Thailand Live Today - Live Saturday

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Thailand Live Today - Saturday May 22

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Keep up to date with live updates from the news, hour by hour.

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Related topic: Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Friday

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Thailand faces 'huge challenges' after deadly conflict: PM

by Sarah Stewart

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's premier said Friday that order has been restored after a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests triggered mayhem in the capital, but that the divided kingdom faces "huge challenges".

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared victory in a campaign to secure Bangkok, clamping down on militants in the "Red Shirt" movement who went on a rampage of arson and looting after their leaders surrendered Wednesday.

"This is one of the worst episodes Thailand has ever faced," Abhisit said in a televised address to the nation.

"We will continue to swiftly restore normalcy and we recognise that as we move ahead there are huge challenges ahead of us, particularly the challenge of overcoming the divisions that have occurred in this country."

Abhisit said he regretted the loss of life in the army offensive to shut down six weeks of anti-government protests, which left 16 dead, including an Italian photographer, but defended the way it was carried out.

"The operation was within the law and complied with international practice," he said, adding however that there would be an independent probe. Concern remains over a shootout at a temple "safe zone" where six bodies were found.

Abhisit made no mention of the fresh elections demanded by Red Shirts who condemn his government as illegitimate, but said the focus should now move to healing the splits that fomented the unrest.

"We are living in the same house," he said. "I invite all of you to join the reconciliation process."

"Let me reassure you that the government will meet these challenges through the five-point reconciliation plan I have announced," he said, referring to a road-map which failed to produce a peaceful resolution to the Reds rallies.

During failed negotiations before the crackdown, Abhisit offered to hold a vote in November -- a year ahead of schedule -- as long as the rallies dispersed.

Major General Amnuay Nimano of the Bangkok Police said in a televised broadcast later Friday that he had told Red Shirt leaders arrested after the protests they faced charges of insulting the monarchy, as well as terrorism.

Thailand is deeply split between the Reds, mostly urban and rural poor who are demanding the ouster of a government they condemn as undemocratic, and rival pro-establishment "Yellow Shirts" who represent the nation's elites.

The Reds are mostly supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup. The billionaire was accused of gross rights abuses and corruption, but won grass-roots support with his populist policies.

Thaksin's elected allies were later ejected in a controversial court ruling, paving the way for Abhisit's administration to be appointed in a 2008 army-backed parliamentary vote.

The violence in Bangkok drew expressions of concern from across the world and on Friday the Association of Southeast Asian Nations said peace and stability in Thailand were crucial to the bloc's future.

It was a rare statement about the internal affairs of one of its members.

Across central Bangkok a huge clean-up was under way after the scenes of anarchy that saw 36 major buildings go up in flames including the stock exchange and the nation's biggest mall which now lies in ruins.

In the hotspots where protesters have battled with security forces over the past week, roads were being cleared of burned tyres, and concrete blocks and stones that had been used as missiles.

Thailand has suffered regular bouts of civil unrest in its turbulent history, but commentators warned the emotional wounds from unrest that has left 86 dead and 1,900 injured since mid-March could be hard to heal.

"No one knows how long it will take to close the deep divisions that have been opened within Thai families and society," the Bangkok Post said in a front page editorial.

Bangkok and 23 other provinces in the rural north and northeast -- the Reds' heartland -- have been put under a curfew until Sunday to try to contain the conflict and prevent it from spreading across the nation.

Some 300 angry and emotional Reds who had taken part in the protests were welcomed home as heroes in the northern city of Chiang Mai Friday, greeted by a cheering and flag-waving crowd at the railway station.

"I am waiting for instructions from my leaders. I am not giving up. For now I will go home and back to my paddy field. With every one Red Shirt killed we believe a million supporters will emerge," said 38-year-old Nut Jangakat.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-22

Published with written approval from AFP.

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BANGKOK RIOTS

Bangkok to declare seven districts diaster zones from riots

By The Nation

Bangkok authority will declare as disaster zones the seven districts in Bangkok that were burnt and destroyed by riots broken out by angry red shirts protesters.

The districts are Klong Toey, Bang Rak, Sathorn, Rathevi, Din Daeng, Pathumwan and Wattana.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has assigned Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to support the rescue center of Center for the Restoration of Emergency Situation.

Therefore he would sign today an order to declare the seven districts as disaster zone from riots.

The BMA will set up a rescue center to receive complaints from people who are affected by the riots and chaos in Bangkok.

Referring to renovations of areas damaged by the riots, the governor said the authority would wait for green light from CRES before entering the areas for fear of safety.

Meanwhile Jumpol Sampaopon, director of BMA's Public Works office, said that his office has surveyed the buildings burned during the riots and categorised them into three groups.

The first group would be those which were totally destroyed beyond repair and needed to be demolished. They included Central World, Center One, Rajdamri and Siam Square shopping malls and Big C Superstore.

The second group are those which could be repaired but with high engineering technology only while the third are those which are slightly damaged.

-- The Nation 2010-05-22

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PM pledging rehabilitation and reconciliation plans

By The Nation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Friday made a televised speech expressing his condolences for human casualties and property damages and at the same time, thanking all sides in cooperating to restore normalcy.

