Buriram Expats

Buriram Province - General Category => Thailand News clippings => Topic started by: urleft on March 16, 2010, 06:01:56 AM

Title: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: urleft on March 16, 2010, 06:01:56 AM
Understand the Redshirts are back.  They blocked me last year in April, could not get to the Train.  I arrive back to BKK on 10 April, hopefully this will blow over.  But it does not sound good.   steamingMad

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_World&set_id=1&click_id=3&art_id=nw20100315114848265C776297 (http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_World&set_id=1&click_id=3&art_id=nw20100315114848265C776297)

Bangkok - Grenade attacks on a Bangkok military base wounded two soldiers on Monday as tens of thousands of anti-government protesters massed at another barracks in the Thai capital, a military spokesman said.

Four M-79 grenades exploded at the base in the centre of the capital at 1.30pm, injuring one soldier in the arm and the other in the stomach, army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd said.  ...... angry1

Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: nookiebear on March 16, 2010, 07:43:24 AM
Quote from: urleft on March 16, 2010, 06:01:56 AM
Understand the Redshirts are back.  They blocked me last year in April, could not get to the Train.  I arrive back to BKK on 10 April, hopefully this will blow over.  But it does not sound good.   steamingMad

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_World&set_id=1&click_id=3&art_id=nw20100315114848265C776297 (http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_World&set_id=1&click_id=3&art_id=nw20100315114848265C776297)

Bangkok - Grenade attacks on a Bangkok military base wounded two soldiers on Monday as tens of thousands of anti-government protesters massed at another barracks in the Thai capital, a military spokesman said.

Four M-79 grenades exploded at the base in the centre of the capital at 1.30pm, injuring one soldier in the arm and the other in the stomach, army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd said.  ...... angry1


The Bangkok Post today is saying 6 grenades were launched
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: dave the dude on March 16, 2010, 08:53:57 AM
They are threatening to throw Blood at the Government building which sounds very wasteful and unhygienic
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: urleft on March 16, 2010, 07:00:58 PM
Wow, more fun.  This has made the drudge report.  For those that do not know, Drudge broke the Monica Lewisky Scancal for Clinton.  http://www.drudgereport.com/ (http://www.drudgereport.com/)


http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100316/D9EFHT582.html (http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100316/D9EFHT582.html)

Thai protesters give blood to pour on streets   brick1

BANGKOK (AP) - Anti-government protesters started donating their own blood Tuesday as part of a plan to splatter the Thai government headquarters in a symbolic sacrifice to press their demands for new elections.

Hundreds of red-shirted demonstrators formed long lines to have their blood drawn by nurses, a day after their leaders vowed to collect 1 million cubic centimeters of blood - the equivalent of 1,000 standard soft drink bottles - to spill at Government House by Tuesday afternoon.

As many as 100,000 so-called Red Shirt protesters converged Sunday on the Thai capital to demand that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva agree to dissolve parliament by midday Monday. Abhisit refused and blanketed the capital in security, but said his government was open to listening to what else the protesters have to say.

Frustrated, the protest leaders announced the "blood sacrifice," a tactic slammed by the Red Cross as wasteful - and unhygienic since diseases like hepatitis and HIV-AIDS can be spread if needles are reused.

"This blood belongs to fighters for democracy. What is its color? Red!" an announcer shouted as protest leaders were having their blood drawn on a stage near a white tent where lines of blood donors formed.

Several orange-robed Buddhist monks, who are forbidden by law from taking part in political activities, were among the first in line with one proudly showing off a syringe filled with his blood.

"I believe (in our leaders) and find their strategies rational and acceptable. If they say that we soldier on, I'm ready," said Suriya Laemthong, 28, who admitted to a fear of needles and shielded his eyes with a baseball cap and hand as a nurse pricked his arm. But Suriya said he doubted that the blood spilling would compel the government to step down.

The Red Shirts include supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and other activists who oppose the 2006 military coup that ousted him for alleged corruption and abuse of power. They believe Abhisit came to power illegitimately with the connivance of the military and other parts of the traditional ruling class who were alarmed by Thaksin's popularity.

On Monday, thousands of protesters departed from their encampment in downtown Bangkok to besiege an army base on the edge of the capital where Abhisit has partly been based during the protests.

Abhisit told a nationwide television audience that his government's goal is not to "remain entrenched" but that it would not step down in response to the protesters. He said the government would listen to the demonstrators.

