Thai try to escape politics in temples

In May of this year, the Thai government paid the first batch of compensations to 524 victims and family members of political violence. Social Development and Human Security Minister Santi Prompat recently told The Bangkok Post that 5,885 people registered for the compensation package between March 8 and April 12.

Thailand's House of Representatives is also deliberating on reconciliation bills which might grant an amnesty for ousted premier Thaksin. The reconciliation bills were, however, opposed by Abhisit-led Democrat Party.

On May 17, Weng Tojirakarn, a leading Red shirt leader has urged Red Shirt supporters across the country to vigorously confront the Democrat Party, which he claimed the party had shown no respect for parliamentary rules.

Weng said, “From now on we will not let the Democrats trample on us again. We will have to help each other rid Thai politics of the Democrat Party.”

Some worry that, when the current government comes to an end and premier Yingluck Shinawatra is not reelected, the Red Shirt activists will go right back to aggressive protests.

“If their leader [Yingluck] is not in power, they will come on streets again for sure.  Wait and see,” said Tum.