Thai ruling may trigger political shift
Wednesday's decision to dissolve former ruling party may ensure the military's political dominance.
from the June 1, 2007 edition
Page 3 of 3
Despite fears of public unrest among Thaksin supporters, Bangkok has stayed calm. Thaksin loyalists say they will continue to use lawful means to push back against what they see as a politically biased verdict.
"If we lie down and accept what has been done to us, people will lose faith in the political process and democratization," said Jakrapob Penkair, a former Thai Rak Thai lawmaker who has led peaceful rallies against the junta. "I believe we are obliged to do our best to show the powers that be that we will not take this, and the fight will continue. How to make that fight civil is our challenge, because we don't want to fall into the military's trap."
Before the verdict last week, revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej met with senior judges and said any decision the court makes would lead to trouble. Although the king's words are couched in ambiguity and hard to interpret, analysts saw it as an effort to forestall any protests over the landmark ruling.
Timeline of Thailand's political crisis
January 2006 – Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra criticized over sale of family-owned telecoms company.
April 2006 – Opposition parties boycott snap parliamentary elections.
May 2006 – Constitutional Court annuls election results and launches investigation of Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties.
September 2006 – Military seizes power while Thaksin is traveling in US.
October 2006 – Thaksin resigns as leader of Thai Rak Thai.
March 2007 – Interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont promises to hold elections in December.
April 2007 – Draft constitution is published.
May 30, 2007 – Constitution Tribunal dissolves Thai Rak Thai and bans executives.
Source: Monitor research.
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