Now You See Her, Now You Don'T: Pm Yingluck'S First Year In Office

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SPECIAL REPORT

Now you see her, now you don't

Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- An analysis of Yingluck Shinawatra's first year in office comes to an intriguing conclusion. Either she is elusive and lacks leadership, or she can do magic, writes The Nation's Tulsathit Taptim

You can call it Yingluck Shinawatra's "greatest trick", although the "cover girl" phenomenon that she created means she's a far cry from being non-existent. The thing is, how can you be all over the front pages day in and day out and yet manage to be politically invisible at the same time? Thailand's first female prime minister has done just that, whether you loathe or admire her. To be there but not exactly there is the theme of her first year in office.

The past 12 months have mixed nightmares and fairytales. Opponents may say fairytales for her but nightmares for anybody else, while supporters see an innocent heroine surviving against all odds. In politically polarised Thailand, she is one thing to one side and another thing to the other. This is not going to change in her second year, although what will very likely be different this time around is that her faint political essence may come into sharp focus.

The most biting remark welcoming Yingluck into her second year came from Democrat Korn Chatikavanij. "I give her 10 out of 10 for meeting all my expectations," he quipped, clarifying that he had had a clear idea of whose interests she would be representing and how she would do it. A former Pheu Thai adviser, without the sarcasm of Korn, agreed with him. "She has been like a hollow woman, and that helps [Pheu Thai's agenda]," the source said. "When the person who is supposed to be the biggest target is overlooked or cannot be seen, difficult things can be easy."

That might explain how the Pheu Thai government could contain Thaksin Shinawatra's re-entry visa controversies involving Japan, Germany, the UK and the United States. And despite big domestic uproars over the charter revamp and the "reconciliation" bills, Yingluck has been generally unscathed, with fierce political attacks deflected onto the likes of Chalerm Yoobamrung, Nitirat group leader Vorajet Pakirat or even former coup leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin.

Economists interviewed by The Nation said that apart from the relatively calmer political atmosphere, in which there have been no weeks- or months-long street blockades, the Pheu Thai government has been too preoccupied with politics to make a significant economic contribution. All the vital signs of the country's economy have been acceptable or fine, but it's despite of politics rather than because of it. Economic policies, critics say, are contentious at best and dangerously populist at worst.

The GDP grew 0.3 per cent year on year in the first quarter. A full year forecast of GDP growth has varied from the plus side of 4 to the plus side of 5. Inflation has not been alarming but always hovering near worrisome. Unemployment in the first quarter was 0.7 per cent, the same as the month of June.

Average household debt was Bt134,900 last year, compared with Bt82,485 in 2002, when Yingluck's brother Thaksin was in power.

The critics see no coherent big-picture economic policy, in other words a true vision for Thailand. The drastic minimum wage increase is considered a populist drive that has yet to help push up spending power but has weakened small or medium-scale businesses. The rice-pledging scheme is deemed to have spoiled Thai farmers, dethroned the country's status as the king of world rice

exporters and spawned corruption. Some businesses have benefited from first-house or first-car tax policies and yet these government programmes are criticised for misleading both spenders and manufacturers, and for not helping the overall economy.

In Thailand, though, economic opinions or feelings can always be divided along political lines. The best example was when the "rich" and the "poor" - or their political representatives to be exact - faced off over the "rising" cost of living. In one of her most controversial remarks, Yingluck suggested that it was natural for people to feel that life was getting harder after a major disaster. Pheu Thai's political apparatus, which normally takes pride in echoing the voice of the poor, was mobilised to depict a middle-class economic cry-baby. Even Thaksin Shinawatra's son, Phantongtae, became an active cheap-food finder on Facebook, lashing out at opposition MPs holding his aunt responsible for expensive goods prices.

Not the best speaker, Yingluck's public speeches on important matters were rare in her first year. When she had to say it, the awkwardness translated into many verbal slips. Somehow, her not-so-fine oratory skills contributed to a strange leadership that worked for a beginner like her. Issues could not be spun or amplified against her because she gave enemies and people around her so little to amplify. She is an "anti-matter" of politics, which is not an easy thing to be given the fact that she is Thaksin Shinawatra's sister.

