[
](Bangkok Post - Thailand channel)
Red-shirt protesters have agreed to enter a reconciliation roadmap proposed by Prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva but refused to disperse until Mr Abhisit makes clear when he will dissolve the Parliament for elections.bron:http://www.bangkokpost.com
Reds call for clarity on dissolution date
**Agree to PM’s ‘road map’ but no rally dispersal yet **
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[li]Published: 5/05/2010 at 12:00 AM[/li][li]Newspaper section: News[/li][/ul]
Red shirt leaders are demanding that the prime minister set an exact date for when he will dissolve parliament as part of his national reconciliation plan before they order an end to their rally.
United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship bosses Tuesday agreed to take part in the compromise plan announced by the prime minister on Monday, but they were wary in their responses. They were also dubious over the government’s unity and sincerity in offering the road map.
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[li]See also: Coalition partners get behind road map[/li][/ul]
Mr Abhisit has offered to hold a general election on Nov 14 as part of the plan which comes with five conditions.
But UDD leaders questioned the poll date offer, saying only the Election Commission had the authority to set an election date, not the prime minister.
“We want the government to come up with a clear and definite resolution on when exactly the House will be dissolved,” UDD leader Natthawut Saikua said.
He said the resolution must be announced officially and agreed to by all the government coalition partners.
“Once such an agreement is finalised, then we can start talking.”
The UDD was uncertain about the coalition partners’ stance on Mr Abhisit’s plan, he said.
While waiting for talks on the road map, the red shirts would continue their demonstrations at Ratchaprasong intersection, he said.
The group said the protesters were suspicious of the premier’s compromise plan because it went against the position held by the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation, the government’s ad hoc task force, which has said it would use armoured vehicles to retake the protest area.
Another UDD leader, Veera Musikhapong, said the group wanted to see “sincerity” from the government in offering the road map, insisting the state must end every means of intimidation in use against UDD supporters.
The government must allow red shirt supporters to travel freely to join protests in Bangkok and elsewhere, Mr Natthawut said. Media freedom to report on protests must also be restored.
Agreeing with talks on the road map does not mean the group wanted to trade this with an amnesty for charges against them over an alleged plot to overthrow the monarchy and terrorism, the UDD leaders insisted.
The group’s leaders said their defence against these charges would test the fairness of the justice system.
Charges must also be brought against their arch-rivals, the leaders of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, and those who ordered crackdowns in the April riots last year and again this year, they said.
UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan said he lacked confidence in Mr Abhisit’s offer to establish a fact-finding panel to review the deadly incidents this year. A similar panel named to look into the riots last year failed to come up with any conclusions, he said.
A source with the UDD said the protest leaders were reluctant to embrace the road map, but they knew they would be criticised by the public and so agreed to offer a broad acceptance.
The red shirt protesters at Ratchaprasong intersection are to be reinforced by about 1,100 people from Udon Thani, Nong Khai and Nong Bua Lam Phu. The new recruits began travelling to Bangkok yesterday in cars, trucks, vans and buses.
See also:
Army chief’s tactics force election offer
Coalition gets behind PM’s road map
Business leaders back roadmap
Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh yesterday commended the prime minister for showing sound judgement in coming up with the road map.
Gen Chavalit believed the red shirt leaders would accept the proposal in principle, although the details might need further discussion.
Puea Thai deputy leader Plodprasop Suraswadi said the opposition party would need time to study the details of the reconciliation plan. It also needed to listen to the voices of the red shirt protesters who are calling for social justice.
Mr Abhisit said yesterday the government would go ahead with the road map regardless of whether the UDD accepted it. “If they do not join with us, we will go ahead to achieve the five objectives,” Mr Abhisit said. “It will be left to the UDD to make a decision.”
He said the political climate - without street protests for the next six months from now until the proposed Nov 14 poll date - would be conducive for a general election.
"I have made a decision in the best interests of the country. My decision will not run counter to the principle of the rule of law.
“No amnesties will be granted. Those who broke the law must be dealt with,” the prime minister said, saying the reconciliation process would not include offers of amnesties for those wanted on arrest warrants for criminal offences.
Amnesties would be offered to the rank-and-file protesters who joined the red shirt rally during the period of emergency rule, he said.
A highly-placed source in the Democrat Party said the proposed reconciliation formed part of the prime minister’s political measures to deal with the rally after security measures and law enforcement failed to yield results.
Mr Abhisit said he had reiterated his position on what was a suitable time for parliament to be dissolved.bron:http://www.bangkokpost.com
PM vows to dissolve parliament in Sept
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[li]Published: 6/05/2010 at 02:53 PM[/li][li]Online news: Local News[/li][/ul]
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Thursday he was ready to dissolve parliament in September, paving the way for elections aimed at ending a crippling political crisis.
Supporters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), who have been waging a campaign of protests to force snap polls, have signed up to Mr Abhisit’s reconciliation “roadmap” which envisages holding national polls on November 14.
But after a long and bitter standoff, marred by outbreaks of violence that left 27 dead and hundreds injured last month, they remain suspicious and want more details before leaving their vast protest encampment in central Bangkok.
Mr Abhisit said the lower house of parliament would be dissolved sometime in the second half of September, but he refused to set an exact timeframe during a meeting of ruling party lawmakers, who gave their support for his plan.
“Everybody can calculate the date,” Mr Abhisit said when asked to specify the dissolution timing, which the red-shirts are demanding before they end a rally that has paralysed the retail heart of the capital for weeks.
