PM Abhisit Needs A Break From Critics For The Sake Of Reconciliation

[webfact]

STREET WISE

PM needs a break from critics for the sake of reconciliation

By Achara Deboonme

The Nation

Why is it proving so hard to reconcile? Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva must have asked himself this question a million times. What are the flaws of my proposals? could be his next question.

The patriotic politician deserves some sympathy, indeed.

From the very beginning, the red shirts should have unconditionally accepted his proposals. Then there would not have been the crackdown which left nearly 100 people killed and raised criticism on the morals of the country's soldiers. Yes, as prime minister, he is held responsible for this.

After the crackdown, he launched another attempt to soothe social pain. A committee was set up to look into facts behind the shootings in April and May, only to fetch a fresh criticism of neutrality.

Then, to prove that he is sincere in the proposed reconciliation, another committee was established come up with ways to ease the pain on the national level. But then, as its chosen co-chairman was former prime minister Anand Panyarachun, Abhisit was again under attack. Though Anand was honoured for his shrewd strategies and straightforwardness, given his track record in leading the country back from chaos after the May bloodbath, he is considered a representative of the aristocrats.

Would he like Veera Musigapong, a red leader, as a co-chairman, instead? "Ah, that sounds an awful option, as it means I will have to appoint leaders of people of other colours," he could have said.

Criticism arose again when the National Statistics Office was put in charge of a national poll to gather public ideas. The government was attacked for sounding out public support for its economic and social policies. The office had to strongly defend itself, also through quarter-page advertisements in newspapers, to maintain integrity.

When police officials from provinces where the reds are strong testified to the Senate committee last week that reconciliation was impossible - as the people there believe they are driven to the wall by official actions - all eyes were darting to Abhisit, asking "Hey, is the reconciliation just a time-buying game?"

Used again and again in newspapers is the term - "the devil's embrace".

I know that our good-looking prime minister must be living with lots of frustration, even when he paints broad smiles and keeps telling everybody he is taking the pressure "for the sake of national unity". Indeed, he works hard. From my personal tracking, last Tuesday, he had to address 10 different issues raised by reporters - ranging from the RPG shooting to the drought.

He also extended himself again in the phone-in reform campaign to elicit public opinion on wide-ranging social reform.

Besides answering some phone calls, he is believed to pay full attention to all opinions submitted through phone calls, posts or e-mails.

Let's give him a break. After all, he has been trying so hard to avoid coming up with something you would call "Abhisit-styled reconciliation".

-- The Nation 2010-07-05

[Thai at Heart]

If a politician wants a break from criticism, may I suggest he or she find another career.

[taurus88]

If a politician wants a break from criticism, may I suggest he or she find another career.

Absolutely. You need critics to reconcilate. How else you keep you reconciliation plan decent if you have no critcs. That you can only in a communism and dictorship.

[march]

If a politician wants a break from criticism, may I suggest he or she find another career.

Which is why Abhisit has never requested or sought a break, indeed his actions and efforts are polar opposite of that as he seems to work tirelessly to further this country.

It's only the reporter Achara who is suggesting a break.

Edited July 5, 2010 by march

[rreddin]

If a politician wants a break from criticism, may I suggest he or she find another career.

Which is why Abhisit has never requested or sought a break, indeed his actions and efforts are polar opposite of that as he seems to work tirelessly to further this country.

It's only the reporter Achara who is suggesting a break.

Briefing the press does not happen in Thailand, so it must be the journalist's personal opinion. Get real! The press have been briefed to bolster Abhisit's reconciliation proposals now the the flaws in his plan are being exposed.

[march]

If a politician wants a break from criticism, may I suggest he or she find another career.

Which is why Abhisit has never requested or sought a break, indeed his actions and efforts are polar opposite of that as he seems to work tirelessly to further this country.

It's only the reporter Achara who is suggesting a break.

Briefing the press does not happen in Thailand, so it must be the journalist's personal opinion. Get real!

Of course it's the reporter's opinion.

Are there any reports that say Abhisit himself wants to take a break? No.

[FarangCravings]

STREET WISE

PM needs a break from critics for the sake of reconciliation

By Achara Deboonme

The Nation

Why is it proving so hard to reconcile? Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva must have asked himself this question a million times. What are the flaws of my proposals? could be his next question.

The patriotic politician deserves some sympathy, indeed.

From the very beginning, the red shirts should have unconditionally accepted his proposals. Then there would not have been the crackdown which left nearly 100 people killed and raised criticism on the morals of the country's soldiers. Yes, as prime minister, he is held responsible for this.

After the crackdown, he launched another attempt to soothe social pain. A committee was set up to look into facts behind the shootings in April and May, only to fetch a fresh criticism of neutrality.

Then, to prove that he is sincere in the proposed reconciliation, another committee was established come up with ways to ease the pain on the national level. But then, as its chosen co-chairman was former prime minister Anand Panyarachun, Abhisit was again under attack. Though Anand was honoured for his shrewd strategies and straightforwardness, given his track record in leading the country back from chaos after the May bloodbath, he is considered a representative of the aristocrats.

