Troops, Armoured Vehicles Converge On Bangkok Protest Site

[angiud]

We will fight with our bare hand until our deaths

Jatuporn and Arisman Have Fled after Soldiers Reclaim Ratchaprasong

Cowards

[Phuket Stan]

for the hundreds of current red sympathisers inhabiting this site, those who are still here but have been re-incarnated and for those who have permanently fallen by the wayside.

especially for all of you who said that Abhisit would never have the support of the Army, Navy, Air force or the Police

here's something just for you

LOL yeah ok lets see that is going to happen after all this is settled down and the muderous rampage of the government is shown for what it it cold blooded MURDER unarmed civilians shot in the head unarmed medics shot unarmed journalists shot and targeted

we will see who is eating humble pie

Hope u have stocked up with plenty of sauce

[saintofsilence]

Update on #edshirt leader: Arisman fled the scene by car around an hour ago. He may change his vehicle according to a military source.

http://twitter.com/veen_NT

[ozzieman05]

First it was your missus telling you what to say, and now your 'business friends'

Please point me to the thread that says my Thai wife tells me what to say

She gives me her opinion and which I print

She does not tell me what to say, but does tell me where to go after an argument

and maybe we mix in different circles, I guess your friend talk about go go bars and beer

But when it comes down it it really doesn't matter

You are allowed and opinion

I try to never argue with an idiot. They only drag me down to their level - then beat me with experience.

[KMUTT]

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

The security 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

[nickupton]

So where is nuttawut, arisman and weng?

Still in their container demanding elections now?

Weng is hiding behind the stage wearing a bulletproof vest, I trust he has handed similar to the women and children human shields.

Let's hope that container full of trash gets the same treatment as the bamboo/tyre stockade.

[ptpirate]

For you people who have chosen sides, you don't seem to understand that regardless of how it ends, the country will still be run by corrupt wealthy politicians. There will be NO winners.

'...As is EVERY country...sadly'.

©2010theMagician

OH MY GOD(OR BUDDHA)!

There appears to be more people on here with some brains!!!

Don't get involved people....oh no....I replied to the propaganda AGAIN!

[apetley]

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.

That's a shocker. Sure they will be drinking vintage 1968 wine with Mr. T shortly. While their followers die.

Agree.

I'm sure that they have had their own escapes planned for some time leaving the footsoldiers to face the music as always.

[321niti123]

Wind blows smoke from burning tires into Chulalongkorn Hospital, Patients evacuated.

Thai TV

[Koh_Falang]

Of course the Thai army, with all its weaponry and armour, can win this battle, much to the delight of all the armchair warriors in this forum.

You make it sound like you just came in from a shift of shooting @ the blackshirts on the front line to type a few lines...

[DP25]

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.

Interesting they're making announcements to leave in Cambodian too. Plenty of poor Cambodians here that could be exploited by the red shirt leaders to riot

[thepodest]

Yes indeed .... follow their billionaire "leader".

Surprise surprise! ... They claim they can't control the mob they have been stirring up and inflaming for the past several months. These guys are totally irresponsible. They may have some charisma but they have few other leadership qualities ... similar to their sugar daddy.

After all the propaganda that they fed to the followers, the leaders lost control. This is so funny and ironic at the same time.

I am trying to come up with a historical example, but can't think of one yet.

Anyways, those guys are a bunch a pu$$ies. The perfect ending for them would be getting beaten up the red mob. I could only wish.

[ozzieman05]

Let's see if Thailand can make itself a pariah state today by taking the body count above Tiannamen Square. About 350 ought to do it.

Shameful day for Thailand and shameful to read all this vitriol.

Shameful to read that people still support this armed rebellion.

Yes it is shamefull

How dare they support LAW and ORDER

[KMUTT]

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

UPDATE : 19 May 2010

Red-shirt protesters have placed several gas tanks in front of the Platinum Mall.

They have threatened to blow up the popular fashion mall.

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData...?DataID=1029490

[rabo]

as per earlier post, Nuttawut was leading the comedy sketches on stage... the others...

Jatuporn and Arisman Have Fled after Soldiers Reclaim Ratchaprasong

UPDATE : 19 May 2010

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.

See ya later suckarrrs

Oh, sinner man, where you gonna run to

Oh, sinner man, where you gonna run to

Oh, sinner man, where you gonna run to

All on that day

Run to the rock, rock was a meltin'

Run to the rock, rock was a meltin'

Run to the rock, rock was a meltin'

All on that day

Run to the sea, sea was a boilin'

Run to the sea, sea was a boilin'

Run to the sea, sea was a boilin'

All on that day

Run to the moon, moon was a bleedin'

Run to the moon, moon was a bleedin'

Run to the moon, moon was a bleedin'

All on that day

Run to the Lord, Lord won't you hide me?

