Thailand Live Saturday 24 May 2014

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RT@RichardBarrow: 10:50am - RT @daveschu: As you wrote this, CTH unblocked Thai channels & football channels. No foreign news or foreign sports channels yet.

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RT@samanthahawley: Military rule Bangkok downtown McDonalds pic.twitter.com/PgiWZSMXwE

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RT@aleursic: Spokesman at Army Club: NPOMC to summon 35 more political representatives this afternoon, or else

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21 militant red shirts arrested in Khon Kaen allegedly with arms

Khon Kaen - Some 200 troops have raided a rented apartment building and rounded up 21 militant red shirts allegedly with two grenades and two gas cylinders.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728743-21-militant-red-shirts-arrested-in-khon-kaen-allegedly-with-arms/

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RT@fratticcioli: #ThaiCoup makers continue repression, summon TU dissident scholars Worachet Pakeerat & Sawatri Suksi, & student activist Aum Neko to report.

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RT@tulsathit: Summon deadline (4 pm) and those defying it are key things to watch today. Coup makers have threatened to jail those not reporting.

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All 24 digital TV stations, True Visions, some satellite TVs allowed to resume broadcast

Coup maker has allowed all 24 digital TV stations, subscription TVs and satellite TV stations, except 15 satellite stations suspended earlier, to resume their broadcast.

But all stations are required to broadcast the NPOMC announcements when asked.

Nation TV will resume its news programme at 11am.

The 15 Satellite TVs, which were closed earlier, included Voice TV.

-- The Nation 2014-05-24

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NPOMC summons an additional 35 people, including ex-PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul, to report themselves to Army Auditorium at 1pm today /MCOT

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RT@panuw: those in detention are in comfortable facilities. detention could be as long as 7 days: army spokesman

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RT@andrewchant: Anti coup protesters at Major Rach being told they've broken the law. Army moving in.

RT@andrewchant: Small army team with riot shields attempting to remove anti coup protesters at Major Rach

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RT@panuw: army has discover many military-grade weapons around the country, justifies martial law: army spokesman

RT@panuw: most sinificantly we discovered weapons cache at Nakhon Nayok a few days before martial law declared

RT@panuw: army also discovered large armanent intended to instigate violence in Northeastern province of Khon Kaen: army spokesman

RT@panuw: there were also weapons discovered behind red shirt stage at Aksa road: army spokesman

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RT@panuw: we are monitoring several underground activities - does not elaborate: army spokesman

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RT@RichardBarrow: 11:23am - RT @rsargent79: Anti coup protesters stand off against soldiers & riot police in LadPrao pic.twitter.com/1DJ8LuXVIa

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RT@panuw: 14 channels, including @Voice_TV, will remain off air under original order of the martial law: army spokesman

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Yingluck still in military custody

BANGKOK: -- Ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra is still in the custody of the Army along with her sister and brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat at an unknown safehouse.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728745-yingluck-still-in-military-custody/

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RT@Ryn_:writes: Anti coup demo @ Major Ratchayothin. Police ask people to disperse and go home to no vail. pic.twitter.com/YcSAol565h

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Protesters Confront Soldiers In Downtown Bangkok

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — The army has reportedly detained four protesters who were part of a 300-strong anti-coup rally in downtown Bangkok today.

The demonstration, held in defiance of the military junta's ban on public gatherings, was held on the elevated walkway in front of the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre this evening.

"Soldiers get out!" protesters screamed at the rows of soldiers who were silently watching the rally take place.

Others shouted, "Prayuth get out!" in reference to army chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, who installed himself as the acting Prime Minister after seizing power yesterday.

The soldiers refrained from taking any action against the protesters until sundown, when the crowd began to dwindle.

Four protesters were reportedly detained by the military after a minor confrontation between soldiers and demonstrators. No injuries have been reported.

Earlier in the day, the crowd successfully forced soldiers who were initially stationed at the BACC to retreat toward Hua Chang Bridge. Many protesters chased after the troops, prompting the soldiers to form a new line and block the road in front of Sra Pathum Palace, the official residence of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The event was organised through a Facebook page titled "We Vote." Despite the military junta's warning of a crackdown on "disruptive" websites, social media has continued to serve as forum for political discussion and dissent.

The rally was one of several public displays of protest against yesterday’s military coup.

Earlier today, student activists successfully forced their way into a memorial dedicated to 1973 student uprising on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, where they proceeded to hold rally condemning the army’s takeover.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1400853946&section=11&typecate=06

-- Khaosod English 20114-05-24

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Thailand flights not affected by coup

BANGKOK: -- Major airlines will continue flights as scheduled between Malaysia and Thailand as many prospective tourists are not deterred from flying there despite the coup, according to The Star Online.

A spokesman from national carrier Malaysia Airlines said flights to and from cities in Thailand would operate as scheduled but advised passengers to expect armed security personnel at the airport and city areas.

“There will be checkpoints, traffic diversions and road closures in some areas and potential traffic congestion is expected. Passengers will be required to present airline tickets and passports at any security check points,” he said in a press statement.

An AirAsia spokesman has also confirmed that the airline will continue flights to Thailand.

“The airline highly recommends its guests to allocate no less than three hours of travel time to the airport and to stay up to date with traffic news in Bangkok,” he said, adding that this is to ensure passengers get to their flights on time.

