Saving Thailand from political apocalypse

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Saving Thailand from political apocalypse
Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Yingluck government aspires to transform Thailand into a leading member of the global community. The prime minister has travelled near and far promoting Thai-style democracy, even to the most obscure corners of the world.

At numerous international forums, she has made endless promises to take Thailand to a new level in all areas. In the past two years, she and her Cabinet have been credited for her efforts to promote national reconciliation and heal societal division.

It is now clear for all to see that she has not followed her longstanding pledges. The revised amnesty bill revealed her lack of leadership and judgement. She has subjected her government to the whims of her brother, Thaksin, who cares only to save his own skin at the expense of all others.

Ironically, the revised bill has united all conflicting parties regardless of their affinities and political colour, because they all want justice for their supporters. The current transitional justice designed by Thaksin and his collaborators is centred on him and his future alone - while others are being treated as political auxiliaries. Doubtless, leading Thaksin supporters do not see eye to eye with their boss. The experiences of several countries that have overcome past political traumas - such as South Africa, Chile and South Korea - have shown that a sense of fairness as well as public acceptance were the main ingredients to lasting national reconciliation.

Whitewashing all crimes in one proposed piece of legislation - as the government plans to do - pushed through by a majority in the Parliament, will only perpetuate the political crisis. Thailand needs proper closure, not renewed turmoil. We must not repeat the past political expediency and folly.

Since his exile began in 2006, Thaksin has had many opportunities to use his political charisma and influence to heal the political divide. But he has not done it, insisting that any political breakthrough back home must follow his wishes. Working together with teams of highly paid political consultants, he has mapped out myriad political strategies to camouflage his real political motive - to clear himself of all wrongdoings, real or imaginary.

Looking back over the past 12 months, Thailand has become the most spun and highly manipulated nation. The Thai media community has been sucked into this political labyrinth on a daily basis, with business interests in mind.

Thai journalists today have difficulties - some have actually lost the ability to distinguish between what is real and what is artificially generated information and news. They are now accustomed to mingle the two and further generate so-called "added news value". Some have gone further, becoming well-known political soothsayers.

Thaksin could have put his reputation and wealth to constructive use for Thailand's betterment. Instead, he has chosen a different path of self-aggrandisement. Whether he realises it or not, it will essentially lead to his demise, and perhaps bring Thailand down along with him.

The time has come for the international community to speak out regarding Thaksin's tendency to manipulate. Throughout his exile, for one reason or another, many foreign leaders have strongly supported him and some are even fascinated by his rise and popularity, despite his tarnished record. In the world today, he is perhaps the only leader with the power to conduct business and run a normal government without actually staying in his country. He travels the world in his private jet and "Skypes" the Yingluck government. Thaksin must be ranked as the world's most innovative and versatile developing-world politician. Just look at the number of tweets and public relations campaigns he has done and commissioned - a Guinness world record, surely.

In particular, Western countries should come clean and urge the Yingluck government to stop pretending that her government is democratic. They should also be frank in commenting on the political situation in Thailand, as they have done with other countries, if they genuinely care about real democratic development, not just form or style as some do.

So far, the West has been muted over the controversy, even though it is a strong case of human-rights violation. The European Union and the US - the great promoters of democracy - are probably stunned by the audacity of Thaksin and his Pheu Thai Party. After all, they have backed the Yingluck government since her party won the election. They have even credited her for bringing political stability, which remains superficial. It would be hard to make a U-turn.

Watching Thailand from the outside, one has a strong feeling that Thais are their own worst enemies.

Neighbouring countries, which share a common history of fighting against foreign domination and winning independence, know their enemies well. They have found it easier to heal their political differences and reconcile among their own peoples. Thaksin's singular false hope has forced the whole nation to walk to the edge of the precipice.


-- The Nation 2013-10-28

[kurnell]

Thais are very good at say what they should do, but it all comes to nothing every time.

[Jingthing]

If Thailand is really looking to the west for help with this one, they're in even worse shape than I thought.

