THAILAND IN 2008: A YEAR LONG OF PROTESTS
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Abstract
A review of the major events and politics of Thailand in 2008 points glaringly to a year that was filled with protests- from the post-election appointment of Samak Sundaravej, a Thaksin proxy as PM, leading to a battle between pro (PPP) and anti (PAD) government camps besieging the government house throughout 2008 in a divide, seen as many as, between pro-royalty and pro-Thaksin camps to the “rather expected” guilty verdict on the ousted “first couple of Thailand”- Thaksin and Pojaman. In between there was plenty of witch-hunting (sackings and removals), diplomatic slurs (Thailand and Cambodia over the Preah Vihear temple), and heightened and at times ‘misplaced” sense of Thai nationalism (again over the Preah Vihear temple). There were moments of sorrow (the passing of Princess Galyani, the revered King’s sister) and rejoice (at the recovery of the HM King Bhumipol from his illness). There were waves of red and yellow- colours associated to the political camps in Thailand which the Thai people gleefully adorned and displayed. There was plenty of drama too- from Thaksin seeking amnesty in the UK and his “abrupt” decision to divorce his wife and long-time “partner-in-crime”. Indeed, Thaksin continued to receive media and national attention throughout 2008 despite being away from the country. This paper will outline and discuss some of the major events in Thailand and its implications on Thai politics and economy.
Keywords: Post-election, conflict, Thai nationalism, Thaksin, and Thai politics
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