Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Monday

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Xavier Hall offers shelter for people affected by clashes

Xavier Hall, which is a Catholic church and university student boarding house near the Victory Monument, offered shelter for people affected by the on-going clashes between security forces and protesters.

Xavier Hall is located behind the bus stop on the side leading to Saphan Kwai.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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TAN: Energy Ministry orders closure of 33 petrol stations/gas pumps in conflict zone as safety precautions via @js100radio

ThaiPBS: Reporter commenting live at Suan Lum, can hear lots of gunfire in the background. "Can hear gunshots and sirens from an ambulance"

ThaiPBS: He also saw the gas truck move out to soi ngam duplii. Saw the truck parked there since friday and just moved out.

ThaiPBS: The gas truck is now parked in a petrol station. Nothing has happened since it parked there.

TAN: BTS to remain closed for another day tomorrow, Tues, May 18 via @BTS_SkyTrain

CH3: The gas truck has apparently been hijacked by redshirts. Smoke spotted.

Thaksin apparently spotted at Louis Vutton Champ Elysee on May 15th. http://tweetphoto.com/22802583 /via @nee_c

CH:3 Showing the huge gas tanker in the middle of the road with gunfire going on around it.

Loud bangs coming from around the area. The tanker is parked right in the middle of the road.

Ch3: The tanker is extremely close to the petrol station. Everyone is afraid. Army trying to protect the tanker from blowing up.

CH3: Tanker has been hit - smoke coming out of the back!

CH3: Bullets shown to be hitting the tanker on the side. Large smoke coming from the back. Sparks from the back

Picture of the gas tanker on Ch3: http://yfrog.com/7dcdqsj /via @nattiekhe @Hyperzine

CH3: The tanker is now on fire. small flames can be seen at the bottom of the back of the tanker.

Ch3: Moved back to the reporting the red stage.

[Thaivisa News]

CH3: Protesters seized control of Din Daeng Intersection, blacking the sky with thick smoke from tyre burning. /via @paisal_nt

Fire burning at the rear end of the petrol truck but attempts to launch firecrackers/ homemade rockets at it were slowing down /v @tulsathit

MCOT: Energy Ministry says there's 6,000 litres of petrol in the tanker that has been shot upon. /via @tulsathit

MCOT: Red Shirts block Rama IV Road, Bon Kai, with fuel tanker truck at Lumpini Boxing Stadium; gunfire heard

"Rama IV near Dusit Thani hotel is completely empty. Not a soul out there walking or driving". /via @michael_Yon

"Reds at ratchaprasong are highly motivated about the "support" and actions from outside!" /via @vaitor

Stranded residents wanting to get out of homes from sensitive areas can call 02-338-3677, 02-338-3333 ext 7254 /via @tulsathit

ThaiPBS: Silom looking like a ghost town. Only person you can see is the reporter.

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Protesters attempt to blow up oil tanker at Bon Kai clashing site

Live broadcast from Chanel 3 at 5:50 pm Monday showed protesters trying to blow up an oil tanker outside a petrol station near the Bon Kai community close to Soi Ngam Duplee on Rama IV Road.

The TV live broadcast using 3G connection showed that certain bullets hit the oil tank of oil truck but no explosion occurred yet.

Rubber tyres were burning near the oil tanker.

The station said a protester drove the truck out of the petrol station and left it in front of the station.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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BMA sets up shelters at 3 schools for people affected by clashes

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration offered three schools as shelters for people affected by clashes between protesters and security forces.

The three schools are Wichuthit, which can house 500 people, Wichakorn, which can house some 300 people and Sam Sen Nok, which can house 500 people.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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BBC reporter dodges missile in Bangkok: http://bit.ly/dgoOws

We are told that UN staff including UNESCO, WB, WFP and the agencies at Rachadamnoen Nok ,are now working from home /via @RichardBarrow

Rama4 near Dusit Thani Hotel and Lumpini Park empty: http://bit.ly/bzbVmW /via @Michael_Yon

"Definitely fewer ppl in main Red Shirt camp than last night. The 5,000 estimate makes sense to me..." /via @markmackinnon

ThaiPBS: Victory Monument has been filled with more soldiers to stand ground, ready for any situation around the area. /http://bit.ly/9VkUId

A gas shop is only a few metres away from the gas tanker. /via @tulsathit

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Hospitals on standby as government's deadline passes

By The Nation

Rajvithee, the nearest hospital to Rajprasong site, has prepared ambulances, blood and beds as the government's deadline for the red shirts protesters to end their rally passes, Dr Rewat Wisarutvej, director general of Medical Services Department said.