[MaxLee]

As long as the rich (Chinese-) Thai ancestry elite enrich themselves and keeps on brainwashing and exploiting the rest of the nation, things are very very hard to ever change.

[notmyself]

In particular, Western countries should come clean and urge the Yingluck government to stop pretending that her government is democratic. They should also be frank in commenting on the political situation in Thailand, as they have done with other countries, if they genuinely care about real democratic development, not just form or style as some do.

So far, the West has been muted over the controversy, even though it is a strong case of human-rights violation. The European Union and the US - the great promoters of democracy - are probably stunned by the audacity of Thaksin and his Pheu Thai Party. After all, they have backed the Yingluck government since her party won the election. They have even credited her for bringing political stability, which remains superficial. It would be hard to make a U-turn.

The European Union [..] the great promoters of democracy.

Great piece aside from this.

Lisbon Treaty? Had the UK population been given the chance to vote it would have lost 20:80% or close to it.

[klubex99]

The daydream is still alive and well.

A global attempt to promote 'Thai style democracy'.... Erm, does that mean vote buying, corruption, exiled terrorist running the country by puppet proxy?

Good luck with that one.

[klubex99]

In particular, Western countries should come clean and urge the Yingluck government to stop pretending that her government is democratic. They should also be frank in commenting on the political situation in Thailand, as they have done with other countries, if they genuinely care about real democratic development, not just form or style as some do.

So far, the West has been muted over the controversy, even though it is a strong case of human-rights violation. The European Union and the US - the great promoters of democracy - are probably stunned by the audacity of Thaksin and his Pheu Thai Party. After all, they have backed the Yingluck government since her party won the election. They have even credited her for bringing political stability, which remains superficial. It would be hard to make a U-turn.

The European Union [..] the great promoters of democracy.

Great piece aside from this.

Lisbon Treaty? Had the UK population been given the chance to vote it would have lost 20:80% or close to it.

If the UK population was allowed a vote on anything to do with EU issues, it would lose 20/80% That is why the UK public never gets invited to a referendum..... ever!

[notmyself]

In particular, Western countries should come clean and urge the Yingluck government to stop pretending that her government is democratic. They should also be frank in commenting on the political situation in Thailand, as they have done with other countries, if they genuinely care about real democratic development, not just form or style as some do.

So far, the West has been muted over the controversy, even though it is a strong case of human-rights violation. The European Union and the US - the great promoters of democracy - are probably stunned by the audacity of Thaksin and his Pheu Thai Party. After all, they have backed the Yingluck government since her party won the election. They have even credited her for bringing political stability, which remains superficial. It would be hard to make a U-turn.

The European Union [..] the great promoters of democracy.

Great piece aside from this.

Lisbon Treaty? Had the UK population been given the chance to vote it would have lost 20:80% or close to it.

If the UK population was allowed a vote on anything to do with EU issues, it would lose 20/80% That is why the UK public never gets invited to a referendum..... ever!

France had already rejected it in its previous guise as has the Netherlands. Ireland rejected the Lisbon treaty but were asked to vote again because they had made a mistake (?) so after lots of money from the EU to 'make it so' it passed. Democracy in the EU is the same as Thailand without rice being the currency for the vote.

[davetrout]

we are on shaky ground

[chooka]

"Promoting Thai-Style Democracy" Yea right and I am sure the rest of the world is in a flurry to adopt the Thai model. Do they really think they are that superior to the rest of the world with their archaic Leste Majeste laws, where freedom of expression and speech are forbidden and you can be locked up for simply pressing the like button on facebook. A place where votes are bought and sold and the tanks roll to throw out elected governments. Rioting in the streets, airports closed and a country brought to it's knees in the name of democracy.

[NongKhaiKid]

"Promoting Thai-Style Democracy" Yea right and I am sure the rest of the world is in a flurry to adopt the Thai model. Do they really think they are that superior to the rest of the world with their archaic Leste Majeste laws, where freedom of expression and speech are forbidden and you can be locked up for simply pressing the like button on facebook. A place where votes are bought and sold and the tanks roll to throw out elected governments. Rioting in the streets, airports closed and a country brought to it's knees in the name of democracy.

