Thailand Should Follow Myanmar And Compromise: Editorial

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Thailand should follow Myanmar and compromise

The Nation

Reaction to TRCT report shows our political system needs give and take

BANGKOK: -- Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was in the US recently to accept honours she received during the many years of military rule she was kept her under house arrest in Myanmar, her home country.

During the 17-day tour of America, Suu Kyi expressed hope that Burma's fledging democracy can learn from the US.

But given the current political state of affairs and the tendency towards partisanship that comes with an election year, perhaps the American people can learn a thing or two from one of the world's most inspiring figures.

Suu Kyi talked about turning a new leaf in Myanmar, also known as Burma, and reaching out to the generals who had shunned the world for decades before coming to their senses about what has to be done to move Burma forward as a nation and become a responsible member of the international community.

"We are beginning to learn to work together," she said at the US Institute of Peace. "We are beginning to learn the art of compromise, give and take, achievement of consensus. It is good that this is beginning in the legislature and we hope this will spread and become part of the political culture of Burma."

By achieving such compromise, stakeholders in Burma, regardless of which side of the political divide they are on, are letting the entire world know what they want. Thai leaders, on the other hand, don't seem to know what they want. But they appear to be more concerned with losing political ground. Thus the unwillingness to compromise even when the opportunity presents itself. The recent report by the Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand (TRCT) is testimony to this very point.

It would be misleading to say the stakes are higher here in Thailand, thus making compromise virtually impossible. The problem with Thailand is that no one is willing to take responsibility for his actions. The TRCT rightly pointed out that everybody is to blame for the political violence.

And instead of the TRCT report being used as a platform to move forward, it is likely to become an artefact that no one wants to touch simply because it is not favourable to them.

Leap of faith

It was not that long ago that Burma was one of the world's most hated nations, the sick man of Asean. Many thought a military solution was the only way to bring about change to the country.

But almost overnight, the ruling generals, as well as the pro-democracy camp, decided to take that leap of faith. In a short time, Burma has achieved much in terms of reforms. Initiatives may not move as fast as some would like, but that's mainly because the country lacks the bureaucratic capacity and manpower to do what needs to be done.

But generally speaking, there is agreement that the policy put forward is irreversible. And the leap of faith is paying off for all stakeholders.

Before a Washington audience last week, Suu Kyi said: "Sometimes it's much more difficult to learn to work together than to suffer individually".

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was not in the US to seek sympathy or to promote herself. Instead, she was there to seek support and understanding for her country. Half a century of dictatorship has really messed things up for the people of Burma, not to mention Suu Kyi and her tremendous personal suffering.

While it is true that every nation has unique problems of its own and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the unwillingness of political leaders to compromise and the failure of the state to provide goods and services to the people are all too common. In this respect, Thailand stands out above many. Our bureaucratic machine has compromised itself to serve the political master of the day.

Given the manner in which the TRCT report, which seeks to heal and calls for forgiveness, was rejected by many stakeholders, it is safe to say that there isn't much hope for the country in the near future.

Don't be surprised that sooner or later, a new group of truth seekers will be commissioned and the findings may even please the ruling party at the time, whether under the Yingluck administration or its successor.

But if we continue to employ such an attitude and if our political leaders continue to seek ways to milk the report for their selfish political gain, these reports will not be worth the paper they are written on. Unfortunately, there is no indication that our leaders are willing to make that kind of compromise.

-- The Nation 2012-10-01

[Thai at Heart]

Well, acting for the people instead of lining your own pocket might be a start.

[asiawatcher]

Amazing headline... amazing Thailand. Why would Thailand try to follow Burma, they are no example of anything like democracy. The generals are hugely corrupt, the poor are down trodden and monks are executed. What a stupid headlined insane article.

[Thai at Heart]

Amazing headline... amazing Thailand. Why would Thailand try to follow Burma, they are no example of anything like democracy. The generals are hugely corrupt, the poor are down trodden and monks are executed. What a stupid headlined insane article.

Other than the monks, o thought you were talking about Thailand.

