Thailand Takes to the Streets

Speaking of uniting and dividing, the political tug of war in Bangkok has ramped up. While the protesters’ goals remain vague, their numbers and volume grow day by day. They have occupied (and done their laundry outside) the prime minister’s office for the last week or so. Yet nearly every Thai who talks to me about the protests feels embarrassed by them.

Passions, in other words, are hardly running high. Emotions flare occasionally, but most of the protest moves happen slowly. My safety isn’t an issue. Unless one tries hard to join the front lines, the biggest danger on the streets (and sidewalks) here remains the unpredictable driving of motorcyclists.

I used to think that no matter which faction emerged strongest, life for the average person here wouldn’t change appreciably. But the recent headlines have been terrible for tourism. We heard stories and saw evidence of the effect on that major part of the Thai economy last week when my office held a retreat at a nearly empty beach resort a few hours from the capital.

My guess is that politicians, some of whom own hotels and feel the economic pressure, will soon find a uniquely Thai fix to this round of problems.