Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Tuesday

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Expressway Traffic Heavily Congested as Fire Crews Try to Access Flames

Thai media reports are warning commuters to avoid the expressway as fire crews are now using lanes on the expressway to access a fire which is raging at a building near the Din Daeng branch of Bangkok Bank.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-18

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[george]

Bangkok: Thai media reports warning commuters to avoid expressway as fire crews use expressway to access fire at Din Daeng via @TAN_Network

ASTV: Authorities are able to apprehend teenagers suspected of setting fire of building near Din Daeng branch of Bangkok Bank

Nation TV: Fire fighters controlled the blaze at deserted building at Din Daeng Intersection, preventing it from spreading to nearby bldgs

Bangkok: UN urges negotiated solution, saying there is high risk that situation could spiral out of control: AP

Thaivisa member: Danish Embassy on Sathorn closed. Trying to pick up our visa but not possible. They say to wait and postpone flight.

Bangkok Traffic: BTS (skytrain), MRT (subway) will stop their services for another day Tuesday. Please monitor further announcements

Heavy traffic between Asok-Sukhumwit Intersection to Asok-Phetchaburi Intersection /via @traffy via @RichardBarrow

Matichon quoted Democrat insiders as saying there's a chance PM would resign after this is all over, to show his responsiblity v/ @tulsathit

#Bangkok: Updated casualties on May 14-17 clashes as of 6pm: 36 dead, and 279 injured: Erawan centre /via @tukky_nt

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Police Arrest Suspects of Din Daeng Arson

Authorities have been able to apprehend teenagers suspected of setting fire to a building near the Din Daeng branch of Bangkok Bank.

The fire is reportedly now under control as fire crews use lanes on the expressway to put out the flames.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-18

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[george]

#Bangkok: Updated casualties on May 14-17 clashes as of 6pm: 36 dead, and 279 injured: Erawan centre /via @tukky_nt

Matichon quoted Democrat insiders as saying there's a chance PM would resign after this is all over, to show his responsiblity v/ @tulsathit

CNN & BBC are giving the impression that the whole of #Thailand is in a civil war. This is far from the truth. via @RichardBarrow

Both red shirts and troops are reported to have given foods/water to people stranded in Bon Kai area. via @tulsathit

All the major shopping malls in central #Bangkok remain closed until further notice. via @RichardBarrow

When looking at Bangkok Dangerous Map - Please check dates as this has been going on since March http://bit.ly/buTlVu via @RichardBarrow

CNN: 'Bangkok residents: We feel like hostages' http://bit.ly/dmO910

[Thaivisa News]

TNN: So far there are two small reds stages in Klong Toey and Victory Monument apart from Rajprasong /via @tukky_nt

Picture of the fire at Din Daeng: http://twitpic.com/1orckm /via @tossaporn

The Guardian: 'Thai protesters using children as shields, army claims' http://bit.ly/czRrVj

Birds singing over at Sala Daeng: http://tweetphoto.com/22892858 /via @noppatjak

"Saladaeng: Quiet. Din Daeng: Building ablaze. Bon Kai: A rubbish heap" /via @wizardofwindsor

Photo from this morning of Dusit Thani from the red shirts base: http://bit.ly/chRvWG /via @DavidQuine

Video from the streets of Bangkok, 'StreetLife: Bangkok — The taste of turmoil' http://bit.ly/9uIk9d /via @BKKApologist

CNNgo: 'Bangkokians using social media to track protest situation' http://bit.ly/aa43Sr

TAN: PTT to reduce prices of all types of petrol by 40 Satang, effective tomorrow at 5 A.M.

[Thaivisa News]

"Large explosion at Chidlom 2 minutes ago, but not sure what it was?! All silent apart from that." /via @beejoir

NYT: 'More Forces Sent to Bangkok After Firefights' http://nyti.ms/94Q864

Picture of war damage on Chulalongkorn Hospital building http://tweetphoto.com/22894133 /via @noppatjak @RichardBarrow

BBC Live: 'The government of Thailand has recieved a proposition of a truce from the protesting redshirts'

Red-shirt leader Weng Tuesday admitted Veera was engaging in secret talk to bring about peaceful resolution /via @paisal_nt

Reds at Ratchaprasong are a bit short of MCs/speakers. Somchai has been working overtime: http://tweetphoto.com/22894636 /via @terryfrd

"Nothing in Sukhumvit is open. Even the 7-11s are closed" /via @karsoe

TAN: INN: DPM Suthep condemns reds for forcing situation into violence; confirms that gov't will see it through to the end

"School open here in ramintra as well 1/2 stundents here more showing up though" /via @zoomer02 @Richardbarrow

BBC: Estimated 5000 redshirts within Ratchaprasong. Live video from Bangkok.

