The momentum is swinging toward reform: Thai editorial

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
The momentum is swinging toward reform
The Nation

From all walks of life, the calls for change are growing louder; we should not let this opportunity go to waste

BANGKOK: -- Amid increased violence in the run-up to Sunday's election, and the prospect of more bloodshed during and after the vote, it's reassuring that a large group of publicly respected figures has come out in support of efforts toward a peaceful transitional period of reform.

The newly formed Network of Servants for Thailand's Peaceful Reform (NSTPR) comprises 185 prominent figures from various fields and professions. Among them are academics Thirayuth Boonmi and Professor Rapee Sagarik, veteran journalist Somkiat Onwimon, National Artist Naovarat Pongbaiboon, former irrigation chief Pramote Maiklad, ex-finance minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, and bankers Khunying Jada Wattanasiritham and Thawatchai Yongkittikul.

They are calling for reforms to prevent cronyism and corruption, overhaul politics and governance, improve the police and justice system, prevent business monopolies, and strengthen civil society.

"Thailand stands amid a crisis, while our society is plagued with political cronyism and corruption, injustice and a media that is neither free nor fair," said Poldej Pinprateep, the group's coordinator and former deputy minister for social development and human security. "The government's use of divisive propaganda has resulted in a total loss of confidence in our institutions of governance," he added.

Some among the group might be viewed as sympathising with the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee. A few have even appeared on protest stages to denounce the so-called Thaksin regime. But it is undeniable that all are prominent and widely respected members of society.

This network is just the latest offshoot of a mass of people who want to see changes for the betterment of our country. Thailand has experienced more than a decade of bitter conflict that has damaged its standing in the international community and demoralised its citizens.

A major cause of the conflict is ruling politicians using their power for private benefit. Through cronyism, corruption and monopolistic business practises, they and their cohorts have milked public projects and state funds. This has caused growing resentment among a broad swathe of society. Deep-seated and widespread feelings of injustice finally boiled over with mass protests that have seen everyone from rural farmers to urban office workers, from showbiz stars to civil servants, out on the streets.

The problem of corruption and self-serving governance exists partly because of the weak sense of citizenship and civil society in Thailand. Reform is also needed in this sphere, to help boost the system of checks and balances. Armed with a greater sense of belonging to and being responsible for society, citizens are more likely to act as watchdogs in the fight against corruption and injustice.

Social critic and NSTPR member Thirayuth Boonmi says many of the problems currently blighting the country - social conflict, institutional bias and a weakened checks and balances - are a legacy of Thaksin Shinawatra's administration.

Former Parliament president Meechai Ruchuphan, also a legal expert, blames the ongoing conflict on people in power tweaking the law to benefit themselves. Praising the efforts toward national reform, he has called on all groups to take part in the process in order to ensure its success.

As the momentum swings behind national reforms, we should not let this opportunity go to waste. Self-serving individuals who stand to lose if there is change have blocked the road. Those of us who want a fairer society for all must unite in the push for reforms. These should be implemented sincerely by all those involved, with the goal of benefiting the country as a whole, and not just certain groups of people.

-- The Nation 2014-01-30

[millwall_fan]

So there we have it: The Nation has its finger on the pulse of the nation. The paper can now say, without fear of equivocation that ALL the wine bar goers on Sukhumvit and Silom roads now support the reform of the 'Thaksin Regime' and the restoration of power to the 'widely respected members of (cafe) society. I wonder if the editor got out of his leather backed armchair and sought the views of the industrial workers in Samut Prakhan or Samut Sakhorn or the tour guides in Chiang Mai or the farmers in the Isaan. The editor must think we're all stupid. These 'widely respected members of society' we take it as read, want rid of 'Thaksinism'

This new group have, allegedly for the first time, reluctantly come forward to propose reform. If they didn't do so before they are merely bowing to the aggressive actions of Mr. Suthep's mob. If they have said this before (and given the admitted history of many members of teh group), then this is merely The Nations propaganda masquerading as news.

There will be an election on Sunday and the majority of Thais will vote -unless they are violently prevented from doing so. Then teh by elections will take place then parliament will convene and then and only then and in parliament will reform debates take place.

