Ongoing Political Conflict Threat to Thailand Stability

Protests in the capital have gripped Thailand and led to a no-confidence debate in Parliament this week represent a war between the supporters of a populist billionaire and political conservatives.

This could be dubbed ‘round two’ in the fight between heavyweights Thaksin Shinawatra and Sondhi Limthongkul.

Mr Sondhi is a well-known broadcaster and publisher, who has become the self-appointed defender of the traditional way of life in Thailand. At one time an ally of the former prime minister, he has become a vehement opponent of Mr Thaksin, a telecommunications tycoon.

The feud could fuel ongoing political uncertainty in Thailand, one of the significant economies in south-east Asia. Having endured for nearly two years, the fight has taken its toll. As inflation impacts China, many international manufacturers are seeking alternative locations for their factories, and Thailand is losing out to the Philippines and Vietnam because of the current instability.

Mr. Sondhi began his campaign against Mr. Thaksin with organised protests in Bangkok in early 2006. He alleged that Mr. Thaksin's financial ambitions were undermining Thailand's traditions and stability. Mr. Sondhi garnered the support of tens of thousands of ascetic Buddhists, business leaders and royalists, that time, with the result being a bloodless military coup removing Mr. Thaksin from office in September 2006.

In December 2007, Mr. Thaksin’s supporters were voted in as the country’s new government. Mr. Sondhi has led another wave of protests since that time, which culminated this past week in 25,000 Thais breaking through police lines to reach Government House in Bangkok.

"We're here to defend democracy. We're here to protect the motherland," Mr. Sondhi told the tens of thousands o flag-waving protesters on 20 June 20. At that same time, he demanded that the current Prime Minister, Samak Sundaravej, resign.