Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Thursday

[Thaivisa News]

AFP: Gunfire near temple in Thai protest zone

AFP: Gunshots rang out Thursday near a Buddhist temple in the heart of an anti-government protest zone in Bangkok

AFP: Soldiers were advancing on foot along an elevated train track, an AFP photographer saw.

MCOT: Fire at 32 spots in BKK including 17 branches of five banks; firefighters try to put out flame at Big C Ratchadamri

AFP: Several gunshots were heard, striking panic into the crowd of some 2,000 people who had gathered at the temple.

AFP: The crowd retreated into the temple for shelter, as a group of six or seven soldiers took up positions on the "Skytrain" track

MCOT: Bank of Thailand declares Thursday and Friday bank holidays for safety reasons; All financial institutions closed

NYT: 'Amateur Video Shows Fires in Bangkok and Northeastern Thailand' http://nyti.ms/a5YuS4 /via @newley

'Must say sorry if you want to donate blood with Thai Red Cross. No mobile unit available today' /v @veen_NT /updates: http://bit.ly/ce7we1

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CRES: Ratchaprasong Area Still Dangerous

Spokesman for the Center of the Resolution of Emergency Situation Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the public will still be barred from entering the Ratchaprasong area as there is still a presence of terrorists there despite the situation quieting down last night.

Officers will have to conduct a search of buildings in the surroundings of Ratchaprasong for the possibility of more terrorists hiding out there.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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Death Toll from Crackdown Rises to 44

The Erawan Emergency Center reported the death toll from May 14-19 has risen to 44, with the number of those injured at 384. The injured are being treated at 30 hospitals around the capital.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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[Thaivisa News]

Many roads are still closed today. For route info, call 1197. /via @veen_NT

'many 7-11 shops yesterday looked like this' http://tweetphoto.com/23141660 /via @Bancha_nna @tulsathit

'Police trying to evac people from temple, under fire' /via @seacorro

(07:00) Big C Rajdamri was still in flames as was Siam Sq. Started in #bangkok last night. /via @veen_NT ./updates: http://bit.ly/ayWAdL

'Large #police convey heading towards #Ratchaprasong' /via @photo_journ

#MRT & #BTS announce there will be no service today /via @js100radio /updates: http://bit.ly/ayWAdL

#Bangkok #Immigration closed until Monday. Re-entry permits can be obtained at Suvarnabhumi A/P or at border crossings. http://bit.ly/dbdISZ

'Dok Ya shop, burnt down' http://tweetphoto.com/23141453 /via @yokekung @tulsathit

Sky: 'Bangkok Counts Cost Of Deadly Crackdown' http://bit.ly/btDi7Z

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MCOT: Fire at Central World under control but side of Zen department store building begins to collapse, says Police Operation Centre spokesman: AFP

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Pictures

Central World

http://www.pantip.com/cafe/chalermthai/top...4/A9272304.html

http://twitpic.com/1p9ww2

Bangkok crackdown

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/05/c...in_bangkok.html

[Thaivisa News]

Fire truck at the Big C Ratchaprasong: http://twitpic.com/1p9v2y /via @photo_journ

Corner of Centre One, Victory monument this morning in #Bangkok : http://twitpic.com/1p9rho /via @aleursic /Updates: http://bit.ly/ayWAdL

CTW today: http://twitpic.com/1p9wka /via @krit587 @tulsathit

Front of Central World, #bangkok : http://twitpic.com/1p9ww2 /via @photo_journ

'TV shows workers clearing streets of burnt tyres' /via @tulsathit /updates: http://bit.ly/ayWAdL

'Victory Monument still open to traffic but not Din Daeng intersection, which might be open later today' /via @tulsathit

TAN: SprgNws: Bkk Dep Govn Ronachit Yaemsa-art: Klong Teuy and Queen Sirikit stations most heavily damanged in last night's rampage.