She has been comfortable internationally, or at least her sincere, unwavering smiles make it appear so. Even the staunchest critics could not fault her appearance or "brand ambassador" look on the international stage. Although she fumbled a few times verbally, the perceived innocence helped sweeten any error. The global audience must have been impressed, and just like Abhisit Vejjajiva before her, "domestic politics" can be a good, if not convenient, excuse when something goes diplomatically wrong.

But whether she is elusive or non-confrontational, and whether she possesses an odd yet workable leadership or she lacks leadership entirely, Yingluck will find her second year more demanding and scrutinising. The fiery debates in Parliament on her first year may be just a warm-up. A censure attack is certain to happen. The charter showdown will come to a head. Her brother's homesickness is likely to get worse, although in one of his last interviews he indicated willingness to extend his exile if that would help her. The red shirts are still all behind her, but that doesn't mean it can't change overnight if she or her brother strikes a deal with the "elite".

Can Yingluck pull an even greater trick in her second year? Already, she has defied difficult odds, doing what Korn totally expected her to do. As they say, every good magic consists of three parts. The "pledge" and the "turn" - the acts of making something ordinary disappear - have been carried out. To Yingluck, the "prestige" - the final act of making what has vanished re-appear - is what remains to be done, and in the Thai political context, it carries multiple meanings.

-- The Nation 2012-08-06

[ttelise]

Haha, here comes the <deleted> brigade out from all crevasses. Nice, about 4 or 5 Yingluck vitriol/slamming topics at the same time. Should give the angry old men brigade hours of Internet joy. Haha, I am excited to see where all of this goes. Truth is, she dresses well, looks hot, and had seem to do better thanking else in the last 5 or 6 years by stating out of the fray as much as possible. Smart woman, dumb everyone else involved in the political quagmire.

[Reasonableman]

Haha, here comes the <deleted> brigade out from all crevasses. Nice, about 4 or 5 Yingluck vitriol/slamming topics at the same time. Should give the angry old men brigade hours of Internet joy. Haha, I am excited to see where all of this goes. Truth is, she dresses well, looks hot, and had seem to do better thanking else in the last 5 or 6 years by stating out of the fray as much as possible. Smart woman, dumb everyone else involved in the political quagmire.

The country needs a political leader with a clear vision, high principle & integrity, high standards of ethics & morality, conviction, self-sacrifice (altruism) for the common good, and the ability to engage, communicate, and gather consensus, someone like Aung San Suu Kyi, someone to inspire people and lead the nation out of the quagmire.

" had seem to do better thanking else in the last 5 or 6 years by stating out of the fray" is almost unintelligible, not a promising start to discussions.

Edited August 6, 2012 by Reasonableman

[Moruya]

Haha, here comes the <deleted> brigade out from all crevasses. Nice, about 4 or 5 Yingluck vitriol/slamming topics at the same time. Should give the angry old men brigade hours of Internet joy. Haha, I am excited to see where all of this goes. Truth is, she dresses well, looks hot, and had seem to do better thanking else in the last 5 or 6 years by stating out of the fray as much as possible. Smart woman, dumb everyone else involved in the political quagmire.

Is this English?

[Reasonableman]

Haha, here comes the <deleted> brigade out from all crevasses. Nice, about 4 or 5 Yingluck vitriol/slamming topics at the same time. Should give the angry old men brigade hours of Internet joy. Haha, I am excited to see where all of this goes. Truth is, she dresses well, looks hot, and had seem to do better thanking else in the last 5 or 6 years by stating out of the fray as much as possible. Smart woman, dumb everyone else involved in the political quagmire.

Is this English?

"crevasses", probably French.

[OzMick]

Thailand's version of the Cheshire Cat.

Truth is, dressing well, looking hot, and staying out of politics are not the essential requirements of a Prime Minister.

