Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Wednesday

[Thaivisa News]

AFP: Five Thai protesters shot and wounded: hospital

AFP: At least 5 protesters have been shot and wounded in a military offensive on their rally base, hospital authorities said Wednesday.

AFP: "Two wounded protesters are being operated on now, the first was shot in the chest and second was shot in the abdomen..(1/2)

AFP: ...The doctors are trying to save their lives," Police Hospital director Jongjet Aoajenpong told AFP. (2/2)

AFP: He said the other three were discharged after receiving medical treatment.

TAN: Reports indicate that 1 protester killed from clashes at Sarasin intersection; 2 others seriously injured

[Thaivisa News]

Picture from Bon Kai, Rama4: http://bit.ly/cm4juu /via @Michael_Yon

"enormous smoke now at rama 4 expressway. Electricity cut at khlong toei" /via @hughbkk

The fire on Rama 4 at Khlong Toei is "10 meter flames in front of lumpini tower!!!!" /via @highbkk

ThaiPBS: 10.02am Clashes going on at Ngam Duphli. Gunshots & explosions heard. V Tense. Now K-bank at Bon Kai is on fire /via @ohohcita

Massive amounts of smoke rising from across Bon Kai community on Rama 4. We can see it clearly from Ekamai. /via @terryfrd

"heavy shooting now at saladaeng." /via @vaitor

The current scene near Bon Kai. http://tweetphoto.com/23015152 /via @bangkokbill22

[webfact]

Thaksin responsible for collapsed negotiations: Korbsak

The government suspected ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra for sabotaging the negotiations with the red shirts, secretary general to the prime minister Korbsak Sabhavasu said on Wednesday.

"No more negotiations because the talks already collapsed," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Bangkok set on fire

BANGKOK (NNT) -– Many spots in the capital city have been set on fire, including the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) Headquarters, and entries and exits to Khlong Toei station of MRT underground.

Protestors of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) on Wednesday morning at 6.45 hrs set the ONCB Headquarters at Din Daeng Junction on fire. Nearby residents and reporters tried to put off the fire, but they were chased away by the protestors.

Media members were impeded from recording the footage of the incident while some of the residents living near the ONCB Headquarters had to pack their belongings and evacuate. The fire was under control as of 7.30 hrs.

MRT underground staff at Khlong Toei station at 7.39 hrs reported that a group of unidentifiable black clad rioters broke into the station and splashed oil over the entries and exits of the underground and set them on fire. Nearby residents tried to impede the rioters and put off the fire.

According to the latest development, the fire could be controlled. Nevertheless, MRT underground staff still prohibited media members from entering the premise.

Meanwhile, Chulalongkorn Hospital is preparing to evacuate patients out of the premise via Henri Dunant Road after smoke from car tyres burned by the UDD were blown into the hospital. However, no fire has been detected inside the hospital so far.

UDD protestors still continue to burn car tyres on Rama IV Road near Bon Kai community, causing smoke around the area while a group of unidentifiable black clad rioters tried to set residences nearby on fire. Smoke was blown into an animal clinic nearby, forcing an immediate evacuation of animals there.

In addition, chemical bombs were found on Thai-Belgian Bridge. Security officers hence have to work near the area carefully. No further details about the bomb have been reported thus far.

-- NNT 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

ThaiPBS: HUGE flames from Rama4, Pictures soon!

ThaiPBS: Picture of the fire at Rama4: http://tweetphoto.com/23016424 http://tweetphoto.com/23016429

TAN: Raging fire reported at Soi Ngamduplee; conflicting reports of whether it's Kasikorn Bank or building near the bank

"livepic saladaeng, fire erased" http://yfrog.com/4rjwfuj /via @vaitor

Rama4 looking like a chimney for #Bangkok: http://tweetphoto.com/23016553 /via @iBangkok

#Bangkok Looking north up Rajadamri from Silom. Smoldering fires. Occasional gunshots. http://twitpic.com/1p1dyp /via @journotopia

TAN: INN: 1 woman shot dead at Din Deang; awaiting confirmation

Fire at Khlong Toei Expressway: http://tweetphoto.com/23017081 /via @freakingcat

[webfact]

