Irina Bernebring Journiette

No matter what one might think this is not a Spice Girls eulogy, even though the once larger-than-life girlband have made an incredible comeback during late night dance parties in the streets of Bangkok. No, this is a small reflection, or a personal first hand account, on the political ripple effect in Thailand. This is mostly evident in how issues against the government are morphing together. Looking at media coverage it’s fascinating to track how two separate issues slowly and over about three months time merged into one. First there was Suthep’s march against the government, rallying in intersections all over Bangkok. Secondly there were angered rice farmers demanding fair payment in the aftermath of a somewhat sketchy rice-pledging scheme. In december: Two different topics, different headings, different focus. Now: The unrest and rice scheme have united under a more overarching (and politically difficult to overlook) accusation–Corruption.