[ratcatcher]

Thailand's version of the Cheshire Cat.

Truth is, dressing well, looking hot, and staying out of politics are not the essential requirements of a Prime Minister.

Unfortunately Mick, the truth is hard to swallow for some die-hard supporters.

Style over substance. Window dressing, nothing in the warehouse. All fart and no sh*t.

[ttelise]

Haha, here comes the <deleted> brigade out from all crevasses. Nice, about 4 or 5 Yingluck vitriol/slamming topics at the same time. Should give the angry old men brigade hours of Internet joy. Haha, I am excited to see where all of this goes. Truth is, she dresses well, looks hot, and had seem to do better thanking else in the last 5 or 6 years by stating out of the fray as much as possible. Smart woman, dumb everyone else involved in the political quagmire.

Is this English?

Haha, iPhone typing. I siuck for sure.

[ttelise]

Haha, here comes the <deleted> brigade out from all crevasses. Nice, about 4 or 5 Yingluck vitriol/slamming topics at the same time. Should give the angry old men brigade hours of Internet joy. Haha, I am excited to see where all of this goes. Truth is, she dresses well, looks hot, and had seem to do better thanking else in the last 5 or 6 years by stating out of the fray as much as possible. Smart woman, dumb everyone else involved in the political quagmire.

Is this English?

"crevasses", probably French.

Yeah, I drank my crevasses.

[hellodolly]

Haha, here comes the <deleted> brigade out from all crevasses. Nice, about 4 or 5 Yingluck vitriol/slamming topics at the same time. Should give the angry old men brigade hours of Internet joy. Haha, I am excited to see where all of this goes. Truth is, she dresses well, looks hot, and had seem to do better thanking else in the last 5 or 6 years by stating out of the fray as much as possible. Smart woman, dumb everyone else involved in the political quagmire.

Did you ever stop to think that if she would involve herself in politics for the good of Thailand we might not have a political quagmire. She was elected to run the government not ignore it.

And to top it all off I think she is putting on weight.

[hellodolly]

Thailand's version of the Cheshire Cat.

Truth is, dressing well, looking hot, and staying out of politics are not the essential requirements of a Prime Minister.

Unfortunately Mick, the truth is hard to swallow for some die-hard supporters.

Style over substance. Window dressing, nothing in the warehouse. All fart and no sh*t.

all flash no cash

[Phatcharanan]

Haha, iPhone typing. I siuck for sure.

Please keep your personal life private. I'm trying to eat my breakfast.

[saltandpepper]

I am longing for the day that we won't see her anymore. And I think she is too.

Edited August 6, 2012 by saltandpepper

[somtumlion]

Yingluck is nothing more than a sock puppet speaking her older brother's words. But that is the Thai people obviously wanted, so that is want they get. Hope they are happy.

Me, I wouldn't mind if she took a turn as an artist, painting with her "SC Assets" for Thailand's Got Talent...

[ttelise]

Haha, here comes the <deleted> brigade out from all crevasses. Nice, about 4 or 5 Yingluck vitriol/slamming topics at the same time. Should give the angry old men brigade hours of Internet joy. Haha, I am excited to see where all of this goes. Truth is, she dresses well, looks hot, and had seem to do better thanking else in the last 5 or 6 years by stating out of the fray as much as possible. Smart woman, dumb everyone else involved in the political quagmire.

Did you ever stop to think that if she would involve herself in politics for the good of Thailand we might not have a political quagmire. She was elected to run the government not ignore it.

And to top it all off I think she is putting on weight.

My point, which eludes many and falls in deaf ears, is that us matters nit what she does. There are those of you that would complain about her, call her a puppet, or whatever regardless of what she does.

Regarding weigh and food, well its good being king/president/pm or whatever.

[SuneeTH]

Thailand's version of the Cheshire Cat.

Truth is, dressing well, looking hot, and staying out of politics are not the essential requirements of a Prime Minister.

Unfortunately Mick, the truth is hard to swallow for some die-hard supporters.

