Applause For Abhisit

[webfact]

Applause for Abhisit

Abhisit Vejjajiva's resignation as leader of the Democrat Party yesterday was in honor of the promise he made prior to this past Sunday's general election that he would step down if he could not lead them to better numbers than in the previous poll. The act was an affirmation of Abhisit's character and democratic spirit. His unconditional relinquishment of a seat that few actually wanted him to vacate shows that he is a man of integrity and that even after two years of being debased by Thai politics, he is still a viable role model for the next generation of Thai politicians. Like a master sportsman, Abhisit should be applauded for giving his all in competition, but gracefully accepting defeat.

The Democrat Party has in its long standing become an institution of sorts. Its members over the years have shared laudable characteristics that reflect a strong internal culture. Banyat Bantadtan bowed out of the party's leadership after the Democrat's secured only 96 seats in the 2005 election, making good on his own promise and setting up a legacy for Abhisit.

Abhisit's press conference to announce his resignation came only one day after unofficial results showed the party gaining less than 170 seats. Many of the Democrat party's executives were not even aware of the conferences commencement. This is another clear sign of Abhisit's conviction towards integrity. There was no back and forth for the outgoing prime minister, no reasoning or over-analysis, when the numbers indicated he had to live up to his word, he did.

Today is not the Democrat Party's day, and the public has shown in no uncertain terms that they do not want what the Democrat Party is offering, but this does not take away at all from the reassurance one can take from knowing that the government opposition will have MPs like Abhisit in it and the government, led by Pheu Thai or not, will benefit from the Democrat Party's checks and balances.

Kom Chad Luek, July 5, 2011

Translated and Rewritten by Itiporn Lakarnchua

Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local newspaper articles and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-06

[DLock]

(In my opinion) Mr. Abhisit was educated, articulate, intelligent, fair, honest and seemingly incorruptible...

He had no place in Thai politics.

Good luck Sir. It was a valiant effort (golf clap).

[jayboy]

"Abhisit should be applauded for giving his all in competition, but gracefully accepting defeat."

It's gratifying to learn that Khun Abhisit's Etonian background has provided him with one of the major attributes of the English genius (or the Tim Henman factor for short).

[metisdead]

A post with false information and libellous has been removed as well as a reply to that post.

[sirchai]

(In my opinion) Mr. Abhisit was educated, articulate, intelligent, fair, honest and seemingly incorruptible...

He had no place in Thai politics.

Good luck Sir. It was a valiant effort (golf clap).

Neither Superman, nor Batman would have done a better job within two years. The biggest joke is that most Thais blamed him for higher costs of living, higher gasoline prices and so on.

The fact that the red shirts bought their votes doesn't make Yingluck look better at all................................:jap:

Edited July 6, 2011 by sirchai

[nong38]

Abhist is a true gentlemen if of only there were more like him around, I hope he sticks around to re group the opposition, this time to his way of thinking. He came out of defeat with honour and I hope Thais acknowledge that and give him another chance. He is a force for good and I wish him well.

[whybother]

(In my opinion) Mr. Abhisit was educated, articulate, intelligent, fair, honest and seemingly incorruptible...

He had no place in Thai politics.

Good luck Sir. It was a valiant effort (golf clap).

Not to mention an alleged murderer.

Depends on how much red propaganda you listen to.

[pisico]

My girlfriend has defended me also in likewise manner. God bless her soul!

[Jingthing]

I'd be surprised if Thailand gets a PM as impressive as Abhisit for another 100 years.

The timing of his term was unlucky for him. Given how this turned out and how young he is, it now seems a pity that his party wasted him to deal with this rather impossible era, rather than saving him for a later time when he wouldn't have to deal with a massively toxic opposition.

Edited July 6, 2011 by Jingthing

[Asa]

(In my opinion) Mr. Abhisit was educated, articulate, intelligent, fair, honest and seemingly incorruptible...

He had no place in Thai politics.

Good luck Sir. It was a valiant effort (golf clap).

Abhist is a true gentlemen if of only there were more like him around, I hope he sticks around to re group the opposition, this time to his way of thinking. He came out of defeat with honour and I hope Thais acknowledge that and give him another chance. He is a force for good and I wish him well.