The election law mandates a 45-60 day election campaign.
Earlier today, the Democrat Party passed a resolution at its meeting to support Mr Abhisit’s roadmap for reconciliation and his announcement to hold an election on Nov 14, party spokesman Buranat Samutarak said.
Party members also agreed that Mr Abhisit would not be obliged to dissolve the House if the UDD did not call off the rallies, he added.
“If the Red Shirts continue to rally it’s possible that the prime minister will not dissolve the House,” Mr Buranat said.
The spokesman also said Chuan Leekpai, the party’s advisory chairman, had agreed to the prime minsiter’s proposal. Therefore, the UDD should call off the rally as soon as possible.
UDD secretary-general Natthawut Saikua said the UDD is ready to move forward with Mr Abhisit’s reconciliation roadmap after the ruling Democrat Party resolved to support the plan.
“The UDD is ready to count ‘two’ and proceed with the reconciliation plan,” Mr Natthawut said. “UDD leaders will meet to find solutions to political problems and end rallies, although it may be impossible to reach a conclusion today.”
Mr Natthawut then called on the Democrat Party and the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) to stop threatening the red-shirts, because it hurts the reconciliation atmosphere and caused confusion to the public.
He spoke after CRES spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said an attempt to bring about reconciliation of the people of the whole country, not only with the UDD.
Therefore, the UDD did not have the right to make further bargaining, especially its demand for the prime minister to mention the exact date for House dissolution, Col Sansern said.
The CRES spokesman said the UDD made such a demand for wanting to declare its victory.
Although the prime minister had declared his roadmap for reconciliation, it did not mean that there would be an operation to retake the protest site.
The CRES would consider doing so after the Coronation Day celebrations, Col Sansern said. The Coronation Day celebrations, which started on May 5, would continue until May 9.
Col Sansern said the authorities had set up more checkpoints to prevent UDD protesters from taking war weapons out of the protest site.bron: http://www.bangkokpost.com
**GOED NIEUWS
** Reds’ protest to end Monday : Kwanchai
By The Nation
**Red shirts protest will be disbanded on May 10 (Monday) after a religious rite for those who were killed during the April 10 violence is held. **
The May 10 marks one month anniversary of the clashes between the troops and[red shirts](http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/search/adsearch.php?keyword=+red+shirts+)protesters in which 25 were killed and 800 others were injured.Kwanchai Praipana was saying after attending a meeting of[red shirts](http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/search/adsearch.php?keyword=+red+shirts+)leaders in a container which is used as their office at Rajprasong rally site.
However he said the leaders would ask the prime minister to lift the state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.
They would also demand that their People station be allowed to air their programme again after the government blocked the signal.
Kwanchai said it would be difficult to explain the decision to the protesters.
The reds’ leaders are scheduled to talk to the protesters at 6pm.
Reds decision on the road map, no date to disband rallies
**Red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua outlined the reactions to the road map for reconciliation comprising:**
l on all sides to stop politicising the country's revered institution.
Confirm not to seek amnesty on terrorist and anti-monarchy charges stemming from the protests. The reds are ready to fight their charges via the judicial process. Call for the inquiry into the violence incidents on April 10 and April 28 incidents.
Urge all parties concerned to accept the election outcome. The reds will not push for a formal pact on the issue but leave it to the government to reason with the rival camps.
Natthawut said the reds would in the next few days issue the details of their road map to be implemented along with the one proposed by the government.
At the press conference, there was no mention about the date to disband the rallies.
Opinion
EDITORIAL
UDD must end protest at once
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[li]Published: 7/05/2010 at 12:00 AM[/li][li]Newspaper section: News[/li][/ul]
There was good reason for Thais across the country and abroad to feel happy and to cheerfully celebrate Coronation Day on Wednesday. The occasion marked the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s coronation and was the first official function presided over by His Majesty in several months, since his admission to Siriraj Hospital for medical treatment.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/media/content/20100507/140156.jpg
Waving little yellow and tri-coloured national flags, thousands of people lined the route to greet the King and members of the Royal Family from the hospital to the Grand Palace where the ceremony was held.
Befitting the auspicious occasion, a grand celebration was held at the Royal Plaza, which was attended by tens of thousands of people. The celebrations and specially-arranged entertainment will last till Sunday.
Another reason for the joyful moment this week has proved transitory. The sudden twist in the political turmoil following the surprise announcement by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of a reconciliation road map, brought respite to people much worn down by the prolonged protest. However, the truth is that there is still a large group of people being held hostage by the red shirt protesters in Ratchaprasong commercial district. These unfortunate hostages include not just the rich entrepreneurs who own the five-star hotels and luxurious shopping malls in the area, but also the thousands of workers who have to make ends meet - just like many of the rural folk who have joined the protest honestly believing that they are fighting for a just cause.
The red shirt leaders have accepted PM Abhisit’s reconciliation plan plus the proposed Nov 14 election timeline, but have refused to lift their illegal siege at Ratchaprasong until there is a clear answer from the government about the exact timeframe for the dissolution of Parliament. As yet they have only indicated that the protesters might disperse this weekend.
The government has not officially announced when the House is to be dissolved, but it has been unofficially reported that the tentative period for a House dissolution will be between Sept 15 and 30, which would comply with the 45-60 day rule before election day. It appears that both the protest leaders and the government are engaged in a silly political ball game on the date of the House dissolution, simply because they do not want to be seen as bowing to each other so easily.
