Protesters gather as tense Thailand prepares for 'last battle'

This is interesting as the Thai government has been going through a rough patch very recently and since Thaksin has been overthrown. Thousands of protesters gathered today as a final push for their 6 month long campaign to bring down their current government. Many have already died in the attempts, and protesters have pointed the finger at the government, but the government denies any sort of ties to the violence that has partaken towards the protesters during this long period.

-Jared Besecker

Thailand: Peasful but Tense

Peace filled the streets of Bangkok Wednesday after the violent riots that had occurred. Tuesday thousands of supporters of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) obstructed all the entrances to the venue in an effort to keep the government from delivering the policy statement to the parliament. Leaving the Prime Minister, the Defense Minister, Cabinet Ministers, MP’s, and senators locked inside with police helpless. In an effort to stop the riots police decided to launch tear gas into the crowds. As police attempted to disperse the anti-government protesters two people were killed and 208 others were injured. Of which were several injured police men, and a few others who lost limbs.

The aftermath was clear as the BMA Public Work Department came in Wednesday to clean up the dirty streets after the riots. With the smell of tear gas in the air it left an uneasy quite with the police and PAD keeping their distance. Most of the garbage consisted of plastic bottles from the water the rioters had used to wash their eyes to subside the pain from the tear gas. 200 workers were instructed to quickly remove all of the trash and in doing so uncovered two bombs which ha to be taken out by the bomb squad. Most of the PAD supporters have retreated back to the Government House. Hopefully there won’t be anymore riots and no more violence so the streets of Bangkok get back to normal.

By Ronda Sundstrom

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=131257

Thailand Prime Minister urges end to protests to preserve "national dignity"

BANGKOK (AFP) - - Thailand's new premier said Wednesday he hoped thousands of protesters occupying his office would leave before November to save the kingdom embarrassment during a regional summit.
Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have been camped out at Bangkok's Government House for more than a month.
"I have tried my best to foster a better understanding and not to ruin Thailand's dignity. Other ASIAN leaders may question why the Thai government has no office so please help uphold our national dignity," he said.

The cabinet has been carrying out its business in an abandoned building at the old Don Mueang airport during the protests.

Somchai became premier last month after his predecessor was forced from office and has tasked deputy prime minister and seasoned politician Chavalit Yongchaiyudh with negotiating with the PAD.

Somchai said he was monitoring those talks but refused to set a deadline for the protesters to leave.



The people are protesting to get their point across. And Somchai is worried about his country looking bad because there are protests going on. It seems that he is trying to keep the protesters out of the media because he wants to protect the image of Thailand. He doesn't want to seem like he's lost control so he's trying to convince the protesters to go away rather than addressing their needs. He's trying to make sure that Thailand is at its highest standards.

Amanda B