Demonstrationer i Bkk lördag den 13 mars

[Rosarin]

Här är dagens första inlägg från Thaivisa, klockan är nu 09.23 Thailändsk tid.

MARCH 14 MASS RALLY
Surging to Bangkok
By The Nation

BANGKOK: — Thousands of red shirts are heading for Bangkok from several provinces to take part in tomorrow’s mass rally.

Some have been making merit and praying for victory, while others are bringing stocks of food and clothes to be able to camp out for several days.

The reinforcement of protesters from upcountry will play a crucial role for the red-shirt movement, given that the turnout at six Bangkok-based rally sites was rather low yesterday.

Despite the red-shirt leaders’ promise to mobilise up to a million people, less than 10,000 protesters showed up at the sites.

Many sources say the number of protesters from the provinces will not be huge. In fact, one of them said the number being mobilised from the Northeast was 30 per cent lower than expected.

“Many locals have backtracked because they were being paid less.

Initially, they were each promised Bt2,000 plus free petrol, but when they were ready to head for Bangkok, they were told that they would only get Bt1,500 and would have to pay for the petrol themselves,” a source said.

Yet, red-shirts were busy across the country yesterday, with several Pheu Thai MPs seen facilitating the protesters’ trip to Bangkok.

In Si Sa Ket, Pheu Thai MP Thanet Kruarat reportedly allowed the red shirts to fill up their vehicles for free at his petrol station. Each of these vehicles was emblazoned with a sticker that proclaimed: “We Will Reclaim Democracy”.

“We will rally peacefully,” Si Sa Ket red-shirt leader Dr Sawai Sodsai said, adding that his province alone would provide at least 3,000 demonstrators.

So far, more than 1,000 protesters each from Maha Sarakham and Ubon Ratchathani have shown up, along with more than 3,000 from Khon Kaen. In the North, hundreds of vehicles were filled up yesterday, which took them as far as Nakhon Sawan last night.

Leaders insisted that the number of protesters would swell to more than 100,000 by the time they leave for the capital today.

Supporters from the South, which is considered a Democrat stronghold, included 200 people from Krabi and 100 from Phatthalung.

“We will fight with the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship until the end to help Thaksin Shinawatra return as prime minister. But if the DAAD retreats, we will do so as well,” Sukij Singto said in his capacity as leader of the Krabi 53 Group.

He added that his group would cover travel expenses for the protesters before it is reimbursed in Bangkok.

Meanwhile, the red shirts booed Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban when he showed up in Ayutthaya’s Wang Noi district to inspect the police checkpoint.

Authorities have put up numerous police checkpoints between Bangkok and seven other provinces.

— The Nation 2010-03-13

Updates:

TAN Network: Thaksin S. tweets to urge red-shirt protesters to join protest in Bangkok while he will travel to join his children in Europe.

TAN Network: Red-shirt supporters from N and NE make way to Bkk, rally stage set up at Phan Fah Bridge, checkpoints set up at at-risk spots

TAN Network: Dusit Poll:42.39% pleas for peace, 35.11% unsure govt can handle red-rally.

Nation: Thaksin denies he was expelled from Dubai

Källa:
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-shirt-Rally-Live-Upda-t346948.html

[Rosarin]

Security hightened at rally site

BANGKOK (NNT) — Police and military personnel have been strictly safeguarding Ratchadamnoen Road and Siriraj hospital area against potential violence during mass rallies of an anti-government group.

Starting today, Ratchadamnoen, the major protesting point for the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), will be sealed off.

A stage and tents have been set up along the road by the demonstrators. No irregularities have been reported.

The Siriraj Hospital, where HM the King is hospitalized, is under strict surveillance and protection. Navy officers are taking care of security in the area.

Red-shirt Protesters from North and NE Begin to Make Way to Phan Fah Bridge

Since this morning a number of red-shirt supporters from nothern and northeastern provinces have begun to make their way to Phan Fah Bridge, a meeting point of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) protesters.

Checkpoints have been set up along at risk areas; heavy security presence by both police and military officials.

[Rosarin]

Security readied as Thaksin protesters head to capital

by Claire Truscott

BANGKOK (AFP) — Thailand’s security forces braced for possible violence Saturday as tens of thousands of protesters loyal to deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra headed to Bangkok for a mass anti-government rally.

A 50,000-strong security force, including soldiers, patrolled the streets and manned checkpoints into the city, in an effort to ward off demonstrators intent on inciting trouble in their bid to topple the government.

Organisers insist the protests will be peaceful, but the government has enacted the strict Internal Security Act to monitor the rally, allowing authorities to set up military checkpoints, impose curfews and limit movements.

“We are watching out for possible incidents. We don’t want to exaggerate but small numbers of people may try to cause incidents… like throwing hand grenades,” government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn told AFP.

Wearing trademark red shirts, around 6,500 protesters attended early demonstrations on Friday that passed without incident, Panitan said, while thousands in the rural north set off for Bangkok for the main event on Sunday.

Red Shirt organisers set up a rally stage near government ministry buildings on Saturday, but the bulk of protesters were expected to arrive during the evening, with the protest officially beginning at midday on Sunday.

The government predicts 100,000 supporters of Thaksin will turn up for the rally, but the Red Shirts say the figure will be nearer 600,000.

