Bangkok shutdown could be prolonged

Day one of the Bangkok shutdown went smoothly as tens of thousands of protesters occupied seven sites around the city without resistance from the police. We'll be watching what happens next in what rally leaders say will be a prolonged rally.

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Morning updates

12:40

The STR (Students and People’s Network for Thailand’s Reform)  is probably the most aggressive of all the anti-goVernment protest groups and they are showing that today. A large group, including many women, marched from the Chamai Maruchet Bridge outside Government House to Krung Kasem Road where the National Economics and Social Development Board is located. They surrounded the building and demanded that the civil servants there leave by 12:30. About 20 minutes ago, Thai PBS showed one door opening and the civil servants streamed out, shaking hands with protesters on the way

11:25

From our online reporters:

Anti-government protesters of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee on Tuesday morning blocked the gates at the Ministry of Commerce in Sanambinnam area, the Public Relations Department reported.

The PDRC protesters, led by Luang Pu Buddha Issara, the abbot of Wat Or Noi, moved from their main rally site at the government complex on Chaeng Wattana road.

They urged the ministry’s officials to stop working and join their rally to pressure caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her cabinet ministers to step down.

The protesters intend to prevent officials from entering the ministry until 4pm, according to the department.

11:00

It has now been confirmed that more protesters are joining those already there in front of the National Police Headquarters. Protesters are also on the way to the Labour Ministry again and to the Criminal Court. Meanwhile, protesters from the Students and People’s Network for Thailand’s Reform (STR)  are on the way from the Chamai Maruchet bridge to Democracy Monument (No!. They ended up going to the nearby Office of the National Economics and Social Development Board on Krung Kasem Road.)

10:35

This information comes from twitter, but it should be accurate.

Those Victory Monument protesters apparently now have their instructions. They will be marching to five government offices this afternoon.

A strange target for at least one protest group at Lat Prao: the Miracle Hotel. According to rally leader Issara Somchai that is where the permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry is based. He apologises in advance for any inconvenience to hotel guests.

Meanwhile, PDRC spokesman Akanat Phromphan says the Stock Market will NOT be a target of protesters. That, of course, was a threat made by another group.

10:15

It's 10am and this is the time when rally leaders often announce which government agencies that will be "visiting" today. At Asok, apparently, that is nowhere as protesters will stay put for a day.

Lumpini protesters got their marching orders very early today and several thousand of them are already at the Customs Department making sure no productive work gets done their. They met with the Director General and tried to persuade him to send his civil servants home. I haven't heard if they were successful.

At Ratchaprasong a group of protesters has already gathered outside the National Police Headquarters which was described on TNN 24 as unusually quiet, without the usual line of police guarding the fence. We should learn shortly if rally leaders send more people and make an attempt to enter the premises.

Once again, we'll follow events as the occur throughout the day, but first here's a brief summary of key events yesterday.

Bangkok shutdown could be prolonged

The first day of the so-called Bangkok shutdown went relatively smoothly as tens of thousands of well-organised protesters occupied seven sites around the city without resistance from the police.

With major roads blocked, getting to work was a bit chaotic, but the dreaded citywide gridlock didn't occur as many people simply stayed home or followed alternative routes. Public transportation remained in service.

Crowds at the rally sites were heavy, particularly in the evening, and the atmosphere was festive. Tensions increased in the late night and early morning hours, but tight security -- the protesters have hundreds of guards -- helped bring about a trouble-free night.

What's going to happen today? Don't expect an early end to the rally, Suthep Thuagsuban, secretary general of the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) warned yesterday, despite apparent attempts by the government to find a compromise solution.

Addressing supporters at the Asok intersection rally stage yesterday evening, Mr Suthep said efforts are being made to find a mediator to broker talks between him and the government.

Mr Suthep said a plea has been made for a win-win solution to the political crisis. But he insisted that a win-win proposal is now out of the question.

Appearing on the Pathumwan intersection rally stage late in the evening, Mr Suthep stressed the aim to uproot the so-called Thaksin regime and the need for reform. "There is no win-win. Either you win or I win," he said.

He said government officials should not go to work now as their offices will be surrounded by protesters.

Government officials must act like officials at the Public Health Ministry (who largely support the PDRC), Mr Suthep said.

He said the PDRC will ensure that the Bangkok shutdown operation has a minimal impact on the activities of private companies, but it will continue to ratchet up the pressure on the work of the government every day.

The PDRC will announce which government office will be surrounded each day, he said.

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