Other hospitals are now on standby and prepare altogether 190 beds, 190 units of blood in case violence happens.

"For Rajvithee Hospital which is the nearest hospital to Rajprasong and Rajprarop area, 40 ambulances are on standby. All people of all sides could trust our medical personnel as they would work with etiquette in mind, the doctor said.

He said that he asked medical personnel to work with carefulness. Soldiers are assigned to move injured people from the rally site to the spots which would be outside the rally site.

The government had issued a deadline for protesters at Rajprasong to leave the site before 3pm. However when the deadline passed, the government gave the protesters more time to decide.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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AFP: Hundreds of mourners turned out for the funeral Monday of a renegade general, Seh Daeng, allied with "Red Shirt" protesters.

AFP: "I loved Seh Daeng. He was fair and just," said a mourner named Panitha at the traditional Buddhist funeral.

AFP: Reds leader Jatuporn Prompan announced Seh Daeng's death on stage at the demonstration site, as thousands of protesters stood in homage

AFP: "Although he was a general of the army he fought for democracy with us," Jatuporn told protesters.

AFP: The crowd cheered the arrival of their slain hero, then began weeping as the service commenced.

AFP: The mood later turned to rage and mourners tore apart bouquets sent by the Thai military and a pro-establishment television station.

[Thaivisa News]

"As night falls in Bangkok, I hear helicopters and periodic pops. I can see a large plume of smoke rising from the Rama IV area." /v @newley

Sad Tweet: Since rally began on March 12, 65 have been killed and 1,669 injured: Public Health Ministry /via @tulsathit

"Just bk from Rama 4/Khlong Toei, impossible to get near xpressway,10 meter flames in center of Rama4 Rd, raging inferno!" /via @freakingcat

BBC: 'Thai protesters defy orders to leave their Bangkok camp' http://bit.ly/cXI7Wo

"I'm not a redshirt. My government should not kill people" http://twitpic.com/1ol7ip /via @photo_journ

"Red" Boy working as traffic guard at Rama 4 Khlong Toei! http://twitpic.com/1ol8gi /via @freakingcat

Is Khlong Toei the new Ratchaprasong? http://twitpic.com/1ol8vm /via @freakingcat

"Seh Daeng got the palace sponsored water ritual bath and 3-day funeral rites at Wat Somanas" http://tweetphoto.com/22810171 /via @veen_NT

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AFP: Thaksin calls for both sides to step back from 'abyss'

AFP: "I stand with my countrymen in this terrible hour in our history," Thaksin said in a statement.

AFP: "The pictures that I have seen go beyond any nightmares that could have been envisaged." said Thaksin

AFP: "I have no choice but to state resolutely the need for all sides to step back from this terrible abyss." Said Thaksin

AFP: "Seek to begin a new, genuine and sincere dialogue between the parties," he said.

AFP "The present action of the government dishonour our history and will forever weaken our institutions and democracy." Said Thaksin.

[Thaivisa News]

Plumes of smoke and repeated booms at Rama4 5 miutes ago: http://tweetphoto.com/22811003 /via @barrywells

TAN: ASTV: Flames seen on high floors of an under-construction building near Century Park Hotel; fire teams can't get to the flames

TAN: ASTV: Flames seen on high floors of an under-construction building near Century Park Hotel; fire teams can't get to the flames

MCOT: Condominium construction site near Century Hotel and Victory Monument on fire; Fire trucks cannot reach site.

Sign on almost every street post along Rama 4 Klong Toei: http://twitpic.com/1olcv3 /via @freakingcat

Thai government sending out text messages warning Red demonstrators to leave main camp in Rajprasong area of Bangkok" /via @markmackinnon

"Onlookers at the Expressway Rama 3 and overpass front Khlong Toei Market watch the fire inferno on Rama4" http://twitpic.com/1ole02

Some incredible photos from BKK's warfare: http://bit.ly/9YL67i /via @CenquzYar

[Thaivisa News]

Urgent: ThaiPBS Confirming the Cheewa Thai building is on fire. 13/14th floors on fire. Saw two guys trying to burn things around the area.

