Tight Security For Big Red-Shirt Rally Today

[Lite Beer]

Tight security for big red-shirt rally today

By The Nation on Sunday.

Red-shirt leaders plan a major gathering at Democracy Monument today to mark the first anniversary of a crackdown on their anti-government rally.

Police and the red-shirt leaders met for 15 minutes to discuss security measures yesterday

Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan said police and the red shirts would set up checkpoints within a 400-metre radius of the rally site - especially from the Giant Swing to Bang Lamphu - out of concern that ill-intentioned parties might try to disrupt the rally.

Military intelligence officials estimate that 75,000 people may join the rally while police believe 50,000 may turn up. However, the red shirts said they expected more than 200,000 people. The rally will end by 2am on Monday.

Acting Deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Pol Maj-General Surapong Siripakdi said 22 companies of police would be deployed to keep peace. There have been no reports of ill-intentioned parties trying to disrupt the rally, he said.

On April 10 last year, government security forces clashed with red-shirt protesters. More than 20 people were killed and hundreds of others were injured, with many soldiers among the casualties. There were reports that armed men in black fired gunshots and rockets at government forces.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said there was nothing to worry when he was asked to respond over the Defence Minister calling a meeting of security agencies on Monday in the wake of the red-shirts' rally. He said that he believed no one would create turmoil when the general election is about to be held. He said it was normal for a lot of security officials to be deployed to control the situation.

Asked if the security officials were concerned that there could be clashes between the red shirts and the yellow shirts as they would be staging rallies close to one another, Suthep said it was the duty of the officials to keep peace and he called on all parties to cooperate with officials and not to create turmoil.

Department of Special Investigation director-general Tarit Pengdith said he believed there would be no violence or any turmoil during today's red-shirt rally. This is because the protesters aim to stage a symbolic rally as part of their political campaign and to keep their political base as everyone is gearing up towards a general election.

Authorities have not found evidence of any of the hardcore red-shirt leaders, who have been released on bail, violating their bail conditions

-- The Nation 2011-04-10

[hammered]

The odious mysogynist Jatuporn seems to be putting a lot of weight on. Cue double meaning jokes about him eating too much

[Buchholz]

the red shirts said they expected more than 200,000 people

we shall see...

[TheWalkingMan]

Will this be peaceful or will some people be carried out on stretchers.

[oldsailor35]

Will this be peaceful or will some people be carried out on stretchers.

Provided the Army keep their noses out everything will be ok !

[biplanebluey]

the red shirts said they expected more than 200,000 people

we shall see...

Come on guys,this is a very important anniversary----The first crackdown !!!---- They will all be there--- cant wait to see what the next one will be for-- F***ing BS

[rubl]

Will this be peaceful or will some people be carried out on stretchers.

Provided the Army keep their noses out everything will be ok !

Providing none of the speakers rouses the rabble 'peaceful protesters, no terrorists' and their military branch (aka MiB) stay home and no-one fires a celebratory grenade, everything will be OK!

(BTW celebrate aniversary of crackdown, or remember the 25 people killed? (protesters, army personel, Jap. reporter))

Edited April 10, 2011 by rubl

[Lite Beer]

Suthep requests peaceful measures from UDD core leaders

By Sodchuen Limkriangkrai.

BANGKOK, 10 April 2011 (NNT)- Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs, Suthep Thaugsuban requested a peaceful demonstration by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) today and that the demonstration be conducted within the parameter of Thai Law

The protest against Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda by the UDD during the National Air Force Day at Don Mueng Airport was inappropriate and should be explained to members by the core leaders, as a peaceful period before and during the general election is needed.

-- NNT 2011-04-10

[rubl]

I seem to read about UDD only. What about the other five or six red-shirt factions, will they join the fun today?

Furthermore if this rally indicates a preference for PTP and k. Thaksin in the coming elections, can we already bar a few people for violation the election laws?

Anyway rain expected for late afternoon

Edited April 10, 2011 by rubl

[coma]

Why don't they practice what they preach and Jai Yen Yen. Just wait for the election that is coming. Common sense would be nice at this time. Forget your pride for once,

[Lite Beer]

Bangkok braces for massive rally

BANGKOK: Tens of thousands of anti-government "Red Shirts" are expected to gather in Bangkok on Sunday to mark a year since deadly clashes between troops and protesters erupted during their mass rally in the capital.

Police have predicted up to 50,000 people could attend the gathering, which is set to be addressed by fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, a hero for many of the red-shirted demonstrators, via video link.