Run to the Lord, Lord won't you hide me?

Run to the Lord, Lord won't you hide me?

All on that day

[321niti123]

Looking at the pictures and video, i barely recognize bangkok...hopefully the violence will end soon, and hopefully i can have atleast one school day before the exams start.

[earthpig]

what i'm concerned about now is that what's going to happen after the reds get cleared - and if the parliament doesn't dissolve as requested. some of those 'extreme' reds might actually commit random guerilla-style attacks on innocent people, blowing up a shopping mall or a tourist hot spot to get their messages across. now THAT's what i'm worried about - the unpredictability of it all.

personally, i dont think that is the risk. this is a buddhist country, not islamic, and i think what you describe would not occur here.

what i fear the risk is now are random attacks against the institutions and organs of the thai state, against the symbols of wealth and "elitism" (as they see it) and uprisings in the red neighborhoods of bangkok and of course in isan.

however, that assumes that the current military operation is, in fact, destined to go all the way to Ratchaprasong. It certainly appears very possible. But it is not yet certain. here's why.

From sala daeng and sarasin to ratchatewi is the easiest part for the Army, for the simple reason that the army snipers commanded the high ground at Chulalankorn Hospital and adjacent buildings. (that's probably why the Reds didnt torch the sala daeng barricade effectivey: anyone doing that i presume would have been shot from above.)

but from Ratchatewi up to the north, IF the Reds decide to and IF they have the arms and training to pull it off, and desire to up the ante, they can occupy the high positions in the buildings along the road up to Ratchaprasong. Even with armored vehicles and tanks, the Army would have a much harder time rooting out the Reds, and might have to use serious firepower to do it.

Does the government really want to fire tank rounds at multimillion dollar condos? I dont know.

The same is true of area south of the Indra Hotel down to Pathunam where high ground can be occupied. The real estate is much cheaper there than at Ratchatewi so perhaps it is less likely to be defended. But once over the khlong into Ratchaprasong, again firing positions from expensive buildings are everywhere.

And too, irrespective of whether the Reds choose to make an armed defense of the area, they have still another gruesome option: burn it all to the ground.

So for these various reasons i'm not sure that at this point we can really know what is going to happen next: neither in the next few hours, much less beyond.

[losworld]

Of course the Thai army, with all its weaponry and armour, can win this battle, much to the delight of all the armchair warriors in this forum.

However, winning this battle via more bloodshed in no way means winning the war. Driving the conflict underground presents some really awful possibilities for the whole of the country.

Before he earn the title of 'war criminal', Abhisit should have a long and hard think about the mess that he has helped to create. Negotiation really is the only way to solve this, and it may indeed cost him his precious job. It may also mean that he can't preside over the upcoming budget, and that his buddy Prayuth misses out on his chance to become the army chief when Anupong's tenure expires later this year.

Abhisit needs to get his priorities in order. He has turned into another Thaksin, with too many people hating him for there ever to be peace under hs rule.

Some strange thoughts. Appropriate user name "Clockwork Orange". Ab is nowhere near Thaksin at this point. In fact I have been amazed by his patience. What other leader in any country in the world would let mayhem and anarchy invade their capital for two months? Please name me a single nation or shut up.

Edited May 19, 2010 by losworld

[animatic]

what i'm concerned about now is that what's going to happen after the reds get cleared - and if the parliament doesn't dissolve as requested. some of those 'extreme' reds might actually commit random guerilla-style attacks on innocent people, blowing up a shopping mall or a tourist hot spot to get their messages across. now THAT's what i'm worried about - the unpredictability of it all. thank GOD i'm leaving this country next month. probably i won't come back for a while... THAT's for SURE.

They are already targeting innocents. And the random guerrilla stuff has gone on for weeks.

They only way to stop them is for their leaders to see 'the cause' is COMPLETELY lost for good.

[ozzieman05]

what i'm concerned about now is that what's going to happen after the reds get cleared - and if the parliament doesn't dissolve as requested. some of those 'extreme' reds might actually commit random guerilla-style attacks on innocent people, blowing up a shopping mall or a tourist hot spot to get their messages across. now THAT's what i'm worried about - the unpredictability of it all. thank GOD i'm leaving this country next month. probably i won't come back for a while... THAT's for SURE.

