News media described it as a "shock", an "upset" and a "political earthquake" among other things. Few, if any, predicted it or expected it. But alas, the seemingly invincible populist regime with the mass working class as its support base is defeated in the national election. The victor? An opposition that's historically backed by the traditional establishment and urban elite.
Why did the ruling regime lose? Pundits point to the corruption and cronyism scandals that dogged the government.
In an alternate reality the above paragraph could describe Thailand, four years ago. But no, the Democrat Party did not defeat the Puea Thai Party. In fact, powerful elements with ties to the Democrats, namely Suthep Thaugsuban and his cohorts, worked hard to dismantle the election. In Thailand, the establishment and urban elite did not have patience for democracy. They preferred the quick fix of armoured tanks.
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