Mixed Views On Abhisit's First Year In Office

[webfact]

Mixed views on first year

By THE NATION

Published on December 21, 2009

Business leaders more positive than political analysts over govt performance after Abhisit's first 12 months in office

The Abhisit administration can boast all it wants of its supposed achievements on Wednesday, but in the eyes of business leaders and academics, it nearly failed in its first year in office.

A Nation survey conducted ahead of the government's report on its first-year performance found that, on a scale of 1-10, its highest score was 9 while the lowest was zero. On average, it received a mark of 4.5.

The zero grade came from Pitch Pongsawat, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University. He said the government was a disappointment in turning words into action and controlling its parties.

In governing the country, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva simply delegated the domestic mission to Bhum Jai Thai Party's Newin Chidchob and international mission to Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, he claimed. And the government simply copied some old policies.

A banker, who asked not to be named, also felt the government struggled to act on its promises. But he gave a score of "6".

"The economic stimulus measures lack momentum. Without unity among coalition parties, any policy cannot be implemented in a smooth manner," the banker said.

Associate professor Sukhum Nuansakul said the Abhisit administration barely passed the test on dealing with political turmoil. But as the PM often confronts dissent from his own party, coalition parties and civil groups, the future looked bleak.

"The government does not have its own strategies and it relies too much on state officials," said Teerana Bhongmakapat, dean of Chulalong-korn's Economics Faculty. He gave "6-7" points for easing economic woes, notably with the first stimulus package worth Bt100 billion, but had no confidence in the second Bt1.43 trillion Thai Khemkhaeng package.

Instead of focusing more on railroad development, many projects were initiated and proposed by state officials and some could not secure central budget financing, he said. He expects politicians to pick only projects that serve their self-interest or benefit their constituencies.

The transparency issue is also in focus. Despite www.tkk2555.com, academics could not find sufficient information like the bid winners of particular projects and their backgrounds, which could indicate political connections.

Vorapol Socatiyanurak, vice chair of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council, gave a 5.5, but voiced concern over the ability to finance its state investment debts.

"(Finance Minister) Korn (Chatikavanij) could have done much better, as he is in charge of funding," he said.

Sompop Manarungsan, an economist lecturer at Chulalongkorn, who gave "5.3-5.5" points, said investment projects were implemented too slowly. With stimulus packages, other countries recovered more quickly, while Thailand's economy contracted for four straight quarters. He attributed the leisurely pace to lack of unity among coalition parties. Korn was advised to go more on the offensive next year.

While Vorapol worried about weak investor confidence after the pollution fiasco in Map Ta Phut, Sompop lamented poor handling of environmental issues, which hurt both investors and villagers.

Vallop Vitanakorn, chairman of Hi-Tech Group, was happy to give a "5", saying the private sector had to stand on its own last year without much government help.

But among the attackers were admirers. Most business leaders gave scores above "6", but complained about slow action.

Bangkok Bank executive chair Kosit Panpiemras did not give a rating, but noted that the government came to power in a tough situation. In economic terms, it just got a passing grade.

Santi Vilassakdanont, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, was the biggest admirer, giving a "9" due to government determination to tackle political and economic woes.

"The government launched many programmes to improve the overall economic situation and reduce political conflicts," he said. But he gave an "8" when it came to action, saying the government could go faster. And it could have drawn up a policy to mitigate the damage over Map Ta Phut.

Pornsilp Patcharintanakul, deputy head of the Board of Trade, gave a "9" for Abhisit dealing with problems calmly, and a "7" for bids to bolster the economy amid tough times. But the government needed to speed up implementation of the Thai Khemkhaeng scheme, he said.

Sombat Chalermwutinan, president of Asia Golden Rice, assigned a "7-8", just for the government's decision to replace the farm product pledging programme with the price insurance scheme.

Suraporn Simakulthorn, president of Kulthorn Kirby group, gave a "7" for doing well in the first year despite the turbulence.

