Travel & Humanitarian Photos
The second day of anti-government protests are reaching a conclusion as I write this and, thankfully, they have remained peaceful and good-humoured. The crowds from yesterday have grown to an estimated 50,000 although the organisers of the demonstration claim that the numbers are far greater. There are certainly sufficient numbers to cause chaos in the city if the planned disruption proceeds. Red Shirt leaders have officially requested that the sitting Government be dissolved by midday tomorrow (Monday 15th) and the sitting Government have officially refused.
Only a token number of soldiers and police were in evidence around the Phan Fa Bridge site today but reports suggest that the surrounding areas are being quietly reinforced. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has reiterated his intention to avoid violent conflict but remains steadfast in his aim to serve out his full term. Something, of course, will have to give. The Reds number far fewer than organisers had predicted in their press releases last week but are still sufficiently strong to place a stranglehold on the city if their determination holds.
They plan to lay siege to the 11th Infantry Regiment barracks tomorrow morning in what may be the first excursion into areas outside of their main stronghold. Red Shirt leader Dr Weng Tojirakarn told journalists at a press conference today that he intended to keep a large proportion of the protesters at the main Phan Fa Bridge site to “defend it”, whilst smaller groups would harry Government officials and lay siege to strategic locations around the city.
Whilst yesterday’s protests had the feel of a holiday carnival, there was a subtle shift in the mood overnight. Red Shirt organisers and their armed guards have a look of steely determination behind their smiles and the on-stage rhetoric was dialled up several notches this afternoon. Whatever happens, Day Three promises to give the first indications of which way the political wind is going to blow.
Anti-Government protesters grew in numbers on the second day of demonstrations
Images of ex-Premiere Thaksin Shinawatra were much in evidence
Buddhist monks from northern Thailand arrived to lend their support
Between speeches, the crowds were entertained with rousing songs
Easily the best photos I’ve seen of the protests. Great work Gavin.
Brilliant.
Amazing photographs. Stay safe.
You’ve captured the passion of the protesters in your photographs.
Excellent work!
I especially like the photo with the flag and the portrait of the king in the background!
Excellent coverage. Stay safe.
[...] Gough noticed that the rally had a “feel of a holiday carnival” Whilst yesterday’s protests had the feel of a holiday carnival, there was a subtle shift in [...]
really strong work. I also looked at the ones on PhotoShelter. Your photos have been outstanding. I’m following the protests through your PhotoShelter archive!
jack
Gavin,
The Red Shirts have an English language twitter feed @UDDThailand
jack
Great photos as always! Please stay safe Gavin
Very atmospheric shots. Nicely done. Stay safe!
Great reportage, Gavin!
Great storytelling images!
Wonderful photos Gavin. It has certainly been a sea of red these past few days.
[...] his series on the Red Shirt protest here in Bangkok. You can find his wonderful images Day 1, Day 2 and Day [...]
Hello! I want to say thanks for an interesting site about a subject I have had an interest in for a long time now. I have been lurking and reading the posts avidly so just wanted to express my thanks for providing me with some very good reading material. I look forward to more, and taking a more active part in the discussions here.
[...] Gough percebeu a passeata com uma “atmosfera de carnaval” [en]: Whilst yesterday’s protests had the feel of a holiday carnival, there was a subtle [...]
Wonderful photos Gavin.
I don’t really understand the problems they have in Thailand. It would be better for them to work together and try to find a good solution for the future of the country.