On Thursday, May 13th 2010, foreign embassies in the Ratchaprasong area shut early. Some will remain closed to regular services until the political situation in Thailand stablises. The US embassy visa section would hopefully be able to reopen on Monday, a spokesman said. But the embassy would monitor the situation closely, he added. England's embassy closed too. Firms situated at Silom, Sathorn, Sala Daeng and Ploenchit areas told their staff to go home early. A European diplomat said we like to see the protestors and the government show restraint and resort to dialogue. A premier does not need to issue ultimatums that often, another diplomat said, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya are dismantling themself.

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AT 22:40 the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) imposed the emergency law in 15 more provinces in central, northern and northeastern parts of the country. The 15 provinces are Chonburi, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sa Ket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Lampang and Nakhon Sawan. A state of emergency was already declared in Bangkok and Nonthaburi and parts of Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom and Ayutthaya in April.

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Thai Government is a signatory to the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and as such has recognised the universal principles regarding the sanctity of human life, basic rights, and the strict parameters regarding the state's treatment of its citizens.

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According to reports on BBC, Thai Army placed snipers in the protester's area and shot a former general, who is now supporting the 'Red Shirts', in his right temple and wounded him seriously. 'His chance of survival is quite low', a doctor from the hospital said. A journalist from New York Times was just interviewing Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol, better known as Seh Daeng, when he was shot down. BBC reported that the General could have been shot by a sniper. One person was killed and at least 10 people were wounded in the clashes between authorities and anti-government protesters outside Lumpini Park. An unknown number of people were taken to hospitals in the area. CRES closed 2 more roads in the area and declared a no-fly zone covering 6,000 feet over the 3.6-square-kilometre rally area.

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Update Friday, May 14th 2010: A spokesman of the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) said on Friday afternoon that the troops will not try to disperse red-shirt protesters today, nevertheless SKY Train and BTS announced that their services have been suspended, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has stopped sending water and garbage collection trucks to the protest rally area and phone companies had to cut some mobile phone services to the area occupied by the protesters. Bangkok Post reports that a Thai cameraman, two foreign journalists, one of them working for France 24 television channel were shot during clashes between 'Thailand's Security Forces' and the 'Red Shirts' on Friday. Our troops don't shoot at protesters, a spokesman from Thai military said. Pictures broadcasted by BBC prove the contrary. Tens of thousands of Thai military soldiers are approaching the protesters' main base. It's a very dangerous situation, a BBC reporter said. The clashes initiated by Thai troops on Friday left 16 people dead and at least 140 wounded.

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Update Saturday, May 15th 2010: Thai Army opened new gunfire at protesters sites. SKY Train, BTS, BMA and some mobile phone services suspended, as on Friday. Soldiers and police are preventing Red Shirt supporters from the North and the Northeast from joining the rally in Bangkok. 'Thailand's Security Forces' are hamstringing food and water supplies to protester's sites. 'Watermelon soldiers' say the Thai military infiltrated the protester's site with undercover agents to support the government's terrorists claims. The term 'watermelon soldier' is used to describe soldiers who wear green uniforms on the outside but are red inside. Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said tonight in a national address which had to be broadcast live at about 20:30 local time that the use of military operations is the only option to restore peace and normalcy to the country. He insisted that the military operations to end the protest was meant for the benefit of the public and the country as a whole. UN chief calls for end to Thai violence, return to dialogue. The Thai Red Cross Society has set up mobile units around the capital where people can donate blood to help those in need. During Saturday's clashes 8 more people were killed and 58 wounded to keep Abhisit Vejjajiva's government in power.

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Update Sunday, May 16th 2010: SKY Train, BTS, BMA and some mobile phone services suspended, as during the last 2 days. No gunfire during the morning hours. Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is considering to impose a curfew for parts of Bangkok, but the Thai army said that it would not impose a curfew yet because it was no longer necessary and would be an inconvenience. 'We face a civil war in Bangkok', a TV reporter said. After a photographer for The Nation was shot in the leg in a 'a live bullet zone' on Friday the Thai Journalists Association strongly urged all field reporters and photographers to exercise caution and make safety their first priority. Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva informed the UN chief by e-mail that the ongoing political turmoil is an internal affair of Thailand and any intervention by agency of a foreign country would make no good to that country. Government Spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn admitted that men in military uniform had infiltrated and killed red-shirt protesters to incite violence. Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhan Baripatra said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) decided that the schools in Bangkok will not be opened until the situation returns to normal for safety of students and teachers. Shortly after 12:00 Abhisit Vejjajiva's 'Security Forces' restarted their deadly missions. The Thai government announced it was extending a state of emergency to five more provinces. The government fears that unrest in the capital could spread. Thai authorities told protesters to allow women and the elderly to leave the camp by Monday afternoon. According to witnesses Thai soldiers are firing live rounds, apparently targeting anyone who comes near them. CRES, the Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation, announced that the government has authorised May 17 and 18 to be official holidays in Bangkok... On Sunday May 16th 'Thailand's Security Forces' killed 11 more people and wounded more than 50 unarmed protesters.