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Number of Protesters Does Not Decrease from Yesterday's Deadline

Following the 3 P.M. deadline set by the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations, or CRES yesterday, reports indicate that the number of protesters at the main rally stage at Ratchprasong intersection has not decreased.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-18

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Talks ongoing for peace: Weng

Red-shirt leader weng Tojirakarn on Tuesday admitted his colleague Veera Musigapong was engaging in a secret negotiation to bring about a peaceful resolution and an end to the Rajprasong rally.

Veera, who announced the suspension of his leadership in the red-shirt movement over the weekend, has remained in contacts with the government and the military, he said.

He voiced optimism that Veera would succeed in stopping the bloodshed.

In regard to Monday's talks between red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua and secretary general to the prime minister Korbsak Sabhavasu, he said he could not comment on the matter since Natthawut did not consult nor inform other red-shirt leaders about his action.

-- The Nation 2010-05-18

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[george]

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DPM Suthep: Will We See This Through to the End

As he arrived for the weekly Cabinet meeting at the 11th Infantry Regiment, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban condemned the red shirt protesters for forcing situation into violence.

He confirms that the government will see its measures through to the end and solve the ongoing conflict.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-18

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[Thaivisa News]

Cartoon about CNN & BBC on Bangkok's situation: http://bit.ly/ccnjVd

Nation: 'Talks ongoing for peace: Weng' http://bit.ly/drBT08'

"I took a motocy taxi, went through Chidlom int, went through Petchaburi 32 then turned left. Nothing happening" /via @Cqdude @RichardBarrow

As we wait for the situation to resolve somehow, Bangkok, Tuesday morning can see heavy rain and thunder over some parts of the city.

MCOT: Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 749.93 down 3.33 points

TAN: ASTV: PM doesn't talk to press as he arrives for Cabinet meeting; Tourism Min asks for 1.6 billion Baht to boost industry

Anyone hungry, dont worry: "Crepes & co. on Sukhumvit Soi 12 is open as usual" /via @Sergebruttin

"Moved out of Ploenchit Rd through redshirts Ctrl Chid lom barricade and up Chid lom Rd, quiet. Big bangs now are thunder! /via @seacorro

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PM attends Cabinet meeting with stern face

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva attended a weekly Cabinet meeting inside the 11th Infantry Regiment with a stern look at 8:55 am Monday.

He walked from the command building to the religious building without saying a word to reporters.

-- The Nation 2010-05-18

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[Thaivisa News]

#Silom, when looking down suriwong road, still being used day or night! http://tweetphoto.com/22888343 /via @tidarat

"Moved out of Ploenchit Rd through redshirts Ctrl Chid lom barricade and up Chid lom Rd, quiet. Big bangs now are thunder! /via @seacorro

"well depends where on sukhumvit. east of asok its business as usual." /via @jonaskoblin

Police standby every point on Silom and Suriwong: http://tweetphoto.com/22890990 /via @tidarat @nattiekhe

MCOT: Suspected arsonists set fire at Dindaeng building in police detention http://bit.ly/aS49tF

TAN: INN: Police take 12 yr old boy into custody for allegedly setting fire to Din Daeng building

Siam City Hotel Bangkok decided to suspend all guest services,not to accept any room/restaurant reservations until May 19 /via @AM_Thailand

"Nattawud says he's been criticised for calling Korbsak but says he would do it again to prevent more killing." /via @terryfrd

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106 suspected financial backers for terrorism summoned: DSI

The Department of Special Investigation has summoned 106 individuals and juristic entities suspected of having financial links to the terrorism involving the red shirts to report to the authorities to present their defence, DSI director general Tharit Pengdit said on Tuesday.

The 106 suspects can report themselves at the 11th Infantry Regiment, where the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation is located, starting today from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, Tharit said.

Invoking the mandate of the special investigation law related to terrorism on Sunday, the DSI ordered the suspension of all financial transactions from accounts held by the 106 suspects with immediate effect. All financial institutions must submit financial records of the suspects to DSI by Thursday.

-- The Nation 2010-05-18

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TAN: INN: 12 yr old admits to setting fire to building; says it made him feel like a man

And Thunder & Rain returns to Bangkok!

Chatrium Residence Sathorn (NaArathiwat/Rama3): special rates for BKK residents who relocate (They are on Facebook) /via @AM_Thailand

MCOT: FPO sees economy growing at least 4% despite political violence http://bit.ly/biVzw7

MCOT: PM Abhisit chairs weekly cabinet meeting at 11th Infantry Regiment amid tight security as death toll rises to 37

"Victory, Nattawud says, comes thru winning ppl's hearts. Reds will now start wearing black armbands in memory of dead" /via @terryfrd

Here is a picture of the Black Armbads being given out: http://tweetphoto.com/22896813 /via @satien_nna

TAN: INN: Reds accept offer from Senate to mediate peace talks, reiterate calls for ceasefire

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12 Yr Old Allegedly Responsible for Din Daeng Fire

Police have in custody a twelve year old boy who they believe is responsible for the fire at a 5-storey building in the Din Daeng area.

