OPINION

Populism threatens Thailand again

Junta prefers handouts to hard work building economy

William Pesek

 

As the Group of 20 leaders meets this weekend to assess the global economy, no topic is more pressing than the populist currents battering the world.

 

There is a certain poetry to this meeting taking place in Argentina, a place grappling with a history of anti-establishment leaders doling out short-term perks that trump common economic sense.

 

At the moment, though, Asia may present the most urgent case studies for the G-20. Perhaps none more than Thailand, a volatile economy experiencing a dangerous populist resurgence.

 

Full story: https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Populism-threatens-Thailand-again

 

-- NIKKEI ASIAN REVIEW 2018-11-29

 

Interesting article, but I think the author isn't terribly familiar with Thailand.

 

"...Since then, the man pledging to de-Thaksinize Thailand has given military governments a bad name. Coup leaders normally take over to restore order and often push through big reforms which government bureaucracies cannot.

Yet four-plus years of indecision and complacency suggest Prayuth and his men never quite had a plan. As the public braces for a possible election in February, many wonder what the anti-Thaksin putsch was all about..."

 

"...often push through big reforms which government bureaucracies cannot..."

 

The above presumes that the military and its backers launched the coup for the benefit of Thailand rather than for the benefit of themselves. After four stagnant years where the main "accomplishments" of the regime are their efforts to remain perpetually in power, it is clear that the coup wan't about Thailand at all, it was about their own selfish interests.

 

"...many wonder what the anti-Thaksin putsch was all about..."

 

It was about the 'establishment' retaking and remaining in power for their personal benefit.

 

Nothing else.

 

Sad, sad times for beloved Thailand...

 

Not mater how much of the usual and expected BS, hot air, rubbish those political leaders dibble on about time and time again, past history could possibly hold the result to the next, if held, elections.

 

Nothing changes, same old same old, cash and gifts for votes...

 

This article does nothing more than reaffirm my opinion that leaving the worlds present problems in the hands of politicians is extremely dangerous. The inequality gap is growing everywhere, the plastic pollution problem is hardly being discussed, climate change is ignored, cities are reduced to a standstill and poisoned by personal vehicle ownership, technology goes wasted on weapons and wars, our food is chemically tainted and our oceans are dying. Meanwhile politicians boast and brag, hatred is encouraged and our leaders believe that a cash handout is all we desire. Populism will do nothing for our real and serious problems.

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Junta prefers handouts to hard work building economy

that about covers it, competence aside, what would any of us choose , hard work Or handing out other peoples' money for smiles all-around

3 hours ago, Lungstib said:

This article does nothing more than reaffirm my opinion that leaving the worlds present problems in the hands of politicians is extremely dangerous.

Into whose hands would you place leadership then?

• Military - once in control they transition to politicians
• Academics - science doesn't motivate behavior
• Bureaucrats - maintain the status quo
• Corporate leadership - profit is the bottom line, not human suffering
• Religious icons - dealers in faith and not reality

The problem is not so much politicians than it is some of their ideology.

 

8 hours ago, Lungstib said:

This article does nothing more than reaffirm my opinion that leaving the worlds present problems in the hands of politicians is extremely dangerous. The inequality gap is growing everywhere, the plastic pollution problem is hardly being discussed, climate change is ignored, cities are reduced to a standstill and poisoned by personal vehicle ownership, technology goes wasted on weapons and wars, our food is chemically tainted and our oceans are dying. Meanwhile politicians boast and brag, hatred is encouraged and our leaders believe that a cash handout is all we desire. Populism will do nothing for our real and serious problems.

And what is your point? Your comment is common sense. The solution is....? 

9 hours ago, Lungstib said:

This article does nothing more than reaffirm my opinion that leaving the worlds present problems in the hands of politicians is extremely dangerous. The inequality gap is growing everywhere, the plastic pollution problem is hardly being discussed, climate change is ignored, cities are reduced to a standstill and poisoned by personal vehicle ownership, technology goes wasted on weapons and wars, our food is chemically tainted and our oceans are dying. Meanwhile politicians boast and brag, hatred is encouraged and our leaders believe that a cash handout is all we desire. Populism will do nothing for our real and serious problems.

The fashionable political catch-all term of populism. 

Milking it for all it's worth - 

....and those whom but into easily. 

Repeated often and loud enough.

 

Suspect.