Let me say a word to those of you who are following the news and are worried about me in Thailand. I'm watching closely, but from the comfort of pro-Samak/Thaksin Chiang Mai in the North. Meanwhile, 500 kilometers away, Bangkok is under a state of emergency. (Never mind that they found a bomb in the anti-Samak PAD office in Chiang Mai. It didn't detonate.) I've learned enough about Thai politics to know this is part of the system of a fledgling democracy working itself out of corruption, etc. It's part of the process (now on the 19th constitution, as many coup d'états).
What are my political pundit peeps predicting? If Thailand follows its previous pattern, and there is more bloodshed, there will be another coup. What is the point of taking out a corrupt Prime Minister 2 years ago only to replace him with a so-called 'puppet'? The story defies western ideas because it is an unlikely loose alliance of a 'pro-democracy' movement and something that starts with 'm' and ends with 'y'. Those who know how revered it is know what I mean. This article has a more exhaustive take on possible future scenarios. The article concludes:
"There is no obvious way out of this impasse, and none of the above scenarios is a clear recipe for lasting peace. Thailand is polarized into two sides - those who ardently support Mr Thaksin and his allies, and those who detest them and refuse to countenance the idea of them in power. Until a compromise is reached, the rift in Thai society is likely to continue."
If not, then perhaps another coup, or a 'people's coup,' as many call it? or another government? some minor compromise? ... and the cycle goes on, and on.
How does this effect me directly, might you ask? Well so far, the family that owns my local vegetarian restaurant closed up for a few weeks to join the protests in Bangkok. Other than that, not much!
An interesting time to be in Thailand. I will keep you posted.
(Speaking of politics, I'm watching closely the US election ... between the Hillary-Obama rift, and not picking her for VP, along with the Palin choice, which I could see coming, well, let's see where things go ...)
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7 comments:
Some of us are in Bangkok and it's stupid. I have the unfortunate situation of being in a pro-PAD school with a principal who has donated money and even had a kid I taught last year speak at the PAD rally. I worked in Northern Ireland 3 years ago, and that was political instability because you might get bombed, here is just a joke before they realize someone must force their point. Two peaceful sides will go on being stalemated forever and no one will prosper. Especially the poor who suffer because they are promised so much by people who can't produce.
Speaking of Palin... check this out:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=184086&title=Sarah-Palin-Gender-Card
It looks like the PAD may get Samak's resignation after all--given the recent court ruling. As for how any of this might help those in need, that's another story. Thanks for reading!
UB, I've seen this before you sent it--really good! It helps me laugh through the hypocrisy and lies that normally makes me sad and crazy.
Please be careful, it sounds a lil scary,, but nevertheless thanks for keeping us posted, i love u
So, the 'people's coup' worked, Samak is out. I'm getting good at predicting Thai politics--at least of figuring out with one of my political science friends are on the right track--thanks Pornsak. The courts ruled that he violated his duties by going on a cooking show, and his party has abandoned him. Now the fight for power begins--and hopefully to be shared in a way that rival parties can tolerate. Didn't want to write another blog on this, so this comment will do. Thanks for reading!
So I'm dealing see this political crisis through humor and the absence of the mushrooms from the veggie spot now closed because the owners are probably blocking the airport right now. Yes. The airport is closed. CLOSED! Um, huge deal not only for Thailand but all SE Asia ('Oh, don't worry mom, it'll probably be resolved before you three come next month,' this has been my mantra, maybe if I keep saying it'll be true?) But that's not the worse: the current PM suggested moving the gov to Chiang Mai--truly a horrible idea! Please! Take it anywhere else! because this place is Thaksinland (the PM, btw, is Thaksin's brother-in-law--no wonder the protesters are still angry and see him as a front for Thaksin and are suspect of his divorce). Imagine: the 800 yr old streets of CM clogged with Thaksin supporters vs. PAD? Scenarios: a coup? doubtful, military is with the gov now. The PAD becomes unpopular? Violent police crackdown? Compromise is needed. What will the King say in his b-day speech Dec 5?...
hi friend, just checking to c how u doing? and if every thing is ok on your end???? i've been watching the news... just a lil' concerned
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