That mindset has now changed with the recent political turmoil that has rocked this holiday cum shopping destination. The people of Thailand are protesting for the return of the ex-prime minister, Thaksin, back into power. It is really sick and sounds disgusting.Thaksin was charged in court for fraud and squandering the citizens money as his own. He use to be the ex-owner of Manchester City for a while before selling it off. There are stories that he was a billionaire even before being the premier but a lot of people are doubting how he became rich. As of now, he has divorced his wife to protect the wealth of his assets from being exposed to all.
With respect to his leadership, he seemed like a nice guy. I remmember the time he visited KL and met up with the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr Mahathir. A lot of ties were forged for economic bennefits of both countries, monitoring the illegal trade of rice and petrol and safety at our borders at Bukit Kayu Hitam.As for the current crisis, the protest is mostly contained within the busy Bangkok. The protesters clad in red T-Shirts march to the streets creating chaos; vandalizing military vehicles and terrorizing cabinet ministers of the coutry. Some say that these protesters are being paid by the billionaire ex-pm to organize such demonstrations. How can people say this is a peaceful protest? How can a once peaceful nation have a misconception on the term peaceful? Thais are not stupid people despite the language barrier towards the world but they could be clever in bull-shitting. This is bogus!
Thailand has been changing prime ministers like how Paris Hilton has been changing boy-friends. Where is the symbol of the country's stability? Can you just imagine the impact of this political volatility have on the nation's economy especially during this current economic crisis? Thailand is a haven for holiday makers but I am sure they will think twice if not three especially about their safety. When 9/11 happen in the US, it openned the eyes of the world that such catastrophes could happen anytime, anywhere and to anyone.
After Thaksin left office, there have been so many replacements. However, the people have some reason to get rid of them be it corruption woes and non-democratic selection of their leaders. Thaksin is hoping to return back to Thailand and regaining his control of the country as Prime Minister. This would include a some-how genius idea of clearing the charges against him and pretending nothing happenned. Fat hopes lah coming from a non-political science scholar.
I personally think that the current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is a nice guy. He is deffinitely a wise choice as leader having graduated from a prestigous institution in the UK. His international relationship is very good and is trying his best to boost the economy especially travel. If you go to CNN.com, you may still be able to view an advertisement of Thailand beginning with him introducing himself and elaborating on how wonderful Thailand is to the world.
The chaos continues until some form of convincing, clarification and persuasion can come to the country. I feel the best person to make this happen is the highly respected king of Thailand as everyone looks up to him. He is respected almost God-like and most Thais display their affection to him with his photo all over from inside their wallets, front of their shops and key-chains. There is no place for the US to get involve in acting as mediator or whatsoever. This is not another Iraq or Afghanistan. It will do a lot bennefit to bring back the stability and peacefulness of the now torn nation. I am optimistic and hoping that things will return to before, once this issue has been resolved as Malaysia and Thailand have very close business ties.
