Thailand Election Pushes Through Amid Violent Protests

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. snap election /snæp ɪˈlɛkʃən/ (n.) – an election that is earlier than the usual schedule

Example: The snap election occurred a year earlier than scheduled.        

2. amnesty /ˈæmnəsti/ (n.) – a decision freeing prisoners and law offenders from punishment

Example: Many prisoners were set free after the government granted them amnesty.     

3. exile /ˈɛgzaɪl, ˈɛksaɪl/ (n.) – the condition of being forced to leave one’s country, usually as punishment

Example: The Filipino official is now in exile in Hong Kong after being convicted of corruption. 

4. dismiss /dɪsˈmɪs/ (v.) – to reject or not respect (someone or something)

Example: The residents dismissed the government’s advice to evacuate their homes.

5. postpone /poʊstˈpoʊn, poʊs-/ (v.) – to move a scheduled event to a later date

Example: The protest was postponed due to heavy rains.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra decides to push through with the snap elections on February 2 despite weeks of protests. Violent protests sparked when the government recommended an amnesty bill that would allow Thaksin Shinawatra's return to Thailand. Thaksin is Ms. Yingluck’s brother and a former leader of Thailand. He was overthrown by a military coup [koo] in 2006 and then escaped the country before being convicted of corruption. Even in exile, Thaksin remains to be influential in the Thai government. While many city dwellers strongly oppose Thaksin, he is still very popular in rural areas The demonstrators dismissed the snap elections and the official opposition refused to submit candidates. Their disapproval is caused by their desire to replace the government with an unelected "people's council." They believe that doing so will completely eliminate Thaksin’s political influence. Protesters expressed their disapproval by throwing stones, blocking the roads, and firing gunshots during the registration of election candidates. The police handled the situation by using tear gas to disperse the crowd. Because of the violent protests, a police officer was shot dead; a nurse suffered gunshot wounds, while dozens were injured. To pacify the protesters, Ms. Yingluck offered to establish a national reform council that will cooperate with her government. However, the protesters rejected this offer. Because of the recent protests, the Electoral Commission proposed that the elections be postponed due to safety concerns for the candidates. However, the government stood its ground. Deputy Prime Minister Phongtep Thepkanjana said the parliament has already decided and that delaying the election will only cause more violence.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you agree with the government’s decision to continue elections despite violent protests? Why or why not?

         Do you think protesting is a good way for Thai citizens to express their concerns? Why is that so?

Discussion B

         Why do you think some people resort to violence to get what they want?

         How can violence be avoided in one’s community?

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