Probably impossible to have a "balanced" view on the issues, but I think this guy gives it a shot:

http://csis.org/files/publication/Pac1403.pdf

Not sure about "undue emphasis on elections". . .

Trite, and I think there is more to international commentary than what he is talking about (which seems to be the "sound bite" coverage). But I do like this comment:

"But labeling the protesters as those who disregard democratic principles shows a lack of empathy. These commentators are falling into the same trap as the protesters who claim that people in rural areas are not educated enough to understand democracy."

And then this:

"But, for international analysts, who claim to know a great deal about how democracy should work in Thailand, to dismiss the protesters’ desire for the spirit of democracy and to paper over their grievances does a gross injustice not only

to the Thai protesters and their sympathizers, but also to the democratic norms that their Western governments have sought

to promote throughout the world."

Sound bites like to have things in black and white. This situation is not so simple.

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