Style over substance. Window dressing, nothing in the warehouse. All fart and no sh*t.

all flash no cash

I am not surprise if she trace her root back to ESSEX.

When did she dye her hair black?

[jellykookabanj]

Who cares if she is invisible or not or if she leads the country herself or as a mouthpiece for her brother.

As foreigners we have no influence or say in the matter. We cannot influence the exchange rate, policies of govt, whether Thaksin is allowed back in or not or any local policies where you live or stay. The only thing that we can influence is ourselves and the money we spend to help the economy.

We mostly don't have any influence over our wives/girlfriends either as their first loyalty will always be to their family. It doesn't matter one jot how much we moan, complain,write or comment whatever will be will be.

What the ruling class of thais want will happen anyway. Just sit back, put your feet up,sip your drink, have sexual relations or just simply chill out. Nothing will change other than we will have more to spend if the exchange rate climbs back up out of the pit it has fallen into.

I aplogise but I felt it needed saying.

[Reasonableman]

Who cares if she is invisible or not or if she leads the country herself or as a mouthpiece for her brother.

As foreigners we have no influence or say in the matter. We cannot influence the exchange rate, policies of govt, whether Thaksin is allowed back in or not or any local policies where you live or stay. The only thing that we can influence is ourselves and the money we spend to help the economy.

We mostly don't have any influence over our wives/girlfriends either as their first loyalty will always be to their family. It doesn't matter one jot how much we moan, complain,write or comment whatever will be will be.

What the ruling class of thais want will happen anyway. Just sit back, put your feet up,sip your drink, have sexual relations or just simply chill out. Nothing will change other than we will have more to spend if the exchange rate climbs back up out of the pit it has fallen into.

I aplogise but I felt it needed saying.

[Fatherfluffybottom]

she seems to be doing ok from what i have heard,,i can name a few governments around the world that could learn a lesson on the way she goes about her business.

[Moruya]

She lives on the cover of a magazine.

In the chambers of power she is never seen.

[hellodolly]

Who cares if she is invisible or not or if she leads the country herself or as a mouthpiece for her brother.

As foreigners we have no influence or say in the matter. We cannot influence the exchange rate, policies of govt, whether Thaksin is allowed back in or not or any local policies where you live or stay. The only thing that we can influence is ourselves and the money we spend to help the economy.

We mostly don't have any influence over our wives/girlfriends either as their first loyalty will always be to their family. It doesn't matter one jot how much we moan, complain,write or comment whatever will be will be.

What the ruling class of thais want will happen anyway. Just sit back, put your feet up,sip your drink, have sexual relations or just simply chill out. Nothing will change other than we will have more to spend if the exchange rate climbs back up out of the pit it has fallen into.

I aplogise but I felt it needed saying.

I am getting the feeling that you feel like a victim.

Many of us post here knowing that we will not change things but enjoy the opportunity to express are beliefs.

You have been a member far longer than I have but I see you do not enjoy posting your beliefs even though they are common knowledge you still post them.

[lungmi]

I have pity with Yingluck, she was engaged (and misused) by her brother as a cheerleader for his aims. But a cheerleader needs a big voice, the big voices (Chalerm, Jatuporn, Thida etc) do her job.

Edited August 6, 2012 by lungmi

[Soutpeel]

Yingluck is nothing more than a sock puppet speaking her older brother's words.

How dare you protray the esteemed PM as a sock puppet, this is offensive and completely untrue, I am shocked you would even suggest such a thing, as it has been published on numerous occasions and confirmed by her esteemed and completely innocent brother that she is a......

.....Clone....

please get this right in future, as a sock puppet suggests someone has a hand up someones bottom...but in the dear PM case its her head ....

[noitom]

History books will show that she "handled" the floods. Everything got back to normal and the Japanese kept investing despite factory floodings. Tourism was booming according to the Nation's accounts based on quotes by "key" officials. Crime and drugs were controlled, criminals were arrested, news was squashed.

