Students and youths call for peace amidst state of emergency in Bangkok
10 September 2008 12:07 am

A group of 50 student and youth activists gathered in Bangkok to spread the message of peace and non-violence admist Prime Minister Samak Sudavej's state of emergency declaration on 2 September 2008.

The vigil was held in front of the Mah Boon Kong shopping centre.

The activists carried candles, posters with 'peace and non-violent' messages, and walked from the National Stadium sky train station to Siam. The participants of the vigil sat along the station, while passer-by looked on, and some motorists honked to show their support.

One of the participants charmed the crowd with music from his flute. And many others chanted messages of peace and hope that the situation in Bangkok will return to normal.

The state of emergency was declared because of the escalating violence between pro-government and anti-government – People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) supporters, which resulted in one dead and others injured.

The protestors want Samak to resign, but he refused to do so. It is uncertain how long will the state of emergency be imposed. Meanwhile, public transport workers have also joined the rallies.

This action resulted in public transportation being halted in some parts of the city. Except for the area surrounding the government house in Rajadamnoen Avenue where daily rallies occur, the rest of Bangkok city is business as usual.