<div>One of the regions where the middle classes are increasing rapidly is Southeast Asia. Certain countries like Singapore may be able to fully claim that they are middle-class countries, no different from England or the United States. Malaysia is following behind. </div> <div> </div> <div>Despite that, the politics of most countries in this region have still not changed direction. </div>

<p>Since the Thai political crisis that eventually led to a coup in 2006 overthrowing the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, it became evident that the Thai middle class and an army of civil society organisations were not performing as agents of change. Instead they became defenders of the old power to protect their political interests. In 2005, the Bangkok-based People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) launched protests Thaksin. Clad in yellow shirts, the protesters accused Thaksin of commtting corruption and disrespecting the much-revered monarchy—a sacred institution in Thailand.</p>

<p>Nothing matches the outrage of the privileged middle class when they think they have a grievance.&nbsp;</p> <p>Can’t cash in your frequent flyer miles for the trip you fancy?&nbsp; A violation of fundamental human rights.&nbsp; No English-language soundtrack for the Thai TV broadcast of the sports programme you’ve been waiting for?&nbsp; Blatant discrimination against the linguistically challenged.&nbsp; All strings pulled and the munchkin still can’t get into the primary school of choice?&nbsp; The end of civilization as we know it.&nbsp;</p> <p></p>