Coup or Silk Revolution
The world politic condemns any country that is not “democratic.” Yet, when
faced with acts that embody the true essence of democracy: a political
system in which the supreme power lies with the citizens, the world simply
cannot recognize it.
On Sept. 19th a military coup overthrew the Thai government, while the
Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra landed in New York City to give a speech at a
UN assembly. The coup was fast to act, and soon the nations capital was
filled with Tanks and military soldiers. Thailand’s issues with the Prime
Minister stemming the past two plus years have been slow to enter major
newspapers around the world, but add a few tanks and a coup and we have
headline news. At first glance by those who have simply not followed this
conflict, this would seem violent and undemocratic and simply put “scary.”
Enter US Government. The US was the first country to be “disappointed with
the Coup, who supports the corrupt Thaksin Shinawatra leader, and threatened
to review its relationship with all of Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Thaksin,
who was denied his speaking time at the UN assembly, tried to declare a
state of emergency in his own country, only to have the military cut the
phone lines 10 seconds later. Exiled by his own nation, Thaksin flew to
London where his daughter lived in his one of his mansions, and was forced
to watch his country via the western news stations and newspaper headlines.
Back in Thailand, the people rejoiced and welcomed the soldiers who wore
yellow ribbons symbolizing that the take-over was supported by the revered
King. Thai’s were found handing roses to the soldiers and posing in photo
ops as if the military were pop star celebrities.
Most would ponder at the thought of a ‘perceived’ hostile takeover with
military tanks flooding the streets being a peaceful movement, but in order
to regain control of a country dominated by a “democratic” leader who
refused to step down from power after several huge protests this past April,
it should not be so surprising. After studying and watching the Thai
society over the past few years, I am confident in knowing that these
citizens understand their rights to make decisions for their country. This
is a population that is not afraid to protest, whether it is violent or
peaceful, they will march in the streets for days on end, and they will
continue to voice their concerns until they, as the majority, have won.
The protests began in April shortly after Prime Minister Thaksin sold his
Thai telecom company, Shincorp to Singapore and decided to not tax himself,
making him an obscene amount of money. Thaksin was already the richest man
in Thailand and one of the richest men in Asia. Although Thaksin had made
several big errors including: making huge mistakes in his policies in
Thailand’s Muslim South that has resulted in a huge rise in violence and a
death toll of over 3000 people in the past 3 years, as well as hiding bird flu
epidemics to avoid trade barriers and protect Thai exports, it was not until
the middle class felt betrayed by Thaksin’s tax-free wealth that protests
really began. In April, after over a month of protests, Thaksin decided to
hold another election. He claimed that if less than 50% of the population
voted for him he would step down from power. This enraged the people of
Thailand, who believed his unfair actions were reason enough for him to step
down and be tried without an election. Thai’s filled the streets dressed in
black and yellow and refused to vote. In the end, most major parties in
Thailand as well as 40% of the population boycotted the vote. Although
Thaksin had won the election wining 51% of the votes, he chose to step down
temporality to avoid any further conflict. Months later he returned just in
time to declare another election.
The people have retained their power. The military has fulfilled their duty
to protect the people from harm (Thaksin), and the country is currently
peaceful. This is simply a ’silk’ revolution that clearly follows the
democratic doctrine. It is we Westerners who should be scrutinized. Could
this type of revolution happen in the US? Would our will and morale evoke us
to seize our democratic rights? If a leader was corrupt, the product of
mass death tolls, and hid the truth from its people, would the people bind
together to demand a change? Not Likely. Yet we continuously claim that
these ‘uncivilized’ people do not understand the meaning of democracy. Shame
on us.
Note:
I decided to write this article after reading a popular forum on the internet. The forum had a thread entitled “Breaking: Thailand Coup?” The comments from several posters where as follows, ” I wonder how many Muslim clerics were involved”; Not to Demean this, but aren’t Coups common in the 3rd world?”; and finally ” Muslims (most likely) have seized Thailand.” This is the type of response that fuels me. People, can we be this naive? Our media and governments and now even the Pope has out lashed on the Muslim population blaming them for everything. Soon we will be blaming the Muslims for our wives and husbands leaving us, and for our bikes being stolen. Thailand is also NOT a 3rd World country and Muslims di not take over Thailand! We should be ashamed of ourselves and of our neighbors as this is 2006 and we still have not moved past an era of extreme discrimination.
Nicole Sorochan is an aspiring Film Maker. She has an Asian Studies and Film Degree from the University of Victoria and has a strong interest in Asian Relations, Religion, and Politics. She is attempting to use Film as a form of social movement and awareness. For more information about her and her current projects please go to her website: http://www.nicolesorochan.com
Tags: coup, Democracy, discrimination, election, muslim, protest, revolution, sea, thai, thailand, Thaksin