A naked and shameful power grab [Editorial]

[webfact]

A naked and shameful power grab

 

 

Launch of Palang Pracharath Party is a bid to extend junta rule for decades  The spectacle is nothing less than shameful.

 

The junta and Cabinet under General Prayut Chan-o-cha is spending tax money with the aim of dominating Thailand’s political scene for decades to come.

 

Having four ministers become executives of the newly launched Palang Pracharath Party is the latest move towards that goal of quasi-dictatorship.

 

Since day one in power, our unelected politicians have made it clear they are willing to abuse national sovereignty, the armed forces and tax money to serve their overriding ambition.

 

With the collaboration of veteran corrupt politicians who launched street protests and chaos from late 2013, Prayut was able to stage a military coup in May 2014 that toppled an elected civilian government.

 

While reactionary elements supported the military takeover, many Thai citizens protested the violation of democratic rule and the people’s will – and they continue to do so. Few now believe Prayut’s claim of taking power to bring reform and reconciliation.

 

All legal instruments, from the junta-sponsored constitution down to its daily orders, were designed to suppress political opposition and consolidate elite and bureaucratic power.

 

The junta’s pet projects, notably the Pracharath (People’s State”) programme, are on the one hand populist platforms built to win hearts and minds. On the other hand, they are political instruments designed to divert the national budget towards buying votes in advance.

 

The Pracharath programme incorporated everything from the Social Welfare Fund to shops, but now its true colours are showing in the emergence of Palang Pracharath.

 

The party announced its launch last Saturday with four Cabinet members at the helm. They are Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana, who leads the party, Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong, picked as its secretary-general, Science and Technology Minister Suvit Maesincee and Kobsak Pootrakool of the Prime Minister’s Office.

 

Palang Pracharath plans to propose General Prayut as prime minister if it joins the government after the general election – due early next year.

 

The four executives are not merely Cabinet ministers; some are also key members on the national strategy committee, tasked with dictating the country’s path according to the 20-year National Strategic Plan.

 

The ministers and their sponsor, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, see nothing wrong in joining a party seeking election while at same time holding posts in Cabinet and other government agencies. And no junta law prohibits it.

 

With the junta-designed legal instruments and military back-up, the party is free from tight restrictions binding its rivals. While other parties are banned from campaigning or meeting prospective voters, Palang Pracharath and its powerful new leadership are free to meet the people on behalf of the ruling government.

 

But worse than this is that taxpayers’ money will fund this de facto campaigning. The same money funds Pracharath projects. Voters are bound to be confused at where this state largesse is coming from – a happy state of affairs for the new party.  

 

Palang Pracharath represents only the latest abuse of power by the military and elite since 2014. But it could be the vehicle by which they extend their rule for decades ahead. 

 

 If an election is called next year, it’s difficult to see how it could be free and fair since the key players have been corrupt since the beginning. With the stranglehold being applied by the elite in Thai society, democracy has no chance of finding a home here. What we are witnessing now is the abuse of rule of law and every democratic norm in the service of elite self-interest. The spectacle is nothing less than a national shame.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/today_editorial/30355680

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-10-03

[Samui Bodoh]

"...If an election is called next year, it’s difficult to see how it could be free and fair since the key players have been corrupt since the beginning. With the stranglehold being applied by the elite in Thai society, democracy has no chance of finding a home here. What we are witnessing now is the abuse of rule of law and every democratic norm in the service of elite self-interest. The spectacle is nothing less than a national shame..."

 

Kudos for the Nation in saying what many have believed for a long time.

 

However, the mere writing of words is not enough; what kind of action are calling for? A boycott? Street protests? An appeal to other elements in the army? Other?

 

There are fine words in the editorial, but stating what the problem is and calling for some kind of solution are different things...

 

 

[Denim]

If the Nation were a decent unbiased newspaper it would have been more critical of the military before and immediately after the coup.

 

Too late now for bold articles denouncing the junta from the Nation. They missed the bus as usual and all their bluster now is totally worthless.

