Nepotism Can't Be Good For The Party Or Country: Thai Editorial

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Nepotism can't be good for the party or country
The Nation

With Yaowapa Wongsawat taking a seat in Parliament, the stage seems set for another smooth transfer of power within the Shinawatra clan

BANGKOK: -- The return to politics of Yaowapa Wongsawat has stamped the ruling Pheu Thai Party as a possession of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and that the choice of leadership as well as the party's structure still revolves around the man who pulls the strings from outside Thailand.

Yaowapa attracted huge attention when news broke that she would run for Parliament under the Pheu Thai banner in Chiang Mai. As expected, she won the seat and became an MP, and her status means much more than one more vote for the party in Parliament. This is just a stepping stone in her preparations to serve as replacement prime minister if and when the party needs her. She denies this, however, and Thaksin says he just wants Yaowapa to help Prime Minister Yingluck with parliamentary work. Many people refused to believe this, noting that Yaowapa could assist her sister just as easily without becoming an MP.

Thaksin's son Panthongtae seemed even less convincing when he asserted on Facebook that Pheu Thai needs a substitute prime minister ready lest the same fate befall it that swept away its predecessors - the Thai Rak Thai and People's Power parties also founded by his father.

The ostensible leadership of Yongyut Wichaidit and the late Samak Sundaravej notwithstanding, the three Thaksin parties have all been run by Shinawatras. Thaksin handpicks the leader he thinks suits his agenda. The nature of the party, as seen by political analysts, reflects the thinking of one man, and Yaowapa's "comeback" has his signature all over it.

The new Chiang Mai MP is a veteran politician compared to her younger sister. Yaowapa was considered an influential figure during the glory days of Thai Rak Thai, with more than 100 MPs under her control. Unlike the current premier, she had the bargaining power to negotiate ministerial seats directly with her brother Thaksin. The media have dubbed her "a lady with three positions" - sister of Thaksin, wife of former premier Somchai Wongsawat, and elder sister of current premier Yingluck. Her five-year political ban was lifted in time for her to return to politics and serve her brother's agenda, should Yingluck suffer a political accident. Yaowapa, who assisted Yingluck through her election campaign, is seen as yet another part of the jigsaw puzzle, which allows clan members to inherit the driver's seat while Thaksin is unable to take the wheel.

The re-emergence of Yaowapa has again underlined the ruling party's nepotistic structure. The leadership, unlike that of the rival Democrats, is handpicked by the strongman. There is no democratic procedure in the selection process. The major policies - the rice-price pledging scheme, the Bt2-trillion infrastructure loan and the high-speed rail projects - undergo little if any debate among party members.

The opposition Democrat Party has been questioned about its structure too, but when it comes to the leadership and policies, it has never been controlled by one figure. The party has recently showed enthusiasm for internal reform, but only amid much debate inside the party itself.

Critics have pinpointed the "old guard" as being a negative factor in Thailand's oldest political party, but at least its flaws can be blamed on collective decision-making. In contrast, Pheu Thai rules the country, for better or worse, at the behest of one man who orchestrates from without. From portfolio allocation to major monetary policies, Pheu Thai has only one decision-maker. This is not healthy for party politics or the country, especially when that person is the country's most divisive figure.

This style of leadership can only be good for the country if Thaksin were to put the country's interests before his own or those of his clan. We have seen the mostly positive benefit of "one-man leadership" in the dramatic development of Singapore and Malaysia. But in the case of Thailand, this is far from true. The emergence of Yaowapa might be the right choice for the Pheu Thai Party, but it remains to be seen whether it will make Thai politics and Thailand any healthier.


-- The Nation 2013-05-08

[A Member]

The article may be accurateis but more than a little late and we all know that as long as Thaksin draws breath he will run the country if he's here or through a proxy if he's not. Creation of a dynasty is not good for any country and here in a so called democracy it's to be hoped that the people will finally waken up and realise how they are being conned by populist policies of serving the greater good of one man, one family.

[Thai at Heart]

I presume this writer is a completely self made success story. And no political nepotism isn't good, but then nepotism is everywhere in Thailand, (and elsewhere).

