If I were the prime minister, I would resign now: Thai opinion

[webfact]

TELL IT AS IT IS
If I were the prime minister, I would resign now
Pornpimol Kanchanalak
Special to The Nation

Here are the reasons why:

A voluntary resignation is not a sign of weakness, but of courage and strength. General Douglas MacArthur, in his speech to cadets at West Point, said:

"Duty, Honour, Country - those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn."

As prime minister, it would be my utmost duty to govern the country in such a way that it remained peaceable and ordered. Right now, there is no order, no peace. As such, I have failed in my supreme duty. So my second duty is to leave my job, voluntary, without anybody kicking me out. That is honour, because I know my action is in the best interest of the country, not that of myself or my family. By removing myself from office, I would get the country out of a jam that no one but me can solve. The country is at a dead end, and breathing in bad air; it is suffocating. My resignation would bring about much-needed breathing space, enabling the country to survive this dangerous juncture.

In submitting my resignation, I would ask all the conflicting parties to stand down, and that the election be postponed until such time that the country is genuinely ready. There is no good reason to burn another Bt3,800 million for nothing. Taxpayers and others have seen enough of their money go up in smoke.

I would explain to those pushing blindly for an election despite the political mess, that they have it all wrong. A free and fair election is the result, not the cause, of democratic principles. An election in and by itself is meaningless unless democratic principles are in place. These are the principles of transparency, equality of all citizens, functional independent institutions, respect for the rule of law, and a separation of powers with adequate check-and-balance mechanisms.

There are good reasons why people yearn for real democracy, but an election is not even a sufficient condition of democracy. Despite holding general elections, many developing countries remain as undemocratic as love and money. An elected dictator is not an oxymoron. Under such regimes, leaders treat their countrymen as simpletons.

I would then ask people of all stripes to learn from Nelson Mandela. First, treat your enemies with respect and empathy. Mandela described apartheid as the denial of basic respect for black people. He won the trust of both whites and blacks because he was willing to respect all alike. "My people said I was afraid," he recalled. "They said I was a coward because I reached out to the Afrikaners … They have seen the result. We have peace."

Second, like Mandela I would warn my fellow citizens that we cannot start with a blank slate. Political reform cannot start from "year zero" because there is no such thing. Mao Tse Tung and Pol Pot killed millions in vain bids to disprove this.

No, reform has to be built from common ground, no matter how small it is. And on this matter, having no position to lose, I would be totally honest with the people and admit that real reform cannot be expected from any sitting government. It is too preoccupied with daily affairs to be bothered with long-term matters like political reform. This is not to mention the lack of incentive.

Third, I would not care if people accused me of speaking on behalf of my brother and our cronies when I echoed Mandela's wise words: "Don't punish people - even when they deserve it." Mandela reportedly made pacts with many "devils". The man himself said we punish others to affirm our own moral superiority. He affirmed his by forgiving them. I would then leave it to my people to think for themselves, and decide how they want to do it.

Finally, in signing my resignation, I would attempt to assure myself once more - it is so difficult to be completely convinced of this - that nobody is irreplaceable. This age-old adage is worth repeating. Mandela said it, as did William Clay Ford, Jr, who pulled his great grandfather Henry's auto empire back from the brink.

I would also remind myself (and my brother, if he allowed me) of the warning Ford Jr delivered in 2005 - that he had watched smart, intelligent leaders go soft after listening to their yes-men. Ford said what really scared him was a lifetime witnessing CEOs start to believe in their own infallibility amid the coaxing of their sycophants. This happens to many good people, I would reflect, not exclusively to me, or my family and followers. It was easy for us to forget to be humble. It was deeply cutting to hear the Army chief say, "If there were no wounds on the cow's back, the crows would not hover over it." But after a brief moment of reflection, I think he got the point.

In bidding farewell to the public, I would tell them that I prefer to resign rather than sitting tight in my prime minister's chair watching my countrymen tearing each other apart, spilling blood over the land we all call home. I prefer to let go of my grip on power, because that is the only honorable thing left to do at this juncture as a leader. Our national wounds, inflicted by all sides, are so deep and wide that healing will take a Herculean effort on everybody's part. My resignation would be the beginning of that long and arduous healing process, with many bumpy spots down the road.

In this final moment of my time in the office, I would know it was irrelevant to even think about pride and dignity. As Confucius pointed out, a wise man has dignity without pride; a fool has pride without dignity.

I would let history be my judge.

[moonao]

meh

more yellow shirt propoganda, probably financed by Sutheps recent windfall of cash donations.

[Nowhereman60]

So she stands down and who takes over? The problem is not solved and he doesn't answer this.

