By Sam Sotha
Just having a quick brainstorming, there have been many and long lasting civil wars in
this world. One of which is the most unforgettable civil war in Guatemala that arouses
the studies of most political scientists. This war lasted for 30 years, starting in 1961 and
ending in 1996, taking 200,000 lives, more than 1 million displaced and 45,000 still listed
as missing.
If we take a closer look at the then-civil war in Guatemala, it is quite comparable to
Thailand's current situation in many perspectives, particularly the double standard of law
enforcement in which it is unacceptable by another faction.
Generally, civil war has occurred after a coup. It can be seen in Thailand that every
critical issue has happened after the coup of 19 September 2006 to overthrow Thaksin's
government. Likewise, the civil war in Guatemala had its roots from the military coup
which ousted elected President Jacobo Arbenz Guzmiin from power.
If we turn back to Thailand, people came to demonstrate in a big rally, in April and May,
to overthrow Abhisit's government, but they failed. Consequently, the demonstrators have
been arrested, tortured or killed, while others went into hiding or formed possible
resistance and underground actions.
Also in Guatemala, a group of soldiers, who were the sons or daughters of the poor, had
protested in a failed attempt to overthrow the government. As a result, they had been
cracked down. Consequently, the demonstrators kept hiding and continued to form their
resistant activities. They kept hiding in the rural areas and fought back against the
government for 30 years. That was the root cause of civil war in Guatemala in which
Thailand is currently repeating the said-track and that the civil war may happen in the
near future.
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About the Author: Mr. Sam Sotha is the author of the “In the Shade of A Quiet Killing Place”, his
personal mémoire. About the book, visit www.heavenlakepress.com or write to his personal email address
at: samsotha@everyday.com.kh
