Al Jazeera's Listening Post on Social Media During The Thai Protests
Al Jazeera's media magazine Listening Post has reported on Thailand again in it's latest episode, this time focussing on the social media aspect during the protests especially during the deadly street battles in May. Again, yours truly was asked to give my two cents on the issue again. The Global Village Voices segment begins at the 7:20 minute mark, this time alongside Florian Witulski (@vaitor on Twitter), a German journalism-student in Bangkok who spend much of the last weeks running around the streets of Bangkok and, despite the chaos, was live-tweeting from the ground (see this profile on him at CNNgo).
For some strange reason this week, we both got subtitled...
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOrLOmbQhtY&w=600&h=360]
BONUS: German media magazine ZAPP also did a short report on Twitter's role during the clashes, featuring Eric Seldin alias @thaicam of Thaicam Production Services.
What Is Conor David Purcell Up To?
Does anyone remember Conor David Purcell, the Aussie who appeared on the red shirt stage and was fighting along with the anti-government protesters? Of course you do! How else can I explain myself that my blog post on him from earlier this month is by far the most read article on this blog. It has accumulated 1,370 clicks by today and at least nearly half of them came in this week. So what happened to him that has increased the interest again? Well, the bloke's in jail!
THAI police have arrested an Australian man in Bangkok for allegedly violating an emergency decree, after a court handed him a suspended sentence for a visa infringement.
Conor David Purcell, 30, was arrested and charged for breaching emergency law, an offence which carries up to two years jail time, Thai police said.
Speaking from his cell, Mr Purcell said he was a liaison for the military because he was the only one prepared to run through the bullets, the ABC reported.
Mr Purcell, who served for seven years in the Australian army, was working in Bangkok as a language teacher.
Sources from the immigration detention centre in Bangkok said Mr Purcell was a regular speaker at recent anti-government rallies in Bangkok.
A spokesperson for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs said the man was detained on Sunday and charged with overstaying his visa.
"Australia Conor David Purcell arrested over Thai protests", The Daily Telegraph, May 25, 2010
Purcell has been arrested alongside a Briton named Jeff Savage, who is accused to have taken part in the looting and the burning of the Central World shopping center shortly after the military crackdown on May 19, at least he was caught on tape yelling to do so.
Well, even prime minister Abhisit had something to say about these two.
"For the Australian man it's not yet clear, but in the case of the Briton he's involved with the (red shirt) movement in Pattaya," Abhisit said. He said officials would also probe other allegations against the men.
There have been reports that Purcell was a former member of the Australian army and that he received training as a sniper, however embassy sources are understood to have suggested neither claim was true. Purcell, arrested on Sunday, is now in Klong Prem prison.
Abhisit said: "Indepth investigations will be carried out to find out whether they had any other role."
"Two foreigners arrested", The Nation, May 26, 2010
Both men showed up at the court today for their first hearing and while Savage was reported to have "broken down" (source), Purcell was in a fiercely defiant mood.
Dressed in orange prison-issue shirt and shorts, barefoot and shackled in leg-irons, a furious Mr Purcell was led in to Pathumwan Municipal Court in Bangkok yesterday, protesting that he was being unlawfully held.
Visibly angry at his detention, Mr Purcell, 29, a former soldier, refused to stand when told and then yelled at the judge that he would not accept the court's right to try him. ''Nobody in this country has authority over me,'' he said.
He brushed aside a representative from the Australian embassy who was asking him to be quiet and continued his tirade, shaking and pointing at the judge. ''I'm not under Thai law. I'm only obeying international law. I'm head of the red gang,'' he yelled.
Jeff Savage, a British man also arrested for his role in the protest, sitting next to Mr Purcell in court, burst into tears.
"Australian launches tirade in Thai court", The Sydney Morning Herald, May 28, 2010
To say the least, especially with the last sentence, he's not doing himself any favor now...
State Of A National Mind - Some Personal Thoughts
"Bullet holes at my office, 5th fl. (Chidlom)", picture courtesy of @Nok_Kasama
A lot is being said about time: that it slips by fast, that it is money, that it makes you wiser, that it gives you the opportunity to reflect and also that it heals wounds. A week ago the biggest political protests the country has ever seen was dispersed by the army in a military crackdown that itself was not the disaster that shocked the nation - it was the aftermath that has left not only parts of Bangkok, but also many parts of the country in rubbles. It was the final day of a military advance that killed over 50 and injured nearly 400 people - the total body count of the protests is 85 and over 2000 respectively. It was that May 19th, 2010 that has ripped an even bigger wound.
This was different from the deadly clashes of April 10, or any other riots that happened in the capital. We witnessed an escalation of violence, bottled-up anger and disappointment and also the definite destruction of the national myth of unity and peace. Even though the national anthem says that "Thais love peace" but the next line also states that we are not afraid to fight. But what are we fighting for?
There is no doubt that a large group of the red shirt protesters have a genuine political consciousness and want a democracy, where their vote counts, where their voices and concerns are heard in Bangkok and that their lives are improved with immediate and visible effect. Like it or not, the United Front against Dictatorship for Democracy, as they are formally called, are a political movement you cannot get rid off that easy anymore. They are here to stay! But to say that this group is only made up of uneducated, poor rural workers that are easily lured in with gloomy promises is factually wrong and devalues any reasonable discussion.
The government side, at least prime minister Abhisit, attempted a soft approach to the protesters and even when the red shirts seized the important commercial part of Bangkok, he remained relatively mild-tempered. The fact that it dragged on for nearly two months is partly because he, and probably many people in Bangkok as well, have underestimated the red protesters‘ stamina and defiance.
But, as in any conflict, the radical voices are the loudest and over the course of the protests the moderate and reasonable were being pushed aside. This was evident when Abhisit offered the red shirt leaders a so-called 'roadmap to reconciliation' that included new elections by November. It came at a time when the red shirts suffered a massive public fallout after a militant wing of the movement stormed through the nearby Chulalongkorn Hospital in search of any hidden soldiers. It was the last chance for a peaceful solution and to walk away without losing face. But any hopes were dashed when the UDD leaders failed to agree and added more and more counter-demands. This was the moment were the moderates on all sides have lost. What happened next was the beginning of the end.
Even if the protesters are now dispersed, the streets of Bangkok are clear again and many people are relieved, unfortunately though, the worst isn‘t over - the mess has just begun! What can happen now is a radicalization of all fractions. People do not want to trust each other even more, the prejudice one had of the other is now more solidified. The divide between Bangkok and the rest of the country will grow and as the mob attacks in the provinces have shown, conflicts and clashes will not take place in the capital exclusively. If we are not careful things will get uglier.
A taste of what‘s to come can be found online already in the past week where a large part of Thai netizens display their loyalty to the status quo and at the same time fiercely attack everyone who dares to criticize it or even have a different opinion. Especially CNN has come under fire for their alleged biased reporting during the protests, starting with an open letter. And even though this has already been proven to be factually wrong in many parts, people still praise this letter without any question. This single case shows that many people are less willing to hear from voices from outside and that are different to their‘s, they are immune to criticism. This marginalization of opinion diversity can only lead to isolation.
And here‘s in my opinion one of the main problems that lead to this tragedy: How can there by in any way be a reconciliation of all, if the majority refuses to listen what others have to say? How will there be harmony without understanding the issues in order to resolve them? And how will there be unity if every single Thai does not start to look at each other face-to-face on equal terms?
It is not a national tragedy just because many Bangkok residents have a few places less to make a shopping therapy. It is a national tragedy because people have been killed, damage has been done not by an foreign threat, but by Thais themselves. It is a national tragedy because never before it was shown that bluntly that the institutions and their participants, that are essential in a democratic system, are ineffective to solve problems.
Now that the government has issued an arrest warrant against Thaksin for terrorism charges, they have intensified a seemingly obsessive witch hunt that has blinded parts of the nation (including the newspaper of the same name) for years now. What many slowly seem to realize now is that even though it may have started with Thaksin, who is despite several human rights violations and cronyism according to some is unfortunately already the best what Thai democracy had to offer, this is now way beyond him now. This is a result of a collective failure that became evident during the Thaksin years and even more evident since the 2006 coup.
What I hope for this country is that the people will not try to put a blanket over the ever-increasing rift and blindly preach peace, love and unity until the next escalation. I hope that everybody will sincerely think for a moment why we got to this point and does not forget this at the next best diversion. This national wound takes more than time to heal. What it needs is a reconsideration of everything, our way of life, the definition of "Thai-ness", the way we teach our children how to think independently and openly voice their opinion, the perception of a good government, a fair and balanced media. In general, a mature democratic society where a reasonable debate can take place in order to solve the social problems of the nation.
I have my doubts though that it will happen anytime soon...
Live-Blog: Troop Movement to Rally Site, Crackdown Imminent UPDATE: Red Leaders Giving Up, Rally Site Evacuated
Reports are coming in of large troop movements towards the rally site, after there was yet another rumor by the red shirt protesters that there might a crackdown at 5 AM this morning.
More updates as they come!
For all the latest in this rapidly changing situation, follow me (@Saksith), @bangkokpundit, @anasuya, @danieljrivers, @newley, @karmanomad, @vaitor, @photo_journ, @Journotopia, @aelacallan, @agnesdherbeys, @BKKApologist, @markmackinnon and @aleithead on Twitter for live updates.
Also check this map of dangerous zones in Bangkok which will be constantly updated by Richard Barrow, AVOID THE RED AND GREEN AREAS AT ALL COST.
Feel free to comment and post footage you found online, took yourself. You can send them in to saksith [dot] saiyasombut [at] gmail [dot] com
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All times local Bangkok time
21.17h: Last update for today: I think after such an extraordinary terrible day, we all need to sit down and come to our senses for a while. I'll sure do after blogging about this for 16 straight hours.
Good Night and stay safe, Bangkok!
