Thai officials relieved 'Bangkok Shutdown' has so far been peaceful

Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters continued to rally in Bangkok's major intersections for a second day of the "Bangkok Shutdown."

Thai police had expressed concern that violence would disrupt Monday's rally. But one day in, Police Major General Polapat Wannapuk expressed relief that "there has been no violence, as people feared might happen."

The Thai army is assisting the police with protecting thirty-seven locations across the city, including government agencies. Army Deputy Chief General Udomdej Seetabutr directed his troops to remain alert and warned that anti-government protesters who blockade government agencies risk confrontation.

The number of demonstrators participating in "Bangkok Shutdown" is expected to continue fluctuating as people return home or to their jobs. Monday's demonstrations peaked at 170,000 protesters, according to National Security Chief Lieutenant General Paradon Pattanathabut but decreased by Tuesday morning to about 20,000. That number may rise at the end of the work day, with demonstrators returning to the rally sites.

Rally leaders indicated they might surround the houses of Prime Minister Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her cabinet members if they refuse to resign. Shinawatra responded Tuesday that she would not step down.

When the government attempted to compromise with protesters, protest leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban replied "There is no win-win. Either you win or I win."

Anti-government protests, led by the opposition Democrat Party, have been ongoing since November. Protesters are calling for the removal of the prime minister, whom they accuse of acting on behalf of her brother, ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The "Bangkok Shutdown" was organized by the People's Democratic Reform Committee.

[Bangkok Post] [CNN]