Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Wednesday

[webfact]

Wednesday May 19 Red-Shirt rally live updates

Here you can follow the live updates from the media, hour by hour.

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Related topic: Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Tuesday

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

[george]

BTS suspends Wednesday service

BANGKOK: -- BTS skytrain service will remain closed on May 19, said BTS board adviser Anat Abhabirama, as the situation remains uncertain.

He noted that the decision was made after BTS discussed the situation with the Bangkok authorities.

The skytrain service has been suspended since Saturday.

For the operations on Thursday, contact BTS Hotline Centre at Tel. 02-617-6000, www.bts.co.th and http://twitter.com/BTS_SkyTrain

-- The Nation 2010-05-18

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[Maestro]

Who are Thailand's men in Black?

The Thai government insists Bangkok's mysterious men in black want to incite a civil war. CNN's Dan Rivers reports.

-- CNN 2010-05-18

[Maestro]

Khattiya's guard and right-hand man arrested

By The Nation

A red-shirt guard Pichet "Phumkitti" Sukjiddathong has been arrested on suspicion of involving in the violent riots, classified as terrorism, Metropolitan police officer Colonel Songpol Wattanachai said on Tuesday.

Pichet, seen as the right-hand man of the late Maj General Khattiya "Seh Daeng" Sawasdipol who was the de facto leader of the red-shirt guards and succumbed to a gunshot wound in the head on Monday, was spotted at Soi Samsen 6 in Dusit District before his arrest.

Investigators are interrogating Pichet at a detention centre, located inside the Border Patrol Police Region 1 headquarters, Pathum Thani.

Pichet is expected to shed light on the organisational structure of armed red agitators.

In a related development, police have seized about 9,000 used tyres, believed to be destined for the red shirts to burn and cause mayhems.

-- The Nation 2010-05-18

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[Thaivisa News]

Rumors from tweeple + TV that the Army moving in early Wednesday Morning (around 5/6). We will see tomorrow! I will be around at that time.

"Hearing very percussive bangs in the distance beyond Klong Toei. It's been grinding on like this for more than one hour." /via BKKApologist

[Maestro]

BANGKOK WARFARE

Death toll in protests rise to 68

By Wannapa Khaopa

The Nation

Published on May 19, 2010

Sixty-eight people have been killed in clashes between soldiers and red-shirt protesters since April 10, with 37 of them having been killed in the latest sparring near the Rajprasong rally site, Erawan Emergency Medical Centre's director, Phetpong Kamjornkitjakarn, said yesterday.

He added that 296 people have been injured from last Friday until yesterday, with 14 of them in intensive care units. One of the foreigners injured and unidentified thus far is said to be a reporter from overseas. He is being treated at Bumrungrad Hospital.

Meanwhile, help is needed for the family of a Poh Teck Tung Foundation volunteer who was shot dead while rescuing a victim near Soi Ngam Duphli on Saturday. Mana Saenprasert's family said the 21-year-old was the sole breadwinner and that they had not been offered any financial help by any agencies. The family lives in Bon Kai.

Mana's elder sister Kanravee, 32, said her brother worked as a taxi driver, while her other two brothers were unemployed. Moreover, Mana had borrowed Bt200,000 to purchase his taxi and needed to pay more than Bt1,000 a day to the loanshark. Since none of the agencies have offered the family any assistance, Kanravee hoped other people would step in.

A friend recounted that Mana had gone out to buy some food, and stopped to help the injured man, before he was killed. This was his last rescue mission, the friend lamented. Mana used to also volunteer as a firefighter.

Meanwhile, the wife of a Vajira Hospital rescue worker, Boonthing Parnsila, 25, who was shot dead last Friday night, called on the authorities to bring the murderer to justice.

Boonthing was helping injured people in Soi Rangnam when he was shot dead.

"I want the law to be enforced strictly. Police should investigate this case and punish the killer. I don't want agencies to just offer help and not punish the murderer to justice. Money cannot compensate for the loss of his life," Waraporn Ketkaew, 24, said. She and Boonthing have a nine-month-old boy.

"I'm very proud of my husband and I intend to instil his mindset in my son so he can serve the country," Waraporn said. She added that Boonthing often helped guard Wat Devaraj Kunchorn and was loved by his neighbours because he helped everybody.

To help, call Kanravee at (089) 136 0834 and Waraporn at (087) 322 3514.

Meanwhile, the bodies of two red-shirt protesters, Wongsakorn Plangsri, 40 and Suphan Thoomthong, 49, were brought home to Si Sa Ket province yesterday. They were both killed in the clashes on Monday, and will be cremated this weekend.

