Gaybutton

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Warrants Out for Thaksin, Protest Leaders Published on April 15, 2009 Dispersal of Red Shirts from Govt House not a Loss, Says Leader The Criminal Court yesterday issued arrest warrants for ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra and 13 of his supporters over Monday's riots, police said. The court issued the warrants late in the afternoon after protest leaders told the red shirts camped out at Government House to go home before turning themselves in around noon. The warrant said Thaksin was sought for inciting unrest that led Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to cancel the Asean summit in Pattaya and impose a state of emergency that led to military crackdowns on protesters. "Thaksin and his allies are charged by court for illegal assemblies of more than five people, threatening violence and breach of peace, punishable by five years in jail," the warrant said. It said the former PM was also accused of inciting people to break the law and cause unrest, a charge punishable by seven years in prison. Red-shirt protest leaders, Veera Musigapong, Natthawut Saikua and Dr Weng Tochirakarn turned themselves in at the Metropolitan Police Bureau headquarters. Before surrendering, Weng told the red shirts that they had to move out of Government House not because they had lost but because they had to change their stronghold and rally strategies. He said basing themselves at Government House would put them at a great disadvantage, adding that he would take legal action against Abhisit for killing citizens. Natthawut told the red shirts that the rally had to be called off temporarily because they did not want more losses of lives. As their leaders were telling them to disperse, the red-clad protesters objected saying they wanted to continue fighting in Sanam Luang. However, upon refusal, they got upset and some even broke into tears. Protest leader Jakrapob Penkair, who disappeared while others were surrendering to police, told reporters on the telephone later that he would definitely not turn himself in, adding that the red shirts would continue protesting, but their strategies would be discussed later. He also said that though he did not know the whereabouts of Pheu Thai Party MP and fellow protest leader Jatuporn Prompan, he knew that he was safe. After being interrogated by police, the three protest leaders held a press conference. Natthawut said he was against moves to have him and his counterparts detained at a different unit or a military camp because their charges were for wrongdoings they had allegedly committed before the state of emergency was imposed. Later their lawyers said police agreed to detain them at the Metropolitan Police Bureau Headquarters until they were granted bail. Apart from Thaksin, the 13 people wanted are Veera, Jatuporn, Natthawut, Jakrapob, Weng, Adisorn Piangket, Sirawit Pimklang, Peera Pringklang, Narongsak Mani, Nattapong Intanang, Shinawatra Habunpad, Arisman Pongruangrong and a man only identified by his photo. Police yesterday issued arrest warrants for five men suspected of leading red-shirt protesters for wreaking havoc in Pattaya on Saturday. The five are Siriwan Nimitsilapa, Tornchai Sakmangkorn, Surachai Danwattananusorn, Sakda Noppasit and Pol Lt-Colonel Waipot Apornrat. Yuthana Cherngproey, a representative of the Asean meeting venue, Royal Cliff Beach Resort, filed a complaint with police estimating damages to the hotel at Bt141,824. Arisman, who was detained on charges of inciting unrest in Pattaya, won temporary release yesterday. The Pattaya Provincial Court approved his request for bail despite objections from the police on grounds that protesters in Bangkok had been dispersed.

The Songkran water splashing activity in Pattaya this year is much heavier than it has been in the past, with much more of it going on in more places, for longer periods of time than we've seen in previous years. Along Jomtien Beach Road, according to some locals, it might as well have been the actual big day. I observed water splashing going on as late as 7:30pm.

I believe it is over for Thaksin. You're right that only time will tell, but this really seems to have backfired on him in the end. I really believe he envisioned the outcome as ending in a triumphant return to Thailand, having his conviction overturned, regaining all his money, being placed back in as Prime Minister, and eventually becoming a dictator. It didn't quite work out that way. According to the latest news reports, apparently Thaksin is in Dubai. The Thai Islamic community is drawing up a petition asking Dubai to refuse him safe haven on the grounds that he instigated everything that has happened and incited the riots, the violence, and tried to overthrow the government. Where I come from, that's called treason and I fully expect that charges of treason will at some point be leveled against him. For all his wealth, I wouldn't want to be in his shoes right now. There are still pockets of die-hard protesters, none of whom are wearing red shirts any longer, and the government has vowed to mop it up, but most have gone back home. Arrest warrants have been issued for 13 of the Red Shirt ringleaders.

