Songkran ends this weekend with the Democrats still controlling the Thia government. Few observers would have wagered on the coalition's retaining power after the series of disastrous attempts to oust the red shirts from their strongholds throughout Bangkok. The protesters are portrayed as coming from the poor, however it was evident from their humiliation of the military that they have better advisers than a bunch of jah-bah maddened motor-sai taxi drivers. Their resistance has been aided by the tradition of non-violent confrontation. Troops do not want to fire on their own people.
They might not have a choice this coming week, as the PM has shifted control of the dealing with the red shirts to a more aggressive leader.
Anyone having seen a Muay Thai boxing match knows that the Land of Smiles loves a good scrap. Red shirt leaders have told the army commanders that they will surrender to authorities on May 15.
The answer should be 'mai dai'.
Only two ways out of this confrontation.
Blood or a airplane ticket to Paris.
I'd go for Paris.
The other option is too bloody to imagine.
The above image was taken during the repression of the 1976 student demonstrations for democracy.
No one is smiling.
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