Apart from talking about promoting Thai style democracy YL was so much on the ball about the rest of the world that in Pakistan she spoke of promoting Buddhisim too.

[LuckyLew]

Thai style democracy is the same style of leadership they have in north korea

[chooka]

"Promoting Thai-Style Democracy" Yea right and I am sure the rest of the world is in a flurry to adopt the Thai model. Do they really think they are that superior to the rest of the world with their archaic Leste Majeste laws, where freedom of expression and speech are forbidden and you can be locked up for simply pressing the like button on facebook. A place where votes are bought and sold and the tanks roll to throw out elected governments. Rioting in the streets, airports closed and a country brought to it's knees in the name of democracy.

Apart from talking about promoting Thai style democracy YL was so much on the ball about the rest of the world that in Pakistan she spoke of promoting Buddhisim too.

Wow that's great. So she is going to lead by example and do away with her worldly possessions and cravings for riches. She will speak true of tongue and in an unhurtful way, see all people as equal . Maybe she was speaking of Thai Buddhism where the aim is to get filthy rich and be admired by the little people.

[Thaddeus]

"Promoting Thai-Style Democracy" Yea right and I am sure the rest of the world is in a flurry to adopt the Thai model. Do they really think they are that superior to the rest of the world

Yes, they do.

Even the ones that press the 'play' button in every school ground at 8am five days a week.

[Tatsujin]

Watching Thailand from the outside, one has a strong feeling that Thais are their own worst enemies.

Yup. Can't see it changing any time soon either, too many sheeples here.

[gemini81]

Gonna have to grow some balls & fight for it; that's the only way at this point. Writing articles on what they should do isn't gonna make any progress.

[Local Drunk]

We've been saying the same for quite a while.

[i claudius]

The trouble here is that the people have been brainwashed into thinking that Thailand is the model for the world and that they are the best ,everything and everybody else are inferior , such a shame ,but those in power like it that way ,it keeps the sheeple in line.

[ianf]

There is one clear reason why Thaksin is able to maintain this 'front' which actually defies all rules of normality. He is a sociopath. The most recent and public example of the downfall of a sociopath is the American cyclist Lance Armstrong. If you study both their personalities, they are surprisingly similar. Both are liars. Both are frauds. Both are highly skilled manipulators. Both are able to convince others in high places that truth is on their side. Both are bullies. Both are dangerous. Armstrong, through his strong arm tactics, almost destroyed the sport of cycling. Thaksin will eventually implode and I am afraid he will take this country down with him. The report above refers to him as an exile. This is incorrect. He uses the word 'exile' as part of his manipulation. It is a lie. Self-imposed exile, yes. But a fugitive is the perfect word to use to describe his status.

[Ned]

Look out! Here come the commoners. Things have changed now and the seemingly natural Thai way of constant bickering and fighting will go on forever. The big event hasn't arrived yet.

[worgeordie]

I just wonder why someone does not vet what the Government puts out,

before its too late and they are ridiculed by the whole world,

Thailand + Democracy,you would think it would be a very democratic country

after 18 Coups.

regards Worgeordie

[spidermike007]

Well, part of the issue is that politicians all over the world have lost their sense of direction. I believe that in nearly every country (maybe Scandinavian countries are the exception?) politicians at the national level are completely bought and paid for. But, at least in some countries they are making an earnest effort to promote reform, encourage progress, enact progressive legislation, encourage environment awareness, and action, and save lives with wise legislation. One cannot say the same about Yingbat, and her cronies. They really seem to be floundering. At first I really liked Abhisit. I felt he was really smart, capable, and well intentioned. But, over time I realized he was not in much of a position to get anything done, did very, very little to help the average Thai low or middle class person, and was way, way out of his element when it came to dealing with the protests, which remain a boil on the face of Thailand to this day. They should have, and could have been stopped in the 2nd week. But, Yingbat is taking ineffectiveness and lethargy to a new level. It is astonishing how little she has accomplished. I think she is as incompetent, and out of her element as Obama is. Like him, on a daily basis she displays how unable she is to come up with effective policy, and negotiate with the opposing party, for the benefit of the nation. Not sure where the next great leader will come from, or if it is even possible, with Thailand's style of government. I know this is no longer possible in the US, as the best and the brightest want nothing to do with the job, nor the ridiculousness of a 30 month long campaign, which for the sake of the American people should be limited to 60 days! I know I am getting a little off topic here, but there are some astonishing similarities between these two nincompoops. And I say all this as a lifelong democrat.

