America and Thailand: Similarities and differences

By Tulsathit Taptim

 

Supporters of US president Donald Trump look on in front of the White House as they gather near counter protesters in Washington, DC on November 13, 2020. / AFP

 

The red and blue colors marking who wins which states in the US presidential race are eerily similar to how Thailand’s map is painted after each general election. Consequences of the coloring that underlines political divide in both countries used to be starkly different, but Donald Trump and his die-hard support are making sure both set of citizenries can be more alike than initially thought.

 

The Americans were familiar with a peaceful and graceful handover of power. Thais were not, are not, and very likely never will be. In America, the coloring used to reflect or show off “maturity”. In Thailand, it has been screaming “Trouble!” The stark difference, however, appears no longer so.

 

The concept of “Winner takes all” has long been defended as an integral part of America’s democracy, which has been advertised to the whole world and bought by many countries, including Thailand. It sounds like a good principle as long as the winner wins by a landslide, say 60 % against 40 % or 70 % against 30 %. When both Joe Biden and Trump have won more than 70 million votes each, the question is: Should Biden take all?

 

Even Barack Obama is worried and, if one reads between his lines, unsure. “What (the numbers) say is that we are still deeply divided,” he said. “The power of that alternative worldview that’s presented in the media that (Trump’s) voters consume – it carries a lot of weight. … It’s very hard for our democracy to function if we are operating on just completely different sets of facts.”

 

Obama is right in worrying about the 73 million votes Trump got (as of this week), but the former president might be fundamentally questionable in questioning the way Trump got them.

 

Trump and Obama may be more similar than they care to admit, and that can be the reason why those monitoring American politics can sense trouble brewing for democracy, which is supposed to function on allowing “different sets of facts” to compete and win over the stakeholders. Trump calls news against him “fake news”, whereas Obama, who has been firing on all cylinders against the embattled president, bemoans consumption of information that allowed the Republican flagbearer to win more than 73 million votes. In short, both Trump and Obama were suggesting that one set of facts might be better.

 

Thai ideological rivals would have preferred the same thing, which is one media camp presenting their truth and their truth only. They attack reporters or journalist or broadcasters that they don’t like. They call them “liars” who ignore or misrepresent facts, and they adore those whose presentation of “truth” or history support their cause. It’s quite the same when it comes to America’s Democrats, Republicans, CNN and Fox News.

 

Republican protesters have taken to streets decrying the “stolen election.” They don’t accept defeat, knowing that for the next four years at least, they will have to live with a government they hate. Trump is either buoyed by that or he sowed the seeds for the protests in the first place. Either way, it’s about a fight for power, amplified by the “Winner-takes-all” concept that takes virtually everything away from the loser.

 

If that sounds very familiar, especially when Thailand is concerned, here’s a key difference: Trump and Biden, albeit the Republicans and Democrats, share the same ultimate goal, which is the American supremacy. They have been fighting over minor or hair-splitting details, like how much to reduce or increase taxes, or how American diplomacy should pan out, or how to handle the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thai political rivals, on the other hand, are battling each other over fundamental things, like whether or how a deep-rooted political culture should be upended.

 

In other words, America may be becoming like Thailand of four or five years ago while Thailand of today has moved away a step or two. This does not mean both countries won’t get progressively closer in the future, though. After all, in a newly-written American analysis, the headline is this: “Is Trump taking a page from Thailand’s playbook?”

 

Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/america-and-thailand-similarities-and-differences/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2020-11-17

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

30 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Donald Trump and his die-hard support are making sure both set of citizenries can be more alike than initially thought

So lets see, what the article is insinuating is that America is claiming rights to Thailand's people by ensuring they are inextricably linked by political colors and protests  Get real, the world over is full of political protestors who want to express their rights.  

Edited November 17, 20205 yr by ThailandRyan

About the only similarity with the two countries is that they are both governed by morons. 

America is a democracy trying to become a dictatorship,

Thailand is a dictatorship trying to become a democracy.

 

.

Edited November 17, 20205 yr by Stocky

7 minutes ago, Stocky said:

America is a democracy trying to become a dictatorship,

Thailand is a dictatorship trying to become a democracy.

 

.

....but went back to a dictatorship which it prefers.

2 hours ago, Stocky said:

America is a democracy trying to become a dictatorship,

Thailand is a dictatorship trying to become a democracy.

