Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) – The political crisis that has been affecting Thailand for six months now, has undergone a change: in a unanimous decision the judges of the Constitutional Court, in judging on the legitimacy of the government, have dissolved the executive branch. The Court's sentence has suspended the political activity of Premier Somchai Wongsawat for 5 years, dissolving the “People's Power Party” (PPP), of which the Premier was a member, as well as the two other parties of the coalition government, found guilty of electoral fraud in the December 2007 elections.
The verdict has been successful in placing an end to the protest that for a week has been paralyzing the nation: thousands of demonstrators of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the opposition party, surrounded and entered the headquarters of the institutions, later moving on to the two airports in Bangkok, blocking a large part of the nation's air traffic, thus provoking grave damages to the nation's economy, tourism, and commerce.
The dissolving of the political parties does not necessarily imply prompt elections. The ad interim government is being led at this time by Premier Chavarat Charnvirakul, who has agreed with the Head of Parliament, on the election of a new Prime Minister on December 8. According to observers, the current majority, weakened by protests in the square and the verdict of the Court, will have a hard time trying to pass a new Premier, which will be the third in three months, after the ousting of Samak Sundarave, who was also condemned by the Constitutional Courts on accusations of conflict of interests.
The Court's sentence has avoided a military coups, at least for now, voices from the capital say.
Now, PAD hopes to influence the new political campaign, also thanks to the Crown. The beloved sovereign Bhumibol Adulyadej will give his customary message to the nation tomorrow, as it is his 81 birthday. The address will announce the great importance of tranquilizing the public (as the king already enjoys a high level of acceptance by the people) and to soften the dangerous social conflict in the country.
In the meantime, the anti-government demonstrators have lifted the block on the main airport in Bangkok, which had lasted 8 days...giving hope to the 230,000 tourists trapped in the country.
The economy has also been affected by months of blockages and instability, and is now awaiting a breakthrough, especially in the area of tourism. The tourism industry is a key part of Thai economy, taking in 8% of the GNP, and providing employment to nearly 2 million people. In fact, southeastern Asia's tourist season hits its high time right about now. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/12/2008)
