Strange politics is not merely the monopoly of Filipinos, and that should somehow gives us a feeling of relief. At least we are not alone in that sort of oddity.
Thailand is experiencing a deep political crisis even as we speak now. Hundreds of thousands of workers from 43 state enterprises (they do still have a huge state-controlled concern) has headed towards the street demanding the ouster or resignation Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, accusing him of massive corruption and being merely a lackey of disgraced former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Sundaravej had been the elected leader just last December after the military had decided to turn over power back to civilian rule, after seizing it forcefully from Shinawatra. In that election, backers of Shinawatra---Sundaravej being amongst them---had taken a huge share of votes and in consequence and also in essence rebuking the military’s earlier role in ousting the ex-PM. Like us, Thailand voters are so soon to forget the sins of former despots.
Most of the lion’s share in that December election came from voters in large rural areas, who had been outward with their support and continuing admiration of Shinawatra. But today, the urban citizens, consisting of the middle-class and upper –class, wants to bring home the message, where the rural population could not be trusted in their political choices and suasions, where they remain faithful and loyal to an administration beset with allegations of corruption and abuse. That now, they (the urban citizens) have virtually caused general paralysis in Thailand, protesting in the streets, threatening even to stifle major and most-basic public utilities such as water and electricity.
Violence could erupt, when in fact one explosion had already been reported.
What’s more worrisome is the ever-widening gap between the rural class and urban class in Thailand, and now becoming more patent and obvious. This situation might lead to a civil war. I hope not.
Strange how the situation in Thailand is so similar to ours. Maybe it's an Asian thing. Ah well.
I linked you up, BTW. I hope you don't mind.
Comment by marc — September 3, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
To marc: We're so similar like that.
Thanks for the link. I appreciate it. I'll link you up too.
Comment by Major Tom — September 3, 2008 @ 9:16 pm
Great, you are totally amazing. Mind sharing your thoughts with my blogs?
American Blog
American Class
American Traveler
American Idols
Planet America
Thank you very much.
Comment by Visitor Blogger — September 4, 2008 @ 12:03 am
kakalungkot talaga marinig ang mga ganitong pangyayari. sa ating bansa din naman ay lantaran pa rin ang korupsyon.
Comment by donG hO — September 4, 2008 @ 4:25 pm
i cannot say that we are very similar with Thailand in the sense that they have their monarchy, and this makes a lot of difference. i have been to thailand perhaps a hundred times in the past 15 years, and i have seen and felt the difference, at least in the capital. somehow, there is still some restraint with the people, or a sense of respect and obedience to their monarch.
Comment by Sexy Mom — September 7, 2008 @ 2:47 am
Funny... but democracy is actually working in Thailand. That's how Thaksin and Samak won... by a majority vote... which happens to consist of the people in the rural areas.
And I guess that is also what's happening in the Philippines that's why we got people like Erap winning. It's quite frustrating for the middle class.
Comment by Toe — September 8, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
To dongHO: it's completely unideal; I hope change would come.
Comment by Major Tom — September 8, 2008 @ 10:27 pm
To sexyMom: That's what enviable about them, they still retain respect to their leaders, the monarchy to be specific, and even the military there have always respected the king.
Comment by Major Tom — September 8, 2008 @ 10:29 pm
To Toe: It's amazing how Thailand and the Philippines could be twins in so many things, even the political drama and societal nuances, where leaders get elected by rural folks (as in Erap) but the urbans sent him spiraling down. Just like in Thailand now with Samak and Thaksin.
Comment by Major Tom — September 8, 2008 @ 10:31 pm
I have heard/read about this too. Thailand is famous for power grabs by the military, isn't it? But this time, its the populace who are taking to the streets.
Comment by annamanila — September 8, 2008 @ 10:45 pm