ดร.พิทยา พุกกะมาน A solemn reflection of May 19 bloody crackdown

A solemn reflection of May 19 bloody crackdown

            As Thailand comes to a full two-year cycle of the bloody crackdown of pro-democracy protesters by armed security forces on the fateful day of May 19, 2010, all Thais who are imbued with the spirit of democracy and justice, Red Shirts and non-Red Shirts alike,  came together to commemorate the tragic event at the Rajprasong Intersection on Saturday, May 19, 2012.  This was not the occasion for rejoice or revelry.  But it is the occasion to reflect on the brutal crackdown ordered by the Abhisit government which had no legitimacy whatsoever to cling on to power.  Two years have passed, but the same group of people still entertains no shame or decency when it categorically denies or even justifies the cold-blooded murder of at least 91 innocent civilians whose only demand was a reinstatement of a democratic regime supported by the majority of the Thai people.  This people have made a mockery of democracy and the constitution which, ironically, was crafted to suit its own existence.  Backed by the military and fascist zealots, the regime in power at that time had indulged in murderous violence and cold-blooded impartially in the choice of victims.  This tyrannical trio, consisting of some elements of old-guard politicians, military, and elitists had no scruples in callously slaughtering innocent civilians in order to maintain a backward regimented society where the Thai people who were not deemed to be their own creed were brutally subjugated and gunned down with impunity.
            After the formation a democratically elected government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinnawatra nearly a year ago, we are still witnessing a struggle against militarism and a certain form of fascism.  It is the struggle that pits civilization against savagery, the 21st century against medieval era, the forces of progress against the forces of backwardness, an enlightened governance against dictatorial regime, democracy against totalitarianism, and those who sanctify life against those who are trigger happy murderers.  The primitivism of the latter has no place in the 21st century society where the allure of freedom, democracy, liberty, and technological advances is too pervasive for all Thais not to embrace.  Ultimately, democracy, not modern day fascism, should win the day.  The democratic forces had won an election and a majority in the legislative branch, but the battle with the dictatorial forces is far from over.  

As Thailand approaches the crucial crossroad towards progress or degeneration, the challenge facing all Thais is how to prevent dictators and tyrants from seizing power again in our country.  All Thais have to rise to the call of democracy and take action against the dictators who took power by force in 2006 and subsequently stole an election in broad daylight and indiscriminately sprayed live bullets on pro-democracy protesters who died at the Rajprasong Intersection two years ago, choking in their own blood.  Will the Thai people and international community thwart these pernicious practitioners of mass murder?  It is prime time for all Thais to act in unison with at least a hundred thousands of freedom loving Thais who assembled at the Rajprasong Intersection on Saturday, May 19, 2012 to commemorate the brutal crackdown 2 years ago.