Red-Shirt Rally Alert For Bangkok On Sunday

[webfact]

Demonstrations Planned in Bangkok on January 23 and January 25, 2011

This message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Thailand that the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD, or the "red-shirts") plans to hold a demonstration in Bangkok on Sunday, January 23. Scheduled from approximately 1:00 pm to midnight, the demonstration is to begin at the Rajaprasong area (around Central World) and move to the Democracy Monument.

Streets surrounding the Rajaprasong intersection are expected to be filled with approximately 5,000-10,000 people in all directions. Many participants are expected to park their vehicles on the sides of Rajadamri and Ploenchit roads, impeding traffic throughout the area. Central World and Siam Paragon may also be affected and close early. As many as 20,000 people may participate in the activities around the Democracy Monument. We strongly suggest that you avoid these areas throughout the afternoon and evening of January 23, 2011.

Additionally, on Tuesday, January 25, the People's Alliance for Democracy (aka PAD, or the "yellow-shirts") plans to hold a demonstration in Bangkok. About 2,000 to 3,000 people are expected to pass from around Makkawan Rangsan Bridge onto Rajdamnern Road near the Government House, and finally gather at the Royal Plaza (King Rama V Monument). We strongly suggest that you avoid this area throughout the day and evening since the timing of demonstration is still undetermined.

We are not aware of any general, specific, or implied threat to U.S. citizens or U.S. interests throughout this period. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence with little or no warning. As a precaution, you should avoid areas that may be targeted for demonstrations. Monitor local media to keep updated with the latest information about demonstrations and areas to avoid. Stay alert, and be cognizant of any unattended packages/bags in public/crowded places. Report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement personnel.

For the latest security information, you should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website (http://travel.state.gov), where current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings and health-information resources can be found.

You can also obtain up-to-date information on security by calling 1-888-407-4747 (toll free) in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers in other areas, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

You are also encouraged to inform the Embassy of your presence in Thailand by enrolling in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), available at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok, and can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049, or by e-mailing [email protected]. The Embassy's after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

-- US Embassy BKK 2011-01-21

[webfact]

Ratchaprasong Hotel Operators Worried Over Planned Red-Shirt Protest

Business operators and hoteliers in the Ratchaprasong area are concerned that this Sunday's red-shirt rally will have an impact on hotel events and reservations.

Police have assigned units to oversee security during the protest.

Red-shirt leaders Jattuporn Promphan and Thida Tojirikan sat down with the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association President Chai Srivikorn and City Police Deputy Commissioner Police Major General Kirin Inkaew to discuss the red-shirt's rally planned for Sunday.

Chai expressed concern that the protest at Ratchaprasong will affect the turnout for events such as weddings planned at various hotels in the area as well disrupt traffic, as more than 5,000 people are expected to turn up for weddings and other ballroom events.

Jattuporn claimed the gathering will not affect the hotel events since the demonstrators plan to move to Democracy Monument once assembled at Ratchaprasong intersection.

The Metropolitan Police have devised road and security measures to facilitate the mobilization of the rally from Ratchaprasong Intersection at 3 P.M. on Sunday.

Police have mapped the route for protesters to move from Ratchaprasong Intersection to Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road.

Traffic police said they will keep two traffic lanes open in front of Central World shopping complex, unless the number of protesters overwhelm the space, in which case the lanes will have to be closed.

City Police Divisions 1, 5, and 6, divided into nine units, will be responsible for handling the security and traffic during the red-shirt rally and its mobilization.

An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 red-shirt protesters are expected to turn up on Sunday, and have been permitted to hold their rally until midnight.

Police are confident the red-shirt rally will not clash with the Thai Patriots Network group demonstration planned for the same day on Phitsanulok Road.

The Thai Patriots Network are calling for the government to speed up its assistance to the seven Thais arrested in Cambodia.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-21

[SomTumTiger]

Bozos on parade - Hooray!

[Parker123]

Why do the government keep letting these rallys happen?

Is so that the Red shirts can have a look at see if all the damage they caused is almost fixed? Ahh yes remember that place we burned down!

[random]

Why do the government keep letting these rallys happen?

Is so that the Red shirts can have a look at see if all the damage they caused is almost fixed? Ahh yes remember that place we burned down!

you think the government is in control??

[murlon21]

Why they only warn US citizens... ? And the rest of us are what exactly... ?

[bubba]

What's the point of these bi-weekly "rallies"? Do they really think that they are generating support for their cause by being nuisances, disrupting Sunday plans for Bangkokians and visitors, and ruining Sunday business for thousands of working class workers and vendors? They certainly have a right to express their political views, and that could easily be done with thousands of attendees at a suitable location without infringing on others' rights to a normal Sunday for those who choose to work, trade, or enjoy their Sunday otherwise. Good luck in the next Bangkok election, PT.

[bubba]

Why they only warn US citizens... ? And the rest of us are what exactly... ?

