Media coverage of Thai riots draws criticism

Protests in Thailand have fizzled out and with it the media coverage. British broadcasters BBC and Sky News which covered the protest by red shirted demonstrators extensively over the past week, gave only scant coverage to the story today. But high tensions remain in the country and there are strong divisions developing amongst the population.

The blogosphere is alive with comments and those in support of the current Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, have been particularly active. Many have left comments on news websites and blogs criticising the media. Impartiality is of particular concern.

Some berated the media for “not reporting the truth.” One insisted that it was not protesters who were killed but instead that “Two annoyed and angried [sic] villagers by destructive rioters' action (who) were shot dead by the red-shirt rioters.” Another writing under the name of Milan says, “PM Abhisit did not even use any violence even when he's almost been killed by the red shirt mob who broke into the Interior Ministry compound, vandalised his car, and beating his security officials. You red shirt mob, if you were in the US, you would probably be history by now. Two people who lost their lives were those who were shot by the red mob during the clash between the residents and this red shirt mob in Nang Lerng market. There they destroyed the shops, carts, and shot the mosque's windows.”

Patriotism was also in much evidence. “I love my country, I love my King, I love my people” said one who left a comment on this blog. “Thaksin has corrupted Thai people for long long time. He cheated Thai people. He tried to sell my country,” he adds.

It is a sentiment repeated by dozens of others. Many posted their comments anonymously but one writing under the name of Paul Cooper said the former prime minister Thaksin “raped Thailand dry once and now he wants to do it again.” Writing on the Sky News website he adds, “The majority of Thais follow the Yellow shirt ideals, it is wrong to suggest Thaksin is popular amongst the poor.”

In a report broadcast on CNN, ITN’s John Ray described the protesters as “outnumbered and outgunned” and that Thaksin Shinawatra remained “popular”. But it is difficult to gauge the true support he may have.

Both the pro-Royalty yellow shirts and the pro-Thaksin red shirts have been vocal in their demonstrations over the last few months. Last year the yellow shirted protesters shut down international flights into the country after they occupied the main airport. Those demonstrations also brought international headlines but the protests ended peacefully. The recent red shirt demonstrations have also brought international press attention, but outside the country there is little understanding as to the dynamics of the situation or the complicated politics of this Asian state.

The protests have left much damage in their wake. At least 120 were injured in the sometimes violent protests and two people have died. There has also been widespread damage to property including a fire which damaged part of the Interior Ministry [CNN]. It remains unclear what will happen over the coming months. But there are some deep wounds that need repairing.

At least two dead in Thai riots

After days of protests by so called red shirts in Bangkok, the army has moved in to shift them from the streets.
At least two people have been killed in the violence but the circumstances surrounding their deaths is as yet unclear. One report suggested that the two died after clashes between angy villagers and the red shirted protesters. Bernama.com reports that at least two people were killed and nine injured during a clash between the red shirted anti-government supporters and vendors at a market in the capital Monday. Bangkok Medical Department chief Phetpong Kamchornkijkarn told reporters that the dead were identified as Pom Pholphanbua, 50, and Yupha Wisetphanit, 19. The incident happened when protestors linked to ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra clashed with the vendors who were unhappy with their protest that had paralysed the capital since Wednesday. Following the incident, hundreds of residents at the Ratchathewi intersection came out to the street with sticks, knives and poles to confront the anti-government supporters who had battled soldiers on the streets of Bangkok throughout the day which resulted in 77 people, including 23 soldiers, to be injured.

Earlier today troops opened fire on anti-government protesters. Most shots were discharged into the air but many rounds have been fired directly into the crowds after buses were used to drive towards army lines. Some buses were set alight with demonstrators creating barricades in many parts of the city. In response to the gunfire, demonstrators have hurled rocks and petrol bombs. But there have been no reported injuries amongst the security forces. More than 100 protestors have been injured according to reports [Sky News / CNN].

The Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that order had been restored and he would not tolerate anything other than peaceful protests. “They must not riot and intimidate people,” he told the BBC.

Meanwhile the deposed former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he was hoping to return to Thailand. “I’m watching closely to find the right time to return,” he told the BBC. But while he said he supported the protesters he said he condemned the violence.

Several governments have warned travellers to avoid travelling to the country. Tourists have conveyed their stories via Twitter, blogs and emails to organisations. Some have described the situation as surreal while others have spoken of how their travels had been disrupted. Natalie Groves, from Surrey in the UK, told the BBC that her travels near to Bangkok had been severely disrupted. Roads blocked with burning buses had forced her party to take many diversions. Britons have been warned by the UK government to reconsider their plans. “We advise against all but essential travel to Bangkok. British nationals should also review travel plans to other parts of Thailand. British nationals already in Bangkok and other cities affected by the violence are advised to stay indoors and to monitor the media and this travel advice,” the Foreign & Commonwealth Office said on its website.

Earlier in the week many demonstrators had stormed buildings where a summit to discuss the global economic crisis was to be held. The occupation forced the cancellation of the event and created embarrassment for the Thai government who had to turn back delegates [BBC].