In a related report, the Ramathibodi Hospital is seeking urgent platelet donations. Donors can call (02) 201 1219 and (02) 201 1229. People who believe they might have lost relatives in the clashes can also go to Ramathibodhi Hospital to identify bodies.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

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[Maestro]

BANGKOK DANGEROUS

Expat medical students, doctors rescued

Thirty-eight foreign medical students and professionals were evacuated from their apartments in a risky zone of Bangkok yesterday.

The evacuation of the expatriates took place after they called for help, fearing confrontations between soldiers and anti-government protesters in their neighbourhood. The apartments they were evacuated from are in Soi Rangnam and Soi Rajvithi 5.

"Three ambulances were dispatched to help them," Dr Narumol Sawanpanyalert, from Rajvithi Hospital's Emergency Medical Service Centre, said.

Narumol said the ambulances left at 8.30am and returned at around 10am.

Of the 38 medical students and professionals, 15 were dermatology experts, 17 were master's and doctorate students at Mahidol University's Faculty of Public Heath, and six were students at the university's Faculty of Tropical Medicine. They hail from several Asian countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Burma.

"Some of them have not had anything to eat for two days," Narumol said.

She said the foreign medical students and professionals pleaded with other institutes, such as the Institute of Dermatology, which turned to Rajvithi Hospital to conduct the evacuation operation.

"It was very risky for the rescue team to get there. There was a banner there reading 'this is a live firing zone'," Narumol said, adding that her hospital had asked a company of troops stationed near the area to allow the ambulances through.

"A soldier advised us not to spend too much time in the area," she added.

Soi Rangnam was reportedly silent, with no sounds of gunfire. Nobody was seen walking on the streets, and all shops and restaurants, including convenience stores like 7-Eleven, were closed.

A medical student told Narumol that two days ago they could still get food from the cafeteria inside the apartment building to survive, but stalls had started closing up once skirmishes around the apartment building started to worsen.

When the ambulances arrived at the apartments, all the 38 medical students and professionals were fine though some said they felt disheartened. The ambulances delivered the affected individuals to safety at Mahidol University's Salaya Campus.

However, Narumol said some medical students and professionals chose to stay at home because they were not afraid of the situation.

KT mansion caretaker Jakrak, who spoke on condition that her surname was withheld, denied that there were any medical workers stranded in the building.

"It's not true. Many residents can go to work and return home every day," she said, adding that there were a few Filipino doctors who were panicking about recent developments.

The caretaker of Rangnam Apartment, Wan Sriwong, also insisted that the situation around her place was normal. "But Mahidol University is concerned about its students' safety, so they have been relocated," she said. "However, the students have said that they will return".

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

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[Maestro]

RED SHIRTS' FINANCING

Fresh list of 43 firms, individual issued by CRES

By The Nation

Published on May 19, 2010

Darunee

The Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) has issued a second list of 43 companies and individuals allegedly involved in the financing of the red shirts, and has barred them with immediate effect from conducting any financial transactions.

Of these, six are corporate entities: World Supply, BBD Development, BDD Property, SC Asset, Ruaychai International Group and Ruaychai Merchandise.

The remaining 37 are Vicharn Minchainant, Sudarat Keyuraphan, Pongthep Thepkanchana, Pimpa Chanprasong, Charoen Chankomol, Reungdej Suphanphai, Pairoj Isaraseriphong, Jirasak Tejathaweekul, Phanlert Baiyoke, Somwang Asarasri, Chutharat Methasavet, Chinicha Wongsawat, Arunee Chamnarnya, Natthawut Saikua, Veera Musigaphong, Arisman Phongruangrong, Viphuthalaeng Patanabhumithai, Yosvaris Chuklom, Darunee Kritboonyalai, Thanakrit Cha-emnoi, Chaichana Kertdi, Aree Krainara, Worawut Vichaidith, Lt-General Prin Suwannathat, Pol General Salang Bunnag, General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Yaowarat Shinawatra, Jatuporn Promphan, Jakrapob Penkair, Sutham Saengprathum, Prateep Ungsongtham Hata, Paijit Thamrojvinit (Por Pratunum), Phasin Hoklang, Charnchai Ruayrungrueng, Sukarnya Prachuabmoh, Suchinda Cherdchai and Surawut Cherdchai.

General Anupong Paochinda, the Army chief, signed the order to halt the financial transactions and freeze the assets of these 43 companies and individuals, whose financial background will be subject to a probe covering the period since September 1 last year.

In addition, the Commerce Ministry yesterday submitted to the CRES the shareholding structure and financial status of 13 companies allegedly involved in the financing of "acts of terrorism" related to the red-shirts' rally in Bangkok.

Alongkorn Ponlaboot, deputy commerce minister, said he had submitted the documents of the 13 companies to the CRES so that the authorities could further probe the financial trails to see whether they have played any role in financing the violence.