Thailand, which is preparing for elections set to be held later this year, remains deeply divided following the worst civil violence in decades in April and May 2010 that left around 90 people dead, mostly civilians.

Continued.. My linkhttp://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1121858/1/.html

Channel News Asia. --2011--04--10--

[animatic]

The odious mysogynist Jatuporn seems to be putting a lot of weight on. Cue double meaning jokes about him eating too much

He looks about ready to have a coronary mid rant.

[Lite Beer]

Protesters hold rally to commemorate first anniversary of deadly attack

BANGKOK, April 10 -- Anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Sunday held a mass rally in the Thai capital to commemorate the first anniversary of a deadly clash with security troops where colleagues were killed, while relatives of the deceased organised religious rites.

As of the filing of this report, no disturbances were noted as UDD protesters held the demonstration at Khok Wua intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue -- the scene of the clash in which 25 people were killed and more than 800 were wounded one year ago when the security forces tried to remove the anti-government supporters from their protest site at Phan Fa bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

Among the dead victims were Col Romklao Thuwatham, deputy chief of staff of the 2nd Infantry Division, and Japanese cameraman Hiroyuki Muramoto who worked for Reuters international news agency.

Meanwhile, the demonstrators, expected by the army to swell to about 30,000 later, began gathering early in the day at the Democracy Monument. Several activities are expected to be organised by UDD demonstrators while relatives of those civilians killed in the attack are to hold commemorative rites for their loved ones at 8pm.

About 21 companies of police are expected to be posted around the rally and nearby important sites to prevent any untoward incidents.

The mother and family members of Col Romklao held a Buddhist religious rite at a temple nearby in which several prominent figures attended. Among them were First Army Region commander Lt Gen Udomdej Sitabutr and Panithan Wattanayakorn, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister.

As investigation is still being probed on the death of Mr Muramoto, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto reportedly asked his Thai counterpart Kasit Piromya during a meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Saturday on the progress of the investigation in which the latter told him that the Thai government attached great importance to the death of the TV cameraman.

Mr Kasit reportedly told him that the Thai government has always offered full cooperation with the Japanese embassy in Bangkok. (MCOTonline news

-- TNA 2011-04-10

[PhoenixRising]

These people have destroyed two years of Songkran in this city and it looks like they are bound and determined to do it again for the third year in a row. I'm fed up with these upcountry buffalos!

[pedro01]

These people have destroyed two years of Songkran in this city and it looks like they are bound and determined to do it again for the third year in a row. I'm fed up with these upcountry buffalos!

I doubt it - if they do, the democrats will win by a landslide in the general election.

[PhoenixRising]

These people have destroyed two years of Songkran in this city and it looks like they are bound and determined to do it again for the third year in a row. I'm fed up with these upcountry buffalos!

I doubt it - if they do, the democrats will win by a landslide in the general election.

Ah, the elections all over S.E. Asia are just scams anyway. Nobody is disputing the fact that fraud and corruption are the main problems of politics in Thailand. Instead of having a rally to fight this problem, the Red-shirts seem to involve themselves heavily in the very same thing they are professing to be fighting against! This makes them hypocrites!

They come down to Bangkok and get paid to camp out on the streets, as they disturb all the residents and their businesses. These people obviously don't have any respect for Bangkok or the citizens living here. They don't come down this time of year just for a day and quitely go back to their villages. NOOO! They come down and cause all kinds of violent trouble for people and I'm sick of it. These people have nothing better to do with their time because this is the down season and there's nothing to plant or harvest. Why don't they just do the traditional thing by cleaning their homes and going to the temple?!!!!

[PhoenixRising]

Will this be peaceful or will some people be carried out on stretchers.

Provided the Army keep their noses out everything will be ok !

Yeah, especially the watermelons!

[rubl]

Will this be peaceful or will some people be carried out on stretchers.

Provided the Army keep their noses out everything will be ok !

Yeah, especially the watermelons!

Actually the PTP spokesman has asked the government to sent the Forces in !

"Mr. Prompong further said that he did not want any third party to be interfering with the Red Shirt gathering today, citing that they could be blamed for any violence or chaos that they did not cause. He said this was why he needed the government to send forces to maintain law and order."

