Thai army holds key to ending deadly impasse

BANGKOK: Thailand’s army chief could be lining up the pieces for an end-game to a deadly political crisis, but risks raising the stakes even higher given the threat of a violent backlash from government supporters, experts say.

Prospects for an end to the nearly seven-month crisis could hinge on talks between the kingdom’s main political rivals due to be hosted on Wednesday by General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, a day after he imposed martial law.