Mike Shopping Mall

Red Shirt anti-government protests turn violent on Pattaya Beach.

Political Demonstrations are not common here in Pattaya, however on Sunday Afternoon the Pro-Thaksin Red Shirts were out in force as they attempted to spread their message to the people of Pattaya. Banners suggested the current Democrat-led government was illegal and Parliament must be dissolved immediately so new elections can be held. They also demanded that the Yellow-Shirt anti-Thaksin Demonstrators that caused widespread disruption in Bangkok should be held to account and arrested. A parade of around 5,000 red shirts marched along Pattaya Beach Road. The parade was peaceful until they reached Mike Shopping Mall where a small group of Yellow Shirt Supporters gathered to voice their anger towards the demonstration. There was potential for a major problem and with only a handful of Police and Police Volunteers on-hand to keep order, the situation began to deteriorate. Small scuffles broke out and items were thrown at the Yellow Shirts who barricaded themselves inside Mike Shopping Mall which sustained damage during the attack. During the chaos a Police Volunteer, Khun Wirort aged 43 sustained a head wound caused by broken glass. He made a Police report but could not confirm which group threw the offending item.
Local residents are now concerned that these demonstrations may escalate here in Pattaya at a time when the town is trying to recover following the demonstrations in Bangkok which effectively ruined the recent High Season Months. At a time when the town is trying to rebuild its tourism industry, this could be seen as a major blow to those efforts, especially if these demonstrations continue.
http://www.pattayaone.net/news/2009/february/news_23_02_52.shtml