Thailand needs its own Korean moment

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Thailand needs its own Korean moment

By The Nation

 

 

The olive branch has been extended and accepted across the red-yellow political divide – let’s hope it flourishes

 

Rival political groups in Thailand seem to have been inspired by the impressive show of amity between the leaders of North and South Korea last week. Following the historic summit between Pyongyang’s supreme leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the truce village of Panmunjom, former senator Rosana Tositrakul called on the rival yellow shirts and red shirts to join hands and put their long-lasting conflict behind them.

 

This suggestion from a yellow-shirt leader gained the support of Sombat Boon-ngam-anong, a red-shirt leader, who invited Rosana out for “a handshake and a cup of coffee to discuss this matter”.

 

In a Facebook post and a subsequent interview with Nation founder Suthichai Yoon, Rosana suggested that citizens on both sides of the political divide should base their voting on principles like democracy and honesty rather than personal preferences in politicians.

 

She noted that yellow shirts fed up with corrupt politicians tend to back the military, even though the military-led government is not free from corruption. Meanwhile, red shirts dislike the military but will readily support an elected administration that’s corrupt. 

 

Political polarisation is in fact common in most countries, at least on some issues. It becomes a serious problem only when disputes lead to violence. It’s often the case that the leaders of rival groups are to be blamed for inciting hatred and fear. And they do so in the hope it will help them stay on in power.

 

Thailand has never experienced civil war or violent geographical division, as was the case on the Korean Peninsula six decades ago. Let us learn from the mistakes of countries that failed to curb conflicts between rival groups that led to armed combat and eventually full-blown civil wars.

 

If they could turn back the time, certainly most people in such countries would have wanted to see war averted.

 

War causes sufferings on both sides, and the impacts is worst for the people who have to experience the losses and damages caused by their compatriots. In war-torn nations of Africa and the Middle East, armed battles have displaced millions of people, in addition to causing deaths, disabilities and exoduses of refugees.

 

Any severe conflict that threatens to break a country apart will be damaging to the majority of citizens. Certain families or groups of people might benefit from national division – they can use it to mobilise support from either side or use the division as an excuse to seize political power. So it’s a good idea for the conflicting sides to reconcile. Their leaders should at least come together and try to settle their differences.

 

 There is a good opportunity for Thailand now that the people seem to have seen the “true colours” of the players behind the lingering conflict.

 

We hope this new attempt to bury the hatchet succeeds. But it will require sincerity and determination on both sides.

 

If they genuinely consider the public interest and place it over personal benefit, the red and yellow leaders will enjoy widespread support for their causes. The real benefit for the country as a whole would be peace and wellbeing. 

 

These goals will never be met as long as large portions of the populace remain obsessed with a conflict that has continued for a decade and more, steadily weakening our economy and global reputation.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/opinion/30344500

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-05-03

[Darcula]

32 minutes ago, webfact said:

This suggestion from a yellow-shirt leader gained the support of Sombat Boon-ngam-anong, a red-shirt leader, who invited Rosana out for “a handshake and a cup of coffee to discuss this matter”.

 

Does this mean Gen P would get a Nobel Peace Prize nomination?

 

 

 

[YetAnother]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Rival political groups in Thailand seem to have been inspired by the impressive show of amity between the leaders of North and South Korea last week

rather than because-they-did-it-we-will-do-it mentality , thailand is more of a because-they-did-it-we-will-Not-do-it kind of a place

[Samui Bodoh]

Well said.

 

My hope is that the Thai people set aside (some of) their differences, even if for a short while, and come together to end the cycle of coups that are a plague on a wonderful country.

 

Thais are generally good people; good people deserve good governance. Wouldn't it be nice if people could speak freely? Gather freely? If people could face the law/legal system and their bank balance wasn't the determining factor? Wouldn't it be nice if a policeman stopped a Thai person and didn't ask for money? Wouldn't it be nice if a woman could walk home alone after dark without fear? Wouldn't it be nice if Monks dealt with the spiritual needs of themselves and the populace? And not acquire material wealth? Wouldn't it be nice if the military would protect the borders, Thai sovereignty and assist where/when needed without trying to steal power on a regular basis? I could go one, but...