The companies are Thunnawatakarm Co (Financial Innovation), New Oak. BP Property, Pramaisuree Property, PT Property, SCK Estate, SC Office Park, SC Office Plaza, OAI Marketing, OAI Consultant and Management, OAI Management, OAI Leasing and OAI Education.

They have been barred from doing business or involvement in any financial transactions.

On Sunday, the CRES moved to weaken the sponsors and masterminds of the red-shirt rally by ordering a freeze, with immediate effect, of the bank accounts, assets and all financial transactions of 13 companies and 109 individuals.

They are alleged to be linked to acts of terror in Bangkok over the past two months.

The key suspects are fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, former PM Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's former wife Pojaman na Pombejra, his children, banned politicians such as Sudarat Keyuraphan and Pongthep Thepkanchana, and businessmen like Somgkhram Kitlertpairoj.

Top ex-officers suspected of links to terrorism include former deputy national police chief General Salang Bunnag and former 1st Infantry Division commander Lt-General Prin Suwannathat.

Alongkorn said the 13 companies had combined capital of more than Bt25 billion, and that many of them were related to one another.

"Many of companies are related by their shared locations. There are six companies that are located in the same premises. And there are two companies sharing the same address," he said. "Moreover, Chanont Suvasin has been found to be a director of 12 companies."

Chanont is also among the 109 individuals whose assets and bank accounts are frozen by order of the special law under the Internal Security Act.

"At this point, we don't know whether these companies have been involved in providing financing to the rally," said the minister. "The Commercial Business Department is now probing their business activities and financial transactions. If there are grounds for believing so, the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation would invite their shareholders for further interrogation."

Next week, the Commerce Ministry will invite operators in the jewellery, real estate, hotels and tourism, finance, food and beverages and consultancy sectors to a joint meeting to determine the impact of the red-shirt rally on their businesses.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

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BANGKOK DANGEROUS

Okay needed to sell used typres

By NISATHIP PEERATRAKUL,

NATHAPAT PROMKEAW

THE NATION

Published on May 19, 2010

Sakol Sandhiratne

CRES move intended to stop widespread burning by red shirts

All used-tyre stores in Bangkok and its adjacent provinces have been prohibited from selling their products without notifying local police stations and receiving case-by-case permission, the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) announced yesterday.

The ban is intended to stop the widespread burning of tyres by red-shirt demonstrators at many protest sites throughout Bangkok, said deputy Bangkok police chief Pol Maj-General Amnuay Nimmano, on behalf of the CRES.

The ban covers all 139 Bangkok-based stores, with precisely 21,660 tyres in their inventory, and on many other stores in the nearby provinces, which have about another 9,000 tyres.

Violators of the ban face imprisonment and fines under the state of emergency.

Burning tyres has been a strategy adopted by red-shirt protesters to protect themselves from a crackdown by government troops, said a military specialist on strategy.

"First of all, the protesters burn tyres to hide themselves from troops. The smoke makes it difficult for the troops to see their movements," he said. "You may notice that when tyres were burning, grenades were fired from M79 launchers, and it's hard to know where they came from."

The expert also said the images of burning tyres in Bangkok streets and the resultant dark smoke, often taken and recorded on cameras by foreign media, made the atmosphere appear grimmer and the situation look more violent than in reality.

In addition to fear the burning tyres could cause fires at nearby buildings, local residents are also worried about potential health hazards caused by the toxic smoke.

During the riots over the weekend, carloads of old tyres were taken to different locations in the capital to be burnt by rioters. Amid the question about where the rioters were getting the tyres from, owners of car-tyre shops say they have done their best to prevent their old tyres from being used for that purpose.

The owner of PS Tyres, in the Ram-Indra Road area, said: "I always keep deteriorating tyres in the warehouse. So we have no problem about them being stolen."

He said some of the tyres used by the rioters might have been stolen from shops where old tyres were piled carelessly outside.

The owner of P Power Auto Asia tyre shop on Bang Na-Trat Road said: "Old tyres are sold for making toys and other products. Anyway, in a situation like this, I don't sell my tyres."

The owner of tyre shop Phichai Garn Yang, in the Surasak area, said: "I always give my old tyres to garbage collectors."

As for health concerns, Medical Council president Dr Somsak Lolekha warned carcinogen from the tyres' toxic smoke could cause cancer and be harmful to people with a history of asthma and heart disease.

"The Medical Council is worried about smoke from tyres being burned by protesters. When particles from the smoke are inhaled, they get into the lungs and can cause lung cancer. The smoke is also harmful to people with a history of asthma and heart disease," he said.