I know it's against the rules to alter posts, for which I duly apologise, but I couldn't help it.

I never really understood why there are only 2 political parties in the US , the reps and the dems ...

In Europe , when there are elections , normally a few parties present themselves and , normally , get a few votes .

Later on , a coalition government may be formed that consists of the parties , who , together , have more than 50% of the votes .

That is democratic . It would be even more democratic if all parties who participated in the election and won some votes , would become a part of the future government as well , as they often represent close to half of the voters ... of course , the decision making would become more difficult in this case , compromises would have to be found often .

But that may be an advantage ...

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

America and Thailand: Similarities and differences

 

Censorship is powerful here too, I find it hard to understand these people who have sold their souls to the devil and who make all these lies possible ...

1 hour ago, Burma Bill said:

 

Beat me to it BB

2 hours ago, nobodysfriend said:

I never really understood why there are only 2 political parties in the US , the reps and the dems ...

 

The key phrase, here, being "I never really understood." That's because you don't. There are more than two parties. Just right off the bat, there is a Green Party and a Libertarian Party and many others besides. 

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

America and Thailand: Similarities and differences

By Tulsathit Taptim

 

Supporters of US president Donald Trump look on in front of the White House as they gather near counter protesters in Washington, DC on November 13, 2020. / AFP

 

The red and blue colors marking who wins which states in the US presidential race are eerily similar to how Thailand’s map is painted after each general election. Consequences of the coloring that underlines political divide in both countries used to be starkly different, but Donald Trump and his die-hard support are making sure both set of citizenries can be more alike than initially thought.

 

The Americans were familiar with a peaceful and graceful handover of power. Thais were not, are not, and very likely never will be. In America, the coloring used to reflect or show off “maturity”. In Thailand, it has been screaming “Trouble!” The stark difference, however, appears no longer so.

 

The concept of “Winner takes all” has long been defended as an integral part of America’s democracy, which has been advertised to the whole world and bought by many countries, including Thailand. It sounds like a good principle as long as the winner wins by a landslide, say 60 % against 40 % or 70 % against 30 %. When both Joe Biden and Trump have won more than 70 million votes each, the question is: Should Biden take all?

 

Even Barack Obama is worried and, if one reads between his lines, unsure. “What (the numbers) say is that we are still deeply divided,” he said. “The power of that alternative worldview that’s presented in the media that (Trump’s) voters consume – it carries a lot of weight. … It’s very hard for our democracy to function if we are operating on just completely different sets of facts.”

 

Obama is right in worrying about the 73 million votes Trump got (as of this week), but the former president might be fundamentally questionable in questioning the way Trump got them.

 

Trump and Obama may be more similar than they care to admit, and that can be the reason why those monitoring American politics can sense trouble brewing for democracy, which is supposed to function on allowing “different sets of facts” to compete and win over the stakeholders. Trump calls news against him “fake news”, whereas Obama, who has been firing on all cylinders against the embattled president, bemoans consumption of information that allowed the Republican flagbearer to win more than 73 million votes. In short, both Trump and Obama were suggesting that one set of facts might be better.

 

Thai ideological rivals would have preferred the same thing, which is one media camp presenting their truth and their truth only. They attack reporters or journalist or broadcasters that they don’t like. They call them “liars” who ignore or misrepresent facts, and they adore those whose presentation of “truth” or history support their cause. It’s quite the same when it comes to America’s Democrats, Republicans, CNN and Fox News.

 

Republican protesters have taken to streets decrying the “stolen election.” They don’t accept defeat, knowing that for the next four years at least, they will have to live with a government they hate. Trump is either buoyed by that or he sowed the seeds for the protests in the first place. Either way, it’s about a fight for power, amplified by the “Winner-takes-all” concept that takes virtually everything away from the loser.

 

If that sounds very familiar, especially when Thailand is concerned, here’s a key difference: Trump and Biden, albeit the Republicans and Democrats, share the same ultimate goal, which is the American supremacy. They have been fighting over minor or hair-splitting details, like how much to reduce or increase taxes, or how American diplomacy should pan out, or how to handle the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thai political rivals, on the other hand, are battling each other over fundamental things, like whether or how a deep-rooted political culture should be upended.