P.S.: Here's something to laugh in these difficult times, courtesy of NotTheNation.
20.55h: As of now, there are still major fires in various spots in Bangkok, most prominently the Central World shopping center.
Also, one red shirt leader, Dr. Weng Tojirakarn, is still missing and another one on the run, Arisaman Pongruangrong, has been reported to be arrested.
Today, six people have died including one Italian photo-journalist. The total death toll since Thursday is 42, 361 injured.
The curfew is still going until 6 AM the next morning.
20.00h: The curfew is now in effect until 6 AM in all of Bangkok and in a few provinces. 21 additional provinces are now under curfew, including Chiang Mai.
18.30h:
The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) has announced curfew in Bangkok and nearby cities and provinces in the North and Northeast [Mukdaharn and Kalasin] earlier placed under emergency law.
People in areas under curfew are not allowed to leave their homes from 8pm to 6am, with immediate effect.
"Curfew in Bangkok, many provinces", Bangkok Post, May 19, 2010
18.15h: After the national anthem at 6 PM, many free tv channels have now switched to the special emergency broadcast by the government. So far, it plays patriotic music and old CRES announcements.
17.47h: Central Word, the largest shopping mall in Thailand, is still well on fire. (Picture by @vaitor)
17.34h:
17.26h: "Burnt remains of Ubon govt building ศาลากลางอุบลเหลือแต่ซาก เสา" (Picture by @dudesweet)
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17.09h: Govt spokesman appeared in yet another CRES announcement, urging all people to stay inside during the curfew (8PM-6AM), so that officials can work more effectively. Also, all TV channels will broadcast a special emergency broadcast - meaning the govt will take over the program.
16.55h:
16.37h: The Rajaprasong stage, one hour ago... (Picture by @markmackinnon)
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16.11h: CRES has just announced a curfew beginning 8 PM until 6 AM.
16.04h: Meanwhile, Channel 3 gone off air as their building is being besieged by a mob outside. Also, Bangkok Post, The Nation and Thai-Asean Network have now closed and sent their staff home. Also, journalists and photographers are being hassled and even attacked as they retreat and also take off their green press armbands.
16.01h: A sidenote: Prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has not been seen publicly all day yet...!
15.50h:
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"Udons beautiful old wooden city hall, destroyed" (Picture by @Doug_Udon)
The scene at Udon Thani, as protesters storm the city hall
15.25h: It is reported that the stock exchange is now on fire. Also, the Channel 3 building is being attacked by an "angry mob".
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15.04h:
Italian media have named as Fabio Polenghi as the photo-journliast shot and killed in clashes Wednesday between Thai troops and demonstrators in Bangkok.
The reporter was identified by a friend from television images as Polenghi, the ANSA newsagency reported.
The 45-year-old Milan-based Polenghi was reportedly in Thailand on assignment for several magazines.
"Italian reporter killed in Bangkok clashes", Deutsche Presse-Agentur via The Nation, May 19, 2010
14.42h: There are reports of riots in other cities in the country as well, such as Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani.
14.22h:
2:21pm: Thai security forces have ended their offensive at a sprawling protest encampment in central Bangkok and the situation is under control, the army spokesman said on Wednesday.
5 leaders Jatuporn, Natthwut, Kwanchai, Nisit, and Wiphuthalang have turned themselves in to police. Weng, Suporn and Arisman on the run.
Tweet by @veen_NT
14.00h: CRES is now doing a TV announcement. Army spokesman Col. Sansern describes how the operation and the reclaiming of Lumphini Park took place.
Meanwhile, it appears that the last remaining protesters have set the Eastern barricades at Ploen Chit on fire. Al Jazeera's Aela Callan reports in front of a huge smoke cloud just outside Maneeya Building, where she (and many other foreign journalists) are located as BTS Chidlom seems also covered in smoke.
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13.47h: While the main rally site at Rajaprasong is now evacuated, there are still other small stages at various spots in the city, with the largest located in Khlong Toei. Will the dispersed protesters meet up here?
13.37h: Chaotic scenes at the main rally stage, as the crowd cries in disbelief over the surrender speech by red shirt leaders Jatuporn and Nattawuth as it was cut short by loud bangs, possibly gunfire. The leaders were rushed off the stage by security guards. Last words were calling for all protesters to evacuate to the National Stadium, where authorities have set up buses to bring them home.
13.26h: Red leaders Jatuporn and Nattawuth are on the stage at the main rally site and have announced to surrender and report themselves to the police.
13.05h:
12:56pm: Thick black smoke coming out near the Asok intersection, tyres burning near the intersection as well as in front of the Sheraton hotel.
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Picture by @lindavanderwijk
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"Persistent but rather light smoke coming from Asok intersection, as seen from Sukhumvit 29, at 13.00pm" (Picture by @AndrewHurd)
12.46h: Talking about unconfirmed reports on the red leaders...
12.41h: Also still unconfirmed and conflicting are the reports on the whereabouts of the red shirt leaders, the yellow shirts's news outlet ASTV and their English-language sister channel Thai-Asean News Network are reporting that Arisman, one of the hardliners has fled. Govt spokesperson has earlier claimed "all red shirt leaders" have fled.
12.35h:There are still unconfirmed reports about the 3 shot journalists, one of them is reported death.
10.40h: Govt spokesperson Panitan makes another CRES announcement, declaring that Lumphini Park has been reclaimed and also states that some red shirt leaders were fleeing, requests citizens to call police if they spot them. Also, there are busses parked at the National Stadium that are ready to take any protester home that wants to.
10.33h:
(AP) Update: AP photographer sees 3 foreign journalists shot during Bangkok army operation, 1 appears dead.
Tweet by @babyfishie Thanyarat Doksone
10.06h:
Two bodies of civilians were found on Rachadamri Road in the protesters' encampment after troops broke through their barricades, said a Reuters witness. It appeared the protesters had suffered gunshot wounds.
"Two people killed as Thai troops and protesters clash", Reuters, May 19, 2010
A branch of Thailand's Kasikornbank was on fire in Rama IV road in central Bangkok on Wednesday, Thai television reported, as anti-government protesters and troops fought nearby.Protesters were seen burning tyres and gunfire could be heard from the area.
"Thai Kasikornbank branch on fire in Bangkok -TV", Reuters, May 19, 2010
11.03h: BBC and AP report that witnesses "have seen bodies of two men with bullet wounds".
10.42h:
10:37am: Thai Kasikornbank branch on fire in Bangkok in Rama IV road in central Bangkok on Wednesday, Thai television reported.
10.25h:Al Jazeera was live on air when troops, APCs and also members of the press are entering the rally site after the barricade has been flattened at the Silom site.
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10.20h:
Senator Lertrat Rattavanich on Wednesday called off the Senate's involvement in the mediation to mend fences between the government and the red shirts.
"I will not today convey the message from the red shirts to the government because it is too late as decision has been made to disperse the protesters," he said.
Lertrat said the government might have no other option but to use force to disband the rally site after giving the red shirts plenty of time to end their protests.
"Senate cancels mediation talks", The Nation, May 19, 2010
9.48h:
One red-shirt protester was shot dead at Sarasin intersection on Wednesday morning, reports said.
Wattanachai Aiumnak was shot in the chest and died at the scene. His body was now being kept at the Police General hospital.
One red-shirt told reporters that he believed Wattanachai was shot by a sniper hiding somewhere near Lumpini Park, not by soldiers stationing at the Saladaeng intersection.
Pol Lt Gen Jongjate Aaojenpong, senior medical doctor at the Police General Hospital, said in a television interview that four injured red-shirt protesters were admitted to the hospital.
"Two of them were shot in the chest and stomach and now receiving a surgery" he said.
"Red shot dead at Sarasin intersection", Bangkok Post, May 19, 2010
9.39h: Govt spokesperson Panitan just appeared on TV in the first CRES announcement and spoke in English that citizens are instructed to avoid the conflict areas, as the authorities are pushing forward to the rally site.
9.33h: Pictures of flattened barricades at Sala Daeng:
Picture by Reuters
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Picture by @thidarat
UPDATE 9.27h: Twitter user @fishmyman is reporting of many roadblocks on the roads leading to central Bangkok, like this one.
UPDATE 9.08h: APCs at Sala Daeng (Picture by @vaitor)
UPDATE 8.59h: APCs are repeatedly ramming the bamboo barricades, e.g. this screencap from Thai TV (by @RichardBarrow)
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UPDATE 8.55h:
UPDATE 8.50h:
The government is determined to disperse the rally today and the only option left for the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship leaders is to surrender and enter the justice process, prime minister's secretary-general Korbsak Sabhavasu said in a television interview on Wednesday morning.
Mr Korbsak said talks between the government and the UDD to be mediated by Senate Speaker Prasobsuk Boondej has been completely ruled out now that government forces are determined to disperse the protesters.
What the protesters should do now is to stop burning and surrender, he said.
"Korbsak: Govt determined to end rally", Bangkok Post, May 19, 2010
UPDATE 8.45h: From Reuters' live-blog
More news on the two people who were shot. Reuters witness said one was shot in the chest while trying to help a fellow protester. The demonstrators responded by firing at soldiers.
8:42am: "We are still ready to talk. My line is open but the protest has to end first," government advisor Korbask Sabhavasau told Channel 3 television.
UPDATE 8.36h: Unconfirmed reports claim that at least two people have been shot. Meanwhile, it seems that the situation has clam down for now at Silom.
UPDATE 8.20h:Al Jazeera'sWayne Hay reports via phone from Rama IV Road, gunfire can be heard. He also says that gunshots are "being fired back from the barricade."
