Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Monday

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"Due to ongoing violent clashes, including in front of the Australian embassy, the embassy will be closed from Monday 17 May 2010" /AFP

MCOTEnglishnews: Maj-Gen Khattiya's blood pressure falls, brain swelling continues, but overall condition improves after kidney dialysis

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Urgent: Australia closes Bangkok embassy over violence /AFP

"Due to ongoing violent clashes, including in front of the Australian embassy, the embassy will be closed from Monday 17 May 2010" /AFP

Update: First military death in latest Thai clashes. A Thai air force trooper was killed early monday Morning. /AFP

"Thai TV reporter: RPG was used in Dusit Thani attack." /via @tulsathit

Update: For UK Embassy related questions, visit this website: http://bit.ly/d3itXT

CNN: 'Bangkok on edge after four days of intense clashes' http://bit.ly/cqvtnC

BBC: 'Thailand rejects protesters' UN-backed talks plan' http://bit.ly/cOSxO8

Good Morning. Lets hope today has less deaths. Remember, danger zones: http://bit.ly/9q48it

NYT: 'Heavy Fighting Breaks Out Anew in Bangkok' http://nyti.ms/9MGVU8

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9 killed Sunday, raising death toll to 33

Nine people were killed in clashes between security forces and protesters on Sunday, raising death toll of three days of violence to 33, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Emergency Health Service Centre announced.

From Friday to Sunday, 239 people were injured, including six foreigners - a Canadian, a Polish, a Burmese, a Liberian, an Italian and a New Zealander.

Since the red-shirt movement held its rallies in Bangkok on March 12, 63 have been killed and 1,659 injured.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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TNN: Reporter confirms a RPG was used against the Dusit Thani Hotel. Shows all the journalists in the basement

"Children at the evacuation center in Wat Pathumwanaram" http://twitpic.com/1ohyk5 /via @satien_nna

BBC: 'Bangkok: A city divided by protests' http://bit.ly/ajrwlu

Update: Monday, 6 Protester stage locations: 1.Klongtoey 2.Dindang 3.BAAC Nanglerng 4.Saphan-lueng 5.Thaicom Kae-rai 6.Rajvithi

"Weng particularly warns reds not to steal and consume alcohol since it dulls your senses, causing unreasonable behavior" /via @terryfrd

"All quiet down there. The roads are slicked by light rain. The Red camp near Dusit Thani seems mostly empty" /via @Michael_Yon

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Air Force officer killed in Saldaeng clash

An Air Force officer was fatally injured during a clash at the Saladaeng Intersection late Sunday night, Thai PBS reported.

A pick-up truck was trying to break through the security checkpoint at Saladaeng heading to Silom Road while gunfire was heard continually.

Troops also fired at the truck, causing it to crash into another vehicle in front of Bangkok Bank.

At the end of the gunfire, Leading Aircraftman Jatuporn Pittayananthakarn was found shot at his head. He died at the Bangkok Christian Hospital.

Pol Captain Apichart Saiyong was also injured in the incident.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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Dusit Thani tells all customers to check out by noon following RPG attacks

Three RPG rockets were fired at the Dusit Thani Hotel late Sunday night, prompting evacuation of tourists and reporters staying inside.

One of the rockets caused fire but was quickly put out.

Later in the morning, the hotel told all customers to check out by noon for their own safety.

The rockets landed on the 21st and 17th floors.

Only skeleton of staffs would remain working.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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Urgent: Dusit Thani tells all customers to check out by noon following RPG attacks. 3 RPG rockets were fired at the Hotel late Sunday night

Update: Nation: Air Force officer killed in Sala-Daeng clash, Leading Aircraftman, Jatuporn Pittayananthakarn was found shot at his head.

