Cinderella And The Non-Stop-Party Government: Thai Opinion

[webfact]

OVERDRIVE

Cinderella and the non-stop-party government

Thanong Khanthong

There is still plenty of time before the clock strikes midnight.

So Cinderella, Yingluck Shinawatra, wants to spend the best of her time in the ballroom. She is the beautifully transformed socialite, faithful to her surreal role and unperturbed by all the glaring eyes. She smiles directly into the calamity of the Kingdom as if it were a nuisance to the party she is enjoying.

The worst flooding in half a century has cost the Kingdom Bt1.3 trillion. Yingluck announces this figure in the ballroom before the orchestra is to perform the Chao Phraya Waltz. Reaction is almost muted. What else can they say because our Cinderella has been elected by 15 million voters in the land?

By the way, from her lips, the cost of the damage from the floods has kept on rising. From more than Bt100 billion initially, the estimated cost of the damage has been raised to Bt300 to Bt400 billion and now Bt1.3 trillion. Munich Re, the world's largest reinsurance firm, would be paying out 500 million euros from the insurance claims in this Kingdom. Swiss Re would also have to pay out 600 million euros. Reinsurance giants are reviewing their business in the Kingdom. And the death toll from the floods has now surpassed 600 lives.

Cinderella has been untouched by any political taint. At a recent no-confidence debate, the Democrats only singled out Justice Minister Pracha Phromnok to grill over the government's failure to minimise the damage or protect the people from the floods. The Democrats must have been so charmed by her innocent look that they didn't want to lay a finger on our Cinderella. The angel that turned Yingluck into Cinderella must have cast black magic on the Democrats so that they had to kneel before her.

Not long ago, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung created an uproar by pushing an amnesty decree into the Cabinet so that Cinderella could stage a homecoming party for her beloved brother, Thaksin Shinawatra. Chalerm backed off afterwards, after sensing disastrous consequences. He only wanted to test the water first. Again, Cinderella floated above this controversy by assuming an innocent face. "I had nothing to do with this. But everything must depend on the rule of law," she said as a matter of fact.

Global leaders from Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to Ban Ki-moon showered praise on her inspirational campaign to capture the hearts and minds of the Thai populace. Yingluck's star could not have shone brighter over the skies of this Kingdom. All are swayed by her do-nothing charms. With Clinton's blessing, what is there left for Yingluck to fear but fear itself?

While the estimated cost from the flood damage keeps on rising and the death toll continues to be counted, Yingluck cruises her way through the "shock and awe" events unscathed. She is in charge, but she won't issue any commands. She is the First Minister, but she will not take any blame. Only in a fairyland can Cinderella proceed to the ball while the people are picking up the pieces left over from the floods that have destroyed their homes and properties and jobs

The Seventh Cycle of His Majesty the King on December 5 should have been a time for jubilation and a grand celebration. As it has turned out, cases related to alleged violations of the lese majeste law have stolen all the headlines to spoil the celebration. "Uncle SMS" was sentenced to 20 years in prison late last month for violating the lese majeste law. Yesterday, a Thai-American was sentenced to two and a half years in a similar lese majeste case. These two cases were thrown to the pack of wolves. The foreign media, foreign governments and international organisations reacted in unison against the lese majeste law and the monarchy.

In the meantime, Cinderella continues to enjoy her party-all-day premiership. She only has to dress up nicely, wear a big smile, wave to her supporters and that is deemed good enough. The angel will handle the rest for her - with her black magic. The black magic will be cast so that the clock will never pass midnight.

-- The Nation 2011-12-09

[BigJohnnyBKK]

Very interesting piece, containing a few nuggets of truth shining from the muck, and very instructive about the Thai //weltanschauung//

Of course the nation is a fairyland - every modern so-called democracy relies on high production values in its presentation of spin/PR, but Thai culture emphasizes appearances over reality far more than most, and everyone in the know is open about the fact that the underlying reality of governance here has even less to do with public service than in most other countries.

A more effective politician here is simply one who does a better job of "fooling most of the people" more of the time, no one actually believes in the possibility of one that would truly work in the interest of the country's people as a whole.

The fundamental choice is which faction of the corrupt mafia-elite that really run the country to support - in other words, whose ox is getting gored. The so-called leadership of the government is just a puppet show on all sides.

Anyone who actually cares about improving the lot of ordinary Thais knows they need to completely ignore the political/government sphere and work within the private sector, doing the best they can with what they have and who they know to make things better.

