Corruption, shady amnesty trigger Thailand’s ‘Asian spring’

On one occasion, over 150, 000 protesters blocked the entrance into a stadium and threw stones at the police to prevent electoral officials and parties from registering for the proposed February 2 elections. A police officer is reported to have died in the process of trying to disperse the crowd. In fact, the demonstrators dismissed […]

On one occasion, over 150, 000 protesters blocked the entrance into a stadium and threw stones at the police to prevent electoral officials and parties from registering for the proposed February 2 elections. A police officer is reported to have died in the process of trying to disperse the crowd. In fact, the demonstrators dismissed the election and the official opposition has refused to field candidates for the polls.
Also, protesters have further rejected another offer by Ms Yingluck to form a national reform council intended to run alongside her government but preferred she steps down immediately to be replaced by what they call a “people’s council.”
Again, this week, a planned month-long protest intended to force the prime minister from office began on Monday with about 50,000 demonstrators laying siege at major intersections in Bangkok, the capital city, occupying at least seven main intersections, and blocking one government office. They also planned to surround other ministerial houses and cut off electricity and water supplies to some government offices in a demonstration called “Bangkok shutdown” organized by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee protest group. Already, 140 schools have been closed forcing students to stay at home.
Thais are irked by what they perceive as a strong influence on the prime minister by her elder brother, ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a billionaire businessman who was removed from government in a military coup in 2006 and has since been in self exile. He owns a successful mobile phone operating firm.
What further angered the Thais is the move by the prime minister to grant amnesty to her brother who risks a two-year prison term upon his return based on a conviction on corruption charges leveled against him. He was sentenced by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions of abusing his power to help his wife buy public land at an auction.
In fact, the move for an amnesty added fuel for critics who accuse the PM of being nothing more than her brother’s puppet. She had repeatedly denied the accusation.
As it is, opposition to Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra is strongest among the urban elite and middle class, particularly in Bangkok who see their administration as very corrupt. However, in the rural areas of the north and northeast they enjoy a lot of support. Thaksin’s supporters, better known as the “red shirts,” also plan to hold demonstrations in various parts of the country to counter anti-government supporters.
On the whole the demonstrations have affected the economy of the Asian country which is a popular tourist destination. Even though many areas of Bangkok were not affected, the fear of insecurity keeps visitors away despite about 20,000 security personnel keeping watch throughout the city.
Already, the US embassy in Bangkok has urged its citizens to avoid large gatherings in the city and to ensure they have a stock of cash and essential items in case the situation deteriorates.
But, the government is expected to meet with the opposition today to chart a course for the country.
Nevertheless, what decision the parties would take should be for the good of the people. Here the words of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon are apt when he spoke by telephone with Shinawatra and opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, “in an effort to help them bridge their differences” expressing concern that the situation could escalate in the days ahead. “I urge all involved to show restraint, avoid provocative acts and settle their differences peacefully, through dialogue,” he said. Nothing short of that is good for the people of Thailand to avoid a crisis that may get out of control.