Tensions Mount in Bangkok
There is increasing tension in Bangkok over the continuing action by anti-government protesters. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports are still closed and demonstrators remain encamped at Government House. Yesterday dozens of protesters at the Government House site were injured by an explosive device. At Suvarnabhumi airport police made an initial attempt to move in on the People’s Alliance for Democracy group (PAD) but were forced back by masked PAD guards who were carrying clubs and slingshots. Whilst this has been playing out in Bangkok, the government and Thai prime minister are, in effect, in exile in Chiang Mai seemingly worried by the prospect of a coup.
Thai police are apparently negotiating with the airport protesters, but today police have said that the PAD group must leave the airports or face prosecution. Meanwhile, pro-government supporters have become increasingly angered and frustrated by the lack of police action against the illegal occupations of Government House and the airports. Pro-government supporters (the so-called ‘red shirts’) are meeting today at Sanam Luang opposite the Grand Palace. They have insisted they will not attack the anti-government protesters.
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