Troops, Armoured Vehicles Converge On Bangkok Protest Site

[KMUTT]

A gaggle of despicable fake monks:

[SomTumTiger]

Stay Safe Everyone! Get food before 8 and if you see someone in red, run the other way. Thaksin's terrorist horde is not gonna go down easy. But put down they must be.

[SomTumTiger]

Stay Safe Everyone! Get food before 8 and if you see someone in red, run the other way. Thaksin's terrorist horde is not gonna go down easy. But put down they must be.

[BNZ]

I am guessing you're upcountry???????? 'cause you dont have a CLUE whats going on! the city is under siege.

Close to Rajprasong actually. Its all quiet here now, I was just going out to get some noodles in fact.

I'm going out to get some beer.  

[losworld]

UDD riots continue to break out in Bangkok

BANGKOK, 19 May 2010 (NNT) – Rioters of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) have started destroying public properties around the shopping district of Ratchaprasong and many parts of Bangkok as they are dissatisfied by the decision of their core leaders to end the rally.

About 100 UDD rioters lit up bang fai rockets and firecrackers as they hurled Molotov cocktails into Central World Shopping Complex. The first floor of the department store was set on fire, but security guards were able to control the fire at 14.30 hrs.

Other shopping malls and cinemas around Ratchaprasong have been set on fire and damaged heavily, including Apex Cinema and Siam Square area. Explosion-like sounds could be heard around the area.

Central Department Store has announced it will close all its branches in Bangkok and some other provinces for safety.

Car tyres are still burned in many areas, covering the capital city with thick smoke as chaos continues.

Throngs of UDD rioters broke into Maleenon Tower of Channel 3 television station on Rama IV Road.

The sixth floor of the tower was reported to be on fire while some properties around there have been damaged. Others are heading to Bangkok Post English Newspaper Head Office in Khlong Toei.

UDD supporters in many provinces of the country have broken into provincial city halls and clashes have broken out with local troops and police officers.

UDD core leaders recently announced to end the rally of the group as they have surrendered themselves to police.

UDD protestors were not satisfied with the decision of their leaders and decided to make independent movements by themselves.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255305190042

Or UDD protesters were instructed to carry out this hooliganism but to make the leaders not implicate themselves they of course said the opposite. Probably spent the last two weeks talking about burning Bangkok.

[gemini81]

BBC showing APCs and water cannon in action.

Looks like this is the end.

Sorry for the poor dupes who thought they were protesting for democracy (which they already have).

We now know this was all about power and money.

Hats off to Abhisit!

This sort of post just shows how ignorant many expats are about the political situation in Thailand. Thais DO NOT live in a democracy. They live in a military controlled environment. The top military generals allow elections and prime ministers to be elected.... as long as the leadership meets their approval. Case in point I believe the military threw out the PM on average every 4-5 years for as long as I can remember.

In the current situation...... the RED shirts are fighting for elections to be held. Thaksin was elected by popular vote and was the democratically elected PM for Thailand. He was removed from power while he was on a trip out of the country by the military. The opposing party said he was corrupt. ( Like corruption in not a part of every ruling party here in Thailand & most other countries. ) They held elections and the RED shirt party won and the military & opposing party found a way to kick him out & install their own puppet ( Abhisit ). RED shirts want a country where the people choose their leader and that is what they are fighting for.

I don't think it will change, but I hate to see so many people lose their lives when they are only pawns in the big fight between one corrupt party & the other ..... which is truly about money & power and who gets it.

JUST MY OPINION.....Thailand is a wonderful country with very nice people and they deserve better leadership of their own choosing.

BS! We are living under thugs shooting and burning and bombing runnin the city! My first witness account!

I know what you mean, no its not democracy. neither are reds. they have old government ideas, outdated ones that clearly dont work too well.

They're not innocent and not pawns not after what I've seen today. I can tell a lot of posters on here are not living in the capital, or they'd be singin a different tune.

[rishi]

Looks like this is very very far from over.

Central world, Paragon, MRT, other important buildings are on fire.

