An army lost in the corridors of power [Editorial]

[webfact]

An army lost in the corridors of power

By The Nation

 

 

The junta’s pre-election manoeuvres feel increasingly desperate – and ludicrous

 

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the ruling military junta, recently hosted a gathering for political parties. It was hoping to draw representatives of more than 100 parties to outline their platforms ahead of the election scheduled for February.

 

Interestingly, among the major political parties declining to participate were the Democrats, whom the pro-Thaksin Shinawatra camp accuses of being on the military’s side.

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the junta chief who came to power in a coup four years ago, chaired the assembly. Prayut still tends to portray himself as the self-sacrificing white knight who staged the coup to restore order and end the bloody ideological chaos.

 

With the election looming, though, he is of course as much a stakeholder in current events as anyone. The premier shares that traditional trait of the Thai military in believing he has the moral authority to bring about and preserve peace.

 

The coup did indeed halt the political crisis that took lives and crippled the economy, but there are ample signs now that it merely postponed street battles still to be waged. Judging from the bitter rhetoric exchanged across the political divide, we as a nation have moved on not a bit.

 

The Army stepped in to restore order but soon outlived its usefulness. The junta has repeatedly depicted itself as arbiter, a referee doing a thankless job, forced to act because of rampant corruption and volatile politicking.

 

It has sought public support with a series of populist schemes. The military fails to understand that, no matter how deep the gutter our politicians choose to occupy, it is not the soldier’s place to interfere with the democratic process. The mechanisms enshrined in the constitution to protect citizens’ freedoms must be allowed to function. It’s the only way we can progress as a society.

 

If anything, the junta’s attempt to “referee” the gathering of political parties was purely pretentious. Ever the broken record, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan had the gall to call the boycotting parties “troublemakers”.

 

In fact, shunning a meeting organised by the NCPO was not so much making trouble as it was pure political manoeuvring, a tactic not taught at officer training school. If they don’t understand how the game is played, we can only wonder how the junta will fare if it manages to retain power after the election and faces a mandated formal opposition.

 

The junta also blundered merely in calling the meeting. Organising such a session was rightly the job of the Election Commission, not the military-led government.

 

The junta came to power presenting credentials to resolve the political crisis, but it quickly became clear that the generals were seeking to cement their own place in politics.

 

It is startling how little the NCPO now mentions the once-vaunted reforms it planned. The focus today is entirely on which political party or parties will secure Prayut’s continued role as premier.

 

When the junta began playing politics rather than adhering to the role of restoring order in the streets, it was automatically disqualified as an honest broker. This is not to say it was qualified to do so or had the moral authority or capability in the first place.

 

The Army just thought it alone could save the country. In this respect, the generals have been wrong all along.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/opinion/30360138

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-12-11

[Samui Bodoh]

"...The junta came to power presenting credentials to resolve the political crisis, but it quickly became clear that the generals were seeking to cement their own place in politics..."

 

The Junta did not "come to power", they stole it from the Thai people in a coup. And, they stole it in order to benefit themselves and their cronies.

 

The only question that really matters in Thailand today is how do you root out and destroy this cancer?

 

Thailand is at a turning point; it can either regain the long, slow path to developing a country where the people are respected, rights matter, and progress (however glacially slow) occurs. Alternatively, it can continue the slow path of descent, stagnation and decline, similar to the one which plagues its neighbours.

 

I sincerely hope for the first option, but sadly think the second is more likely.

 

 

 

[Oziex1]

This country is falling into line with Cambodia and Myanmar. 

[Thailand]

Legitimate or not there is no doubt that there will only one person in the pm's position after the "election".

Unless -------

[z42]

This topic has been done to death, but unless the Thai people show their disdain for the military affiliated parties at the election they really have no recourse to complain about their lot. Prayuth's agenda, and his lack of integrity have been clear to see for a very long time now, anyone who can't or refuses to see it are just plain dumb or in serious denial.

Cambodia fixed their election already this year, the international community has done NOTHING except a few small, short lived moans about it, now its business as usual. Thailand's current rulers will probably look to emulate exactly that

[Lungstib]

The no show of political parties for the recent meeting is an indication of the correct way to deal with the NCPO. Whats needed next is a no show for the election. It would be hard for Gen Prayuth to declare a victory if only 10% of Thais voted. If this is the only game in town, not playing it is the only answer.