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Update Monday, May 17th 2010: Thai Army said it can not guarantee the security of journalists. During the early morning hours 'Thailand's Security Forces' fired bullets at Bangkok's Dusit Thani Hotel, prompting guests to shelter in the basement. Bangkok Post's headline: Bangkok burning. Many Embassies, including Australian, Belgium, British, Canadian, German, Japanese, New Zealand, Swedish and U.S. embassies, said they will remain closed until Tuesday at the earliest as a result of the clashes. The normally bustling city is deadly quiet except for the gunfire. On 10:30 Channel News Asia reports the dead of Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol, better known as Seh Daeng. Who ordered the killing of Seh Daeng? He was shot in the head on Thursday, May 13th 2010, during an interview with a journalist with New York Times. Thai Authorities ordered protesters to leave the area by 15:00. Thousands of protesters - many of them women - defied the deadline to leave despite the threat of a crackdown. Thai government offered free transportation home for those who left, and warned that the area was not safe and anyone who stayed could face up to two years in prison. Protesters told BBC that they do not trust the government's offer of safe passage and do not dare to leave. A life in Thailand isn't worth more than the price of a bullet, a protester said. SKY Train, BTS, BMA and some mobile phone services remained suspended. Hospitals around Thailand are preparing for the worst.

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Update Tuesday, May 18th 2010: SKY Train, BTS, BMA and some mobile phone services remain suspended. Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Thailand's Military Chief General Anupong Paojinda are divided on crackdown. The United Nations as well as ASEAN Leaders urged Thailand to avoid further loss of life after five days of street clashes. 47 countries have issued travel advisories for Thailand. Tourist arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday fell to 10'000, compared with a daily normal number of 30'000. Sporadic clashes are reported but they seem to be less intense. Thai government rejects Red-Shirt leaders offer of Senate-mediated talks. Since May 13th 36 people have been killed and 284 wounded, with 15 people being treated at the intensive care units.

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Update Wednesday, May 19th 2010: SKY Train, BTS, BMA and some mobile phone services remain suspended. Thai government is taking 'decisive action' in Central Bangkok, with heavy gunfire, heavily armed vehicles, water cannons and fire engines. Thailand's Security Forces break through the protesters' barricades. Bangkok is burning: Large clouds of smoke hang over Bangkok's city. Armoured vehicles in the city of Bangkok. Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva started his crackdown with the help of the Thai army and the support of Bangkok's Elite. Wattanachai Aiumnak was shot in the chest by a sniper hiding somewhere near Lumpini Park. He died at the scene. Police General Hospital said that four injured red-shirt protesters were admitted to the hospital. Two of them were shot in the chest and stomach. Troops reclaimed Lumpini Park. Thai government says the (deadly) operation will go on all day... One red shirt was shot dead and many others wounded at Sarasin intersection. Clashes between troops and protesters expanded to Sam Yan area. So far Thai troops killed at least 6 people including an Italian journalist. More than 60 people are wounded. I will not answer any questions, army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said. A Police offier said normally military will not inform police (what happens) because this is a military operation alone. At about 14:00 local time Thailand's anti-government Red Shirts on Wednesday ended their street protest campaign as leaders surrendered to police after a deadly military offensive against their rally base. Thousands of red shirts in Khon Kaen and Udon Thani on Wednesday raided the city halls in reaction to the government crackdown in Bangkok. In Udon Thani protesters set an old building of city hall on fire. At about 15:00 local time Thai army said we are in control of the situation. Black smoke lies over the centre of Bangkok. Shortly after 15:00 local time Thai autorities imposed a curfew across Bangkok from 20:00 through Thursday 06:00.. First floor of Thai Stock Exchange on fire. A major shopping complex is said to be on fire. The Central World department store is managed by Dhanin Chearavanont, one of Asia's richest men and owner of the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP). He is the most prominet member of Bangkok's controversial Elite. All staff were ordered to leave the Bangkok Post building in Klong Toey. The 60 reporters of Bangkok Post and Post Today headed to Wat Klong Toey Nai. TV channel 3 had to be evacuated, all broadcasts ceased. Several buildings in Bangkok Ding Daeng on fire. At 17:00 all state-run radio and television networks were instructed to cease their regular programming and switch to special programmes arranged by the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES). At 20:00 TV stations could resume their programms. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on national TV at about 22:00 that the curfew imposed in Bangkok and 23 other provinces would facilitate the operations of security forces in ending the unrest in the country. He also said that he is confident to restore peace in the country. 27 buildings have been set on fire in and around Bangkok. The burning CentralWorld shopping complex is starting to collapse. During today's crackdown 15 more people were killed and 81 wounded to keep Abhisit Vejjajiva's government in power.

