Thailand's red, white and blue

Thailand's red, white and blue

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Anti-government demonstrations have been flaring in Thailand since November, bringing parts of Bangkok to a standstill as protestors try to oust Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whose government they accuse of corruption and waste.

The opposition has rallied around the national flag, whose colours symbolise the land (red), the Buddhist faith (white) and the centuries-old monarchy (blue).

. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

The unrest is the latest chapter in an eight-year conflict which pits the country's Bangkok-based middle class and royalist establishment against the mostly poorer, rural supporters of Yingluck and her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, a former premier who was ousted by the military in 2006 who is seen as the power behind her government.

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An anti-government protestor holds money to donate to opposition leader Suthep Thaugsuban.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

An anti-government protestor holds money to donate to opposition leader Suthep Thaugsuban.

Protesters march with a large Thai flag during a rally in Bangkok.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

Protesters march with a large Thai flag during a rally in Bangkok.

Crowds are reflected in the sunglasses of a protestor.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Crowds are reflected in the sunglasses of a protestor.

People cheer as a protest leader addresses them at the Finance Ministry, one of several government buildings that demonstrators have occupied.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

People cheer as a protest leader addresses them at the Finance Ministry, one of several government buildings that demonstrators have occupied.

A protester uses a traffic cone to shouts slogans.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

A protester uses a traffic cone to shouts slogans.

A man gives a thumbs up during a rally.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

A man gives a thumbs up during a rally.

An anti-government protester gestures as he stands on a barricade at Government House in Bangkok.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

An anti-government protester gestures as he stands on a barricade at Government House in Bangkok.

A protester combs his hair near the Democracy Monument in Bangkok.
. BANGKOK, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

A protester combs his hair near the Democracy Monument in Bangkok.

A man wears a hat adorned with a portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The King, who has reigned since 1946, is the world's longest-serving head of state.
. BANGKOK, Thailand. REUTERS/Nir Elias

A man wears a hat adorned with a portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The King, who has reigned since 1946, is the world's longest-serving head of state.

An anti-government protester wears a t-shirt adorned with an image of protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

An anti-government protester wears a t-shirt adorned with an image of protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban.

Suthep Thaugsuban smiles as he prepares to address protesters who are taking part in birthday celebrations for Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
. BANGKOK, Thailand. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Suthep Thaugsuban smiles as he prepares to address protesters who are taking part in birthday celebrations for Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Protestors listen to Thaugsuban at a rally near Government House.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Protestors listen to Thaugsuban at a rally near Government House.

A man poses for a photograph as he takes part in protests.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

A man poses for a photograph as he takes part in protests.

Anti-government protesters attack a man near the stadium where pro-government "red shirts" have gathered in Bangkok.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Anti-government protesters attack a man near the stadium where pro-government "red shirts" have gathered in Bangkok.

A protester covers his face with a wet handkerchief as he escapes from tear gas, which was fired during clashes.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

A protester covers his face with a wet handkerchief as he escapes from tear gas, which was fired during clashes.

Whistles rest on the tattooed torso of a man who fainted outside the Government House in Bangkok.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Whistles rest on the tattooed torso of a man who fainted outside the Government House in Bangkok.

Riot policemen rest near a large Thai flag.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

Riot policemen rest near a large Thai flag.

An anti-government protester holds hands with a policeman across closed gates outside the headquarters of the ruling Puea Thai Party.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

An anti-government protester holds hands with a policeman across closed gates outside the headquarters of the ruling Puea Thai Party.

A protester blows a novelty whistle as she hugs a riot policeman.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

A protester blows a novelty whistle as she hugs a riot policeman.

A soldier wears glasses given to him by an anti-government protester who broke into the Royal Thai Army headquarters in Bangkok.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

A soldier wears glasses given to him by an anti-government protester who broke into the Royal Thai Army headquarters in Bangkok.

The Democracy Monument is reflected in a protester's sunglasses during a demonstration.
. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

The Democracy Monument is reflected in a protester's sunglasses during a demonstration.