During questioning, the boy admitted that the wandered into the rally by mistake, but stayed because he enjoyed the free food and activities.

He claimed that setting fire to the building made him feel like a man.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-18

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Erawan Center: Death toll reaches 37 as of May 18 at 9am http://bit.ly/cFXLOr /via @nationnews

Goldsmiths within Chinatown expect gold traders to open & sell tomorrow /via @ktnews

"Chart Thai Pattana Party leader Chumpol said PM has backing of coalition partners in the use of force to quell violence." /via @paisal_nt

Monk pushing tyres: http://tweetphoto.com/22893101 /via @nattiekhe

Suvarnabhumi Airport arrival hall. "You can hear a pin drop" says @DD4Wheels http://twitpic.com/1os0jp

MCOT: Red Shirt leader Nattawut accepts proposal to have senator mediating negotiation with govt, calls for immediate ceasefire

"Smoke frm Din Deang way blowing over Victory Monument, 10:45am" http://tweetphoto.com/22899994 /via @brianbkk

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Coalition partners back gov't to restore order: Chumpol

The prime minister has the backing of coalition partners in the use of force to quell violence, Chart Thai Pattana Party leader Chumpol Silapa-archa said on Tuesday, dismissing the speculation about the coalition rift over how to rein in the red shirts.

"The government is on the right tract in trying to restore normalcy because the state power must be imposed over the rioting protesters," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-18

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[Thaivisa News]

"Smoke frm Din Deang way blowing over Victory Monument, 10:45am" http://tweetphoto.com/22899994 /via @brianbkk

AFP: Recap of the last couple of days within Bangkok: http://bit.ly/bgGVh7 /via @qskphoto @RichardBarrow

Soldiers swap their shifts at Silom: http://tweetphoto.com/22897192 /via @redtweetsclub @nattiekhe

Open letter to Journalists, 'Thais feel that international news networks are obviously biased' http://bit.ly/cA4I3Q /via @fishmyman

BTS: We will announce asap about the service of the skytrain for Wednesday the 19th of May. Can Call: 0261760000 or 026177300 ext.1834-1844

The Times: 'Bangkok braced for bloodshed as Red Shirts vow no surrender' http://bit.ly/a8hCxa

Update: 52 gasoline, 17 LPG , 4 NGV stations in areas at risk are closed today to prevent possible sabotage /via @WizardofWindsor @veen_NT

Soldiers seen filling up sandbags on Sukhumvit Soi 6: http://twitpic.com/1os377 /via @nattiekhe @LAGuyinBKK

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Red Shirts Accept Senate Offer to Mediate

Red shirt leader Nuthawut Saikua has announced the group's decision to accept an offer from the Senate to mediate peace talks between them and the government.

He says the red shirts are ready to meet at any venue.

However, he reiterated calls for the government to withdraw its troops.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-18

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[Thaivisa News]

Urgent: Thai government rejects ceasefire call as 'nonsense' /AFP

Urgent: Thailand's government on Tuesday rejected a call from Red Shirt protesters for a ceasefire to end street violence /AFP

Today's Red Cross Blood donation units (Tuesday) http://tweetphoto.com/22793932 (in Thai) /via @noppatjak @veen_NT

Urgent: "This is nonsense," said Suthep Thaugsuban when asked to respond to the proposal by the Reds. /AFP

Urgent: "Security forces not firing at civilians. Security forces are carrying out their duties in line with the authorities' Suthep said. /AFP

Urgent: "That is to contain the protest area and prevent newcomers frm going inside while allowing people 2 leave the zone" says Suthep /AFP

[Thaivisa News]

CRES reporting 5-10 gunmen in Chiva-Thai building nr Century Park Hotel between 24-27 floors /via @forestmat

Media area: http://tweetphoto.com/22903444 /via @noppatjak

Nathhawut wearing a black armband: http://tweetphoto.com/22902446 /via @wat_dailynews @jin_nation @tukky_nt

JS100: Rajvithi Hospital Tuesday morning evacuated 38 foreign medical students from two apartment buildings on Soi Rang Nam. /via @paisal_nt

Bangkok Rama4 road. Day 5 of violent unrest. May 18th, 2010: http://twitpic.com/1osfmb /via @sarasidnerCNN

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38 foreign medical students evacuated from Soi Rang Nam

BANGKOK: -- The Rajvithi Hospital Tuesday morning evacuated 38 foreign medical students from two apartment buildings on Soi Rang Nam, Jor Sor 100 traffic radio station reported.

A doctor of the Rajvithi Hospital called the radio station at 10:20 am to recount that the foreign medical students were stranded at Rang Nam Apartment and KT Mansion.

