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.
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
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...
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
Student Leaders Summoned to CRES
Students in front of 11th Infantry Regiment after being summoned (picture from UDD on Facebook)
On Saturday I was alerted to a tweet by a former colleague of mine and at the same time to an article by New Manadala, saying that...
(...) นายอนุธีร์ เดชเทวพร เลขาธิการสหพันธ์นิสิตนักศึกษาแห่งประเทศไทย (สนนท.) และเพื่อนนักศึกษา ได้รับหมายเรียกจากศูนย์อำนวยการแก้ไขสถานการณ์ฉุกเฉิน (ศอฉ.) ให้ไปรายงานตัวที่กรมทหารราบที่ 11 รักษาพระองค์ (ราบ 11) ในวันอาิทิตย์ที่ 2 พฤษภาคม เวลา 10.00 น.ทั้งนี้ ในเว็บไซต์เฟซบุ๊ค (...) ได้มีการเชิญชวนให้เดินทางไปให้กำลังใจเพื่อนนักศึกษา (...) เนื่องจากเกรงว่าอาจสุ่มเสี่ยงต่อการใช้อำนาจไม่เป็นธรรม หากสังคมมิได้จับตามอง เพราะตามพระราชกำหนดการบริหารราชการในสถานการณ์ฉุกเฉินได้ให้อำนาจเต็มที่แก่เจ้าหน้าที่ทหาร(...) Mr. Anuthee Dejthewaporn, Secretary-General of the Students Federation of Thailand (SFT), and two other students have been summoned to the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) at 11th Infrantry Regiment on Sunday, May 2 at 10.00h.
On Facebook there were calls and posts urging people to go to the 11th Inf. Reg. to show their support for the students. (...) [They are] worried about a potential misuse of power that the people might miss, because the CRES is giving full powers to the military.
"ศอฉ. เรียก เลขาฯ สนนท. รายงานตัว 10 โมงเช้า วันนี้ (2 พ.ค.)", Prachatai, May 2, 2010
The summons were hand-delivered by a group of 6 policemen and also "They also took her photo and some photos of her apartment." Prachatai then reports today that...
The students were met by Lt Col Wiboon Sricharoensukying, Deputy Commander of the 11th Infantry Battalion. They were denied the right to bring in their lawyers to hear the interrogation, and were told not to worry as it was just for talks with police and there was no need for lawyers.
Over 50 people gathered in front of the 11th Infantry HQ to give moral support to the three students.
When they came out at about 4 pm, the students were met with over 20 supporters remaining.
"Students not allowed lawyers when interrogated by CRES", Prachatai, May 3, 2010
The question is what have they actually done to be summoned and interrogated by the CRES?
First there was (supposed to be) a statement by the SFT from March 16, 2010, in which they showed their sympathy with the red shirt protesters, so far I have not found it on a neutral platform (the SFT doesn't seem to have an own website), just on the UDD's Facebook page, but it can also be read here.
Secondly, this incident might also have caught the attention by some.
กลุ่มสมาพันธ์นิสิตนักศึกษาแห่งประเทศไทย (สนนท.) และกลุ่ม "ประชาธิปไตยก้าวหน้า" ได้จำลองเหตุการณ์วันที่ 10 เม.ย.ที่ทหารใช้ปืนยิงประชาชน บริเวณหน้าห้างสรรพสินค้าสยามพารากอน เพื่อให้รัฐบาลยุติการฆ่าประชาชน หรือยุติการใช้ความรุนแรงทุกรูปแบบ ที่อาจจะเกิดขึ้นซ้ำสอง พร้อมกันนี้ยังได้เรียกร้องให้รัฐบาลยกเลิกการประกาศใช้พ.ร.ก.ฉุกเฉิน และศอฉ.โดยทันที
The Student Federation of Thailand (SFT) and the Group for Democracy Progress have reenacted the violent clashes of April 10, where soldiers have fired on citizens, at the Siam Paragon Department Store, calling the government to stop killing or using any kind of force against the people in a possible second escalation of violence. They have also called the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation to dissolve the state of emergency immediately.
