MediaWATCH: Urban Warfare Kills 25, and Tourism

PHUKETWAN.com ^ | Sunday, May 16, 2010 | By Phuketwan Reporters

[Cindy]

Note: Photos included.

snippet: "bangkokpost.com Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is vowing to press on with efforts to secure the capital as the army warns of a crackdown after a day of urban warfare which pushed the death toll to 25. Mr Abhisit last night declared there would be no turning back. Yesterday's fighting took place as the reds attempted to reopen their supply lines."

[Cindy]

Note: The following snippet is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=117372

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Thailand Expands State of Emergency
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
East Asia / Pacific - Thailand
14 May 2010

U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai released the following Warden Message on May 14, 2010:

This message alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing in Thailand that the Royal Thai Government has declared a state of emergency in the following provinces:
• Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai
• Lampang
• Nan
• Nakhon Sawan
• Samut Prakan
• Chon Buri
• Nonthaburi
• Pathum Thani
• Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
• Khon Kaen
• Udon Thani
• Chaiyaphum
• Nakhon Ratchasima
• Si Sa Ket

This action expands the existing state of emergency in the Bangkok metropolitan area that the government declared on April 7, 2010.

A state of emergency gives the police and military increased powers to maintain public order. Specifically, security forces have the authority to:
• prohibit gatherings of more than five people;
• prohibit distribution of media or publications deemed to affect security or public order;
• prohibit or limit the use of vehicles or particular routes; and
• evacuate buildings or areas or prohibit entry into them.

You should expect to see more security forces personnel in the streets. You might encounter them at roadblocks or other security checkpoints. If you encounter police or military personnel, you should obey any and all instructions from them. Be sure to have identification and proof of your U.S. citizenship on you at all times to show them if they request it.

Media report that hundreds of supporters of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or “red-shirts”) in Chiang Mai city are preparing to go to Bangkok to assist UDD supporters there. They have assembled at the Grand Worarot Hotel (near Wat Phra Singh) and at the Chiang Mai railroad station. Similar gatherings in other provinces are possible. Security forces may try to block these movements, which could lead to violent confrontations.

In addition, we remind you that UDD supporters previously threatened demonstrations in the provinces if their current demonstration in Bangkok is forcibly dispersed. Possible demonstration sites include Provincial Halls and military and police installations. The Chiang Mai Provincial government has increased security at the Provincial Hall (Sala Klang) and is considering additional public order measures under the state of emergency declaration. Also, UDD supporters previously have attempted to block the movements of security forces.

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. You should avoid areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations or large gatherings. You should monitor local media to keep updated with the latest information of any demonstrations and areas to avoid.

Since April 28, 2010, the Department of State has advised U.S. citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Thailand. You should review the Department’s most recent Travel Alert for Thailand.

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_thailand.html

Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

This information is current as of today, Sun May 16 2010 01:12:32 GMT-0700 (PDT).

THAILAND

May 15, 2010

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand of ongoing political demonstrations and unrest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Due to escalating violence in central Bangkok, including gunfire near the U.S. Embassy, demonstrations in Chiang Mai, and other incidents throughout Thailand, U.S. citizens should defer all travel to Bangkok and defer all non-essential travel to the rest of Thailand. The Department of State has authorized the departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from Bangkok. This replaces the Travel Alert dated April 28, 2010, and is in response to updated information on increased violence and security concerns. The Department of State recommends against travel to Bangkok and non-essential travel to Thailand at this time.

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (aka UDD or “red-shirts”) continues to demonstrate in central Bangkok. The UDD may change or expand its demonstration locations at any time. Various other groups have engaged in pro-government or counter-demonstrations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. There have been several clashes between security forces and the UDD and other demonstrators. These clashes may escalate with no warning. For areas currently affected by demonstrations, please refer to local media.

The Royal Thai Government through the Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation has announced its plans to close off the demonstration area at the Ratchaprasong rally site in an attempt to disperse the protesters. Authorities are taking the following measures:

—limiting transportation services, including the BTS Skytrain, MRTA, canal routes, and possibly bus routes;
—setting up checkpoints at all access routes in order to control and limit access to the rally site for details on what routes may be affected, please refer to local media;
—cutting off telephone service to the rally site;
—possibly cutting off electricity and water to the rally site and surrounding areas.

