Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Wednesday

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ThaivisaNews: One Italian journalist and two "Red Shirt" demonstrators were killed Wednesday during battles in the anti-government protest camp in Bangkok, AFP and hospital sources said.

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UPDATE

Bangkok Warfare : Day 6

11.50am - Panithan says Arisamun Pongruengrong has escaped from the rally site. He asks the public to report to officers if they see him. Hot line : 02- 551-1515

11.50am - Panithan says Arisamun Pongruengrong has escaped from the rally site. He asks the public to report to officers if they see him. Hot line : 02- 551-1515

11.45am - Troops can take back Lumpini park, deputy government spokesman Panithan says in a TV-pool programme. He urges reds protesters to leave the Rajprasong rally site. Vehicles are prepared for them at Supachalasai National Stadium.

He says the government reaffirms commitment to provide security and safety for the public. The ongoing operation is designed to provide the maximum safety for the public.

able to control lumpini. confirm to provide safety security for residents in angkok. inform the leader of reds have escaped from area. if you have seen some of leaders, please contact our officers.

we have hotline 02-551-1515

11.35am - Reds shirts guards urge protesters taking shelters in Pathumwanaram Temple to leave the temple and re-join the rally at Rajprasong rally site.

A TV9 reporter quoted the guards as telling the protesters that situation at the rally site return to normal. Some agree to leave while some others refuse to do so.

10.58am - Arisamun Pongruengrong, a red shirt leader, reportedly escapes from Rajprasong rally site. Police tell the public to help hunt for him or alert police if he is seen.

10.30am - Troops detain about 20 red shirts protesters during their attempt to re-control at Saladaeng area.

10.25am - Convicted ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra calls for the government to re-open a talk with red shirts leaders. He says he has never been involving with the protests.

10.15am - Troops can re-control Rama IV, Sarasin, Wireless and some parts of Lumpini Park.

9.30am - Center for the Resolution for Emergency Situation announces in a special television programme that troops and security officials are moving into many areas controlled by red shirts in order to stabilise the security and situation.

The operations will continue throughout the day.

Government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn suggests that people avoid going into the areas where troops are pushing forward. He also asks the public to alert police in case of fires and attacks. He asks the public to stay calm and be confident in the operations.

8.56am - Motorists on Rattanathibet road blow horn and yell at red shirts protesters who use tyres to block the road. The blocking cause heavy traffic congestion.

8.49am - Smoke is still coming into the hospital's buildings. A doctor of the hospital tell Nation Channel that there is no plan to evacuate the patients.

There are about 200 patients in the hospital. The hospital suspends out-patient service since Monday.

7.50am : Exchange of gunfires starts as troops try to move armoured personnel carriers closer to bamboo barricades of red shirts protesters at Saladaeng intersection.

The troops face difficulty moving the vehicles as reds fired at them. Snipers deployed at skywalks and Sala Daeng BTS stations fire to protect the troops who attempt to handle with grenades found along the barricades.

Reporters at Rajprasong rally site are told to move to Police Department Headquarter.

7.45am - Chulalongkorn Hospital authorities prepare to evacuate patients staying in building close to Henry Dunant Road after red shirts set fire on typres, sending thick smoke into the sky and moving closing to the hospital's building.

7.39am - A group of "men in black" try to break into Klong Toey MRT subway by smashing door and window glass. They reportedly pour petrol in their attempt to set fire.

7.31am - At Sala Daeng intersection, troops are told to fire at protesters only if they fire at the troops. The protesters are seen retreating to Rajprasong area.

7.30am - Firefighters could control fire at buildings of Office of Narcotic Control Board at Samliam Din Daeng.

7.10am - Tear gas is fired at protesters at Sala Daeng Intersection.

7am - As troops move to break the barricades at Sala Daeng Intersection, red shirts leader Nuttawut Saikua tell protesters at Rajprasong rally site to stay calm and prepare for dispersing. The protesters are given cloth to protect them from tear gas.