Edited May 8, 2013 by Thai at Heart

[daboyz1]

Great article. Sums up how laughable things are in current Thai politics. A convicted fugitive running the country by proxy through different family members. You can't make this stuff up. I find it hilarious how the Thaksin apologists are always crying about the coup, yet see nothing wrong with what seems to be North Korean style leadership succession. As long as you are from one family, you can be the P.M. Qualifications are irrelevant.

I honestly feel sorry for those folks jumping up and down with their red signs outside the Constitution Court. I can't understand why they don't realize they are just pawns in one psychopath's quest for never-ending unlimited power.

[arthurboy]

Nepotism and cronyism are standard here in pretty much every walk of life. What we are seeing with the current government is nothing new.

This isn't news, but a concerted call by the Nation for a clean and transparent government would be.

Sent from my I live in hope phone.

[Thait Spot]

What's the difference between this and the cosa nostra?

[Stradavarius37]

This article receives the Stradavarius37's "No Sh&t Sherlock! Award" of the Day!

[OzMick]

What's the difference between this and the cosa nostra?

Well in one case you have a life-time criminal, head of a criminal conspiracy, using his ill-gotten wealth to bribe politicians - in the other case they are of Italian descent.

[brd199]

What's the difference between this and the cosa nostra?

Some convicted members of the Cosa Nostra have actually spent time in prison.

Edited May 8, 2013 by brd199

[bigbamboo]

Nepotism is never a good thing in politics, North Korea being the perfect example.

[doggie888888]

Is bush junior being president after dad has had a go an example of nepotism and cronyism? Or the fact that a brother is governor of a state. Or that dad was CIA?

Sure they all went through elections. Current Thai pm went through elections too, didn't she?

not supporting state of affairs in Thailand, where you actually need an article like this to state the bleeding obvious. But where and how do you draw the line?

Another example is Lee junior as Singapore pm. By all accounts, he is very smart and capable, but still a son of a ex pm.

[ChrisY1]

It's hardly laughable really.....the way things here in Thailand are emerging, can only be to the detriment of the country.

I'm quite surprised also that the international media hasn't made more of this....no doubt when he does get back to the country and ruling again..(which possibly doesn't seem to be too far away), there'll be some interesting press.

As for the Reds....well...their dangerous nonsense continues unabated, albeit that PT have almost forgotten them

[eezergood]

Just another day in the office.........

[daboyz1]

Is bush junior being president after dad has had a go an example of nepotism and cronyism? Or the fact that a brother is governor of a state. Or that dad was CIA?

Sure they all went through elections. Current Thai pm went through elections too, didn't she?

not supporting state of affairs in Thailand, where you actually need an article like this to state the bleeding obvious. But where and how do you draw the line?

Another example is Lee junior as Singapore pm. By all accounts, he is very smart and capable, but still a son of a ex pm.

No, Yingluck didn't directly win any election. She was a party list candidate.

[chainarong]

Nepotism Isn't good anywhere ,but particularly in politics , the Thai government seems to lose sight of the fact that it has a obligation to the people of Thailand, not to those gathered around a BBQ at chiang Mai, the return of big sister after five years suspension, says something that smells in Thai politics, anywhere else in a decent Democracy , that person regardless of standing /statue ,would have been drummed out of the party and politics for life.Score: 1/10

[EyesWideOpen]

Think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.... The REALLY sad part is that Thais think nepotism is good. :-(

[Mampara]

Its one thing to be the ruling party, but quite another thing to run the party to the benefit of the country.

[Thai at Heart]

Nepotism Isn't good anywhere ,but particularly in politics , the Thai government seems to lose sight of the fact that it has a obligation to the people of Thailand, not to those gathered around a BBQ at chiang Mai, the return of big sister after five years suspension, says something that smells in Thai politics, anywhere else in a decent Democracy , that person regardless of standing /statue ,would have been drummed out of the party and politics for life.Score: 1/10

Actually, nepotism in modern politics probably isn't as bad as you make out. At least you get a very very good idea of what you are dealing with, and get a chance at least in a democracy to lob them out if they are useless. I would say that nepotism in business is far worse. 3 generations from millionaires to the poor house, isn't a phrase for nothing.

