Oops! Yingluck, Suu Kyi, World Economic Forum Et Al: Opinion

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Oops! Yingluck, Suu Kyi, WEF et al

Kavi Chongkittavorn

Thailand hosted the World Economic Forum for East Asia with all the smiles and pretty faces last week.

BANGKOK: -- Literally, that was all this government was contended, or rather able, to do. During the three-day event, Thailand's political future was also held hostage by the PheuThai's efforts to rush through the National Assembly the amnesty efforts disguised as national reconciliation bills. The ruling party could have delayed the deliberation by a few days to allow the WEF conference t to proceed without the kind of headlines grappling and confusions. While the Thai leaders kept on reiterating the political stability and great prospects to the WEF participants, their country was confronting one of the most serious crisis since 1932. Unfortunately, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra did not have a clue how it would link to the WEF. Her head and heart were not there in the first place. The instruction for her brother, Thaksin Shinwatra, was far more important - the government must go all out to push through the bills now. The result was disastrous for all to see with the possibility of another round of bloody polarisation. Instead of headlines featuring Thailand's economic positive outlooks and resurgence, the news of the days was zeroed in on political disorders and of course, leadership inept. That explained why the WEF, which supposed to be a foremost show case of Thailand's economic development and prospects after the last year's flood, was turned into cheap theatrical acts and public relations flops.

The government's economic advisory team also did a sloppy job because the prime minister's speech at the opening WEF session was mediocre and without any vision. She highlighted Thailand and connectivity along the North-South corridor and touched briefly on the Dawei Deep Sea Port development but paid more attention on the various high-speed train links from in Northeast Thailand and Laos. Her speech was mainly focused on the connectivity under the APT (Asean plus three) framework, which did not include the development of Dawei as a matter of fact. For the premier audience and the short time available, she should have stressed Thailand's strategic thinking on the whole comprehensive connectivity plan - with Thailand as the hub - agreed at the East Asia Summit in Bali last November. After all under the EAS frame, East Asia means Asean, India, US, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, China Japan and South Korea. This framework links India to both the mainland and archipelagic Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia with hundreds of infrastructural projects.

Following her speech, during the questions and answers session with Klaus Schwab, the WEF founder, other Asean colleagues from Indonesia, Vietnam and Laos did well in replying the question posed Klaus on their dreams of Asean in the next five years. They were wise responding in their own languages without stumbling in the choices of words in Indonesian, Vietnamese and Laotian respectively. The interpreters gave precise English versions of their answers. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono wanted to see Asean that is economic and politically strong and integrated so that it can contribute to the global community. Prime Minister Nguyen Trans Dung reiterated the importance of attaining the three pillars of Asean Community and benefits it would bring while Laotian Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong focused on narrowing of the developing gap between the Asean members and their unity. These were excellent answers based on the theme of connectivity which they earlier spoke. Only Yingluck, who chose to speak in English, did poorly. Her few English sentences were awful and incoherent as she had no idea what she was talking about even though she had just finished reading the speech about Asean and its connectivity a while ago. Indeed, she could have repeated those few sentences again that it would easily make up the whole answer. Instead, she was rumbling on Asean without any focus. Worse of all, she thought that the citizens of 10-Asean members, estimated 600 millions, represented half of the world's population.

While the host was a loser, the greatest winner of WEF was the last-minute decision to have Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, replacing President Thein Sein, as one of the speakers towards the end. The opposition party leader from Myanmar was given the full attention and best Thai hospitality from the Thai government and the WEF organiser. It was strange that former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who last year invited the WEF to hold its event here in the first place, was not invited to speak as the Thai opposition party leader. Abhisit, a WEF veteran, could have helped the government articulating challenges Thailand is facing at the moment. Sadden still, she forgot the day when she expressed appreciation of Abhisit's early acknowledgement of poll defeats - just a few hours after the polling day closed - last July, immediately quelling down coup rumors. But this time around Yingluck did not have the same decency and openness to reciprocate.

With the host in disarray, the WEF turned out to be a God-send opportunity for Suu Kyi to demonstrate her intelligence and charm and uplifting Myanmar's profile. Her words of wisdom and grace on display during her first foreign visit have made strong impressions on the top business leaders and international community at large. It was not surprising that the WEF on East Asia next year will be held in her country. As such, it is a big stamp of approval of confidence and fine outlook for the country, which just a few months ago was shunned by the global community. It is Suu Kyi's magic that has generated such goodwill and warm reception.