Several developers gave a "7", because of the Bt300,000 tax allowance for homebuyers. Prasert Taedullayasatit, director and chief operating officer of Preuksa Real Estate, said that without the incentive, the industry could have shown a contraction this year.

Atip Bichanond, president of the Thai Condominium Association, said that without the political conflicts and unclear success of other policies, he could have given a "10" instead of "7".

Dayana Bunnag, president of Ocean Life Insurance, assigned a "8" and said the government deserved more time to prove itself.

"The first year's performance was not bad and it should be given more time to do more. What we want next is transparency," she said.

-- The Nation 2009/12/21

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[BangkokJazz]

The fact that he is still in office, and is able to govern, is frankly remarkable, considering all of the pressures.

[hammered]

The fact that he is still in office, and is able to govern, is frankly remarkable, considering all of the pressures.

True

The one that cant be mentioned print version has an interview with Abhisit today which imho is worth reading. He comes across as quite honest with what can be regarded as a fairlly good assessment of things. If it had been written by a neutral likely it wouldnt have read much different.

Edited to add: If you go back to when Abhisit came to power PTP luminaries were predicting they would bring him down within 3 months. Chalerm basically guaranteed it would happen. It would be interesting to see reproters ask those who made that claim about why it didnt happen. Reporting of political issues and analysis of Thai poltics is so poor across the board.

Edited December 21, 2009 by hammered

[animatic]

The fact that he is still in office, and is able to govern, is frankly remarkable, considering all of the pressures.

Ditto.

Meeting idealized expectations, is a lot harder than

actually keeping the show moving in any shape and form.

Of course keeping the show going here is a cross between

Sysphusian rock rolling up that endless mountain,

and juggling chainsaws with starving monkey's nipping at your testicles.

That Abhisit is still in office, and Thaksin is increasingly marginalized

is no mean feat of legerdemain.

[neverdie]

The fact that he is still in office, and is able to govern, is frankly remarkable, considering all of the pressures.

Yep, surprises me.

[Oberkommando]

On average, it received a mark of 4.5.

4.5 out of 10.

A fail then.

[way2muchcoffee]

On average, it received a mark of 4.5.

4.5 out of 10.

A fail then.

Ha ha. Not in Thailand's education system. A 4.5 rounds up to a 5 which is a passing mark. Besides, nobody fails in Thai schools.

[hammered]

Until there is genuine reconcillaition which means compromise by all sides no government will be able to function to its potential. As the economy recovers things will get a little easier but not too much. Abhisit has had to govern through a big world recession which none of his predecessors had to which will always lower a score. Any other government in power at the same time would likely have received klittle more.

Anyway reconcilliation with compromise is needed but as right now conditions for reconcilliation involve absolutely no compromise things dont look so good as the masters of Thailand battle it out

[animatic]

On average, it received a mark of 4.5.

4.5 out of 10.

A fail then.

Ha ha. Not in Thailand's education system. A 4.5 rounds up to a 5 which is a passing mark. Besides, nobody fails in Thai schools.

And nobody succeeds in Thai governments for long,

so a year is a win by most standards here.

[Oberkommando]

And nobody succeeds in Thai governments for long,

so a year is a win by most standards here.

Thaksin was re-elected by a landslide, the first Prime Minister in Thai history to serve a full term in office and the first to serve another consecutive term.

Now that's a win.

[BangkokJazz]

And nobody succeeds in Thai governments for long,

so a year is a win by most standards here.

Thaksin was re-elected by a landslide, the first Prime Minister in Thai history to serve a full term in office and the first to serve another consecutive term.

Now that's a win.

A true believer I see. I'll keep my hand on my wallet.

[Siripon]

And nobody succeeds in Thai governments for long,

so a year is a win by most standards here.

Thaksin was re-elected by a landslide, the first Prime Minister in Thai history to serve a full term in office and the first to serve another consecutive term.

Now that's a win.

