Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Thursday

[Thaivisa News]

Picture of Ploenchit intersection from @richardbarrow: http://twitpic.com/1pavye /via @Wizardofwindsor

CRES: Sansern: Curfew from 9pam to 5am for 3 days. The timing will be much more flexbile for the city people. /via @veen_NT

TAN: CRES: Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd has confirmed curfew extended to Sunday morning, 9pm-5am, all Emergency Decree declared areas.

CRES: Sansern: 39 places were on fire.

CRES: Sansern: Police has taken protesters to the police HQ and put all records before managing their trips home.

CRES: To report anything suspicious (which proves to be useful so far), call: 02-5511555 and 02-525-1020

'Chidlom Intersection' http://twitpic.com/1pb024 /via @richardbarrow

Live pick of the former inner barricade at Chidlom. http://twitpic.com/1pb06c /via @richardbarrow

A few slingshots & ping pong bombs found in the temple http://twitpic.com/1pb0h7 /via @photo_journ

Fire on Centre One was not totally put off yet. Its roof caved i, :Ratchapol, Center One's MD told TNN /via @tukky_NT

'Long Video of Khlong Toei Electricity Building on fire and destruction of Rama 4 Road Khlong Toei' http://bit.ly/cI4pvv /via @freakingcat

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SET closes for two days

By The Nation

The Stock Exchange of Thailand announed to suspend trading until Friday as fear of Bangkok chaos.

SET early this morning said that the exchange during May 20-21 has been closed.

There have no annoucement yet whether transaction will be resumed on next Monday.

-- The Nation 2010-05-20

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#redshirts black guards uniforms abandoned in the temple http://twitpic.com/1pb5g8 /via @photo_journ

Live pic of Central World 3: http://twitpic.com/1pb7ar /via @richardbarrow

TAN: 'Commerce Ministry to hold a meeting at 2pm to assess damages of businesses in Ratchaprasong and Saladaeng'

TAN: Buses are ready at the National stadium to transport people out of the area, ID check of all passengers required

TAN: All Transport Co. buses suspended. Call hotline 1490. /via @js100radio.

'I salute all the fire fighters for reporting to their job amid all this' /via @Hershies46

Live pic of Central World 12: http://twitpic.com/1pbab8 /via @richardbarrow

TAN: Erawan: Current casualties, 13 dead (6 at Pathum Temple - 1 Italian journ, 1 nurse, 1 soldier, 10 civilians), 88 injured.

TAN: Summary of CRES Announcement this morning: http://bit.ly/95LmoQ

[Thaivisa News]

Burned out entrance to Zen. http://twitpic.com/1pbcdn /via @richardbarrow

URGENT: Suvarnabhumi Airport director: Passengers with boarding pass, passport allowed to travel during curfew /via MCOT

Sala-Daeng; Management already clearning the site. http://tweetphoto.com/23165275 /via @noppatjak

MCOT: AoT provides express buses for passengers to Suvarnabhumi Airport in 3 routes during curfew (1/2)

MCOT: Express buses in 3 routes include Ratchadapisek, Silom, Sukhumvit at 10pm, midnight, 2am (2/2)

'Power hungry soldier on Chidlom/Ploenchit barricade locking journos out, advise to use Pratunam entrance' /via @seacorro

TAN: People at Pathumwanaram Temple completely evacuated, going to National Stadium to board Transport Ministry Buses home.

TAN: Hometown Registration at National Stadium b4 former protesters board buses home, with Police and Pheu Thai MPs reassuring their safety

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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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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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Education Minister to Re-assess School Opening

Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat said that Bangkok schools may delay their opening further after having delayed the original date of May 17th to May 24th. Authorities will do a thorough evaluation before declaring the new opening date.

Chinnaworn has also circulated warning to school executives to be aware of potential arson as many Bangkok venues were torched after authorities dispersed protests in the Capital yesterday.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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Erawan: casualties from May 19th, 13 dead, 88 injured

Out of the 13 deaths, 6 were from the Pathum Wanaram Temple shelter. Everyone has now been evacuated out of the temple after being attacked. Investigation teams and forensics are investigating the case. Among the deaths, 1 was an Italian journalist named Polenchi Fadio, 1 nurse, 1 soldier and 10 other civilians..

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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Summary of CRES Announcement at 11am

At around 11am this morning, Acting Government Spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn said in an announcement that the widespread arson yesterday was an organized crime by selected groups.

The government believes that the majority of protesters has abided by the law and has gone home. Panitan also added that the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation or CRES will deploy troops to secure all affected areas.

