Thai Protests Escalate
April 5, 2010
By: Paul Larson

The Thai “Red Shirt” movement continues its struggle to remove Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and hold new elections.  In a third week of mass rallies, the protestors have changed tactics in order to exert more pressure on the government of Thailand.  The protesters moved from government and military buildings to private businesses, according to the BBC.  Two of Thailands largest malls were closed and several roads were blocked for several days as the demonstrations moved into the commercial district of Bangkok.

Abhisit made an address on television demanding that the protesters end the use of street protests and instead participate in negotiations.  Abhisit has offered to hold elections at the end of the year, which protesters rejected.  There have been two unsuccessful rounds of negotiations and more attempts are expected. 

IIn a recent show of defiance, about 100 protesters forced their way into the Thai Election Commission building.  The demonstrations by Red Shirts have been peaceful so far, but such escalations have threatened to trigger violence.  The government petitioned for a court order to evict the protesters from the commercial district of Bangkok, but the court said the government already had that power under the special security laws. 

The rallies have been organized by the United Front for Democracy, a political group with the goal of removing the government that was established after the 2006 coup.  

For previous news on Thailand, please see:  http://ccd21.org/news/asia/thailand_UDD_protest.html

Sources:

BBC News - Thai red-shirt protesters blockade Bangkok shops

BBC News - Thailand protesters remain defiant in Bangkok

New York Times - Protesters in Thailand Defy Orders to Disperse

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