When she spoke and met with the migrant workers in fishing industries in Mahachai, Samut Sakhon, she was touching on one of the most sensitive issues on Thai-Myanmar relations. More than 40,000 Myanmarese are working days and nights - both registered and unregistered for the fishing trawlers and markets based in this coastal province. Throughout the past decades, nobody paid any attention to their plights as modern slaves working for minimum wages facing with daily abuses and corruptions due to lack of law enforcement. She wisely urged her fellow citizens to understand Thai judicial systems and encourage them to educate their children during their stay in Thailand to prepare for the future. She has done her homework well. At the WEF, she also called on the international community to help her country's youth for better and balanced education and development - something that the Thai leaders neglected and did not understand.

Of course, it is political incorrect these days to comment negatively on Yingluck's hollowness because she looks good and has never did any wrong or controversial as it would be considered an assault on Thai woman as a whole. To her supporters, she is still an angel who yields no harms and very pleasant to look in. It is her enemies who are bias and evil-minded failing to see her greatness and the confidence Thaksin bestows her. Although the WEF did not benefit the host in any substantive way, it did however provide a rare opportunity for the Thais in general and Yingluck's supporters in particular, to distinguish the leadership quality between their lady and The Lady.

-- The Nation 2012-06-04

[Jingthing]

It is nice that Thailand still has a free enough press to articulate these criticisms of the PM. The pattern of her incoherent communication in English is hard to deny.

[mca]

"Her few English sentences were awful and incoherent"

The Nation's got some brass balls printing that when their piece reads as if they'd employed an epileptic woodpecker to write it.

<deleted> how are we supposed to take their output seriously when they obviously can't be bothered to give it even a cursory once over.

[Jingthing]

"Her few English sentences were awful and incoherent"

The Nation's got some brass balls printing that when their piece reads as if they'd employed an epileptic woodpecker to write it.

<deleted> how are we supposed to take their output seriously when they obviously can't be bothered to give it even a cursory once over.

I'd like to compare it to an English language article that the PM has written. Why deflect from this issue by attacking the messenger?

[rixalex]

"Her few English sentences were awful and incoherent"

The Nation's got some brass balls printing that when their piece reads as if they'd employed an epileptic woodpecker to write it.

<deleted> how are we supposed to take their output seriously when they obviously can't be bothered to give it even a cursory once over.

True but what's the bigger story here and of most concern to a nation: the quality of its leader or the quality of one rag?

[mca]

I fully appreciate the intent of the piece and concur with you guys opinions but I just can't stand The Nation's "That'll do" attitude. They're the ones always bemoaning stuff like "Thailand needs to blah blah if it's to be competitive in ASEAN" or "Our education system needs blah blah" and they're among the biggest slack arse offenders where mediocrity is the order of the day.

Rant over

[rixalex]

I fully appreciate the intent of the piece and concur with you guys opinions but I just can't stand The Nation's "That'll do" attitude. They're the ones always bemoaning stuff like "Thailand needs to blah blah if it's to be competitive in ASEAN" or "Our education system needs blah blah" and they're among the biggest slack arse offenders where mediocrity is the order of the day.

Rant over

It is a crap paper.

[Yunla]

Good article, managed to honestly criticise Barbie while at the same time separating criticism of her from common misogeny or in any way denigrating Thai ladies in general. Also liked the way the article briefly touched on the other representatives and what they talked about, as well as some of the current issues themselves. Some poor grammar by the writer, but Yingluck's English is far worse and she is not a newpaper writer she is the top political representative of her nation in the international community. Btw I have epilepsy and there's nothing wrong with my writing.

Edited June 4, 2012 by Yunla

[smutcakes]

Whats the whole issue with the prime minister's lack of English skills?

There are many leaders who do not speak English as well as the Thai Prime Minister- As far as I am aware Yingluck's English is far better than people like Angela Merkl's, Sarkozy's, Medvedev or Putin's, Bush and Brown and I am sure some of the other Asian leaders.

[Buchholz]

The government's economic advisory team also did a sloppy job because the prime minister's speech at the opening WEF session was mediocre

but hair, make-up, and wardrobe were impeccable...

