Yingluck Must Stand Up And Face The Music: Thai Opinion

[webfact]

OVERDRIVE

Yingluck must stand up and face the music

Thanong Khanthong

Yingluck Shinawatra has quickly found out that her honeymoon period as the country's first female prime minister is over.

One of the barometers of Yingluck's popularity is the coverage of the mass daily Thai Rath.

Over the past few days, Thai Rath has stepped up its fierce attacks against the prime minister over her (mis)handling of Thailand's worst flood crisis in half a century. In one of the first columns critical of the government, Thai Rath called for Yingluck to "throw in the white towel" because she could not manage the flood situation. It followed up a few days later by criticising her for having no repentance in spite of many blunders. The article told Yingluck to follow in the footstep of the Japanese prime minister in the aftermath of the tsunami by accepting responsibility and resigning.

Thai Rath generally has a cordial relationship with the Pheu Thai-led government. But it has a quick nose. The paper has maintained its position as the country's largest daily in terms of circulation because it has a good system to measure public opinion. It knows the talk of the town, what its readers like or do not like. As the floods continue to create massive suffering, it does not seem that Yingluck is in charge of the situation. Much worse, the government has been telling half-truths all along about the actual threat and degree of the floods. Thai Rath's readers are getting angry by the day at Yingluck's mishandling of the situation. Thai Rath, understanding the mood of its readers, has emerged as the first newspaper to dump the Yingluck government. The social media are also holding Yingluck up to ridicule over the weakness of her leadership.

Sensing this change in the political tide, the government on Tuesday appointed Dr Virabongsa Ramangkura and Dr Sumet Tantivechakul to form two committees entrusted with rehabilitating the recovery and managing water resources to prevent future crises. Dr Virabong, the former finance minister, will help divert attention away from Yingluck, who appears to be running the country from a TV script rather than her own leadership quality and experience.

The committee appointment was followed by the announcement of budget deficit spending of Bt400 billion, Bt120 billion for flood relief and rehabilitation, and a go-ahead to implement populist policies such as first-home and first-car ownership programmes. Dr Virabongsa is designated as the government's PR person to talk to foreign investors so they will continue to keep their shops and factories in Thailand. The first person Dr Virabongsa plans to talk to is the Japanese ambassador to Thailand. He will also travel to Japan to assure Japanese investors about Thailand's investment programme and future flood prevention measures.

All of these political moves are designed to keep the government alive. They border on insensitivity to the suffering of Thais. More than 500 people have perished in the floods. The government should have displayed sympathy to the deceased and prepared a national day of mourning. It should pay more attention to the plight of the poor, salary earners and owners of small- and medium-sized enterprises affected by the floods. At the same time, Yingluck should vigorously focus on defending Suvarnabhumi Airport and inner Bangkok from the floods. If Suvarnabhumi and inner Bangkok are completely flooded, that would signal the end of Thailand.

On the contrary, Thais have the impression that the government is quick to please foreign investors, whose businesses are fully insured, while ignoring the plight of common people, who are owners of this country. The government is also quick to unveil big-money programmes such as the "New Thailand" project, earmarked for investment to the tune of Bt900 billion.

Most importantly, the Thai public is entitled to know what has gone wrong with the management of water resources by this government. Mismanagement on this unprecedented scale has to be fully investigated. The findings - of the truth and nothing but the truth - have to be made public so that the culprits, having acted either intentionally or unintentionally, are punished, so that this grave mistake does not happen again.

Apart from investigations into the mismanagement of water stored in dams, the see-saw battle over water pumps between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Irrigation Department, the government must also probe the widespread encroachment on to public land, which blocks waterways. The flood crisis has been aggravated by violations of zoning and building codes by the developers of industrial estates, golf courses, housing estates and other projects. All of these violations of the zoning law and city planning have to be dealt with decisively so that we don't face the same crisis again.

Yingluck can't just throw money after the problems. Look at the problems first. Tell the public what has gone wrong. Express sympathy for the deceased.

Since Yingluck's honeymoon period over, she now has to make sure that she is doing the right thing every step of the way. Dramatic tears won't help. Still, she can expect worse to come after the water has receded - from class-action lawsuits for compensation, to street demonstrations for her resignation to accept responsibility for the mishandling of this crisis that has destroyed the Thai economy and the people's way of life.

-- The Nation 2011-11-11

[ThaiOats]

So if the lawsuit goes through, who pays for it? If it's the government, that's another thing to look into... I can see a scenario where they ( the government ) advocates getting suit. Great way to funnel money don'tcha think? Anyway.. this article is bullocks from the Nation. According to some TVF posters here, Yingluck hasn't loss any popularity. Thai-Rath doesn't know what they're talking about.