"สนนท.จำลองเหตุการณ์ 10 เม.ย. ร้องรัฐยุติการใช้ความรุนแรง", Thai Rath, April 18, 2010 [Note: The article is behind a paywall]
Also, Somsak Jeamteerasakul, a professor at the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Thammasat University, has written in a Thai forum what (might) has happen with the students at the CRES. He also has written his account in English in the comments at New Mandala.
in the end, there’re 3 students summonded yesterday, the Students Federation’s secretary, a female 4th year student of Faculty of Letters, Chula and a male student at a vocational school. (...) They entered (...) around 11 am and came out only about 4-5 p.m. The reason of so many hours was there were so many people summoned including motorcycle riders, hire caravan operators, etc.
While there are certain ‘rationale’ for summoning the Students Federation secretary, the other two that were summoned are definitely the result of very bad government intelligence! The female student was accused of belonging to the Red Siam group, she’s NEVER was. (In fact, hardly anyone who’s still in the country can belong to this group!). The other male student was accused of being leader of a group called ‘Seri Panyachon’ (Free Intellectuals), he isn’t either!
There were 3 ’rounds’ of interview that everyone summoned had to pass through, including these three students. Altogether all the interviews lasted about one-and a half to two hours. The first round was the police interview. It’s the same kind of interrogation anyone would face if going to or is called to any police station. There were questions and answered, typed into official interrogation form (as in any police station). Then there was a kind of ‘talk’, in which military intelligence personals would ‘chat’ about the political situation, the views of those summoned. The atmosphere this round was ‘informal’ and a bit ‘relaxed’. There’s no typing into official form, but there appeared to be tape recording, and one of the two officers present, would take some notes. Finally, there was a kind of ‘psychological advice’ to those summoned. The person conducted this round of interview appeared to be a ‘psychologist’ (female นักจิตวิทยา). She would ‘lecture’ those summoned on ‘correct’ political, social attitudes, etc.
Comment by Somsak Jeamteerasakul on "Student leaders summoned" at New Mandala, May 3, 2010
This is both very dubious and very concerning. While I do get the idea to interrogate motorbikers, caravan hirers and any other person that might be linked to the logistics of the red shirt protests, I don't get why they would interrogate students other than to intimidate them for expressing some opinions that the CRES probably does not agree on. And what would that psychologist lady 'lecture' the interrogated? Behave, do as we say or you might have to come back again...?
The Student Federation of Thailand played an important historical role of political involvement several times in the past. Be sure to read this blog post by Bangkok Pundit from last year.
h/t to @isAMare
UPDATED Red Shirts Search Through Hospital, Suspecting Hidden Soldiers
In another brazen [sic!] and controversial move, more than 200 red-shirt guards stormed into Chulalongkorn Hospital last night to check if there were soldiers inside the hospital buildings. Hospital director Dr Adisorn Patradul initially refused to let the members of the anti-government Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) into the complex. However, a source said Adisorn gave in after DAAD co-leader Payap Panket, wanted by police for his role in the tumultuous red campaign, insisted that he be allowed to inspect the area. Although Adisorn only allowed Payap, five red-shirt guards and reporters to come in, scores of other red-shirt guards poured into the hospital buildings as soon as the door was opened.
During their search, watched by bewildered nurses and doctors, the red-shirt guards seized two men and brought them to the DAAD stage at the Rajprasong intersection. The two were later released after they told the red shirtsthey were just workers.
The red-shirt guards stopped their search at the hospital at around 8.30pm, but only after police stepped in to negotiate. During the talks, the wanted man Payap was just inches away from the senior officers taking part in the negotiations. The talks ended with an agreement for the red-shirt guards to be allowed to check the hospital again today. This prompted angry responses from Twitter users monitoring the incident, who described the police action as shameful. (...)
"Reds storm hospital", The Nation, April 30, 2010
It was suspected by the authorities that during the grenades attack of April 22, the shots were fired from Chulalongkorn Hospital (and not from behind the Rama VI. statue as I was originally claimed by the government). Also, the red shirts have suggested for weeks now that military snipers have hidden on the high rooftops surrounding the rally site.
This incident today shows again a mob mentality by the red shirts (one might also say they copied PAD's tactics). Also the fact that they have invaded a hospital may turn even more people against them as this violates an unwritten rule that these places have to remain untouched. There have been references to the Geneva Conventions, but I think that you can hardly cite a document that was written for a conventional armed conflict in this more than unordinary confrontation.