There are many farang that love Thailand and want the best for the future of our families and kids

But there are also many that use Thailand and get out when the going gets tough

If the war keeps on after the Bangkok then, do you really think it would stop after an election if the democrats win again

You have to look at the wider picture

A leapord never changes his spots just because the country side changes

[SanSaiExPat]

The fact is

They have a site where they can protest

and are safe

If they go outside this site then they are asking for trouble

I do not think the PM has any problems negotiating with a legal protest group of Thai's

So those who attack, provoke and enter the no mans area are only asking for trouble

The red shirt leaders have brain washed the hard core for 2 months that the army will not take them on

They are a law unto them selves

They believe they haven't committed a crime. What I did was fail to comply with the law."

Any deaths or injuries that a mob suffers must be the responibilities of the mob and their leaders

The Army are just upholding the law of the land

The fact is

They have a site where they can protest

and are safe

(The fact is they have a site where they can protest and are safe.)

I do not think the PM has any problems negotiating with a legal protest group of Thai's (I don't believe this is correct. He's demonstrated several times that his word is not to be trusted and that he won't negotiate in good faith.)

So those who attack, provoke and enter the no mans area are only asking for trouble

(So those who attack, provoke and enter the no mans land are only asking for trouble. (You are speaking here of the police and the Army entering into the "safe" protest area you spoke about in the first sentence of your post? They are looking for trouble? Yes, I agree.)

The red shirt leaders have brain washed the hard core for 2 months that the army will not take them on

(I think you mean to say here that the red shirt leaders have convinced the rank and file red shirt members that the Army will not directly confront or attack them.) I don't believe the rank and file members are that easily led. Furthermore, it's a bit of an insult to other Red Shirt leaders like Sae Dang who already gave his life for the cause.

They are a law unto them selves

(It's not clear here who you are talking about? I can only presume you mean The Army and current government.)

They believe they haven't committed a crime. What I did was fail to comply with the law."

(Again, who are you talking about here? The government, Army and to a lesser extent the police I would guess. You should try to clear this up in a future post.)

Any deaths or injuries that a mob suffers must be the responibilities of the mob and their leaders

(The about should read, "Any deaths or injuries that a mob suffers must be the responsibility of the mob and the mobs leaders." I don't think your sentence is logically correct because I seem to remember that when the "mob" wore yellow and they suffered injuries it turns out their leaders were not responsible or surely the government would have already put them in jail. Right? But I'm only here to help you edit your English not question your logic.)

The Army are just upholding the law of the land

(The Army is just upholding the law of the land. Do you mean to suggest they are upholding the law of the land just as they were on October 6th 1976?)

Edited May 19, 2010 by SanSaiExPat

[NCFC]

For you people who have chosen sides, you don't seem to understand that regardless of how it ends, the country will still be run by corrupt wealthy politicians. There will be NO winners.

While corruption IS rife in Thailand, many of us believe that under leaders like Abhisit and Korn that this will be reduced dramatically. A dem gets caught they resign .... a Thaksin guy gets caught (Samak) he becomes PM.

As in TPI, right?

Try again

[hansnl]

Much of this could have been avoided if there had been a designated protest site - a large field with basic facilities outside downtown Bangkok. That's what the Cambodians just arranged - for future protests in their country. Granted, it's easier said than done, but if the initial protesters had been funneled to a large field somewhere, then things would not have gotten so far out of hand.

Plus, recent reports of freezing accounts of many big businesses and big shot Thais associated with Thaksin and the Reds is BIG NEWS. You can bet there are a lot of big shots close to the Shinawats, who are cussing and shouting and banging furniture against walls.

Actually the accounts were blocked to check the ongoing transfers.

Where is the money coming from, how much is taken out in cash.

Guess why?

[KMUTT]

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

BANGKOK, 19 May 2010 (NNT) — The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has prohibited representatives of domestic and international financial institutions to conduct transactions and exchange money to the frozen accounts linked to the funding of the anti-government protests.

BoT Assistant Governor Suchada Kirakul has sent a letter to the various agents with the authority to conduct transfers and money exchange to follow the instructions of the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES).

Yesterday the CRES had prohibited 37 additional individuals and six juristic persons from making financial transactions believed to be means of funding for the anti-government demonstrations in the capital since late March.

The CRES added six more corporate accounts and 37 individuals from existing 106 accounts on the list.

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.

Other 37 individuals included General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the Puea Thai Party President; Jatuporn Prompan , a UDD core leader; Jakrapob Penkair, ex-PM Office’s Minister; Chanchai Ruayrungrueng, or Yian Pin, a businessman close to ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatara.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot said that the ministry has sent important government documents to the CRES such as the shareholder’s list, certification letter and budget reports.

According to reports, the original 13 corporate accounts have a total registered capital of 25 Billion THB.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255305190012

[jdinasia]

Of course the Thai army, with all its weaponry and armour, can win this battle, much to the delight of all the armchair warriors in this forum.