 

In other words, America may be becoming like Thailand of four or five years ago while Thailand of today has moved away a step or two. This does not mean both countries won’t get progressively closer in the future, though. After all, in a newly-written American analysis, the headline is this: “Is Trump taking a page from Thailand’s playbook?”

 

Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/america-and-thailand-similarities-and-differences/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2020-11-17

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

thank you for sharing your opinion from your western point of view. Pullitzer material!

16 hours ago, Stocky said:

America is a democracy trying to become a dictatorship,

Thailand is a dictatorship trying to become a democracy.

 

.

Its a nice play with words, but thats it.

 

America is a democracry and will be a democracy. Even though a clown like Trump fully abuses the democratic system.

 

Calling a country a "dictatorship" just bc it doesnt have your style of western democracy is a deep selfserving lack of understanding and respecting other cultures. 

 

Most or at least a broad segment of the Thai people fully support the governement. 

This governement also has been democratically elected. (even if you think the rules were "rigged", at least you have to admit that anybody can fight back in a democratic way)

 

A decade ago the red shirts ran havoc in bkk monthlong protrsts designed to wreck the city ending in burning and looting of buildings and shopping mall.

Like it or not but thanks to decisive action by the army peace was restored and what followed was economic growth. Most Thai ppl welcomed and supported the army bc its easy to see they did bring peace and stability.

 

The TRUE dictators of the future are amongst the protesters. Try leaving a reply on a pro protest post on facebook, within minutes it will be deleted. Censorship by the very ppl who say they fight against censorship.

 

Thailands leaders are smart and decisive and thanks to that with a united Thai ppl, a covid crisis cripples countries like the usa but is well managed and controlled by Thailand.

 

Pls educate yourself before parrotting one liners like "thailand is a dictatorship." Know the history of true dictatorships in Southamerican countries with death squads.

 

40 minutes ago, herwin1234 said:

Its a nice play with words, but thats it.

 

America is a democracry and will be a democracy. Even though a clown like Trump fully abuses the democratic system.

 

Calling a country a "dictatorship" just bc it doesnt have your style of western democracy is a deep selfserving lack of understanding and respecting other cultures. 

 

Most or at least a broad segment of the Thai people fully support the governement. 

This governement also has been democratically elected. (even if you think the rules were "rigged", at least you have to admit that anybody can fight back in a democratic way)

 

A decade ago the red shirts ran havoc in bkk monthlong protrsts designed to wreck the city ending in burning and looting of buildings and shopping mall.

Like it or not but thanks to decisive action by the army peace was restored and what followed was economic growth. Most Thai ppl welcomed and supported the army bc its easy to see they did bring peace and stability.

 

The TRUE dictators of the future are amongst the protesters. Try leaving a reply on a pro protest post on facebook, within minutes it will be deleted. Censorship by the very ppl who say they fight against censorship.

 

Thailands leaders are smart and decisive and thanks to that with a united Thai ppl, a covid crisis cripples countries like the usa but is well managed and controlled by Thailand.

 

Pls educate yourself before parrotting one liners like "thailand is a dictatorship." Know the history of true dictatorships in Southamerican countries with death squads.

 

 

Democracy is not perfect but at least it gives the people the right to elect anyone as they see fit, even if it's a person not suited for the job, but then they just has to deal with the consequences of their choice. 

 

The thai people didn't get that option. 

1 hour ago, herwin1234 said:

Calling a country a "dictatorship" just bc it doesnt have your style of western democracy is a deep selfserving lack of understanding and respecting other cultures. 

No, we call a country a dictatorship when they remove an elected administration in a military coup, and a general appoints himself in charge, with supreme, unquestionable authority.

 

You savvy?

28 minutes ago, Virt said:

 

Democracy is not perfect but at least it gives the people the right to elect anyone as they see fit, even if it's a person not suited for the job, but then they just has to deal with the consequences of their choice. 

 

The thai people didn't get that option. 

Actually the Thai people have had that option several times this millennia, but each time their choice has been subsequently removed in military coups (2006 and 2014) and even judicial coups (2008).

 

The problem is the continuing efforts to undermine democracy by those that want to retain power and control rather than respecting the choices of the electorate.

 

We are now seeing the consequences of this refusal to respect the democratic system, which many of us warned would be the result of unconstitutionally removing elected governments, regardless of their alleged activities or crimes.

 

Time for Thailand to take its medicine. 