The protests come two weeks after Thailand’s top court confiscated 1.4 billion dollars of Thaksin’s assets, and are the latest chapter in a political crisis that has beset Thailand since Thaksin was toppled in a 2006 coup.

Thaksin, who has been living mostly in Dubai to escape a two-year jail term for corruption at home, has been egging on his supporters using text messages and his Twitter page.

“Thank you for your dedication…. I want to give my support to the people in the north,” he told his followers on Twitter Saturday, before announcing that he was about to fly from Dubai to Europe to see his two daughters.

Exact numbers of people travelling from the north were not yet available, officials said, but police said at least 14,000 protesters departed Thaksin’s home city Chiang Mai while the Reds said 10,000 had left northeast Udon Thani.

The protest is set to be the biggest since the Red Shirts rioted in Bangkok in April, leaving two dead and scores injured.

The Red Shirts mainly represent Thailand’s rural poor, who benefited from Thaksin’s populist policies and say the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is elitist, military-backed and has ignored their democratic rights.

The Red Shirts want Abhisit to stand down and call new elections, but he has rejected their call and cancelled a weekend trip to Australia because of the rally.

Thaksin, meanwhile, is loathed by the rival “Yellow Shirts” backed by Bangkok’s establishment, who accuse him of corruption and of insufficient loyalty to the revered royal family.

Thirty-five countries have issued travel warnings for Thailand because of the protests, according to the country’s tourism authority.

Analysts say the number of Red Shirts who actually turn up will be key to deciding whether they have any chance of pushing out the government before Thailand’s next elections, due in December 2011.

— (c)Copyright AFP 2010-03-13
Published with written approval from AFP.

[Issara]

@Rosarin wrote:

Här är dagens första inlägg från Thaivisa, klockan är nu 09.23 Thailändsk tid.

MARCH 14 MASS RALLY
Surging to Bangkok
By The Nation

“Many locals have backtracked because they were being paid less.

Initially, they were each promised Bt2,000 plus free petrol, but when they were ready to head for Bangkok, they were told that they would only get Bt1,500 and would have to pay for the petrol themselves,” a source said.

Det visar ju tydligt hur intresserade de är av politik, undra hur många som hade kommit om de inte fick några pengar alls?
Jag läste för något år sedan att 80% av befolkningen inte bryr sig alls om den politiska situationen utan är bara uttråkad av de få som bråkar. Kanske ligger något i det.

[Rosarin]

MCOT:
PM affirms situation remains normal; Red Shirt protesters erecting stage at Phan Fah Bridge, their main rally venue.

TV: Public buses from Pattaya today were not subject to any searches and the two check points seen between Pattaya and Ekami were simply waving vehicles through with a cursory glance. At Ekami bus station three veey bored soldiers were killing time watching television.

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Red shirts block Rajdamnone

BANGKOK: — Red-shirt protesters blocked the Rajdamnone Klang Road from Jor Por Ro Intersection to Pan Fah Intersection to set up rally ground Saturday morning.

They put up sound system and huge projects to broadcast activities from the main stage to several spots along the road.

Organizers also put up tents along the road to provide foods and drinks to the protesters.

Many demonstrators from provinces have arrived at the rally ground.

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Some 1,000 red shirts from Ayutthaya move past Wang Noi checkpoint

Some 1,000 red-shirt protesters from Ayutthaya’s Wang Noi district moved past the Wang Noi security checkpoint at 10:30 am.

Police and soldiers at the checkpoint check each vehicle of the protester before letting the protesters pass through.
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PM, Suthep attends peacekeeping meeting

BANGKOK: — Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his deputy, Suthep Thaugsuban, attended a meeting at the Peacekeeping Centre at the 11th Infantry Regiment Saturday meeting.

The meeting was held at 9 am.

Those attending the meeting included Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, PM’s Secretary-General Korbsak Sabhavasu, Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda, Deputy Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, and Army Chief-of-Staff Gen Phirun Paewpolsong as well as First Army Area Commander Lt Gen Khanit Saphitak,

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FLASH NEWS: Peace Keeping Committee Warns of Police/Military Impersonators

The National Peace Keeping Center has issued a warning that there could be police and military impersonators trying to instigate vilolence or unrest.

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Bangkok Post: Bangkok red shirts shut down roads, set up stage. PM: Situation normal amid rallies.

TAN Network: Police in Wang Noi confiscate 100 fake M79 grenade launchers from a nearby business

Nation: Photos of reds heading to Bkk. http://bit.ly/bl3lu6

Bangkok Post: West and South red-shirts on the way

MCOT: Security beefed up at Siriraj Hospital; Protesters gather in central Bangkok

Nation: According to numbers compiled by manager website, the biggest gathering point in Nakhon Sawan failed to reach the 100,000 people target..

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PM calls meeting with CAPO on protests

BANGKOK (NNT) — Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will attend a meeting with the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) today to discuss protests by the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD). Reinforcements are likely in the capital Bangkok.

The purpose of the meeting today is to round up the center’s performance and evaluate the situation of the UDD, said Acting Government Spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn. More demonstrators are expected to show up today.

Acting to the acting spokesman, the government will deploy more police officers to facilitate traffic and prevent third parties or illegal residents from travelling to the city.

Mr Panithan said security officers would have to be very careful especially at night. Cooperation with residents in the rally areas is needed for efficient security operations.

