Sakchai Lalit / AP Photo
After six weeks of protests and numerous civilian deaths that have wreaked havoc on Bangkok, Thai demonstrators (known as "red shirt" protesters) have proposed a deal with the government, agreeing to cease demonstrations if parliament is dissolved within 30 days and new elections scheduled. This is a step back from the previous demands that parliament be dissolved immediately, though the situation remains tense, with troops and riot police stationed throughout the city. The leaders of the protest, who believe that the Thai government is controlled by the nation’s military and economic elite, offered to cease protests for six weeks to attempt peace talks, and a spokesman for the prime minister said, "The government has always been open to talks."