UPDATE 8.15h:
The website of Matichon newspaper quoted officials at the underground train that a group of black-clad men were trying to set fire at the Kloen Toei station by smashing the windows and pouring gasoline but managed to stop them earlier this morning
UPDATE 7.45h:
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"Thick smoke near Chulalongkorn Hospital now. 7.40am" (Picture by Thanyarat Doksone)
UPDATE 7.35h:
APC approaches Sala Deang bunker; fire exchanged
Tweet by @TAN_Network
Update: Thai troops fire guns into encampment of protesters in central Bangkok - AP
Tweet by @BreakingNews
UPDATE 7.25h: Screengrab of Al Jazeera
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7:22am: Reuters report on the tear gas fired at protesters. Witness said the tear gas was aimed at demonstrators close to the Rama IV statue in front of Lumpini park
UPDATE 7.15h:
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"bangkok burning 7 am" (Picture by @KevinRevolinski)
UPDATE 7.07h: Al Jazeera, CNN and ThaiPBS show smoke throughout Bangkok. Also, CNN's Dan Rivers has spotted 'men carrying guns, could be soldiers'.
UPDATE 7.00h: This picture is linked from Reuters' live-blog. The sign reads 'Dusit Thani Hotel' and is right at the Silom Intersection opposite of the South end red shirt barricade.
UPDATE 6.54h:
SEVEN armored vehicles and at least two vanloads of troop reinforcements have converged at the perimeter of an anti-government protest camp in Bangkok.
The armored personnel carriers (APCs) had machine guns mounted on top, and the troops were dressed in balaclavas and carried weapons and riot shields, an AFP photographer said.
Thailand's army spokesman declined to comment on whether a crackdown was imminent on the protesters, who are defying a Monday deadline to disperse after occupying Bangkok's main retail district for six weeks.
"I will not answer any questions," spokesman Sunsern Kaewkumnerd told AFP.
"Troops, armored vehicles move in on Thailand Red Shirt protests", by David Williams, The Daily Telegraph via heraldsun.com.au
UPDATE 6.47h:
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"several buildings in dindaeng set on fire" (Picture by @vaitor)
UPDATE 6.40h: CRES is airing a taped announcement from yesterday, saying that all new protest sites that have been set up outside the main rally site are deemed illegal, as is the main one itself. Also, the selling of used tires is declared illegal, since they are used in burning barricade in order to create smokescreen.
Why are they interrupting the live program right now with a repeat announcement?!
UPDATE 6.24h:
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APCs moving in to Sala Daeng (Picture by @tidarat)
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"4am more soldiers come to silom ..." (Screencap from ThaiPBS by @thaitvnews)
In Case Against The Open Letter Against CNN
An open letter against CNN's coverage of the deadly clashes as posted on Facebook. Excerpt:
As a first-rate global news agency, CNN has an inherent professional duty to deliver all sides of the truth to the global public (...) not merely one-sided, shallow and sensational half-truths. (...) CNN should not negligently discard its duty of care to the international populace by reporting single-sided or unverified facts and distorted truths drawn from superficial research, or display/distribute biased images which capture only one side of the actual event.Mr. Rivers and Ms. Snider have NOT done their best under these life-threatening circumstances because many other foreign correspondents have done better. All of Mr. Rivers and Ms. Sniders' quotes and statements seem to have been solely taken from the anti-government protest leaders or their followers/sympathizers. Yet, all details about the government’s position have come from secondary resources. No direct interviews with government officials have been shown; no interviews or witness statements from ordinary Bangkok residents or civilians unaffiliated with the protesters, particularly those who have been harassed by or suffered at the hands of the protesters, have been circulated.
"Open Letter to CNN International" by Napas Na Pombejra, May 17, 2010
Bangkok Pundit has dissected the open letter sentence by sentence and asked the question "Is CNN's coverage really biased?". (SPOILER ALERT: The answer is NO!)
But that still does not stop many people from unquestioningly praising that letter (see the comments in BP's blog post and also the links below), especially The Nation seem to really love this letter and run with it, like the publisher Suthichai Yoon tweeting it and even reprinting it in Wednesday's paper edition...
Further reading:
- Somtow's World: Don't Blame Dan Rivers
- CNN: Life inside the Thai live fire zone (YouTube video of Dan Rivers describing his current work situation, also mentions that letter)
- Justin Alick: Open Letter to Foreign Journos (It's satire for those not seeing it!)
Mixed Signals to Possible Ceasefire Deal
After a relatively quiet night, apart from a few sporadic clashes, in Bangkok there were signs that might bring both sides back to the negotiation table.
Red-shirt leaders had earlier accepted the offer of fresh talks to be overseen by members of the Senate. (...) The offer to mediate talks came from the head of Thailand's Senate.The offer to mediate talks came from the head of Thailand's Senate, Prasobsuk Boondej.
Red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikua told journalists that the protesters backed the proposal because "if we allow things to go on like this, we don't know how many more lives will be lost".
Mr Prasobsuk said exploratory talks had yielded positive results, although his offer to mediate had earlier been publicly rejected by the government.
He has apparently met the prime minister twice to discuss the issue, says the BBC's Lucy Williamson in Bangkok. And on Tuesday met red-shirt leaders in a shipping container behind the protesters' main stage.
He left after an hour or so, saying the talks had been "positive".
"Thailand government rejects Bangkok protest talks offer", BBC News, May 18, 2010
But in the same article...
Thailand's government has rejected an offer of mediated talks with red-shirt protesters aimed at ending an increasingly violent confrontation. (...)
But the government said the red-shirts had to leave their Bangkok camp before any talks could take place.
"The situation has escalated and become violent with armed groups and terrorists attacking the government, officers in the field and civilians," cabinet minister Satit Wonghnongtaey said in a televised news conference.
"The situation could be resolved and lead to negotiations when demonstrators disperse."
"Thailand government rejects Bangkok protest talks offer", BBC News, May 18, 2010
Well, there we are at the same problem we had for days now, neither side is willing to give: the government wants the red shirts to disperse first, the red shirts want the government stop their soldiers from shooting on people.
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For all the latest in this rapidly changing situation, follow me (@Saksith), @bangkokpundit, @anasuya, @danieljrivers, @newley, @karmanomad, @vaitor, @photo_journ, @Journotopia, @aelacallan, @agnesdherbeys, @BKKApologist, @markmackinnon and @aleithead on Twitter for live updates.
Also check this map of dangerous zones in Bangkok which will be constantly updated by Richard Barrow, AVOID THE RED AND GREEN AREAS AT ALL COST.
Feel free to comment and post footage you found online, took yourself. You can send them in to saksith [dot] saiyasombut [at] gmail [dot] com
Live-Blog: The Crackdown, Day 5
"Rama IV smoke cloud" (Picture by @wildorchid9999)
For the fifth day now we have to witness firefights and clashes in central Bangkok.
The main thing to watch today is the ultimatum set by the government to the protesters to disperse at 3PM local time. It has not been announced yet what they will do after that.
In an email sent out to all German citizens, the German embassy has warned everybody in Bangkok to stay inside, since the last ultimatum is to be considered "very serious".
After being shot Thursday, renegade Maj.-Gen. Khattiya Sawasdiphol, also known as 'Seh Daeng', succumbed to his severe head injury and was pronounced dead this morning.
As usual, I'll try to keep this post updated.
Also, follow me (@Saksith), @bangkokpundit, @anasuya, @danieljrivers, @newley, @karmanomad, @vaitor, @photo_journ, @Journotopia, @aelacallan, @agnesdherbeys, @BKKApologist, @markmackinnon and @aleithead on Twitter for live updates. Also check this map of dangerous zones in Bangkok which will be constantly updated by Richard Barrow, AVOID THE RED AND GREEN AREAS AT ALL COST.
Also, feel free to comment and post footage you found online or took yourself.
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Note: All times are local Bangkok time
04:00h - Last update for today with the latest on the Ramkhamhaeng incident by German journalist Florian Witulski (@vaitor on Twitter):
police on ramkhamhaeng road, dont see any crowd yet... some people look a bit upset though
sorry for the delay // protester crowd from ramkhamhaeng moved towards lat phrao and divided into several small camps on intersections
the protesters are definitely not students // small camps build up very fast, little walls of tires are already finished at raminthra
each camp aprox. 100 protesters, at all not more than 300! // no violence, but reds have been really aggressive with me taking photos
03:00h - The situation at Ramkhamhaeng seems to have cooled off now. According to eyewitness reports, a group of the Student's Federation of Thailand (SFT) has set up a mobile stage (more or less a large truck) and were making a speech on the truck, when some a group of people were trying to break it up, causing some commotion. Also, it is reported that some gunfire was heard and the crowd dispersed.
02:22h - There are some conflicting reports coming in fightings at Ramkhamhaeng University after protesters attempted to put a mobile stage. Whether firearms were used cannot be verified at this moment.
23:30h
An aide to Thailand's prime minister says a Red Shirt protest leader has called him and proposed a cease-fire between Red Shirt fighters and troops.
Korbsak Sabhavasu says he received a call on his cell phone Monday from Nattawut Saikua, one of the leaders of the Red Shirts, and they talked for five minutes.
Korbsak said he told Nattawut that if the Red Shirt fighters retreat to their encampment "there will be no single bullet fired by the soldiers."
At least 37 people have been killed in fighting between troops and Red Shirt protesters who are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the dissolution of Parliament and new elections.
"Protest leader calls Thai PM aide, seeks ceasefire", Associated Press, May 17, 2010
22:00h - Meanwhile, the stage in Bon Kai (Khlong Toei) that was set up yesterday has attracted more and more people. @bkknoboru, a Japanese journalist, has uploaded a picture of the scene and claims that "thousands of redshirts" have gathered there.
21:00h - CRES has just ended another TV announcement. Army spokesperson Col. Sansern was showing clips, including the "baby incident" earlier today and also a supposed looting of a 7-11 by protesters, but only the aftermath was seen - "only books and magazines were left there," Col. Sansern quipped. No mention of curfew or what the army will do after the deadline has passed for six hours now.