I notice 68% of Thais polled by Dusit want Thaksin to give up activities that damage the country.

[animatic]

And nobody succeeds in Thai governments for long,

so a year is a win by most standards here.

Thaksin was re-elected by a landslide, the first Prime Minister in Thai history to serve a full term in office and the first to serve another consecutive term.

Now that's a win.

I notice 68% of Thais polled by Dusit want Thaksin to give up activities that damage the country.

And that's a net loss.

He is the single exception to the standard ways of Thailand political time frames,

an exception that only money could buy. His first term set him on

a collision course, with hubris and a grand fall from grace and power...

He also is the first deposed PM to not quietly go away like all the others before him.

Another except, he just doesn't get it. Or thinks he is so grand he can

redefine life here to his whims.

Yeah he got that 2nd term, but at what cost to the country?

There's the rub, Kuhn Hamletcommander

Net loss.

[sabaijai]

And nobody succeeds in Thai governments for long,

so a year is a win by most standards here.

Thaksin was re-elected by a landslide, the first Prime Minister in Thai history to serve a full term in office and the first to serve another consecutive term.

Neither of the latter two claims is true.

[BangkokJazz]

And nobody succeeds in Thai governments for long,

so a year is a win by most standards here.

Thaksin was re-elected by a landslide, the first Prime Minister in Thai history to serve a full term in office and the first to serve another consecutive term.

Neither of the latter two claims is true.

Semantics Sabaijai. Ober is having a good rant, facts only get in the way of that.

[Asa]

The question is how the Government score, given situation, pressure, and the obtained tools, focus is at the end result to the whole nation. Day to day survival ability of government does not count. Dem is only good for opposition job at auditing, no good as an entrepreneur. The ever complaining PM lacks leadership. Thai had more talented leaders in the past such as Gen. Chartchai, Khun Anant, and Khun Thaksin, hope we will have another soon. back to the OP, I give this gov. 4.0 g'nite.

[caf]

But what has he actually done? Sorted out the Santika problem has he?

He's a good talker

[hammered]

But what has he actually done? Sorted out the Santika problem has he?

He's a good talker

Compared to TRT the Dem government are useless at marketing their policies and programs. However to be fair the new rice scheme seems an improvement and it definitely covers more farmers, the 500 baht for grannies is well subscribed, the government bank taking over loan shark debt is a good idea (not sure on the implemetation although TRT always suffered implemetation problems too), free education is quite popular, tax relief for new home buyers has apparently helped the market, the stipended skills training courses for the unemployed seem popular too and the unemployed numbers havent come anywhere near what was expected even allowing for massaging of numbers. The plan to offload some government unused land to farming communities is also not a bad idea if it comes to fruition and they have also been the first Thai government to seriously talk of inheritance and high unused land taxes although they will need a lot of poltical will and time to move on that if they ever can imho. However, what they have done isnt bad considering they have been in government during a world recession and during a time of poltical crisis in Thailand whioch puits them in a unique position and one in which it is impossible to find a similar situation in the past in Thailand with which to compare them with another government.

I could balance this with things they havent done as with every other government.

It is easy for us to say any govenment has done nothing but there is usually something. This government's biggest failing is not trumpeting its stuff very succesfully.

It all depends if you want to look for the good or bad or even what side you support. I tend to have little time for any of them or even the options in my own country.

[caf]

But what has he actually done? Sorted out the Santika problem has he?

He's a good talker

Compared to TRT the Dem government are useless at marketing their policies and programs. However to be fair the new rice scheme seems an improvement and it definitely covers more farmers, the 500 baht for grannies is well subscribed, the government bank taking over loan shark debt is a good idea (not sure on the implemetation although TRT always suffered implemetation problems too), free education is quite popular, tax relief for new home buyers has apparently helped the market, the stipended skills training courses for the unemployed seem popular too and the unemployed numbers havent come anywhere near what was expected even allowing for massaging of numbers. The plan to offload some government unused land to farming communities is also not a bad idea if it comes to fruition and they have also been the first Thai government to seriously talk of inheritance and high unused land taxes although they will need a lot of poltical will and time to move on that if they ever can imho. However, what they have done isnt bad considering they have been in government during a world recession and during a time of poltical crisis in Thailand whioch puits them in a unique position and one in which it is impossible to find a similar situation in the past in Thailand with which to compare them with another government.