Some great news from @veen_NT: The oil taker at Bon Kai should not be full because it has already distributed oil to gas stations /v @mktmag

Pictures of the Cheewa-Thai fire from ThaiPBS: http://tweetphoto.com/22813418 http://tweetphoto.com/22813425 http://tweetphoto.com/22813429

Thai PBS: Reporting troops have moved closer to Rajprasong, now staying at Mah Boon Krong. /via @Nattha_tvthai. @veen_NT

Erawan centre: Latest casualties over May 14-17 clashes: 35 dead, and 256 injured as of 3pm /via @tukky_nt

FIre that is being called "an inferno" by most tweeters: http://tweetphoto.com/22813946 /via @lindavanderwijk /updates: http://bit.ly/9VkUId

TAN: INN: CRES orders police to deal with smaller disturbances throughout city; warns tire stores against selling to reds

Anticipation as the media voice is quiet during what should be a dispersal of the redshirts within Ratchaprasong. Updates to come!

Map showing new Red Shirt Rally Stage in Khlong Toei http://bit.ly/cBideG - 1000's of Reds there already! /via @richardBarrow

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Panitan on BBC: We hope in the next few days the red shirt protesters [at Ratchaprasong] will let us take them home. /via @RichardBarrow

Panitan told BBC he was concerned about health of the protesters. Wants to send in a medical team to help bring them out /via @RichardBarrow

AFP: Thai hospitals ready for crackdown on protesters. "1000+ beds and staff are working in the field," Chatree Chareoncheewakul said.

CRES: Live on TV now

TV Link for TNN: http://bit.ly/4u67T7

CRES: Deputy PM Suthep is very concerned about situation. We arrested number of ppl, they have been jailed: 12 months /via @bangkokpundit

TAN: Korbsak reveals Nuthawut called him requesting a ceasefire;leaders offering to calls protesters back to Ratchprasong

[Thaivisa News]

CRES: More than 10 people have been arrested. 9 sentenced from 4 mths up to 1 yr. /va @tulsathit

CRES: All sentences take immediate effect. No probation. /via @tulsathit

CRES: Police have seized over 600 tyres. (no info on how many arrested) /via @tulsathit

CRES: (Sansern) We are seriously concerned that innocent ppl will be harmed. /via @tulsathit

Update: 1,000 reds Khon Kaen provincial hall [in northeast Thailand], ''much anger'' says eyewitness. /via @karmanomad

CRES: Sansern: Snipers in black were hiding on high floors of ChivaThai building in Rajprarop today. /via @tulsathit

Songphol: We'd like to warn if you take part in any activity like supplying tyres, you will also be charged. /via @veen_NT

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Korbsak Reveals Nuthawut Asking for Ceasefire

PM Secretary General Korbsak Sapavasu reveals that he has recieved a telephone call from red shirt leader Nuthawut Saikua, requesting a ceasefire. Korbsak claims that Nuthawut offered to call back all smaller groups of protesters creating disturbances around the city back to the Ratchprasong stage.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-17

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CRES: The ChivaThai building is near the Century Park Hotel. /via @tulsathit

CRES: Sansern showing the kid on tyres video clip. /via @Tulsathit

CRES: Sansern: We suspect that an ex-singer shot on his condo balcony two days ago could have been a sniper victim. /via @tulsathit

CRES: He also showed the clip of hooded man running past protsters carrying what looked like M16. /via @tulsathit

CRES: Another clip showed a number of reds seizing an officer with a rifle who didn't try to use it. The attackers ran away with the rifle

CRES: Another clip showed people siphoning petrol from a seized truck. Sansern said it would b used for molotov cocktail. /via @tulsathit

CRES: Another clip showed a ransacked 7-11 shop. An ATM machine was destroyed. /via @tulsathit

CRES: The announcement ends. No mentioning of curfew or final warning to rajprasong reds. /via @Tulsathit

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Seized oil truck at Bon Kai area is confirmed an empty one

BANGKOK (NNT) -– The Ministry of Energy confirms that the gas truck which has been seized by the UDD supporters at Bon Kai area, is an empty one. The Ministry has prepared officials and waiting for the instruction from the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situaion (CRES) to enter the site to retrieve the truck.