[zzaa09]

41 minutes ago, Oziex1 said:

This country is falling into line with Cambodia and Myanmar. 

Hmmm...

More akin with contemporary Vietnam, than the likes of it's other neighbors.

[zzaa09]

40 minutes ago, Thailand said:

Legitimate or not there is no doubt that there will only one person in the pm's position after the "election".

Unless -------

Yep.

Unless...

 

Should be expected, actually.

Part and parcel with modern Thai history.

[bannork]

Just now, Lungstib said:

The no show of political parties for the recent meeting is an indication of the correct way to deal with the NCPO. Whats needed next is a no show for the election. It would be hard for Gen Prayuth to declare a victory if only 10% of Thais voted. If this is the only game in town, not playing it is the only answer.

I disagree. imo Pheua Thai and The Democrats need to put their differences aside for this election and form an alliance. They should be able to muster over 300 seats out of the 500 with ease. Then if Prayuth is voted PM with the Senate's help, he'll be running a minority government.

[yellowboat]

1 hour ago, zzaa09 said:

Hmmm...

More akin with contemporary Vietnam, than the likes of it's other neighbors.

Vietnam's education system is now a power house, churning out educated, competitive people.  That will not happen in Thailand anytime soon.  Beer is cheaper too.  Two things that make a country great: education and cheap beer.

 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The junta’s pre-election manoeuvres feel increasingly desperate – and ludicrous

Today shows a long overdue distaste for business as usual in junta controlled Thailand.  Should it be kept up, Thailand will have a chance to regain its former fun, welcoming and hopeful self.  I am not too optimistic, but have some hope.

[Enoon]

2 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

 

 

Thailand is at a turning point;

 

 

 

 

No it isn't.

 

It took the wrong turn 2 or 3 generations ago.

 

It's now living out it's terrible, tragic destiny.

 

 

[zzaa09]

15 minutes ago, Enoon said:

 

No it isn't.

 

It took the wrong turn 2 or 3 generations ago.

 

It's now living out it's terrible, tragic destiny.

 

 

It's not that tragic.

Those who promote as such have never connected with the place or know it very well.

 

Life gets on comfortably as it always has.

[soalbundy]

So Thailand at the moment has a government that thinks only of itself, is mired in corruption, will do anything to hold on to power, thinks it is elite, errrrm so what has changed ? An elitist civilian government made up of rich old men is going to be different ? I think not, the army was always in the background, they have just moved to the foreground that's all. Any civil government that gets elected is going to feel Prayuts heavy hand on their shoulders, it's just same,same but different.

[Eric Loh]

3 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

The only question that really matters in Thailand today is how do you root out and destroy this cancer?

For that to happen, it will mean a landslide pro-democracy parties win to have a chance to change certain aspect of the charter that will allowed and empowered the citizens to file charges against coup-makers. These pro democracy political parties don't need to form a coalition as they have very different ideologies but just come together in a non partisan approach against the military. 

 

If Prayut cheat his way to take the government, the pro-democracy parties can join in a non partisan 2/5 vote to initiate a no confidence debate in parliament and vote to kick him out.

 

Amending the charter seem the best way to destroy this military power albeit it will not be easy and seem impossible but if there are enough noises from the people demanding amendment, a referendum can be justified and legal binding. 

 

From reading between the lines, there are also attempts to dim the power of the Burapha Group where previous coups are staged by their generals. The army chief's loyalty is key and the 1st Army garrison locality may have some significant relating to their ability to stage successful coups without much resistance. 

 

Army is not the solution although some fools still think otherwise. As the editorial stated that the generals have been wrong all the way and they have been plundering the wealth of the country and should not interfere with the democratic process. 

 

 

 

  

[klauskunkel]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The premier shares that traditional trait of the Thai military in believing he has the moral authority to bring about and preserve peace.

It's not a "traditional trait", it's "traditional delusion"

6 hours ago, webfact said:

The Army stepped in to restore order but soon outlived its usefulness. The junta has repeatedly depicted itself as arbiter, a referee doing a thankless job, forced to act because of rampant corruption and volatile politicking.

The army saw an opportunity to establish their brand of corruption at a higher level and like any natural parasite it pounced and fed. One would think they would be good at camouflage, but they're not good at anything...

[Srikcir]

35 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

These pro democracy political parties don't need to form a coalition as they have very different ideologies but just come together in a non partisan approach against the military. 

A coalition is the usual manner to provide motivation for cooperation.

