I think the main objective of the ‘hidden power’ is not so much to install Abhisit and the Democrats in Govt House as to eliminate Thaksin once and for all from politics. It’s only that the Democrats present the only viable alternative. Let’s see how the Democrat-led government fare in this volatile situation.

What seems to be emerging is that the fight is becoming one between genuine democracy and the force struggling to maintain the status quo. It certainly started with the more personal conflict, but now it has become broader and involves more abstract principles. The Democrats will only destroy themselves if they are aligned too much with the other side and are too dependent on them.

I see this as a momentous historical change in Thailand. Thaksin of course has a big role to play in this, but he is only a character in the show, and now the show does not revolve around him any more. I have overheard a lot of people in the markets talk with a lot of interest and concern about politics. They are increasingly taking the matter into their own hands, realizing that power really belongs to them. We have to take a long term perspective. Note these events in 2005-2008 and come back again in five or six years.

… for Sondhi and Chamlong:

“O Suvan’bhumi, O Suvan’bhumi, How are thy planes so dormant! Not only in high season time, But specially when the airport’s mine…”

… for the PAD toughs:

“O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to beat the cops again; Come and behold them, Run from their vehicles; O come, let us assault them, O come, let us assault them…”

… and the whole family:

“O star of wonder, star of light, Star with Royal Beauty bright… King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign.” (No changes to that one)