As far as the protesters are concerned, they have no right whatsoever to occupy Ratchaprasong commercial district in the first place. Their illegal siege of the area is totally unjustified and goes against the principle of peaceful demonstration which their leaders have professed, but which they have actually trampled on.
If the red shirt leaders have any sense of responsibility or concern for the affected victims at all, they should end the siege now and order their protesters to disband immediately. A delay of even one more day means more losses and misery for the helpless victims who are not their political opponents.
The red shirt leaders have already achieved many of their goals. There is little point in scoring yet another insignificant triumph from the government at the heavy cost of adding to the misery of innocent bystanders who are not party to this political mess.bron:http://www.bangkokpost.com
2 policemen killed, 12 wounded in attacks near rally site
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[li]Published: 8/05/2010 at 11:25 AM[/li][li]Online news: Local News[/li][/ul]
Two policemen have been killed in attacks near anti-government protests, raising tensions Saturday as the government struggles to negotiate a peace “road map” to end a crippling political crisis.
Grenade blasts and a drive-by shooting targeted security forces facing off against red-shirt protesters at their massive rally encampment in Ratchaprasong district.
It was the latest outbreak of violence in a two-month confrontation that has also triggered deadly clashes and other explosions, which have left another 27 dead and nearly 1,000 injured.
“Two policemen have been killed in these incidents, I think that someone doesn’t want the protests to end,” said police operations centre spokesman Maj-Gen Prawut Thavornsiri.
The grenades hit in the early hours of the morning at a security checkpoint in front of the Lumpini Park that forms the edge of the heavy fortified protest camp, which is surrounded by makeshift barricades.
“Three M-79 grenades were fired at a security checkpoint manned by police and soldiers,” said Maj-Gen Prawut.
A hospital official said a 35-year-old policeman died during surgery. The Bangkok Emergency Medical Service said five police and three soldiers were wounded in the blasts.
Earlier, one policeman was killed and four others – two police and two civilians – were injured when a man opened fire in the nearby Silom financial district, which is under heavy guard to prevent the protests spilling over.
“A man on a motorbike fired at police who were on patrol,” said police spokesman Lt Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen.
The attack took place at around 11pm Friday outside Krung Thai Bank’s Silom branch, near Sala Daeng intersection.
The latest attacks were near the site of a grenade blast on April 22 that killed a 26-year-old Thai woman and injured scores of other people, including foreigners.
Reds leaders on Saturday denied any involvement in the attacks and called on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to withdraw the security forces, stationed in the Silom financial district, under a proposed reconciliation plan.
“Red shirts protesters still adhere to a policy of non-violence, we have nothing to do with the incidents last night,” Weng Tojirakarn, one of the movement’s leaders, told supporters from their rally stage.
“It shows that it does not benefit anyone to maintain the troops on Silom,” he said. “So if Abhisit wants to prove his sincerity he must lift the state of emergency and withdraw all the troops.”
The protest area has been guarded by riot police and troops since the red-shirts occupied the area eight weeks ago, demanding elections to replace Abhisit Vejjajiva’s government, which they say is the puppet of the nation’s elites.
Acting national police chief Pateep Tanprasert ordered reinforcement into the area and called an urgent meeting on Saturday morning.
Mr Abhisit is now fighting to keep alive his reconciliation process, which envisages parliament being dissolved in September ahead of national polls the following month.
The plan has met growing opposition among rival protest movements, and the government and the reds are struggling to bridge their differences over setting a specific date for the dissolution of the lower house.
“We have to seek cooperation from everybody to return Thailand to peace,” one of Abhisit’s deputies, Suthep Thaugsuban, told reporters Friday. “Everybody must avoid violence and help solve the problem.”
However, the reds are insisting on a specific date for the dissolution before leaving their encampment, which they have fortified with barricades made from fuel-soaked tyres, bamboo stakes and razor wire.
The rival pro-establishment “Yellow Shirts” – who blockaded Bangkok’s airports in 2008 in their own protests – have rejected Mr Abhisit’s roadmap and election plan and called on the prime minister to resign.
And in another setback, a moderate pro-government group known as the multi-coloured group whose rallies in the capital have also drawn thousands of supporters, called for the election date to be pushed back.
In a colour-coded crisis, Thailand is largely split between the mainly rural poor and urban working class reds – who broadly support fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra – and the elite-backed yellows.bron:http://www.bangkokpost.com
UDD needs 1-2 days to reach decision
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[li]Published: 9/05/2010 at 12:11 AM[/li][li]Online news: Breakingnews[/li][/ul]
After an intensive discussion for over 3 hours this evening, the red shirt leader Nattuwat Saikuea told the press that the UDD needs one or two days more to come out with the national reconciliation plan.
Mr Nattawut said the UDD leadership extensively discussed Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s reconciliation road map and they agreed with some points in the plan but they would take one or two days more to come out with their own plan.
The UDD leaders expressed sorrow with the death of two policemen killed in Silom’s grenade attacks and reiterated that the red shirts had nothing to do with the attacks and called on the government to arrest the culprits. It was obvious some elements were against the peaceful resolution of the conflicts and wanted them to drag on.
Weng Tochirakarn said he would soon turn himself in to fight the terrorist charge.bron: http://www.bangkokpost.com
PM gives ultimatum to reds
**UDD unable to decide on when to end protest **
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[li]Published: 10/05/2010 at 12:00 AM[/li][li]Newspaper section: News[/li][/ul]
The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship has left everyone in confusion after being pressed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for the exact date on which it will lift its rally to oust the government.