[noitom]

So she stands down and who takes over? The problem is not solved and he doesn't answer this.

That's right, it's meaningless and any Thai election snap or whatever is meaningless.

[JohnP1752]

How bizaar making all those quotes from Mandela and others in the interests of setting up a facist dictatorship.

[britmaveric]

No need to stand down because that has already been done. Fresh elections 2 Feb will elect a new govt. (likely to be the same govt but this is the majority's decision not a small minority mob of whistle blowers)

[ChrisY1]

Whether YL resigns or not...the divide will remain until stringent changes are made....and I don't think these people have the knowledge or, importantly, the courage to perform the required reform...or in fact where to begin.

Foreign assistance is desperately needed....but we all understand the Thais reluctance to seek this...many countries would likely be similar in this situation.

At least a resignation at this time by the PM would be a start.

The downside, for her and her family, could make life difficult for them in Thailand.

[Yunla]

If I were the prime minister, I would resign now

"And go back to being a low-paid journalist in some dingy office. Honestly, I'd give up all the gold and power, because of what Confucius and MacArthur said!"

But seriously the picture is way more complex than this OP would suggest. The Thai political sphere has problems that are completely outside of Yingluck and Suthep, the problems are entirely to do with the core State mechanisms which allow for abuse of power within Parliament. The OP ignores all that.

Also I bet if he were PM, his family would be as pleased as Punch, and they would never forgive him if he gave up that Wonka Golden Ticket because of some scratchy old book quotes by dead philosophers or military generals, which have no relevance to the complex and problematic Thai State machinery.

Edited January 9, 2014 by Yunla

[chainarong]

I don't know about resigning , I do know that knee jerk reactions do nothing for Thailand, a Feb 13th election is one such plan that should have read August, short term to elections creates skepticism , this then also gives the democrats something to think about besides boycotts , although the PTP will have a more credible opponent, I am not sure everyone is on board the Suthep boat or the democrat one for that matter.

[ramrod711]

So my second duty is to leave my job, voluntary, without anybody kicking me out. That is honour, because I know my action is in the best interest of the country, not that of myself or my family.

In bidding farewell to the public, I would tell them that I prefer to resign rather than sitting tight in my prime minister's chair watching my countrymen tearing each other apart, spilling blood over the land we all call home. I prefer to let go of my grip on power, because that is the only honorable thing left to do at this juncture as a leader. Our national wounds, inflicted by all sides, are so deep and wide that healing will take a Herculean effort on everybody's part. My resignation would be the beginning of that long and arduous healing process, with many bumpy spots down the road.

Does anyone else remember when a politician would resign when accused? It was considered to be the honourable thing to do. Offer your resignation, step aside until the charges against you were proven to be unfounded. Now, there is no honour, in any country, politicians stand, refusing to get off the gravy train for even a moment, regardless of the evidence against them, and the detriment to their country.

[Jasun]

I woud welcome a coup if it meant I didn't have to keep reading stuff like that.

[MaxLee]

"TELL IT AS IT IS

If I were the prime minister, I would resign now"

Impossible, too much FACE at stake and to lose

Edited January 9, 2014 by MaxLee

[whybother]

So she stands down and who takes over? The problem is not solved and he doesn't answer this.

A deputy (non-Shinawatra) would take over. Just because a Shinawatra is not in power, doesn't stop the PTP from existing.

Everyone seems to put forward and discuss two possibilities - Yingluck or Suthep. It doesn't have to be either of them.

[whybother]

No need to stand down because that has already been done. Fresh elections 2 Feb will elect a new govt. (likely to be the same govt but this is the majority's decision not a small minority mob of whistle blowers)

She hasn't stood down. She has dissolved parliament. She is still the care-taker PM. If she had resigned, someone else would be the care-taker PM.

[Clint1965]

Bloody hell. How can anyone put this forward as an appropriate resignation speech? Putting the likes of Yingluck in the same category as top statesmen?

I would have thought a farewell speech penned by Nicolae Ceaușescu would be more appropriate.

[newcomer71]

Articles like this show how incompetent, sided and poor is Thai journalism.

[JRSoul]

Thaksin wouldn't like that.

[DocN]

...and if I would be Santa Claus, I would have a big bushy beard!

[jgm005]

This article reminds me of a one hit wonder by OMC. "How Bizarre"

[jgm005]

This article reminds me of a one hit wonder by OMC. "How Bizarre"

[Local Drunk]

If I were the prime minister, I would resign now

If I were the PM, none of this would be happening. I'd issue an arrest warrant for my brother (trust me I would) and extradite him so he could pay for his crimes and baby I wouldn't stop at the tip of the iceberg.

