Thailand’s socio-political system, crucial factor in its political crisis

14/04/2010

The Cambodia News.Net

The conflict is about not only haves and have-nots but also about two different ways of envisaging society. PIME missionary says red-shirts have brought together all anti-government groups with Thaksin operating behind the scene to get back into power. About 90 per cent of the population wants ...

Bangkok – Thailand’s crisis is not only about different political factions vying for power, a struggle between haves and have-nots or Bangkok and rural areas, but is also about two different ways of envisaging Thai society. This in turn may eventually affect the country’s socio-political system. In the meantime, as Thais try to celebrate their New Year (Songkran festival, 12-15 April); the economy is suffering, with losses in the stock market and a decline in tourism.


The main opposition group, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), has rejected the government’s offer to dissolve parliament and hold elections in six months time. Red-shirt leaders, who support exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said they are not planning any new move in the next few days, but they insist that they will continue to hold the areas in the capital already under their control.

Their demands have found some support in the military. Army chief Anupong Paojinda yesterday said the only solution to the country's political stalemate was the dissolution of parliament. Political leaders, he believes, must find a political solution.

Click here to read more...