The dilemma of Thailand's political turbulence
- By Zhou Shixin
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E-mail China.org.cn, December 24, 2013
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A Thai anti-government protester waves the national flag during a rally at the Victory Monument in Bangkok, Thailand, Dec. 22, 2013. Thailand's main opposition Democrat Party said it would boycott February's general election, deepening a political crisis as protesters called for another major rally Sunday to step up efforts to oust the government and force political reforms.[Xinhua] |
![A Thai anti-government protester waves the national flag during a rally at the Victory Monument in Bangkok, Thailand, Dec. 22, 2013. Thailand's main opposition Democrat Party said it would boycott February's general election, deepening a political crisis as protesters called for another major rally Sunday to step up efforts to oust the government and force political reforms.[Xinhua photo]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20131224/001ec949c22b14232b6a05.jpg "A Thai anti-government protester waves the national flag during a rally at the Victory Monument in Bangkok, Thailand, Dec. 22, 2013. Thailand's main opposition Democrat Party said it would boycott February's general election, deepening a political crisis as protesters called for another major rally Sunday to step up efforts to oust the government and force political reforms.[Xinhua photo]")
Thailand's political situation is in turmoil once again, which has deepened the international community's stereotyped understanding of the political impasse in Thai democracy. Although this crisis has stemmed from the Yingluck Shinawatra's party trying to pass an "Amnesty Bill," it failed to achieve its goals, but has also led to a political tragedy, because of serious political polarization in Thailand. It highlights the lack of a stable foundation in Thai politics, and the parties are once again caught in a tug of war.
Thai society needs real democracy more than many other countries in the process of modernization, and knows democracy better than some countries, but lacks the political atmosphere for democracy. Democracy is a kind of political commitment, and a policy instrument to transfer power. It is imperative for the various political forces to pay homage to the democratic process, to respect the results of democracy, and prepare for the next election.
Thai political parties don't pay adequate respect to the democratic procedure and outcome. It is understandable if the opposition tries to overturn the ruling party through criticism or even moderate protests. However, the Thai opposition often takes advantage of the ruling party's error, and tries to launch large-scale demonstrations with millions of people, thus threatening the country's order, putting pressure on the ruling government, and eventually forcing it to hold general elections again. The whole process comes at a great cost to the country and people.
Generally speaking, the Yingluck administration had not prepared adequately before it tried to win "the Amnesty Bill." The ruling party depended on its majority share in the congress, hadn't communicated enough with other political factions, or done enough publicity in the country. On the other hand, Yingluck's party puts Thai democracy to the extreme. Yingluck responded to the opposition's agitation – the "Yellow Shirts" demonstration strategy – with greater flexibility and tolerance. She even accepted the extremely provocative ideas and acts of opposition leader Suthep Thaugsuban, and dismissed the lower congress, which shows Yingluck's confidence in winning the upcoming election.
The Thai reelection itself is an improvement, also a process of torment. In this process, what concerns us most is how all the forces interact. Currently, the opposition seems to have nothing to fear, but no end in mind. It thinks the tendency of the army is much obvious even it has not taken side orally. Therefore, it believes that Yingluck can be pulled down. However, the opposition's strategy doesn't seem sensible, reasonable and legitimate after Yingluck agreed to hold a reelection. The Democratic Party has a very slim chance of gaining power again through elections. It came into power not because of votes, but by removing the legitimacy of the opposition People's Power Party. It will still be very difficult for the Democratic Party to win through votes in the future if it doesn't change its policy.
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