Today the Red-Shirts ended their protest and are now returning home. Buses have been provided for them and the police have warned them that they ought to change their shirts to a different color so that people who they managed to infuriate won't attack them. The ringleaders have given themselves up to the police. The violence has ended and order has been restored. What nobody knows at this point is just how much damage has been done to the country as a whole, the people, the economy, to property, to Thailand's reputation, to the tourist industry, etc. Nobody knows how long it will take for Thailand to recover from this. And by the way, since the rally ended, nobody seems to have heard from Thaksin.

In my opinion, as badly as Abhisit underestimated what the Red Shirts would do at the ASEAN summit, Thaksin just as badly botched his attempt to force his way back into Thailand as a triumphant dictator. Look at the result of all this. Now the tourist industry is virtually destroyed. Millions, perhaps billions of baht worth of damage has been done to buildings, property, vehicles, etc. People have been hurt and killed. People have been seriously frightened. The country has been divided into Yellow Shirt vs Red Shirt. Thaksin gets neither his money nor his power back. The aftermath will probably result in hundreds of arrests as authorities are able to identify those responsible for damage, attacks, and other blatant lawlessness, unless they decide to go for a general amnesty. The value of the baht will probably take a serious hit. Thailand's reputation has been destroyed. And for what? I think the Thai government will also be very interested to find out which country not only gave safe haven to Thaksin, but also allowed him to make the broadcasts that incited all of this in the first place. From what I gather based on the latest news reports, the Red Shirts have lost and the insanity is winding down. I would not be at all surprised if the Thai government now makes a serious effort to have Thaksin brought back, while the country is still under military control, not only to serve his prison sentence, but to face a whole slew of new charges. I have no idea how strong or capable Thailand's intelligence service is, but I also wouldn't be surprised if the aftermath of all this somehow results in Thaksin's disappearance or he even becomes the victim of some sort of an "accident."

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Grim Warning: Stay Away from Thailand By: ACHARA ASHAYAGACHAT and AFP Australia, Russia and Hong Kong have joined governments around the world in advising their citizens to avoid or reconsider traveling to Bangkok. "We urge Australians not in Bangkok to reconsider their need to travel to Bangkok," Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith told reporters in Canberra. "Those Australians who are in Bangkok, we urge them to stay within their homes or their hotels, to avoid demonstrations and to certainly avoid large gatherings of people." Mr. Smith's warning echoed an official travel advisory issued on Monday, the fourth time in three days the Australian government's advice on Thailand has been revised in the face of a rapidly evolving crisis. In Tokyo, the Japanese foreign ministry warned travelers to be on high alert and to stay away from government buildings and street rallies. The ministry also recommended that Japanese travelers and residents refrain from wearing red or yellow T-shirts to avoid being mistaken for either anti- or pro-government protesters. The Philippines, Malaysia and South Korea on Monday also told travelers to stay away from Bangkok or exercise extreme caution. And Hong Kong stepped up its travel advisory. "[The government] strongly urged Hong Kong residents to avoid traveling to Thailand, particularly Bangkok, unless they have an urgent need to do so," a spokesman said. "Those who are already there should stay away from large crowds or protesters." Beijing issued a warning that the situation has descended into violence. Officials said travelers considering Bangkok as a destination should adjust their plans. They said Chinese citizens in Thailand should avoid demonstrations and road blocks. The United States told citizens in Bangkok to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution. Paris highly recommended that French citizens postpone travel arrangements to Thailand until the situation is stable. Foreign diplomats in Bangkok feared political turmoil might escalate to a civil war, which would inevitably invite another coup. Italian Ambassador to Thailand Ignazio Di Pace told the Bangkok Post the demonstrations were more serious than the political unrest last November when the PAD seized the airports. "It is sad and unfortunate that in the past three years Thailand has yet to solve political deadlocks in a democratic and constitutional manner that could stabilize the situation," the Italian ambassador said. Mr. Di Pace said there were concerns that if the situation escalated to a civil war, it would lead to another coup and "that would be dark days for Thailand". Government spokesman Panithan Wattanayagorn said police, military and civilians were under strict orders to defend themselves and the situation would be put under control as soon as possible.