Not to mention the consequences for the patients and staff of the hospital:
The red-shirt guards' raid of Chulalongkorn Hospital came despite a plea from the Medical Council of Thailand earlier in the day asking the anti-government protesters to keep at least 100 metres away from hospitals. Besides Chulalongkorn Hospital, the anti-government rally site is also close to the Police General Hospital. (...)
[Medical Council president Dr Somsak Lohlekha] said Chulalongkorn Hospital had already stopped receiving new patients while Police General Hospital had transferred patients to buildings that were farther away from the demonstration. (...)
"I hope red-shirt leaders, like Dr Weng Tojirakarn, will understand our purpose. No demonstration in any country in the world uses hospital premises to defeat the opposition," he said. "People are not allowed to honk a horn when they pass a hospital but the demonstrators use loudspeakers every day," he added. (...)
The hospital has already moved all patients from Phor Por Ror and Sor Kor buildings to other buildings near Henri Dunant Road. The hospital also suspended surgery for emergency patients and has temporarily stopped receiving patients from other hospitals. The special clinic will be closed from today until Sunday. The emergency unit is still open. Meanwhile all classes for medical students will be closed today.
"Reds storm hospital", The Nation, April 30, 2010
On Friday morning it has been reported that many patients have been transferred to completely different hospitals now.
And apparently the red shirts leaders themselves did not agree with what happened at the hospital, as Dr. Weng has announced NOT to search through it again because "it would badly affect the patients receiving treatment in the hospital" and also "he would like to extend apology to what happened on Thursday". At least somebody knows when to stop.
UPDATE Dr. Weng of the red shirts has officially apologized for the storm on the hospital, saying the "situation got out of control. It is not our policy to obstruct hospital operations".
Meanwhile, TV pictures show many patients being evacuated out of the hospital, showing a clear message of the impact of this very controversial act by the red shirts. Thinking more about, it was a truly idiotic halfwitted stupid dumb-ass ill-advised move by them and the backlash is coming now swift and hard.
Also, in an act of provocation, the red shirts have moved the barricade now in front of the hospital instead of moving it 100 meters back as the hospital requested.
Updates on Wednesday's Highway Clashes
Al Jazeera English has posted a video report of Wednesday's violent clashes that has left one soldier killed by friendly fire and many injured. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25G2D-5iogI&playnext_from=TL&videos=mj3_M0B95TM&w=600&h=360]"Soldier dies as and Thai military clash", video by Al Jazeera English.
At the 1:18 minute mark they show a black-uniformed man with a red bandana clearly holding a pistol, despite the claims that they were unarmed. You can also see that all sorts of security forces were present, from soldiers, police in riot gear, special military ops and SWAT teams - no wonder it was hard to distinguish all battling fractions in the chaos.
In other news, in the aftermath of the seizure of 63 M79 grenades, a cop has been arrested and taken into questioning. Yesterday already the police has found "documents of Pol Sgt Pratya Maneekote of Patum Thani's Kukot district" and today more details emerged.
During tense interrogation, Pol Sgt-Maj Prinya [Maneekhot, same name, different transliteration] confessed to having in his possession 63 M79 grenades which were seized by police from a motorcycle during the stand-off between the red-shirts and government forces near the National Memorial on Wednesday. Police said they also found the wanted policeman's ID.
He said the grenades were being transported to his "clients", according to Pol Lt-Gen Krisda.
However, the suspect denied any involvement in the past M79 attacks in Bangkok and other provinces, or the activities of the red-shirts of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship.
Before his arrest, Pol Sgt-Maj Prinya went to Kasikorn Bank at the Zeer department store in Rangsit and withdrew 290,000 baht. He proceeded to Krung Thai Bank at Si Mum Muang market nearby and withdrew another 300,000 baht, Pol Lt-Gen Krisda said. (...)
In a search of his vehicle, police found a 9mm handgun, a fully-loaded magazine, a monocular, four fake car licence plates, camouflaged military pouches and 700,000 baht in cash.
In an earlier search of a car at his house before the arrest, police found three M16 rifles and 100 ammunition magazines, three M79 grenade launchers, 10 barrels for M79 launchers, and many other items.
Pol Maj-Gen Methi Kusolsang, the Pathum Thani police chief, said he had ordered Pol Sgt-Maj Prinya's suspension from the police force pending further investigation to establish if he was a member of an illegal weapons trading ring. (...)