Burma is embarking on reform, give it 10 years and i would wager that it will become something that Thailand will be quite envious of. Thailand is in desperate need of political and judicial reform.

Does anyone see it happening?

[NamKangMan]

Amazing headline... amazing Thailand. Why would Thailand try to follow Burma, they are no example of anything like democracy. The generals are hugely corrupt, the poor are down trodden and monks are executed. What a stupid headlined insane article.

"they (Burma) are no example of anything like a democracy." - Either is Thailand, when an individual can "buy" your vote by directly puting cash into your hands at a polling booth, or by only looking after the Thai elite. (the whole red/yellow shirt issue)

Thailand is very similar to a Communist State. You can rule with a gun, or rule with money. Either way, you rule, and have only your self interest at heart, or the interests of a minority, and not the interest of the population.

Such corruption here in Thailand does not make for a free and democratically elected Goverment, by all the people, and for all the people.

Edited October 1, 2012 by NamKangMan

[DocN]

No matter if the headline is bull or not: shouldn't it make the ears of many in Thailand ring, that people now even TRY to set Myanmar as an example for Thailand???

[hellodolly]

She did not claim that Burma has arrived. Her claim is that they are achieving progress through compromise. Give them time and Thailand will be looking at them as a model to be envious of.

Consider what they had three years ago and what we had three years ago.

Who is going forward?

Extrapolate the two countries out for the next twenty years and Thailand will indeed be considered a third world nation.

[jayboy]

Amazing headline... amazing Thailand. Why would Thailand try to follow Burma, they are no example of anything like democracy. The generals are hugely corrupt, the poor are down trodden and monks are executed. What a stupid headlined insane article.

I think the editorial was simply making the point that currently Burma sets an example to Thailand with two sides that were bitterly hostile having decided to work together for the good of the country.This means that both sides will have to negotiate and compromise, accepting developments that seemed beyond the pale previously.This is hard both for the government and opposition, but there's an implicit recognition that neither side posseses a momopoly of truth or virtue.There is no devilish figure to blame all problems on, and the solution or at least way forward lies in committing to democracy with all its imperfections, arguing where necessary but jointly working for the country's future.

Incidentally you seem to have overlooked the indisputable fact that Thai army generals are awash with corruption.

[uptheos]

Consider what they had three years ago and what we had three years ago.

Who is going forward?

Absolutely and once sanctions are lifted there will be no stopping them.

Tourist's (who are already flocking in record numbers) will continue to increase.

[smedly]

The problem here is that TS thinks he is part of the process and is basically forcing his way into the arena, TS is not part of the process and the sooner TS and the people realise this only then will this debacle move forward, TS has only two goals - get his money back and save his disgraced face. Thaialnd routed out a bad apple and convicted him in court, Burma has never been anywhere near the level of democracy that existed here in Thailand but could certaintly learn from it's troubles, it is not beyond comprehention that it could indeed leave Thailand in it's wake politically economically and socially in the coming years

[jayboy]

The problem here is that TS thinks he is part of the process and is basically forcing his way into the arena, TS is not part of the process and the sooner TS and the people realise this only then will this debacle move forward, TS has only two goals - get his money back and save his disgraced face. Thaialnd routed out a bad apple and convicted him in court, Burma has never been anywhere near the level of democracy that existed here in Thailand but could certaintly learn from it's troubles, it is not beyond comprehention that it could indeed leave Thailand in it's wake politically economically and socially in the coming years

Whether you like it or not TS is part of the process.His enemies would very much like him not to be part of the process and have made efforts to arrange this.All have failed.

[khunken]

The problem here is that TS thinks he is part of the process and is basically forcing his way into the arena, TS is not part of the process and the sooner TS and the people realise this only then will this debacle move forward, TS has only two goals - get his money back and save his disgraced face. Thaialnd routed out a bad apple and convicted him in court, Burma has never been anywhere near the level of democracy that existed here in Thailand but could certaintly learn from it's troubles, it is not beyond comprehention that it could indeed leave Thailand in it's wake politically economically and socially in the coming years

Whether you like it or not TS is part of the process.His enemies would very much like him not to be part of the process and have made efforts to arrange this.All have failed.