Update, from THE NATION: _____ 11.00pm: PM Abhisit Vejjajiva appears in a press conference on TV pool programme with key officials. He reports that the government has tried to do its best according to the procedure and most areas are under control except the main rally site near the Government House. He expresses his sadness on the Nang Lerng incident. 10.40pm: More details are revealed on Channel 3's "Kow Sam Miti" (Three-dimensional news) on the shooting at Nang Lerng Market and the second victim known as Yutthakarn is pronounced dead. According to eyewitnesses, the Nang Lerng residents negotiated with the red-shirted protesters to remove a bus as they fear for their safety. They successfully pushed the bus away from the area but shortly after that, a number of motorcycles roamed the street and there were gun firing at the residents. Apart from Pom Pholphanbua, 50, who died on the way to the hospital; Yutthakarn died at the Central Hospital later and another lady severely injured from the shot on her foot. 9.30 pm: Details of the Nang Lerng Market shooting remains sketchy. Apparently, the victim was shot during a confrontation between Nang Lerng residents and some red-shirted protesters who allegedly caused fears that they might set fire to the market. Earlier, many vendors have helped troops confront protesters who were armed with a lot of molotov cocktails. The residents booed the protesters and cheered the troops, according to the Manager website. The website said up to 10 people may have been injured in the shooting. It said several protesters were armed with guns. The website said the protesters claimed they were intimidated by the presence of hostile Nang Lerng residents.

Update, from THE NATION: _____ 8.40pm: Red-shirted protesters entered Nang Lerng Market Monday evening and pushed the vendors outside. PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtoey tells NBT channel that three are injured and one guy named Pom aged 54 years old dies at the hospital after being shot by redshirted protesters, according to eye-witnesses who phoned Satit.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/...tml#cnnSTCVideo

Updates, from THE NATION: _____ 6.30pm: Narenthorn Emergency Centre's director Chatree Charoenchivakul in his interview with Thai PBS denies the rumour of death caused by the crackdown. "We are doctors and we have medical ethics. We'll certainly report the death if there is any." He says that the latest report shows 94 people injured of which 24 are in serious conditions. The injured people are both civilians and military officers and they are treated equally. 5.50 pm: Gunshots have been heard for around 10 minutes around the Army headquarters. Initial TV reports say it might be the result of a clash between red-shirted protesters and some people angry at their aggression. No injury is immediately reported. 5.45pm: Troops take control of the Royal Plaza area and there is no report of casualty. However,NBT reports that there are still a number of protesters left near the Education Ministry. The TV report says there is a sign of fire near the ministry and the officers now deploy force to investigate.

Monday, April 13: _____ The Songkran celebrations in Pattaya were not diminished by the insanity over the weekend. Today marks the beginning of Songkran in Pattaya, the traditional Thai New Year. It's almost impossible to believe that just two days ago Pattaya was experiencing the worst turmoil in its history. It's also difficult to believe that in nearby Bangkok people are being killed, hurt, arrested, beaten, threatened, and lord-knows-what else. In Pattaya you never would know anything was going on at all. It was the beginning of the annual Songkran water splashing fun (or ordeal, depending on how you look at it). Out in my area, "The Dark Side" east of Sukhumvit Highway, I observed no water splashing activity at all. However, it has begun within Pattaya. It's easy to get to and from the beach now, but the sporadic revelers are out there, gleefully dousing away. Most of what I observed was on Soi Buakhao. You couldn't go more than about 30 feet before encountering splashers. There was also plenty of it on Second Road and Thappraya Road, the road to Jomtien. I was not on Beach road today, but I imagine plenty of it was also going on there. Friends who live in Jomtien report that the splashing activities got underway today in that area too, as expected. However, once you're at the beach, you're safe. No splashing activity at all there. During this week it's best to seal whatever non-waterproof belongings you're taking with you in plastic bags. Again, you're only going to get doused if you want to get doused. Passengers on baht buses are especially tempting targets for the revelers. The solution to that is to sit up front with the driver. One thing I didn't like at all: I saw several revelers drenching people driving motorcycles. That is definitely against the law and extremely dangerous to do to people. Who do you think was doing all of that, at least from what I witnessed? Thais? No. All of it was being done by groups of drunken farang, most of whom probably don't have the first clue what the meaning of Songkran is in the first place.