Red shirt leader Dr weng Tohjirakarn is seen wearing bullet proof vest at the back of the stage.

6am to 7am - red shirts use tyres to set up barricade and block Rattanathibet road in Nonthaburi province. The block worsen the traffic congestion. Police fail to convince them to cancel the blocking.

5.52am - Troops are reinforced around Rajprasong area. red shirts leaders tell their crowds to be prepared for dispersal.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

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Big banks suspend afternoon service

By The Nation

Four largest banks decide to close all branches in Bangkok today, from 1pm, on escalated political violence.

The four banks are Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai Bank, Kasikornbank and Siam Commercial Bank. Branches in Bangkok and peripheral areas will be closed from 1pm. However, Internet banking, mobile phone banking and ATM services are available.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand will also suspend the afternoon trading of all exchanges today. The SET index opened 5.08 points lower today, to 755.03 points on turnover of Bt1.34 billion.

Kasikorn Asset Management also announced that the transactions of all mutual funds under its management will be suspended from 12.30am, following the market's close.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

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Khon Kaen: Reds Raid City Hall

As security officials tightened its blockade of red-shirt protesters in Bangkok, pockets of red-shirts in the provinces have begun to stir up chaos in their respective provinces. In Khon Kaen, a group of red-shirt protesters have managed to rain the province's City Hall. They are currently not yet able to proceed to the second floor of the building. There are riot control officials present at the scene (11.55 A.M.) but no action has been taken to neutralize the situation yet.

The protesters are demanding the government cease its operation and violence against the protesters in Bangkok.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

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THE NATION: CRES hotline 02-551-1515 to call for help,or to notify authorities of UDD core leaders who have fled Rajprasong rally site

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TAN: Arisman is the only red leader confirmed by authorities to have fled

Petchaburi RD from Rajthewi intersection to Pratunam has been closed /v @tukky_nt

TAN: Ch 9: Military personnel approach Ratchprasong stage moments ago

Both Jatuporn and Nuttawut remain at rajprasong stage. /via @tulsathit

Some gas tanks and tyres stack in front of Pratunam Platinum :http://tweetphoto.com/23025130 /via @Bancha_nna @tukky_nt

Gunfire was from thanon mit matri. #redshirt have lit a bunch of tires. http://tweetphoto.com/23025980 /via @nattiekhe

MCOT: Rapid units of 700 armed police deployed across #Bangkok to prevent possible violent attacks

Troops are getting into Sarasin intersection but clashes still going on, reported by Nation photographer (noon) /via @tukky_nt

'Protesters at dindaeng plan to storm saladaeng now' /via @vaitor

MCOT: 4 people, including Italian journalist, killed, at least 50 wounded during clashes between Red Shirts & troops

[Thaivisa News]

Thai Farmers Bank will close all branches in Bangkok /via @RichardBarrow @js100radio

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

AFP: At least five dead in army crackdown on Thai protests

AFP: "At least 5 people, inc Italian journalist killed Wednesday during an army crackdown on a protesters site in #Bangkok" a hospital said.

TAN: Confirmed rumors that Arisman has been arrested; awaiting confirmation!

Tension at #redshirt Klongtoey stage as soilders are advancing into the protest area. /via @veen_NT

Police: 'Arisman is escaping in a white Toyota Yaris car' /via @tukky_NT

'Just bern told that reds at Khling toei stage are mobilizing and are moving towards lumphini . 6 min ago!' /via @freakingcat

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MCOT: Correction: CRES: Troops successfully retake Lumpini Park, Red Shirt leaders escape- Arisman, Weng, Suporn but Natthawut, Jatuporn still at protest stage

[Thaivisa News]

AFP: "An Italian man was shot and died before arriving at the hospital," said Police Hospital director Jongjet Aoajenpong.

ThaiPBS: More than 40 people unjired since this mornings situation.