Thaksin is not a part of any process of reconciliation but a major part of the problem. Both sides have failed - he has neither been eliminated nor has he been whitewashed.

This a is a very good article IMO any it is quite correct to say that the TRCT report should be a base to start real reconciliation. Unfortunately some of the more big-mouthed individuals cannot accept it despite Yingluck saying earlier that it will be accepted by the government.

[hellodolly]

The problem here is that TS thinks he is part of the process and is basically forcing his way into the arena, TS is not part of the process and the sooner TS and the people realise this only then will this debacle move forward, TS has only two goals - get his money back and save his disgraced face. Thaialnd routed out a bad apple and convicted him in court, Burma has never been anywhere near the level of democracy that existed here in Thailand but could certaintly learn from it's troubles, it is not beyond comprehention that it could indeed leave Thailand in it's wake politically economically and socially in the coming years

Whether you like it or not TS is part of the process.His enemies would very much like him not to be part of the process and have made efforts to arrange this.All have failed.

For my part Thaksin is a part of it and will continue to be a part of it as long as he is still breathing. It is in his vary nature to control and the only thing that will stop him is a election where not one of his friends this includes family or people under his control is elected or he passes on to his next incarnation to collect on his Karma.

Edited October 1, 2012 by hellodolly

[hellodolly]

The problem here is that TS thinks he is part of the process and is basically forcing his way into the arena, TS is not part of the process and the sooner TS and the people realise this only then will this debacle move forward, TS has only two goals - get his money back and save his disgraced face. Thaialnd routed out a bad apple and convicted him in court, Burma has never been anywhere near the level of democracy that existed here in Thailand but could certaintly learn from it's troubles, it is not beyond comprehention that it could indeed leave Thailand in it's wake politically economically and socially in the coming years

Whether you like it or not TS is part of the process.His enemies would very much like him not to be part of the process and have made efforts to arrange this.All have failed.

Thaksin is not a part of any process of reconciliation but a major part of the problem. Both sides have failed - he has neither been eliminated nor has he been whitewashed.

This a is a very good article IMO any it is quite correct to say that the TRCT report should be a base to start real reconciliation. Unfortunately some of the more big-mouthed individuals cannot accept it despite Yingluck saying earlier that it will be accepted by the government.

Well I would agree with you if youu could change "big-mouthed individuals" to guilty individuals.

[jayboy]

Thaksin is not a part of any process of reconciliation but a major part of the problem. Both sides have failed - he has neither been eliminated nor has he been whitewashed.

You say you like the article yet come up with a statement that is contrary to its spirit.

It is absurd to say that Thaksin is not part of the reconciliation process.That doesn't mean he wasn't part of the problem along with the generals who launched the 2006 coup and the shadowy feudal interests that backed them.However he remains by far the most popular politician in the country (okay out of it for the time being) and the inspiration behind several general election victories.The government headed by his sister has reconciliation as its primary objective and the unelected elites by and large want to do a deal.That's why under the last government part of Thaksin's confiscated wealth was handed back..One can certainly question motivations here but Thaksin is centre stage in the reconciliation process: the main problem is that apart from a few diehards among the unelected elites, the urban middle class won't accept it at the momennt.Hence the stalemate.

But your commment -

"Thaksin is not a part of any process of reconciliation but a major part of the problem. Both sides have failed - he has neither been eliminated nor has he been whitewashed."

-is precisely the attitude the article suggests is self defeating.In the settlement which hopefully lies ahead Thaksin will neither be eliminated nor whitewashed.He won't like it much but will accept it if his enemies also have to make sacrifices.Just like Burma.

[Noistar]

Thaksin is not a part of any process of reconciliation but a major part of the problem. Both sides have failed - he has neither been eliminated nor has he been whitewashed.

You say you like the article yet come up with a statement that is contrary to its spirit.

