Associated Press Army reinforcements were rushed into Bangkok as tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators marched on a key military headquarters, demanding that the government dissolve Parliament. Thousands of protesters piled into trucks, rode motorcycles or trudged on foot toward the barbed-wire ringed 11th infantry regimental compound.

bangkokpost.com ''We just want to visit the military camp to ask for the answer from PM Abhisit Vejjajiva whether he will dissolve the House as demanded by the red-shirts,'' said Jatuporn Promphan, a core leader of the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship.

nationmultimedia.com Fugitive PM Thaksin Shinawatra phoned in to address supporters last night from an unknown location, as he sought to woo support to bring about a regime change. Thaksin delivered his animated speech to his cheering red shirt audience via webcam. He also wore glasses with a thin silver frame. His hair looked unnatural, almost like a wig.

abc.net.au The army says it is ready to evacuate the leaders if it becomes necessary. At least eight water cannon were moved to the front of the barracks where the protesters were to arrive and a number of tanks are on standby inside.


A daily wrap of Thailand news, with a Phuket perspective, plus relevant reports from national and international media.

Associated Press As many as 100,000 people demonstrated peacefully against Thailand's government at a party-like rally Sunday, but the capital was being kept on edge by their threat to continue protesting until Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva calls new elections. Protest leader Natthawut Saikua said he believed more than a half million people turned up, while estimates from the police and other government agencies ranged from 50,000-150,000. [About 500 protesters travelled from Phuket.]

straitstimes.com Well over 150,000 red shirt protesters converged in Bangkok and gave the government until noon today to call fresh elections or face escalating protests. Despite rumors of negotiations and possible rifts behind closed doors, PM Abhisit Vejjajiva appeared unfazed, saying in his Sunday radio program that he had every right to stay in power because he had been legally elected in Parliament.

abc.net.au Supporters of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra have given the Thai government until lunchtime today to resign or face rolling protests they claim will paralyse Bangkok. They say their first step will be to march on the army barracks where PM Abhisit is sheltering.

timesonline.com Street violence has become such a feature of Thai political protest in the past two years that its absence almost seems a mark of failure. The gathering in Bangkok of opponents of PM Abhisit was not the million-man parade promised by its organisers, or the orgy of mob violence predicted by his supporters. Even if it does turn nasty, it is unlikely either to bring about the change of government demanded by the Red Shirts, or to mark their eclipse.

telegraph.co.uk The growing unrest in Thailand is giving rise to apprehension that the good days - and very good they were - may finally be drawing to a close. It's looking like the vast social inequalities in Thailand are beginning to take their toll on the set of complex social contracts which govern this intricately intertwined society.

nationmultimedia.com Tim Devlin writes in Letters after a stay in Patong: If a die-hard Thailand-loving tourist like me leaves the country full of resentment and feeling ripped off, what kind of message are you sending? I blog on a dozen travel websites and its not a good message you're sending out. Your [visa/Immigration] system is old-fashioned, unfriendly and not designed for the type of tourist travel you need to attract.

wsj.com Resurgent tourism within Asia is helping to drive economic recoveries, and demonstrating the growing power of regional consumers. Zu Hui, 28, a worker at an oil-trading company in Beijing, recently took her honeymoon trip to Phuket. It was her first exploration outside China, and she called it ''a great trip,'' filled with romance and water sports. She's now planning a trip to Dubai.

afp Malaysian maritime authorities said they had picked up 93 members of Burma's Rohingya Muslim minority who had drifted aboard a boat for 30 days. The group is aged 16 to 50. ''This is the first time we have had such a big number of people found in our northern waters in many years,'' a Maritime Enforcement Agency spokesman said. [The boatload is said to have been ''helped'' on its way by the Thai Navy as it passed Phuket.] The boat, packed with refugees, was found off Langkawi.

rfa.org A UN special envoy has called for a probe into whether Burma's ruling junta is guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity, in a report to be addressed Monday by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Tomas Ojea Quintana cited ''systematic violation of human rights'' when he visited the country in February, fueling an international outcry against repression and abuses against the Burmese people.

todayonline.com About 2000 protesters from a conservative Islamic group held peaceful demonstrations in several Indonesian cities against the planned visit of President Barack Obama. The group Hizb ut-Tahrir, which aims to establish a Muslim caliphate, urged the government to reject the American leader's trip, scheduled later this month.

smh.com.au Singapore Airlines will use Jetstar's aggressive push into Singapore as leverage to back its own claims to be allowed to fly between Australia and the US. Jetstar's decision to make Singapore its Asian hub - instead of Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City - has given Singapore Airlines the ammunition it needs in its long-standing push to be allowed to fly directly to the US. At present, direct flights are limited to Australian and US airlines.

