All eyes are on Thailand. Anti-government protests and counter protests are becoming a concern for many, not just for locals. Several foreign governments have issued travel advisory against the country which is a famous tourist destination.
The situation has deteriorated further from when it started. Yesterday, anti-government protesters stormed and managed to overtake the main airport in Bangkok, the country's seat of power. Incoming and outgoing flights were canceled due to the takeover. Many foreigners are stranded. They are at the moment camping "in" at the airport. The country’s head of government have to divert his flight to Chang Mai because of the airport shut down.
Anti government protesters would like their Prime Minister to step down due to various allegations that actually stemmed out during the time of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawartra. Furthermore, they want their current prime minister out because they view him as a mere puppet of Thaksin. In fact, the incumbent Prime Minister, Somchai Wongsawat is Thaksin's brother in law.
To say that what's happening in Thailand is "not normal" is an understatement. Pockets of fighting have even ensued between the pro and anti government faction. Fatalities have already been reported. Some protesters unfortunately have totally disregarded law and order. The protest which has started calmly is now a pandemonium. This, however complicated it is already, can be put to an abrupt stop if one voice will only be heard, that is the voice the Thailand's revered King Bhumibol.
It is very much apparent that although protesters differ in political allegiance, they are united in professing their loyalty to their beloved King.
Protesters on both side use color yellow in every aspect of their protest. They are wearing yellow shirts and yellow armband. They are using color yellow flags. Their protest banners though having opposing messages are color yellow. They are using color yellow not because they revere Cory Aquino or because yellow is fashionable. Color yellow is an indication of their loyalty to their Majesty, the King of Thailand. Yellow is the Thai Monarchy's standard. They would like to make known that whatever rowdiness they are doing, it is not meant to offend their beloved Monarch. To say that King Bhumibol is beloved by his subject is actually an understatement. The Thai King is considered a demigod by Thai people.
Even during the coup de etat in 2005, when the military forced then Prime Minister Thaksin out of office, military officers, soldiers and their public supporters did wear yellow armbands to profess their continuous loyalty to the King. They were wise enough not to confuse the public into thinking that the coup is meant to depose the entire government which is in theory headed by the King.
Thais reverence to their King is unquestionable. No one dares to oppose the King publicly. Even a petty disrespect to the King (say vandalizing the King poster) is considered a crime—Lese majeste as they call in Thailand.
Either side of the opposing parties in Thailand is surely praying for the King's support in their cause. The vast majority of Thais affected by the ongoing situation surely wants an intercession coming from the King. Historically, King Bhumibol does weigh in publicly on political issues more so on his political preference. However, the King has his own way in letting his opinion known, at least to the lucky few within his circle.
It is rumored that the coup de etat in 2005 was subtly sanctioned by the King, though its accurateness will not be known. His stand on the current crisis is crucial for both opposing parties for his stand will determine who will be the victor in the end, either the government or the anti government forces. It is also certain that whatever decision he makes, his unwavering Thai subjects will not dare question.
The situation has deteriorated further from when it started. Yesterday, anti-government protesters stormed and managed to overtake the main airport in Bangkok, the country's seat of power. Incoming and outgoing flights were canceled due to the takeover. Many foreigners are stranded. They are at the moment camping "in" at the airport. The country’s head of government have to divert his flight to Chang Mai because of the airport shut down.
Anti government protesters would like their Prime Minister to step down due to various allegations that actually stemmed out during the time of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawartra. Furthermore, they want their current prime minister out because they view him as a mere puppet of Thaksin. In fact, the incumbent Prime Minister, Somchai Wongsawat is Thaksin's brother in law.
To say that what's happening in Thailand is "not normal" is an understatement. Pockets of fighting have even ensued between the pro and anti government faction. Fatalities have already been reported. Some protesters unfortunately have totally disregarded law and order. The protest which has started calmly is now a pandemonium. This, however complicated it is already, can be put to an abrupt stop if one voice will only be heard, that is the voice the Thailand's revered King Bhumibol.
It is very much apparent that although protesters differ in political allegiance, they are united in professing their loyalty to their beloved King.
Protesters on both side use color yellow in every aspect of their protest. They are wearing yellow shirts and yellow armband. They are using color yellow flags. Their protest banners though having opposing messages are color yellow. They are using color yellow not because they revere Cory Aquino or because yellow is fashionable. Color yellow is an indication of their loyalty to their Majesty, the King of Thailand. Yellow is the Thai Monarchy's standard. They would like to make known that whatever rowdiness they are doing, it is not meant to offend their beloved Monarch. To say that King Bhumibol is beloved by his subject is actually an understatement. The Thai King is considered a demigod by Thai people.
Even during the coup de etat in 2005, when the military forced then Prime Minister Thaksin out of office, military officers, soldiers and their public supporters did wear yellow armbands to profess their continuous loyalty to the King. They were wise enough not to confuse the public into thinking that the coup is meant to depose the entire government which is in theory headed by the King.
Thais reverence to their King is unquestionable. No one dares to oppose the King publicly. Even a petty disrespect to the King (say vandalizing the King poster) is considered a crime—Lese majeste as they call in Thailand.
Either side of the opposing parties in Thailand is surely praying for the King's support in their cause. The vast majority of Thais affected by the ongoing situation surely wants an intercession coming from the King. Historically, King Bhumibol does weigh in publicly on political issues more so on his political preference. However, the King has his own way in letting his opinion known, at least to the lucky few within his circle.
It is rumored that the coup de etat in 2005 was subtly sanctioned by the King, though its accurateness will not be known. His stand on the current crisis is crucial for both opposing parties for his stand will determine who will be the victor in the end, either the government or the anti government forces. It is also certain that whatever decision he makes, his unwavering Thai subjects will not dare question.
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