[whybother]

So if the lawsuit goes through, who pays for it? If it's the government, that's another thing to look into... I can see a scenario where they ( the government ) advocates getting suit. Great way to funnel money don'tcha think? Anyway.. this article is bullocks from the Nation. According to some TVF posters here, Yingluck hasn't loss any popularity. Thai-Rath doesn't know what they're talking about.

Yep. Hammered will be along shortly telling us that Thai-Rath is wrong and the people actually support the government more now than they did before.

Thai Rath, understanding the mood of its readers, has emerged as the first newspaper to dump the Yingluck government.

The Nation, understanding the mood of it's owners (and probably readers), emerged as the first newspaper to dump the Yingluck government ... before they even were the government.

[virtualtraveller]

Truth be told, even if the Shinawatra govt completely blew it with flood recovery, all the high and dry Isarn folk would still vote for them, while all the Bangkok tax payers who got soaked and are disgusted have just enough numbers to re-elect their own governor.

[jayboy]

The context to this opinion piece is that it is written by Thanong Khantong.That is really all one needs to know.

[whybother]

The context to this opinion piece is that it is written by Thanong Khantong.That is really all one needs to know.

So, what he says about Thai Rath mustn't be true then.

[Seri]

The blame game has already begun with all PT fingers pointing to the bk governor. It will build momentum once the floods are over. There's so much money to be taken from the trillions needed to rebuild. It will be everybody's fault except the shinawatras and the government. Yingluck's star may be on the low at this moment but after seeing the whole country vote PT after the red shirts (all PT) burnt the country, she can kill a child live on TV and people will still vote for her. TIT.

[dmcguire70]

What rubbish! This is NOT Thai opinion but right wing news paper The Nation's opinion.I don't think I've ever read a positive comment towards Pheu Thai from this or sister paper Bangkok Post EVER!

[jayboy]

The context to this opinion piece is that it is written by Thanong Khantong.That is really all one needs to know.

So, what he says about Thai Rath mustn't be true then.

Don't bother trying to start a pointless argument.In any event your question is a non sequitur.

[whybother]

Don't bother trying to start a pointless argument.In any event your question is a non sequitur.

You've dismissed the article because of who wrote it. What do you think of what he wrote about Thai Rath?

[whybother]

What rubbish! This is NOT Thai opinion but right wing news paper The Nation's opinion.I don't think I've ever read a positive comment towards Pheu Thai from this or sister paper Bangkok Post EVER!

It's an opinion piece by a Thai. Maybe if there was a positive point about PT, they would comment on it.

I didn't know the The Nation and Bangkok Post were sister papers.

[Emptyset]

The context to this opinion piece is that it is written by Thanong Khantong.That is really all one needs to know.

So, what he says about Thai Rath mustn't be true then.

My Thai isn't yet good enough to read lengthy political pieces but as far as I know Thai Rath is a paper with a diverse range of opinions and columnists, some pro-govt, some not. In any case Bangkok Pundit (@bangkokpundit) noted yesterday that ThanongK is confusing the opinion of one columist with the views of the paper itself. The paper's own editorial apparently doesn't call for YL's resigination.

[jayboy]

You've dismissed the article because of who wrote it. What do you think of what he wrote about Thai Rath?

I did not dismiss the article.I pointed out that it was written by Thanong which gives it a specific context (as if the a prominent member of the BNP or other quasi fascist organisation wrote an article).It doesn't mean there wouldn't be truths and insights in it.Indeed these disgusting people feed off legitimate grievances.

Thai Rath is a credible newspaper which I admire, though it no longer has the brilliance when Kukrit was associated with it.The current government is in the middle of a natural disaster , made worse by man made incompetence by no means all made by Yingluck's administration, and one would expect it to be criticised for its response.

[Jawnie]

Thanks for standing behind your PM at a difficult time - NOT!

You actually think anyone else could handle this flood better? NOT, again!

Btw, where is the Abhisit flood plan? None.....

Disgraceful political attacks of incredibly bad timing. No wonder Thai society is in the ditch.

[AleG]

Thanks for standing behind your PM at a difficult time - NOT!

You actually think anyone else could handle this flood better? NOT, again!

Btw, where is the Abhisit flood plan? None.....

Disgraceful political attacks of incredibly bad timing. No wonder Thai society is in the ditch.

So what you are saying is that Yingluck is the most competent person in the World, periood. Nobody could had done better, she's the very best. Someone hand her the Nobel already!

[whybother]

Thanks for standing behind your PM at a difficult time - NOT!

You actually think anyone else could handle this flood better? NOT, again!

Btw, where is the Abhisit flood plan? None.....

Disgraceful political attacks of incredibly bad timing. No wonder Thai society is in the ditch.

