Latest Red-Shirt Protest News

[Gaybutton]

Apparently the protest is far from over, even if the military successfully re-takes the streets of Bangkok.

 

Let's post the latest news items on this thread since the other threads are getting quite lengthy.

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Battle Rages On

 

By The Nation

 

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva last night defended the government's protest-containment policy, arguing it was the best way to address Bangkok's security situation.

 

The premier insisted there would be no turning back, although Natthawut Saikua, one of the protest leaders, asked for an immediate cease-fire and a return to the negotiating table.

 

Yesterday saw deadly clashes between security forces and protesters at Bon Kai, Rajprarob and nearby areas of Bangkok, resulting in 22 deaths and 172 injuries.

 

At noon, several grenades were launched from M79s in the Din Daeng/ Rajprarob area, resulting in many injuries. This prompted the security forces to step up their action by declaring the area a "live bullets" zone.

 

Many used-car tyres were burnt by the protesters to create fire and smoke while large water and garbage trucks were used by protesters and militants to get close to the lines set up by security forces.

 

In his nationally-televised speech from the 11th Infantry Regiment, the premier said after the clashes between protesters and security forces the containment policy aimed to restrict the number of protesters at Rajprasong, which was estimated at around 6,000 at the latest count.

 

Battle rages on

[Guest GaySacGuy]

Bangkok is said to be rather calm this morning with heavy rain. The rain is stopping most activity, and they certainly won't be using tear gas. Also they said that the loud noise is now thunder. Hard to tell what happens when the rain stops, but far from over.

[Gaybutton]

PM Sends E-mail to UN Chief

 

Published: 16/05/2010

 

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had sent e-mail to secretary general of the United Nations Organisation Pan Ki-mun to explain the situation, acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn said on Sunday.

 

PM sends email to UN chief

[Gaybutton]

US Warns Citizens Traveling to Thailand, Evacuating Staffs

 

The United States has warned its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Thailand and began evacuating non-essential embassy staff and families due to unrest in the country.

 

"US citizens should defer all travel to Bangkok and defer all non-essential travel to the rest of Thailand," a statement said.

 

"The Department of State has authorized the departure of all non-emergency US government personnel and eligible family members from Bangkok," the statement added.

 

US warns citizens travelling to Thailand, evacuating staffs

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Chulalongkorn Hospital will be Closed from Monday

 

The Chulalongkorn Hospital announced at 11 am Sunday that its medical services will be closed from Monday until further notice.

 

Chulalongkorn Hospital will be closed from Monday

[Guest GaySacGuy]

The redshirts have set fire to piles of tires that they are using for a barricade. One Lotus express near Lumpini Park has burnt to the ground as a result of a tire pile burning out of control.

 

Now some of the barricades on Rama IV are being torched.

[Gaybutton]

CNN is reporting that Abhisit is going to impose a curfew, although it is not yet known what the extent of the curfew will be or the times.

 

I would guess that the curfew, if it is imposed, will cover areas of Bangkok, but it is possible that a nationwide curfew could be imposed.

 

The English language Thai media is reporting that a curfew is being considered, but at the time of this post nothing more than that has been reported. Of course, if a curfew is imposed, we'll try to let you know the details on this thread as soon as we have the information.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

Even quiet Ubon is starting to pick up a little activity. This is at the entrance to military portion of the airport. Just piles of tires.

[Gaybutton]

GaySacGuy, did you take that photo yourself? I'm asking because if you were there, did you see any kind of military or police presence, or anyone trying to put out the fire?

 

Another question - With your experience as a firefighter, I'm curious to know what you would say is the best way to put out this kind of fire.

[Gaybutton]

CRES Cancels Plan to Impose Curfew in Bangkok

 

The Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation has cancelled its plan to impose curfew in Bangkok.

 

The CRES reasoned that security forces could be still in control of the situation so it would not impose curfew to avoid further affecting the people's life.

 

CRES cancels plan to impose curfew in Bangkok

[Guest GaySacGuy]

Panitan: additional 5 provinces under SOE include Ubon Ratchathani, Mahasarakam, Roi-et, Nongbua Lampoo and Sakol Nakhon.

 

The government has imposed the state of Emergency on five more provinces..I believe that makes a total of 20. Looks like soon it could be the whole country.