It is absurd to say that Thaksin is not part of the reconciliation process.That doesn't mean he wasn't part of the problem along with the generals who launched the 2006 coup and the shadowy feudal interests that backed them.However he remains by far the most popular politician in the country (okay out of it for the time being) and the inspiration behind several general election victories.The government headed by his sister has reconciliation as its primary objective and the unelected elites by and large want to do a deal.That's why under the last government part of Thaksin's confiscated wealth was handed back..One can certainly question motivations here but Thaksin is centre stage in the reconciliation process: the main problem is that apart from a few diehards among the unelected elites, the urban middle class won't accept it at the momennt.Hence the stalemate.

But your commment -

"Thaksin is not a part of any process of reconciliation but a major part of the problem. Both sides have failed - he has neither been eliminated nor has he been whitewashed."

-is precisely the attitude the article suggests is self defeating.In the settlement which hopefully lies ahead Thaksin will neither be eliminated nor whitewashed.He won't like it much but will accept it if his enemies also have to make sacrifices.Just like Burma.

Lets get this crystal clear. You believe the ruling party, figure headed by Yingluck but led by who-knows-who, is after a benefit to Thailand?

This 'reconciliation' is not going to lead to a settled Thailand. It will just be another reason to generate conflict. Your 'unelected elites' comment shows how you fail to realise the make-up of Thailand.

Isn't the figurehead guilty of 'not knowing the facts' of the reconciliation bill?

If so, why should the country take it any more seriously?

The future for Thailand lies in a parliamentary democracy, not a democratically elected dictatorship

[Crushdepth]

Burma has made more progress in the last 12 months than Thailand has in the last 10 years.

[khunken]

Thaksin is not a part of any process of reconciliation but a major part of the problem. Both sides have failed - he has neither been eliminated nor has he been whitewashed.

You say you like the article yet come up with a statement that is contrary to its spirit.

It is absurd to say that Thaksin is not part of the reconciliation process.That doesn't mean he wasn't part of the problem along with the generals who launched the 2006 coup and the shadowy feudal interests that backed them.However he remains by far the most popular politician in the country (okay out of it for the time being) and the inspiration behind several general election victories.The government headed by his sister has reconciliation as its primary objective and the unelected elites by and large want to do a deal.That's why under the last government part of Thaksin's confiscated wealth was handed back..One can certainly question motivations here but Thaksin is centre stage in the reconciliation process: the main problem is that apart from a few diehards among the unelected elites, the urban middle class won't accept it at the momennt.Hence the stalemate.

But your commment -

"Thaksin is not a part of any process of reconciliation but a major part of the problem. Both sides have failed - he has neither been eliminated nor has he been whitewashed."

-is precisely the attitude the article suggests is self defeating.In the settlement which hopefully lies ahead Thaksin will neither be eliminated nor whitewashed.He won't like it much but will accept it if his enemies also have to make sacrifices.Just like Burma.

When you have a mind-set that focuses on undefined 'elites', Thaksin an 'inspiration' & 'most popular', all you are doing is parroting the PTP & red-shirt propaganda. You say my acceptance of the TRCT report is 'contrary to its spirit'. Absolute rubbish.

My acceptance of the report is fully in line with what it says. I don't agree with everything in it, but it is the best we've had so far. I would also add that it says that it would be in the best interests of Thailand if Thaksin would butt out. Is this why you don't like it without actually saying so?

There are a number of elites in Thailand. The business elite is one of them & when they acquire power - via Thaksin mainly - the country goes to the dogs corruption-wise.

You say that Thaksin will accept sacrifices if his opponents do also - more rubbish. In case it has escaped your knowledge, the Dems have accepted the report - in the main - but Thaksin & some of his acolytes have not. Furthermore, he refuses to accept that he has done any wrong or been in any way corrupt. This is very much the attitude that prevents Thailand from making any progress, politically, ethically & economically. And I'll leave debt out of it for now.