Regardless of politics, it needs to be pointed out where the government is going wrong so that they can fix their problems.

If no one pointed out that the governments communications was pathetic, it would continue to be pathetic.

If no one pointed out that PT MPs and red shirts were labeling public donated goods as from them or from Thaksin, then this would continue to happen.

If it wasn't pointed out that people in flooded areas and evacuation centres were not getting enough support, then nothing would change.

And the Democrats have been making suggestions to the government on what they think should be done. They just don't show up when you wear red glasses.

[geriatrickid]

Don't bother trying to start a pointless argument.In any event your question is a non sequitur.

You've dismissed the article because of who wrote it. What do you think of what he wrote about Thai Rath?

Well, have you read Thai Rath for the past month? The articles have highlighted people helping people and human interest aspects of the flooding. The criticism has been mostly constructive. The opinion piece is one Nation writer's attempt to justify nation Media group's shrill tone. I don't think Thai Rath, the nation's no.1 newspaper will appreciate a minor circulation paper's attempt to twist its to date apolitical position out of context. Thai Rath hasn't been trying to rabble rouse or cause trouble. Look at today's paper. Instead of moaning about price gouging by bus and truck drivers, it has a story on how to deal with it by highlighting the routes where there is free transportation on army vehicles, private company vehicles and where the public bus companies are operating, The OP twists the Thai Rath's neutral position into something Thai Rath has trried to avoid, taking sides and attacking people.

On a positive note, I can hope that the neutrality of Thai Rath and its attempt to be fair rubs off on the writer and his paymaster.

[dmcguire70]

Thanks for standing behind your PM at a difficult time - NOT!

You actually think anyone else could handle this flood better? NOT, again!

Btw, where is the Abhisit flood plan? None.....

Disgraceful political attacks of incredibly bad timing. No wonder Thai society is in the ditch.

Regardless of politics, it needs to be pointed out where the government is going wrong so that they can fix their problems.

If no one pointed out that the governments communications was pathetic, it would continue to be pathetic.

If no one pointed out that PT MPs and red shirts were labeling public donated goods as from them or from Thaksin, then this would continue to happen.

If it wasn't pointed out that people in flooded areas and evacuation centres were not getting enough support, then nothing would change.

And the Democrats have been making suggestions to the government on what they think should be done. They just don't show up when you wear red glasses.

You are clutching at straws. Perhaps you and others are even disappointed that the floods didn't inundate the capitol because it gives you less ammunition for your conservative ramblings.

Would Abhisit or any other leader be able to handle the crisis any better? I doubt it.

[finnomick1]

Truth be told, even if the Shinawatra govt completely blew it with flood recovery, all the high and dry Isarn folk would still vote for them, while all the Bangkok tax payers who got soaked and are disgusted have just enough numbers to re-elect their own governor.

Don't be too sure about that, there is already dissent in the ranks up here. Even the rice farmers of Isaan are getting fed up with empty promises ( and pockets ). And before the last election, it wasn't the Democrats who came up here with fists full of baht to buy votes

[whybother]

You are clutching at straws. Perhaps you and others are even disappointed that the floods didn't inundate the capitol because it gives you less ammunition for your conservative ramblings.

Clutching at straws? Conservative ramblings?

I am very glad that the capitol hasn't been inundated, because it would have meant that the people that are already flooded would get less support.

Would Abhisit or any other leader be able to handle the crisis any better? I doubt it.

Yes, I believe Abhisit would have been able to handle the crisis better. He wouldn't have been able to stop the floods (I have never said Yingluck should have been able to stop the floods), but he would have communicated better and he would have organised better.

[chainarong]

Whether you like or dislike Yingluck,the real culprits are her advisers and ministers, regardless of who you are, what business you are in , at the end of the day it's the people you surround yourself with, they are the key factors in any success story , just ask her Brother.

Edited November 11, 2011 by chainarong

[Insight]

Truth be told, even if the Shinawatra govt completely blew it with flood recovery, all the high and dry Isarn folk would still vote for them, while all the Bangkok tax payers who got soaked and are disgusted have just enough numbers to re-elect their own governor.

Don't be too sure about that, there is already dissent in the ranks up here. Even the rice farmers of Isaan are getting fed up with empty promises ( and pockets ). And before the last election, it wasn't the Democrats who came up here with fists full of baht to buy votes

Am also hearing lots of rumblings from various areas in Thailand.

However being the cynic I am, I think whatever problems which manifest politically for the government over the next few months will be dealt with - successfully, as always - with several truckloads (or boatloads) of baht.

It really would be utterly fantastic for the voting majority to see the light in choosing somebody with absolutely zero political experience and the sister of somebody who is unable to come back to face the crimes of theft he is clearly unable to defend himself against. But here, for most, immediate-term gains even take precedence over very near-term gains.