Updates, from THE NATION: _____ 5.50 pm: Gunshots have been heard for around 10 minutes around the Army headquarters. Initial TV reports say it might be the result of a clash between red-shirted protesters and some people angry at their aggression. No injury is immediately reported. 5.45pm: Troops take control of the Royal Plaza area and there is no report of casualty. However,NBT reports that there are still a number of protesters left near the Education Ministry. The TV report says there is a sign of fire near the ministry and the officers now deploy force to investigate. 5.30pm : Audience in Khon Kaen and around 10 provinces in the upper Northeast are unable to watch news report on NBT channel as the red-shirted group demanded the station to cease broadcasting. After the rally in front of the station, the protesters are reportedly moving to block part of the Mitaparb Road and traffic has started to be congested. __________ And this: _____ Local Residents at Yommaraj, Nang Lerng Intersections Battle Red-Shirts About 500 local residents near the Yommaraj Intersection gathered to confront the red-shirted protesters after they set fires on roads. They clashed with the protesters after they protesters refused to put out the blazes they set to things used as barricades. Meanwhile, vendors and local residents near the Nang Lerng Market gathered to form line to guard their properties and shouted at the red-shirted protesters. They shooed away the protesters who threatened to slam their motorcycles at the local residents.

Update: _____ 4.35pm : Army Spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd dismissed reports that soldiers who dispersed the red shrits in many areas used live bullets and have killed many protesters. In a live broadcast, Sansern said the soldiers used blank bullets and fired into the air as warning shots. "Reporters and camera men who accompanied the troops are our witnesses to prove that we used only blank bullets on the protesters. We also used practise bullets which created loud noise. The protesters distorted these, claiming that the soldiers fired live bullets and killed many protesters," he said. He insisted that no one was killed during the crackdown. 4.20pm : Government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn says the authorities manage to clear red shirted protesters from many areas on Monday afternoon, resulting in resuming of traffic near Victory Monument and nearby roads. All roads from the Foreign Ministry to Phaya Thai intersection and to Victory Monument were now safe for motorists and people. However the authorities have still tried to disperse the red shirts rallying near Yommarat express toll and Manangkasila Residence.

