Formerly it was known as “Siam”, meaning the dark or brown because the Thai ancestors were black skinned. Interestingly all men and women in the country are whites. The black magic of the African ancestry is no longer there in Thailand. The Lao and Chinese origins have brought about a mystic combination in Thais. Thai women are well formed and tempting. So does the men! Fine dining and attention to detail are the hallmarks of the Mandarin oriental. Bright colors—from umbrellas, clothing, and wares—brighten the muddy water of the Amphawa floating market in Samut Songkhram. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, and food tempt buyers are at floating markets across Thailand.
The twilight settles on the Chao Phraya river around 6’o clock. Chao’s sunset is the most beautiful I think. A rare view of the sun, so closer and perfectly round in shape. It dazzles with bright red and luminous orange on a yellow mixed magenta canvas fringed beneath the faded bluish patches. Climbing for some 140 meters high and approximately 50 meters wide, recline the gold plated Buddha statues guarded by thick forests. It is a mark of Buddhism underlying the khama in daylight along Pattaya and Phantong beaches. Thailand is mesmerizing. But not for its yellow mixed magenta skies or the bright waters of Amphawa or the tempting cuisine can cool down the boiling war between Thaksin and Bhumibol (The King of Thailand)
The wars fought against Cambodia, Laos and Burma waxed off the Kingdom. The Burmese held up. It was time for Thaksin! Since the day Thaksin became the Prime Minister he has been a busy man. He bought and sold England’s Manchester City football Club, acquired a titanium mine in Zimbabwe, started a lottery in Uganda, acquired a Nicaraguan passport, met with Vladimir Putin and met Nelson Mandela.
Wait! He is still busy doing things.
He now dreams of becoming the Head of Thailand. Thaksin is a successful mobile operator. A silicalite chip running with signals. What matters and mattered him was the increase and decrease of figures. Law was second hand. Moral values weren't a part of him. He was happy when the GDP increased. He enjoyed the comforts when the debts fell off. Perhaps a typical business mind turned into politics. He was a proud owner of many developed transport systems in Thailand, A bombastic figure of the highways and Airports in the country. But did he ever smile at the corruption? the authoritarianism? the money he laundered for him and his family through government commissions?
He was a total crook who artificed a bleeding heart. Many men of the country are being fooled by his money. He confidently announces that he wants to come back to Thailand and serve the people. Why then escape? It should be remembered that the tongue can lie a many but not the heart can be duped easily.
Money has turned out to have a better heart than for the virtues of a man. This is why Thaksin is still energetic, ambitious and alive among many Thais. He empowered the long ignored voices of the countryside. He managed to develop funds worth 1 million THB (Thai Baht) to help the poor. The Rice Subsidy project raised by him became popular among farmers but eventually resulted cash shortages. Yet there will be more about Thaksin, Thaksin and Thaksin running up in the lips of people in years to come in Thailand.
“If you love my brother, will you give his younger sister a chance?” Once Yingluck Shinawatra led the crowd roar of approval at a camp, leaving little doubt as to whether the Gulf City is home to her brother Thaksin.
It’s a hunger game. Hungry for power. To own the flesh , to earn more and to celebrate the throne. To have pictures and posters of him on the city walls , every doorstep or the clock wall. Its nothing more than the greed , perhaps unending satisfaction. Nevertheless it’s a man’s thing. There is no therapy unless proper medication is found.
( Published in " The Nation" in early February 2014)
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