Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Tuesday

[Thaivisa News]

CNNgo: 'Thailand life goes on as Bangkok burns' http://bit.ly/d4rZtR

BBC: 'Thailand government rejects mediated talks offer' http://bit.ly/bkAHwu

Daily Mail: 'Baby at the barricades: Are Thai protesters using their child as a human shield?' http://bit.ly/b6YMfs

'Watching Channel 3 for a change. Bon Kai, More & more tyres have been laid down with new barbed wire fortifications' /via @wizardofwindsor

Pictures of Din Daeng at 11:30 am, 18 May 2010: http://bit.ly/9isWfz /via @migrationology

Pattaya One: 'Pattaya Red Shirts join Laem Chabang Port protest' http://bit.ly/c55NkU

Pattaya One: 'Pattaya Red Shirts join Laem Chabang Port protest' http://bit.ly/c55NkU

[Thaivisa News]

Nattawud: "Says he has now been declared terrorist leader by Suthep and Korbsak. Not pleased. Never has he been a terrorist" /via @terryfrd

Nattawud: "Earlier statement been distorted. Did not say could call fighters back. Can only do that if troops open barricades" /v @terryfrd

MCOT: Cabinet declares three more days public holiday in Bangkok http://bit.ly/c6MXtN

MCOT: Tourist arrivals drop over 50% due to unrest http://bit.ly/ascBtx

"Gunfire here now" (not sure of the location): http://twitpic.com/1ou5kk /via @jow2711

Moving the wheels infront for the barricade. The women join the fight! http://twitpic.com/1ou6un /via @jow2711

INN: (17.10) One red shirt burns himself, trying to set troops on fire at Rangnam area /via @veen_NT

[webfact]

Ramkhamhaeng University postponed all exams this week and will attempt to hold them on 1-10 June instead

[Maestro]

Outside Bangkok, life goes on

Beyond the Thai capital there are few signs of strife, but travelers remain wary and tourist towns are being hit

With tourists scared off by Bangkok's ongoing violence, foreign tourists are becoming a rare sight on Thailand's beaches.

Images of flaming tires, blood-covered bodies, armed soldiers and grenade riddled buildings may dominate local and international media these days, but in the rest of the Thailand -- and even most parts of Bangkok -- life is carrying on without any signs of the clashes.

Read more: Outside Bangkok, life goes on | CNNGo.com http://www.cnngo.com/bangkok/none/live-goe...1#ixzz0oHA8xs3o

-- CNN 2010-05-18

[Maestro]

Former PM Banharn offers to mediate end of political unrest

BANGKOK, May 18 (TNA) -- Expressing anxieties over the current political rift in Thailand, former prime minister Banharn Silpa-archa, chief adviser of the Chart Thai Pattana Party, a partner in the coalition government, Tuesday offered himself to act as mediator between the anti-government protesters and the government.

Mr Banharn told journalists that the only solution to the unrest now is for the ‘Red Shirt’ protesters to end their rallies today and that he would act as mediator in requesting the government to send the troops and police back to their barracks”.

If the protesters disperse and the government forces do not pull back, the Chart Thai Pattana Party may withdraw from the coalition government, he said.

Mr Banharn said political parties in the coalition government may meet later Tuesday in an attempt to find a solution to the political deadlock.

He urged United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leaders to accept Mr Abhisit's five-point national reconciliation plan, proposed May 5 aimed at ending the country's political turbulence.

Mr Banharn said he believed that some of his proposals would be accepted by the government and UDD key protesters as they are ideal for ending the political rift.