Edited November 18, 20205 yr by Mr Meeseeks

4 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

 

 

But they both love guns!

42 minutes ago, PatOngo said:

 

But they both love guns!

Beat me on that.

Both drive in the outside lane exactly on the speed limit and think they are in the right.

19 hours ago, Stocky said:

America is a democracy trying to become a dictatorship,

Thailand is a dictatorship trying to become a democracy.

 

.

For both, I can see the potential being the model of citizen social control we are witnessing in China. The technology information gathering from spending habits, political leanings, etc. lends itself in this direction for all society controllers.

4 hours ago, John Drake said:

 

The key phrase, here, being "I never really understood." That's because you don't. There are more than two parties. Just right off the bat, there is a Green Party and a Libertarian Party and many others besides. 

So , please enlighten me , master , why do these parties never seemed to play a role in the US elections ...?

Both continued to support Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge as the legitimate government of Cambodia even after the genocide was exposed by the Vietnamese.

As the French say, vive le difference.

Edited November 18, 20205 yr by Traubert
Spelling

3 minutes ago, Traubert said:

As the French say, vive le difference.

la difference .

1 minute ago, nobodysfriend said:

la difference .

Duly noted. Damn genders! ????

Wake me up on Jan 20th and we'll see if there is a transition of governmental power.  Until then I'll leave it to the partisan Blue and Red sycophants to cheer-lead their chosen side while jeering and sneering at the other with well-worn clichés and pejoratives. 

Enjoy yourselves. 

2 hours ago, nobodysfriend said:

So , please enlighten me , master , why do these parties never seemed to play a role in the US elections ...?

For much the same reason the UK is basically a two party 'democracy', the voting system is rigged that way.

 

Most European countries have some form of proportional representation, and/or transferable vote, which leads to more representative government, though more often hampered by the need for coalition government. 

 

Swings & roundabouts.

Why does he article touch on the fact that Obama is worried.  He is a has been president and has no influence on anything. 

8 hours ago, herwin1234 said:

Its a nice play with words, but thats it.

 

America is a democracry and will be a democracy. Even though a clown like Trump fully abuses the democratic system.

 

Calling a country a "dictatorship" just bc it doesnt have your style of western democracy is a deep selfserving lack of understanding and respecting other cultures. 

 

Most or at least a broad segment of the Thai people fully support the governement. 

This governement also has been democratically elected. (even if you think the rules were "rigged", at least you have to admit that anybody can fight back in a democratic way)

 

A decade ago the red shirts ran havoc in bkk monthlong protrsts designed to wreck the city ending in burning and looting of buildings and shopping mall.

Like it or not but thanks to decisive action by the army peace was restored and what followed was economic growth. Most Thai ppl welcomed and supported the army bc its easy to see they did bring peace and stability.

 

The TRUE dictators of the future are amongst the protesters. Try leaving a reply on a pro protest post on facebook, within minutes it will be deleted. Censorship by the very ppl who say they fight against censorship.

 

Thailands leaders are smart and decisive and thanks to that with a united Thai ppl, a covid crisis cripples countries like the usa but is well managed and controlled by Thailand.

 

Pls educate yourself before parrotting one liners like "thailand is a dictatorship." Know the history of true dictatorships in Southamerican countries with death squads.

 

Prayut is loathed by most Thais, they consider him to be a criminal.

Yes, peace was restored by the army for a brief period, then the process of looting recommenced, controlled by the military.

Thailand's leaders are smart? If they are so smart, why does the country need 1700 flag officers, when the USA can make do with 231, and a  military machine twice the size of Thailand? Why do they need f###ing submarines, when that money could be going to support Thais who have been forced into unemployment?

Permit me to doubt Thailand's freedom from coronavirus is down to administration competence. It's far more likely there are a number of biological, cultural and environmental factors operating to limit infection.

You say Thailand is not a dictatorship, when the junta uses the courts to go after any opposition leader who in their eyes is too popular?

I've read some twaddle on TV, but yours takes the biscuit. Pretending Thailand is not a dictatorship is like saying Trump won the popular vote.

Difference between Thailand and the USA is the American states elect the King of the USA for 4 years at a time to a maximum of 12 years not much difference in ideology or purpose between Democrats and Republicans. Remember it is the States that elect the president not the people otherwise Trump would have lost the last election since more citizens voted Democrat than Republican