Let’s kick off the Bangkok arm of DailyTwitter with a round up of events so far today. I’ve had my hands full poring through news reports, forum posts, video, phone calls, etc.
People in Thailand LOVE dramatic gossip and rumors. Not just the Thais – the expats seem to take to the non-stop gossiping about ill-informed, drama-queen developments like fish to water.
Last night was no different, of course, and mobile phones across Bangkok were ablaze with reports that “my friend, who is very well connected says..” and “my sister’s, mother’s, cousin’s, doctor’s, friend’s, teacher’s taxi driver said…”
Word last last night was that Thaksin was in Thailand (at a five-star resort on Koh Chang) and the bloodletting would start with people getting whacked at midnight. Of course, I am extremely well-connected and privy to intel sources the Thai military dreams of accessing. So, the top-secret news that Thaksin was holed up at the island he owns was only available if you spoke to one of the million or so people in the inner circle.
Was up late last night Twittering my take on what I was getting out of my various sources.
Woke up late this morning to find things worked out exactly as expected: the Army started trying to clear UDD (“red shirts”) protestors from the various places they had barricaded.
Doing so required a show of strength from the Army, which came mostly in the form of large numbers of troops and guns fired into the air. I’ve seen plenty of video of the Army doing so. The only video I have seen in which troops level their weapons is one where a commandeered bus is being driven towards them. A helpful reader informs me that some videos DID show troops pointed their weapons at people and without any bus being involved.
Pitched battles/clashes have continue at various places, mostly centered on Victory Monument/Phayathai/Din Daeng. Despite some international news reports claiming all was now quiet, I was still getting eyewitness reports of commandeered buses, UDD burning buses/tires and throwing explosives, and Army shooting into the air to clear the protestors about one hour ago.
The entire area from Victory Monument, down Phayathai, across and up Soi Rang Nam to Rajprarop, up Rajprarop to Din Daeng and along Din Daeng appears to be a no-go area at the moment, with the risk of “enjoying” a little local action being more than 50:50
Tires and buses continue to burn at various spots in the area.
Not trying to cast blame or anything, and I’m not saying they shot at people, but this is not accurate:
The only video in which troops can be seen levelling their weapons is one where a commandeered bus is being driven towards them.
I was up all night watching two chennels, PBS had live coverage and NBT or whatever they are calling it now came in later with tapes. There were many cases of the soldiers pointing their rifles at “people level.” And without a bus in sight. No need to publish this, just an FYI.
Posted by friend on April 13th, 2009.
Hi, thanks for the comment. It’s valid criticism of my post. I am editing the post to suit.
Posted by Anonymous on April 13th, 2009.
[...] has been less than two weeks since the trouble kicked off in Bangkok on 13 April. That day was quite warm but it was not the kind of sweltering heat in which Bangkok has soaked [...]
Posted by a view from bangkok — Red Shirts Swiftly Call Saturday Rally at Sanam Luang on April 25th, 2009.