In addition, Paintan said that protesters were stuck in Pathumwanaram temple, a designated humanitarian area, as gunfire continued to defy authorities. The situation has been dealt with and the protesters have been escorted out of the temple safely. The protesters will board buses the government has arranged to take them home.

Meanwhile, CRES Spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd announced that the authorities have been able to capture several culprits during yesterday’s operations. All fires, he said, have been put out.

Sansern said that the Forensics Department is currently investigating Pathumwanaram Temple and will do so thoroughly. The CRES spokesman also said that the authorities have been able to arrest several armed gunmen in Central World department store, and will hold a press conference to release details this afternoon.

Sansern reiterated that the CRES would like to ask for cooperation of all residents in Thailand to report any suspicious activities to the authorities via several hotlines including 1555 hotline, 02-521-6712, or 02-552-8551.

Sansern also announced that the curfew originally between 8pm to 6am will be adjusted to 9pm to 5am, and will be in effect until Sunday morning in all areas under the Emergency Decree.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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MCOT: AoT provides express buses for passengers to Suvarnabhumi Airport in 3 routes during curfew; Ratchadapisek, Silom, Sukhumvit at 10pm, midnight, 2am

THE NATION: Suvarnabhumi Airport director: Passengers with boarding pass, passport allowed to travel during curfew

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All protesters leave Pathumwanaram Temple

At 12:05 pm Thursday, all protesters have been evacuated from the Pathumwanaraam Temple to the Royal Thai Police headquarters.

They will have their name recorded and will be sent home.

Tents and some belongings as well as some vehicles of protesters were left inside the temple.

-- The Nation 2010-05-20

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CPN closes services in Bangkok and some provinces

By The Nation

Central Pattana Plc (CPN), the operator of CentalWorld announced to close operation in every branches both in Bangkok and nearby provinces today.

However, only Central branch at Future Park Rangsit and other provinces that have not been affected by the political crisis have operated as usual.

-- The Nation 2010-05-20

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Investigations Underway

Department of Special Investigation Director-General Tharit Pengdit said Head Forensics Dr.Porntip Rojanasunan heads 4 10-member forensics teams to investigate fires in Bangkok last night.

Tharit added that DSI investigators are interrogating suspects at Border Police camp in Pathumthani province and Naresuan camp at Hua Hin district, Petchaburi province.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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[Thaivisa News]

If you have not already seen: 'Some extremely intense pictures from yesterdays crackdown' http://bit.ly/cvqgMU #Bangkok #Thailand

Sad times: Live pic of Siam Theatre 5: http://twitpic.com/1pbgmi /via @RichardBarrow

AFP: Thai army denies involvement in temple killings

AFP: Thailand's army on Thursday denied any involvement in the killing of nine people at a Buddhist temple

AFP: "The incident occurred at 5 pm to 6 pm (1000 to 1100 GMT). At that time the security officials had..(1/2)

AFP: ...not yet entered Pathum Wanaram temple," said army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd. (2/2)

AFP: "If security officials want to kill people the death toll could be much higher," he said.

AFP: Adding that the government was "ready to prove itself in this case."

TAN: Nothing new to CRES anncmnt: curfew extension in 24 provinces from 9pm-5am until Sunday morning. Penalty 2 years in jail and/or fine

TAN: Red-shirt leaders Veera Musikkapong and Weng Tojirakarn turned themselves in at Crime Suppression Division.

TAN: 7 Redshirt leaders turned themselves into the police so far, Jatuporn 2 surrender May 27th. Their lawyers plea against terrorism charge

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Veera and Weng Turn Themselves in

Key leaders of the red-shirt protest Veera Musikkapong and Weng Tojirakarn have turned themselves in at the Crime Suppression Division.

They've been charged with violating the Emergency Decree and terrorism, which both have denied.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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BOT: All banks, especially the ones in department stores, can open from Friday to Sunday without asking for BOT's permission to ease people's difficulties. /BP

[Thaivisa News]

All banks, esp ones in dep stores, can open frm Friday 2 Sunday without asking BOT's permission 2 ease people's difficulties /v bpost sms

MCOT: Three killed in two shooting attacks in Narathiwat http://bit.ly/bG0S1C

A time line of @markmackinnon 's tweets yesterday while inside the temple 'that was supposed to be haven': http://bit.ly/aaoDaC /

TAN: Saladaeng is now being cleaned up by BMA supervised by Bangkok Governor.

