Ratchaprasong area braces for red influx

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Ratchaprasong area braces for red influx 
Bangkok Post: 18 Sep 2010
Ratchaprasong braces for red influx
Security tightened ahead of protest rally
Shopping malls, hotels and tutorial schools near the Ratchaprasong intersection are beefing up security in preparation for any unexpected incidents tomorrow, the 4th anniversary of the military coup and four months since the red-shirt riots.

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) has raised security to its highest level at its 28 power plants and transmission lines nationwide from Sept 17-20 out of concern for possible terrorist attacks, said governor Suthat Pattamasiriwat.

"Our staff are ready to prevent any attack and solve any problem that may occur," he said.

Egat's high-voltage transmission line in Ayutthaya province was attacked by the red shirts two months ago but without resulting in any serious damage, as the line is not connected to the main power plant.

At Ratchaprasong, Chai Srivikorn, president of the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA), said it raised its security levels by 10% above normal and would install more effective closed-circuit television cameras in the area.

"I'm not against any protesters who just want to air their political views, but I want them to choose a suitable place to gather and understand that some people will be greatly inconvenienced by their rally," he said.

RSTA members have agreed to commission a special team of security guards to patrol the Ratchaprasong area. Moreover, a new campaign entitled "Please Do Not Add Insult to Injury to Ratchaprasong Again" will be launched to remind protesters of the damage that was caused in the area.

Several retail operators are installing new shutter doors at their businesses.

Pratana Mongkolkul, the chief financial officer of Minor International Plc, which owns the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, said her company had met with other RSTA members to prepare security measures for its guests.

"I believe the government can control the protest this weekend. We have good co-ordination with state agencies, and our security measures will definitely be stepped up," she said.

Da'vance, a tutorial school in Siam Square, said it was not making very many preparations for the coming red-shirt demonstration, as whether the rally will actually be staged in that area again remains uncertain.

A spokesperson said the school would inform its students by e-mail about the situation if the rally does reach Siam Square. In the event of any incident, the school will close immediately and students will be transferred to other branches or allowed to go home.

While there is a chance that protesters could try to interrupt classes, so far parents and students have not expressed concern about the rally.

"We'll just have to follow the news and see whether they

[the red-shirt protesters] are going to come here," said the spokesperson.

Meanwhile, a Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) crisis management team is standing by all weekend.

Prakit Piriyakiat, the TAT's deputy governor for marketing communications, said the team will monitor the situation and report on it to the authority's foreign offices. The TAT website will also enable foreign tourists and travel agents to obtain accurate and detailed news on developments.

"Online news and information is a very powerful resource for foreign visitors, as indicated by samples surveyed during the political turmoil in May. Services and assistance can play a significant role in enhancing the recovery in the short term," he said.

Khaniss Jand, the vice-chairman of G-PowerLube Co, is confident the government can handle the situation.

"I don't think it's a big concern, as I trust the government [to handle the situation], and the red shirts probably won't be able to commit any acts like they used to," he said.

Satish Sehgal, the managing director of Advertising & Media Consultants Co, said while he is definitely concerned about the issue, as his office is located near the Sukhumvit area, he has not planned any specific measures.

"If the protests are short term, there should be no problem, but if they become prolonged and our office needs to close temporarily, we will let our employees work at home," he said.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/196905/ratchaprasong-braces-for-red-influx

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Red shirts block Ratchaprasong 
The Nation: 19 Sep 2010
UPDATES:

4:30 pm: Rain is falling at Ratchaprasong

Via @news1005fm:

* Gaysorn Plaza closed today. Central Chidlom remains open with tight security. Paragon, Siam Discovery, and CTW will be close at 6pm. MBK closes at usual time.

Via MCOT:

* BTS, MRT operating normally with heightened security

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Red shirts block Rajprasong Intersection

At 12:32 pm, the protesters on motorcycles reached the intersection.

The number of protesters was initially estimated at 2,000 and their number kept growing.

Police Commissioner-General Wichien Phojphosri said the protesters would be allowed to occupy the intersection until 8 pm but they would not be allowed to set up a stage.
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PREVIOUS:

Shopping week at Rajprasong postponed to avoid reds protests
By The Nation
Published on September 15, 2010

Bangkok authority has postponed "Bangkok Shopping Week" scheduled to be held every weekend this month in Ratprasong area to avoid red shirt's protest set to be held this weekend.

Bangkok's deputy governor Thaya Theepasuwan said that the festival, initially set to be held every weekend from September 18 until October 11 at Ratprasong, is organised to help businessmen who have been affected by red shirts' protests in April and May.

"We decide to delay the shopping week to be near the end of this year to avoid possible confrontation between the vendors and the red shirts," she said. There would be about 2,000 shops planned to join the festival, Thaya said.

The red shirts plan to hold a gathering on September 19 to mark the fourth anniversary of the coup d'etat that ousted ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

In addition, concerts which were planned to happen near CentralWorld shopping Complex on that day would also be postponed.

The postponement of the two-week festival is estimated to cost about Bt300 million, she said.
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Everything will be OK
By Story : DPA
Photo : EPA
Published on September 15, 2010

A man walks past a banner set up around the Central World shopping mall which was torched in May by red shirt anti-governmment protestors.

The red shirts burnt down many buildings after their leaders ended protest at Rajprasong area.

The repetitive words "Everything will be OK" are wrapped around construction screening as work continues to restore the huge shopping center, a task that will not be completed for a number of years.

On September 19, the anti-government protesters have declared they will demonstrate to mark the fourth anniversary of the military coup that ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra outside this shopping center.
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7 Pheu Thai MPs return from meeting Thaksin in Russia
By The Nation
Published on September 15, 2010

Seven Pheu Thai Party MPs have returned from meeting former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Russia, one of them said Monday.

Lop Buri MP Suchart Lainamngern said he and six other Pheu Thai MPs travelled to Moscow to meet Thaksin on September 11.

Suchart said the former prime minister is still healthy.
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Abhisit opposed to amnesty
By The Nation
Published on September 15, 2010

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Tuesday voiced objection to a push to grant amnesty to protesters involved in the turmoil in 2008 and 2009, arguing this might fuel the political turbulence rather than bring about reconciliation.

"The government has no policy on this issue," he said, suggesting for the coalition Bhum Jai Thai Party to check back with society before making any hasty move.

Abhisit said in contrary to his junior coalition partner's expectation of reconciliation, the issue of amnesty would intensify the animosity because opponents will likely resume street protests.

Suchart said Thaksin wanted to see reconciliation happen in the country and wanted to all Pheu Thai MPs to push for reconciliation.

Thaksin will also draft new election campaign platform for the Pheu Thai, Suchart said.