The Thai government of PM Somchai Wongsawat has changed location from its previous centre at the former International Airport to an undisclosed location. This move comes at a point where tensions in Bangkok are at an all time high between the Thai government and anti-government forces of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

What has sparked the current tension?

The government house has been under siege for 3 months by protestors from opposition party — the PAD. PAD has been gradually stepping up its posture, which has on Tuesday culminated in the first shots being fired in Bangkok. The PAD view the government of Wongsawat as an illegitimate authority, which is operating under the guidance of Thaksin Shinawatra.why is the PPP’s legitimacy being challenged?

The PAD believes that the PPP is functionally illegal as its being funded and coordinated by the efforts of Thaksin. The current politics are a continuation of the politics seen under the regime of Thaksin. Following a successful peaceful coup, which ousted him from power, a military government had been put into place. Thailand, which counts itself as a democracy delivered on its promised elections, which brought the People Power Party (PPP) to power. The last government has been toppled in a similar manner via coercion through PAD members. They vowed to end their demonstrations and protests after the removal of Thaksin but have now re-assembled under a new mandate.

What are the demands of the PAD?

The coordinator of the PAD has cited five demands which include: a denouncement of Thaksin and his policies; the return of Thaksin to face trial on allegations of embezzlement and fraud; a review of the joint-communiqué signed between Thailand and Cambodia; no constitutional amendment; to end deals between the government and Thaksin.

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