Central Worl, Paragon, Emporium, etc. aren't important buildings except for the owners and those whose lifves are cornered around beeing seen shopping or eating a 100+ bath icecream cone such places. MRT stations are important buildings - particularly to those that never had money for even a motorbike. While blowing up luxury malls, 5000+ hotels and banks at least makes some sense in what some claims to be a class strugle - surely, blowing up the MRT station in the the poorest part of central Bangkok is just plain stupidity - since it is bound to turn away a lot of poor suckers - which thereby can foresee a lot of extra distress in their future struggle for making a living - hat would otherwise have remained at least a bit supportive.

[LuckyLew]

Can someone tell me what is burning down around the

ex-protest site at central world?

I can see a large white plume of smoke rising from that area,

but am too far too see exactly what it is

Just curious what it is

Thanks

[losworld]

The reds camping out at Klong Toei remain sceptical that their leaders really turned themselves to police. They vowed to continue protesting.

My guess, long term damage from yaba addiction. These are the hard core, they must be arrested.

Yeah I wonder how much yaba was smuggled inside the food supplies entering the zone.

[deepskyfreak]

The captains of the red pirate armada have left their boats - now the crews are looting alone.

Someone please go and sink their ships...

No, honestly, the signs for this tragedy have been around for years. In Sep 2009 I published an article (in German) in which I basically warned of anarchy and loss of control. The situation has deteriorated not just due to the protest leaders action. Thailand's social security system is very weak, rising unemployment and desparation have fuelled the conflict as much as Thaksin's money.

Blame also the judiciary for being biased (since its very existance in Thailand's democratic system).

Every year the revered monarch has told the newly appointed judges to fulfill their duties with integrity and honesty following the LAW. Well, make yourself a picture what happened...

Thaksin should have been removed by the legislative, not the army. That was the biggest mistake ever.

Anupong and his comrades know that and will not remove Abhisit but, there will be elections very soon for sure. The legal process must stabilize, corruption must be contained to a minimum level so that trust can be established again among ALL Thais.

I hold the corrupt judiciary responsible for the deterioration of Thailand's situation over the last years. That's why Europe or the US function well - there law is executed accordingly (of course, there are flaws within an acceptable range). Thailand has none of that. You have money, you can evade the law.

Thaksin's sentence was actually a positive step forward but, the failed action against the yellow protest leaders for their silly airport-sit-in just crushed the flower of hope for an integer legislative.

There I see one big reason for the abyss we see now in Thailand. Right now the only way out is executive power.

I always laugh when some posters in this forum critizise Thailand's ruling elite. As if there was no elite in any other country. The redshirt leaders are just as elite as their opposition.

Thailand will not be better off without an elite, that is irrational. Thailand will be better off with police and judges acting according to the law.

I hope those institutions wake up. If not, the destruction will drag on until one side will be strong enough to establish a dictatorship like Cambodia, Iran or Burma. And there will still be an elite folks.

Great post, spot on !!

Khob Khun Maak...

A link to some critical Thai-tourism related brainfodder for the German-speaking community in this forum. Sorry to all the English-speakers. I have not had time yet to translate my stuff... I hope to do so soooooooooon

Visit My Website

[whybother]

This sort of post just shows how ignorant many expats are about the political situation in Thailand. Thais DO NOT live in a democracy. They live in a military controlled environment. The top military generals allow elections and prime ministers to be elected.... as long as the leadership meets their approval. Case in point I believe the military threw out the PM on average every 4-5 years for as long as I can remember.

In the current situation...... the RED shirts are fighting for elections to be held. Thaksin was elected by popular vote and was the democratically elected PM for Thailand. He was removed from power while he was on a trip out of the country by the military. The opposing party said he was corrupt. ( Like corruption in not a part of every ruling party here in Thailand & most other countries. ) They held elections and the RED shirt party won and the military & opposing party found a way to kick him out & install their own puppet ( Abhisit ). RED shirts want a country where the people choose their leader and that is what they are fighting for.

I don't think it will change, but I hate to see so many people lose their lives when they are only pawns in the big fight between one corrupt party & the other ..... which is truly about money & power and who gets it.

JUST MY OPINION.....Thailand is a wonderful country with very nice people and they deserve better leadership of their own choosing.

You should read up a bit more. You missed the bit about Thaksin dissolving parliament and calling elections in 2006, only a year after winning the 2005 elections.