Pronouncements on building code violation enforcement were made, everyone scurried about, payments were shifted, everything remained the same. Tablets were distributed, promises were kept. Education was identified as a problem, the administration assured that they would take measures.

Thailland recognized the Palestinians, made peace with the Iranians, and gave them a public high level hearing to claim that terrorists were not "real Iranians." The Thais pledged that terrorism events would not happened in Thailand and tourists need not be concerned. Food poisonings were down, investigated diligently and news follow up was squashed.

Human trafficking was denied, pregnant women who are migrant workers are proposed to be legislated off Thai soil when they give birth, but welcomed back to work for substandard wages after the birth. Thais lobbied the US embassy to lift terrorist alerts, and they wrote open letters. They lunched, they drank, they met, they talked, they blustered. They acknowledged corruption, but denied and refused to acknowledge the huge sex trade. However, they did protest the blacklisting of Thailand for illegal copying of intellectual property. They denied inflation of food prices. They fixed caved in sink holes and replaced torn out ATM machines. They declared shock and concern about poison fish use to make fish balls.

So all in all it's a commendable status quo. This is what Thailand is all about at its best. maintaining the status, plugging holes in the "system," refusing to assimilate into the real world, and denying that the outside world knows anything about anything, so that Thainess prevails. They outdid themselves with 12 new or reinforced "hub" schemes to make Thailand the hub of all hubs.

She did a great job by these standards. They have surveys to prove it, and if they don't have them, they can manufacturer the results instantly in a new random survey.

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[123thaibourbon]

PM Yingluck has done a helluva job. The political, natural & MAN-made disasters in Thailand are many indeed. She has lived/studied in the US. Her Changmai roots and Chinese ancestry gives her even more leverage. But of course, dare I say, this must not bode well with the clannish tribal ways of what is quickly becoming the past... as for Shinawatra bashers & bellyaching tantrums, I say get over it ! NOT 'up to you'

Edited August 9, 2012 by metisdead
: Bold font removed.

[Tanaka]

Thailand's version of the Cheshire Cat.

Truth is, dressing well, looking hot, and staying out of politics are not the essential requirements of a Prime Minister.

it seemingly is, judging from some interviews with Thai people in the streets of Bangkok.

[Jingthing]

She has lived/studied in the US.

She "studied" at a very low rated school there and her lack of English skills speaks volumes about the quality of her experience.

[123thaibourbon]

a graduate degree from Kentucky State University is hardly low-rated, then or now. If there was true democracy, then she would be re-elected by a landslide. plz try not to choke on sour grapes ;]

or rather the grapes of wrath 8[

Edited August 9, 2012 by metisdead
: Bold font removed.

[Jingthing]

a graduate degree from Kentucky State University is hardly low-rated, then or now. If there was true democracy, then she would be re-elected by a landslide. plz try not to choke on sour grapes ;]

or rather the grapes of wrath 8[

First of all, please stop bolding everything. Your tone is bold enough.

As far as KSU, sorry to inform the truth but it is a low ranked school. It is classed in TIER 2. Tier 2 is not good. To wit:

Tier 2 is approximately the bottom next 25 percent of schools that are just beneath the numbered ranked schools in the top three fourths in terms of their rankings in that category. In other words, schools listed in Tier 2 are ranked lower than all those that numerically ranked. In that particular ranking category of schools the Tier 2 schools are the lowest ranked.

http://www.usnews.co...ankings-2012#12

It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Kentucky State University's ranking in the 2012 edition of Best Colleges is National Liberal Arts Colleges, Tier 2

http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/kentucky-state-university-1968

Edited August 8, 2012 by Jingthing

[123thaibourbon]

well excuse me, your <snip> is quite amusing... K(Y)SU is a land grant HBCU public university. The ranking system is all sizzle. She lived amongst the most 'salt of the earth' Americans including the African American student population. The Aquaculture program is 'ranked top 5' in US. As Americans, we have emerged from a slave culture and try so hard not to look down on others. put some pepper on that steak!!

Edited August 9, 2012 by soundman
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