Colour Coded Politics: Thailands Struggle with Democracy

Web Site Address: http://samudra-churning.blogspot.com/ Synopsis: Logline: With the politicians maneuvering to come up with the correct mix of populist policies and back room deals, the Thai public has their own ideas about what the future holds for democracy in Thailand.

Thailand has always embraced a class system. In many cases, it has created the profound sense of order that is found in Thai society but in some cases it has resulted in abuses of power, military coups, crippling protest movements and government crackdowns. The one stabilizing factor that has guided this country through many of the difculties in the past has the Thai monarchy. Thailands longest reigning monarch, his Majesty King Bhumibol Aduyadej has achieved legendary status and is practically a living saint in the eyes of the Thai people but with his advanced age and failing health can he be expected to guide them through this current crisis? That is the underlying fear that has overwhelmed many Thais and my in of itself be part of the cause of some of the countys ills. These fears have been exploited by some of those in power and other nationalistic groups to cause deep divisions in Thai society and used to undermine their political opponents, even though there has been no evidence of a republican conspiracy against the Thai monarchy. Ironically, the threat comes as a result of the military and the bureaucracy using the palace to legitimize an increasingly unsustainable political status quo. With the people of Thailand better informed and educated, they are demanding more openness, accountability and more of a voice in politics. The political crisis in recent years is the result of an irresistible force, the people demanding change, meeting an immovable object, the ruling elites insisting on maintaining the archaic power structure. Rather than adapting to accommodate the inevitable, they have instead responded with a mixture of paranoia and repression. With the much beloved King in his twilight years, the crisis has become more dangerously acute. The question remains with a new government set to take its place, will the transition be an inclusive and peaceful process of evolution. Our main story begins around the time of the election and will be told from the perspective of those that are directly affected by the struggle and how it has shaped their lives. Our lm maker is a Thai-born Australian, returning at this tumultuous time to combine a family visit to

help his uncle lm the set up of a spiritual shrine to commemorate the Kings birthday with a search to discover what has caused this tremendous rift in Thai society. He will be talking to people from different parts of the country to get their perspective on the situation and seeing how this political conict has impacted on their lives, families and communities. Some of the questions we will be exploring include: What are the reactions to who won? Will there be the promised reconciliation? Is this the end of the protests or just the beginning of the next round? What does the future hold for the Thai people and their democratic institution?