Travel & Humanitarian Photos
The fifteenth day of the anti-Government protests saw the Red Shirts take to the streets of Bangkok once again. Following the march through the city last weekend, they left their base at Phan Fa Bridge with the intention of confronting Government troops based at various locations throughout the city. Instead of the procession that we saw last weekend, today’s rally splintered into groups, bringing chaos to streets in various parts of the city.
The Red Shirts stated aim was to force the withdrawal of Government troops stationed at Buddhist temples in the city. After rousing speeches from the main anti-Government leaders on the stage at Phan Fa Bridge, the protesters once again took to their cars, pick-up trucks and mopeds and fanned out towards their target locations. It soon became difficult to know which group it might be best to follow and there seemed to be little coordination between the various processions. Intersections became gridlocked and traffic came to a standstill. However, the sight of Red Shirts on the main streets once again was sufficient to bring supporters out from their homes and offices and there was much cheering and flag-waving. I did, however, speak to a number of people in shops who were quietly opposed to the Red Shirts but who had decided to keep their opposition firmly to themselves.
Before the situation became confrontational, the Government announced that troops would be withdrawn from the locations that the Red Shirt protesters were objecting to. The irony being that the troops were unable to return to barracks immediately due to the traffic chaos surrounding each of the temples.
The Red Shirts quickly claimed it as another victory and slowly returned to their main stronghold. They had succeeded in venturing onto Bangkok’s city streets once again without encountering any opposition and their goal had been quickly achieved. Although it could be seen as a Government back-down, a threatened confrontation had been avoided and there was no significant trouble.
A Red Shirt protester at Phan Fa Bridge
Protesters marched through the city to various key points where Government troops were stationed
A protester giving out anti-Government literature
Supporters lined the streets, cheering on the Red Shirt protesters during their march through Bangkok
Having set up base, protesters use barricades to dry laundry as a soldier looks on and a Buddhist monk joins the protesters
Red Shirt leader Arisman Pongruangrong signs a protester’s shirt during a break from his place on stage
For a comprehensive analysis of the current disruption in Thailand and more pictures, check out photojournalist Jack Kurtz’s recent blog.
Nice work Gavin. Thanks for the shout out.
jack
Some great shots, and your portfolio is great.
Gavin – I have really appreciated your coverage of this event over the last couple of weeks. You’ve posted some great images – and some great stories. Thanks.