Anti-government protesters in Thailand have seized the finance ministry and other government compounds, as mass demonstrations raised political tensions to the highest level since the deadly political unrest of 2010. Demonstrators marched across the Thai capital, calling for the toppling of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government.

Roads blocked, Internal Security Act invoked, helmeted riot police deployed. All signs are pointing towards yet another period of political unrest in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Thousands of anti-government protesters, led by former members of the opposition Democrat Party marched through Bangkok on Monday demanding for the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, a day after the biggest demonstration the country has seen since Yingluck took office.

By the thousands, protesters marched to state offices, military headquarters and television stations. But, what was meant to be a peaceful demonstration, protesters have now laid siege on key government agencies.

After weeks of intense protests, it seems that Thailand’s political situation is nearing a boiling point. Anti-government protests have taken over the Finance Ministry and The Public Relations Department, closing offices and forcing workers to evacuate. Protesters say that they will stay over night, raising fears that Thailand will once again fall into political instability.

"We have shut the Finance Ministry, cut the water and electricity so tomorrow no one can work here. We don't want them to work for this government," said anti-government protester Sujidtra Kaspach.

This latest crisis was triggered by a wave of anger unleashed by the government-backed amnesty plan that opponents say would white-wash Thaksin of all his crimes and pave the way for his return from self-imposed exile.

But although the Senate has dropped the bill, the demonstrations have escalated into an all-out call for government change and the ouster of Yingluck who they view as Thaksin's proxy.

"We are holding the heart of the Thaksin regime in our hands. With this action, we call on the country to join and take control of government offices around the country," said protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban.

With their ultimate goal of uprooting the Thaksin regime, protesters say they will not back down until they seize all government ministries.

And even if this latest round doesn’t end in violence or a coup, the question remains whether Thailand can break free from its cycle of political turmoil where political battles are often fought on the streets.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)