 

The democracy they now think is so valuable wouldn't buy a packet of crisps in the coming elections.

[YetAnother]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Launch of Palang Pracharath Party is a bid to extend junta rule for decades

pity; the new thailand

[Ahab]

Maybe Thailand is like the Arab countries and is simply not ready or capable of democracy.

 

[canuckamuck]

A brave article. It would be good to have it in Thai for the Thai language news.

[zzaa09]

1 hour ago, Samui Bodoh said:

"...If an election is called next year, it’s difficult to see how it could be free and fair since the key players have been corrupt since the beginning. With the stranglehold being applied by the elite in Thai society, democracy has no chance of finding a home here. What we are witnessing now is the abuse of rule of law and every democratic norm in the service of elite self-interest. The spectacle is nothing less than a national shame..."

 

Kudos for the Nation in saying what many have believed for a long time.

 

However, the mere writing of words is not enough; what kind of action are calling for? A boycott? Street protests? An appeal to other elements in the army? Other?

 

There are fine words in the editorial, but stating what the problem is and calling for some kind of solution are different things...

 

 

 

 

True.

 

Yet, it's more disturbing that we accept these factors as commonplace. 

 

I believe a twisted Gandhi approach - live one's protest - might be beneficial. 

[zzaa09]

1 hour ago, Denim said:

If the Nation were a decent unbiased newspaper it would have been more critical of the military before and immediately after the coup.

 

Too late now for bold articles denouncing the junta from the Nation. They missed the bus as usual and all their bluster now is totally worthless.

 

The democracy they now think is so valuable wouldn't buy a packet of crisps in the coming elections.

 

 

One might remember as the origins of The Nation.....why it was created and for what reasons. 

 

Personally, I don't buy the sincerity of such [falsely disguised] critique from the likes of this type of media. 

Though, some eat it up.

[Oziex1]

31 minutes ago, Ahab said:

Maybe Thailand is like the Arab countries and is simply not ready or capable of democracy.

 

Call it what you like, all countries are ready for fairer distribution of the wealth. The elites determination to take it all will eventually see them surrendering to the masses. 

[zzaa09]

42 minutes ago, canuckamuck said:

A brave article. It would be good to have it in Thai for the Thai language news.

 

You're assuming that such articles of critique and challenge don't exist throughout the Thai language news sources....

 

 

[Eligius]

2 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

"...If an election is called next year, it’s difficult to see how it could be free and fair since the key players have been corrupt since the beginning. With the stranglehold being applied by the elite in Thai society, democracy has no chance of finding a home here. What we are witnessing now is the abuse of rule of law and every democratic norm in the service of elite self-interest. The spectacle is nothing less than a national shame..."

 

Kudos for the Nation in saying what many have believed for a long time.

 

However, the mere writing of words is not enough; what kind of action are calling for? A boycott? Street protests? An appeal to other elements in the army? Other?

 

There are fine words in the editorial, but stating what the problem is and calling for some kind of solution are different things...

 

 

Very true, Samui.

Also, good though this editorial is, I find it difficult simply to forgive and forget that The Nation newspaper was one of the biggest cheerleaders and supporters of the coup and the junta in the early months of this political disaster.

A huge and contrite apology on The Nation's part would not go amiss. They helped contribute to what these past four+ years have been - a word we cannot mention ....

[Lungstib]

Strong words but the people concerned do not appear to be at all worried by criticism on paper, only in the streets. maybe they know most Thais dont read newspapers.

Edited October 2, 2018 by Lungstib

[Eligius]

1 minute ago, Lungstib said:

Strong words but the people concerned do not appear to be at all concerned by criticism on paper, only in the streets. maybe they know most Thais dont read newspapers.

And the illicit Powers That Be know that 99% of all Thais do not take to the streets, either.

The junta are sitting pretty for the foreseeable future.

[jesimps]

1 hour ago, Ahab said:

Maybe Thailand is like the Arab countries and is simply not ready or capable of democracy.

 

What a patronising and completely wrong assumption. Due to the military, the Thais have never been given the chance to find out whether or not they're capable of democracy.

