De rode T-shirts

Thailand Het laatste Thailand nieuws
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Nine dead in bloody attacks on red shirts

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[li]Published: 10/04/2010 at 09:39 PM[/li][li]Online news: Local News[/li][/ul]

The government sued the opposition for peace on Saturday night, after a failed but bloody attack by police and the army on red shirt encampments left nine people dead and hundreds wounded in bloody street battles.
A spokesman said Korbsak Sabhavasu, the prime minister’s secretary-general, has been assigned to try to negotiate a truce with the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leaders
The Centre for Public Administration in Emergency Situations (CPAES) spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd announced the move in a nationwide television address about 9.30pm.

He said talks were needed immediately to separate the two sides and end the ongoing clashes, because the situation was heading out of control and there could be further casualties on both sides.

Hiro Muramoto, a Japanese photographer who worked for Thomson Reuters in Tokyo, was shot and killed during the riots.

The call for truce came after at least 100 soldiers were reportedly wounded in the clashes with the red-shirts at Khok Wua intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue on Saturday night while trying to advance towards Phan Fa bridge amid fierce resistance by the red-shirts.

Television reports said the red-shirts lit a gas cylinder and rolled it toward the soldiers at Khok Wua intersection. The subsequent explosion wounded at least 50 soldiers.

At the same time, gunshots were reportedly fired from red-shirts, wounding 50-60 soldiers on Tanao road near Khok Wua intersection.

The wounded were rushed to Vajira Hospital.

Hand grenades were also thrown at soldiers who were equipped with only shields, batons and tear gas launchers.

Noises of machinegun fire and three M79 grenade explosion were also heard.

The soldiers were forced to retreat.

An onlooker and an ASTV cameraman were reportedly wounded.

The call for truce came about eight hours after security forces began a crackdown on red-shirt protesters, firing teargas and rubber bullets at them intermittenlty from 1pm in an effort to take control of the Phan Fa Bridge which they have used as a base for about a month.

At least 199 people had been injured, some with serious gunshot wounds, according to the Public Health Ministry.

Col Sansern earlier said the government would to clear the protesters from Phan Fa Bridge, which is one of the two main rally sites, by nightfall. But the operation failed.

A UDD leader Veera Musikhapong early on Saturday night called on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the House of Representatives and leave the country immediately.

He also condemned the government, alleging it authorised soldiers to use weapons against the red-shirt protesters weapons on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

He said the UDD’s fight against the government had reached its peak, and exhorted red-shirts throughout the country to gather at the city halls in their provinces.

Mr Veera said a number of red-shirts would be moved from Ratchaprasong, under the leadership of Natthawut Saikua and Arisman Pongruangrong, to protect the other rally base at Phan Fa Bridge, which the government aimed to seize tonight.

PM’s Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey posted a Twitter message on Saturday night the Government House was attacked with two M79 grenades about 8.10pm, but only one exploded.

Mr Sathit also said a helicopter which flew over the rally area was fired on at, wounding one soldier.bron:http://www.bangkokpost.com

203

Volgens Asia Pacific News nu 19 doden en over de 800 gewonden.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1049315/1/.html

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**19 doden, 807 gewonden in Bangkok **
De natie op zondag

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/04/11/national/images/30126987-01.jpg

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[li]http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/04/11/national/images/30126987-01_thumb2.jpg[/li][li]http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/04/11/national/images/30126987-02_thumb2.jpg[/li][/ul]

Ten minste negentien mensen werden gemeld te zijn overleden en 807 gewonden van de gevechten tussen veiligheidstroepen en demonstranten rode-shirt in verschillende delen van de hoofdstad, National Emergency Centre directeur Phetpong Kamchornkijakarn zei gisteravond laat.

Hij zei van de slachtoffers zijn er negen burgers en twee soldaten. Van de burgers werden gedood, werden er acht rode-shirt demonstranten, terwijl de negende was een Japanse man die werkte als fotograaf voor Thomson-Reuters.

Zoals van de pers tijd op zaterdag, hadden zes van de doden, waaronder de fotograaf zijn verzonden naar het Centraal Ziekenhuis en twee naar Hua Chiew Ziekenhuis; drie tot Vajira Ziekenhuis, waarbij twee soldaten en een 50-jaar oude rood-shirt inbegrepen demonstrant die bezweken was aan een hartaanval.

De Japanse fotograaf, Hiroyuki Muramoto, gestorven aan een schotwond in zijn borst.

Van de rode-shirt demonstranten, was een van de dode geïdentificeerd als 38-jarige wasan Phoothong, die werkte als kleermaker in Samut Prakan provincie; terwijl een werd een 43-jarige guard van de beweging. Een andere rode-shirt gedood demonstrant werd Sawat Wa-Ngam, die volgens de leider protest Weng Tojirakarn, was overleden aan een hoofdwond.

Van de twee dode soldaten, was een gedood door een schotwond aan zijn nek.

Volgens rapporten, de grootste botsing vond plaats in Bangkok Khok Wua kruispunt, waar ongeveer 20 soldaten, een ingezetene en een demonstrant gewond. De slachtoffers werden naar ziekenhuizen in de buurt.

Vajira Ziekenhuis directeur Dr Wanchai Charoenchokthavee zei 51 gewonden werden naar het ziekenhuis, waaronder 13 soldaten en een demonstrant, die is ontstaan ernstige verwondingen aan zijn longen en maag. Een andere demonstrant werd doodgeschoten in zijn billen. Als de pers de tijd, de gewonden waren een operatie ondergaan.

