Thailand Live Today - Live Monday

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Thailand Live Today - Monday May 24

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

For breaking news,national, regional and international news updates on

a daily basis only, this thread is closed to commentary so that those

who wish to follow the news can find it here...

Commentary is still open for Thailand news in the relevant thread posted in News Clippings.

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Related topic: Thailand Live Today - Live Sunday

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[Maestro]

CRISIS AFTERMATH

Curfew extended but hours cut

By THE NATION

Published on May 24, 2010

CRES trying to ensure security without too much inconvenience

The authorities yesterday extended the overnight curfew for Bangkok and 23 provinces till at least today, but relaxed the time restriction by three hours. The curfew was changed to 11pm until 4am.

Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman for the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation, said the curfew was shortened to minimise the impact on people who had to travel. The curfew had run from 9pm-5am for three nights.

CRES will decide on Monday whether to renew the curfew, he said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said earlier on live TV that the curfew was still necessary to ensure continued security for the public.

On his weekly "Confidence in Thailand with PM Abhisit" show, Abhisit said the government and CRES had to strike a perfect balance between security and not inconveniencing people's daily lives. So, the curfew needed to be imposed again but with shorter hours.

Referring to the riots and widespread arson attacks last Wednesday, Abhisit insisted that the government had no intention of breaking up the rally at Rajprasong by force.

The government had simply wanted to lay siege to the protest zone by setting up security checkpoints around the perimeter and preventing more demonstrators from gathering there, he said.

The government had hoped to pressure the protesters into calling off the rally on their own, so that no lives would be lost, he said.

But deaths occurred after some "terrorists" and armed protesters came out to try to dismantle the siege by the authorities at checkpoints around the rally zone, he said.

The killing of over 40 people since the blockade started had nothing to do with the rally at Rajprasong because the protesters and armed terrorists attacked the checkpoints, prompting security forces to retaliate, he said.

The casualties suffered by the security forces were low because troops had been well prepared, he said.

The government had not abandoned peace talks and had been contacted by Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej, who said a group of senators was trying to broker a halt to hostilities on Tuesday night, he said.

But the red-shirt leaders had set an unacceptable condition for the troops to be pulled back, which would have compromised the effort to contain the protesters, he said.

CRES decided to squeeze the rally area of protesters by pushing them back from the Sala Daeng to Salasin intersection in the morning, he said.

The operation saw six people killed including an Italian photographer and a military officer, both by an M79 attack, he said.

The shooting to death of six people inside Pathumwanaram Temple was regrettable, he said, noting that they were killed in the evening after troops had stopped trying to push back protesters to Sarasin Rd in the afternoon.

An independent panel would be formed to probe the temple killings, he said.

The arson attacks might not have been spontaneous because after the red-shirt leaders announced the end of the rally in the afternoon, protesters at Rajprasong and in several other provinces launched attacks very fast, he said.

The Rajprasong area should be ready to turn over to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration today, he said.

Government officials had worked with bravery and sacrifice to ease the tensions and return normalcy to the country, he added.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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Bangkok prepares to re-open after Thailand protest

Businesses and government offices in Bangkok are set to reopen on Monday after a week of disruption caused by anti-government red-shirt protests.

PM Abhisit Vejjajiva said the capital was "returning to normalcy", as residents staged a clean-up drive.

Thousands of people used wooden brooms and buckets of water to clear the streets, after violence which left more than 50 people dead.

Read more: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/asia_pacific/10143618.stm

-- BBC 2010-05-23

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Banks and stock exchange to reopen today

By THANONG KHANTHONG

THE NATION

Published on May 24, 2010

Both the banking system and the capital market are likely to operate smoothly when business returns to normal today after the military crackdown on the protest rallies and yesterday's huge clean-up of the capital.

Banks and stock exchange to reopen today

By THANONG KHANTHONG

THE NATION

Published on May 24, 2010

Both the banking system and the capital market are likely to operate smoothly when business returns to normal today after the military crackdown on the protest rallies and yesterday's huge clean-up of the capital.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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Nation sites top hits among online readers

By THE NATION

Published on May 24, 2010

Nation Multimedia Group became the hottest online news source in the country last Wednesday night when red-shirt supporters went on a rampage nationwide.