[baboon]

1 hour ago, Ahab said:

Maybe Thailand is like the Arab countries and is simply not ready or capable of democracy.

 

Well we would find out if its military would stop throwing a spanner in the works every time things don't go their way...

[colinneil]

As long as the Thai military keep sticking their oar in, there will never be democracy here.

Look at how many coups there has been since 1932, every time a government does something senior military dont like, they role out the tanks.

Now nearly all Thai people just sit back and accept it, the few people who speak up are taken away for attitude adjustment.

[NaamGin]

1 hour ago, Oziex1 said:

Call it what you like, all countries are ready for fairer distribution of the wealth. The elites determination to take it all will eventually see them surrendering to the masses. 

 

Ah, and the call for "social equality" through socialism / marxism raises it's nasty head again. Do you folks ever study history?

[baboon]

11 minutes ago, NaamGin said:

 

Ah, and the call for "social equality" through socialism / marxism raises it's nasty head again. Do you folks ever study history?

And do you folks never look at what is going on in the present?

[robblok]

42 minutes ago, baboon said:

Well we would find out if its military would stop throwing a spanner in the works every time things don't go their way...

We seen how it went when Thaksin got in power and removed all checks and balances. So its safe to say democracy Thai style has its problems. 

 

I believe it does not matter much anymore if there is a democracy here or a junta corruption wise. The whole system is based on nepotism the politicians use it the junta uses it and nobody will change it. They will do whatever they need to get part of the corruption money. As long as this does not change it does not matter who is in power they will all be dirty. With democracies only advantage being that they can send a corrupt party home after an election.. but if there are no non corrupt choices democracy won't clean up anything either.

 

The culture needs to change before you will see any change. Its this culture of corruption that is holding Thailand back. They can make all the laws they want but when the police and judiciary are not corruption free it will never work. You see it all the there are enough laws but they are not enforced by the police as they get money not to do so. Unless there is some serious change in thinking in this country corruption will stay and as long as corruption stays the amount of money that can be made if in power is huge.. so they will fight over it always.

 

Solve corruption and you solve the Thai political problem.. because without the money there the mercenaries and criminals won't be interested in it anymore.

[NaamGin]

8 minutes ago, baboon said:

And do you folks never look at what is going on in the present?

 

As far as the present, I present exhibit A - Venezuela

You know what they call doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result? 

Edited October 3, 2018 by NaamGin

[robblok]

19 minutes ago, NaamGin said:

 

Ah, and the call for "social equality" through socialism / marxism raises it's nasty head again. Do you folks ever study history?

I am a capitalist and believe that people should make their own money. I also don't believe in too many handouts but the government should provide people with the tools to make money themselves.. equal playing field and good education. The government is failing to do so.

[baboon]

3 minutes ago, NaamGin said:

 

As far as the present, I present exhibit A - Venezuela

You know what they call doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result? 

Ahh, those wonderfully convenient alt-right phrases and talking points, wheeled out and debunked time and time again...

Exhibit B - The UK.

[rkidlad]

5 minutes ago, robblok said:

We seen how it went when Thaksin got in power and removed all checks and balances. So its safe to say democracy Thai style has its problems. 

 

I believe it does not matter much anymore if there is a democracy here or a junta corruption wise. The whole system is based on nepotism the politicians use it the junta uses it and nobody will change it. They will do whatever they need to get part of the corruption money. As long as this does not change it does not matter who is in power they will all be dirty. With democracies only advantage being that they can send a corrupt party home after an election.. but if there are no non corrupt choices democracy won't clean up anything either.

 

The culture needs to change before you will see any change. Its this culture of corruption that is holding Thailand back. They can make all the laws they want but when the police and judiciary are not corruption free it will never work. You see it all the there are enough laws but they are not enforced by the police as they get money not to do so. Unless there is some serious change in thinking in this country corruption will stay and as long as corruption stays the amount of money that can be made if in power is huge.. so they will fight over it always.

 

Solve corruption and you solve the Thai political problem.. because without the money there the mercenaries and criminals won't be interested in it anymore.