The doctor was particularly concerned for pregnant women and babies breastfed by mothers who inhale the smoke from burning tyres.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

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[Maestro]

BANGKOR WARFARE

Peace hopes fading

By Naya Jaikawang,

Thanitaya Tanapisutkul,

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

Published on May 19, 2010

Angry reds boo off leaders'attempts to talk peace; govt: Protesters must leave Rajprasong before any talks; Thaksin allegedly makes demands which govt saysit cannot accept

Angry red-shirt protesters booed off their leaders' attempts to enter an immediate peace process with the government yesterday, presenting another major stumbling block to attempts to end the bloody violence plaguing Bangkok.

Before the major twist in the evening, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was decried by the government as the main mastermind of the violence and the key obstacle to peace. The government also rejected calls for a mutual cease-fire, saying the red shirts must leave the Rajprasong intersection first before any peace talks can begin.

But a group of five senators, led by Senator Lertrat Ratanavanich, visited the Rajprasong stage early in the evening and managed to convince the leaders to agree to a unilateral cease-fire to immediately kick-start the peace process. When Lertrat announced the agreement to protesters, they greeted him with boos and threw articles.

Red leaders took turns to try to pacify the crowd, who still sounded very upset as they spoke. The leaders said dozens of times that their intention to "save lives" should not be interpreted as a "secret deal" with the government. "Even dogs can't do that [striking a secret deal with the government]," said Natthawut Saikua.

After spending two months portraying the Abhisit government as the worst tyrant, the leaders found out that the crowd had taken it all seriously, with emotions fuelled by the heavy casualties inflicted on the movement after four days of violence. Last night, therefore, was a make-or-break moment which would reveal if the leaders could still control the crowd or it has become an independent, unpredictable force of its own.

The defiant crowd presented another snag after Thaksin allegedly made demands that could not be met by the government. According to a government source, Thaksin, through his representatives, appeared uninterested in an early end to the red shirts' protests and riots as long as he did not get what he wanted.

"As long as Thaksin does not get what he wants, he won't let this end so easily," said the source. "His latest condition is that he wants not only amnesty in the different cases against him, but also have his passports returned. Those conditions cannot be met by the government."

Violence continued but with decreased intensity in Bangkok, with Bon Kai and Rajprarop remaining the most sensitive areas, where sporadic gunshots and explosions were still heard. The fatality toll since last Friday was 37, excluding Maj-General Khattiya Sawasdipol. Nearly 300 people are injured.

Thaksin's influence in the ongoing secret talks between the government and the red shirts was confirmed by another source from the opposition Pheu Thai Party.

The source, who is close to the ex-premier, said that certain Pheu Thai leaders and Thaksin's close relatives were also involved in the secret talks. In addition to other conditions, such as the date for a new election, Thaksin also made his personal demands.

"Up till now, there have been no positive responses to the demands. These include a return of part of assets from the asset-seizure case and a return of Thaksin's passports," said the Pheu Thai source.

The source also said that Thaksin has a "trump card" in hand that he would use if the talks fail.

"The real strategists [Thaksin's allies from the military] will play an underground game by staging sabotage acts in different areas throughout the city and other major provinces in order to pressure the government to accept Thaksin's conditions," the source said.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet yesterday declared the three remaining work days of the week as public holidays in Bangkok to facilitate the operations to restore peace in the city.

During yesterday's Cabinet meeting at the 11th Infantry Regiment, the head strategist of the operation, deputy Army chief of staff Lt-General Dawpong Rattanasuban, explained to the ministers about the military-led operation. He was assigned by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who heads the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation.

The general said Army snipers were responsible for some deaths during the mayhem but those killed were carrying weapons, a government source quoted him as saying. "When the bodies or the injured people were taken away [from the scene], the weapons lying beside them were left behind," he was quoted by the source as telling the Cabinet.

Dawpong also said that many of the deaths were caused by heavily armed men siding with the red shirts. "More than a hundred grenades were fired from M79 launchers," he said, adding that deaths of "innocent people" were often wrongly blamed on the military.

In a related development, Pheu Thai MPs plan to submit a petition to Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej this morning seeking impeachment of Suthep and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for ordering the military operations on the red shirts.

MP Surapong Towichakchaikul said the party resolved that all of its MPs sign the petition. Any MP who fails to take part would not be fielded in the next election as they would be suspected of possible defection.

Also yesterday, Thammasat University's law lecturer Parinya Thewanarumitkul released an open letter reminding the prime minister and red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan that they were fellow protesters 18 years ago when there were street demonstrations against a coup leader becoming prime minister. The protests led to a deadly military crackdown.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

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[Maestro]

RED RALLIES

Activists slam use of children as human shield

By Onravee Tangmeesang,

Atthayut Budsripoom

The Nation

Published on May 19, 2010

Children's rights activists and a human-rights commissioner jointly yesterday condemned red-shirt leaders for not preventing the use of children as human shields.

The condemnation arose after the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) displayed photographs of a small boy being held up above a bunker-like structure formed by anti-government protesters, who were preparing to battle it out with soldiers.

