Operation Disruption launched by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) late last night may confront Premier Somchai Wongsawat's decision to declare a state of emergency when he attempts to land somewhere in Thailand on his way back from Apec Summit in Lima, Peru.
But will Somchai carry out the threat? How can PAD justify its seizure of the country's main international airport that disrupted the lives of so many Thai and foreign passengers? It's a high-risk move that PAD would spend lots of time and energy to explain to the public in general.
The military said there won't be a coup. But that doesn't mean the army could keep a "live-and-let-live" attitude when chaos reins and a paralysed government seems incapable of running the country.
A PAD core leader, Suriyasaid Takasila, said last night that if Somchai quits as premier, PAD would consider calling off the six-month seizure of Government House. But if Somchai insists on clinging to power, the chaotic situation in Bangkok will deteriorate. Clashes between the red and white-shirted elements will intensify. Tourism will be hard hit. People's morale will be badly hurt. And the country will plunge deeper into the political abyss.
The only solution: PM Somchai stands down. PAD calls off its protest. A new, bipartisan coalition set up to draw up a new constitution to pave the way for a new general election that will guarantee free, fair and transparent pollings.
1 comment:
Buddism preaches the wisdom of the middle way. Now is the time for all sides to join hands at that place, and save a great nation.
For the last 30 years, I have been coming to Thailand from the US to teach, consult, and enjoy the richness of the Kingdom. The way things are going now -- unless the middle way can be found -- there will be nothing worth ever coming back to.
Are the Thais willing to let go of their bitterness and anger and find that middle way? What must each of us do to make that happen?
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