Out in the Streets

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“Look what’s happening out in the streets!

  Got a revolution,

  Got to revolution!”

[-- Jefferson Airplane, “Volunteers,” 1969--]

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It is the time (again) of massive protester demonstrations and civil disobedience.  Transport in and around Bangkok is in major disruption, completely paralyzed in parts of mid-city.  (Mother-in-law couldn’t even get into town to her favorite Buddhist temple for the recent 3rd Quarter Moon’s worship observances!) 

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Tens upon tens of thousands of protesters are in the streets, roaring against the current government, and they have taken over several government offices.  The Internal Security Act (ISA) has been imposed on much of greater Bangkok including our area on the northern rim of the city.  It is a law that empowers declaration of complete Martial Law if deemed necessary. 

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One thing different here may have made confusion for Gracie Slick and the Airplane back in the day:  this rebellion is fueled by the anger of the middle classes, who started this round of protests and who were later joined by the students as allies.  They all abhor the thought that this current popular government may try to whitewash and bring home the corrupt exiled and convicted fugitive, former PM Thaksin.  Half the nation loves him; the other half loathes the very thought of him.

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There has been no violence yet, but I don’t know where this endless round of political theater will end, if ever.  The Land of Smiles – and of contradictions. 

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-Zenwind.

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