EDITORIAL
It is difficult to credit the two extreme political groups for exercising restraint and conducting peaceful demonstrations yesterday. There was a time not so long ago when protests meant a lack of violence - flowers in gun barrels were symbolic. Now, the nation cringes when the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) or the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) take to the streets. In these troubled times, the country is worried when the UDD calls its red-shirted supporters to the political front.
So the stress factor was pretty high in Bangkok during the weekend, and in many provincial centres as well. The contrary protests, even separated as widely as they were, caused strong concern, and there is relief that major violence was again avoided.
It might be relief, but is there release? The PAD, yet again, promised the Sunday rally, its supposedly biggest ever, would be its last gasp victory - or, in the words of core leader Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, "We will all just pack up and go back home". If victory means forcing the government to resign, the PAD has fallen short of its goal. No one doubts that the PAD leaders will continue their campaign for their vague goal of a "new politics". No one doubts there will be more protests and more tension. The PAD backs a general strike (with some labour union backing) and using force to besiege parliament. Some leaders have called for a military coup.
For its part, the UDD claims to be on a roll. Political icon and criminal fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra will address a UDD gathering on Dec 13. Followers will undoubtedly pack the old national stadium at Patumwan and roar at the increasingly open threats of violence against the PAD. UDD convert Maj-Gen Khattiya "Seh Daeng" Sawasdipol has made the grenade a symbol of opposition to the PAD. Such threats are a disgraceful act, testing the laws against inciting violence.
All of this is approaching the point of disservice to the nation. There is no doubt dissent is both healthy and necessary in a free society. But more than three years of steady street protest, interrupted only by an ill-considered and harmful military coup, has inflicted serious wounds on the country and all Thais. The PAD and the UDD have one thing in common: Both are minority groups trying to force their views and policies on the public. Poll after poll shows clearly that the vast majority are tired of the constant political tension sparked and fanned by these groups and supporters.
The nation's business is not being done. The PAD - perhaps rightly - has forced the courts to rule that the government must submit all foreign pacts and policy to parliament for approval. Then, the PAD has besieged parliament, preventing such public debate.
Thailand, the chairman of Asean, will go to its own summit in Chiang Mai next week as the only member not to have approved vital Asean agreements on peace, trade and cross-border security. Protest is patriotic, but lowering the prestige of the country is to humiliate Thailand in the world's eyes. On one hand, the PAD denies the legitimacy of the government as a Thaksin puppet. On the other it denies the people's business.
It would be useful if the PAD reconsidered the overall effect of its continuing political tension. UDD leaders should also think about how useful its mass rallies are to the nation.
The birthday of His Majesty the King is next week. The Asean summit comes to Thailand two weeks later. Economic problems are becoming a crisis. Now would be a good time to take a holiday from huge political rallies and attend to the country's business.
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Next