[rubl]

Heavy rain now, here in the Dusit area in Bangkok which is not too far from Democracy monument. Spoils the UDD gathering a bit, but a good rehearsal for Songkhran

[rubl]

A REUTERS article on the ongoing protest at Democracy Monument. A bit early I think. The main attraction of k. Thaksin phone-in at 8PM still to happen. Anyway if what's stated is correct we may be in for a continuation of the protest season.

"We are mourning the loss of innocent lives a year ago. We are remembering the violence against Thai people last year. We are asking for justice," said protest leader Nattawut Saikua.

...

The red-shirted supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a graft-convicted populist billionaire ousted in a 2006 coup, said they would continue to hold protests until the government takes responsibility for the violence."

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/10/us-thailand-politics-idUSTRE7390Y320110410

PS still raining

[Buchholz]

Bangkok braces for massive rally

A statue and a torn Thai national flag remain in front of Bangkok's Central World shopping mall, which was gutted by fire after army soldiers advanced towards an encampment of thousands of anti-government "red shirt" protesters, in this May 19, 2010 file photo. Thousands of red-shirted anti-government protesters gathered on April 10, 2011, in Bangkok's old quarter to mark the one-year anniversary of a violent confrontation with the military in which 26 people were killed and more than 800 wounded.

Reuters - April 10, 2011

[lopburi3]

Heavy rain now, here in the Dusit area in Bangkok which is not too far from Democracy monument. Spoils the UDD gathering a bit, but a good rehearsal for Songkhran

We had the rain in Latphao about an hour ago - very heavy for awhile. Red shirt gatherings seem to bring on the rain quite often. :

[Buchholz]

There's this :

"The purpose of the rally Sunday is to mark the first anniversary of the brutal crackdown on unarmed protesters and we want to honour our heroes," said Red Shirt spokesman Worawut Wichaidit.

AFP

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/9169518/thai-red-shirts-mark-a-year-since-deadly-clash/

and then there's this :

Twenty civilians, including a Japanese cameraman for the Reuters news agency, and five members of the security forces, including an army colonel, were killed when soldiers attempted to clear a Red Shirt rally site. The soldiers became bogged down as night fell and were attacked by protesters supported by gunmen dressed in black whose weapons included M79 grenade launchers.

Associated Press

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/World/20110410/thailand-red-shirts-mark-anniversary-of-clash-110410/

.

Edited April 10, 2011 by Buchholz

[IAMSOBAD]

Thailand should give Yala and Issan indepedence and watch both self implode.

Then make them pay dearly to rejoin.

These morons break every law and condition of bail.

[PhoenixRising]

Heavy rain now, here in the Dusit area in Bangkok which is not too far from Democracy monument. Spoils the UDD gathering a bit, but a good rehearsal for Songkhran

We had the rain in Latphao about an hour ago - very heavy for awhile. Red shirt gatherings seem to bring on the rain quite often. :

Too bad they didn't bring the rain with them on May 19th last year; could have helped with all the fires they started.

I still feel a bit sorry for the firefighers that day who risked their lives and got beat up by the Red-shirt arsonists as they approached the buring buildings in their firetrucks. Those trucks got smashed up to pieces. too! Peaceful protesters, yeah right!

[rubl]

k. Thaksin phone-in finished awhile already. Rumour has it he didn't talk too much on 'I will, I'll do' maybe to avoid embarrassment for the PTP. He did call for 'red shirts to "be patient", saying justice and democracy are returning to Thailand.'

Thaksin's ending remarks: "Thank you everyone, including the anonymous ones. I know you all. I'll go home soon"

I guess since two months or so ago k. Thaksin spent hours trying to 'known them all' after going on record not to know them

[rubl]

From the OP:

Military intelligence officials estimate that 75,000 people may join the rally while police believe 50,000 may turn up. However, the red shirts said they expected more than 200,000 people. The rally will end by 2am on Monday.

(Unconfirmed) rumour has it the total tally may not reach 10,000. Possible cause:

- gone home for Songkhran

- protest fatigue, bored

- rain expected

- tasteful displays a wee bit too much for people with small children

- ISOC prevented red-shirts from joining

- Army interference feared

- any other reason which makes it clear it wasn't us

[phiphidon]

From the OP:

Military intelligence officials estimate that 75,000 people may join the rally while police believe 50,000 may turn up. However, the red shirts said they expected more than 200,000 people. The rally will end by 2am on Monday.