What kind of gentleman who endorsed fully armed soldiers, tanks, and snipers to round up people and shoot them. All is fair in love love and war? For the last seven days before the election, his speeches ain't anything but jealousy, full of accusation and sarcasm, a gentleman? Incorruptible and honest? how about allowing consuming product shortage, and then price manipulation, rotten food for the flood victims in the south, dust free roads projects, tripple war machine budget increased for the armed forces? He was ready to sell his soul to the devil to stick to the power. I wish he never ever comes back.

[Crushdepth]

One thing you can say about Abhisit: If he says he'll do something he does it. The guy has a lot of integrity, despite what the more rabid members of the peanut gallery would like to believe.

[Crushdepth]

(In my opinion) Mr. Abhisit was educated, articulate, intelligent, fair, honest and seemingly incorruptible...

He had no place in Thai politics.

Good luck Sir. It was a valiant effort (golf clap).

Abhist is a true gentlemen if of only there were more like him around, I hope he sticks around to re group the opposition, this time to his way of thinking. He came out of defeat with honour and I hope Thais acknowledge that and give him another chance. He is a force for good and I wish him well.

What kind of gentleman who endorsed fully armed soldiers, tanks, and snipers to round up people and shoot them. All is fair in love love and war? For the last seven days before the election, his speeches ain't anything but jealousy, full of accusation and sarcasm, a gentleman? Incorruptible and honest? how about allowing consuming product shortage, and then price manipulation, rotten food for the flood victims in the south, dust free roads projects, tripple war machine budget increased for the armed forces? He was ready to sell his soul to the devil to stick to the power. I wish he never ever comes back.

You obviously weren't here when Thaksin was running the show. If you had been, you might have some clue about how comical your post is. Why don't you educate yourself - look up "Tak Bai" and see what a real massacre is like.

[Dirk_brijs]

(In my opinion) Mr. Abhisit was educated, articulate, intelligent, fair, honest and seemingly incorruptible...

He had no place in Thai politics.

Good luck Sir. It was a valiant effort (golf clap).

Neither Superman, nor Batman would have done a better job within two years. The biggest joke is that most Thais blamed him for higher costs of living, higher gasoline prices and so on.

The fact that the red shirts bought their votes doesn't make Yingluck look better at all................................:jap:

My steph daughter went actualy vote for the first time in her life.

She voted for Abhisit as she was approached by his party and handed 500Baht to vote for them so can we please stop the hypocrisy that only one party in Thailand did ay vote buying???????

The same rules apply for ay party here so get over it both parties buy votes. If you dont like the rules or think its just one corrupt party here in Thailand its time for you to move on I think???

[DLock]

(In my opinion) Mr. Abhisit was educated, articulate, intelligent, fair, honest and seemingly incorruptible...

He had no place in Thai politics.

Good luck Sir. It was a valiant effort (golf clap).

Abhist is a true gentlemen if of only there were more like him around, I hope he sticks around to re group the opposition, this time to his way of thinking. He came out of defeat with honour and I hope Thais acknowledge that and give him another chance. He is a force for good and I wish him well.

What kind of gentleman who endorsed fully armed soldiers, tanks, and snipers to round up people and shoot them. All is fair in love love and war? For the last seven days before the election, his speeches ain't anything but jealousy, full of accusation and sarcasm, a gentleman? Incorruptible and honest? how about allowing consuming product shortage, and then price manipulation, rotten food for the flood victims in the south, dust free roads projects, tripple war machine budget increased for the armed forces? He was ready to sell his soul to the devil to stick to the power. I wish he never ever comes back.

Sir, you are confused and extremely negative.

If you feel this way about Abhisit, tell me how you feel about Thaksin.

Once I get your unbiased, balanced response, so I know your motivations and logic, perhaps I will school you.

[rixalex]

I'd be surprised if Thailand gets a PM as impressive as Abhisit for another 100 years.

The timing of his term was unlucky for him. Given how this turned out and how young he is, it now seems a pity that his party wasted him to deal with this rather impossible era, rather than saving him for a later time when he wouldn't have to deal with a massively toxic opposition.

No reason why he couldn't stand again at a future time. He would have the benefit of experience - the last two years have certainly given him plenty of that. Right now though, he needs a break from it all, and he also needs to stand by his words, which he is doing.

Perhaps in another ten twenty years, he could make a comeback with his own party, without all the corrupt baggage that the Democrat party has. Pipe dream? Quite possibly. One tries to live in hope, although recent political developments do indeed make that difficult for even the most positive of thinkers.