 

This is not going to happen overnight or even soon.

 

But, wouldn't it be nice if the process got started?

 

 

 

Edited May 2, 2018 by Samui Bodoh
Lack of coffee

[PatOngo]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Thailand needs its own Korean moment

All they'll get is a K Pop, boy band moment!

[seminomadic]

Discussing the matter over coffee: 

 

Sombat: Thanks for meeting with me... what concessions do you think the status quo might be willing to make to the leading 'opposition' party that continues winning elections?

Rosana: How about 'none'?

Sombat: None?

Rosana: nope.... nuthin. Ugatz.

Sombat: so........... nothing at all then?

Rosana: just forget it. Now smile for the camera over there.

Sombat: oh....... ok.

[BigBadGeordie]

1 hour ago, Samui Bodoh said:

Thais are generally good people; good people deserve good governance. Wouldn't it be nice if people could speak freely? Gather freely? If people could face the law/legal system and their bank balance wasn't the determining factor? Wouldn't it be nice if a policeman stopped a Thai person and didn't ask for money? Wouldn't it be nice if a woman could walk home alone after dark without fear? Wouldn't it be nice if Monks dealt with the spiritual needs of themselves and the populace? And not acquire material wealth? Wouldn't it be nice if the military would protect the borders, Thai sovereignty and assist where/when needed without trying to steal power on a regular basis? I could go one, but...

It appears that John Lennon was indeed "not the only one".

 

Imagine that.

Edited May 3, 2018 by BigBadGeordie
Addendum

[Anak Nakal]

If red and yellow can't get rid of green, then they both will pay.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

[Expatthailover]

Oh please ...

Trying to compare north and south korea with red and yellow shirts is poetic license direct from the asylum.

I despair those that paint the country as some sort of unfixable basket case.

Yes thailand has problems but look at the middle east, south america, the rest of south east asia, eastern europe and so on.

Whoever wrote that article needs to get a new pair of specs from his local perspective shop.

The ones he or she is wearing are completely bust.

[Expatthailover]

2 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

Well said.

 

My hope is that the Thai people set aside (some of) their differences, even if for a short while, and come together to end the cycle of coups that are a plague on a wonderful country.

 

Thais are generally good people; good people deserve good governance. Wouldn't it be nice if people could speak freely? Gather freely? If people could face the law/legal system and their bank balance wasn't the determining factor? Wouldn't it be nice if a policeman stopped a Thai person and didn't ask for money? Wouldn't it be nice if a woman could walk home alone after dark without fear? Wouldn't it be nice if Monks dealt with the spiritual needs of themselves and the populace? And not acquire material wealth? Wouldn't it be nice if the military would protect the borders, Thai sovereignty and assist where/when needed without trying to steal power on a regular basis? I could go one, but...

 

This is not going to happen overnight or even soon.

 

But, wouldn't it be nice if the process got started?

 

 

 

As it would in cambodia, turkey, poland, hungary etc etc.

You make thailand sound as if it were the role model for 1984.

Freedom of the press, free speech etc etc are nice concepts but the reality is that even the most developed and allegedly democratic countries have stifling techniques that wpuld make stalin blush.

Snowden and assange anyone.

Make something related to terrorism and ranks are closed.

Another dose of perspective over here please.

[baboon]

1 minute ago, Expatthailover said:

As it would in cambodia, turkey, poland, hungary etc etc.

You make thailand sound as if it were the role model for 1984.

Certainly the junta seem to have embraced Orwell's magnificent work as a 'How to' guide and not the prophetic warning it was supposed to be...

[AntDee]

2 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

Well said.

 

My hope is that the Thai people set aside (some of) their differences, even if for a short while, and come together to end the cycle of coups that are a plague on a wonderful country.