(Unconfirmed) rumour has it the total tally may not reach 10,000. Possible cause:

- gone home for Songkhran

- protest fatigue, bored

- rain expected

- tasteful displays a wee bit too much for people with small children

- ISOC prevented red-shirts from joining

- Army interference feared

- any other reason which makes it clear it wasn't us

Do you enjoy this or what - A significant number of people, both working for the government and those demonstrating against the government were killed, 91-93 or thereabouts. And here you are,amongst others, belittling the numbers of people who feel strong enough, or are not scared of the current regime, to demonstrate against the government. Where do you get off, as a foreigner, to presume why there may be a large or small number of people participating. Because of tasteful displays of red shirts with their brains sprayed across the pavement? Or because you had difficulty driving around town? You couldn't go shopping until Central World had a tasteful Sale promotion? Thailand is bigger than Bangkok. Enough,

[rubl]

From the OP:

Military intelligence officials estimate that 75,000 people may join the rally while police believe 50,000 may turn up. However, the red shirts said they expected more than 200,000 people. The rally will end by 2am on Monday.

(Unconfirmed) rumour has it the total tally may not reach 10,000. Possible cause:

- gone home for Songkhran

- protest fatigue, bored

- rain expected

- tasteful displays a wee bit too much for people with small children

- ISOC prevented red-shirts from joining

- Army interference feared

- any other reason which makes it clear it wasn't us

Do you enjoy this or what - A significant number of people, both working for the government and those demonstrating against the government were killed, 91-93 or thereabouts. And here you are,amongst others, belittling the numbers of people who feel strong enough, or are not scared of the current regime, to demonstrate against the government. Where do you get off, as a foreigner, to presume why there may be a large or small number of people participating. Because of tasteful displays of red shirts with their brains sprayed across the pavement? Or because you had difficulty driving around town? You couldn't go shopping until Central World had a tasteful Sale promotion? Thailand is bigger than Bangkok. Enough,

This OP is on 'tight security' and included the part I quoted. There are other threads were we discussed 91 death, and government/red-shirts to blame and no real hero to stand up and admit 'part was my fault'.

The 'tasteful' displays were not really tasteful to my opinion. The English text on some of the gruesome displays clearly meant as propaganda, to solicit empathy, support when printed in foreign papers / news sites.

Do you enjoy ignoring some aspects

BTW I don't drive, I don't shop in CWT. I'm not bothered by really peaceful protests, even if I don't agree with the why. Democracy is nice

Edited April 10, 2011 by rubl

[phiphidon]

From the OP:

Military intelligence officials estimate that 75,000 people may join the rally while police believe 50,000 may turn up. However, the red shirts said they expected more than 200,000 people. The rally will end by 2am on Monday.

(Unconfirmed) rumour has it the total tally may not reach 10,000. Possible cause:

- gone home for Songkhran

- protest fatigue, bored

- rain expected

- tasteful displays a wee bit too much for people with small children

- ISOC prevented red-shirts from joining

- Army interference feared

- any other reason which makes it clear it wasn't us

Do you enjoy this or what - A significant number of people, both working for the government and those demonstrating against the government were killed, 91-93 or thereabouts. And here you are,amongst others, belittling the numbers of people who feel strong enough, or are not scared of the current regime, to demonstrate against the government. Where do you get off, as a foreigner, to presume why there may be a large or small number of people participating. Because of tasteful displays of red shirts with their brains sprayed across the pavement? Or because you had difficulty driving around town? You couldn't go shopping until Central World had a tasteful Sale promotion? Thailand is bigger than Bangkok. Enough,

This OP is on 'tight security' and included the part I quoted. There are other threads were we discussed 91 death, and government/red-shirts to blame and no real hero to stand up and admit 'part was my fault'.

The 'tasteful' displays were not really tasteful to my opinion. The English text on some of the gruesome displays clearly meant as propaganda, to solicit empathy, support when printed in foreign papers / news sites.

Do you enjoy ignoring some aspects

BTW I don't drive, I don't shop in CWT. I'm not bothered by really peaceful protests, even if I don't agree with the why. Democracy is nice

So what is your point? I have seen so many posts on here "discussing" the number of red shirts at a particular rally in a manner to suggest that numbers /support were dwindling. You gave some "reasons" - are they facts? What do you think the english text on some of the displays were going to say - "red shirt brains blown out because he/she was shot by one of his/her own side just to blame the government" and I mean this in jest just in case you think that I am in tune with the rest of you. As far as the gruesome displays go, a) do you want everybody to forget about it? b)How else do you explain the results of head and stomach shots, they fell badly? As for ignoring some aspects did I not say both sides of the conflict were killed.