Thai power struggle intensifies

The power struggle in Thailand appears to be deepening with two anti-government protesters wounded in a blast over the weekend.

Thai pro-government 'Red Shirts' protesters in Bangkok getty.jpg
(Transcript from SBS World News Radio)

The power struggle in Thailand appears to be deepening with two anti-government protesters wounded in a blast over the weekend.

People are being warned to stay away from anti-government protests.

And as Emma Hannigan reports, supporters of Thailand's embattled government are predicting civil war.

(Click on audio tab above to hear the full report)

The party atmosphere among protestors in Bangkok belies the seriousness of the situation.

With the two sides squaring off over who is running the country, things are turning nasty.

Three grenade attacks in 48 hours left two anti-government protesters wounded.

Some demonstrators are concerned for their safety.

"I am worried about any confrontation. All sides should talk. Last night there was a grenade thrown into the rally. I don't want to see violence. We all should find the right solution for Thailand. Every problem has a solution."

The head of the government team overseeing security, Tarit Pengdit, has advised protestors to desist.

"We would like to warn all Thais to stay away from the protest sites as we have to tighten our security forces in a bid to avert a crisis."

The caretaker government loyal to ousted prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra is clinging to power.

Anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban wants the upper house of parliament, the courts and the Election Commission to install an unelected prime minister.

"The caretaker deputy prime minister doesn't hold the authority and status to be the head of the government."

Pro-government supporters, the Red Shirts, are warning about the possibility of civil war.

"I want my voice to be heard by the presidents of the courts and the Senate Speaker. You are going to create a disaster in the nation. You are going to create a serious crisis that could lead to a civil war no one wants to see."

The Red Shirts are promising a tough reaction if their caretaker government is thrown out of power.

 

 

 


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2 min read

Published

Updated

By Emma Hannigan

Source: World News Australia


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