Reds in the Land
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The 2006 coup, which toppled then PM Thaksin Shinawatra and his administration, was a result of street protests and occupations of Government House and Suvarnibhumi Airport by the 'Yellow shirts'. After the coup, a new protest movement, the 'Red shirts', emerged and took to the streets.
For two months, Bangkok was transfixed as convoys of Red vehicles took to the streets to win over Bangkokians and eventually the Reds took over Ratchprasong in the heart of Bangkok's business and shopping district. In just days, an entire Red village was created. It was an extraordinary sight. These are photos of the last day in Red village and the day after.
(Left) While King Bhumibol Adulyadej's image remains ubiquitous, his absence as a moral arbiter between opposing sides has been telling.
Text and photos by John Clewley
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Former Premier and present fugitive, Thaksin Shinwatra's image was conspicuous in its absence. Red protesters hold up an image of leader Jatupon instead.
Photographer: John Clewley
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A tearful Nattawut, one the Red's leaders, leads a last rally in front of the stage before turning himself in.
Photographer: John Clewley
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Grim faces on the faces of faithful Red supporters at Nattawut's last rally in front of main stage at Ratchaprasong.
Photographer: John Clewley
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After Nattawut's last song ends, a grandmother hangs up her washing to side of the stage, amidst the fighting and chaos.
Photographer: John Clewley
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Journalists duck for cover as shots ring out and an explosion goes off a few hundred meters from the fiercest fighting. (May 19)
Photographer: John Clewley
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As journalists remain under cover, a Red gunman appears and fires off his handgun towards the skytrain above, where Army snipers are said to be positioned.
Photographer: John Clewley
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Shops and banks set on fire following the military crackdown against Red protesters in Bangkok's Siam Square.
Photographer: John Clewley
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The stage of the Red protesters left empty and abandoned after a military intervention.
Photographer: John Clewley
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Chaos after the crackdown: Food, furniture, and the ubiquitous Red hand clappers are left abandoned along with a face mask of Thaksin.
Photographer: John Clewley
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This is the grandmother hanging out her washing the previous day. The photographer tracked her down to see if she was safe. After spending the night in a nearby Buddhist temple with terrified Red protesters, she waits, dazed but unbowed, for her bus home.
More than a thousand Red Shirt supporters sought refuge in the temple, unable to find a way out, as fierce fighting continued outside its grounds.
Photographer: John Clewley
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