But Thailand suffers from one unfortunate trap in politics — constantly changing constitutions. The constitution under which Thaksin was allowed to operate found him guilty of tax evasion; and no blind eye could be turned as the economic interests of the old elite were jeopardised through the sale of a prominent telecom firm. This same constitution ousted another politician — for hosting his own cookery show. Constitutions change till the Bangkok elite get what they want.

And it will happen again: in a bid to ensure that power should not once again return to Thaksin and his supporters, the elite, through those of them that are protesting, have pushed for constitutional reform that would ultimately disenfranchise the rural North and under-developed South. Through back-door political manoeuvring the Bangkok elite would and can ensure a panel be chosen which would be given the authority to elect representatives to government on behalf of the rest of the country. Bangkok would retain the right to vote; the rest of Thailand’s 50 million would not.

Last Wednesday night I watched live images from Bangkok’s airport, knowing what lay behind them. Then, Bombay happened and for three days we watched it burn.

And after, our politicians were pilloried. Celebrities, political commentators and the like are arguing for a complete revamp of the political system. Were the voices as loud when terrorist attacks hit Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad this year? This understanding is what is missing: demonstrations for peace, and candle-lit ceremonies honouring those lost is a way to grieve; but the business of politics goes much deeper. Politics might seem uncaring: but politics in our country has to care about the thousands of lives saved by polio eradication in Maharashtra’s hinterland as much as lives at risk from sea-borne terrorism in Mumbai. That those with wealth have the power to change that does not mean they should.

... contd.