Thailand restores order but ‘huge challenges’ remain

THAILAND’S premier said order has been restored after a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests triggered mayhem in the capital, but that the divided kingdom faces “huge challenges“.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared victory in a campaign to secure Bangkok, clamping down on militants in the Red Shirt movement who went on a rampage of arson and looting after their leaders surrendered on Wednesday.

“This is one of the worst episodes Thailand has ever faced,” Abhisit said in a televised address to the nation.

“We will continue to swiftly restore normalcy and we recognise that as we move ahead there are huge challenges ahead of us, particularly the challenge of overcoming the divisions that have occurred in this country.”

Abhisit said he regretted the loss of life in the army offensive to shut down six weeks of anti-government protests, which left 16 dead, including an Italian photographer, but defended the way it was carried out.

“The operation was within the law and complied with international practice,” he said, adding however that there would be an independent probe. Concern remains over a shootout at a temple “safe zone” where six bodies were found.

Abhisit made no mention of the fresh elections demanded by Red Shirts who condemn his government as illegitimate, but said the focus should now move to healing the splits that fomented the unrest.

“We are living in the same house,” he said. “I invite all of you to join the reconciliation process.”

“Let me reassure you that the government will meet these challenges through the five-point reconciliation plan I have announced,” he said, referring to a road-map which failed to produce a peaceful resolution to the Reds rallies.

During failed negotiations before the crackdown, Abhisit offered to hold a vote in November — a year ahead of schedule — as long as the rallies dispersed.

Major General Amnuay Nimano of Bangkok Police said in a televised broadcast that he had told Red Shirt leaders arrested after the protests that they faced charges of insulting the monarchy, as well as terrorism.

Thailand is deeply split between the Reds, mostly urban and rural poor who are demanding the ouster of a government they condemn as undemocratic, and rival pro-establishment Yellow Shirts who represent the nation’s elites.

The Reds are mostly supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup.

Across central Bangkok a huge clean-up was under way after the scenes of anarchy that saw 36 major buildings go up in flames including the stock exchange and the nation’s biggest mall which now lies in ruins.

Reports said the damage bill from the torched buildings alone could reach 40 billion baht (€900m).