However, winning this battle via more bloodshed in no way means winning the war. Driving the conflict underground presents some really awful possibilities for the whole of the country.

Before he earn the title of 'war criminal', Abhisit should have a long and hard think about the mess that he has helped to create. Negotiation really is the only way to solve this, and it may indeed cost him his precious job. It may also mean that he can't preside over the upcoming budget, and that his buddy Prayuth misses out on his chance to become the army chief when Anupong's tenure expires later this year.

Abhisit needs to get his priorities in order. He has turned into another Thaksin, with too many people hating him for there ever to be peace under hs rule.

Abhisit will likely have to retire from politics for a few years after this but the rest of your post is simply off base. Even the foreign press is no longer denying the weapons amongst the protesters (they never really have since they reported firefights from the beginning).

The ONLY priority at this point has to be clearing the rally.

If you call what is happening "war crimes" then you are stating that what is happening doesn't fall under dealing with protesters and instead deals with an armed insurrection. In that case the accepted rules of engagement are different.

Clear the protesters.

Stabilize the country.

Make the evidence of terrorism etc available to all.

Make his efforts to alleviate poverty known to all.

Then call elections and not run for office next time, instead letting Korn step up to the leadership roll.

[nickupton]

what i'm concerned about now is that what's going to happen after the reds get cleared - and if the parliament doesn't dissolve as requested. some of those 'extreme' reds might actually commit random guerilla-style attacks on innocent people, blowing up a shopping mall or a tourist hot spot to get their messages across. now THAT's what i'm worried about - the unpredictability of it all. thank GOD i'm leaving this country next month. probably i won't come back for a while... THAT's for SURE.

They have already committed many random guerilla-style attacks on innocent people. Grenade attacks on skytrain Saladeang (a tourist hotspot) killing one and injuring many, Banharn's house injuring passers-by, RPG attack on Dusit Thani hotel to name a few.

Just hope they get the ring leaders and don't kill any of the brainwashed grannies.

[Pui]

The fact is

They have a site where they can protest

and are safe

If they go outside this site then they are asking for trouble

I do not think the PM has any problems negotiating with a legal protest group of Thai's

So those who attack, provoke and enter the no mans area are only asking for trouble

The red shirt leaders have brain washed the hard core for 2 months that the army will not take them on

They are a law unto them selves

They believe they haven't committed a crime. What I did was fail to comply with the law."

Any deaths or injuries that a mob suffers must be the responibilities of the mob and their leaders

The Army are just upholding the law of the land

What do you mean? What site? The army are preparing an attack on the main gathering at Rachaprasong as far as I'm aware.

The Red Shirts have been campaigning at Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง) for the last couple of years.

[phuketrichard]

Is it any wonder why foreign journos end up getting hurt?

Thats how they get the pics and commentaries that all of us armchair generals can remark on

It is interesting how the CNN and BBCrap have started to take different attitude in the last 18 hours or so....maybe the bosses back in the studios started to take a bit of notice of the biased tripe that was being previously shown

I agree; they are taking this serious now as shown by the amount of time being spent on it live. This is here in Thailand.

Are any people commenting in the states or Europe?

What are they seeing about the situation on TV?

[jcbangkok]

The reds continue to win in terms of being able to force troops to take action against their violent, illegal actions but they keep failing miserably in terms of their second goal. That is to gain sympathy from the masses and be able to have anybody take them serious when they demand the gov't must resign now because they are out of control and cannot control the situation peacefully. We haven't even come close to the point of their final goal where they would fill the power void during the chaos and house dissolution they keep pushing for during this great instability they have caused.

Edited May 19, 2010 by jcbangkok

[vasavoir]

what i'm concerned about now is that what's going to happen after the reds get cleared - and if the parliament doesn't dissolve as requested. some of those 'extreme' reds might actually commit random guerilla-style attacks on innocent people, blowing up a shopping mall or a tourist hot spot to get their messages across. now THAT's what i'm worried about - the unpredictability of it all. thank GOD i'm leaving this country next month. probably i won't come back for a while... THAT's for SURE.

They have already committed many random guerilla-style attacks on innocent people. Grenade attacks on skytrain Saladeang (a tourist hotspot) killing one and injuring many, Banharn's house injuring passers-by, RPG attack on Dusit Thani hotel to name a few.

Just hope they get the ring leaders and don't kill any of the brainwashed grannies.

AGREED. but at least we now know where to avoid - the no-go zone...

it's very unsettling to realize that anything or anyone could be their target in the future when the no-go zone is no longer no-go.