After nearly a solid week of escalating violence the Thai military has begun what is believed to be its final assault on the “Red Shirt” protesters in Central Bangkok.
Troops in armored personnel carriers stormed into the area with machine guns, and helicopters loomed overhead. Exactly how many of the once 10,000 strong protesters remained in the area for the assault was unclear, but they are all targets at this point.
Prime Minister Abhisit has demanded that the protesters, mostly the rural poor who oppose his government, return to their homes, and officials in his government have referred to members of the protest as “terrorists” over the past few days. Dozens of protesters have been killed in the recent crackdown.
Abhisit came to power in 2008, after mostly urban protesters ousted the Somchai government. The Red Shirt protesters generally look favorable on Somchai, and also former Prime Minister Thaksin. The lesson Abhisit seems to have learned from the 2008 protests was to crush them before they get out of hand, and it seems that is what is about to happen.
Jason, you haven't a clue about the situation in Bangkok. After 30 years of living and reporting in Thailand, I can say this.
Your "rural poor" are mere spectators, paid or coerced into attending this struggle between the "new" elite of Thaksin and his cronies and the "old" elite. As I write, the Old Guard has won as the money runs out for the Do-until-Death Red Shirt leaders, who have surrendered or fled.
Neither have you looked at the obvious CIA fingerprints on this little war – Maj Gen Khattiya, the chief troublemaker in the confrontation bragged about his CIA connections, which could be why he was assassinated a few days ago.
This is a classic "regime change" tactic that fortunately failed.
Do your homework, and then ask for donations.
Jack Garbo