La Situacion Politica

Thailand has currently been all over the news...but don't worry...I am far far away from the protesting, which is taking place at isolated locations in Bangkok
The political situation...
While traveling around Mexico with Sarah and Kayla during Semana Santa (the week before Easter), Sarah asked every taxi driver, tour guide, tourist, busboy, waiter, and every random person we came across "Como esta la situacion politica?" (How is the political situation?) She was referring to the teachers strike that had happened previously in Oaxaca, Mexico. We got a variety of answers. We found that the taxi drivers and tour guides were against the teachers because it caused the airport to shut down, which hurt the tourist industry in the area. I will try to touch on the political situation in Bangkok at the moment...so Sarah, this one is for you.
What I've heard or read about the "situacion politica" here...
Let's start back 2 years ago, when the former Prime Minister Thaksin was ousted by the military. He was accused of corruption, vote buying, interfering with independent agencies, nepotism, as well as human rights violations. For the most part- supporters of Thaksin were from the lower class while opponents were from the middle and upper class. Thaksin's government appealed to the rural (poor) majority by, among other things, offering low-interest agricultural loans and financing village development. I was told that the lower class who widely supported him, were unaware of the corruptiona and scandals. Thaksin was criticized for tax evasion when selling one of his corporations to the Government of Singapore. In 2006, Thaksin was overthrown quite peacefully- there was no bloodshed. This was 2 years ago.
Fast-forward to this summer...
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)has been trying to force the current Prime Minister, Somchai Wongsawat out of office. As Thaksin's brother in law, Somchai is seen as a front for Thaksin and is accused of election fraud. In August, the PAD stormed the Government House, the Finance and Transport ministries, the PR Department, the Police Bureau, and took over the National Broadcasting Services. They managaed to shut down the airport in Bangkok and some of the trains. This didn't last too long and by the time I got here, it was a bit calmer.
This past week, the protests in Bangkok have once again made headlines internationally. The PAD has closed both of Bangkok's commercial airports, leaving thousands stranded. The PAD has said they will stay at the airports until the government officials have stepped down. The protests have turned violent, but this all has taken place in certain parts of Bangkok...hours away from us...so moms and dads, don't worry!