 

Does anyone know what exactly a SOE means here in Thailand. In the US it is mostly used to get funding from a higher government???

[Gaybutton]

Blacklisted

 

By THE NATION

Published on May 17, 2010

 

In a bid to cut suspected financial supplies to the still-defiant red shirts, the government yesterday slapped a ban on financial transactions on over 100 people and business entities associated with fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

 

To the government, which seems to believe that the red-shirt movement cannot function without huge financial support, the measures - announced with-out much fanfare - is supposed to be a big blow to the protesters, who already face grave logistical pressures.

 

The financial "blacklist" includes Thaksin, his immediate family members, his relatives, many banned politicians of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, business people close to the Shinawatras and several key leaders of the red-shirt movement.

 

Blacklisted

[Gaybutton]

As of Monday morning, May 17, all schools and government offices in Bangkok will be closed for at least two days.

 

The Red-Shirt leaders are asking to negotiate, but the government is refusing.

 

Thaksin is asking for UN intervention. Abhisit is saying this crisis is an internal affair, not within the purview of legitimate UN intervention. So far there has been no response from the UN.

 

Meanwhile, the fighting in Bangkok continues, along with sporadic clashes in some of the provinces.

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Bangkok Burning

 

- Red shirts ask for talks to 'put end to deaths' - Govt crackdown to carry on, curfew plan on hold

 

Published: 17/05/2010

 

Plans to announce a curfew have been put on hold, but all schools and government offices in Bangkok will be closed Monday as chaos continues to wrack the capital.

 

The city was thrown into confusion on Sunday when the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation said it would impose a curfew in some areas of Bangkok, only to then retract the statement a few hours later when army chief Anupong Paojinda reportedly opposed the decision.

 

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/37424/bangkok-burning

[pong]

Panitan: additional 5 provinces under SOE include Ubon Ratchathani, Mahasarakam, Roi-et,

Does anyone know what exactly a SOE means here in Thailand. In the US it is mostly used to get funding from a higher government???

Not exactly and as you are aware, this is not the US. It mainly means the police and/or military have much more powers to halt/arrest people, with much less evidence needed as otherwise, put on roadblocks/checkpoints, forbid any big gatherings of people, etc.

In fact much similar to that state in Europe, if it were needed there.

As with any thing here in Thaild-enforcement or maybe even the will to do that, might be catchy or haphazard. It has nothing to do with getting extra money.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

MCOT: Maj-Gen Khattiya died at 9.20am at Vajira Hospital after being shot in the head on May 13

 

Ok..now what will this bring...more violence..hope not.

[Guest]

MCOT: Maj-Gen Khattiya died at 9.20am at Vajira Hospital after being shot in the head on May 13

 

Ok..now what will this bring...more violence..hope not.

 

The word from 3 Thai's I have talked to all said, "I want to go to Bangkok now." I hope I just happen to have coffee with the wrong 3 Thais and I hope that more don't flood to the city.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

Thaivisa is reporting that there are major traffic problems and long delays getting to Pattaya from Bangkok...No reason given, but did attach this picture!!

[Gaybutton]

No reason given, but did attach this picture!!

There could be any number of reasons. You never know. Sometimes the traffic backs up like that for no apparent reason.

 

I would guess it's due to a combination of factors. The weather is bad today - rain and threatening rain. Often that alone results in backups. There could be an accident or possibly Red-Shirt problems. It could be that a lot of people from Bangkok want to get out of Bangkok for the time being and there are plenty of friends, relatives, and hotels in Pattaya.

 

Again, Pattaya is almost entirely unaffected so far from the protests. There are gatherings at City Hall and directly across the street at the Pattaya Nua (North Road) Tesco-Lotus. There were some reports of Red-Shirt gatherings at Soi Day-Night, but I was right there last night and saw nothing.

 

In other words, everything is normal in Pattaya and no problems have occurred here.

[Gaybutton]

CRES has issued the latest ultimatum, that the Red-Shirts must disperse by 3:00pm today. At the moment it is about 1:40pm.

 

CRES also said that women and children should leave and transportation will be provided for anyone who wants to go home. However, many of the women with children are refusing to leave, convinced their children will be safe.