"Arrested cop admits taking grenades to 'client'", Bangkok Post, April 29, 2010
Of course it would be interesting to see who these 'clients' were...
What Does The Command Shuffle Mean?
After a few days of silence prime minister Abhisit went on air again in a televised public address on Friday evening and announced that Thai army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda would be put in charge of the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situations (CERS), thus replacing deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban as head of the operation. This move certainly caused many to question what the government's next move in handling with the red shirts would be. Observers agree that Abhisit wants to put more pressure on the red shirts but also on his 'own' (it's never really sure who is in command of whom) peers. After the failed crackdown of last week and the hilariously botched arrest attempt on Friday, the blame could have been put on Suthep as Bangkok Pundit points out. But just a day following the announcement of his demotion, the government went out to clarify that Suthep isn't really out of CERS.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban is still in charge as the head of the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situations, CRES spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd affirmed on Saturday afternoon.
Army chief Anupong Paojinda was authorized by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to take charge only in ordering the use of forces to ensure peace and order in case of necessity, Col Sansern stated.
The authorisation was aimed at cutting short of the command line to prevent and encounter with the terrorists trying to incite violence, he added.
Mr Suthep, who is in charge of security affairs, will be the person to set up policy, oversee operation plans and beheld responsible for the CRES achievement, the CRES spokesman said.
"Suthep still controls the CRES", Bangkok Post, April 17, 2010
Basically it says Anupong has the last word over troop movement and deployment.
But why would Abhisit then put somebody in charge who allegedly hinted the current government to dissolve parliament? Bangkok Pundit again...
(...) Abhisit is putting the pressure on Anupong to do something. Anupong appears reluctant so putting him directly in charge, Abhisit is setting him up as the fall guy if nothing happens or it all turns to custard.
"Thai army chief given control to restore order", Bangkok Pundit, April 17, 2010
There are some media reports that hint Anupong himself did not of his own 'promotion' until the very last minute.
Some in the Thai-language press are interpreting this appointment as a surprise move to force Anupong to take responsibility for action for carrying out government orders regarding security. Apparently, this is the Red Shirts' position as well--that the appointment was a surprise. Considering how closely the government and military have coordinated their activities so far, the Red Shirt interpretation seems unlikely.
"Botched raid and Anupong steps forward", 2bangkok.com, April 17, 2010
It will be interesting to see how Anupong will handle himself and disperse the protests, given he has been reported to be reluctant to follow order for a crackdown. There are two things to consider: First, if the military is in favor of new elections they would have to happen after the annual budget and the reshuffle of key figures in police and military. Second, Anupong is likely to retire soon and will certainly not be linked to a(nother) potential massacre against the own people.
Additionally, the prime minister has assured that a crackdown against the red shirts has not been planned (yet!). On the other hand I really question how long this can carry on? This is not a situation that can contain itself for a long period, especially other protagonists blending in (the alleged 'third force' in the violent clashes) or threaten to take things into their own hand. Also, will the army follow suit and can stay unified?
UPDATED Do 'Watermelon Soldiers' Cause Split in the Thai Military?
Anasuya Sanyal, Channel News Asia's Bangkok correspondent, has reported on the apparent divisions inside the security forces. The transcript can be found here, including the link to the video of her report.
The term 'watermelon soldiers' may sound cute, but it's a phenomenon that's increasingly dangerous for the Thai military. It refers to soldiers who wear green on the outside but harbour Red Shirt sympathies on the inside."Those influences have contributed to failure to bring an end to the six-week long protest that has roiled the Thai capital.
The situation turned violent when masked gunmen coolly opened fire on the Thai army last Saturday, taking out three officers and injuring scores of others, before a truce was called.
Said Thai Army Spokesman, Colonel Sansern Kaewkwamnerd, "Of course soldiers have their own political views. But when they are on duty, they are acting on behalf of the army. They cannot disobey orders.
"However, we are trying to examine whether any officers leaked intelligence to violent Red Shirt protesters. I believe every officer understands his role. However, if we find any, they will be punished accordingly."
Military law prohibits unauthorised personnel from giving out any information to the media.
But Thailand's most famous rogue officer, Major General Khattiya Sawadipol, "Seh Daeng", has come to epitomise the fissures in the military establishment.
