Thailand in urgent need of resolution to avoid bloodbath ANALYSIS 04/26/2010

Thailand in urgent need of resolution to avoid bloodbath

ANALYSIS 04/26/2010 BANGKOK — Thailand must find a political consensus acceptable to all its warring factions to avoid a repeat of the bloodshed that has so often traumatized the “Land of Smiles,” analysts say. The need to avoid further violence has become paramount in the wake of grenade attacks in Bangkok Thursday that left one dead and after April 10 clashes that killed 25 in scenes of anarchy in the capital’s historic district. Since the anti-government “Red Shirts” began their street rallies in mid-March, the mood between protesters and the security forces has flip-flopped with terrifying speed from jokes and handshakes to fear and hostility. “In terms of the carnival atmosphere turning into violence, this comes from very deep in Thai society,” said Michael Montesano, a visiting research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.... MORE   Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100426com3.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Safe conduct pass FRONTLINE A clear waste of P11.3 billion taxpayers’ money ANALYSIS Thailand in urgent need of resolution to avoid bloodbath DIE HARD III Hunger, PCOS and revolution FEATURE Navigating India’s language divides HE SAYS Incidents in a saga SHE SAYS Ampatuan revisited