absolutelyBangkok archive · Politics
Originally published July 7, 2009
He thought it’s all over and justice is done and the fight for the truth will always honor the respectable. Now the Royal Thai Police, themselves a body not beyond reproach, put a spoke in the wheel of Kasit Piromya, foreign minister of Thailand.
The outspoken critic of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been charged together with 35 leaders of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, the socio-political movement that promised to clean up corrupt and abused Thailand.
Among the charges in connection with the seizure of Bangkok’s two airports: terrorism. “Outraged” Kasit vows to fight until the end, even though months ago he was quoted as saying to resign if charges were laid against him. Now he says he would resign if the charge of terrorism were dropped.
He who took his “mouth, pen and brain” to the rallies of the PAD seems to be living proof again of the archetype of Thai politician whose words always speak louder than his actions.
But then again, our prime minister has an adviser by the name of Newin Chidchob who is officially banned from politics, the PAD makes the occupation of Bangkok’s airports look like a completely normal thing — and a police said to be paid by Thaksin lays down the charges.
It’s impossible to relay to Thai politics without implying double standards. Even if the police present a perfectly coherent and convincing case against the accused, the complete politicization and indoctrination of society make a fair case impossible.
Whatever ruling, the martyrs will become even more glorified martyrs and the traitors more fiercely denounced traitors.
If ever the charges should make it to court and verdicts, we have seen other amazing cases, haven’t we, just to mention the toppling of a prime minister because he loves to cook and this on TV.
Say you were a judge, how would you rule?
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