Its possible that there will be an extension on the curfew within #thailand - To be confirmed by Thai gov. /updates: http://bit.ly/ayWAdL

[Thaivisa News]

TAN: Headline News: Arson at 35 Spots Last Night @ http://bit.ly/c8qFD5

Close up of Big C Rajdamri, side entrance: http://twitpic.com/1p9rbu /via @mishari @tulsathit

Where the #redshirts held their ground, until Wednesday afternoon. Ratchaprasong stage, empty: http://twitpic.com/1pa2xe /via @journotopia

NationTV: Tension eases in Udon #thailand, where provincial hall was burnt down & 44 red protesters detained /updates: http://bit.ly/ayWAdL

Police searching those who took refuge in the Temple: http://twitpic.com/1pa4cb /via @photo_journ

TAN: Gunfire ceased at Patumwanaram at 1am. Around 1000 protesters won't leave in fear capture. Authorities trying 2 persuade /v @js100radio

Some of the people from the Prathum temple http://twitpic.com/1pa5c9 /via @photo_journ

Tanom: Whn we tried 2 control blaze at CTW, we turned bk & found Big C Rajdamri was on fire. Work was tough thnks 2 the gunshots /v @veen_NT

Tanom, advisor to #Bangkok Governor & civil engineer, said CTW may collapse. "Any bldg gutted over 3 hours stands the chance." /v @veen_NT

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Subway Stations Most Heavily Damaged

Deputy Governor of Bangkok Ronachit Yaemsa-art told Spring News that the two subway stations most heavily damaged in yesterday's arson rampage were Klong Teuy and Queen Sirikit Convention Center stations.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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Curfew Remains in Bangkok, Public to Remain Indoors Tonight from 8 P.M. - 6 A.M.

Dr. Panitarn Wattanayakorn of the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) has confirmed that the curfew will still be in effect for provinces under the Emergency Decree tonight. Under the curfew the public is prohibited from being out of their private residences from 8 P.M. - 6 A.M.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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Panithan: Curfew to remain imposed in Bangkok

Deputy PM's Secretary-General Panithan Watanayakorn said Thursday that the curfew will still be imposed in Bangkok for another day.

He said the curfew is still needed to facilitate the operations of security forces as armed protesters were still fighting against the authorities.

-- The Nation 2010-05-20

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35 places hit by arsons: BMA spokesman

The spokesman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said 35 places in Bangkok were hit by arsons Wednesday night and early Thursday.

Thanom On-ketphol, the BMA spokesman, said the places included 17 branches of five banks.

Other places were department stores, minimarts, 7-Eleven shops and Lotus Express shops as well as several houses.

Attempts to rescue the residents were hindered by gunmen in black shits who fired at fire trucks, the spokesman said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-20

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[Thaivisa News]

Tanom: Whn we tried 2 control blaze at CTW, we turned bk & found Big C Rajdamri was on fire. Work was tough thnks 2 the gunshots /v @veen_NT

A distraught survivor receives comfort: http://twitpic.com/1pa88o /via @photo_journ /updates: http://bit.ly/ayWAdL

'I left Sathorn to come to work in Skhmvit. Very little traffic. Surprised to See Suk as normal compared to Rama 4 war zone' /v @bangkoklife

TAN: Pol Maj Gen Amnuay Nimnano: 50+ protesters being held at Naresuan Camp in Hua Hin with red-leaders, to face legal action.

TAN: CP executives: 7-11 will open until 6 pm today /via @NightMango @Tulip_Oum

TAN: Education Minister: school opening date, originally delayed to May 24th, may change upon further evaluation

Dr Pornthip arrives at Wat Prathumwanaram where 6 bodies are - http://twitpic.com/1pacph /via @veen_NT @yoware @suthichai

Rajprarop, still very unsafe, with several bombs found. 2 discarded M79s were found lying on pavement (TNN) #Bangkok /via @wizardofwindsor

MCOT: CRES: Snipers kill people at Wat Pathumwanaram, police 2 search for gunmen, collect evidence; troops clearing Ratchaprasong

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1000 Protesters Stuck Near Rally Site

Traffic radio 100.0FM reported that nearly 1000 protesters, many of whom are women and children, were stuck in Patumwanaram Temple, a designated humanitarian property, after the crackdown yesterday. Gunshots were fired from various directions leaving protesters stranded, as many have expressed to reporters in the area that they wish to leave. At 1am, sounds of gunshots finally silenced. Deputy House Speaker Colonel Apiwan Viriyachai, an outspoken red-shirt supporter, told Spring News that 9 people were shot dead in the temple last night. Medics were not able to assist the stranded protesters nor remove the dead bodies until this morning. Colonel Apiwan accuses state media from disclosing information about the situation in the Temple. National Broadcast Television or NBT reported this morning that the protesters have been safely evacuated as lines of police protected them of potential gunfire as they walked out to board buses to head back to their home provinces.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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Curfew may be extended: probe underway for killing inside a temple

The security forces have yet to complete the mop-up operations against pockets of "terrorists" in parts of Bangkok and the extension of curfew might be deemed necessary, Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on Thursday.