"The leaders shouldn't let children come near the bunker. It is too dangerous. Anything could happen to them. I've been protecting children's rights for a long time and I'm worried. One of the leaders has just had a baby. What if someone put his child in the bunkers like this, I wonder how he would feel," children's rights activist Wallop Tangkhananurak said.

However, red-shirt leader Dr weng Tochirakarn brushed aside any blame.

"It's the parents' decision to bring their children along," weng said, adding that though he did not agree with such a decision he suggested that maybe some parents wanted to entertain their children in this manner.

Meanwhile, Centre for the Protection of Children's Rights Foundation director Sappasit Khumprapan urged parents to send their children back home.

"The new semester has already started in the provinces, and if children don't go to school now, they might fail to meet the minimum attendance required and lose the right to sit for exams," he said.

Asked about the child at the bunker, Sappasit responded: "How can the parents be so sure that nothing would happen to their children? If something does happen, who is going to take responsibility?"

Pol Lt-General Wanchai Srinualnad, a national human-rights commissioner, said the use of children as human shields was a violation of law, and offenders could be prosecuted.

"Such action also violates children's rights and their dignity," he said, urging protesters to move their children out of the rally site.

"We need to pressure the red-shirt leaders to stop using children as protection. One organisation alone doesn't have enough power to do this. Everyone in society should condemn them," he added.

Dr Tul Sithisomwong, a leader of the multicoloured shirts group, said his faction's official statement to the red-shirt movement included a demand that children be removed from the frontline.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

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[Thaivisa News]

Recap: Certainly one of the quietest days since friday. Woke up to an interesting picture: http://tweetphoto.com/22893101

Recap: Less tyre fires were seen across the city as we later found out, over 20,000 tyres had been confiscated by authorities

Recap: 52 gasoline, 17 LPG , 4 NGV stations were closed around the danger zones to prevent situations.

Recap: The red shirts were seen to be wearing black armbands today: http://tweetphoto.com/22902446

Recap: Amnesty press release stirred up many angry people. http://bit.ly/cGusEK

Recap: The Thai Government announced that the next three days will be the same as the previos 2, holidays within Bangkok.

Recap: Again, the BTS & MRT services were shut today and announced that tomorrow they will be shut until further notice.

Recap: Some protesters stripped down to show the army they were not armed with any weaopons, http://twitpic.com/1ovgch 'Naked 4 life'

Recap: JAL said it will half its flights going to Bangkok because of the politcal unrest.

Recap: Suthep rejected the offer of the ceasefire calling it 'non-sense'. Saying the army were carrying out their duties.

[Thaivisa News]

Recap: The baby along the barricade was all over the international news stations. Im not sure which one didnt have it on today.

Recap: According to Swampy, the tourist arrival rate had dropped to 50% because of the critical situation in BKK.

Recap: Some even threw objects at the stage!

Recap: Red protesters booed off leaders from the stage when they attempted to negotiate a ceasefire with govt.

Recap: A video was shown from Thaicom outside of Bangkok to have another red stage. http://bit.ly/cMqjTn

Recap: This is my favorite find of the day, A political timeline: http://bit.ly/bBdXof

Recap: Silom & the Sala-Daeng area was much more relaxed compared to the previous. Soldiers were in high spirits: http://bit.ly/ajzJt

Recap: Shocking fact of the day was that 56 M79s had been fired since May the 13 within the city.

Recap: As said, today was extremely quiet compared to the last few days. Mostly all talks and meetings between leaders and senitors.

Recap: Peace hopes fade towards the end of the day when the crowd at Ratchaprasong were deeply opposed to a ceasefire. (throwing at stage)

Recap: And the biggest rumor going around: "the army will move in at 5am, wednesday morning".

[Maestro]

Thailand Clashes Subside as Government, Protesters Seek Talks

May 18, 2010, 1:29 PM EDT

By Daniel Ten Kate and Supunnabul Suwannakij

May 19 (Bloomberg) -- Thai political violence that has killed 39 people in gun battles over the past week appeared to calm as authorities and protesters sought talks and few deaths or injures were reported.

“There should be good news” as negotiations take place, police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri said by phone yesterday. “Tensions may ease or protests will probably end.”

Protesters are willing to accept an offer by the Senate to mediate a solution, leader Nattawut Saikuar said. The government wants to avoid further loss of life and may reopen talks on an early election, chief negotiator Korbsak Sabhavasu said in an interview.

Read more: www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-18/thailand-clashes-subside-as-government-protesters-seek-talks.html

-- Bloomberg Businessweek 2010-05-18

[Maestro]

UN Not to Intervene in Unrest in Thailand

UPDATE : 18 May 2010

The United Nations has affirmed that it will not intervene in Thailand's domestic disputes. Meanwhile, Japanese business owners in Thailand have asked the government to compensate them for the damage the ongoing protests have caused

United Nations Spokesperson Martin Nesirky has affirmed that the UN is unable to interfere with Thailand's domestic issues.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has urged both the government and the protesters to practice patience and endurance.

