Bangkok siege

military coup in 2006 and slapped with cases of corruption. Their stated aim is to force fresh elections,a demand being strongly spurned by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

As Vejjajivas government hunkers down for a tough phase,with fears of Bangkok being shut down in the process,the development is a reminder of Thailands peculiarly polarised politics. Put simply,and as is evident from their rhetoric about a march on Bangkok,the Red Shirts are mostly drawn from the countryside. They are the mainstay of Shinawatras politics and his continued ability to force disruptions on the country while in exile. They see themselves to be in political

opposition to the Yellow Shirts,who are anti-Thaksin and seen to be royalists and representative of the Bangkok elite. The rhetoric about fresh elections is based on the

contention amongst Thaksins supporters that in a countrywide contest,hes bound to be winner. Thaksins opponents,who are believed to have the backing of Thailands very powerful royal family,hold that Thaksin has the rural masses in his sway by populist measures that would wreck the countrys polity and economy. In this regard,they want the law amended to put checks on the popular vote.

Thailands business and tourism sectors are bracing themselves for the kind of losses earlier sit-ins by Yellow and Red Shirts inflicted. And by all accounts,it seems Thailand is in for an extended phase of political instability.