Fire Rages at Soi Ngamduplee

A fire is raging at Soi Ngamduplee off of Rama 4 Road. It is still unclear whether the building that is on fire houses a Kasikorn Bank or that it is a building near the bank itself.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

THE NATION: CIMB Thai bank braches closed Wed Ratchaprasong,Sathorn,Lumpini,KSLtower,SiamSq.,MBK,SilomCtr,Silom Rd,GMM Grammy Bldg,Pratunam

[webfact]

Reporters Evacuate Ratchprasong Stage

Reporters, both Thai and foreign, have evacuated the area backstage to the main Ratchprasong rally site. The development comes after reports that a crackdown on the protesters is imminent as military personnel destroy bunkers and chase protesters in their attempt to confine the area around Ratchprasong.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Panithan urges public members to stay away from besieging areas

Acting government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn Wednesday morning issued an urgent announcement telling public members to stay away from areas where security forces are trying to tighten the noose around the Rajprasong rally site.

He said the security forces will operate throughout the day to move closer to Rajprasong.

He said local officials and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials should be on alert to alleviate disaster and residents of communities nearby should immediately call 199 in case of emergency or fires.

He confirmed that the security forces would not break up Rajprasong rally Wednesday.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

(09:30) "View over rama IV from my building" http://tweetphoto.com/23017098 /via @paddymoo

BBC: 'Thai army advances on Bangkok protest site' http://bit.ly/b8cU3b

CNN: 'Thai troops enter protesters' area' http://bit.ly/bweBMR

Guardian: 'Thai army prepares crackdown on red-shirt protesters in #Bangkok' http://bit.ly/cocG4m

TAN: Soldiers are able to secure Sarasin intersection in #bangkok

TAN: Thaksin says gov't should talk directly to red shirt leaders; claims he isn't involved; "please stop accusing me"

Exiled former PM Thaksin says crackdown won't end political turmoil (Reuters) (hes been tweeting in the past few minutes)

[Thaivisa News]

TAN: Thaksin says gov't should talk directly to red shirt leaders; claims he isn't involved; "please stop accusing me"

Army just rolled APCs over Silom barrier. Camp cleared, moving North to Ratchaprasong. #bangkok /via @kennethtoddruiz

Update: 2 army vehicles drive through protesters’ barrier in Bangkok; troops follow - AP

AFP: URGENT Thai military breach anti-government protest zone

AFP: Thai military vehicles and soldiers breached a protest zone Wednesday after APC's smashed through makeshift barricades.

LIVE UPDATES: Bangkok Red-shirt rally Wednesday: http://bit.ly/bSG5kF

Thai PBS: Troops demolished bunkers in front of Lumpini Park are advancing towards Salasin Intersectin /via @paisail_nt

[Thaivisa News]

Wide picture of the Smoke from Rama 4 from Sukhumvit: http://tweetphoto.com/23018649 /via @iBangkok

Thai PBS: One red-shirt guard was found dead behind bunker at Lumpini Park

'Seas of Red arriving in Ubon Ratchathani to protest Wednesday, 10:30am' http://bit.ly/aWA9N7 /via @UbonFarang

MCOT: Fire rages at Kasikorn Bank, Rama4, near Lumpini Boxing Stadium; Siam City Bank, Siam Centre Branch also afire but blaze under control

NBT has the govt warning - "Not to leave your home. The fighting is on going." /via @veen_NT

'Now at Chulalongkorn hospital. Heavy gunfire. Helicopters overhead' /via @markmackinnon

The story so far: http://bit.ly/bZkdEB /via @veen_NT

Urgent: Saladaeng and in front of Chula areas are not safe. /via @veen_NT

At Saladaeng: "constant shooting now on both sides..." /via @vaitor

[webfact]

Troops secure area in front of Lumpini Park

Thai PBS reported at 10:30 am that troops managed to secure areas around the King Rama VI Statute in front of the Lumpini Park.

Troops used armoured vehicles to demolish the bunkers and troops moved in to secure the area.

Thai PBS said gunfire was made from inside the park now and then.

