Situation in Thailand Remains Tense

The situation in Thailand remains tense, although there were no significant incidents of violence during the morning and afternoon of 29 April 2010. The Center for Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) has ordered roads blocked to Ratchaprasong, the main site of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protest. The order does not apply to food and essential supplies, but aims to prevent the movement of people and weapons in and out of the protest camp. Authorities installed six checkpoints near Ratchaprasong to enforce the blockade. UDD protesters canceled plans to rally at the NBT television station in order to avoid further violence between security forces and demonstrators. The UDD also appealed to the European Union (EU) to send international observers to Bangkok to prevent the government from initiating a violent crackdown. Meanwhile, hundreds of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters rallied at Bangkok's 11th Infantry Regiment and at 40 other military bases across the country to demand government action to end the "red shirt" demonstrations. The "yellow shirts" submitted petitions calling for the military to take firmer action and dispersed peacefully. There were no reports of significant disruptions at the protest sites, and PAD leaders stated that they will not impose a deadline for the government to take action.