Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) – "We are very concerned. Buddhist and Christian faithful are praying for peace. We hope and pray that the situation will not become more violent. The party of the 'red' is now divided between those pushing to use violence and those wanting to maintain a protest with extreme symbolic gestures (such as the use of blood), but in peace." This is the analysis made in an interview with Fides, by Fr. Joseph H. Maier, a Redemptorist, careful observer and an expert on Thai society. Fr. Maier has been Director of the Human Development Center in Bangkok since 1973. The center is engaged in social and human development, which includes a hospital, a home for orphans, a home for women, a center for mothers and children affected by AIDS, giving a home to thousands of poor and marginalized people, mainly from the slums of Bangkok.
On the protest of the "red," supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinavatra, which has been taking place in the capital for four days, Fr. Maier tells Fides: "It has been extremely shocking for the public. The Red Shirts have used superstition, black magic, and the use of human blood as a sign of cursing the government. The public did not appreciate these extreme gestures. Shedding of blood, the sacred symbol of life, has been decried by many and was an act harshly condemned. The Buddhist monks now want to 'remove the curse' and return 'good security' to the government palace and the house of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajjiva, which are stained with blood.”
The missionary continues: "There are former communists who wish to retake the political space and the former Prime Minister Thaksin would do anything to regain power. Some analysts say his plan would be to become the first president of Thailand, displacing even the monarchy. But, the Prime Minister in office will not resign, nor does it appear that the army intends to support the protest of the 'Red.' The attempt to subvert the established order seems to have failed. This is why today, the movement works only to save their dignity and integrity, to not admit resounding defeat. "
The protest could quickly end: "The fact is that many of the 'red' militants come from the countryside and from rural areas, traditional strongholds of supporters of Thaksin. They have been camped out for days in the city, sleeping on the ground. Had received 500 baht each for expenses, but the money is running out; they lack food, health services. Seniors and children begin to get sick and want to go home. But, the movement's leaders insist on seeking even a small success that legitimizes the whole event. We'll see how it ends," says the missionary. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/3/2010)