I could balance this with things they havent done as with every other government.

It is easy for us to say any govenment has done nothing but there is usually something. This government's biggest failing is not trumpeting its stuff very succesfully.

It all depends if you want to look for the good or bad or even what side you support. I tend to have little time for any of them or even the options in my own country.

Thanks that's an impressive list. Certainly not common knowledge as you say.

What they have not done is as you also say the same for many a government. Santika is a "no go area" I fear.

To make it clear though; it does not depend on the side I support or whether I look for bad or good. I was looking for the answer to a question. Thanks for providing it.

Unusual on TV maybe but knocking people for the sake of it is not my style.

[Publicus]

The question is how the Government score, given situation, pressure, and the obtained tools, focus is at the end result to the whole nation. Day to day survival ability of government does not count. Dem is only good for opposition job at auditing, no good as an entrepreneur. The ever complaining PM lacks leadership. Thai had more talented leaders in the past such as Gen. Chartchai, Khun Anant, and Khun Thaksin, hope we will have another soon. back to the OP, I give this gov. 4.0 g'nite.

I continue to maintain the record of the past 80+ years undeniably demonstrates almost without interruption that the political class of Thailand are nothing more than a succession and collection of jerks and clowns. Prem might be something of an exception during his time as PM, Chuan and Abhisit stand out in particular as definitely exceptional but that still doesn't say much.

I might be setting standards too high, but I've stated and reiterate I'm looking for the eminently transformational caliber of leader such as Aung San Suu Kyi, Mandella, Walesa, Havel, Obama (the latter perhaps being much to much to expect or wish for in LOS) and their like in other lands. They aren't here, haven't ever been here, don't exist, haven't ever existed and there's no sign they ever would exist.

So looking at the past 80+ years to the present, and into the future, I give the Thai political class a minus 1,000. Sorry, but true as history and the present clearly demonstrate.  

[mca]

Have to agree with most of that. The problem as I see it with LOS is the majority of PMs either prioritize taking care of the folks who put them in their seat first or spend their time having to fight elements who consider a ballot box and elections only acceptable if their boy wins. All the time looking over their shoulders to see if the tanks are warming up in the barracks. The needs of the country and it's people come way down the list.

[Steve2UK]

Have to agree with most of that. The problem as I see it with LOS is the majority of PMs either prioritize taking care of the folks who put them in their seat first or spend their time having to fight elements who consider a ballot box and elections only acceptable if their boy wins. All the time looking over their shoulders to see if the tanks are warming up in the barracks. The needs of the country and it's people come way down the list.

Agreed. If so few good leaders emerge (and if the ones that are rated as good or above the poor average all have in common that they were military-approved/tolerated), then it seems sensible to also look elsewhere for the causes - e.g. what I'll have to settle for calling "the constitutional environment". Just blaming the Thai political gene-pool for the poor quality and performance doesn't seem to cut it.

[animatic]

Have to agree with most of that. The problem as I see it with LOS is the majority of PMs either prioritize taking care of the folks who put them in their seat first or spend their time having to fight elements who consider a ballot box and elections only acceptable if their boy wins. All the time looking over their shoulders to see if the tanks are warming up in the barracks. The needs of the country and it's people come way down the list.

Seconded.

~For every leader trying to actually do the job for all Thais, there are hundreds

who think the job is ONLY for those who voted them into the seat with the cash payout accounts.

