As demands for popular participation rise, Thailand's infant democracy finds itself at a crossroads
Bangkok (AsiaNews) - Described as of the Asian tigers for its recent fast-paced economic development, Thailand is now experiencing a profound political crisis. Some hope that this crisis is one of democratic and civic growth.
The facts are known. In recent years, the politics of the Southeast Asian country has been dominated by an increasingly bitter factional struggle. On the one hand, the ruling party of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is widely supported by the rural population; on the other, the Democrat party whose support is largely urban, especially in the capital Bangkok.
The political fight has now reached a critical point where it is hard to see the parties settle their confrontation and reach a peaceful settlement.
Roused and supported by the opposition Democratic Party, led by Suthep Thaugsuban, crowds gather daily at strategic points in the capital, peacefully for now, to protest against the outgoing caretaker government, which is still in power pending new elections.
For the opposition, this is not enough. What it wants is a radical change to the country's political structures that would in practice ban the ruling party.
Such radical demands are fuelled by accusations of "total corruption" against the political class that supports the deposed prime minister.
With his immense wealth, but mostly through state funds, Thaksin Shinawatra has been accused of building up his personal power and a solid political base within the government and a loyal following among the poor and rural masses.
Although he has been abroad for many years, he is accused of still pulling the strings, practically holding the entire nation hostage.
The latest attempt by the government to introduce a general amnesty for all political prisoners of the past ten years explains the recent social unrest.
Clearly, this would mark the triumphant return of Thaksin to Thailand. But the direct and visceral reaction against the proposed amnesty also shows how deep the aversion to the current government runs among a substantial part of the population.
In addition to these facts and explanations, other factors explain the current political upheaval. In fact, in the past 40 years, Thailand has experienced strong economic growth and profound social changes, with the emergence of an increasingly influential middle class that is conscious of its political clout.
However, these developments have not been accompanied by appropriate changes in government structures, which have remained intrinsically paternalistic, centred on a patron-client model whereby patrons can expect total client loyalty in exchange for benefits.
This kind of relationship has been in place for a long time but has become further entrenched under Thaksin Shinawatra and acolytes, resulting a widespread system of personal favouritism and political corruption.
The perception is that politicians, both in government and opposition, looted the country's wealth for their personal gain rather than the common good.
Indeed, although the government is currently on the hot seat, the opposition is not innocent. There is a widespread belief that everyone is to blame for the situation
Hence, the ongoing middle class protests can be seen as a demand for more democratic participation in the decision-making process and as an attempt to overcome the patron-client relationship, which has been a source of increasingly widespread corruption and favouritism.
In short, with Thailand's democracy still in its infancy, Thais are going through the hardships of growth, confusedly seeking a way out.
Many of them hope to see the country's various political and social groups find a solution through peaceful dialogue. The alternative would be yet another military intervention that would momentarily silenced complaints but not solve the real problems.
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