Above: today’s WSJ Asia and International New York Times
A quick update, following yesterday’s post, as protests continue here in Bangkok.
What happened today:
- Protesters surrounded the interior, tourism, transport, and agriculture ministries.
- Yingluck and the Pheu Thai party are undergoing a two-day confidence debate in Parliament
- An arrest warrant was issued for protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban
The protesters don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon
The AP reported:
On Tuesday, the main protest group appeared to have converted the Finance Ministry into its headquarters, and declared Tuesday a “rest day,” as protesters erected tents in the parking lot.
And journalist Patrick Winn Tweeted:
At 12:30 a.m. last night, saw eight diesel generators trucked into Thai Finance Ministry. Which suggests protest camp is digging in.
— Patrick Winn (@BKKApologist) November 26, 2013
The US issued a statement
The statement, posted on the US Embassy in Bangkok’s Web site, says:
The U.S. Government is concerned about the rising political tension in Thailand and is following the ongoing demonstrations in Bangkok closely. We urge all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint, and respect the rule of law. Violence and the seizure of public or private property are not acceptable means of resolving political differences.
We call upon all sides to uphold international norms that guarantee freedom of the press and the safety of journalists. The United States firmly believes all parties should work together to resolve differences through peaceful dialogue in ways that strengthen democracy and rule of law.
As long-time friends of Thailand, we strongly support the Thai nation and its people during this period.
Sample rhetoric
Below: an image snapped by photojournalist George Henton at a protest site. He Tweeted:
Full shot of heads on the side of truck here at Ministry of Interior. pic.twitter.com/CKkglbwGXK
— georgehenton (@georgehenton) November 26, 2013
A translation, via Kaewmala on Twitter, is as follows:
“Ungrateful Traitors, cohorts of the evil Khmer Hu Sen, destroy the nation. Death only punishment”
Stay tuned.
As ever, follow me on Twitter for updates.