Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Sunday

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Government Rejects Negotiations, UN Intervention

The Thai government has responded to offers from the red shirt protesters, saying that negotiations are not necessary at this point as the government is using the necessary measures to deal with terrorists who are threatening the country’s national security. The government insists that the only way out for the current crisis is that the red shirt protesters turn themselves in and face the rule of law.

Acting Government Spokesperson Panitan Wattanayagorn said in a nationally televised address that the government is not considering a proposition made by the red shirt protesters to open negotiations because it maintains that authorities are using necessary measures to deal with armed terrorists who are threatening the country’s national security. He said officials are not using excessive force and suggested that the only way out of Thailand’s current political crisis is that the red shirt leaders turn themselves in and face legal action.

Panitan also brushed off suggestions that the United Nations step in and mediate talks between the government and the red shirt protesters. He revealed that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had responded to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s email, saying that the Thai government should use the law to handle the situation in Bangkok.

In their first indication in three days that they are open to peace talks with the government, the red shirt leaders today announced that they are now ready to enter into negotiations with the government. They requested that the government withdraw all their troops and that the United Nations be brought in to mediate the talks.

Nutthawut Saikua said that the red shirt leaders’ first priority right now was to end the violence. They are, therefore, willing to join the prime minister’s five point roadmap for reconciliation, but that an international independent agency must be present to act as a middle man during the peace talks.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-16

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Influential Political Figures Fly Overseas

Reports from the Thailand’s immigration police indicate that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s family has left the country. Thaksin’s ex-wife, Pojaman Na Pompetch, his son, Panthongtae Shinawatra, and his daughter, Pinthongta Shinawatra left Thailand on May 14th on Singapore Airlines flight SQ981 at 7 P.M. Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paethongtarn, flew to Paris, France on Air France flight AF169 at 9 P.M. on May 14th.

Other influential political figures have also left the country. Pheu Thai Chairman General Chavalit Yongchaiyuth left on Thai Airways International flight TG612 to Khunming on the same day at 9 A.M. Former Thai Rak Thai Leader Chaturon Chaiseang reportedly left China Eastern flight MU2026 at 10 A.M. on May 15th. However, Chaturon has since come out to deny that he has left the country.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-16

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[Maestro]

Clashes' casualties rise to 29 deaths, 221 injuries

As of 6 pm Sunday, 29 people were killed and 221 others were injured in the clashes between security forces and protesters, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Emergency Medical Service Centre announced.

The injured were being treated at 32 hospitals and 12 of them remain in the intensive care units.

-- The Nation 2010-05-16

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[Thaivisa News]

Motobike delivering tyres on Phaya Thai rd. Negotiating with Police to let the delivery through: http://www.twitpic.com/1oc6d6

Bike riders are then let through to deliver tires to the burning barricades at Rajaprarop/Din-Daeng Int-s: http://www.twitpic.com/1oc6z4

Riders ride away with the tires to their destination without any problems: http://www.twitpic.com/1oc8rj

Video of a protester trying to make a barricade, but shot whilst doing so: http://bit.ly/b2ncgR /via @danieljerivers

(21.35) ThaiCom uplink station on Rattanathibeth is blocked by a group of 200 redshirts. Avoid. /via js100 radio @veen_NT

Jor-Sor 100 Radio have left its office for a safe house. New contact numbers (24/7) are 082- 0044031-5 /via @veen_NT

Video: Fires around Lumpini Boxing stadium, firefights and the famous 2 snipers above ground: http://bit.ly/bmzf3p

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Rumor of UN troop deployment in Thailand dismissed

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed a news report about UN troops being sent to Thailand to control the ongoing violent confrontation between government forces and the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors.

Information Department Director-General and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Vimon Kidchob, termed the rumor as resulting from wrong interpretation of the comment given by UN Secretary General. She said that such a plan was hardly possible because the deployment needs lengthy procedure and would be made only after both national and regional mechanisms fail to solve the problem.

As for travel warnings issued by many countries, Ms Vimon said the Thai government is trying its best to solve the domestic problem and hoped that all countries would understand the necessity of the operation taken by the security officers as declared by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. She added that the violent situation was limited only within Bangkok.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already set up an emergency center to coordinate with embassies and international organizations in Thailand since March and notify them about domestic situation occasionally.

-- NNT 2010-05-16

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Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stresses the government’s firm intention to bring back peace and normalcy to the Thai society

BANGKOK, 15 May 2010 (NNT) - Following two days of violent clashes between state authorities and armed groups in the protesters of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) in downtown Bangkok, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stated in a televised address nationwide that the only way for the country to move forward would be to end the protest.