 

Thais are generally good people; good people deserve good governance. Wouldn't it be nice if people could speak freely? Gather freely? If people could face the law/legal system and their bank balance wasn't the determining factor? Wouldn't it be nice if a policeman stopped a Thai person and didn't ask for money? Wouldn't it be nice if a woman could walk home alone after dark without fear? Wouldn't it be nice if Monks dealt with the spiritual needs of themselves and the populace? And not acquire material wealth? Wouldn't it be nice if the military would protect the borders, Thai sovereignty and assist where/when needed without trying to steal power on a regular basis? I could go one, but...

 

This is not going to happen overnight or even soon.

 

But, wouldn't it be nice if the process got started?

 

 

 

I'm not sure what you mean by "generally good people", but I would argue that while they may be decent people, they deserve that government they get for being indifferent. "Maibenrai" attitude does not afford them successful governance. Somehow, Thais think that they can be unique and skirt the necessity to be responsible. They think they are uniquely capable of not having to grow up culturally but somehow will still gain all the benefits of developed countries. 

 

I can't agree. 

[Samui Bodoh]

30 minutes ago, AntDee said:

I'm not sure what you mean by "generally good people", but I would argue that while they may be decent people, they deserve that government they get for being indifferent. "Maibenrai" attitude does not afford them successful governance. Somehow, Thais think that they can be unique and skirt the necessity to be responsible. They think they are uniquely capable of not having to grow up culturally but somehow will still gain all the benefits of developed countries. 

 

I can't agree. 

Hi AntDee

 

I am going to have a bit of a 'go' at you, but please note it isn't personal; you have expressed a view that many people share and... well... you're here (sorry). 

 

I take issue with the idea that Thai people are "indifferent" to their political situation.

 

How many Thai people have died since 1973 (I use 1973 as generally the starting point for the current political battles) fighting for their rights? Determining a hard, certain number is a tricky proposition, but I think to say several thousand is fair. 1973. 1976. 1992. 2005-2006. 2009-2010. 2014. Those are the larger demos off the top of my head, but there have been lots and lots of smaller, less publicized battles as well. Further, how many incidents of political activism and/or political repression have occurred outside of Bangkok and outside of the glare of the media? How many incidents have occurred quietly without being mentioned in the newspaper? Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots.

 

Respectfully, how many Thai people need to either be killed or injured until you (and others) think they are fighting for their rights? Another few thousand? Some ten thousands? A hundred thousand?

 

What is the <deleted> number?????????

 

I am a wee bit sympathetic to your views; I also watch the news and wish that Thai people were out in the streets by the hundreds of thousands fighting for their rights, but that is easy to say/think while I sit in my nice, safe little house. In this current situation, would you be willing to risk a jail term of 5 years? 10 years? Would you be willing to risk the potential of getting shot? Would you be willing to risk reprisals to your family? Got a brother or sister trying to get into university? How would you feel if they were refused a place because of you?

 

This is a terrible fight that the Thais are facing. Their opponents, the military or at least parts of it, are extremely well-funded, have had huge amounts of training and experience, material support and (although I hate to admit it) a certain amount of support throughout the country including from some of the wealthy, the institutional leaders, etc. etc. etc.

 

This is not an easy or simple battle.

 

This is one that will persist for many, many, many years.

 

And perhaps we outsiders (who sit and watch events) ought to have a bit more sympathy for those who are fighting, in whatever way they choose.

 

Again, sorry AntDee. It ain't aimed at you...

 

 

 

[SABloke]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

She noted that yellow shirts fed up with corrupt politicians tend to back the military, even though the military-led government is not free from corruption. Meanwhile, red shirts dislike the military but will readily support an elected administration that’s corrupt. 

Another "m" word also had a lot to do with their historic conflict, and now that factor doesn't carry as much weight anymore so I do believe there is a chance for some red/yellow unity to form.

[greeneking]

28 minutes ago, Samui Bodoh said:

Hi AntDee

 

I am going to have a bit of a 'go' at you, but please note it isn't personal; you have expressed a view that many people share and... well... you're here (sorry). 

 

I take issue with the idea that Thai people are "indifferent" to their political situation.

