Thai security officials have announced that order has been returned to Bangkok. The sporadic and isolated incidents which occurred in other provinces have also been contained. Parts of the Thai capital remain sealed off for safety reasons with some buildings structurally unsafe following arson attacks. The army and police are also continuing their search of specific sections of the former protest zone for weapons and explosive devices.
Banks are expected to re-open on Monday as Bangkok continues the huge clean-up and rebuilding task. The physical damage in Bangkok is obvious, but Thailand’s prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, has also acknowledged the social divisions which need to be healed throughout Thailand. Abhisit has spoken about the ‘huge challenges that lie ahead of us.’ He has also confirmed that there will be an independent investigation into the events that have taken place in Bangkok.
Earlier this month, Abhisit proposed a reconciliation road-map to end the protests. He offered the red shirt leaders early elections in November if the protests dispersed peacefully. Moderate leaders of the red shirts had been willing to accept, but the offer was effectively rejected by the more militant leaders within the red shirt campaign. Speaking on national television, Abhisit re-affirmed his commitment to the national reconciliation plan which will take place with the help of all groups of people. Abhisit said, ‘We live under the same roof and our house has been set on fire . . . We’ve separated those who burn our home and they will be punished. We will rebuild our house to let everyone live happily again’.
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