NMG's news and blog websites were No 1 for unique visitors and page views.

According to TrueHits.net, web usage peaked on the night of May 19 following the riots. The increase in usage also saw the number of visits to several NMG websites rise by nearly 100 per cent or more.

TrueHits reported that Internet traffic increased by 14.3 per cent from 8pm-9pm, by 16.2 per cent from 9pm-10pm and by more than 22 per cent from 10pm to midnight that day.

Hits on the Nation Channel site, www.nationchannel.com, soared by 120 per cent with 246,638 unique Internet Protocol (UIP) addresses and 1.67 million page views that day.

The English news website of The Nation or www.nationmultimedia.com registered 105,175 UIPs and 996,175 page views, up 100 per cent.

In all, the five major NMG sites, including www.bangkokbiznews.com, www.komchadluek.net and www.oknation.net weblog - registered 822,900 UIPs on May 19, beating the champion www.sanook.com, which registered 814,734 UIPs that day.

NMG editorial staff also rose to the top 20 twitters with the most mentioned Thai-language messages, according to a survey by lab.in.th/thailand.

During the past two weeks, Suthichai Yoon's Twitter fans multiplied from some 40,000 to over 70,000, taking him to No 1 in terms of followers.

According to TrueHits, seua daeng (red shirts) was the most popular term reported by all search engines from May 17-23. It was sought 102,087 times during the period.

It was followed by the word choomnoom (rally), which was searched for 67,017 times.

The third most searched for term was Sor Or Chor (CRES - Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation), with 54,794 search hits.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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Media shown red leaders' detention centre

By The Nation

Published on May 24, 2010

Heated criticism about reports alleging that police had detained redshirt leaders as a group in a comfortable seafront home led to a media tour yesterday of a police barracks in Phetchaburi to show that the suspects were separated in individual rooms.

At 00.30 am, the eight core leaders were seen in bed sleeping in front of cameras or glancing at reporters without saying a word, under an agreement that they would not talk to the media, who were also not allowed to ask them questions.

The media tour was organised following the circulation of a number of police photos showing the red leaders sitting on a bed in an attempt to explain that they were in separate rooms. But comments on many weblogs raised suspicion because all beds the suspects sat on were all remarkably similar with rust scars and stickers in the same position. Police have yet to respond to those doubts.

Major General Thep Amornsophit, commander of the Rama VI Border Patrol Police barracks, said the "beach party" photos were taken when the redshirt leaders had just arrived at the Phetchaburi centre.

"The suspects are detained under normal standards and receive no privileges. The media tour was arranged to see the conditions they are actually under," he said.

Four other red leaders were being detained in the barracks, but were at another location, which was not visited by the media.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, speaking in his weekly television address yesterday morning, said he had ordered an inquiry into the "beachside party" and photos. But he said the suspects had not fully undergone the prosecution procedure and were not required to be detained in a prison or kept in prisonlike cells.

"The DSI will fully take over the cases from police when it can gather sufficient evidence and indict them as criminal suspects," he explained.

Democrat MP Boonyod Sukthinthai called on the government to instruct the military to take over detention of the redshirt leaders from police. "The beach party photo has trampled on the feeling of the people too heavily," he said.

The New Politics Party urged the government to speed up legal action against the redshirt leaders for riots and setting buildings ablaze. Party spokesman Samran Rodphet said the reds were still active and would be active again after the state of emergency was lifted, with the intent to create a new Thai state.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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Operation clean-up

By Jeerawan Prasomsap

Onravee Tangmeesang

The Nation

Published on May 24, 2010

Over 2,000 workers, volunteers join massive campaign at six key locations near Rajprasong ; City centre expected to be back to normal today, with new school term also due to start

City officials and Bangkok residents joined hands yesterday for a mass cleanup of the ravaged city centre.

Thousands of people helped clear debris from many sites hit hard by the marathon redshirts protest in what was a major bid to see a return to normality after weeks of clashes and the fearsome arson attacks and looting of last week.

Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra led more than 2,000 workers and volunteers in a major operation to tidy up many locations which saw conflict between protesters and troops before and during the crackdown.