 

How many Thai people have died since 1973 (I use 1973 as generally the starting point for the current political battles) fighting for their rights? Determining a hard, certain number is a tricky proposition, but I think to say several thousand is fair. 1973. 1976. 1992. 2005-2006. 2009-2010. 2014. Those are the larger demos off the top of my head, but there have been lots and lots of smaller, less publicized battles as well. Further, how many incidents of political activism and/or political repression have occurred outside of Bangkok and outside of the glare of the media? How many incidents have occurred quietly without being mentioned in the newspaper? Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots.

 

Respectfully, how many Thai people need to either be killed or injured until you (and others) think they are fighting for their rights? Another few thousand? Some ten thousands? A hundred thousand?

 

What is the <deleted> number?????????

 

I am a wee bit sympathetic to your views; I also watch the news and wish that Thai people were out in the streets by the hundreds of thousands fighting for their rights, but that is easy to say/think while I sit in my nice, safe little house. In this current situation, would you be willing to risk a jail term of 5 years? 10 years? Would you be willing to risk the potential of getting shot? Would you be willing to risk reprisals to your family? Got a brother or sister trying to get into university? How would you feel if they were refused a place because of you?

 

This is a terrible fight that the Thais are facing. Their opponents, the military or at least parts of it, are extremely well-funded, have had huge amounts of training and experience, material support and (although I hate to admit it) a certain amount of support throughout the country including from some of the wealthy, the institutional leaders, etc. etc. etc.

 

This is not an easy or simple battle.

 

This is one that will persist for many, many, many years.

 

And perhaps we outsiders (who sit and watch events) ought to have a bit more sympathy for those who are fighting, in whatever way they choose.

 

Again, sorry AntDee. It ain't aimed at you...

 

 

 

I hoped the article would be more on the lines of this: South Korean President found guilty for abuse of power, bribery and interfering in government business and sentenced  to 20 years in prison.  This followed 1 million citizens participating in the national protests against corruption and crony capitalism.

[simon59]

4 hours ago, Expatthailover said:

As it would in cambodia, turkey, poland, hungary etc etc.

You make thailand sound as if it were the role model for 1984.

Freedom of the press, free speech etc etc are nice concepts but the reality is that even the most developed and allegedly democratic countries have stifling techniques that wpuld make stalin blush.

Snowden and assange anyone.

Make something related to terrorism and ranks are closed.

Another dose of perspective over here please.

Another insane comment«  Staline blushing... » sorry our current governments do not create famines like in Ukraine in the 30’s. Don’t shoot the polical opponents don’t send people to the gulag by thousands and are responsible of million of deaths . I am sorry sir. Your comparison is indecent 

Edited May 3, 2018 by simon59

[Srikcir]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand has never experienced civil war or violent geographical division,

Revisionist Thai history - denial of the Muslim insurgency in the southern provinces.

Closer to home, what lesson should Thailand learn from the conflict between North and South Vietnam - ideology wins over armed might?

 

To say that Thailand has never experienced civil war isn't quite accurate. Thailand has had nineteen military coups with twelve being successful since 1932. In the latter the Thai people lost sovereignty over their nation by a group outside the political establishment of government, ie., outside the people's constitution and laws.¹

 

So how can there ever be a political resolution (defined as conformance to common acceptable political processes and not to ideologies) between opposition parties when the nation has been in a virtual state of constant civil war since the 1932 military rebellion? Whether the military is in direct control of the government or indirect control as a Deep State, it exerts its extra-constitutional power over the Thai people's sovereignty at all times. It remains unaccountable to the people's sovereignty outside the political establishment of government, able to grant itself immunity for all its actions without the Thai people's support. Until that civil division is resolved, political resolution in Thailand cannot be achieved.

 

¹  Ref. "Conflicts over government control may involve insurgents originating from within the centre or state apparatus, as in military coups, or challengers from outside the political establishment."  https://www.britannica.com/topic/civil-war

[trainman34014]

Headline should read....''Thailand needs its own Hiroshima Moment'' !

[DrTuner]

To have that Isaan must develop a nuclear arsenal first. Unless aliens invade and genetically modify the somchais, I'm not holding my breath.