To end the polarization of politics, extremism on both sides must be stopped In 2009 the street protests have changed completely from the yellow-clad or PAD to the red-clad or UDD. Thai society has divided and the conflict has deepened for the last 3 years. Various organizations and social critics have together urged the public to join hands in opening an area without taking side where people can exchange their ideas. The government suggested the King Prachathipok Institute as a neutral place to take the lead in political reform. The opposition party also approved the move, hoping to restore national unity
along with the upcoming new round of political reform. Surachart Bamrungsuk, security and strategic studies expert, pointed out that the political polarization comes the extremism on both sides. He predicted that it is likely that Thai society may face political atrocities with hunting and killing of suspected enemies. Thus the country may face severe confrontation. The way to avoid confronting extremisms is to increase the maturity and courage of all sides, leading to negotiation, compromise, responsibility, and willingness to forgive previous wrongdoing.
Timeline of key events between September 2004 and February 2009
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Protesters demanded Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra step down. A crowd gathered at 25 September 2004 the Royal Grounds and then proceeded to the central business district. Some people agreed with and others opposed the move. The protests lasted for years and ended after the military coup. 19 September 2006 A military coup took place to oust the government led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra 30 May 2007 The Constitutional Court ordered the dissolution of Thai Rak Thai party A clash between the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) and polices in front of General 22 July 2007 Prem Tinsuranond’s residence A national referendum on Thailand’s draft constitution was accepted (58 percent agree and 42 percent 19 August 2007 disagree, and invalid votes accounted for about 2 percent) People Power Party won the general election and Mr. Samak Sundaravej, the party leader sworn in 23 December 2007 The as the prime minister on 6 February 2008 (He ended his premiership on 18 September 2008) The People’s Alliance for Democract (PAD) started a protest demanding that Samak step down, occupied the government house since June, and rallied at many public places to put pressure on the prime 25 May 2008 minister PAD seized the government NBT television station, blockaded three ministry compounds, and occupied 26 August 2008 Government House between DAAD and PAD left one person dead and about 40 injured. As a result Mr. Somchai 2 September 2008 Clashes Wongsawat had ordered the state of emergency in Bangkok Constitution Court disqualified Mr. Samak Sundaravej after finding him violating the charter as an 9 September 2008 The employee of a private company hosting cooking show program “Munching Talking” Somchai Wongsawat sworn in as a prime minister (ended on 2 December 2008 after the People 17 September 2008 Mr. Power Party was dissolved) Police fired tear gas into the crowd of protestors in front of the parliament house, leaving 612 injured 7 October 2008 and 3 dead PAD led protestors blocked the government’s temporary office at Don muang Airport, demanded that 23-26 November Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawong resign and marched to close Suvarnabhumi Airport on 26 2008 November 2 December 2008 3 December 2008
The Constitutional Court’s dissolved the People Power Party based on election fraud PAD put an end to its protesting National Assembly convened and selected Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, the leader of the Democrat party, 15 December 2008 Special as the prime minister Leaders of the UDD gathered at the royal ground and led the protestors to blockage the government 31 January 2009 house demanding an immediate resignation of Mr. Abhisit Vejajiva.