Foreign Ministry's deputy director feneral of the Information Department, Thani Thongpakdi, pointed out that the request for UN peacekeeping forces to oversee the nation's security must go through the UN's Security Council.

He added the situation must be an international security threat but Thailand's situation is a domestic political dispute.

Thani further added that it is very unlikely that UN Peacekeeping forces will be sent to Thailand and any rumors of foreign intervention is impossible as the international community will not interfere in Thailand's political dispute.

Meanwhile, the Japanese business community in Thailand has approached the government, seeking compensation for damage caused by the prolonged protests.

Yesterday, representatives from 15 major Japanese businesses revealed that their officers have been forced to close due to the escalating violence in the capital. Japanese banking and financial institutions have temporarily moved their operations to a safer area.

Over 7,000 Japanese-owned businesses have demanded compensation office rental fees and employee wages.

Trustee vice president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Fukujiro Yamabe, is still uncertain of the amount they will receive, but the Japanese business community is working as fast as possible towards obtaining the requested compensation.

Meanwhile, the Japanese foreign ministry has issued a stricter travel advisory urging its nationals to avoid traveling to Bangkok and 21 northern and northeastern provinces under the Emergency Decree.

The advisory was issued when violent clashes erupted in Bangkok five days ago.

Nineteen countries have warned their citizens against traveling to Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-18

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[Maestro]

Armed Militants Lurk among Red-shirt Protesters

UPDATE : 18 May 2010

Despite the fact that the anti-government leaders have continually stated that red shirt protesters are unable to retaliate against security forces, images and video clips from various media sources show otherwise which raises the question whether the armed militants are an independent body or affiliated with the anti-government demonstrators.

This is an M-79 grenade which was shot by men of unknown affiliations while soldiers continue their clash with red shirt demonstrators around Dindaeng Intersection.

Soldiers posted at Dindaeng Intersection must face constant bombardment from M-79 grenades as well as gunfire from every direction.

Meanwhile, images of armed and unknown black-shirt assailants were detected among the red shirt demonstrators at Dindaeng Intersection.

There were also armed individuals shooting and moving from building to building. Nobody knows whether these men are militias or men affiliated with thhe red-shirt demonstrators.

Radical demonstrators were also spotted vandalizing private and public property as well as threatening to set an oil tanker truck ablaze. The demonstrators have also set an abandoned building in the protest area on fire earlier this morning.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-18

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[Maestro]

Calgarian Nelson Rand thought he'd died in Thailand

TV journalist hit by bullets while reporting on Thai protests for a French network

By Debora Htetley, Calgary Herald May 18, 2010

Anti-government 'red shirt' supporters assist Nelson Rand, a Canadian-born journalist working for France's TF1 network, to safety

after he was shot while covering clashes with army soldiers near Bangkok's Lumpini Park on May 14, 2010.

Photograph by: Adrees Latif, Reuters

Calgary photojournalist Nelson Rand is pretty sure he died last week in the streets on Bangkok, even if for just a few seconds.

"I have some memory of flatlining, but then everything started coming back into focus and I was alive," Rand said Monday from the intensive-care unit of a Bangkok hospital, days after being shot by a sniper while covering anti-government protests in that city.

"I don't know if I dreamed it or it's real, but I think I died for a few seconds."

Read more: www.calgaryherald.com/news/Calgarian+Nelson+Rand+thought+died+Thailand/3040177/story.html

-- Calgary Herald 2010-05-18

[Maestro]

Last Best Hope

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was thought to be a populist demagogue. Actually, he was the high-water mark for Thai democracy.

A. Perawongmetha / Getty Images

A red-shirt Thai demonstrator wears the mask of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

By Joel Schectman | Newsweek Web Exclusive

May 18, 2010

Dozens have died since Thailand's security forces started their crackdown last week against antigovernment protesters, known as the red shirts, who have taken over the streets of Bangkok to denounce their disenfranchisement since the exile of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, deposed in a 2006 military coup. Images from Bangkok show a burgeoning war zone: lines of soldiers firing on packed crowds, unarmed men dead in the streets, burning vehicles, and barricades. And there's no sign of regret from the nation's rich elite, who engineered Thaksin's ouster. To them, and to much of the world outside Thailand, he was a populist demagogue. He manipulated the ignorant rural majority for political power, the thinking goes, and he might have been the next Hugo Chávez.