"The prime minister is expected later today to decide about the curfew extension," he said.

Sansern admitted last night's curfew had caused a lot of inconveniences but it was unavoidable.

He also said the probe was underway to unmask the culprits behind the killings of a number of people seeking refuge inside Wat Pathumwanaram on Wednesday.

-- The Nation 2010-05-20

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Arson at 35 Spots Last Night

Adviser to the Bangkok governor Thanom Onketpol said a total of 35 sites were torched.

Shopping malls which were earlier torched still see fire igniting. They include Center One at Victory Monument, an 8-storey building on Siam Square Soi 4 and 5, Central World and Big C Ratchadamri.

The areas that were torched include 17 bank branches, 2 department stores namely Central World and Center One, the Siam movie theater, a Victory Monument noodle shop, and 6 cars belonging to Channel 3.

Fire is still raging at Siam Square as security officers have been barred from going in by gunshots which continue to ring out.

The adviser to the Bangkok governor added the hotline 1555 is currently out of commission as rioters have gone into the building housing call center officials so they've had to be removed from the premises. He did say the hotline 199 of the police, 1646 of the Emergency Medical Center, 1137 for Jor Sor 100 traffic radio, and 02-288-5050 are still working.

Torched Buildings:

10 Bangkok Bank branches

2 Kasikorn Bank branches

2 Siam City Bank branches

2 Krung Thai Bank branches

1 Government Savings Bank branch

Center One (Victory Monument)

Central World

Centara Grand Hotel

Grand Diamond Hotel

Metropolitan Electricity Authority Klongtoey branch

Maleenont Tower (Channel 3)

Stock Exchange of Thailand

Mahatun Plaza Ploenchit

Building next to Narcotics Police Bureau (Dindaeng)

Convenience Store next to Narcotics Police Bureau (Dindaeng)

Gold shop on Pahonyothin Soi 1

Phranakorn Noodle Shop at Victory Monument

Big C Ratchadamri

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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[Thaivisa News]

'major section of cw zen part just collapsed (9.59)' 'On the right side of zen facing from 1st radamri entrance, Pics soon' /via @in0nymous

#Thailand Court delays decision on Thaksin's warrant - http://bit.ly/9IrYNK /via @veen_NT /Updates: http://bit.ly/ayWAdL

'Thai Army storms Red Shirt encampment and arrests protest leaders' http://bit.ly/bXv0Si /via @michael_yon

AFP: Bangkok likely to face another night of curfew

AFP: Thai authorities are likely to impose another curfew Thursday night to contain a "volatile" situation.

AFP: "It's likely that the authorities will impose a curfew Thursday night but it will be shortened to..(1/2)

AFP: ..between 9pm (1400 GMT) and 5am (2200 GMT)," the official at the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) said. (2/2)

AFP: "The curfew is crucial as the situation is still very volatile," he said, adding that a government announcement was expected shortly.

TAN: All Central department stores and Major Cineplex in #Bangkok are closed today.

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MCOT: CRES: Snipers kill people at Wat Pathumwanaram, police to search for gunmen, collect evidence at crime scene; troops clearing area at Ratchaprasong

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Fires Downtown Controlled

As of 10am this morning, authorities have been able to put out fires at Central World, Center One, and Big-C department stores as well as Lido Theater.

Armed forces are still occupying the area to prevent further attacks.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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Court delays decision on Thaksin's warrant to next week

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court on Wednesday's evening initially approved a special investigation request to issue ten arrest warrants for terrorist suspects, including ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

But two hours later, the court revoked its decision on Thaksin and asked the Department of Special Investigation to send back Thaksin's case for the court to reconsider. The court will make a decision on request for Thaksin's warrant on terrorism charge on May 27, DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit said late Wednesday.

The DSI sought and received the latest batch of nine warrants on the nine suspects involved in violating the emergency rule.

The nine suspects are Adisorn Piengket, Wiphuthalaeng Phattanaphuthai, Payap Panket, Jeng Dokjik, Wichien Khaokham, Aree Krainara, Suksek Pholsue, Surachai Thewarat and Rachot "Kob" Wongyod.

Wiphuthaleng, Payap and Jeng were already in the police's custody and being held at the Border Patrol Police, known as Naresuan Camp, in Cha-am, Phetchaburi. The three surrendered to police in the afternoon at the end of the Rajprasong rally.

Thaksin's involvement in the mayhem has been speculated for months.

