest site by 3 P.M.

The protesters are reportedly singing and dancing.

Reports have also indicated that a curfew may be announced tonight to pave the way for a crackdown on the protesters tomorrow.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

TAN: 'Protesters Defy CRES Order to Leave Ratchaprasong by 3 P.M' http://bit.ly/dnPEEL

"and another deadline passing by without any consequences", says @Vaitor who in on the ground now in the danger zone.

"less protesters at ratchaprasong rally site but still enough food+some reds are doing karaoke" /via @vaitor

Looking like a war-zone. In no-mans land Sam Liam Din Daeng. Troops fall back. Still very tense: http://twitpic.com/1ok2bj /via @Photo_journ

[george]

Frontline/ no-mans land Sam Liam Ding Daeng. Troops have pulled back. V. Tense stil. http://twitpic.com/1ok2bj via Photo_journ

Red shirts rally hurts GDP by 0.5% / via Bangkok Post

Thai police say 5,000 people defy deadline to leave protest /AFP

U.S. Embassy Consular Section Closed May 17 - May 21, 2010 http://bit.ly/bVu6IB (via @USEmbassyBKK)

Government rejects talks with Red Shirts until protest ends / via @MCOTEnglishnews

[webfact]

4 companies of policemen deployed to Victory Monument

At 3 pm Monday, four companies of policemen were deployed to keep security at the Victory Monument.

Police told people, who are not protesters, to clear the area, prompting the area to become quiet with little activities.

The circle road around the monument became deserted as buses were told to use other roads.

Police found lines on the road facing the Din Daeng Intersection while some onlookers were observing on the skywalk of the BTS station.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Deadline passed. Thai police say 5,000 people defy deadline to leave protest site /AFP

Thaivsa member: Right now the music has stopped on stage and people are praying.

[george]

Travel Warning: US Embassy advising American Citizens to defer all travel to Bangkok and defer non-essential travel to the rest of Thailand

Red leaders tell protesters to be prepared for tear gas after defying deadline to disperse by 3 P.M. given by CRES. via @TAN_Network

Sounds of gunfire at Bon Kai Community intensified after the 3pm deadline for protesters to clear Rajprasong expired. via @paisal_nt

[webfact]

Gunfire intensifies at Bon Kai community

Sounds of gunfire at the Bon Kai Community near the Rama IV expressway intensified after the 3pm deadline for protesters to clear Rajprasong expired.

Protesters outside the Bon Kai community burned more rubber tyres, setting out thick blanket of black smoke.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

"There are some 5,000 protesters now at the Ratchaprasong rally site," said police spokesman Major General Prawut Thavornsiri. /AFP

"Thick smoke still rising from Din Daeng area: http://twitpic.com/1ok54h /via @markmackinnon

"Among the 5000, 400 elderly and children taking refuge at a temple in the area" said police spokesman Major General Prawut Thavornsiri /AFP

Redshirt with fake reporter armband? http://tweetphoto.com/22798822 /via @simplebob @noppatjak

MCOT: Thailand’s GDP drops 0.5%+ in 2010 due to political unrest http://bit.ly/bbSkiM

CNN: 'Embassies close, tourists advised to stay away from Bangkok' http://bit.ly/a1F9Wchttp://bit.ly/bwswWI

"Very very very heavy gunfire Soi Rangnam now" /via @BangkokGarret

"Under sustained fire" /via @Photo_journ

[Thaivisa News]

Looks like Soi Rangnam is under fire now: "A friend just told me there are a ton of shots being fired at Rangnam now". /via @jet_bkk

BBC: Panitan: We are able to communicate with red shirt leaders to get the women and children to a temple nearby /via @Bangkokpundit

BBC: Host to Panitan: Will you agree to ceasefire? Panitan: We didn't start the fighting /via @bangkokpundit

"Troops on Petchburi/Wireless are REALLY spooked somethings going down all are hiding and scared" /via @beejoir

BBC: Host to Panitan: Will you agree to ceasefire? Panitan: We didn't start the fighting /via @bangkokpundit

BBC: Host goes live to BBC reporter on Rama IV. Showing red fireworks/homemade bombs & soldiers firing guns back at anything that moves /via @bangkokpundit

MCOT: Thai stock index fell 15.53 points or 2.02% to close at 753.26, value Bt17,662 mln due to political crisis

[Thaivisa News]

Nation: '4 companies of policemen deployed to Victory Monument' http://bit.ly/cciHG8

BTS: Services on both routes will be stopped for tomorrow(18-5-10) on safety concern. For more information, please contact 026176000

(16:18) "Even inside the red fortress, all red shirts running around with shields or hiding behind trees" /via @vaitor

MCOT: Korbsak telephones Natthawut, discussion going on behind UDD stage at Ratchaprasong; more clashes erupt at Rama IV

"Army putting up sandbags 'bunkers top end of sathon at banyan tree and thai-belgian bridge" /via @karmanomad

Sathorn Soi 1 (16:16) outside Pandanus ret/bar: http://tweetphoto.com/22801100 /via @BangkokLife

"Every now and again, bangs can be heard at various locations around town. Bon Kai hotting up again, fast" /via @wizardofwindsor

"Smoke both over Rama IV and Din Daeng increasing" /via lindavanderwijk /updates: http://bit.ly/9VkUId