Six locations adjacent to the Rajprasong intersection were cleaned yesterday to enable Bangkokians a chance to resume their normal lives today. Schools in the capital are due to start the new semester today after a week's delay because of the chaos.

Businesses and state agencies will reopen their offices today after a weeklong holiday due to the crisis.

"We have to forgive what happen in the past and look ahead to rebuild a bright future for Bangkok," Sukhumbhand said.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration was working on a plan to rehabilitate the capital - to help the business sector renew tourism, he said.

The authority would host a merit making with 1,000 Buddhist monks taking part in a ceremony at Rajdamri Road from Rajprasong to Sala Daeng, where many people died in the protest, he said.

Workers found some 10 homemade bombs hidden near a building on Rajdamri road but managed to defuse and remove from the area.

The authorities aimed to have all business resumed by today as many roads in the areas near Rajprasong were open to traffic since yesterday evening.

A large amount of rubbish was seen in Rajprasong intersection, where was the main rally stage, but workers said they would make it clean as soon as possible and the authority would open the intersection for traffic by today.

Situation in Bangkok areas looked clam yesterday but the Center for Resolutions of Emergency Situation extended curfew for another two more days on Monday and Tuesday but shortened period to bar people from public only between 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The decision to extend the curfew was made after a group of unknown gun men sprayed bullets into a Bangkok branch in Lad Phrao shortly after Saturday mid night.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the curfew would be lifted soon but the state of emergency would stay for a certain period of time until the government was sure that the situation would really return to normal.

Many volunteers joined the big cleaning day in a spirit to help the country resume to peace and order although they are not Bangkok residents.

They all looked enthusiastically ready to help cleaning up dirty areas which were caused by RedShirt protesters.

Most of them brought their own cleaning tools, garbage bags, brooms, trowels, rags. For those who didn't, BMA provided some of the tools as well. Many companies and independent groups gave out water, food, energy drinks to support the volunteers throughout the day.

"I'm not originally from Bangkok. I used to think Bangkok as urbanized area where people live separately and have no interaction with others. Now I clearly see the real Thai tradition of helping each other still exists," Sininart Swadpoon, a member of Lakorn Varasarn Team from Thammasat University.

Along the way, numbers of foreigners also lend their hands to clear all the trash on the roads. Social network in the internet brought many people into the cleaning activities yesterday.

"My girlfriend heard about the event from Facebook so, we decided to help cleaning and to get things back to normal. I was surprised to see how big the mess was," said Chris Garben, an American who joined the cleaning with his Thai girlfriend, Meg Sukjit.

"We heard it from Facebook. Our group actually came here yesterday to take photos and put them on Facebook to encourage our friends to take part in the event." said Rachya Rungsaroj who joined the cleaning with many friends connected by the Facebook.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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[Maestro]

Thaivisa News: Funeral Service for Fabio Polenghi Tmrrw at 1pm by his sister&cousin, details http://bit.ly/d41INs

Thaivisa News: British Jeff Savage is reportedly being arrested by police - http://bit.ly/aJNXwU

[Maestro]

For readers without a Facebook account:

Funeral Service for Fabio Polenghi

The 48-year-old freelance photographer died on 19 May when Thai military forces launched a violent offensive against a Red Shirt protesters camp.

Fabio's funeral will be held in BKK tomorrow, Monday May 24th by his sister and cousin at Klong Toei Nai temple. please join us for celebrating Fabio's time on this earth of ours.

Contact Masaru Goto: +66 87 001 5922

Map to the Klong Toei Nai Temple

http://bit.ly/Fabio_Polenghi

Source: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=1244...4934&ref=mf

[Maestro]

Thai officials use a powerful visual to explain violence

By Andrew Higgins

Washington Post Foreign Service

Sunday, May 23, 2010

BANGKOK -- After regaining control of the Thai capital by force of arms, the military and government mobilized Saturday for a new battle that will help decide the outcome of the most tumultuous political struggle in Thailand's modern era.

Among the weapons they deployed: eight Chinese-made AK-47 assault rifles, five rusty American rifles, a dozen grenades, a crossbow, an orange plastic bucket full of wooden slingshots and a membership card from a Las Vegas casino.

