Thai democracy or dictatorship ?

[Whiplash]

Bangkok Post Sunday 12 October:

THAI DEMOCRACY

Solo rule by Thaksin `dangerous'

Charter writers warn of too much power

Pradit Ruangdit

Thailand was not only in danger of being governed by one political party but could suffer a worse fate of being ruled by just one man, former charter writers said yesterday.

Somkiat On-wimol, a senator and former charter writer from Suphan Buri, said it was highly likely that a single-party government would emerge after the next general election. But what concerned him more was the rule of one man _ Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra _ who imposed his personal stamp on all issues and would accept no discussion or criticism.

``The problem is not that we're heading towards single-party rule. The problem is that we're going to have a one-man government _ Thaksin rule,'' he said.

Mr Somkiat was speaking at a seminar held by Phra Pokklao Institute and members of the dissolved Constitution Drafting Assembly to mark the sixth anniversary of the so-called people's charter.

Mr Somkiat said it was ridiculous that one word from Mr Thaksin would put any disputes to an end.

He said Mr Thaksin hit back rudely when academics criticised the government or made suggestions.

The senator said even if the one-man government succeeded in its tasks, it did not guarantee happiness because others were excluded from the process.

He also blamed the opposition for what was going on, saying the problem was not with the fact that the opposition was outnumbered in the House, but a lack of initiatives.

More senators were losing themselves to the government, judging by the number of votes given to the government on key pieces of legislation.

Mr Somkiat said the charter had been written in a way to ensure the government's stability and the prime minister's leadership.

``But it does not envisage dictatorial government even if that is made possible by an overwhelming majority in the House and a weak bureaucratic system,'' he said.

The charter regarded a stable government that never heeded people's calls as a bad government.

Amorn Raksasat, a Constitutional Court judge and former charter writer, said the constitution was not written to promote one-party rule.

Mr Amorn said a single-party government should not have so many House seats that it was not possible to file a no-confidence motion against cabinet members or the prime minister.

``The ideal number of opposition members is that there are enough to scrutinise the government. Otherwise the government is free to do anything,'' he said.

Mr Amorn also urged the public not to place ``too much'' trust in the government and to monitor the performance of other agencies such as the Senate to ensure that checks and balances were still intact.

Mr Amorn said the country's problems could not be solved by one man alone.

``A variety of opinions are needed when dealing with a country's problems, especially poverty. There's no such thing as `The One' in a democratic society.

``We don't need to be ruled by a superhero. It's far too dangerous,'' he said.

Mr Amorn said a good leader should be humble, know where and how to pull resources and finally make judgments that helped common people.

Khanin Boonsuwan, a former charter writer from Chon Buri, said it was not a crime to strive for a single-party government to effectively solve economic problems.

However, that government's stability should not be mistaken for the country's political stability. The two were not the same, he said.

Political stability was not possible if the government alone was strong while the public sector and the opposition were weak.

Mr Khanin also urged independent agencies to do their best to maintain political neutrality, otherwise they would be politically exploited.

He said a strong public sector and opposition were key to political stability.

``Even though we started from a stable government, disaster would come knocking if the system itself is not.''

???

[Arnold]

Toxin is out of control  :cool:

[Larry]

Sometimes I get tired of all the Thaksin bashing.

Let's remember a few things.

Firstly, after decades for shifting coalitions, coups, changeable constitutions and riots, Thais  have had an election under reasonably fair forms, and given the Thai Rak Thai party an absolute majority in the National Assembly.  THAT is what enables Thaksin to get his program through, despite all the opposition one hears to some of his more controversial plans. To hear people bemoaning this fact in th--e name of democracy sounds particularly hollow.

Secondly, Thaksin is an "idea man." Idea men have the vision to transcend politics as usual. They come up with a great many new concepts and creative thinking. They  Unfortunately, some of the ideas may be somewhat half-baked. Thailand is not Sweden, where ideas are studied and debated for years even before legislation is introduced. All and all, however, many of Thaksin's ideas are working better than expected.  One-Village, One-Product, for example. The economy, at a 6.5% growth rate is nothing to be ashamed of either.

Thirdly, Thaksin is the Prime Minister of Thailand.  He is not responsble to us. Despite our contributions to the country, we are not Thais, and we do not vote in Thai elections. Thaksin is simply thinking first about his country and his constituency, in the broad sense. What's wrong with that.

Fourthly, as Thailand's richest man, with a very good head for business, Thaksin Shiniwatra is definitely not "in it for the money." I believe, whatever his other motives, he does want to be remembered as someone who changed Thailand for the better, from the viewpoint of the great majority of the Thai people.

Finally....let's criticize proposals constructively, but calling an elected leader "toxin" and yelling about "imminent dictatorships" is not the way to do this.....

To be honest, if I were Thai, I would most likely vote "Thai Rak Thai"

[Whiplash]

Well, first of all I'm not doing any bashing..

I just relayed information exactly as was posted in the internet version of Bangkok post.

But when you read the article there is Thai people that makes the accusing points, not any farang.

And on what I read, the impression I get is that the Thai government seems to be leaning towards being run by one man, in the true word not a democratic government really..   ???

[Larry]

Hi...

That was not meant as personal criticism.  Just needed to vent after many positing.

All the best

Larry

[dr_Pat_Pong]

A worthwhile contribution Larry. In the course of the past decade, there's been some fairly ordinary PM's hereabouts. This one at least gets on with it. Non objective criticism serves only to inflame things, and certainly doesn't advance the farang cause at all.

