Friday, May 21, 2010

Uneasy peace in Thailand, uncertainties lie ahead

  • Curfew extended for 3 days
  • Unrest could cost Thai economy $3 billion - source (Adds scattered unrest in northern Bangkok area)
By Jason Szep and Ambika Ahuja

BANGKOK, May 20 (Reuters) - Thai authorities restored order over most of Bangkok on Thursday but the peace looked fragile, a day after rioting and fires that veered towards anarchy as troops took control of a camp occupied by anti-government protesters.
Thousands of the mostly rural and urban poor "red shirt" protesters had deserted their once-barricaded rally site in central Bangkok, but the tough crackdown and bloodshed raised fears of deepening anger among Thailand's underclasses.
Modern Thailand has never seen such a protracted period of urban violence, deadly riots, clashes and widespread destruction, and has never teetered so close to full civil conflict.
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