He also urged fugitive ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to stop his political activities in order to return peace to Thailand. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-05-18

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

Weng on the toddler on tyres: Was never our resolution 4 anyone 2 do that. Parents must have just wanted to let him have fun /via @tulsathit

Man filling up bottles with petrol from a motorbike. http://twitpic.com/1ou9ia /via @freakingcat

"2 tents have been erected directly behind Expressway Khlong Toei. Lots of food to go arond" http://twitpic.com/1ouah7 /via @freakingcat

(17:44) "Everything is calm at the redshirts lad prao stage. About 200-300 ppl there. No gunfire or tyre burning" /via @jin_nation @ohohcita

(17:45) "The only areas with gunfire now are Din Dang intersection and Bon Kai" /via @ohohcita @jin_nation

Bumrungrad Hospital has all non essential staff working from home

"Crowd stays away from under expressway, they pointed out a sniper on top of Lumpini Tower 2 me" http://twitpic.com/1oucjx /via @freakingcat

Here is a picture of the "Naked for life" that went on today. Only for 18+: http://twitpic.com/1ou7zy /via @tukky_nt

Update: 'Female reporter attacked by angry protesters' http://bit.ly/9kgLzE

"Further into Bon Kai is High Danger Sniper Area! AVOID at all costs!" http://twitpic.com/1ougg8 /via @freakingcat

[webfact]

I saw someone tweeting that they heard "pops and bangs" on lower Sukhumvit today. I rather doubt this as I am there every day taking photos and it has been quiet today. I have put a few photos on /via @cameratabkk :

http://twitpic.com/1oty1b

http://twitpic.com/1otx8r

http://twitpic.com/1otwna

http://twitpic.com/1oty1b

[Thaivisa News]

(17:30) Rajaprasong stage today http://twitpic.com/1ougtw /via @newley /update: http://bit.ly/9xf0dq

"Live Photo of Wireless/Pleonchit Barricade, smoke starting to rise" http://yfrog.com/f1dsc3196j /via @beejoir

MCOT: MRT underground, BTS skytrain stop running at all stations Wednesday; trading session at stock market to close early at 3.30pm

CRES: Announcement On TV now

CRES: TNN link: http://bit.ly/4u67T7

MCOT: Unexploded M79 grenade retrieved at Silom, hidden in tyres

Live picture of Pleonchit barricade on fire: http://yfrog.com/0j44220494j /via @beejoir

Live picture of Pleonchit barricade on fire: http://yfrog.com/0j44220494j /via @beejoir

[webfact]

Nutthawut Says Reds Won't Disperse

Key red-shirt leader Nutthawut Saigua has threatened to respond to the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation's accusation that the red-shirt protesters are terrorists with law suits of their own.

He reiterated that the red-shirt protesters will not willingly disperse but hopes the Senate will be able to mediate the current political conflict.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-18

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Gov't cites armed reds as reason for use of force

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government has reaffirmed that the Rajprasong rally must be dispersed before the resumption of negotiations and that the anti-riot measures will proceed due to the mayhem raging on, PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey said on Tuesday.

On the prime minister's behalf, Satit was reacting the mediation offer of Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet.

"PM Abhisit Vejjajiva personally called Prasopsuk to express his appreciation for the offer but the government is obligated to restore normalcy in the face of armed and rioting protesters," he said.

He said the government still kept the reconciliation plans on tract and that the resumption of talks would hinge on normalcy and an end to the rally.

He said the prime minister explained to Prasopsuk why the government had to quell violence incited by the armed "terrorists" and could not stop its anti-riot operations midway before bringing back normalcy.

As it became clear about the government's decision to stay its course for maintaining the security blockade, the red shirts resumed attacking the security forces at Din Daeng at around 3.00 pm following a lull in the morning.

-- The Nation 2010-05-18

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

CRES: Whoever sells the wheels, we will catch. Everyone can see its too many within the city. Please stop, if not - we will arrest you.