20:25h - Govt spokesperson Panitan said in the most recent BBC interview that the health of many protesters is poor and wants to send in medical teams to the rally site soon. He also states that "a political solution is still on the table".
20:00h
Thai PBS reports troops have moved closer to Ratchaprasong & now staying at MBK - Map: [Link]
Tweet by @richardbarrow
19:30h - Photographer John Le Fevre reports a large group of people has assembled at the Victory Monument.
18:30h - Now in Bangkok at rush hour time...!
"Lower suk.: army roadblock in distance" (Picture by Newley Purnell)
18:10h
Thai authorities will give red shirts protesters more time to leave the area after a 3pm deadline passed, government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said Monday.
The government's main focus is to convince women, children and elderly people who have received wrong information to leave the Rajprasong rally site. Authorities will set up more checkpoints around the city to prevent more chaos, Panithan said. (...)
CRES has failed to say what it would do if the red shirts did not meet the deadline.
"Red shirts given more time as deadline passes : Panithan", The Nation, May 17, 2010
17:55h - Picture of the petrol truck taken form Channel 3.
17:51h
Situation at Bonkai escalates as petrol truck scene in the area; gunshots heard continuously
Tweet by @TAN_Network
Channel 3 also reports the same.
17:50h - YouTube has removed the video of a baby at the barricades, but you can watch it here on CNN iReport.
16:40h - No major developments being reported from neither the rally site nor from anywhere else. Fights in many areas are still going, loud explosions and gunfire can be heard.
15:50h - Almost an hour passed the deadline now. Keep in mind the ultimatum was for the protesters to disperse, there was no word on what the authorities want to do after the deadline has passed.
15:01h - Deadline has passed now, there's still music and dancing at the main rally stage. Al Jazeera reports that negotiation talks earlier have collapsed
Meanwhile, this video has appeared online - it speaks for itself...
[YouTube has removed to video due to "violation of terms". Pffft!]
14:50h - 10 minutes left to the deadline and still no sign of anybody giving in.
14:40h
According to the Erawan Center (of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration) as of May 17 at noon, there have been 256 injuries and 35 deaths (see Thai language PDF). The breakdown of the 35 people who have been killed is here (Thai language PDF). Of the 35 persons killed there was 34 civilians and one solider.
"How many people have been killed and injured? May 17 Update", Bangkok Pundit, May 17, 2010
Videos: Anger in Ubon Ratchathani
The Thai Report, a blog similar styled to The Drudge Report, has posted some video footage from Ubon Ratchathani in the Isan region, a stronghold of the red shirts. The first video is from Friday and shows a rally stage who were, apart from the usual singing and dancing and debating, mourning one killed man from Ubon, Inn-Plaeng Theswong (อินแปลง เทศวงศ์), a 32-year-old taxi driver. His name also appears on this official list of killed victims so far (PDF).
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjZmNOWpOeQ&w=600&h=360]
The second video is from Sunday and shows a large group of red shirts protesters setting fire barricades in front of the 2nd Air Division/21st Wing Air Combat Command Air Force Base. Also, see this photo gallery.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl2R7pInbSg&w=600&h=360]
Shortly after that, the CRES has declared a state of emergency in five more provinces, Ubon Ratchathani is one of them.
The last video shows that the red shirts have gathered at the same stage as Friday again, this time to watch the speeches from the main rally stage in Bangkok and also watch some foreign news clips as well. Even though the state of emergency has been declared in this city, they were still setting up burning barricades and as the blogger, who posted the video, states "saw only one policeman and he was watching the videos in the red shirt media tent."
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy943TA-c7c&w=600&h=360]
Even though this may not be representative for other provinces in Thailand, but these incidents show that news from the capital are spreading very fast these days and the more people are killed, the more the anger in the rural areas grows. The red leaders have been repeatedly urging the red shirts in the provinces to rally at the city halls and, in case the Bangkok siege is forcefully cracked down, to storm them. These pictures also suggest the growing divide between Bangkok and the rest of the country that will grow with each day the crisis goes on and even if the current protest will come to an end (in what form whatsoever), the conflict for potential in rural Thailand grows and the situation can get volatile in the run-up to the next election (whenever that will take place...).
Live-Blog: The Crackdown, Day 4
Latest developments report that a curfew might be imposed in all the affected areas. As of now it has not been officially announced yet. The BBC reports that it has been cancelled for today. Many reporters confirm that somehow supplies (i.e. food) have reached the rally site after food shortages were reported due to the blockade by the army and, as one reporter of The Nation claims, some looting of the nearby shops has begun. The same reporters from The Nation also have claimed to saw pick-ups "disguised as medical vehicle" smuggling food into the rally site.
ThaiPBS reports that the largest group of protesters at the Rajaprasong rally site are women and elderly. The red shirts have now begun to relocate all children, women and elderly protesters away from the stage into the nearby located Wat Pathum Wanaram (location of temple). CRES have urged the red shirts to disperse by Monday 3PM.
Needless to say, BTS Skytrains and MRT Subways have suspended their service today again and for tomorrow as well. Also, all Bangkok schools were asked to close for another week, as tomorrow would have been the start of the new school term.
The official medical authorities have announced the numbers of deaths and injured since Thursday is now at 25 (all civilians) and 215 respectively (PDF file).
As usual, I'll keep this post updated. Also, follow me (@Saksith), @bangkokpundit, @anasuya, @danieljrivers, @newley, @karmanomad, @vaitor, @photo_journ, @Journotopia, @aelacallan and @aleithead on Twitter for live updates. Also check this map of dangerous zones in Bangkok which will be constantly updated by Richard Barrow, AVOID THE RED AND GREEN AREAS AT ALL COST.
Also, feel free to comment and post footage you found online or took yourself.
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22:20h CEST: Last update for today: New York Times has written an article earlier today about the negotiation efforts of the red shirts.
After three days of wild street fighting that left 29 people dead and hundreds wounded, the leader, Nattawut Saikua, also offered to withdraw militant fighters from the streets and negotiate if the government called a cease-fire and withdrew its troops.
But he put forward a condition that was immediately rejected by the government, insisting that any talks be mediated by the United Nations. Such a condition would have legitimized the protesters as an internationally recognized party to talks. (...)
"Thai Officials and Protesters Fail to Agree on Talks", by Seth Mydans and Thomas Fuller, New York Times, May 16, 2010
If this highlighted part was not a translation error or something similar, it was the first time that the red shirt leaders have acknowledged the presence and link to (probably black shirted) militant fighters. Whether it is true or not, the government and the CRES will exploit this soundbite with pleasure.
One of the demands by the red shirts was that the United Nations to mediate between them and the government. But as mentioned earlier, government spokesperson Panitan already essentially told the United Nations to f*** off not to intervene into an internal matter.
21:40h CEST: Military journalist Michael Yon is currently tweeting from the basement from the Dusit Thani Hotel. According to him the gunfire and explosions have ceased, but he still stays put. Check his tweets for his Facebook page for updates.
20:40h CEST:
Guests at Bangkok's Dusit Thani hotel opposite Red Shirt camp told to shelter in basement after building hit by gunfire, explosion - AFP
Tweet by @markmackinnon (Mark MacKinnon)
16:15h CEST: Wow! What a CRES presser that was? As mentioned before Col. Sansern has trying to rebuke the pictures and videos that have been circulation including (including this video of army snipers and these facebook pictures of killed civilians) and lastly what showing a soldier firing what was captioned as "M79 grenade launcher", but Col. Sansern rebuked this and showed that it was actually a tear gas launcher. And to show how it worked he whipped this out:
Talking about a PR disaster...
15:40h CEST: CRES has made it's third TV announcement today. First a letter from deputy prime minister Suthep essentially saying that friends and family members of protesters in the Rajaprasong area should contact them and urge them to leave.
After that army spokesperson Col. Sansern is briefing the public on pictures and video that are circulation on the web. Details later.
14:00h CEST: Apparently a small mobile stage has been set up at Klong Toei. Pictures by John Le Fevre.
13:45h CEST: CRES has made another TV appearance, govt spokesperson Panitan Wattanayagorn has announced that the next two days (May 17, 18) are declared public holidays. Also, state of emergency has been declared in five more provinces: Ubon Ratchathani, Mahasarakam, Roi-et, Nongbua Lampoo and Sakol Nakhon.
Furthermore, Panitan has dashed the red shirts' earlier calls for an international mediator or the United Nation to interfere, basically saying the UN to f*** off saying that the Thai govt will not allow foreign intervention as it is (still) a sovereign country.
The CRES announcement ended that the govt will impose financial sanctions on 113 companies and individuals that are involved with the red shirt protesters.
13:10h CEST: This amateur video shows a man wearing a black balaclava and an assault rifle (may be M16) running past a soi in Bon Kai - the same spot as the picture below (notice the big red sign on the other side of the road). The people were running back into the soi because they thought this armed man would be a soldier.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lmj4EOngkl0&w=600&h=360]
13:00h CEST:
A curfew will not be imposed at the moment as security forces can still control the situation, Aksara Kerdpol, the army's assistant chief of staff said Sunday. "It's not necessary to use that measure now," he said.
Center for the Resolution of Emergecy Situation's spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said earlier that a curfew has become necessary to stop the armed red shirts.
A meeting of authorities concerned met at about 2pm to decide whether to impose curfew. The timing and the exact locations of the curfew will be announced later, Sansern said.
"Curfew not to be imposed : army", The Nation, May 16, 2010
11:50h CEST:
All around me unarmed men. Saw one protester across road return fire with what looked like handgun concealed by a box. 1st weapon I've seen.