And as a Red Shirt supporter, he explains the sentiment among the Kingdom's rank and file, and common origins and a similar socio-economic background make for mutual understanding.
"The military is completely red, excluding the top commanders. The army could disintegrate at any moment, but chain of command and military discipline is holding it together for now. But [rank and file soldiers] see their parents are in the protest, so their loyalty to the military is in question," said Major General Khattiya.
A week before Saturday's deadly clashes, there were many displays of friendship between the Red Shirt protesters and those sent to disperse them.
"'Watermelon soldiers' increasingly dangerous for Thai military", by Anasuya Sanyal, Channel News Asia, April 16, 2010
The video also shows some scenes of police forces showing their sympathy to the red shirts. The issue of security forces fraternizing with the protestors has been mentioned here before.
There's also still the question of a 'third force' that has fired into the crowd last Saturday. There have been hints to gunmen dressing in black roaming through the chaos, like this picture showing a masked man with an AK-47. The aforementioned Major General Khattiya alias Sae Daeng has also hinted that "Ronin warriors" were firing grenades at the soldiers. Also one reporter at The Nation thinks it was "not a botched anti-riot operation nor a lynching mob gone berserk. It was a head-on skirmish between two well-trained armed forces - one in fatigues and another in black. The red shirts were just props in the battlefield." Prachatai features an account of an unnamed soldier during the clashes, basically describing being overwhelmed in the chaos.
Al Jazeera English has also a report on the armed forces' role, with mentions of the rumored divisions and the military spokesman denying them.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZZRk0sTJww&playnext_from=TL&videos=JDNiqT-18JU&w=600&h=360]
One does not want to imagine what would happen if the military starts turning onto each other, if they haven't already begun.
UPDATE: Shawn Crispin has also written a thorough analysis on this topic at Asia Times. It also makes references to the seemingly random grenade attacks in recent weeks.
The Nation is doing a 'Weng'
Dr. Weng Tojirakarn, red shirt and butt end of a terrible joke. (Screenshot by ThaiTVNews)
Many people tend to constantly bash the Thai press, sometimes rightfully so, sometimes not. Today is one of those days the former is the case. Cue to this piece by The Nation today...
You can bore your way to stardom. Just ask Weng Tojirakarn.
Two days of peace talks between the red shirts and the government have changed the eccentric doctor-turned-political-activist into an overnight celebrity, with teenagers now using his name as a slang and an online mockery game invented with his screaming face on it.
"Weng" now means "to confuse", "to bore" or even "to b***s***". If you hear a youngster say "Don't 'weng' me", it means, to put it politely, "stop talking nonsense".
"Doing a 'weng'", The Nation, March 31, 2010
Now, we could simply forget this little piece of irrelevant side trivia during a quite important political event if it wasn't for The Nation's editor Tulsathit Taptim, normally one of the more sane and decent journalists in the Kingdom. But he probably also got his funny bone tickled so hard that he couldn't stop tweeting about it all freaking day!
So dear The Nation newsroom, could you please stop with it? If not, go weng yourselfs!
Red March on Bangkok - Week Two Recap
It's been two weeks since the red shirts have been protesting in Bangkok and despite the noise there's still no end in sight, let alone a solution of the central problems they were protesting in the first place. The last seven days have been considerably quieter on the protest front, with numbers dwindling down to just a few thousands during the week - but it was expected by the protest leaders, as one of them said that the protesters, mostly from the distant provinces, were "rotating". Also the volume of the protests has decreased. After the still more than questionable blood stunt of last week the most notable act was a mass hair-cut of the protestors. As a side note, the government has extended the Internal Security Act for another seven days.
Another incident occurred on Wednesday, when parliament has been barricaded prior to a session. However, the fortification has backfired as MPs had to walk the rest of the way to parliament building and about 100 MPs of the opposition Puea Thai Party have boycotted and seized the opportunity to lament the barricade as a metaphor for the current political situation.
On Saturday the Red Shirts have originally planned a large motorcycle caravan roaming around the capital, but it has been cancelled the day before. The Nation has cited various reasons for the cancellation including:
A red-shirt source said the plan of marching had been opposed by several protest leaders, who agreed it would expose the red shirts to organised incidents by the government or a third party.
The source also said another march would cause severe traffic congestion at a time when there some important events were being held in Bangkok, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union assembly and the National Book Fair, in addition to the entrance exam for high-school students.