Ch9: Jatuporn will surrender at 1pm /via @tukky_NT

Ch9: Jatuporn is the first to surrender. He will surrender at National Police HQ /via @tukky_NT

TAN: Senator Lertrat told Ch 9 that red leaders want to surrender

[Thaivisa News]

TAN: INN: Jatuporn to surrender at National Police Bureau in 30 mins; a trusted individual will bring him in

'The no. of protesters at Rajprasong are somewhere in the region of 1,000-2,000 according to reports' /via @wizardofwindsor

'yes I can confirm this. And there was a loud bang, like an explosion under asok station' /via @swissinbangkok

'Loudspeaker annoyncements heard now by reds at khlong toei near expressway, helicopters, many gunshots now!!!!' /via @freakingcat

'I can confirm motorbikes assembled on asoke and lit 2 fireworks before heading to klong toey' /via @snapplecap84

'Heavy fire at Sarasin.' /via @kennethtoddruiz

'Heard loud Bang at Asoke station as well, Cant tell where it was coming from though. Someone told me Red Motorcycle near nana8' /v @Kerm99

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HOT: Red-leader Jatuporn Promphan to Turn Himself in

Reports indicate that key leader of the red-shirt movement Jatuporn Promphan is expected to turn himself in at the National Police Office.

Key Pheu Thai MPs will act as witnesses to ensure the safety of the red-shirt leader.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

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Red Shirt Leaders Flee Ratchprasong Stage

Reports from various Thai media confirm that none of the red shirt leaders can be seen backstage at the Ratchprasong intersection. Among the leaders believed to have fled the scene are Arisman Phongruerngrong, Weng Thojirakan, Charan Dista-apichai, and Suporn Attawong. Arisman was reportedly seen getting into a white Toyota Yaris and fleeing via the Pratunam area. The other two main leaders have not been seen. Reports that the leaders fled followed developments at the Sarasin intersection as military personnel were able to reclaim the area.

After exchanging fire with protesters at the Sarasin barricade, soldiers were able to clear and reclaim the intersection, which leads directly into the Ratchprasong stage. It is believed that leaders had decided at that time to flee.

Reports indicate that some protesters have approached authorities indicating that they would like to go home.

One red shirt leader, Nutthawut Saikua, has since appeared on stage at around 11 A.M. confirming that he will fight at Ratchprasong to the end. Reports indicate that Jatuporn Phrompan and Kwanchai Praipana are still backstage.

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations has confirmed that some red shirt leaders have indeed fled. Authorities are asking the public to inform officials if the leaders are seen anywhere. The CRES hotline is 02-551-1515.

CRES also made it clear that any protesters with the intent of going home can do so by walking to the Pratumwan intersection, on to the National Stadium where transportation has been prepared.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

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'Heard loud Bang at Asoke station as well, Cant tell where it was coming from though. Someone told me Red Motorcycle near nana8' /v @Kerm99

'Just walked by the Landmark 15 min ago. Lots of yelling Army guys wrestling three guys off scooters to the ground' /via @jp6370

CH3: reports the red shirts have taken over Century Park Hotel already. /via @keki44

'confirmed over 100 motorcycles and cars passing asoke from ratchada and heading to sukhumvit direction.' /via @pimlegallytan

'Looking down from Balcony, I say avoid Sukhumvit/Asoke corner, Cops in the middle of the street' /via @kerm99

'Reds in dindaeng are really aggressive, destroyed camera of a french journalist near front lines of dindaeng.' /via @vaitor

'Now huge loud bang heard at khlong toei! Dont get out on the streets!!! Helicopters still hovering above' /via @Freakingcat

Confirmed: Fire on asok (lane from klong toey) http://twitpic.com/1p2dne /via @swissinbangkok

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'Black smoke at asok fire....police inactive http://twitpic.com/1p2e3s' /via @swissinbangkok

TAN: 7 red leaders to surrender: Jatuporn, Nutthawut, Weng, Jeng Dokjik, Korkeaw,Wiputalang, Nisit