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Update Thursday, May 20th 2010: 9 bodies killed by 'Security Forces' found at a temple inside protesters area. Analysts across Asia say the crackdown by Thai military radicalized Thailand even more. Some of my neighbours 'accompanied' Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's TV speak last night with loud taunt songs. Analysts fear that violence is spreading throughout the country. Almost all banks offices are closed today. Thai autorities fear more violence during the day. As long as Bangkok's Elite isn't ready to compromise Thailand will remain divided, Analysts say. Early this morning Big C, located at Rajdamri and opposite of CentralWorld, was torched. BigC's shopping mall belongs to Dhanin Chearavanont's CP group too. Chaos broke out in several provincial strongholds of the red shirt protesters. City hall offices in several provinces in the North and Northeast were burned by United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship supporters, officials reported. The 'Security Forces' deported Red-Shirt leaders to Cha-Am. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thai autorities and 'Security Forces' are calling Red-Shirt protesters terrorists, everything else than a clever idea... Thai autorities extended the curfew for 3 more days. People in the curfew areas are not allowed to leave their homes from 21:00 to 05:00, previous curfew time was 20:00 to 06:00. Banks nationwide can be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Bank of Thailand said on Thursday. To ease people's financial difficulties, all banks, especially the ones in department stores, can open from Friday to Sunday without asking for the BOT's permission, a spokesman said.

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Update Friday, May 21st 2010: Subway and skytrain services will be suspended on Friday for safety reasons. Civil unrest continues to plague red shirt provinces. City halls were set on fire in Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani and Mukdahan. A bomb went off in the toilet of the Big C hypermarket in Ayutthaya's Bang Pa-in district. Maximum security measures had been put into place for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. Police is also concerned about the safety of key cabinet ministers and Newin Chidchob, the (de facto) leader of Bhumjaithai Party. His father-in-law's Chiang Mai Construction firm was hit by a giant fire cracker. National TV Channel 3 is still of air. A test run was unsuccessful. Broadcasting equipment was damaged by automatic sprinklers. According to the Ewaran Emergency Centre, at least 52 people have been killed and 399 have been injured since May 14th 2010. At 20:45 the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) announced it lifted curfew in Pattaya immediately.

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Update Saturday, May 22nd 2010: The MRT has announced that it will resume subway services on Sunday, May 23rd, from 8am to 8pm. The BTS decided to resume its operation of skytrain service of both Silom and Sukhumvit lines on Sunday. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said 'we have restored order in Bangkok and the provinces of Thailand. Damaged buildings and houses can be rebuilt, but the overriding priority is to heal the mind.' Hundreds of Red-Shirts poured off trains in Thailand's second-largest city Chiang Mai to a hero's welcome. Chiang Mai is the home town of the Reds' hero, ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup. His elected allies were ejected by a court ruling, and Abhisit was appointed in an army-backed parliamentary vote.

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Update Sunday, May 23rd 2010: Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said today that the country is calm and returning to normal. Schools, streets and government agencies would reopen on Monday. Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the Centre for the Resolution for the Emergency Situation (CRES) has no immediate plan to repeal the emergency decree. Bangkok and some provinces will be under curfew from 23:00 to 05:00. The decision on whether to extend it would be made on a day-to-day basis. To help the ailing tourist industry, the curfew was lifted in Pattaya, but the centre had no plans to lift the emergency decree for the time being. Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, a young UDD leader, leader of the June 24 Democratic group and the editor of Thai Red News newspaper, said on Friday in front of the 111 Thai Rak Thai Foundation that red shirt mass rallies would resume next month and in July.

