understand what has been happening here in Thailand. You would only
see the soldiers' shooting scenes or injured people being carried away
on international TV channels for 30 seconds, but never got to know
about the background. The truth is, the Thai government has been too
accommodating by withholding the use of force since the rally started
2 months ago (with the exception of 10th April event, when the
soldiers were ordered to move in without live weapons and subsequently
got slaughtered by unknown gunmen shooting from the 'Red Shirt'
protesters).
The majority of us support the government in dealing with the
terrorists hidden amongst the protesters. It held talks with the
rally leaders and offered peace solutions to them 10 days ago. The
Prime Minister publicly urged the protesters to disperse for fear of
violence created by the terrorists. But the plan wasn't accepted.
So, it's time to block food and water supplies entering the center of
the protest. If the protesters were peaceful, they wouldn't rush out
to throw rocks, firecrackers and even bombs at the soldiers' barricade
-- thus, causing the soldiers to defend themselves by firing rubber
bullets and live rounds.
It has been very frustrating for the law-abiding citizen of Bangkok --
we even voiced our dissatisfaction at the government for its failure
to uphold the laws. The situation was like Bangkok was being held for
ransom. A lot of businesses got affected because it's right in the
middle of the major commercial area.
Again, think what your government would do if there were a large group
of protesters blocking all traffic at Orchard Road in Singapore; Times
Square in NYC; Ginza in Tokyo; or Knightsbridge in London for two
months. They set up barricades to search through personal belongings
of everyone travelling through the area. Also think what it would do
if those protesters invaded a nearby hospital, causing doctors &
nurses to evacuate patients -- some of whom are newborn babies in
incubators and those in ICU -- to other hospitals. And most important
of all, think what it would do if the protesters were found to have
large stockpile of M79 grenades, M16 & AK47 assault rifles.
Do you think your government would be as tolerant as the Thai government?
Reungvit Nandhabiwat
Business owner, Bangkok, Thailand
15 May 2010
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