In eerdere verslagen zei een andere buitenlandse journalist werd neergeschoten in het hoofd bij Khok Wua kruispunt en Wanchai zei een vreemdeling genaamd John Yinglin was onder de gewonden. Hij kon echter niet bevestigen of hij een buitenlandse journalist.

Ondertussen Centraal Ziekenhuis directeur Dr Pitchaya Nakwatchara zei gisteren dat er 30 gewonden waren gebracht van de kruising en Khok Wua Makkawan-Rangsan Bridge protest sites, waarvan er 29 werden burgers en een soldaat was die had opgelopen hoofdletsel. Van de gewonde, drie hadden schotwonden, met inbegrip van een ABC-News freelance fotograaf Winai Ditthajorn die werd neergeschoten in zijn linkerbeen.

Hij voegde eraan toe dat rood-shirt demonstranten had ook medisch personeel gepresenteerd met een rubberen kogels gevonden in de botsing site. Pitchaya heeft bevestigd dat zijn ziekenhuispersoneel stand-by was rond de klok.

Het ziekenhuis regisseur later bleek X-stralen van de drie gewonden, waaruit blijkt dat Winai was neergeschoten door wat leek op een echte kogel, terwijl de twee rode-shirt demonstranten, Samak Khamsameu en Tag Benjamas, was geraakt door een rubberen kogel . Als de tijd van de pers, werden de drie die een operatie ondergaan en zal onder observatie worden voor drie dagen.

Minister van Volksgezondheid Jurin Laksanavisit, die tevens voorzitter is van de National Emergency Centre, zei van de zes soldaten naar Siriraj ziekenhuis, een had een schotwond volgehouden. Hij ging verder met te zeggen dat hij verteld had alle 79 landelijke centra nood om te werken met ziekenhuizen in Bangkok.

Dringende Medische Instituut van secretaris-generaal van Thailand Chatree Charoencheevakul zei te verwachten dat het aantal slachtoffers nog verder zal stijgen, eraan toevoegend dat hij 1000 medische staf en 150 ambulances stand-by te zetten.

205

Reds defiant after clashes kill 21

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[li]Published: 11/04/2010 at 03:26 PM[/li][li]Online news: Local News[/li][/ul]

Red-shirt demonstrators on Sunday vowed to continue their protests on Sunday, after clashes between soldiers and protesters resulted in 21 dead and more than 800 injured.
Red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua said the red-shirt protesters will continue to occupy the Ratchaprasong intersection and Phan Fa Bridge until Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolves the House of Representatives and holds a new election.

“We call for Abhisit to resign immediately,” he told the red-shirts, adding that the red-shirts would hold a mourning ceremony for the dead at Democracy Monument on Sunday and vowed that those killed “did not die in vain”.

Another leader, Veera Musikhapong, demanded Mr Abhisit leave the country.
According to the latest figures from Wachira Hospital and Erawan emergency centre, 21 people were killed in clashes between soldiers and protesters on Saturday. Sixteen were civilians, including a Japanese photographer working for a news agency. Five of the dead were soldiers.

Red-shirt leaders said the group would rally in different locations across the capital on Monday, in honour of the red-shirts who died in the violent clashes.

The operation to clear the Phan Fa Bridge occupied by red-shirts began at 1pm on Saturday. Troops halted all operations at 9.15pm after clashes at Khok Wua intersection led to many injuries and deaths.

Government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said in a televised conference on Sunday afternoon that security forces used live ammuntion, but fired only into the air. They did not fire live rounds at the protesters, he insisted.
Japan demanded an investigation of the death of Reuters photographer Hiro Muramoto. Hospital officials said he was killed by a round directly in the chest.
Initial investigations have shown that grenades and ammunition used in the clashes were not standard military equipment, the government spokesman claimed.

He also said that some of the tear-gas cannisters fired at the protesters were not those used by the troops, adding that troops were not equipped with hand grenades or machine guns.

