Gaybutton

Hospital in Panic after Red Raid UDD bows to criticism, police boost security Published: 1/05/2010 Police are boosting security at all city hospitals after the red shirts stormed Chulalongkorn Hospital on Thursday night. The red-shirted United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship was yesterday forced into a humiliating apology after its raid prompted severe criticism. Weng Tojirakarn, a red shirt leader and medical doctor, issued a ``deep apology'' for the raid, calling it ``inappropriate, too much, and unreasonable''. Assistant national police chief Worapong Chiewpreecha said the search at Chulalongkorn Hospital by the red shirts threatened patients, relatives, and medical personnel. The government's Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) ordered police to ensure that all hospitals are safe places. Hospital in panic after red raid ____________________ Chula Transfers Patients to Other Hospitals By Pongphon Sarnsamak The Nation Published on May 1, 2010 Medical workers at Chulalongkorn Hospital yesterday were chaotically rushing to move over 600 patients including elderly people and children from buildings where located near the anti-government rally site at Saladaeng Intersection to other buildings and hospitals where faraway from the demonstration as the hospital worried that the violent incident that would affect to patient. Patient's relatives were rushing to pick up their family member who admit at hospital while the hospital had deployed wheelchairs and ambulances to moved patient who stay at Phor Por Ror, Sor Kor and Jong Konnee Wattana building where located near Ratchadamri road and near the demonstration site to other buildings which near Henri Dunant road and other hospitals where faraway from rally site. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/05/01/national/Chula-transfers-patients-to-other-hospitals-30128369.html ____________________ Losing Patience By The Nation Published on May 1, 2010 It was supposed to be a day for the red shirts to fix the damage, but as it turned out, the consequences of Thursday's invasion of Chulalongkorn Hospital meant the political movement was staring at a wrecked reputation that is nearly irreparable. Photos of patients being wheeled out of the hospital - from helpless old people with oxygen masks to a baby in an incubator - spread epidemically on social media. The urgent yet awkward relocation of Chulalongkorn Hospital patients, helped by grim-faced relatives and nurses, subdued even the most understanding sympathisers of the red shirts and was described by some observers as a complete PR disaster for the movement. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/05/01/politics/Losing-patience-30128386.html

I ran that web site through Google Translate. The translations are not perfect, but they're definitely good enough to fully understand what is being said.

Yep, you guessed it. I clearly remember the powers-that-be stating emphatically that Pattaya has plenty of water to see us through this year. Is anyone surprised that the reality turns out to be a little different? _____ Water supply problems

I don't quite understand your attitude. You would end trips to Thailand because of what one cop does? You say you don't care what the law says, but bear in mind it would be you who is in violation of the law. I agree that if you are unfortunate enough to end up in trouble because of one cop, that cop is probably being over zealous or just plain mean, but it would be hard to argue the fact that he is also doing his job and cops that look the other way are really not doing theirs. Don't forget that the cops don't make the laws, but they are supposed to be out there enforcing them. Few do, but the law is still the law. In any case, the good news is that it is rare for that problem to occur. It almost never does.

Here is the schedule of Bank holidays, meaning banks will be closed, for the rest of 2010: _____ May May 3 (Monday) - National Labour Day (Substitute Day) May 5 (Wednesday) - Coronation Day May 28 (Friday) - Visakha Bucha Day July July 1 (Thursday) - Banks’ Mid Year Day (some banks may close but not a public holiday) July 26 (Monday) - Asahna Bucha Day August *August 12 (Thursday) - H.M. Queen’s Birthday *Update: Friday August 13 will be an additional day’s holiday October October 25 (Monday) - Chulalongkorn Day (Rama V Day) (Substitute Day) December December 6 (Monday) - H.M. King’s Birthday (Substitute Day) December 10 (Friday) - Constitution Day December 31 (Friday) - New Year’s Eve http://www.thaizer.com/festivals/thailand-public-and-bank-holidays-2010/

Yes, but think of which Thais! I spent this afternoon with a young gent from Udon Thani who plans to go to that concert. He said, "Every Issan boy want to go." That could very well make it worth doing, even if you don't care for that kind of music.

All banks and government offices will be closed on Monday, May 3 for May Day.

Not necessarily. When I used to run my own web site the same thing happened to me. I received no bill or warning of any kind, but woke up one morning to find my web site down. And along with advising me that it was my responsibility to remember the due dates, they refused to reestablish my web site until they received a money order, so the site was down for several days.

They're probably right. I and most farang I talk to also feel that things are likely to get worse, perhaps much worse, before things get better. But I also think the embassies all have to cover themselves to avoid later accusations that they did not properly warn people. I think they are exaggerating the actual danger, even in Bangkok, but I also think they don't have much choice about that. There is no denying that there are areas that are best avoided, but unless something is going on that hasn't been reported, those areas should be easy to avoid. Again, in Pattaya everything is still perfectly normal. If any of you are in Bangkok, please let us know your thoughts and observations.

I agree. It bit me! I am among those who absolutely refused to be convinced by what my friends were seeing with their own eyes. I never thought my friends were lying. I convinced myself that they were misinterpreting what they saw. I learned the hard way, as usual for me. But I did learn.