Would he like Veera Musigapong, a red leader, as a co-chairman, instead? "Ah, that sounds an awful option, as it means I will have to appoint leaders of people of other colours," he could have said.

Criticism arose again when the National Statistics Office was put in charge of a national poll to gather public ideas. The government was attacked for sounding out public support for its economic and social policies. The office had to strongly defend itself, also through quarter-page advertisements in newspapers, to maintain integrity.

When police officials from provinces where the reds are strong testified to the Senate committee last week that reconciliation was impossible - as the people there believe they are driven to the wall by official actions - all eyes were darting to Abhisit, asking "Hey, is the reconciliation just a time-buying game?"

Used again and again in newspapers is the term - "the devil's embrace".

I know that our good-looking prime minister must be living with lots of frustration, even when he paints broad smiles and keeps telling everybody he is taking the pressure "for the sake of national unity". Indeed, he works hard. From my personal tracking, last Tuesday, he had to address 10 different issues raised by reporters - ranging from the RPG shooting to the drought.

He also extended himself again in the phone-in reform campaign to elicit public opinion on wide-ranging social reform.

Besides answering some phone calls, he is believed to pay full attention to all opinions submitted through phone calls, posts or e-mails.

Let's give him a break. After all, he has been trying so hard to avoid coming up with something you would call "Abhisit-styled reconciliation".

-- The Nation 2010-07-05

:cheesy::cheesy::violin:

Gotta love it another great piece by the Nation LOL

[kuffki]

Perhaps the choice of words in the article was not the best, but for him to achieve any goals people need to back off little rather then road block every half a step.

In the end, those are hurting themselves and no one else

[eggomaniac]

The basis under which reconciliation could be attempted would only be if there had been conciliation in the first place, which there never was. It's tantamount to the goal of getting back to 'normal' when the best case scenario is get back to ABnormal.

Until they realise the word they are looking for is transformation, NOT reformation, Thailand doesn't stand a chance. Let's make up a whole new word to 'try' to get the point across, it's TRANSconciliation that is required! This would do it, nothing else being 'attempted' has a snow balls chance in BKK.

[bTW, there is a very simple way of choosing Committee members that would appease both sides. I would be more than happy to describe it to the Government.]

Thailand could easily be a G30 Nation within 5 years if the red and yellow gangs were stripped of their influence over the affairs of the country.

[blaze]

Reconciliation: reconcile yourself to the fact that you will never be allowed to have a government of your choosing- through whatever mechanisms need be applied, 'we' will ensure that 'our' interests are not threatened by your electoral choices. There is no need to oppose 'us'- we will give you some money. Now be quiet- and in return, you will not oppose us in any way- then we will ALL be happy and reconciled.

[blaze]

Perhaps the choice of words in the article was not the best, but for him to achieve any goals people need to back off little rather then road block every half a step.

In the end, those are hurting themselves and no one else

I think the author of this piece had tongue in cheek- but it seems you don't. Just what are the 'roadblocks' that you see every half a step? The very rare reporter asking timidly how the gov't plans to fund its porkbarreling? The fact that when the PM hosts a publicity stunt- a few disgruntled citizens seize on the opportunity to express their opposition?

WEhat if this guy was running a country with a real media- hard core investigative reporters- with an intelligent, well organized opposition- with a public that demanded accountability from government at every level- then youl'd see what 'road blocks' really look like.

[kuffki]

Perhaps the choice of words in the article was not the best, but for him to achieve any goals people need to back off little rather then road block every half a step.

In the end, those are hurting themselves and no one else

I think the author of this piece had tongue in cheek- but it seems you don't. Just what are the 'roadblocks' that you see every half a step? The very rare reporter asking timidly how the gov't plans to fund its porkbarreling? The fact that when the PM hosts a publicity stunt- a few disgruntled citizens seize on the opportunity to express their opposition?

WEhat if this guy was running a country with a real media- hard core investigative reporters- with an intelligent, well organized opposition- with a public that demanded accountability from government at every level- then youl'd see what 'road blocks' really look like.

What if??i am sorry i do not have a crystal ball nor do i have capability's of seeing in alternate universe.

May be you do, but i guess i am yet to develop those skills.

[blaze]

Perhaps the choice of words in the article was not the best, but for him to achieve any goals people need to back off little rather then road block every half a step.

In the end, those are hurting themselves and no one else

I think the author of this piece had tongue in cheek- but it seems you don't. Just what are the 'roadblocks' that you see every half a step? The very rare reporter asking timidly how the gov't plans to fund its porkbarreling? The fact that when the PM hosts a publicity stunt- a few disgruntled citizens seize on the opportunity to express their opposition?

WEhat if this guy was running a country with a real media- hard core investigative reporters- with an intelligent, well organized opposition- with a public that demanded accountability from government at every level- then youl'd see what 'road blocks' really look like.

What if??i am sorry i do not have a crystal ball nor do i have capability's of seeing in alternate universe.

May be you do, but i guess i am yet to develop those skills.

