Thailand under pressure to end chaos

Never has Thailand been so scrutinized under the global microscope. The country is being seen as a failed state by the international community, especially because of the government's inability to enforce law and order over the past two months. With the 24-hour TV networks and online media constantly focused on the street violence, Thailand is no longer just dealing with the Thai public but the whole world. Whatever happens in Thailand is instantaneously transmitted around the world. In most cases, no reports or echoes outside Thailand has been positive to the country's image and international standing.

Indeed, after the violence on April 10 that left 25 people dead, there has been an outcry from the international community, especially regional and international human rights organizations, on the use of force against anti-government (red-shirt) protesters. Since then, the government has been on the defensive.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has been very clear that his government will not fire at its own people, and has repeatedly assured everyone that strict rules of engagement will be enforced throughout the campaign to dislodge the protesters from key positions in the capital. But in the conflict zones, confusion has reigned and all hell has broken loose.