Bangkok relatively quiet as sides mull next moves

The truce between Thailand's political rivals held in Bangkok today amid more ceremonies in honour of the king's birthday, while the leader of the protest movement who has vowed to overthrow the government planned to announce his next move.
Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban said earlier that the "battle" against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's administration would resume today. But the city was quiet and Suthep was due to give a speech in the evening.
Several days of violence that killed five people and wounded at least 289 ended abruptly on Tuesday as both sides set aside their differences to honour King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who turned 86 yesterday.

Bhumibol is widely revered in a country sharply divided along social and political lines, and in a brief birthday speech he called for unity and stability. He did not directly mention the political turmoil, disappointing those who had hoped the visibly infirm king would use the occasion to broker peace, as he has in the past.
Although major celebrations ended yesterday, several more ceremonies are being held over the next few days to honour the king, including a reception on Saturday hosted by Yingluck. Crown Princess Sirindhorn will represent the king at the reception.
Today, government spokesman Teerat Ratanasevi said Yingluck has canceled overseas trips scheduled for December, including visits to Myanmar, Japan and Russia, so she could stay in Thailand and monitor the political situation.

Although Bangkok is largely calm, tensions are still high. Three men were injured in incidents last night and early today, including one man shot in the arm at the Finance Ministry, which is occupied by anti-government activists.
Major Gen Piya Uthayo, a police spokesman, said the violence was the work of unidentified people who wanted to disrupt the protesters.
The current standoff results from years of enmity between supporters and opponents of Yingluck's brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup after being accused of corruption and disrespect for the king.