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Published on February 13, 2008

 Is it an inspirational fairytale of Good triumphing over Evil, or is it confirmation of the ultimate, bitterest truth that the two are always virtual collaborators? Democracy has supposedly returned, but has Corruption been put away for good? Who will be strengthened in the current scheme of things? Is Democracy gaining the upper hand, or is Corruption laughing his head off?

The war between the two forces that has shattered the Kingdom of Thailand seems to be concluding in the strangest manner, one which makes everyone wonder if the fighting - which has caused countless casualties - was a mere illusion.

At least that is what Corruption is trying to make Democracy believe. The demon is attempting one last push for a pact that will forever clear his name. The angel's resistance, meanwhile, remains, but has become increasingly fragile since the December 23 general election:

Corruption: Beautiful, isn't it?

Democracy: What are you talking about?

Corruption: The new Cabinet. It looks beautiful, doesn't it?

Democracy: Cut the sarcasm. Nothing's perfect.

Corruption: It's funny that you have been defending my case lately. Yes, we are looking at the most splendidly imperfect product of our partnership, whether you admit it or not. This Thai Cabinet is where the two worlds meet - your idealism and my reality.

Democracy: At least the generals have been booed off the park, and the man they ousted will be brought to justice - not to mention the global praise being showered on Thailand. Give Thais a little more time and we'll see.

Corruption: You're grabbing at straws now. We'll see what? A state-sponsored "independent" TV station waging a propaganda war against a military-installed "public" TV station? A thug being presented as social role model? Wake up. This is as good as Thailand is ever going to get. Unless, of course, we institutionalise our cooperation.

Democracy: You said it's beautiful. You said it's inevitable. So why do you keep begging me for a deal, Mr Reality Show? Why is an enemy you contemptuously describe as a dream so important to your well-being?

Corruption: Oh dear, this is self-denial and naivety of cosmic proportions. Look, if you like bed-time stories that much, here's an explanation that suits your comprehension skills: the Ugly Duckling Cabinet will grow into a lovely swan if we help each other. If we stop this pretentious war, that is.

Democracy: I'm tired of this old argument. Give me something newer than this 'we-are-perfect-partners' nonsense.

Corruption: How about the allegedly most corrupt politician in Thai history having been re-endorsed by the majority of voters in his country? And you have just said yourself that it is a result now lauded all over the world.

Democracy: Smart, aren't you?

Corruption: Pragmatic is perhaps a more suitable word.

Democracy: You are just an illusionist trying to distort and magnify the flaws in a good system. The tide may be turning in your favour now, but Thais will keep learning and one day they will wipe that arrogant grin off your face.

Corruption: Good that you've mentioned that. Whose side do you think they are on now? Yours or mine? Were their last votes for your principles, or were they meant to recognise me, yet again?

Democracy: All Thais voted for what they thought was good, and that's the most important thing. Yes, they were confused, divided, or even hateful, as people drawn into a gigantic war are supposed to be. But soon, both sides will learn to respect my real core values. Half of Thailand voted against the coup, and the other half voted against the man it removed, but one day their good principles will be reconciled and the bad ones squeezed out altogether.

Corruption: Yeah, keep on romanticising. You probably need extreme optimism in light of Samak Sundaravej's attempt to rewrite the history of October 6 and what former freedom fighter Jakrapob Penkair has in mind for broadcast media. So much for reconciled principles.

Democracy: Keep on bragging. This could be your swansong. You are at your weakest when you think you are the strongest. Things are so surreal in Thailand probably because it's the beginning of your end.

Corruption: Surreal? My end? I'm more real by the day and you are transforming back into the dream that you really were. The best part, though, is that the more real I am, the more people will overlook me, and it's all thanks to them presuming you are real, Mr Fantasy.

 And the World, Heaven and Hell continue to hold their breath....

Tulsathit Taptim

The Nation