The U.S. Embassy, including visa operations, was closed on Friday, May 14 and will be closed on Monday, May 17. If security issues persist, the U.S. Embassy may continue to close. American Citizen Services (ACS) will be available for emergencies only. To find out the current operating status of the U.S. Embassy, please go to the Embassy’s website at http://bangkok.usembassy.gov. The U.S. Embassy recommends against coming to this area. If U.S. citizens currently have appointments with ACS, they may go online or call us once we have reopened at 02-205-4049 to reschedule.

U.S. citizens should avoid travel to and lodging in this area and the areas in and around all demonstrations. If U.S. citizens must travel to these areas, they should exercise special caution and remain vigilant with regard to their personal security. U.S. Embassy personnel who live in affected areas are being relocated to housing outside of the affected areas until the situation is resolved. The Department of State has authorized the departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from Bangkok. The U.S. Embassy is restricting the travel of official visitors to Thailand.

The Royal Thai Government has declared a state of emergency in the following provinces:
-Chiang Mai
-Chiang Rai
-Lampang
-Nan
-Nakhon Sawan
-Samut Prakan
-Chon Buri
-Nonthaburi
-Pathum Thani
-Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
-Khon Kaen
-Udon Thani
-Chaiyaphum
-Nakhon Ratchasima
-Si Sa Ket

This action expands the existing state of emergency in the Bangkok metropolitan area that the government declared on April 7, 2010.

A state of emergency gives the police and military increased powers to maintain public order. Specifically, security forces have the authority to:

-prohibit gatherings of more than five people;
-prohibit distribution of media or publications deemed to affect security or public order;
-prohibit or limit the use of vehicles or particular routes; and
-evacuate buildings or areas or prohibit entry into them.

You should expect to see more security forces personnel in the streets. You might encounter them at roadblocks or other security checkpoints. If you encounter police or military personnel, you should obey any and all instructions from them. Be sure to carry identification and proof of your U.S. citizenship at all times to present if asked by authorities.

Supporters of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or “red-shirts”) in Chiang Mai city may go to Bangkok to assist UDD supporters there. Security forces may try to block these movements, which could lead to violent confrontations.

Political demonstrations by the UDD are expected to continue in Bangkok indefinitely. As a result, traffic congestion and difficulty of movement is possible throughout Bangkok, and traffic patterns may change unexpectedly as demonstrators block roads. Other forms of transportation, such as the BTS Skytrain, may close unexpectedly in response to threats or incidents, such as occurred on April 27, when protesters tried to block the tracks with tires.

There have been numerous incidents of explosive attacks, including several isolated grenade attacks, in and around Bangkok and Chiang Mai over the past two months. Additional explosive devices have been discovered before detonation. Some of these incidents occurred at or near areas frequented by U.S. citizens. These incidents appear to be motivated by domestic politics and do not appear to be acts of international terrorism. The possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out. U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise caution and vigilance at all times. Immediately report to law enforcement or security personnel any unattended packages or bags or suspicious objects in public areas.

On Saturday, April 10, UDD and Royal Thai Government security forces clashed in the Phanfa Bridge area, resulting in a number of fatalities. On April 27, UDD protesters clashed with police near the Thai Air Force headquarters at Don Muang. The UDD stopped and entered vehicles looking for military and police personnel. Media report that UDD leaders plan to block the movement of security forces from the provinces to Bangkok.

UDD supporters have threatened demonstrations in the provinces if its current demonstrations in Bangkok are forcibly dispersed, as occurred April 9, 10, and 24. Therefore, U.S. citizens should monitor public sources of information to stay abreast of the latest information concerning demonstrations and areas to avoid.

On the evening of April 22, 2010, several explosions occurred in the Silonm/Sala Daeng area at the Sala Daeng BTS Skytrain station causing a number of injuries, including at least one fatality. The possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to and lodging in this area.

The Department strongly encourages U.S. citizens in Thailand to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or through the State Department’s travel registration website. For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens may also consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Thailand and the Worldwide Caution, located at the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website. U.S. citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada, or 202-501-4444 from overseas.

The American Citizen Services section of the U.S. Embassy Bangkok is located at 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at acsbkk@state.gov. The emergency after-hours telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is located at 387 Wichayanond Road in Chiang Mai. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can be reached by calling 66-53-107-777 and by e-mail at acschn@state.gov. The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878.

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

This is just bizarre. From what I could glean from the article, a small army of sorta-communist peasants, armed with spears and molotov cocktails, has built a fort just outside the capital city of Bangkok and faced down the Thai army to a stand-still.

