Thirty-five Dead In Worsening Bangkok Violence

[webfact]

Thirty-five dead in worsening Bangkok violence

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Violent clashes in Bangkok between Thai troops and Red Shirt protesters have left 35 people dead, officials said Monday, after the government ruled out foreign intervention to end the two-month stand-off.

The worsening violence has turned parts of the city into no-go zones as troops use live ammunition against anti-government demonstrators, who have blocked streets with burning tyres, and fought back with homemade weapons.

A member of the official emergency medical centre in Bangkok said two more people had died overnight, including the first member of the military to be killed in the three days of running gunbattles on the city's streets.

He said 244 people had been wounded, including six foreigners.

Guests at a luxury hotel in the city of 12 million people were forced to shelter in the basement after the building came under gunfire and was rattled by an explosion in the early hours of Monday morning.

Fire gutted three commercial buildings in another area.

With no apparent end in sight to the two-month crisis, a top protest leader urged the country's revered king to intervene.

Revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej chastised both the military and protest leaders during a 1992 uprising, effectively bringing the violence to an end, but has avoided commenting publicly on the current crisis.

The Reds also said they were ready to enter peace talks with the government as long as the United Nations mediated.

"We want the UN because we don't trust we will receive justice from organisations in Thailand," protest leader Nattawut Saikuar said.

But the government, which has repeatedly warned foreign governments not to meddle in its affairs, was swift to reject the call.

"No governments allow any organisations to intervene in their internal affairs," spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

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

The protesters, who accuse Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's administration of being undemocratic, have been pushing for the government to stand down and call fresh elections.

The Red Shirts consider the government illegitimate because it came to power in a 2008 parliamentary vote after a court ruling ousted elected allies of their hero, telecoms tycoon turned former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Abhisit offered to hold November elections if the demonstrators went home, but later withdrew the proposal.

The worsening violence has seen more and more of the city become off-limits.

At the Dusit Thani hotel, on the fringe of the Reds' fortified encampment, guests rushed to the basement Sunday as staff warned them the hotel was under attack, according to an AFP journalist inside.

"I was in bed. There was a big explosion very close to my room. I went out of the room, other people did too and at that moment the wall outside was hit by bullets," the photographer said by telephone.

It was unclear where the shooting came from.

Authorities said they would send workers from the Red Cross to help protesters -- particularly women, children and the elderly -- who wanted to leave the vast protest area by 3:00 pm (0800) Monday.

"Men can also leave the site but they have to show they are unarmed," army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd told reporters.

The army put off a plan to impose a curfew in parts of the city but did not rule out restricting night-time movements if the situation worsened.

Australia closed its embassy to visitors on Monday. The US and British embassies have already closed.

The government extended a state of emergency to five more provinces, ordered schools to stay shut Monday and declared two days of national holidays to keep civilians off the streets as they battled for control of the city.

The two-month-old crisis has now left 65 people dead and about 1,700 wounded, including 25 fatalities in a failed army crackdown on April 10.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-17

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Monks pray for peace on edge of Bangkok flashpoint

by Ian Timberlake

BANGKOK (AFP) -- At a monument to a conflict that took place decades ago, hundreds of Buddhist monks prayed for an end to the modern urban warfare being waged around them in the Thai capital.

The Buddhist association that invited the monks to Bangkok's Victory Monument had a message for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva -- stop the army killing "innocent people."

An emergency vehicle raced past, siren wailing, as about 400 monks clad in orange and brown robes gathered at the city landmark on the edge of the Ratchaprarop district on Sunday evening.

The district has been one of the flashpoint zones in the capital which has seen three days of clashes between troops and "Red Shirt" protesters that have left 35 people dead and 244 wounded.

Adisak Wanasin, president of the Buddhism Relation Association in Bangkok, said he invited the monks from temples in the city and surrounding provinces to ask for peace.

