PERSON OF THE YEAR
Whistle blowers call for change
The Nation



For two months the main symbol of protest, this simple device speaks volumes

BANGKOK: -- For the first time in Thailand's history, the whistle has become a symbol of political protest and defiance of politicians in power. The sight of someone wearing around his or her neck a whistle tied to a ribbon of the Thai national flag can bring friendly smiles to the faces of protest sympathisers.

Together, the whistle blowers form the great body of people who have successfully introduced a new chapter in Thai history, a chapter that teaches all politicians about their duties and accountability. Even with a majority of votes, politicians of any party can no longer ignore the minority voice, if what they pursue does not mutually and fairly benefit all citizens.

Victory arrived after a week of heavy whistling, when all coalition parties agreed not to pursue a controversial amnesty bill, convincing the people of the unimaginable power brought about by the whistles.

Thammasat University anthropologist Yukti Mukdawijitra sees the whistle as a contradictory symbol of democracy.

"They want to be heard. They feel they're not being heard [by the Yingluck Shinawatra government], though they have social status and other things in society. So blowing the whistle is like making an exclamation. But using a whistle is problematic in the sense that it leads to a very abridged level of communication.

"If it were a word, then it would be just one word [or phrase] - like, 'Listen only to me!' So the message is that of a voice exclaiming: 'Listen only to me!'"

To Apinant Ueapokai, an anti-government protester, a whistle is a symbol.

"I just put it in my bag," said the 30-year-old manager of the Apple Computer store at Thammasat University's Rangsit campus. He added that a whistle could be personalised, and there were numerous kinds at a range of different prices to choose from.

"Young [protesters] are used to its noise," he added.

Apinant said most protesters were middle-class and upset about corruption. "There's so much corruption, and I am unhappy with what's happening to my tax money."

Image, a leading glossy fashion magazine aimed at middle-class readers, has declared itself fully supportive of the whistle protest. The magazine digs deep into the importance of the whistle as both a tool and a symbol for staging anti-government demonstrations.

An article on page 55 of its December edition stated: "The sound of whistles blowing is like the heavenly sound of a declaration of victory." It added that to Bangkokians, the sound of a whistle was "powerful", for it is often associated with Traffic Police officers and the strict security guards who look after commuters on the platforms of the BTS Skytrain system.

"Protesters say this is the voice of unity. Protesters say it cancels out voices making other demands. Only those who put bee's wax in their ears and those with a blind heart would not be able to detect the sounds of unity," the article stated.

It was the Business Club for Democracy that first turned the whistle - a simple instrument more often associated with parking attendants and security guards - into a symbol of political struggle. But it was Suthep Thaugsuban, the former Democrat MP turne -secretary-general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) and leader of the protest, who made it a popular protest symbol. The club does not take credit for the idea, however, saying instead that it came from Suthep.

"We adopted it after Suthep's announcement about blowing whistles. It's an easy concept to understand. It's like whistling to warn people that something dangerous is approaching," said Somkiat Homla-or, the leader of the club.

The campaign has brought thousands of whistle-wearing protesters to join the daily rally at Democracy Monument, which has continued for almost two months. Several thousand more took part in subsequent mass rallies, including the one on December 9 that forced Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to announce the dissolution of the House of Representatives.

Whistles unite people, most of them ordinary people who had never been involved in any political activity other than casting their ballots on election day. They are united because they are fed up with abuse of power by some corrupt politicians.

Whistle protests have been heard in many parts of the country, even during Yingluck's trips to the North and the Northeast. The now-caretaker prime minister has reportedly been startled by the sound of whistles on occasion.

The whistles have brought the protesters great power, which nevertheless must be wisely deployed to avoid negative repercussions on Thailand's democratic development, which could negatively affect all Thais.

The whistle blowers' achievements - the demise of the amnesty bill and the House dissolution - have convinced some protesters that they can overhaul the political system by whatever means. This raises concerns about the future of Thailand, one of the first countries in Asia to adopt democracy.

