La Thaïlande entredeux combats

Photos by Loïc HoquetWith the participation of theInternational Crisis Group*

Loïc Hoquet est photographe et réalisateur. Passionné par la boxe, il part à Bangkok en 2005 pour s'immerger dans le milieu très fermé de ce sport. Il décide plus tard de réaliser un documentaire dont il conduit actuellement le tournage. En mai 2010, alors qu'il se trouve à Bangkok pour les repérages et les prises de contact nécessaires à la réalisation de son projet, les affrontements entre les « chemises jaunes » (partisans des royalistes) et les « chemises rouges » (opposants au régime de Abhisit Vejjajiva) éclatent. Sans plus de préparations, il décide de “couvrir” l'événement.

Loïc Hoquet is photographer and movie director. Driven by his passion for boxe, he left to Bangkok in 2005 to dive into this closed universe. He later decided to make a documentary, which is currently shot. In May 2010, while he was in Bangkok to spot and get in touch with the key persons for his project, the clash between the « yellow shirts » (partisans of the king) and the « red shirts » (opponents to the regime) broke out. Without further preparation, he decided to « cover » the event.

*http://www.crisisgroup.org

‘The “Red Shirts” drew support from the urban and rural poor. They formed a pivotal force that rallied against the military-installed government and the establishment-backed Abhisit administration. After a court ordered the seizure of Thaksin’s assets in late February, the UDD again took to the streets demanding an election.’ (International Crisis Group, Asia Report n°192, 5 July 2010*)

‘The most violent political clashes between the government and demonstrators in modern Thai history erupted between 10 April and 19 May after weeks of protests on the streets of Bangkok. While this recent chapter of the country’s tumultuous politics ultimately ended in a government crackdown, conflict between conservative elites and the allies of a populist politician is far from over. On one side is the unelected establishment – the palace, the military, the judiciary and the network around them and their yellow- shirted supporters. On the other is a police colonel- turned-businessman-turned-politician, Thaksin Shinawatra, who has challenged the old order with his red-shirted supporters drawn from the rural and urban poor. Neither side is united and each has its own counterintuitive allies. With the conservative royalist establishment stand some members of the urban middle class, angered by Thaksin’s corruption, cronyism and human rights abuses. With the populist Thaksin are some members of the military and much of the police. Thai society, institutions, even families are often dangerously divided down the middle [. . .] If Thailand is to move away from recent violence, consolidate a new political consensus, and restore democracy, it will need to hold elections sooner rather than later. After such a divisive period in Thai history, those in power will need to refresh their mandate. Any reconciliation plan or reform agenda will also need popular endorsement to succeed. If all sides are involved in such efforts, then they could work together to minimise election violence and, more importantly, commit to supporting the result and giving the new government a chance to govern without rancour and instability. It will be an important test for Thailand to prove; that is heading away from this violent moment or entrenching long-term instability with all its deadly consequences.’(International Crisis Group, Asia Report n°192, 5 July 2010)