Bangkok State of Emergency – Protesters Invade Interior Ministry
Thai prime minister Abhisit faces another crisis of leadership today as red-shirted protesters entered government buildings in Bangkok. The situation is still not entirely clear as I write this, but local reports are saying that a small group of anti-government protesters have entered the Thai Interior Ministry in Bangkok. There are also unconfirmed reports that Abhisit was in the building at the time and was forced to flee by car. Thai television is showing pictures of a car being attacked by angry groups of red shirts and the suggestion is that the protesters thought that Abhisit was inside the car. Authorities say Abhisit was not in the car which was being attacked. Eventually, soldiers intervened and warning shots were fired into the air.
The dramatic developments in Thailand’s ongoing political saga follow yesterday’s cancellation of the ASEAN summit in Pattaya. PM Abhisit said he was going to take legal action against the protest leaders and this morning one of the Pattaya protest leaders was arrested. This seems to have been the spark for the red shirts to gather outside the Thai Interior Ministry in Bangkok.
Whilst it is right lawbreakers should be prosecuted, neutrals in Thailand are pointing out that Abhisit has been quick to take action against the red shirt protest leaders, but has yet to take action against the lawbreakers from the yellow shirts who occupied airports last year. Without the prolonged protests from the yellow shirts it is doubtful whether Abhisit and his Democrat party would now be in power. Red shirts have been further antagonized by the appointment of Kasit Piromya as the Foreign Minister. Kasit was a prominent supporter of the illegal yellow shirt action last year.
What happens Next?
If the current government is going to stay in power they need the support of the army and police. The incidents yesterday in Pattaya and today in Bangkok suggest that support might not be in place. There a number of things that could happen now and as it is Thailand nothing should be ruled out. Possibilities include:
1) Abhisit calls fresh elections
2) A military coup is staged
3) Deals are made between the politicians and a new coalition government is formed as Abhisit is moved aside.
4) Abhisit tries to tough it out.
5) His Majesty the King makes some intervention.
In Bangkok, there is the likelihood of an increased police and military presence in key strategic areas. Whilst the news is dramatic it should also be pointed out that the overwhelming majority of visitors to Thailand will continue to remain unaffected and life continues as normal. The official Songkran New Year holidays begin tomorrow, but many people have been out today to enjoy the start of the water-throwing festivities. The majority of Thais just want a resolution to the crisis and for Thais to stop the internal bickering that has blighted the country for the last three years.
Related Articles:
- Is Pattaya Safe to Visit At the Moment?
- State of Emergency in Pattaya as Summit Collapses in Chaos
- Pattaya Violence Disrupts ASEAN Meeting
- Red Shirts in Pattaya
- Bangkok Taxi Drivers Join Protests
- Thai PM Defiant Amidst Protests
- Pattaya Protesters Attack Prime Minister's Car
- Anti-Government Protesters Reject Talks
- Who are the Yellow Shirts and Red Shirts?