I believe that bulletin came from the US Embassy in a message to US citizens in Thailand, and it was broadcast publicly for anyone to read. The rest of us are not US citizens, and the US Embassy has no obligation to provide us with any services do they? What country are you from? Does your diplomatic mission provide services for US citizens in Thailand at your country's taxpayers expense?

[ukfool]

Why do the government keep letting these rallys happen?

Is so that the Red shirts can have a look at see if all the damage they caused is almost fixed? Ahh yes remember that place we burned down!

I think you'll find it's called freedom of expression or just plain freedom !

[Deeral]

Why do the government keep letting these rallys happen?

Is so that the Red shirts can have a look at see if all the damage they caused is almost fixed? Ahh yes remember that place we burned down!

Because even this govt. tries to show that it is constitutional democracy.

I think this thread will prove to be a fine example of the intolerance of the expats in Thailand and their total lack of knowledge of how democratic processes are meant to work

Edited January 21, 2011 by Deeral

[hanuman1]

Let us all hope that this demonstration - like all the others over the past 8-9 months - will pass off peacefully.

Personally, I don't see why it has to go on until midnight though. The cover of darkness can give refuge to violent elements from whichever side.

[asiawatcher]

These **** have no consideration for anyone - and why is it the 8 people burned to death in the Central World arson have never been mentioned in the "91 killed' ??? are running amok again and it needs the army to round them up or prevent the blockage of the city. Enough is enough - especially when you live in the towers around the area and cannot get in or sleep due to the insane noise from stages and speakers. When will Thailand wake up?

Edited January 23, 2011 by sbk
profanities and derogatory comments removed

[Insight]

Looks like the "we're peaceful, honest!" approach isn't convincing all, if any at all.

[bubba]

Why do the government keep letting these rallys happen?

Is so that the Red shirts can have a look at see if all the damage they caused is almost fixed? Ahh yes remember that place we burned down!

Because even this govt. tries to show that it is constitutional democracy.

I think this thread will prove to be a fine example of the intolerance of the expats in Thailand and their total lack of knowledge of how democratic processes are meant to work

Doesn't a free democracy include the rights of groups and individuals to freely express their views without infringing on the rights of others? Which democracy can you think of that would allow 10,000 people to regularly close streets in the centre of the capital, resulting in not only inconvenience and blocked roads, but also loss of income for thousands of others?

[Nisa]

Why they only warn US citizens... ? And the rest of us are what exactly... ?

I don't even see a warning from the US about this on their website or the link provided in the OP. The last warning was Dec. 19th in regards to the RedShirts ... http://bangkok.usemb...wwc/recent.html

Nor does the state department list any current warnings about travel to Thailand ... http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Edited January 21, 2011 by Nisa

[mic6ard]

Here we go again.

This leave all of us wondering what is the aim of all these rallies? and mostly, why the heck is the gov't doing nothing.

Now we've go both side doing monthly rallies in the heart of Bangkok, wrecking the already fatally bad economy for business in the area.

Totally FUBARed.

[cowboydog]

why allow them to rally in Rachaprasong - even on a Sunday its too disruptive - many folk working in this area. Sunday is a big trading day in places like Platinum & Pratunam. Not anymore.

[Nisa]

Does anybody have a link to where this warning/advisory was published since it currently doesn't exist on the US-BKK Embassy web page or the State Dept's page on Travel Advisories nor can I find it doing a Google News search?

[toenail]

Bubba said: Doesn't a free democracy include the rights of groups and individuals to freely express their views without infringing on the rights of others? Which democracy can you think of that would allow 10,000 people to regularly close streets in the centre of the capital, resulting in not only inconvenience and blocked roads, but also loss of income for thousands of others?

EXACTLY!!!!!!! Your "greatest" democracies in the world do not allow large groups to demonstrate anywhere in a city.

[wlcart]

Why do the government keep letting these rallys happen?

Is so that the Red shirts can have a look at see if all the damage they caused is almost fixed? Ahh yes remember that place we burned down!

Because even this govt. tries to show that it is constitutional democracy.

I think this thread will prove to be a fine example of the intolerance of the expats in Thailand and their total lack of knowledge of how democratic processes are meant to work

Doesn't a free democracy include the rights of groups and individuals to freely express their views without infringing on the rights of others? Which democracy can you think of that would allow 10,000 people to regularly close streets in the centre of the capital, resulting in not only inconvenience and blocked roads, but also loss of income for thousands of others?

You may not see regular protest if established democracies but in less established democracies they are common. In my time in South America I saw protests pretty much all the time. Farmers, teachers, nurses, students, you name it.

Conflict is part of democracy, lets just hope the participants can stay focused on some common good.

[givenall]

Ratchaprasong Hotel Operators Worried Over Planned Red-Shirt Protest

Business operators and hoteliers in the Ratchaprasong area are concerned that this Sunday's red-shirt rally will have an impact on hotel events and reservations.

Police have assigned units to oversee security during the protest.

Red-shirt leaders Jattuporn Promphan and Thida Tojirikan sat down with the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association President Chai Srivikorn and City Police Deputy Commissioner Police Major General Kirin Inkaew to discuss the red-shirt's rally planned for Sunday.