[brd199]

Nepotism Isn't good anywhere ,but particularly in politics , the Thai government seems to lose sight of the fact that it has a obligation to the people of Thailand, not to those gathered around a BBQ at chiang Mai, the return of big sister after five years suspension, says something that smells in Thai politics, anywhere else in a decent Democracy , that person regardless of standing /statue ,would have been drummed out of the party and politics for life.Score: 1/10

Actually, nepotism in modern politics probably isn't as bad as you make out. At least you get a very very good idea of what you are dealing with, and get a chance at least in a democracy to lob them out if they are useless. I would say that nepotism in business is far worse. 3 generations from millionaires to the poor house, isn't a phrase for nothing.

Yingluck was first a product of nepotism in business that became a product of nepotism in politics.

Without the nepotism, she wouldn't have been in business or politics.

[Thai at Heart]

Nepotism Isn't good anywhere ,but particularly in politics , the Thai government seems to lose sight of the fact that it has a obligation to the people of Thailand, not to those gathered around a BBQ at chiang Mai, the return of big sister after five years suspension, says something that smells in Thai politics, anywhere else in a decent Democracy , that person regardless of standing /statue ,would have been drummed out of the party and politics for life.Score: 1/10

Actually, nepotism in modern politics probably isn't as bad as you make out. At least you get a very very good idea of what you are dealing with, and get a chance at least in a democracy to lob them out if they are useless. I would say that nepotism in business is far worse. 3 generations from millionaires to the poor house, isn't a phrase for nothing.

Yingluck was first a product of nepotism in business that became a product of nepotism in politics.

Without the nepotism, she wouldn't have been in business or politics.

Indeed AIS probably was over the moon for her to move onto newer, more exciting fields. I suppose, its a good thing she doesn't or didn't actually run anything. In many terms the way Thailand was run by Thaksin, it was ok. If I was faced in a business meeting with the sister of the CEO in a position of senior responsibility, of which she had absolutely zero knowledge, I would get very worried. At least in government she has to deal with daily opposition and everyone knows very clearly that she doesn't run anything either.

Edited May 8, 2013 by Thai at Heart

[OzMick]

Nepotism Isn't good anywhere ,but particularly in politics , the Thai government seems to lose sight of the fact that it has a obligation to the people of Thailand, not to those gathered around a BBQ at chiang Mai, the return of big sister after five years suspension, says something that smells in Thai politics, anywhere else in a decent Democracy , that person regardless of standing /statue ,would have been drummed out of the party and politics for life.Score: 1/10

Actually, nepotism in modern politics probably isn't as bad as you make out. At least you get a very very good idea of what you are dealing with, and get a chance at least in a democracy to lob them out if they are useless. I would say that nepotism in business is far worse. 3 generations from millionaires to the poor house, isn't a phrase for nothing.

But here we have a large percentage of MPs elected by the party list system. As long as Thaksin has enough money to buy a few popular local politicians, he can install himself, family and cronies and they CAN'T be thrown out.

[Thai at Heart]

Nepotism Isn't good anywhere ,but particularly in politics , the Thai government seems to lose sight of the fact that it has a obligation to the people of Thailand, not to those gathered around a BBQ at chiang Mai, the return of big sister after five years suspension, says something that smells in Thai politics, anywhere else in a decent Democracy , that person regardless of standing /statue ,would have been drummed out of the party and politics for life.Score: 1/10

Actually, nepotism in modern politics probably isn't as bad as you make out. At least you get a very very good idea of what you are dealing with, and get a chance at least in a democracy to lob them out if they are useless. I would say that nepotism in business is far worse. 3 generations from millionaires to the poor house, isn't a phrase for nothing.

But here we have a large percentage of MPs elected by the party list system. As long as Thaksin has enough money to buy a few popular local politicians, he can install himself, family and cronies and they CAN'T be thrown out.

Indeed, I can't stand this party list nonsense.

[tragickingdom]

Assuming power given to you by coup takers cannot be good for country and party either. Abhisit knows everything about it and the democrats never win elections. Nepotism is unfortunately key in Thai society. There is nepotism in the Democrat Party, nepotism in the army, nepotism in the police and the laws are checked by judges that are so corrupt they could not even feature in a Godfather movie as no one would think it could be credible.

Still the judges caught red handed on camera are still there, the Chalerm, Banharn, Newin, Suthep and Sanan families are still ruling and Thailand is no exception. Japan, the Philippines, the Korea's and China are as bad and honestly spoken the Nation couldn't care less. They are in bed with the most influential people in Thai society so they can keep as much influence and money as possible.

