(VOVworld) – Predictions by political analysts that forcing Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to leave office would ignite new tensions and worsen the political instability in Thailand have proven accurate. Violence has flared up which threatens the general election scheduled on July 20.
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| Anti-government protesters interrupted a meeting between the acting prime minister and the Election Commission on Thursday |
Violations occurring
On Thursday, the Thai Constitutional Court approved arrest warrants for another 30 leaders of the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) on charges of inciting civil unrest. PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban said on Friday that if the Thai Senate does not appoint a new interim government to replace the current administration, his forces will take power and establish a “people’s council” to run the country.
Hundreds of protesters surrounded an air base this week where acting Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan was holding an election meeting and forced him to leave the site. A gunfire and grenade clash occurred between anti- and pro-government forces, killing 3 people and wounding 22. Secretary General of the Thai Election Council Puchong Nutrawong recommended calling off the election on July 20.
Difference and division
While the interim government says a general election is the best way to resolve the crisis and avoid a civil war, the anti-government forces led by Thaugsuban insist on first dismissing the current government. They say the administration of the Puea Thai Party is invalid and want to appoint a non-elected Prime Minister.
The protesters accepted the Constitutional Court’s decision to dismiss Prime Minister Yingluck as a first step toward replacing the so-called “Thaksin regime”. But it’s not enough because Yingluck’s Puea Thai party still rules the interim government and will control the election on July 20.
Government supporters say there is a plot by Thaugsuban’s anti-government forces, supported by certain other political parties and independent organizations, to abandon democracy and sabotage the election.
The plot was attempted several times before, using various movements to undermine the ruling party, whether it be the Thais love Thais Party, the People’s Power Party, or – currently – the Puea Thai Party. The ultimate goal is to prevent an election and find a way to appoint a Prime Minister without an election.
The Puea Thai Party is supported by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) - the red shirts - Thaksin’s alliance for the last decade.
After Yingluck left office, the UDD announced it would not accept the court’s decision and demonstrated in Bangkok. Social organizations in northeastern Thailand, considered the base of the red shirts, have adopted a tough stance and threatened civil war.
New crisis, old scenario
It will be difficult to hold a general election on July 20 or any other date because the anti-government protesters have vowed to obstruct any election. It happened to the general election on February 2 when protesters surrounded many election sites, prevented candidates from registering for the election, and forced many polling stations to close.
A civil war could erupt if the two factions don’t practice great restraint. So far no way has been found to defuse tensions. Analysts predict army involvement Army Ground Forces Command said yesterday that if the violence continues, the army will have to get involved to restore order.