CRES: Issued two arrest warrants at Victory Monument and 3 warrants from 111 foundation. /via @veen_NT

Amnauy: CRES: will apply the same standard with other redshirt satellite stages in Bangkok and provinces under SOE. /via @veen_NT

Update: it's tyres on the Chit Lom side of the Ploem Chit barricade that are on fire. NOT the barricade itself. /via @kp_bangkok

CRES: Amnuay: 21,660 tyres have been seized from 139 shops. And over 9,000 are not allowed to sell without notifying. /via @veen_nt

Update: ANOTHER building is on fire in din daeng, opposite Century Park. Definitely a firework or petrol bomb gone astray /via @aleursic

Another picture of the naked reds (no shirts now?) "we are unarmed" http://tweetphoto.com/22928165 /via @tukky_nt @RichardBarrow

[Thaivisa News]

Sansern showed a photo of a kid hiding behind a stack of tyres and lighting a light to launch home-made rocket - shot by shot. /via @veen_NT

Sansern showed another photo of a man disguised in miliatary outfit and walked around, confusing public that army shoot ppl /via @veen_NT

(18.58) Fire at Siam City Bank (Nakhon Luang Thai), Din Daeng branch. /via @veen_NT

"Reds claim there are soldiers with snipers on the Ploenchit BTS bridge. I couldn't see because I was hiding behind a truck!" /via @seacorro

"Reds warned us that we could get sniped. Also told all their people other than those in black to go away" /via @seacorro

TAN: CRES:Soldier was a hero,was shot & killed in southern violence not because he refused to join CRES' operation against the reds

"Reds claim there are soldiers with snipers on the Ploenchit BTS bridge. I couldn't see because I was hiding behind a truck!" /via @seacorro

"Reds warned us that we could get sniped. Also told all their people other than those in black to go away" /via @seacorro

Army has set up checkpoint and sandbags in median near Mahatun Plaza on Phloenchit /via @newley

[webfact]

CRES to Go After Mini Red-shirt Stages

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation announced that it'll now take legal actions against small red-shirt stages around the country. Arrest warrants have already been issued against leaders at Victory Monument stage and another stage located near the Thai Rak Thai-related 111 Foundation. It has also put a ban on selling used tyres to the red-shirt protesters. The protesters have been burning tyres, creating billowing black smokes, in order to limit the visibility of security officials.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-18

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Fire breaks out at Siam City Bank Din Daeng

NBT station reported at 7 pm that a fire broke out at the Siam City Bank, Din Daeng branch.

It said fire trucks could not be deployed to put out the blaze because the road was blocked by huge piles of rubber tyres.

The fire was starting at the time of the report.

-- The Nation 2010-05-18

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

CRES: Picture Showing Soldier Shot in Head Taken from Southern Violence

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation explained the origin of the picture of a soldier who's been shot in the head. The red-shirt protesters claimed the soldier was shot when he refused to join the CRES' operation against the red-shirt protesters. The CRES, however, said the soldier was a hero and was shot while serving his country in the 3 strife torn southern provinces.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-18

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

TAN: CRES confiscated +20,000 tyres, ban on sale of tyres to prevent reds from setting them on fire.

Here is the story that CRES were talking about with the soldiers killed within the South of Thailand: http://bit.ly/bbMzyG /via @scaredcup

MCOT: CRES: Bon Kai residents to have electricity by Wednesday; 20,000 used tyres seized

France24: '"FreakingCat", reporting from the barricades journalists steer clear of' http://bit.ly/boAFWY

According to the Nation, the fire trucks trying to get to the SCB fire at Din Daeng were again, blocked by the tyres. Not able to help!

ABC: 'Red Shirts accused of using child as shield' http://bit.ly/94scy1 /with twitters very own @seacorro

37 more financial blacklist anounced by CRES - include Slum angel Prateep, Jakkapop, Sutham Saengprathum, Chanchai Ruayrungrueng /v @veen_NT

(19:52) Live pic at BTS Phloenchit. About to enter no mans land: http://twitpic.com/1ov398 /via @RichardBarrow

[Thaivisa News]

(19:56) "More soldiers here this time at Phloenchit" http://twitpic.com/1ov40e /via @RichardBarrow

(19:58) "Soldier looking towards the Red Zone which is in darkness" http://twitpic.com/1ov4jo /via @RichardBarrow

AFP: The head of the Inter-Parliamentary Union called on Thai lawmakers to "assume their responsibilities" and find an end to the violence.