[Dirk_brijs]

One thing you can say about Abhisit: If he says he'll do something he does it. The guy has a lot of integrity, despite what the more rabid members of the peanut gallery would like to believe.

sadly enough he didnt say too much did he?

Puppet of the army nothing more nothing less.

Tell me 3 major projects in which he did any good for his country?

1 ....

2 ....

3 ....

I am not a Thaksin supporter as he is as corrupt as they come and his first purpose of this all is his own profit for sure but at least of all the money he stole he gave some back to the ones in need the most.

Yes I can call a few of Thaksin accomplishments.

1 Cheap housing programs for the poor

2 the 20Baht FULL medical care for the poor

3 Cut the military spending to never before see low .

.....

[Thailand]

(In my opinion) Mr. Abhisit was educated, articulate, intelligent, fair, honest and seemingly incorruptible...

He had no place in Thai politics.

Good luck Sir. It was a valiant effort (golf clap).

Abhist is a true gentlemen if of only there were more like him around, I hope he sticks around to re group the opposition, this time to his way of thinking. He came out of defeat with honour and I hope Thais acknowledge that and give him another chance. He is a force for good and I wish him well.

What kind of gentleman who endorsed fully armed soldiers, tanks, and snipers to round up people and shoot them. All is fair in love love and war? For the last seven days before the election, his speeches ain't anything but jealousy, full of accusation and sarcasm, a gentleman? Incorruptible and honest? how about allowing consuming product shortage, and then price manipulation, rotten food for the flood victims in the south, dust free roads projects, tripple war machine budget increased for the armed forces? He was ready to sell his soul to the devil to stick to the power. I wish he never ever comes back.

I hear there may well soon be a vacant luxury apartment available for rent or purchase in Dubai he may like to consider.

[Dirk_brijs]

(In my opinion) Mr. Abhisit was educated, articulate, intelligent, fair, honest and seemingly incorruptible...

He had no place in Thai politics.

Good luck Sir. It was a valiant effort (golf clap).

Abhist is a true gentlemen if of only there were more like him around, I hope he sticks around to re group the opposition, this time to his way of thinking. He came out of defeat with honour and I hope Thais acknowledge that and give him another chance. He is a force for good and I wish him well.

What kind of gentleman who endorsed fully armed soldiers, tanks, and snipers to round up people and shoot them. All is fair in love love and war? For the last seven days before the election, his speeches ain't anything but jealousy, full of accusation and sarcasm, a gentleman? Incorruptible and honest? how about allowing consuming product shortage, and then price manipulation, rotten food for the flood victims in the south, dust free roads projects, tripple war machine budget increased for the armed forces? He was ready to sell his soul to the devil to stick to the power. I wish he never ever comes back.

Sir, you are confused and extremely negative.

If you feel this way about Abhisit, tell me how you feel about Thaksin.

Once I get your unbiased, balanced response, so I know your motivations and logic, perhaps I will school you.

OP is maybe a bit wrong with his words but there is no possibility you can deny that Mister Abhisit didnt take ay responsability of what happened during the crack down of the red shirt protests or did he? His governement and only his governement is in charge of all military decisions made during this crack down or can you please school us about anything different?

Maybe you will tell us he didnt have any cotrol over the army?????? Great prime minister then I would say no???

And will you also school us about the not even triple (as stated by the OP) but more then almost 10 times increase the military budgets during his stay at office? Or do you have any other numbers?

So please do school us how Abhisit was not a puppet of the army???

[rixalex]

My steph daughter went actualy vote for the first time in her life.

She voted for Abhisit as she was approached by his party and handed 500Baht to vote for them so can we please stop the hypocrisy that only one party in Thailand did ay vote buying???????

I agree but would add that in addition to stopping with the hypocrisy that only one party is guilty of vote-buying, we should also stop with the false claim that people being given money aren't swayed one way or the other when they get in the voting booth, as they are still free to vote for whomever they wish. Fact is they are swayed. If they weren't, millions wouldn't be spent at election time.

Would be fascinating to know what each party's vote buying budget was. Might give us some idea of exactly how powerful vote-buying is.

As an aside, as her father figure, did you question your step-daughter's decision making process, or try to get her think more deeply about the importance and responsibility of voting?

[Siripon]

One thing you can say about Abhisit: If he says he'll do something he does it. The guy has a lot of integrity, despite what the more rabid members of the peanut gallery would like to believe.

sadly enough he didnt say too much did he?