Read more: www.newsweek.com/id/238161

-- Newsweek 2010-05-18

[Maestro]

Thailand government rejects Bangkok protest talks offer

last updated at 16:29 GMT, Tuesday, 18 May 2010 17:29 UK

Thailand's government has rejected an offer of mediated talks with red-shirt protesters aimed at ending an increasingly violent confrontation.

Five days of street clashes between troops and protesters in Bangkok have left 37 people dead and scores injured.

Red-shirt leaders had earlier accepted the offer of fresh talks to be overseen by senior Senate figures.

Read more: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8688664.stm

-- BBC 2010-05-18

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[Maestro]

Red Shirts could leave Thailand in the red

by Chris Howells [email protected] 05:55 AM May 19, 2010

SINGAPORE - Ongoing street violence in Bangkok has put pressure on foreign investor sentiment in Thai markets and caused a massive outflow of foreign funds from the country.

Analysts said foreign institutional funds withdrew US$500 million ($693 million) from Thailand last week and US$130 million on Monday alone.

For the last nine trading days, net foreign outflows have reached nearly US$1 billion and observers do not see foreign funds returning soon.

Read more: www.todayonline.com/Business/EDC100519-0000099/Red-Shirts-could-leave-Thailand-in-the-red

-- Today 2010-05-19

[Thaivisa News]

"new smoke clouds over dindaeng" http://yfrog.com/041tyj /via @vaitor

"explosions at dindaeng." /via @vaitor

"Volley from 2 APCs on flyover cleared the park; Ppl inching back. Chopper overhead. redshirts firing fire crackers back" /via @photo_Journ

TNN: Shows pictures of barricades burning

TAN: No military presence at Klong Toey mobile stage

Reuters: Thai army calls on protesters to leave protest site immediately over loud speakers

(06:17) Park swarming with soldiers and APCs. Gunfire behind us on Rama 4. /via @kennethtoddruiz

"Protesters use tires to close off road in front of Channel 5" /via @js100radio

"Huge explosion heard at Khlong Toei!!!!!!! Choppers overhead!!!" /via @freakingcat

ThaiPBS: Looks like army crackdown starting in Rama IV. Watch live on Thai TV on the Internet - http://bit.ly/8ZND3U /via @RichardBarrow

"Phloenchit BTS station" http://twitpic.com/1ozpyw /via @newley

"Armoured vehicles on the move in Bangkok" http://bit.ly/9kOpw5 /via @Newmandala

(06:00) "Thai TV is reporting that soldiers and heavy armored vehicles have moved down Silom and are waiting at Silom Soi 4" /via @2Bangkok

AFP: 100's of Thai police and troops, backed by armored vehicles, converged on the Red Shirt protesters' camp in Bangkok Wednesday

[Thaivisa News]

AFP: "I will not answer any questions," spokesman Sunsern Kaewkumnerd told AFP.

AFP: "There's a very significant reinforcement of troops on Silom," a police officer from Lumpini district near the protest site told AFP.

TAN: 3. High pressure water hoses to destroy bunkers; first target was Sala Deang a little while ago

TAN: 2. Warning shots into the air; first round sounded out at around 6 A.M.

TAN: Procedures soldiers to take: 1.warn protesters to leave the area; this morning's "It is time for you to leave the area."

"people evacuting, dindaeng is chaos! smoke everywhere, people running out of their houses, unfrequent explosions" /via @vaitor

"several buildings in dindaeng set on fire" http://yfrog.com/50m36j /via @vaitor

Soldiers behind behind armored vehicle: http://bit.ly/9zsGH3

[Thaivisa News]

Advancing again. /via @kennethtoddruiz

View from office in Asok: http://twitpic.com/1ozuct /via @MrMCos

Huge smoke cloud at expressway Rama4: http://tweetphoto.com/22996698 /via @freakingcat

Victory Monument this morning: http://tweetphoto.com/22995406 /via @nattiekhe

"About 500 reds at KT stage. Military music played" /via @freakingcat

"tyres burning expeessway at Khlong Toei: http://tweetphoto.com/22996865 /via @freakingcat

SKY: Showing live rather blurry pics near Rama IV. Tanks, running troops. Saying the crackdown has begun. /via @applelisatood

Reuters: Picture of Soldiers behind Armored Viehecle at Sala Daeng: http://bit.ly/9yVh8Y

Guys in black warn me against taking pics: http://tweetphoto.com/22997468 /via @freakingcat

[Thaivisa News]

ThaiPBS: (06:58) M79s fired at Bon Kai, landed at under the Rama IV express way, believed to be fired from Bon Kai community. /via @ohohcita

TAN: Building in Din Deang which houses Narcotics Control Board on fire at 1-2 fls; no fire crews on the scene via @warakorn_NBC

TAN: Additional announcements have been made for protesters to leave Ratchprasong; soldiers still haven't moved in

"And even now pick ups with more tyres arriving. Loud speeches to fight from stage!" /via @freakingcat