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UDD approaching capital city

BANGKOK (NNT) — The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors from other provinces are converging on Bangkok for a mass demonstration scheduled for tomorrow in the city.

The UDD supporters have reportedly passed Wang Noi in the central province of Ayutthaya, heading to the capital to gather at Phan Fa Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Road. They are expected to reach the city before 12.00 hrs.

In Nakhon Sawan this morning, a UDD group has released more than one thousand of vehicles from a sports field in the province to travel to Ang Thong. Those from the northeast have gradually traveled to the city by bus and pickup truck.

Strict vehicle inspections are conducted by police and army officers operating at the Wang Noi checkpoint which is the last security checkpoint leading to Bangkok.

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Security beefed up at Siriraj Hospital; Protesters gather in central Bangkok

BANGKOK (TNA) — The Thai navy has stepped up security around Siriraj Hospital where His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is being treated while anti-government protesters gather in central Bangkok awaiting their colleagues from upcountry to join them in a planned mass rally scheduled for Sunday aiming to topple the coalition government.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of national security, early Saturday visited Royal Thai Navy headquarters and was briefed on security measures provided by the navy around the hospital.

The world’s longest-reigning monarch was admitted to Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital September 19 with a lung infection and fever. His condition has improved steadily since then.

Navy Commander-in-Chief Adm Khamthorn Pumhiran later told journalists that the navy had coordinated with the Marine Department which allowed ferry and boat taxis to use only five piers along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River to pickup passengers.

The order is issued to provide safety to the hospital which is situated on the riverside.

Meanwhile, supporters of an anti-government Red Shirt movement of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) began gathering at Sanam Luang and at Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue for the second day Saturday awaiting protesters arriving from the north and northeast to join them in the mass demonstration in the capital Sunday.

The planned massive demonstration is aimed at ousting the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and calling for a fresh election.

Fugitive, ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra late Friday telephoned from an undisclosed destination and talked to UDD supporters while they rallied at a stadium in the central province of Nakhon Sawan. They were due to leave for Bangkok early Saturday.

He wrote in his social network website Twitter denied news reports that he was evicted from Dubai. He said he still is staying there and will travel to a European country to meet his two daughters who have finished their study trip. (TNA)

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[Rosarin]

NATION: According to numbers compiled by manager website, the biggest gathering point in Nakhon Sawan failed to reach the 100,000 people target.
NATION: There were about 1,500 vehicles at the Nakhon Sawan gathering point before they moved to Bkk.
NATION: Not sure if use of pick-ups is good idea. Impressive on TV moving along highway,but it slows things down&not effective transporting masses
NATION: Abhisit and Suthep sounded v compromising on TV. U can criticize them for many things, but they are no Samak Sundaravej. (RIP Samak)
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Police Confiscate 100 Fake M79 Grenade Launchers in Wang Noi

Police officers in the Wang Noi area have raided a local business and have confiscated 100 fake M79 grenade launchers. It is still unknown why the business owners had the fake launchers in their possession.

M79 grenade launchers have been widely used in Thailand’s political conflict in the past. The most recent attacks were made on the Army headquarters and the Government House. Police have been unable to apprehend the perpetrators.

–TAN
2010-03-13

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Suthep vows to break up rally if protesters block roads, intrude government offices

BANGKOK: — Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban Saturday vowed to break up the rally if protesters stage road blockage or intrude into government offices.

Suthep said there would be no problem if the protesters respect the laws.

“But if they violate the laws, such as blocking roads and intruding into government offices, we will have to disperse the protesters,” Suthep said.

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NATION: Thaksin said he is visiting his daughters
Bangkok Post: Foreign Ministry: Thaksin asked to leave Dubai
NATION: Quote of the day from matichon board “Pha pa (religious donation) money?
Who say Isaan folks are poor? They all donate in Bt1,000 notes”
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Bangkok Post: According to Thai FM, UAE officials have confirmed that Thaksin has been asked to leave Dubai for having used the country as political base

MCOT: Red Shirt protesters from Northern and Northern provinces break through Angthong checkpoint, lost patience cueing for police search

MCOT: UDD opening main stage at 3pm, will demand dissolution of parliament; if government does not act it will block all road in Bangkok: Weng

MCOT: Authorities search company in Wang Noi, find 100 steel tubes for making homemade weapons; investigation continues
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TAN Network: DAAD leader Jatuporn Phrompan insists everything will end in 4 days; tomorrow’s the BIG DAY;claims Newin’s aide is stocking weapons

TAN_Network: INN: Police are interrogating owner of business where they found M79 grenade launchers;owner claims was paid 2,000 baht
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[johanthai]

MR.taxi var smart när han tog makten bra lånevilkår till bönderna räckte mycket långt bönderna glömmer inte detta de skiter i politiken för övrikt de har ju svårt att läsa bryr sig bara om priset på bla.RIS,därför är ju massan lätt att övertala med små medel eller :

[Rosarin]

Red shirts from NE reach Pan Fah Bridge

Thousands of red-shirt protesters from northeastern provinces reached the main rally ground at the Pan Fah Bridge at 1:30 pm.

They drove to the area on the Larn Luang road and they vehicles were parked at Sanam Luang.