206

Tourists shaken after Bangkok bloodshed

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[li]Published: 11/04/2010 at 10:32 PM[/li][li]Online news: Breakingnews[/li][/ul]
Shaken tourists wander the street in the aftermath of bloody political battles next to Bangkok’s iconic backpacker strip, photographing smashed cars and pointing to bullet holes in the walls.
Sarah Colvin, from Britain, says many overseas visitors are packing their bags in the wake of clashes between anti-government Red Shirts and security forces, which have left 21 people dead and more than 800 injured.
"People started running and screaming. We were being shot at,‘’ said Colvin, one of many foreigners caught up in Saturday night’s conflict that spread into the Khaosan Road district, a hub for travellers.
"It shook us up a lot. We needed Valium to sleep,‘’ said the 19-year-old. "A lot of people we’ve spoken to are getting out of here.‘’
"I won’t be coming back to Bangkok. Maybe the islands, but not Bangkok. I’m going to leave tonight.
Yesterday was really scary,‘’ said Flavia Kupka, 32, a waitress from New Zealand on her first visit to the "Land of Smiles’‘.
The kingdom has been beset by repeated demonstrations by rival red and yellow-clad protest groups, hitting an economy that sank into recession last year for the first time since 2000 amid a severe global economic crisis.
One of the most damaging protests in late 2008 saw the pro-establishment Yellow Shirts blockade Bangkok’s two airports for nine days, stranding hordes of angry travellers.
But Saturday’s violence, which followed almost a month of rallies by the Reds, was the country’s worst for 18 years and shocked visitors as it spread into the area famous for its cheap hotels, nightlife and shopping.
"There were bullets coming all over us. Bombs as well, petrol bombs within about 10 feet of us,’’ said factory worker Tony Doohan from Ireland, standing by debris and pools of blood covered with Thai flags and red roses.
"I saw Red Shirts with a gun they must have stolen off the cops. They all had sticks and were throwing glass bottles… anything they could find really,‘’ the 25-year-old said. "It’s a bad time to be here.‘’
The retail and tourism sectors have taken a battering by the Reds’ weeks of protests _ especially since they took over Bangkok’s main commercial hub on April 3, disrupting traffic and causing major shopping centres to close.
The Thai Retailers Association said Thursday _ a day after a state of emergency was declared _ that the protesters’ occupation of that district had caused more than one billion baht (about 31 million dollars) in losses.
At the Dang Derm Hotel on Khaosan Road, receptionist Jaringa Jaiya said Sunday that fearful guests had begun checking out after the violence intensified.
"Sure it will be bad for business. I think visitors will be shocked that this happened in Thailand. People want to get out of Bangkok,‘’ she said.
April is the month of Songkran, a water festival for the Thai new year, and usually attracts thousands of tourists. Bookings were already down this year, and now the celebrations are reported to have been cancelled in Khaosan.
Hong Kong was one of the countries to step up warnings over the city late Saturday, raising its travel alert for Bangkok to the highest level of "black’’ meaning that travellers’ safety would be under "severe threat’‘.
But not all visitors were deterred from a return trip to the kingdom, famous for its paradise beaches, fiery cuisine and glittering temples.
"We were told they didn’t want to hurt tourists because they live off tourism. It was scary but it wouldn’t put us off coming again,’’ said Danish backpacker Charlotte Stage, 19.
"Both the Reds and the army were really nice to us,‘’ added French tourist Eva Minassian. "They were actually protecting us _ both sides _ so I don’t think we’re very much in danger’'.bron: http://www.bangkokpost.com

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The worst clashes on Thai streets in 18 years on Saturday have raised new questions about whether Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva can survive in the job.
As troops and red shirt protesters were fighting on city streets on Saturday night, key government policy makers were meeting to devise a way out for the Democrat Party-led coalition.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/media/content/20100412/132352.jpg

Red shirt protesters take control of armoured personnel carriers left at Democracy Monument after Saturday’s clashes between security forces and UDD supporters. APICHIT JINAKUL

The fighting claimed 21 lives and left 858 people injured. The government ordered troops to withdraw late on Saturday night.
An uneasy truce prevailed yesterday, although the red shirts say they will fight on to persuade the government to dissolve the House and call a new election.
Some government figures believe an announcement on a timetable for dissolving the House would help break the impasse.
Sources in the Democrat Party and its coalition partners said yesterday the idea was discussed among their key members on Saturday night.
They believe an announcement by the prime minister on a time line for him to dissolve parliament - regardless of how the red shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship reacts - might be the best way for him to hang on to his job.
Key members at the meeting included Deputy Prime Minister and Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban and coalition heavyweights Newin Chidchob, Banharn Silpa-archa, Suwat Liptapanlop, Pradit Phataraprasit, Somsak Thepsuthin and Pairote Suwunchwee.
See also:
The King ‘would be sad’
Both sides point finger of blame for bloody violence
Red shirts reclaim PTV satellite link
Civic groups, scholars call for peace talks
Reds release army hostages
Colonel says situation is ‘a civil war’
Khao San shootout ‘terrifies’ tourists
Tokyo urges inquiry into death of journalist
Red shirts accuse reporters of bias, seize broadcast vans

A dissolution of the House could be the best option available for the government, the sources said, adding that the most likely time frame for the end of the lower house would be six months.
But they said the prime minister would not announce his move until after the Songkran festival this week.
Once Mr Abhisit announces a time line, the UDD is likely to face growing public pressure to end its occupation of Phan Fa Bridge and Ratchaprasong intersection.
The UDD earlier rejected an offer by the prime minister to dissolve parliament in nine months, saying it was too long. After the clashes on Saturday, it called for his immediate resignation and for the prime minister to take responsibility for the casualties.
However, the coalition parties believe Mr Abhisit should not shoulder sole blame for the loss of life and he should not be forced to resign, the sources said.
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, leader of the red shirt movement, said Mr Abhisit could not deny political and “criminal law” responsibility for what happened.
“Returning power to the people will be the best solution to bring happiness to all Thais, regardless of what colours they subscribe to, and to move the country forward,” Thaksin said.
Mr Abhisit said the decision to “reclaim” areas around Phan Fa Bridge from the red shirts did not turn out as planned. Security forces led by the army were ordered to retreat to avoid more loss of life, following fierce resistance from the UDD and armed men using M79 grenade launchers, M67 hand grenades and machine guns including AK-47 rifles.
Since the UDD rally in Bangkok in mid-March, the prime minister has tried to solve the problem through negotiation. He has made no progress.
He admitted he was under growing criticism from the public for failing to restore law and order in the country by allowing the UDD to block Bangkok streets.
The UDD has ignored the emergency decree declared by the government, despite several warnings by the Centre for Public Administration in Emergency Situations to end its political gatherings.
The government contemplated declaring martial law, but Mr Suthep, who is the centre director, said all laws were useless if people refused to abide by them.
Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn yesterday did not rule out another move to retake occupied areas from the red shirts, saying security forces had to withdraw to regroup and adjust strategies, but would be ready for the next operation if necessary.
Military bosses are split on how best to dislodge the UDD given the heavy loss of life.
An army source said army chief Anupong Paojinda and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon did not want another offensive drive by security authorities.
Gen Anupong was saddened by the loss of the soldiers, the source quoted him as saying. Four of the 21 who died were soldiers.
But assistant army commander Prayuth Chan-ocha said he did not oppose another clampdown on the protesters.
Another government source said soldiers would demand the right to fire live bullets if there was another offensive.bron: http://www.bangkokpost.com

