BANGKOK, Thailand – Anti-government protesters rallied in Bangkok yesterday, holding pictures of Thai Prime Minister Somachai Wongsawat that labeled him a “murderer.”  On October 7th, two people were killed and hundreds were injured.  Human Rights Watch released a report demanding that the Thai government examine the possibility that the deaths were politically motivated.

Prime Minister Somachai Wongsawat addressed the nation amid a political crisis between his ruling party, People Power Party, and the opposition, People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).  The PAD began its street protests in Bangkok on May 25, 2008.  Prime Minister Somachai Wongsawat told the press,  “The government cannot just abandon its work and responsibility. We have many major projects coming up.”

However, Army Chief General Anupong Paochinda publicly blamed the Prime Minister, saying he should take responsibility for the violence and hinted at a possible resignation for the leader.

However, Prime Minister Somachai Wongsawat announced that he would not resign despite calls for his resignation after the violent confrontation between police and protesters .

Human Rights Watch called on the Thai government to initiate an independent and impartial investigation into politically motivated violence by both the ruling and opposition parties since the violence started last week. Some demonstrators were carrying guns, iron rods, and rocks. Rioters were setting fire to parked cars. The police have been accused to firing tear gas into the crowd and wounding many.

Prime Minister Somachai Wongsawat established a special panel to look into the incident and said he expected a report in the next 15 days. He said, “Whatever the result” of the investigation, “the government will accept it. If someone has to take responsibility, we will accept it.”

“Instead of attacking each other on the streets, the Thai government and PAD should use democratic and legal channels to end their disputes,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The authorities should only use the force necessary to protect public security, while PAD should end violence, vacate government buildings it has occupied, and disarm its supporters,” he added.

For more information, please see:

AFP – Rights Group Call for End to Thai Political Violence – 15 October 2008

International Herald Tribune – Thai Leader Shrugs Off Call to Quit – 17 October 2008

Herald Tribune –Thai Protest Marchers Call Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat a Murderer– 18 October 2008

Human Rights News – Thailand: Government and Protesters Should End Political Violence – 15 October 2008