You must be a huge hypocrite to put your name under such an article

[OzMick]

Assuming power given to you by coup takers cannot be good for country and party either. Abhisit knows everything about it and the democrats never win elections. Nepotism is unfortunately key in Thai society. There is nepotism in the Democrat Party, nepotism in the army, nepotism in the police and the laws are checked by judges that are so corrupt they could not even feature in a Godfather movie as no one would think it could be credible.

Still the judges caught red handed on camera are still there, the Chalerm, Banharn, Newin, Suthep and Sanan families are still ruling and Thailand is no exception. Japan, the Philippines, the Korea's and China are as bad and honestly spoken the Nation couldn't care less. They are in bed with the most influential people in Thai society so they can keep as much influence and money as possible.

You must be a huge hypocrite to put your name under such an article

So we can't say the same about you because you post anonymously?

[Siripon]

Assuming power given to you by coup takers cannot be good for country and party either. Abhisit knows everything about it and the democrats never win elections. Nepotism is unfortunately key in Thai society. There is nepotism in the Democrat Party, nepotism in the army, nepotism in the police and the laws are checked by judges that are so corrupt they could not even feature in a Godfather movie as no one would think it could be credible.

Still the judges caught red handed on camera are still there, the Chalerm, Banharn, Newin, Suthep and Sanan families are still ruling and Thailand is no exception. Japan, the Philippines, the Korea's and China are as bad and honestly spoken the Nation couldn't care less. They are in bed with the most influential people in Thai society so they can keep as much influence and money as possible.

You must be a huge hypocrite to put your name under such an article

Assuming power given to you by coup takers cannot be good for country and party either. Abhisit knows everything about it and the democrats never win elections. Nepotism is unfortunately key in Thai society. There is nepotism in the Democrat Party, nepotism in the army, nepotism in the police and the laws are checked by judges that are so corrupt they could not even feature in a Godfather movie as no one would think it could be credible.

Still the judges caught red handed on camera are still there, the Chalerm, Banharn, Newin, Suthep and Sanan families are still ruling and Thailand is no exception. Japan, the Philippines, the Korea's and China are as bad and honestly spoken the Nation couldn't care less. They are in bed with the most influential people in Thai society so they can keep as much influence and money as possible.

You must be a huge hypocrite to put your name under such an article

it's not even nepotism in Pheua Thai, it's simply a vehicle for the Shinawats to maintain power. The MPs are simply employees of Thaksin, to be promoted or demoted according to his pleasure.No dignity but perhaps money compensates for having no free will.

[ramrod711]

Thaksin says he just wants Yaowapa to help Prime Minister Yingluck with parliamentary work

Once again the man who doesn't want a position, and just wants to come home, demonstrates to the world that he runs things already. A fugitive from justice that is in no danger of being arrested when he returns but is still too cowardly to come back.

[Just1Voice]

"I used to be disgusted; now I try to be amused."

Elvis Costello

[Thai at Heart]

"I used to be disgusted; now I try to be amused."

Elvis Costello

I think bemused describes my opinion of Thai politics better.

[rubl]

Obviously for once this theNation editorial missed the mark. I mean 'nepotism' ?

This is 'meritocracy', good and sound. Wiki says "Meritocracy is a political philosophy that holds power should be vested in individuals according to merit". Clearly we have such a case here. K. Yaowapa puts her weight in with the wiki next sentence "Advancement in such a system is based on perceived intellectual talent measured through examination and/or demonstrated achievement in the field where it is implemented."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meritocracy

Oh, and yes, her older brother is in favour of all this as well, just like his other sister, his son, his cousin the MoFA, his brothers and all others of this very, very talented family.

Edited May 8, 2013 by rubl

[Baerboxer]

Is bush junior being president after dad has had a go an example of nepotism and cronyism? Or the fact that a brother is governor of a state. Or that dad was CIA?

Sure they all went through elections. Current Thai pm went through elections too, didn't she?

not supporting state of affairs in Thailand, where you actually need an article like this to state the bleeding obvious. But where and how do you draw the line?

Another example is Lee junior as Singapore pm. By all accounts, he is very smart and capable, but still a son of a ex pm.

Did the current Thai pm go through an election? Or is she a party list MP appointed to the top job by her brother?