And here's what has been happening so far today, as published by THE NATION. There will be further updates later: _____ April 13, 2009, the Black Songkran Thailand Faces Another Black Day in Politics Tension remains very high in Bangkok, with retreating protesters putting up resistance near the Din Daeng flat and holding the community hostage by threatening to blow up a gas truck. Following is our live report: 3.30 pm: Supreme Commander Songkitti Jakkrabat, head of the committee enforcing the state of emergency, goes on TV to reiterate that the operation to retake key traffic areas has been carried out with all democratic principles respected. "We base our operation on the principles that everyone is Thai who has right to gather in peace without infringing on rights of others. We will never hurt Thai citizens but we reserve the rights to self-defence," he told a TV address. According to Songkitti, people coming back from Songkran retreat could face inconvenience as road blocks and searches will be required to make sure no weapons are sneaked into the city. He suggested travellers come back earlier or later in order to spread out traffic. 3 pm: Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd says that despite sporadic incidents. the operation to retake control of the Victory Monument and nearby areas has been "satisfactory". He denies claims that some protesters had been killed. There had been no death, he insisted. He also says footage of soldiers aiming and firing at protesters could have misled the public, because the soldiers were only firing blank bullets. 3.10 pm: Scattered protesters in the Sri Ayutthaya intersection are said to have fled toward the Urupong area. 2.45 pm: Tension is very high between flat residents and the protesters. One TV reporter reports seeing protesters beating and chasing some residents. 2.30 pm: Din Daeng flat residents and some officers try unsuccessfully to negotiate with red-shirted protesters who parked a gas truck near the flat the community. Gas valve has been secured and the authorities shower water on the truck. Although the protesters claimed the use of the gas truck was only meant as a blockade, there was increasingly fear among the residents about an explosion. 1.30pm: Thick smoke is spotted at the Victory Monument. Red-shirted protesters reportedly set tires on fire just opposite the Rajvithi Hospital and some protesters also drove a car over a fiberglass police statue near the monument. Police also ask people to get out of the pedestrian bridges around the monument but the Skytrain station was not closed yet. 1pm : it was reported that soldiers manged to take hold of all corners of the Din Daeng triangle and the red-shirted protesters backed towards Rajaparop Road. Twenty people were reported to be injured from the clash there. 12.15pm : an explosive sound is heard followed by smokes from a public park near the Victory Monument, where there are only the red-shirted protesterd. While soliders continue to push the protesters out of Din Daeng area towards the Victory Monument direction, the demonstrators set on fire a bus that was parked in the middle of the road. 12.10pm : soldiers continue to clash with the red-shirted protesters at the entrance to the Din Daeng elevated road. As the latest, the protesters reportedly tried to drive a bus into the soldiers but the officers counter that with gunshots thus the bus crash into the bridge railing. There was no report yet if anyone was killed. 12.30pm : PM's deputy secretary-general Panitan Wattanayagorn, on TV, ensures foreigners' safety and that the government is gaining control of the situation. Red Shirt's D Station black out. 12.10pm: Pheu Thai MPs threaten to mobilise more people to join protesters if the government does not stop using weapons, open an urgent joint-meeting among MPs and the Senate. 12.03pm : The gas truck is removed from King Power. 12pm : Protesters burn a bus at Din Daeng Triangle. Gun shots were heard. 11.45am : Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva addresses live on TV, denying death report in the morning. He added that 23 soldiers and 47 protesters were injured. Four soldiers suffered bullet wounds. He calls on people to cooperate by filing information. He also tells people to be confident that the government is trying to restore order as soon as possible. 11.20am : The director of Rajavithi Hospital insists Monday that no protester was killed during the crackdown at the Din Daeng Intersection early Monday. 10am : Protesters park an LPG gas truck at King Power Shopping Mall. 9.50am : Protesters confront and throw molotov cocktails (bottle bombs) at soldiers around Din Daeng Intersection while (the protesters) retreating to Din Daeng flats. 9.30am : Weng Tojirakarn tells protesters to seize four buses and use them to block Orathai Bridge and Misakawan intersections. 8.45am : Police beef up force from 200 to 300 officers to secure Democrat Party headquarters on speculation that protesters would raid the place. Police later ask reporters and cameramen to move away from the area for fear that they would be injured in a possible clash with protesters. 8am : Protesters seize buses and use them to block Si Ayutthaya road. Some burn tyres at nearby intersections. 7.30am : Protesters at the Royal Plaza round up 15 journalists, saying they reported unfairly. The group attempt to attack, forcing journalists to leave. 7.20am : Deputy PM's Secretary-General Panitan Wattanayagorn tells a press conference Monday morning that some protesters were arrested, detained unharmed. Army Spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the protesters were detained at "proper place" without elaborating. 7.15am : Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva sets up a committee to direct the implementation according to Emergency Decree, authorising the Supreme Commander as the director to fix emergencies and prohibiting blockade of any roads in Bangkok and other effective areas. 6.40am : Protesters park 10-wheel gas truck on in-bound Vibhavadi-Rangsit road in Din Daeng Triangle area to prevent soldiers from coming in. Both directions of the road are closed. Protesters drive truck fueled by NGV gas into the compound. The truck uses several NGV cylinders and the protesters shouted that the flat residents should leave immediately, prompting speculation that the protesters would explode the gas tanks 6.00am : Army spokesman says soldiers fired tear gas at Din Daeng Intersection only after protesters threw Molotov Cocktails at them and tried to hit them with a bus. 4.30am : Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan says another leader Arisman Pongruangrong had been bailed out. 4am : Anti-government protesters and military officers are injured as the government has employed a force to disperse the protest near Din Daeng Intersection in Bangkok. Gunshots were heard until 5.30am. Soldiers insisted they fired the shots to the air. 1.30am : Three bombs are shot to Constitutional Court. One exploded while two did not. Police said the bombs could be M79 type.

