It’s now two years since generals in the Thai military swept aside the civilian and democratically elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra, promising to stabilise the nation and reform its politics after five years of political turmoil. Certainly, the generals have managed to achieve the first of these goals, and with troops patrolling university campuses and any gatherings of more than five people for political purposes banned, there is now “stability”.
Gone are the red and yellow shirt protests that paralysed the streets of Bangkok and brought the city’s important central district to a grinding halt. But the generals have simply stamped out any and all protests with rifle butts rather than addressing the key issue of how Thailand will move forward.
In terms of political reform, the junta has put forward a new constitution that proposes giving the military key powers and guaranteed representation after fresh elections are held. That constitution is to be voted upon in a referendum on August 7 but, true to the military’s promise to stabilise the nation, all political debate is effectively banned. And with an increased reliance on strict lese majeste laws, which make it an offence to criticise the monarchy or its institution, and with the military given powers to arrest, detain and interrogate for little reason, all normal political activity is in a deep freeze.
Yes, it’s possible for the military to maintain its grip on Thai society through force and coercion.
The reality is that Thailand’s woes will continue until the fundamental issues of a rural and urban split are addressed and that’s likely to flare up over the potential royal heir to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has been on the throne for 70 years and is now 88 and in failing health.