"The facts speak for themselves," said Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, speaking at a Bangkok infantry base during an exhibition of weapons and other items that the Thai military says it captured from vanquished "red shirt" protesters.

Read more: www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/22/AR2010052203166.html?wprss=rss_world

-- Washington Post 2010-05-23

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Heavy Traffic in Many Areas Due to Rain and Start of New School Semester

Bangkok residents are seeing heavy traffic in many parts of the city inthe early morning parts of rush hour.

Most Bangkok schools open for first day of classes today, delayed from May 19 due to security concerns.

The situation was further agrivated by heavy overnight rain which has caused minor flooding on several streets.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-24

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OPINION

Failure and disgrace of the police force

One crucial reason the red-shirt rally that began in relative peace metastasised into an armed insurgency in the centre of Bangkok, its site brimming with weapons and deadly car bombs, is the utter failure of the police to stop the breakdown of law and order that accompanied the protest.

When the reds occupied Rajprasong, an area explicitly declared off-limits to the rally, the police did nothing to stop them. As the reds dug in and began bringing weapons into the site, the police looked the other way. When militants from the site attacked peaceful protesters on Silom Road with M79 grenades, the police stationed between the two groups failed to lift a finger. When angry reds broke into Chulalongkorn Hospital, the police facilitated the crime and pretended not to notice a wanted red-shirt leader standing next to them.

When the army finally moved in to blockade the protest zone, the police failed to assist them, allowing militants to escape into surrounding neighbourhoods and turn sections of the city into war zones.

What the red-shirt protest exposed was a nothing short of a total failure of this country's police force to act as a law enforcement institution. They failed to uphold the law and protect this country's citizens from unspeakable violence. They are a disgrace. If Thailand is to have any kind of a future as a state operating under the rule of law, there has to be a reckoning for this failure.

Bangkokdave

Bangkok

Dusting off Anand's 7 pillars of democracy

I laud PM Abhisit for confirming that "The government would continue the roadmap for national reconciliation as announced earlier and we will repair all the damage brought about by the conflict - mental, economic, social and even political. [We] need the intensive participation of people from all walks of life."

I suggest that the root cause of the protests is a gross misunderstanding of how a democracy under a constitutional monarchy manages relationships between those governing and those governed, including how government is monitored and made responsive to the wishes of the majority, while protecting minority rights. Thus, the reds/yellows felt justified in holding the nation to ransom to meet the demands of a few, totally bypassing their elected representatives to take to the streets.

As former PM Anand Panyarachun holds, our roadmap should focus on eliminating poverty, especially in closing the urban-rural divide, for no nation can long endure where 2 per cent of the population controls 80 per cent of the GDP. It is no accident that the UNDP's Human Development Report shows that eight out of our 10 most disadvantaged provinces are in the rural North and Northeast, precisely where red-shirt support is strongest.

I suggest that we use Khun Anand's 7 Pillars of Sustainable Democracy in planning and implementing the roadmap. These pillars are: elections, political tolerance, the rule of law, freedom of expression, accountability and transparency, decentralisation and civil society.

Surveys have repeatedly shown that a fair judicial system, an open press, and democracy are the best tools for reconciliation - and I would add that, "Justice delayed is justice denied" (William Gladstone). For starters, justice for the yellows over the Suvarnabhumi Airport shutdown and the reds who shut down the Asean Summit is long overdue.

Let our reconciliation be one of substance, not just form, and let it teach us how the pillars of a sustainable, robust democracy work together to give us a nation that will rise from the ashes, strong and united as never before.

Burin Kantabutra

'Beastly' lawyer just like his boss

I previously wrote to point out that a possible anagram of Thaksin Shinawatra is: "Ah! A stink. Warn Thais".

Now we have a pair.

An anagram of Thaksin's new lawyer, an increasingly nervous and stuttering Robert Amsterdam, is: "M-mad terror beast".

Clearly, they are made for one another!