The arrival of so many vehicles cause heavy traffic congestions on Larn Luang Road and other roads around Sanam Luang.

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Nation: Our latest checks: Thaksin was confirmed to be in Cambodia , where Somchai Wongsawat may already join him. As to whether he’s been kicked out of Dubai, Foreign Ministry confirms he ‘s been “asked nicely” to leave.

Bangkok Post: BPbreakingnews Grenade launchers seized in Ayutthaya

The Nation: TV footage shows red shirt front lines in Bangkok. Rajdamnoen Avenue is starting to look red.

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Red Shirt protesters set up platform, tents along rally venue

BANGKOK (TNA) — Anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) from upcountry have gradually arrived in the Thai capital while demonstrators have also set up a huge platform at Phan Fah bridge, a main protesting venue and tents were placed along Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

Officials manning checkpoints at Wang Noi district in Ayutthaya north of Bangkok on Friday asked the protesters to park their cars and use vehicles provided by the government instead in traveling to Bangkok and join the rally to avoid traffic problem, but the protesters refused and security officials eventually allowed them to travel to the capital in order to avoid confrontation.

The Asian Highway from the northern provinces was jammed with heavy traffic for over 10 kilometres particularly around Nakhon Sawan as there was a constant flow of vehicles carrying protesters to Bangkok.

UDD Red Shirts from upcountry began arriving in Bangkok and joined other demonstrators for a mass protest Sunday aimed at forcing the dissolution of parliament.

They have erected a large platform and tents along both sides of Ratchadamnoen Avenue. Not yet closed for traffic, the avenue will automatically be closed once the number of protesters increases, police said. (TNA)

— TNA 2010-03-13
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NATION: As to whether he’s been kicked out of Dubai, Foreign Ministry confirms he ‘s been “asked nicely” to leave.
Bangkokpundit: ThaiPBS: red shirt leader Jatuporn states the leaders won’t speak today neither will Thaksin phone-in. Waiting till tomorrow
NATION: TV footage shows red shirt front lines in Bangkok. Rajdamnoen Avenue is starting to look red.
NATION: Dusit district’s Sri Ayutthata and Wat Benjamabopit intersection closed
Bangkok Post: UDD: Govt must dissolve House. Govt: UDD vehicles can enter Bangkok

[Nille]

Tack för detta Rosarin. Du får gärna klämma in en personlig kommentar också om du har tid.

[Rosarin]

javisst kan jag göra det. 🙂

Kan berätta att vi inte har sett något av de röda varken idag eller igår.
Det känns overkligt på något vis att allt detta som skrivs och visas på tv, pågår i samma stad som vi befinner oss i.
Natten mellan torsdag och fredag märkte vi att det var lite mindre trafik på gatan utanför vårt hus.
Det var färre tankbilar som körde förbi och på fredag morgon och förmiddag var det stundtals nästan biltomt.
Vi bor inte mitt i smeten, men inte långt ifrån heller. Vi bor i On nut.
Men bortsett ifrån det så är allt som vanligt.

Vi har iofs inte varit nere i stan sedan torsdag så vi vet ju inte hur det är där.

[Rosarin]

Jatuporn Ups Ante; Claims “War” Will End in 4 Days

DAAD leader Jatuporn Phrompan insists everything will end in 4 days.
He goes onto say that tomorrow will be the BIG DAY. Jatuporn claims he has obtained information that one of Newin’s aides is stocking weapons.

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Panich says UAE told Thaksin to leave

BANGKOK: — Vice Foreign Minister Panich Vikitsreth insisted Saturday that the United Arab Emirates told former prime minister Thaksin Shinawtra to leave the kingdom.

Panich said he has been informed by hing-level UAE officials that Thaksin was told to leave UAE because he had been using the country as a staging point for his political moves in defiance with his agreement with the UAE government.

Panich said it was not certain where Thaksin was heading to after leaving UAE.

— The Nation 2010-03-13

[Rosarin]

Metropolitan Police Increase Security to Highest Level

Metropolitan police have announced that its security measures have been increased to its highest level as red shirt supporters arrive in the capital.

Mobile emergency units have been instructed to be on stand by 24 hours a day.

As of today, authorities expect the number of red shirt protesters to at around 70,000.

— Tan Network 2010-03-13

[Rosarin]

UDD protesters demand dissolution of House by Monday; House Speaker calls urgent meeting

BANGKOK (TNA) – Anti-government protesters now gathering on Bangkok’s Ratchadamnoen Avenue are demanding that the coalition government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve the House by Monday and that they will seize the capital if refused.

In another development, House Speaker Chai Chidchob has called for an urgent meeting of the House members next Tuesday to find ways in breaking the current political stalemate in which more than 30 countries have advised their citizens to avoid visiting Thailand.

Weng Tochirakarn, a leader of the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), said the protesters intend to proceed with their planned massive rally Sunday to call for the government to dissolve parliament.

He said if the government refuses to budge, the protesters would “seize every corner of Bangkok after March 15.”

UDD leading protesters will take turn in delivering speeches on their platform at Phan Fah bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue starting from 3pm Saturday, said Mr Weng.

Meanwhile, Jatuporn Prompan, another UDD leader, said from Sunday noon, UDD leaders will be on stage at Phan Fah bridge to announce its deadline for the government to dissolve parliament or resign.

