For 72 hours, Bangkok was turned into a battleground for thousands of anti-government protesters, soldiers and police. Fortunately, the riots were brought under control on the third day without causing too many casualties. Skirmishes occurred between security forces and protesters that injured more than 120 people. Two people died from gunshots that came from squabbling between the anti-government protesters and local residents.
The non-violent measures and soft approach adopted by the government under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva won kudos for the young leaders and security forces. It was a far cry from the past when the military and police used brute force to suppress street protesters, resulting in high death tolls.
Just three days ago, Abhisit was heavily criticized for his decision to call off the Pattaya summit after the disruption by anti-government protesters, known locally as the red-shirt group, inside the summit's venue. At the time, the security forces did not show any effort to block the protesters from trespassing. Critics faulted Abhisit and his security teams for failing to take seriously the potential danger posed by the anti-government protesters. Some ventured to say that the military was no longer supporting him.
Abhisit was concerned about the safety of foreign leaders attending the summit, fearing they could be targets of protesters. After the postponement, he declared a six-hour state of emergency in Pattaya and areas in its vicinity – long enough to allow the safe passage for all dignitaries.
Now that peace has returned to the streets of Bangkok amid the traditional Thai New Year, or Songkarn Festival, the government is reassessing the whole situation, especially the long-term implications on the country's reputation and economic recovery.
Domestically, Abhisit has to reach out to the poor in the North and Northeast region even though they have not supported the ruling Democrat Party. Most of them are followers of former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra. After the riots, this is the best time to establish rapport and trust with the poor.
A decade ago, Thaksin, a billionaire telecom tycoon turn politician, captured the votes of rural poor with populist policies and measures. His unorthodox, quick-fix and benefit-based approaches to politics quickly turned him into one of the country's most popular prime ministers, enabling him to lead a majority government in early 2006 for the first time in Thai political history. During his reign, he had never shied away from any big-spending scheme, including huge packages of giveaways that aimed at keeping poor voters happy.