[smutcakes]

Yeah, but if she stands down, what happens then? Who undertakes reform? I would have no issue with YS standing down, but from speaking to people who support the protests, they have little idea about what would come next re reform and who could do it, and command the respect or at least acceptance from all sides to give it a go.

Such useless journalism just hashing out an opinion piece with no forward planning. People really have to look further than tomorrow and think realistically as to how things can be moved forward positively in the long term rather than just saying 'get out'.

[gerry1011]

Yingluck to stand down would be useless.

Just after she would stand down, Suthep would "upgrade" his protests again to demand that all ministers stand down, all PT politicians be banned from politics forever, Thaksin's family be sent away, all their friends muzzled, police to hand back their guns and badges, red color be banned from being used, all northern people banned from voting or even speaking, ... , ... , and me banned from criticizing him

Yingluck better stay where she is.

It is Suthep who should be (...) down!

Sent from my HTC One using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[lovetotravel]

No need to stand down because that has already been done. Fresh elections 2 Feb will elect a new govt. (likely to be the same govt but this is the majority's decision not a small minority mob of whistle blowers)

She hasn't resigned. She's still PM of the caretaker government. Her resignation would help calm things down. And let's be honest, she hasn't done much to help Thailand anyway. Right?

[Nickymaster]

Articles like this show how incompetent, sided and poor is Thai journalism.

Why?

[slapout]

The PT political party (present name) and its leader have evolved from a potential assit on the road to democarcy for Thailand to a blight on the entire country. Many of us have seen our high hopes for the country dashed by this group putting themselves first , family second, cronies/henchmen third and the general public last in line for any monentary reward.

The Shinawat family have seen their fortune skyrocket to unpressidented hieghts, plummet downward to a still enviable sum and they still have not reached the position of "Power," they seem to be after. Some people learn from a hand slap, some require a bitchslap, and then there are the professional criminal/con men elements. Until Thailand takes the same approach to harsh punishment, as many countries have adapted throughout history, when this bandof thieves are neutralized, another will take its place.

You cannot expect to see improvement while allowing the criminals to make the rules which are there to hold them in check. Show some balls and take your government/country back for the 'Honest majority" to adminster and use whatever means are needed to clean up this putrid mess, you call Thai demoracy, that you walk through, smell and observe every day.

[DocN]

Articles like this show how incompetent, sided and poor is Thai journalism.

Why?

Because "real" journalism would not just repeat mouthpieces and talking points!

Why is no one in the Thai- press actually asking Suthep any questions?

Like, f.e., what exactly are your plans?

It is easy to say "I want to end corruption!".

The question is HOW would you do that?

Even if - for one second- you would forget about who this guy is and how his past looks: I am still missing ANY program to be issued.

Who is on your council of "good people"?

How do you want to reform the social system?

How do you want to reach an equality in education?

How do your reform plans look and what do they include?

Chasing the Shinawathra- Clan out of the country will exactly change...what, when it comes to corruption?

[blabth]

TELL IT AS IT IS

If I were the prime minister, I would resign now

Pornpimol Kanchanalak

Special to The Nation

Here are the reasons why:

A voluntary resignation is not a sign of weakness, but of courage and strength. General Douglas MacArthur, in his speech to cadets at West Point, said:

"Duty, Honour, Country - those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn."

As prime minister, it would be my utmost duty to govern the country in such a way that it remained peaceable and ordered. Right now, there is no order, no peace. As such, I have failed in my supreme duty. So my second duty is to leave my job, voluntary, without anybody kicking me out. That is honour, because I know my action is in the best interest of the country, not that of myself or my family. By removing myself from office, I would get the country out of a jam that no one but me can solve. The country is at a dead end, and breathing in bad air; it is suffocating. My resignation would bring about much-needed breathing space, enabling the country to survive this dangerous juncture.

In submitting my resignation, I would ask all the conflicting parties to stand down, and that the election be postponed until such time that the country is genuinely ready. There is no good reason to burn another Bt3,800 million for nothing. Taxpayers and others have seen enough of their money go up in smoke.

I would explain to those pushing blindly for an election despite the political mess, that they have it all wrong. A free and fair election is the result, not the cause, of democratic principles. An election in and by itself is meaningless unless democratic principles are in place. These are the principles of transparency, equality of all citizens, functional independent institutions, respect for the rule of law, and a separation of powers with adequate check-and-balance mechanisms.

There are good reasons why people yearn for real democracy, but an election is not even a sufficient condition of democracy. Despite holding general elections, many developing countries remain as undemocratic as love and money. An elected dictator is not an oxymoron. Under such regimes, leaders treat their countrymen as simpletons.