Abhisit said he was grateful for the concerted efforts of state officials, soldiers, policemen, local officials and humanitarian organisations such as the Red Cross, to risk their lives in quelling the disturbances.

"Now it is time for everyone to enter the rehabilitation process," he said.

He pledged for rebuilding and for helping the victims to overcome the traumas from terrorism, arson and other violent incidents.

The immediate task is to ensure the safety and the full restoration of normalcy, he said. In the medium- and long-term, restrictions due to the emergency rule will be gradually lifted in accordance with the pace for normalisation.

The road map for reconciliation remains intact and will be implemented along with additional measures for social, economic and political rehabilitations, he said.

The prime minister reiterated his government's stand that all security operations to restore normalcy were carried out in conformity with the law and the international standard designed to minimise the loss.

He vowed to steer the country back on the path of peace and unity while ensuring that wrongdoers and ill-intentioned people would dealt with in accordance with the law.

He invited all sides to step forward and join the government to rebuild the country.

"I urge every group to drop our differences and rebuild our country, making it a home-sweet-home for every Thai citizen once again," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-22

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Thai PM Abhisit says country under control after unrest

Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva says order has been restored to the capital, Bangkok, and throughout the country.

Mr Abhisit said the government would "move swiftly to restore normalcy" following a week of violence which left more than 50 people dead.

In a televised address he said reconciliation efforts would continue to address political divisions.

Read more: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/asia_pacific/10135644.stm

-- BBC 2010-05-21

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BANGKOK RIOTS

Victims seek govt assistance

By Kornchanok Raksaseri,

Somroutai Sapsomboon

The Nation

Published on May 22, 2010

Many have lost their jobs and regular incomes

Affected people cry for the government's urgent help and plan to rally at Central World today.

Wandee Saetang, 52, yesterday stood at the Saladaeng Intersection at 2pm with the hope to meet reporters. She worked at the Central World canteen.

"I don't know what else I can do. Now I'm at the dead end. I don't understand why we never caused the government any trouble, but the gov�ernment never sees us. On the other hand, the protesters caused many problems but the government helped them with many things without any request," she said tearfully.

She said her employer told her that the shop has to be closed on critical days. But the government would help the daily workers upon registration. They registered with the government since April 1213 but they had not received any help.

"The officials from the Labour Ministry said they could not help us as we don't have any social security card. But I think that the more they must help us," she said, adding that she had yet to pay two months of house rent at the end of this month, otherwise, they will have to move out.

The rent of the house she's been living for 30 years is Bt3,000 a month. With the wage Bt350 a day, she has to be responsible for a 13yearold daughter and her 80yearold parents.

She went to Central World, where used to be her office, since 10am. She met some people who also used to work there.

This morning, (Saturday) they plan to bring more excolleagues and meet again at the intersection before marching to the burnt Central World.

Wandee's excolleague Phochana Kongkamnan, 33, said she and about a dozen of her friends came to the intersection almost every day as they had nowhere to go.

"It's too stressful to stay at home. I can't do anything there. I come out here I might be lucky enough to get a job," she said.

She took the government's free bus service to the area.

Phochana said during the period she is jobless since April 3, when the red shirt came to rally at Rajprasong Intersection, she had to borrow money from relatives and loan sharks to survive.

Being a daily worker with Bt250 wage, Phochana has no savings but must take care of her 7yearold daughter and a niece.

"Reality is sadder than in novels. (Sad but real) She said tearfully. "I hope somebody helps me before I lose my last breath."

"I haven't had a meal since the morning," she said and showed the only bottle of water that kept her stay. "I am a grownup, I can stand it. But children can't."

She called for urgent assistance as the landlord asked her to leave after failing to pay two months of the rent.

She suggested that, at least, the government to help talk to the landlords to allow them to stay further.

Boonnam Somsaksiri, a 47yearold vendor in Silom, is still luckier than Wandee and Phochana he has some savings. He wanted somebody to ensure that the government would not desert them and give urgent help.

"In the early period when the government took the post, it could give away Bt2,000. Now it should give some money urgently to help the troubled people survive," he said.

Tour guide Nitat Rachdee, 49, said he came to take photos at Saladaeng Intersection for his memory and his pleasure.

"Every corner of this area is where I made a living. Today is the first day in the past two months that I have a mall group of Spanish tourists," he said.

He usually earned more than Bt50,000 each month. But after the red shirt started rallying in March 12, his income dropped until he barely earned.

"As a tour guide, I want to ask the government to fix the country's image so that tourism industry can come back as soon as possible," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-22

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BANGKOK RIOTS

TOT suffers Bt14 mn losses

By The Nation

Published on May 22, 2010

TOT suffered the loss of around Bt14 million from the damage of its assets, according to its preliminary estimate, while CAT Telecom experiences no damage.

Yingsak Srisuksawad, TOT's executive vice president metropolitan sale and service 1, said 83 of its public telephone booths in areas of Rama I, Rama 4, Rajdamri, Wireless Road, Ploenchit, Rajprasong, and Victory of Monument were burnt and damaged. The combined cost of each of the phone booth and the phone body is Bt32,000. Its fibre optic lines along such areas were also damaged.

