Thai Violence Erupts Anew Amid Negotiations

Ending the political crisis in Thailand seems to be getting harder and harder as the days drag on. Several days since Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva agreed to dissolve Parliament before the end of September, two police officers were killed as violence erupted again in the Bangkok business district.

The police officers were killed in a drive-by shooting late Friday night. Then, on Saturday, eight people were injured when several grenades exploded near police and military personnel who were assigned in the business district, where anti-government protesters have been camping for around two months, forcing the closure of hotels and shops.

Abhisit has proposed a compromise with protesters, offering to call elections on November 14 if the Red Shirts, who are loyalists of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, leave Bangkok. Protest leaders said earlier this week that they welcome Abhisit’s offer. However, they are demanding that Abhisit first announce the dissolution of Parliament before they end their demonstrations.

Posted: 07 May 2010 11:02 PM PDT
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