Signs of escalating violence between anti-Prayut Chan-o-cha government demonstrators, who resumed their rallies early this month, and riot control police are a matter of grave concern.
As both the protesters and the police show no restraint, Din Daeng intersection which is used by the demonstrators in their attempts to reach the prime minister's residence on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road has turned into a battlefield. The clashes have resulted in scores of injuries on both sides. One of two young protesters injured by live ammunition is in a coma while police deny they used real bullets.
A celebrity, a formerly yellow-shirt protester, who joined the anti-government protest could be blind from serious eye injuries, possibly from remnants of a tear gas canister. All core protest leaders have been thrown back into jail as authorities sought court orders to withdraw bail. In responding harshly to the protests under the emergency decree, the government cited the need to contain virus transmission. Yet that did not stop the demonstrators, especially the younger, hot-headed elements.
Such violent confrontation cannot go on or society is at risk of plunging into another political deadlock. If it develops into fully-fledged riots, it may put the government's legitimacy in jeopardy.
Instead, the government must alter its stance and do more to settle differences through peaceful means, by opening a dialogue or at least listening to the protesters' demands; not allowing the confrontation to drag on, nor giving police officers a free hand in employing such a heavy-handed approach.
Prime Minister Prayut, who staged a coup overthrowing a civilian government in 2014, cannot distance himself from the conflict. He has to admit the fact that, by overstaying in power the way he has though pernicious political tactics, particularly the contentious role of the Senate and some independent organisations in putting him in office, and backsliding on the charter rewrite, he is part of this country's crisis.
The government's Covid-19 mismanagement, with a surge in deaths and infection cases since the third wave hit the country early in April, adds to the sense of public grievance. As the conflicts have become deep-rooted, a carefully wrought political solution is needed that will be accepted by all, rather than the use of force.
The government should start with taking a look at a four-point proposal made last week by the House reconciliation panel: firstly the need to observe the right to freedom of expression and peaceful demonstrations, while demonstrators must stick to non-violent means.
The government must tolerate criticism and listen to people who hold different opinions. Secondly, all parties must refrain from the use of violence and look for a chance to negotiate, avoiding any provocative gestures that will make matters worse.
Thirdly, there must be a probe by independent experts on the unfortunate incidents during the rallies to prevent the violence from expanding.
Finally, there must be space for dialogue and consultation where academic institutes and other non-partisan elements can play a role in seeking a peaceful resolution in an inclusive participatory process.
Brutal suppression, as is the case now, will deepen the political trouble. Without an efficient communication channel, protesters will feel the need to cause a stir, and things may get out of hand.
Such an outcome could be politically costly. Instead, if Gen Prayut wants to do a great service to the country, he must opt for a peaceful resolution, with a gesture of compromise and openness, as he had promised.