John Shepherd

Cushy detention for red leaders an outrage

Re: 'Uproar as red-shirt leaders have an easy life', May 22

I was sickened though strangely not surprised to see the pictures of the red-shirt leaders enjoying an easy life at their police holiday camp. Having left behind a sea of devastation and destruction with many ordinary Bangkokians' lives now lying in ruins they are pictured smiling and relaxing as if without a care in the world having been whisked away from the smouldering ruins in the comfort of a police helicopter. This is nothing short of a national disgrace.

It contrasts sharply with pictures of ordinary red-shirts lying face down in the dirt their hands tied behind their backs with cable ties. What we must all ask is why these people are being treated like film stars. It is utterly insulting and the height of condescension for the likes of Pol Maj-General Amnuay Nimmando to say "that no suspects had received extreme comfort" when quite the contrary is plastered across the front pages of national newspapers. It is nauseating, and nothing short of an affront against every law-abiding citizen in the Kingdom that these terrorist suspects should be treated in this grossly inappropriate manner. Since when does being held in detention on suspicion of grave offences against the state entitle you to be in the lap of luxury with access to the Internet, mobile phones, private villas, freedom to move around at will and of course all-important air-conditioning in this hot time.

It does show starkly however that there are indeed elites in Thailand who greedily share power and when they are out of power or in trouble they are treated with kid gloves just in case they might be in power again soon and the tables may be turned. None of these gives the slightest for the plight of ordinary Thais; it is grasping self-interest that is their only drive.

So, Mr Prime Minister, I don't think much of your pronouncement that those who have broken the law will be dealt with severely. It seems not to be happening at even this most early of stages.

Dr John Patterson

Bangkok

Myths about red shirts that need exploding

In science fiction we have a construct called the Parallel Universe where our world is replicated but in a significantly different way? I would like Early Worm (Letters to the Editor, May 22) to consider such a universe. In this universe the red shirts have an idealism. They are not all poor ignorant peasants at the beck and call of Thaksin and his money.

They are actually better described as middle class. Certainly more middle class than poor. The same middle class that Early Worm waxed so eloquently about in his letter. And they are not rural unless you describe being rural as not coming from Bangkok. No, they are better described as urbanites.

Above all, these red shirts make use of Thaksin and his money. They actually use Thaksin as a vehicle to highlight grievances that are independent of Thaksin's woes.

And no, they are not violent. They just want their voices heard and to be treated like human beings. They want their one vote to be treated as equal to everybody else's one vote. They want the simple dignity of being counted as equal in this world.

Contrary to what Early Worm said, they are not a dying breed but their ranks will grow and grow, with or without Thaksin.

Kemadist Chiaracharuwat

Bangkok

Four tasks for PM

PM Abhisit has four big tasks ahead of him.

First, he must deal with the question of terrorism. Those suspected of carrying out acts of terrorism during the recent unrest, including Thaksin Shinawatra, must be investigated. Measures to prevent a repeat of what happened last week - scores of people killed and injured, and buildings burned down - must be taken.

Second, he must deal with the rural poor of Thailand fairly and squarely. He must deal with those poor souls who were at Rajprasong intersection with a kind heart and a tender hand. It is evident they were used. It is not a crime to be poor anywhere in the world.

Third, he must fully commit himself to dealing with the inequality, corruption and double standards present in Thai society: elements of the police force are suspected of helping and facilitating acts of terrorism last week. To start with, here's is a good idea: all government officials suspected of facilitating terrorism should be investigated.

Fourth, he must deal with our ever more complicated political problems. If he intends to go forward with his reconciliation plan, he must do it quickly and decisively. An early dissolution of Parliament is also an option if he believes that the majority of people want it. According to the Constitution, the power to dissolve Parliament lies squarely in the prime minister's hands.

PM Abhisit must take on these tasks with optimism and resolution.

Chavalit Van

Chiang Mai

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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Thai Film Takes Cannes Top Prize

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Film-Ta...ze-t368555.html

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ThaivisaNews: Heavy traffic in many parts of Bangkok due to start of school semester and rain: BTS (syktrain), MRT (subway) in service until 9pm; Busses to run until 10pm

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Immigration in BKK has reopened.

http://bangkok.immigration.go.th/intro1.html

people on overstay because of the closure will not get fined, provided they visit immigration today.

