I encourage anyone reading this to do a little research on the background of these protests... I feel it is almost backwards of what we would expect in the states. It's not the underprivileged who are rising up in protest, but rather that wealthy minority who are trying to oust the democratically elected Prime Minister and democracy as a whole. They believe the PM is a puppet for her brother Thaksin, who led the democratic movement in Thailand. Unfortunately, Thaksin was a corrupt business man, and there are allegations that while he was in office he was corrupt with the tax money of the people as well. But most of the poor people in the rural areas still support Thaksin and his sister, as they have experienced improvements to their overall welfare.
Given this is Thailand's first taste of democracy, (democratic elections are only about 20 years old in Thailand) I can *somewhat* understand their concern, but coming from America, a hand picked representative who is not elected NEVER sounds like a better option. Those protesting wish to return the power to the monarchy, and put their faith in the King's selection of a new PM and a "People's Council" rather than an elected cabinet.
To be honest, I am not quite sure where to stand on this one. I love to see countries moving towards democracy, but if it is a corrupt democracy, how is that better? If they truly believe the people picked by the King (who is insanely well liked by his people) will be honest and fair, maybe the centuries of Monarchy here in this culture provide a stability that should not be undermined. Key differences in Thai culture include the concept of a hierarchy--not like in America where everyone is created equal. If everyone is created equal, democracy makes sense. Buddhist cultures who believe you were born into this life because of your choices in a past life, tend to believe that you deserve the cards you are dealt--therefore a rich man deserves to be rich and a poor man deserves to be poor. This has been the way of the people for centuries. Faith is placed in the hands of the Monarchy, who provide stability and support to the nation in their power, which is their birthright. Democracy undermines this faith by giving the people an anonymous way to disagree with the powers that be, in a country where disagreeing with authority is so taboo.
Anyway, it is certainly a very interesting time to be living here, but I am thankful to not be in Bangkok. The protests are beginning to get bloody. Most people think that with the King's birthday tomorrow, the protesting will halt in his honor, but likely resume by Friday or Saturday.
Last weekend I went to BKK to see some friends. Friday night I got to see one of the bigger protests right up close, from the back of my motorcycle taxi. What a rush! No matter what side of the debate you fall on, the sheer sight and energy of all those people is intoxicating! And to know that you are experiencing, actually LIVING and breathing a moment in history is a feeling like no other. The entire city is lit up for the King's birthday, so even without the adrenaline rush of seeing the protests it was a beautiful ride that made me all verklempt, as I tend to get on the back of motorcycles in this country. It reminds me that I need to read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," but it is said that riding on or driving a motorcycle of any kind connects you to the moment of now better than most other experiences. I have had this overwhelming experience numerous times since living here, and to combine that with the electricity of such a loud and excited crowd---unimaginable.
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