According to the latest reports, the violence has escalated. 4 soldiers are reported shot. They were wounded, but I saw not reports to indicate the seriousness of their wounds. Also, in Bangkok the protesters set fire to a bus.

I used the standard by which we were all taught. I wanted to make certain you would not be confused . . .

Well then, in what should I get them caught?

Maybe on another thread, my little joke about Dan Quayle wasn't so far-fetched after all . . .

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ CRACKDOWN BEGINS Troops, firing tear gas and shots into the air, have moved in on protesters at the Din Daeng intersection near Victory Monument. Troops, firing shots into the air, have apparently retaken control of the Din Daeng intersection from red-shirted protesters, according to TV news reports. There were reportedly some injuries but no immediate reports of death. About 50 people suffered minor injuries, many from tear gas, a Bangkok Metropolitan Administration medical director said. About five persons were seriously injured. The red-shirted movement claimed "several" of its members suffered gunshot wounds, and condemned the authorities' use of live bullets in the crackdown. TV news footage showed soldiers firing shots into the air. Tear gas was also fired, TV reporters at the scene said. A few hundred troops were involved in the operation. The clash took place around 4 am and left about 50 soldiers and protesters injured, it was reported. Gunshots were still heard after 5 am, but not as intensely as when the crackdown began. One TV reporter quoted "runaway" protesters as saying that there might have been some deaths. The troops were pushing from the Din Daeng intersection toward the Victory Monument. Protesters were scattered and retreated from the intersection to the moment. It appeared that the troops were in almost complete control of the Din Daeng intersection after 6 am. Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, Army spokesman, said 300 protesters were in the area when security forces including soldiers and police moved in. He said the troops first tried to negotiate with the protesters, who were allegedly armed with molotov cocktails and tear gas themselves. He said the talks broke down after some protesters tried to ram buses against the troops. "The troops had to fire into the air. I repeat. They fired into the air and took action against the protesters," he said. Some arrests were made, he said, adding that "reluctant participants" of the protest who were forced to stay by fellow protesters were released. "Similar operations will be carried out in other areas," he said. Protesters have burnt tyres on a few spots in the Din Daeng area, and there have been concern that red-shirted protesters would resort to arson in response to the crackdown. Several intersections were still occupied Sunday night by the protesters, who used buses to barricade several major roads, spawning massive traffic jams. Police said up to 30,000 demonstrators were scattered around the city. Police vans at some intersections were abandoned and looted, AP reported. Protest leaders have woken up red-shirted demonstrators at Government House to inform them of the Din Daeng incident and tell them to prepare themselves for a possible crackdown. Gunshots at Din Daeng intersection could still be heard around 5 am, but not as intense as an hour earlier. TV footage showed some wounded protesters taken into military vehicles. Earlier, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has assured the nation that there is no disharmony within the government as well as key agencies responsible for enforcing law and order. In a late-night television address, Abhisit was flanked by all key government, military and police leaders, a setting apparently intended to stamp out persistent speculation that he was losing support of top police and military officers. He said the rumours were intended to weaken the government which has been trying to restore law and order through peaceful means. "There have been a lot of rumours and I would like the Thai media to report on the truth to the Thai public," he said. Among false reports, he said, were claims that security forces had already resorted to violence to suppress the red-shirted protesters. The prime minister insisted that a united government remained confident that the situation would improve in the next few days. Abhisit had vowed not to bow to the red-shirted protesters' demand for him to either step