[Baerboxer]

In particular, Western countries should come clean and urge the Yingluck government to stop pretending that her government is democratic. They should also be frank in commenting on the political situation in Thailand, as they have done with other countries, if they genuinely care about real democratic development, not just form or style as some do.

So far, the West has been muted over the controversy, even though it is a strong case of human-rights violation. The European Union and the US - the great promoters of democracy - are probably stunned by the audacity of Thaksin and his Pheu Thai Party. After all, they have backed the Yingluck government since her party won the election. They have even credited her for bringing political stability, which remains superficial. It would be hard to make a U-turn.

The European Union [..] the great promoters of democracy.

Great piece aside from this.

Lisbon Treaty? Had the UK population been given the chance to vote it would have lost 20:80% or close to it.

If the UK population was allowed a vote on anything to do with EU issues, it would lose 20/80% That is why the UK public never gets invited to a referendum..... ever!

The first time I ever voted in the UK was in the mid 70's.............. in a referendum !

The UK people voted to enter the Common Market in a referendum organized by the Heath government,

PTP won't hold a referendum on amnesty or constitutional amendments in Thailand because Thaksin doubts his ideas will win.

[BeforeTigers]

Probably the best article I've read on this site.

Though, I think you'll find that no other country really cares about Democracy anywhere outside of their own borders. Everypne plays lip service to it. America above all. But when you look at their actions it's plain as day that they care only about internal stsability, security, and economic growth. Democracy elsewhere is fine, so long as it doesn't step on their toes.

I would go so far as to say that this appolies to every last nation on Earth.
They are all run by petty, greedy and superstitious humans, afterall.

[Thait Spot]

You could argue that an apocalypse is needed.

I would hope that God would chose Korn as the new messiah.

You'd have to think that at some stage Thailand's never-ending TRT wet dream will turn into a nightmare and it's nocturnal emmissions will turn out to be red.

[SOTIRIOS]

..sorry....I had only read the first lines....I thought it was praising the housewife.......

[EricBerg]

As long as the rich (Chinese-) Thai ancestry elite enrich themselves and keeps on brainwashing and exploiting the rest of the nation, things are very very hard to ever change.

It is inevitable that in the very very long run insight and awareness of the Thais will grow. Similar to the Arabian spring the huge influence of internet in this cannot be manipulated. As more and more Thais start seeing the true nature of the missunderstood fugutive and his puppet regime.

Efforts should be made to speed up the development. Integrity, mutual respect, focus and stamina will prove much more effective than fighting, bad mouthing and overshouting as one can see way too often in this forum.

[gemini81]

You could argue that an apocalypse is needed.

I would hope that God would chose Korn as the new messiah.

You'd have to think that at some stage Thailand's never-ending TRT wet dream will turn into a nightmare and it's nocturnal emmissions will turn out to be red.

Korn Chatikawanit is one of the only smart ones with a good head on his shoulders. His books are brilliant. He stood in defiance of PTP and since then they have tried to shut him down- his IQ overqualifies him.

[EricBerg]

We've been saying the same for quite a while.

Would be a nice topic to the forum: How can the expats contribute to a better Thailand?

[gemini81]

We've been saying the same for quite a while.

Would be a nice topic to the forum: How can the expats contribute to a better Thailand?

By first having some basic rights and getting respect instead of received in fear and intimidation by xenophobic thai chinese.