Thailand - State of Emergency

(photos pulled from internet news articles)


I have been getting emails from some of you inquiring about the political situation in Thailand. By the way, this has also been an interesting litmus test on my friend's and family's engagement with world news....now we know who is reading the international section of the paper!

So in its simplest terms, it appears there is a coup in progress. Thailand is no stranger to coups - there was one just prior to my move here in April.

The PAD (People's Alliance for Democracy) is responsible for this, and the last, conflict. Its supporters are mainly urban, middle- to upper-class who are relatively rich compared to the majority of Thailand's rural population. The PAD's self defined mission is anti-corruption and anti-authoritarianism.

Now, one and a half years after the last coup they orchestrated, the PAD have taken action to insist that the Prime Minister step down from his post. So these folks are tired of the PM's alleged corruption and double talk. Anyone who known anything about the 3rd world will know that bribes and corruption are widely tolerated as part of daily life....so in fact the offenses they allege he committed are particularly egregious.

So what does this mean in terms of activity in BKK?

Demonstrations started at the Parliament peacefully, but quickly devolved. Angry protesters brandished weapons as police in riot gear were brought in to calm the swell. Turns out a bunch of angry Thai's are not so easily subdued. Police used force, people died and the conflict then escalated.
In the last week, protests were strategically expanded to include new sites like airports and public transportation centers. The result of which is that 2 airports are now closed and various sorts of public transport are largely unavailable. Large Thai employers and companies have gone on sympathetic strike and there is a rumor that Thai Airways (the national airline) will soon shut down in protest. The international airport is open for the moment, but it is debatable how long that will remain open, especially if Thai Air follows suit.

The PM called the military in for a meeting to assist in matters and it was reported that the head general advised the PM to step down. The military has clearly and publically indicated its support of the people, so one wonders how much longer the PM can hold out. Water and electricity have been shut down in government buildings, residences and in some parts of town in an effort to increase the choke hold on the PM and other politicians. There are reports that the shut downs will be extended to residential areas to further escalate the situation. As chaos, car traffic and mounting anxiety choke BKK, the prevailing opinion is that a coup is underway.

You might be wondering how does this affect me, Joanna..

Well, the answer is not so much....so far. Practically speaking most of the action is in another part of the city. There is a curfew, but it seems none of the expats observe it. We still have water and electricity. Bars, restaurants and clubs are still open and decently attended, although admittedly not as full as usual.

So amidst the chaos the foreign elite are relatively unscathed for now. We'll see how long this holds....I personally am safe and comfortable at the moment. And I think for the majority of us expats, as long as water and electricity are available and the international airport stays open, we will remain fairly secure in our expat bubble.

With that said, laying low is not a bad idea...and I do have a lot of reading to catch up on....