Democracy 'Thai style' isn't democracy. 

 

The man in power has had over 4 years of absolute power to enable Thailand to become a democracy. To lay the foundations. Checks and balances, etc. What's he done? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[tomta]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

While reactionary elements supported the military takeover, many Thai citizens protested the violation of democratic rule and the people’s will – and they continue to do so. Few now believe Prayut’s claim of taking power to bring reform and reconciliation.

 

Yes, and I seem to remember that the Nation was one of those reactionary elements. In both the 2006 and 2014 coup. And they continued by sacking Pravit when he incurred the displeasure of the junta by his oppositional journalism.

[canuckamuck]

2 hours ago, zzaa09 said:

 

You're assuming that such articles of critique and challenge don't exist throughout the Thai language news sources....

 

 

Well I don't have knowledge of such. My wife doesn't follow the Thai News, I am able to read Thai, but not at useful pace, and I never see any translations of hard hitting articles in Thai. So yes I am assuming they don't exist. But I don't put much stock in my assumption as I have very little to go on.

Edited October 3, 2018 by canuckamuck

[rkidlad]

9 minutes ago, NaamGin said:

 

As far as the present, I present exhibit A - Venezuela

You know what they call doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result? 

Free healthcare and education, police and fire services, etc, are forms of socialism. Things we think of as completely normal and right. 

 

No one is advocating for doctors to be paid the same as toilet cleaners.

 

 

[Esso49]

2 hours ago, canuckamuck said:

A brave article. It would be good to have it in Thai for the Thai language news.

How many Thais do you think buy The Nation, an English language newspaper ? 

[tomta]

1 hour ago, Eligius said:

Very true, Samui.

Also, good though this editorial is, I find it difficult simply to forgive and forget that The Nation newspaper was one of the biggest cheerleaders and supporters of the coup and the junta in the early months of this political disaster.

A huge and contrite apology on The Nation's part would not go amiss. They helped contribute to what these past four+ years have been - a word we cannot mention ....

 

 

Yes, a bit of soul-searching on the part of those who supported the coup would be   a good thing. I have a friend who joined the whistle-blowers and jumped up and down in support of Suthep. She now recognizes that her idealistic hopes (and she was an idealist) have not been fulfilled. But any attempt to engage her on this meets the response "I'm bored with politics". Like The Nation, she will not take responsibility for her actions.

[robblok]

2 minutes ago, rkidlad said:

Democracy 'Thai style' isn't democracy. 

 

The man in power has had over 4 years of absolute power to enable Thailand to become a democracy. To lay the foundations. Checks and balances, etc. What's he done? 

 

Nothing much and that is part of the problem, he did however add some good corruption laws and made sure that on corruption charges the statute of limitation does not apply anymore. 

 

Sad thing is that these new laws will be applied selectively. 

 

But your right Thai Style isnt a democracy .. i saw it when YL was in power and the rice program proved it. The newspapers, the opposition all were talking about fake G2G deals.. it was all dismissed and people were threatened (civil servants who came out with the news) and a small investigation was done for show. The result nothing found.. while only AFTER they kicked YL out were they able to punish the people responsible for fake G2G deals.. That is not how a democracy should work. So yea.. democracy in Thailand has never really worked those in power.. junta (look at how they handled the watch scandal.. denying fake investigations just like what YL did with the rice program) will always ignore those in the opposition and use their power to shield their wrongdoings from coming out.

 

I am quite sure that is not how a democracy should work (an no the junta in power is NOT a democracy).

[NaamGin]

5 minutes ago, baboon said:

Ahh, those wonderfully convenient alt-right phrases and talking points, wheeled out and debunked time and time again...

Exhibit B - The UK.

 

First, I am not alt-right, which is the favorite slur used against anyone that actually has an argument against the lunatic left. I am a member of the largest voting block in the US today, Independents. You know, people that actually think instead of relying on some talking head to tell them what to think. 

 

Thanks for letting me know that the UK is a socialist country. You learn something new every day!!!