The govt needs to get its own house in order

Organisations and individuals that could affect the government’s stability have been threatened or intimidated. Red-shirt supporters of the government have gathered outside the Constitutional Court, and petitions and complaints have been filed against the court’s judges. The court is dealing with cases against MPs from the ruling coalition. 

In the northern province of Lamphun, a group of pro-government red shirts on Saturday forced the opposition Democrat Party to cut short its weekly rally criticising the government. The red shirts besieged the rally site, and objects such as bolts and nuts, and glass balls were thrown into the crowd, leaving some rally participants injured. This was the most serious incident of violent harassment to take place during the weekly rallies by the Democrats that began several months ago. At previous events the red shirts have often used a sound system to shout expletive-laden abuse while key Democrat figures such as party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Chuan Leekpai and Suthep Thaugsuban addressed supporters. Until last weekend, the Democrats had managed to complete their weekly events without serious mishap.

Government critic Chaiwat Sinsuwong, of the Thai Patriotic Front, who leads an ongoing anti-government protest at Sanam Luang, says a home-made bomb was thrown at his home. No one was injured and no serious damage was done, but the activist believes this was an act of intimidation and is almost certainly connected with his campaign.

The recent disappearance of government critic Ekkayuth Anchanbutr has been blamed on the government. Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung has had to deny any government involvement. He has also rejected allegations that the government had intimidated Ekkayuth.

The red shirts have drawn much criticism after their Lamphun attack. Even pro-red activist Sombat Boon-ngam-anong commented that he “was disgusted by such behaviour”. He said the Democrats have a right to hold their rallies but the red shirts have no right to besiege such events. The intimidation, he said, was against democratic principles. “Their behaviour is completely different from that of democracy advocates. I have an aversion for that and I feel disgusted,” he said.

There have been no reactions from Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra or other Cabinet members about this latest incident involving the government’s red-shirt supporters. However, when the red shirts gathered outside the Constitutional Court recently, the prime minister said they had the constitutional right to do so.

Some people appear to think democracy means they can do anything they like, including committing acts of violence and intimidation that violate other people’s rights. They block traffic, search vehicles and people, shout expletives at those they disagree with or dislike, and even harm them physically – all in the name of democracy. They would be unlikely to do these things without having trouble with the law in any country where laws are strictly and fairly enforced.  The government and the authorities involved should ensure that the laws are enforced and applied equally to both government supporters and critics.

Some Cabinet members and politicians from the ruling party have also made comments aimed at discrediting or belittling government critics and detractors. They are obviously unaware that a good government listens to the people, including those who disagree with them and those who did not vote for them. They need to understand that they form the government of Thailand as a whole, not just for their supporters. 

The main complaint from the red shirts and the government regarding the previous Democrat administration was double standards. If it is sincere about being a champion of democracy, this government should ensure that its supporters do not resort to violence or intimidation when responding to critics and political rivals. The government and its supporters risk being viewed as hypocritical if they fail to do so.