absolutelyBangkok archive · Politics
Originally published May 5, 2008
To the outside world Thailand looks as peaceful as ever. Life in these times of inflation has become slightly more quiet. But the beaches remain pristine, the food spectacular and the people friendly and kind.
Deep down though Thailand is torn by never seen conflicts and struggles that threaten to tear society apart. The old elite fights a newer elite, old blood-given hierarchies oppose a rising meritocracy, society faces the politization of the monarchy, even never before muttered discussions about lèse majesté are heard.
In the media public name-and-shame campaigns against prominent figures have become all-too-common and old power brokers such as Chalerm Yoobamrung white wash the past. The military, since the coup, is struggling to regain credibility and the political leaders, lacking charisma and clear sight, even widen the gap between the haves and have-not.
Nothing really moves anymore Thailand. Neither forward, neither back.
All-important decisions get postponed and postponed — as if the future would bring easy solutions by itself.
Thailand has become a country on hold.
Why should you worry anyway. The kingdom’s soil remains fertile and the land is rich. Allowing the old ways to keep on commanding society — a society in need of adaptation and transformation. Or on the verge of collapse. Ruled by envy and distrust, threats and hate.
Thailand has reached very difficult crossroads.
Crossroads reflected by newspapers printing fierce commentaries about delicate issues nobody would have dared to write about some years ago.
Courts and judges are busy like never before as everybody sues everybody.
Deep down Thailand is in turmoil — not fighting the old struggle against dictators anymore, but a struggle for the individual’s liberation, freedom and rights.
And next time, when the streets erupt, nobody will ask for the military for help.
The day of reckoning will come with Thai people feeling left alone, fending for themselves.
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