The senators and various civic groups, however, raised concerns about the decision. Senator Nikom Wiratpanich said that the emergency law will not stop the anti-government activities, since they can be done anywhere, anytime. Moreover, the law would undermine the national reconciliation plan, as the government continues to oppress its opponents. President of the Law Society Sak Khosangruang also said that the decree suggests a more severe situation than reality. Tourism industry and investment will be greatly damaged if foreigners think Thailand is still in a harsh situation.

Cabinet extends emergency by another 3 months [The Nation, 7 July 2010]
Thailand extends Bangkok emergency [Aljazeera, 6 July 2010]

Mr. Noppadon said in an AFP interview on June 29, “we hope that the US administration will be more engaged about the situation in Thailand. They can use diplomatic channels to encourage the government to look at our proposal. It doesn’t mean they interfere with Thai politics. You can give friendly advice to your friend.”

Mr. Noppadon said that he would meet with the staff members at the Congress, but declined to specify who they would be, since it could lead to repercussions.

Thaksin aide seeks US role in Thailand [Channel News Asia, 30 June 2010]

About 1,000 police were deployed in the capital but the cremation at a Buddhist temple passed off peacefully. Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol, or commonly known as Seh Daeng (Commander Red), was shot by an unknown gunman as he spoke to a journalist from the New York Times.

The Red Shirts were campaigning for elections they hoped would oust the government, which they view as undemocratic because it came to power with the backing of the army after a court ruling threw out the previous administration.

Sources:
Thai ‘Red Shirts’ mass for rogue general’s cremation [Channel NewsAsia, 23 June 2010]
Thousands of red-shirts mourn rogue Thai general [BBC News, 22 June 2010]

Meanwhile, the CRES has assigned the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the National Security Council, and the Council of State to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of an amnesty decree. The DSI Director General Tharit Pengdit said that if the three agree on the plan, the special amnesty law will be proposed to the cabinet as well as to the CRES for consideration. If approved, the final decree could be issued in a form of either a royal decree or a bill.

Thai gov’t mulling to pardon convicted “red-shirts”: Deputy PM [Xinhuanews, 15 June 2010]
Council of State backs amnesty plan [Bangkok Post, 14 June 2010]

In a brief speech to the new ministers, His Majesty the King asked them to “make great effort to work for the country…work with good intentions, honesty, and sacrifice.” He also advised, “working for the benefit of the entire country will be a bit difficult, but you must achieve this, because if you do, our country will advance.”

Following the announcement of the new line-up, academics began to doubt if the cabinet reshuffle alone would solve the country’s problems, such as the alleged corruption or the violation of press freedom raised by the opposition party during recent parliament debate. Komsan Pothikong, a lecturer in law at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University said, “The reshuffle apparently solves internal conflicts in the coalition government, but it has nothing to do with people’s problems.”

Don’t be rivals, work for the country, HM tells new ministers [The Nation, 8 June 2010]
King swears in new members of cabinet [Bangkok Post, 8 June 2010]

After the court decision, Deputy Police Colonel Narat Savetanant said that DSI will begin the search for Mr. Thaksin and coordinate with his host countries for extradition. The government has failed to secure Mr. Thaksin’s extradition in October 2008, when he was sentenced to two years in prison over allegations of corruption and conflict of interest. However, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed his belief that with the terrorism charge, which “the international community sees as an important issue,” and is “more understandable”, the extradition should prove easier.

In response to the warrant, Mr. Thaksin, last seen at the film festival in Cannes, denied the charge through his twitter, claiming that he was “framed as a terrorist with false evidence,” and that he is a committed pacifist.

Court Issues Thaksin terror warrant [Bangkok Post, 25 May 2010]
Thaksin Arrest Warrants Grow as Court Adds Terrorism Allegation [The CNN News, 25 May 2010]
The Big issue: The Hunt for red terrorists [Bangkok Post, 30 May 2010]

The violent protests also spread to surrounding provinces, with people in Chiang Mai attempting to burn buildings and throw home-made bombs after the Bangkok protests ended. The situation is now reported to be under control.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who has been under enormous pressure to end the crippling standoff, promises to “get through” the crisis and return peace to the country.

The Thai crisis has left at least 75 people dead and about 1,700 wounded since mid-March, including 25 people who died in a failed army crackdown on April 10.

Sources:
Arson, Looting in Bangkok After Protest Crackdown [ChannelNewsAsia, 19 May 2010]
Curfew in Bangkok After Surrender of Red-Shirt Leaders [BBC News, 19 May 2010]

Photographs and images used on this website are obtained from publicly-accessible resources. No copyright infringement is intended.

Khattiya Sawasdipol, also known as Seh Daeng (Commander Red), was rushed to an intensive care unit by protestors and is reported to be on life support. Tensions among demonstrators have heightened, with them clashing with security forces in Lumpini Park.

A state of emergency is in place in the capital and surrounding areas is to be extended to 15 other provinces, broadening the army’s power. The worsening situation has also caused the US and UK to close their embassies in Bangkok, citing concerns.

Sources:
Thai General Shot, Army Moves to Face Protestors [The New York Times, 13 May 2010]
Thai Red-Shirt Protestor Gen Khattiya Shot [BBC News, 13 May 2010]
Rogue Solder Shooting Sends Tensions Soaring [Reuters, 13 May 2010]

Photographs and images used on this website are obtained from publicly-accessible resources. No copyright infringement is intended.

Abhisit has warned protesters that he may revoke his offer if the protesters do not leave their vast base, which has been secured with barricades made from piles of fuel-soaked tyres, bamboo poles and razor wire.

Tensions among protest leaders over whether to end the protest are evident, splintering the movement. Top leader Veera Musikapong has not been seen in public for at least two days and other leaders have not answered questions as to his whereabouts.

The “Red Shirts” have called for the government to lift the state of emergency so the protesters could return home safely, but army chief General Anupong Paojinda said martial law will remain in place until order was restored.

Sources:
No End in Sight as Thai Protesters Refuse to Leave [Reuters, 11 May 2010]
Deal to End Thai Protests may be in Peril [The New York Times, 11 May 2010]
Thai Premier Urges Protesters to End Rallies on Wednesday [ChannelNewsAsia, 11 May 2010]

Photographs and images used on this website are obtained from publicly-accessible resources. No copyright infringement is intended.

The protesters plan to ensure there were no double standards in the repercussions before agreeing to close down their protests. They said many of their members had been accused of terrorism or been subject to arrest warrants, so Mr Abhisit and Mr Suthep should be subject to the same scrutiny.

The Reds consider Abhisit’s administration undemocratic because it came to power in a 2008 parliamentary vote after a controversial court ruling ousted elected allies of Thaksin, who was himself unseated in a 2006 coup. A government spokesman says the deputy prime minister will meet the head of special investigations on Tuesday to hear the accusations levelled against him.

Sources:
Thai Protesters Refuse to Leave, Push New Demands [Reuters, 10 May 2010]
Thai Protesters to Rally Until Deputy PM Surrenders [ChannelNewsAsia, 10 May 2010]
Thailand Red-Shirts Set Out New Conditions [BBC News, 10 May 2010]

Photographs and images used on this website are obtained from publicly-accessible resources. No copyright infringement is intended.