Reminder: UK citizens within Thailand, "Register or update your entry with your Embassy", says the UK Embassy. http://bit.ly/d3itXT

Monks pray for peace on edge of Bangkok flashpoint. 100's prayed for an end to the modern urban warfare. /AFP

Buddhist association that invited the monks 2 Bangkok's Vic Monument had a message for the PM, 'stop the army killing "innocent people" /AFP

"We are concerned about peace and the protection and promotion of Buddhism," said Adisak Wanasin, BKK's Buddhism Relation President /AFP

MCOT: Thai stock index opens on Monday at 746.83, down 21.96 points

BBC: (Some shocking pictures of Bangkok): 'In pictures: Bangkok violence' http://bit.ly/a92tXf

And the day begins: 'Smoke rises from Din Daeng neighborhood of Bangkok' http://twitpic.com/1oi7r7 /via @Markmackinnon

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Update: BTS & MRT are both completely shut down until further notice. Updates soon.

MCOT Ch9: (09:20) Reporting that Seh Daeng has died early this morning

Urgent: It is confirmed: Seh Daeng Passed away at 09:20am this morning (Monday 17th May). /via TAN MCOT INN

MCOT: Maj-Gen Khattiya died at 9.20am at Vajira Hospital after being shot in the head on May 13

TAN: URGENT: Docs at Vachira Hos have confirmed that General Kattiya Sawasdipol passed at 9:20 A.M. His funeral held at Somanas Temple

MCOT: BMA prepares three schools: Wichuthit, Wichakorn, Samsen Nok--as temporary refuges for persons who live in dangerous areas

Reuters: Renegade Thai Major-General Seh Daeng has died in hospital says hospital director

A renegade Thai general allied with "Red Shirt" anti-government protesters died in hospital on Monday morning. /AFP

Wired Update: Thai Red shirts leader Daeng dead after shooting: http://bit.ly/9vsVp8

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NBC: Reporting there has been gunfire at the Shinawatra 3 Building. /via @ohohcita

Update: Thai soldiers on Monday sealed off part of the Bangkok tourist district of Sukhumvit Road. /AFP

Troops were deployed to seal access to several KM's of roads around the camp. Authorities also said they had cut utilities to the area. /AFP

Jutuporn: Confirms Seh Daengs death on stage Monday Morning. /via @terryfrd

Thai Rath: Front page: http://twitpic.com/1oif3m /via @RichardBarrow

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

TAN: It has been confirmed that Sae Deang died of kidney failure at 9:20 A.M.; doctors were unsuccessful in attempts to revive him

Update: Thai Troops sealing off tourist area, Razor wire and trucks blocked the road near the Nana nightlife zone. /AFP

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BMA to provide evacuation assistance to affected communities

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will provide assistance to civilians and communities affected by the ongoing standoff between the anti-government protestors and the military forces.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra will provide 2,000 meals at the Bon Kai community, one of the areas facing a lockdown as the bombing and shootings continue. MR Sukhumbhand revealed that since yesterday evening, areas such as Rama 4, Rajprarop and Din Daeng have faced water and electricity cuts and armed forces have entered the premise.

BMA has been coordinating the evacuation of civilians, however the plan is yet to be executed due to unsafe conditions of the area. MR Sukhumbhand is also trying to coordinate and enable BMA staff to enter the premises, including medical staff and authorities who will assist in evacuating and providing assistance to the victims.

Meanwhile, the BMA has prepared three locations for the victims to seek refuge, such as the Samsen Nok school, which is next to the Huay Kwang police station, Wichuthit school and Wichakorn School. The venues can host up to 1,200-1,300 people, and are fully equipped with utilities.

-- NNT 2010-05-17

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Protesters weep on Seh Daeng's death

BANGKOK: -- The death of Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdhipol was announced to the protesters at the Rajprasong by Jatuporn Promphan, Natthawut Saikua and Kwanchai Praiphana.

Several protesters broke into tear upon learning of the death.

They stood in silence for a minute to honour him.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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Protesters weep on Seh Daeng's death

BANGKOK: -- The death of Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdhipol was announced to the protesters at the Rajprasong by Jatuporn Promphan, Natthawut Saikua and Kwanchai Praiphana.

Several protesters broke into tear upon learning of the death.

