An inquest in Thailand this week found that Thai soldiers used high-velocity rounds to kill six people at a Buddhist temple in Bangkok three years ago during a crackdown on anti-government protesters. Also this week, an amnesty bill that would offer immunity to many people involved in both sides of the conflict came before the Thai Parliament for debate. This has led to renewed protests from the families of victims as well as the Red Shirts, who support former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and the Yellow Shirts, who support the monarchy.
In 2010, Irrawaddy photographer Steve Tickner covered the months-long Red Shirt protests that crippled central Bangkok, left dozens dead, and was brought to a brutal conclusion by Thai army forces. Tickner was at Wat Phatumwan temple on the night that Thai army forces moved in and killed six people with sniper fire. All of the victims, who included volunteer medics, were unarmed. These are some of his photos from the controversial events on May 19, 2010.