"We also would like to ask his excellency the prime minister of Thailand, please consider telling all of the armed forces in Bangkok: stop killing innocent people," he told AFP.

If troops withdraw, "we believe the situation will turn better."

Adisak, who is about 70 and attributes his healthy appearance to Buddhist meditation, said his association was independent and wanted both sides to halt the fighting.

"We are concerned about peace and the protection and promotion of Buddhism," he said of his group.

Black smoke, likely from tyres torched by demonstrators, rose about 500 metres away while white-uniformed medical rescue workers stood by the roundabout, ready for their next call into the danger zone.

From an elevated railway station -- closed because of the violence -- soldiers looked out over the monument where the monks sat before a statue of Buddha and chanted over a loudspeaker.

"Buddhists stop killing each other now," said a large sign hung on the cannon-encircled monument, where statues of soldiers bow their heads.

Buddhists should not kill anything, said Apiradee Peungpradat, from the Buddhist association, who blamed authorities for the violence.

A local businessman, Krishanapongsa Seangchot, said it was a "sick government". But prayers should help the peace effort, he said, wearing a Buddhist amulet around his neck, and noting that some monks have also prayed at the protesters' fortified encampment in central Bangkok.

Thai monks are banned from voting or running for office and a body of senior monks, the Supreme Sangha Council, ruled long ago that they cannot join a political rally, an official at the Office of National Buddhism told AFP.

But since mass protests began in Bangkok in mid-March demanding immediate elections, the protests have been dotted with the monks' distinctive attire.

The Reds want an end to a government they see as elitist and undemocratic because it came to power in a 2008 parliamentary vote after a court ruling ousted elected allies of their hero, ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Asked what he thought of the Reds, Adisak said they want "equal treatment for all" but both they and the army should stop fighting.

"Oh yes," he said, as the black smoke blew closer to the roundabout.

"We would like to see Thailand as a whole, peaceful country, everybody smiling. Like we had the old saying: 'Thailand is the land of smiles.' But now some people cannot smile," he said with a big, infectious grin.

As the sun set, ushering in another dangerous night in Ratchaprarop, the chanting for peace continued.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-17

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Thai troops seal off part of Bangkok tourist zone

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thai soldiers on Monday sealed off part of the Bangkok tourist district of Sukhumvit Road, but there was no sign of clashes in the area as troops battled anti-government protesters elsewhere in the capital.

Razor wire and trucks blocked the road near the Nana nightlife zone popular with foreign travellers. About 100 soldiers carrying riot shields stood in formation, blocking the road in one direction.

Authorities late last week launched an operation to squeeze thousands of Red Shirt anti-government protesters encamped for weeks in an upscale retail and hotel district.

Troops were deployed to seal access to several kilometres of roads around the camp. Authorities also said they had cut utilities to the area.

Three days of clashes on the fringes of the encampment have killed 34 civilians and one soldier, and wounded 244, according to official figures.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-17

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[eggomaniac]

"No governments allow any organisations to intervene in their internal affairs," spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

<<< WHAT????

The whole pitch patch political system in Thailand is a Made in Europe, corruption susceptible pile of garbage that has been bubbling and fomenting for 80 years. The Khana Ratsadon, 'the fathers of democracy' were squabbling among themselves before they even came back from France and England.

Saying Thailand has never been interfered with is like saying a mama san is a virgin! FCS!!!

The Joseph Solution is a partly made in Canada and partly "Made in Thailand" political design which 95% of Thais would agree to!

It does NOT require the UN, but to follow the agenda of The Joseph Plan to bring about Stability and Peace, with the elimination of Corruption.

[pornsasi]

"No governments allow any organisations to intervene in their internal affairs," spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

<<< WHAT????

The whole pitch patch political system in Thailand is a Made in Europe, corruption susceptible pile of garbage that has been bubbling and fomenting for 80 years. The Khana Ratsadon, 'the fathers of democracy' were squabbling among themselves before they even came back from France and England.