208

Reds parade coffins as govt accuses “terrorists”

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[li]Published: 12/04/2010 at 02:55 PM[/li][li]Online news: Local News[/li][/ul]

The anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) paraded the coffins of two of their dead red-shirt supporters, together with 14 empty caskets, from the main rally site at Phan Fa bridge to Sanam Luang on Monday morning.
The procession, which began at 10am, comprised 17 vehicles accompanied by motorcycles and red-shirt supporters marching on foot.

The bodies of the 14 other red-shirts who died in the violent clashes with authorities on Saturday were still being autopsied at the Police General hospital.

The UDD covered the caskets with the national flag together with portraits of the dead demonstrators.

The procession was led by red-shirt leaders Natthawut Saikua and Suporn Attawong.

“Red-shirts will never negotiate with murderers,” co-leader Jatuporn Prompan announced from the rally stage. “It is our duty to honour the dead by bringing democracy to this country.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said ill-intentioned armed men had mingled with red-shirt protesters and instigated the bloody clash on Saturday night when troops tried to disperse protesters from Phan Fa Bridge rally site.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/media/content/20100412/132544.jpg

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban (left), with army chief Anupong Paojinda next to him, said “armed men” were behind lethal violence on Saturday night. (Photo by Surapol Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn)

Mr Suthep, as director of the Centre for Public Administration in Emergency Situation (CPAES), said this after a meeting with Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda to discuss the Saturday night violence that claimed 21 lives and left a reported 858 people injured.

He said the fact that there were armed men mingling with the red-shirts of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) was totally unexpected.

The armed men opened fire at soldiers with war weapons without caring whether the protesters were in the firing line.
The statement was later confirmed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who said on national television in the afternoon that a group of armed “terrorists” were among the protesters and instigated bloodshed in the hope of forcing a change in the administration.

Mr Suthep also said there had been attempts to spread rumours that the government had made a big mistake and wrongly estimated the situation and that it had forced soldiers to go out to face the protesters unarmed.

The rumours were intended to put blame on Mr Abhisit and the government for the casualties, he said.

Mr Suthep said the use of police and soldiers was decided only after careful consideration of the situiation by the CPAES, which comprises both permanent government officials and political office holders.

Gen Prawit, the defence minister, said the soldiers had strictly complied with policies set down by the prime minister. They saw what happened, but could not do anything for fear of harming the people.

Decisive action must be taken against those outlaws behind the violence, he said.bron:http://www.bangkokpost.com

209

276 hurt in red riot still in hospitals

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[li]Published: 13/04/2010 at 10:50 AM[/li][li]Online news: Breakingnews[/li][/ul]

The government’s Erawan emergency centre reported that 276 people injured in last Saturday’s clashes between anti-government protesters and soldiers are still in hospitals. 17 of them in intensive care units.
The centre said on Tuesday morning that the 276 patients were being treated in 17 hospitals, with 201 of them in Phramongkutklao hospital.

There were 21 deaths - 17 civilians, including a foreign reporter, and four soldiers - with 863 others injured in the political riot in Bangkok last Saturday.

Autopsies on 11 victims revealed that nine of the dead red-shirts were killed by bullets to the head or chest, it was announced on Monday.

Japanese cameraman Hiro Muramoto, a Reuters journalist, was shot in the chest. The other person died of respiratory failure.bron:http://www.bangkok.com

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UDD has ‘soldiers hurting people’ clips

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[li]Published: 13/04/2010 at 10:24 PM[/li][li]Online news: Politics[/li][/ul]

The anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Tuesday claimed that the group has images and video clips showing the red-shirt protesters got hit by bullets from military tanks.
UDD co-leader and opposition Puea Thai Party MP Jatuporn Prompan said on the stage on Ratchaprasong intersection that the group has a 12-minute footage showing troops hurting the demonstrators in last Saturday’s bloody clashes which left at least 21 deaths and more than 800 wounded.

"People with clips showing soldiers hurting the protesters can send them to the UDD so we can prove the government wrong after its own version of the Saturday’s political violence.

“From one of the footages, it shows that a victim died because he was shot by a 12.8 round from a military tank,” Mr Jatuporn said.

The opposition MP then presented the footage to the demonstrators.

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Bron Reuters.