down or dissolve the House, and expressed confidence that the military and the police, whom he had reportedly criticised in private, were still firmly on his side. It had been reported that Abhisit singled out police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan for sharp criticism following Saturday's collapse of the Asean summit with dialogue partners. Coup rumours were intense late Sunday afternoon but seemed to subside late into the night. Speculation now was focused on when security forces would move against protesters occupying some key areas in the city. ____________________ and this: _____ CHAOS REIGNS By The Nation Published on April 13, 2009 PM Declares State of Emergency, Vows to Restore Law and Order, Military Dispatches Forces and Tanks to Key Centres in the Capital Thailand plunged into chaos for a second day as Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency in Bangkok to quell anti-government protests. The embattled premier, whose Secretary-General Niphon Phromphan was also injured in an attack by an unruly mob at the Interior Ministry yesterday, said the government would quickly enforce the state of emergency to restore law and order in the capital. Tens of thousands of red-shirt protesters regrouped at Government House after small groups marched to the Interior Ministry, the Foreign Ministry, a court and other public buildings to pressure the government to quit. Protesters on Saturday forced the Abhisit government to abruptly end the summit of Asean leaders with their Asian dialogue partners by storming into the summit's venue in the resort city of Pattaya. Several foreign countries yesterday expressed disappointment at the cancellation of the summit, while some such as Australia, Hong Kong and Russia issued advisories warning their citizens about travelling to Bangkok. Abhisit said on national TV that the protesters had no right to break the law or violate other people's rights, while Deputy Premier Suthep Thaugsuban told police and soldiers to take action against protesters who break the law. Under emergency rules, authorities are empowered to detain any person without charge for up to 30 days. Suthep said some protesters yesterday attempted to harm the premier physically while two other senior government officials, including Secretary-General Niphon, were hurt. Doctors said Niphon's ribs were broken in the attack at the Interior Ministry. Over the past few days, some major roads and intersections in Bangkok have been blocked by protesters also. Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra said during his daily phone-in to protesters at Government House he would return to Thailand to lead the red shirts if the military staged a coup. Thaksin is currently a fugitive, facing a two-year jail term for abuse of power and corruption. The military, meanwhile, dispatched its forces, tanks and armoured vehicles to take positions at around 50 key locations in Bangkok following the emergency rule. Army spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd denied earlier reports that two armoured vehicles at Siam Paragon shopping centre and the Foreign Ministry were taken over by protesters. "The red shirts did not take over the tanks, but some of them just climbed over the armoured vehicles. There could be violence if we prevented every one from getting close to our vehicles," he said. Eyewitnesses said the protesters, however, had taken over dozens of public buses which were then lined up along main roads leading to the compound of Government House in a bid to prevent authorities from attempting to disperse the protesting crowd. Defence Ministry spokesman Col Jitsak Charernsombat said the latest emergency rule imposed by the government in Bangkok was similar to the one for Pattaya and Chon Buri. "I'm not sure if this measure would be effective in quelling the unrest because it's unclear how much authority officials have in doing their task. "When the government has said it would be lenient, it's unlikely we could do anything much to reverse the situation as far as officials at the operational level are concerned. "In fact, the government should have a set of clear-cut, step-by-step measures to deal with the situation from moderate to strong measures. In other words, there are no details in this emergency rule yet." Somsak Kosaisuk, a core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy or the yellow-shirt movement, said police and soldiers would have to ensure that the emergency is enforced effectively.