They stood in silence for a minute to honour him.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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Related topic:

Seh Daeng Dead

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Seh-Daeng-Dead-t366041.html

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NBC: Reporting there has been gunfire at the Shinawatra 3 Building. /via @ohohcita

Update: Thai soldiers on Monday sealed off part of the Bangkok tourist district of Sukhumvit Road. /AFP

Troops were deployed to seal access to several KM's of roads around the camp. Authorities also said they had cut utilities to the area. /AFP

Jutuporn: Confirms Seh Daengs death on stage Monday Morning. /via @terryfrd

Thai Rath: Front page: http://twitpic.com/1oif3m /via @RichardBarrow

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

TAN: It has been confirmed that Sae Deang died of kidney failure at 9:20 A.M.; doctors were unsuccessful in attempts to revive him

Update: Thai Troops sealing off tourist area, Razor wire and trucks blocked the road near the Nana nightlife zone. /AFP

Update: "I learned that he died this morning," an official with Bangkok's emergency medical centre said. /AFP

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

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Update: Seh Daeng body will be picked up this afternoon. His funeral rite is scheduled at Wat Somanas near Nang Lerng. /via @veen_NT

Nation: Thick smoke rises into the air over Bon Kai after red-shirt protesters set tyres alight: http://bit.ly/ch4uLP

Gov: Leave Ratchaprasong. We will provide transportation 2 your Home. Any1 left will be assumed to be breaking the law /Via @wizardofwindsor

The Age: 'Loss of faith in democracy lets hardliners stick in the boot' http://bit.ly/9eteUe

Urgent: Access to Bumrungrad Hospital only thru Soi 11 to cross over Soi 3. /via @colintawell

Traffic to Pattaya has long traffic jams. Avoid traveling from Bangkok: http://tweetphoto.com/22781427 /v @Kaypobird:

Update: Nana, "less than two hours ago, troops lifted their barricade. A soldier declined to say why they had been sent to the area" /AFP

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Over 100 women, children take refuge in Pathumwanaram Temple

Over 100 women and children are taking refuge in the Pathumwanaram Temple Monday morning.

The temple became crowded with the presence of the demonstrators.

The heat prompted several toddlers to cry.

Several women said they want to go home but they fear that they would be shot by troops.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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Thaivisa Member:

At the Swedish embassy now, they are open today. There is a soldier roadblock before Nana BTS, coming up from Asoke. The expressway entrance down onto upper Sukhumwit was open as of 9.10 this morning.

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CRES Demands Protesters Leave Ratchprasong

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations has ordered protesters to leave the Ratchprasong area before 3 P.M. today.

Officials say refusing to do so can result in a two yearjail term. Buses are being provided for those who wish to leave.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-17

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MCOT: CRES: Red Shirt protesters must leave Ratchaprasong protest site by 3pm; authorities have transport for all wanting to go home

Protester kicks a burning tyre while holding his slingshot: http://tweetphoto.com/22783751 /via http://bit.ly/9eteUe

'Managed to walk from Nana to Soi LuangSuan via wireless to deliver supplies. No #redshirts - jst army" /via @ZTeamBKK

Nation: ThaiPBS office was fired upon early monday morning. No injuries: http://bit.ly/c0qA7Z

31st InfantryUnit, from Lop Buri, told to shoot any1 entering road leading to protest area in Ratchaprarob, 5 killed /Bkkpost /via @willphd

Ratchaprarop Monday morning, a ghost town as people abandon the area: http://tweetphoto.com/22784451 /via @bancha_nna

Two men seen walking away from a 7/11 after stealing supplies. http://twitpic.com/1oiu46 /via @hang_team

The Nation reports that Silom Road is quiet Monday morning. Bangkok Bank head office open there for customers. /via @RichardBarrow

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Victory Monument Monday morning, smoke from burning tyres fill the skyline: http://tweetphoto.com/22784752 /via @nattiekhe @axelgoddeeris

Update: Complete Building at 18 Ratchapraprop have just evacuated its people /via @legalnomads

"He has done his duty with bravery as best as he could," Jatuporn said. /via Nations web story on Seh Daeng: http://bit.ly/dhgjyg

Update: Highway 7 past Sri Racha going to Pattaya is reported to be congested with traffic coming from Bangkok.

