7 October was another dark day in Thai history as police clashed with protestors from the PAD*. A report and photos by Nick Nostitz have been posted at New Mandala. Nostitz, a photographer, has been based in Bangkok since 1993 and he gives an excellent report from the midst of the violence. Another perspective of 7 October can be found in a photoset by adaptorplug at flickr.
Today's Bangkok Post carried an article with opinions from veterans of the October 1973 and 1976 revolutions. Here is a quote from the article:
Former student leader Thongchai Winichakul, an historian at the University of Wisconsin, said he believes the PAD would try to provoke more violent confrontations so that it could provide a pretext for a military intervention, just as they did before the 2006 coup.
"The PAD is an anti-democratic movement. Its goal, New Politics, is for a hierarchical political system in which privileges are given to certain groups of people at the expense of others," he said in an email response when asked for his views by the Bangkok Post.
The PAD had the right to campaign in favour of its ideas in a democratic manner, but should not try to overthrow the political system or force their New Politics down the public's throat, said the history professor.
The Voice of America (VOA) had an
editorial on the Thai conflict on 10 October 2008. The VOA states that it reflects the views of the US Government.
The United States regrets the recent violence and is disturbed by reports that some demonstrators instigated violence against the police. The United States urges all parties to respect the rule of law and address their differences within Thailand's democratic institutions.
The United States calls on protesters to peacefully express their views in a manner that does not impede the functioning of a democratically elected parliament and government. The United States welcomes Prime Minister Somchai’s commitment to resolving the current crisis within the rule of law.
Finally
Giles Ungpakorn's analysis at the FACT website is described by FACT as the "most cogent and intelligent we've seen". Giles labels the PAD as a "ultra right-wing fascist mob". Giles writes:
We need to reform society to bring about progressive changes. This means expanding democracy, not allowing Thailand to slide back into the dark ages of dictatorship. But the task will only take place by forces in the Peoples’ Movement – the Left, the NGO networks, social movements and trade unions coming together to outline our own reform strategy. We cannot rely on the corrupt human-rights abusers in the government, nor the fascists of the PAD and their allies to achieve these aims.
The hopes for peacefully resolving the current stand off against the PAD seem slim. However, democracy must be seen as the solution not the problem. Although there are many weaknesses in democracy and the rule of law in Thailand if the system is given a chance to function without the threat of violence it can be improved. As undesirable as the pro-Thaksin government might seem to some it needs to be respected as the government elected by the people. If the people want to reform Thai politics then they must build a genuine people's movement that unites all sectors of society. Real and lasting change can only be effected through peaceful and nonviolent means.
Update: I just want to add a few more links. (Additional links added 15 October 2008). *PAD stands for People's Alliance for Democracy, however their agenda is fundamentally anti-democratic as they seek to overthrow the democratically elected government by unconstitutional means.
