The Political Time-Bomb

There is a time bomb here in Thailand, and it is set to blow on February 26.
I'm going to try to give a simple summary of a messy situation here, so please bear with me.

Thaskin is the former prime minister of Thailand. He was deposed in the 2006 military coup and convicted (while in exile) of conflict of interest. He was very popular in the poorer areas of Thailand such as the North and Northeast.

Abhist is the current prime minister. Its important to note that he is not squeaky clean (what politician is, really?) but as far as I can tell seems to hold office legitimately.

King Bhumibol is Thailands monarch who is almost universally loved. At least thats what everyone says. He is currently ill and in the hospital. I walk past this hospital every day on my way to school. Although Thaskin was accused of wanting to overthrow the monarchy, that was never really proven. The king is often considered 'above politics' although he does intervene every now and then.

The Red Shirts, members of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, are Thaskin supporters who want to overthrow the Abhist lead coalition government. They want revolution to bring true democracy to Thailand, which they believe is sullied by non-elected people interfering. This is many times construed as anti-monarchy.

The Yellow Shirts, members of the Peoples Alliance for Democracy, oppose the Red-shirts. They regularly invoke the King during their protests, and wear the Kings birth color. They are in power right now and are fighting for the status quo.

Thaskin has been accused of gaining assets and wealth illegally while in office. On February 26th, the Supreme Court will rule on if the government can seize those assets. This will lead to massive protests by Red Shirt supporters leading up to, and after the rulings.

It must be remembered that Thailand really hasnt gotten the hang of Democracy, as evidenced by their frequent coups. Therefore, when the redshirts say that they are asking for revolution, they really are going for a revolution. So next week Bangkok is going to be as close to martial law as it can be without being martial law (and there is the possibility of martial law happening if things get bad enough). There will be 200 checkpoints throughout the city, and 5000 extra security forces will be mobilized.

There has already been two grenade attacks, and one C4 bomb found (no casualties). In Thailand foreigners are never targeted, and the police generally ignore them during riots and such.

Me and Steve live on the other side of the River from any points of intrest, and therefore our apartment is perfectly safe. School, however, is pretty close to where things can get messy as Thammasat is a historically important place for political change.

The Army, for its part, has assured people that it had no plans on staging any coup during the political turmoil.

Dear Mother Dinger and Mother Labedz,
If you come to us with your panic and worries after you read this it will merely annoy us. We are keeping well informed on the situation and are not stupid. We wont go partying in a protest or sight seeing at a riot. We know where the American Embassy is. Might we watch a rally? Yes. Will we stay for the riot? no. Worrying is a fruitless activity, which Steve and I choose not to participate in, so do not expect to hear that from us. Preparedness is a fruitful activity which we have engaged in, and that is all that can be done or should be expected. We both just had our birthdays and are big kids now.