And the winner is … Thaksin
Written by changthai11 on Friday, October 10th, 2008
News THINK
And the winner is … Thaksin
THANIDA TANSUBHAPOL
As the tear gas clears from inner Bangkok and an uneasy calm settles over the city, it is becoming apparent two people will benefit most from the violent clashes - ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Khunying Potjaman.
The British Home Office on Monday confirmed the couple had sought asylum after jumping bail on graft cases and fleeing to Britain.
According to the 1951 United Nations Convention on the status of refugees, the UK recognises anyone as an asylum-seeker only when they have left their countries and are unable to return due to well-founded fears of persecution because of their political opinions, race, religion or nationality.
The violent clash on Tuesday could be used by Mr Thaksin and his wife as the perfect excuse to be granted political asylum there. The British authorities are looking into the matter.
No one understands why Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, a brother-in-law of Mr Thaksin, was so dogmatic about announcing the government’s policies in parliament despite being informed of the throngs of People’s Alliance for Democracy supporters outside. Some ministers suggested he defer the reading or move it to another place.
It is difficult to believe Mr Somchai, whose public persona is that of a man prepared to compromise, would take such drastic action. The resignation of Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh as the deputy prime minister not only showed spirit in taking some responsibility for the violence, but was a telling show of his utmost dissatisfaction with Mr Somchai’s action. He was reported to have suggested another venue to the premier, but this advice went unheeded.
There were many lessons learned by both the PAD and the police. For the PAD, it should have done a better job in controlling its supporters when making such a strategic move. Relocating a large group of people is hard enough, but it is even more difficult when those people are emotionally charged. The PAD leaders must acknowledge this and learn.
Authorities in charge of handling protests need to understand they have to exercise the utmost caution when taking any action. They should have realised drastic measures would face strong criticism. In future, it is imperative standard practices be strictly followed.
Questions have been raised about whether the officers who fired tear gas at the protesters on Tuesday were properly trained. Thus far, no authorities have come out with an answer.
While both sides are now blaming each other for the loss of life and the horrific injuries, there needs to be an investigation into each accusation and clarifications made for the public.
While the leaders of both sides have learned a hard lesson from Tuesday’s clash, it is the PAD supporters and police officers who paid the price.
While bloody demonstrations make dramatic headlines, they also provide an excuse for protesters and police to resort to violence in an instant.
The world must be bewildered by the footage of the riots as this is such a contrast to the standard perception of Thailand as a peaceful Buddhist country.
It’s time for the PAD and government to begin serious truce talks as the bloodshed has benefited no one except the couple seeking asylum in London.
