Election Violence Threatens Stability Of Thailand

[webfact]

Election Violence Threatens Stability of Thailand

After years of political instability the upcoming Thai elections hold great significance to the people who now find themselves at a turning point for their country.

However the aggressive nature of the race may threaten the stability of the kingdom.

TAN Network’s Chaowarat Yongjiranon has the story.

With only two months to campaign the tension is high for political parties as they run for the first democratic elections Thailand has seen in years.

After surviving riots on the streets which saw families, neighbors, and friends taking different political sides, Thais hope more than ever that the elections will bring about much needed peace in the country.

But as push comes to shove, the aggressive nature of the race may threaten the stability in the country.

First it was damaged campaign posters, then people blocking candidates on the streets.

And now, reports of shootings at either the candidates themselves or their canvassers.

On May 24th in the Bang Bon district of Bangkok, one of the canvassers of Democrat candidate Samart Muangsiri, district member Wicharn Ruangklan was attacked at his home.

Wicharn escaped unharmed as his car blocked the shot from hitting his home.

Despite the fears of his family, Wicharn remains calm, saying he will continue campaigning.

Like most political attacks, the police were not able to find the perpetrators of the crime.

But with similar reports of violence increasing day by day, all 199 candidates have requested special security from the police.

Royal Thai Police spokesman Prawut Thawornsiri says so far 400 officers have been deployed to check on homes of candidates and their canvassers as well as political events.

He says there should not be any concerns of things getting out of hand, as so far the rate of violent crimes reported on this year’s elections is less than the ones before.

“With compared to last election, I think this time should be less than. Even we changed the system of the election but I think it still less than because we are very good prepared for every side of our duty.”

This however has not brought much comfort to Democrat candidate Samart.

To him, the police cannot be entirely trusted given controversial allegations of the force being bias in the past.

Instead Samart now relies on his close friends to keep an eye on his back.

“Usually I find a friend, a friend of mine to help.

It’s better than because the police have you know, the police have like…I didn’t know what kind of, if this police like my party, this police like the opposite party.

I cannot trust anybody.”

His fears are not exaggerated.

The one MP one constituency system that has replaced the 3 MPs per constituency system has increased the stakes.

With a single killing, a candidate can get rid of his opponent.

At this time no one can be trusted.

“In every sector, in every field, in every profession, people divide to be two to three factions.

You know even among the NGOs we are split to be two sides or three sides.”

Ultimately the greatest fear is the aggressive nature of the elections will continue after the polls are closed.

Chaowarat Yongjiranon for Thai ASEAN News Network

-- Tan Network 2011-06-17

[Suttisan]

two months? are you sure about that?

[whybother]

two months? are you sure about that?

"With only two months to campaign"

Parliament was dissolved in early May, and elections are in early July ... which is about 2 months.

[TheWalkingMan]

However the aggressive nature of the race may threaten the stability of the kingdom.

Duh.

I think that this is just a reflection of many parts of society where violence or intimidation is used to obtain a result. Business disputes, land disputes, my business is doing better that yours so I will hire some of my "boys" to give you a little visit.

Start gunning down candidates or candidate helpers and you can be sure that people are thinking twice about running or helping out. Terrible!

TheWalkingMan

[lannarebirth]

I have seen literally hundreds of defaced and destroyed Abhisit posters here in Chiang Mai. Maybe a dozen or so PTP posters, same. When you see it systemically done. It doesn't look like a prank. It looks violent. In a thinking electorate that's useful information. I'm not sure about here.