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Political unrest and violence escalates in Thailand

A Thai anti-government red shirt protester throws wood onto a fire on a major Bangkok street as clashes continued on May 17, 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand.
A Thai anti-government red shirt protester throws wood onto a fire on a major Bangkok street as clashes continued on May 17, 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand.
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Political unrest and violence escalates in Thailand
In the last five days some 37 people have been killed and others injured in clashes between anti-government protesters and the army in Thailand. The protestors—called Red Shirts—want the prime minister to resign and call immediate elections. Yesterday, a new round of violence occurred after the government told red shirts to disperse or face two years in prison. What’s behind all the violence? Who wants what? And what impact does the unrest have in Southern California, home to the largest Thai community of outside of Thailand?

In the last five days some 37 people have been killed and others injured in clashes between anti-government protesters and the army in Thailand. The protestors—called Red Shirts—want the prime minister to resign and call immediate elections. Yesterday, a new round of violence occurred after the government told red shirts to disperse or face two years in prison. What’s behind all the violence? Who wants what? And what impact does the unrest have in Southern California, home to the largest Thai community of outside of Thailand?

Guests:

Patrick Winn, Thailand Correspondent for Global Post

Ben Komenkul, President, Thai Association of Southern California