Public Transports Can Handle Bkk Shutdown: Chatchart

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13 January 2014, 16:59

(13 January) Transport Minister Chatchart Sitthipan has asserted that public transportation has been able to cope with "Bangkok Shutdown" so far.

"I have inspected the eastern zone [of Bangkok] such as Lad Krabang, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Airport Link, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand," Mr. Chatchart said on his Facebook post, "Generally, the situation can still be handled".

He added that the effect of the "shutdown" might have been partially eased because many citizens have avoided traveling and many schools have been closed down.

The "shutdown" has been engineered by supporters of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), who have been occupying a number of major intersections, landmarks, and roads in Bangkok in the bid to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

In the Facebook post, the Transport Minister also claimed he had talked with taxi drivers at Suvarnabhumi Airport, instructing them to exercise restraint and take care of their passengers.

"I am very worried that there would be confrontation between motorists and the protesters," Mr. Chatchart said.

More than 30 public bus routes have been diverted in many districts, such as Ladprao Intersection, Victory Monument, Chaeng Wattana Road, Silom, Ratchaprasong, and Siam, according to Mr. Chatchart, warning that the public should avoid these areas for the time being.

He also dismissed rumours that he had ordered a halt in the rail service along southern Thailand, the stronghold of current anti-government protests.

"Even if I did that, it would be useless and I would only be criticised for nothing, because much of the mass travels by buses, vans, and personal cars," Mr. Chatchart explained in the Facebook post, adding that he has performed his duty without political discrimination.

Previously, Mr. Chatchart has said to reporters during his inspection at Suvarnabhumi Airport that the police and soldiers are doing their best to maintain public safety at the airport.

He also asked that the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (SRT) reconsider their threat to shutdown the offices of Stock Exchange and Aeronautical Radio Thailand unless Ms. Yingluck resigns by 15 January.

"It would massively affect the global flight systems that fly across Thai airspace," Mr. Chatchart said.

Although he cannot convince the SRT to abandon their plan, Mr. Chatchart told reporters, he would like to ask them not to carry out the threat, since it is beyond the protesters′ democratic rights.

Asked whether he believes a military coup is possible, Mr. Chatchart simply said that "there has always been this kind of rumour".

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Overseas Voting Kicks Off Today

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13 January 2014, 15:59

Redshirts supporters and other citizens rally in support of 2 February election in Nakhon Ratchasima province, 13 January 2014

(13 January) Despite the ongoing attempt to derail the 2 February general election, Thais living in foreign countries have already begun their voting.

Mr. Sek Wannamathee, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said overseas election kicked off today in 67 nations, organised by their respective 91 Thai embassies and consulates.

The advance voting has seen no problem, Mr. Sek said, and no illegal activity has been reported so far.

"There is no act of obstructing the election," he told reporters.

Mr. Sek said Thais living overseas who wished to participate in the general election have registered with their local embassies or consulates.

The voters have 2 ways to cast their ballots: by voting personally at election booths held in embassies, Thai temples, and other venues designated by the authorities, or mailing their ballot to their embassies, according to Mr. Sek. The ballots would then be sent to each district office of Election Commission in Thailand.

Voters overseas have until 26 January to cast their ballots.

He also told reporters that the overseas election would not be affected by ongoing protests by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), since the government has not changed or postponed the election.

However, if the government decides to postpone the 2 February election, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is prepared to accommodate the change, he added.

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Bangkok Shutdown: PCAD Closes Additional Roads

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13 January 2014, 14:48

Anti-government protesters camping inside Chatuchak Park near Ladprao Intersection

(13 January) The anti-government protesters′ attempt to "shutdown" Bangkok has extended beyond their original plans.

The People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) has previously vowed to "shutdown" the capital city by occupying 7 major intersections, landmarks, and roads, in the bid to pressure the government Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra into resignation.