He cited that the rally started as a political one, but turned into armed rebellion, with clear effort to topple the government. This is witnessed in numerous violent incidents in the past two days, leading to the loss of lives and property. Authorities have been trying to restore peace by informing the people of the real situation, while pressuring the violent force in the demonstrators so as to terminate the rally.

He stressed that what the government had been pursuing was the only way to bring peace and normalcy to the society with minimal loss. All through the past two months, the government had exercised restraint and tried to find the answers to demands. Even after the talks were rejected, the government came up with the reconciliation plan to satisfy all sides.

He said that it became obvious that the rally now continued in parallel with armed groups utilizing war weapons, carrying out sabotages, harming authorities, the general public, or even demonstrators themselves.

He thus asked for cooperation from the people to join forces to end the rally, so as to weed out armed groups and eliminate danger to the society as a whole.

-- NNT 2010-05-16

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[Thaivisa News]

AFP Report: Journalists a 'terrorist' target for Thai army. "The press is a target, as well as people at the protest site," Said Sunsern

AFP: 3 Thai journalists & a Canadian have been shot and wounded in the legs while covering battles Friday and Saturday.

AFP: "Ratchaprasong is a dangerous zone. This area should be avoided," Sunsern said.

BTS: Schedules for next day services, please contact these following numbers: 026177300 ext:1834,1835,1836,1837,1842,1844 or 026176000

Fire Trucks are unable to get to a fire. The Lotus Express at Bon Kai is still a raging inferno. No assistance available. /via @Warkorn_NBC

Richard Barrow, at the Ratchaprasong site is currently unable to leave, Red guards said there is a risk of snipers. /via @richardbarrow

They have turned out all the lights in the marquee tents under BTS Chidlom. Complete darkness bcuz of sniper fire. /via @Richardbarrow

A motorcycle went by and someone shouted "put out that light!". Even smoking is a risk they say as it makes you a target /via @RichardBarrow

Biggest "bang" today was not gunshot or bomb. It's the nonchalant announcement of financial measures. /via @tulsathit

If the reds did receive huge financial sppt from Thaksin as alleged, the measures are one hel_l of a blow. /via @tulsathit

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No Curfews Announced in Bangkok

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations, or CRES, has announced its decision not to implement curfews in any area of Bangkok. Officials stressed that, after reviewing the details of such measures, they have realized that the effects would be on too wide a scale and members of the general public would be needlessly affected. They maintain that security officials have the situation under control. However, authorities did reiterate that there remains the possibility that curfews are still needed and will reassess the situation as needed.

On his weekly television address, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had hinted that authorities of the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations were considering the issuance of curfews in Bangkok Sunday evening.

It was expected that CRES would limit the implementation of curfews in areas immediately surrounding the conflict zones. Officials had earlier stressed that no one would be allowed to be on the streets in the areas where the curfews were announced.

The precaution would have come after two days of violence which have led to hundreds of injuries and more than 20 deaths. Official numbers from the Erawan Emergency Center as of 2 P.M. Sunday indicate that 215 people have been injured, including both Thai and foreign journalists. Of those injured, 12 remain in ICU. 25 deaths have resulted so far in the more than 3 days of violence.

Authorities claim they are trying to limit the number of casualties and are, therefore, limiting access to the concentrated areas of conflict.

After several photographers and cameramen were injured in the riots, access to the confrontation areas by members of the press have also been restricted.

-- NNT 2010-05-16

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[Thaivisa News]

Live picture of the crowd in front of the stage at Ratchaprasong. http://twitpic.com/1ocw2h /via @RichardBarrow

ThaiPBS: Bon Kai residents annoyed at the fact they cant leave their homes because of the protesters /via @ohohcita

ThaiPBS: Bon Kai Resident: how different it is between night & day. Feel v afraid at night, afraid the tyre fire will spread to building.

ThaiPBS: Soi Su-Wan-Sawat has a fire, no confirmation on what building it is at. Trying to put out the fire as we speak.

ThaiPBS: Fire truck tried to get in but too afraid. They left the truck for the protesters & residents to use. Fire is under control now.

Live picture of the red shirt stage at Ratchaprasong. http://twitpic.com/1ocy2c /Via @RichardBarrow

ThaiPBS: Anchor: Why the fire? Reporter: Saw some1 shoot something from the Belgian bridge. When it landed, something blew up.