AFP: "Every parliament must lead by example," said Theo-Ben Gurirab, the president of the IPU.

AFP: He noted that the "Thai people are asking for peace and an end to the violence."

AFP: "I therefore call all our friends in th Thai parliament 2 assume their responsibilities, do their part in ending conflict" said Gurirab

AFP: He also urged lawmakers to work in a constructive spirit to find a "just solution" that would be acceptable to the Thai society.

'The Senate Representatives Just left the stage after talking to the Red leaders' /via @UDDThailand

(20:07) Soldiers carrying stuff up to BTS Phloenchit Station: http://twitpic.com/1ov70v /via @RichardBarrow

[webfact]

Gen Chaovalit and Jutuporn Added to CRES Blacklist

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) added 37 names to its blacklist of suspected financiers of the anti-government protests. Former PM and chairman of Pheu Thai party Gen Chaovalit Yongchaiyudh and red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan were amongst the additional 37 names added to the list.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-18

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

Live pic of soldiers in BTS Phloenchit for first time I think. http://twitpic.com/1ov7jd /via @RIchardBarrow

They won't let me go up the final steps to the platform. They don't want me to see what they are doing. /via @Richardbarrow

"What do you reckon that is they are about to carry up to the platform of BTS PHloenchit? Maybe to put on tracks?" http://twitpic.com/1ov8yv

AP Video: 'Ceasefire Call Amid Battle for Bangkok' http://bit.ly/aKZNT0

View down Rama4 (17:30), much quieter than this weekend: http://twitpic.com/1ov8zk /via @CengizYar

"Casaulty index today is even slower than yesterday and we are seeing signs about imminent ceasefire" /via @tulsathit

"Reds may soon declare the end to their part in violence" /via @tulsathit

[Thaivisa News]

"We still want justice for the dead, but more importantly we want to save lives of those still living," Nuttawut telling crowd just no"

"Pipob, the Red Shirt from "Naked For Life," sends this photo of their protest today. Brace yourself" http://twitpic.com/1ovgch

"Red leaders have met with a group of senators 2 hrs ago" /via @tulsathit

Nuttawut addressing the rajprasong crowd now, apparently beating around the bush toward declaration of ceasefire. Audience didn't seem happy /via @tulsathit

"Don't think that we are striking a secret deal with govt. Even dogs can't do that," Nuttawut said.

CRES: shows a map of the Rajprasong area, saying army is trying to seal the area, its trying to contain lethal attacks /via @wizardofwindsor

CRES: given the redshirt numbers have fallen, the army does not see it as necessary to retake the area by force /via @Wizardofwindsor

Jatuporn: "Shooting must stop, and then we can talk." /v @tulsathit

"The red guards here told me they have red guards up above in case soldiers come along the skytrain tracks" /via @RichardBarrow

[Thaivisa News]

"Din Daeng has a huge mass of protesters now..." /via @vaitor

Jatuporn: Everyone must stay focused. We've come too far to surrender.redshirts arnd Bangkok & provincs shud stay tuned for news /v @veen_NT

Main message from tonight, actually today too. "Stop the firing and we can talk".

TNN: Showing images of the SCB Bank within Din Daeng on fire

The Rajprasong crowd is definitely not pleased. we've heard before: 1st, leaders control mob, now mob's control the leaders" /v @tulsathit

TNN: Few images of the SCB fire I was able to snap. (Bad quality): http://tweetphoto.com/22939364 http://tweetphoto.com/22939380

Correction: SCIB Bank (Sorry!)

From many twitter pictures sent in, it can be seen that the Army are building bunkers around the red zones at Sukhvt. Settling in?