Saying Thailand has never been interfered with is like saying a mama san is a virgin! FCS!!!

The Joseph Solution is a partly made in Canada and partly "Made in Thailand" political design which 95% of Thais would agree to!

It does NOT require the UN, but to follow the agenda of The Joseph Plan to bring about Stability and Peace, with the elimination of Corruption.

Hello . Do you have a web link to the Joseph solution ?

What is it ?

[ChiangMaiThai]

Anyone have more details on the location of troops on Sukhumvit? Are Soi 2 and Ploenchit Centre still accessible?

[pornsasi]

One can ask himself what is the magnitude of the sense of injustice as perceived by the protesters

who have a lot of followers in Isaan , that they are willing to die for their cause ?

Oh yes , forgot , they all want to die for Thaksin , so am told by posters here .

or 500 bahts per day , i heard that one too

It would be comical to hear it again... if not so tragic .

[elshaheen]

"No governments allow any organisations to intervene in their internal affairs," spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

<<< WHAT????

The whole pitch patch political system in Thailand is a Made in Europe, corruption susceptible pile of garbage that has been bubbling and fomenting for 80 years. The Khana Ratsadon, 'the fathers of democracy' were squabbling among themselves before they even came back from France and England.

Saying Thailand has never been interfered with is like saying a mama san is a virgin! FCS!!!

The Joseph Solution is a partly made in Canada and partly "Made in Thailand" political design which 95% of Thais would agree to!

It does NOT require the UN, but to follow the agenda of The Joseph Plan to bring about Stability and Peace, with the elimination of Corruption.

Hello . Do you have a web link to the Joseph solution ?

What is it ?

Is the the Joseph Stalin solution.

[TheBarbarian]

I assume that both parties can reach a compromise. I would suggest that the coup takers are rounded up and receive a mandatory 20 year prison term. That would calm down the people. The genius strategist that figured out that taking out Seh Daeng would be a good idea can always become a PM, after all Chvalit became also a PM after making immense strategic errors in a clash with laos.

What amazes me is not the rage of the people, they have been taken for granted too long, it is the utmost stupidity within the Abhisit government notably Suthep. Suthep has shown that he is unsuitable for the position that he holds. Blunder after blunder he has made. This government like to refer every time to the English system. But they forget to mention that in England, the army does not meddle in the choice that elected representatives make and d not force them to go against the wishes of the people and join another party. Those politicians wanting to change alliances will resign and people can elet a new representative.

The Amy is never used in controlling or dispersing a crown. No snipers either. The comment that Abhisit made in his explanation to the UN makes it even more shocking. He says that reds dressed as police and army has mingled with the army and is doing the killing. Wow.... Interesting to know that the Army and the police do not recognize outsiders. That might explain why the army cannot win and misbehave in the South.

[anon467367354]

I can agree with the stop killing of innocent people. The bystanders, the soldiers that are given orders and are doing their jobs, and anyone else that is not involved with trying escalate the situation. The children that are their by no choice of their own, are innocent, the police should be considered innocent as so should the army. So if that's the case, it's OK to kill the non-innocent. And I agree with the monks, stop killing the innocent, and start killing only the trouble makers out there. Yesterday on the news they showed a group of men, young and old "playing" with gasoline bombs, or Molotov cocktails. Funny thing, not one "worked", they merely broke in the street, they weren't being thrown at anyone in particular, even lobbing them a few meters just to get one to ingite! Pathetic. I guess good clean innocent fun to be had by a group of men. So stop killing the innocent, and start killing the obvious ones that are not. How can you tell the difference? The non-innocent are not going home.

[SomchaiCNX]

I assume that both parties can reach a compromise. I would suggest that the coup takers are rounded up and receive a mandatory 20 year prison term. That would calm down the people. The genius strategist that figured out that taking out Seh Daeng would be a good idea can always become a PM, after all Chvalit became also a PM after making immense strategic errors in a clash with laos.