'live from asok' http://twitpic.com/1p2edo /via @lindavanderwijk

TAN: INN: Protesters torch both buildings of Udon Thani city hall; shots heard

'Smoke at sheraton sukhumvit: http://twitpic.com/1p2ezl '/via @swissinbangkok

'Army slowly pushing up Petchburi towards Pratunam, securing the bank at the end or Wireless' /via @beejoir

Fires at Asok/suk BTS: http://twitpic.com/1p2g2i http://twitpic.com/1p2fzr /via @MGegs

AFP: Thai troops to shoot on sight people inciting unrest

AFP: Elite Thai troops deployed in #Bangkok have been authorised to shoot on sight people looting, committing arson or inciting unrest

MCOT: Thai stock index rose 5.43 points or 0.71% to close at 765.54, value Bt14,315 mln

'Smoke near sheraton' http://twitpic.com/1p2h3k /via @newley

TAN: BMTA stops bus service to all routes via @js100radio

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UPDATE

HOT: Red-leaders Inc. Jatuporn Promphan to Turn Themselves in

Reports indicate that key leader of the red-shirt movement Jatuporn Promphan is expected to turn himself in at the National Police Office. Key Pheu Thai MPs will act as witnesses to ensure the safety of the red-shirt leader.

Other key leaders also expected to turn themselves in incl. Nuttawut Saigua, Weng Tojirakarn and Pramuan Chuglor who's also known as Jeng Dokjik.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

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'Smoke near sheraton' http://twitpic.com/1p2h3k /via @newley

TAN: BMTA stops bus service to all routes via @js100radio

AFP: "Metropolitan Police deployed about 1,000 rapid movement troops and if they find looting, arson or anybody inciting unrest.. (1/2)

AFP: ...,police are authorized to shoot immediately," said police spokesman Major General Piya Uthayo. (2/2)

'saladaeng quiet for a while now' /via @vaitor

MCOT: Political violence will affect economic growth in Q2, says BoT http://bit.ly/b1JWa8

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'Smoke near sheraton' http://twitpic.com/1p2h3k /via @newley

TAN: BMTA stops bus service to all routes via @js100radio

AFP: "Metropolitan Police deployed about 1,000 rapid movement troops and if they find looting, arson or anybody inciting unrest.. (1/2)

AFP: ...,police are authorized to shoot immediately," said police spokesman Major General Piya Uthayo. (2/2)

'saladaeng quiet for a while now' /via @vaitor

MCOT: Political violence will affect economic growth in Q2, says BoT http://bit.ly/b1JWa8

'M16 fire Down Pleonchit now, towards Pratunam, and more BIG Explosions at Chidlom.' /via @beejoir

MCOT: Tourism industry likely to go bankrupt if rally continues, says executive http://bit.ly/cSoEFO

Jatuporn: We have struggled so long together, but we don't know how many more will die. /via @terryfrd

Jut:Our struggle is not finished, bt we cannot allow you here to give your lives for us today. (Crowd is protesting). Let's end the killing.

This is not really a surrender and I know you are against this, Jatuporn says, but I'm going to the police station.

Jut:For us, leaders, death is not an issue, but we don't want you to die. I know you are hurting. We are hurting too. (Crowd is crying)

Nutthawut: today is another day that we have to make a difficult decision; we tried our best for Thailand to belong truly to the people /TAN

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Thaivisa Member:

The italian reporter dead during the clashes is Fabio Polenghi, 48 years old

link:

http://www.corriere.it/

[Thaivisa News]

We will have to wait for another chance. I declare we are ending the rally at this site, but not our struggle. Nattawud announces.

Nattawud: I know you can't accept, but we have assessed the situation thoroughly. (Police entering area in force with shields)

Nattawud: our fight will proceed according to democracy;I know you don't want to hear this but we cannot hold off the situation

TNN: Leaders are on stage, crowd is shouting and booing as they speak. Police are building up outside ready to move in.

