Arisman's dramatic escape

Arisman Pongruangrong, one of the red-shirt leaders, is seen here using a rope to escape police arrest at SC Park Hotel this morning.

It was a glaring flop on the part of the government. Deputy PM Suthep Thuangsuban went on tv at about 9.40 am to announce that a special police task force had been despatched to surround the hotel to arrest at least four red leaders for inciting the public.

As it turned out, hundreds of red protesters were there even before the police squadron arrived. Arisman fled with a rope with the help of his supporters from his room on the third floor. The four other leaders subsequently fled in a similar manner.

Then four police officers were "disarmed" by the protesters who took them to their Rajprasong stage as "hostages."

No doubt, the law-enforcement unit, packed full with "tamoto policemen" (red all over)were leaking news of the government's imminent round-up of the red leaders well in advance.

Another attempt at enforcing the law, another total failure.