If the deadline passes without action by the government, then the Red Shirts will carry their protest to important locations around Bangkok.

Mr Jatuporn, also an MP of the opposition Puea Thai Party, said he beilieved the protest would not be prolonged, estimating that it would take perhaps a minimum four days or a maximum seven days to get what it demanded.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, responsible for national security and also director of the Peacekeeping Operations Centre, said there would be no Cabinet meeting Tuesday as House Speaker Chai has called for an urgent meeting of the House to find ways to break the political deadlock.

Reiterating that the government would facilitate protesters in holding the demonstration provided that it is peaceful, Mr Suthep said an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 UDD supporters are expected to join the rally in Bangkok.

Meanwhile, Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman of the Peacekeeping Operations Centre, told a press conference that security officials now allowed the protesters to park their vehicles in areas designated by the Centre in order avoid confrontations between officials and demonstrators.

Col Sansern said police early Saturday searched a factory producing car spare parts in Wang Noi district of Ayutthaya province, near Bangkok, and seized about 100 pieces of steel tube which could be used as substitution for M79 grenade launcher.

Some reports said the metal pieces could possibly be parts of material for M79 launchers.

He said security agencies reported that military uniforms were purchased in large amounts. (TNA)

— TNA 2010-03-13

[Rosarin]

NATION: From what red leaders have been hinting, tomorrow won’t be THE D-day, but rather a springboard day for real action on Monday.
NATION: The magnitude of the masses will be seen tomorrow, but to achieve the goal, the reds will need to “move”.
NATION: And from comments of their leaders, the protesters are expected to move to the 11th Regiment HQ, where govt war room is situated, on Monday.
Bangkokpundit: Police well prepared in full uniform with batons and it seems tear gas guns , but standing around

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Men var det inte någon som sa att allt skulle vara över på söndag.
Hua, vad det här känns långdraget.
Undrar just vad det innebär i praktiken när de hotar med att de ska “inta varenda gatuhörn i Bangkok” om inte regeringen upplöses.
Att de inte kan FÖRSTÅ hur mycket de skadar Thailand som land.
Jag menar naturligtvis BÅDE regeringen och demonstranterna. Så länge de inte kan hitta en lösning på problemet eller komma fram till en kompromiss skadas ju Thailand bara mer och mer för varje dag som går.
Hur ska detta sluta?

[Rosarin]

NATION: So, it seems businesses closed two days too early. It’s next week that we should worry about.

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Red-shirt vehicles fully occupy Royal Plaza

BANGKOK: — The traffic on the Uthong Nai Road was impassable Saturday afternoon after the red-shirt people drove their vehicles, mostly pikc-up trucks, to fully occupy the Royal Plaza.

The red shirts, who were waiting at the ground, sheered and applauded when newcomers arrived.

They plan to walk from the Royal Plaza to the Pan Fah Bridge at 5:30 pm.

TAN Network: City Police ask red-shirt leaders to make sure protesters do not consume alcohol during rally, fear alcohol-induced violence

[Rosarin]

TAN Network: City Police ask red-shirt leaders to make sure protesters do not consume alcohol during rally, fear alcohol-induced violence

NATION; Rajadamnoen Avenue’s practically blocked now. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, which will be main rally site for next few days

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Nu är det fullt ös på expressvägen utanför vårt hus.
Det är både polisbilar och ambulanser med blinkande blåljus och sirener som åker in mot stan i hög fart. (högre än vanligt…:).)

[Rosarin]

Emerald Buddha Temple, popular tourist venues, still crowded with foreign tourists

BANGKOK (TNA) – The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok were still lively and crowded Saturday with foreign tourists who said they were not worried about the ongoing Red Shirt demonstrations despite the main protest venue being not far away from Bangkok’s prime tourist destinations.

According to one tour guide, travellers have been advised to avoid locations where the Red Shirt activists of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) are protesting, while backpackers around Khao San Road area said they were not afraid of the planned rally and regularly followed the news from local residents.

The guide said that not many European travellers had cancelled their Thailand trips, but that those who had cancelled were mostly Asian tourists, who instead went to Thailand’s neighbouring countries.

“I’m not concerned. I take advice from my tour guide, and I don’t think there’d be any violence,” said Darren Simpson, a Canadian tourist who arrived in Thailand two days ago.

A guesthouse owner on Khao San Road, a haven for backpacker tourists, said about 10 per cent of room bookings at her place were cancelled, while the other tourists were waiting to see the situation for another one or two days. She said the current problem was that backpackers could not get to Khao San Road and could not pass through Rajdamnoen Avenue, where the main Red Shirt rally was held.

Meanwhile, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) public relations director Sugree Sithivanich said there were no reports on emergency situations involving violence or other disruptions since a Help Centre for tourists and a 24-hour Call Centre, Tel. No. 1672, were opened on the 17th floor of the TAT headquarters on New Petchburi Road during the anti-government Red Shirt demonstrations until March 23.

