697Regardless of the division of power, Thais in general seem fatigued
from the previous years’ political distress, which undermines a deep-
seated sense of a unifi ed ‘Thai-ness’ and a cultural aversion to displays
of violence and anger. Bangkokians, especially, are exhausted by the has-
sles of traffi c jams and road closures that accommodate the seemingly
endless exercise of freedom of assembly.
During the height of the 2010 crisis, the Western press was intrigued
by the apparent class divide that defi ned the two political sides: the
proletariat (pro-Thaksin) Red Shirts and the aristocratic (anti-Thaksin)
Yellow Shirts. But Thai intellectuals feel this is an over-simplifi cation of
the situation and that the lines aren’t as clearly drawn. In the middle of
the extremes are the uncolour coded Thais who have sympathies with
both sides. They might agree with the Red Shirts on the grounds of
restoring democracy and disapproving of the military’s and the court’s
meddling in politics, but they are sceptical of the Red Shirts’ unques-
tioning loyalty to Thaksin.
For the political troubles in Thailand’s south, see the boxed text, p 596.
The Ageing King
Thais don’t often discuss the topic openly but many are worried about
their beloved monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). Now in
his mid-80s, he is the world’s longest-serving king and is respected, and
virtually worshipped, by his subjects. But as the king’s health has de-
clined, his role in society has diminished. He has been hospitalised for
nearly two years and his public appearances are so rare that they make
laudatory coverage in Thai national news.
In King Bhumibol’s more active years, he was viewed as a stabilising
force in times of political crisis. But he has not exercised that role during
» (^) Population:
66.7 million
» (^) GDP: $580.
billion
» (^) GDP per
capita:
US$
» (^) Unemploy-
ment: 1.2%
» (^) Education
spending: 4.1%
of GDP
Buddhist
95
1
Christian
5
Muslim
belief systems
(% of population)
75 would be Thai
14 would be Chinese
11 would be Other
if Thailand were
100 people
Top Books
Agrarian Utopia (Uruphong
Raksasad; 2009) The daily
rhythms and fi nancial struggles
of farmers in northern Thailand.
White Buff alo (Shinoret Kham-
wandee; 2011) A man returns to
his Isan village to fi nd that all the
local ladies love Western men.
Very Thai (Philip Cornwell-
Smith) Colourful photos and
essays on Thailand’s quirks.
Chronicle of Thailand (William
Warren ) History of the last 50
years.