Key red shirt leaders Veera Musikhapong, Natthawut Saikua and Chatuporn Prompan cancelled a press conference and held an urgent meeting yesterday to counter the fresh demand by the prime minister.
After three hours of talks, Mr Chatuporn said the UDD could not come up with a common position. More talks were needed before a final decision.
Mr Abhisit gave the UDD until today to give an exact timeframe for the end of its rallies which have paralysed parts of the inner city. He also accused former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of standing in the way of efforts to end political rifts.
The red shirts have agreed in principle to join the reconciliation process unveiled by Mr Abhisit last Monday . The prime minister’s plan to end political divisions could pave the way for elections on Nov 14.
The UDD has yet to say when it will ask demonstrators to lift their occupation of the shopping and business district in Ratchaprasong.
Shooting and grenade attacks on Friday night and Saturday morning worry the prime minister.
He suggested yesterday the attacks were the work of “terrorists” who did not want to the rallies to end, as they face the threat of legal action and criminal charges once the reds go home.
That worry prompted Mr Abhisit to demand the UDD give him an answer by today.
Any delay would put the safety of the public, officials and demonstrators at risk as opponents of the road map proposal could strike again, he said.
“We need an answer so we can move forward,” he said in his weekly address to the country.
The prime minister also made clear that dispersing the demonstration on May 15 as the UDD has proposed would be “too late” given the dangers posed.
Mr Abhisit said he would shelve his proposed elections if the rallies continue.
Politicians also need guarantees they will be safe on the election campaign trail, he said.
“If all points in the reconciliation plan are achieved, I can say the government will be ready for the elections on Nov 14. If not, the elections will not take place,” he said.
The prime minister also accused his political rival, Thaksin, of standing in the way of the government’s reconciliation efforts.
Mr Abhisit is soliciting support for his five-point reconciliation plan. But Thaksin, he said, was one of the obstacles.
“Mr Thaksin is not satisfied with the reconciliation plan because it is not the answer to Mr Thaksin’s personal interests in court cases and other matters,” he said.
Thaksin was sentenced to two years jail in absentia by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions in 2008 for abusing his authority in the Ratchadaphisek land deal in 2003.
His wife at the time, Potjaman na Pombejra, clinched the deal while Thaksin was in power.
In February, the court ordered the seizure of 46 billion baht in assets belonging to Thaksin and his immediate family after ruling that a portion of the fortune was derived from policy corruption during his tenure as prime minister.
Mr Natthawut said Mr Abhisit’s attack on Thaksin could spoil the atmosphere as the red shirts and the government worked on how to solve the political crisis. He should not have made the comments, the UDD leader said.
Thaksin did not react to Mr Abhisit’s attack yesterday. He said on Twitter that he was in Saudi Arabia on a rice trade mission.bron:http://www.bangkokpost.com
UDD demands Suthep report to CSD
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[li]Published: 11/05/2010 at 12:59 PM[/li][li]Online news: Local News[/li][/ul]
The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leaders vowed on Tuesday to continue their protest until Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban reports to the Crime Suppression Division.
Mr Suthep reported to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) early this morning, in line with the promise he gave on Monday to meet one of the protest leaders’ conditions for ending their protest rally – that he report to police to face charges.
“I decided to acknowledge the charges because I am following Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s roadmap to reconciliation, not because of the UDD’s demands,” said Mr Suthep, who supervises the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES).
DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit said Mr Suthep reported to acknowlege the complaints filed by relatives of the protesters who died during the violence on April 10. The relatives accused the deputy premier of ordering security forces to forcefully disperse the red-shirt rally from the Ratchadamoen Avenue area. The clashes left 25 people dead, including five soldiers, and more than 800 people were treated for injuries.
Shortly after Mr Suthep left the DSI, UDD co-leader Weng Tojirakarn said the deputy premier’s action in reporting to the agency was not acceptable.
“It was not in line with the demand by the UDD. More importantly, DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit is Mr Suthep’s subordinate and is a member of the CRES committee," Mr Weng said.
“The red-shirts will disperse only after Mr Suthep reports to the Crime Suppression Division."
He said Mr Suthep should also resign from the cabinet so authorities can carry out an independent, transparent investigation.
Mr Suthep refused the demand, saying that the UDD was just buying time.
Government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said the government had done its best to end the crisis, and added that the protesters’ demands were unclear.
“We intend to let justice take its course and to enter the process to show our sincerity,” he said. “We aren’t doing it to meet their demand … it’s not clear to me what they are demanding, so we can’t respond to something we don’t understand.”
Metropolitan police deputy commander Pol Maj Gen Amnuay Nimmano said Mr Suthep had done the right thing by reporting to the DSI.
“Mr Suthep cannot report to the CSD because the DSI committee passed a resolution to accept the violent crackdown on red-shirt protesters on April 10 as a special case. Therefore, the investigation of this case must be handled by investigators of the DSI," he said.bron:http://www.bangkokpost.com
Irked PM says ‘rally ends today’
**Army may cut power, water at Ratchaprasong **
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[li]Published: 12/05/2010 at 12:00 AM[/li][li]Newspaper section: News[/li][/ul]
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has warned the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship to end their protest today and leave their rally site.
Mr Abhisit yesterday said the UDD’s decision to continue demonstrating at Ratchaprasong intersection was tantamount to rejecting his reconciliation road map, which he proposed on May 3 to end the political rift and the confrontation between the government and the red shirts.
