Thai MPs elected Yingluck Shinawatra as the country’s first female prime minister today.

Both government and protesters mourned their dead after savage street fighting killed 21 people in Thailand’s capital, but neither side appeared ready to compromise to end a five-year political stalemate that threatens more violence.

Emboldened Thai protesters vowed today to ratchet up pressure on the government after their first violent skirmish with soldiers eroded the prime minister’s credibility and exposed concerns about the army’s loyalty.