[I Like Thai]

"they (Burma) are no example of anything like a democracy." - Either is Thailand, when an individual can "buy" your vote by directly puting cash into your hands at a polling booth, or by only looking after the Thai elite. (the whole red/yellow shirt issue)

In Thailand, a politician may say, "Vote for me and I'll give you money". The Thai person votes for the candidate and gets the payment promised.

In the West, a politician may say, "Vote for me and I'll give you less taxes, better healthcare, better schools. The person in the west votes for the candidate and doesn't get less taxes, better healthcare nor better schools.

Who is more honest ???

All votes are bought one way or another.

[khunken]

"they (Burma) are no example of anything like a democracy." - Either is Thailand, when an individual can "buy" your vote by directly puting cash into your hands at a polling booth, or by only looking after the Thai elite. (the whole red/yellow shirt issue)

In Thailand, a politician may say, "Vote for me and I'll give you money". The Thai person votes for the candidate and gets the payment promised.

In the West, a politician may say, "Vote for me and I'll give you less taxes, better healthcare, better schools. The person in the west votes for the candidate and doesn't get less taxes, better healthcare nor better schools.

Who is more honest ???

All votes are bought one way or another.

I partially agree with you.

Unfortunately here in Thailand they use both methods. Payment for the vote and promises to build roads, free schooling, free medical care, subsidies for farmers, subsidies for consumers to buy their first house & car (??), & so on.

[jayboy]

Thaksin is not a part of any process of reconciliation but a major part of the problem. Both sides have failed - he has neither been eliminated nor has he been whitewashed.

You say you like the article yet come up with a statement that is contrary to its spirit.

It is absurd to say that Thaksin is not part of the reconciliation process.That doesn't mean he wasn't part of the problem along with the generals who launched the 2006 coup and the shadowy feudal interests that backed them.However he remains by far the most popular politician in the country (okay out of it for the time being) and the inspiration behind several general election victories.The government headed by his sister has reconciliation as its primary objective and the unelected elites by and large want to do a deal.That's why under the last government part of Thaksin's confiscated wealth was handed back..One can certainly question motivations here but Thaksin is centre stage in the reconciliation process: the main problem is that apart from a few diehards among the unelected elites, the urban middle class won't accept it at the momennt.Hence the stalemate.

But your commment -

"Thaksin is not a part of any process of reconciliation but a major part of the problem. Both sides have failed - he has neither been eliminated nor has he been whitewashed."

-is precisely the attitude the article suggests is self defeating.In the settlement which hopefully lies ahead Thaksin will neither be eliminated nor whitewashed.He won't like it much but will accept it if his enemies also have to make sacrifices.Just like Burma.

When you have a mind-set that focuses on undefined 'elites', Thaksin an 'inspiration' & 'most popular', all you are doing is parroting the PTP & red-shirt propaganda. You say my acceptance of the TRCT report is 'contrary to its spirit'. Absolute rubbish.

My acceptance of the report is fully in line with what it says. I don't agree with everything in it, but it is the best we've had so far. I would also add that it says that it would be in the best interests of Thailand if Thaksin would butt out. Is this why you don't like it without actually saying so?

There are a number of elites in Thailand. The business elite is one of them & when they acquire power - via Thaksin mainly - the country goes to the dogs corruption-wise.

You say that Thaksin will accept sacrifices if his opponents do also - more rubbish. In case it has escaped your knowledge, the Dems have accepted the report - in the main - but Thaksin & some of his acolytes have not. Furthermore, he refuses to accept that he has done any wrong or been in any way corrupt. This is very much the attitude that prevents Thailand from making any progress, politically, ethically & economically. And I'll leave debt out of it for now.

I made no comments on the TCRT report nor did I have it mind when I discussed reconciliation.Therefore your comments on what you think I think of it (wrongly as it happens) are neither here nor there.

However you rigid mindset and unwillingness to consider compromise, albeit expressed in a rather ill informed and uninteresting way, is yet another example of the unhelpful attitude (in Thailand) the article discusses

[jayboy]

Thaksin is not a part of any process of reconciliation but a major part of the problem. Both sides have failed - he has neither been eliminated nor has he been whitewashed.