If the UDD did not end its rally today, then the government has the legitimacy to take the necessary action to restore national security and normalcy in the country, he said in parliament.
“If the situation in the country does not return to normal, it will affect the election. Protesters should return home on May 12.”
A source at the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation said the new school term was another reason to clear the area. Most schools are due to resume on Monday.
The source said if UDD leaders do not end their protest today, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban would consult army chief Anupong Paojinda about measures to end the protest.
See also:
Kasit slams US envoy for red shirt meeting
What colour is your parachute?
However, the source said the CRES yesterday did not discuss mobilising security forces against the red shirts.
The new army plans include cutting off water and electricity supplies to the Ratchaprasong area to put more pressure on the red shirts to go home.
Security forces would surround the rally site and prevent more red shirt supporters from taking part.
Red shirt leaders yesterday indicated they would prolong the rally after Mr Suthep, who is in charge of national security and is the CRES director, yesterday morning reported to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to hear a complaint filed against him by relatives of those killed and injured in the April 10 bloody clashes between security forces and protesters, which left 25 people dead and more than 800 injured.
The DSI said Nonglak Chaimaen and 13 other people who said they were relatives of those killed and injured on April 10 lodged a complaint with the DSI against Mr Suthep.
The UDD said on Monday it would end the rally after the deputy prime minister turned himself in to the police. However, yesterday their leaders tried to negotiate the conditions of their bail should they face justice as part of yet-to-be-closed deals with the government.
The deals include a stiffening of their demand that authorities must proceed with criminal charges against Mr Suthep for ordering security forces to take action on April 10.
UDD leaders Natthawut Saikua and Jatuporn Prompan told cheering crowds the rally would not disperse as long as Mr Suthep had not turned himself in to either the DSI or to Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police to be “accused” of criminal charges.
They said Mr Suthep appeared at the DSI yesterday just to acknowledge the complaint, not to report to authorities as the accused.
“On the day Mr Suthep reports to authorities as the accused, the red shirt protesters will call off our demonstration on the same day,” Mr Natthawut said.
The same condition must be applied to the prime minister once the current House session ends on May 21 and his parliamentary immunity expires, he said.
Mr Jatuporn insisted the protesters wanted to be treated with exactly the same legal standards, especially on the issue of bail.
“If the two [Mr Abhisit and Mr Suthep] are allowed to be released on bail upon turning themselves in, then the same bail conditions must be given to the [nine] UDD leaders too,” Mr Jatuporn said.
“But if Mr Suthep is not allowed to be released on bail, then we won’t request it either.”
Weng Tojirakarn, another UDD leader, said the UDD did not accept Mr Suthep appearing at the DSI because the DSI is a part of the CRES, which is supervised by Mr Suthep.
“More importantly, to make us feel confident in the transparency of the judicial system, Mr Suthep should resign from his post first,” Mr Weng said.
However, deputy Bangkok police chief Pol Maj Gen Amnuay Nimmano insisted Mr Suthep’s surrender to the DSI was a lawful move because the DSI has already taken over the investigation into the April 10 clashes from the police.bron: http://www.bangkokpost.com
Govt revokes election offer
**Troops, APCs sent to seal off rally site, says source **
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[li]Published: 13/05/2010 at 12:00 AM[/li][li]Newspaper section: News[/li][/ul]
The government has abruptly cancelled its offer to hold a general election on Nov 14 after red shirt protesters refused to call off their rally at Ratchaprasong.
Red shirt protesters siphon water from a mains pipe outside the Police General Hospital. The protesters said they were not concerned by the government’s threat to cut water and power to the Ratchaprasong area. APICHIT JINAKUL
As the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) is showing no signs of complying with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s demand to end the rally, the government has responded by dropping its offer to dissolve the House between Sept 15-30 and call an election on Nov 14, Korbsak Sabhavasu, the prime minister’s secretary-general said yesterday.
Mr Korbsak said the red shirt co-leaders had initially agreed to the reconciliation proposal. But then they had been unable to reach a common resolution on whether to accept the plan and also pressed additional demands, which complicated and eventually foiled the negotiations with the government.
“It is fitting then that the premier has rescinded the offer to hold an early poll as the red shirts have refused to disperse,” he said.
The red shirt bosses had promised to end their rally as soon as Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban turned himself into police to face charges related to the April 10 clashes, which left 25 people dead.
UDD leaders said Mr Suthep’s surrender to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) was not good enough and demanded he instead report to the Crime Suppression Division (CSD).
They said Mr Suthep had only appeared at the DSI to acknowledge the complaint filed against him by relatives of those killed and injured in the April 10 clashes, not to report to authorities as a suspect and be charged.
“Mr Suthep should bow to our condition and turn himself in to police as a suspect. After that we can all go home and prepare for elections,” said red shirt co-leader Korkaew Pikulthong.
Families of red shirt victims were accompanied to the CSD yesterday by a close aide of former senator Pratheep Ungsongtham Hata yesterday. CSD deputy chief Col Sanit Mahathaworn said the investigators accepted their complaint for consideration.
Red shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan yesterday said the poll date would be useless as long as Mr Suthep did not enter the justice system.
“What is the election for when the guilty one still walks free. The protest will not end as long as justice is not delivered,” he said.
Army chief Anupong Paojinda yesterday approved “Operation Ratchaprasong” involving 32,000 troops and 120 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to seal off the rally site, an army source said.
The source said the operation will cut off food and water supplies to the protest area and stop rally-goers from leaving and entering.
