Political un-rest and rally

[STEVE G]

BANGKOK (AP) -- An Associated Press photographer has seen three foreign journalists shot during the army operation in Bangkok, and one of them appears dead.

The photographer saw the three at a hospital Wednesday a few hours after the crackdown began to clear an anti-government protest site in central Bangkok.

He says one of the journalists, who looked Middle Eastern, was shot in the chest. His eyes were rolled back and he showed no signs of life.

He says a Dutch journalist walked into the hospital with a bullet wound in his shoulder. The third journalist is a Westerner in his late 40s who was shot in the leg.

The photographer also saw at least seven Thais brought to a hospital. It was not clear if they were dead or unconscious.

[Super Joe]

BANGKOK (AP) -- An Associated Press photographer has seen three foreign journalists shot during the army operation in Bangkok, and one of them appears dead.

Watching local tv live coverage, there was already dozens of reporters, camera crew etc inside the camp before the army arrived. They were mixed in with the protesters, running amongst them as the army entered this morning. The army took a good few hours slowly entering the site. Once inside the reports say protesters opened fire and army fired back and people obviously got hit, who exactly fired first we'll probably never find out.

The gunmen would have been fully aware of the response, they risked the lives of all those around them. There were gas bottles strategically placed gas bottles across the road (saw them on tv), probably aiming at them. Must have been terrifying for the young soldiers

Takiab, I'm afraid they've all gone, everyone run away, leaders included. Army are now trying to find them after having them surrounded
Assume they had to, elderly and kids could have been trampled.

It's all turned into a bit of a circus with people and army running all around the streets.

SJ

[STEVE G]

According to some Thai news sites, at least some of the Red shirt leaders are now preparing to surrender to the police to save further loss of life.

[STEVE G]

Red shirt leaders have formally called off their protest and are heading for the police station to hand themselves in.

[PeteC]

Thai TV 3 now at 1345 hours....wife told me leaders went on stage and told all protesters to disperse, it's over. However, many hundred have refused and are now running wild into nearby malls and other buildings trying to do as much damage as possible. I believe the Army now has orders to shoot on sight. Pete

[STEVE G]

UDD leaders Jatuporn, Nutthawut, Wiputalaeng, Jeng, and Korkaew have surrendered to the National Police Office.

[buksida]

Live footage can be viewed here:
http://www.tnnthailand.com/live/live_low.html

Edit: this may also work:
http://truemusic.truelife.com/home/play ... za/?guid=7

[Arcadian]

UK tv is reporting that a town hall in the northeast has been set on fire

[Terry]

IK NOW that this is a serious subject

BUT..........

There's always some wag with a sense of humour

Seen on Silom Road

Let's hope that the situation in Bangkok and elsewhere can get back to some normality soon.

[PeteC]

UK tv is reporting that a town hall in the northeast has been set on fire

Yes, from what I've seen/heard government offices in both Udorn and Khon Kaen have been set on fire. Pete

[PeteC]

Both the Bangkok Post and The Nation newspaper buildings have been evacuated as protesters approach with intent to invade/burn. No surprise if their websites go off line sometime tonight. Pete

PS: Thai TV channel 3 building set on fire

[PeteC]

Siam Square shopping area looted. Central World looted and first floor set on fire. Siam Theatre burned and has collapsed. Pete

[richard]

So BK is in the process of getting mopped up but what is happening in the provinces? Khon Kaen, Udon and Chang Mai are already constructing barricades and burning. With the red exodus from BK the battles will continue in the provinces which I guess will it more difficult for police and army to control

I need to get out of the village and back to Hua Hin. Anybody got a tank? My ark would be no good as the rains haven't delivered

[PeteC]

Several commercial bank branches in the Siam Square area burning. Klong Toey electrical authority building set on fire. Klong Toey protesters don't believe their leaders have surrendered and are in custody. Fighting and gunfire still happening throughout Din Daeng. City wide curfew tonight. Pete

[sandman67]

The Nation reported that the red leaders that have been arrested are being transferred.... to the Border Patrol base HERE in Hua Hin

First off - WTF??? Why tell the public where the idiots are being held...why not just print invites and send them up north...come to Hua HIn and bust out your leaders

Second....of all the frickin army bases dotted about the boonies here in Thailand, why pick one that is close to the regular residence of HM The King?

ah yes, I forgot

TIT