Rungroj Yongkirt/ European Pressphoto Agency
The protests continue today in Bangkok, capital city of Thailand. Red clad supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a coup in 2006, hit the streets in order to protest the current government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. Mr. Abhisit took office after the pro-Thaksin government dissolved when they were accused of electoral fraud.
The city seems to be decorated with varying colored shirts. Red shirts are anti-government, pro-Thaksin, while yellow shirts are supporters of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The King's supporters are said to be the elite middle and upper class who fear any significant changes to the social structure of government.
The protest also forced the cancelation of a summit meeting for Asian nations, forcing many leaders to evacuate by helicopter or boat. Mr. Thaksin is in contact with his supporters by making nightly broadcasts from what authorities believe to be Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Despite the ongoing conflict with the government, business and tourism is seemingly unaffected since airports and hotels remain open. The protests also coincide with the Thai New Year which started April 13th and will last until April 15th. It is tradition during the Thai New Year celebration to throw water. People roam the city streets with buckets of water and water guns looking for victims to splash. Considering that April is one of the hottest months in Thailand, the douse of water can be refreshing on a hot day.
The celebration isn't merely fun and games. People go to monasteries in order to pray and provide offerings to monks. Some bring images of Buddha that will be cleansed with water and fragrance. Similar to the New Year tradition in the US, Thai celebrants make New Year's resolutions in order to better themselves for the coming year. These events are thought to bring luck for the New Year.
This year the participants for the New Year celebrations are said to be down 70% for fear of getting entangled in the protest. However celebrations continue in some parts of the city, such as Chinatown, where people are throwing water at one another without regard to the protests looming in other parts of the city.
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