You say you like the article yet come up with a statement that is contrary to its spirit.

It is absurd to say that Thaksin is not part of the reconciliation process.That doesn't mean he wasn't part of the problem along with the generals who launched the 2006 coup and the shadowy feudal interests that backed them.However he remains by far the most popular politician in the country (okay out of it for the time being) and the inspiration behind several general election victories.The government headed by his sister has reconciliation as its primary objective and the unelected elites by and large want to do a deal.That's why under the last government part of Thaksin's confiscated wealth was handed back..One can certainly question motivations here but Thaksin is centre stage in the reconciliation process: the main problem is that apart from a few diehards among the unelected elites, the urban middle class won't accept it at the momennt.Hence the stalemate.

But your commment -

"Thaksin is not a part of any process of reconciliation but a major part of the problem. Both sides have failed - he has neither been eliminated nor has he been whitewashed."

-is precisely the attitude the article suggests is self defeating.In the settlement which hopefully lies ahead Thaksin will neither be eliminated nor whitewashed.He won't like it much but will accept it if his enemies also have to make sacrifices.Just like Burma.

Lets get this crystal clear. You believe the ruling party, figure headed by Yingluck but led by who-knows-who, is after a benefit to Thailand?

This 'reconciliation' is not going to lead to a settled Thailand. It will just be another reason to generate conflict. Your 'unelected elites' comment shows how you fail to realise the make-up of Thailand.

Isn't the figurehead guilty of 'not knowing the facts' of the reconciliation bill?

If so, why should the country take it any more seriously?

The future for Thailand lies in a parliamentary democracy, not a democratically elected dictatorship

Yes I do believe the ruling part looks to improve Thailand's position and that of its people, as do the Democrats.There are different ways of perceiving how this might be done but that's democracy for you.No different from the West.

You say I fail to understand "the make up of Thailand", whatever that means.Your point is very obscure and it would be helpful if you could elaborate.I also have no idea what you mean by the figurehead "not knowing the facts."If you believe there is no point in reconciliation, that is certainly a point of view albeit a somewhat self defeating one.Such an attitude (back to The Nation article again) would result in disaster in my view.Fortunately few Thais share it.

Your comment about a democratically elected dictatorship is just a refrain of the same theme heard in every country as democracy was introduced.It's not an easy process.

[khunken]

Thaksin is not a part of any process of reconciliation but a major part of the problem. Both sides have failed - he has neither been eliminated nor has he been whitewashed.

You say you like the article yet come up with a statement that is contrary to its spirit.

It is absurd to say that Thaksin is not part of the reconciliation process.That doesn't mean he wasn't part of the problem along with the generals who launched the 2006 coup and the shadowy feudal interests that backed them.However he remains by far the most popular politician in the country (okay out of it for the time being) and the inspiration behind several general election victories.The government headed by his sister has reconciliation as its primary objective and the unelected elites by and large want to do a deal.That's why under the last government part of Thaksin's confiscated wealth was handed back..One can certainly question motivations here but Thaksin is centre stage in the reconciliation process: the main problem is that apart from a few diehards among the unelected elites, the urban middle class won't accept it at the momennt.Hence the stalemate.

But your commment -

"Thaksin is not a part of any process of reconciliation but a major part of the problem. Both sides have failed - he has neither been eliminated nor has he been whitewashed."

-is precisely the attitude the article suggests is self defeating.In the settlement which hopefully lies ahead Thaksin will neither be eliminated nor whitewashed.He won't like it much but will accept it if his enemies also have to make sacrifices.Just like Burma.

When you have a mind-set that focuses on undefined 'elites', Thaksin an 'inspiration' & 'most popular', all you are doing is parroting the PTP & red-shirt propaganda. You say my acceptance of the TRCT report is 'contrary to its spirit'. Absolute rubbish.

