Assessment: In a scene repeated in the media on Monday [13 April], Thai military troops battled against anti-government protestors across Bangkok highlighting the four-month-old administration’s struggle to restore peace and order to the Southeast Asian nation. Despite reassurances of control by PM Abhisit Vejjajiva, and the eventual retreat of red-shirted supporters of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, this latest conflict could leave a clear and lasting impression on the country’s immediate political outlook. Monday’s events were immediately termed as “unacceptable” by Thailand’s strategic partners (U.S.) and has sparked other governments to issue travel warnings for Bangkok. Furthermore, the imposed state of emergency, coupled with the last-minute cancellation of a major international summit in Pattaya could mark a significant milestone in further tarnishing Thailand’s long-term diplomatic and economic footing in the region.