Lessons in Democracy from the streets of Bangkok

[ev1lchris]

The US President raids the coffers all the time. No bid contracts in Iraq, bank bail outs, tax breaks for the largest corporations. I think the difference between Americans and Thai in this example is that the Americans have largely been pacified and are apathetic when it comes to the political process.

[Spalpeen]

Lessons in democracy? If the army and the Bangkok minority keep trying it on they will soon be taught a real lesson on people power.

[123thaibourbon]

LESSONS ON DEMOCRACY? IN THAILAND?

Even if 1 million people gathered in Bangkok harangued by agitators: Bangkok IS NOT THAILAND.

Democracy: YL was elected by the voting majority. Suthep and co. were booted out of government.

There is big, big money behind the stirring of the mob in Bangkok. I invite a guess: all that money comes from individual donations or the deep pockets of the elite?

Democrats in Thailand are no different from Dems in other countries: cry babies. When they do not get their way, they stop breathing, turn blue and claim to be close to dying to blame the other side.

Thais behave in politics the way they drive, the way the motorcycles run up and down in foot-paths, crashing lines in supermarkets, double pricing system, etc.

Except:, this is a power grab lead by an old politico who does not care what happens to the other 62 million people not present in Bangkok's Democracy Monument.

Obama struck a cord with his catchy slogan: Hope and change. 6 years later the country has lost its AAA+ credit rating, unemployment exploded, government grew 40% bigger and taxing of income has risen, health insurance and coverage (government run) more expensive than before and fewer choices, etc..

Suthep's catchy slogan is to "uproot the Thaksin regime!" which appeals to young students , the Yellows (who occupied the airport) and the elites.

Democracy? He wants to appoint a "peoples' council" and seize power. Where did I hear those similar phrases before?

The right to revolt? Whose right? and, For what purpose?

seems like a foibled attempt to expand the Privy Council, and conduct business as usual oppressing the poor of Thai Kingdom.. simple fact is young Thais from every province are gaining voices, values, visions and most importantly Votes all legit. the elites cannot stomach being outnumbered and outflanked by such lesser beings.. as for President Obama, w/2 yrs left, it should be interesting. America is strong and can survive these storms being better for it. difficult to compare fledgling American succcesses to the long history of Siam. Royal Family wields the bulwark that makes Thais on both sides so devoted. cannot understand why intermarriage of first cousins, multiple wives and farang exclusion to hiership still exists in 20-21st centuries. Thais should take page from UK and at least promote the House of Chakri in Asia. hope better days ahead for US & Thailand. thx Pisico