Thais remember those killed in political violence

The people of Thailand are rallying in Bangkok on Thursday to mark one year since the Thai army moved in to remove thousands of anti-government demonstrators, known as the Red Shirts, from their encampment in the capital’s centre. The violence killed more than 90 people and wounded some 2,000 between April and May of last year.

“There are lots of issues that the current government has yet to resolve, like the fact-finding into the deaths,” says Dr. Apichart Intravisit of Assumption University in Bangkok.

“The effects of the protests are still hanging over.”

By chance, the anniversary coincides with party leaders’ ballot draw that determines their position on the ballot for the upcoming general election. The Pheu Thai Party associated with deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his Red Shirt supporters drew the desirable No 1 spot, while incumbent Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's Democrats drew No 10. Red Shirt leaders are standing this year as Pheu Thai candidates.

“The rally today … would comprise only of the ceremonial part,” Dr Intravisit told Vatican Radio. “There will be no political campaign at this point since we are in the 45 days until the elections, so the Pheu Thai party .. some of them may show up but they may not speak.”

Listen to Dr Apichart Intravisit’s full interview with Kelsea Brennan-Wessels: