Protests in Thailand

Although Thailand’s prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, lifted the state of emergency on April 24 and in May there was no further violence, some political tensions remain.

The “red shirt” protesters, loyal to the previous prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, have continued demonstrations against the current government. Thaksin is in exile to avoid imprisonment on corruption charges. 

In May the “yellow shirt” protesters (People’s Alliance for Democracy) voted to become a political party and put forth candidates in the next elections. The PAD led months of protests in 2008, including the ones that shut down the major airports.