A few years ago, Tim introduced me to the statement "riding the tiger's back". The phrase refers to doing something dangerous that you are unable to stop without severe consequences. Riding on the back of a tiger is dangerous, but the problems is what happens when you try to get off? At that point you are more likely to serve as the beast's lunch as you are to serve as a good example to others.
She first used the term in reference to those in the bus industry who had ties to the Thai gangs. Once you get involved with them, you can't just decide to stop when you want. Your choices become to go along for the ride or get eaten alive.
People I've spoken to think that maybe the PAD and their opponents are both feeling like they are riding the tiger's back. They have started this protest and confrontation and don't know how to safely extricate themselves, so they keep going. Perhaps they hope that a higher power (I'm not talking divine) will intervene and ask all sides to back down. That would allow everyone to take several steps from the brink without losing face.
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