Synopsis:
Logline: With the politicians maneuvering to come up with the correct mix of populist policies and back room deals, the Thai public has their own ideas about what the future holds for democracy in Thailand.
Thailand has always embraced a class system. In many cases, it has created the profound sense of order that is found in Thai society but at times it has also resulted in abuses of power, military coups, crippling protest movements and government crackdowns. The one stabilizing factor that has guided this country through many of the difficulties in the past has the Thai monarchy. Thailand’s longest reigning monarch, his Majesty King Bhumibol Aduyadej has achieved legendary status and is practically a living saint in the eyes of the Thai people but with his advanced age and failing health can he be expected to guide them through this current crisis? That is the underlying fear that has overwhelmed many Thais and may in of itself be part of the cause of some of the county’s ills. These fears have been exploited by some of those in power and other nationalistic groups to cause deep divisions in Thai society and used to undermine their political opponents, even though there has been no evidence of a republican conspiracy against the Thai monarchy. Ironically, the threat comes as a result of the military and the bureaucracy using the palace to legitimize an increasingly unsustainable political status quo. With the people of Thailand better informed and educated, they are demanding more openness, accountability and more of a voice in politics.
The political crisis in recent years is the result of an irresistible force, the people demanding change, meeting an immovable object, the ruling elites insisting on maintaining the archaic power structure. Rather than adapting to accommodate the inevitable, they have instead responded with a mixture of paranoia and repression. With the much beloved King in his twilight years, the crisis has become more dangerously acute. Previously, mass protests involving nationalistic Yellow Shirts and their opposition the Red Shirts have crippled Thai society and further the rift between the classes of Thais.
Our film maker is a Thai-born Australian, returning at this tumultuous time to discover what has caused this tremendous rift in Thai society. He will be talking to people from different parts of the country and witness firsthand how this political conflict had an impact on their lives, families and communities.
Currently a pro-Red political party (Peau Thai) has come into power through a landslide win in the general election. There are still many questions to be answered however, and there is certainly a difference in the agendas of the Peau Thai Party and Red Shirts. Right now the atmosphere is of quiet optimism amongst the Reds and nervous apprehension for the rest of the country as the inevitable looms ever closer.
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