The TV station said a red-shirt guard was found shot dead behind the bunker after troops moved in.

At the time of report, troops were still heading towards Salasin Intersection.

-- The Nation 2010-09-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

Wide picture of the Smoke from Rama 4 from Sukhumvit: http://tweetphoto.com/23018649 /via @iBangkok

Thai PBS: One red-shirt guard was found dead behind bunker at Lumpini Park

'Seas of Red arriving in Ubon Ratchathani to protest Wednesday, 10:30am' http://bit.ly/aWA9N7 /via @UbonFarang

MCOT: Fire rages at Kasikorn Bank, Rama4, near Lumpini Boxing Stadium; Siam City Bank, Siam Centre Branch also afire but blaze under control

NBT has the govt warning - "Not to leave your home. The fighting is on going." /via @veen_NT

'Now at Chulalongkorn hospital. Heavy gunfire. Helicopters overhead' /via @markmackinnon

The story so far: http://bit.ly/bZkdEB /via @veen_NT

Urgent: Saladaeng and in front of Chula areas are not safe. /via @veen_NT

At Saladaeng: "constant shooting now on both sides..." /via @vaitor

TAN: ASTV: 2 deaths confirmed so far

[Thaivisa News]

TAN: ASTV: 2 deaths confirmed so far

"A red leader has admitted to one of our reporters that red leadership is losing control of angry protesters" /via @tulsathit

RT @tulsathit: Rumours now of red leaders fleeing Rajprasong. (Arisman, Suporn, Jatuporn)

"reds running around in small groups, carrying handguns, also two guys with ak47 and painted warface!" /via @vaitor

Governor of Bangkok on CNN: It may last for a long time before it gets better /via @RichardBarrow

No confirmation if leaders have fled. (Somchai is insiting he is staying though) /via @terryfrd

TAN: INN: 3 confirmed dead; gas tanks planted around Platinum Mall in Pratunam area

AFP: Australian PM warns travelers not to visit Bangkok

AFP: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on Wednesday warned travellers not to visit Bangkok

[webfact]

Thaivisa Member:

This was Bon Kai at 0900, the tyres on fire are at the bottom of the soi on Rama 4 that runs north to sukhumvit along the train tracks.

[webfact]

Jatuporn and Arisman Have Fled after Soldiers Reclaim Ratchaprasong

ASTV and several other media are reporting that key red-shirt core leaders including Jatuporn Promphan, Arisman Pongruengrong and Suporn Attawong have fled the Ratchaprasong protest site after soldiers were able to reclaim the Sarasin intersection.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

2 injured in clash at Samyan Intersection

Protesters set tyres and various objects alight at the Samyan Intersection at 10:30 am Wednesday, prompting troops to fire rubber bullets against them.

Then a sound of explosion was heard, sending troops to take cover.

Gunfire stopped at 10:43 am and a man and a woman were injured.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Reporters Told to Leave Hot Zones

An announcement was made around 20 minutes ago by security officials for members of the media to leave red-hot zones. The announcement was made in 3 languages including Thai, English and Cambodian. Media access to various roads and areas have been prohibited since early this morning when the CRES stepped up its operation against the red-shirt protesters. They have been told to stay clear from high risk areas as the operation intensifies.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Red-shirts Place Gas Tanks in Front of Platinum Fashion Mall

Red-shirt protesters have placed several gas tanks in front of the Platinum Mall. They have threatened to blow up the popular fashion mall.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

'Everyone running in panic away from expresdway towards stage' /via @freakingcat

NO confirmation has been made of red shirt leaders fleeing. Just a rumor at the moment!

'Red told me crowd now all form a group and will try to go to ratchprasong for helping reds there to fight' /via @freakingcat

[webfact]

20 armed men in black captured by soldiers, Arisman believed fleeing

The secutiry forces on Wednesday's morning captured 20 armed men in black fighting at Sarasin Junctuion. The men are being detained at Kian Kwuan building on Wireless Road.

After the forces advanced through the reds barricades at Saladaeng, the next flashpoint is Sarasin Junction where the reds set up a defence line to protect the Rajprasong rally site.