Spending your time and energy on Thai politics is just another pointless Moloch pursuit, might as well be playing Connect 4 in the beer bar for all the good it will do.

Edited December 9, 2011 by BigJohnnyBKK

[sparebox2]

"She is the beautifully transformed socialite, faithful to her surreal role and unperturbed by all the glaring eyes."

Agreed.

[SAffer]

With Aung San Suu Kyi making fresh waves next door, I wonder who the real Cinderella is, and who is in fact the ugly step-sister (depends if we only look skin deep or not, right)?

I would say that the possible re-awakening of Burma, with a strong woman at the helm will be a very serious threat to Thailand competitively.

I still can't get my head around Yinglucks election.

[SICHONSTEVE]

Very interesting piece, containing a few nuggets of truth shining from the muck, and very instructive about the Thai //weltanschauung//

Of course the nation is a fairyland - every modern so-called democracy relies on high production values in its presentation of spin/PR, but Thai culture emphasizes appearances over reality far more than most, and everyone in the know is open about the fact that the underlying reality of governance here has even less to do with public service than in most other countries.

A more effective politician here is simply one who does a better job of "fooling most of the people" more of the time, no one actually believes in the possibility of one that would truly work in the interest of the country's people as a whole.

The fundamental choice is which faction of the corrupt mafia-elite that really run the country to support - in other words, whose ox is getting gored. The so-called leadership of the government is just a puppet show on all sides.

Anyone who actually cares about improving the lot of ordinary Thais knows they need to completely ignore the political/government sphere and work within the private sector, doing the best they can with what they have and who they know to make things better.

Spending your time and energy on Thai politics is just another pointless Moloch pursuit, might as well be playing Connect 4 in the beer bar for all the good it will do.

We all know that Yingluck is nothing else than Thaksin's puppet/clone but just how on earth can you have a "figurehead" at the forefront of the countries national interests, especially at the time of a massive natural disaster!!!! Exactly what does she do other than conveniently miss important meetings and on those rare occasions when she does turn up she sits on the side lines and dodges the bullets to save embarrassement at her obvious short comings on all things political.

No doubt these floods would have tested any governments resolve, but with such a flawed and irresponsible reaction to the floods (borne out by having Thaksin's "school mates", "police buddies" and political stooges) placed in positions to serve HIS INTERESTS only and not chosen on merit and ability is criminal!!!!!

It seems that the Kingdom's priorities in getting the country "back on it's feet" take a distant second with corruption, back stabbing, sniping and impeachment's galore hogging proceedings whilst everything else stays on "the back burner" such as fixing Thailand's woes and dealing with this crisis.

What sickens me is the "Thai attitude" at every turn of events seemingly being - well, what's in it for me!!!! Making capital out of others despair is obscene, but it doesn't stop em, does it!!!!.

Edited December 9, 2011 by SICHONSTEVE

[daninthai]

Sorry, but it's poorly written. Instead of writing in such a terrible style, you could have explained your opinion in a few short sentences.

[SICHONSTEVE]

Sorry, but it's poorly written. Instead of writing in such a terrible style, you could have explained your opinion in a few short sentences.

Simply implies to me that YOU are sitting on the other side of the fence!!!!

Are you from the "grammar police"??? Soooo......everyone should write in your chosen style.

Wouldn't mind betting you work in a bank or for an insurance company!!! Ha Ha Ha!!!!.

Is that better??? A few concise sentences without any "flowery" bits just to comply with your wishes......Sir :jap: .

That was close!!!! I nearly WASTED my 1,200th posting on you .

Edited December 9, 2011 by SICHONSTEVE

[OzMick]

Sorry, but it's poorly written. Instead of writing in such a terrible style, you could have explained your opinion in a few short sentences.

Are you referring to the original or prior post?

Can we not value content over style?

[SICHONSTEVE]

Sorry, but it's poorly written. Instead of writing in such a terrible style, you could have explained your opinion in a few short sentences.

Are you referring to the original or prior post?

Can we not value content over style?

Love it!!!!!.

I assume he was referring to my post, as he put - YOU could have...........

[473geo]

I wonder if the writer did an article on the previous incumbent.......Baron hard up

[JAG]

I've rather come to the conclusion that The Nation doesn't like Yingluk very much.

Could that possibly be the case?

Edited December 9, 2011 by JAG

[sparebox2]

I've rather come to the conclusion that The Nation doesn't like Yingluk very much.