I would then ask people of all stripes to learn from Nelson Mandela. First, treat your enemies with respect and empathy. Mandela described apartheid as the denial of basic respect for black people. He won the trust of both whites and blacks because he was willing to respect all alike. "My people said I was afraid," he recalled. "They said I was a coward because I reached out to the Afrikaners … They have seen the result. We have peace."

Second, like Mandela I would warn my fellow citizens that we cannot start with a blank slate. Political reform cannot start from "year zero" because there is no such thing. Mao Tse Tung and Pol Pot killed millions in vain bids to disprove this.

No, reform has to be built from common ground, no matter how small it is. And on this matter, having no position to lose, I would be totally honest with the people and admit that real reform cannot be expected from any sitting government. It is too preoccupied with daily affairs to be bothered with long-term matters like political reform. This is not to mention the lack of incentive.

Third, I would not care if people accused me of speaking on behalf of my brother and our cronies when I echoed Mandela's wise words: "Don't punish people - even when they deserve it." Mandela reportedly made pacts with many "devils". The man himself said we punish others to affirm our own moral superiority. He affirmed his by forgiving them. I would then leave it to my people to think for themselves, and decide how they want to do it.

Finally, in signing my resignation, I would attempt to assure myself once more - it is so difficult to be completely convinced of this - that nobody is irreplaceable. This age-old adage is worth repeating. Mandela said it, as did William Clay Ford, Jr, who pulled his great grandfather Henry's auto empire back from the brink.

I would also remind myself (and my brother, if he allowed me) of the warning Ford Jr delivered in 2005 - that he had watched smart, intelligent leaders go soft after listening to their yes-men. Ford said what really scared him was a lifetime witnessing CEOs start to believe in their own infallibility amid the coaxing of their sycophants. This happens to many good people, I would reflect, not exclusively to me, or my family and followers. It was easy for us to forget to be humble. It was deeply cutting to hear the Army chief say, "If there were no wounds on the cow's back, the crows would not hover over it." But after a brief moment of reflection, I think he got the point.

In bidding farewell to the public, I would tell them that I prefer to resign rather than sitting tight in my prime minister's chair watching my countrymen tearing each other apart, spilling blood over the land we all call home. I prefer to let go of my grip on power, because that is the only honorable thing left to do at this juncture as a leader. Our national wounds, inflicted by all sides, are so deep and wide that healing will take a Herculean effort on everybody's part. My resignation would be the beginning of that long and arduous healing process, with many bumpy spots down the road.

In this final moment of my time in the office, I would know it was irrelevant to even think about pride and dignity. As Confucius pointed out, a wise man has dignity without pride; a fool has pride without dignity.

I would let history be my judge.

what a disgrace for Nelson Mandela to use him in this an argument. Nelson Mandela had a counter part in the apartheid regime which was willing to give up privileges. Nelson was fighting for the poor against the white elite. How he draws similarities the poor are the reds and now the poor have taken the power. With S the elite is trying to get the power back. Where are the parallels to Nelson or is he implicating that S is Thailand's Nelson Mandela.

The power struggle in Thailand is more who has access to governmental found to gain personnel wealth on both sides.

This article is another example of the Nation's way of journalism.

If the S succeed that only intelligent people can vote this guy has no chance to vote anymore.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[spirit47]

Its normal that the most incompetent politicans not resign by themselves, the must be kicked out of their chair. Sometimes it look like they have some miracle glue on their ass and only a surgery can decollate them from their position. For some people power is like a drug, and they dont aware that they are junkies. If they brilliant politicans and work for the people it is no problem, but this Government is one of the most incapable. They not alone, take a look to europe an you see some more, Greece, Italia, Spain.

Politicans who think real life can be managed by brainwashing people through TV and media in my eyes the worse of human being.

It should be normal to speak truth, not lie...

[newcomer71]

Articles like this show how incompetent, sided and poor is Thai journalism.

Why?

Because "real" journalism would not just repeat mouthpieces and talking points!

Why is no one in the Thai- press actually asking Suthep any questions?

Like, f.e., what exactly are your plans?

It is easy to say "I want to end corruption!".

The question is HOW would you do that?

Even if - for one second- you would forget about who this guy is and how his past looks: I am still missing ANY program to be issued.

Who is on your council of "good people"?

How do you want to reform the social system?

How do you want to reach an equality in education?

How do your reform plans look and what do they include?

Chasing the Shinawathra- Clan out of the country will exactly change...what, when it comes to corruption?

That's exactly what I'm talking about. Thai journalist never try to go deep into the news, never try to start a debate with the interviewed. And in this particular case, if he tell why it should be good that Yingluck step down from her caretaker role, he even didn't make the effort to expand the topic explaining what should happen after.

That's the quality of 90% of all articles written on Thai press.