Two soldiers were wounded Monday by four grenades that exploded inside the compound of the 1st Infantry Regiment, known as the King's Own Bodyguard, army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd said. He did not blame Red Shirt demonstrators, who were not in the area, but said there has been intelligence that some elements had been planning such attacks.

However, the protests have to date been remarkably peaceful although embassies have issued warnings to their nationals of possible violence and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell canceled a scheduled visit Tuesday.

The U.S. Embassy said Campbell, on a swing through Asia, skipped the trip since he did not with to add to "logistical burdens facing our Thai friends at this time."

After withdrawing from the 11th Infantry base, protest organizers announced they were asking each demonstrator to donate between two and 20 teaspoons - 10 to 100 cubic centimeters - of blood. Their initial goal would be to collect 1,000 liters (264 gallons), which would require donations from between 10,000 and 100,000 people - roughly the protest crowd's peak size.

More blood would be spilled at the headquarters of the ruling Democrat Party and the prime minister's house if the protest demands were not met.

Dr. Ubonwon Charoonruangrit, a senior official of the Thai Red Cross Society, worried about the risks of untrained people drawing blood, and added that 1 million cc of blood could "save many lives."

Some 100,000 Red Shirt protesters have been camped out along a boulevard in the old part of Bangkok, though their number had visibly fallen Monday. A force of more than 50,000 soldiers, police and other security personnel has been mobilized in the capital.

For a second straight day, Thaksin spoke to the demonstrators by video, urging them to continue their struggle in a nonviolent fashion.

Thaksin is a billionaire businessman who fled Thailand in 2008 ahead of a conviction on a conflict of interest charge for which he was sentenced to two years in jail.

Thailand has been in constant political turmoil since early 2006, when anti-Thaksin demonstrations began. In 2008, when Thaksin's political allies came back to power for a year, his opponents occupied the prime minister's office compound for three months and seized Bangkok's two airports for a week.

---

Associated Press writers Thanyarat Doksone, Jocelyn Gecker and Kinan Suchaovanich and photographer David Longstreath contributed to this report.


Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: urleft on March 18, 2010, 04:09:59 AM
Thai Red Shirts hurl own blood at PM's house   loco

Mar 17, 7:59 AM (ET)

By JOCELYN GECKER
 
 

BANGKOK (AP) - Leaders of Thailand's anti-government protesters, who have hurled their own blood at the offices and home of the prime minister, said Wednesday they will remain camped out in capital indefinitely, though in smaller numbers.

Hoping to bring down Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government, red-shirted protesters hurled plastic bags filled with their own blood into his residential compound Wednesday - following similar protests the day before at his office and the headquarters of his Democrat Party.

Several thousand later gathered in front of the U.S. Embassy, saying they wanted to tell the international community that their government is illegitimate.

The "blood sacrifices" grabbed attention, but put the Red Shirt movement no closer to its goal of forcing new elections.

The announcement of plans for an extended protest contrasts sharply with pre-demonstration boasts that they would mount a "million-man march," putting enough pressure on the government to topple it within a few days. More than 100,000 demonstrators converged on the capital Sunday, but their demands and deadlines were snubbed by Abhisit, and the crowd shrunk Wednesday to around 40,000, according to Maj. Gen. Vichai Sangparpai, a commander in the metropolitan police.

The protesters consist of supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a 2006 military coup for alleged corruption, and pro-democracy activists who opposed the army takeover. They believe Abhisit came to power illegitimately with the connivance of the military and other parts of the traditional ruling class and that only new elections can restore integrity to Thai democracy. They also believe a new vote would bring Thaksin's allies to power.

After a strategy meeting, the Red Shirt leaders said they will maintain their protest, but on a smaller scale. They are encamped in an area of the old part of Bangkok that is a traditional venue for political protests.

"We'll maintain our stronghold, but there will be rotation of manpower," said one of the protest leaders, Veera Musikapong. "When the time is right, we will call for a 'million-man march' again."

The group also reaffirmed its commitment to nonviolence, and announced it is breaking ties with allies who had made high-profile threats of attacks if faced with government repression.

"We can rotate the people from Bangkok and provinces," said Nattawut Saikua, another protest leaders. "If we camp out here, Abhisit can't go home. Now he has to stay in an army camp. He can't come to work at the Government House or even stay in Bangkok."