TOT's two digital loop circuit (DLC) cabinets worth Bt2 million, each located in CentralWorld and Siam Paragon, were damaged from fires.

CAT Telecom chief executive Jirayuth Rungsrithong said CAT did not experience any damage.

-- The Nation 2010-05-22

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UNDER DETENTION?

Uproar as red-shirt leaders have an easy life

By The Nation

Published on May 22, 2010

   

   

The government was forced yesterday to explain widely-circulated photos of some surrendered red leaders apparently enjoying themselves at a holiday retreat inside a border patrol camp in Phetchaburi.

"If the pictures were real, they would be unacceptable to me," a red protester told The Nation.

That was one of the milder comments amid outrage and a storm of sarcasm on the Internet. "So much for leading a campaign against double-standards," one tweetple said.

Added another: "They should start protesting this treatment they are receiving."

Natthawut Saikua, who surrendered along with Jatuporn Promphan on Wednesday, triggering rioting that sent Bangkok up in flames, starred in the photos in a totally relaxed mood inside what was described as a room facing a nice beach at Naresuan border patrol police camp. He was surrounded by friendly camera-holding people and some other red leaders.

The photos first appeared on a Facebook page and the tweeting, sharing and e-mailing spread like wild fire. Although the state of emergency law prescribes better treatment of suspects detained under the act, many people were extremely surprised by what they saw, especially after the government spent the last two weeks accusing the red leaders of being "terrorists".

Pol Maj-General Amnuay Nimmano, deputy Bangkok police chief, said during a press conference of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation yesterday evening that no suspects had received extreme comfort. He said everyone "looked worried" when told of the serious charges they face, including attempts to overthrow the monarchy and terrorism.

Meanwhile, the British Embassy declined comment on reports that Thaksin had left Paris for London after the French government blocked his plan to speak at a media forum.

The embassy does not "comment on individual cases", an embassy source said.

Thaksin was seen shopping at a Louis Vuitton shop in Paris on May 15 and a little-known foreign policy think tank invited journalists to meet him next Monday at a press dinner in Paris.

He is believed to travel under a Montenegro passport with a new name as the Thai government has revoked his diplomatic passport.

-- The Nation 2010-05-22

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AFTERMATH

PM reassures kingdom

By The Nation

Published on May 22, 2010

Abhisit vows rehabilitation, says situation improving; Premier cancels Russia trip to lead restoration of peace; Red shirts return home but promise to carry on struggle

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that normalcy was returning to the country and that the government would begin to bridge the deep divide as well as heal the emotional wounds of people who were victims of the military crackdown.

"The government would continue the road map for national reconciliation as announced earlier and we would have an additional plan to repair all the damage brought about by the conflict - mental, economic, social and even political," he said.

"The restoration and reconciliation plan needs the intensive participation and cooperation of people from all walks of life. We will help each other rebuild our nation for the happiness of all," Abhisit said in a televised address.

The military crackdown since late last week has killed 52 people, mostly civilians, and injured more than 400 others while many buildings were burned down by angry protesters.

Abhisit expressed his gratitude to all concerned officials, including rescue workers, who took risks to help the government disperse the red-shirt protesters from the Rajprasong business and shopping centre.

"This is one of the worst situations the country has ever faced. The government regrets the losses and thanks those who sent supportive messages to the authorities. The decision is to bring the country back to normalcy and maintain the rule of law," he said.

The immediate task is to ensure the safety and the full restoration of normalcy, he added. In the medium and long-term, restrictions due to the emergency rule will be gradually lifted in keeping with the pace of normalisation.

Prime Minister Abhisit will return to Government House to resume his duties on Monday and conduct the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday to build confidence and demonstrate that the situation had returned to normal.

The premier cancelled his plan to visit Russia from June 7-9 to continue overseeing the restoration of normalcy in the country, a government official said.

However, some officials remained diffident about the situation after a number of bombs, including C-4 explosive substances, were found hidden in cars abandoned in many locations in Bangkok yesterday. They believed other similar attempts must have been made. The authorities have asked people to inform them if they found any suspected cars.

Meanwhile, red-shirt protesters who returned to their hometowns in the North and Northeast declared they would not give up the struggle for democracy and social justice and would resume the fight soon.

Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, a social activist, said he would form a new group called Democratic Conference to revive the red-shirt group's struggle.

Former communist insurgent Surachai Danwattananusorn, the leader of Red Siam, said the group would stage a rally at Sanam Luang to carry on the reds' fight once the state of emergency was lifted.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the authorities were closely monitoring some armed militants who were still active and would never give up their fight easily. The authorities were worried they would go underground. They might split themselves into small groups or cells to conduct sabotage or assassinations in other provinces, he said.

The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation said yesterday that authorities had conducted inspections of 10 buildings in Rajprasong and nearby areas to secure them from armed militants. The buildings included Rajdamri Hotel, Regent House, Erawan Hotel, Centre Point and Four Seasons, where authorities suspected militants might have been hiding.

The authorities lifted some restrictions to enable restoration of public utility supplies such as electricity and power, said Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd.

The centre opened yesterday for registration of business owners who suffered losses during the Army crackdown and riots to claim compensation from the government, he said.