TNN: As they surrender, many of the red crowd are screaming at them, crying and shreeking as they speak to all the redshirts at Ratchprasong

Nutthawut: please leave gathering and head to Natl Stadium;our guards will ensure your safe passage home

TNN: A bomb sound goes off and the news channel cuts back to the station

Red stage is empty. No leaders were injured but we can hear many explosions. TNN says there have been 8 M79 explosions in area. /v @terryfrd

TNN: Red leaders on the way to the Police station. The press are crowding around them!

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HOT: Red-shirt Leaders to Stop Deaths/Injuries to Regroup in Future

The key red-shirt leaders have taken the red-shirt stage and called for an end to the red-shirt rally to put an end to the deaths and injuries.

But reiterated that the 'fight' of the red-shirt movement will not stop, adding that the 'fight' will be carried on via democratic means.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

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TNN: Red leaders on the way to the Police station. The press are crowding around them!

TNN: Leaders inside the Police HQ's, trying to get through all the media. Bowing at shrine before going further.

TAN: Jatuporn seen paying respect to image of HM the King before walking inside to meet police interrogators

TNN: Natthawut at the Police HQ.

'More explosions from the Chidlom area. A local security guard assures they RPG7s. Helicopter flying in direction now' /v @cameratabkk

Nattawud making an announcement on the PA system that they are turning themselves in. Don't worry about us. It will be done by the law

Under SOE, the charges against us arean't all that serious, he says, so go home, nattawud tells upset supporters. Go Nat'l stad /v @terryfrd

Natthawut: Officials will take u home safely. pls don't be concerned. We still have to fight for the democracy together /via @tukky_NT

'just heard another explosion near asoke...' /via @lindavanderwijk

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'More tyres coming to asoke' /via @GlobalMouthful

'Someone asked Natthawut if other rally sites will be ended, he didn't reply.' /via @tukky_nt

'Rajprasong rally ends' http://bit.ly/bR6YXl /via @nationnews

'Don't make the mistake in thinking this is all over. There is still a real threat of violence breaking out.' /via @Richardbarrow

More APCs now for wounded. 1 soldier's arm blown off. 1 journalist hit with shrapnel in neck didn't look good for him. /via @kennethtoddruiz

'Just turned off silent PTV connection. Been a long 2-3 months. Quite a ride we've had and it's not over.' /via @terryfrd

Black cloud nr Lad Prao Big C getting REALLY thick - anyone out there 2 confirm what's going on? http://tweetphoto.com/23033698

'Black cloud nearr Lad Prao Big C with thick black smoke' http://tweetphoto.com/23033698 /via @legalnomads

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Red-shirt leaders surrender to police

About 1.40 pm, red-shirt leaders arrived at the Royal Thai Police on Rama I Road, located next to the Rajprasong rally site, to surrender.

Those seen arriving are Jatuporn Promphan, Kwanchai Praipana, Natthawut Saikua, Wiphuthaleng Phattanaphuthai, Nisit Sinthuprai.

Deputy national police General Adul Saengsingkaew was seen escorted the red-shirt leaders into the police headquarters

Adul sand the red-shirt leaders would be booked and detained in an undisclosed holding centre in order to take their statements on charges related to the violations of the emergency rule.

-- The Nation 2010-05-19

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related topic

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Red-Shirt-Le...al-t366886.html

[Thaivisa News]

TNN: Din Daeng Intersect, every1 is angry and going crazy. Starting to fight.

CRES: Live on TV

Some reports of protestors at central world gettin in. Currently burning things on the 1st floor. (To be Confirmed)

CRES: Col Sansern: center had to reclaim Lumpini Park as it was a known terrorist hideout

CRES: Action was met with several acts of terrorism, casuing a lot of damage. /via @tulsathit

CRES: We are faciliating transportation of protesters who want to go home.

