Thailand’s battle for peace
Thailand is bracing for new elections, but will they bring peace and stability or fresh political violence and protests?
One year after the government crackdown that left 91 protesters dead and Bangkok burning, Thailand is going to the polls.
But observers say the deep rifts in Thai society that flared into the worst political violence in decades remain.
It is the ruling Democrat Party’s first test at the polls. It faces Puea Thai, a re-badged opposition party with links to the Red Shirt movement which organised the protests.
Will the polls offer reconciliation or yet another trigger for fresh political violence? As the electoral race heats up, 101 East asks: What is the future of peace and democracy in Thailand?
This 101 East episode airs from Thursday, June 9, 2011 at the following times GMT: Thursday: 2230; Friday: 0930; Saturday: 0330; Sunday: 1630.