Abhisit has been sleeping at an army base and taking frequent trips out of the city since preliminary protests began Friday.

On Wednesday, riot police first blocked all approaches to Abhisit's walled compound in an area that is home to many wealthy Thais and expatriates. But after negotiations, three dozen demonstrators were allowed to squeeze through the police cordon carrying about six 1.3-gallon (5-liter) plastic jugs filled with frothy blood over their heads.

They splattered blood across Abhisit's front gate and poured some of it into plastic bags that they hurled at the home, leaving the walls, roof and grounds smeared with red.

A heavy afternoon downpour ended as the blood spilling finished, leaving dark red puddles in the street that a white-suited medical cleanup team quickly hosed away. Some climbed on the prime minister's tile roof to remove the empty, blood-soaked bags.

The protesters' march to Abhisit's house and police cordons, thrown up after the government invoked an emergency decree, halted traffic in one direction on Sukhumvit Road, a major thoroughfare, paralyzing parts of the neighborhood. Restaurants closed their doors and residents of luxury condos were prevented from driving out of the area.

Many residents watched from their balconies or wandered into the street to take pictures. Most anti-government protests in the past have been confined to Bangkok's government district several miles (kilometers) away.

On Tuesday, thousands of Red Shirts formed long lines to have their blood drawn by nurses. Leaders claimed to have collected 80 gallons (300,000 cubic centimeters).

---

Associated Press writers Thanyarat Doksone and Kinan Suchaovanich, and photographer David Longstreath contributed to this report.


Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: urleft on March 19, 2010, 06:08:53 AM
Now they're after the American Embassy.   jumping8



Email from the U.S. Embassy. Giving a warning to U.S. citizens.

March 17, 2010

This warden message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that a gathering of United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or “red-shirts”) protestors may demonstrate in front of the U.S. Embassy on Wireless Road sometime today, March 17, 2010. The protesters will likely arrive before 12 noon.

U.S. citizens should be aware that the UDD protesters may be in the possession of blood specimens. As a precautionary measure, the front entrances to the Embassy compounds may be forced to close to visitors during the demonstrations. This means that there is a possibility that American Citizen Services may be closed for part or all of the afternoon hours, even to those who already have an appointment. We ask Americans to exercise caution if you are going to be in this vicinity or in the area of any demonstrations.

We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review “A Safe Trip Abroad”, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Thailand are encouraged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy. The American Citizen Services section of the U.S. Embassy Bangkok is located at 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at acsbkk@state.gov. The emergency after-hours telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: dave the dude on March 19, 2010, 08:44:21 AM
Had a couple of warning e-mails from the British Embassy a while back but don't understand WHY they have picked on the US Embassy in Wireless Rd?

Any comments?
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: urleft on March 25, 2010, 08:36:05 AM
Quote from: Dave the Dude on March 19, 2010, 08:44:21 AM
Had a couple of warning e-mails from the British Embassy a while back but don't understand WHY they have picked on the US Embassy in Wireless Rd?

Any comments?


They moved to the American embassy after the Deputy PM told the media that "foreign intelligence" had been intercepting Thaksin's phone calls and during those calls Thaksin suggested violence be used.

The red shirts immediately jumped to the conclusion that "foreign intelligence" could only mean the U.S.  confused4


Jeeze, any country with half a brain would know the US has no foreign intelligence, just look at how they're handling Isreal, Iran, and Russia.  What a bunch of losers   brick1



Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: Admin on March 25, 2010, 11:43:16 AM
Quote from: urleft on March 25, 2010, 08:36:05 AM
Quote from: Dave the Dude on March 19, 2010, 08:44:21 AM
Had a couple of warning e-mails from the British Embassy a while back but don't understand WHY they have picked on the US Embassy in Wireless Rd?

Any comments?


They moved to the American embassy after the Deputy PM told the media that "foreign intelligence" had been intercepting Thaksin's phone calls and during those calls Thaksin suggested violence be used.

