The wave of protests sweeping all corners of the world has reached Thailand. What’s more: Thailand appears as the latest disturbing example of leaders imposing their will on countries even when not officially in power.
Thaksin Shinawatra served as prime minister of the Asian nation from 2001-06, when he was ousted in a military coup. Upon being charged with abuse of power he fled the country and faces two years in prison if he returns.
Despite being exiled Thaksin’s is far from out of Thailand’s political picture, and a recent amnesty bill proposed by the government could pave the way for his return. The current government — led, not coincidentally, by Thaksin’s sister Yingluck Shinawatra — recently proposed legislation that would absolve those connected with previous political activity of wrongdoing, including actions that led to Thaksin’s overthrow in 2006. While the decree is not specifically intended to apply to Thaksin, opposition leaders worry it could lead to his reinstatement and eventual resumption of power. Bangkok officials prepared for massive protests on Aug. 7, 2013 in connection with this issue, deploying 30,000 police officers, imposing curfews, and closing roads and schools.
Tensions seem to be running especially high in the wake of 2010 protests that devolved into violence leaving 90 people dead. Amnesty International deems the proposed bill “an insult to the victims and families of the 2010 violence”, as it could be used to exonerate those in the military involved in the deaths or injuries of protesters.
I have noticed a troubling trend recently of leaders acting very undemocratically in countries that are supposed to be democracies. Individuals or groups who exert influence even when not in power can create an entrenched political environment difficult to uproot, stalling progress toward fairness to equality. Thailand is, sadly, just one example of this scenario.
Protests and other (hopefully non-violent) shows of discontent can show governments that people disapprove of favoritism and abuse of power, but it doesn’t always lead to change. If protests don’t work in Thailand, opposition groups could work through elections to change the makeup of the government (though a political analyst quoted in the Guardian article indicates the opposition is fragmented).
With enough support real change is possible, though nothing is assured on the bumpy road to legitimate democracy.