THAILAND/ (WRAPUP 3, PIX, TV, GRAPHIC)
* “Red shirts” call off march, move to one site

  • Protesters refuse talks, to resume action after holiday
  • Thai death toll rises to 23 from Saturday’s clashes
  • Protests to hit tourism and domestic consumption in capital
    (Adds red shirt leader, economists)
    By Nopporn Wong-Annan and David Chance
    BANGKOK, April 14 (Reuters) - Thailand’s anti-government protesters said on Wednesday they would all congregate at a single site in a ritzy Bangkok shopping district, preparing for a “final battleground” with the authorities.
    The decision came after the death toll from Thailand’s bloodiest political violence since 1992 rose by two – a protester and a soldier – to 23, according to medical authorities, and as the prospect of further violence looked set to clip growth in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.
    “We will use the Rachaprasong areas as the final battleground to oust the government,” protest leader Nattawut Saikua told reporters on Wednesday. “There will be no more negotiations, no more talks.”
    That means the “red shirts”, who want Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down immediately ahead of new elections, will now consolidate their forces in the heart of the capital, rather than being spread out in two places.
    Bangkok was peaceful on Wednesday during the second day of the country’s three-day new year holiday as protesters called off a planned a march on an army base that Abhisit has taken shelter during the month-long campaign to topple his government.
    Tens of thousands of revellers took to the streets of Bangkok on Tuesday night for the Songkran holiday, dousing each other with water and flour in traditional celebrations.
    However, tensions could flare again when the holiday ends and financial markets are likely to see renewed selling when they reopen on Friday as the protests ramp up again, although the red shirts said they will decide their plans on Thursday.
    Abhisit, who most political analysts had predicted would ride out the storm, appears more vulnerable now after the surprise announcement this week of an investigation into possible corrupt funding of his party and comments from the army chief that only polls could end a crisis that has gripped Thailand since 2006.
    Abhisit has said he could dissolve parliament by the end of the year, although his hand could be forced by a recommendation this week from the Election Commission that his Democrat Party should face charges of illegal funding.
    If the charges are upheld, Abhisit, who came to power in 2008 when the army brokered a deal in parliament, could be banned from holding office and Thailand’s oldest political party could be dissolved. Any prosecution could take months, however.
    HIT TO BANGKOK ECONOMY
    The tense confrontation in the capital, which shows few signs of ending soon, could dampen economic growth as tourists stay away and as the prospect of further violence hits consumer confidence, economists say.
    Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban ordered police to hunt for “terrorists” the government blames for the killings in Bangkok’s old quarter on Saturday.
    Even as Bangkok and the country partied on Tuesday, the economic impact of the clashes that also injured more than 800 has already started to show with charter flights cancelled.
    Without an immediate resolution, Thailand’s tourism industry, which accounts for 6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and directly employs 1.8 million people, could be hit further.
    Investment bank Morgan Stanley calculates that economic growth this year could be reduced by 0.2 percentage points due to the impact on tourism.
    “However, the impact on Thai GDP will lie more in the effect on Bangkok: we estimate that the slowdown in Bangkok’s GDP could take 0.1 percentage points to 0.6 percentage points off Thai GDP growth,” economist Deyi Tan said in a research report.
    The unexpected violence at the weekend has prompted investors to desert Thailand. The stock market fell by over 3 percent on Monday and credit ratings agencies have warned the economy could be damaged. (Writing by David Chance; Editing by Bill Tarrant)
212

Govt faces difficult task locating killers

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[li]Published: 14/04/2010 at 12:00 AM[/li][li]Newspaper section: News[/li][/ul]

The government will find it difficult to go after the unidentified armed men it claims are working with the red shirts unless they can be lured out of hiding, a security source says.

Security authorities on Tuesday released this picture of a man they say is an outsider who shot soldiers on Saturday.

The source said the group whom Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has called ‘‘terrorists’’ would not be an easy target for security forces to arrest even under normal circumstances.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Tuesday said the assailants who killed and injured civilians and soldiers on Saturday night were linked to certain red shirt leaders.
A number of the suspects were still standing guard in front of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship’s rally stages, Mr Suthep said.
The source said the shooters were unarmed during peaceful protests and many were disguised as ordinary protesters. They only came out to carry out their deadly tasks when there were clashes like that which took place on Saturday.
The government says it has been doing its best to differentiate between the red shirt demonstrators and what Mr Abhisit and Mr Suthep have called ‘‘terrorists’’ at the rallies at Phan Fa Bridge and Ratchaprasong intersection out of concern for protesters’ safety.
‘‘Those people [behind the attacks] can do just about anything to achieve their goals, no matter how many people _ either red shirt demonstrators or soldiers and government officials _ die,’’ said Mr Suthep, who supervises the Centre for Public Administration in Emergency Situations.

Alleged to be the man unmasked. Military authorities claim the man is a former ranger.

United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship leader Natthawut Saikua yesterday dismissed the government’s claims that terrorists had shot and wounded soldiers and red shirt demonstrators on Saturday night.
He said many were killed by soldiers with a mission to put down the protests.
Mr Natthawut said Mr Abhisit should be removed from his position of prime minister so the truth could surface.
Twenty-one people died in the clashes on Saturday, four of them soldiers.
The government has decided to set up a committee to investigate the deaths. A special police investigation team under the Metropolitan Police Bureau has also been set up to track down the killers and is calling on members of the public to hand in still pictures or video clips from Saturday’s clashes to the police.
The team includes investigators from all divisions of the MPB, city police chief Amnuay Nimmano said.
They will work in tandem with two other teams led by the Royal Thai Police and the Crime Suppression Division.
The UDD has vowed to continue its rallies until the prime minister dissolves the parliament.
The Election Commission’s ruling to disband the Democrat Party was not a factor in suspending the demonstrations which began in mid-March, the UDD said yesterday.
The anti-government group plans to stage a rally today at the 11th Infantry Division to press the army to stop providing sanctuary for the prime minister.
The military compound in Bang Khen district houses the Centre for Public Administration in Emergency Situations and the temporary homes of the prime minister, the deputy premier and some cabinet members.bron: http://www.bangkokpost.com

