On December 2nd, things begin to look simultaneously better, and worse:
Thailand’s government has been disbanded and the Prime Minister barred from politics for five years in a court ruling that has prompted fears of a slide into civil war.
However, fears of violent clashes, or worse, are growing. “It now seems that violence cannot be avoided. Some even predict what has been unthinkable for 700 years: a civil war,” the Bangkok Post said in an editorial. It added: “Does Thailand have a functioning government?”(source)
This is better, since the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has gotten the verdict they were hoping for. The People’s Power Party (PPP) has been dissolved. At the same time, it’s a bit worse, since now the country may enter civil war.
The Associated Press has published a nice timeline of the events leading up to this point. My favorite bit is when Prime Minister Samak is removed from office in September for appearing on a cooking show.
Well, as of today, I’m still hopeful. This has just been reported:
Thai airports to reopen after government falls
Protest leaders said the airport seizures would end Wednesday. (source)
So, the protesters should be clearing out right now and — assuming one week to resume services — the airports could be open by the time I leave next Monday. Of course, this is all wild speculation and finger-crossing, but then I do tend to be lucky about these sorts of things…