11:40h CEST:
"Din daeng at 16.30" (Picture by Alessandro Ursic)
Live pic from rama 4/klong toey market intersection.new tires just delivered. (Picture by @lindavanderwijk)
11:20h CEST:
"Massive tire fire in front. Army still shooting. Pinned for now." (Picture by John Le Fevre in Bon Kai)
"Plume of smoke. Heavy gunfire. Whizzes not bangs. Bon Kai, Bangkok." (Picture by Mark MacKinnon)
Roundup: The Crackdown, Day 3 - Six Dead, 31 Wounded
Note: This post highlights everything what happened after I had to sign off from the live blog earlier today. Another day of deadly clashes send central Bangkok deeper and deeper into a spiral of violence and already too far away for any peaceful solution of this conflict. Official figures report six have been killed today, 31 injured. None of them are soldiers.
After the CRES has gone on air two times today, prime minister Abhisit was seen publicly for the first time in many days when he made a TV address Saturday evening.
"We regret that the campaign has claimed lives of people. However it is the only choice we could do to deal with the situation," he said in a special TV-pool programme," he said. He ensured that the campaign will do the best to keep the loss minimal.
He said the reds have held hostage the country and the government , therefore, the government has no choice but to suppress them. He insisted that the government had tried every means to handle the chaos in the country which is caused by "the terrorists".
"The only way to end the loss of lives is that the protest ends immediately. The protest has been organised for the benefits of just small groups of people," the premier said. He called for people not to participate in the cycle that created chaos in the country. (...)
He also called for the public to screen information about the situation, particularly that from the reds side, because they could claim anything without giving evidence and proof.
"PM regret loss of lives", The Nation, May 15, 2010
It was important for Abhisit to show up as questions about his presence were looming and also to show that he's (at least appears) in power and has not been sidelined by the military. Abhisit more or less admits that diplomatic means to end the protests have failed and that this is the only way to end this protest.
Many video footages of today's clashes from international media, like this one from the BBC, were made on Rama IV Road, South of the rally site, but similar scenes happened elsewhere in Bangkok:
There were many reports on the streets that snipers were firing at protesters. Some of the protesters were setting barricades of tires on fire, sending up tall plumes of smoke apparently in an effort to keep out troops, who have been setting up a cordon around the protest area.
"Thai Government Takes Harder Stance as Clashes Continue", by Seth Mydans and Thomas Fuller, New York Times, May 15, 2010
This video shows a military sniper from building shooting at protesters.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAc_iecUgkw&w=600&h=360]
Also, CNN correspondent Dan Rivers has footage (starting at 2:40 minutes) from the same spot and also reports that the video "clearly shows that the army is shooting at people".
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btp-wUvNXuM&=600&h=360]
As I'm writing this another day beings in Bangkok and there'll be likely violent clashes and casualties again. Both fractions will stay their course and try to chase the other side away. The situation has become increasingly life-threatening for third parties such as ambulance workers and members of the media. At the rally site itself the first effects of the blockade have appeared in form of food shortages, but the speakers on the stage cheer the supporters to carry on.
Further reading:
- Jodi Ettenberg (Legal Nomads): More Deadly Clashes in Central Bangkok (Eyewitness account from local blogger and media roundup)
- Patrick Winn (Global Post): Counting Bodies, One Click at at Time (The role of social media during this crisis)
- Thomas Fuller (New York Times): The Fury Outside My Window (Eyewitness account)
- Nirmal Ghosh (Straits Times): Thailand: The Land of Snarls (A battle of words among red and yellow supporters)
- Greg to Differ: The Role of Twitter in the Bangkok Protests
Live-Blog: The Blockade Contunies, Day 3
Events are unfolding rapidly again on the third day of unrests. Although compared to the two days before, the situation has been relatively calm. But red shirt protesters have set up burning barricades and the government has vowed to carry on with it's operation, Rajprarob area and Rama IV. Road have been sealed off as well and declared "life firing zone" (sic!). BTS Skytrain and MRT Metro have stopped their service until further notice. Latest figures report that 16 people were killed and 141 have been injured since clashes have started on Thursday.
Meanwhile it is reported from the main rally stage at Rajaprasong that there's a food shortage and garbage is piling on, showing the first effects of the blockade.
Bangkok map of all the danger zones and other places to avoid, constantly updated. (by Richard Barrow)
As usual, I'll keep this post updated. Also, follow me (@Saksith), @bangkokpundit, @anasuya, @danieljrivers, @newley, @karmanomad, @vaitor, @photo_journ, @Journotopia, @aelacallan and @aleithead on Twitter for live updates.
Also, feel free to comment and post footage you found online or took yourself.
14:45h CEST: As night falls, many reporters and photographers are advised to leave the clash zones at dusk.
I have to leave early today. To keep up to date, follow the twitteres mentioned above - additionally follow @agnesdherbeys, @BKKApologist, @markmackinnon and @legalnomads.
Stay stafe!
14:15h CEST: CRES presser ended some time ago, nothing essential to add other than they also accuse a "non-affiliated group of armed men" were shooting on the protesters as well. Could it be the black shirted 'Ronin' warriors that have been rumored before? But it leaves us with the question of who is actually running the country right now as Prime minister Abhisit has not been seen in public for days now. As of now, it is rumored that he will make a TV appearance at 7.30PM local time.
13:40h CEST: CRES is doing a (taped) press conference where the DSI director threatens all protesters who are still at the rally site can be penalized up to 6 months in jail. After that another (taped) announcement with army officers are showing their version of the clashes yesterday. They claim that many incidents involved M79 grenade launchers by the protesters, also black shirted men were stopped at other areas. Soldiers are advised only to shoot when attacked by armed persons and only on the ground. Presser still going...
12:45h CEST:
All journalist associations agree to order all journalists to pull out from all fighting areas at dusk. via @chavarong [Note: this does not include foreign media. Saksith]
Tweet by @veen_NT (The Nation)
12:33h CEST: One medical volunteer has been reported killed.
11:45h CEST: The reported photographer is Chaiwat Poompuang and got shot in his leg near Soi Rangnam among a few other injured.
11:40h CEST: CRES just made another TV announcement again with PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey and Govt spokesperson Panitan Wattanayagorn. Sathit still (*sigh*) basically claims it's Thaksin's fault. Panitan states that there are about 6,000 protesters at the Rajprasong rally site and claims that many of them who were involved in the fights were equipped with firearms and there have been 16 incidents were M79 grenades have been fired. He also says that the death tally is now at 17.
At the moment sporadic gun shots were heard at Din Daeng, a photographer from The Nation is reported to be shot.
Live-Blog: The Crackdown Intensifies, Seven Killed, At Least 100 Injured
Picture by @lekasina
Troops fired tear gas and bullets on Friday at anti-government protesters who responded with stones, slingshots and homemade rockets, turning central Bangkok into a battlefield as the military moved to seal off a broad area where the so-called red shirts have camped for weeks.
The sounds of gunfire and explosions could be heard at the nearby United States Embassy, which shut down and moved to evacuate employees who live near the protest area. Other embassies in the area also closed, as did schools and businesses.
The confrontations began near the spot where the shooting of an anti-government major general by a sniper on Thursday night touched off an evening of violence. The general, Khattiya Sawatdiphol, 58, had become a symbol of the lawlessness and impunity that have torn Thailand apart as the protests have pitted the nation’s poor against its establishment.
On Friday, the violence escalated, as protesters seized and vandalized several military vehicles, setting at least one truck on fire and cheering as a column of soldiers with riot shields looked on.
The television channel France 24 said one of its correspondents, Nelson Rand, was shot in the leg Friday afternoon while reporting on the unrest. A Thai photographer also was reported to have been shot. Blockades made it difficult for ambulances to enter the conflict zone.
"Troops Clash With Thai Protesters as Tension Grows", New York Times, May 14, 2010
I'll keep this post updated. Also, follow me (@Saksith), @bangkokpundit, @anasuya, @danieljrivers, @newley, @karmanomad, @vaitor, @photo_journ, @aelacallan and @aleithead on Twitter for live updates.
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18:00h CEST: ThaiPBS has shown footage of a mob (not sure if they are red shirts) seizing an army truck in Din Daeng. Soldiers are being dragged out and punched by the mob, while other person try to stop them. A gunshot was heard, a soldier is then seen down and carried away into an ambulance.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rGqZDvRa_U&w=600&h=360]
17:40h CEST:
INN: Erawan Center says 7 dead from today's clashes; 101 injured at 11 different hospitals; 9 still in ICU
Tweet by @TAN_Network
Meanwhile, the Canadian embassy has been temporarily closed and the German Foreign ministry has "urgently" advised against any travel to Bangkok, but their embassy will still be open.
16:55h CEST:
Death toll rises to five, 81 injured after clashes Friday between troops, Red Shirts in Bangkok: Official Erawan emergency centre
Tweet by @MCOTEnglishnews
16:15h CEST: In a sperate development, Sondhi Limthongkul, the leader of the royalist and right-wing People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), also known as the 'yellow shirts', appeared on the PAD's news outlet ASTV after being away for months to announce that he is stepping down as leader of the New Politics Party. The PAD's political party was formed just last year. Sondhi, among other senior NPP members, will go back to the PAD. No word on what they have planned to do.
15:55h CEST: CRES has now a press conference with Satit (PM Office Minsiter), Panitan (Acting Govt spokesman) and Col. Sansern (CRES and Army spokesman). Prime minister Abhisit is notably missing.
Satit says that negotiations (on the roadmap to reconciliation) with the protest leaders have failed and claims that the red shirts are armed with weapons. He also blames (*sigh*) ousted prime minister Thaksin to be blamed for the failed conciliation thanks to his interference. The military will not attempt to regain the seized rally site, but will increase pressure until protesters disperse.
Col. Sansern describes that there is a small group of people (terrorists) within the red shirt protesters who spark trouble. Men on motorcycles were using grenades to provocate troops behind barricades. Live rounds were only used in self-defence. He also blames the media for only showing soldiers firing on protesters and not the other way around. Some terrorists were using M79 grenade launchers and M16 assault rifles. Initially, the authorities have the situation under control.