Deputy Director-General of the Department of Energy Business (DOEB) Ong-art Promjanyakul cited that the gas truck had been seized since 17.30 hrs today by the UDD supporters to be used as their bunker against the clash with the armed force at Bon Kai venue. After the probe, this truck has no more oil inside and it belongs to Thanit Petroleum Co. Ltd that has distributed the 6,000-liters of benzene oil for the gas station around there since 14 May 2010, and could not get out of the area.

The DOEB has meanwhile cooperated with related agencies to solve the situation for safety, while security measures for oil/gas trucks have been raised to top level, prohibiting the trucks to pass 13 districts at risk in Bangkok.

The seizure of gas truck by the UDD may cause violence if they burn the truck even with no oil inside. The Ministry has instructed 70 officials to be available for possible emergencies after getting permission from the CRES. These officials are experts in resolving gas leakage and burnt oil truck.

-- NNT 2010-05-17

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AFP: "But after two rescue workers were shot dead, our staff are discouraged" he stated.

AFP: "So I want to say that we are neutral and work to save peoples' lives." said Chaitree.

AFP: Jongjet Aowjepong, dir of the Police General hospital said, "Our hospital has 600 beds and we have reserved 400 beds for an emergency,"

Reuters: 'Thai troops close in on protest encampment' http://bit.ly/c7PVTb

Breaking News: Official says Red Shirt protest leader calls Thai prime minister's aide on phone, proposes cease-fire /via @breakingnews

TNN: Showing Suriwong is very much active with many farang's there within the bars having a good time. /updates: http://bit.ly/9VkUId

Wot blockade? Eating well @ #redshirts stage .http://twitpic.com/1om8z5

The video of the so called, 'black shirt' holding an m16 (Shown on CRES) Key times: 00:37, 1:02 & 1:04: http://bit.ly/dzEcQT /via @terryfrd

TNN: SInce the 12th of March. Injured: 1,669. Died: 65. ICU: 21, Resting in hospital: 148. http://tweetphoto.com/22822730

"Heard from a friend who works In Celestica Thai near the port things are ok now. There were some blockages in the morning" /via @NaddaLFC

1000's of #redshirts gather at Klongtoey, Rama4 Rd, which is becoming the new Ratchaprasong: http://twitpic.com/1ombrr /via @bkknoboru

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CRES Shows Video Clips of Violence and Looting

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations addressed the nation' showing video clips of various incidents such as a child being used as human shields. Another clip showed a hooded man carrying an M16 rifle. Yet another showed protesters punching a couple of soldiers who they had intercepted. Another clip showed the looting of convenient stores and ATM's. This is the latest attempt by officials to try and create an understanding with the public.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-17

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'Foam to be used if oil tanker catches fire' http://bit.ly/c5Fmnn /bkkpost

Ch.9: Korbsak said Nuttawut called him before he went to meet with other #redshirts. There're always talks btw them. /via @veen_NT

Update: Erawan Centre: 271 Injured, 35 dead /via @veen_NT /Updates: http://bit.ly/9VkUId

7-11 shop on Langsuan, opposite Cape House this morning. It was looted last night. http://tweetphoto.com/22824555 /via @tukky_nt

Update: Thai protest leader calls PM's aide to propose truce /AFP

Update: A leader of Thailand's anti-government "Red Shirt" protesters called a top aide to the prime minister Monday /AFP

Update: He wanted to "propose a truce" after several days of violent clashes in the capital, the aide said. /AFP More Updates soon.

"Post Apocalyptic" Bangkok, at Din Daeng yesterday: http://twitpic.com/1omhnq /via @vaitor

Din Daeng yesterday, rebuilding the barricades: http://twitpic.com/1oml2h

[Thaivisa News]

AFP: Nattawut Saikuar telephoned the premier's secretary-general, Korbsak Sabhavasu, to offer to call Reds back to the main protest camp

Protesters in front of the redshirts stage remain upbeat: http://twitpic.com/1omm2l /via @photo_journ

AFP: "He said that if soldiers stop firing, he will call protesters back to the Ratchaprasong site," Korbsak said

AFP: If he calls protesters back 2 Ratchaprasong site and stops the action around Bangkok, there will be no more bullets fired by soldiers.

AFP: "Soldiers have not invaded the protest site," Korbsak said.

AFP: He declined to say whether the government would agree to the Reds' call for talks if the demonstrators return to the protest site.

AFP: When later contacted by AFP, he said: "I will not answer this question." Nattawut had not spoken to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

AFP: Reds asked Sunday for UN-mediated talks to end crisis, but the government rejected foreign involvement, said it was an internal matter!

