THAKSIN STEP DOWN...

Apart from the funny-heart warming story of The Pope with his nano Ipod, Thaksin `s decision to step down as Thai `s Premiere worth more spotlights. His resignation eases a lot of the tension that was hanging in Bangkok for weeks now. Thaksin ` exit also saw Deputy PM Chidchai Vanasatidya, holding the post temporarily until “something” popped up. My latter words are due to the fact that Thaksin `s exit, though viewed as many as a proof of how people power rules the day, Thaksin needs to do more than merely stepping down. Worse still, Thaksin `s popularity increase since his step down. According to ABAC Poll, 87% of the poll done in the capital wants the demos to stop and Thaksin `s popularity jumped from 12% to 64% after his decision to resign. Looks like Thaksin emerge as a hero to his supporters overnight. A clean withdrawal from politics or a strategy to win sympathy? Go figure.

What happens now in Thailand is that Thaksin left many unanswered questions and puts the whole Thailand in confusion. Since TRT won the snap election, the Thai Parliament would almost make exclusively of TRT MPs as Opposition whom boycotted the election stands by their decision to “remain outside the parliamentary system to achieve reform”. It’s kinda interesting to see how a parliament will work in the absence of Opposition. But to some extent, my two cent worth to the whole affair is that it will be interesting to see how democracy is redefined in Thailand. Boycott is actually a very powerful subtle tool of protest. But boycott is only powerful in the hands of many as its effect depends on quantity. After the huge demos staged by the people, it is interesting to see how the people will handle a one man show parliament. I am also curious as to whether Thaksin `s step down also lead to the surrender of the economic exploits and contracts granted to his cronies during his reign? An ordinary Thai citizen, when asked on why the living cost in Bangkok is high when in fact majority of Thais are not well off, simply answered ‘Everything went into Thaksin `s pocket”. Coming from the grassroots, this is indeed a powerful testament of how corrupt he is. Anyhow, he asks the Thai people to “let bygones be bygones”. To me, that is damn simplistic. Thai people need more than just being an apologetic lot, they are asking for reform not an apology.