Terror in Mumbai and civil strife in Bangkok make the world unsafe for international travellers.
By Sunil Kumar
Nearly 11 blasts this year in India and a politically turbulent year in Thailand has made international travel more risky. What are the reasons for ongoing and escalating violence?
India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Congress government have had a tough 2008. Opposition to the Indo-US Nuclear Deal, a global economic recession and a spate of terror attacks have added to the government’s woes.
Thailand has always been a favourite haunt for Britons and an eclectic international mix. A combination of sleaze, dope and beaches have made the country a worldwide hit.
Political demonstrations and a state of emergency in Bangkok have affected the newer Suvarnabhumi Airport and the older Don Muang Airport. A Telegraph report lists Thailand and India as among the 20 most dangerous places on the planet.
India is a volatile mix, with various religions and multiple languages. Problems stem from historical, political, linguistic and economic reasons.
The Mumbai terrorist attacks, that India claims are the handiwork of Pakistan-sponsored militants are a manifestation of a deeper social malaise. Disgruntled elements within India are unhappy with government policies.
India has wider systemic problems with corruption, bribery and extremist movements. Social inequity has led to widespread violence.
THAILAND SIMMERS
One of the most developed economies in South-East Asia, Thailand has been on tenterhooks since the ouster of prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The sole unifying factor in Thailand is the King. Thais have great respect and reverence for the King and Queen.
The current political crisis is a conflict between People’s Alliance for Democracy and the People’s Power Party governments of Prime Ministers Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsowat.
The 2008 crisis results from PAD’s assertion that Sundaravej and Wongsowat are stand-ins for Shinawatra.
Recent events precipitating the current crisis are the fall of Sundaravej. On the evening of 25 November, the PAD executed “Operation Hiroshima”.
Armed PAD members dressed in yellow blocked the two ends of the road in front of Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The domestic terminal, the Don Muang airport was also seized.
ENEMY AT THE GATES
The government called on the Royal Thai Army to restore order. The Army did not follow orders.
Flights have resumed from Suvarnabhumi Airport, but the long-term implications of the political crisis are unclear. International press coverage on Thailand increased exponentially, with a number of high-profile news articles breaking.
The world is becoming increasingly unsafe due to the scourge of global terrorism.
Minerva 