Palette of political anarchy has only one colour

[Temujin]

http://www.bangkokpo...only-one-colour

 

 

 

 

Today is the traditional Thai New Year. Deep in our hearts, Thai people may have wished that this divisive chasm of political colours could somehow be dissolved. These clashes of colour have, alas, resulted in a very sombre hue: black.

 

Are 21 deaths enough? Some people do not believe so. Some people believe that no matter how the current standoff ends - whether the red shirts can prevail in their demand for a House dissolution, or the government miraculously manages to disperse the crowds - this hatred will not be extinguished. And it's this immense feeling of antagonism and divisiveness among fellow citizens that will see our country plunge deeper and deeper into an abyss that has no colour because it will be black as pitch.

 

While we do not have enough information yet as to who actually opened fire on whom - whether there was indeed an unidentified group of mercenaries who could have shot and bombed members of the red shirts, the military or probably both - we should have realised at least this much: that there are military elements in both warring factions.

 

The "red guards" have been trained by rogue members of the military. In a sense, there is a battle within the Thai army itself inside the larger battle between the red shirts and the Abhisit government.

 

The casualties on both sides should tell us something. If it's true as the red shirts claim, that they were unarmed and it was the military snipers who fired on them, then who fired the grenades and bullets at the soldiers?

 

And if it's true as the army claims, that most of the soldiers were unarmed, with only a few commanding officers equipped with live bullets, then why were many protesters shot dead?

 

Was there then a third, fourth, or fifth hand, with war weapons at the ready, cashing in on this clash between both sides, with or without their knowledge?

 

If it's true as Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has stated, that there were "terrorists" who used the protesters as a vehicle to launch their attacks to instigate anarchy, and if they are "military" as seems to be suggested, then the army has no choice but to bear the responsibility.

 

Furthermore, and related to that point, if it's true that there is a military conflict within this political conflict, then the military commanders are obliged to deal with that first.

 

Otherwise Thai society has no hope of pushing the military back into their barracks, to serve as professional soldiers with no interest or room to play in local politics.

 

I believe that is the goal of the red shirts as well. They have always insisted that they want Thai democracy in the future to be free from the threat of military coups.

 

But if the red shirts refuse to see this aspect or are for some reason willing to let some rogue soldiers loose, they too won't get away from the long shadow of the military and the possibility of yet another coup in the future.

 

It is completely understandable that the red shirts are angry and sad at the murder of their fellow protesters and it is fair for them to demand explanations and accountability. But they shouldn't ignore the plain truth - that some people were out there who killed the soldiers, too. Can they be sure these mysterious killers won't come back to haunt them?

 

Looking ahead - however hard that may be during these dark hours - the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship should realise that even if their movement succeeds in wrenching an immediate House dissolution out of PM Abhisit now, even if their ally the Puea Thai Party wins the next election this year or the next, they are likely to face the same kind of protest (only of a different colour) which they have mounted against Mr Abhisit.

 

If they become the government, they too will be duty-bound to find a way to deal with the protesters. When that time comes, will they require the help of the military? If so, then a cycle will be formed and we will be moving round and round - with a House dissolution, a new election, a new protest, another military-vs-crowd clash and yet another parading of fallen heroes around town - again and again.

 

Gen Anupong Paojinda is right in saying that this confrontation is a political problem which requires a political solution. But then again, from what we have seen over the bleak weekend, this is also a military problem which can only be sorted out by the military.

 

Of course, in the final analysis, these are many problems altogether - a question of leadership, a moral crisis, inadequate welfare, lack of political accountability and a shortage of quality politicians, among other problems that are interlinked with the larger issues of injustice and perceived gaps between people.

 

It will take years, if not decades, to address some if not all of the problems, to make Thailand a better, fairer and all-inclusive society which all of us would like to see.

 

We won't get there unless we free ourselves from the increasingly prevalent state of lawlessness.

 

We won't get there unless we move away from the widespread hatred and hate-speech campaigns.

 

We have to move away from this blackness. This is a task from which the government, the army chief and the UDD cannot flinch.

 

• Atiya Achakulwisut is Editorial Pages Editor, Bangkok Post.

[Benny10]

For all who think it's just about yellow and red; it's far more complicated.

 

Article from The Nation

 

Anti-riot squad cut up by soldiers in black

 

Don't hold your breath if you wish for a speedy resolution to the political predicament following the bloodbath on Saturday.

 

When blood got into the eyes of the opposing sides, common sense just flew out the window. It will take at least one to two weeks for emotions to cool off before the political battle can shift from the streets toward its proper arena - a ballot box.

 

It is also ironic and deplorable that past political tragedies did not serve as a lesson to avoid more bloodshed but may have hardened their determination to defeat one another. Instead of respecting the sanctity of life, key figures on the opposing sides plotted to splatter blood into hands of their rivals.

 

 

In the Black May incident, Palang Dharma Party leader Chamlong Srimuang led street protests to bring about the downfall of the then prime minister Suchinda Kraprayoon. Despite his personal victory, Chamlong's party suffered a shattering defeat in the 1992 general election and he eventually faded out of mainstream politics. He failed to overcome the stigma of leading people to their deaths.

 

 

The Pheu Thai Party, and its puppet master Thaksin Shinawatra, made elaborate preparations to avoid Chamlong's mistake. The red shirts are being led by people who harbour no hopes of becoming a prime ministerial candidate or a main force in politics.

 

 

Thaksin recruited Chavalit Yongchaiyudh as Pheu Thai chairman. Chavalit's open mission is to prepare for the upcoming elections. Red-shirt leader Adisorn Piengket admitted, however, Chavait was actually Thaksin's commander to wage the "last battle" to bring about political change.

 

 

What happened on Rajdamnoen Avenue on Saturday was not a botched anti-riot operation nor a lynching mob gone berserk. It was a head-on skirmish between two well-trained armed forces - one in fatigues and another in black. The red shirts were just props in the battlefield.

 

 

Like past tragedies, parties involved might try to sweep everything under the rug by blaming "a third hand" or terrorists or unidentified elements. But a tactical retreat to attack riot forces from behind was not something the mob could do on the spur of the moment.

 

 

Riot gear, such as tear gas, shields and batons, is designed to rein in unruly crowds but not to repel live ammunition. The death of Colonel Romklao "Pao" Thuwatham of the 2nd Infantry Division, is expected to reverberate through the Army ranks.

 

 

It is a century-old tradition that graduates from Chula-chomklao Royal Military Academy come from the same feeding bowl, and hence will not kill their own kind under any circumstances. In the failed coup of 1977, General Chalard Hiransiri broke the sacred code by fatally shooting General Arun Thawathasin. Chalard was subsequently executed by a firing squad.

 

 

Chavalit and top generals backing the red shirts should know that Army commanders will not allow Romklao to die in vain. Justice must be served one way or another.

 

 

In coming days, the government and the red shirts are expected to exchange barbs on the bloodbath. Autopsy reports on the victims will be highly politicised. The Pheu Thai Party candidates cannot afford to join the election with blood on their hands. Thaksin's best-laid plan will backfire if the main opposition party is mired by such tragic incidents.

 

 

A deal will not be struck unless the opposing sides can ascertain a strong chance to win at the polls. Then and only then will the red shirts disperse.

 

 

Don't kid yourself if you think a snap election will usher a fresh start. The Democrats and the Pheu Thai Party are expected to fight an election war of titanic proportions. The outcome is unlikely to end the polarisation, such that the next prime minister may well come from one of the smaller parties.

 

By Avudh Panananda

The Nation

Published on April 13, 2010

Edited April 13, 2010 by Benny10