After the election failed to get a result, he resigned. Then (as most red leaders seem to do) he changed his mind. He was care-taker PM and was supposed to organise elections within 6 months of the failed election. He went beyond that, and was trying to change the laws so that he could stay in power without new elections. That is when the army stepped in.

[Rucharee]

Hey TV reds - your "Freedom fighters" just bombed a Lotus. Why don't you guys go help them in their mission to liberate Bangkok? We are all so oppressed from the evil government. In fact, the government just blew up a Lotus...oh wait, no they didn't.

There are no TV red left. All have swap to Yellow shirt already.

Don't throw it (the shirts) out yet, just in case the situation change (unlikely).

[KMUTT]

5 UDD core leaders taken to Naresuan camp for detainment

BANGKOK, 19 May 2010 (NNT) - Five anti-government leaders have been taken to the Naresuan military camp in the province of Phetchaburi for detainment after turning themselves in this afternoon.

The five core leaders of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), who surrendered themselves to police today, are Puea Thai Party MP Jatuporn Prompan, Yosawarit Chuklom, Wiphuthalaeng Phatthanaphumthai, Nattawut Saikua, and Korkaew Pikulthong.

They are suspects with arrest warrants under the Emergency Decree and have been taken to the Naresuan military camp in Phetchaburi for detention.

As for Jatuporn, who is protected by his MP title, the authorities are required to submit a letter to House Speaker Chai Chidchob for deliberation before legal measures can be taken.

The five UDD core figures turned themselves in at the Royal Thai Police headquarters after they had announced the termination of the main demonstration at Ratchaprasong Intersection.

The UDD protesters, however, were dissatisfied with the decision and started vandalizing public and private property on several streets in Bangkok.

[Steely Dan]

The redshirts have conclusively proved one thing, they never wanted democracy and don't even understand what it is. All they do understand is the hate propaganda spewed from their leaders for months on end. They feel a deep sense of injustice as their paternal despot was removed. To some degree this is understandable with all the goings on since 2006, however this does not excuse anarchy.

These are the human dregs, the scum of the earth who usually get locked up, however sadly Thailand has no system of governance and has always had the potential for anarchy just below the surface. The authorities need to get hold of this very quickly and if it means shooting to kill then that has to be done, otherwise Thailand is going down the same path as either Cambodia or Somalia.

Very Sad indeed.

[Mekhong]

Bomb gone off at On Nut Tesco Lotus!

Telephone booths glass shattered along sukhumvit around On Nut.

Gunshots just been fired, people running away from Tesco Lotus.

Tesco on nut has shut it's doors. Avoid sukhumvit 79. Ambulances arriving.

Helicopters over tesco on nut as we speak!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From TV news

Can anyone confirm?

[whybother]

Looks like this is very very far from over.

Central world, Paragon, MRT, other important buildings are on fire.

Central Worl, Paragon, Emporium, etc. aren't important buildings except for the owners and those whose lifves are cornered around beeing seen shopping or eating a 100+ bath icecream cone such places. MRT stations are important buildings - particularly to those that never had money for even a motorbike. While blowing up luxury malls, 5000+ hotels and banks at least makes some sense in what some claims to be a class strugle - surely, blowing up the MRT station in the the poorest part of central Bangkok is just plain stupidity - since it is bound to turn away a lot of poor suckers - which thereby can foresee a lot of extra distress in their future struggle for making a living - hat would otherwise have remained at least a bit supportive.

Burning all those places where rich people shop may stop the rich people from shopping, but it's going to stop the poorer people from working. It will also stop the tourists from coming to Thailand, who also spend a lot of money with the poorer people.

These thugs burning Bangkok and other areas will NOT be supported by most of the poorer Thais.

[LuckyLew]

The redshirts have conclusively proved one thing, they never wanted democracy and don't even understand what it is. All they do understand is the hate propaganda spewed from their leaders for months on end. They feel a deep sense of injustice as their paternal despot was removed. To some degree this is understandable with all the goings on since 2006, however this does not excuse anarchy.