[media=]

[/media] Edited June 4, 2012 by Buchholz

[Yunla]

"The smile that never reaches the eyes."

[Buchholz]

Whats the whole issue with the prime minister's lack of English skills?

There are many leaders who do not speak English as well as the Thai Prime Minister- As far as I am aware Yingluck's English is far better than people like Angela Merkl's, Sarkozy's, Medvedev or Putin's, Bush and Brown and I am sure some of the other Asian leaders.

*yawn*

Disregarding the absurd assessment that her English is better than native speakers' Bush and Brown, do any of the other non-native speakers you listed lay claim to having obtained a Masters degree utilizing the English language?

Always helpful to compare apples with apples and not apples with watermelons.

She should consider following the example of her cousin, Foreign Minister Surapong, who despite laying claim to having obtained a Doctorate degree utilizing the English language, freely uses translators in his foreign ministry discussions with foreigners.

.

Edited June 4, 2012 by Buchholz

[rixalex]

Whats the whole issue with the prime minister's lack of English skills?

There are many leaders who do not speak English as well as the Thai Prime Minister- As far as I am aware Yingluck's English is far better than people like Angela Merkl's, Sarkozy's, Medvedev or Putin's, Bush and Brown and I am sure some of the other Asian leaders.

Comes down to where they have studied. If they boast having graduated in an English speaking overseas university, as Yingluck does, i think a person has to expect their English skills to be examined to a degree. Nobody i think is saying it should be perfect and completely free of error. Just better than "beer bar English". It isn't.... well i assume it isn't... of course i have never been to a bar.

[Yunla]

The OP even said that the other speakers used their own language and interpreter to better convey what they had to say. Yingluck chose to speak broken English perhaps to conceal the fact she has very little to say.

[yoshiwara]

The core message of the article is that of hosting an international conference with Thaksin snarling in the background.

[smutcakes]

Whats the whole issue with the prime minister's lack of English skills?

There are many leaders who do not speak English as well as the Thai Prime Minister- As far as I am aware Yingluck's English is far better than people like Angela Merkl's, Sarkozy's, Medvedev or Putin's, Bush and Brown and I am sure some of the other Asian leaders.

Comes down to where they have studied. If they boast having graduated in an English speaking overseas university, as Yingluck does, i think a person has to expect their English skills to be examined to a degree. Nobody i think is saying it should be perfect and completely free of error. Just better than "beer bar English". It isn't.... well i assume it isn't... of course i have never been to a bar.

Fair enough, I just dont think of all the sticks she can be beaten with it is particulalry important- Does she 'boast' about it anyway? or is it just that she has been there so people are aware of it.

To be fair, if she didnt sound like she had been on the helium, it would probably draw less attention to what she is actually saying.

[MEL1]

"Worse of all, she thought that the citizens of 10-Asean members, estimated 600 millions, represented half of the world's population."

-mel.

[OzMick]

Whats the whole issue with the prime minister's lack of English skills?

There are many leaders who do not speak English as well as the Thai Prime Minister- As far as I am aware Yingluck's English is far better than people like Angela Merkl's, Sarkozy's, Medvedev or Putin's, Bush and Brown and I am sure some of the other Asian leaders.

Interpreters were available and used by the other speakers, and she could have done the same. IMHO she uses her lack of English skills to cover her lack intelligence, experience and knowledge.

Barbie dolls come with a range of accessories (University Barbie, Fashion model Barbie) but none make it smarter than a piece of plastic.

Sent from my Cray XT5-HE

[Buchholz]

Whats the whole issue with the prime minister's lack of English skills?

There are many leaders who do not speak English as well as the Thai Prime Minister- As far as I am aware Yingluck's English is far better than people like Angela Merkl's, Sarkozy's, Medvedev or Putin's, Bush and Brown and I am sure some of the other Asian leaders.

Comes down to where they have studied. If they boast having graduated in an English speaking overseas university, as Yingluck does, i think a person has to expect their English skills to be examined to a degree. Nobody i think is saying it should be perfect and completely free of error. Just better than "beer bar English". It isn't.... well i assume it isn't... of course i have never been to a bar.

the proof of your non-attendance is evidenced by your calling it beer bar English when it should be

bar beer English

[LuckyLew]

This is what happens when your leader has no clue

IMO it is quite evident she does not want to be the leader,

she does not care to be the leader and this is showing in

her lack of leadership. The happiest day of her life will be

the day after she is removed from PM position, whether it

be by TS or by coup,

[Buchholz]

"Worse of all, she thought that the citizens of 10-Asean members, estimated 600 millions, represented half of the world's population."

