THAILAND: Reporters tell story of clashes

Thai Journalists Association compiles journalists' accounts of the April demonstrations to serve as public reference

Bangkok Post
Thursday, May 7, 2009

By Yuwadee Tunyasiri

The Thai Journalists Association is preparing a book on the clashes from April 8 to 15 between government forces and red shirt protesters.

The association is seeking the input of reporters who witnessed the violence in putting together the book, which it hopes will serve as a public reference.

Veerasak Pong-aksorn is in charge of rights and freedom affairs for the association. He said the book would contain accounts of journalists who covered the events.

The clashes include the protest in Pattaya which forced the early end to the Asean summit and the clashes at the Din Daeng intersection, the Interior Ministry, Nang Loeng, around Government House and in Phetchaburi sois 5 and 7.

Association president Prasong Lertratanawisut meanwhile led a "Stop Hurting Thailand" campaign yesterday at Government House.

Journalists presented Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva with a T-shirt bearing the phrase "Stop Hurting Thailand, Stop Using Violence".

Mr Abhisit said he supported the campaign and several other cabinet members bought T-shirts.

Date Posted: 5/7/2009