These are the human dregs, the scum of the earth who usually get locked up, however sadly Thailand has no system of governance and has always had the potential for anarchy just below the surface. The authorities need to get hold of this very quickly and if it means shooting to kill then that has to be done, otherwise Thailand is going down the same path as either Cambodia or Somalia.

Very Sad indeed.

IMO some of your words are rather strong and above the needed call

The people running shot gun all over Bangkok are a product of their

up bringing and the past leaders of this country.

Their ways are wrong, but they were not taught the right way

If all you see is poverty and alcohol and drug abuse, odds are

good you will partake in this activity.

[jcbangkok]

Looks like this is very very far from over.

Central world, Paragon, MRT, other important buildings are on fire.

Central Worl, Paragon, Emporium, etc. aren't important buildings except for the owners and those whose lifves are cornered around beeing seen shopping or eating a 100+ bath icecream cone such places. MRT stations are important buildings - particularly to those that never had money for even a motorbike. While blowing up luxury malls, 5000+ hotels and banks at least makes some sense in what some claims to be a class strugle - surely, blowing up the MRT station in the the poorest part of central Bangkok is just plain stupidity - since it is bound to turn away a lot of poor suckers - which thereby can foresee a lot of extra distress in their future struggle for making a living - hat would otherwise have remained at least a bit supportive.

This is just completely idiotic thinking and exactly a red view of not caring about anyone but themselves and just as ignorantly ignores the economic impact that actions like these cause .. including direct and trickle down effect on all Thais.

Edited May 19, 2010 by jcbangkok

[SeanMoran]

There are no TV red left. All have swap to Yellow shirt already.

Don't throw it (the shirts) out yet, just in case the situation change (unlikely).

Comes down to some sort of 'pearls among swine' scenario at a time like this; past the stage of chatting about it, but please feel free to if you must. I'm going to grab a feed now. Back in an hour.

[LuckyLew]

Looks like this is very very far from over.

Central world, Paragon, MRT, other important buildings are on fire.

Central Worl, Paragon, Emporium, etc. aren't important buildings except for the owners and those whose lifves are cornered around beeing seen shopping or eating a 100+ bath icecream cone such places. MRT stations are important buildings - particularly to those that never had money for even a motorbike. While blowing up luxury malls, 5000+ hotels and banks at least makes some sense in what some claims to be a class strugle - surely, blowing up the MRT station in the the poorest part of central Bangkok is just plain stupidity - since it is bound to turn away a lot of poor suckers - which thereby can foresee a lot of extra distress in their future struggle for making a living - hat would otherwise have remained at least a bit supportive.

This is just completely idiotic thinking and exactly a red view of not caring about anyone but themselves and just as ignorantly ignores the economic impact actions like these cause that have a direct and trickle down effect on all Thais.

What have you done for the poor lately?

Volunteered anywhere?

Donated anything to anyone?

[thefusilier]

Looks like this is very very far from over.

Central world, Paragon, MRT, other important buildings are on fire.

Central Worl, Paragon, Emporium, etc. aren't important buildings except for the owners and those whose lifves are cornered around beeing seen shopping or eating a 100+ bath icecream cone such places.

Really? I bet the thousands of people employed at all of these places would disagree with you. Fine shopping may may not be important to you, but this affects many people of all income groups - so they are important buildings.

[pimay11]

Any confirmation on the report that Arisaman has been arrested?

According to some moronic post he is still running the mob and why he ran away but I think logic would dictate he is doing everything possible to get out of the country.

EDIT: Been away and trying to catch up on the news but Thai PBS says he has been arrested.

We will see but I think like Pedro01; it looks like something very organised. The moderate leaders have washed their hands of what is going to happen. The moderate leaders cannot anymore soften the situation and block extremists, we are on the worse scenario, if some military units join the Red Shirts we are in the Civil war....

Are you sure you are not my ex-wife? You speak just like her. Always a prophet of doom. And always predicting for the worst.

Or my friend are you really Mr t in disguise stating your wish list?

[cdnvic]

Ok, tone down the language and stop taking shots at each other. There's enough anger in the country right now without bringing it here.

[bkkjames]

Very peaceful terrorists, I mean protesters oops.

