It is difficult not to take a side in the political dispute and everywhere people are divided.

In Bangkok, people are cautious when taking taxis. Most passengers try not to talk about politics. It can be nice if you and the taxi driver have the same political views, but it could be disastrous if you are on different sides.

A reporter was evicted from a taxi after he quarrelled about the legitimacy of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's right to stay in power.

Learning about this, other reporters who still have to use taxis understand they need to keep their mouth shut, or lest they face a similar fate.

It has become popular for reporters who gather at a venue to talk among themselves about their experiences with taxi drivers.

Back in the office, reporters discuss politics just like other ordinary people. Some middle-class people also keep themselves up to date on the latest developments.

On weekends, some are ready to join anti-Thaksin protests. When at home, those who have the ASTV cable channel, keep tuned in. Other channels also feature comments from renowned speakers.

Newspapers are also snapped up, indicating that people are more interested in detailed reporting.

Living a life like this for weeks could be hypnotising, no matter how neutral a person is.

And it happened to Rirksmai Sukhum, president of NCC Management and Development Co Ltd.

Rirksmai admitted that like other middle-class people, he has been closely monitoring the anti-Thaksin protests. For weeks, "Thaksin, Get Out!" has been ringing in his head, something protesters scream wherever they are in the capital city

When in Ho Chi Minh City to open an exhibition co-hosted by NCC's subsidiary NEO, Rirksmai appeared nervous. He whispered to some reporters that he was afraid that the sound in his head would slip out his mouth. That would be a disaster given that there were trade and agriculture ministers of Vietnam as well as many other high-level figures from the country in attendance.

Luckily, Rirksmai finished his speech without incident, but he must have had difficulty controlling himself as the normally good-humoured guy had become very serious on the stage.

Rirksmai's case is just one example of the negative consequence politics can have on a person.

achara_d@nationgroup.com