Could that possibly be the case?

She is very charming indeed.

Especially in her tight fitting official white government uniform.

Reminds me of Thai university students.

[localsocalman]

Very interesting piece, containing a few nuggets of truth shining from the muck, and very instructive about the Thai //weltanschauung//

Of course the nation is a fairyland - every modern so-called democracy relies on high production values in its presentation of spin/PR, but Thai culture emphasizes appearances over reality far more than most, and everyone in the know is open about the fact that the underlying reality of governance here has even less to do with public service than in most other countries.

A more effective politician here is simply one who does a better job of "fooling most of the people" more of the time, no one actually believes in the possibility of one that would truly work in the interest of the country's people as a whole.

The fundamental choice is which faction of the corrupt mafia-elite that really run the country to support - in other words, whose ox is getting gored. The so-called leadership of the government is just a puppet show on all sides.

Anyone who actually cares about improving the lot of ordinary Thais knows they need to completely ignore the political/government sphere and work within the private sector, doing the best they can with what they have and who they know to make things better.

Spending your time and energy on Thai politics is just another pointless Moloch pursuit, might as well be playing Connect 4 in the beer bar for all the good it will do.

We all know that Yingluck is nothing else than Thaksin's puppet/clone but just how on earth can you have a "figurehead" at the forefront of the countries national interests, especially at the time of a massive natural disaster!!!! Exactly what does she do other than conveniently miss important meetings and on those rare occasions when she does turn up she sits on the side lines and dodges the bullets to save embarrassement at her obvious short comings on all things political.

No doubt these floods would have tested any governments resolve, but with such a flawed and irresponsible reaction to the floods (borne out by having Thaksin's "school mates", "police buddies" and political stooges) placed in positions to serve HIS INTERESTS only and not chosen on merit and ability is criminal!!!!!

It seems that the Kingdom's priorities in getting the country "back on it's feet" take a distant second with corruption, back stabbing, sniping and impeachment's galore hogging proceedings whilst everything else stays on "the back burner" such as fixing Thailand's woes and dealing with this crisis.

What sickens me is the "Thai attitude" at every turn of events seemingly being - well, what's in it for me!!!! Making capital out of others despair is obscene, but it doesn't stop em, does it!!!!.

+1

[473geo]

Very interesting piece, containing a few nuggets of truth shining from the muck, and very instructive about the Thai //weltanschauung//

Of course the nation is a fairyland - every modern so-called democracy relies on high production values in its presentation of spin/PR, but Thai culture emphasizes appearances over reality far more than most, and everyone in the know is open about the fact that the underlying reality of governance here has even less to do with public service than in most other countries.

A more effective politician here is simply one who does a better job of "fooling most of the people" more of the time, no one actually believes in the possibility of one that would truly work in the interest of the country's people as a whole.

The fundamental choice is which faction of the corrupt mafia-elite that really run the country to support - in other words, whose ox is getting gored. The so-called leadership of the government is just a puppet show on all sides.

Anyone who actually cares about improving the lot of ordinary Thais knows they need to completely ignore the political/government sphere and work within the private sector, doing the best they can with what they have and who they know to make things better.

Spending your time and energy on Thai politics is just another pointless Moloch pursuit, might as well be playing Connect 4 in the beer bar for all the good it will do.

We all know that Yingluck is nothing else than Thaksin's puppet/clone but just how on earth can you have a "figurehead" at the forefront of the countries national interests, especially at the time of a massive natural disaster!!!! Exactly what does she do other than conveniently miss important meetings and on those rare occasions when she does turn up she sits on the side lines and dodges the bullets to save embarrassement at her obvious short comings on all things political.

No doubt these floods would have tested any governments resolve, but with such a flawed and irresponsible reaction to the floods (borne out by having Thaksin's "school mates", "police buddies" and political stooges) placed in positions to serve HIS INTERESTS only and not chosen on merit and ability is criminal!!!!!

It seems that the Kingdom's priorities in getting the country "back on it's feet" take a distant second with corruption, back stabbing, sniping and impeachment's galore hogging proceedings whilst everything else stays on "the back burner" such as fixing Thailand's woes and dealing with this crisis.

What sickens me is the "Thai attitude" at every turn of events seemingly being - well, what's in it for me!!!! Making capital out of others despair is obscene, but it doesn't stop em, does it!!!!.

+1

Some would say Abhisit was merely a figurehead........so not unusual in that context....... if that line of thought is to be believed