[Siripon]

So there we have it: The Nation has its finger on the pulse of the nation. The paper can now say, without fear of equivocation that ALL the wine bar goers on Sukhumvit and Silom roads now support the reform of the 'Thaksin Regime' and the restoration of power to the 'widely respected members of (cafe) society. I wonder if the editor got out of his leather backed armchair and sought the views of the industrial workers in Samut Prakhan or Samut Sakhorn or the tour guides in Chiang Mai or the farmers in the Isaan. The editor must think we're all stupid. These 'widely respected members of society' we take it as read, want rid of 'Thaksinism'

This new group have, allegedly for the first time, reluctantly come forward to propose reform. If they didn't do so before they are merely bowing to the aggressive actions of Mr. Suthep's mob. If they have said this before (and given the admitted history of many members of teh group), then this is merely The Nations propaganda masquerading as news.

There will be an election on Sunday and the majority of Thais will vote -unless they are violently prevented from doing so. Then teh by elections will take place then parliament will convene and then and only then and in parliament will reform debates take place.

Reform cannot be left to the politicians, it need input from all sectors.

Only when the proposals are finalised should it go to Parliament.

[Emptyset]

All the people listed above are pretty well known conservative/royalist critics of Thaksin. Of course, they back the PDRC. Still I agree the opportunity for reform should be taken. Yet I agree with the Two Yeses, Two Nos group of prominent academics that reforms must take place after an election by an elected government. Not before an election (fantasy). Two Yeses, Two Nos is far more promising because it is comprised of liberal academics & reformers of both red sympathetic (Phi Nuling, Kasien, Puangthong Pawakapan, Nitirat etc) and anti-Thaksin persuasion (Angkana Neelapaichit, Somkiat Tangkitvanich, Ammar Siamwalla). Still it'll be interesting to see what practical reforms each group suggests. There will probably be some overlap.

[noitom]

The "widely respected 185 public figures" is a euphemism for "the establishment elite." It's analogous to putting the fox in the chicken coup.

[britmaveric]

^Suthep's reform council?

[ramrod711]

Great article, shows that some people really care about Thailand.

[Fryslan boppe]

"They are calling for reforms to prevent cronyism and corruption, overhaul politics and governance, improve the police and justice system, prevent business monopolies, and strengthen civil society"

No-one will argue with that...A little like "Motherhood and apple pie".

So take it to Parliament

" a large group of publicly respected figures..."

As long as it is not a group of elites publically respected by the "Pad-Dem's"...They are not the "public", but just an electoral minority segment. It is a common trait of the PAD-Dem's to create all these seemingly independent groups they like to call 'networks', but which in essence are just "different groups, same PAD-Dem faces"

[pumpuiman]

If these "respected figures" were fair in their analysis they would admit corruption existed before Thaksin, and that the PDRC are being lead by a man who is also corrupt.

"Self-serving individuals who stand to lose if there is change have blocked the road"

Who is blocking roads now?

[pisico]

^Suthep's reform council?

an oxymoron is ever there was one

[EvilDrSomkid]

The "widely respected 185 public figures" is a euphemism for "the establishment elite."

That might be so, but it is undeniable that things will have to change somehow. You cannot expect a majority PTP (or Dem) government to implement sweeping reforms to the constitution and civil laws that damage their interests and deprive them of power and influence.

These protests have been a long time coming. I think it quite obvious that (some) people would have enough of the rampant corruption and nepotism that Thai politics are infamous for. Sure, other countries have the same problems or are worse, but those are not the concern here.

However, I am convinced that Suthep is NOT the right figure for leading these reforms. I also believe that it is legally very difficult, if not impossible, to institute real reforms to the laws of the country outside the parliamentary system.

So, a catch-22 situation.

An elected PTP government who has been working for years to dismantle the checks and balances, placing their own puppets in every possible position of power and having the sole agenda to stay in power to get their dear CEO back is now expected to change their ways. Fat chance.

On the other hand, putting an unelected group of establishment types in "temporary" positions of authority to wisely make new laws that are fairer is also not credible.

Right now, there is no climate of negotiation or compromise. Each side is stridently sticking to their positions, digging in. It has become a siege.

The PDRC is trying to slowly choke the PTP into submission and the PTP (Shin Clan) is staying in place and waiting it out.

In the meantime, the country itself is going financially down the drain.

