Those in authority should choose words carefully: Thai editorial

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Those in authority should choose words carefully
The Nation

Reactions among certain members of the ruling party to opposition rallies border on intimidation; it's time they lived up to their 'democratic ideals'

BANGKOK: -- A common belief among political observers in Thailand is that when outspoken Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung says something, the outcome is likely to go in the opposite direction. This may be the case again after he dismissed the significance of anti-government "white mask" protesters. To him they are just a handful of familiar faces, but they proved him wrong with their large turnout in Bangkok last Sunday.

Quick to comment, the deputy premier sent the protesters a warning that they should be careful of a "third party". He made it clear there was the possibility of a bomb attack at the rally. The protesters were also told that police would take legal action if there were any "wrongdoing". As threatening as they were, his comments didn't discourage the group that calls itself Anonymous Thailand, whose numbers are surging. Some of them even signalled that they had joined the rally in response to the "invitation" from Chalerm.

Was the government concerned about the opposition at all? Chalerm firmly shook his head. Although he acknowledges the growing presence, he was quick to provoke the group by saying their number was small. His comments hardly reflect the tough reality that the government is currently facing - from its own mismanagement if not the protests.

The rally comes at a time when corruption is rife. The problems of the rice price-pledging scheme have peaked, there is ambiguity in the massive flood-prevention project, and there are questions over the investigation into the murder of anti-government figure Akeyuth Anchanbutr. It all adds up to mounting pressure. Indeed, the popularity of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and the ruling Pheu Thai Party has plunged by 10.8 and 7.8 per cent respectively compared to last November, according to a recent Bangkok Poll.

Chalerm remains confident that nothing can shake the government's stability. He is not alone in that assumption. Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat also recently expressed his firm belief that the Yingluck administration will stay the course of its four-year term.

Like Chalerm, the former premier and the brother-in-law of Yingluck has warned the "white masks" against sedition. His message goes that if protesters aim to topple the government, it is a crime against the state and those guilty are subject to the death penalty. Such a warning could be interpreted as intimidation. It is perhaps understandable that Somchai might make such utterances after his bitter experience with street protests when he was the prime minister.

But his warning is not grounded in reality. The white-mask group is not clearly linked to any one political group. The protesters have gathered after communicating on the social media, and their protests have proved orderly so far, without seizing the airport or any section of the city. They have not set up a "fortress" or invaded any government properties. Their campaign is far from following in the footsteps of the yellow and red shirts. Still, Somchai told the press: "It is not right if they are not pleased with the government and come out on the street and are armed with weapons."

Somchai and Chalerm's reactions are not in line with the tenets of a democratic culture. They are concerned about freedom and rights only when they are not in government. Had the Democrat Party's Suthep Thaugsuban said the same kind of thing during the red-shirt take-over of central Bangkok, Somchai or Chalerm would have condemned the statement. Unknowingly, they are now tasting their own medicine. They have both obviously suffered knee-jerk reactions to the white-mask movement.

Asserting authority is sometimes necessary to instil public order, but it has to be proportionate to the reality. Talk of "sedition", "national security" or "crimes against the state" when responding to an orderly opposition rally is cause for grave concern. The government's concern is increasing. This administration labels itself "truly democratic" when compared to its main political rival, the Democrat Party. It has to prove its democratic credentials, but will not be able to do so by issuing veiled threats against those who oppose it.


-- The Nation 2013-06-26

[ramrod711]

His message goes that if protesters aim to topple the government, it is a crime against the state and those guilty are subject to the death penalty.

Interesting concept, how many red shirts and present government officials should be executed?

Chalerm in particular, should be careful, if one protester dies as a result of a police action he could be charged with murder,

just like Suthep. Yingluck would, of course have to be charged as well, and don't forget Tarit who will be involved, perhaps he could charge himself.

[Robby nz]

Like Chalerm, the former premier and the brother-in-law of Yingluck has warned the "white masks" against sedition. His message goes that if protesters aim to topple the government, it is a crime against the state and those guilty are subject to the death penalty.

If this is true then should some of the PT MP's and cabinet ministers be facing the death penalty for their part in leading the red shirts riots?

[gemini81]

Can't wait until his days are over; what a corrupt drunken communist.

Edited June 26, 2013 by gemini81

[OzMick]

Somchai: "It is not right if they are not pleased with the government and come out on the street and are armed with weapons."

Somchai says that this is sedition. The maximum penalty for leaders of such a group is being made a party list MP of PTP.

[Noistar]

Have I missed something?

On what grounds does this Government consider itself more democratic than the Democrats?

If it's based on how a Government actually governs, they might consider keeping their trap-shut.

Ah yes - the exact point of the topic - case closed

[Tatsujin]

Like Chalerm, the former premier and the brother-in-law of Yingluck has warned the "white masks" against sedition. His message goes that if protesters aim to topple the government, it is a crime against the state and those guilty are subject to the death penalty.