The PCAD has also demanded that the general election on 2 February be scrapped in favour of the establishment of an unelected ′People′s Council′ to implement series of "reforms" deemed necessary by the PCAD leadership.

The 7 sites the PCAD has previously marked for occupation are the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road; Ladprao Intersection; Victory Monument; Saladaeng Intersection and the nearby Lumpini Park; Asoke Intersection, Ratchaprasong Intersection; and Pathumwan Intersection, where PCAD has erected their ′main′ rally stage.

Apart from those 7 sites, however, additional roads had been closed down by PCAD protesters and their affiliated groups.

For instance, the People′s Force of Democracy to Overthrow Thaksinism (PEFOT) have closed down both inbound and outbound lanes of Rama VIII Bridge, using big lorries and other barricades to block the road. The protesters there say they will "spend the night" on the bridge.

Protesters on Ratchaprasong Intersection had also rallied in front of the nearby Royal Thai Police Office.

Traffic on Rama IV Road has been severely affected after Wireless Intersection, Saladaeng Intersection, Henri Dunant Intersection, Sam Yan Intersection were all closed by PCAD protesters, including Thai-Belgium Bridge and Thai-Japan Bridge.

On Chaeng Wattana Road, the protesters have set up additional "temporary" stages in front of Constitutional Court Office and TOT Public Company Limited. It is reported that PCAD protesters have blocked Chaeng Wattana Road with sandbags, car tyres, and iron fences.

Ploenchit Intersection and some stretches along New Petchaburi Road have been likewise closed down by the protesters.

It is difficult to keep track of locations occupied by protesters, as many of them have fanned out from their major rally sites to neighbouring areas.

Meanwhile, many parts of downtown Bangkok are unnaturally quiet, devoid of the usual busy traffic, since many office workers have chosen to work from home to avoid the "shutdown" while a number of schools have also been closed.

Although public bus routes have been severely affected by the shutdown, it is reported that public transports are still available in many area, and many commuters have relied on BTS and MRT systems.

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Protesters March On Chalerm's Office

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13 January 2014, 14:20

(13 January) Anti-government protesters have marched to the Ministry of Labour this morning to pressure governmental officials into joining the protests.

The protesters split from one of the main rally sites organised by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) at Ladprao Intersection.

At the Ministry, the protesters chained every gate around the building to prevent officials from entering, while many shouted that the officials inside should switch side and join the crusade to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

The protesters also vented out their anger at Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, with some speakers saying via loudspeakers that Mr. Chalerm should stop serving ′Thaksin′s Regime′, referring to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whom the protests accused as the true puppet master behind the current administration.

Mr. Chalerm has previously angered anti-government protesters with his provocative remarks. He also threatened to have PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban under arrest.

As of Monday afternoon, there is no report of violence, and protest leaders have instructed the protesters not to break into the Ministry. The protesters still gather in front of the building, however, some of them giving speeches to the crowd, condemning Mr. Chalerm.

Approximately 200 civil servants have been ordered to leave their office out of security concern, but some others are reportedly still working inside the building. There are reports that some of the governmental officials who left later joined the protests.

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Grenade Threat At PCAD Leader's House

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13 January 2014, 12:32

(13 January) A pair of assailants reportedly hanged a grenade on the gate to the house of an anti-government protest leader in Nonthaburi province.

The residence belongs to Mr. Rachen Trakulviang, the provincial coordinator of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

Police said 2 assailants wearing motorcycle helmets arrived at the house on a motorcycle at around 02.00 this morning, then proceeded to hang a RGB 5-type grenade on the gate of Mr. Rachen′s house and fled the scene.

The grenade has been defused by a EOD unit, and police are investigating the incident.

Previously, a group of assailants also fired their weapons at the coffee shop located in the headquarters of Democrat Party in Bangkok′s Samsen Nai subdistrict.

CCTV footage reveals that the assailants arrived on a Toyota Camry without a license plate at 02.12, before slowing down the vehicle and spraying bullets at the coffee shop. The shooters then sped away.