As of 11 am, the Sarasin skirmish is still raging on.

Red-shirt leaders at Rajprasong were seen holding a closed-door meeting in the face of advancing security forces. One of the hardcore leaders, Arisman Pongruangrong, has reportedly been trying to flee the rally site. The security forces have been alerted to arrest him as his escape route might be via Pratunam.

Chief coalition whip Witthaya Buranasiri is reportedly in contacts with the red-shirt leaders. One option is the arrangement for the leaders to surrender in order to avoid the loss of life.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

MCOT: Army successfully retakes Red Shirt barricades compound at Sala Daeng intersection, bodies of 2 dead Red Shirt guards found

BreakingNews: Update: AP photographer sees 3 foreign journalists shot during Bangkok army operation, 1 appears dead

Jatuporn, Vipu Thalaeng, Dr Weng, they're all here, Somchai says. Now 10,000 - 20,000 in front of stage, he claims /via @terryfrd

TAN: INN: Nutthawut Saikua appears on stage, announces that he hasn't fled, will fight at Ratchprasong

All Bangkok Banks in #Bangkok will be closed at 1pm. /via @veen_nt

Map showing how far the army have gone so far in #Bangkok http://bit.ly/aVvc8n /via @RichardBarrow

Ch7: A report said an Intalian journalist was shot dead and a Thai reporter in critical condition. No name provided yet. /via @veen_NT

Witness says there is no gas tanks or oil in front of Pratunam Pathinum Department Store as earlier reported. /via @tukky_nt

TAN: Number 40 bus passes Mahanakorn intersection, taken over by protesters /via @js100radio

TANArisman is the only red leader confirmed by authorities to have fled

NBT reported the troops managed to sezie area around Rama VI statue. Next is to penetrate Rajprasong.

[webfact]

Bon Kai on Fire

Fires ablaze in Bonkai; at least 10 shops on fire; looting of other shops; banks being stormed.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

At least two killed at Saladaeng clash

Security forces found two bodies of red-shirt guards on the Rajdamri Road beside the Chulalongkorn Hospital.

The two were found with bullet wounds on the head.

One of them wore black shirt while the other did not wear a shirt.

The bodies were found after troops moved in to secure the area.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

SET suspends afternoon trading

By The Nation

The Stock Exchange of Thailand will suspend the afternoon trading of all exchanges today, on escalated political violence which forced Bangkok Bank to close all branches in Bangkok.

The SET index opened 5.08 points lower today, to 755.03 points on turnover of Bt1.34 billion.

Bangkok Bank today also announced that its branches in Bangkok will service clients until 1pm, for the safety of staff and clients. For more information, contact Bualuang Phone 1333.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Some gas stations closed

By The Nation

A number of 10 NGV stations and 21 LPG stations have temporarily closed but they are under the police's care for safety reason, according to Energy Minister Wannarat Charnnukul.

In a TV interview this morning, Wannarat said all oil shipments are suspended. If necessary, trucks will leave oil deposits but under officers' guard.

He noted that this could result in some difficulties to consumers, but it is for the safety reason.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Protesters Wanting to Return to Hometown Urged to Travel to National Stadium

The CRES has announced that the operation to secure the perimeters around Bangkok has been successful and it's asking the protesters who wish to return home to travel to the Supachalasai National Stadium where free transports will be provided for them.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

CRES: Security Officials Successfully Reclaim Lumpini Area

In an official national TV address, the Center for the Resolution for Emergency Situation announced that security officials have successfully reclaimed the Lumpini area. The CRES will continue to intensify its blockade of protesters to pressure them to disperse.

It's also asking for the public to inform the CRES on any information it has on the movement/escape of key red-shirt leaders who have reportedly fled the Ratchaprasong protest site. The CRES tip line is 02-551-1515.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Panithan: Red-shirt leaders have fled

Acting government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn announced on TV that some red-shirt leaders have fled out of Rajprasong rally site.

He did not name names.

He said the security forces have successfully in securing area around Lumpini Park.

Panithan said troops were advancing further towards Rajprarsong and he urged demonstrators to walk to the Pathumwan Intersection so that they could be sent home by the authorities.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]