Army wins, Thais lose?
Times have changed. Yesterday's enemies can be today's allies in the face of a bigger common threat. All the major political parties must put their self-interests aside and work together. Can they? Or is "the game" already locked in, the pieces and the moves already determined?
The new constitution makes it difficult for the emergence of a dominant party, preferring instead a weak coalition government much like prior to the Thai Rak Thai era. If the new elected coalition government cannot unite, this will usher in military intervention. History will repeat itself. If political alliances do not happen, this, too, will extend today's military rule. "Heads", the military wins. "Tails", the military's opponents lose. Such is the tragedy for Thais.
Politicians of all sorts have seen their characters assassinated over the past three years. Their branding equity is at its lowest point, in contrast to the deliberate boost of the "army brand". But with politicians, at least voters have some power to decide which party and its policies to vote for. They could criticise the elected government, unlike the current military junta. There was accountability, unlike now. If politicians didn't deliver as promised, the voters could (ideally) choose another competitive party at the next election, unlike now.
With political parties in Thailand bruised and in tatters, "foreign sharks" are circling around us, waiting for the right moment to shape Thailand's destiny. As one writer puts it, "If you can't take care of your daughter, someone else will".
While the political dramas are unfolding -- the clash of conservative vs progressive forces -- how many more years of foregone opportunities will ordinary Thais suffer? Ning from Udon Thani could have sent her three kids to high school if it weren't for the bad economy. Aunt Jib from the South could've saved enough for her back surgery. Ping from Chiang Mai could have received an overseas scholarship to realise her dream of becoming a doctor if it weren't for the budget cuts. Unable to sell due to low demand, Poo from Bangkok couldn't afford to bail her son out for petty theft. It's the invisible stories -- things we cannot see but could have seen -- that are lost or delayed.
Can politicians -- or possibly new generations of politicians -- offer genuine leadership in place of military rule? Can new political parties help those people achieve their dreams? Is it too late to salvage what is left? I'll leave these as open questions.