All 120 APCs were scheduled to leave Saraburi last night.
Gen Anupong and army top brass met all day to discuss the plan to completely seal off Ratchaprasong. The use of force had not been brought up yet, said the source.
Despite the army plan said to be in the works, the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) yesterday postponed cutting off water and power supplies to the Ratchaprasong area.
CRES spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd made the announcement about the cut-off in the morning only to retract it in the evening, saying details would have to be worked out and the impact on those in the neighbourhood assessed.
Besides shopping arcades and hotels, there are two hospitals, several schools and embassies, commercial and residential establishments in the area.
The U-turn followed an uproar from those living nearby and warnings by water and power agency labour union leaders who feared the cut-off would hurt everyone but the protesters.An engineer at the Metropolitan Electricity Authority said shutting down the power would disrupt a wide area, covering not only Ratchaprasong but also buildings and residences on Sathon, Silom, Asok and Rama IV roads.
“It would have a major impact if the government really wants to cut the power. Residential buildings and hospitals would be in serious trouble if we went ahead,” he said.
The UDD was not deterred by the CRES threat. Red shirt leaders said they have their own power generators which would work immediately after power supplies were cut. They also use water from fire hydrants connected to the water pipeline accessed by embassies, hospitals and schools in the area.bron:http://www.bangkokpost.com
bron: www.DeMorgen.be 14/05/2010
**
Thaise ‘redshirt’-generaal doodgeschoten
**Een Thaïse militair, die het kamp had gekozen van de ‘roodhemden’, de antiregeringsmanifestanten, is vandaag het slachtoffer geworden van schoten in Bangkok. De man, Khattiya Sawasdipol (58), alias ‘Seh Daeng’, werd in kritieke toestand naar het ziekenhuis Hua Chiew gebracht, zei een verpleegkundige.
De militair is zeer populair bij de manifestanten en heeft de facto de leiding over de veiligheidsoperaties in de wijk in Bangkok die ze al twee maanden bezetten. De machthebbers beschouwen Khattiya als een van de belangrijkste tegenstanders van verzoening. Hij is ook een trouwe aanhanger van Thaksin Shinawatra, de voormalige premier die in 2006 werd afgezet bij een militaire staatsgreep.
In Bangkok begon vandaag een nieuwe aanval op de regeringstegenstanders, die al enkele weken manifesteren. De regering had enkele uren eerder gezegd dat de vervroegde verkiezingen, die beloofd waren op 14 november, niet doorgingen als de manifestanten hun actie niet stopzetten. (afp/sps)
bron: www.bangkokpost.com 14/05/2010
Troops fire tear gas as reds burn truck
[ul]
[li]Published: 14/05/2010 at 01:14 PM[/li][li]Online news: Breakingnews[/li][/ul]
Troops have begun firing tear gas at anti-government protesters at Wireless intersection while another group of protesters burned a police truck outside Lumpini Park on Thursday afternoon, reports said.
The soldiers started firing tear gas in an attempt to reclaim Wireless intersection occupied by the demonstrators of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) following a fresh violence erupted in Bangkok on Thursday night that left at least one dead and 33 injured.
The protesters had retreated from the intersection to Sarasin area.
Meanwhile, another group of red-shirt protesters burned down a police truck parked outside Lumpini Park.
Authorities had to extinguish the fire but the vehicle was entirely damaged.
Cell phone signals in and around the UDD’s protest venue at Ratchaprasong commercial district were still switched off.
Seven civilians die, 101 hurt in crackdown - CRES allows troops to fire live ammunition - Reds fight back with rockets, petrol bombs
[ul]
[li]Published: 15/05/2010 at 12:00 AM[/li][li]Newspaper section: News[/li][/ul]
Seven civilians have died in clashes between United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship protesters and security officers in downtown Bangkok.
Soldiers take up position as anti-government protesters burn tyres near Bon Kai intersection yesterday. Security forces tried to push protesters back, sparking sporadic clashes.
[RIGHT]APICHART JINAKUL[/RIGHT]
Clashes started late yesterday morning and continued throughout the afternoon at the Witthayu intersection, the Thai-Belgium Bridge, Lumpini police station, Ratchaprarop Road, Din Daeng intersection, Silom Road and Soi Sala Daeng.
Soldiers used tear gas, rubber bullets, and live rounds against protesters, who retaliated using home-made rockets and Molotov cocktails to block advancing soldiers and by setting fire to a bus.
The sound of gunfire was heard from both sides.
In the evening, a number of grenade attacks took place on Rama IV and Silom roads.
At least seven red shirt protesters were killed and 101 people were injured yesterday, including three journalists and several soldiers.
Two people reportedly died during the afternoon clashes, while three were killed by grenade explosions on Rama IV Road and at Sala Daeng intersection.
Heavy gunfire and grenade explosions were reported in the Ratchaprarop area late last night, resulting in several injuries.
The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation gave soldiers authority to fire live rounds at the lower bodies of attacking protesters.
Red shirt protesters take over a military truck with one of them aiming a kick at a soldier who has his arms pinned.
[RIGHT]CHANAT KATANYU[/RIGHT]
Soldiers fire rubber bullets at protesters in the Bon Kai area.
[RIGHT]APICHART JINAKUL[/RIGHT]
A protester fires an improvised rocket made from a water spray cannon taken from a fire engine.
[RIGHT]THITI WANNAMONTHA[/RIGHT]
Rapid-deployment soldiers on a motorcycle aim a gun at protesters.