My acceptance of the report is fully in line with what it says. I don't agree with everything in it, but it is the best we've had so far. I would also add that it says that it would be in the best interests of Thailand if Thaksin would butt out. Is this why you don't like it without actually saying so?

There are a number of elites in Thailand. The business elite is one of them & when they acquire power - via Thaksin mainly - the country goes to the dogs corruption-wise.

You say that Thaksin will accept sacrifices if his opponents do also - more rubbish. In case it has escaped your knowledge, the Dems have accepted the report - in the main - but Thaksin & some of his acolytes have not. Furthermore, he refuses to accept that he has done any wrong or been in any way corrupt. This is very much the attitude that prevents Thailand from making any progress, politically, ethically & economically. And I'll leave debt out of it for now.

I made no comments on the TCRT report nor did I have it mind when I discussed reconciliation.Therefore your comments on what you think I think of it (wrongly as it happens) are neither here nor there.

However you rigid mindset and unwillingness to consider compromise, albeit expressed in a rather ill informed and uninteresting way, is yet another example of the unhelpful attitude (in Thailand) the article discusses

You seem very proficient on commenting on what other people say or even think. You are not very forthcoming on what you think - that is if you have any thoughts of your own apart from the PTP/Red-shirt parroting.

By accepting the TRCT report, without voicing my disapproval of parts of it, I am accepting compromise. Is that too difficult for you to comprehend. I haven't seen the slightest hint of compromise from you, so all you are doing is accusing me of precisely what you are doing yourself. That's called hypocrisy.

Apart from being a self-appointed critic, do you have an opinion of your own?

[Noistar]

Yes I do believe the ruling part looks to improve Thailand's position and that of its people, as do the Democrats.There are different ways of perceiving how this might be done but that's democracy for you.No different from the West.

You say I fail to understand "the make up of Thailand", whatever that means.Your point is very obscure and it would be helpful if you could elaborate.I also have no idea what you mean by the figurehead "not knowing the facts."If you believe there is no point in reconciliation, that is certainly a point of view albeit a somewhat self defeating one.Such an attitude (back to The Nation article again) would result in disaster in my view.Fortunately few Thais share it.

Your comment about a democratically elected dictatorship is just a refrain of the same theme heard in every country as democracy was introduced.It's not an easy process.

I may have mis-understood your post - the main failing of the written, rather than the spoken word!

I stand by my comment about the ruling party not governing by a parliamentary democracy. The Opposition, albeit in a minority, do not appear to be able to debate with the ruling party, let alone the 2 party leaders.

If they do not observe the mechanism of Democracy, and carry on implementing policies regardless, I believe my comment re an elected dictatorship has some merit

If I understand your post correctly, we are not at odds about the need for politicians to put Thailand first. However, the 'reconciliation bill' seems to be a smoke screen rather than a sincere policy.

If that weren't the case, there wouldn't be the perception (as reported by a poll a few months back - accuracy of poll not-withstanding!), there is a majority of the population (poll interviewees) who saw a definite chance of conflict.

The 2 parties have to be included in the solution (much as the situation in the South). I can see that being the only way of pulling the country together.

[indyuk]

But if we continue to employ such an attitude and if our political leaders continue to seek ways to milk the report for their selfish political gain, these reports will not be worth the paper they are written on. Unfortunately, there is no indication that our leaders are willing to make that kind of compromise.

A good article and for me a promise of better things to come for Thailand and her Asian neighbors working together toward political stability and prosperity. I suspect that Yingluck's administration has already initiated the groundwork for a better future.

[SeaVisionBurma]

Amazing headline... amazing Thailand. Why would Thailand try to follow Burma, they are no example of anything like democracy. The generals are hugely corrupt, the poor are down trodden and monks are executed. What a stupid headlined insane article.

You are aware that it is October 2012, and that for the past year or so there has been some incredible progress in Myanmar....

Having lived there for most of the time since the late 90's - I can attest to the fact that the attitude is of a new era there.

I was there in September 2007 when the monks were marching, just before a brutal crackdown.

That was 5 years ago. A lot can change in 5 years, and thankfully it has.

