The one thing that the government should not overlook is the discontent of hungry people.
I recently heard a Thai political commentator saying that “คนหิวมักโมโหราย” or “hungry people tend to become violently angry.”
This phrase does ponder some reflection.
And it is the government that should do the reflecting, that is if it can take a moment to stop its self-congratulations for ‘saving us’ from the coronavirus pandemic.
Because the anger that people have towards the government is real and any gratitude the populace should feel towards the administration for their good work in keeping us safe has been trumped by its bungled response in providing aid to those that need it the most.
From failed computer systems and eugenics-inspired algorithms to images of people crying in front of the Ministry of Finance for a handout, these are the images that will last beyond the pandemic and define this administration’s response.
Libertarian elite?
Arguments are already being raised by pro-government supporters that people hurt by the lockdown measures should have allocated some of their resources for emergencies and become self-reliant.
How arrogant to think that the majority of Thais do not live paycheck to paycheck or have financial obligations to their families.
Also, what about people that have already burned through those resources?
The elites in this country suffer collectively from being out of touch.
No one wants to ask for government aid unless they really need to and those who ask for such aid should not be criticized in doing so, especially when facing the real prospect of starvation.
People can bear with political quarrels and conflict so long as it does not have an effect on people’s livelihood.
Many can live under political repression and not speak out if it does not affect one’s ability to feed their families. Some may even say ideology or principles cannot feed an empty stomach.
But everyone, rich or poor, will draw the line at life and death measures. Many will also be resentful at being blamed for protesting their right to livelihood and survival.
Economic effect
I recently heard an analyst saying that the current crisis we are is economically worse than the 1997 Tom Yung Goong Crisis.
This can be seen in the number of people that are waiting in line for food hand-outs and other necessities evoking similar images to the soup lines during the great depression.
That’s right, Thailand in the 21st century is evoking images of the great depression from a century ago.
Yet somehow, empathy in our society is still lacking. Somehow, the government is still plagued by charges of corruption within their emergency response, and somehow, the poor are still to blame for all these problems.
Maybe this is why the government has extended the State of Emergency to the end of June. Out of fear of hungry people.
When the next protest takes place after lockdown measures have been lifted, those that were left behind by the government’s policies could be the main body that pushes for the government to be removed.
Forget the student’s anger, if the needy and poor rise up, their anger will be much worse.
And if the poor and needy do rise up, could we really blame them?
(Photo Credit: Dominic Chakrabongse)
