Would 2 States Work?

[tullynagardy]

Whilst TV likes to follow closely the bastion of un biased press that is the Nation, I thought Id bring up an article from another Newspaper to give a viewpoint I havn`t heard mooted much, but suspect will more and more going forward.

http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21594989-thailands-very-unity-now-under-threat-you-go-your-way-ill-go-mine

They have been saying this for some time - http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2014/01/thailands-political-crisis

The premise of the article(s) is that Thailand is a Nation on the verge of a split, with the lines of division very clear to see from their graphic. It highlights that many red shirts see Bangkok as lost and would invite Yingluck to Chiang Mai to run a parallel government should any coup take place. Indeed some would welcome it. Over time this would become the capital of this de facto new state.

It would make an interesting situation to see how the respective countries would perform. Would Issan for example continue to massively outstrip Bangkok in its growth figures after the plug of Bangkok help is pulled? Would foreign aid and support continue to pour into what was an effective dictatorship in the new Southern Thailand state? Would ASEAN plans be placed on hold? Would the baht collapse and what currency would they both have? Too many questions.

I`m personally not convinced the scenario will ever happen and we`ll get to find out.

First of all its important to note that culturally Thailand has always been divided and a mismatch of ethnic groups. However, this split wouldnt be along those lines and Lao speaking Issan would be joined with the Thai speaking North. It isnt a natural collaboration and most in Issan would see Korat or the likes of Udon as their natural successor capital city rather than the distant Chiang Mai most have never set foot in.

Secondly the article fails to mention the powerful unifying nature of the monarchy in Thailand. I am limited in what i can say here but suffice to say that all over the Nation Thais would hate to break away from their King.

Thirdly another omission is the growing discontent in Northern areas with the government over failed rice payments and the amnesty bill. The Thaskin bond isnt as unbreakable as they lead you to believe. I still think (and hope) and unifying middle ground will emerge and clean up and rid the country of its Abshits, Sutheps, Thaskin and Yinglucks.

Lastly the article fails to mention that the Muslim South of Thailand would see any such break away as their big chance for freedom. The new Southern Thai state would be plunged into yet more violence and likely be split further.

Whatever will pan out I think now is crunch time and in 2 weeks time all will be clear. Sit back and enjoy the ride. (or bombs more likely)

[metisdead]

First of all:

Policy In General Regarding Thailand Election/Political Discussions

As a result of the great increase in posts about politics in Thailand, we are requesting that members keep political discussion confined to threads already open in the Thailand News Forum.
Non-political topics in General which are hijacked with political arguments will see posts removed without further notice.

Members who cannot comply with our request will risk a posting suspension.

Thanks for your understanding and participation on Thaivisa.

Thaivisa moderating team

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/468924-policy-in-general-regarding-thailand-political-discussions/

[metisdead]

Second point:

2) Not to express disrespect of the King of Thailand or anyone else in the Thai royal family, whether living or deceased, nor to criticize the monarchy as an institution. Speculation, comments and discussion of either a political or personal nature are not allowed when discussing HM The King or the Royal family. Discussion of the lese majeste law or lese majeste cases is permitted on the forum, providing no comment or speculation is made referencing the royal family. To breach this rule will result in immediate ban.

Closed