BANGKOK, May 19 (UPI) -- Police said thousands gathered at Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok Saturday to remember the second anniversary of violent political clashes.
Deputy Democratic Party leader Korn Chatikavanij, along with other Democratic members of Parliament, released 500 white balloons at the intersection to symbolize an end to violence and a return to peace.
The Bangkok Post reported Korn called on the public not to seek to blame anyone for the clashes, saying everyone should reflect on society's role in the violence.
"Peace will be restored when society is focused on truth and the justice system," he said. "By assigning blame to others, we fail to avoid conflicts."
From March until May 2010, Ratchaprasong was the site of the "Red Shirt" protests, calling for the restoration of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by the "Yellow Shirts" in 2006. The Red Shirt tent city took over the immediate area, closing down shopping malls and hotels. After several weeks of failed negotiations, the Thai military was ordered to move in and clear them out on May 19, 2010. The 91 people were killed in the effort to clear the intersection.
