Thai protesters target Bangkok's tourist centre

[tarakandi]

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Tens of thousands of red-shirted Thai protesters overran the streets of Bangkok Saturday, swarming into the capital's tourist heartland in a renewed bid to overthrow the government.

Bemused foreign visitors looked on as the supporters of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra turned a swathe of Bangkok home to five-star hotels and major shopping centres into a sea of red with another peaceful rally.

Despite sweltering temperatures, police estimated that as of early evening about 60,000 people had joined the protest -- the latest in a series of demonstrations since mid-March against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

"They are provoking the authorities to use force to disperse them," Abhisit said at a news conference.

He said the government hoped to end the standoff through dialogue but refused to rule out invoking emergency rule -- which would ban gatherings of more than five people -- if the situation worsens.

An army spokesman, Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd, said the authorities were confident they could clear the district of Reds by nightfall.

The area "is not fit for a long-term rally and this is a key factor to force protesters to retreat," he said.

The Reds' push into the capital's tourist centre came a day after representatives of the hotel and leisure industries mounted their own counter-rallies urging an end to turmoil they fear is scaring away visitors.

Saturday's protest snarled traffic and forced some shopping malls and stores to close, but tourists seemed largely unfazed by the rally, which had a carnival-like atmosphere with dancing and live music in the streets.

"It doesn't scare me because I come here every year and know it won't be serious," said Adolf Gutounik, a 57-year-old visitor from Germany.

Thailand has been wracked in recent years by a string of protests by the Red Shirts and their rival Yellow Shirts, whose campaign in 2008 led to a crippling nine-day blockade of the country's airports.

"I don't think most tourists will like it when they come to Bangkok and face this," said Selina Poh, a 30-year-old from Singapore.

The military has mounted a heavy security response involving 50,000 personnel for the protests.

The Reds oppose the coup that toppled Thaksin in 2006 and say Abhisit's government is undemocratic because it took office through a parliamentary vote after a court stripped Thaksin's allies of power.

"Our patience is running out, but because of our patriotism we must adhere to non-violence," said Red Shirts leader Jatuporn Prompan.

The Reds had vowed that Saturday's rally would be the biggest since the demonstrations began with more than 100,000 protesters on March 14.

But authorities expected attendance to dwindle as the Songkran water festival, celebrating the traditional Thai new year, approaches in mid-April.

Nat Jantakat, a 38-year-old lychee farmer from the north, for one vowed to keep up the fight, making light of the 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) temperature.

"I've been here since the first day and I'll be here until we achieve democracy."

The Reds have staged a series of dramatic stunts to press their demands, including throwing their own blood at Abhisit's offices.

Hailing mainly from the rural poor north, they seek the return of twice-elected Thaksin, a former telecoms tycoon who lives abroad to avoid a jail term for graft at home.

The Reds rioted in Bangkok in April last year, leaving two dead and scores injured.

While their recent protests have been peaceful, a series of small explosions have hit politically significant sites and army buildings, injuring more than a dozen people.

[The understudy]

Another desperate Attempt of them Red Braindead leaders to get fight for the cause of One Man who doesn't care a damn about Thailands Tourism Economy which will be efffected by there (peaceful) Demonstrations. goes on and be held @ the famous touristy Shopping Areas.
Them Reds are gonna Push the Govt. to the limit until they snap. and dispurse. them Protestors by Force.
They are not only agravating Touritsts but Bangkokians too who use this @ Times very f busy Intersection.

Your's The understudy!!!

[hhfarang]

Now there are "pink" shirt rallies who are people who just want all this to stop and let Thailand get back to normal...

[charlesh]

The only growth industry at the mo. in the LOS is different coloured T shirts (in bulk - I give you special price)!

[Big Boy]

..... and it goes on http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-p ... 603124.stm

[Khundon1975]

That lot must be costing Taksin a fortune still, he has plenty to spread around.

These protests seem peaceful for the most part but sooner or later they will get out of hand. That will hit the tourist trade again but the T shirt trade has really taken off.