-- The Nation 2010-05-20

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[Thaivisa News]

Urgent: Veera, Korkaew and some red leaders will turn themselves in to crime suppression police at 12.30 pm /v @tulsathit

CRES is set to announce curfew extension for 3 more days, Nation Govt House reporter /via @tukky_nt

People will be banned on the street from today 9pm-5am in the morning from Thursday to Sunday /via @tukky_nt

AFP: Thailand imposes curfew for three more nights

AFP: Thai authorities on Thursday imposed a curfew for three more nights in Bangkok and 23 other provinces

'Forensic scientist Pornthip is here. All died of gunshot wounds, she says' /via @journotopia

TAN: Gold Traders Association President, Jitti Tangsithpakdi announces all gold shops in Yaowarat (China Town) are closed today.

MCOT: Petrol stations in BKK face shortages of NGV, LPG, & oil products due 2 huge demand in preparation 4 curfew imposition: PTT executive

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URGENT: Former Red-Leaders Veera and Korkaew to turn themselves in

Former red-shirt leader Korkaew Pikulthong informed the Nation that he and former head red-shirt leader Veera Musikapong will turn themselves in to the Crime Suppression Division police at 1.30pm

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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700 protesters evacuated from Pathumwanaram Temple

Some 700 protesters were evacuated from the Pathumwanaram Temple to Royal Thai Police headquarters Thursday morning, Police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen said.

He said about 500 to 600 protesters remained inside the temple.

The protesters inside the temple would be categorised according to their provinces and would be taken to the National Stadium for transporting home.

-- The Nation 2010-05-20

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[Thaivisa News]

AFP: A meeting chaired by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva "agreed to impose the curfew to better...(1/2)

AFP: ..secure area & curtail their activities" said Dithaporn Sasasmit, spokesman 4 the army-run Internal Security Operation Command (2/2)

AFP: However, the new curfew would be shortened to between 9pm and 5am, Dithaporn said, "to lessen the effect on the public".

Lots of tyre-burning going on in Chiang Mai, with a few #redshirt checkpoints set up, & general #redshirt 'hanging around' /v @veen_NT

'CNN reporting in #Bangkok eclipsed by twitter & local Thai TV on Internet>>YES 100%' /via @AM_Thailand

TAN: Confirmed: Curfew extended to Saturday, shortened to 9pm-5am, effective in all Emergency Decree declared areas throughout Thailand.

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CRES announced that curfew effective today (Thur) until this Sat. May 22, from 21:00 to 5:00 hr

Full story:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-Imp...ts-t367273.html

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Gold Shops Closed Today

Gold Traders Association President, Jitti Tangsithpakdi announces all gold shops in Yaowarat, a well known Chinatown in Bangkok, citing potential danger. Many commercial venues were torched by arsonists yesterday after armed forces dispersed rally sites and arrested protest leaders.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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Curfew changed to 9pm-5am, extended to Saturday

It has been confirmed that a curfew will be extended to Saturday, but shortened to 9pm-5am, effective in all Emergency Decree declared areas throughout Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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[Thaivisa News]

TAN: Acting Govt Spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn: Arisaman Pongruengrong has not been apprehended.

CRES: Panitan told what happened last night.

CRES: Pantan: 44 dead so far /via @veen_NT

CRES: Panitan: There were attempts to rescue stranded protesters inside Wat Pathumwanaram but officials could not get in /via @veen_NT

CRES: Panitan: Medics and rescue workers couldn't enter the temple because there were armed groups. /via @veen_NT

CRES: Sansern speaking

'electricity in victory monument is stil not back..' /via @joe_abac

CRES: Sansern: Around 5,000 ppl are inside Wat Prathumwanaram and they were target of a violence attack /via @veen_NT

CRES: Sansern: Casualties occurred after soilders went in. /via @veen_NT

CRES: Sansern: shows VDO clip in which Nuttawut said :"If they took away our power: Set this country on fire. Yes, set this country on fire"

CRES: Nuttawut in VDO (con't) I will be responsible for that" -the clip. http://bit.ly/aBCH5o /via @veen_NT

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MCOT: Petrol stations in Bangkok face shortages of NGV, LPG, and oil products due to huge demand since Wed in preparation for curfew imposition: PTT executive

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Shortage as Thais rush to fill gas before curfew

A PTT executive was quoted by MCOT as saying there is a shortage of NGV, LPG, & Oil in Bangkok as Thais rush to fill their vehicles after the curfew of 8pm-6am was announced yesterday.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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