What amazes me is not the rage of the people, they have been taken for granted too long, it is the utmost stupidity within the Abhisit government notably Suthep. Suthep has shown that he is unsuitable for the position that he holds. Blunder after blunder he has made. This government like to refer every time to the English system. But they forget to mention that in England, the army does not meddle in the choice that elected representatives make and d not force them to go against the wishes of the people and join another party. Those politicians wanting to change alliances will resign and people can elet a new representative.

The Amy is never used in controlling or dispersing a crown. No snipers either. The comment that Abhisit made in his explanation to the UN makes it even more shocking. He says that reds dressed as police and army has mingled with the army and is doing the killing. Wow.... Interesting to know that the Army and the police do not recognize outsiders. That might explain why the army cannot win and misbehave in the South.

You forgot about Northern Ireland?

[MaxLee]

I read in an earlier News article that protesters who took their children to the protesters side refuse to send them home or to a safer place... I must say, this is a really irresponsible act of any parent joining the UDD.

I'm so anxious to take the poor children away from those parents and put them into a safer place and send them to adoption because those parents do not set a right example for the children. How can they even call themselves parents.

Otherwise it's no wonder that Thailand's population is decreasing because those types of parents are so stubborn putting thier children and themselves into grave danger. Their children will die under gunfire, and when their parents die, who's gonna take care of them? Secondly if those kids ever survive somehow, someway, they will plot revenge on the future government when they grow up...

[Sisaketmike]

"No governments allow any organisations to intervene in their internal affairs," spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

<<< WHAT????

The whole pitch patch political system in Thailand is a Made in Europe, corruption susceptible pile of garbage that has been bubbling and fomenting for 80 years. The Khana Ratsadon, 'the fathers of democracy' were squabbling among themselves before they even came back from France and England.

Saying Thailand has never been interfered with is like saying a mama san is a virgin! FCS!!!

The Joseph Solution is a partly made in Canada and partly "Made in Thailand" political design which 95% of Thais would agree to!

It does NOT require the UN, but to follow the agenda of The Joseph Plan to bring about Stability and Peace, with the elimination of Corruption.

Hello . Do you have a web link to the Joseph solution ?

What is it ?

Here another solution:

An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.

Mohandas Gandhi

[Jimmu]

Sorry, but the British Army are renown world leaders at exactly what the Thai army is trying to do.

[brianb1944]

"No governments allow any organisations to intervene in their internal affairs," spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

<<< WHAT????

The whole pitch patch political system in Thailand is a Made in Europe, corruption susceptible pile of garbage that has been bubbling and fomenting for 80 years. The Khana Ratsadon, 'the fathers of democracy' were squabbling among themselves before they even came back from France and England.

Saying Thailand has never been interfered with is like saying a mama san is a virgin! FCS!!!

The Joseph Solution is a partly made in Canada and partly "Made in Thailand" political design which 95% of Thais would agree to!

It does NOT require the UN, but to follow the agenda of The Joseph Plan to bring about Stability and Peace, with the elimination of Corruption.

You really do have 1 too many "g" in that nom de plume, Your name isnt Joseph by any chance?

[eastlight]

I read in an earlier News article that protesters who took their children to the protesters side refuse to send them home or to a safer place... I must say, this is a really irresponsible act of any parent joining the UDD.

I'm so anxious to take the poor children away from those parents and put them into a safer place and send them to adoption because those parents do not set a right example for the children. How can they even call themselves parents.

Otherwise it's no wonder that Thailand's population is decreasing because those types of parents are so stubborn putting thier children and themselves into grave danger. Their children will die under gunfire, and when their parents die, who's gonna take care of them? Secondly if those kids ever survive somehow, someway, they will plot revenge on the future government when they grow up...

If the children were at the Sala Daeng location the 'responsible' parents most probably wanted them to see nearby Patpong - their future work place.