'LIVE Pic, Soi Chidlom/Pleonchit Fire' http://yfrog.com/jossssvqj /via @beejoir

'I hear Central World and Paragon are burning.' /v @kennethtoddruiz

[Thaivisa News]

Massive fire now at Chidlom BTS. Something else burning besides tires. http://twitpic.com/1p2pyq /via @markmackinnon

live from asoke 14:00: http://twitpic.com/1p2pqe /via @lindavanderwijk

AFP: Thai army says in control, operation halted

Rioting reported in Din Daeng now. /via @tulsathit

After reports of arson, many pictures are showing huge smoke trails from the ratchaprasong area. TBC about CTW!

TAN: Fire reported at Central World while tires being burnt in front of Central Childlom

Pics from Asok: http://tweetphoto.com/23034222 http://tweetphoto.com/23034111 http://tweetphoto.com/23034704 /via @symons

'constant gunfire now btw chitlom and pet32' /via @jn0nymous

Wife & daughter out in the thick of it on expressway http://tweetphoto.com/23033864 /via @qandrew

Channel 1: BMTA has suspended all buses:

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Pockets of Violence Continue Despite Key Leaders Turning Themselves in

Pockets of violence continued to be seen through out Bangkok's red zones even after the key red-shirt protesters have turned themselves in and called for the end of the red-shirt rally.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-19

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[Thaivisa News]

'Live video of Chidlom, Pleonchit 2:15pm' http://bit.ly/czbdOT /via @beejoir

'Ubon: Photos and report now updated on violence in Ubon' http://bit.ly/9GqGVN /via @UbonFarang

[Thaivisa News]

Picture of Central World smoke from Hi-Rise: http://tweetphoto.com/23035328

'Sansern announced on TV around 30 mins ago that troops stop their operation but it looks like they can't. City in chaos now.' /via @veen_NT

AFP: Curfew to be imposed in Bangkok Wednesday

AFP: A curfew is to be imposed across Bangkok on Wednesday night, defence minister General Prawit Wongsuwon said.

TAN: INN: Dindaeng red-shirt protesters announce independence from main gathering and said it will hunt down members of the press

TAN: INN: Dindaeng sees torching of police kiosk and power generator

Talked to CentralWorld PR, she confirmed protesters broke glass on the 1st fl (Zen) and fire occured near the spot on 1st floor. /v @veen_NT

TAN: Metropolitan Electricity office in Klongtoey torched, explosion heard; Govt Savings Bank in Dindaeng torched

MCOT: 20 Telephone booths in Din Daeng area set afire; all city bus services suspended

SKY: Thai army declares end to operation against protesters, says troops are in control of capital http://bit.ly/902hB1

MCOT: 300 Red Shirt protesters begin to go home on transport provided by authorities at Supachalasai Stadium

[Thaivisa News]

'Firetruck just beside at soi baan plai nuan cannot get out! Reds destroy everything!!!' /via @freakingcat

Second empty bus being parked at asoke intersection http://twitpic.com/1p2r6s /via @lindavanderwijk

'Electricity building in Chidlom on fire, might not have to pay my bill this month!' /via @beejoir

'Firetrucks arrive but fire out of control!!! My god!!! Mrt getting burned too' /via @freakingcat

'Transformator blew up!!! Insane fire at whole electricity building now....fire at kt stage' /via @freakingcat

CNN: 'Thai Red Shirt leaders call off protests' http://bit.ly/bXuB2T

[Thaivisa News]

Government Saving Bank (ธนาคารออมสิน) on Mitr-maitree Road is on fire. /via @veen_NT

Ubon: http://bit.ly/97nGkn /via @dbergma

'Central World is looking VERY SERIOUS now!' /via @beejoir

MCOT: Government Savings Bank in Din Daeng area set on fire; protsters at Victory Monument dont accept RedShirt leaders decision 2 surrender

I am at Imperial Samrong now and there are red shirts starting to gather here. Quiet and subdued at moment. /via @richardbarrow

MCOT: 5 red-shirt leaders brought to undisclosed location; Jatuporn uses MP status to provide immunity from charges

30 meter flames! Fire getting worst. Huge explosions!!! /via @freakingcat

TV footage shows fire at Udon Provincial Hall. Hundreds of reds runing amok. /via @tulsathit