The protest leaders yesterday also accused the government of assembling their supporters from communities in Bangkok to pressure the protesting red shirts.
"Red shirts call off plan for march today", The Nation, March 27, 2010
Instead, the Red Shirts were rallying to various spots in the city, mostly temples, in an effort to push out the military checkpoints stationed there. Nirmal Ghosh of the The Straits Times was at one of the locations and described the scene:
A truck with Red Shirt leaders Nattawut Saikuar and Dr Weng aboard, was parked directly in front of the gate. Nattawut was haranguing the soldiers but also offering them safe passage. A path had been cleared for the soldiers to leave, with the Reds’ black clad guards linking arms and keeping the mass of the crowd under control. But there was little tension, many were cheering and clapping. In the procession behind, trucks were belting out rousing Isan music and some were dancing. Big freshly minted white banners were printed with English and Thai slogans emphasising peace and non-violence.
A massive cheer went up when it was announced that the soldiers would leave. Peering through the gate I saw them loading their gear into trucks. Presently three trucks, one Humvee and one covered pickup lined up inside the gate, ready to roll. At around 1.30pm local time the gates were opened and the Humvee led the way out. The crowd was ecstatic. Some of the soldiers took pictures from the trucks.
"Thai version of people power?", by Nirmal Ghosh, The Straits Times, March 27, 2010
Similar scenes have been reported elsewhere. Encouraged by this small victory, the Red Shirts have gathered later in the evening in front of Government House also demand the soldiers to leave. Even though the situations looked a bit tense as it was unlikely at first that none of the two fractions would back down, the Red Shirts eventually decided not to pull a yellow shirt move and eventually retreated back to the main rally site at Pan Fah Bridge.
Unfortunately, there has been another bomb attack and it has claimed the most injured people since the beginning of the protest. Two grenades went off at two government-owned TV stations (Channel 5 and Channel 11) just within hours, eleven people (soldiers and civilians alike) have been injured. This is the latest in a series of grenade attacks throughout the past week. It is not (officially) known who threw these grenades, but it is very likely that a third party is involved here. For more on the grenade launcher attacks in recent times, Global Post's Patrick Winn has this background story.
Where are we now? By the looks of it there has been very little progress. Despite this, the most notable point is that the protests were peaceful! Neither the red shirts nor the government/military have provoked each other and have shown restraint and also respect. What might be a problem in my opinion is the spirit of the red shirts. Yes, today's peaceful act with the military could be considered a victory. It is a very small one though, since not only the soldiers are now replaced by police forces, but also are they still far, far away from their central demands. PM Abhisit shows no sign of dissolving the house and calling for fresh elections. So, unless the red shirts are able to score a big victory - such as gaining more popular support from Bangkok residents - time is running out for them. But time could in the end be in the Red Shirt's favor as well, as both sides are certainly interested to move beyond the stalemate. The longer protest go on, the more likely a compromise is possible as Bangkok Pundit analyses:
(...) A journalist raised with Dr. Weng in a UDD presser on March 14 whether the red shirts would accept a promise by Abhisit in 3 months time and he said yes. BP doubts Abhisit (and *cough* the army *cough*) would accept the 3 month timeline, but what about a promise to dissolve within 6 months (decision is made at beginning of April) or by the end of the year? This would make it more difficult for both sides to reject. The reds want a dissolution now, but a promise to dissolve by the end of the year is more difficult for the reds to reject. The coalition partners don't want a dissolution now, but once the military reshuffle is resorted and another budget with the coalition partners getting their hands on more goodies to "hand" out. This would mean the Dems would have had about 2 years in office. They have a chance to see their policies implemented.
"What next for the red shirts and the government?", Bangkok Pundit, March 27, 2010
A new election would not solve the problems of the political crisis, as many of the issues are rooted much deeper, but it would be a step in the right direction if politics are not taken to the streets again - at least until the next time.
Further reading:
- Nick Nostitz (via New Mandala): Bangkok or bust, Part 1 (Great photo essay!)
- Khi Kwai: Thai-Style “Democracy,” 1958-2010
- Chang Noi (The Nation): Witness the death of deference
- Suthichai Yoon (The Nation): Yes to the red shirts' spirit; no to Thaksin
- Christian Science Monitor: Biased TV stations intensify divides in Thailand protests