Thai turmoil: Can Yingluck contain the situation?

It is a fast developing situation in Thailand. This south-east Asian nation is in the grip of a severe political crisis as the protestors demanding the ouster of the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's government are showing increasing toughness in implementing their demand. They have even given a timeframe to the government to quit. Such a demand, however, appears unacceptable since it is still a long way to go for the completion of the term of the government. The country is nowhere near fresh polls and the prime minister made no bones of the fact that she would not resign.

The security forces are of late coming out with tougher actions in defending the government offices and other establishments that the agitators are targeting in a bid to unseat the government. The army is also seeking to aid the civil administration as the country, known for tourist attraction, is facing one of the most volatile conditions in last several years.

As the unrest was escalating and a tense situation prevailed during the time of writing this piece, Thailand was very much in the focus of the international world. Analysts kept their fingers crossed about the shape of things to come in the days ahead. Many were speculating about an army take-over or some kind of stern actions like the proclamation of emergency to contain the situation. However, many others believe that the present crisis may continue for some more time and both sides will test each other's patience and ability in confronting the situation. The King, who is highly revered, may also intervene.

Yingluck Shinawatra made history by becoming the first woman prime minister of the country following a resounding victory by her political party in the 2011 elections. A relatively stranger in politics, she owes the success largely on the coattail of her elder brother and former prime minister Thaksin Shinewatra, who lives abroad. Thaksin was quite popular in the rural areas and also with segments of the middle class. But the billionaire businessman-turned-politician was ousted by a military coup and was also sentenced to prison terms on allegation of corruption. He has been living abroad for the last five years and did not return to Thailand even after his political party led by her sister won the polls and formed the government. Evidently, he did not want to embarrass the government although the impression has gained in the country that it is he who was calling the shots on important issues.

Recently, the government pardoned Thaksin, facilitating his return to the country. But this has infuriated a large number of people who are thronging the streets in capital Bangkok demanding that the government must go. Initially in small numbers, the protestors grew in strength and the authorities were grappling to contain with the snowballing condition. Demonstrators cut off power supply to the police headquarters and also gathered in great number before the army headquarters. The protestors seeking to take over the prime minister's office, clashed with the riot police in a clear defiance of the authority of the government. They clashed with the "Red Shirts" demonstrators, who are pro-government and mainly supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra. Several deaths were reported in the clashes and the situation was turning explosive with the tourists keeping themselves off from Thailand and foreign missions asking their nationals to take greater care of their security. More than 3,000 soldiers arrived in Bangkok to shore up key government buildings.

Prime Minister Yingluck remains firm as the protestors, led by former opposition MP Suthep Thaugusaban, have targeted government establishments. Yingluck has also flatly refused to step down while the demonstrators have been keeping the pot boiling.

The protestors are pursuing the goal of ridding the country of the influence of Thaksin Shinawatra. They say they are frustrated with his dominance and also disillusioned with the current democratic practice. An alternative to democracy has also been coined with a "people's council" with leading figures of different professions. The government, not surprisingly, has poured cold water on the proposal.

Latest news from Thailand suggests that there could be a deadly assault on the demonstrators like what was witnessed on the Thaksin supporters in 2010.Thaksin was toppled in a coup seven years ago.

The situation in Thailand is fluid and it could go either way - in favour of the government or otherwise. All depends on the strength of the protestors as to how long they can continue the agitation and how much crowd they can garner in support of their demand. For Prime Minister Yingluck, she has hardly any choice but to resort to strict measures to confront the challenge.

Thailand is not known for stable democracy as the nascent system of pluralistic pattern of government has been afflicted mainly because of politicians' mistakes or actions that have not been compatible with the hopes and aspirations of the people. Yingluck should not have shown unnecessary leniency to her brother Thaksin who is otherwise quite powerful even if he is not physically present in the country because of problems related to his sentence. In any case, what is desirable is that Thailand should pursue democracy while the politicians also need to demonstrate integrity and care for good governance in running the nation.

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