Troops, Armoured Vehicles Converge On Bangkok Protest Site

[pimay11]

What have you done for the poor lately?

Volunteered anywhere?

Donated anything to anyone?

Hmmm, moved here, bought a house, started a company, hires a bunch of staff most of whom come from rural Isan, export large amounts of Thai goods, consume large amounts of Thai goods, pay taxes, donate to Thai temples and orphanages, participate in numerous charity events. Volunteer occasionally at my child's pre-school. Did I miss anything?

[senti]

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.

Right. So you think it's smart to burn down all those insured shopping malls, and leave hundreds of low-middle class Thais without the income?

Instead of fighting for those low-middle class Thais (to get better income/rights/etc), you think it's smarter to just burn the malls down.

Brilliant thinking.

[LuckyLew]

What have you done for the poor lately?

Volunteered anywhere?

Donated anything to anyone?

Hmmm, moved here, bought a house, started a company, hires a bunch of staff most of whom come from rural Isan, export large amounts of Thai goods, consume large amounts of Thai goods, pay taxes, donate to Thai temples and orphanages, participate in numerous charity events. Volunteer occasionally at my child's pre-school. Did I miss anything?

Good to hear that makes two of us

My comments were more aimed at the person(s) who was referring

to the remaining red shirters in words that were less than outstanding

and showed a true lack of class.

Many people here had saif two wrongs do not make a right, but are

now contradicting themselves with the outlandish language they use.

It is not solely the remaining red/black shirt who lie solely at fault for

what is currently happening in Bangkok.

1- Before going thru Lumpini the army should have secured KT as this

been a major force of issue the last few days. To not secure this was

a monstrous error, as is being seen now

2- The red leaders. If you were poor and were told by people, "please

come camping in Bangkok and we will pay x times your usual daily salary"

You would surely accept. Then for 2 months you are forced to listen to

these same people spew venemous hatred, you could not leave cause

they had your ID or you were threatened. So suddenly after 2 months of

solid brainwashing, your leaders up and quit and tell you it is over.

How would you react?

So who are the scum of the earth?

[rishi]

Frozen accounts banned from transactions and money exchange, according to BoT

Specified six corporate include Worth Supplies Co Ltd, BBD Development Co Ltd, BBD Property Co Ltd, SC Asset Corporation, Ruaychai International Group Co Ltd, and Ruaychai Merchandise Co Ltd.

Thai bourse suspends trade in Thaksin-linked SC Asset

BANGKOK, May 19 (Reuters) - The Thai Stock Exchange said it had suspended trading in SC Asset Corporation on Wednesday as authorities had ordered that its bank accounts be frozen.

Stock Exchange of Thailand Torched

UPDATE : 19 May 2010

Protesters have torched the Maruay Library at the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

The SET is located in the Klong Toey area, right next to the Queen Sirikit National Convention center.

The fire is not yet under control as of 3:36 P.M.

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData...?DataID=1029532

If a group did this in the west or Singapore, Japan, yes even China, the international press would be calling them TERRORISTS. Why the reluctance of the international press to do so with these Thai reds?

... probably awaiting the blue stamp from some government - blame press reluctance on the lack of public statements from governments, yet not quite ready to call a spade a spade.

[rishi]

Frozen accounts banned from transactions and money exchange, according to BoT

Specified six corporate include Worth Supplies Co Ltd, BBD Development Co Ltd, BBD Property Co Ltd, SC Asset Corporation, Ruaychai International Group Co Ltd, and Ruaychai Merchandise Co Ltd.

Thai bourse suspends trade in Thaksin-linked SC Asset

BANGKOK, May 19 (Reuters) - The Thai Stock Exchange said it had suspended trading in SC Asset Corporation on Wednesday as authorities had ordered that its bank accounts be frozen.

Stock Exchange of Thailand Torched

UPDATE : 19 May 2010

Protesters have torched the Maruay Library at the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

The SET is located in the Klong Toey area, right next to the Queen Sirikit National Convention center.