[pisico]

The "widely respected 185 public figures" is a euphemism for "the establishment elite." It's analogous to putting the fox in the chicken coup.

Excellent analysis!!!

Simpletons have a fascination in this land with the labels "academic", "professor" among others.

Their finite rationale never goes beyond the phonetics of the word: what of their political leaning, their provenance, past or present family ties to the current or past administrations, etc.? They assume that because of those labels, THEY know better than the rest of the population. Ergo, they should be able to tell us what we ought to do.

Oftentimes Professors and academics are ideologues who can only operate in the realm of an idea. Any connection with the practice of real life is left out as it would upset the balance of their abstract concoctions. That is the chief failure of Utopia (disguised as Socialism and Communism) that cannot exist in reality. Humans have diverse opinions, upbringing, goal and aspirations nearly impossible to catalog or foresee.

To leave reform to the academics and professors will lead to the transfer of power to a false prophet, a charlatan, an opportunist or yet another Elmer Gantry.

[scorecard]

So there we have it: The Nation has its finger on the pulse of the nation. The paper can now say, without fear of equivocation that ALL the wine bar goers on Sukhumvit and Silom roads now support the reform of the 'Thaksin Regime' and the restoration of power to the 'widely respected members of (cafe) society. I wonder if the editor got out of his leather backed armchair and sought the views of the industrial workers in Samut Prakhan or Samut Sakhorn or the tour guides in Chiang Mai or the farmers in the Isaan. The editor must think we're all stupid. These 'widely respected members of society' we take it as read, want rid of 'Thaksinism'

This new group have, allegedly for the first time, reluctantly come forward to propose reform. If they didn't do so before they are merely bowing to the aggressive actions of Mr. Suthep's mob. If they have said this before (and given the admitted history of many members of teh group), then this is merely The Nations propaganda masquerading as news.

There will be an election on Sunday and the majority of Thais will vote -unless they are violently prevented from doing so. Then teh by elections will take place then parliament will convene and then and only then and in parliament will reform debates take place.

Reform cannot be left to the politicians, it need input from all sectors.

Only when the proposals are finalised should it go to Parliament.

Agree, and one more point; did this group say that the 'membership' of their reform group is now fixed? No!

Different point, when it comes to a actual list of reforms I hope the RTP is way up the list for a total overhaul including the dismissal of quite some number of the force, at many levels.

[Spalpeen]

As the election draws nearer the editorials from The Nation become more frequent and frenzied. The best point made in the article was that the press in Thailand is neither free nor fair. The Nation could start the reform process by taking a good long look in the mirror.

[pipkins]

If they are not carful... They could have a reform in this country that will take them all out.

People only put up with oppression for so long and one more coup will be one too many. I cannot see a way back from it and these academics are crying in the wilderness. If the Red side have to come out, they will not be listening to self serving elitise garbage from these people.

[Jasun]

500,000 protestors > 50,000 protestors > 5,000 protestors > 500 protestors.... i'm not seeing the momentum.

[jayboy]

So there we have it: The Nation has its finger on the pulse of the nation. The paper can now say, without fear of equivocation that ALL the wine bar goers on Sukhumvit and Silom roads now support the reform of the 'Thaksin Regime' and the restoration of power to the 'widely respected members of (cafe) society. I wonder if the editor got out of his leather backed armchair and sought the views of the industrial workers in Samut Prakhan or Samut Sakhorn or the tour guides in Chiang Mai or the farmers in the Isaan. The editor must think we're all stupid. These 'widely respected members of society' we take it as read, want rid of 'Thaksinism'

This new group have, allegedly for the first time, reluctantly come forward to propose reform. If they didn't do so before they are merely bowing to the aggressive actions of Mr. Suthep's mob. If they have said this before (and given the admitted history of many members of teh group), then this is merely The Nations propaganda masquerading as news.

There will be an election on Sunday and the majority of Thais will vote -unless they are violently prevented from doing so. Then teh by elections will take place then parliament will convene and then and only then and in parliament will reform debates take place.

Reform cannot be left to the politicians, it need input from all sectors.

Only when the proposals are finalised should it go to Parliament.

Agree, and one more point; did this group say that the 'membership' of their reform group is now fixed? No!

