Even though almost 100 days have passed since the April 10 clashes in Bangkok that left 26 people dead and more than 800 injured, 14 relatives of the victims gathered to console each other and discuss their problems.
Coming from as far afield as Surin, Nakhon Sawan and Ratchaburi, their foremost motive was to push for the government to take responsibility for the deaths of their family members. They met at a Bangkok department store, but were anxious to withhold details for "security reasons".
The 14 relatives decided to pursue a campaign of cultural activities, such as concerts, which they believe will help the public understand the red-shirt movement and its push for democracy. But the move got no further than an idea.
Much of the discussion centred on justice for the victims and ways of fighting with the government to further their cause.
"We have learned to care for one another since we first met three months ago," said Suwimon Fhungklinchan, whose 29-year-old son Therdsak was killed at Khok Wua Intersection.
She told the group that since her son died she has been running her small Bangkok grocery store on her own, and was unable to make ends meet.
Suwimon said she had received compensation from the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, but it could never pay for her son's life.
"I want the government to care about the feelings of the red-shirt people. The government should not divide us from others in the country," she said. "How will the government achieve national reconciliation if it does not really want to do that?"
She said she was repeatedly told by the Department of Special Investigation that no progress had been made in her son's case.
"This is one example of the government's lack of sincerity and commitment to national reconciliation," she said. "If the government is sure that a group of men in black suits killed red-shirt protesters, then find them and bring them to justice. Don't just keep talking about them."
Klin Tienchan, a brother-in-law of Wasant Phuthong, 39, from Samut Prakan, who died of a gunshot wound to his head, said he still could not organise a funeral for Wasant because the cause of his death was still being investigated and justice had yet to be done.
"There is no progress in Wasant's case," he said. "I don't want compensation, I want his life back."
Klin said the government should talk with relatives of riot victims about what compensation they wanted, because their needs did not end with money. They also urged Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, "who bosses the troops", to accept responsibility.
Samran Wa-ngam, whose 28-year-old son Sawat was also shot in the head on April 10, said he still missed his son and cried for him.
"We used to have dinner together. Now I see an empty chair," he said.
Samran and Sawat came from Surin to find work in Bangkok. Samran worked as a security guard until his son's death made it impossible to keep up with his job.
Sawat was the first family member to attend the red-shirt rally, but his 15-year-old brother Woramet joined him on April 10.
"I don't want to talk about it," Samran said. "You will never understand my feelings until you face a similar situation. The compensation is not worth my son's life."
Boonnam Tharueng, 54, whose younger brother was shot in the back and died later in Klang Hospital, said she had just received compensation from the government. "It came very late," she said.
Boonnam said her brother's funeral would only be held after new elections are called and his case is solved.
"He always stood fearlessly in the front lines," she said. "His funeral will be held when his wishes come true."