Prawase Wasi, a highly respected thinker, praised the protest against the amnesty bill, saying the phenomenon was a great lesson to all, particularly to politicians in power. Though they are equipped with political and financial power, on top of controlling communication infrastructure and armed forces, politicians cannot succumb to abuse of power, or it will lead to mass demonstrations. As politicians have learned this, laymen and university students have realised their power to stop wrongdoing.

However, Prawase warned that overshooting the goals of mass people-power could lead to trouble. He believes civic power should be strengthened to make politics better, not to lead to confrontation and pointless fatalities.

"We are at a turning point, facing either anarchy or an agreement to unite in changing Thailand."

Prawase said only civic power could erase unfairness, which existed in the country's systems and among its people before the emergence of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He noted that a true victory would be a victory for all Thais, in which Thailand is transformed into a more just society, not just through a change of government.

As the international community keeps a close watch on Thailand's political developments, it is for the whistle blowers to decide how they will keep their legacy untainted.


-- The Nation 2013-12-27

The Nation, you never fail to offend my intelligence.

A Democratic party who oppose democracy and an Electoral commission who don't want elections.

Tinpot African dictatorships have nothing on us.

Welcome to Burma, with electricity.

Do I need to say anymore??

The Nation, you never fail to offend my intelligence.

A Democratic party who oppose democracy and an Electoral commission who don't want elections.

Tinpot African dictatorships have nothing on us.

Welcome to Burma, with electricity.

If that's what you make of the article then there must be a big question over the intelligence you claim that has been insulted.

The writer is correct, we are now at a crossroads where the way forward should be by negation and eventual agreement.

All groups now see there needs to be reforms not just of the electoral system but most other things as well including justice, education, police, all starting at the top.

To leave any reforms to pollies and their friends is a non starter, it must be peoples who have no political stake in the country who lead any reforms and come up with conclusions that are the benefit to the people and the country and not just any one segment.

The Businessmen have come closest so far and if the 3 previous reports can be used as a basis then positive changes are possible.

However all parties need to really accept the need for change not just give lip service in an attempt to look good.

As for the EC they see what continuing with an election will bring and want to avoid the violence, that is the reason for their calls to postpone.

However it is up to all parties to agree to postpone before that can be done, and PT refuse.

The EC commissioners have hinted that they may resign if PT don't come round and agree to a postponement.

What would happen then, who knows.

How deep must be e frustration of suthep that he is willing to push this country in trouble. How much money must he have got from the people behind him? To organize a protest like happens you need money more than Suthep has.

I have to admit that I admire Suthep for his rhetoric skills to ask people to go on the street, neglect their work, bringing themselves in trouble only with one topic "remove the Thaksins". That is fascinating. He does not tell what will be happens after except the vague info to establish a democratic forum which is appointed from intelligent people of all classes, that it will take at least 12-18 month etc. nothing what the politic will be, nothing what he will he do in the field of economics, what will he do with the inequality of rural contra urban population etc.!

I am sure he knows more than he tells but if he would reveal the true reason may be he would loose the support of many.

Anyone blowing a whistle can't hear and can't speak. Any kind of reasoned dialogue is impossible. So yes, the whistle is the perfect symbol of Thai politics.

There are two battles being fought here. The whistle blowers believe that the battle they are fighting is to rid Thai politics of the influence of the Shinawara clan. People who oppose them (even those who have no liking for Thaksiin)) believe that they should have a say in the government of their country.. So they're not actually fighting over the same issue at all Does one side need to destroy democracy to unseat the Shinawatras? Does the other side need to support Yingluck and her incompetent and corrupt administration in order to defend the right to vote?

Common sense would suggest that there should be a middle path. .Blowing a whistle in someone's face is probably not the best way to find it.

The writer is correct, we are now at a crossroads where the way forward should be by negation and eventual agreement.

How many crossroads need to be crossed?

" Negation " Got that right!

xtaxi_jpg_pagespeed_ic_G5TZHiO4az.jpg

Do I need to say anymore??

Other than history repeat it self? No, you don´t.

The Nation, you never fail to offend my intelligence.

A Democratic party who oppose democracy and an Electoral commission who don't want elections.

