As the impasse between the government and the Red Shirts drags on, the citizens of Bangkok are expressing their displeasure with having their lives so disrupted, but it seems they will have to endure the chaos for a while longer as the UDD promises an even larger rally this Saturday, March 27, 2010. Meanwhile, Thai academics are forecasting dire consequences for GDP, economic growth and tourism from the Red Shirt demos.

March 26, 2010, [PDN]: Today is the day of  that Thaksin’s lawyers lodge his appeal, whilst the organs of state, in the form of the Comptroller-General’s Department, the Finance Ministry, the Legal Execution Department and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), attempt to legally wrest his Bt46 billion away. Ever indomitable, Thaksin has been twittering and SMSing acolytes to attend the rally tomorrow, which he and the Reds in general are forecasting will well surpass in volume that of a week ago.

The government’s modest promises to remove some of their security barricades, whilst still retaining elements, displays a healthy paranoia about sabotage, probably rightfully so, despite Thaksin’s denial of instigating it and police spokesman, Pol Maj-General Prawut Thavornsiri’s assurance that they are not expecting sabotage or violence on the streets.

Bangkok’s citizenry are not overjoyed about the continuing chaos on the streets of the capital, not surprisingly. A consortium of 1,283 civic groups representing Bangkok communities issued a statement, yesterday, appealing for ‘a speedy resolution via peaceful negotiations’, whilst respecting the rights and safety of Bangkok residents and their property.

Redshirts with Buddha
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Meanwhile, the voice of realism has spoken via the academics of the University of the Thai Chamber of  Commerce (UTTC)  Economic And Business Forecasting Centre who confidently warned of adverse effects on the growth of the annual gross domestic product (GDP) currently in the range of  3.3-3.8% from the ongoing Red Shirt protests, which if and when the prevailing issues are resolved, may well rise to 4%, thus helping tourism and hotels and kindred service industries which are currently bearing the brunt.

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Photos: Jack Rames & Internet