| Popis: |
SINCE 1932 there have been nearly a score of coups and attempted coups in Thailand. Yet the 1976 military coup in Thailand, which ended three years of chaotic experimentation with open politics, was the most significant in terms of both its violence and its political implications. For this coup contributed directly to expanding the revolutionary capabilities of the Communist Party of Thailand. This is particularly ironic, given the pervasive anticommunist rhetoric of the rightist groups in 1975 and 1976, and the official justification for the military coup: "to protect Thailand from the communist menace." Yet such was indeed the case, for hundreds of student, labor, and farmer leaders and supporters fled to the hills-and into the arms of the revolutionary movement--in order to escape from intensified repression. This influx was unprecedented for Thailand's communist insurgency, and met the movement's most glaring weakness: the lack of young, capable leadership cadres. By late 1978 there were indications that these new cadres were beginning to make a significant difference to activities of the united front as well as the party itself. And very few had returned to Bangkok from the hills. |
