Thai 'red-shirts' break into Thaicom grounds
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Negotiations are under way after Thailand's anti-government "red-shirts" protestors broke into the compound of Thaicom satellite firm here at about 2: 40 p.m. Friday. Several policemen and protestors were injured in the confrontation.
Inside the Thaicom head office, representatives from the police and Thaicom company and three leaders of the "red-shirts" are holding talks on the latter's demand for resumption of PTV's braodcasting.
According to a preliminary report by the government's Centre for Public Administration in Emergency Situations (CPAES), about 10 people, both secuirty staff and "red shirts," got injured during the jostling and clod-hurling at the gate. All of them were sent to lat Lum Kaew hospital.
The "red-shirts" stopped short of entering the building and are waiting at the courtyard after they broke into the Thaicom compound, located in Lat Lum Kaew district. The security forces resorted to water cannons and tear gas in an attempt to stop the protestors in the chaos.
The intrusion began after the military guarding there failed to heed the protesters' ultimatum for withdrawal.
"Red-shirts" leader Jatuporn Promphan arrived at the rally site in Patum Thani province at noon and issued a 30-minute ultimatum, demanding the military withdraw from inside by 2:40 p.m., otherwise the "red-shirts" will break in and occupy the Thaicom.
The "red-shirts" decided Friday morning to move by motorcycles and pickups to the satellite company, about one hour's drive from Bangkok, to pressure the government to resume the broadcast by PTV, a "red-shirts" TV channel, through ThaiCom satellite.
Earlier in a nationally-televised address, Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said that the government has to control the situation and the security forces at Thaicom have prepared tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons for possible intrusion by protestors.
The Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency Wednesday afternoon after the protestors surrounded and raided the Parliament House earlier in the day, forcing the cabinet and parliament meetings to be cancelled.
PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey confirmed Thursday that the airing in all the frequencies by PTV had been shut down, citing it distorts information to cause misunderstanding.
