Worldfocus

Get the Flash Player to see the wordTube Media Player.         AUDIO: Simon Montlake of The Christian Science Monitor discusses the impact of the Thai protest on the country’s relationship with the U.S. and on its tourism industry.

A protesting member of the People’s Alliance for Democracy wears a mask and goggles for protection.

Protests turned to violence today in Bangkok, leaving two dead and nearly 400 injured.

Police fired tear gas on thousands of  protesters who blockaded the Thai parliament. The anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) campaigned against current Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. The PAD contests that Wongsawat is a puppet for his brother-in-law and ousted Thai leader, Thaksin Shinawatra.

Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh resigned because of excessive police force. He led the negotiations with protesters and oversaw security of the country.

The “Voice from Thais” blog provides a chronology of the political crisis.

Flickr user adaptorplug provides vivid images of protesters and police in Bangkok, accompanied with descriptions of the events.

According to the “Musings of a Modern Guy” blog, the tension stems from a rich-poor divide.

The “News in Bangkok” blog accuses the PAD of trying to end democracy. In the Asia Sentinel, Giles Ji Unphakorn outlines the gap in ideology between rich and poor, criticizing the PAD.

The “Volunteering: Thailand” blog writes that both sides show no sign of backing down, posting images and pleading for peace.

In the PAD’s official blog, they provide answers to criticisms and defend their campaign.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user adaptorplug under a Creative Commons license.