He said there were only tour operators calling to ask for directors where they could be able to bring tourists, and one foreigner asking about insurance to foreign travellers in case of violence. (TNA)

[erikv]

@johanthai wrote:

MR.taxi var smart när han tog makten bra lånevilkår till bönderna räckte mycket långt bönderna glömmer inte detta de skiter i politiken för övrikt de har ju svårt att läsa bryr sig bara om priset på bla.RIS,därför är ju massan lätt att övertala med små medel eller :

Så sant
Därför förstår jag inte varför vissa på forumet vill inte inse sanningen o envisas att försvara Thaksin. Jag läste här också
att han hade blivit iväg skickat från Dubai (Forumet) Om nu vissa anser att Thaksin står för demokrati så varför välkomnas han bara av mer eller mindre icke demokratiska länder. Kan man köpa demokrati. Vad det gäller Thaksin så verkar det göra o för vissa på forumet. Vad folk behöver är reformer via regeringen o stödpaket för de mest utsatta.
MVH
erikv

[Bkk]

Här kommer en liten ögonbeskrivning av läget:
Jag tog mig över till Sanam Luang idag vid 16-tiden. Inte särskilt mycket folk (de röda), men fler än igår. Cyklade sedan hela vägen upp till Pathum Wan (MBK-området) och det var betydligt mindre trafik än vanligt – mindre än en söndagmorgon, faktiskt. Såg inga röda grupper, men en del militärer var utposterade i grupper. Speciell bevakning på vissa statliga byggnader.
Två timmar senare (18-18.30) cyklade jag så tillbaka, men en annan väg. Tog mig nu fram till Phan Faa Lilat, där de röda har ett slags högkvarter, med scen etc. Jag kom in där, men kunde inte ta mig igenom riktigt med cykel – för mycket folk i vägen. Men fortfarande inga enorma folkmassor, långt därifrån. Körde runt istället och ut på Rachadamnoen Klang vid Demokratimonumentet. Gatan är i princip avstängd för trafik, men desto bättre att ta sig fram per cykel alltså. De röda var på gott humör, leendes och glada. Som vanligt är det inte aggressivitet man ser hos demonstranterna. Körde hela vägen ner till Sanam Luang, mer folk där nu. Men långt ifrån fullt. Det är ju rätt mycket folk där i vanliga fall på kvällarna med second-hand marknaden och allt.

[Rosarin]

Åh tack för updateringen Bkk! 🙂

Själv är jag nog lite harigare av mig och dessutom har jag lovat att inte ge mig ner till stan förrän det här är över.
Undrar just hur länge det här ska hålla på?
Först sa någon att det kommer att vara klart på söndag och att det är söndag som är dagen med stort D.
Idag stod det senare att söndagen inte alls är dagen med stort D, utan att det är måndag som är den viktiga dagen nu.

Hade ju tänkt att ge mig iväg och besöka lite olika dagis med dottern nästa vecka men det får jag kanske låta bli.

Nåväl, vi får se vad som händer i morgon.

Hej så länge!

[Rosarin]

TAN Network: Thaksin S addressed red-shirt protesters at Pan Fah intersection via telephone link,urged to con’t to fight for true democracy

……………………………..

Related Topic:

Arrest warrant issued for red-shirt core leader Arisman
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Arrest-Warra…Co-t347177.html

TAN Network: TNN TV is reporting that police have apprehended Arisman Phongruerngrong from the red stage

……………………………………….

Red Shirts confident one-million protester goal ‘not a dream’

BANGKOK (TNA) — Anti-government protesters have begun their activities on the main platform at Phan Fah Lilat Bridge on Bangkok’s Ratchadamnoen Avenue asserting that their claim of one million Red Shirt supporters on the way is not a dream and will pressure the government until they achieve their demand of a dissolution of the House and a fresh election.

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) core leaders were on stage to welcome their supporters.

Nattawut Saikua, a top leader of the anti-government Red Shirts said they had evaluated the situation and their movement’s strategy and that everything had been accomplished as planned.

The Red Shirts are confident there will be one million protesters attending the demonstration on Sunday, he said.

“This is real, not a dream”, Red Shirt leader Nattawut said emphatically.

He said that Sunday noon UDD leader Veera Musikapong will take the stage to officially announce the Red Shirt demand that the coalition government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve the House and that the UDD requires an immediate response.

If the government ignores or refuses, he said, on Monday morning all Red Shirt protesters will march to press for their demand that the government dissolve parliament.

They plan to march on a route around Bangkok, but will not send smaller groups of protesters to many locations as expected earlier, he said.

Mr Nattawut said that ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra would telephone his supporters Sunday evening.

Saturday is only the eve of the important day, Mr Veera told the protesters, advising them to rest well before the next mission.

“Stay overnight on the street among the tents that had been set up for you”, he told the gathering.

As the Red Shirts began their activities on stage, Rajdamnoen Avenue was forced to closed to traffic, while the Din Daeng area the traffic was stopped because many Red Shirt supporters from the provinces continued to move to Phan Fah Lilat Bridge.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Pol Lt-Gen Santan Chayanont declared a red alert, the highest level, in Bangkok to prevent violence.

A third party might try to incite violence and some protesters might move weapons secretly into the demonstration, he warned.

Riot control teams from 88 police stations, the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) team and the Naresuan 261 special operations unit, totalling 90 teams, have been briefed on the uniforms and vehicles to be used during operations and ways to tackle different situations.

All the units are on 24-hour alert to assure that the response plans are implemented accordingly, he said.

In a related development, the Criminal Court approved arrest warrant for Arisman Pongruengrong, a key UDD leader for inciting the public to overthrow the government.

