The current unrest in Thailand may likely descend into greater chaos if protesters insist on continuing their movements past Dec 5.
This Thursday marks an important holiday for the Thai nation -- King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday.
Under normal circumstances, the country would celebrate in the spirit of calm and reverence for the aging monarch.
According to Human Rights Watch deputy director (Asia Division) Phil Robertson, if a settlement is reached within the next day or two, things might still look positive for an end to violent street clashes.
"...continued protests during the December 5 holiday, which is the King's birthday, would be seen as unseemly and disrespectful to a highly revered individual in Thai society," Robertson told Astro AWANI.
"So either there will be a settlement in next 24 to 36 hours, or this situation will continue to descend into chaos," said the Bangkok-based activist last night.
(Despite clashes, both sides of protesters and government stand straight when the national anthem is played. Photo credit: Noppatjak Attanon from the Nation TV channel)
Robertson said, the most ideal solution at the moment is open negotiations between the government and protesters.
"What is so worrisome is that the government has proposed negotiations and have been rebuffed by the leaders of the protests.
"It's time to recognise that this situation is causing major human rights violations, and looks to be spinning out of control. Discussions need to start immediately to ensure that both sides respect human rights and that a way forward can be found to start the reconciliation process."
Robertson said, several human rights violations have been observed during this time, including intimidation of local and foreign media; violence from protesters and a response from the police.
"Clearly situations have resulted in very serious confrontations and violence. The protesters have been clearly seeking to provoke confrontations, and the government has been generally reserved in their reaction, but the situation is veering towards greater violence. No one has been held accountable for the violence and rights abuses," he said.
He said, protesters have repeatedly intimidated local and foreign media persons that they feel are not sufficiently supportive of their cause. This, he said, threatens freedom of expression and the importance of independent media.
"Protesters have attacked the government house, throwing rocks, Molotov cocktails, and other projectiles, and been met with tear gas and rubber bullets by police.
"On Saturday, near Ramkamhaeng university, anti-government protest mobs attacked buses, taxis, and individuals on motorcycles or on foot who they thought were supporting the pro-government Red Shirts."
(A protester hugs a policeman. Photo credit: Noppatjak Attanon from the Nation TV channel)
Yesterday, the leader of the anti-government movement, Suthep Thaugsuban called for demonstrators to take over the police headquarters in Bangkok today.
A Thai court issued a second warrant on Monday for Suthep's arrest on charges of insurrection.
These developments followed bloody weekend clashes between protesters and riot police even as Suthep's supporters attempted to take-over the prime minister's office.
Prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra was forced into hiding, and has rejected protesters' demands that she step down, saying it was unconstitutional. She, however, has repeatedly said she was open to negotiations.
Four people have died in Thailand's worst political turmoil since the 2010 rallies that ended in violence.
The demonstrators want to replace the government with an unelected "People's Council", alleging Yingluck's government is controlled by her brother, ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
Teoh El Sen
Tue Dec 03 2013
!['Thai unrest may 'descend into chaos' if not settled soon' 'Thai unrest may 'descend into chaos' if not settled soon'](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2013-12/81386042077_295x200.jpg)
![Olimpik Paris 2024: Atlet Gaza tersepit antara impian dan serangan Israel Olimpik Paris 2024: Atlet Gaza tersepit antara impian dan serangan Israel](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/71722043717_Palestineathlete.jpg)
Olimpik Paris 2024: Atlet Gaza tersepit antara impian dan serangan Israel
Serangan Israel juga telah menyebabkan kematian pemain terkemuka di Gaza, termasuk juara kejohanan.
AWANI Pagi: Tutup Haji 2024, menanti lambaian 2025
Ikuti diskusi Awani PAGI pada Sabtu bersama Ketua Rombongan Haji 1445h/2024M, Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman bagi membincangkan mengenai operasi haji 2024 yang ditutup secara rasmi minggu ini, sekali gus menantikan lambaian Kaabah untuk tetamu Allah pada tahun 2025.