[rogerdee123]

"No governments allow any organisations to intervene in their internal affairs," spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

<<< WHAT????

The whole pitch patch political system in Thailand is a Made in Europe, corruption susceptible pile of garbage that has been bubbling and fomenting for 80 years. The Khana Ratsadon, 'the fathers of democracy' were squabbling among themselves before they even came back from France and England.

Saying Thailand has never been interfered with is like saying a mama san is a virgin! FCS!!!

The Joseph Solution is a partly made in Canada and partly "Made in Thailand" political design which 95% of Thais would agree to!

It does NOT require the UN, but to follow the agenda of The Joseph Plan to bring about Stability and Peace, with the elimination of Corruption.

Hello . Do you have a web link to the Joseph solution ?

What is it ?

Is the the Joseph Stalin solution.

I thought it was ... marry a virgin who will give birth to the Messiah

[iciparis]

One can ask himself what is the magnitude of the sense of injustice as perceived by the protesters

who have a lot of followers in Isaan , that they are willing to die for their cause ?

Oh yes , forgot , they all want to die for Thaksin , so am told by posters here .

or 500 bahts per day , i heard that one too

It would be comical to hear it again... if not so tragic .

Seems like you try to get in the Guiness book of records!!!

The most posts in a week!

The one with the most noncence you already won!!

the name Seh Deng came just available!

[Deeral]

One can ask himself what is the magnitude of the sense of injustice as perceived by the protesters

who have a lot of followers in Isaan , that they are willing to die for their cause ?

Oh yes , forgot , they all want to die for Thaksin , so am told by posters here .

or 500 bahts per day , i heard that one too

It would be comical to hear it again... if not so tragic .

Yes it is amazing how some posters like to see these issues in black and white - good guy/bad guy and any sign of critical thinking has been sidelined completely.

[Deeral]

One can ask himself what is the magnitude of the sense of injustice as perceived by the protesters

who have a lot of followers in Isaan , that they are willing to die for their cause ?

Oh yes , forgot , they all want to die for Thaksin , so am told by posters here .

or 500 bahts per day , i heard that one too

It would be comical to hear it again... if not so tragic .

Seems like you try to get in the Guiness book of records!!!

The most posts in a week!

The one with the most noncence you already won!!

the name Seh Deng came just available!

QED!

[sbk]

A reminder to all those who seem unaware.

Given the highly inflammatory nature of some posts and posters in the News forum, we are currently instituting a zero tolerance policy with regards to posting inflammatory comments, comments advocating violence, trollish comments, and flames. You will receive an automatic posting rights suspension for this behavior in the News forum. Bear that in mind when posting.

Pinned in News Clippings

[Bub]

Be careful!!!

"The Joseph Solution" link on Google, one of only a few links that I could find, sent me to a site that Norton Utlitlies blocked as having tried to attack my computer.

I read the Bangkok Post every day - the full, English subscription version. It costs me $49 a year (now $73.50) I also check in daily with The Nation - another English newspaper from Bangkok, along with BBC, CNN and even alJazeera. Yes, they have an English website as well. I spend at least 2 hours a day looking for news from Thailand, and have been doing so for years.

I love the country and people of Thailand. I go there at least twice a year. They're the nicest people in the world. They're so nice that I honestly think the person who stole my wallet in Bangkok was probably smiling as he did it. It's a possiblity in any country, and I accept that.

I haven't seen any mention of "The Joseph Solution" in the 2 months plus that this has been going on. The mere fact that no link was left on this forum speaks for itself.

It's typical of life in Thailand. Beautiful country, beautiful people, but deception at every turn. I accept it, just as I accept Communism in China. Neither the UN nor anyone on a forum is going to change them in the next half century, which is truly sad!

[brianb1944]

What terrifying arrogance Somchai and Barbarian exhibit,as well as a total lack of knowledge of what is happening in BKK,a true colonial dinosaurs.