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Some red-shirts from Phan Fa Bridge have already moved their belongings to Ratchaprasong area and have settled in there as the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) concentrates its forces in the capital city’s main commercial area.
The UDD leaders earlier announced that Phan Fa Bridge site would be abandoned and the red shirts would move en masse to Ratchaprasong intersection at 4pm to join their supporters aready camped there. Many red-shirts did not bother to wait that long.
Malls in the Ratchaprasong area which had reopened for business earlier were reported to be closing down again. The upscale Siam Paragon centre asked customers to move out of the premises and metal barriers were erected to prevent anyone entering.
Traffic police said Ratchadamnoen Avenue could be reopened to traffic tomorrow about 10am. However, red-shirt guards have abandoned their posts and some cars were seen moving through the area.
Khao San Road is now the scene of Songkran festivities, with both Thais and foreign tourists happily soaking one another.bron: http://bangkokpost.com

214

[ul]
[li]Published: 15/04/2010 at 12:00 AM[/li][li]Newspaper section: News[/li][/ul]

The red shirts’ strategic decision to move to a single stronghold in the heart of the capital will force the government to abandon any plans to launch another crackdown, a source says.

The area near Phan Fa Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue is practically deserted by Wednesday afternoon after red shirt protesters abandoned the site to consolidate their forces at Ratchaprasong intersection. APICHART JINAKUL

It means the government’s only course to resolve the stalemate will likely be through negotiations.
Four days after the deadly clashes between soldiers and anti-government protesters, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship yesterday abandoned its stage at Phan Fa Bridge to consolidate its forces at one main gathering site at Ratchaprasong intersection.
Last night, tens of thousands of red shirts had gathered in the upmarket shopping district.
‘‘The government said it wanted the Phan Fa area back but never said it wanted Ratchaprasong intersection. So we returned Phan Fa and moved to Ratchaprasong intersection because we do not want another clash,’’ UDD co-leader Natthawut Saikua said.
‘‘I hope the government won’t demand the return of another area as another excuse for gunning down people again.’’
The idea behind shutting down the Phan Fa stage and keeping only one going in the shopping and tourism district is to strengthen the numbers and morale of the anti-government group.
The move is to prepare for the ‘‘final stage’’ of the fight against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his administration, said Jatuporn Prompan, another UDD leader.
The UDD yesterday cancelled a march to the 11th Infantry Division to avoid confrontation with the army.
A source at the Centre for Public Administration in Emergency Situations said the one-stage tactic was a strategy to corner the government to end the stand-off by political means only.
The Ratchaprasong area posed a problem for the use of force to clamp down on the demonstrators because there are too many buildings for soldiers to control, the source said.
The location was perfect for snipers to shoot people from high vantage points and a crackdown could cause severe damage to shops, shopping centres and hotels around the occupied area, the source said.
''A decision to crack down on protesters at Ratchaprasong would mean solders would have to take control of every floor in every building, which would require a huge force.
‘‘More importantly, the operation needs units specially trained in an urban operation. I cannot imagine the number of soldiers needed,’’ the source said.
''Key UDD leaders have advisers who are current and retired soldiers. They have studied the same textbooks and probably studied at the same army command school [as serving officers].
‘‘They believe the army will probably launch another attack on the Phan Fa demonstration and have decided to move to only one place at Ratchaprasong intersection, which is more difficult for military operations.’’
The Phan Fa stage was set up on March 12 and the Ratchaprasong area has been occupied since April 4.
A commander of an army unit in Bangkok said soldiers were very familiar with areas on Ratchadamnoen Avenue as it has been the site of bloody clashes from Oct 14, 1973, to Black May in 1992 and the most recent deadly incident on Saturday.
The officer admitted the army would obviously be at a disadvantage if another military operation was carried out at Ratchaprasong.
‘‘The other side has stayed there for some time. They [their security guards] have checked and prepared for this scenario,’’ he said.
Another source at the centre said that if a military crackdown was ruled out, another option for security authorities would be to capture key leaders who are the subject of arrest warrants.
Michael Nelson, a visiting scholar in political science at Chulalongkorn University, said confusion loomed large as the government had still to find those responsible for the bombings and shootings that took place before the April 10 skirmish.
‘‘No one would like to see more casualties. No one would like to see third- or fourth-hand instigators. But the situation is still fluid and the responsibility lies with all sides not to kick-start the next round of mayhem,’’ Mr Nelson said.
The UDD’s relocation to Ratchaprasong intersection is due to be completed this morning with all traffic routes returned to normal.
Pitsamai Mokekul, 39, from Sakon Nakhon, said the merger of the Phan Fa and Ratchaprasong stages would give the UDD more bargaining power.
‘‘Here we are in the heart of the business quarter. If the government remains defiant, it risks dragging down the national economy,’’ she said.bron:http://www.bangkokpost.com

215

CRES: Ratchaprasong area unsafe

[ul]
[li]Published: 15/04/2010 at 09:44 PM[/li][li]Online news: Breakingnews[/li][/ul]