Workers yesterday cleaned up the Rajprasong intersection after officials had finished their inspection and secured the area, said Sansern.

-- The Nation 2010-05-22

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BANGKOK DANGEROUS

Court rejects bail requests for detained red leaders, protesters

By The Nation

Published on May 22, 2010

Court yesterday rejected requests for the temporary release of 114 redshirt leaders and protesters, because they believe that the detainees might cause further mayhem and instigate more violence if released.

The detainees have not been charged with criminal offences, because the detention request was submitted to the Pathum Wan district court under the state of emergency for further investigation and subsequent indictment.

Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) leader Arisaman Pongruenrong is now reportedly hiding in Khon Kaen and had told the police he would surrender at a location that was unknown at press time. Meanwhile, another leader Suporn Attawong issued an open letter to police saying that he would turn himself in only after the state of emergency was lifted.

Many of the detainees, including monks and women, expressed anger toward reporters and had to be calmed down by police during court sessions hearing their release requests.

The Department of Special Investigation now has taken over 115 cases related to the red shirts, including terrorism, arson and sabotage. DSI directorgeneral Tharit Phengdit has warned redshirt supporters across the country to drop any plans to stage future protests, saying that swift legal action would be taken against them.

The Justice Ministry has set up a lawenforcement task force to deter crimes in progress, comprising two police divisions, the DSI and a civilian forensic science unit. The task force can be contacted at 1688.

There are 34 DAAD members, including those who delivered speeches at the Rajprasong protest site, being held at a borderpatrol barracks in Phetchaburi province; another 45 in Provincial Police Region 1 custody; 30 in the Pathum Wan police station; and five in Lumpini police station.

In Khon Kaen, 13 redshirt rioters were yesterday each handed a suspended oneyear prison term as well as fined Bt20,000 for violating curfew. Since they confessed, their original sentences were halved, and suspended because none had previous criminal records.

Though DAAD leader Jatuporn Promphan will be released because of the parliamentary immunity he has as a Pheu Thai partylist MP, the Criminal Court has banned him from travelling overseas.

A number of Pheu Thai MPs had reportedly prepared documents and bail guarantees to secure the detainees' release.

During a police sweep of the Pathum Wanaram temple, where lots of redshirt protestors had taken refuge, a large number of munitions and homemade weapons were found, including belts of M60 machine gun bullets and magazines of M16 rifle bullets.

In addition, police found items they suspect were stolen, including ten boxes of jewellery kept in a Honda sedan with licence plate number Kor Tor 6043Nakhon Pathom, which was parked inside the temple compound.

Five redshirt guards and the wife of DAAD leader Khwanchai Phraipana were also arrested in the temple compound, where six people, including a female paramedic, were killed mysteriously.

Bangkok police chief Santhan Chayanont said certain areas were sealed off including Rajprasong intersection, Din Daeng triangle, certain sections of Rama IV Road, Ratchaprarob and the Victory Monument.

-- The Nation 2010-05-22

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Key Red-shirt Leader Banned from Leaving Country

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation, or CRES, has banned red-shirt core leader Chatuporn Prompan from leaving the country after he was released over his parliamentary immunity.

Army chief General Anupong Paochinda, in his capacity as chief operating officer of the State of Emergency, signed an order to prohibit red-shirt core leader Chatuporn Prompan from traveling outside the country.

The order is in compliance with Article 11 of the Emergency Decree. Authorities have expressed concern that his travel out of the country could pose a threat to national security and stability.

Chatuporn was released after he decided to invoke his parliamentary immunity as an MP.

He was permitted to exercise his parliamentary right as the House will open its special session on May 27 to deliberate the budget bill for the next fiscal year.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-21

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CRES Cancels Curfew in Pattaya

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations, or CRES, has announced the prime minister's decision to cancel the curfew in Pattaya. Earlier reports indicated that local officials had pleaded with the government, fearing a severe effect on local tourism.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-21

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THE NATION: One body found in CTW is confirmed but police denied 9 bodies are found today, says police spokesman. #Ch.9

THE NATION: Lt Gen Pongsatat: Pathumwan Police will hold a press conference tomorrow to reveal the investigation at CTW. #Ch9

THE NATION: McDonald's on Silom will only open on Monday. today was a soft opening. http://tweetphoto.com/23336221 via @jin_nation:

THE NATION: MRT underground train will resume its operation on Sunday from 8-8pm and 6-8pm on Monday May24.

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Transport Services Returning to Normal

UPDATE : 21 May 2010

Petrol stations in the outskirts of Bangkok have reported higher sales during the last few days while public transport services should return to full operation by Monday.

Security officials are still not allowing petrol stations in 13 risk districts to reopen despite the riot situation abating.

This has resulted in brisk sales for petrol stations on the outskirts of Bangkok. These stations have requested the delivery of petrol this afternoon, instead of late at night, to replenish depleting reserves.

Operators of petrol stations in outer Bangkok said there has been an increase in petrol sales by 50 percent from 50,000 to 80,000 baht a day to over 160,000 baht in cash despite their closing early at 4 p.m.