I don't expect anything. I wasn't there and I don't know the situation they faced. Unless you were there, neither do you. Here is the latest on the hospital situation: _____ Chulalongkorn Hospital Evacuates Patients Published: 30/04/2010 at 12:00 PM Chulalongkorn Hospital began evacuating patients on Friday morning for safety reasons after red-shirt protesters stormed the hospital on Thursday night looking for soldiers. About 200 supporters and guards of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) led by leader Payap Panket searched hospital buildings, claiming it was being used as a hideout by the security forces. The group later left and threatened to return for a new search at 10am Friday. UDD leaders this mornign reprimanded the protesters and said there would be no more raids Hospital director Adisorn Patradul said in the morning that patients were being transferred to Siriraj and other hospitals. The evacuation was voluntary, the decision being made by the patients and their relatives, he said. The patients have the right to remain at the hospital if they wish. Chulalongkorn Hospital evacuates patients

Many people sympathetic to the Red-Shirts are finding their sympathies quickly eroding due to more and more incidents of blatant lawlessness and extreme tactics. Some areas are still reporting that Red-Shirts are blocking highways and forcing cars to stop and be inspected. Not only is that absolutely illegal, but it has caused massive traffic backups in some areas. In their latest move, some 200 Red-Shirts stormed Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok, supposedly due to suspicions that soldiers were hiding inside. They seized two innocent workers, but did release them later. Meanwhile the hospital has had to cease accepting any more inpatients and outpatients and even is canceling emergency room services. While the hospitals have asked the Red-Shirts to remain at least 100 meters away, the Red-Shirts are still disrupting hospital services and causing problems for recovering patients due to their loudspeakers. Many police officers are cooperating with the Red-Shirts and refusing to obey the Prime Minister's orders. Even during the hospital incident, it is being reported that police were within inches of one of the Red-Shirt leaders who is wanted and has an arrest warrant pending against him, but they did nothing. The following is from THE NATION: _____ Reds Storm Hospital By Pongphon Sarnsamak The Nation Published on April 30, 2010 In another brazen and controversial move, more than 200 red-shirt guards stormed into Chulalongkorn Hospital last night to check if there were soldiers inside the hospital buildings. The hour-long incident at the hospital, which is located right next to the red-shirt rally site, was monitored closely on Twitter and triggered a storm of criticism within the social media community. Hospital director Dr Adisorn Patradul initially refused to let the members of the anti-government Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) into the complex. However, a source said Adisorn gave in after DAAD co-leader Payap Panket, wanted by police for his role in the tumultuous red campaign, insisted that he be allowed to inspect the area. Although Adisorn only allowed Payap, five red-shirt guards and reporters to come in, scores of other red-shirt guards poured into the hospital buildings as soon as the door was opened. During their search, watched by bewildered nurses and doctors, the red-shirt guards seized two men and brought them to the DAAD stage at the Rajprasong intersection. The two were later released after they told the red shirts they were just workers. The red-shirt guards stopped their search at the hospital at around 8.30pm, but only after police stepped in to negotiate. During the talks, the wanted man Payap was just inches away from the senior officers taking part in the negotiations. The talks ended with an agreement for the red-shirt guards to be allowed to check the hospital again today. This prompted angry responses from Twitter users monitoring the incident, who described the police action as shameful. Reds storm hospital

Neither have I, with three exceptions. Sometimes when I get stopped by police roadblocks they ask to see it, but most of the time they only ask for my driving license. Also, in case of an accident, the insurance representative wants to see the passport. The second exception is I am always asked to present my passport when checking in to a hotel. I imagine everyone else is also asked to present it when checking in. I no longer ever use traveler's checks, but I believe you have to present your passport when cashing traveler's checks. The third exception is when I wish to withdraw funds from my bank account via a bank teller. They always ask for passport and always make a copy of it, which they ask me to sign. They ask for the bankbook as well. If any of you are under the same circumstances I'm in and your retirement benefit comes in via a receive-only account, you have to present your passport in order to retrieve the funds Don't forget that the law says you must have your passport on your person at all times. I am well aware that few people comply and carry photocopies instead, but if you encounter an overzealous police officer you could have a problem if you don't have it. I do carry my passport with me at all times. I have not ever had a problem about having it with me. Again, I've never been asked for it other than in the above situations, but I prefer to have mine with me.

I have no idea, but given the number of projects that people did invest in, and then ended up with major delays or even abandonment of the project, you wouldn't catch me signing such a contract I might consider a contract that gives me the right, if the project is not completed by the specified date, to opt for continuing to pay or having all the money I had thus far paid refunded immediately and in full. If I ever see such a clause in a condo contract, then we'll talk . . .

"Unleash the Kraken!! Send Gaybutton over; he'll smarten 'em up..." While I'm sure the problem is only temporary, thanks for volunteering me to be "sent over" to a board that would probably welcome me about as much as the Baht-Stop posters would welcome the idea of me becoming their one and only moderator. Actually, not a bad idea. My delete finger is getting mighty itchy . . .

That is correct. We have a strict policy about that. Even skirting around the reference is potential trouble, so I do intend to get rid of any further references on this or any other thread.

