absolutelyBangkok archive · On our own
Originally published Nov. 29, 2008
The Thai crisis, holding a country hostage and bringing tens of thousands of stuck travelers to despair, is unique in many ways. The most outstanding singularity: The protesters brazen egoism due to their god-given sense of choseness: “We and nobody else.” No sincere foreign world leader would like to be seen shaking hands with a PAD-induced government, as the group’s tactics and values go hand in hand.
Looking back at other crises around the world the uprising non-state parties didn’t care much about foreigners. They let them go. They allowed foreign planes to evacuate their citizens while remaining concentrated on their political goals. Here in Thailand, foreigners are intentionally used as a political bargaining tool. Next escalation? Hijacking luxury hotels.
Only the months and years to come will show what price the kingdom will have to pay for this most ruthless and reckless of all strategies: Terrorizing the very innocent, trustful people that give the country more than they take with their stays and expenses. For millions and millions around the world though Thailand will remain a rogue state and therefore be shunned. Yet, no one here seems to really care.
Next Friday is the 81st birthday of revered HM Bhumibol Adulyadej. Like every year on his birthday, he is expected to give his birthday speech. HM’s witty, critical and sharp-tongued birthday addresses were always a pleasure to listen to. Like in 2005, when the King advised Thaksin to tolerate criticizm as this comes with any high-profile position.
Next Friday could be the King’s saddest birthday –
Thais would never forgive themselves
– and his most important birthday speech ever.
Long Live HM The King.
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Listen here to the song
Australian singer Kelly Newton-Wordsworth wrote in honor of His Majesty’s 80th birthday.
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