Different point, when it comes to a actual list of reforms I hope the RTP is way up the list for a total overhaul including the dismissal of quite some number of the force, at many levels.

And is the army to be exempted from reform too - the massive corruption, the business and media interests, the interference in politics, the lack of accountability for military crimes, the ludicrous number of general level officers etc etc?Somehow don't think that will be on the agenda.

[theslime]

The "widely respected 185 public figures" is a euphemism for "the establishment elite." It's analogous to putting the fox in the chicken coup.

Excellent analysis!!!

Simpletons have a fascination in this land with the labels "academic", "professor" among others.

Their finite rationale never goes beyond the phonetics of the word: what of their political leaning, their provenance, past or present family ties to the current or past administrations, etc.? They assume that because of those labels, THEY know better than the rest of the population. Ergo, they should be able to tell us what we ought to do.

Oftentimes Professors and academics are ideologues who can only operate in the realm of an idea. Any connection with the practice of real life is left out as it would upset the balance of their abstract concoctions. That is the chief failure of Utopia (disguised as Socialism and Communism) that cannot exist in reality. Humans have diverse opinions, upbringing, goal and aspirations nearly impossible to catalog or foresee.

To leave reform to the academics and professors will lead to the transfer of power to a false prophet, a charlatan, an opportunist or yet another Elmer Gantry.

Is this your idea? seems like your saying you are more Knowledgeble than the Professors and they have no concept of what it is, you know.Leave Reform to Thaksin and see how things turn out, no thank you.

[jonclark]

The "widely respected 185 public figures" is a euphemism for "the establishment elite." It's analogous to putting the fox in the chicken coup.

Excellent analysis!!!

Simpletons have a fascination in this land with the labels "academic", "professor" among others.

Their finite rationale never goes beyond the phonetics of the word: what of their political leaning, their provenance, past or present family ties to the current or past administrations, etc.? They assume that because of those labels, THEY know better than the rest of the population. Ergo, they should be able to tell us what we ought to do.

Oftentimes Professors and academics are ideologues who can only operate in the realm of an idea. Any connection with the practice of real life is left out as it would upset the balance of their abstract concoctions. That is the chief failure of Utopia (disguised as Socialism and Communism) that cannot exist in reality. Humans have diverse opinions, upbringing, goal and aspirations nearly impossible to catalog or foresee.

To leave reform to the academics and professors will lead to the transfer of power to a false prophet, a charlatan, an opportunist or yet another Elmer Gantry.

Excellent analysis which clearly explains why it can't be left to politicians with vested interests to undertake reform as well.

I mean do any of use really think that Thai politicians with their parliamentary immunity actually care about the welfare of their voters

Which leaves the only possible solution;

A reform raffle

All ideas, no matter how ridiculous, from all parties groups etc in a big hat and a blindfolded man pulls 10 ideas which are implemented and binding on all

[pisico]

The "widely respected 185 public figures" is a euphemism for "the establishment elite." It's analogous to putting the fox in the chicken coup.

Excellent analysis!!!

Simpletons have a fascination in this land with the labels "academic", "professor" among others.

Their finite rationale never goes beyond the phonetics of the word: what of their political leaning, their provenance, past or present family ties to the current or past administrations, etc.? They assume that because of those labels, THEY know better than the rest of the population. Ergo, they should be able to tell us what we ought to do.

Oftentimes Professors and academics are ideologues who can only operate in the realm of an idea. Any connection with the practice of real life is left out as it would upset the balance of their abstract concoctions. That is the chief failure of Utopia (disguised as Socialism and Communism) that cannot exist in reality. Humans have diverse opinions, upbringing, goal and aspirations nearly impossible to catalog or foresee.

To leave reform to the academics and professors will lead to the transfer of power to a false prophet, a charlatan, an opportunist or yet another Elmer Gantry.

Is this your idea? seems like your saying you are more Knowledgeble than the Professors and they have no concept of what it is, you know.Leave Reform to Thaksin and see how things turn out, no thank you.

Sophistry. Look it up

[jonclark]

If they are not carful... They could have a reform in this country that will take them all out.

People only put up with oppression for so long and one more coup will be one too many. I cannot see a way back from it and these academics are crying in the wilderness. If the Red side have to come out, they will not be listening to self serving elitise garbage from these people.