Puppet of the army nothing more nothing less.

Tell me 3 major projects in which he did any good for his country?

1 ....

2 ....

3 ....

I am not a Thaksin supporter as he is as corrupt as they come and his first purpose of this all is his own profit for sure but at least of all the money he stole he gave some back to the ones in need the most.

Yes I can call a few of Thaksin accomplishments.

1 Cheap housing programs for the poor

2 the 20Baht FULL medical care for the poor

3 Cut the military spending to never before see low .

.....

The rice and other crop subsidy programme initiated by Apisit was far more successful than Thaksin's mortgage scheme where only a few farmers benefited whilst the mill owners took most. Under Apisit's scheme, individuals registered their land with the authorities and received money when market prices fell.

Another good scheme was the transferring of loan shark debts to state banks.

In a blind poll done in Issan,(a blind poll is when the voter doesn't know which party the policies belong to), the Democrat's policies were preferred over Pheua Thai.

[rixalex]

I hear there may well soon be a vacant luxury apartment available for rent or purchase in Dubai he may like to consider.

I'm sure he would consider fleeing to such a place, if he was a yellow-bellied coward like the current yet-to-vacate owner/tenant.

[RedNIvar]

Not to sound too facetious, but what has he actually done in the last 2 years? I mean apart from giving good interviews in English.

[Crushdepth]

One thing you can say about Abhisit: If he says he'll do something he does it. The guy has a lot of integrity, despite what the more rabid members of the peanut gallery would like to believe.

sadly enough he didnt say too much did he?

Puppet of the army nothing more nothing less.

Tell me 3 major projects in which he did any good for his country?

1 ....

2 ....

3 ....

I am not a Thaksin supporter as he is as corrupt as they come and his first purpose of this all is his own profit for sure but at least of all the money he stole he gave some back to the ones in need the most.

Yes I can call a few of Thaksin accomplishments.

1 Cheap housing programs for the poor

2 the 20Baht FULL medical care for the poor

3 Cut the military spending to never before see low .

.....

Yeah well what to say? Thaksin and his red puppets destroyed him. Is that a good reason to want Thaksin back?

I don't know about 1. but re. 2, good luck trying to USE that 30 baht health scheme (it is possible, it is just extremely difficult and not a good idea to try if you have a life-threatening emergency). Re. 3., I don't think he actually *cut* military spending per se, but as a % of GDP it has been steadily falling since 1993 and had reached levels well below most other countries (about 1%) by 2006. It's now about 2%, which is still low. Not sure I would call that an accomplishment for a country sandwiched between Burma and Cambodia and with an insurgency going on.

I'd be more impressed if he cut the police budget and cleaned that house.

[jdinasia]

sadly enough he didnt say too much did he?

Puppet of the army nothing more nothing less.

Tell me 3 major projects in which he did any good for his country?

1 ....

2 ....

3 ....

I am not a Thaksin supporter as he is as corrupt as they come and his first purpose of this all is his own profit for sure but at least of all the money he stole he gave some back to the ones in need the most.

Yes I can call a few of Thaksin accomplishments.

1 Cheap housing programs for the poor

2 the 20Baht FULL medical care for the poor

3 Cut the military spending to never before see low .

.....

Apparently you weren't paying attention from the end of 2008 until now.

1) Increased the budget for education to include 15 years.

2) Took an under-funded 30 Baht health-scheme and provided better funding, made it more efficient, and made it free.

3) Funded the beginnings of an old age pension, increased the social security rolls, and dealt with a Global economic Crisis in such a way that Thailand had a 7.8% increase in GDP last year.

That he did all of this while having to cope with a red-shirt insurgency in BKK and sporadic outbreaks of redshirt violence in some significant areas certainly speaks well of him. He should have hired a publicist though!

Thaksin passed .... the 30 Baht healthcare program that was severely underfunded. Village loan programs that left the poor in more debt than they had previously (thus increasing his hold on a patron/client model of feudal power) and last but not least Thaksin managed to (according to the Supreme Court) steal steal steal .... but hey, He did give a dog a bone

[themockrat]

Like a master sportsman, Abhisit should be applauded for giving his all in competition, but gracefully accepting defeat.

True. Football is all he's good at. Let's see if he moves to England and becomes an EPL coach.