 

There are reports that Red-Shirts in other provinces, especially the north and northeast provinces, are threatening to retaliate is the Bangkok demonstrations are dispersed.

[Gaybutton]

It is being reported that at least 5000 Red-Shirts are still in Bangkok and refusing to leave. It is not yet known what will happen next.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

From Thaivisa.com

 

 

Reds Attempt to Blow up Gas Tanker

 

Red-shirt protesters have driven and parked a gas tanker in front of the PTT petrol station in Ngarm Duplee.

 

They've also fired several M79 into the petrol station in an attempt to start a wide-scale explosion.

 

The attached is a picture of said gas truck.

[Gaybutton]

The Thai government has extended the deadline for the Red-Shirts to leave Bangkok. I did not see anything that said how long that extension will be.

[Gaybutton]

Reds Defy Deadline, Rally Continues

 

Published: 17/05/2010

 

Several thousand of protesters, including women and children, remained at the Ratchaprasong rally site on Monday evening, defying the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation's order that they leave by 3pm or face two-years imprisonment.

 

There were still about 5,000 protesters at the Ratchaprasong rally site when the 3pm deadline passed, police spokesman Maj-Gen Prawut Thawornsiri said.

 

Shortly after 2pm, military helicopters dropped leaflets on the encampment, urging the protesters to leave immediately. This angered the protesters, who shot homemade rockets at them.

 

“Some protesters received distorted information,” government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said on the Thai PBS television network. “We need to communicate with them clearly. It will take time.” There was no word on when the ultimatum extension would end.

 

Reds defy deadline, rally continues

[Gaybutton]

47 countries warn against Thai travel

 

Published: 18/05/2010

 

Travel advisories for Thailand have been issued by 47 countries, with four issuing new guidance warning against any travel to the country due to the growing political violence in Bangkok.

 

Israel, Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands raised their travel advisories yesterday to the highest levels due to the weekend's unrest, joining similar warnings last week by Saudi Arabia, Spain, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, China, Vietnam, Taiwan and Germany.

 

The unrest is already taking a major toll on tourism, one of the country's largest industries. Tourist arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday fell to 10,000, compared with a daily number of 27,000 to 29,000 earlier this month and a normal rate of 30,000 per day.

 

47 countries warn against Thai travel

[Gaybutton]

A group of about 300 Red-Shirts have blocked the entrance to the Laem Chabang port, just outside of Pattaya. That is one of the main ports servicing Thailand and a great deal of cargo comes in from there.

 

The article says that they are preventing trucks from entering, but noting is said about whether they are preventing trucks from leaving and delivering goods.

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Pattaya Red Shirts join Laem Chabang Port protest

 

We are closely monitoring local Anti-Government Red Shirt protesters and can report that they are currently not causing any problems here in the Pattaya area. The same cannot be said for Laem Chabang which is located 20kms from Pattaya in the direction of Bangkok. Red Shirt protesters have been camped outside the entrance to the Laem Chabang Port since Sunday. The protesters are now blocking the entrance to the port and preventing container trucks from entering.

 

http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/20816/Laem-Chabang-port-protest/

[Gaybutton]

Peace Hopes Fading

 

By Naya Jaikawang,

Thanitaya Tanapisutkul,

Piyanart Srivalo

 

The Nation

Published on May 19, 2010

 

Angry reds boo off leaders'attempts to talk peace; govt: Protesters must leave Rajprasong before any talks; Thaksin allegedly makes demands which govt saysit cannot accept.

 

Angry red-shirt protesters booed off their leaders' attempts to enter an immediate peace process with the government yesterday, presenting another major stumbling block to attempts to end the bloody violence plaguing Bangkok.

 

Before the major twist in the evening, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was decried by the government as the main mastermind of the violence and the key obstacle to peace. The government also rejected calls for a mutual cease-fire, saying the red shirts must leave the Rajprasong intersection first before any peace talks can begin.

 

But a group of five senators, led by Senator Lertrat Ratanavanich, visited the Rajprasong stage early in the evening and managed to convince the leaders to agree to a unilateral cease-fire to immediately kick-start the peace process. When Lertrat announced the agreement to protesters, they greeted him with boos and threw articles.

 

Peace hopes fading