The Plutocracy V the Oligarchy

In April and May 2010, leaving 91 dead, that left deep political scars. Now, over the past week thousands of anti-government protesters have rallied in the Thai capital Bangkok, at first turning out against a bill that would have offered amnesty to deposed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, but continuing to protest after the bill was defeated in the Thai Senate by a vote of 141- 0. The government could technically resubmit a fresh version of the bill six months from now but Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin’s sister, has pledged not to reintroduce the bill. Counter-demonstrations have also taken place in support of the government. Both factions of the ruling elite have manipulated popular opinion.

The richest 20 percent of Thais possess about 70 percent of the wealth, while the poorest 20 percent hold just 4 percent. This leaves the remaining 60 percent of the population holding just 26 percent of the wealth.

Bangkok, which has 14 percent of Thailand’s population, receives 70 percent of all government expenditures in health, education, and other key services; whereas in the Northeast – the largest and poorest region of the nation and home to 34 percent of the population – receives only 6 percent of these key public expenditures.

Despite their competing demagogy and rhetoric, Puea Thai and the Democrats, represents the interests of different sections of the Thai capitalist class. While many saw Thaksin as a corrupt, crony capitalist who manipulates the masses with populist handouts, the leader of the oppositional Democrats, forced into resigning from Parliament for corruption, calls for an ill-defined "people's council" to replace the government and a parliament made up of nominated worthies.

Background reading on the history of the rise of Thailand capitalism

Also see an earlier 2010 post by SOYMB