Topic in visa section now here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Immi...12#entry3637112

main topic:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Immi...24-t368573.html

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Bangkok's Big Cleaning Day Makes International Headlines

Dubbed “Together, We Can”, the cleaning event brought together as many as 6,000 city residents who came armed with brooms, scrubs, and disinfectants. The event was organized by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and aimed to clean the streets of Bangkok soiled during the more than two months of protests by the anti-government red shirts. Aside from city residents who volunteered, staff from the Department of Environment, Department of Drainage and Sewerage, and Department of Public Works cleaned areas on six routes in central Bangkok.

The event was covered by members of the international press, who cited the presence of both Thais and foreigners, who wanted to return the capital to its former glory.

The Xinhua News Agnecy quoted the Bangkok Governor as saying “This is the start of the rehabilitation. The cleaning is aimed to heal the public mental and also restore normalcy for the tourism sector."

The story is a far cry from what was reported about Bangkok by the foreign press last week, when pictures and stories of violence dominated the headlines.

On May 26, the BMA and the Ratchprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) will organize a religious ceremony, which will be participated by five religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Brahminism, and Hinduism.

The religious rituals will be held at the Statue of King Rama VI, which is located at the entrance of the Lumpini Park in central Bangkok, starting from 06:30 A.M.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-24

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[Thaivisa News]

BBC: Cannes: Thai film pulls off Cannes shock. Apichatpong: "I woud like to kiss the jury" http://bit.ly/dhmk1v /via @suthichai

TAN: BTS/MRT running from 6AM until 9PM; busses running til 10PM / Heavy traffic in many parts of Bkk due 2 starting of new semester & rain.

Thai Film Takes Cannes Top Prize: http://bit.ly/clgO1K

Central Silom still boarded up.. http://twitpic.com/1qi2yz /via @Dany_k

TAN: Traffic in the Ratchprasong and Sala Deang areas back to normal, with moderate traffic in both areas

MCOT: New school semester begins today, many areas face congested traffic

Bangkok Immigration open again today 24 May at all 3 locations: http://bit.ly/beHAB3

Wired: Jamaican PM Golding promises to crack down on criminal elements - http://bit.ly/dAGyhh

TAN: Dep PM Suthep to keep a close eye on under ground red shirts

'Why are Thais watching the foreign media?' http://bit.ly/bh0UOg /via @bangkokpundit

Bangkok's Big Cleaning Day Makes International Headlines: http://bit.ly/aJcaiV

[Thaivisa News]

ASEAN Chairman's Statement on the situation in #Thailand: http://bit.ly/c0DMIi /via @MFATHAI_PR_EN

MCOT: Deputy PM Suthep: Underground groups still attempt to cause problems, Cabinet to consider extending curfew in some areas

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Deputy PM Suthep: Curfew may be lifted soon

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Thailand's Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) on Sunday lifted the banning of the use of key roads in the capital as the situation returns to normalcy, while saying curfew imposed in the Bangkok and 23 other provinces may be revoked sooner than the Emergency Decree which needs more evaluation of the situation.

The CRES announced the reopening of five major roads around Ratchaprasong area, including Petchaburi Road, Phayathai Road, Wireless Road, Rama IV Road and Ratchaprarob Road, effective Monday at 4am.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in his capacity as CRES director, said the curfew imposed in Bangkok and 23 provinces may be revoked soon, while the Emergency Decree will remain in force for the time being with a further review of the situation at time.

The CRES on Sunday extended curfew for two more nights (Sunday and Monday) banning people from leaving their homes between 11pm and 4am.

The curfew has been invoked since May 19 when arson and grenade attacks occurred in the capital following the anger of anti-government Red Shirt protesters that their leaders surrendered to police and announced the end of the group's protest in Bangkok's prime commercial area.

CRES has imposed a state of emergency in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces early April to maintain law and order during the Red Shirts' violent protest, followed by the declaration of a severe emergency situation in provinces in the North and Northeast, major strongholds of the Red Shirt movement.

Mr Suthep said the lifting of the emergency decree still must be considered carefully depending upon how the situation eases and at what level, and how the moves of the anti-government group unfold.

A possible curfew lifting will be discussed Tuesday, said Mr Suthep, adding the government understands that the private sector is now being affected by the curfew, but the curfew helps facilitate the work of the authorities to ensure public safety.