The red shirts have rocks and petrol bombs, made from energy-drink bottles, stashed to hurl at troops. They also have litres of motor vehicle oil and mung beans to make the road slippery. Further inside the camp, sources say, the red shirts have dozens of M79 grenades ready to launch if the camp itself is attacked.

Armed to the teeth I see. Those mung beans sound especially scary.

Has the Thai military ever heard of helicopters and tear gas? Do they possess, say, two or three tanks in operating condition? Or are they just afraid of what the neighbors will think if they open fire on communist rebels?

[Cindy]

It’s an ongoing situation.

Here’s the FR keyword - article index for more info:
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/thailand/index

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

Ok, thanks Cindy. I’ll check it out tomorrow.

[Cindy]

You’re welcome.

[killjoy]

From what I could glean from the article, a small army of sorta-communist peasants

They are not communists. The exact opposite. Their demands are free and fair elections. Nothing at all communist related.

Or are they just afraid of what the neighbors will think if they open fire on communist rebels?

The Thai Army is currently shooting anything that moves on the streets. This includes journalists, civilians, women and children. it is not a joke.

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

I have researched the situation on RCP. I apologize for making light of the situation. But I was seriously perplexed as to why the Thai militry couldn't disperse a rag-tag group of 'protestors'.

I think I have a clue now. The current Thai gov't has problems of illegitimacy. If elections were held, they would lose. If they take a hard line, there will be martial law, and Thailand's tourist industry will virtually disappear.

This from Reuters:

The fighting is the latest eruption in a polarizing five-year crisis between the rural and urban poor, known as the red shirts by the clothing they wear, who accuse an "establishment elite" -- comprising royalists, big business and military brass -- of colluding to bring down two elected governments.

Those governments were led or backed by exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, a graft-convicted populist billionaire ousted in a 2006 coup who is a figurehead of the protest movement.

It's too bad the Thai Monarch is old and ailing.
No one seems able to mediate the situation.
I still wonder what the poor of Thailand see in a "graft-convicted populist billionaire." Most likely he is a social reditributionist. At this point, I would bet on Thaksin returning to power. And although the press calls them 'protestors', what we are seeing is a civil war, not simply people protesting against an unpopular gov't, and demanding reforms. Short news snippets can be misleading.

In all my life, I have heard nothing but positive things about Thailand, and I do love its culture and its people. I pray things can be settled peacefully. If the people want a friendly Oligarch, let them have it! The important thing is to avoid some form of tyranny or military junta. That would spell long-term disaster for this beautiful country.

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

Bump for Cindy.

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

At the risk of seeming facetious, I've just got to ask,

Where is Yul Brynner when they really need him?

[nkycincinnatikid]

Thank you, very sincerely, for educating yourself upon the tragic but needed situation in Thailand. Although I wish you had done so prior to condemning those poor defenders of democracy as Commies and the Thai Junta as defenders of virtue. That has become common hyena like trait on this forum. You are a new exception. Keep looking for the truth, it is out there .

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

Well, I admit I did imply what you said about the two sides, but I also said that was based on what I had gleaded from small news snippets, and that I wanted more input.

It seems the 'red shirts' are not commies after all, and that alone is a relief to know. I just hope that Thaksin is more like Daddy Warbucks and not like George Soros.

By the way, I wasn't joking about the opium, marijuana and kratom. Kratom in particular has been used for centuries in Thailand by laborers to give them stamina, and mj and opium have their uses in relieving stress and serious pain. So with 10-20 thousand people barricaded in a space of just a little over a square mile, these drugs can be of great value.

Of course I don't believe, nor would I recommend, the insurgents engage heavily in opium smoking. But it's likely some of them already do.

[nkycincinnatikid]

A simple truth never mentioned is that the Bangkok syndicate and its military and police minions VERY SUCCESSFULLY used mass protests by “their” guys the yellows to shut down Bangkok (then totally unmolested) to provide a fig leaf for the overthrow of the entirely legitimate elected government just months ago.

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

Thanks. The fog is slowly lifting from my eyes.

[killjoy]

Thaksin was a brilliant politician. Instead of using the urban vote to get elected, he concentrated on the rural vote. His policies were heavily focused on maintaining the rural vote. It was the first time they felt that a national politician cared about them. When he was thrown out by the coup, it was a slap in the face to all those who voted for him.

Thaksin now is more a symbolic figure and a rallying cry over injustice so to speak. I don't think any of the protesters truely care about Thaksin, they just want their views represented once again.