People Wither

Thailand recently hosted the 2022 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation). The meeting aimed to create a more stable economy by promoting Bio-Circular-Green Economy. However, it raised many questions that have still been left unanswered.

Thailand's government painted a glowing picture of regional unity, sustainable growth, and economic recovery when it hosted APEC in November 2022. As with a painting created with only one color, the vision was incomplete, leaving much of the canvas-and the people-unrepresented. Under the theme "Open. Connect. Balance.”. Leaders committed to fostering free trade, championing a Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy, and building an inclusive society. The theme, however, became a landscape only a few can live in, a stark contrast to reality for many. The summit was little more than a stage-managed spectacle, where promises were made to the world while the voices of the people were stifled at home.

Ordinary people paid a steep price for the 2022 APEC meeting. In the weeks leading up to the summit, Thailand became a fortress, with thousands of police officers deployed to enforce security. Demonstrations were restricted to designated protest zones. The authorities detained activists and union leaders under the guise of maintaining order, some of them preemptively. A clear-out of streets was conducted, and citizens, especially those living in working-class neighborhoods, were effectively displaced to make way for dignitaries.

The crackdown on dissent during the summit exemplified the broader marginalization of Thai citizens. As leaders discussed "connectivity" and "sustainability," the government's heavy-handed actions demonstrated that ordinary people's voices were not welcomed.

A major goal of APEC in 2022 was to create a more inclusive economy. Yet these promises remain hollow for the protesting workers, farmers, and small business owners. Corporate-friendly policies supported by APEC often result in community displacement, labor exploitation, and income inequality. APEC's economic policies have benefited multinational corporations and wealthy elites at the expense of those at the bottom.

A rally against APEC was held by labor unions, which warned that working conditions would worsen. The summit ignored their calls for fair wages, better working conditions, and protections against exploitation. While APEC-backed initiatives have benefited large corporations, local communities have been disadvantaged.

Thailand's Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy was a centerpiece of its APEC agenda. According to the government, the BCG model aims to address environmental challenges and promote economic development at the same time. The public, however, sees the BCG label as greenwashing, pointing out the disconnect between government rhetoric and action.

Thailand's leaders promoted sustainability on the global stage, but supported environmentally destructive industries at home. Deforestation, industrial waste, and fossil fuel extraction have been carried out without regard for local communities - the same communities that now bear the brunt of the impacts of climate change. In spite of APEC's promises, meaningful environmental protections remain elusive.

The year is now 2024, APEC 2022 promises have yet to materialize for ordinary Thais. Leaders have emphasized inclusive growth and environmental sustainability, but economic and social inequalities have only grown. Activists who risked their safety to protest the summit's inequities feel vindicated. One even lost their sight.

In a tragic irony, the APEC meeting - a chance to lift marginalized voices - instead became a symbol of exclusion. Many question whether these summits are truly about collaboration or merely political theater due to the Thai government's focus on showcasing itself to the world.

The issues raised at APEC 2022 remain urgent even as memories fade. There must be accountability for the commitments made by the Thai government and members of APEC. Activists, farmers, and workers who continue to fight for a fairer society continue their struggle even after the summit's final communique is signed. It is a fight that continues every day, on the streets and in the fields. They demand a future where promises are kept and no one is left behind, despite the spirit of the struggle withering away.

Moving beyond empty slogans and addressing real needs is the only way to make a meaningful impact. Anything less will only deepen distrust and resentment already sown by events such as the 2022 summit. To complete a painting, the green must be equally prominent and supported by the red, and it should not be overshadowed by the blue. Perhaps Thailand could display an appropriate and meaningful painting like this for all to enjoy.