The fire is not yet under control as of 3:36 P.M.

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData...?DataID=1029532

If a group did this in the west or Singapore, Japan, yes even China, the international press would be calling them TERRORISTS. Why the reluctance of the international press to do so with these Thai reds?

... probably awaiting the blue stamp from some government - can't imagine journalists wouldn't be more than happy to use the term at first chance. Blame press reluctance on the lack of public statements from governments, yet not quite ready to call a spade a spade.

[senti]

I am also amused by the fact that red leaders think they're not going to be held responsible for what happened after they "surrendered".

"Yeah, we had nothing to do with that plan, it all happened after we were in custody".

[Abo Kor]

I understand that impossible to predict unpredictable but anyone can tell me - do I have any chance tomorrow morning go from Asoke to Pattaya by motorway? I have important business meeting, but, of course, absolutely not sure that can reach destination.....

[Abo Kor]

I understand that impossible to predict unpredictable but anyone can give me some suggestions - do I have any chance tomorrow morning go from Asoke to Pattaya by motorway? I have important business meeting, but, of course, absolutely not sure that can reach destination.....

[Jerrytheyoung]

It's very clear what happened here. Thaksin has decided that full blown terrorism is a better strategy. He can't win legitimately so he will turn into Osama Bin Laden. I hope I am wrong, but perhaps this is just the beginning.

Why wasn't he arrested in France and extradited?

good question but a lot of details to be known: By which Shengen Country he enter first? With which passport and Nationality? Is there an agreement with Thai Authorities? Is there an Interpol mandate?.....

[BlueTerrace]

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

I would also like to know. I can see the smoke but not the start piint. From my side i can tell you what it isnt. It is isnt the Mahatun Plaza Building as has been reported in the media. I can see that clearly.

[jdinasia]

Apparently this is just another excuse to blame the government and leave the red leadership that was calling for exactly this type of violence blameless.

jdinasia you are fully biased: I do not support the current violences. I am just stating something from experience...and I do not blamed the Government for what is happening now.....I am for peace and discussions not for Violence.

I do not support Thaksin and the Red Shirts leaders but I support the legitimate claims of the Northern population. I support the Roadmap. I do not support elections in the short term due to the current atmosphere; the situation has to cool down. Please take note of my positions and do not distort them.

Peace through negotiations. Weapons: NO from every side, disarmement of ALL militias, strict control of weaponry.

I guess I will go back and find your posts comparing the situation in Thailand comparing to the violence from the unions in France and saying that the violence was necessary (and thus excusing the violence from the reds) and calling the violent rhetoric from the reds "negotiating".

What is happening now in BKK is a DIRECT result of all the violent speech by the leaders that you said were using it to negotiate.

[SeanMoran]

I understand that impossible to predict unpredictable but anyone can give me some suggestions - do I have any chance tomorrow morning go from Asoke to Pattaya by motorway? I have important business meeting, but, of course, absolutely not sure that can reach destination.....

Highway 7 was free and easy all the way from Suvarnbhumi last Saturday. Just a few soldiers sitting around at the toll booths but traffic was light. No advice on weekday mornings.

[Jerrytheyoung]

Apparently this is just another excuse to blame the government and leave the red leadership that was calling for exactly this type of violence blameless.

jdinasia you are fully biased: I do not support the current violences. I am just stating something from experience...and I do not blamed the Government for what is happening now.....I am for peace and discussions not for Violence.

I do not support Thaksin and the Red Shirts leaders but I support the legitimate claims of the Northern population. I support the Roadmap. I do not support elections in the short term due to the current atmosphere; the situation has to cool down. Please take note of my positions and do not distort them.

Peace through negotiations. Weapons: NO from every side, disarmement of ALL militias, strict control of weaponry.

I guess I will go back and find your posts comparing the situation in Thailand comparing to the violence from the unions in France and saying that the violence was necessary (and thus excusing the violence from the reds) and calling the violent rhetoric from the reds "negotiating".

