Strange politics is not merely the monopoly of Filipinos, and that should somehow gives us a feeling of relief. At least we are not alone in that sort of oddity.
Thailand is experiencing a deep political crisis even as we speak now. Hundreds of thousands of workers from 43 state enterprises (they do still have a huge state-controlled concern) has headed towards the street demanding the ouster or resignation Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, accusing him of massive corruption and being merely a lackey of disgraced former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Sundaravej had been the elected leader just last December after the military had decided to turn over power back to civilian rule, after seizing it forcefully from Shinawatra. In that election, backers of Shinawatra—-Sundaravej being amongst them—-had taken a huge share of votes and in consequence and also in essence rebuking the military’s earlier role in ousting the ex-PM. Like us, Thailand voters are so soon to forget the sins of former despots.
Most of the lion’s share in that December election came from voters in large rural areas, who had been outward with their support and continuing admiration of Shinawatra. But today, the urban citizens, consisting of the middle-class and upper –class, wants to bring home the message, where the rural population could not be trusted in their political choices and suasions, where they remain faithful and loyal to an administration beset with allegations of corruption and abuse. That now, they (the urban citizens) have virtually caused general paralysis in Thailand, protesting in the streets, threatening even to stifle major and most-basic public utilities such as water and electricity.
Violence could erupt, when in fact one explosion had already been reported.
What’s more worrisome is the ever-widening gap between the rural class and urban class in Thailand, and now becoming more patent and obvious. This situation might lead to a civil war. I hope not.
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