[taxexile]

from the uk's daily telegraph,sat 18/10

   

No sex, please - we're holding an economic summit

By Alex Spillius in Bangkok

(Filed: 18/10/2003)

Patpong was so quiet last night that it was more like Pinner.

Instead of shouting voices and music blaring from go-go bars, Bangkok's sex and shopping district echoed with the whoosh of passing traffic - and complaints about a government crackdown for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Dancing girls have been ordered to cover up, the sex shows that have appalled and fascinated a generation of tourists have been banned, and the fake Prada bags and Rolex watches stashed away. Police are everywhere.

An operation to clear streets in the centre of the traffic-clogged capital for visiting delegates and leaders has taken tourists with it.

"There's not a lot of people around," said 34-year-old Liem, hawking unbranded watches for up to £5 apiece at a pavement table in Patpong. "I haven't sold anything yet, and it's nearly 11 o'clock."

It has also been a difficult year for 45-year-old Thim, who sells T-shirts reading "Pizza Slut" and "Bonger King". "First Sars and now Apec. I'm losing money every day," she said, scanning the thin stream of pedestrians for a hint of an interested face. "We have to sell things. We're old. We can't even clean houses any more."

Bangkok will not be the first or last developing city to beautify itself for a major international summit, but it has more air-brushing to do than most.

On Thursday a banner 500 yards long and four storeys high was unfurled to shield an unsightly slum from the Apec leaders while they watch a royal barge procession on the Chao Phraya River. Prostitutes have been arrested by the hundred. Some 900 Cambodian beggars have been flown home in a move criticised by human rights groups, while the Thai homeless have been shifted away from locations near summit venues and hotels.

Hundreds of members of organisations who might arrange protests against the world's largest trade co-operative group, with a combined population of more than 2.5 billion and gross domestic product of $19 trillion (£11 trillion), have been placed on a visa blacklist. If they do sneak in, they will face a 10,000-strong security force.

Fears of terrorism are running high and will be on the agenda after the arrest in Thailand two months ago of Hambali, al-Qa'eda's chief in south-east Asia, while plotting to attack Western interests during the summit.

Planes carrying 20 leaders, including George W Bush and Vladimir Putin, arrive this weekend for the meeting's climax on Monday and Tuesday.

After nearly three years in office, the prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, a telecommunications billionaire, has decided that it is time for his country, and himself, to be taken more seriously. He is keen that Thailand should be known for its temples, upmarket resorts fashion industry and free trade initiatives, not backpackers, sex tourists and pirate CDs.

He has imposed a social order campaign, which includes 2am closing for all entertainment venues, banning smoking in public places and launching an anti-corruption crusade. A controversial anti-drugs campaign has also been implemented, in which 2,500 suspected dealers have been killed, many, it is believed, by police vigilante gangs.

16 August 2003: Captured al-Qa'eda man had Apec summit in his sights

8 September 2001: Red light district reels as Thais embrace family values .

27 February 2003: 980 shot dead in Thailand's drugs crackdown

 

© Copyright of Telegraph Group Limited 2003.

he is trying to put thailand on the map for what might be considered more worthwhile attributes than fake goods,prostitution and a destination where hard up westerners can come to feel adventurous and sweat excessively.

the thais are starting to feel prouder of their country after decades of poor leadership by mostly sleazy coalitionists.

thais,both at home and especially abroad are sick and tired of being the butt of endless jokes and constant sneers about patpong,massage parlours,rolex watches,drugs and corruption,whenever the name "thailand" is mentioned.

for the time being i think he is good for thailand,but in time, as with all leaders who have an unassailable majority,he will become a (more) power crazed caricature of his former self,

and will be replaced with a more moderate prime minister.

whether he can put the thai economy on a sound footing and keep it there is another matter though.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Well put Tax. The hassle is that the world will laugh at these futile efforts to clean up Thailand's act. The country's notoriety is legend.

[taxexile]

the sad thing is that in "cleaning" everything up,it will make it a dull and sterile place, and then the character of the people will change to adapt.

the freewheeling rough and tumble bangkok,that initially attracted us all here in the first place,will be no more.i just hope that a happy medium can be found,and that the place isnt turned into a super-organised and "perfect" city,like singapore.

[Axel]

I have seen a lot of prime ministers over the last 12 years or so and I intend to be still here for the next few.

Actually, I am fed up being sneered at showing my passport when entering Europe (it says domicile Bangkok) until I leave for "home". Still this cannot be changed over night and actually I like the way it is (was?) Look at Manila after there "clean up". I agree, SIN is sterile or is it? Lots of changes there. When we go for some night entertainment and I suggest around 1:45 hrs to go home, they think to old guy is getting too old. I just forgot, SIN opens until 4, 5, 6 o'clock and that's in the morning.

The Thai way will prevail. May be some minor changes but not the rough and not the "sanook".

[francois]

i just hope that a happy medium can be found,and that the place isnt turned into a super-organised and "perfect" city,like singapore.

agreed agreed !

oh please no!

let Bangkok live ... don't transform it into another modern city.

I just fear that if Bangkok changes, soon or later Chiang Mai will,

it has already a lot ... too much, as Chiang Mai people use to say, and too fast  ???

or may that after this summit, things will be back to "normal"

let's hope  :cool:

[chaladmak]

seems like this subject is quite old - and yet bashing still goes on...