[Steve2UK]

Former (1982-91) Democrat party leader Bhichai Rattakul commented on the Abhisit government and other Thai political matters in an interview he gave on 24 December to "Voice" TV - an internet/cable TV channel aimed mainly at a younger audience and launched by Panthongtae and sister Pinthongta Shinawatra. He gives the present government 5/10 for its overall performance while singling out the education minister to score 7/10.

Tumbler summarises some of Bhichai's key comments (reconciliation, relations with Cambodia, EC & party dissolution, Abhisit as a leader etc) and the full programme (in Thai) can be viewed at:

http://www.tumblerblog.com/2010/01/former-...of-10/#comments

[Publicus]

Have to agree with most of that. The problem as I see it with LOS is the majority of PMs either prioritize taking care of the folks who put them in their seat first or spend their time having to fight elements who consider a ballot box and elections only acceptable if their boy wins. All the time looking over their shoulders to see if the tanks are warming up in the barracks. The needs of the country and it's people come way down the list.

Agreed. If so few good leaders emerge (and if the ones that are rated as good or above the poor average all have in common that they were military-approved/tolerated), then it seems sensible to also look elsewhere for the causes - e.g. what I'll have to settle for calling "the constitutional environment". Just blaming the Thai political gene-pool for the poor quality and performance doesn't seem to cut it.

In my post to this thread I focused on the Thai political class, the "Thai political gene-pool' as it were. In most of my other posts on the matter of leadership in Thailand, however, I've focused on Thai culture, society, civilization over the past 80+ years as having been and as continuing to be incapable of producing even one quality leader from among the general population. Someone who's not a general or a businessman, or a front man of the greedy, colluding and cooperating elites. 

Yes there are deliberate obstacles the elites always have placed in the path of the ordinary Thai to preclude him/her winning election to office - the bachelor degree requirement for instance - but the society, culture and civilization is absolutely incapable of producing a semi-respectable leader when time and again busloads of respectable leaders are required and called for to transform the country.

Thaksin and TRT were the Thai response to the East Asian economic and financial meltdown of '97 while Chavalit and other clowns were 'presiding' over it (obliviously). The '97 regional meltdown began in Thailand! Even previously Barnhard the blowhard couldn't answer a question during a tv interview about his nonexistent economic program, resulting in the reporter being fired after the blowhard gained office and position.

The starting point is that the root of the rot is unmentionable but it certainly goes well beyond that particular factor. Thailand is stuck in the past, so stuck and immovable that only a radical revolution of one kind or the other can stop the underlying currents that have put the country in its present predicament. As awful as the elites and conditions are, when the newest savour of the country is Thaksin Shinawatra, the future looks more bleak than all of the past savours or hack clowns combined before him.   

I'm afraid the standard and mediocre Abhsit is it for the time being. But after him, who? 

[animatic]

After him, who? Yes question of the day.

There is no one of an stature and thoughtfulness to call on.

That a mixed review was given means nothing,

since ALL governments here get mixed to terrible reviews at one year,

and most are ready to fall with in 6 months.

One man's thoughtfully cautious, is another man's indecisive and ineffective.

Depending on the man who is viewing, and what he wants out of the situation.

[Asa]

Abhisit is fine to keep the ship run for a year, the job is not easy. But it is more that we are left adrifted in the storm than getting closer to a safe haven. He seems lax practical know how at the helm, maybe he has been pushed up too early for the task.

These people behind him, Old hands of Democrat, Bhumjai Thai Party, PAD New Politics Party, and those from elite societies are breaking him into the position like a cowboy do a green horse. So, he will be ever under their influence. Obviously, he is struggling to be free, out-smarting them. This very reason is behind his childish stubborness reflects in on line lottery faltering, Cambodian diplomatic war, unsettle police chief appointment, and cabinet reshuffle. I wonder if he would ever success.

I hope he survive, until the next election, when the wind changes. Next time around he will be a better man for the post.

[Publicus]

Abhisit is fine to keep the ship run for a year, the job is not easy. But it is more that we are left adrifted in the storm than getting closer to a safe haven. He seems lax practical know how at the helm, maybe he has been pushed up too early for the task.