I'm not concerned over whether you think my phraseology is awkward for a very simple reason. It isn't awkward. This thread is supposed to be about whether Mark should or should not permit smoking inside his bar, not a thread nitpicking over word choices. Anything awkward about that?

Here is some further detail, from CNN: _____ Speaking by video link from an unknown location, Thaskin called for supporters to topple the Thai government. He also played on police forces' alleged affinity for the so-called "red shirts" and promised his eventual return. "The troops who have already come out can come and join the red shirts to help us to get democracy for the people," he said. "This is a golden opportunity. We will make history and there will be no more coups in Thailand. We must achieve democracy for all of us." The state-of-emergency decree suspends certain civil liberties, including the right to public gatherings and a free press. It also cleared the way for the government to call up military troops to tackle the protest mobs. But the military has yet to act, in some cases standing down as protesters clambered over their vehicles, waving flags and chanting anti-government slogans. Top brass have denied rumors of a military coup and have stressed that they will not initiate violence. Some of the protesters have no such reservations. "The violence has begun already. It started today and will continue. It may do harm, but it must be done to protect democracy," protest leader Sakrebee Promchad, 49, said today. "It must continue until we accomplish our goals. We will keep fighting." Abhisit's motorcade was attacked after leaving the besieged Ministry of Interior. Protesters smashed one black BMW with rocks, bottles and outdoor furniture -- anything at hand. In one case, a protester picked up a heavy, potted patio plant and heaved it against the side of the sedan. The prime minister managed to escape the attack on the motorcade unharmed. "I believe that the people have seen what happened to me. They have seen that the protesters were trying to hurt me and smash the car," Abhisit said in a television appearance after the attack. Abhisit, a 44-year-old Oxford-educated economist, was voted into office by parliament after his party came in second in 2008 elections. He promised to restore political stability to Thailand after a series of short-lived administrations linked to Thaksin, who was ousted in a bloodless coup in 2006. Thailand has had four different heads of state and one interim military government since then. Thaksin is now in hiding from a two-year jail term for corruption. The Thai media have been awash in rumors of alleged sightings in Cambodia, Dubai and Africa. Last year, Britain revoked Thaksin's visa and, more recently, a consortium of Bangkok businesspeople offered a monetary reward for anyone who could bring him back to face justice. Some $2.2 billion in funds held by Thaksin and his family have been frozen by the Thai government, according to reports. Still, Thaksin remains popular with Thailand's rural majority. Poor and marginalized Thais, especially in the north and northeast, were won over by his campaign of "paddy-field populism," offering health and education programs. His followers, known as the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, or UDD, believe he has the economic prowess to steer Thailand out of the global economic crisis. "Thaksin's return is what we want most. To me, everything will go back to being better," said the UDD's Sakrebee. Thaksin, a former policeman and Texas-educated devotee of George W. Bush, is a striking contrast to soft-spoken Abhisit, whose kid-glove treatment of protesters at the summit has already drawn the scorn of the region's strongmen, such as Cambodia's Hun Sen. In recent days, Thaksin has stepped up broadsides against Abhisit in his daily video call-ins to supporters. He has repeatedly dismissed the youthful-looking Abhisit as "too young" to lead the country. He is stressing class difference and claims the UDD is a movement of democracy against aristocracy. "I'm ready to go back home. I'll be there soon," he said Saturday in a congratulatory speech to UDD faithful after the summit was canceled.

The following is from CNN: _____ BANGKOK, Thailand (CNN) -- Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has urged his supporters in the troubled south-east Asian country to revolt, a military-run network and CNN affiliate MCOT reported Sunday. His comments came after incumbent premier Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency in the capital city, Bangkok, and surrounding areas in an attempt to contain days of intensifying anti-government protests. Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, said in a video-link speech from an unknown location that he would return to Thailand to lead people in a march on the capital if necessary.

No. You'll be fine there. You're a good three miles away from the brouhaha at your location, and that's a straight line distance.

That's it, then. Once again you can kiss the tourist industry goodbye. That's what people will see all over the world. People who don't know what it's really like over here would be nuts to plan a trip here, especially in light of the airport takeover before. I would never plan a trip to Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, or any other country portrayed as unsafe. For all I know, maybe it would be perfectly safe to go to some countries, but like most people I only know what I see on the news. For most people who don't live in Thailand, what they see on the news is also all they know. Why would they come here? For what? The major loss already for Thailand, according to the news, is the loss of Chinese tourists. That alone will cause a major impact on the tourist industry. Pattaya was counting on a major influx of tourists for Songkran. Based on the news reports I've been reading, finding hotel space in Pattaya during Songkran won't exactly be a problem. It's really a shame. The tourist industry is predicting a 200-billion baht loss as a result of all this. That's US $6-billion. The tourist industry in Pattaya was just beginning to see a recovery when all this got started. Now they're saying it will be at least two years before they see any signs of recovery again. A lot of businesses went under following the airport seizure. Now that things are getting violent, it's anybody's guess as to what will happen now.

Sue me . . .