New Protests in Thailand A Reminder of Simmering Unease
A report from Bangkok: “The rather uneasy calm following the suppression of 'pro-Thaksin' red-shirt demonstrations in May continues; but in recent days yellow-shirted 'anti-Thaksin' demonstrators have been back on the move, protesting about Cambodia's plans for further heritage development at the Khao Phra Viharn temple, an ancient border site claimed by both countries,” says Asia Society Associate Fellow Duncan McCargo. “The issue is an awkward one for the Abhisit Vejjajiva government, since the ruling Democrats shamelessly politicized the temple controversy when in opposition but would now prefer to play it down. The protests are a reminder that pro-royalist groups, though adopting a low profile in recent months, could re-emerge as powerful political players if they believe that concessions are being made to red-shirt forces.”
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