![Bordeaux fail muflis Bordeaux fail muflis](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/81722043252_TBFCGirondins.jpg)
Bordeaux fail muflis
Ditubuhkan pada 1881, FC Girondins de Bordeaux ialah salah satu kelab bola sepak paling terkenal di Perancis.
![Medan selera Taman Lembah Keramat terbakar Medan selera Taman Lembah Keramat terbakar](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/51722042268_tbmedanselera.jpg)
Medan selera Taman Lembah Keramat terbakar
Kebakaran melibatkan bangunan kelas A yang dianggarkan musnah 80 peratus.
AWANI Pagi: Berita tumpuan & menarik di astroawani.com [27 Julai 2024]
Antara fokus Awani Pagi bersama Nursyazwani Saiful Sham & Azib Zikry
- Mahkamah: kes bunuh Nur Farah Kartini dan Zayn Rayyan
- Lapan kawasan rekod cuaca panas berjaga-jaga
- Sukan Olimpik Paris 2024 secara rasmi membuka tirai
- Mahkamah: kes bunuh Nur Farah Kartini dan Zayn Rayyan
- Lapan kawasan rekod cuaca panas berjaga-jaga
- Sukan Olimpik Paris 2024 secara rasmi membuka tirai
![Pemimpin Hamas meninggal dunia dalam tahanan Israel Pemimpin Hamas meninggal dunia dalam tahanan Israel](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/51722040266_tbMustafaMuhammadA.jpg)
Pemimpin Hamas meninggal dunia dalam tahanan Israel
Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara meninggal dunia selepas dipindahkan dari penjara di selatan Israel ke hospital.
![Lelaki buta mata selepas tampar lalat hinggap di muka Lelaki buta mata selepas tampar lalat hinggap di muka](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/41722039605_lelakibutalalat.jpg)
Lelaki buta mata selepas tampar lalat hinggap di muka
Wu dari Shenzen dilaporkan buta mata kiri selepas terkena jangkitan kuman dipercayai dibawa lalat itu.
![[KOLUMNIS] PRK Nenggiri: Petunjuk persepsi atau prestasi? [KOLUMNIS] PRK Nenggiri: Petunjuk persepsi atau prestasi?](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-12/81701508558_Jaripengundi.jpg)
[KOLUMNIS] PRK Nenggiri: Petunjuk persepsi atau prestasi?
Kali ini pada bulan Ogos 2024, ia adalah giliran Kelantan iaitu negeri yang masyhur dengan sejarah pemerintahan Paduka Seri Maharaja Puteri Cik Siti Wan Kembang.
![Olimpik Paris 2024: Judoka Iraq atlet pertama gagal ujian doping Olimpik Paris 2024: Judoka Iraq atlet pertama gagal ujian doping](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/81722039538_tbPositivedoping.jpg)
Olimpik Paris 2024: Judoka Iraq atlet pertama gagal ujian doping
Judoka Iraq Sajjad Sehen menjadi atlet pertama yang gagal dalam ujian doping di Sukan Olimpik Paris.
![Perubahan iklim punca banjir buruk di Filipina Perubahan iklim punca banjir buruk di Filipina](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/41722038584_TyphoonGaemi.jpg)
Perubahan iklim punca banjir buruk di Filipina
Sekurang-kurangnya 14 orang terkorban, sementara lebih 600,000 yang lain hilang tempat tinggal akibat Taufan Gaemi.
![Penerbangan Malaysia Airlines ke Bangkok buat penurunan kecemasan dan pulang ke KLIA Penerbangan Malaysia Airlines ke Bangkok buat penurunan kecemasan dan pulang ke KLIA](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2015-08/61441033326_MASLOGO.jpg)
Penerbangan Malaysia Airlines ke Bangkok buat penurunan kecemasan dan pulang ke KLIA
Penerbangan Malaysia Airlines MH780 mengalami "isu tekanan" semasa dalam penerbangan ke Bangkok hari ini selepas berlepas dari Kuala Lumpur pada 5:59 petang.
![Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-03/71709993909_TBBERITAx.jpg)
Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini
Antara pelbagai berita luar negara yang disiarkan di Astro AWANI, berikut adalah yang paling menjadi tumpuan sepanjang hari ini.
![MPC tutup kempen di Bangkok dengan cemerlang MPC tutup kempen di Bangkok dengan cemerlang](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-04/61712455501_MohamadIzzatHilmi.jpg)
MPC tutup kempen di Bangkok dengan cemerlang
Dalam aksi peringkat terakhir, pelumba MPC berhasil meraih tempat kedua dengan mempamerkan kemahiran dan keazaman luar biasa.
![Mohammad Rifdean idam kontrak ONE Championship, tali pinggang Mohammad Rifdean idam kontrak ONE Championship, tali pinggang](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-03/81711186413_Rifdean.jpg)
Mohammad Rifdean idam kontrak ONE Championship, tali pinggang
Atlet dari Sarawak itu memerlukan 78 saat untuk menundukkan Pichai Lookbanmai dengan pukulan TKO dalam pertarungan ONE Friday Fights 56.
![Kedutaan lancar kempen promosi produk Malaysia di Thailand Kedutaan lancar kempen promosi produk Malaysia di Thailand](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-10/51666258090_JojieSamuel.jpg)
Kedutaan lancar kempen promosi produk Malaysia di Thailand
Kempen "Taste of Malaysia" merupakan program berterusan untuk meningkatkan identiti jenama produk Malaysia di Thailand.
![Kecoh apabila dua kumpulan pondan bertempur di Bangkok Kecoh apabila dua kumpulan pondan bertempur di Bangkok](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-03/51709622817_bangkokwanitatran.jpg)
Kecoh apabila dua kumpulan pondan bertempur di Bangkok
Polis bergegas ke tempat kejadian sejurus menerima laporan 20 wanita transgender warga Filipina menyerang dua wanita transgender warga Thailand.
![Bangkok dilanda jerebu tebal, seluruh Thailand catat udara tidak sihat Bangkok dilanda jerebu tebal, seluruh Thailand catat udara tidak sihat](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-02/61707970229_BangkokThailand.jpg)
Bangkok dilanda jerebu tebal, seluruh Thailand catat udara tidak sihat
Bangkok dan 66 wilayah di Thailand itu terus diselubungi jerebu dengan zarah tidak selamat pada PM2.5 direkodkan pada Khamis.
![Bangkok diselubungi asap, pekerja bekerja dari rumah Bangkok diselubungi asap, pekerja bekerja dari rumah](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-02/51707918382_airpollutiongener.jpg)
Bangkok diselubungi asap, pekerja bekerja dari rumah
Bangkok disebungi asap tidak sihat dengan zarah PM2.5 melonjak melepasi paras selamat pada 50 ug/m3, mencetuskan kebimbangan kesihatan awam.
![Negara membangun perlu perkukuh sektor logistik dan rantaian bekalan - Ismail Sabri Negara membangun perlu perkukuh sektor logistik dan rantaian bekalan - Ismail Sabri](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-02/81707226281_IsmailSabri.jpg)
Negara membangun perlu perkukuh sektor logistik dan rantaian bekalan - Ismail Sabri
Penekanan kepada tenaga kerja mahir dan mempromosikan inovasi juga menjadi antara faktor untuk memperkukuh sektor logistik.
![Sekurang-kurangnya 20 maut kilang bunga api meletup di Thailand Sekurang-kurangnya 20 maut kilang bunga api meletup di Thailand](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2015-10/81445391889_Explosion.jpg)
Sekurang-kurangnya 20 maut kilang bunga api meletup di Thailand
Sekurang-kurangnya 20 maut dalam satu letupan di sebuah kilang bunga api di Suphan Buri, kira-kira 120 kilometer utara Bangkok pada Rabu.