What is happening now in BKK is a DIRECT result of all the violent speech by the leaders that you said were using it to negotiate.

You have to give me credit that I am fromthe beginning opposed to Militias and weaponry, and I was pleading for a professional Police Anti Riot Force. There are different levels of violence and in france, if you have a knife with a blade longer than the width of your palm it is considered as a weapon. Thailand Militias are a consequence of the Vietnam War aftermaith: they are totally unacceptable from any side. weaponry should be reserved to Police and Army: in Thailand smuggling of weaponry is too much important. The violence of french Unions has nothing to do with Armed violence. The big difference is in the degree of Violences. First ALL militias (Ronin, Yellows, newin, Pattaya....)should be disarmed and forbidden. Secondly weaponry has to be restricted seriously.

Read my post or ask to Animatic about my positions: it is not ambiguous. you are just a biased partisan, narrow minded.

[Rucharee]

Immigration Bureau tasked to prevent fugitive UDD figures from leaving the country

BANGKOK, 19 May 2010 (NNT) — The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations (CRES) has collaborated with the Immigration Bureau to prevent core figures of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) from leaving the country.

Thani Thongphakdi, Deputy Director-General of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the cooperation between the CRES and the Immigration Bureau to prevent the fugitives flee the country that the operation was being conducted based on the Criminal Code, which defined the core figures' past movements as internal terrorism.

Mr Thani added those with court summons have no right to travel out of the country.

Meanwhile, a name list was passed to the immigration offices on Thailand-Malaysia border both at Sadao District of the southern Songkhla province and at Sungai-Kolok district of the southernmost Narathiwat province.

Both offices are tasked to keep a close watch on UDD fugitives' confidential movements outside the Kingdom, especially Veera Musikpong, Weng Tojirakarn, Arisman Pongruengrong, as well as another 143 UDD comrades.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255305190046

They should add Robert Amsterdam's name to the list. He was, and still may be, in Thailand.

Too late. I think Robert is already in Hong Kong enjoying his roast duck.

[alexbrouwer1]

I understand that impossible to predict unpredictable but anyone can give me some suggestions - do I have any chance tomorrow morning go from Asoke to Pattaya by motorway? I have important business meeting, but, of course, absolutely not sure that can reach destination.....

Highway 7 was free and easy all the way from Suvarnbhumi last Saturday. Just a few soldiers sitting around at the toll booths but traffic was light. No advice on weekday mornings.

Yesterday we went from Pattaya to BKK over the Motorway 7, up to the junction with Highway 9, everything was free.

Just like Sean said, there was more police then usual at the toll booths and there were at the last toll boot some soldiers.

We returned back from BKK (Sukhumvit) to Bang Na, went there up on the 3 express way to Chonburi, from there back on the 7 again to Pattaya, was free all the way, only the usual police at the toll boot.

[gemini81]

does anyone know the status on BTS On Nut? I fled for my life from several bombs and shots. I hope no one was left injured, or I would feel terrible. When subsequent ones went off I had to run. I didn't see anyone on the ground, but then again it was a blur like frosted mirrors while it occured. You don't know who has the guns. I know they were on the road, sukhumvit.

[whybother]

I understand that impossible to predict unpredictable but anyone can tell me - do I have any chance tomorrow morning go from Asoke to Pattaya by motorway? I have important business meeting, but, of course, absolutely not sure that can reach destination.....

As long as you leave after 6am, and you don't have to go through Asoke/Suk junction, I would think that you won't have (much of) a problem. Take your passport just in case.

[KMUTT]

TAN saying Central World has been destroyed by fire. Thank you Thaksin, thank you so very very much.

I think they're exaggerating just a bit to using the word 'destroyed'. They'd need heavy tank fire to destroy it. Might take a while to repair fire damage in some shops and open up again

"destroyed" seems to fit...

Smoke rises at Central World shopping mall that was ransacked and set on fire during clashes in central Bangkok May 19, 2010

[deepskyfreak]

don't forget ( and don't forgive ) these names ?

