Demonstrators March for Peace in Bangkok, Thailand

2010-03-25 16

About one hundred "peace" demonstrators marched on the streets near the Victory Monument in Bangkok on Thursday… urging the government and protest leaders to hold talks.

Wearing white t-shirts, printed with the words "peace" and "patience" in Thai, the demonstrators urged passers-by to join them in restoring peace in the country.

[Weerapong Kriengsinyos, Group Leader]: (thai)
"I want everyone to stick to the peaceful process and not use any violence. We all think that a good end to this is negotiation between the two sides."

Though the anti-government rally has so far been orderly, the peace advocates say the government and protesters should avoid confrontations that could lead to violence.

Analysts say the longer the protesters are on the streets, the greater the risk a frustrated minority could spark sporadic unrest.

Thousands of red-shirted protesters continued their rallies near the Government House, now in its second week, demanding the country’s prime minister to dissolve parliament.

Protesters have vowed to remain in the streets for at least another week and planned for a "historic rally" on Saturday.

Though the movement seems to be waning, the remaining protesters are still hopeful that they will succeed.

[Prapai Nguadsri, Protester]: (thai)
"No, I won't give up. I will continue fighting. If everyone is obstinate, I'm sure the fight for democracy will continue."

Most analysts say the protesters are likely to struggle to maintain momentum.

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