Damn, some people have a short or very selective memory. What were the protests in 2010 but an armed uprising in an attempt to overthrow the Govt. On that basis, everyone involved in the 2010 rioting should have got the death penalty.

[OzMick]

When selecting a person to become PM of Thailand, minor resume flaws such as hypocrisy, ineptitude, inexperience, mythomania and venality are minor and not worthy of consideration compared to family ties with Thaksin.

Edited June 26, 2013 by OzMick

[hanuman2543]

"Somchai told the press: "It is not right if they are not pleased with the government and come out on the street and are armed with weapons."

" Somchai and Chalerm's reactions are not in line with the tenets of a democratic culture. They are concerned about freedom and rights only when they are not in government. Had the Democrat Party's Suthep Thaugsuban said the same kind of thing during the red-shirt take-over of central Bangkok, Somchai or Chalerm would have condemned the statement. Unknowingly, they are now tasting their own medicine. They have both obviously suffered knee-jerk 0reactions to the white-mask movement."

Normally I am not a big fan of the Nation, but here the author is more than right. What a bunch of hypocrites

[kurnell]

I see more commonsense at my kid's pre-school than the entire 'government' out together. Sincerely!

[Thait Spot]

_{The thing is that this government is such a hideous creation that seems to have formed in a manner not unlike that of Dr. Frankenstein.}

_{Thaksin's deluded brain, Plodprasop's vulgar vocaubulary, Chalerm's steel capped boots, Kittirat's disfunctional digits, Boonsong's bewilderment, Nattawut's nonsense all thrown into Yingluck's cadavre and controlled by the strings of a drunk}

[reiltin]

Chalerms use of the word democracy is as apt as the time his boss used the words "freedom fighter" while comparing himself with Nelson Mandella 27 years of liberty stolen for his people,a lifetime spent trying to bring his country together,a true statesman for his people(and truely loved by them,both black and white)an international sense that the worlds a better place for him having been in it.When his boss breathes his last will Thailand be able to say the same?

[Thai at Heart]

Chalerms use of the word democracy is as apt as the time his boss used the words "freedom fighter" while comparing himself with Nelson Mandella 27 years of liberty stolen for his people,a lifetime spent trying to bring his country together,a true statesman for his people(and truely loved by them,both black and white)an international sense that the worlds a better place for him having been in it.When his boss breathes his last will Thailand be able to say the same?

A little off topic, but I was listening to the radio commenting on the condition of Nelson Mandela, by a respected white journalist in South Africa.

"He is 94, but he has led a full life".

If you take out the 27 years, I guess so.

[ggold]

Chalerm is a <deleted> and will never change but the sad thing is his party can't or won't do anything to reel in this major embarrassment.

As Churchill would have put it " he is inebriated with the exuberance of his own verbosity " and the rest of the time he's just inebriated.

Sorry I apologise for being politically incorrect as I should not have mentioned inebriation in respect of Dep. PM Chalerm.

I should have said he requires to be medicated 24 hours a day for an ear condition.

Well the report did say he was getting a taste of his own medicine!!

[SOTIRIOS]

.....the 'case' against the cartoonist is most alarming........

....humor can not be categorized as libelous.....never mind, freedom of speech....

....the facts are...the prime minister of Thailand paid an official/unofficial (?) visit to another country....and made a treasonous speech....

.....supporting her convicted brother......highly unprofessional, unethicaL...

(..and probably did not expect anyone to find out.......)

...and the only flak she got was a cartoon that stated, essentially....'a prostitute is more forthright about her intentions'....

(..........in light of the recent murder of another Thaksin and government critic.....it is preposterous that the charge should stand.....)

This government is raping the country...to the tune of trillions.... many people say... and it must be held accountable......

(Otherwise, all hope is lost)......Thai people should speak up

[BuddyPinkham]

I am just waiting for him to shut down FACEBOOK (social media) here in Thailand so these people cannot easily contact each other!

[tonneke breda]

The first thing this government should do to safe themselves, is to stop fighting opposites and spent time on ruling a country in a proper way.

Can't the majority of their voters see that time and money is spent to set Thailand back in time instead of going forward??

[purushanti]

I am for freedom of expression. Nevertheless, the strong feeling and verbiage versus certain people of power, often expressed on this forum, may come back to hurt all foreigners. This is not a private forum. Hence prudence might be a good option. Freedom,balanced with responsibility.

Also, mods, is not post 18 treading rather close to where we are advised not to go?

My humble thoughts, respectfully expressed, for consideratioon; not looking for animosity in return.

[lostmebike]

Somchai told the press: "It is not right if they are not pleased with the government and come out on the street and are armed with weapons."

Sure it's not right if they come out onto streets armed. It wasn't right for Dr T's mob either!

'if protesters aim to topple the government, it is a crime against the state and those guilty are subject to the death penalty'

Unless of course one is dressed in red and paid by a man in exile!

What a shower of SH*T* the people running this country are. How the F*** can the deputy PM be allowed to make such threats against ANYONE is beyond belief!