These people behind him, Old hands of Democrat, Bhumjai Thai Party, PAD New Politics Party, and those from elite societies are breaking him into the position like a cowboy do a green horse. So, he will be ever under their influence. Obviously, he is struggling to be free, out-smarting them. This very reason is behind his childish stubborness reflects in on line lottery faltering, Cambodian diplomatic war, unsettle police chief appointment, and cabinet reshuffle. I wonder if he would ever success.

I hope he survive, until the next election, when the wind changes. Next time around he will be a better man for the post.

Abhisit with his upbringing in the Democrat Party elite and his Oxbridge schooling is personally and individually a sharp and impressive person, a new generation of intellect that leaves the likes of the long line of the 'personality' PMs such as a Chavalit or a Prem among the dinosaurs. 

While Abisit's security team has kept his government from being toppled, his domestic team has been conducting the business of government and despite the inevitable cabinet shuffles will continue to tend to the country's needs as much as possible (never of course forgetting their own needs) during the time the coalition government has to try to win over the electorate. A government is in a position to deliver, must deliver something, and is doing so in ways that have been pointed out in some posts.  

Abhisit has made it thus far because there's a lot of muscle behind him as there must necessarily needs be, given the bull's eye painted on his government's back by we know who and why. Abhisit needs and is getting the requisite time to establish himself among the electorate as a kid who can govern providing he gets the conditions of a reasonable stability any government needs.

If Abhisit can get past the fugitive's best efforts, to the point of an election, the grannies might bring their families along with them. 

[caf]

Abhisit is fine to keep the ship run for a year, the job is not easy. But it is more that we are left adrifted in the storm than getting closer to a safe haven. He seems lax practical know how at the helm, maybe he has been pushed up too early for the task.

These people behind him, Old hands of Democrat, Bhumjai Thai Party, PAD New Politics Party, and those from elite societies are breaking him into the position like a cowboy do a green horse. So, he will be ever under their influence. Obviously, he is struggling to be free, out-smarting them. This very reason is behind his childish stubborness reflects in on line lottery faltering, Cambodian diplomatic war, unsettle police chief appointment, and cabinet reshuffle. I wonder if he would ever success.

I hope he survive, until the next election, when the wind changes. Next time around he will be a better man for the post.

Abhisit with his upbringing in the Democrat Party elite and his Oxbridge schooling is personally and individually a sharp and impressive person, a new generation of intellect that leaves the likes of the long line of the 'personality' PMs such as a Chavalit or a Prem among the dinosaurs.

While Abisit's security team has kept his government from being toppled, his domestic team has been conducting the business of government and despite the inevitable cabinet shuffles will continue to tend to the country's needs as much as possible (never of course forgetting their own needs) during the time the coalition government has to try to win over the electorate. A government is in a position to deliver, must deliver something, and is doing so in ways that have been pointed out in some posts.

Abhisit has made it thus far because there's a lot of muscle behind him as there must necessarily needs be, given the bull's eye painted on his government's back by we know who and why. Abhisit needs and is getting the requisite time to establish himself among the electorate as a kid who can govern providing he gets the conditions of a reasonable stability any government needs.

If Abhisit can get past the fugitive's best efforts, to the point of an election, the grannies might bring their families along with them.

You dont really believe all this do you?

Seems a lot of personal unsubstantiated and unsourced comments.

[Siripon]

In a nutshell

Apisit- Thai people, please give me more time to show I and the Democrats can run the country well, we've implemented farming, educational and anti-loan shark policies the first year, now we want land tax reform and a farmers council. We know we sneaked into power in a dodgy way but our achievements will nullify all that.

Thaksin- No, you're doing a good job and must be stopped now. No.no, no I'll rephrase that.

I mean you must be stopped because you did not come directly from an election, it's not true democracy, god bless her soul.