Political un-rest and rally

[cozza]

Dan Rivers retaliates to his one sided articles...

http://twitpic.com/1owwrx

Thailand’s New Voice For Freedom...Robert Amsterdam talks to Al Jazeera.

http://absolutelybangkok.com/thailands- ... nt=Twitter

[PeteC]

It looks like game on this morning. Pete

Breakingnews » Breakingnews
Forces gather near Ratchaprasong

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews ... chaprasong

* Published: 19/05/2010 at 06:45 AM
* Online news: Breakingnews Bangkok Post

Hundreds of police and army, backed by armored vehicles, are converging on the perimeter of an anti-government protest camp in Bangkok, reporters saw early on Wednesday.

Twelve armoured personnel carriers (APCs) with machine guns mounted on top arrived in the Silom business district, where several trucks dropped off troops wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons and riot shields.

Thailand's army spokesman declined to comment on whether a crackdown was imminent on the protesters, who are defying a Monday deadline to disperse after occupying Bangkok's main retail district for six weeks.

"I will not answer any questions," spokesman Col Sunsern Kaewkumnerd said.

Hundreds of armed police were forming lines in Sukhumvit Road, a main thoroughfare leading into the protest zone, backed up by some 20 police vans on the roadside.

Leaders of the red shirts warned late Tuesday that they were concerned a crackdown would be launched at dawn, after the government ruled out negotiations until they abandoned their heavily fortified rally base.

Security forces had battled with protesters since Thursday as they attempted to seal off the protest site, triggering clashes that have left 39 dead and hundreds injured.

The violence, which eased Tuesday with only sporadic gunfire, turned parts of the city of 12 million into no-go zones as troops used live ammunition against protesters, who fought back mainly with homemade weapons.

[cozza]

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/0 ... haila.html

Some good pics here.

[Spitfire]

Just been watching Channel 3, they've set the hospital on fire! Crazy pics, unbelievable! Time to send the tanks in, screw them.

[cozza]

Spitfire,

Its just mind boggling, I can't see this ending in any other outcome except for lots of death and injury.

Burning a hospital??? WTF!?!?!?!?!

STILL, NO MENTION OF THIS IN THE WESTERN MEDIA!!!!

[STEVE G]

Is the actual hospital on fire now?

Medical teams at the Chulalongkorn Hospital are evacuating patients from buildings near the conflict zone as smoke from burning tires engulf the exterior of the buildings.

Latest reports indicate that fires from burning tires have spread to the hospital's fence.

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.a ... ID=1029463

[Spitfire]

Yes, the building next door to the wards, my Thai still a bit suspect when watching Tv, too fast. Still bad form and unjustifiable. Cheers for the clarification Steve.

[migrant]

Just been watching Channel 3, they've set the hospital on fire! Crazy pics, unbelievable! .

Irregardless of the politics, that is just wrong.

In my opinion nothing condones the burning of a hospital.

[PeteC]

There's live coverage going on now on all Thai TV channels as well as CNN-BBC. Only shots from afar as no reporters allowed into any of the hot areas for about 48 hours now already. Pete

[hhfarang]

In my opinion nothing condones the burning of a hospital.

I've spent a lot of time wandering around Chulalongkorn Hospital and the older section (the half of the complex nearest Rama IV) is all made up of nearly 100 year old Thai style wooden buildings. If someone really did set fire to this part it would go up like a book of matches! Truly shameful if someone has done this!

[buksida]

Notice on TV a few minutes ago in Thai and English stating they're rolling in today and reassuring civilians that they are there to secure the area. A phone number was issued for those needing assistance (199), lets hope the casualties are kept to a minimum.

[cozza]

Is the actual hospital on fire now?

Quote:
Medical teams at the Chulalongkorn Hospital are evacuating patients from buildings near the conflict zone as smoke from burning tires engulf the exterior of the buildings.

Latest reports indicate that fires from burning tires have spread to the hospital's fence.
http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.a ... ID=1029463

OH, thats ok then, as long as it was next door...

[Takiap]

Grenade launchers, petrol bombs, setting fire to buildings and destroying/looting ATM machines........Yes I'm sure they intend to continue with their peaceful demonstration.

[Super Joe]

- Gunmen open fire on army as they enter protest site, army fire back and protesters hit.
- Bombs and Chemical bombs found. Gas canisters strategically placed in camp.
- Staff evacuating from that Chula hospital, smoke coming into it.
- Police Narcotics building set on fire.
- Kasikorn Bank fully ablaze which spread to neighbouring buildings where people had to escape. Residents that went to help and try and put out fires were forced away by mob.
- Another building just set ablaze, flames lapping across adjoining buildings.
- Protesters have started to pour gasoline at Platinum Mall.
- Klong Toey subway station stormed and doused with petrol and set alight, staff evacuate.
- Police hospital completely surrounded, ambulances blocked from going out.

SJ

[Takiap]

I haven't seen any coverage today yet, but from the way you speak SJ, The army really need to beginning shooting now, and not waste rounds by firing them into the air or at peoples legs. A wounded rebel will recover and come back out to play, whereas as a dead one will rest eternally. And before some bum jumps on my back, blocking medical services from attending to the injured is also against international standards. As far as women are concerned......if they brave enough and manly enough to torch buildings and etc, they manly enough to be dealt with severely as well. To hell with them too.