[KMUTT]

"Democracy" in action protesters looking for some shopping bargains:

Anti-government rioters attempt to break the glass at a shopping center Wednesday, May 19, 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand. Downtown Bangkok became a raging battleground Wednesday as the army stormed a barricaded protest camp and the Red Shirt leadership surrendered, enraging demonstrators who fired grenades and set fires that cloaked the skyline in a black haze.

Anti-government rioters attempt to break the glass of a shopping center Wednesday, May 19, 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand.

An anti-government protester sets a fire at a shopping center Wednesday, May 19, 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Edited May 19, 2010 by KMUTT

[gemini81]

Bomb gone off at On Nut Tesco Lotus!

Telephone booths glass shattered along sukhumvit around On Nut.

Gunshots just been fired, people running away from Tesco Lotus.

Tesco on nut has shut it's doors. Avoid sukhumvit 79. Ambulances arriving.

Helicopters over tesco on nut as we speak!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From TV news

Can anyone confirm?

Yes, I can confirm! I was dropped off about four fifteen there and there were reds and red banded people throwing rocks at BKK bank. as I waled over the footbridge three load blasts hit. then I heard gun shots or rocks on metal doors, not sure which, there was a blur and panic as everyone split to the nearby market (beer garden and food market). I ran down narrow sois and a klong to get home, avoiding open spaces.

This is beyond belief. What a mess these terrorizers have created. can't believe they wanna turn this place to hel_l. can't go outside here, few people are out. people are gonna die at their hands, so I hope if anyone is hurt, these rioters killing innocent people are avenged

[cdnvic]

What is the source for those photos?

[jcbangkok]

Looks like this is very very far from over.

Central world, Paragon, MRT, other important buildings are on fire.

Central Worl, Paragon, Emporium, etc. aren't important buildings except for the owners and those whose lifves are cornered around beeing seen shopping or eating a 100+ bath icecream cone such places. MRT stations are important buildings - particularly to those that never had money for even a motorbike. While blowing up luxury malls, 5000+ hotels and banks at least makes some sense in what some claims to be a class strugle - surely, blowing up the MRT station in the the poorest part of central Bangkok is just plain stupidity - since it is bound to turn away a lot of poor suckers - which thereby can foresee a lot of extra distress in their future struggle for making a living - hat would otherwise have remained at least a bit supportive.

This is just completely idiotic thinking and exactly a red view of not caring about anyone but themselves and just as ignorantly ignores the economic impact actions like these cause that have a direct and trickle down effect on all Thais.

What have you done for the poor lately?

Volunteered anywhere?

Donated anything to anyone?

Yes to 2 of the 3 but more importantly is I buy products here in Thailand which are taxed and anybody with any knowledge at all will know that these taxes are what allow the gov't to create and continue their programs of free healthcare, free education & supplies as well as subsidies for farmers and payments to the elderly.

EDIT: Identifying a troll is usually easy when you see them doing things like changing the topic and attacking a poster who has clearly shown facts to dispute a likely trollish post.

Edited May 19, 2010 by jcbangkok

[Neilly]

Yesterday the government cut off the money source and today banks are burnt down - Go figure. This is a very sad day for this country and the whole situation is being played out by a few people in front of the worlds media, even the BBC and CNN have changed the tone of their reporting over the last 24 hours.

Just been watching BBC World and they let slip that their offices had been inside the Red Area...no wonder they were pro Red

[BigBikeBKK]

Any confirmation on the report that Arisaman has been arrested?

According to some moronic post he is still running the mob and why he ran away but I think logic would dictate he is doing everything possible to get out of the country.

EDIT: Been away and trying to catch up on the news but Thai PBS says he has been arrested.

We will see but I think like Pedro01; it looks like something very organised. The moderate leaders have washed their hands of what is going to happen. The moderate leaders cannot anymore soften the situation and block extremists, we are on the worse scenario, if some military units join the Red Shirts we are in the Civil war....

Are you sure you are not my ex-wife? You speak just like her. Always a prophet of doom. And always predicting for the worst.

Or my friend are you really Mr t in disguise stating your wish list?

No no - I think that's MY ex-wife (Or maybe it's just Arisman, still wearing his wig and dress from his cowardly retreat from the terrorist encampment?)