As Thailand's anti-government protests sputter, it appears likely the only major effects will be hamstrung economic growth and a sharp political divide, with the ruling party's popularity largely intact.
This week 's protest to shutdown Bangkok was meant to be the pinnacle of months of demonstrations in the capital. But so far, many threatened actions – such as plans to prevent the stock market trade and to shutter air-traffic control – have come to naught , stymied in part by technology as many government employees are able to work from alternate locations.
Observers say protestors' numbers are dwindling. But they are leaving behind a deep political divide over the future of the country's democracy before the February 2 elections.
(Read more: Has the Bangkok shutdown lived up to its hype?)
