Troops advance to retake Lumpini Park

BANGKOK, 19 May 2010 (NNT) – Troops deployed by the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) have advanced to reclaim the area at Lumpini Park occupied by the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

Armored personnel vehicles (APCs) at 8.30 hrs crushed the barricades made of bamboo sticks and car tyres set up by the UDD in front of Lumpini Park. Before destroying the fort, APCs earlier moved along Ratchadamri Road while water trucks followed.

The APCs and other vehicles are now heading to the main rally site of the UDD at Ratchaprasong Intersection. However, the operation of the troops must be made carefully for fear that UDD guards might splash petrol around car tyres while chemical bombs were found near the Thai-Belgian Bridge.

Earlier, UDD guards burned car tyres near the Queen Sirikit Building of Chulalongkorn Hospital. Thick smoke is covering the area, forcing an immediate evacuation of patients inside the hospital via Henri Dunant Road. Water trucks must put off the fire at haste.

Military personnel could not mobilize efficiently due to counters from UDD guards. Military trucks at 8.19 hrs announced along Ratchadamri Road, telling UDD protestors to leave the area and follow the order of the CRES because their demonstration has caused trouble to the general public.

Troops and UDD supporters have been clashing continuously since early Wednesday morning. UDD protestors and guards have been burning car tyres on the road to impede the troops from advancing further.