The station coordinated the hospital, which sent vehicles to transfer the students out of the area.

-- The Nation 2010-05-18

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[Thaivisa News]

A group of red shirts, yesterday, help out a wounded comrade after a clash: http://bit.ly/bEycmp /via @nationnews

No smiles coming from PM before cabinet meeting at the 11th Infantry Regiment this moring:http://tweetphoto.com/22905645 /via Nation photo

TAN: INN: CRES takes Sae Deang's close aide into custody; claims fingers being pointed at Nutthawut for alleged terrorism

Urgent: CRES said a right-hand man of Seh Daeng has been arrested and he named a red leader as a terrorist mastermind. /via @tulsathit

Just left soi rangnam (almost deserted, except some army)& vic monmt (busy but peaceful). /via @hmmbug

Tourism Min: Politicl unrest dropped tourist arrivals by 50%. Nmber of incoming pasengrs at Suvarnabhumi down from 30,000 to 20,000 per day.

TAN: ASTV: Government announces additional public holidays on May 19-21

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Red shirts' latest ceasefire 'nonsense' : Suthep

By The Nation

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban in charge of security affairs on Tuesday rejected on Tuesday the latest proposal for a ceasfire by red shirts leaders.

"This is nonsense," Suthep said when asked to respond to the latest proposal by the reds to end the street fights in Bangkok.

Reds leader Nuttawut Saikua said at Rajprasong rally site on Tuesday that he accepted a group of senators' proposal for them to mediate with the government.

He repeated the reds' demand that the government withdrew troops and stopped shooting.

Suthep told reporters, "The security forces are not firing at civilians. The security forces are carrying out their duties in line with the authorities' orders," Suthep said.

"That is to contain the protest area and prevent newcomers from going inside while allowing people to leave the zone."

-- The Nation 2010-05-18

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ThaivsaNews: Tourism Minister says political unrest has dropped tourist arrivals by 50%. Number of incoming passengers at Suvarnabhumi down from 30,000 to 20,000 per day.

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Sae Deang's Close Aide into Custody

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations, or CRES, reveals that officials have taken Sae Deang's close aide into custody.

They claim that the aide has revealed that Nutthawut Saikua is responsible for the widespread acts of terrorism throughout the city.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-18

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[Thaivisa News]

"Men in Black. They were more aggressive than others. They were offensive in nature" http://bit.ly/bJPHTk /via @michael_yon

Urgent: Government announced that Wednesday, Thursday & Friday will be public holidays (19th-21st) /via @jin_nation @tulsathit

"Man in Black. This guy was confident and aggressive. later climbed up on the bridge from underneath" http://bit.ly/dv9VF8 /via @michael_yon

"Man in Black. This guy was confident and aggressive. later climbed up on the bridge from underneath" http://bit.ly/dv9VF8 /via @michael_yon

Urgent: Government announced that Wednesday, Thursday & Friday will be public holidays (19th-21st) /via @jin_nation @tulsathit

Government announces additional public holidays for Bangkok on May 19-21; Updates: http://bit.ly/9XCpe5

"The holiday extension only means govt knws it can't wrap things up quickly." /via @tulsathit

"At chidlom barricade, all #redshirts quiet, crowd seems small" /via @seacorro /Updates: http://bit.ly/9xf0dq

[Thaivisa News]

"At chidlom barricade, all #redshirts quiet, crowd seems small" /via @seacorro /Updates: http://bit.ly/9xf0dq

The holidays just announced are for Bangkok ONLY. /via @tulsathit

"Latest msg from Banharn 2 reds "To end protest, he will tell gov to withdraw troops. If so, he and coalition parties will withdraw frm gov"

Correction: "Reds to end protest first, then he will tell gov to withdraw troops"

TAN: Sim City Bank suspend ATM services in red zones incl Ratchadamri,all BTS stations,Platinum Mall,North Nana & Thaniya Build'g

"Soldiers moved closer to rally site in pratunam. Have much higher safety controls now" /via @vaitor

AFP: "Our containment measures aim to stop the food supply, reduce the number of new protstrs & put pressure on them to go home" Suthep Said

AFP: Adding that an all-out crackdown to clear the camp was "our last resort". (Suthep)

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Weng : It's parents' decision to bring children to rally

Red shirt leader weng Tojirakarn condemned on Tuesday the Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) for presenting a video clip of a child at the clashing point in its press conference.

"Whether to bring their children with then is up to the parents to consider by themselves. It's not the resolution of the protesters to bring the children, It's the consideration of the parents to entertain and thrill the children. But we don't agree with that," he said.

"Besides, I want to condemn (the CRES) that said the red shirt drove the oil tank. Who will be crazy enough to risk with M16 bullets and bring that oil tank? The oil tank was also parked in the middle between the red shirts and the troops. That's very far from people's line," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-18

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