Yinluck Shinawatra has fled the country. The Shinawatras have been a part of Thai politics since 2001 and dominated the landscape. Accused of a rice subsidies scheme she failed to appear in court. She was not removed from office by legal means. A coup brought Prayut Chan O-Cha to power. The reason she fled is that it was clear that this would not be a fair trial. Thailand has become in effect a defacto military dictatorship . The 2014 coup has caused instability that has not been seen since 1992 and 2006. The Shinawatras both Thanksin and Yinluck are not completely innocent. They came to power through patronage and an unusual manipulation of state funds. This latest event may not entirely mean the Shinawatras are neutralized. A large portion of the rural population still supports them. Yinluck could start a movement from outside the country, which could see her coming back after the fall of the military government. Could the West mold her into a Aung San Suu Kyi ? It could be a possibility. Elected leaders do not last long in Thailand. This demonstrates that a Western model of democracy may not work in Thailand. Class conflict is clearly causing problems in the Asian nations. It seems the poor have been left behind and in this family dynasty tapped into their struggle. The middle class and the upper class seem to support the military, because they have similar far right convictions. Thailand's future seems unknown, but it is clear the rule of law has been defeated.
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