OK, now what ?!?!?!

 

According to an article in The New York Times the Yellow Shirts are planning a counter demonstration in BKK. Can you guys get the NYT online in Thailand? If you can there's a link just below. I used to have trouble getting it in China sometimes depending on which way the political winds were blowing.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/19/world/asia/19thai.html?hp

 

There's also a group called the "no color" shirts who want to get into the mix ??

 

Does anyone think that the "shirts crowds" will close the airport again or that the prospect of airport closure could send the army into attack mode.

 

I know that there has been political turmoil before in Thailand, but is this apparent level of tension unique what with the deaths and all?

 

Also, where's the King? Doesn't the King make a speech around this time of year that sort of smooths things over?

 

I'd like to think I can make my trip in May, but now I'm starting to wonder...

 

David G.

As one Thai official said, now that this type of street democracy has started it will be difficult for it to stop.

 

If the Red Shirts get their way and win, the Yellow shirts will protest... and visa versa.

 

Common sense would dictate that the best way out of this would be for them to dissolve their parliament and have fresh elections ASAP.

 

But that's common sense... not usually the Thai way...

 

Does anyone think that the "shirts crowds" will close the airport again or that the prospect of airport closure could send the army into attack mode.

 

Anything is possible in LOS, but unlikely.

 

I know that there has been political turmoil before in Thailand, but is this apparent level of tension unique what with the deaths and all?

 

Unfortunately this situation is not unique. I can't think of another country on earth that has had more coups in it's time as a democracy.

 

Also, where's the King? Doesn't the King make a speech around this time of year that sort of smooths things over?

 

HRH is 83 and very ill. There are hundreds of people holding vigil outside the hospital he currently resides in. The entire country is holding it's breath.

 

What the aftermath of his parting will be is any-ones guess. He will be sorely missed.

 

Personally I pray for a speedy recovery as he is probably the only one who can sort this mess out.

 

I'd like to think I can make my trip in May, but now I'm starting to wonder...

 

Take your trip. Just steer a wide berth around any of these groups.

Temujin,

 

Thanks for your considered, thoughtful, and point by point response.

 

My plan is to go unless the airport literally becomes a "no fly zone"

 

David G.

As one Thai official said, now that this type of street democracy has started it will be difficult for it to stop.

 

If the Red Shirts get their way and win, the Yellow shirts will protest... and visa versa.

 

Absolutely. Now that PAD is revving up again, I'm a bit more worried than I was before. I'm not worried so much about what PAD might do on their own, but about having two large polarized radical groups facing off.

 

Common sense would dictate that the best way out of this would be for them to dissolve their parliament and have fresh elections ASAP.

 

It would definitely quiet things down over the short run, but it seems to me that the aftermath might be dire, mightn't it? No matter which party ended up in power after the election, there would be accusations of rigged elections, more protests, etc. (This will happen no matter when the elections happen, of course.) Plus, giving in to UDD's every demand would probably both cause the Democrat Party to lose face and send the message that strong-arm tactics are the preferred way to effect change. (Though that message is probably already ingrained.)

 

It seems to me that the government does be preparing to step down, though. They offered to hold new elections in 9 months, and then in 6 months, and they transferred some of the peacekeeping authority to an army leader who clearly supports the UDD.

 

HRH is 83 and very ill. There are hundreds of people holding vigil outside the hospital he currently resides in. The entire country is holding it's breath.

 

His Majesty has seen many changes in the government during his long rule. The recent events must be affecting him deeply. I, too, pray for his speedy recovery.

It would definitely quiet things down over the short run, but it seems to me that the aftermath might be dire, mightn't it?

 

I agree.

 

I have no idea what the answer is in the long term. I'm not that smart or well versed on the people.

 

What is my concern is what happens if, Buddha forbid, the King dies. HRH son is career military ...

He is a serious wild card in troubling times.

 

I sometimes wonder if we are seeing yet another stage of a cascade event that started when Thaskin came to power. The dominoes seem to be falling faster now...

 

(Mods - If at any stage in this discussion you feel I come even close to committing l'ese majeste, please feel free to delete it.)

The last time I was in LOS I made sure never to wear a red or yellow shirt. I'll continue this policy for my forthcoming trip.

The last time I was in LOS I made sure never to wear a red or yellow shirt. I'll continue this policy for my forthcoming trip.

 

I remember wearing a bright red shirt one morning and had good some good banter with my yellow shirted companion for that night. She thought it was funny and she had gave me a good natured ribbing about being a "red shirt." I never had any problems wearing the red shirt and I'm sure most Thais would have an understanding sense of humor about it although I'll probably try to avoid those colors on my next trip.

I'm a firm believer in democracy, for all it's shortcomings it's the best system humankind has devised in over 2 thousand years.

 

Saying that, I don't think the airports will get shut-down again, based on the military security I passed thru 3 weeks ago. However, I understand that the rank and file military may have different opinions from the officers - who knows.

 

As for the King, much respect, he seems to be a major stabilising influence in the country, and I hope his health recoverer's. I don't have much grasp on the details, but the succession path appears uncertain and potentially divisive. For a country I love I obviously hope for a peaceful transition.

 

My prayers (metaphorically speaking as a firm agnostic) are for a peaceful outcome that contributes to a stable government and improved living standards for all

 

As Neil from the Young One's said, 'Peace, Love and Mung beans'

 

GeeMan