|
I have just returned to Bangkok, Thailand from Phnom Peng, Cambodia.
From a holiday with one quasi-military dictatorship democracy ruled by the remnants of the Khmer Rouge (read genocidal power hungry madmen) and straight
into the current military coup.
Military roadblocks surrounded the city
and armed forces with assault rifles patrol all major roads, tanks are positioned around the parlimentary house...
... not being particularly interested in politics in any country as I thnk it is just a bunch of guys saying anything they think will let them get power so they can fill their own pockets with public monies (am I far off the truth here?)
Thai Army Guard During the Bangkok Coup 2006
In the last Thailand elections every major political party boycotted the elections as they were sure they were rigged, an investigation by the supreme court of Thailand found that 3 top election officials were corrupt and and they were found to have fiddled the results - 1 of these guys had lost his job and the other 2 were supposed to run the upcoming elections in another 2 weeks. None of them were punished according to their crimes.
Since the last 'elections' a caretaker government was placed in power until fair and democratic elections could be held, the old Prime Minister Taksin had said he would step down and let the people decide his political fate. This did not happen, he continued to run the caretaker government.
2 days before the coup there was a rumour that Taksin had a privately chartered Airbus loaded with personal effects and properties take off from Bangkok and land in London - surprisingly where Taksin now resides.
All in all it seems he was warned to go in very direct terms, and he took the opportunity to get out with as little trouble (and as much money) as possible.
When all the armed forces chiefs and the police chief stand together on national television and announce that they combined have removed the corrupt Prime Minister it is less a military coup than common justice by the people.
Thailand is now firmly placed to have fair and democratic elections within the next few weeks.
* Be advised that this is my understanding of the situation, as a foreigner who does not really follow politics.
A very good assesment of the situation can be read here
UPDATE: The military Junta is still in control 12th May 2007 with little discussion over the supposed elections that have been delayed. Random 'terrorist' bombings have begun again in Bangkok and the Military government is instituting a National policy of Thailand for the Thais, including legislated removal of ownership by foreign entities - read that carfully.
Also worth remembering is that prior to World War 2 Thailand was closely allied with Nazi Germany, including importing the idea of the Hitler Youth Movement into a suitable Thai style Nationalist youth movement.
Also to note Internet censorship is increasing with MANY websites blocked and a major offense to say anything bad about the Junta.
Having said that day to day life here is pretty much the same as usual. Except the economy has slowed quiet considerably and tourism is down significantly since the take over.
|
