Thai unrest blow to Asian democracy

THAILAND: Lawless protests that shuttered Thailand's airports will be seen by authoritarian regimes in an increasingly undemocratic Southeast Asia as a vindication of their own iron rule, analysts say.

For eight days, protesters determined to bring down a democratically-elected government blockaded Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi international airport causing massive economic damage, with police unable or unwilling to uproot them.

They only agreed to leave when a court dissolved the ruling party and forced the Thai prime minister from office in early December, leaving the kingdom scrambling to put together a new coalition government.

"There may be some people who are saying 'if this is what democracy leads to, then maybe we're better off without it,'" said John Virgoe, Southeast Asia director for global think-tank International Crisis Group.

Thailand's reputation as a beacon for democracy in the region was already tarnished after the army removed twice-elected prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a coup in September 2006 following massive street protests.

Bangkog, Sunday, AFP