Colour-coded politics: thailand's struggle with democracy | Clifford Terry

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 difficulties in the past has the Thai monarchy. 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 may in of itself be part of the cause of some of the county’s 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. 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. Previously, mass protests involving nationalistic Yellow Shirts and their opposition the Red Shirts have crippled Thai society and further the rift between the classes of Thais. Currently a pro-Red political party (Peau Thai) has come into power through a landslide win in the general election. Still, there are still many questions yet to be answered and right now there is an atmosphere of quiet optimism amongst the Reds and nervous apprehension for the rest of the country as a more conciliatory mood embraces the country. Our film maker is a Thai-born Australian, returning at this tumultuous time to discover what has caused this tremendous rift in Thai society. On this journey he will travel to one of the notorious ‘Red Villages’ and witness firsthand how this political conflict has had an impact on the lives, families and communities of ordinary Thais.