Motorists have been complaining about the difficulties of filling up their tanks, as they have to drive further to find petrol stations which are open.

This has drastically affected taxis and tuk tuks, whose revenue has dropped from the curfew being imposed while costs have risen from having to drive further to fill up the tank.

In a related issue, all oil distributors will be cutting their prices by 50 satang per liter for all fuel types, except for E85, tomorrow. Gasoline 91 will sell for 35.54 baht a liter, gasohol 91 at 30.24 baht, gasohol 95 at 31.74 baht, diesel at 28.59 baht and biodiesel B5 at 27.39 baht.

The cut stemmed from global oil prices falling below the 70 dollars per barrel level to 69.31 as investors fear a decline in petrol demand due to the three-month high of the US weekly unemployment data.

Meanwhile, public buses are still avoiding routes in hot spots while routes elsewhere are still operational. Commuters should call 184 to seek information about bus routes.

The MRT and BTS will still be shut tomorrow. The MRT said it will reopen on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. but will not run through the Klongtoey, Lumpini and Silom stations. For Monday's start of the new school term, the MRT expects to operate all stations.

The BTS has said it needs to assess the damage to its properties before announcing reopening.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-21

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EU calls for action in Thailand

Published: May 21, 2010 at 1:09 PM

BRUSSELS, May 21 (UPI) -- The violence in Thailand has done nothing but harm the Thai people and deepen national divisions, European officials said Friday.

Bangkok was quiet for a second day Friday after a military assault on Red Shirt opposition protesters. A curfew imposed overnight Wednesday was extended to Saturday after rioters burned key buildings following a Red Shirt decision to surrender.

Read more: www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/05/21/EU-calls-for-action-in-Thailand/UPI-73291274461753/[/i]

-- UPI 2021-05-21

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85 killed since rally started on March 12

By The Nation

Since the redshirt rally kicked off on March 12, 85 people have been killed in clashes and 1,898 injured, Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- Of the victims, five were rescue workers attached to emergency services. Two of them, Boonting Panjira from Vajira Hospital and Mana Saenprasertsri from Por Tek Tung Foundation, were killed. The remaining three, Suraphon Yimniam, Thira Jumjaroen and Sarayut Ampan, have sustained injures.

Sarayut and Thira are still being treated in hospital.

"These five rescue workers will receive financial assistance [as victims of political violence] from the Social Development and Human Security Ministry in line with government policy," Jurin said, adding that the Public Health Ministry would offer an additional Bt20,000 to each victim.

"Families of the rescue workers who were killed will each receive Bt50,000 from us," Jurin said.

He also thanked all hospitals, rescue workers and volunteers for doing their best to provide medical help to those in need during the tumultuous period.

Fiftythree people were killed between May 14 and 19, with most deaths recorded in Bangkok and one killed in Khon Kaen.

Officials also found one body inside the gutted CentralWorld building, that of a man between the age of 25 and 30.

"He was suspected of going inside to steal some products or to flee from the violence. He died of suffocation after arsonists set fire to the building," a source said.

The CentralWorld shopping complex had been closed since the redshirt demonstrators began their rally at Rajprasong intersection last month. On Wednesday, the rally was brought to an end but some demonstrators set fire to the CentralWorld building causing grave damages to the businesses inside. Parts of the building have already crumbled.

Director of the Forensic Science Institute, Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand, said yesterday that this redshirt rally was not an ordinary political protest.

"We have found weapons like M16 assault rifles and incendiary bombs at the rally site," she said.

Pornthip and other relevant officials are now gathering evidence at the rally site, just as soldiers continue to scour the area to ensure there are no armed red shirts remaining.

Soldiers also conducted a search at the General Police Hospital and Police Nursing College yesterday.

-- The Nation 2010-05-22

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Related topic:

Bangkok will rise like a phoenix

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Rise...ix-t367914.html

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PALME D'OR

Apichatpong joins his 'Uncle Boonmee' in Cannes

By The Nation

With political turmoil in Bangkok causing his passport to be stuck at the British Embassy in Thailand, finally, Thai director Apichatpong Weerasthakul made his way to France and the Cannes Film Festival to promote jhis "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives" ("Lung Boonmee Raluek Chat").

The film is a strong contender for the Palme d'Or at the 63rd annual fest.

Apichatpong - Joei to his Thai friends - made a Friday afternoon photocall. Associated Press and Agence France-Presse photos show Apichatpong flanked by actress Wallapa Mongkolprasert, producers Michael Weber, Keith Griffith, Simon Field, Charles de Meaux and Luis Minarro.

There was a press screening Friday morning and the official premiere on Friday night at Cannes' Lumiere Cinema.

"The film is a beautifully assembled affair, with certain scenes staged with painterly composure, and also increasingly moving as the subtle story develops," writes Screen Daily's chief film critic Mark Adams. "Apichatpong Weerasethakul is not afraid of adding in moments of surreal humour - often laugh-out-loud moments for that - which helps the pacing of the film."

Pundits believe it to be a strong contender for the top prize, the Palme d'Or, when the awards are announced on Sunday. Apichatpong won a jury prize in the main competition at Cannes for his "Tropical Malady" in 2004.