Urgent: Avoid Saphan Leung conjunction (Yellow bridge). Another stack of tyres is being placed on the street. /via js100radio. @veen_NT

[Thaivisa News]

Latest we knw, the Lotus Express at Bon Kai has been burnt, and so has a gold shop not far away. /via @tulsathit

Talking to red guards, they say the safety of foreign journalists is no longer guaranteed. We are all targets now. /via @RichardBarrow

CNN: 'Thailand extends state of emergency to more provinces' http://bit.ly/cqvtnC

Seh Daeng and a few other military names on the list, indicating govt attempt to expose an alleged conspiracy jigsaw puzzle. /via @tulsathit

Safe to fear: "At to this moment it has been very safe in the red zone but that all changed about an hour or so ago" /via @RichardBarrow

Reports of a new stage being set up around the Nang-lerng areas. Near the Bank of Agriculture HQ /via @KhunCo

Gunshots and explosions heard near Saladaeng /via @babyfishie

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Increase in gunshots around Sala-Daeng: "Intensifying gunfire now near Dusit Thani hotel at top of Bangkok's Silom Road" /via @Markmackinnon

Richard Barrow makes a run for MBK. Following behind the Ch7 crew. "Some1 said soldiers are coming". /via @RichardBarrow

Two reports so far that the Sala-Daeng area has an increase in gunshots. Avoid! /via @babyfishie @markmackinnon

AFP: Figures since mass protests began in Mid-March, Deaths: 59. Total wounded: 1,700

Sala-Daeng Update: New rounds of gunshot exchange started a minute ago. /via @babyfishie

Live picture at gate of the Wat Pathum, "no weapons allowed inside". http://twitpic.com/1od8xz

Redshirts stage at KlongToei already has lots of water & rice. Power + donated medical supplies: http://twitpic.com/1od9a6 /via @photo_journ

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In pictures: Bangkok violence

Page last updated at 15:38 GMT, Sunday, 16 May 2010 16:38 UK

Click here to go to the slideshow

-- BBC 2010-05-16

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[Thaivisa News]

From friends at Maneeya Bldg, "Trapped inside the office. Gun fire, snipers and explosions very close now" /via @agnesdherbeys

Sala Daeng Update: "Serious gun-battle going on at end of Lumpini Park Intersection (to Sathorn)" /via @agnesdherbeys

Urgent: Belgium embassy closing on Monday. "The embassy is not far from the areas where the violence is taking place". /AFP

Urgent: "For security reasons, it has been decided that the embassy will close Monday", a Belgian foreign ministry spokesman said.

Sala-Daeng Update: 6 explosions and gunfires heard from my place in suan plu. Sound like it came from rama 4. /via @polanskiman

Update: 2 separate firefights going on within Bangkok. Phetburi/Ploen-chit area & Sala-Daeng (In the last 15 minutes). AVOID

'31' people have died, '230' have been injured in the Thai capital during 3 days of violent clashes, emergency services said Sunday. /AFP

Update: The violence has claimed 61 lives and injured about 1,700 people since mass demonstrations began in Bangkok in mid-March /AFP

[Thaivisa News]

"Rama4 gasoline tank on fire (23:00) people going crazy because they think it will explode any minute" /via @vaitor

Nation photographer Chaiwat says: "Mai pen rai." http://bit.ly/awsLaT /via @veen_NT

"There is a red guard here saying that the only fighting going on at the moment is at Bon Kai." /via @RichardBarrow

Sala-Daeng Update: "No intense firing like over an hour ago anymore. Gunshots heard not frequently now" /via @babyfishie

Update: Quiet now on Lang-Suan for the last 20 mins. /via @aelacallan

Reports of a major gunfight happening at Rangnam / Victory Monument /via @captainwreid

Bon Kai Update: Explosions are still being heard around the area. Plus gunfights less frequenct. /via @iBangkok

They say there about 500 women & children sheltering in this temple. In front of the stage the majority are women. /via @RichardBarrow

NYT: 'Thai Officials and Protesters Fail to Agree on Talks' http://nyti.ms/bYb6ka

TNN: Updating the situation over that the Temple where Women & Children rest. But still have some around the Ratchaprasong stage area.

Live Picture of the Children and Women Sleeping at the Temple at Ratchaprasong. http://twitpic.com/1odlct /via @RichardBarrow

[Thaivisa News]

CNN: Fierce gun battle breaks out in Bangkok, Thailand, CNN reporter near scene reports. http://on.cnn.com/b9ZUVd

The Nation photo/news page on Monday: http://tweetphoto.com/22703775 /via @LeroyNewsDesign

(23:50) On Rama3 Rd. Protesters have set many telephone booths on fire /via @Warakorn_NBC

The Nation's front page, May 17: http://tweetphoto.com/22704074 /via @leroynewsdesign

Siam Paragon, A spot for campers. http://twitpic.com/1odpaw /via @RichardBarrow

"We want the UN because we don't trust we will receive justice from organizations in Thailand," protest leader Nattawut Saikuar /AFP

[george]

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Red Shirt Rally - Live Monday May 17

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...nd-t365969.html

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