Thai protestors pause for king's birthday, vow renewed efforts

(Vatican Radio) Thailand's military leaders are saying that the political situation is returning to normal after days of violent anti-government protests and that they have ruled out the possibility of a coup. Protestors in the Thai capital, Bangkok, however, held another rally Wednesday, with their leader saying they would go on despite efforts to defuse the crisis. Listen:

“The current situation is much calmer than the day before yesterday, and [it was] calmer yesterday than the day before,” said the Chairman of the Thai Catholic Business Executives Group in Bangkok, Virachai Techavijit, in an exclusive interview with Vatican Radio. “What is happening,” in the capital and around police headquarters, “is worth watching,” he said.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban interrupted protests on Wednesday, and said there would be a pause on Thursday out of respect for the 86th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.