The Red Shirt leader later appeared at the main protest venue at Phan Fah Lilat Bridge saying that the warrant was unfairly issued but that he would attend the protest and planned to surrender to police on April 1. (TNA)

— TNA 2010-03-13
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Bangkok Post: Thaksin leaves Dubai for Switzerland

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bangkokpundit: TNN reports on reds saying blue shirts blocking movement of reds (has video of the blue shirts). BJT deny all knowledge of this

bangkokpundit TNN reports on reds saying blue shirts blocking movement of reds (has video of the blue shirts). BJT deny all knowledge of this #redmarch

bangkokpundit [The Nation’s State] Photo of the Day: Reds massing http://bit.ly/aWf0OW Interesting selection of photos

bangkokpundit TNN now reports that Arisman was not arrested. The police officer just went to negotiate with him

Bangkok Post: Thaksin leaves Dubai for Switzerland

The Nation: Thaksin, in another brief phone-in, claimed he had to leave Dubai coz UAE govt was “annoyed” by whining from Bangkok.

bangkokpundit: TNN reports on reds saying blue shirts blocking movement of reds (has video of the blue shirts). BJT deny all knowledge of this

………………………………………

Red Shirts confident one-million protester goal ‘not a dream’

BANGKOK, March 13 (TNA) – Anti-government protesters have begun their activities on the main platform at Phan Fah Lilat Bridge on Bangkok’s Ratchadamnoen Avenue asserting that their claim of one million Red Shirt supporters on the way is not a dream and will pressure the government until they achieve their demand of a dissolution of the House and a fresh election.

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) core leaders were on stage to welcome their supporters.

Nattawut Saikua, a top leader of the anti-government Red Shirts said they had evaluated the situation and their movement’s strategy and that everything had been accomplished as planned.

The Red Shirts are confident there will be one million protesters attending the demonstration on Sunday, he said.

“This is real, not a dream”, Red Shirt leader Nattawut said emphatically.

He said that Sunday noon UDD leader Veera Musikapong will take the stage to officially announce the Red Shirt demand that the coalition government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve the House and that the UDD requires an immediate response.

If the government ignores or refuses, he said, on Monday morning all Red Shirt protesters will march to press for their demand that the government dissolve parliament.

They plan to march on a route around Bangkok, but will not send smaller groups of protesters to many locations as expected earlier, he said.

Mr Nattawut said that ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra would telephone his supporters Sunday evening.

Saturday is only the eve of the important day, Mr Veera told the protesters, advising them to rest well before the next mission.

“Stay overnight on the street among the tents that had been set up for you”, he told the gathering.

As the Red Shirts began their activities on stage, Rajdamnoen Avenue was forced to closed to traffic, while the Din Daeng area the traffic was stopped because many Red Shirt supporters from the provinces continued to move to Phan Fah Lilat Bridge.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Pol Lt-Gen Santan Chayanont declared a red alert, the highest level, in Bangkok to prevent violence.

A third party might try to incite violence and some protesters might move weapons secretly into the demonstration, he warned.

Riot control teams from 88 police stations, the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) team and the Naresuan 261 special operations unit, totalling 90 teams, have been briefed on the uniforms and vehicles to be used during operations and ways to tackle different situations.

All the units are on 24-hour alert to assure that the response plans are implemented accordingly, he said.

In a related development, the Criminal Court approved arrest warrant for Arisman Pongruengrong, a key UDD leader for inciting the public to overthrow the government.

The Red Shirt leader later appeared at the main protest venue at Phan Fah Lilat Bridge saying that the warrant was unfairly issued but that he would attend the protest and planned to surrender to police on April 1.

— TNA 2010-03-13

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…………………..

bangkokpundit: Thai Rath: Interior Ministry estimates 120k red shirts already in bkk includes bkkians & from upcountry http://bit.ly/9yMKHC #redmarch

tulsathit@Nation: I was hoping Govt wouldn’t go down that dangerous road. However, Abhisit might still decide against it.

Nation: Here’s big news. A couple of sources have said Govt will consider issuinng state of emergency decree tomorrow.

Nation: According to the sources, suthep would propose calling an emergency Cabinet meeting tomorrow to discuss the idea.

---

[Rosarin]

Ok, here we go again………….

Update:
Thaksin protesters converge for Bangkok rally

by Boonradom Chitradon

BANGKOK, March 13, 2010 (AFP): — Tens of thousands of supporters of deposed Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra gathered near ministry buildings in Bangkok on Saturday to rally against the government, sporting their signature red shirts.

Bangkok police said 45,000 Red Shirts had arrived at a stage rigged up for Sunday’s rally after most travelled from the rural north and through military checkpoints set up at entry points to the capital.

Thai authorities have used a tough security law to deploy a 50,000-strong security force, including soldiers, to patrol the streets and search protesters, fearing some could incite trouble.

The Red Shirts travelled to the city mostly by pick-up truck and car, playing loud music and waving red flags and heart-shaped clappers in jubilant spirits.
“Tomorrow we will declare our demands to the government, that it must step down and dissolve the house,” Red Shirt Jatuporn Prompan said at the rally site.

“If our demands are not met then we will step up our campaign on Monday but I can reassure everyone that it will be peaceful.”
The government has enacted the strict Internal Security Act to monitor the rally, allowing authorities to set up checkpoints, impose curfews and limit movement of people.

