Your comments on the riots in Thailand during demonstrations against the Thai government, as well as on the government's subsequent decision to declare an emergency in Bangkok and cancel the Asian Summit scheduled to take place in Pattaya.
The people and the country are victims of power-hungry politicians.
Ruchira
Jakarta
It is necessary, as in several cases before, for King Bhumibol to be asked to intervene, to quell any more riots by Thaksin's followers and to back up current Prime Minister Abhisit, so that his government can do their job properly.
Ultimately, it is not the elite, but the common Thai people, many of whom have been supporting Thaksin Shinawatra, who will suffer if this deplorable situation is left to continue.
The Thai economy, already in trouble because of the global economic woes, will slide even deeper and the common Thai will pay the price for betting on the wrong horse.
V.T Hopkins
Jakarta
Rioting in Thailand happened because the people of Thailand do not have trust.
Terry Komala
Jakarta
How could soldiers let the demonstrations and rioting happen when the summit was about to begin? It reminds me of the Semanggi tragedy in 1998. The King of Thailand must take action.
Fahmi Nuriman
Surabaya
I think Indonesia is much better in the way it chooses its government than Thailand! Why are they forcing an ex-prime minister to be elected again?
This case has involved many Thai residents, a canceled ASEAN summit and a paralyzed tourism industry. And the worst thing is that they are moved by an ex-prime minister's money. I am blessed as an Indonesian. I hate chaos and riots!
Ferry
Sidoarjo, East Java
The root of the problem is Thaksin, Thaksin and Thaksin. Playing dirty politics to return to power via the gutter.
Dave R
Jakarta
Since Thaksin resigned years ago, there has been no political stability in Thailand. The people in the country have been divided into at least two groups: Those who are pro-Thaksin particularly lower class or rural residents and those who are anti-Thaksin, mostly middle class or elite.
If a leader of the pro-Thaksin group is made prime minister through parliament's endorsement then the anti-Thaksin group will oppose the decision and this group will stage a demonstration on a large scale to demand its prime minister step down. Other groups of Thai people will have a similar reaction if their political rival is in power.
It seems that national reconciliation is needed involving all groups in the country to create a unitary nation, political stability and strong government.
Abdul Rahim
Tangerang, Banten
