The Constitutional Court voided the election last Friday, and the head of the Election Commission stated that it would take months before a new vote could be organized. This has left Yingluck in charge of a weakened caretaker government with limited authority. The ongoing crisis is the latest development in an eight-year conflict between Bangkok's middle class and royalist establishment on one side, and supporters of Yingluck and her brother Thaksin Shinawatra on the other. Thaksin, who was removed as prime minister by the military in 2006, currently resides in Dubai to avoid a prison sentence for abuse of power. Despite showing restraint for months, Thaksin's supporters, known as the "red shirts," are now adopting a more aggressive stance under new hardline leaders. A call has been made for a major gathering on April 5. Jatuporn Prompan, chairman of the "red-shirts" United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, informed supporters that the destination, whether it be Bangkok or elsewhere, will be revealed at a later time. Jatuporn was involved in organizing a "red-shirts" uprising against a previous government which resulted in a violent military crackdown in May 2010, resulting in over 90 deaths. Jatuporn is still dealing with terrorism charges from the events of 2010. In the current political crisis, 23 individuals have died and over 700 have been injured since November. Speaking to approximately 10,000 individuals in Pattaya, located to the southeast of Bangkok, Nisit Sintuprai, another leader, issued a warning to Suthep Thaugsuban, the former opposition politician who has been leading protests against Yingluck since November. Sintuprai emphasized that the majority of the country's population desires democracy and government through elections, not a prime minister selected by a specific group. The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), led by Suthep, is advocating for electoral changes to reduce Thaksin's influence and his strong support among the rural poor in the northern and northeastern regions. Political parties associated with Thaksin have consistently won elections since 2001, and it is widely anticipated that Yingluck's Puea Thai Party would emerge victorious in any election conducted under the current system. IMPEACHMENT POSSIBLE FOR PM YINGLUCK AS SUPPORTERS DISRUPT ELECTION The Constitutional Court ruled the February 2 election illegal due to disruptions in 28 constituencies. The Election Commission will meet Monday to determine next steps, considering political tensions. Yingluck's government faces uncertainty, with potential impeachment over a failed rice-buying scheme. This plan boosted Yingluck's popularity in the 2011 election, but many farmers, who typically support Thaksin, protested in Bangkok this year due to unpaid rice subsidies. Yingluck faces a corruption investigation and potential impeachment, with the Senate likely to have an anti-Thaksin majority after elections on March 30. Some believe the Senate will appoint a new prime minister favored by anti-government protesters. Analysts suggest that independent agencies may be working to remove Yingluck and her cabinet to prevent elections and choose their own prime minister. He warned that if the government proceeds with their plan, their supporters will retaliate, leading to a worse second half of the year compared to the first half. Despite the government lifting the state of emergency due to less protesters and calm streets, violence erupted with grenades exploding near the home of a judge and a car bomb near a protest camp and government complex. Additional explosive incidents occurred in Chiang Mai province, resulting in serious injuries. One of the targets was Boon Rawd Brewery, known for producing Singha beer. A family member who is part of the ownership has been actively involved in PDRC rallies. Due to consumer confidence being at a 12-year low, the central bank recently lowered its economic growth forecast for 2014 from 3 percent to 2.7 percent. Prior to the protests last October, the forecast was at 4.8 percent. The stock market showed minimal movement following a court decision on Friday. Some stock analysts view the cancellation of the election as a positive development, anticipating that it will encourage negotiations between political rivals. Standard and Poor's, a rating agency, expressed a different opinion. Agost Benard, the associate director of sovereign ratings, stated that the Thai court's decision is likely to prolong and possibly escalate political risks, further delaying any potential resolution to the country's political divide.