Rajvithi Hospital near Victory Monument will stop its OPD today. /via js100 radio @veen_NT

BBC: 'Thai protests: Eyewitness accounts' http://bit.ly/aJTPrG

"Military and Media get fed by a noodle seller at the Ratchaprarop district" http://tweetphoto.com/22785873 /via @Bancha_nna

The Nation: "Weng tells protesters not to loot" http://bit.ly/dAr6v9

Elderly Women dancing at the Ratchaprasong stage last night (02:00) http://twitpic.com/1oiy8j /via @RichardBarrow

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Silom Road quiet, Bangkok Bank head office open Monday morning

The Silom Road was quiet Monday morning and the Bangkok Bank head office is open for business.

Bank officials said the head office needs to resume business as it needs to coordinate with its branches.

Bank services at the head office will be available until 3:30 pm but not many customers turned up for the services Monday morning.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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Weng tell protesters not to loot

Weng Tojirakarn told red-shirt protesters Monday morning not to loot shops and break ATM machines.

Weng said the protesters should befriend with the people in the neighbourhood instead of carrying looting.

He said looting would cause the public to hate the demonstrators, and would eventually cause the red-shirt movement to lose the war.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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The Nation: Silom Road quiet, Bangkok Bank opens for customers: http://bit.ly/9QaKt7

Jatuporn, on Seh Daengs death, "He is our brothers and he has done his best." /via @veen_NT @wannasiri_tv

Update: Metropolitan Electricity of Thailand Office will close from 1pm and will be closed tomorrow /via Ch3 @veen_NT

Rajaprasong stage (13:45) http://twitpic.com/1oj0rl /via @newley

Update: Hardly any tweets or news about gun fights between protesters and the army. Tyres still being burnt and 3pm deadline is still one.

"Phayathai Hospital also organized a lunch party!" http://tweetphoto.com/22787313 /via @Bancha_nna

This morning around 8:30 at the Rama IV/Khlong Toey market intersection: http://tweetphoto.com/22787297 /via @lindavanderwijk

CNN: 'Thai Red Shirt leader dies' http://bit.ly/cqvtnC

BBC: 'Rogue Thailand general who backed protests dies' http://bit.ly/azhmzS

An official with Bangkok's emergency medical centre said 2 more people had died overnight. Toll taken to 35 dead not including Seh Daeng /AFP

Update: The crisis has now left 66 people dead, including Seh Daeng, and about 1,700 wounded /AFP

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BTS and MRT Remain Closed

The BTS skytrain and MRT subway services remain closed today (May 17th), while 80 percent of all bus routes will continue regular services. Commuters are urged to plan accordingly.

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, or MRTA, the operator of MRT underground rail system announced that the service at all stations will remain closed upon safety concerns.

The MRTA will asses the situation and any changes in the future will be announced through the company or the media. The public can call the customer relations hotline at 02-624-5200.

The Bangkok Mass Transit System, or BTS, which operates the skytrain, will also suspend service at all stations today. For more information, please call the BTS hotline at 02-617-6000.

Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, or BMTA, announced that only 80 percent of all bus routes will be in service. More buses will be prepared to accommodate the higher number of passengers due to the closure of the MRT and BTS. The company believes most people will refrain from traveling unless necessary.

The BMTA has expressed some concern that some of the company's buses would be destroyed as happened in the previous violent incidents. The company has asked for everyone's cooperation to look after public property.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-17

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CRES issues ultimatum for protesters to leave Rajprasong rally site by 3pm

Protesters have until 3pm to leave the Rajprasong rally site, Deputy government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said Monday.

After 3pm, Center for Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) will consider later what to do after the deadline.

CRES have issued an ultimatum for women, children and elderly people to abandon the rally site before 3pm today. Vehicles would be provided for them if they want to return home.

