Calm Again in Bangkok
It’s been a time for reflection in Bangkok following Tuesday’s disturbances which resulted in 2 people being killed and over 400 being injured. There have been accusations and recriminations from both sides involved and there are no signs of an immediate end to the stand-off which has continued for the past few months. A spokesman for the anti-government PAD group said, ‘We will continue to fight in a peaceful way to topple the killer government’. Meanwhile, Thailand’s prime minister has rejected calls for his resignation and similar calls to dissolve the government. PM Somchai said, ‘We will resolve domestic problems through the democratic process.’
A number of the protest leaders face arrest for various law infringements, but the Thai courts have rejected the most serious charges of insurrection and treason. Some local observers are suggesting that the dropping of the most serious charges could result in the protest leaders handing themselves into the police and by doing so the protests will gradually fizzle out. Whilst that remains a possibility it is by no means a guarantee and the protests could drag on still further with many of the PAD group vowing the fight will not end until the government is brought down.
Related Articles:
- Army on Standby as Bangkok Violence Escalates
- Police Clash with Bangkok Protesters
- Bangkok Clashes Leave One Dead and Dozens Injured
- Tourist Industry in Thailand Counts the Cost of the Political Crisis
- Protest Stand-Off Continues
- Protesters Storm Government Buildings in Bangkok
- Thailand's Government Faces More Protests
- Political Protests in Bangkok
