Red Shirts. Abhisit Vejjajva. Tourism Authority of Thailand, United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, Thaksin Shinawatra. The UDD, Khattiva Sawatdiphol. Confused about the sides, the players, the past, and the future vis-à-vis the political unrest in the streets of Bangkok? Here’s an easy-to-digest TakePart primer.
The Rise of the Red Shirts: Let’s take a trip down memory lane to March 12, 2010, when the protests began. On that day, the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) stormed Bangkok, in effect kicking off their public opposition. Or did their public dissent begin in 2009? Or 2008? The red shirt revolt has had many starts, stops, and restarts.
What Do They Want?: In a word? Freedom. In two words? Bye-bye Vejjajiva. The UDD, which backs former populist Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, wants current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the Thai Government and hold free elections. The UDD alleges that Vejjajiva’s 18-month-old coalition government is illegitimate because he came to power only after a military-coerced backroom deal cinched an endorsement in a parliamentary vote.
Dissident Thai General Gunned Down: During a May 13 interview with the New York Times, General Khattiva Sawatdiphol, 58, was shot at point blank range in the head. The incendiary Sawatdiphol, who was in charge of security for the Red Shirts and later died of his wounds, was described as a “symbol of the lawlessness and impunity” by the New York Times.
Troubled Tourism: The tsunami that rocked the shores of Thailand in 2004 brought with it an almost impossible to comprehend loss of life. It was also the biggest hit to Thai tourism in history—until now. The 2004 tsunami was a one-time event—what’s far more difficult to gauge, however, is the unpredictability of the current unrest. The Tourism of Thailand (TAT) has been vigilant about updating its website, including Tuesday’s warning: “Visitors and tourists are advised to be vigilant, follow news developments, exercise extra caution and avoid areas covered by the declaration of a severe emergency situation.”
Red Shirts, White Flags: Three great photo essays—one by the New York Times, another from Foreign Policy, and the last courtesy of The Boston Globe—depict Wednesday’s crackdown on anti-government protesters by the Thai military.
What’s Next?: Vejjajiva may have survived the battle, but will he recover? Will he ever be deemed legitimate? Can he win the public relations war?
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