The Stream

Thailand’s fragile truce

As anti-government protests ease, what lies ahead for the divided country?

An anti-government protester gives roses to Thai policewomen outside city police headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand on December 3, 2013. (AP/Manish Swarup)

After a dramatic week of demonstrations that engulfed Bangkok, the mood is calm following the Prime Minister’s order for police to stop fighting anti-government protesters. This latest turmoil began in November after the ruling party tried to rush an amnesty bill through parliament that critics said was designed to bring back former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. With the opposition leader vowing to continue demonstrations after the King’s birthday on Thursday, what lies ahead for a deeply divided Thailand? 

In this episode of The Stream, we speak with:

Kasit Piromya
Former Foreign Minister of Thailand
 
Kuson Sintusingha @kuson
Anti-government protester
 
Saksith Saiyasombut @Saksith
Blogger, Siam Voices 
 
Pakdee Tanapura
Yingluck government supporter

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