New Zealand shouldn’t stay silent as Thailand descends into chaos and potentially a bloodbath. We should be backing the
Red Shirts’ call for UN mediation
.
We can’t just sit on the sidelines as the Thai rulers – who have no electoral mandate – resort to greater force to repel a massive movement of the urban and rural poor.
Our government may have had good relations with the Thai elite –
including a free trade agreement
– but that is no excuse for keeping quiet.
Our higher duty is to the Thai people who might be slaughtered in their thousands if the situation continues to deteriorates.
We should say: bring in the UN now to help chart a course to new elections and a Thai government which has the confidence of the people.