MCOT: Red Shirt leaders, Senator Lertrat agree tripartite talks among govt, senate, reds; to propose planned talks to PM Wednesday

[Thaivisa News]

Red protesters have booed off leaders' attempt to negotiate a ceasefire with govt. /via @tulsathit

Some protesters have even thrown things at stage when told that reds would end their part in violence. /via @tulsathit

Relatively small Redshirt stage at Thaicom: http://bit.ly/cMqjTn /via @elgrodo /Updates:

The leaders didn't suggest dispersing rally. They just stated reds should stop violence and ready themselves for peace process /v @tulsathit

Fantastic research for Thai Politics: 'Thai political Timeline' http://bit.ly/bBdXof

Fantastic research for Thai Politics (Japanese Version): 'Thai political Timeline' http://bit.ly/bhVKHy

Din Daeng also has lots of food vendors and power generators now. Again, reds proof strong organization skills! /via @vaitor

[Thaivisa News]

Din Daeng also has lots of food vendors and power generators now. Again, reds proof strong organization skills! /via @vaitor

When I first came through the inner barricade the guards seemed relaxed. But that has changed now. /via @Richardbarrow

They are huddled around in groups. Something is going on. They told me to be careful because of my white shirt. /via @Richardbarrow

ThaiPBS: Talking to kids within the Rally site

ThaiPBS: R: you understand the leaders? Kid: No. R: Do you want to go home? Kid: No. Mum: Took home already, but cried, wanted to come bak

ThaiPBS: Aunt: When take her back, she cried. She wanted to return to Bangkok to be with the family. If she stays here, she is fine.

"Vacant streets tonight near Red camp. No fighting in this area tonight (Rama4 near Dusit Thani hotel)" http://bit.ly/bUlhjV /v @Michael_yon

(22.25) Military radio: Bomb explosion is heard near Japanese Embassy. /via @veen_NT

Army around Silom letting media take pictures: http://bit.ly/dqhxfM /via @Michael_Yon

[Thaivisa News]

"still not known if the explosion was near or at the Japanese embassy, whch is situated in a no-entry area declared by CRES" /v @tulsathit

Erawan centre: Latest death toll on May 14-18 as of 3pm: 37 dead, and 296 injured /via @tukky_nt

Soldier giving the classic Asian V sign while smoking a ciggy: http://bit.ly/ajzJtc /via @Michael_Yon

Police have impounded 21,666 old tyres in Bangkok tyre shops. /via @tulsathit (That should stop the tyre fires)

The Thai crisis, in eight words: "I'm so bored. I need my home back" said @moui /via @markmackinnon

Shocking fact of the day: 56 M79s have been fired since May 13 /via @tulsathit

Bangkok patana school wiil be closed tomoz (Wed19thMay) except 4 examinations. Please check BPS Website for further details. /via @tukky_nt

"Looking from rooftop :huge flashes and explosions coming from Rama IV" /via @lindavanderwijk

"confirm Rama4 bomb flashes" /via @CrushDepth

[Thaivisa News]

"they could have been gunshots or large firecrackers too...but loud and frequent...seems to be calming down now" /via @lindavanderwijk

"general vicinity soi ngam duhpli" /via @CrushDepth

The Nation back page for Wednesday: http://tweetphoto.com/22950730 /via @LeroyNewsDesign:

Confirmation: Lumpini police stn chief: 2 bombs this evening. 1 in front of station, anther 1 not far away, cant pinpoint whre /v @tulsathit

The Nation Front page for Wednesday: http://tweetphoto.com/22953604 /via @leroyNewsDesign

MCOT: Key UDD guard nabbed; Security chiefs want to seize ‘Red Zone’ areas first http://bit.ly/acBcFe

MCOT: Thai govt says talks can resume only after Red Shirts end protest http://bit.ly/cRDT8N

"Decided to camp out inside the red zone tonight just in case anything happens. In the office mind you-not by stage!" /via @aleithead (BBC)

MCOT: Cabinet approves Bt436 million budget for rice price compensation http://bit.ly/dnUmg5

[george]

Thanks for following Thaivisa this Tuesday, and thanks to all contributors, tweeties amd others.

Wednesday thread continues here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...dn-t366679.html