[RIGHT]WEERAWONG WONGPREEDEE[/RIGHT]
Red shirts shoot flares across Rama IV Road to repel soldiers.
[RIGHT]APICHART JINAKUL[/RIGHT]
Armed soldiers take up lookout posts at buildings on Rama 4 Road.
[RIGHT]APICHART JINAKUL[/RIGHT]
A red shirt protester lashes out at soldiers deployed on Ratchaprarop Road yesterday.
[RIGHT]CHANAT KATANYU[/RIGHT]
A vendor in the Bon Kai area takes cover under a plastic stool as troops clash with protesters.
[RIGHT]SAROT MEKSOPHAWANNAKUL[/RIGHT]
Red shirts batter an army truck near Din Daeng junction and let out air from its tyres. They reportedly assaulted the soldiers in the truck.
[RIGHT]CHANAT KATANYU[/RIGHT]
RIGHT Foreigners photograph soldiers in action in the Makkasan area.
[RIGHT]CHANAT KATANYU[/RIGHT]
RIGHT Foreigners photograph soldiers in action in the Makkasan area.
[RIGHT]CHANAT KATANYU[/RIGHT]
A novice monk floats a lantern to keep helicopters away from the Ratchaprasong protest site.
[RIGHT] WEERAWONG WONGPREEDEE[/RIGHT]
Protesters set fire to tyres to keep security forces away near the Witthayu intersection on Rama IV Road.
[RIGHT]SAROT MEKSOPHAWANNAKUL[/RIGHT]
A protester throws a petrol bomb at advancing troops on Rama IV Road.
[RIGHT]SAROT MEKSOPHAWANNAKUL[/RIGHT]
A red shirt supporter strips to his underwear to show soldiers he is unarmed near Lumpini boxing stadium.
[RIGHT]APICHIT JINAKUL[/RIGHT]
Soldiers capture red shirt protesters in the Bon Kai area.
[RIGHT]APICHIT JINAKUL[/RIGHT]
People duck for cover on a footbridge after hearing gunshots during clashes between security forces and red shirt protesters near Sathon. bron http://www.bangkokpost.com
Clashes continue for the third day
[ul]
[li]Published: 15/05/2010 at 02:36 PM[/li][li]Online news: Local News[/li][/ul]
Clashes between troops and protesters continued in Bangkok on Saturday as authorities tried to contain red-shirts around the Ratchaprasong rally site and prevent food supplies entering the area.
The Erawan emergency unit reported on Saturday night that street fights have killed 22 people and wounded 172 since Thursday, when authorities tried to seal off the protest site.
Six people were killed and 31 wounded in Saturday’s clashes between troops and anti-government protesters. All of the dead were civilians, and foreigners were not among the dead, it said
Gunfire and explosions were heard at several locations including the Bon Kai area, Din Daeng intersection, Ratchaprarop Road and Silom Road throughout the day, as red-shirt protesters set a garbage truck, telephone booths and other public property on fire.
The army has declared the Ratchaprarop area a “live-firezone” and prohibited the general public from entering the area due to intensifying clashes between troops and red-shirts.
“The current situation is almost full civil war,” said Jatuporn Prompan, a key leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD). “I am not sure how this conflict will end.”
Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn said on national television before noon that the government’s Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) will continue its operation to reclaim Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong commercial district from the protesters.
“The CRES can still bring the situation under control,” Mr Panitan said. “Members of the public and journalists, however, should avoid going to areas where there are clashes between protesters and soldiers.”
He said there were about 6,000 protesters remaining at the protest venue.
Numerous M-79 grenades were fired at security forces in various areas on the fringes of the protest site overnight, he said.
MrJatuporn said the protesters vowed to continue to fight until until Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolves the lower House and resigns.
The red-shirt co-leader also said that there would be no more talks between the UDD and the government.
Another UDD leader Kwanchai Praipana said supplies were starting to run low after troops blocked supporters trying to bring food to the rally site.
But there were still enough supplies to last days, he said.
In the morning, UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon voiced concern over mounting violence in Thailand and urged the government and protesters to return to talks, according to a UN statement.
He called on opposing sides to avert bloodshed and resume talks.
“The Secretary-General is following with growing concern the rapidly mounting tensions and violence in Thailand,” a statement issued by his spokesman said. “He is saddened by the reports of numerous civilian deaths, including journalists, as a result of the latest clashes between protesters and security forces.
“He appeals to both the protesters and the Thai authorities to do all within their power to avoid further violence and loss of life.
He strongly encourages them to urgently return to dialogue in order to de-escalate the situation and resolve matters peacefully."bron: http://www.bangkokpost.com
Thai Red Cross asks for blood donation
[ul]
[li]Published: 15/05/2010 at 10:58 PM[/li][li]Online news: Breakingnews[/li][/ul]
The Thai Red Cross Society has set up mobile units around the capital where people can donate blood to help those in need, Dr Soisa-ang Pikulsod of the Thai Red Cross said on Saturday.
Dr Soisa-ang said there are 3,000 units of blood in the stock, but that would not last long if political crisis continues.
The Thai Red Cross Society is situated very close to the red-shirts’ rally site.
The Erawan emergency centre reported at night that 22 people have been killed and 172 wounded in clashes between troops and protesters over the past two days.
The Thai Red Cross Society has sent teams to department stores including The Mall Ramkhamhaeng, The Mall Bang Kae and Future Park Rangsit to collect blood from public to help those wounded from the clashes, she said.bron http://www.bangkokpost.com
Is deze al eerder hier geplaatst ?
