The coup – shining people in dark times
The people of Thailand appear to have dealt with Tuesday night’s military coup as if it were just another day at the office. Indeed, the last coup of this sort was just 15 years ago. Walking through the streets of Bangkok the initial air of panic has evaporated and been replaced with a peculiar, almost jovial atmosphere.
Constitutional expert Somchai Homlaor of the Lawyers’ Council of Thailand was recently quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying “Thais are most upset about the military throwing out the Constitution,” suggesting that the people of Thailand are outraged by the sudden overthrowing of democracy. The feeling on the streets does not reflect this.
The anti-coup protest on Friday, organized by students from Chula University, drew just 20 brave individuals. It appears that people are either too scared to let their voices be heard, or else they are simply willing to let what is happening continue and just go with the flow.
The military presence throughout the city is one of curiosity. Guns and soldiers are everywhere. Large tanks are still visible. Yet the people of Bangkok have made this situation into a carnival-like time. The soldiers sit relaxing at the side of the road, some having splashed out on expensive looking sunglasses. To say they are soldiers is a little misleading. A lot of these people are just boys. Boys with very big guns.
The seriousness of the situation is totally undermined by the playful nature of the soldiers and the people. It is a wonderful insight into the Thai psyche. The tanks, guns and military uniforms have become a major tourist attraction for both foreigners and locals alike.
Everybody wants to take a picture of the military. Small children are seen posing next to tall, blasé looking soldiers. A man near government building went so far as to have the ingenuity to make a selection of tank, gun and soldier stickers. He has been selling them since the coup, and appears to be doing a roaring trade as everybody wants to take home a souvenir.
Other entrepreneurs have been selling roses that people have been buying and giving to the proud soldiers. The soldiers seem to be relishing the attention.
The Thais appear not to be fazed by the idea of the coup. A discussion on the Bangkok Recorder website forum drew an interesting observation from a user known as Somchai: “This happens every 10 years or so, no big deal. Things will return to normal. Carry on, the military is not going to take over.”
There have been 18 coup attempts since 1932 when the absolute monarchy was abolished.
To a foreigner looking in, the events of the past 6 days have been nothing short of strange. The world’s spotlight still rests on Thailand, and Agoda (an internet based travel company) has reported that sales of flights to Thailand have only been minutely affected.
The country remains split over Thaksin. Here is a man who has done great things for Thailand. He helped developed health care, reduced rate loans and rural businesses and made positive steps towards tackling poverty. Yet for everything good he has done, people are quick to step up and highlight everything wrong he has done.
His dealings with the media have made him a villainous character in some circles. He has often attempted to silence newspapers, including The Bangkok Post, an English Language publication that has been highly critical of the problematic Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s soon to open major international destination.
Thaksin is a shrewd businessman who often acts unethically. The dubious sale of Shin Corp in January of this year netted him and his family close to $2 billion, most of which is now in offshore accounts. It was recently announced that all of Thaksin’s assets may be seized, but it is doubtful how much of an impact this would have on the former policeman.
Whilst Thailand is divided over Thaksin, it remains divided about the coup. Foreigners and locals alike are often critical of Thaksin without actually developing a full understanding of what he has done right and what he has done wrong. At the moment Thailand does not appear to be any better off than a week ago, but the publicity it has received has certainly caused the general public to take note of this oft misunderstood land.