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UPDATE

URGENT: Redshirt leaders Veera and Weng turned themselves into the police.

2 Redshirt leader Veera Musikpong and Dr Weng Tojirakarn turned themselves in at the Crime Supression Division. 7 Redshirt leaders turned themselves into the police so far, with another leader Jatuporn Prompan to surrender on May 27th. Their lawyers plea against terrorism charge.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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Reds barricades disbanded in Chiang Mai, reds radio voluntarily suspended

Provincial police on Thursday took down the barricades of a main rally site in Chiang Mai without any resistance from the red shirts.

The barricades were located near Grand Waroros Hotel on Inthawaroros Road, where the local reds, known as the Rak Chiang Mai 51 Group, held their rally for months.

Some 10 red shirts were present to witness the disbandment but did not interfere with police work.

Community radio operator and red-shirt leader Worawut Rujanapinan said he voluntarily suspended his broadcast as a gesture of his cooperation with the authorities.

-- The Nation 2010-05-20

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Erawan: 13 dead, 88 injured from May 19th onwards

Out of the 13 deaths, 6 were from the Pathum Wanaram Temple shelter. Everyone has now been evacuated out of the temple after being attacked by bullet splashes. Investigation teams and forensics are investigating the case. Bomb materials were found at the temple but not a danger. Among the deaths, 1 was an Italian journalist named Polenchi Fadio, 1 nurse, 1 soldier and 10 other civilians.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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Former protesters are now going home in their respective provinces.

Former protesters are now transported back home in their respective provinces from the National Stadium Emergency Bus Station set up by the Transport Ministry. Hometown registrations are done at the National Stadium to determine who is going back to which province and district. Police officers and Pheu Thai MPs on site to reassure them their safety. Buses mainly destine to Mor Chit Train Station and Bang Sue Train Station.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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Dokya shop at Center One burnt down

The Dokya Shop's Center One branch at Victory Monument was completely burnt down.

At 12:20 pm Thursday, the Center One was still smoldering.

Some blazes were still seen inside the shopping mall while fire fighters were dousing the mall to prevent fire from spreading to nearby buildings.

-- The Nation 2010-05-20

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Red Shirt leader out on MP privileges to return to face charges on May 27

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Puea Thai Party MP Jatuporn Prompan, one of the core leaders of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) has vowed to turn himself in to the police on 27 May 2010.

After being released due to his political rights, Puea Thai Party MP Jatuporn Prompan stated that he would submit to charges against him on 27 May according to Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Tarit Pengdit.

The Director General of the DSI stated that his deparment has already lodged charges of terrorism against three UDD core leaders who surrendered to police yesterday. Those three UDD core leaders are Puea Thai Party MP Jatuporn Prompan, Mr Nattawut Saikua and Mr Kwanchai Praipana.

Police allowed Mr Jatuporn to go free due to his rights as a member of the House of Representatives. However, Mr Tarit said that Mr Jatuporn pledged that he would turn himself in to the police again near the end of this month.

Mr Tarit added that the Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Ousted ex Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and ten more UDD leaders on terrorism charges.

However, the court later suspended the arrest warrant on terrorism charges issued for Mr Thaksin for undisclosed reasons and decided to convene on the matter further on 24 May 2010 at 9.00 hrs. Mr Tarit admitted that he was surprised at the court's decision.

-- NNT 2010-05-20

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50 bn THB damages expected from riots

BANGKOK (NNT) -- About 50 billion THB or 0.5% of the national economic system is expected to be damaged following the violent clashes and riots in Thailand, according to Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij.

The minister estimated that about 50 billion THB or 0.5% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would be affected from the violence and unrest instigation; however, he believed that such problems would only be temporary.

Mr Korn stated that economic rehabilitation measures would be made very soon. Relevant sectors are now mulling over this issue for more clarification to allocate appropriate budget to mitigate the situation. Such allocations will be presented to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva before further decisions are made.

The minister added that he had received reports about arsons of many financial institutions, including the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). He believed that the operation of the SET would not be affected because the database and computer system had been backed up.

Mr Korn stated that the situation must be restored back to normalcy first before confidence can be regained. He suggested all sides to make a social contract together to consult for exits to the political problem as he believed that formation of social contract would allow all sides to exchange opinions.

-- NNT 2010-05-20

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UPDATE

Reds barricades disbanded in Chiang Mai

By The Nation

Reds radio voluntarily suspended

CHIANG MAI: -- Provincial police on Thursday took down the barricades of a main rally site in Chiang Mai without any resistance from the red shirts.

