By Tulsathit Taptim

 

One chapter has just been closed. Prayut Chan-o-cha’s nail-biting survival act is in the middle of the book at most, with Thailand’s political turmoil only entering a new phase, where divisions are more glaring and more generational, violence always lurks and foreign influences affect both sides of the standoff more openly and probably more aggressively.

 

Win or lose, Prayut is a proxy. Like Thaksin Shinawatra, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit or Piyabutr Saengkannokkul, he just represents one side in the ideological showdown which began when Thailand ended the absolute monarchy nearly a century ago. When all of them are gone, new faces will take the centre stage. In many ways, Thai politics is like Jerusalem during its long chaotic, musical-chair period.

 

In hindsight, Prayut always had the logical advantage in the tenure debate, as any law shall not retroactively affect people, or chaos can reign supreme. His opponents relied pretty much on unclear parts of the Constitution and perhaps what it “forgot” to say. But, having said that, the eight-year limit makes perfect sense because it is supposed to prevent anyone from getting too addicted to power and foster the democratic spirit of passing on the torch. In other words, those saying that Prayut had overstayed his welcome are sensible, too.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/and-the-fight-continues/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-01

 

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3 hours ago, webfact said:

entering a new phase, where divisions are more glaring and more generational, violence always lurks and foreign influences affect both sides of the standoff more openly and probably more aggressively.

Like in so many other countries , politicians in Thailand and the public as well , are deeply divided in nearly equal percentage points ( 50/50 ) .

If there are elections with a not very clear result , the opposing ( losing ) party will many times deny the outcome and violence may occur . This violence will be suppressed with more violence ( and tricky legal manoeuvres ) by the ruling party . In the end  that only deepens the division .

May be , the fault is in the system .

If there are elections between , let's say , 2 parties , and one of them wins with 51 % of the votes , the other one get's only 49% and loses , there are still 49% of the electorate who should get to take their part in the future government . The government should consist of members of both parties , ( 49 to 51 % ) and decision of that government should be mutual and voted for by the general assembly .

That appears to be a fairer system and any frictions between the parties that form this government could be resolved in parliament already .

If that does not work , the example of Switzerland by asking the general population to vote for a particular decision of importance , seems to be more democratic .

"Meet the new boss.

Same as the old boss."

1 hour ago, nobodysfriend said:

That appears to be a fairer system

Since when has fairness been a factor in Thailand (not just in politics)?  Wealth counts for more.

3 hours ago, nobodysfriend said:

If that does not work , the example of Switzerland by asking the general population to vote for a particular decision of importance , seems to be more democratic

Move forward party brought this on the table yesterday. Population vote about the current constitution 

Nepotism, corruption and puppets ruling on behalf of the elite are so entrenched in the Thai way of life that it is hard to see things ever changing. People tried bravely in 1973, 1976 and 1992 but were tortured and/or killed in large numbers. Memories of those savage events are not forgotten.

Maybe this will incite more robust protests. Reality is that Prayut not being allowed to continue would have led to a power struggle between Anutin and Prawit, both of whom are oxygen thieves and Anutin hates foreigners.

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Win or lose, Prayut is a proxy.

A Proxy what, Git ? oops I need new glasses

The twins ....... Prawit  just keeping the seat warm for him.

regards worgeordie

This article, like many found pursuing these historic themes, is quite innocent by it's very core. 

Journalism, and it's wretched circle, isn't what it used to be.