You referred to 'roadblocks every half step'- I am asking you- what exactly are these roadblocks you refer to? No need for a crystal ball- just try to recall what you were talking about when you made that statement.

And then compare those 'roadblocks' to the road blocks that COULD be thrown up were there a truly investigative press in this country, were there a truly intelligent and organized opposition- and were there a public that was demanding answers- now! (As would be the case in MANY other countries).

Do you believe that in your home country (assuming you are not Thai) the media, public and gov't opposition should just keep their concerns to themselves about how their country is governed? (I hope not- unless of course you come from North Korea, Cuba or Burma).

Edited July 5, 2010 by blaze

[rubl]

Perhaps the choice of words in the article was not the best, but for him to achieve any goals people need to back off little rather then road block every half a step.

In the end, those are hurting themselves and no one else

I think the author of this piece had tongue in cheek- but it seems you don't. Just what are the 'roadblocks' that you see every half a step? The very rare reporter asking timidly how the gov't plans to fund its porkbarreling? The fact that when the PM hosts a publicity stunt- a few disgruntled citizens seize on the opportunity to express their opposition?

WEhat if this guy was running a country with a real media- hard core investigative reporters- with an intelligent, well organized opposition- with a public that demanded accountability from government at every level- then youl'd see what 'road blocks' really look like.

What if??i am sorry i do not have a crystal ball nor do i have capability's of seeing in alternate universe.

May be you do, but i guess i am yet to develop those skills.

You referred to 'roadblocks every half step'- I am asking you- what exactly are these roadblocks you refer to? No need for a crystal ball- just try to recall what you were talking about when you made that statement.

And then compare those 'roadblocks' to the road blocks that COULD be thrown up were there a truly investigative press in this country, were there a truly intelligent and organized opposition- and were there a public that was demanding answers- now! (As would be the case in MANY other countries).

Do you believe that in your home country (assuming you are not Thai) the media, public and gov't opposition should just keep their concerns to themselves about how their country is governed? (I hope not- unless of course you come from North Korea, Cuba or Burma).

Whenever someone of the government lifts a finger, the PTP in the person of its leader, a member, or whoever will file a case or ask a commission to investigate:

- is the government allowed to lift a finger.

- is it the correct finger or should it have been another.

- is it against some law or another to lift a finger to that specific height or should it have been more-or-less.

- should the person lifting a finger not be investigate for unusual wealth seeing he's able to lift a finger.

- etc. etc.

I assume Kuffki meant those roadblocks. And don't get me started on K. Jatuporn, I might loose my temper.

Edited July 5, 2010 by rubl

[Democrat]

. And don't get me started on K. Jatuporn, I might loose my temper.

Hello Rubi, Khun Jatuporn lost his temper. He wanted to have a peaceful demonstration, but the govt put roadblocks and

ISA everywhere and tried to stop it. But that failed. As he was demonstrating peacefully the govt took all the yellow imitation

media away. that failed as he went and got it back. the next roadblock on his peaceful demonstration (how have you not

lost your temper yet Jatuporn very patient man) came when the govt used the army to attack him and shoot some of his

supporters and foreigners who were firing back with loaded cameras and sticks with red flags(it was self defence).

The govt had enough weaponry for a war to fight Tanks aircraft you name it. they failed. So he put his own roadblock up

and started to resort to the govt's tactics, I think he lost his temper. If you want to talk about the multitude of roadblocks

put up prior to that by the govt and its supporters There is an 815 page book to be released soon. "The roadblocks to the

roadmap of reconciliation by I.M. Yellow. Hilarious book but many true words said in jest.

[rubl]

. And don't get me started on K. Jatuporn, I might loose my temper.

Hello Rubi, Khun Jatuporn lost his temper. He wanted to have a peaceful demonstration, but the govt put roadblocks and

ISA everywhere and tried to stop it. But that failed. As he was demonstrating peacefully the govt took all the yellow imitation

media away. that failed as he went and got it back. the next roadblock on his peaceful demonstration (how have you not

lost your temper yet Jatuporn very patient man) came when the govt used the army to attack him and shoot some of his

supporters and foreigners who were firing back with loaded cameras and sticks with red flags(it was self defence).

The govt had enough weaponry for a war to fight Tanks aircraft you name it. they failed. So he put his own roadblock up

and started to resort to the govt's tactics, I think he lost his temper. If you want to talk about the multitude of roadblocks

put up prior to that by the govt and its supporters There is an 815 page book to be released soon. "The roadblocks to the

roadmap of reconciliation by I.M. Yellow. Hilarious book but many true words said in jest.

Yours as well I guess. Never let the truth get between you and your goal.

K. Jaruporn lost his temper when more than a few times he said to fight on till his last drop of blood was spilled. I guess he regretted having said that and his supporters him not having gone that far. Ah well not everyone has the making of a martyr. Much easier just to continue demanding democracy and equality for all. Those two red-shirt just send back to Thailand with K. Arisaman still in Cambodia (probably) shows clearly that as always 'all are equal, but some more than others' even in the UDD.