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Update Monday, May 24th 2010: The Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) will propose the extension of curfew in Bangkok and 23 other provinces for seven more days starting from Tuesday. The proposal will be made at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. It is very likely that the cabinet ministers will approve the proposal.

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Update Tuesday, May 25th 2010: Thai government supports the proposal of the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) and is extending the curfew in Bangkok and 23 other provinces for four more days. Curfew in all 24 provinces is effective from 24:00 to 04:00. The Criminal Court on Tuesday approved the Department of Special Investigation's request for an arrest warrant for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on terrorism charges... Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he believed the fact that Thaksin is now wanted on terrorism charges would make it easier for Thailand to obtain his extradition. Former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai and Democrat party's advisory chairman praised the military being mature. 'This was the main reason that no coup happened even under the extreme crisis', he said - and added 'in the eyes of the general public, the Thai police were ineffectual in comparision with the military'. Chuan Leekpai forget to mention that the 'mature' military killed more than 80 people to keep the Democrat party and its Prime Minister in power.

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Update Wednesday, May 26th 2010: Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports said in a statement that political unrest in Thailand is now completely under control and order has been restored in Bangkok and other provinces. Major tourism destinations in provinces across the country are still pristine, peaceful and safe. The ministry forget to mention that major tourist destinations like Chiang Mai are under curfew and that just a few hours before the publication of the statement two bombs exploded in Yala and killed at least 2 people and wounded 50 ...

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Update Thursday, May 27th 2010: Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tharit Pengdit said the agency would ask the Royal Thai Police next week to inform the Lyon-based Interpol of the warrant against Thaksin Shinawatra. The Thai police are expected to ask Interpol next week to issue a global alert on the warrant for the arrest Thaksin Shinawatra on terrorism charges. Thai army is in charge of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES).

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Update Friday, May 28th 2010: Thai government will decide today whether to extend the curfew. The Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) already announced it favours ending the curfew in Bangkok and other provinces tomorrow. Bangkok and 23 other provinces are under curfew from midnight tonight to 04:00 tomorrow. According to Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, the state of emergency law is still necessary to allow security authorities to arrest (so-called) terrorists. General Prawit, Thailand's Defence Minister, has ordered soldiers to secure their units and local government offices and to stay alert despite the end of the riots.

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Update Saturday, May 29th 2010: Cross-border police agency Interpol said its statutes forbid it to ask its member states to carry out arrests of a political nature. Witnesses say they saw that Thai soldiers killed the six bodies found at Wat Pathumwanaram temple. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the witness most probably had made a mistake in thinking he had seen a soldier shooting at people... Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will not extend curfew in Bangkok and 23 other provinces as the 'security forces' can keep the situation under control. BTS announced Skytrain will resume full operation from 06:00 to 24:00 on both Silom and Sukhumvit routes from today.

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Update Sunday, May 30th 2010: Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said it's a lot more difficult now to have elections before the end of the year. It seems Mr. Abhisit already knows that he and his party will lose an early election and he and his comrade-in-arms will enjoy some years in jail for the handling of the crisis - unless Thai military topples the voting of Thailand's citizens with another coup. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said, it is Montenegro's job to figure out what to do if they want to build a democratic society. Montenegro has been given Montenegrin citizenship to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Mr. Kasit should go back to school, learn all about a democratic society and introduce it in Thailand, before he spread his stupidities. Mr. Kasit already blamed the international community for Thailand's problems, likened Thaksin to Al-Qaeda terrorists and leaders such as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin and Benito Mussolini, called Mr. Thaksin a bloody terrorist and said the closure of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD, the Yellow Shirts) was fun. Democratic Thailand is shutting down access to thousands of Websites and closed local Radio & TV stations as well as printed publications for not supporting Thailand's current Government.

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Update Monday, May 31st 2010: Security around the Parliament has been tightened on Monday morning ahead of the announced censure debate. The government's dispersal of red-shirt protests are expected to dominate the censure debate. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Phataraprasit, Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul and Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat are the targets.

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According to the CRES, the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation, 88 people have been killed and almost 2'000 wounded in total since the protests began in April 10th. 39 people are still missing. It is difficult to find the missing people as the CRES has refused to release the names of those arrested by troops. The Land of Smiles got a Land of Tears.

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