[metisdead]

A post of a derogatory nature toward the Monarchy has been removed, don't even go there! Another post with vulgar/profane name calling has been removed as well as the replies.

Edit to add:

Please the Report button (bottom left corner of every post) to report dodgy/objectionable content. Mods cannot be everywhere at the same time read every post, please use the Report button. Thanks.

Edited June 26, 2013 by metisdead

[mikemac]

"Also, mods, is not post 18 treading rather close to where we are advised not to go?"........So are you reporting yourself ???

The quotes in the story above by hypocritical village idiots/retards Somchai and Chalerm really takes the cake. Talk about leaving yourself wide open ! Do their memories not go back as far as 2010 ?

Cannot wait to hear what red flag waving zombie supporters of these goons have to say in their defense, it will make interesting reading at least.

[Noistar]

The first thing this government should do to safe themselves, is to stop fighting opposites and spent time on ruling a country in a proper way.

Can't the majority of their voters see that time and money is spent to set Thailand back in time instead of going forward??

There is no forward in Thailand. The politicians re-write history and haven't a forward-looking brain cell.

Unfortunately, the electorate manipulated by the Thaksin parties, probably don't know, and definitely don't care.

[Noistar]

The first thing this government should do to safe themselves, is to stop fighting opposites and spent time on ruling a country in a proper way.

Can't the majority of their voters see that time and money is spent to set Thailand back in time instead of going forward??

Simple answer - No

[GeorgeO]

"Somchai told the press: "It is not right if they are not pleased with the government and come out on the street and are armed with weapons."

" Somchai and Chalerm's reactions are not in line with the tenets of a democratic culture. They are concerned about freedom and rights only when they are not in government. Had the Democrat Party's Suthep Thaugsuban said the same kind of thing during the red-shirt take-over of central Bangkok, Somchai or Chalerm would have condemned the statement. Unknowingly, they are now tasting their own medicine. They have both obviously suffered knee-jerk 0reactions to the white-mask movement."

Normally I am not a big fan of the Nation, but here the author is more than right. What a bunch of hypocrites

And where exactly were these wise words when a rowdy horde of red shirts decided to rain down nuts, bolts, stones, etc., on a peaceful opposition rally? According to any legal system throughout the world, such dangerous use of these normally innocuous items renders them as weapons. Hypocrites indeed...!

[purushanti]

"Also, mods, is not post 18 treading rather close to where we are advised not to go?"........So are you reporting yourself ???

The quotes in the story above by hypocritical village idiots/retards Somchai and Chalerm really takes the cake. Talk about leaving yourself wide open ! Do their memories not go back as far as 2010 ?

Cannot wait to hear what red flag waving zombie supporters of these goons have to say in their defense, it will make interesting reading at least.

When posts were deleted, including the original post 18, apparently numbers were moved to provide continuity if numbering, so I wound up with the new number 18 for my post. Ironic, even funny, depending on one's sense of humour.

[timewilltell]

_{The thing is that this government is such a hideous creation that seems to have formed in a manner not unlike that of Dr. Frankenstein.}

_{Thaksin's deluded brain, Plodprasop's vulgar vocaubulary, Chalerm's steel capped boots, Kittirat's disfunctional digits, Boonsong's bewilderment, Nattawut's nonsense all thrown into Yingluck's cadavre and controlled by the strings of a drunk}

A bit like the qualities of Hitler disbursed into a bunch of hi-so reprobates. Hi-so in money not in action!

[hellodolly]

"Somchai told the press: "It is not right if they are not pleased with the government and come out on the street and are armed with weapons."

" Somchai and Chalerm's reactions are not in line with the tenets of a democratic culture. They are concerned about freedom and rights only when they are not in government. Had the Democrat Party's Suthep Thaugsuban said the same kind of thing during the red-shirt take-over of central Bangkok, Somchai or Chalerm would have condemned the statement. Unknowingly, they are now tasting their own medicine. They have both obviously suffered knee-jerk 0reactions to the white-mask movement."

Normally I am not a big fan of the Nation, but here the author is more than right. What a bunch of hypocrites

And where exactly were these wise words when a rowdy horde of red shirts decided to rain down nuts, bolts, stones, etc., on a peaceful opposition rally? According to any legal system throughout the world, such dangerous use of these normally innocuous items renders them as weapons. Hypocrites indeed...!

But but they are different they are red shirts and have the blessing of Thaksin Shinawatra himself.

[hellodolly]

in the article they say

"Chalerm remains confident that nothing can shake the government's stability. He is not alone in that assumption. Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat also recently expressed his firm belief that the Yingluck administration will stay the course of its four-year term."

Chalerm is an earaholic. A clueless one at that

I also believe that they will stay the four year term.

How ever they will not be able to stay the course, They will need to make changes in it's route.

One of the big problems facing them is the same as Abhist faced. To many parties to please.

They hold the majority now but they know full well and good that to keep the power after the next election it will be a coalition and they can not afford to piss the other parties off or in any way alienate them now.