-- The Nation 2010-05-22

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Thai director slams censors during Cannes fest

CANNES (AFP) -- Thai arthouse director Apichatpong Weerasethakal slammed the country's tough censorship rules as his latest movie entered the race for the top Cannes film festival award on Friday.

Acclaimed by many Western film critics for his "auteur" offerings, his latest movie "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives" is a parable "on a cinema that's also dying or dead", he said.

"But you cannot blame Thai film-makers," he said at a press conference. "They cannot do anything because of these censorship laws."

"We cannot make a movie on the current situation," he added, "due to laws that ban threats to national security. Anything can be thrown into that."

The film-maker, who said he flew out of Bangkok "as the city was burning", expressed hoped that "something will change for the best" from the current chaos.

"Thailand is a violent country," he said. "It's controlled by a group of mafia."

In his movie, Uncle Boonmee is sufffering from acute kidney failure and has decided to spend his last days in the jungle, where the ghost of his dead wife returns along with his missing son, turned into a hairy monkey ghost.

The film is among 19 selected to compete for the Palme d'Or prize for best film to be handed out Sunday.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-22

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Thaivisa Member:

Photos - Rajprasong between April 3 and yesterday

I updated my photocollection from Rajprasong starting on April 3 when the red shirts moved in until the day after the crackdown; I sorted the photos and grouped them by the day. I took photos down on the street also on May 18 to show the mood 12 hours before the crackdown started. This gives a fairly complete overview of how life unfolded in Rajprasong between April 3 and yesterday.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ratchaprasong/

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All Central Dept Stores in & around Bangkok, except Chidlom & Silom, will close today at 7pm /via @ktnews (via @RichardBarrow)

With the opening of MRT Subway this Sunday, let's hope that this is a signal of normality returning to Bangkok. (via @RichardBarrow)

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Transport Services Returning to Normal

Petrol stations in the outskirts of Bangkok have reported higher sales during the last few days while public transport services should return to full operation by Monday.

Security officials are still not allowing petrol stations in 13 risk districts to reopen despite the riot situation abating.

This has resulted in brisk sales for petrol stations on the outskirts of Bangkok. These stations have requested the delivery of petrol this afternoon, instead of late at night, to replenish depleting reserves.

Operators of petrol stations in outer Bangkok said there has been an increase in petrol sales by 50 percent from 50,000 to 80,000 baht a day to over 160,000 baht in cash despite their closing early at 4 p.m.

Motorists have been complaining about the difficulties of filling up their tanks, as they have to drive further to find petrol stations which are open.

This has drastically affected taxis and tuk tuks, whose revenue has dropped from the curfew being imposed while costs have risen from having to drive further to fill up the tank.

In a related issue, all oil distributors will be cutting their prices by 50 satang per liter for all fuel types, except for E85, tomorrow. Gasoline 91 will sell for 35.54 baht a liter, gasohol 91 at 30.24 baht, gasohol 95 at 31.74 baht, diesel at 28.59 baht and biodiesel B5 at 27.39 baht.

The cut stemmed from global oil prices falling below the 70 dollars per barrel level to 69.31 as investors fear a decline in petrol demand due to the three-month high of the US weekly unemployment data.

Meanwhile, public buses are still avoiding routes in hot spots while routes elsewhere are still operational. Commuters should call 184 to seek information about bus routes.

The MRT said it will reopen on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. but will not run through the Klongtoey, Lumpini and Silom stations. For Monday's start of the new school term, the MRT expects to operate all stations.

The BTS has said it needs to assess the damage to its properties before announcing reopening.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-22

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The Terrorists

Even though the red shirt rally at Ratchaprasong Intersection ended with Jatuporn Promphan and Natthawut Saikuer surrendering to authorities right before security forces were about to breach their encampment, the conflict was not over. On the contrary, the turmoil has intensified beyond control.

The lesson that the government and the security personnel must learn from this incident is how to prevent the tactics executed by the hard-line red shirted protestors and their allied terrorists to set the city on fire.

If there ever will be more rallies in the future, the authorities must prevent rubber tires from being smuggled into the rally site.

The hard-line red shirts’ tactics have clearly demonstrated they were aiming to inflict the maximum damage to the country at any cost. Many public places, banks and even common residences were targeted.

The use of these tactics have even spread to other provinces, including Chiang Mai, Pathum Thani, Khon Kaen, Korat, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani.

These people were so anxious to set fire to anything they could get their hands on, without thinking about the consequences or the sovereignty of Thailand.

They acted like all of us were not of the same nationality; that we were not Thai countrymen but foreigners. They have caused great damage to the land which our ancestors had protected with their flesh and blood.

Yesterday’s incident was a reminder of the time when Ayutthaya was seized and destroyed, twice. But those took place during times of war and the people who destroyed the old Thai capital were foreign enemies, not fellow Thais themselves, such as it has happened this time.

Are some people really willing to sell their national pride for money? Is it true that democracy must only be traded with blood and ruin?

This will be a valuable lesson and even after today, Thailand will continue its long struggle.

There is a question that everyone must answer, which is more important: yourself or your nation?