I have not used that expression since then. I thank you for apologizing. If only the Thai government and the Red-Shirts could resolve their disputes so easily . . .

I'm surprised you never came to that realization before. These boys have such an incredible grapevine that the CIA would do well to take lessons from them. They know everything. It would come as no surprise at all if every boy who knows you also knows exactly where you are and who you are with at this very moment, and if you happen to be having a turd right now I wouldn't be surprised if they know that too. You must have seen that so many boys are on their phones almost all the time. If you overhear, even though you don't understand much of what they are saying, I'll bet you've noticed them saying the word "farang" quite often. I'm convinced that a significant portion of those conversations is information trading. I don't think anything is wrong with it. It's just something to be aware of and I find it amusing. A lot of those boys are just as much gossip queens as so many farang are.

It is quite likely that the smaller numbers were not necessarily because of the protests, but probably because so many boys return to their hometowns for Songkran week. If customers are coming, I would guess that most of the boys have already returned to the bars, including Tawan.

Article and video on CNN web site. If protesters come within 100 meters of soldiers, use of tear gas is authorized. If they come within 30 meters, use of live ammunition is authorized. http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/04/28/thailand.protests/index.html?hpt=T2 ____________________ Red Rally Site Isolated Troops, protesters clash on highway Soldier shot dead, 19 people injured Published: 29/04/2010 Security authorities have ordered Bangkok police to close all roads around the red shirt rally site as of last night to increase the pressure on the anti-government group. Sources said the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation imposed the order to block the movement of red shirt supporters going in and out of the site which is spread over a vast area from Phong Phraram west of Mahboonkrong to Asok/Phetchaburi in the east, and down Sathon to Narathiwat Ratchanakarin. No mention was made of trying to stop essential supplies, only people and weapons, the source said. Traffic is closed at the Asok-Montree, Phayathai, Sala Daeng, Phong Phraram, Narathiwat and Henri Dunant intersections, isolating the red shirt demonstrators scattered around the Ratchaprasong intersection, the centre said. Reinforcements of troops and police have been sent to the Sala Daeng intersection. Businesses and offices in the area have been advised to close early. Efforts to contain the red shirts were stepped up by the CRES soon after a tense four-hour stand-off between protesters and security forces on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road near the National Memorial in Lum Luk Ka district in Pathum Thani. The centre said one soldier was shot dead. Another two soldiers and 17 protesters were injured in skirmishes. The dead soldier was identified as Pvt Narongrit Sala of the 9th Infantry Division based in Kanchanaburi, who was accidentally shot in the head by another soldier while riding a motorcycle towards the National Memorial during the clashes, the source said. He was one of the members of the army's rapid deployment force. Red rally site isolated ____________________ Highway Battle By The Nation April 29, 2010 Troops and hardline red-shirt protesters tested each other's resolve yesterday leading to violent clashes on the Vibhavadi Rangsit highway, leaving one soldier dead and at least 18 people injured. One day after the government signalled its readiness to get tough and the red protesters suffered a rare defeat in Pathum Thani, a joint force of soldiers and police tried to stop a caravan of red-shirt protesters on their way to the same province for a new showdown. But this time clashes occurred in the Don Muang area and the National Memorial, both located on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. The soldier was killed after being shot in his head but it was unclear yesterday who was responsible for the death. The CNN News website reported that the soldier was accidentally killed by fire from security forces. But there was no response from the authorities. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Erawan emergency centre identified the dead soldier as Private Narongrit Sara from the Ninth Infantry Division in Kanchanaburi. Of the 18 injured, three people were in serious condition; 16 of them are civilians and two soldiers, according to the centre. A video clip circulated on the Internet yesterday showed a motorcycle-riding soldier falling down after he appeared to be shot. Security forces fired on troops riding towards them on motorbikes in what appeared to be an accident, The Associated Press reported. At least four motorbikes crashed and one soldier was carried away on a stretcher, bleeding profusely from the head. Several others from the group threw their hands in the air. The clashes began in the Don Muang area at about 1.30pm and then at the National Memorial several kilometres away shortly before 3pm. Highway battle

I believe you captured the whole point with that statement - from our point of view. Quite often their point of view is completely different and just as often what we are offering is not what they want. "All that you wanted, he would not even take." - Anne Baxter (Nefretiri), 'The Ten Commandments'

The CNN web site has posted an article with some of the latest information concerning the protests. There is also a video with Christiane Amanpour interviewing Abhisit, all in English. I think it is well worth watching. You'll find it at: Thai forces, protesters clash in Bangkok - CNN.com

The latest information includes shots (rubber bullets) and tear gas being fired at Red-Shirts by the military. Details are sketchy at the time I'm writing this post because that occurred less than 90 minutes ago. There is also a report that the police have closed down the Don Muang expressway, which is the expressway leading to Don Muang airport and also one of the main routes to points north of Bangkok and from the north into Bangkok and Pattaya.

Me too. I said it many times before - I'm no economist and I know almost nothing about how these things work, but I would think it would take billions, not millions of baht to have a dramatic effect on exchange rates. The baht weakened slightly today, but certainly nothing significant.