The barricades were located near Grand Waroros Hotel on Inthawaroros Road, where the local reds, known as the Rak Chiang Mai 51 Group, held their rally for months.

Some 10 red shirts were present to witness the disbandment but did not interfere with police work.

Community radio operator and red-shirt leader Worawut Rujanapinan said he voluntarily suspended his broadcast as a gesture of his cooperation with the authorities.

Worawut said two co-leaders, Phetchawat Wattanapongsiri and Kanyapak Maneechak, have remained hiding in Bangkok following the end of the Rajprasong rally on Wednesday.

He said the red shirts in the northern province will cease all activities although they might regroup and resume protesting within the next few months.

-- The Nation 2010-05-20

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Retailers close BKK venues

By The Nation

Businesses inside the venues including theatres are closed accordingly.

Central Pattana Plc (CPN), the operator of heavily-damaged CentalWorld, will close the operations of every branch in Bangkok and nearby provinces today.

Excluded are the branches at Future Park Rangsit and other provinces that have not been affected by the May 19 violence.

Another retailer, Big C Supercentre, of which Rajdamri branch was put on fire, maintains the operations at all branches, except the one in Khon Kaen, durng 9.30 am to 6pm.

It reported that fire at the Rajdamri branch has been under control, but it could not yet estimate the damage. All staff were well and safe thanks to early evacuation. At the Khon Kaen branch, the outer glass sheets were broken.

Due to the closure of shopping complexes, Major Cineplex Group closed 9 branches at Central Bangna, Central Rama II, Central Rama III, Central Pinklao, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Big C Rajdamri, Seacon Square, and Siam Paragon. All other branches nationwide open as usual, but the closing time is as early as 6pm. Moviegoers are urged to check http://www.majorcineplex.com/directline.php for more information.

Major's representative said that the company has not yet evaluated lost revenue from the closure of its theatres in Siam Paragon and the extended curfew period.

Due to Central's closure of several branches, theatres of SF Cinema City at the shopping venues will be closed. Today, it opens 5 branches in Bangkok but the closing time is moved up to 6pm.

SF's president Suwat Thongrompo added that it is too early to estimate losses from the fire at CentralWorld, which destroyed its theatres.

-- The Nation 2010-05-20

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Air travelling allowed under curfew

By The Nation

Passengers are allowed to travel under the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation's curfew annoucement.

Niran Theeranartsin, director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, said passengers are required to show air tickets and passports at checkpoints.

In addition, the airport has arranged express buses to service passengers who arrive to Bangkok after the curfew period, when other public transport means are limited.

The buses will operate in three main routes - Ratchadapisek, Silom and Sukhumvit - at 10pm, 12pm and 2am.

-- The Nation 2010-05-20

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TAN: Fire at Center One shopping mall already put out, leaving it completely burnt. Central World already partially collapsed.

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Reds barricades disbanded in Chiang Mai

By The Nation

Reds radio voluntarily suspended

Provincial police on Thursday took down the barricades of a main rally site in Chiang Mai without any resistance from the red shirts.

The barricades were located near Grand Waroros Hotel on Inthawaroros Road, where the local reds, known as the Rak Chiang Mai 51 Group, held their rally for months.

Some 10 red shirts were present to witness the disbandment but did not interfere with police work.

Community radio operator and red-shirt leader Worawut Rujanapinan said he voluntarily suspended his broadcast as a gesture of his cooperation with the authorities.

Worawut said two co-leaders, Phetchawat Wattanapongsiri and Kanyapak Maneechak, have remained hiding in Bangkok following the end of the Rajprasong rally on Wednesday.

He said the red shirts in the northern province will cease all activities although they might regroup and resume protesting within the next few months.

-- The Nation 2010-05-20

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Fire at Center One shopping mall already put out, leaving it completely burnt. Central World already partially collapsed

Center One shopping mall has reportedly almost cooled down from the fire that was set on last night, leaving the remainder completely burnt. Dok Ya Bookstore is reportedly 100% damaged. In the same area around Victory Monument, firefighters are still putting out the fire at various spots, while the remaining protesters have regathered in the area to cheer the destruction of the buildings. Minor clashes with the authorities were earlier reported, but the situation has been calmed down.

The Center One destruction can leave up to 1,000 jobless.

Central World Shopping Complex in Rajprasong intersection that was also set fire on last night has been put out as well. The mall is completely burnt and has now partially collapsed.

Central World already partially collapsed.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-20

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