We all die at some point but Thailand must remain. But the country will only survive if its people are willing to sacrifice themselves and stand united for its development. If they cannot do those contribute, the least they can do is not create more damage like they did yesterday.

These people cannot cause such destruction and still utter the phrase “I love Thailand”. Ungrateful critizens or terrorists not deserve to call themselves “Thai”.

Taken from Lieb Kye Column by Mattaya Inma, Kom Chad Leuk Newspaper, Page 2, May 20, 2010

Translated and Rewritten by Kongkrai Maksrivorawan

-- Tan Network 2010-05-22

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Sore Loser

In the wake of the ongoing riots around Bangkok, many of us Thais have been enlightened, or rather jolted, to face a harsh truth regarding what lies at the center of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship and what it is actually about. hel_l broke loose after the leaders of the DAAD called an end to their almost-two-month rally at the Ratchprasong intersection and turned themselves in to police at the nearby Royal Thai Police headquarters. They said they sacrificed themselves in order to save their supporters as troops were closing in on them and the possibility of bloodshed increased by the minute.

Their pleas for the protestors to return home fell on deaf ears. They actually backfired, adding emotional fuel to the already angry red-shirts. Unfortunately, the violent elements of the red-shirts chose to express their rage loud and clear as they set fire to department stores around the Ratchprasong intersection and other buildings in the Siam Square area. Almost simultaneously, other violent red-shirts on the outer zone launched arson attacks on buildings to create widespread destruction. Among their targets were Bangkok Bank branches, the Channel 3 building and the SET building.

Veera Musikaphong, Nuttawut Saikua, and Jatuporn Phromphan are credited as founders of the red-shirt movement in the wake of a bloodless coup on September 19, 2006 by the Council for Democratic Reform which removed Thaksin Shinawatra from office. General Surayud Chulanond was appointed the interim premier.

The three core leaders of DAAD launched the People Channel Television, or PTV, and gave speeches at Sanam Luang to recruit supporters. The movement and PTV worked together against the Council of National Security, which was changed from the Council for Democratic Reform, until a new election was held. The People Power Party, a repackage of the Thai Rak Thai Party, won the election. It allied with smaller parties and formed the then government coalition. In came the administration of Samak Sundaravej and the DAAD took a hiatus.

The Constitutional Court ruled that income he received from being a cooking show host made him unfit to be the premier. Somchai Wongsawat succeeded him and remained in the power not so long because his party was disbanded for election fraud.

The middle size parties than shifted their allegiance to side with the Democrat Party and voted Abhisit Vejjajiva to be the current premier.

This prompted the DAAD to come out and campaign against Abhisit Vejjajiva, who they deemed not only undemocratically elected, but also under the influence of the aristocracy. In order to get people behind them, they came up with causes and promises. The more attractive their promises and conditions sounded, the more masses they gathered. However, for them to say that Abhisit was undemocratically elected was unfounded and their contempt against the aristocrats was too abstract and vague to merit understanding.

This leads to a notion that the red-shirts weren’t drawn into their cause because of the above conditions. They got behind the DAAD leaders for other motivations which have been widely speculated as either easy money for sitting in or loyalty to Thaksin, or both. The latter seemed to be the most discussed given that in the early stage of the movement, Thaksin regularly phoned-in or addressed his supporters via video link. Not to mention, the majority of the red-shirts come from the northern, the northeastern and the central provinces which are considered to be strongholds of the Thai Rak Thai Party.

After speculation that Thaksin was the financial lifeline of the DAAD grew, he slowly faded away and started to deny any ties with the DAAD, saying the movement is led by the three core leaders. By stepping back and disowning the movement, in effect, was an attempt to reimage the DAAD in the eyes of the public and the world. He tried to create the image that the movement was born out of genuine calls for democracy and that he had no part in it. However, at key moments of the DAAD movement, Thaksin’s Twitter messages could be interpreted as guidance to the red-shirts.

The three core leaders were already defeated before on April 13, 2009. The red-shirts wreaked havoc and were dealt with security forces. They took what they learnt from the Songkran mayhem into the readjusting of their strategy and gathered masses at the Pan Fah Bridge on March 12. They really got everyone’s attention when they took over the Ratchprasong intersection and things got increasingly ugly from then on out.

The government invoked the Emergency Decree to reclaim the Pan Fah Bridge area. Soldiers were killed in grenade attacks and at the hands of snipers. Drawing from the incident, it can be concluded that the DAAD has four elements; the one who pays for the whole scheme from his bottomless wallet, the leaders who recruit supporters and give speeches on stage, the hard-liners headed by late Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol and, lastly, an armed force to challenge security forces.

Each element rarely got along with others since each side claimed to receive direct instructions from Thaksin, himself.

The moment Khattiya was taken out by a sniper, the hard-liners and the armed forces united to taunt troops which were closing in on them. The soldiers isolated their fortified encampments, sealed off the rally site and blocked access to food and other necessities in order to force the red-shirts to leave.

Seeing the demise is nigh, the core leaders contacted a senator who is allies with Thaksin to persuade Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet to offer mediations of between the government and the DAAD. Of all people, Prasopsuk should be the one who was surprised the most, given the peace talk idea was rejected before by the three leaders. They readily agreed to a ceasefire and violent acts.