[sbk]

A post and all responses to that post have been deleted.

[ArtVandelay]

I'm trading in my crystal ball.

I honestly thought this whole thing would blow over a month or so ago when the Red Shirts failed to materialize in Bangkok in huge numbers.

[SanSaiExPat]

One can ask himself what is the magnitude of the sense of injustice as perceived by the protesters

who have a lot of followers in Isaan , that they are willing to die for their cause ?

Oh yes , forgot , they all want to die for Thaksin , so am told by posters here .

or 500 bahts per day , i heard that one too

It would be comical to hear it again... if not so tragic .

Sir, I've cleaned up your English a little bit (not completely but a little bit.) and rephrased your question for you. "One can ask "oneself", "What is the magnitude of the sense of injustice felt by the wealthy Ruling Class Elites and the Military, who have a lot of followers in Bangkok, are they willing to die for their cause?" How do you like the sound of that? Can you explain something to me? What is the difference if you have a lot of followers in Issan or Bangkok? The question is rhetorical but I ask it just to point out your prejudice and bias. However, I do think you underestimate the degree and the extent of support for the protesters. It extends well beyond Isaan, sunny boy.

And please explain all this gibberish about "wanting to die for Thaksin for 500 (that would be Baht, not Bahts per day.) You think it would be funny to hear this statement again, if it weren't so tragic? What is your point sir? Do you have a point?

[brianb1944]

I can agree with the stop killing of innocent people. The bystanders, the soldiers that are given orders and are doing their jobs, and anyone else that is not involved with trying escalate the situation. The children that are their by no choice of their own, are innocent, the police should be considered innocent as so should the army. So if that's the case, it's OK to kill the non-innocent. And I agree with the monks, stop killing the innocent, and start killing only the trouble makers out there. Yesterday on the news they showed a group of men, young and old "playing" with gasoline bombs, or Molotov cocktails. Funny thing, not one "worked", they merely broke in the street, they weren't being thrown at anyone in particular, even lobbing them a few meters just to get one to ingite! Pathetic. I guess good clean innocent fun to be had by a group of men. So stop killing the innocent, and start killing the obvious ones that are not. How can you tell the difference? The non-innocent are not going home.

How beautifully succiinct, and accurate, my felicitations Daniielle

[Thongkorn]

Sorry, but the British Army are renown world leaders at exactly what the Thai army is trying to do.

Agreed

Thats why nearly every country with conflict ask for British troops , They are world leaders in Civil unrest control, They have had plenty of practise in Ireland for 30 odd years. Even the USA are taking a leaf out of there book , You have to Talk to people,

Edited May 17, 2010 by Thongkorn

[landofthefree]

I can agree with the stop killing of innocent people. The bystanders, the soldiers that are given orders and are doing their jobs, and anyone else that is not involved with trying escalate the situation. The children that are their by no choice of their own, are innocent, the police should be considered innocent as so should the army. So if that's the case, it's OK to kill the non-innocent. And I agree with the monks, stop killing the innocent, and start killing only the trouble makers out there. Yesterday on the news they showed a group of men, young and old "playing" with gasoline bombs, or Molotov cocktails. Funny thing, not one "worked", they merely broke in the street, they weren't being thrown at anyone in particular, even lobbing them a few meters just to get one to ingite! Pathetic. I guess good clean innocent fun to be had by a group of men. So stop killing the innocent, and start killing the obvious ones that are not. How can you tell the difference? The non-innocent are not going home.

How beautifully succiinct, and accurate, my felicitations Daniielle

Does anyone know which part of Nana has been sealed off? ie from which Soi as I was planning a drinkie excursion there later on today seeing as I now have a holiday

[brianb1944]

Sorry, but the British Army are renown world leaders at exactly what the Thai army is trying to do.

But more brutally, and, defiinitely more efficiently (no criticism of British army implied)