Een overzichtskaart van waar het onheil zich allemaal afspeelt. Handig voor wie op korte termijn moet beslissen alsnog af te reizen etc.
Het wordt iedere dag voorzien van een update, via MAP: http://bit.ly/9rlioz
Paul
Two-day ‘holiday’ set for Bangkok
[ul]
[li]Published: 16/05/2010 at 10:38 PM[/li][li]Online news: Local News[/li][/ul]
The government cancelled its plans to impose a curfew in Bangkok on Sunday, saying it is not needed for now.
The CRES also declared Monday and Tuesday (May 17-18) public holidays as the military operation continues, and extended the state of emergency as anti-government protests spread to the provinces.
Lt-Gen Aksara Kerdphol, army assistant chief of staff, appeared on TV to announce that the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) had decided not to impose a curfew - even though it might help officials to differentiate innocent people from armed men.
A curfew could adversely affect people and their daily life, he said.
The “CRES will not enforce the curfew as of now, as the situation is still under control,” he said. “But if there is an (unusual) situation or necessity, the centre will assess the situation and inform the public later,” Gen Aksara said.
He apologised to local residents and businesses for military operations to seal off the protest area in Ratchaprasong, and called on the public to cooperate with officials. The safety of residents in the area is the priority in the military operations, he insisted.
Since Friday, 25 have been killed 240 persons injured, according to CRES figures.
Also on Sunday, the CRES extended the State of Emergency to cover five more northeastern provinces including Ubon Ratchathani, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Nong Bua Lam Phu and Sakon Nakhon.
In Ubon Ratchathani, red shirt supporters burned tyres outside the city hall, Wing 21 Royal Thai Air Force base and the provincial branch of NBT (National Broadcasting Services of Thailand), the government-run outlet.
Pol Maj-Gen Prawut Thavornsiri, spokesman of the Operations Centre at the Royal Thai Police said the Police General Hospital was assigned to arrange medical mobile units to help protesters who have fallen ill.
Red shirt protesters have occupied Ratchaprasong intersection since April 3. Luxury hotels and high end shopping malls have been forced to close. (TNA)
bron:http://www.bangkokpost.com
Reds defy deadline, rally continues
[ul]
[li]Published: 17/05/2010 at 05:37 PM[/li][li]Online news: Local News[/li][/ul]
Several thousand of protesters, including women and children, remained at the Ratchaprasong rally site on Monday evening, defying the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation’s order that they leave by 3pm or face two-years imprisonment.
There were still about 5,000 protesters at the Ratchaprasong rally site when the 3pm deadline passed, police spokesman Maj-Gen Prawut Thawornsiri said.
Shortly after 2pm, military helicopters dropped leaflets on the encampment, urging the protesters to leave immediately. This angered the protesters, who shot homemade rockets at them.
“Some protesters received distorted information,” government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said on the Thai PBS television network. “We need to communicate with them clearly. It will take time.” There was no word on when the ultimatum extension would end.
According to television reports, a telephone call from Korbsak Sabhavasu, the prime minister’s secretary-general, to red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua prompted the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leaders to hold an urgent meeting, which began shortly after the 3pm deadline.
On receiving the call from Mr Korbsak, UDD leaders went inside a shipping container office for a meeting.
Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation would hold a meeting at 5pm to discuss steps to be taken to retake the occupied area after the 3pm deadline.
He declined to go into detail, saying only that priority would be given to evacuating children and the elderly from the rally site.
Mr Panitan said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was still in high spirits and determined to overcome all problems.
Earlier the day, UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan said red leaders were ready to call protesters back to the Ratchaprasong rally site and begin dialogue with the government if troops stop firing at protesters.
Protest leaders are willing to negotiate with the government without pre-conditions if Mr Abhisit orders the removal of troops stationed around the rally site in Bangkok. The offer was aimed at reducing the loss of lives, he said.
The government would not respond to the UDD’s call for talks until the UDD ends the protest rally, government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said.
Mr Panitan said UDD leaders should first show sincerity by ending their rally, ceasing attacks on government security forces and stopping all riotous acts.
If the UDD did this, the government would reactivate its reconciliation plan, he said.
In the morning, two red-shirt guards were arrested in Ratchathewi area with a large quantity of weapons, Metropolitan Police chief Pol Lt-Gen Santhan Chayanont said at a press conference.
Pol Lt-Gen Santhan identified the two as Prasong Manee-in, 55, of Bangkok’s Lat Phrao district, and Kowit Yaemprasert, 55, from Pathum Thani province.
They were arrested when Mr Prason was driving a pick-up truck past a military checkpoint in Soi Phaya Nak near the Asia Hotel.
Soldiers found in the truck about 60 items including knives, axes, iron bars, bottle bombs, ping pong bombs, large firecrackers, communications radios, and ID cards of UDD guards.
Mr Prasong said he was formerly a soldier of the 3rd Cavalry Battalion and then a construction worker before joining the UDD rally, where he met Mr Kowit.
He said he was not aware the seized items were loaded onto his truck.
The number of casualties from the clashes between government forces and UDD protesters between May 14 and 17 was now 35 killed and 252 injured, the Emegency Medical Centre or Erawan Centre said in the morning.
The death toll went up because one of the injured, Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol, better known as Seh Daeng, died from his head wound on Monday morning.
Of the 242 injured, there are six foreigners - one each from Canada, Poland, Burma, Liberia, Italy and New Zealand.bron: http://www.bangkokpost.com