The coffee shop was closed at the time of the shooting, police said, but 6-7 supporters of anti-government protests were camping nearby. However, no injury had been reported.

A senior police officer suspects that the shooting was meant to escalate the political confrontation. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, the chairman of Democrat Party, condemned the incident, calling it an act of intimidation.

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PCAD Guard Arrested On Drugs Charge

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13 January 2014, 11:46

(13 January) 8 people, among them an anti-government protest guard, have been arrested for using and producing illegal drugs in their apartment, police said.

Police raided the apartment, which is located in Soi Sanprasert of Bangkok′s Wang Thonglang district, at 02.10 today after receiving tips that illegal activities were being held there.

In the raid the officers arrested Mr. Wichai Mongphra, 24, the owner of the apartment room, along with his friends, Mr. Banpot Daengchu, 31; Mr. Pongsakorn Lamleuklai, 22; Mr. Haris Nhuchusuk, 24; Mr. Haneef Nhuchusuk, 24; Mr. Ahmeen Yanning, 25; Mr. Ahnaf Tamad, 19; and Mr. Boonlert Charoenwathee, 29.

The police also confiscated an amount of marijuana, a gas stove, krathom leaves, equipment to produce krathom juice, and other narcotics equipment. Officers claimed the suspects were taking drugs when the police made the arrest.

Mr. Banpot told police he works as a part time musician and security guard for the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), while the owner of the apartment, Mr. Wichai, identified himself as a regular attendant of the PCAD protests.

The police charged the suspects with possession, using, and producing of illegal drugs.

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Protester 'Steals' Crowd Control Equipment

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11 January 2014, 15:09

(11 January) An anti-government protester has been arrested for looting police equipment from the clash in Bangkok last month, according to the police.

Police said a civilian has informed the police that the suspect, identified as Mr. Jakkapong Boonrueng, 23, had stolen some police equipment during the deadly clashes between the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) and the police near Thai-Japan Stadium in Din Daeng district on 26 December.

The police then reportedly arranged a team to search Mr. Jakkrapong′s house in Bangkok′s Hua Mak district and found a number of items issued to the police force.

It is reported that Mr. Jakkrapong had stolen a bullet-proof vest, a helmet, a shin guard, a club, tear gas ammunition, a police uniform rain coat, two shotgun cartridges, and a green flare.

The suspect reportedly admitted that he attended the protests on 26 December, and explained that he stole the equipment after the protesters had stormed into the Ministry of Labour building.

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Pathumthani Clash Leaves 3 Redshirts Injured

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10 January 2014, 19:11

(10 January) A clash between PCAD and Redshirts supporters in Pathum Thani province today has resulted in the injuries of three Redshirts and one high-school student who was caught in the crossfire.

The clash happened during the demonstration of the local chapter of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) who marched in Mueang district with more than 100 vehicles in the convoy, inviting Pathum Thani residents to join the PCAD′s "shutdown" of Bangkok on 13 January.

The PCAD convoy was led by Buddhist monk Luang Phu Buddha Isara and Mr. Attaphol Arunuros.

However, supporters of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) were rallying nearby in Lamlukka district. When the PCAD march entered the district, a group of UDD supporters led by Mr. Wutthipong ?Ko-Tee? Kochathammakhun tried to chase away PCAD demonstrators.

Police officers intervened and attempted to separate the two sides from each other, but Mr. Wutthipong′s car was able to elude the police blockade and approached the PCAD supporters. Chaos ensued, with gunfire erupting in the area.

Mr. Wutthipong′s car was later attacked by small ping-pong bombs and gunshots. One Redshirt was reportedly shot in his hip, while two other Redshirts were injured by the explosives.

One high school boy was also injured as he was passing by the area when the clashes took place. The victims were later transported to Bhumibol Hospital and B-Care Hospital.

