Thai anti-government protests turn bloody

[Cactus Jack]

Red Shirts bloodied but unbowed after protest ‘sacrifice’

Demonstrators spilt their own blood at the gates of the Thai Prime Minister’s office yesterday as part of a mass protest against the Government.

Thousands of supporters of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship — known popularly as Red Shirts — queued to give 10ml of blood each in makeshift donation tents in Bangkok. When enough had been collected to fill several large plastic containers — a total of 300 litres (530 pints), according to organisers — the liquid was carried to Government House, where riot police allowed a few of the protesters to pour it on to the ground.

The spectacle was intended to ensure that Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Prime Minister, would be forced to walk over the protesters’ “sacrifice”. A priest pronounced a curse against the Government and the crowd vowed to spill more blood at Mr Abhisit’s home.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/w ... 063495.ece

The Thai protestors are demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister and new elections, although it seems that the chance of success is unlikely. The Thai Government has invoked the Internal Security Act, giving forces powers to institute curfews, ban gatherings and deploy troops.

I hope things don't get any uglier and that ultimately the people of Thailand get the outcome that they want.

[crateb]

Red Shirts bloodied but unbowed after protest ‘sacrifice’

Demonstrators spilt their own blood at the gates of the Thai Prime Minister’s office yesterday as part of a mass protest against the Government.

Thousands of supporters of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship — known popularly as Red Shirts — queued to give 10ml of blood each in makeshift donation tents in Bangkok. When enough had been collected to fill several large plastic containers — a total of 300 litres (530 pints), according to organisers — the liquid was carried to Government House, where riot police allowed a few of the protesters to pour it on to the ground.

The spectacle was intended to ensure that Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Prime Minister, would be forced to walk over the protesters’ “sacrifice”. A priest pronounced a curse against the Government and the crowd vowed to spill more blood at Mr Abhisit’s home.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/w ... 063495.ece

The Thai protestors are demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister and new elections, although it seems that the chance of success is unlikely. The Thai Government has invoked the Internal Security Act, giving forces powers to institute curfews, ban gatherings and deploy troops.

I hope things don't get any uglier and that ultimately the people of Thailand get the outcome that they want.

My father used to live in Bangkok so I have noticed they do this every 20 years or so.. I know of late it seems that the religion of peace has had a presence in the area and has become more violent. I also hope the outcome is good!

[Cactus Jack]

I also hope the outcome is good!

Things seem to be getting worse crateb and many, including the Thai PM, are beginning to think that this conflict could turn into a full blown civil war!

Death toll climbs in Bangkok as Thai PM warns of civil war

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- At least eight people have been killed as Thai security forces declared a "live firing zone" in downtown Bangkok on Saturday following days of deadly clashes with anti-government protesters.

Saturday's fatality takes the total number of deaths to 25 since a government-backed clampdown on protesters exploded into violence on Thursday. More than 150 people have been wounded, according to emergency officials.

In a televised address, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said a small group of protesters among the opposition "Red Shirts" was trying to foment civil war.

http://us.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05 ... tml?hpt=T2

A very sad situation for all concerned. I was in Thailand last year for a month and enjoyed my time there. The Thai people are very friendly and hospitable and I sincerely hope that this civil unrest can be resolved without any more unnecessary deaths.

Very sad that it has escalated into this.

[crateb]

I also hope the outcome is good!

Things seem to be getting worse crateb and many, including the Thai PM, are beginning to think that this conflict could turn into a full blown civil war!

Death toll climbs in Bangkok as Thai PM warns of civil war

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- At least eight people have been killed as Thai security forces declared a "live firing zone" in downtown Bangkok on Saturday following days of deadly clashes with anti-government protesters.

Saturday's fatality takes the total number of deaths to 25 since a government-backed clampdown on protesters exploded into violence on Thursday. More than 150 people have been wounded, according to emergency officials.

In a televised address, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said a small group of protesters among the opposition "Red Shirts" was trying to foment civil war.

http://us.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05 ... tml?hpt=T2

A very sad situation for all concerned. I was in Thailand last year for a month and enjoyed my time there. The Thai people are very friendly and hospitable and I sincerely hope that this civil unrest can be resolved without any more unnecessary deaths.

Very sad that it has escalated into this.

It is not looking good. US has closed Embassy.

[Cactus Jack]

Looks like things may be cooling down temporarily:

Thai Red Shirt leaders call off protests

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- Several Red Shirt leaders called off their anti-government protests in Bangkok Wednesday after a large military offensive routed their supporters from a city park where they had amassed.

The leaders could be seen on television addressing a crowd in Lumpini Park saying they wanted to avoid further bloodshed and wanted to turn themselves in.

At least two people, including an Italian, were listed as killed in the clashes, according to the Police Hospital in Bangkok. Another 19 -- two journalists among them -- were wounded.

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiap ... tml?hpt=T1

Here's hoping things are resolved without further bloodshed.