Perhaps their response to the senators' offer signaled the army that they could handle the red-shirts and nothing would get out of control. The soldiers have been able to keep the armed red-shirts at bay in the Bon Kai and Din Daeng areas away from the main rally site. Knowing the core leaders are, by no means, fighters, the army took drastic measures in forcing its way in, breaking bamboo-and-tire barricades at the Sala Daeng intersection and fought with armed red guards.

The clash ended with one death of a red guard while many of them were rounded up. The first barrier was breached and the troops headed on towards the Ratchaprasong intersection.

The army's reading was, in part, correct because less than an hour after the troops broke the Sala Daeng encampment, the DAAD leaders turned themselves in at the Royal Thai Police headquarter. However, their surrender didn’t mean a real end to the DAAD as we all already and painfully saw. There are three elements of DAAD left. The mastermind who tries to distance himself from the movement ordered the violent red-shirts and the armed forces to launch a ravage spree in Bangkok.

Using the two elements to set Bangkok ablaze revealed the mastermind's true colors. For him, if he cannot live here, no Thai can. He said it himself*. The order of turning Bangkok into ruins may be interpreted as a way for him to pin the blame on the government for not dealing with the red-shirts properly, causing things to spiral out of control. The riots also serve as a distraction while the remaining DAAD leaders try to escape legal predicaments. The violent element in the red-shirts became opportunists who looted and destroyed. They acted on the resentment they have towards the core leaders who threw in the towel.

The surrender of Jatuporn and Nuttawut didn’t bring back peace because they are not the real leaders and are the not ones who have the last say on the red-shirt movement.

It will take the government some time to deal with the rioters. It is not certain when we will get our peaceful nationa back.

What is more certain is that rising body count is unlikely to startle the mastermind or cause him some sleepless nights. He already told us that if he cannot live here, then no Thai will be able to either. Need I say more?

Daily News Page 3, Politics Page, Friday May 21, 2010

Translated and Rewritten by Pornchai Sereemongkonpol

*If I can’t live there, then don’t hope that any Thai can live there comfortably.’

-- Tan Network 2010-05-22

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MOFA to urgently rectify foreign misunderstandings toward internal politics

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is determined to urgently rectify foreign misunderstandings toward political turmoil in Thailand.

Vice Foreign Minister, Panich Vikitset, disclosed that the international community remained concerned over violence and loss of life that had resulted from clashes between security forces and protesters of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

Foreign community calls on the government to assist expats and travelers visiting the capital in time of the riot and public sabotage of the radical protesters.

A letter explaining facts about Thai political turmoil has been sent by MOFA to rectify misunderstandings in the foreign community and international press. The letter specifically explains that officers’ operation was conducted without targeting innocent civilians but terrorism elements among protesters intended to create chaos in the city.

-- NNT 2010-05-22

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Chuan: Bangkok violence pre-planned abroad

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Bangkok violence was pre-planned abroad, according to Democrat Party chief adviser and former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai.

Mr Chuan said on Friday that riot in the capital this week was ordered from overseas, by someone who wanted to take back his power.

He was certain that the riot was not spontaneous reaction by anger protesters but planned by some people who targeted to destroy national economy with their attempts to persuade the global community to believe that the government was unable to control the situation.

The former Prime Minister and veteran politician stressed that public sabotage and riot was instigated in a bid to seek foreign intervention in Thailand's internal affairs.

-- NNT 2010-05-22

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Bangkok: MRT (subway) will resume operation on Sunday from 8am to 8pm. BTS (skytrain) expects to resume service of both Sukhumvit and Silom lines on Monday

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Air India flight from Dubai overshoots Magalore, India, runway; 163 aboard; many casualties feared /via @BreakingNews

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Subway (MRT) Re-opens Sunday; Skytrain (BTS) Re-opens Monday

MRT, operator of Bangkok's subway system, has announced on Saturday morning that services will be back up and running on Saturday May 22nd from 8am to 8pm. BTS, operator of Bangkok's skytrain system, said it needs more time to evaluate the safety of its system. It expects to re-open on Monday May 24th.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-22

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Democrats Link Riots with Red-shirt Networks Overseas

The ruling Democrat Party suggests red-shirt elements overseas have also played a part in the recent riots in Bangkok.

Democrat spokesperson Buranut Samutharuk said his party has obtained evidence that red-shirt networks overseas have incited anti-government protesters to stage mayhem in Bangkok.

Buranat indicated that the red-shirt networks have encouraged the protesters to stage arson attacks on shopping malls and banks.

Buranut revealed the suggestions on arson attacks were made through a website called NorPorChorUSA2.com. The website has already been blocked by the Thai authorities.

The party spokesman said the interview of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra with Asia Times magazine over his alleged order for red-shirt protesters to spread violence if they are dispersed will be used as evidence in an ongoing investigation against the former premier.

Buranut also said the Foreign Ministry has received full co-operation from European countries to restrict Thaksin's movement and ensure their countries are not being used as a springboard for political attacks against Thailand.

France has recently issued a ban on Thaksin from delivering a speech at a seminar on the political crisis in Thailand. He then reportedly flew to London.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-22

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