Current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who has refused to bow to protesters’ demands, spoke to reporters after meeting ministers and top brass at a military barracks.

“We should not be complacent because there are some groups of people still wanting to create violence and cause confrontations,” said Abhisit, who has cancelled a weekend trip to Australia because of the rally.

The government has lowered its estimate of expected turnout at Sunday’s rally to 70,000, but the Red Shirts say the final figure will be nearer 600,000.
The protests come two weeks after Thailand’s top court confiscated 1.4 billion dollars of Thaksin’s assets, and are the latest chapter in a political crisis that has beset Thailand since he was toppled in a 2006 coup.

Thaksin, who has been living mostly in Dubai to escape a two-year jail term for corruption at home, has been encouraging his supporters using text messages and his Twitter page.

“Thank you for your dedication…. I want to give my support to the people in the north,” he told his followers on Twitter Saturday, before announcing he was about to fly from Dubai to Europe to see his two daughters.

The protest is set to be the biggest since the Red Shirts rioted in Bangkok in April last year, leaving two dead and scores injured.
The Red Shirts mainly represent Thailand’s rural poor, who benefited from Thaksin’s populist policies and say Abhisit’s government is elitist, military-backed and has ignored their democratic rights.

Thaksin, by contrast, is loathed by the rival royalist “Yellow Shirts” backed by Bangkok’s establishment, who accuse him of corruption and of disloyalty to the revered royal family.

Thirty-five countries have issued travel warnings for Thailand because of the protests, according to the country’s tourism authority.

Analysts say the number of Red Shirts who actually rally on Sunday will be key to deciding whether they have any chance of pushing out the government before Thailand’s next elections, due in December 2011.

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BANGKOK: — Red-shirt protesters, at least 100,000 strong, occupied Rajdamnoen Avenue Saturday and more kept flowing into the capital from all over the Kingdom Saturday night.

Arrivals quickly set up temporary shelters and cooked dinners in anticipation of a final bid to oust the Abhisit Vejjajiva administration and the old bureaucratic elite.

Makeshift toilets were being installed by the red shirts to supplement those provided by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and many food stalls quickly sprang up.

As night fell some traded stories, while others went to listen to the main stage’s speakers on Phan Fah Bridge, which became a sea of red shirts.

“The line of cars was really long,” said one female red shirt to a male fellow protester. “Two hundred cars alone left Uttaradit,” the man added.

Both ends of the lengthy rally site along Rajdamnoen Avenue – Sanam Luang and the Royal Plaza – soon became crowded car parks. At Sanam Luang, a stage was set up by little-known red-shirt members for them to take turns going up to attack the government.

“We can’t lose this time. But if we lose, we can expect to stand as equals. The media and academics look down on us, but people with a Grade-4 education have brains too,” said an on-stage voice.

Although the atmosphere was relaxed and full of buzz, some red shirts were feeling distrustful of the authorities and were worried that dirty tactics could be employed by the government to make it look like the red shirts had started violence during the night.

“We must keep vigilant tonight. They know more red shirts will arrive tomorrow and maybe they want to stop us tonight and create a situation to justify a clampdown,” said one female red shirt from Bangkok, who asked not to be identified.

For the same reason, many red shirts decided not to park their vehicles at designated areas provided by the government for fear that weapons or bombs may be planted and the blame placed on them.

A 7-Eleven convenience store on Rajdamnoen, fearing drink-fuelled violence, put up signs stating it was not selling alcohol for the time being.

A staff member at the store said the ban would last until the protests were over, but confessed he did not quite know how to explain the situation to foreign tourists, who would also be denied beer and whisky.

……………………………………………………………………………….

bangkokpundit: Pravit estimates 100k so far

[Thai_yrrol]

Jag och en gemensam student gick och gjorde ett skolarbete idag som var att intervjua och filma protestanterna. Måste säga det var en väldigt trevlig upplevelse, gamla tanter som satt och stickade i solskenet på gräsmattan och folk till höger och vänster som fällde kommentarer på thai att faranger var här (på ett positivt sätt).

Vet inte hur det kommer att bli imorgon, men iaf idag så var stämningen mer som en svensk festival på sommaren än något annat. Om vi har möjlighet kan vi gärna lägga upp videon med intervjuer här efter den är färdigklippt, aftonbladet skulle inte ta i den för är allt för sanningsenlig och skapar inga rubriker 😉

Kan berätta att de vi talade med förnekade bestämt att de mottagit några pengar för att protestera, de menade att folk skänkt pengar till organisationen (UDD) som sedan användes till att betala för scener, högtalare etc, inte för att folk skulle komma dit och protestera, detta trots att vi påtalade videon där rödtröjor delar ut pengar.

Den röda tråden (ursäkta skämtet) de vi talade med hade, var att de ville ha:
– Riktig demokrati
– Avsaknad av dubbla standarder (någon döms för ett brott men en annan fälls inte)
– Att den fattiga landsortspopulationen tas på allvar, de är inte dumma i huvudet utan förstår vad “bkk-eliten” gör.

[stgrhe]

Jag låser den här tråden eftersom det inte finns någon anledninga av att ha tre trådar om samma ämne.

Göran

[Author]

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