[webfact]

Related topic:

Thousands Of Thai Protesters Defy Deadline To Leave

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thousands-Th...ea-t366233.html

[Thaivisa News]

Cordon down near Red camp. http://bit.ly/94QXO8 /via @Michael_Yon

BBC: 'Thai protesters are ordered to leave Bangkok camp' http://bit.ly/cXI7Wo /Updates: http://bit.ly/9VkUId

Nation: Gunfire heard in front of Phayathai 1 Hospital: http://bit.ly/a91DbT

Confirmed: Intense gunfire heard in front of Phyathai 1 Hospital, a resident called us, sounds of gunshot in background. /via @tulsathit

Urgent: If you are in Bangkok, or have family and friends within the city. Notify them of this map: http://bit.ly/d4xiPi /v @richardBarrow

Gas truck heading to Soi Ngamduplee, Rama VI,rd !!! http://twitpic.com/1okdib /via @iNatt

MCOT: Thailand’s GDP drops 0.5% in 2010 due to political unrest http://bit.ly/cK2wzW

After deadline, Nation reporters and many others are worried as the atmosphere is rather quiet - too quiet maybe /via @satien_nna

CRES: Announcement soon. Stay tuned.

URGENT: Violent attacks, bomb explosion at Ratchayothin intersection near SCB & gun shots at PhayaThai Hospital /via @sait_kt

New uses for modern art: http://bit.ly/dh5FOJ /via @Michael_Yon (actually thought that was Photo-shopped).

[webfact]

Pheu Thai MPs, party officials rush out of party head office

Pheu Thai Party MPs rushed out of the party at 3 pm and closed the party head officer, leaving red-shirt people outside.

The MPs and officials at the party head office, which is located near Montien Hotel on Suriwonge Road, left the head office when a plane distributed copies of an order of the Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation, urging the people to leave the protest zone.

Earlier, the party allowed red-shirt people to gather at the party if they could not join the protest at Rajprasong.

The MPs included party spokesman Prompong Nopprit and Bangkok MP Wicharn Minchainan.

The abrupt closure of the party's door caused the red-shirt people there to become dissatisfied. They complained that the MPs left women and children without caring about their safety.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

New uses for modern art: http://bit.ly/dh5FOJ /via @Michael_Yon

CNN: 'Thai protesters defy evacuation deadline' http://bit.ly/97dhww

Near the Red zone: http://bit.ly/aD3jyj /via @michael_Yon

'Pheu Thai MPs, party officials rush out of party head office' http://bit.ly/bSMpnA /via @tulsathit

Nation: 'Troops move closer to Rajaprasong from Pathumwan, Rajthevi intersections' http://bit.ly/aBZKr6

Korbsak calls Natthawut: http://bit.ly/cuLYr3 (More info coming soon) /via @nationnews

Update: About 570 bank branches closed in Bkk today. And govt has ordered closure of gas stations around sensitive areas. /via @tulsathit

(16:00) No troops and no barricades or much of anything else at Asoke/Suk intersection: http://tweetphoto.com/22804388 /via @LAGuyinBKK

[webfact]

Troops move closer to Rajprasong from Pathumwan, Rajthevi intersections

At 2:45 pm Monday, troops moved closer to the Rajprasong protest zone from the directions of the Pathumwan and Rajthevi intersections.

Troops armed with M16 and Travo rifles put up barbed wires around the BTS station at the National Stadium.

The movements of the troops prompted red-shirt guards to pile up garbage bags on the road to block the advancing troops.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Korbsak calls Natthawut

PM's Secretary-General Korbsak Sabhavasu made talked to Natthawut Saikua over a phone at 4 pm, Thai News Agency reported.

Following the phone call, Natthawut held a meeting with other red-shirt leaders immediately.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Red shirts given more time as deadline passes : Panithan

Thai authorities will give red shirts protesters more time to leave the area after a 3pm deadline passed, government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said Monday.

The government's main focus is to convince women, children and elderly people who have received wrong information to leave the Rajprasong rally site.

Authorities will set up more checkpoints around the city to prevent more chaos, Panithan said.

Center for the Resolutions of Emergency Situation (CRES) has issued a deadline at 3pm for the red shirts protesters to leave Rajprasong rally site.

CRES has failed to say what it would do if the red shirts did not meet the deadline.

Meanwhile Prateep Ungsongtham Hata who has been known for her works in slum areas set up a stage on Rama IV road near Klong Toey populated community and called for people to join Rajprasong rally.

Police failed to convince her to move the stage as it caused more traffic congestion on the road.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Energy Ministry Closes Petrol Station in Risk Area

The Energy Ministry has ordered the closure of 33 petrol stations and gas pumps surrounding the conflict zones.

Authorities are taking safety precautions as protesters defy a 3 P.M. deadline to leave the area.

A violent showdown could result tonight leading into tomorrow.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

BTS, MRT Closed for Another Day on Tuesday

Bangkok's skytrain operator has announced that trains will not be running on Tuesday, May 18, 2010.

The same goes for the city's subway system, the MRT, as security concerns continue.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Reds Attempt to Blow up Gas Tanker

Red-shirt protesters have driven and parked a gas tanker in front of the PTT petrol station in Ngarm Duplee.

They've also fired several M79 into the petrol station in an attempt to start a wide-scale explosion.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]