Violence is intrinsic to politics. When violence becomes part of the political culture, it hands power to those who are willing to use violence most ruthlessly. History is strewn with examples. In the past, Thailand’s culture of protest was framed by a Buddhist appreciation of non-violence. The PAD has taken a dangerous step away from that tradition.

– Extracted from Chang Noi, “The culture of protest and the use of violence”, The Nation, 8 December 2008.