Thailand Coup
Having recently started this website, I have spent the past few weeks planning the layout and working on articles to include in the site. I knew I would be writing about the political situation sooner or later, but I didn’t think it would be this soon!
Some countries have advised their citizens not to travel to Thailand. Whilst this is an understandable initial reaction, I would personally not cancel my travel plans. If you are in Bangkok it seems to be a case of be sensible and keep away from any possible demonstrations. Coups are not new to Thailand and rumours of this current one have been circulating for a few months.
I am currently in England and consequently I am unable to give a first hand account of events. However, after contacting some friends in Thailand (Thai and English friends) it would seem that the situation is calm and under control as has been reported by the news agencies. It is quite feasible that many tourists in Thailand will still be unaware that there has been a coup.
As far as I’m aware, troops have only been deployed at certain strategic points in Bangkok and people are going about their daily business. The army are wearing yellow ribbons or flowers in what has been seen as a show of loyalty to the King. In my opinion this is quite significant as reverence for the King cuts across the whole of Thai society. Reverence for Prime Minister Thaksin does not have such nationwide appeal. Thaksin’s landslide election victories showed how much popularity he and his Thai Rak Thai party once enjoyed. Particularly in poorer rural areas, the government received plaudits for its medical programmes which have helped the poorest in Thai society. But notably in Bangkok there has been widespread anger at perceived corruption, nepotism and autocratic management of the country.
Much now depends on Mr Thaksin. If he decides not to take this lying down, he would probably need to call on the factions of the army who are still loyal to him. Whether these factions would be prepared to fight for Mr Thaksin is another matter. Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks, none of the parties involved will want to lose face. I suspect that a very Thai resolution will be reached in which all parties will come out smelling of orchids. Perhaps Mr Thaksin will accept the situation and return to Thailand to be greeted by the King who will publicly thank him for his hard work. Thaksin will have saved face and will then be free to follow his dream of buying an English Premiership football club. Stranger things have happened and time will tell.