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In Pictures: Thailand’s political crisis

Thailand has been in a state of intense political turmoil as an anti-government movement has taken to the streets.

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Thai soldiers stand guard at the Department of Defense, home to the office of prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, moments after she was removed from her position last Wednesday. Thailand has been in a state of intense political turmoil over the past six months as an anti-government movement has taken to the streets of Bangkok, demanding the removal of Yingluck and her ruling Pheu Thai party. 
By KC Ortiz
Published On 12 May 2014

Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand’s political quagmire continues to grip the country with protesters on both sides ratcheting up the rhetoric following prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s removal from power.

The Constitutional Court’s controversial ruling last week that ousted Yingluck has infuriated her supporters, known as the Red Shirts, for what they say was a politically motivated verdict.

After six months of anti-government demonstrations and the occupation of parts of the capital Bangkok, the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) used the prime minister’s removal to call on its followers to take to the streets last weekend in a “Final Battle” to oust the remaining members of her caretaker government and appoint an unelected prime minister.

The Red Shirts responded by calling their own rally in support of democracy on the outskirts of Bangkok. The Red Shirts declared they will stay at their rally site until democracy is restored to Thailand, but they also warned they’ll move further into the city if a prime minister is appointed without an election.

Red Shirt  leader Jutuporn Prompan has said a civil war could erupt if that happens.

PDRC leader Suthep Taugsuban continues to demand an overhaul of the political system before any election can take place.  

Thais on the street, meanwhile, say only more political turmoil and strife lies ahead for the deeply divided kingdom, its people, and its future.  

Yingluck Shinawatra says a final thank you to supporters at a press conference immediately after the country(***)s Constitutional Court ruled that she abused her power by transferring the National Security Council chief three years ago, leading to her removal from the caretaker prime minister position. 
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Supporters of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra hand her flowers as she leaves the Department of Defense after being removed from office. The Shinawatra family receives huge support from their followers who say they helped bring many of the country(***)s rural areas into the modern age with benefits and programmes such as healthcare and education.
A group of pro-monarchy supporters march with posters of Thailand(***)s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has largely remained silent over the turmoil ever since the crisis started six months ago. 
Police form a blockade preventing pro-government Red Shirts from moving towards a nearby anti-government People(***)s Demoractic Reform Committee (PDRC) rally site. There have been few confrontations, but so far no serious violence.
PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban gives a speech to his followers occupying Government House on Saturday, reiterating his demands for an appointed prime minister and reform of the nation(***)s political system.
A PDRC supporter passes a barricade of tyres and concrete slabs set up by protesters outside of Government House in Bangkok. The PDRC declared it would hold a "Final Battle" rally last Friday in a last push to oust cabinet members loyal to Yingluck.
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Suthep Thaugsuban (hands raised) - a PDRC leader and former deputy prime minister, is wanted on treason charges. He addressed his supporters from the stage outside Government House while surrounded by personal security guards. 
A PDRC supporter blows a whistle outside of the national parliament in Bangkok. The majority of PDRC supporters come from among Bangkok(***)s elite and middle-class Thais who have traditionally held sway over the halls of power and wealth in Thailand.
PDRC protesters occupy the streets around parliament demanding a new prime minister be appointed by the courts, parliament, or the Election Commission - all allies of their movement and hostile to the current government. The PDRC says democracy as it is cannot work in Thailand, and the entire political system must be reformed before any elections can be held.
A PDRC protester waves a Thai flag outside of parliament. PDRC has been losing momentum as its demonstrations have dragged on over the months, and its tactics of occupying parts of the city have soured many. But it is still able to bring out thousands of people to the streets on short notice.
An anti-government Buddhist monk watches PDRC followers occupy the streets around parliament while surrounded by a team of security guards.
A PDRC supporter blows a whistle during the "Final Battle" rally. Twenty-five people have been killed and hundreds injured on the streets during protests to date, yet many fear the worst is to come.  
Anti-government protesters rally in front of Channel 5, a free television station. PDRC supporters gathered at five different TV channels and demanded they broadcast their leader Suthep(***)s speeches and stop airing news on the government. The stations complied with the demands. International and local journalist associations opposed the move as direct intimidation of press freedom.
On Saturday, the Red Shirts held their first rally since the court ruling against Yingluck just outside of Bangkok, where they say they will stay until democracy is returned to Thailand.
Red Shirt leaders address the crowd at their rally site in Bangkok. The Red Shirts have repeatedly warned that the country will break out into civil war if the PDRC and its allies succeed in overthrowing the government and appointing its own prime minister.
Jatuporn Prompan, chairman of the Red Shirt(***)s United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), speaks at the rally on Saturday. Jatuporn asked all Red Shirts to refrain from provoking or confronting the PDRC, saying that is what they want in order to give the military a reason to justify a coup.
A Red Shirt supporter, wearing a shirt and hat with images of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, screams during a rally on the outskirts of Bangkok. Thaksin, Yingluck(***)s older brother, was ousted in a bloodless coup in 2006.
PDRC guards and supporters moved into a building on the grounds of Government House on Sunday, where they have set up a command centre for further political rallies.

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