The red shirts immediately jumped to the conclusion that "foreign intelligence" could only mean the U.S.  confused4


Jeeze, any country with half a brain would know the US has no foreign intelligence, just look at how they're handling Isreal, Iran, and Russia.  What a bunch of losers   brick1


hehe.. I can't agree with you more..  mhihi
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: perra on March 26, 2010, 11:20:54 PM
Probably the the SIS = Scottish Intelligence Services. They must have heard about You guys in Buriram.  footballscarf
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: Admin on March 27, 2010, 03:35:09 PM
Reds to force Thai troops to barracks 
Bangkok Post: 27 Mar 2010

Reds to force troops back to barracks

Online news: Breakingnews

Protesters gathering at main rally site at Phan Fa Bridge have agreed to rally at eight locations where troops are standing by, red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua announced at the rally stage on Saturday morning.

The seven targets are Wat Bovornniwes, Wat Tri Thosathep, Wat Makutkasattiyaram, Wat Kae Nang Leong, Wat Sommanas Viharn, Nang Loeng racecourse, Dusit Park and Pranakon Commercial College.

“The red-shirts will politely talk with the soldiers there, asking them to return to their barracks and give their weapons back, to prevent them from being used to kill the protesters,” Mr Natthawut said.

If the soldiers troops refuse to do as asked, the red-shirts would then use their bare hands to remove all barricades and barbed wire from the target sites.

“If there is any violence, then the government must be held responsible for it,” the UDD leader said.
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: urleft on March 28, 2010, 08:39:23 PM
Quote from: ADMIN on March 27, 2010, 03:35:09 PM
Reds to force Thai troops to barracks 
Bangkok Post: 27 Mar 2010

Reds to force troops back to barracks

Online news: Breakingnews

Protesters gathering at main rally site at Phan Fa Bridge have agreed to rally at eight locations where troops are standing by, red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua announced at the rally stage on Saturday morning.

The seven targets are Wat Bovornniwes, Wat Tri Thosathep, Wat Makutkasattiyaram, Wat Kae Nang Leong, Wat Sommanas Viharn, Nang Loeng racecourse, Dusit Park and Pranakon Commercial College.

“The red-shirts will politely talk with the soldiers there, asking them to return to their barracks and give their weapons back, to prevent them from being used to kill the protesters,” Mr Natthawut said.

If the soldiers troops refuse to do as asked, the red-shirts would then use their bare hands to remove all barricades and barbed wire from the target sites.

“If there is any violence, then the government must be held responsible for it,” the UDD leader said.


Protesters are asking for trouble here.  The chances of getting soldiers to basically mutiny (refuse orders) is somewhere between zero and none. 

Troops trained in riot control can easily disperse a crowd.  The USA M-16 Rifle is a POS in my opinion, but add a unsheafed bayonet with troops in formation, you will definitely evacuate the area.  Rifles with sheafed bayonets can also be very intimidating. 

I do not expect anything good to come from this.   angry1
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: Vombatus on March 29, 2010, 11:33:57 AM
I was in Bangkok over the weekend and was all business as usual. You would know anything of the protest were it not for seeing the occasional redshirted couple, or pick up with protesters in.

Earlier in the week I flew to to Chiang Mai - no issues anywhere. I read that a couple of bombs had gone off in CM - I saw  nothing, heard nothing and everyone appeared to be going about their business normally.
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: Admin on April 04, 2010, 11:30:02 AM
Thai PM, red-shirts, Sunday negotiations 
Bangkok Post: 4 Apr 2010

UDD, govt may reach compromise

Bangkok Post
4/04/2010 at 09:23 AM

In special live telecast this morning, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced that the government and the UDD protesters are reaching a possible compromise after an intensive talk that should avoid the conflict from escalating to the regret of everyone.

Mr Abhisit thanked the people in Bangkok for showing patience and giving moral support to the government. He called on the UDD to continue its peaceful assembly as allowed by the constitution to demand the government addressing their problems and for democracy, but not to hurt the country's economy as nobody wins but the country loses.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/173634/udd-govt-may-reach-compromise (http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/173634/udd-govt-may-reach-compromise)
---------------

Thaksin appreciates traffic blocking

Bangkok Post * Published: 3/04/2010 at 10:00 PM


Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has praised the red shirts for blocking Ratchaprasong intersection today, saying they were sacrificing for the sake of democracy.

In his about 30-minute video-link address to the gatherings of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) both at Phan Fa Bridge and the intersection tonight, Thaksin described the UDD’s movement as a way of “building the future of the nation”.

