Easing tensions in Bangkok
Stepping aside
Sudden turnaround in Bangkok: In a move to ease tensions ahead of the king's birthday, Thai security forces yielded to the pressure of demonstrators and abandoned their defense of the besieged government headquarters. They removed concrete slabs and barbed wire, allowing protesters to cross the barricades and march past the compounds of the Government House and the Metropolitian Police Bureau.
A partial victory?
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on the lawn of Government House, waving Thai flags and blowing whistles. Riot police were greeted cheerfully. Anti-government protesters, who claim they have won a partial victory, told the officers: "You have not failed, you share the victory with the people."
Assisting the injured
Five people died during the increasingly violent protests which started 10 days ago. The chemicals used cause a feeling of chocking as well as of stinging and burning of the eyes. Paramedics carried around stretchers to help the injured. The protests had taken place mainly in the government district, located only two kilometers from the royal palace.
Sealed off
With concrete barriers and barbed wire the military had sealed off government buildings. Some 2,000 demonstrators came together on Monday (3.12. 2013), after some 30,000 protesters had tried to storm the center of government on Sunday. Prior to the weekend, demonstrations had been largely peaceful.
Yingluck under pressure
The demonstrators want to topple the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. They accuse the premier of wasting taxpayer's money. The anger of the urban middle class was also fueled by an amnesty bill which would have enabled the return of her brother and former PM Thaksin. In the meantime, the bill has been dropped.
Who's calling the shots?
Critics consider Yingluck Shinawatra to be a puppet of her brother. They believe Thaksin is the one calling the shots from his self-imposed exile in Dubai. Thaksin was premier between 2001 and 2006 before being ousted from power by members of the military loyal to the king. The former PM left the country to avoid a prison sentence for a corruption conviction.
Protests reminiscent of 2010
The current protests are reminiscent of the events that unfolded in spring of 2010. Back then, more than 90 people died in the Thai capital, when the army cracked down on demonstrators, following a series of prolonged protests by supporters and opponents of then Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.