Throughout the year, international conflicts such as the annexation of Crimea, the Syrian civil war, the Venezuelan protests, and the Malaysian airplane disappearance have received significant media coverage, journalistic analysis, and critical op-eds and viewpoints in almost every possible outlet in the media – which they definitely merited receiving. To say that these are deep, powerful conflicts and movements that affect millions worldwide and have broadened our understanding of the world is almost an understatement. However, one international conflict that has not received quite as much prominence is the political protests and subsequent military coup in Thailand. With the recent coup counting as Thailand’s twelfth coup d’état (the most of any country), Thai citizens have experienced protests, violent street blockades, and an uncertain future. Here is a breakdown of some of the key facts about the Thai political protests.
What exactly is happening in Thailand now?
- As of May 22nd, 2014, Thailand is under the control of its military junta after almost seven months of protests and blockades in Bangkok and other regions of Thailand.
- The military junta overthrew the government after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was found guilty on charges of corruption and was ordered to step down by a constitutional court
- This junta has imposed severe restrictions on media outlets and freedom of expression. News shows have been taken off air, newspapers are heavily censored, and citizens have been detained and arrested for expressing political dissent.
- The current controlling force is led by General Prayuth Chan Oka, who has repeatedly attempted to deny the current move is a coup.The military junta has attempted to implement important policy decisions and gain populist support.
- The military junta has also attempted to diminish the criticism it receives outside the country by using diplomatic pressure in order to force countries to send critics of Thailand’s military back to their country.
- As reported in recent news, a temporary constitution has been drafted and an interim government would be installed in about three months if the constitution goes through.
What are the Thai 2013-2014 protests?
- The 2013-2014 protests in Thailand were a series of demonstrations initiated by the People’s Democratic Reform Comittee (PDRC), led by Suthep Thaugusban. They began in October 2013 and were a response to many allegations against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai party. The aim of the PDRC was to overthrow the government and implement an elected people’s council (on behalf of the protesters) in order to correct many of the government’s social and economic problems.
- Many of the members of the PDRC are upper middle class and royalist supporters.
- The PDRC had not won an election in Thailand in over a decade and alleged that this was mainly due to the influence of Yingluck’s billionaire brother, Thakskin Shinawatra, also a former prime minister who is currently in exile.
- Prime Minister Shinawatra, who was backed mostly by the rural and poorer sectors of the country (her supporters are known as the yellow shirts), decided to hold early elections in hopes of appeasing the protesters. However, protesters claimed the elections would mostly likely be corrupt and were firmly opposed to the elections.
- The elections, which were slated to occur on February 2nd, 2014, were disrupted by protesters who blocked entry to polling stations in Bangkok and other areas of the country, and the election results had to be nullified.
What are some of the main factors in the conflict?
- A failed rice subsidy program implemented by Shinawatra in 2011 – this program, which would buy rice from farmers at more than 50% of the market price, failed when the government lost over nine billion dollars in the scheme. It was also found that despite the fact that Shinawatra was in chairwoman of the rice subsidy committee, she had little to no knowledge of the actions of the committee.
- An amnesty bill proposed by Shinawatra which would allow officials charged with corruption (including her brother) back into the country without being indicted
- Corruption allegations from Shinawatra, as well as dissatisfaction from Thailand’s middle class.
What are the consequences of the protests?
- Major economic losses in the government, since the protests negatively affected tourism and budget decisions in the country
- U.S has halted their military involvement in the country due to the coup.
- More than 28 people have died and 600 have been injured during the protests.
- Severe blockage of streets which have led to fatal traffic accidents
- More than one hundred thousand immigrant workers have fled the country in order to avoid military crackdowns.
- Several arrests and detainments from outspoken government critics
As the conflict continues, many reporters have highlighted how uncertain Thailand’s future looks, as well as the enormous struggles both the citizens and the military junta will eventually face with the damage done to the country by the protests. The threats to freedom of expression and the incredible censorship civilians face is one that will determine the degree to which citizens will be able to express to the world the strife they suffer.