Jatuporn Prompan

Nutthawut Saikua

Weng Tojirakarn

Jeng Dokjik

Korkeaw Pikuntong

Wiputalang

Nisit Sinthuprai

Plus one:_

Thaksin S.

some more :

Veera Musigapong

Payah

Arisman

Chavalith Yongchaiyuth alias "Big Jiu"

[lannarebirth]

Apparently this is just another excuse to blame the government and leave the red leadership that was calling for exactly this type of violence blameless.

jdinasia you are fully biased: I do not support the current violences. I am just stating something from experience...and I do not blamed the Government for what is happening now.....I am for peace and discussions not for Violence.

I do not support Thaksin and the Red Shirts leaders but I support the legitimate claims of the Northern population. I support the Roadmap. I do not support elections in the short term due to the current atmosphere; the situation has to cool down. Please take note of my positions and do not distort them.

Peace through negotiations. Weapons: NO from every side, disarmement of ALL militias, strict control of weaponry.

I guess I will go back and find your posts comparing the situation in Thailand comparing to the violence from the unions in France and saying that the violence was necessary (and thus excusing the violence from the reds) and calling the violent rhetoric from the reds "negotiating".

What is happening now in BKK is a DIRECT result of all the violent speech by the leaders that you said were using it to negotiate.

And always needing just a little more to keep the pressure on the government negotiators. Reprehensible, even though he's a pacifist now, excluding whatever causes and actions northerners may choose to pursue of course.

Edited May 19, 2010 by lannarebirth

[whybother]

does anyone know the status on BTS On Nut? I fled for my life from several bombs and shots. I hope no one was left injured, or I would feel terrible. When subsequent ones went off I had to run. I didn't see anyone on the ground, but then again it was a blur like frosted mirrors while it occured. You don't know who has the guns. I know they were on the road, sukhumvit.

It must have been the army, because these peaceful red protestors would have guns, would they?

[jcbangkok]

I understand that impossible to predict unpredictable but anyone can tell me - do I have any chance tomorrow morning go from Asoke to Pattaya by motorway? I have important business meeting, but, of course, absolutely not sure that can reach destination.....

As long as you leave after 6am, and you don't have to go through Asoke/Suk junction, I would think that you won't have (much of) a problem. Take your passport just in case.

Be safe too and be sure to carry, if possible, documents that will help show you are going to a meeting and who you are meeting with (company, investors ...). Also carry some sort of proof as to your address for when you come back. They want these things during the curfew but sounds like you will be traveling outside the curfew time as it is stated now.

[deepskyfreak]

TAN saying Central World has been destroyed by fire. Thank you Thaksin, thank you so very very much.

I think they're exaggerating just a bit to using the word 'destroyed'. They'd need heavy tank fire to destroy it. Might take a while to repair fire damage in some shops and open up again

"destroyed" seems to fit...

Smoke rises at Central World shopping mall that was ransacked and set on fire during clashes in central Bangkok May 19, 2010

DP 25, fire causes enourmous heat damage to the structure. So, even though the framework of steel and concrete might survive, it would be far too damaged to reuse it and repair is often more expensive than new construction.

But hey... didn't the looters do a favor to the much-hated construction and engineering elite (Banharn is one) in this country. So many new stores, wow. There will be some yummy contracts waiting for friends of friends (and friends of fire)

[davee58]

I understand that impossible to predict unpredictable but anyone can tell me - do I have any chance tomorrow morning go from Asoke to Pattaya by motorway? I have important business meeting, but, of course, absolutely not sure that can reach destination.....

As long as you leave after 6am, and you don't have to go through Asoke/Suk junction, I would think that you won't have (much of) a problem. Take your passport just in case.

Be safe too and be sure to carry, if possible, documents that will help show you are going to a meeting and who you are meeting with (company, investors ...). Also carry some sort of proof as to your address for when you come back. They want these things during the curfew but sounds like you will be traveling outside the curfew time as it is stated now.

