absolutelyBangkok archive · Culture shock
Originally published April 20, 2010
Well blame Mr. Nice aka our dear prime minister for being too cozy for way too long, just to mention a free bus service for enemies of the government. But maybe, hopefully, there’s a strategy behind Abhisit’s policy of passive containment. By doing not much the anger of the people grows, giving Abhisit the green light for stronger action. The luxury hotels around Rajprasong are emptied. Collateral damage minimized they’re ready to go.
But that’s not good and reading blogs and Twitter these days is an even less happy pastime. Red sympathizers seem to get even more radical and determined while the reds’ opponents cannot wait for a crackdown, and bloody it shall be. Not you farang, but many Thais ask for harsh measures. Now you tell me whom to blame. The poor reds for their provocations and open lies about a “peaceful” protest? The rich non-reds for urban arrogance and their deriding of “pure” democracy?
If the reds fail, they’ll be marginalized even further, and they asked for it. If the reds succeed, it’s the ultimate Pyrrhic victory in recent human history. The kingdom will be torn apart by more hate and distrust than ever. An election under these circumstances would lead to the world’s most laughable vote in recent human history. Who would accept an Election Commission’s intervention? With reds not being able to campaign in the south and non-reds hunted down in the north and northeast?
What this country needs now is not an election, but time and talks and compromise. But with the construction of a bamboo fortress in the midst of Bangkok the old Maoist guerilla tactics have arrived. You might need to differentiate. Even worse, there’s not a single element of positive surprise, constructive engagement, a hint of an exchange of ideas or compromise in the reds’ iron stance. Their “fight for democracy” has not only become a contradiction in itself, calling themselves democrats flies in the face of an autocrat.
We witness old-style propaganda warfare — and are told it’s all for the betterment of nation, crown and society. Wait, we were all eager listeners. Thaksin had a voice, a voice reaching all Thais in a way. Many undecided applauded his recent interview with The Times. The benefit of doubt is gone, El Presidente fights for more than his credibility. A few thousand red Rambos and martyrs prepare for the final final final showdown while Bangkokians welcome the many soldiers now securing “dictatorial territory” with food and drinks. The people can’t all be that dumb, can they.
And yes, to be called reactionary in these times is a compliment. Sharing a beer with Dr. Weng & Co. would be OK. The Dr.’s a reasonable guy with good intentions. But seeing how far they’re willing to go while preaching peace and freedom and honesty and democracy and legitimacy and wealth for all, well, they clearly had their chance. And gosh how they blew it.
Over a beer those radicals and extremists can tell me what democracy is all about. But not as leaders.
+++ Related — but hardly noticed — key development? The finally proposed land & building tax. Do I hear land reform? Right, it’s only a basic agreement in principle so far. There’s a long way ahead. Still. Think of the kingdom’s largest property owner. How to handle? What more can reds want.
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