Panitan summarizes everything that was said in English, adds that they'll increase to seal off the rally site in order to stop more protesters from elsewhere joining them.
15:20h CEST:
BANGKOK, May 14 (Reuters) - A Thai policeman fired bullets at soldiers during clashes between the army and anti-government protesters in central Bangkok on Friday, a Reuters witness said.
The policeman stood in front of the Lumpini police station and fired a handgun towards troops trying to seal off the area leading to an encampment occupied by the demonstrators.
"Thai policeman seen firing at troops in Bangkok - witness", Reuters, May 14, 2010
15:15h CEST: Government spokesperson Panitan appeared on CNN. He will also appear on BBC World News at this moment ad there'll be an English statement by the government at 20:30h local tonight.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex30p_CJTpA&w=600&h=360]
15:00h CEST:
"Most ironic photo so far - The poster reads "Meet the only new experience you can find in Thailand"" (Picture by @idongphoto via @tulsathit)
14:50h CEST: Meanwhile, two more casualties are being reported. Four deaths total today.
14:45h CEST:
INN: Attack on Ratchprasong stage, more than 10 injured
Tweet by @TAN_Network
ThaiPBS and TNN24 have shown footage of people running and ducking for cover at the rally stage. TNN24 suggests that probably a sniper has attempted to shoot red shirt leader Jatuporn, but he escaped unharmed.
14:11h CEST: Large explosions were reported at the BTS Sala Daeng station. The same spot has been hit by M79 grenades a few weeks ago, killing one anti-red shirt protester.
ThaiPBS evening news now shows footage of the clashes so far, including some apparently random arrests. BBC correspondent Alastair Leithead has tweeted this picture from the scene.
13:50h CEST: A second person has been killed. The Nation reports that the incident happened at Bonkai intersection.
Security forces will not try to disperse red-shirt protesters from their Ratchaprasong rally site today, Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman of the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES), said on Friday afternoon.
His statement came after troops clashed with red-shirts on the fringes of the protest site, which led to several injuries.
"We haven't thought about dispersing them from the area today," Col Sansern told reporters.
He called on the protesters to leave the rally site and end the protest, saying that there is still time to return home.
Col Sansern also said that army chief Anupong Paojinda had assessed the situation and believed there could be attempts to incite unrest tonight.
"The army chief has told us to protect our lives and not to hurt the people," he said.
If necessary, soldiers may have to use live rounds in self defence, he said.
"CRES: No crackdown on reds today", Bangkok Post, May 14, 2010
13:30h CEST: The situation is very chaotic, as there are clashes and firefights at many spots around the sealed off area including Rama IV Road, Din Daeng and Dusit/Silom Intersection.
The army is using live rounds and are shooting on the protesters.
Meanwhile at the main rally stage at Rajaprasong, music is being played and the red shirt leaders have issued these five demands.
The red-shirt leaders Friday announced they would no longer compromise with the government and toughened their demands for the administration to comply with.
The red-shirt leaders demanded Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to meet the five demands as following:
1) The government must cease fire immediately.
2) The government must withdraw troops immedidatetly.
3) The government must lift the state of emergency immediately.
4) The House must be dissolved immediatley.
5) Abhisit and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsubanmust resign and must not be in the caretaker Cabinet.
"Red shirts toughen demands", May 14, 2010
Live-Blog: Army Starts Surrounding Red Rally Site, Gunfire Heard, 'Seh Daeng' Shot
The army has now started to seal off the rally site around the Rajaprasong intersection, as workers and residents have been noticed to evacuate the area. Shops have been closed in the afternoon, causing a massive traffic jam on all roads leading to the commercial center of Bangkok. Also, the metro and skytrain stations in the rally site have stopped their service beginning 6 PM local time. Many troops have been spotted to close in to the rally site and block all roads leading to it. Also, BBC correspondent Alastair Leithead has captured this picture of soldiers entering Lumphini Park.
As of now (14.35h CEST) there have been reports of gun shots and explosions from inside the rally site, following after sounds of firecracker. Red guards are reported to scrambling to some outposts and barricade the entrances.
Al Jazeera and ThaiPBS are reporting that renegade Maj.-Gen. Khattiya Sawasdipol, also known as 'Seh Daeng' has been shot and now is in hospital.
I'll keep this post updated. Also, follow me (@Saksith), @bangkokpundit, @anasuya, @danieljrivers, @newley, @karmanomad, @vaitor, @photo_journ, @aelacallan and @aleithead on Twitter for live updates.
21.30h CEST:
The United States Thursday closed its embassy in Bangkok and said it was "very concerned" about the violence between the Thai government and protesters there.
"We're very concerned, we're watching it (the violence) very closely," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters, adding the US embassy was closed to the public because it is near the trouble.
"US closes embassy in Thailand, 'very concerned' about violence", AFP, May 14, 2010
The British Embassy in Bangkok will close on Friday because of the ongoing security situation in the Thai capital. The Foreign Office said the demonstrations were close to the embassy and they did not want to put people in danger.
It advises against all but essential travel to Bangkok and other areas.
"UK Embassy in Bangkok to shut on Friday due to violence", May 14, 2010
18.45h CEST:
An anti-government protester was shot and killed Thursday as a tense standoff continued on the streets of Bangkok. Gunfire rang through the streets as the situation became increasingly volatile.
"Thai protester shot, killed during violent clashes with police", CNN, May 13, 2010
18.19h CEST:
Reports are coming that a(nother) protester has been shot in the head. No confirmation yet.
18.15h CEST:
A Thai military officer suggested Khattiya may have been killed by a rival. He denied that the killing was part of a military operation and said there was no imminent military assault on the site. “We’re just taking the first steps,” he said.
"Thai general shot while aiding red shirt protesters", by Simon Montlake, Christian Science Monitor, May 13, 2010
17.51h CEST:
2nd CRES announcement: state of emergency in additional 15 provinces (via @TAN_Network)
17.30h CEST:
CNN has obtained footage of 'Seh Daeng' shortly after he was shot (warning: graphical content).
16.00h CEST:
CRES has now interrupted all TV channels to announce that no cars are allowed on roads around Rajprasong area including Petchburi, Wireless, Phyathai and Ratchaprarot. Piers from Huachang Bridge to Mitsampan, BTS stations from Ratchadamri, Siam, Chidlom, Ploenchit, MRT stations from Silom to Lumpinee are closed. Mobile signal will be interrupted in 6-hr intervals for May 13 18.00-24.00 in Ratchaprasong area.
15.40h CEST:
From Newley Purnell: "Power cut at Silom corner and all reds behind secondary barrier. Very tense. Yelling and complete darkness."
ThaiPBS has shown the first footage from what happened at the rally some moments ago. I only saw some fireworks being fired into the air. But there was also sounds of gunfire.
'Seh Daeng' is reported to be in ICU, witnesses say his head is wrapped in bandage.
15.20h CEST:
Gen. Khattiya Sawatdiphol, 59, better known as Seh Daeng, was allied with the protesters. He appeared to have taken a single bullet to the head during an interview with The International Herald Tribune.
"Dissident Thai General is Shot; Army Moves to Face Protesters", New York Times, May 13, 2010
15.11h CEST: Nation Channel has now corrected itself and reports that 'Seh Daeng' is NOT dead!
Meanwhile, some reporters on the scene say that the mobile phone connection is off or at least spotty.
Also, Twitter user @Dany_k tweets that the lights have gone off at the Ploen Chit barricade (the east frontline).
15.07h CEST: Nation Channel reports that 'Seh Daeng' has died.
14.50h CEST: Reports coming in that 'Seh Daeng' has been delivered to Hua Chiew Hospital with a head injury.
CRES Botches Up 'Measures' Against Protesters, Govt Scraps Nov 14 Election Date
The short version of Wednesday's events:
Thai army spokesman says postponing measure to cut off supplies to protestersTweet by Reuters Breaking News (@REUTERSFLASH)
Thai Govt withraws election offer. Reds refuse to move, nothing now left to lose. Back to Square 1, Take 100.
Tweet by Aela Callan (@aelacallan), Al Jazeera English
The long version of Wednesday's events:
After the ultimatum given out by the prime minister yesterday to cut off water and electricity in the rally area there was some anticipation on what was going to happen on Wednesday night. Residents living near the rally site were already looking for a place to stay somewhere else. But then nothing happened!
The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) on Wednesday night decided to postpone cutting off water and power supplies to the Ratchaprasong area for fear of causing hardships to residents in the area.
CRES spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnard said authorities has to carefully consider the matter because there are a lot of important installations in the area such as embassies, schools and hospitals.
"CRES postpones cutting off water, power supplies to Ratchaprasong", Bangkok Post, May 12, 2010
Looking at the map of the area (by Richard Barrow) you can see that there are many important building like the British Embassy and the Police General Hospital. And after the Chula Hospital fiasco certainly it would be bad press to have another hospital being disrupted - at least they must have been noticed before and plans for relocation of the patients must have been made already, but none of that happened.
It seemed that this measures would have done more harm to the residents in that area than it does on the protesters.
"Firstly, we are using our own electricity generators, so we are not dependent on the public power source," said one, Jatuporn Prompan. "Secondly, if the government decides to cut water ... this will also affect half of the city. So we do not care about the government's threat."
"Thai gov't to cut water, power to protesters", Associated Press, May 12, 2010
Weren't they thinking of that before? How bad is their intelligence? All in all I seriously ask whose knee-jerk reaction it initially was? Was it Abhisit who made his first own ultimatum to the red shirt leaders and thus caught the army off-guard? Or was it the CRES' idea but did not think that through and actually talked to the public utility companies? Either way, they made themselves look foolish and gave the red shirts a small victory.