[pisico]

Not to sound too facetious, but what has he actually done in the last 2 years? I mean apart from giving good interviews in English.

It would be good to know the long list of his accomplishments in those two years: no excuses or blaming others please!

Even if there isn't one, I reckon it matters not to those who have a crush on Abhisit. He was great!

Edited July 6, 2011 by pisico

[rixalex]

One thing you can say about Abhisit: If he says he'll do something he does it. The guy has a lot of integrity, despite what the more rabid members of the peanut gallery would like to believe.

sadly enough he didnt say too much did he?

Puppet of the army nothing more nothing less.

Tell me 3 major projects in which he did any good for his country?

1 ....

2 ....

3 ....

I am not a Thaksin supporter as he is as corrupt as they come and his first purpose of this all is his own profit for sure but at least of all the money he stole he gave some back to the ones in need the most.

Yes I can call a few of Thaksin accomplishments.

1 Cheap housing programs for the poor

2 the 20Baht FULL medical care for the poor

3 Cut the military spending to never before see low .

.....

The rice and other crop subsidy programme initiated by Apisit was far more successful than Thaksin's mortgage scheme where only a few farmers benefited whilst the mill owners took most. Under Apisit's scheme, individuals registered their land with the authorities and received money when market prices fell.

Another good scheme was the transferring of loan shark debts to state banks.

In a blind poll done in Issan,(a blind poll is when the voter doesn't know which party the policies belong to), the Democrat's policies were preferred over Pheua Thai.

Some other things that need to be considered dirk are:

1: Thaksin was in power for over twice the amount of time Abhisit was. How many of Thaksin's projects had been implemented within his first two years as PM? These things take time.

2: Thaksin had much greater power over parliament in which to quickly push through projects - whereas Abhisit faced resistance every step of the way, most of all for his good ideas, which the opposition had a keen interest in slowing down or stopping altogether

3: Thaksin didn't have so much of his time distracted by month on month violent protests - yes there were protests during Thaksin's time in office, but on a very different scale to what Abhisit had to deal with

4: Thaksin's achievements, of which there were a good number, have to be balanced against all the bad stuff he was also responsible for, and i think his bad stuff easily outdoes whatever accusations of wrong-doing one throws Abhisit's way

[rubl]

Not to sound too facetious, but what has he actually done in the last 2 years? I mean apart from giving good interviews in English.

Against tremendous odds kept the economy going at a steady pace?

[wolfmanjack]

sadly enough he didnt say too much did he?

Puppet of the army nothing more nothing less.

Tell me 3 major projects in which he did any good for his country?

1 ....

2 ....

3 ....

I am not a Thaksin supporter as he is as corrupt as they come and his first purpose of this all is his own profit for sure but at least of all the money he stole he gave some back to the ones in need the most.

Yes I can call a few of Thaksin accomplishments.

1 Cheap housing programs for the poor

2 the 20Baht FULL medical care for the poor

3 Cut the military spending to never before see low .

.....

Apparently you weren't paying attention from the end of 2008 until now.

1) Increased the budget for education to include 15 years.

2) Took an under-funded 30 Baht health-scheme and provided better funding, made it more efficient, and made it free.

3) Funded the beginnings of an old age pension, increased the social security rolls, and dealt with a Global economic Crisis in such a way that Thailand had a 7.8% increase in GDP last year.

That he did all of this while having to cope with a red-shirt insurgency in BKK and sporadic outbreaks of redshirt violence in some significant areas certainly speaks well of him. He should have hired a publicist though!

Thaksin passed .... the 30 Baht healthcare program that was severely underfunded. Village loan programs that left the poor in more debt than they had previously (thus increasing his hold on a patron/client model of feudal power) and last but not least Thaksin managed to (according to the Supreme Court) steal steal steal .... but hey, He did give a dog a bone

Not only did he increase the education budget but he implemented education reform which is the ONLY way the poor are going to increase their station in life. Give a man handout and you feed him for a day. Educate him and you feed his family for life.

[hammered]

The recent things Abhisit deserves a bit of respect for are: calling the election (when not all the establishment and coalition allies wanted it), calling it a let the people decide election, gracefully accepting defeat, resigning his position as head of dems, stating he wont stand against Yingluck in the parliamentary PM vote.

There are lot of things he doesnt deserve much respect for in the time previous to this, and those actions result in his party being even more unelectable than it was 4 years ago