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Final Thai crackdown feared as peace talks founder
Source: Agencies |
May 17, 2010, Monday
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THAILAND'S government demanded today an end to protests that have killed 37 people in four days of escalating street violence in Bangkok before holding talks with its opponents seeking immediate elections.
The government gave an estimated 5,000 people hunkered down in a sprawling protest encampment in central Bangkok until 3 pm (0800 GMT) to leave, or face criminal charges.
After their plea for a ceasefire and UN moderated talks was dismissed by the government yesterday, the "red shirt" protest leaders today offered talks as long as a neutral arbiter took part and troops withdrew.
Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said in response that rioting and violence against troops must end first.
"The government is ready to go forward with negotiations when the situation is defused, when the protest ends, violence ends, attacks on authorities end."
That seemed to leave the talks at a dead end, with both sides demanding the other stops acting violently first.
Across the city, people were hoarding food and hotels were pleading for guests to leave. Schools have been closed and while today and tomorrow were declared public holidays, markets and banks remained open.
The government gave an estimated 5,000 people hunkered down in a sprawling protest encampment in central Bangkok until 3 pm (0800 GMT) to leave, or face criminal charges.
After their plea for a ceasefire and UN moderated talks was dismissed by the government yesterday, the "red shirt" protest leaders today offered talks as long as a neutral arbiter took part and troops withdrew.
Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said in response that rioting and violence against troops must end first.
"The government is ready to go forward with negotiations when the situation is defused, when the protest ends, violence ends, attacks on authorities end."
That seemed to leave the talks at a dead end, with both sides demanding the other stops acting violently first.
Across the city, people were hoarding food and hotels were pleading for guests to leave. Schools have been closed and while today and tomorrow were declared public holidays, markets and banks remained open.
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