The curfew may be revoked sooner, excepting the Emergency Decree, as the authorities must continue to evaluate the situation before deciding, he said.

Mr Suthep added that CRES, situated at the 11th Infantry Regiment, will move to the Royal Thai Army headquarters on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue as he and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will return to work at Government House, not far from the army headquarters.

The deputy prime minister urged so-called "underground groups" to stop thinking of launching clandestine movements, saying he believes the public cannot accept it as such a move will damage to the country and the public.

The CRES director declined to specify when the situation will be stabilised, saying the government is doing its utmost to return normalcy to the country and what the government must do is to press ahead with the reconciliation road map earlier proposed by the premier.

Regarding the new polling date, Mr Suthep said the negotiation process with Red Shirt leaders ended inconclusively after the protest leaders rejected the premier's proposal of the November 14 polling date, therefore it depends on the prime minister to consider the issue of a House dissolution. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-05-24

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[Thaivisa News]

AFP: #Thailand 's #economy expands by 12 percent in Q1

AFP: "The Thai economy had the potential to grow six to seven percent (in 2010) because...(1/2)

AFP: ...private investment was continuing and confidence had been restored," said Amphon Kittiamphon (2/2)

AFP: "But because of the protests and riots, the NESDB still maintains its growth forecast for the year of 3.5-4.5 percent."

The Nations front page, May 24th: 'Operation clean-up' http://tweetphoto.com/23733864 /via @tukky_nt

Picture of Abhisit and Sansern at the 11th Infantry yesterday: http://bit.ly/9UzNLb /via @is50mm @tukky_nt

MCOT: SRT test #AirportLink system after planned April30 trial was postponed due to unrest in #Bangkok; Free public trial Wed & Thurs.

MCOT: Leading #UDD members Suthachai Yimprasert, Somyot Preuksakasemsuk surrender to police, taken to Saraburi for questioning

AFP: 'Bitter Thai 'Red Shirts' promise further rallies in north' http://bit.ly/bSDuk4

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PM Arrives at Government House

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva arrived at Government House this morning, the first time in weeks. On his way there, he took a mobile tour of the Ratchprasong area to make sure things were back to normal. Abhisit told reporters on his way in that security agencies would be keeping a close eye on underground movements which could cause more disruption.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-24

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Foreign Press Report Curfew Extension

The foreign press reported on the extension of the curfew period in Bangkok and other provinces for two more days as well as the cleaning up of areas where clashes between the red-shirts and the soldiers took place.

Reuters, BBC, CNN and Al Jazeera reported that the Thai government has extended the curfew in Bangkok and various provinces for two more days--Sunday and Monday-- as the situation in Bangkok is returning to normal.

Al Jazeera cited an announcement PM Abhisit Vejjajiva made during his Sunday weekly program, in which Abhisit insisted the use of weapons by the soldiers was in accordance with international standards. He insisted weapons were used in self-defense and in order to restore law and order.

Reuters reported that there were large clean-up efforts underway where clashes between the red-shirts and the soldiers took place in Bangkok by cleaning teams from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Bangkok residents.

The New York Times cited an analyst as saying that if Thai government fails to bring about a reconciliation and a new elections, there is a possibility that Thailand will face an even bigger political crisis.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-24

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PM to Reconsider Length and Areas to Implement Curfew

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says he will reconsider how long and where additional curfews should be implemented. CRES extended 11 P.M. to 4 A.M. curfews for two additional days which will end tomorrow morning. However, the prime minsiter says he might consider implementing additional curfews in selected areas and will also re-evaluate the length of curfews each night.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-24

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Chulalongkorn lecturer, red-shirt leader surrender

A Chulalongkorn University lecturer and a red-shirt leader Monday turned themselves in to police to face charges of having violated the emergency decree.

Dr Suthachai Yimprasert, a lecturer, and Somyos Prueksakasemsuk, a second-generation red-shirt leader, surrendered at the Crime Suppression Division.

