The conflict in Thailand has its roots in the unequal distribution of wealth and power between the ruling elite, represented by the People's Alliance for Democracy, also known as the Yellow Shirts, and the rural poor, represented by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, also known as the Red Shirts. As part of the ongoing struggle between the two, the government violently suppressed Red Shirt demonstrations in Bangkok in April and May 2010, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries.

A separate conflict is occurring in Thailand’s predominantly Malay Muslim southern provinces, where separatist insurgents have been attacking government forces and offices for the past six years. The government has responded to the insurgency with hard-hitting military campaigns.  

In July 2010, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, as part of a national “reconciliation plan,” established three committees to design a reform process that would address the structural problems at the root of Thailand’s conflicts. He also established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Thailand to investigate and report on the country’s recurring conflicts, with a special focus on the violent demonstrations of 2010. (Read more about the commission.)