Amazing Thailand

[smedly]

the timing was perfect, it was done to give her a good reason to be absent from parlament where she has no input anyway

[rixalex]

Whats the whole issue with the prime minister's lack of English skills?

There are many leaders who do not speak English as well as the Thai Prime Minister- As far as I am aware Yingluck's English is far better than people like Angela Merkl's, Sarkozy's, Medvedev or Putin's, Bush and Brown and I am sure some of the other Asian leaders.

Comes down to where they have studied. If they boast having graduated in an English speaking overseas university, as Yingluck does, i think a person has to expect their English skills to be examined to a degree. Nobody i think is saying it should be perfect and completely free of error. Just better than "beer bar English". It isn't.... well i assume it isn't... of course i have never been to a bar.

Fair enough, I just dont think of all the sticks she can be beaten with it is particulalry important- Does she 'boast' about it anyway? or is it just that she has been there so people are aware of it.

To be fair, if she didnt sound like she had been on the helium, it would probably draw less attention to what she is actually saying.

She might not "boast" successful overseas university study verbally in public every day, but her resume certainly does; and she works for the people right? - or at least that is the idea - well if you employ someone who has it on their resume that they studied a degree in America, don't you think you have a right to complain a bit when it turns out that their English stinks?

You are right, it's not particularly important in the general scheme of things, but on the other hand, i wouldn't personally be wasting my time defending her from jibes on the matter.

[rixalex]

Whats the whole issue with the prime minister's lack of English skills?

There are many leaders who do not speak English as well as the Thai Prime Minister- As far as I am aware Yingluck's English is far better than people like Angela Merkl's, Sarkozy's, Medvedev or Putin's, Bush and Brown and I am sure some of the other Asian leaders.

Comes down to where they have studied. If they boast having graduated in an English speaking overseas university, as Yingluck does, i think a person has to expect their English skills to be examined to a degree. Nobody i think is saying it should be perfect and completely free of error. Just better than "beer bar English". It isn't.... well i assume it isn't... of course i have never been to a bar.

the proof of your non-attendance is evidenced by your calling it beer bar English when it should be

bar beer English

Thanks. Duly noted.

[gand]

As the saying goes, there are empty suits and there are empty skirts as well.

[gand]

Oops is right, she says that Thailand's political crisis is behind them as the protestors rush parliament to stop the sham reconciliation/amnesty bill to usurp the judicial system.

[Soutpeel]

that her English is better than native speakers' Bush and Brown,

We have to give both Bush and Brown some lattitude when speaking English....one is a Texan red neck and the other is a one eyed Scottish git.....so therefore techincally not native speakers.. .....however to the question in hand...you silly billy.....sister of Brother #1 cannot speak english even reasonably close to the skils of the red neck and the Scottish git

Edited June 4, 2012 by Soutpeel

[apetley]

I am no fan of YS but wasn't she recently criticised for making a speech at the WEF in Japan in Thai?

Damned if she does, damned if she don't.

Btw I saw her giving an interview on the Australian Network in English at the weekend. It was barely better than incoherant to me. Best she sticks to Thai with a translation imho.

Sent from my GT-I9003 using Thaivisa Connect App

[pastitche]

that her English is better than native speakers' Bush and Brown,

We have to give both Bush and Brown some lattitude when speaking English....one is a Texan red neck and the other is a one eyed Scottish git.....so therefore techincally not native speakers.. .....however to the question in hand...you silly billy.....sister of Brother #1 cannot speak english even reasonably close to the skils of the red neck and the Scottish git

I really don't care what you say about Bush but Brown having lost an eye playing rugby as a young man is completely irrelevant to any assessment of either his career or his proficiency in English. He has a PhD from a university where his subject - History - is taught in English. I expect that he would be able to spell correctly the word "technically".

[Skywalker69]

"Worse of all, she thought that the citizens of 10-Asean members, estimated 600 millions, represented half of the world's population."

-mel.

She must be a bad publicity for the KSU.