Ratchaprasong business district now held by anti-government protesters has been declared unsafe as a group of terrorists has infiltrated the protesters, Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) said.
He said the terrorist group could use heavy weapons against soldiers and police, and protesters could themselves become victims.
“Members of the public and protesters shouldn’t assemble at Ratchaprasong intersection now, and their families should inform them that terrorists are now mingling with the protesters,”according to Col Sansern.
Stressing that legal action will have to be taken against lawbreakers, Col Sansern said CRES is concerned that stolen army weapons, used last Saturday during the bloody April 10 clashes with UDD protesters along Ratchadamnoen Avenue, could be used by terrorists.
He said CRES is determined to adopt stern legal action in order to restore peace in the country.
“Losses may be incurred but armed terrorists cannot be permitted to wander in the heart of the city and mingle with protesters,” said Col Sansern. He said there is sufficient evidence showing that the terrorists in the April 10 incident are the same group which earlier sabotaged several areas in Bangkok.
Col Sansern showed video sequences of the April 10 incident showing suspects carrying M-79 grenade launchers at the rally site.
He said the people who attempted to create unrest may be terrorists mingling among the protesters.
He also showed a video clip, featuring a red shirt leader Arisman Pongruangrong, saying on a temporary stage outside Army headquarters that an unknown force took sides with the protesters and that it was ready to oppose the Army.bron:http://www.bangkokpost.com

216

Arisman narrowly escapes arrest

[ul]
[li]Published: 16/04/2010 at 11:14 AM[/li][li]Online news: Breakingnews[/li][/ul]

Hardcore red-shirt protest leader Arisman Pongruangrong has narrowly escaped police arrest by climbing down a rope from the 3rd floor of the SC Park Hotel on Friday morning.
According to television reports, red-shirt protesters were waiting for him on the hotel grounds. They took him away on a speaker truck surrounded by hundreds of his supporters.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban Public announced in a national address earlier today that security forces had surrounded “terrorists” and red-shirt leaders at the SC Park Hotel and planned to arrest them.bron: http://www.bangkokpost.com

217

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Red shirts warn against any move on Rajprasong

By Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation
Published on April 16, 2010

**Red-shirt leaders warned yesterday that any attempt to use force to disperse the protesters at Rajprasong intersection could ignite a “civil war”. **

“The situation could get out of control and turn into a civil war,” said Natthawut Saikua, a red-shirt leader. weng Tojirakarn, another leader, also expressed a similar view yesterday, saying “chaos” as a result of another crackdown might lead to civil war.
Red-shirt leaders claim another crackdown is being planned by the government for Monday or Wednesday and snipers might be deployed to cause havoc and panic. The leaders earlier warned they might “seek refuge” inside shopping malls and buildings in the area if a violent crackdown were launched.
Emotions amongst some red shirts remained high as they gathered to watch video footage of last Saturday’s bloody clashes. The military’s admission on Wednesday that live bullets had been used in self defence on Saturday - after French television footage showed a red-shirt man being shot by a soldier - only makes hard-core red shirts more willing to defend the protest site at all costs. Some video footage shows dead bodies of red shirts killed on that day, April 10. Other outlets still run footage of a female red shirt brutally dragged by her hair by an unidentified man during the mayhem.
Another concern amongst red shirts is the possibility of yet another military coup.
“To put it simply, if there is another coup, there will be civil war,” said a red-shirt man after watching raw video footage of Saturday’s clashes.
Some of the buildings in the areas are especially vulnerable as red shirts are aware about who owns two major shopping malls in the areas and which political side they belong to. CentralWorld, a major shopping mall in the area has tried to reduce tension by offering red shirts free access to their washrooms, complete with tissue paper and liquid soap, together with polite greetings by its staff.
One red shirt told The Nation that burning buildings down in the face of the violent crackdown could not be ruled out.
With many posh multi-storey buildings in the area, any attempt to use force could literally turn the kingdom’s premier shopping and hotel area into a war zone, as the “men in black” denounced by the government as “terrorists” may re-emerge anew.
A red-shirt source claimed that there might be as many as 1,000 such men in black. Given the urban terrain, such fighting could last for days, with much higher fatalities than the 23 deaths and 850 injured last Saturday on Rajdamnoen Avenue.
A security guard at the Arnoma Hotel near Rajprasong intersection said it was impossible to prevent red shirts from entering the compound in case there was shooting.

218

Hotel raid bungled

[

](Bangkok Post - Thailand channel)
UPDATED Hardcore protest leader Arisman Pongruengrong narrowly avoids arrest, escaping with the help of a rope from the third floor, as security forces botch a raid on a Bangkok hotel on Friday morning to arrest wanted red-shirt leaders.bron: http://www.bangkokpost.com

219

‘No colours’ rally against red shirts at army base

[ul]
[li]Published: 17/04/2010 at 12:00 AM[/li][li]Newspaper section: News[/li][/ul]

Thousands of protesters opposed to dissolving parliament have converged on the 11th Infantry Regiment base in a show of moral support for the government and the military.

About 5,000 people dressed in different coloured outfits gather outside the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bang Khen district in a show of support for the government and the military. They oppose an early House dissolution as demanded by anti-government red shirt protesters. ISSARA BOONYEN

And now they vow to gather at Victory Monument to support the government every day.

