Beware the 'third hand' in Thai conflictThe use of live ammunition against protesters demanding the resignation of the Prayut Chan-o-cha government is an ominous sign that the protests will escalate into prolonged bloodletting. On the evening of Aug 16, three anti-government protesters were shot at Din Daeng intersection. This does not just fuel angry and hatred between the parties to a conflict, but the faceless gunman -- often described as "the third hand" -- has been used to justify the use of violence. Ninety-nine people, including six soldiers, died, and thousands were injured during the state crackdown on red shirt protesters between April and May 2010, under Abhisit Vejjajiva's premiership. The Gen Prayut government must avoid taking the same path if it wants to avoid such losses which only deepen the chasms in Thai society.

Source: Bangkok Post August 25, 2021 23:41 UTC