EDITORIAL: Political strife in Bangkok

Amid plumes of black smoke following a gunbattle that resembled civil war, the Thai army took control of the area in Bangkok occupied by thousands of protesters supporting former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

However, arson attacks on a TV broadcast station and other facilities ensued, and the exchange of gunfire caused many casualties. The situation has seriously undermined Thailand's international credibility.

Occupation and rallies by pro-Thaksin protesters continued for about two months. At one point, the administration of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva proposed to hold general elections in November but failed to reach an agreement. It then took a hard line in an attempt to bring the situation under control, resulting in the latest violence.

The political crisis is deep-rooted.

Thailand is one of the newly rising nations whose economies are growing rapidly. But the growth has given rise to new discrepancies in society. The prolonged occupation and its suppression by force showed that Thai politics lacks self-governing power to settle new confrontations.

The administration took off two years ago with the backing of a majority in the parliament. But Thaksin supporters criticize the administration as a government that relies on military and law-enforcement authorities.

Behind the confrontation is a deep crack in society. Thaksin had strengthened his power base by extending a helping hand to farmers in rural areas and poor urban dwellers who had been left behind by economic development amid the globalization.

But his policy drew fire from the urban middle class and bureaucrats who were reaping the benefits of economic growth, leading to the confrontation between the current government and Thaksin supporters.

Traditionally, the royal family has been expected to play the role of mediator to settle social rifts. When the army and Bangkok citizens clashed in 1992 causing bloodshed, King Bhumibol Adulyadej stepped in to bring the situation under control.

While Thailand is basically a parliamentary democracy, it tries to rely on the prestige of the royal family for solutions to difficult problems. This political style is called "Thai-style democracy."

However, this political style is apparently no longer effective. In fact, the 82-year-old king did not step in to act as a go-between even when demonstrations by the two opposing camps escalated.

For now, we should closely watch how the administration will achieve reconciliation with the pro-Thaksin force and recover political stability. The only way to draw a roadmap and mend social rifts is the early implementation of general elections.

However, the elections are unlikely to end Thailand's political crisis.

The parliament should tap popular will while the government is urged to bring the confrontation under control without depending on the king. Thailand needs independent parliamentary democracy.

To Japan, Thailand is an important diplomatic and economic partner. As many as 7,000 Japanese companies have advanced there. If the political unrest continues, the impact on Japan would become even more serious.

The confusion of a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could also cause instability of the whole region.

--The Asahi Shimbun, May 20