They are wanted under arrest warrants for having violated the emergency decree.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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Deputy PM Suthep: Government mulls curfew extension in some areas

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Monday said the Cabinet may consider extending the curfew in some areas when it meets Tuesday as the anti-government “underground movement” is still active and plans to cause chaos despite the end of Red Shirt protest at Ratchaprasong and the surrender of protest leaders.

Mr Suthep, as director of the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES), commented as schools and businesses reopened after a week-long closure due to violent clashes between troops and Red Shirt protesters as well as widespread arson and grenade attacks in the capital after Red Shirt leaders surrendered to police.

The deputy prime minister also entered Government House for the first day after the situation returns to comparative normalcy. CRES, earlier located at the 11th Infantry Regiment, is now at Army headquarters on Rajdamnoen Nok, near Government House.

The CRES director said he has instructed the authorities to closely monitor the moves of the underground groups.

CRES on Sunday extended the curfew through Sunday and Monday nights, but it was relaxed banning people in Bangkok and 23 other provinces from leaving their homes only from 11pm to 4am.

A curfew was imposed in Bangkok and other provinces on May 19 between 8pm to 6am to allow security to handle the situation and distinguish innocent people from the agitators.

Regarding the disappearance of key Red Shirt leaders Arisman Pongruangrong and Suporn Attawong, the CRES director said both are still at large, but reportedly still in Thailand.

Top Red Shirt leaders, Veera Musikapong, Jatuporn Prompan, Natthawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakarn, Kwanchai Praipana and Korkaew Pikulthong, surrendered to police last Wednesday as troops approached their Ratchaprasong stronghold.

Mr Arisman and Mr Suporn however fled from the protest site. Concerned authorities are now tracking them.

Meanwhile, schools in Bangkok opened for the new semester Monday, one week later than the earlier scheduled May 17 date, amid tight security.

However, 32 schools delayed their openings to May 31. Education Minister Chinaworn Boonyakiat said most closed schools are located near the Red Shirt former rally site and areas hit by arsons and grenade attacks.

Mr Chinaworn said the education ministry will on Monday afternoon assess school openings in terms of security measures and teaching requirements. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-05-24

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Related topic

Bitter Thai Red Shirts Promise Further Rallies In North

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bitter-Thai-...al-t368609.html

[Thaivisa News]

MCOT: PM asserts moving ahead with 5-point national reconciliation plan, to finalise measures to help those affected by riot today

Metro Police sets up 7 assistance points to aid people: http://bit.ly/azEjrT

TAN: Court to hand down decision on Thaksin's terrorist arrest warrant tomorrow, May 25 at 1:30 P.M.

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Metro Police sets up 7 assistance points to aid people

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Metropolitan Police has set up seven assistance points in the heart of Bangkok to ensure safety, and to facilitate and help residents who were severely impacted by the recent riots and political unrest.

Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Police Major General Piya Uthayo, announced that the seven assistance points would operate around the clock from now until the situation eases off and people feel safe again.

Residents can ask for assistance or consultation from police officers stationed in each assistance point by presenting valid evidence of their lost properties as well as copies of their ID cards and photos upon notification of the cases.

The seven assistance points are set up as follows: 1) Indra Hotel, 2) the Victory Monument, 3) BigC Ratchadamri, 4) Siam Continental Hotel, 5) Siam Square, 6) Gaysorn Plaza Shopping Center, and 7) Century Hotel.

-- NNT 2010-05-24

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Court to Decide on Thaksin's Arrest Warrant Tomorrow

The Criminal Court will hand down its decision on an arrest warrant for Thaksin Shinawatra requested by the Department of Special Investigation for terrorist charges tomorrow, May 25 at 1:30 P.M.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-24

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[Thaivisa News]

Court to Decide on Thaksin's Arrest Warrant Tomorrow: http://bit.ly/abXbLg

#BMA to provide free health check-ups for Bon Kai residents: http://bit.ly/aEmOJb

Suthep: Cabinet to consider whether to lift #curfew: http://bit.ly/cbxG80

#Central department stores open as usual: http://bit.ly/cEhvB8

The Nation: A Shared Future: http://bit.ly/c0zwqf

MCOT: Pratunam, Ratchaprasong shops resume normal trade; traders, BMA to launch campaign 'We Love Ratchaprasong' to promote sales