He also called on more supporters of the UDD to come out and join the protesters at both protest sites.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/173630/thaksin-appreciates-traffic-blocking (http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/173630/thaksin-appreciates-traffic-blocking)
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: Admin on April 04, 2010, 11:31:57 AM
Thai PM, red-shirts, Sunday negotiations 
Bangkok Post: 4 Apr 2010

UDD, govt may reach compromise

Bangkok Post * Published: 4/04/2010 at 09:23 AM

In special live telecast this morning, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced that the government and the UDD protesters are reaching a possible compromise after an intensive talk that should avoid the conflict from escalating to the regret of everyone.

Mr Abhisit thanked the people in Bangkok for showing patience and giving moral support to the government. He called on the UDD to continue its peaceful assembly as allowed by the constitution to demand the government addressing their problems and for democracy, but not to hurt the country's economy as nobody wins but the country loses.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/173634/udd-govt-may-reach-compromise (http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/173634/udd-govt-may-reach-compromise)
---------------

Thaksin appreciates traffic blocking

Bangkok Post * Published: 3/04/2010 at 10:00 PM


Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has praised the red shirts for blocking Ratchaprasong intersection today, saying they were sacrificing for the sake of democracy.

In his about 30-minute video-link address to the gatherings of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) both at Phan Fa Bridge and the intersection tonight, Thaksin described the UDD’s movement as a way of “building the future of the nation”.

He also called on more supporters of the UDD to come out and join the protesters at both protest sites.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/173630/thaksin-appreciates-traffic-blocking (http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/173630/thaksin-appreciates-traffic-blocking)
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: urleft on April 04, 2010, 09:25:15 PM
Well Crap, these people were going Batsh*t last April.   steamingMad  brick1 This made the Drudge Report again and the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/04/world/asia/04thailand.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/04/world/asia/04thailand.html)


BANGKOK — Antigovernment protesters who have camped out on the streets of Bangkok for the past three weeks raised the stakes in their mass demonstrations on Saturday, converging on the heart of Bangkok’s shopping district and vowing to remain until new elections are called.

Tens of thousands of protesters, including many families with small children, took over a main intersection, blocking roads leading to upscale shopping malls and five-star hotels and demanding that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of Thailand take action soon.

“We will remain here until the government declares that Parliament is dissolved,” said Veera Musikapong, one of the leaders of the protesters, who are known as the Red Shirts.

The government, which until Saturday had tried to take a conciliatory tone, ordered the demonstrators out of the area.

The Thai Foreign Ministry said the government would follow a “multistep approach, from light to heavier measures,” in what appeared to be a turning point in its handling of the crisis, the latest chapter of four years of political turmoil.

On Tuesday the Thai cabinet extended the use of a law that allows the military to clear out protesters and make arrests. Mr. Abhisit said Saturday that protesters had exceeded the limits of their constitutional right to demonstrate and that the government would negotiate or use legal means to oust them.
 ......

Hope they don't ruin my Holiday.   chairhit   Less than a week to go.



Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: urleft on April 07, 2010, 06:08:25 AM
They are still at it!!!!!   :(   :mad: 

Protesters move into banned areas

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/173835/protesters-move-into-banned-areas (http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/173835/protesters-move-into-banned-areas)


Published: 6/04/2010 at 04:31 PM
Online news: Local News

Thousands of red-shirt protesters poured into no-go zones declared by the government on Tuesday afternoon, reversing an earlier decision to stay away from the areas to avoid possible clashes with security forces

A red convoy comprising motorcycles and trucks moved into Silom and Sathon roads in defiance of the government  ban. Security units were deployed in front of important buildings on Silom Road including the Bangkok Bank headquarters and the CP building.

"From now we will be taking  the offensive," red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua told the crowd. "Let our people from Pan Fa Bridge march to all 11 banned 11 roads immediately. If there is anything blocking us, break in peacefully."

The convoy was led by another core leader Suporn Attawong.

The demonstrators took about 20 minutes to travel from Henry Dunant intersection to Sala Daeng before reaching Silom.

The march to Bangkok's financial district began about two hours after Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) announced on television that authorities would not use force to disperse protesters from the Ratchaprasong area.

Thousands of riot police and troops initially blocked the protesters from joining the convoy, but they later backed away and let the protesters enter the banned areas.

Most shops and department stores in the area were closed. Today is Chakri Day, a public holiday, but large stores would normally remain open.

Back at Ratchaprasong, another red leader Weng Tojirakarn ordered red-shirt guards to take control of four fire engines and an army humvee brought in to the area by the authorities.

