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Finally, the government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat abandoned its reconciliatory posture, with an estimated 5,000 police officers storming the Parliament compound with tear gas and rubber bullets in the early hours of yesterday morning. The boyish smile and polite gestures that Somchai has skilfully shown over the past three weeks since he was appointed premier served only to contrast with what TV viewers were watching. The government wanted to proceed with its policy announcement and refused to budge.

Again, Thai politics is reduced to the dreaded level of authorities using guns - this time at close-range of the supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy. At least 47 people were injured, three of them seriously, with two victims losing a leg and a foot, another his right hand. At the time of writing, one woman had been killed by an explosion outside Parliament. Obviously, questions are being asked about who was involved? When did the government decide to move on the PAD? What instructions were given to the police?

Deputy Prime Minister General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh resigned yesterday, six hours after the incident, to take responsibility for the crackdown. It was odd that Chavalit, who was chosen to serve in this sensitive post, would commit such a mistake. He has long experience of dealing with protesters. His sudden departure is indicative of future splits within the People Power Party and the Cabinet.

In the days to come, we will discover the impact on the stability of the Somchai government. Earlier, public support for the prime minister was pretty good because he portrayed himself as a non-confrontational peace-maker. He reiterated that he would follow the rule of law and would not take orders from his brother-in-law, Thaksin Shinawatra, a fugitive in exile in London. So far, he has failed to match his words with deeds on political reconciliation. After an initial round of talks between a representative dispatched by Chavalit, and Chamlong Srimuang, one of the PAD leaders, the public was optimistic there could be light at the end of the tunnel. It turned out to be false hope because, soon after, a ranking PAD leader, Chaiwat Srisuwong, was arrested. On Sunday, Chamlong was also apprehended after he went to vote. From that moment on, it was clear that the chance for further talks had evaporated, and now the four-month political tussle continues.

It was no coincidence that the news about Thaksin's application for political asylum emerged at this time. It was timed to show that the current political uncertainties in Thailand would refuse him a fair trial. The Supreme Court has issued a fourth arrest warrant after he failed to show up to answer charges against him, with his wife already convicted on tax evasion charges.

In August, the Foreign Ministry refuted Thaksin's assertion that the Thai justice system is unfair, as he often alleges in the Western media. The ministry said the justice system here has a strong and rich tradition that will not be swayed by political changes. Thaksin has tried to portray the justice system as corrupted - something that he has benefited from and contributed to.

If the British government under Prime Minister Gordon Brown decides to give the couple political asylum, it would be a great mistake and have far-reaching repercussions for future Thai-UK relations. It would be tantamount to a big slap for the Thai judicial system as well as for mutual trust between the two nation's leaders.

As the Asean chair, Thailand is preparing for the upcoming Asean summit in December. Continued PAD protests and continued occupation of the Government House would certainly further tarnish the reputation of the host.

It is imperative that ways be found to bring an end to this quagmire. Using force as the government did on Monday will only worsen the current stand-off. If Somchai is not true to his own promises, then he should resign. Continued dialogue and negotiation, no matter how difficult it is or will become, must not stop. In our still fragile democracy, tolerance is pivotal to ensure that the current stand-off ends peacefully.