Thailand - tensions in Bangkok running high One can only hope there are no violent clashes As the year nears its end, people must be getting anxious about the mass rallies at different key spots in the capital and the provinces. BANGKOK: -- The government keeps heightening security measures as protesters step up their rallies and civil disobedience moves. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra recently held an urgent meeting with the heads of different government agencies, and told them to be ready for anything. However, with the anti-government camp mounting pressure via unconventional means, such provoking security personnel by rallying near barrier lines; spreading rumours and using the social media and word-of-mouth to mobilise supporters and discredit the opponents, it is getting quite difficult to verify what is reliable and what isnt. After all, political battles in Thailand appear to have changed a fair bit. Previously, large masses of people did not gather to support politicians, and politicians usually kept their fights limited to a war of words via conventional media, queries in Parliament, censure debates and eventual House dissolution. Also, clashing political rivals knew when to draw the line and form a government. Since 2006, however, the traditions in Thai politics seem to have changed completely. Now, opposing sides will take opposing views no matter what. For instance, the MPs and senators who backed the charter change related to the election and qualification of senators decided to reject the Constitutional Courts ruling on the matter. Then key protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban announced that he was rejecting the governments rejection of the ruling - a move that can be seen as him rejecting the Constitution itself, which in turn makes him a rebel. These tit-for-tat measures only seem to stir up more frustration and dissatisfaction among supporters on both sides. As political observers keep a close eye on the changing situation and each side releases information aimed at legitimising itself, the only end result is more instigation and mobilisation of people. Though Yingluck has said she is ready to negotiate, there is slim chance that any such negotiation will take place as both sides have taken extreme positions. Since there is no solution in sight for now, perhaps the best thing to do would be to hope there is no violence either. -- The Nation 2013-11-29
Posted on: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 04:10:09 +0000
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