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)
![Usaha pujuk Pan-gon tidak berhasil - Yusoff Mahadi Usaha pujuk Pan-gon tidak berhasil - Yusoff Mahadi](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/81721124841_TBFAM.jpg)
Usaha pujuk Pan-gon tidak berhasil - Yusoff Mahadi
FAM pernah berusaha memujuk Kim Pan-gon untuk terus mengemudi skuad Harimau Malaya hingga kontraknya tamat secara rasmi pada akhir tahun depan.
![Kaspersky tinggalkan pasaran AS bermula 20 Julai ini Kaspersky tinggalkan pasaran AS bermula 20 Julai ini](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-02/51708604164_kasperskyancamans.jpg)
Kaspersky tinggalkan pasaran AS bermula 20 Julai ini
Kaspersky mengesahkan kurang 50 pekerja akan terkesan, dan mereka akan diberikan pampasan susulan penutupan syarikat tersebut.
![Keluarga Nur Farah Kartini mohon henti keluar kenyataan guris hati Keluarga Nur Farah Kartini mohon henti keluar kenyataan guris hati](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/51721127722_NurFarahKartini.jpg)
Keluarga Nur Farah Kartini mohon henti keluar kenyataan guris hati
Kakak ipar mangsa Syeril Norsyuhada Suhaimi, 29, berkata mereka sekeluarga masih terkejut dan sedih atas kejadian yang menimpa Nur Farah Kartini.
![Sultan Selangor jalani pemeriksaan kesihatan untuk pembedahan katarak mata Sultan Selangor jalani pemeriksaan kesihatan untuk pembedahan katarak mata](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/81721125507_SultanSelangor.jpg)
Sultan Selangor jalani pemeriksaan kesihatan untuk pembedahan katarak mata
Sultan Selangor Sultan kini berada di hospital untuk rawatan pemeriksaan kesihatan bagi menjalani prosedur pembedahan katarak mata.
Enam MP kekal : Tak adil salahkan Speaker - Gobind
Mengenai keputusan mengekalkan enam kerusi Parlimen bekas ahli Bersatu, Gobind Singh Deo berkata tidak adil untuk salahkan Speaker buat keputusan yang diperuntukkan undang-undang.
![Tokan dadah ditahan bersama dua pucuk pistol di Alor Setar Tokan dadah ditahan bersama dua pucuk pistol di Alor Setar](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/51721123744_tokandadah.jpg)
Tokan dadah ditahan bersama dua pucuk pistol di Alor Setar
Polis menahan dua lelaki dan merampas dua pucuk pistol serta pelbagai jenis dadah dalam dua tangkapan di Taman Lam Foong, di Alor Setar.
![Tiada tempat selamat di Gaza, kata ketua PBB Tiada tempat selamat di Gaza, kata ketua PBB](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-06/51719354914_Destroyedbuildings.jpg)
Tiada tempat selamat di Gaza, kata ketua PBB
Beliau berkata tahap pertempuran dan kemusnahan yang melampau di Gaza tidak dapat difahami dan tidak boleh dimaafkan.
![Saya tidak fitnah Lim Guan Eng, cuma jelas tentang siasatan SPRM - Muhyiddin Saya tidak fitnah Lim Guan Eng, cuma jelas tentang siasatan SPRM - Muhyiddin](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/51721121786_MuhyiddinYassin.jpg)
Saya tidak fitnah Lim Guan Eng, cuma jelas tentang siasatan SPRM - Muhyiddin
Muhyiddin memberitahu bahawa beliau tidak memfitnah Lim Guan Eng berhubung isu pengecualian cukai terhadap Yayasan Albukhary.
![Saintis kesan gen bantu rawat kanser pankreas Saintis kesan gen bantu rawat kanser pankreas](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-04/81712376317_TujuanForensik.jpg)
Saintis kesan gen bantu rawat kanser pankreas
Gen HNF4A (Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 Alpha) didapati akan berhenti berfungsi pada tubuh pesakit kanser pankreas.
Pantau Agenda Reformasi: Potensi dan cabaran percambahan e-Sukan di Malaysia
Pengerusi Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) Negeri Selangor
merangkap Timbalan Presiden Majlis Belia Negeri Selangor
E-Sukan mampu mencetak nama Malaysia di pentas dunia. Memahami potensi, kekangan dan peranan yang perlu dimainkan semua pihak dalam melahirkan lebih ramai pemain E-Sukan yang berjaya, seterusnya menyokong pembangunan industri E-Sukan negara.
SRG cipta sejarah pasukan Malaysia pertama juarai MSC MLBB 2024
merangkap Timbalan Presiden Majlis Belia Negeri Selangor
E-Sukan mampu mencetak nama Malaysia di pentas dunia. Memahami potensi, kekangan dan peranan yang perlu dimainkan semua pihak dalam melahirkan lebih ramai pemain E-Sukan yang berjaya, seterusnya menyokong pembangunan industri E-Sukan negara.
SRG cipta sejarah pasukan Malaysia pertama juarai MSC MLBB 2024
![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.