Mr Weng said the action was intended to deny police and troops use of the vehicles to disperse  the mass rally at the heart of Bangkok's commercial area.

"We [the red-shirts] will not destroy state property but we will deny them access to the vehicles," he said.

Government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) on Tuesday approved summons warrants for up to 10 red-shirt core leaders.

If the UDD leaders do not report personally to the authorities then arrest warrants would be issued, he said.

"The UDD core members, if they are found, will be arrested immediately because they have, by their actions, openly committed offences.

"The CAPO legal team is looking into the details of the law before taking legal action against the red-shirt leaders," Mr Panitan said. There are no names on the warrants yet.



Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: Admin on April 07, 2010, 01:28:41 PM
Red shirts besiege Thai Parliament 
The Nation: 7 Apr 2010

Red shirts besiege Parliament

Red-shirt protesters started besieging the Parliament at 11 am Wednesday.

Following the arrival of the protesters, officials closed all gates.

Cabinet members and some officials who attended the weekly Cabinet meeting inside the Parliament compound could not leave the compound.

Parliament President Chai Chidchob informed the MPs during a House meeting that some 700 protesters were staging a blockade of Parliament and many more could join them.

--------------------

Abhisit red-faced
By Tulsathit Taptim
The Nation
Published on April 7, 2010

Red shirts swarm Silom as premier's gentlemanly strategy looks to be on the verge of backfiring

New tactics versus old policies, and the result was arguably the best day so far for the red shirts and definitely the worst for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The day started off with a reverse of that situation. Government troops surrounded the rally site and seemed in a good position to block the protesters from leaving the Rajprasong area to carry out their threats to roam 11 prohibited Bangkok roads. Then the red shirts announced the 11-road plan was cancelled and for some unknown reason the security forces pulled out from some key strategic positions.

The rest is history. The red shirts immediately revived their 11-road plan and within a couple of hours the Silom area was swarmed, to the embarrassment of Abhisit and his peacekeeping war room. Like predators smelling blood, the masses at Rajprasong, scattered in the morning, ballooned back to their roaring peak.

All of a sudden, Abhisit found himself in his most precarious state since the red-shirt rally began more than three weeks ago. Bangkokians' frustration was palpable - and so was the red shirts' renewed confidence. Also, for the first time, the prime minister must have started questioning the loyalty of the police and some in the military.

Conspiracy theorists, though, could not yet jump to the conclusion that yesterday's setback should be totally blamed on police and military commanders who might be looking the other way. Some reports suggested it was Abhisit himself who didn't want to go all out against the rally. Supple-menting this scenario was a comment by former Democrat Party leader and ex-prime minister Chuan Leekpai, who said the government must not experiment with security measures at the expense of people's lives.

Unprecedented happening

Experiment is somewhat the correct word. What's happening is unprecedented. The location is a tourist and business hub, so when it is crammed with tens of thousands of people, the use of force could easily result in the bloodiest tragedy. Rioting at Rajprasong could also cause far greater business damage than at the traditional political rally site of Rajdamnoen Avenue.

During a subdued TV address yesterday afternoon, Abhisit and top security officials admitted that the crowd was too big to use force against, although they insisted that protest leaders' "distortion and lies" about planned government cruelty had brought more red sympathisers to the area. Abhisit told Bangkokians he was as frustrated and dissatisfied as they were, but insisted that patience and prudence were the key to resolving the situation.

Abhisit will cut short his visit to Vietnam for an Asean summit later this week. He also said that if the political situation did not improve, he would cancel his official trip to attend the "World Nuclear Conference" to be held on April 12-13 in Washington DC.

While doomsayers may be quick to state that his days are numbered, Abhisit arguably had it worse a year ago, when the same red shirts ran amok amid similar rumours about police and some military officers backstabbing him. Sources at the National Peacekeeping Operations Centre confirmed there were some conflicts, but insisted the government's apparent inaction had more to do with Abhisit's and Army chief Anupong Paochinda's unwillingness to have their hands tainted with blood.

Morever, the red shirts came better prepared strategically this time and Abhisit's enemies also appeared more flexible, ready to experiment with new tactics.

The premier has been leaning against the ropes, letting the red shirts unleash blow after blow. His gentlemanly strategy has won some praise but is on the verge of backfiring, if it has not backfired already. For many days now, Abhisit has preached patience, respect for human rights and the need to follow internationally accepted norms on political protests step by step.