Again - you are aware that things are changing, right? Your comment reads like it was written by somebody stuck in the past, who is determined never to move forward.....

Edited October 1, 2012 by SeaVisionBurma

[smedly]

thaksin is not part of the problem - he is the problem, I honestly cannot see how thailand can move forward while he is involved, the sooner he f***ks off the better, then and only the will the people be able to move on, anyone that cannot see that really have no concept of what is afoot, I also think yinluck is a good person and the more this goes on the more she will distance herself from her brother and the good people of Thailand

you cannot reconcile with convicted hated criminals

Thaksin needs to go away then and only then will the people of Thailand have a chance to hold hands and form a united orange shirt (yellow and red together)and move on

I vote for orange

[waza]

thaksin is not part of the problem - he is the problem, I honestly cannot see how thailand can move forward while he is involved, the sooner he f***ks off the better, then and only the will the people be able to move on, anyone that cannot see that really have no concept of what is afoot, I also think yinluck is a good person and the more this goes on the more she will distance herself from her brother and the good people of Thailand

you cannot reconcile with convicted hated criminals

Thaksin needs to go away then and only then will the people of Thailand have a chance to hold hands and form a united orange shirt (yellow and red together)and move on

I vote for orange

I agree, but what does Thaksin say?

"Thaksin declined to reveal his net worth, while saying his enemies “clipped” his “deep pockets.”

“The principle is about justice,” Thaksin said, referring to his seized wealth. “Did I have enough justice? Did they treat me correctly? Did they observe the rule of law while treating me? If not, I have to be remedied.......“Thaksin is always speaking outside the country,” Chavanond said. “Why doesn’t he come back and prove what really happened and prove to the people that he’s innocent as he said.”

...Thaksin said bills granting amnesty for political offenses from all sides since the coup would remain tabled in Parliament as more discussion takes place. The measure would allow everyone to start “all over again,” he said..........At the same time, he said the previous government headed by former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva should face trial for setting up “live ammunition zones” to besiege protesters in 2010...........“Everyone in Thailand knows that I’ve been bullied politically,” he said. “So the only way to correct it must be the same, that is through the political process. This is politics. That’s it.” http://www.businessw...utheast-asia#p2

Edited October 1, 2012 by waza

[PoodMaiDai]

Well, acting for the people instead of lining your own pocket might be a start.

You just don't understand Thainess.

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

thaksin is not part of the problem - he is the problem, I honestly cannot see how thailand can move forward while he is involved, the sooner he f***ks off the better, then and only the will the people be able to move on, anyone that cannot see that really have no concept of what is afoot, I also think yinluck is a good person and the more this goes on the more she will distance herself from her brother and the good people of Thailand

you cannot reconcile with convicted hated criminals

Thaksin needs to go away then and only then will the people of Thailand have a chance to hold hands and form a united orange shirt (yellow and red together)and move on

I vote for orange

I agree, but what does Thaksin say?

"Thaksin declined to reveal his net worth, while saying his enemies “clipped” his “deep pockets.”

“The principle is about justice,” Thaksin said, referring to his seized wealth. “Did I have enough justice? Did they treat me correctly? Did they observe the rule of law while treating me? If not, I have to be remedied.......“Thaksin is always speaking outside the country,” Chavanond said. “Why doesn’t he come back and prove what really happened and prove to the people that he’s innocent as he said.”

...Thaksin said bills granting amnesty for political offenses from all sides since the coup would remain tabled in Parliament as more discussion takes place. The measure would allow everyone to start “all over again,” he said..........At the same time, he said the previous government headed by former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva should face trial for setting up “live ammunition zones” to besiege protesters in 2010...........“Everyone in Thailand knows that I’ve been bullied politically,” he said. “So the only way to correct it must be the same, that is through the political process. This is politics. That’s it.” http://www.businessw...utheast-asia#p2

“Everyone in Thailand knows that I’ve been bullied politically,” he said. “

well, he can always ask the yellow shirts and most Thais with an education if they think so.