-- The Nation 2010-05-17

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TAN: Nuthawut calls for military retreat; prepared for peace talks under all circumstances /via INN

"Just walked from pratunam to sala daeng. 5k people left in redsd town? Seems much less to me" /via @aleursic /Updates: http://bit.ly/9VkUId

ThaiPBS: Showing confiscated items from a protesters truck. Slingshots, food, home made Molotov cocktails and weapons training footage.

TAN: According to INN, red shirt leaders are now willing to negotiate ceasefire without any condition

Razor wire being prepared at Sukhumvit Soi 11: http://tweetphoto.com/22787807 /via @rrystrom

"At Rajaprasong stage in Bangkok. Mother of two and protester tells me she is willing to die and will not leave" /Via @sarasidner of CNN

Wounded ‘Seh Daeng’ dies in hospital Monday morning http://bit.ly/c5qRtV

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Red Shirt Leaders Willing to Negotiate Cease Fire

Nuthawut Saikua has announced that the red shirt leaders are now willing to negotiate a ceasefire with the government without any further conditions.

The DAAD has earlier demanded that an international organization mediate the peace talks, but after a strong refusal from the government, the red shirt leaders are now willing to talk under any and all circumstances.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-17

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"At Rajaprasong stage in Bangkok. Mother of two and protester tells me she is willing to die and will not leave" /Via @sarasidner of CNN

MCOT: Wounded ‘Seh Daeng’ dies in hospital Monday morning http://bit.ly/c5qRtV

Less people under KhlongToei express, 2 lines of tyres, very fortified. Reds armed with selfmade rockets & molotov cocktails /v @freakingcat

"Big fire in front of Lumpini tower. Again constantly new trucks with tyres. Drivers receive money and cheered as heroes" /via @freakingcat

CRES: Announced protesters must leave Ratchaprasong rally site by 3pm today otherwise face 2y jail. Authorities ready to take them home.

The Star: 'Bloody fighting continues, death toll rises in Thailand' http://bit.ly/ae4q8Y

ThaiPBS: Dusit Thani Hotel has been closed since noon. Guests checked out and media left /via @veen_NT

"Cleaning up in front of "Red" Red Cross. Former police booth under expressway at Khlong Toei: http://twitpic.com/1ojara /via @freakingcat

TAN: NOW: live translation of CRES press conference at @TAN_Network or log on to http://bit.ly/2aA5Ft

No go area: livepicture of Sukhumvit just before Ploen Chit BTS Station: http://twitpic.com/1ojb3x /via @lindavanderwijk

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CRES: "Sponsor" of this violence now will target reporters (local/foreign), medics and innocent people so as to discredit govt /v @tulsathit

CRES: The said target groups must be extremely careful /via @tulsathit

CRES: Propaganda or not, newsmen, medics and people out there should take note. Be very very careful. /via @tulsathit

"Confirmed multiple snipers around CP Hotel, Rajaprop. reds reinforcing burning tires. Using firecrackers 2 scare army" /via @photo_journ

Roadblock infornt of Klong Toei Market:http://tweetphoto.com/22790770 /via @freakingcat

CRES: Satit suggested Thaksin's hiring of foreign lawyers was part of a smear campaign against Thailand through perception of govt violence.

Din Daeng Bridge become a blacked out bridge: http://tweetphoto.com/22790381 /via @MrSorn

CRES: latest announcement signals that there is "someone" behind the movement to overthrow govt, that person is living abroad. /via @veen_NT

Pick up trucks, barrels full of petrol: http://twitpic.com/1ojdt9 /via @freakingcat

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CRES: Protest Leaders Must Disperse Rally

The Center for the Resolution for Emergency Situations has announced that red shirt leaders must be sincere in their proposal for negotiations and must disperse the protest to show that sincerity.

Officials also revealed that the mastermind behind the protests will now use violence to target reporters, both local and foreign, medics and innocent people so as to discredit the government.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-17

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