Chai expressed concern that the protest at Ratchaprasong will affect the turnout for events such as weddings planned at various hotels in the area as well disrupt traffic, as more than 5,000 people are expected to turn up for weddings and other ballroom events.

Jattuporn claimed the gathering will not affect the hotel events since the demonstrators plan to move to Democracy Monument once assembled at Ratchaprasong intersection.

The Metropolitan Police have devised road and security measures to facilitate the mobilization of the rally from Ratchaprasong Intersection at 3 P.M. on Sunday.

Police have mapped the route for protesters to move from Ratchaprasong Intersection to Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road.

Traffic police said they will keep two traffic lanes open in front of Central World shopping complex, unless the number of protesters overwhelm the space, in which case the lanes will have to be closed.

City Police Divisions 1, 5, and 6, divided into nine units, will be responsible for handling the security and traffic during the red-shirt rally and its mobilization.

An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 red-shirt protesters are expected to turn up on Sunday, and have been permitted to hold their rally until midnight.

Police are confident the red-shirt rally will not clash with the Thai Patriots Network group demonstration planned for the same day on Phitsanulok Road.

The Thai Patriots Network are calling for the government to speed up its assistance to the seven Thais arrested in Cambodia.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-21

I think is a bout time for the Rachaprosong merchant and hotels heir their own private police to stop this nonsense since the Thai police is unable to protect everyone doing business in that area

[yellow1red1]

Sunday; Reds anti Government rally/protest

Tuesday; Yellows anti Government rally/protest

same/same team now?

go yellows go reds

told ya so

[Araxav]

Why do the government keep letting these rallys happen?

Is so that the Red shirts can have a look at see if all the damage they caused is almost fixed? Ahh yes remember that place we burned down!

Because even this govt. tries to show that it is constitutional democracy.

I think this thread will prove to be a fine example of the intolerance of the expats in Thailand and their total lack of knowledge of how democratic processes are meant to work

Doesn't a free democracy include the rights of groups and individuals to freely express their views without infringing on the rights of others? Which democracy can you think of that would allow 10,000 people to regularly close streets in the centre of the capital, resulting in not only inconvenience and blocked roads, but also loss of income for thousands of others?

Ever been in France ?

[Deeral]

Now people are making up their own versions of democracy - not interesting, not informed, not intelligent not worth arguing with.

the usual uncritical dim comments by the same people.

[keymaker]

Why do the government keep letting these rallys happen?

Is so that the Red shirts can have a look at see if all the damage they caused is almost fixed? Ahh yes remember that place we burned down!

I think you'll find it's called freedom of expression or just plain freedom !

Do you mean freedom to burn commercial and key vital buildings???

How pity are they including all their supporters!

[phiphidon]

These <deleted> have no consideration for anyone - and why is it the 8 people burned to death in the Central World arson have never been mentioned in the "91 killed' ??? Red Scum are running amok again and it needs the army to round them up or prevent the blockage of the city. Enough is enough - especially when you live in the towers around the area and cannot get in or sleep due to the insane noise from stages and speakers. When will Thailand wake up?

Possibly because 8 people weren't burned to death in the Central World arson? I am only aware that 1 body that was found but have seen no follow up to that i.e who he/she was, ( arsonist, guard, vagrant, etc?) certainly nothing about another 7 bodies. Perhaps you could enlighten us further. If not I think that you can work out yourself why no mention of the "8 people burned to death" is ever mentioned.

[whybother]

Does anybody have a link to where this warning/advisory was published since it currently doesn't exist on the US-BKK Embassy web page or the State Dept's page on Travel Advisories nor can I find it doing a Google News search?

It looks like it is an email sent to (some) US citizens.

[bubba]

Bubba said: Doesn't a free democracy include the rights of groups and individuals to freely express their views without infringing on the rights of others? Which democracy can you think of that would allow 10,000 people to regularly close streets in the centre of the capital, resulting in not only inconvenience and blocked roads, but also loss of income for thousands of others?

EXACTLY!!!!!!! Your "greatest" democracies in the world do not allow large groups to demonstrate anywhere in a city.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEMXaTktUfA

[AlanL1275]

The red shirts <note lower case), should take a poll to see if any other Thai's support them outside of the ones that show up at a rally. They may find out they are a small minority, and the people of Thailand don't want them, and are very tired of them messing up the lives, and economy, of so many.

[Mackie]

Here we go again. Playing gutter politics.Typical of Thaksin and his cronies. I am sick and tired of westerners supporting the Red mob movement. You are either ill informed or totally ignorant. It has nothing to do with the democracy. They are dangerous organisation led by a deluded grandomaniac. They have set up guerila training camps in Cambodia. They developed the network of radio-stations across Thai countryside-Khmer Rouge style, they constantly spread lies, hatred and vitriol.Their aim is to brainwash uneducated and poor masses in the countryside. Exactly the same as Khmer Rouge movement did. Hun Sen, Cambodian PM was one of them. Get real, you left wing liberals and back up Thai government and the rule of Law.