Civil war predicted in Thailand
Featured, News — By ken on May 3, 2010 at 11:44 amViolent protests by the anti-government Red Shirts have gripped Bangkok for the past two months.
The prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced on television that the government has decided how to deal with the crisis paralysing Bangkok, though a global think tank the International Crisis Group says Thailand’s political system seems incapable of solving it.
The prime minister has declined to reveal what his plan is, whilst the think tank suggests international mediation to broker a solution.
Meanwhile Thailand’s cabinet has held emergency talks with the country on the brink of civil war.
Civil war predicted in Thailand
The prosperous asian nation of Thailand is on the brink of civil war after Abhisit Vejjajiva, its British-born prime minister, rejected a deal with angry Red Shirt protesters.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, but the country has experienced 18 military coups since 1932.
Its most recent troubles began soon after the election of the enormously popular Thaksin Shinawatra, the first prime minister in Thailand’s history to lead an elected government through a full term in office. He was especially popular among the rural poor, but also proved a divisive figure and was deeply unpopular among many of Bangkok’s old elite who felt deeply threatened and considered him a threat to their revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Antagonism grew until he was ousted by a bloodless army coup in 2006, and has lived in exile ever since.
NewsOnABC April 26, 2010
Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra says he is in contact with anti-government demonstrators and supports their fight for democracy.
The “red shirt” protesters are fiercely loyal to Mr Thaksin – regularly stage rallies demanding political change, they are opposed by the Anti-Thaksin yellow-shirted protesters.
Current Thailand prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva voiced displeasure at the 2006 coup that overthrew Thaksin, but otherwise did not protest it or the military junta that ruled Thailand for over a year.
Abhisit became Premier during the global economic crisis and faced escalating domestic political tension. As violent protests erupted in Bangkok, Abhisit declared a state of emergency, censored the media, and ordered the military to crack down on the protesters, resulting in hundreds of injuries and several deaths.
In its 2010 report, Human Rights Watch praised Abhisit’s way with words but dismissed his record, noting, “The government continually undermined respect for human rights and due process of law in Thailand.”
NewsOnABC April 26, 2010
Protesters in Thailand have begun preparing for an armed crackdown by the Government blocking roads into Bangkok to halt police.
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2 Comments
This article is so typical of western incompetence on the problems in Thailand, it is a disgrace to the writer and your web site for even thinking of publishing it!
Any time you mention Thaksin you should also mention: He lives as a fugitive because of convictions concerning widespread corruption, Thaksin was found guilty of corruption. Since his brother-in-law was prime minister at the time, it is highly unlikely that the verdict was politically motivated. Also, Thaksin was found guilty of concealing ownership of SHIN and of setting up shell companies to evade income tax, which is stealing from the millions of poor Thais whom he professes to champion. Thaksin’s anti-drug drive led to 2,500 extra-judicial killings. I can go on an on about
Your statement “Abhisit declared a state of emergency, censored the media, and ordered the military to crack down on the protesters, resulting in hundreds of injuries and several deaths.” IS far form the truth and very misleading!
The Red protesters have legitimate concerns which any government should address. But, no country can long exist if it allows a minority to impose their will on the nation by, for example, closing our main airport (as the yellow shirts did) or shutting our main shopping area and allowing their mob to search a hospital (as the red shirts have done). This is not democracy, it is anarchy.
You make one shot quote from HRW, here is the full report for those interested: http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/04/12/thailand-end-political-violence-bring-offenders-justice
In short, the situation is as always uniquely Thai. Every one knows the Reds have valid points and Thai society will eventually adapt and reform as it always has. It used to be masters and serfs, today we have a middle class. And so on.
Civil war predicted in Thailand is a naive statement that does no good to anyone, especially the rural poor in Thailand.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is a very credible source. You will notice that they have provided the videos. The present anarchy is not a good sign, nor the deaths that have resulted. The situation is unstable, and to think otherwise is overlooking the obvious.
Thank you for your contribution, particularly if you are reporting from the scene.
First hand insight is most encouraged and welcome, as we can all gain enlightenment from being better informed, particularly if that be impartial and accurate reporting.