Full of the joys of Spring, me.

[Bakseedaa]

So if the lawsuit goes through, who pays for it? If it's the government, that's another thing to look into... I can see a scenario where they ( the government ) advocates getting suit. Great way to funnel money don'tcha think? Anyway.. this article is bullocks from the Nation. According to some TVF posters here, Yingluck hasn't loss any popularity. Thai-Rath doesn't know what they're talking about.

She is immature and completely incompetent... She should resign today...!

[OzMick]

You've dismissed the article because of who wrote it. What do you think of what he wrote about Thai Rath?

I did not dismiss the article.I pointed out that it was written by Thanong which gives it a specific context (as if the a prominent member of the BNP or other quasi fascist organisation wrote an article).It doesn't mean there wouldn't be truths and insights in it.Indeed these disgusting people feed off legitimate grievances.

Thai Rath is a credible newspaper which I admire, though it no longer has the brilliance when Kukrit was associated with it.The current government is in the middle of a natural disaster , made worse by man made incompetence by no means all made by Yingluck's administration, and one would expect it to be criticised for its response.

".Indeed these disgusting people feed off legitimate grievances."

For some reason The Emporer"s New Clothes comes to mind.

[Bakseedaa]

Thanks for standing behind your PM at a difficult time - NOT!

You actually think anyone else could handle this flood better? NOT, again!

Btw, where is the Abhisit flood plan? None.....

Disgraceful political attacks of incredibly bad timing. No wonder Thai society is in the ditch.

Abhisit is now Not the PM, so has no duty to have a flood plan... many people would have and could have handled this much better, it is a man made disaster because those in charege FORGOT to run the water down in over 20 dams, If they had reduced the dams to 20% of capacity, there would NOT have been any floods.. 80% of those dams capacity would easily have taken up the excess water .. Yinluck is completely responsible.. she placed the guys who were in charge.. its on her shoulders..!

[jayboy]

".Indeed these disgusting people feed off legitimate grievances."

For some reason The Emporer"s New Clothes comes to mind.

To your mind perhaps but not to others.Care to explain the reference.

[Bakseedaa]

Thanks for standing behind your PM at a difficult time - NOT!

You actually think anyone else could handle this flood better? NOT, again!

Btw, where is the Abhisit flood plan? None.....

Disgraceful political attacks of incredibly bad timing. No wonder Thai society is in the ditch.

Regardless of politics, it needs to be pointed out where the government is going wrong so that they can fix their problems.

If no one pointed out that the governments communications was pathetic, it would continue to be pathetic.

If no one pointed out that PT MPs and red shirts were labeling public donated goods as from them or from Thaksin, then this would continue to happen.

If it wasn't pointed out that people in flooded areas and evacuation centres were not getting enough support, then nothing would change.

And the Democrats have been making suggestions to the government on what they think should be done. They just don't show up when you wear red glasses.

You are clutching at straws. Perhaps you and others are even disappointed that the floods didn't inundate the capitol because it gives you less ammunition for your conservative ramblings.

Would Abhisit or any other leader be able to handle the crisis any better? I doubt it.

About Abhisit, we will Never know, but one thing for sure, his handling of this disaster could Not have been any worse... that would be impossible..!

[sparebox2]

It is about time that the Army kick her out and put AV back in charge.

[OzMick]

".Indeed these disgusting people feed off legitimate grievances."

For some reason The Emporer"s New Clothes comes to mind.

To your mind perhaps but not to others.Care to explain the reference.

I didn't think it was that difficult to grasp. Why are people with legitimate grievances considered, by yourself at least, to be disgusting? Should legitimate grievances NOT be reported because they offend your political leanings?

[Jawnie]

It makes no sense to let Abhisit, or an previous PMs, off the hook and to lay any blame solely on the current one.

Again, I ask: where are the flood plans of any of the previous PMs?

It is the duty of government to plan for such natural events.

One simply can't plan for or respond to such a situation when it is happening. It needs, well.....a plan.

Thanks for standing behind your PM at a difficult time - NOT!

You actually think anyone else could handle this flood better? NOT, again!

Btw, where is the Abhisit flood plan? None.....

Disgraceful political attacks of incredibly bad timing. No wonder Thai society is in the ditch.

Abhisit is now Not the PM, so has no duty to have a flood plan... many people would have and could have handled this much better, it is a man made disaster because those in charege FORGOT to run the water down in over 20 dams, If they had reduced the dams to 20% of capacity, there would NOT have been any floods.. 80% of those dams capacity would easily have taken up the excess water .. Yinluck is completely responsible.. she placed the guys who were in charge.. its on her shoulders..!