Gotham in Bangkok: Protests Erupt as Thailand's Premier Battles Border Disputes and Political Intrigue

The Night Rises... in Bangkok?

Gotham isn't the only city with its fair share of chaos. Word reaches my ears even here in the Batcave that Bangkok is experiencing a political storm. Hundreds are in the streets demanding the head – metaphorically I hope – of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. It seems this leader is juggling a faltering economy and a coalition that's about as stable as the Joker's sanity. "Some men just want to watch the world burn," and it seems some politicians are all too willing to provide the matches. Time to dust off the Bat Thailand Translator…if I had one.

Victory Monument: A Battlefield of Opinions

These protesters organized by something called the United Force of the Land have made Victory Monument their stage. Apparently they've got a history of targeting Shinawatra backed governments. Sounds familiar. Gotham’s had its fair share of self proclaimed saviors. I prefer a quieter approach – the kind where criminals wake up tied to gargoyles. These protests while not directly toppling governments (yet) have historically paved the way for… less than ideal interventions. Hmm reminds me of the League of Shadows trying to 'restore balance' to Gotham. "Criminals thrive on the indulgence of society's understanding."

She Has Nothing To Fear? Famous Last Words

Shinawatra claims she's unconcerned and has instructed authorities to keep things peaceful. "It's within people's rights and I will not retaliate," she says. That's what they all say. Then the Joker shows up with a truck full of dynamite. The best villains always have a knack for showing up when you least expect them. Though I find that a lot of politicians share that trait.

Leaked Calls and Lost Allies

The Prime Minister's coalition is crumbling faster than a bridge under Poison Ivy's botanical onslaught. The Bhumjaithai Party bailed citing concerns over Thai sovereignty. Turns out a leaked phone call between Shinawatra and Cambodia's former premier Hun Sen has ruffled some feathers. Apparently she was trying to appease the Cambodian politician and criticized a Thai army commander. In a country where the military holds significant sway that's like serving penguin wearing a batsuit to the Penguin himself.

Judicial Scrutiny: The Scales of Justice… or Injustice?

Things get darker: A group of senators has petitioned the Constitutional Court and a national anti graft body to investigate her conduct. If either body finds her guilty she could be removed. It is important to keep the scales of justice balanced or chaos will be the new normal. "You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain."

Hun Sen's Explosive Exit

Hun Sen once an ally has now publicly attacked Shinawatra and her family calling for a change in government. The Thai foreign ministry is calling the speech 'extraordinary'. Diplomacy they say is the preferred method. Tell that to the Joker when he's holding a city hostage. I’d rather be prepared for the unexpected than caught with my grapple gun down. "It's not who I am underneath but what I do that defines me."