"Saladaeng is quiet tonight. This time last night my ears were ringing from gunshots and explosions" /via @babyfishie

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CRES discloses info on black-clad snipers

BANGKOK (NNT) –- The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) has revealed some information on the black-clad snipers suspected of shooting at soldiers and protestors in Bangkok.

During a televised press briefing on Monday evening, Spokesperson of the CRES and the Royal Thai Army Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd pointed out that the gunmen in black were hiding in an unfinished high-rise in the Ratchaprarop area, where the state forces and the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters were.

The CRES Spokesperson expressed his concern for innocent people, who might be put in harm’s way. During the broadcasted address, he also showed video clips of a child being used as a human shield, protesters punching soldiers, and protestors vandalizing public property.

A series of violent clashes between state troops and UDD protestors have been erupting in downtown Bangkok since last Thursday. More than 10 people have been arrested from the turmoil, 9 of which have been immediately sentenced to 4-month to 1-year imprisonment. Today only, the police seized over 600 tires from the protestors, who were setting piles of tires on fire in the controlled area.

-- NNT 2010-05-17

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A royally-sponsored bathing rite for Seh Daeng

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Wat Somanat Ratchawora Wihan temple on Monday was reportedly prepared to receive the body of Army Specialist Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol alias Seh Daeng for a royally sponsored bathing rite.

Major General Khattiya was shot in the head on the evening of 13 May at Sala Daeng Intersection while he was giving an interview to international news correspondents. The sniper's bullet penetrated his right side of the brain and pierced through the left side of his brain, causing severe brain injury.

Over 200 mourners gathered at Wat Somanat Ratchawora Wihan temple to pay their last respect to Seh Daeng who remained in critical condition for the past three days before passing away with brain swelling and kidney failure at 09.20 hrs today.

Flower wreaths have been sent by the First Army Corps, the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy’s 22nd class, his military friends and the 111 Thai Rak Thai Foundation.

The bathing rite is scheduled to be held today at 17.30 hrs, while the religious cremation rite will be held for three days from 17 to 19 May 2010 from 18.30 hrs onward.

-- NNT 2010-05-17

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[Thaivisa News]

That Thaksin photo is verified by a photographer herself - http://tweetphoto.com/22827806 /via @veen_NT

She "Khun A" went w/ a Malaysian friend. Was surprised 2 C Thaksin shopping in LV shop on the day Thailand is in a big mess. /via @veen_NT

Update: (22:30) Gunshots heard at Din Daeng, 4 people injured /via Nation

Update: Govt may soon leak financial info of some red leaders that could make many jaws drop. /via @tulsathit

France 24 will broadcast the famous 'Red Baby' Video today: http://www.twitvid.com/PIG8F

"loads and loads of shots..must b over 20 now from Ratchaprob direction, Sounds like the are fighting it out" /via @brianbkk

"Silence for 5 mins now" /via @brianbkk

[Thaivisa News]

AFP: UN rights chief urges Thais to negotiate end to violence

The Nation photo page on Tuesday: http://tweetphoto.com/22832042 /via @leroyNewsDesign

AFP: The UN's human rights chief asked to "set aside pride and politics" and negotiate an end to the violence in the country

AFP: "As the latest government deadline passes, high risk that the situation could spiral out of control," the UN High Commissioner said

AFP: "To prevent further loss of life, I appeal to the protestors to step back from the brink (1/2)

AFP: and the security forces to exercise maximum restraint in line with the instructions given by the government," she added. (2/2)

"Beside the petrol truck scare, today is less violent than past 3 days. Casualty toll is the lowest. Night still young" /via @tulsathit

Some pictures from around the Sukhumvit area today, even a few smiles from the soldiers. http://bit.ly/bIeR7i /by @lindavanderwijk

The Nation front page for May the 18th, http://tweetphoto.com/22833341 /via @LeroyNewsDesign

An interesting song from @MrTofObleekMode - Written for the current situation in Bangkok. Titled 'Colorblind' http://bit.ly/9TJlHH

Video of Soldiers down Ratchaprarob on the 14th of May. http://bit.ly/cWbVJP

[Maestro]

Thai protesters defy deadline

-- CBC 2010-05-17

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Red-Shirt Rally, Tuesday, May 18

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...es-t366396.html

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