Thailand, the Land of Protests

It is no big news to say that Thailand is caught up in an ongoing political struggle. That is obvious. What it is exactly about is a harder story to capture. Is it about democracy? Is it about a power struggle between the powerful and wealthy? Is it about greed and corruption gone mad? Is it about a class struggle? Is it about something else? Is it about many things? I try to understand and do the best I can but ultimately who knows???

The two basic people's sides or fronts are -
the 'red shirts' or UDD - United Front against Dictatorship for Democracy;
the 'yellow shirts' or PAD - People's Alliance for Democracy.
The former come from the Provinces to the north and northeast of Bangkok. The latter comes from Bangkok. The former is named as pro-Thaksin; the latter anti-Thaksin. The former is a movement of the rural poor; the latter is a movement of the Bangkok elite. Both proclaim their loyalty to Thailand, democracy and the monarchy.

Where I live in Bangkok is in Sathorn, around the corner from the Australian Embassy. It is central but it is also suburban. For me, it is a wondeful place to live. My usual walking course has become home of the 'red shirts'. My shopping area, Silom, has become home of the army who are there so as to stop the 'red shirts' taking over any more of Bangkok.

So when I went for my walk and shopping yesterday, I walked past many soldiers with rifles. All seem relaxed and friendly and were happy to have their photo taken. To get to my supermarket, I had to skirt barbed wire and military vehicles. It all had a surreal feel about it.

Despite all, I just don't feel unsafe. People on both sides are friendly. I know anything and everything could happen anytime but, in the meantime, life just goes on. In another way, I feel like I am part of a real life Shakespearen tragedy. In yet another way, it is like being part of living history. Who knows what will happen next.

It is sad to see people killed. It is sad to see the poor undergo ongoing suffering. I wonder if all this has to happen to allow a democracy to grow as democracy, to allow a society to undergo needed change as all this does not just happen but why the bloodshed? That does not have to be.

Like always, life here is a mystery.