In a parliamentary system a coalition is typically achieved through division of cabinet ministries (see recent Germany election). The current 20-member cabinet has 1 prime minister, 19 ministries with matching deputies plus 3 deputy prime ministers - a lot of room to negotiate distribution of ministries among parties to join a coalition. For example, Abhisit gets Ministry of Tourism & Sports while PTP gets Foreign Affairs.

But what is required is a HIGH voter turnout (80%?) to drown out pro-military party elected seats. Voter complacency or despair will not change the face of the Thai government.

[yellowboat]

 

The over expansion of government and its unaccountability is a problem for countries that know better.  Thailand is clueless and relies in expedience, which leads to chaos.   

[Eric Loh]

7 minutes ago, Srikcir said:

A coalition is the usual manner to provide motivation for cooperation.

In a parliamentary system a coalition is typically achieved through division of cabinet ministries (see recent Germany election). The current 20-member cabinet has 1 prime minister, 19 ministries with matching deputies plus 3 deputy prime ministers - a lot of room to negotiate distribution of ministries among parties to join a coalition. For example, Abhisit gets Ministry of Tourism & Sports while PTP gets Foreign Affairs.

But what is required is a HIGH voter turnout (80%?) to drown out pro-military party elected seats. Voter complacency or despair will not change the face of the Thai government.

If history is an indication, post coup election in 2007 brought out the voters in high numbers at 74.5% turnout. The 2011 election was also significant in rejecting military interference in appointing a crony government which saw turnout at 75%. I see no difference and with the youth awakening thanks to the young activists actions, we may see 80%. Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

I really don't know how those pro-democracy parties can work together if not in a coalition that involves some horse trading of positions. Both big parties will tread this with caution fearing a backlash from their supporters. If the Dem was to come on board this partisanship against the military, it will probably help Ahbisit and the party more in the long run.  

[sawadee1947]

Thank you for this article describing exactly the insane situation in Thailand. 

[DrTuner]

12 hours ago, Oziex1 said:

This country is falling into line with Cambodia and Myanmar. 

Falling down between them .. those two at least seem to be somehow improving while Thailand is heading in the opposite direction.

[sjaak327]

10 hours ago, bannork said:

I disagree. imo Pheua Thai and The Democrats need to put their differences aside for this election and form an alliance. They should be able to muster over 300 seats out of the 500 with ease. Then if Prayuth is voted PM with the Senate's help, he'll be running a minority government.

If that happens, Prayuth cannot become PM. The senate can only vote for the PM if the lower house fails to reach an agreement. With North of 250 seats, such an agreement becomes a reality. 

[zzaa09]

8 hours ago, yellowboat said:

 

The over expansion of government and its unaccountability is a problem for countries that know better.  Thailand is clueless and relies in expedience, which leads to chaos.   

Yet, perhaps the everyday Thai people are not clueless. 

I suspect that most are connected much more than many give them credit for. 

 

 

One just needs to engage with a wide variety of the population to understand what is and what isn't. 

I suspect most that rant on have little knowledge of the real societal make up and assorted character traits.

 

It's not the West and the usual Occidental comparatives and promotions have little to do with anything.

[yellowboat]

3 hours ago, zzaa09 said:

Yet, perhaps the everyday Thai people are not clueless. 

I suspect that most are connected much more than many give them credit for. 

 

One just needs to engage with a wide variety of the population to understand what is and what isn't. 

I suspect most that rant on have little knowledge of the real societal make up and assorted character traits.

 

It's not the West and the usual Occidental comparatives and promotions have little to do with anything.

I am pleasantly surprised by the common Thais grasp of the situation.  It is those running the country that come across as clueless. 

[Reigntax]

16 hours ago, soalbundy said:

So Thailand at the moment has a government that thinks only of itself, is mired in corruption, will do anything to hold on to power, thinks it is elite, errrrm so what has changed ? An elitist civilian government made up of rich old men is going to be different ? I think not, the army was always in the background, they have just moved to the foreground that's all. Any civil government that gets elected is going to feel Prayuts heavy hand on their shoulders, it's just same,same but different.

The difference is one was elected by the people and the other denied the people their choice.

One could be voted out, the other decides when they leave.

One is subject to the rule of law, no matter how corrupt that may be, the other has a self appointed amnesty.

One is being paid by the Thai people to perform a duty to secure the country but they decide they prefer political interference.

Just a few subtle differences!!!!