[ul]
[li]NEWSThink: ‘No colour’ group holds out[/li][/ul]
Friday’s rally opposed the demands of the red shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship which has repeatedly called on the Abhisit government to dissolve the lower house.
The protesters also called for severe legal action to be taken against the red shirt rally at Ratchaprasong intersection to return peace and normalcy to the capital.
Many of the demonstrators belong to a community of Facebook groups and Twitter lists organised under a ‘‘no colours’’ banner.
Some are part of the so-called ‘‘volunteering civil network for national protection’’, led by Tul Sittisomwong, the network coordinator and a doctor and lecturer at Chulalongkorn University’s faculty of medicine.
The group sent a message to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva saying they opposed an early house dissolution, and hope he will carry on doing his job.
The group _ comprised of civil servants, businessmen, vendors, daily workers, students and online social networks _ also urged the military to do more to strictly enforce the law against those accused of masterminding the bloody clashes on April 10 at Khok Wua intersection, which led to 24 deaths and at least 800 injured.
''The problem facing the country now cannot be solely solved by politics.
‘‘It has become terrorism and only military strategy and strict law enforcement can tackle such acts,’’ the group’s statement said.
‘‘It is the military’s duty as soldiers of His Majesty the King to protect the sovereignty and security of the nation.’’
Details of the two-page statement also included their disappointment with army chief Anupong Paojinda’s comments that only politics could solve the political situation at present.
The statement, delivered with bunches of flowers and other messages of support for Mr Abhisit, was handed to acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn and the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situations (CRES) spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd.
Speaking at the protest, retired army officer Pathompong Kesornsuk said the government and the military could have been weakened by a few moles who betrayed confidential information which led to the clashes on April 10.
However, the prime minister and high ranking military commanders should take care of those who died or were injured during the violence, he said.
Gen Pathompong is a supporter of the People’s Alliance for Democracy which opposed ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and brought the Somchai Wongsawat government to its knees in late 2008 by organising protests including a week-long blockade of Suvarnabhumi airport.
Lamduan Muhammad from Min Buri said: ''I am very depressed by the violence on April 10.
‘‘Please stop hurting your fellow Thais and the nation.’’
A 57-year-old chicken meat vendor who asked not to be named said her business at Mahanak fresh market had been hurt by months of the red shirt protest and she wished the government would find an end to the political troubles soon.bron:http://www.bangkokpost.com

220

Red shirt march on Silom to be blocked

[ul]
[li]Published: 18/04/2010 at 12:00 AM[/li][li]Newspaper section: News[/li][/ul]

The Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situations (CRES) has vowed to crack down on red shirt demonstrators if they attempt to occupy Silom Road or other Bangkok thoroughfares.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/media/content/20100418/134082.jpg

TAKE IT EASY: A red shirt supporter takes a nap on an escalator connecting CentralWorld shopping centre and a skytrain station.

CRES spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the panel has instructed security units to strengthen their forces to block United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) demonstrators from moving to other areas.
Army commander Anupong Paojinda yesterday began his job as the CRES military chief by ordering stricter law enforcement at checkpoints.
The red shirts are reportedly planning to rally on Silom and blockade the Bangkok Bank’s head office to step up pressure against the government. UDD leaders Suporn Atthawong and Kwanchai Praipana have vowed to lead the protesters to Silom if the plan is endorsed.
Bangkok Bank is a prime target of the red shirts’ attack and several of its branch offices have been attacked with grenades.
Colonel Sansern said that expanding the rally to the inner city will complicate security preparations.
“They will be blocked. And if needs be, use of force will be deployed. But we will not overdo it.”
The CRES has reportedly made more than 500,000 copies of CD clips of the April 10 clashes to counter the red shirt allegations about troops instigating violence.
UDD co-leader Jatuporn Prompan said leaders have put off surrendering to the police until May 15 as they believe the government will collapse by then.
Police have seen their role in dealing with the red shirt protests reduced. Authority to round up the 24 red shirts wanted for allegedly violating the emergency rule has been handed over to the military.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who still retains the job as head of CRES, said the military’s increased involvement had been forced by a change in the situation.
The government has claimed “terrorist” elements are at play in the wake of the April 10 clashes which ended in 24 deaths and pledges to seek out the faceless “terrorists” from protesters who have occupied Ratchaprasong intersection for over two weeks.
It was not until Friday’s failed attempt by police to arrest five leaders at SC Park Hotel that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva decided to have Gen Anupong take charge of the operations to deal with the protest.
Mr Suthep said that the army chief’s increased involvement is expected to boost the government’s attempts to effectively enforce the laws.
“The arrests must be made as soon as possible, so we have to do some restructuring. It takes specialists to do the job,” he said.
City police spokesman Pol Maj Gen Piya Uthayo said police are now responsible for stepping up security at the rally site and preventing violence following the restructuring of the CRES.
He said the police force had been transferred back under the supervision of acting police chief Pateep Tanprasert and CRES will direct orders involving the handling of the protest at Pol Gen Pateep.
Meanwhile, a campaign against the red shirts is gaining momentum.
The online community group which gathers under the “no-colour” banner has grown to several thousand from a few hundred in a few days and has been gathering every day at Victory Monument to support the government’s enforcement of the laws.
With increasing members, the group plans to hold campaigns at various locations around Bangkok to drum up support starting today.
Another group to be closely monitored today is the anti-Thaksin People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) which is holding a meeting at Rangsit University to discuss its move.bron: http://www.bangkokpost.com