Meanwhile, a minivan belong to the PCAD convoy was likewise damaged by a gunshot, but a witness claimed that a PCAD supporter on a motorcycle fired his weapon at the van and the Redshirts.

Police claimed they had searched a vehicle belonging to a PCAD protester and found a number of weapons, including a shotgun and a slingshot.

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Suthep: We Won't Shutdown Airports

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10 January 2014, 18:26

(10 January) PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban has insisted that he will not order the seizure of Bangkok's two airports and other main public transport hubs during the "shutdown" of Bangkok.

The People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) has threatened to occupy 7 major intersections in Bangkok on 13 January to "shutdown" the capital city until Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra resigns from her caretaker position and scrap the general election on 2 February.

There are fears that the PCAD protesters will storm Bangkok′s Don Mueng Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport during the "shutdown", as anti-government protesters did in 2008, causing massive mayhem and economic damages.

But Mr. Suthep said on a rally stage at Ratchadamnoen Avenue yesterday that the PCAD only aims to occupy Bangkok′s 7 intersections to pressure the government. There will be no occupation of airports, train stations, docks, or any other transport hub in Bangkok, Mr. Suthep promised.

The PCAD leader also vowed to leave financial institutions alone, including the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the Bank of Thailand, and any other commercial bank in Bangkok.

However, it is reported that the residence of Mr. Jarupong Rueangsuwan, Acting Minister of Interior, will be one of the destination the protesters planned to "visit" en route.

Mr. Suthep also expressed his firm belief that there will be no less than "400,000" Bangkokians who live on Thonburi side of the capital city to join the marches to shutdown Bangkok next Monday.

He urged his supporters to respect the Constitution and carefully follow his instructions during the shutdown operation to promote the cause of the "Great Mass of the People".

"We will not be tempted into anger, even though the other is recruiting people to wage war on us," Mr. Suthep told the crowd, "If we can do this, I guarantee you, we will win fair and clean. And the world will record this".

He added, "If [the security forces] try to hurt us, just sit down and pray".

In his speech the PCAD leader later sarcastically thanked Mr. Tharit Pengdith, Chief of the Division of Special Investigation (DSI), for freezing the bank account of PCAD′s "Ratchadamnoen Kitchen". After the anti-government protesters heard about the incident, Mr. Suthep claimed, many of them showed their sympathy by donating large sum of money for the PCAD.

He then invited his supporters from Pak-Panang district, in Nakhon Sri Thammarat province, and from Phra Pradaeng district, Samutprakarn province to join the "final battle" on Monday.

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'Parking Dispute' Leads To Drive-By Shooting

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10 January 2014, 18:04

(10 January) A pair of gunmen have shot into a Norwegian Restaurant in Pattaya, after its owner had allegedly engaged in a parking dispute with several taxi motorcyclists.

At approximately around 01.00 am, Pattaya police was alerted to investigate a four-storey building in Banglamung district, Chonburi province.

The ground level of the building is operated as a Norwegian restaurant called ?Christiania?, whereas the upper levels are opened as tourists residence, it is reported. The building is also situated close to a flyover bridge, which leads to Bali Hai pier.

In front of the restaurant, police found a golden bronze Honda car, which has a bullet hole shot through its roof.

It is believed that the group of gunmen fired their weapons from the flyover bridge into the restaurant, after police found the cartridges on the bridge.

Many foreign tourists were frightened by the incident, and were gathering around to discuss about the shooting when police arrived.

Mr. Banlue Eiamsri, 28, the owner of the restaurant, told the police that he witnessed the assailants traveling with a motorbike onto the bridge, and fled the area after the shooting.

He also claimed that earlier that day, he had a heated argument with a group of taxi motorcyclists about the parking in front of the restaurant, in which the cyclists claimed he had blocked their way.

Police said the investigation is currently ongoing, and they had retrieved CCTV footage near the crime scene.

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