(VOVworld)- Bangkok was shocked this week by two consecutive explosions, the worst incident in Thailand in 2 years. An investigation is underway to find the culprit. Many people are wondering whether the incident is related to recent developments in Thailand’s political arena.
Less than 24 hours after a blast at the Erawan Shrine that killed at least 22 people and injured 120, Bangkok was shocked again by another explosion at Sathorn pier on the Chao Phraya river. These were not the first bombings in Thailand, but their nature was different. The location and the timing of the blasts were apparently well calculated. The explosives were professionally made and intended to cause high mortality. The blasts occurred at a time of political turmoil and appear aimed at causing panic among the public and negatively impacting Thailand’s tourism sector.
Disputes dominate Thailand’s politics
Since Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s military government took office a year ago, Thailand’s security and political situation has been quite stable. But a number of negative signs have emerged in the past few months. The new draft Constitution, which was completed in April by the military rulers, is controversial because it allows the use of strong measures in emergency cases. This proposal has been strongly rejected by the opposition party in Thailand. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who now lives in exile called on his supporters, via social networks, to boycott the draft Constitution. The National Reform Committee is due to vote in September on whether to accept or reject the draft constitution, with a rejection meaning more work and a delay in an election the military has promised for late 2016. If the draft Constitution wins more than 50% of votes, it will come into force.
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has put in place several tough measures. Hundreds of opposition members have been arrested for involvement in anti-government protests. Tensions in Thailand have increased in the past few months after Prime Minister Prayuth decided not to hold a general election in 2017. Upon taking office, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha promised to promptly establish a people-elected government through a general election nationwide. The decision to postpone the election has caused a strong backlash by the opposition party.
Analysts say another cause of instability in Bangkok is new personnel appointments to the cabinet. There have been differences between the army and the ruling government.
In addition, Thai economic growth has slowed down in recent years. The economic performance in June dropped to the lowest rate since 2011. The administration of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha says the cabinet reshuffle will save the economy.
New violence ‘spiral’
The Thai government has tried to stabilize society but has not gotten the hoped-for result as this latest bombing in Bangkok proves.Analysts say Thai politics is built on political factions pursuing group interests. Although the Thai royal family plays an important role in rallying national unity it has no governance role. The Thai Constitution specifies that power belongs to the government. While the administration pushes ahead with the Constitution revision and cabinet reshuffle, social instability is growing.
Investigation of the bombings continues. Stronger security measures are expected to be imposed in the next few days which could push Thailand into a new spiral of violence.