Meanwhile, the government made clear again that they are fed up with red shirts answer (or the lack of it) to the 'reconciliation roadmap' by calling off the proposed November 14 election date. While the deal itself is not yet off the table the proposed timeframe of dissolving parliament in September and then to call snap polls for November 14 is now dead. Abhisit has earlier mentioned that he would carry on with his 'roadmap' but then apparently without the consensus of the red shirts.
In other news, the red leaders have denied ongoing persistent rumors of a split in the leadership of the movement as it was reported that one of them, Veera Musikapong, has quit (on his own or not) from the red shirts. Veera has not been seen for several days on stage now, but Dr. Weng Tojirakarn assured that he would be just ill and he'll be back soon.
All in all, it was actually an anticlimactic day thanks to a major screw-up by the government. Nevertheless, we are not back at square one as Ms. Callan tweeted before - both sides have hardened their stances (again) and the red sides have a leadership problem among themselves again. Let's see if the government get their act together and start to put pressure on the red shirts - effectively! But on the other hand...
As today is an auspicious day it is unlikely that there will be an army crackdown in the coming hours.
Tweet by Richard Barrow (@RichardBarrow)
Nevertheless, right now at this moment...
Ratchaprasong rocking out this am in all it's electrified and hydrated glory. Louder music than normal. #redshirts
PM Abhisit Gives Reds Ultimatum to Disperse
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva issued an ultimatum to the red shirts to leave the Rajprasong protest site by today after their failure to honour their commitment to end the protest (...) The government would step up measures to force them to leave the areas and such measures might also affect people who live and do business there, he said. "If they have sincerely accepted the road map for national reconciliation as announced earlier, the protesters should go home by May 12 and we can discuss other matters in detail later," Abhisit told reporters.
"PM to red shirts: Leave today", The Nation, May 12, 2010
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. 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.
"Irked PM says 'rally ends today'", Bangkok Post, May 12, 2010
This decision, the first ultimatum that was directly issued by Abhisit himself, comes after the red shirt leaders have again insisted that deputy prime minister Suthep to report himself to the Police's Crime Suppression Division and not the Department of Special Investigation (same claim as Monday).
The red shirts have driven themselves into a dead-end after stubbornly leaving everybody waiting, hardly agreeing themselves on what to do with the PM's roadmap offer (and also showing an internal conflict among the leaders) and in the end to break down because Suthep has to report himself to one law enforcement agency and not the other one...!
We have to wait for today's events if this new battle of attrition will take long for the protesters to leave and the leaders to give in. A violent crackdown is unlikely at this moment, but don't tell that to the hardliners and stranger things have already happened.
Further reading:
- Bangkok Pundit: Odds and ends from Thailand
- Absolutely Bangkok: A real ultimatum, really?
- New York Times: Thai Protesters Refuse to Disband, Putting Deal in Peril
Rogue General 'Seh Daeng' Sets His Own Red Agenda
Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol alias 'Seh Daeng' (Picture ©RN/BKLINK.BLOGSPOT)
In the aftermath of the most recent outbreaks of violence last Friday that killed two policemen, prime minister Abhisit has specifically named Maj. Gen. Khattiya Sawasdipol as "a mastermind against the reconciliation road map" and a "chief terrorist" who "he did not want the protests to end". Additionally, he is threatened to be stripped of his army rank and being dismissed.
Who is he? Maj. Gen. Khattiya, also known as 'Seh Daeng', is one of the notorious hardliners in the red shirt movement but also regarded by many as a folk hero. According to his Wikipedia page, he was involved in undercover operations during the Vietnam war, later in Laos and also in Indonesia. Based on these events, he has written several bestseller novels which explains his broad popularity.
During the 2008 siege of Government House by the yellow shirted PAD, Khattiya was a supporter of the pro-Thaksin governments of Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat and led a black-claded militia group to counter the PAD guards. Already back then he showed his eccentric side and revealed to Straits Times reporter Nirmal Ghosh that one of the tactic to defeat the yellow shirts is to "drop snakes on them from helicopters."
During the change of power 'Seh Daeng' has been demoted to an aerobics instructor. Almost a year later, after becoming more involved in the red movement, he was suspended by the defense minister for an unauthorized trip to Cambodia in order to meet Thaksin. There also have been pictures of his visit to Thaksin in Dubai circulating around in Thai web boards and email forwards (also see this meeting of red hardliners with Thaksin in February 2010).
When the suspension was carried out by army chief General Anupong Paochinda in January 2010, his office at the army headquarters was bombed by M79 grenades and Khattiya was the main suspect. No one was hurt during this attack.
During the first week of the red march on Bangkok (man, is it that long ago already?), particularly after the symbolic blood spilling, Khattiya has fallen out with the red shirt leaders, ridiculing them for their lackluster leadership back then. However, 'Seh Daeng' reappeared during the dumb-ass ill-advised Chula Hospital fiasco and he gave the order to rebuild the barricade in front of the hospital, much to the displeasure of the red shirt leaders. Also, as pointed out in a recent profile on him in the Asia Times, he claims that so called 'Ronin warriors' have been fighting during the April 10 clashes and also killed soldiers, but at the same time denies any involvement.
As mentioned above, he had officially cut ties with the current red leaders and has called for the hardliners Arisaman Pongruengrong, Suporn Atthawong and Kwanchai Praiphana to take the helm. Last Monday he claimed to have received direct orders from Thaksin that the red leaders have been replaced by these aforementioned men - a claim that was quickly denied, saying that even Thaksin can not change the leaders. Some might question the public split between the red leaders and 'Seh Daeng', mirroring a Thai saying "แยกกันเดิน รวมกันตี" (walking different routes, striking together). But his announcement of the change of the red leaders can hardly been an unintentional mistake on 'Seh Daeng's' part, since he claimed his favorite candidates of some months before were supposed to be the new ones in charge.
He is now the unpredictable element of the red movement, since he pretty much has his own agenda to keep the protests going and is not afraid to turn onto his allies. And even if he denies any involvement in any of the violent clashes or any of the few dozens grenade attacks, with his defiant and aggressive stance he remains a controversial figure to say the least. His intentions are clear: to topple the current government and get redemption for his fall from grace two years ago. The fact that Khattiya is still running around the red zone and apparently is still able to command a group of loyal people shows that no one, neither the government, the army or the red leaders themselves would get rid of him easily. The question is: what makes him untouchable?
Further reading:
- Nirmal Ghosh (The Straits Times): Nobody messes with Seh Daeng (a profile from 2008)
- France 24: The Red Shirt revolutionary spirit (w/ video)
- Wall Street Journal: Video: Seh Daeng's Fortified Protest Area
- Asia Times: On guard at Bangkok's frontlines
- Bangkok Post: 'Guilty' Seh Daeng faces dismissal, stripping of rank (how the army wants to throw him out)
Shameless Self-Plug: Thailand-Based Journalists Talk Social Media
Jon Russell, a Bangkok-based freelance journalist and a blogger on social media in Thailand, has written about the influence of social media on journalism in Thailand and has asked a few journalists for their opinions. Yours truly was picked alongside an all-star panel of real (read: paid) Bangkok journalists consisting of Newley Purnell, Andrew Marshall, Thanyarat Doksone, Richard Barrow, Patrick Winn and Karla Cripps.
P.S.: Also, the lack of Thai journalists (apart from Thanyarat and me) is kinda telling...
Red Shirts Still Not Quite Ready To Disperse Yet...
One week after prime minister Abhisit has offered his roadmap to reconciliation and days of back-door discussions, counter-demands and also opposition by the yellow shirts, the red shirt leaders have concluded their discussions amongst themselves and went on stage to say that they accept the November 14 election date, but have set up their own five-point plan, without outlining them all but they have announced a few key points like...
The red-shirts accepted PM Abhisit Vejjajiva's offer of 14 November polls but said they would not go home until the deputy PM surrendered to police. They say Suthep Thaungsuban must answer for the deaths of protesters in a 10 April clash.Mr Abhisit had given the red-shirts a Monday deadline to respond to his plan. (...)
At a news conference, the red-shirts said they broadly accepted the timeframe laid down in the road-map. But they said that they wanted to ensure there were no double standards in the repercussions before agreeing to close down their protests.
They said many of their members had been accused of terrorism or been subject to arrest warrants, so Mr Abhisit and Mr Suthep should be subject to the same scrutiny. Mr Abhisit has parliamentary immunity but Mr Suthep should surrender to police to face accusations of murder, they said.
Mr Suthep was in charge of security operations on 10 April, when 25 people were killed in a failed attempt to disperse protesters. His role was subsequently given to army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda.
"If Suthep refuses to surrender himself to police, we refuse to end the rally," red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikua told reporters. "If Suthep surrenders to police, then we will go home."
A government spokesman says the deputy prime minister will meet the head of special investigations on Tuesday to hear the accusations levelled against him.
But the BBC's South East Asia correspondent, Rachel Harvey, says it is not clear whether or not this is in response to the protesters' demands or part of a complex deal that has been rumoured to be in the offing for days.
"Thailand red-shirts set out new conditions", BBC News, May 10, 2010
Fact is, Suthep will go and meet the head of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and probably not 'surrender' himself to them as The Nation calls it. There is doubt if this will be enough for the red shirts to see this condition fulfilled, but later that evening it was clear that it was not.
เมื่อ เวลา 22.00 น. (...) นายจตุพร พรหมพันธุ์ แกนนำ นปช. ปราศรัยว่า กรณีนายสุเทพจะไปพบอธิบดีดีเอสไอวันที่ 11 พฤษภาคม ถือเป็นการหลอกต้มคนเสื้อแดงทั่วประเทศ เนื่องจากคดีสั่งฆ่าประชาชนนั้น ยังไม่มีการรับเป็นคดีพิเศษ การไปของนายสุเทพจึงเป็นการไปนั่งกินกาแฟกับนายธาริตมากกว่า นายสุเทพต้องไปมอบตัวต่อตำรวจกองปราบปรามสถานเดียว
At 10 PM (...) red shirt leader Jatuporn Phromphan said on stage that "[if] Suthep will meet the director of the DSI on May 11th, it will be a lie to all red shirts in the country," since the case of the order to kill citizens [on April 10th] has not been made to a special case yet. "This meeting between Suthep and Tharit will probably be just a coffee party. Suthep has to hand himself to the Police's Crime Suppression Division."