Tinpot African dictatorships have nothing on us.

Welcome to Burma, with electricity.

If that's what you make of the article then there must be a big question over the intelligence you claim that has been insulted.

The writer is correct, we are now at a crossroads where the way forward should be by negation and eventual agreement.

All groups now see there needs to be reforms not just of the electoral system but most other things as well including justice, education, police, all starting at the top.

To leave any reforms to pollies and their friends is a non starter, it must be peoples who have no political stake in the country who lead any reforms and come up with conclusions that are the benefit to the people and the country and not just any one segment.

The Businessmen have come closest so far and if the 3 previous reports can be used as a basis then positive changes are possible.

However all parties need to really accept the need for change not just give lip service in an attempt to look good.

As for the EC they see what continuing with an election will bring and want to avoid the violence, that is the reason for their calls to postpone.

However it is up to all parties to agree to postpone before that can be done, and PT refuse.

The EC commissioners have hinted that they may resign if PT don't come round and agree to a postponement.

What would happen then, who knows.

to take an issue ad hominem speaks volumes of who you are, your values and your lack of understanding that other people's opinions should be respected as well as their intelligence. Likewise, If you present your point of view, I will debate it without calling names, using innuendo, sophistry or taking it personally. Which is what the impotent does to feel important.

The Nation, you never fail to offend my intelligence.

A Democratic party who oppose democracy and an Electoral commission who don't want elections.

Tinpot African dictatorships have nothing on us.

Welcome to Burma, with electricity.

What 'intelligence? The people of this country are opposed to the power players of both sides which have run roughshod over their lives for decades without the use of guns. They are merely doing what we did in the West centuries ago. Overthrowing their oppressors. Democracy? Pah! To quote the late great George Carlin, 'They don't give a fuc_k about you!'

http://youtu.be/AtgfzzwoyK4

xtaxi_jpg_pagespeed_ic_G5TZHiO4az.jpg

Do I need to say anymore??

This from 2010?

Maybe it's just me BUT -

Does anyone else find it IRONIC that the same anti-government protesters who "just want their voice to be heard" are willing to ignore the voices of the voters who brought the redshirts into power?

What about their voices?!?!?

Oh, that's right - they are POOR, POWERLESS, and UNEDUCATED - so they don't get a voice do they?

Ridiculous!

PS - don't the picture look like former Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton? Just saying.

So according to The Nation,

the "Person of the Year" is the small minority of the electorate who wish to overthrow an elected government and by extension, democracy itself by installing an appointed "Peoples Council" whose composition, duration and aims remain undeclared, all in the name of "change".

Seems fair to me

The Nation, you never fail to offend my intelligence.

A Democratic party who oppose democracy and an Electoral commission who don't want elections.

Tinpot African dictatorships have nothing on us.

Welcome to Burma, with electricity.

Obviously you have no idea if you can make a statement like that. Intelligence!

The writer is correct, we are now at a crossroads where the way forward should be by negation and eventual agreement.

How many crossroads need to be crossed?

" Negation " Got that right!

well we definitely have disagreement and denial. Maybe negotiation might lead to an eventual agreement, until then I expect PTP will negate their responsibilities, in the current situation!

How many crossroads need to be crossed?

" Negation " Got that right!

It would seem the spell check on this thing changed negotiation to negation and I failed to pick it up, my poor editing.

My humblest apologies I hope I haven't confused you.

I have no idea how many crossroads, however there needs to be a will to cross them as the appear for if not then nothing will happen and the country will be left with the same bad management and corruption we have now.

The whistle is an exclamation point, but without a word or two before is meaningless. The meta message is that "we won't talk or listen". Change does not equal improvement. I don't see negotiation in the cards here: Thai politics is "winner take all" and I do mean take.

Whistle blower Thailand vs whistle blower in the rest of the world. One seeks to end democracy one seeks

to expose corruption. Do the current protesters really think Suthep has the moral and ethical high ground.

I mean really, do they? Seems they think the fox should be trusted to write the rules against corruption.

Strange, really strange.