Bangkok's drawn-out saga is starting to get on our nerves

I was stunned by the bluntness. At newspaper offices, it's not unusual to have visitors. But most of them know that that kind of conversation should not lead up to the genuine purpose of the visit - which was to introduce a consumer product to the press. Even if we have been acquainted for a long time, it does not change the fact that I was in the office, working, and the person was here also to work.

It is a clear example of some Bangkok residents feeling the red-shirt demonstration getting unbearable. With violence here and there forcing the Skytrain to suspend service or some roads to close, it is getting more difficult to commute in the city. This person in particular was under stress, being unable to enter the office for a week due to the protest.

The bitterness was understandable, but it seems more and more are getting so emotional that they cross the professional line. If all Thais get emotional enough to do and get what they want, regardless of the means, what will happen to the Kingdom?

While people at home are being boiled in the hot pot, outsiders look on with curiosity. While observing the opening of the Shell Eastern Petrochemicals Complex in Singapore last week, I was bombarded with questions about the situation in Thailand.

It started with the limousine driver who had worked in Bangkok for five years. He was worried - he loves Thailand and owns a condominium for rent on Silom Road.

Then, more followed. Luckily, most of the questions came from those who work in Singapore and know Thailand through personal and professional visits. All were curious as to where the situation would lead.

As of May 4, the situation looked less tense when Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva proposed his five-point roadmap for reconciliation. I was then encouraged to tell them that I was hopeful that upon my return, there would be a solution. The protesters should go home soon.

But then, having been home for five days, none of that has happened. A guru said it was because Abhisit refuses to revoke the emergency decree, and if any red leaders are arrested now they may not be granted bail and may not receive a fair trial.

Then, Abhisit himself came under fire, as people with different colours have different proposals. Even though he's the prime minister, it seems his proposal does not carry more weight than others.

Now, in Singapore, the big brother of Asean, according to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the economic team is charting a new course for the country. Aside from Royal Dutch Shell, which poured US$4 billion into the island during the past four years for the complex, it promises more measures to increase the island's prosperity. That means more investment and more jobs.

Thailand was once the regional leader. Due to the political unrest, its status has been deteriorating. It is clear that as long as some Thais label others as dumb animals, peace will be out of reach. Is this what we need?