"ppl wearing facemasks launch rockets await more teargas dropped at KT" http://tweetphoto.com/22997815 /via @freakingcat

TAN: Nation team on Channel 9: Locals in the area using fire extinguishers to try and stop fire at narcotics board

ThaiPBS: 7:03am A building at Din Dang intersection is on fire. Fire trucks not shown up yet. Redshirts mad at press. /via @ohohcita

[Thaivisa News]

Lots of smoke and helos around. Here's Rama 4 area fr my bldg: http://ow.ly/i/1D5Q & Din Daeng: http://ow.ly/i/1D5R /via @ExpatDanBKK

Sharp arrows at motorbike...and more tyres delivered: http://tweetphoto.com/22998048 /via @freakingcat

"Silom Rama iv now tear gas but no movement" http://twitpic.com/1ozzsy /via @agnesdherbeys

Stay here, the leader singer says, there's no place to run to now. Mood is deliberately upbeat, most of crowd dancing. /via @terryfrd

"Bangkok many points covered by black smoke" /via http://tweetphoto.com/22998502 /via @satien_nna /Updates:

"Many guys with black facemasks . Very nervous and agressive dont allow pics. New rockets" /via @freakingcat

[Thaivisa News]

(07:13) Reuters witnesses: Thai troops fear tear gas at entrance to protest encampment near Bangkok's business district /via @suthichai

Smoke from barricades at end of Chidlom & Din Daeng: http://tweetphoto.com/22998758 /via @TyphoidMango

SKY: Troops and armoured vehicles gather near Bangkok protest camp as Red Shirt leader urges supporters to be ready to fight

BBC: 'Thai army masses at Bangkok protest site' http://bit.ly/b8cU3b

CNN: 'Troops amass in central Bangkok' http://bit.ly/bweBMR

TAN: Tear gas being used at the Sala Deang intersection

(07:22) Reuters: Tear gas fired at protesters. Witness said the tear gas was aimed at demonstrators close to the Rama4 statue.

Troops outside Sala Daeng Red Base: http://bit.ly/ahWMe6 /via Reuters

Thai PBS: Troops totally seized control of Sala Daeng Intersection. Troops ceaselessly fired into the sky to intimidate protesters

[webfact]

URGENT: Soldiers Move in with Tanks into Sala Deang since 5 A.M.; First Round of Shots Heard at 6 A.M.

CRES starts operations to disperse rally at Ratchprasong intersection by moving in with tanks and water trucks. Tanks started moving into Silom area at around 5 A.M. this morning, before moving forward into Sala Deang.

High pressure water hoses used to destroy protesters' bunkers on the edge of Lumpini Park.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

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[Thaivisa News]

"Soldiers almost shot one of their own" /via @kennethtoddruiz

TNN: showing troops outside Sala-Daneg. Getting ready. About 4 Armored viechles. Lots and lots of troops! /updates: http://bit.ly/bSG5kF

TNN: Gun fires going on at Sala Daeng. Troops hide behind Telephone booths, Armored trucks, anything possible.

"Gunfire in Silom #redshirts camp. Soldiers look nervous" /via @kennethtoddruiz

Saladaeng at 7am: http://tweetphoto.com/22999925 /via @tidarat

AFP: 'Decisive' action against protesters: senator

"Colleague behind the Red barricade there reports incoming gunfire" /via @journotopia

AFP: Thailand's government is taking decisive action against RedShirt protesters, last-minute peace talks are over, a senator said Wednesday

TAN: Protesters at Ladprao being told to re-gather at Din Deang; fire at Narcotics Board reaches 2nd floor

AFP: "Negotiations are over now," said General Lertrat Rattanavanich, 1 of some 60 senators who tried to mediate btw the gov and the Reds.

AFP: "Certainly based on all the signs that I have seen there will be a crackdown, not a containment," he said.

Thick smoke near Chulalongkorn Hospital now. 7.40am http://twitpic.com/1p07gy /via @babyfishie

[webfact]

Troops push protesters back from Saladaeng Intersection

At about 7 am Wednesday, troops managed to force protesters to retreat from Saladaeng Intersection to Salasin Intersection, Thai PBS reported.

Troops arrived on Silom Road in seven armoured vehicles and many military trucks at 3:30 am.

Some armoured vehicles were deployed to the Saladaeng Intersection at 5:50 am.

Troops starting firing into the air to push back protesters at about 7 am.

Troops used armoured vehicles as shields while advancing towards the protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

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Narcotics Board Building in Din Deang Set on Fire

A building in Din Deang which houses the Narcotics Control Board was set on fire.

It's security kiosk and first floor are now in flames. No fire crews are on the scene, bit locals in the area are unsuccessfully using fire extinguishers to try and put out the fire.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

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