Phuketwan Update The Aleenta Resort just across the bridge from Phuket is to hold its third charity weekend March 20-21 to raise more than 500,000 baht to support the recovery of Andaman coast turtles. All donations will be made to the Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Center in Thai Muang. The two day event includes golf at Blue Canyon, children's activities, a beachfront dinner with live auction and trip to a turtle sanctuary.



March 19 Phuket Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AusCham) Sundowners at Paresa Resort at Cape Sol, Kamala. 3.30 pm Seminar on sustainable/green development. Drinks 6pm.
Until March 20 Annual French Gastronomy Festival at The Boathouse. Wine Chef Jean-Noel Lumineau, Thailand's only Maitre Cuisinier de France, treats discerning diners to exceptional French food.
Until March 26 Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn Fair at Thalang Victory Memorial Park, near the Heroines' Monument.
March 19-28 Local Phuket Food Festival, Saphan Hin, Phuket City
March 27 Lights out at Le Meridien Phuket Resort and Spa in support of Earth Hour. Since 1987, the resort has minimised its impact with waste reduction, efficient energy management, water conservation, and green programs.
April 3 Attempt on the mass dive record, Thai Muang, Phang Nga, 11am. Details: 076-411388.
April 9-13 Phuket Bike Week, including tattoo competitions, island rides and the Miss Phuket Bike Week contest.
April 14-18 Phuket Cricket Sixes, Karon Sports Stadium.
May 31-June 5 Eight-nation football tournament for players over 55 at Surakul Stadium in Phuket City. Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, Iran, Armenia competing.
May Annual Phuket seafood festival.
May Date to be finalised for Muay Thai kickboxing competition at Laguna Phuket.
May 21-23 Paragliding on Phuket.
June 4-13 Phuket International Film Festival, Coliseum Cineplex, Phuket City.

Phuket Taxi Abuse: Cruise Line Slams 'Rip-Offs'
Latest Pressure to act on Phuket's taxi and tuktuk monopoly and rip off fares has increased with the criticisms of a cruise line that delivers thousands of tourists to the island.
Phuket Taxi Abuse: Cruise Line Slams 'Rip-Offs'

Phuket Legend Don Grills, Grins And Moves On
Photo Album Phuket was a quieter island when Don's Cafe became the place to hang out on starlit evenings. The buffet and bbq that was a constant attraction for many is no more.
Phuket Legend Don Grills, Grins And Moves On

Phuket Caddies Sacked: More Talks Monday
Latest Three caddies have been singled out and sacked in the Phuket golf course dispute and management plans to meet with all 260 women to explain its actions on Monday.
Phuket Caddies Sacked: More Talks Monday

Phuket Bypass: Navy Denies 'Chasing' Boatpeople
Latest Tourist sightseers and refugees needing food and water have become the unusual mix off Phuket and the Andaman coast again as the Navy politely sends boatpeople on their way.
Phuket Bypass: Navy Denies 'Chasing' Boatpeople

Patong's New Police Chief Lays Down the Law
Latest Crackdown on drugs, guns; mediation for tourists; tout uniforms to go; fire inspections for clubs; security cameras in bars. Patong's new police chief promises big changes.
Patong's New Police Chief Lays Down the Law

Phuket Governor's Wild Tuk-Tuk Ride of a Year
Photo Album One year ago on Phuket, jet ski operators ripped off tourists, environmental approvals could be bought, and beer mats could be stolen. A few things have changed.
Phuket Governor's Wild Tuk-Tuk Ride of a Year

Phuket Team Scoops Top Award for Reporting
Latest Phuketwan has picked up a top news award as part of the team that broke the Scoop of the Year 2009. Coincidentally, the award comes amid reports of boatpeople near Phuket.
Phuket Team Scoops Top Award for Reporting