Yesterday though, his press conference failed to drive home the principles that he sought to emphasise. As a pro-government rally at Chatuchak Park let out a sigh of frustration, his dilemma was just about to get worse, because the red shirts were to announce their next move at 10 am today.
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: Admin on April 08, 2010, 12:02:43 PM
Thai PM declares State of Emergency 
Bangkok Post: 7 Apr 2010

State of emergency declared

Bangkok Post
Published: 7/04/2010 at 07:03 PM

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Wednesday evening declared a state of emergency under the executive degree for administration in emergency situations in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and some districts of Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom and Ayutthaya.

The state of emergency took effect immediately after it was announced.

Mr Abhisit announced the move in a live nationwide television broadcast from the Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) at the 11th Infantry Regiment in the presence of the cabinet members.

The prime minister said the decision was reached at a special cabinet meetingthis afternoon after a number of the red shirts of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) broke into the parliamentary compound, forcing cabinet members, including himself, and MPs attending a House meeting to flee for safety.

He said the government had tried to control the situation by invoking the Internal Security Act in Bangkok and nearby provinces, but to no avail as the red-shirts had continued to step up their activities and resorted to violence in violation of the law and the constitution.

Their activities had greatly affected people's lives and their work, as well as the national economy and Thailand's image in the eyes of the world community.

Mr Abhisit said a centre for solving the emergency situation had been set up, with Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of security affairs, as director. The centre is empowered to take action under the emergency law and enforce various orders ssued under the law.

Other members of the centre include the defence minister, the permanent secretary for defence and the commanders of all the armed forces and the Royal Thai Police Office.

He said the main objectives in imposing the state of emergency were to return the situation to normal as soon as possible, to stop any attempt to disseminate false information in a way to incite division, to more effectively take legal action against the protest leaders, and to enable other measures to be taken more effectively.

The prime minister said the government, in declaring the state of emergency, does not aim to crack down on innocent people, but wants to maintain the sanctity of the law.

He promised that all measures to be taken would be in line with international standards of practice.

Meanwhile, the UDD called on all of their red-shirt supporters to get together on Friday and try to topple the Democrat-led government.

After Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and some areas in Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom and Ayutthaya on Wednesday evening, UDD leader Nattthawut Saikua declared that the protesters will not leave their rally sites at Bangkok's Phan Fa bridge and Ratchaprasong intersection.

"I ask all the red-shirts in the city and nearby provinces to join forces at Phan Fa and Ratchaprasong. We'll fight against the guns with our bare hands.

"The red-shirts in other provinces can converge on their respective city halls," Mr Natthawut said.

More red-shirt supporters had gradually travelled to Phan Fa and Ratchaprasong while the group had increased the number guards and raised the security level, he said.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/173946/state-of-emergency-declared (http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/173946/state-of-emergency-declared)
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: Admin on April 09, 2010, 11:32:03 AM
Foreigners told to avoid red rallies 
Bangkok Post: 9 Apr 2010

Foreigners told to avoid rallies

Foreign residents and tourists are being warned to avoid areas where the red shirt demonstrations are taking place.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said yesterday foreigners were still free to travel, but they should stay away from the protest sites for their own protection.

He said the state of emergency declared by the government on Wednesday appeared to be having little immediate effect on foreign residents and tourists.

The decision to declare the emergency was to ensure peace, stability and a return to normalcy as soon as possible, he said.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/35805/foreigners-told-to-avoid-rallies (http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/35805/foreigners-told-to-avoid-rallies)

-----------

Govt takes hands-off approach
Police granted warrants for red shirt leadership

The government is taking a step by step approach to end the red shirt rally, with crowd dispersal its last resort.

Off the air About 700 angry red shirts try to enter the Thaicom satellite station in Pathum Thani’s Lat Lum Kaeo district yesterday to demand that the People Channel satellite television station be put back on air. The group was blocked by more than 1,000 soldiers sent to guard the compound.

The government yesterday shut down the People Channel television station, the main communications channel of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), stepped up its public relations campaign, set up checkpoints, and provided transport to demonstrators who wanted to return home.

The Crime Suppression Division held talks to seek arrest warrants for 14 red shirt leaders for violating the emergency decree, a police source said.