Sales coordinator, Brayden Lim, 23, said he would be travelling to Thailand in about week but was not concerned about the crisis.

“I’ll be visiting Krabi and Phuket between June 2 and June 6. I bought my flight tickets some time ago and am committed to following through with my travel plans. “If it gets worse, I’ll just stay in the hotel,” he said.

Joanne Wong, 35, a hotel manager who frequents Bangkok, said she planned to go there in July. “Friends tell me that places I plan to visit have not really been affected,” she said.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thailand-flights-affected-coup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=thailand-flights-affected-coup

-- Thai PBS 2014-05-24

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RT@ACSBKK: Here is our updated Travel Alert for Thailand; Avoid areas where there are protest events or security operations. ow.ly/xdcdf

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RT@RichardBarrow: 12:12pm - RT @BKK_SAFC: Traffic still moving at Ratchayothin. Soldiers mostly retreated to soi nearby pic.twitter.com/IbON64GE26 #ThaiCoup

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BMA speeds up clean up operation to open roads for traffic
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, May 24 -- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) staff have expedited the clean up operation to open roads which were earlier blocked as rally sites, according to BMA city clerk Ninnat Chalitanont.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728760-bma-speeds-up-clean-up-operation-to-open-roads-for-traffic/

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Early nights in Bangkok as coup tames tourist party - Focus

by Kelly MACNAMARA

BANGKOK, May 24, 2014 (AFP) - Foreign tourists navigating Bangkok's temples lamented the taming effect of a military coup on the city's rowdy nightlife but otherwise shrugged off any safety fears despite warnings by foreign governments.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728766-early-nights-in-bangkok-as-coup-tames-tourist-party-focus/#entry7875982

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Myawaddy-Mae Sot border crossing briefly closed after Thai coup

The border-crossing checkpoint in Mae Sot, Thailand, was temporarily closed on Friday morning, but had reopened by 7:15 a.m. Myanmar time, according to Zaw Maw Aung, the district administrator for Myawaddy Township in eastern Karen State.

Following the Thai military’s announcement that a coup d’etat had been staged on Thursday evening, reports in Thai media had speculated that all border checkpoints might be closed. Locals in Mae Sot said trading centers and other places typically crowded with merchants were empty early on Friday morning.

Zaw Maw Aung said the Burma side would be open for business as usual on Friday and until further notice.

“We heard from the Thailand-Myanmar Border Township Committee that meetings are being held in Bangkok [regarding the status of border crossings] and we will know later for sure their decisions.”

Border crossings at Myawaddy-Mae Sot are made formally—via the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge—and “informally” by boats across the Moei River, which divides the two countries.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/myawaddy-mae-sot-border-crossing-briefly-closed-thai-coup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=myawaddy-mae-sot-border-crossing-briefly-closed-thai-coup

-- Thai PBS 2014-05-24

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RT@RichardBarrow: LOL - RT @MrPeterWebb: Abbey Road pic.twitter.com/9DIp1yTMgM

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35 more people ordered to report to junta

BANGKOK: -- The National Peace and Order Maintaining Council (NPOMC) Saturday ordered 35 more persons who included yellow-shirt leader Sonthi Limthongkul and Bhumjaithai party leader to report today by 4.00 p.m.
The latest order raised the number of people to turn themselves in to the military junta to 190.

The 35 more people summoned today are politicians of both the ruling Pheu Thai party and coalition parties, red shirt and yellow shirt leaders, and academics.

Key figures summoned to report included Sonthi, Bhumjaithai party leader Anuthin Charnveerkul, Pol Gen Pracha Promnok, Suwat Liptapanlop, Surachai Danwattananusorn, Sunai Jullaponstorn, and Phetchawat Wattanapongsiri, a hardcore redshirt in Chiang Mai.

So far, the military has issued four orders summoning altogether 190 politicians, retired military officials, retired and active government officials, anti government protest leaders, redshirt leaders, and academics to turn themselves in to the junta.
Failure to report will face a two-year imprisonment and a fine of 40,000 baht.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/35-people-ordered-report-junta/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=35-people-ordered-report-junta

-- Thai PBS 2014-05-24

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NPOMC asserts providing good care for detained figures; 21 arrested with arms in Khon Kaen, linked to attacks during protests /MCOT

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Minor quakes of magnitude 3.6 and 3.1 hit Nan's Na Noi district, no reports of damages /MCOT

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About 100 people rally against coup

BANGKOK: -- About 100 people demonstrated in front of Major Ratchayothin shopping mall against the coup.

They gathered at 11 am and many held a banner, saying "Take the coup back to barracks, and return the people's power".

The demonstrators also booed at troops deployed to keep security.

While they were protesting against coup, a woman walked through them to express moral support to the troops, leading to a brief confrontation. The woman was later escorted away by police.

The demonstrators later dispersed after the commander of the troops there announced that they would be arrested for violating the martial law if they did not stop.

The demonstrators vowed to return to hold more rallies in front of the shopping mall.

-- The Nation 2014-05-24

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RT@Tulip_Oum: 1:20PM one of 35 on the call list today, Sudsanguan Sutisorn arrived at army club.-@noppatjak: pic.twitter.com/HxCchd0iVZ

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RT@panuw: update: army censor on Thai media means local tv channels cannot interview political analysts live on air: army statement 14&18