"นปช.ยึกยักเลิกชุมนุม ลั่น"เทพเทือก"ต้องมอบตัวตร.สถานเดียว จวกไปดีเอสไอหลอกลวงแดงทั้งแผ่นดิน", Matichon, May 10, 2010
Just to give some context, the Department of Special Investigation is a branch of the Ministry of Justice, whereas the Crime Suppression Division is a branch of the Crime Investigation Bureau of the Royal Thai Police. Whether the DSI's investigation will lead to anywhere even close to an indictment is to be doubted. The problem is also that the DSI has more or less taken over the case against the PM and Suthep and has additionally accepted a formal complaint from a Puea Thai Party spokesperson, who represents some relatives of the victims killed during the April 10 clashes. Thus, the red shirts leaders are more or less demanding the case against Suthep to be handed back to the police's Crime Suppression Division.
One other central demand of the red leaders is that the government should put their TV channel PTV back on air, after it has been yanked off the air several times.
One of the five points in Abhisit's road map is media reform. The red shirts have agreed to join the scheme but demand the same treatment as rival ASTV, the main mouthpiece for the rival yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). "It's good to have an independent body that takes care of media content, in order to prevent provocations and champion reconciliation," Natthawut said. "PTV is prepared to follow the body's instructions if ASTV does."
"Ball back in reds' court", The Nation, May 11, 2010
Prior to the announcement there were rumors spread by Khattiya Sawasdipol, a pro-red Major General widely known as 'Seh Daeng' (more on him in a future blog post), that the red shirt leaders have been sacked by former prime minister and alleged puppet master of the red shirts Thaksin Shinawatra and replaced by new ones. But this was, of course, denied very quickly.
UPDATED Violent Attack On The Streets of Silom, Two Policemen Killed
One policeman was shot dead on Silom Road on Friday night and less than 3 hours later another violent bomb attack wound 4 policemen just in front of Lumpini Park on Rama IV Road. The first attack ocurred on Friday night at 10.45pm just in front of Krung Thai Bank near Soi Saladaeng. A man on a bike fired bullets and hit 3 policemen and 2 passerbys. Pol.Cpl. Kannupan Lertchanpen who was shot in the stomach is dead.
Less than 3 hours later at 1.30am, there was an explosion near Gate 4 of Lumpini Park. Police spokesperson Pol Lt Gen Ponsatat Pongcharoen said that initially the police believed the grenades were M79 and the two attacks must be done by te same group of people who want to unstablize the situation.
"Violent attacks on Silom -one policeman dead", The Nation, May 8, 2010
As this is still a developing story, nothing can be said on the consequences of the attacks last night. It certainly does not help to resolve the state of emergency soon and the fact that yet again a M79 grenade launcher was used again raises question what this group of terrorists are trying to achieve apart from chaos. How all fractions will react will be something to watch for today.
UPDATE (9.00h CEST)
"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.
"2 policemen killed, 12 wounded in attacks near rally site", Bangkok Post, May 8, 2010
A witness, Decha Phoonpanang, said either a small explosive or gunshots whizzed past him, shattering the glass storefront of a bank and hitting two policemen - one in the stomach - and a man in the leg.
Slightly more than two hours later, about three explosions could be heard in an adjacent street that fronts a park, with police officers saying they believed them to be grenades.
The official Erawan Emergency Center on Saturday said two policemen were killed in the two incidents. Most of those wounded were believed to be police.
Red Shirt leaders denied involvement in the attacks.
"New Thai violence kills 2, mars compromise moves", Associated Press, May 8, 2010
But a fellow twitterer who was at the scene says this:
been on scene 90 mins. nobody mentioned a motorcycle.
Tweet by @nkoleszar
Nothing Clear On The 'Roadmap to Reconciliation' Yet, Reds Still To Stay
After a day of relative political silence due to coronation day and thus a public holiday on Wednesday, the battle of words broke out again on Thursday as the red shirts as well as the PAD (the yellow shirts) have voiced their doubts or rejection of Abhisit's 'roadmap to reconciliation' offer. Whilethe prime minister was able to get support by his own Democrat Party and also the coalition partners, even the opposition Puea Thai Party, this week, the biggest opponent of the 'roadmap' were of all groups were those that have paved his way to power in the first place. In a press conference, the so-called People's Alliance for Democracy (the yellow shirts) have heavily condemned Abhisit for giving the red shirts "a shameful deal which will spawn the growth of terrorist and anti-monarchy activities nationwide," and he should either stop it or else resign. Even a meeting between Abhisit and PAD representatives hours after these statements has not resolved any doubt.
Prime Minister Abhisit promised the PAD not to grant amnesty to any persons or join hands with the opposition Pheu Thai Party to form a new government after an election, said PAD spokesman Panthep Puapongpan.
The PAD has its own New Politics Party (NPP) but Panthep said they did not discuss party matters with the prime minister (...)
Abhisit explained he would not dissolve Parliament for a new election (...) [and] would not amend the constitution for the benefit of politicians or his own Democrat Party, Panthep said.
Both sides did not reach common ground yesterday because they did not negotiate adjusting their stance but just simply exchanged views, said PAD leader Pipop Thongchai.
(...) Abhisit said after the meeting he needed to clear the way with all concerned parties on the implementation of the road map. He would meet Dr Tul Sittisomwong, leader of multicoloured group today, to exchange views as the group remained in disagreement with the plan to dissolve the Parliament.
"Roadmap still in balance", The Nation, May 7, 2010
As if they were still not impressed, the PAD emphasized again after the meeting with Abhisit that "snap poll might cause a vacuum of power, causing the civil servants to neglect to prosecute the terrorist suspects and the anti-monarchists" and that the time frame until November is an "insufficient time to restore normalcy ahead of the fresh election." (Source) And as if they did not make themselves clear enough, the PAD has called for martial law to be invoked, so that the army can 'finally' clean up.
Meanwhile in the red camp, the leaders of the UDD are still waiting for more concessions from the government, or "more sincerity" in their words, despite a qualified nod to the 'roadmap'. The main point is when the red shirt protesters are (finally) packing their bags and are going home. The Democrats and Abhisit insist that the reds do that before anything happens, but on Thursday red leader Nattawut was still in a defiant mood.
Red Shirt Co-leader Nuttawut Saikua said Thursday the red shirts would still continue their occupation at the Rajprasong intersection unless Prime Minister Abisit Vejjajiva comes up with a final solution from all parties about the reconciliation. (...)
"Now that the PAD wants to the Prime Minister to step down from his post, we are confused as they have the agenda like ours. So PM should clear with the PAD first and also seek approvals from the coalition parties about the reconciliation first. When all matters are cleared, PM can bring the final solution to us. As for now, we will continue to stay here,'' said Nuttawut.
"Red shirts will continue to rally: Nuttawut", The Nation, May 6, 2010
On Friday things looked a bit different as there was another meeting of the red leaders. One of the them, Kwanchai Praipana, jumped the gun and hinted that Monday would be the last day of the protests. However...
The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship on Friday reaffirmed its intention to join Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's road map for reconciliation but stopped short of saying when to end the rally.
Speaking after more than two hours of meeting of core members, Nathawut Saikua said the UDD was firm on its intention to take part in a reconciliation plan initiated either by the government or any other organisations which adhere to seeking a peaceful resolution to the political conflict. However, he said the meeting had not reached a decision when to end the rally, which started from Mar 12.
UDD leaders would on Saturday hold another meeting to mete out its conditions for further talks with the government. The UDD would consider when to end the rally if the government responded positively to the conditions yet to be made and ensure safety for the protesters, Mr Nathawut said. He called for the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) to stop intimidating the protesters.
"UDD says it will join reconciliation road map", Bangkok Post, May 7, 2010
Natthawut said the red shirts would today [Saturday] propose to the government their own version of the road map. One of the conditions is the government lift the emergency law. "If the government agrees, the protest will be over, and we'll walk together [towards reconciliation]," Natthawut said yesterday. Responding to the red-shirt condition, Prime Minister Abhisit said he would not end enforcement of the emergency law until the situation eased and the red-shirt protest was over.
"Road map gets red boost", The Nation, May 8, 2010
One of the other key points of the statement Friday evening is the emphasis that they do not seek amnesty from terrorist and lèse majesté charges. The Department of Special Investigation is on the case and have already charged nine of the red shirt leaders.
If they turn themselves in on May 15 as promised, all nine leaders of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship will be immediately charged with terrorism and other crimes, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) said yesterday. Director general Tharit Phengdit said the nine leaders could be released temporarily on bail or face "confidential measures" prepared by the DSI if they failed to surrender on the date earmarked.
The DAAD [or UDD] leaders' alleged crimes are divided into four categories: terrorism, intimidating officials, assaulting state officials and the public, as well as possessing war weapons. The DSI is only relying on the arrest warrants issued under the Emergency Decree, he added. (...)
"Their charges will only be revoked if they are given lawful amnesty as agreed upon by the government and the Parliament," Tharit said. "The amnesty must stipulate specifically what crimes they will be pardoned for and which crimes would need to be further processed."
Tharit said he was leading a separate DSI investigation into anti-monarchy issues and the probe would begin next week.
"DSI waiting for red-shirt leaders to surrender", The Nation, May 7, 2010
And that is, unusual for Thai crime fighting authorities, the last statement of the DSI we are going to hear from them on this case for some time.