Among the red shirt leaders facing arrest are Veera Musikhapong, Jatuporn Prompan, Natthawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakarn, Arisman Pongruangrong, Kwanchai Praipana, Wiputhalaeng Pattanaphumthai, Wisa Khanthap and Yosvaris Chuklom, better known as comedian Jeng Dokjik.

The Centre for Public Administration in Emergency Situations last night also reminded demonstrators of the ban on gatherings of more than five people that went into effect with Wednesday's emergency decree.

The emergency law covers Bangkok and Nonthaburi and parts of Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom and Ayutthaya.

The government moves are aimed at deterring demonstrations, which are entering their fifth week, to press Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva into quickly dissolving the lower house.

The prime minister yesterday expressed his determination to end the rally, but called on the public to be patient with how the issue was handled.

He reiterated that he had no intention of using force against the UDD.

"I would like to stress that using force is not the main objective of the government," he said on television last night.

"The main goal is to return [occupied] areas to the public."

A government source said authorities had yet to move in to break up the rallies as they wished to avoid bloodshed.

"Breaking up the rally needs to be timed right," the source said.

Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman for the Centre for Public Administration in Emergency Situations, said crowd dispersal could send the situation spiralling out of control.

Col Sansern said the tactics used to date were bearing fruit because the crowds at the Ratchaprasong intersection had dwindled.

As of 1pm yesterday, the crowd had shrunk to 3,000 people and the number of demonstrators at Phan Fa Bridge had fallen to 2,500. However, thousands of protesters did return last night to Ratchaprasong to join the UDD leaders.

The UDD leaders yesterday vowed to defy the emergency rule restrictions and intensify their campaign against the government.

Mr Natthawut, a key UDD figure, told supporters to gather today at 9am at Phan Fa Bridge and Ratchaprasong intersection for a march to 10 unspecified destinations. He asked those with vehicles to bring them along.

"This is our last message to the prime minister," Mr Natthawut said.

"If he refuses to return the mandate to the people, he will not have a chance to play the role of the prime minister who makes sacrifices. He will be the prime minister pushed to the corner."

In many northeastern provinces, a stronghold for supporters of convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the leader of the red shirts, no more than 100 people were found yesterday taking part in protests.

Security was tight at provincial halls, believed to be the main targets for attack by the red shirts if the government decides to use force against their colleagues in Bangkok.

In Udon Thani, red shirt leader Kwanchai Praipana urged people to register and join the protest in Bangkok. The campaign failed to attract much of a crowd.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/35804/govt-takes-hands-off-approach (http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/35804/govt-takes-hands-off-approach)
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: jimmyreindeer on April 09, 2010, 09:10:00 PM
Where Thailand is going to? I hope peace for Thailand!

อยากเห็นคนไทย รักกันได้อย่างเดิม  thailandflag

http://weloveking.org/content.php?id=6 (http://weloveking.org/content.php?id=6)

Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: Admin on April 11, 2010, 11:06:13 AM
Video from yesterday:
There are explosions and what sounds like gunshots. All the Thais have their radios on and the sound of screaming leaders is heard everywhere. In the distant background, you can hear the masses chanting and shouting. There are protesters and rioters in the streets. The police and army are out in force and ambulances and cop cars are blazing back and forth.

thaiprotests.mp4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF4sD_atKaM#ws)
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: jimmyreindeer on April 12, 2010, 01:34:32 AM
 :( More videos: http://www.thai-faq.com/thai-news/chaos-bangkok-red-shirt-protesters-take-over/ (http://www.thai-faq.com/thai-news/chaos-bangkok-red-shirt-protesters-take-over/)
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: nookiebear on April 12, 2010, 08:30:15 AM
The death toll is now being quoted as at least 20.............
Title: Re: The Redshirts are Coming
Post by: urleft on April 13, 2010, 08:38:24 AM
This is FYI for those that may be interested.  The Post title "The Redshirts are coming"  is almost a historical quote in America.  Any Yank reading this post would immediately know the original phase was "The Red-Coats are coming! The Red-Coats are coming!" 

It comes from the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere (almost) and can be seen here:  http://www.ordination.org/midnight.htm (http://www.ordination.org/midnight.htm)

There is also a famous poem which most school kids were taught when I was growing up called Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:  http://poetry.eserver.org/paul-revere.html (http://poetry.eserver.org/paul-revere.html)