A couple of crates of beer might come in handy, just in case you get stuck in a jam.

[KMUTT]

Arisman under arrest

BANGKOK, 19 May 2010 (NNT) — United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) core figure, Arisman Pongruangrong was arrested by authorities at 17.00 hrs at Pleon Chit BTS skytrain station.

Arisman is now being taken to the Naresuan military camp in Phetchaburi province for detention after his failed attempt to escape from the main rally stage on Ratchaprasong Intersection this morning.

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

They are all detained at the Naresuan military camp as well.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255305190055

[jdinasia]

Apparently this is just another excuse to blame the government and leave the red leadership that was calling for exactly this type of violence blameless.

jdinasia you are fully biased: I do not support the current violences. I am just stating something from experience...and I do not blamed the Government for what is happening now.....I am for peace and discussions not for Violence.

I do not support Thaksin and the Red Shirts leaders but I support the legitimate claims of the Northern population. I support the Roadmap. I do not support elections in the short term due to the current atmosphere; the situation has to cool down. Please take note of my positions and do not distort them.

Peace through negotiations. Weapons: NO from every side, disarmement of ALL militias, strict control of weaponry.

I guess I will go back and find your posts comparing the situation in Thailand comparing to the violence from the unions in France and saying that the violence was necessary (and thus excusing the violence from the reds) and calling the violent rhetoric from the reds "negotiating".

What is happening now in BKK is a DIRECT result of all the violent speech by the leaders that you said were using it to negotiate.

You have to give me credit that I am fromthe beginning opposed to Militias and weaponry, and I was pleading for a professional Police Anti Riot Force. There are different levels of violence and in france, if you have a knife with a blade longer than the width of your palm it is considered as a weapon. Thailand Militias are a consequence of the Vietnam War aftermaith: they are totally unacceptable from any side. weaponry should be reserved to Police and Army: in Thailand smuggling of weaponry is too much important. The violence of french Unions has nothing to do with Armed violence. The big difference is in the degree of Violences. First ALL militias (Ronin, Yellows, newin, Pattaya....)should be disarmed and forbidden. Secondly weaponry has to be restricted seriously.

Read my post or ask to Animatic about my positions: it is not ambiguous. you are just a biased partisan, narrow minded.

I can read YOUR posts to see your position. You excused the violence of the reds by compariing what was happening to union riots in France. If you think you will lay the availability of weapons in Thailand to the Vietnam war that ended over 30 years ago then you are totally unaware of what is going on in the region.

[KMUTT]

Police Hospital evacuates patients from building opposite from Central World

After the massive fire engulfed Central World at 5 pm, the Police Hospital evacuated patients from a building opposite from the shopping mall for fear that mall would collapse.

After the fire spread to the fourth floor, the heat could be felt across the street at the hospital building.

Fire trucks could not control the blaze.

Many red-shirt protesters who have not left Rajprasong fled across the street to the Police Hospital.

At 7 pm, the fire spread to the sixth floor.

The Nation

[Rucharee]

Arisman under arrest

BANGKOK, 19 May 2010 (NNT) — United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) core figure, Arisman Pongruangrong was arrested by authorities at 17.00 hrs at Pleon Chit BTS skytrain station.

Arisman is now being taken to the Naresuan military camp in Phetchaburi province for detention after his failed attempt to escape from the main rally stage on Ratchaprasong Intersection this morning.

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

They are all detained at the Naresuan military camp as well.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255305190055

Waiting for a train? Maybe he didn't know that BTS is close today.

[pickle86]

what's the latest. are the reds still looting and burning new fires or has the army moved in and brought some sort of order to this chaos?

Edited May 19, 2010 by pickle86

[AleG]

One thing that I haven't seen mentioned here is that before the crackdown there were predictions of a bloodbath in Rachaprasong, there were 3 or 4 deaths of red shirts guards, a journalist and injured soldiers. I'm not sure of the total tally from the crackdown, but no bloodbath thank goodness.