Dude the reds listen to Taksin and Tida all the time - and their words are the most self serving elitist garbage of all.

[pisico]

So there we have it: The Nation has its finger on the pulse of the nation. The paper can now say, without fear of equivocation that ALL the wine bar goers on Sukhumvit and Silom roads now support the reform of the 'Thaksin Regime' and the restoration of power to the 'widely respected members of (cafe) society. I wonder if the editor got out of his leather backed armchair and sought the views of the industrial workers in Samut Prakhan or Samut Sakhorn or the tour guides in Chiang Mai or the farmers in the Isaan. The editor must think we're all stupid. These 'widely respected members of society' we take it as read, want rid of 'Thaksinism'

This new group have, allegedly for the first time, reluctantly come forward to propose reform. If they didn't do so before they are merely bowing to the aggressive actions of Mr. Suthep's mob. If they have said this before (and given the admitted history of many members of teh group), then this is merely The Nations propaganda masquerading as news.

There will be an election on Sunday and the majority of Thais will vote -unless they are violently prevented from doing so. Then teh by elections will take place then parliament will convene and then and only then and in parliament will reform debates take place.

Reform cannot be left to the politicians, it need input from all sectors.

Only when the proposals are finalised should it go to Parliament.

Agree, and one more point; did this group say that the 'membership' of their reform group is now fixed? No!

Different point, when it comes to a actual list of reforms I hope the RTP is way up the list for a total overhaul including the dismissal of quite some number of the force, at many levels.

And is the army to be exempted from reform too - the massive corruption, the business and media interests, the interference in politics, the lack of accountability for military crimes, the ludicrous number of general level officers etc etc?Somehow don't think that will be on the agenda.

Of course they have to be exempted.

What makes you say that? The fact that the military is in the banking business (MTB).

The fact that the military is in the TV broadcasting business?

(asking questions with tongue pressed against my cheek)

[larsjohnsson]

So there we have it: The Nation has its finger on the pulse of the nation. The paper can now say, without fear of equivocation that ALL the wine bar goers on Sukhumvit and Silom roads now support the reform of the 'Thaksin Regime' and the restoration of power to the 'widely respected members of (cafe) society. I wonder if the editor got out of his leather backed armchair and sought the views of the industrial workers in Samut Prakhan or Samut Sakhorn or the tour guides in Chiang Mai or the farmers in the Isaan. The editor must think we're all stupid. These 'widely respected members of society' we take it as read, want rid of 'Thaksinism'

This new group have, allegedly for the first time, reluctantly come forward to propose reform. If they didn't do so before they are merely bowing to the aggressive actions of Mr. Suthep's mob. If they have said this before (and given the admitted history of many members of teh group), then this is merely The Nations propaganda masquerading as news.

There will be an election on Sunday and the majority of Thais will vote -unless they are violently prevented from doing so. Then teh by elections will take place then parliament will convene and then and only then and in parliament will reform debates take place.

Reform cannot be left to the politicians, it need input from all sectors.

Only when the proposals are finalised should it go to Parliament.

So tell us exactly: who should do the reform. And what exactly is the reform?

[bigbamboo]

It's become the classic Thai political conundrum....... which comes first, elections or reform..... and can you have one without the other?

Over to the TV experts........

Edited January 30, 2014 by bigbamboo

[Robby nz]

Twenty odd posts and mostly name calling, shoot the messenger or diversion.

How about we try the subject of reform.

There is as the OP says general agreement that reforms are needed in many areas and now we have a group who is stepping up to attempt to get something going.

The businessmen tried and gave up as they couldn't get any positive interest.

So where to from here ?

It should be very obvious to anyone that reforms cant be left to politicians as political, judicial and corruption reforms would be against their own interests.

At present the reform process is being hamstrung by political, democratic, constitutional, whatever you want to call it, issues.

We must have an election, a govt in power before decisions can be made.

Once we have that, then what ? there will be two different sectors. 500 or so elected and party MP's and a cabinet of ministers who may or may not be MP's

But what use will that lot be when it comes to formulating reforms ? very little I would think.

The way I see it reforms need to be discussed openly with a representative group from all sectors without major input from politicians.

Getting such a group together must be the next step and the group mentioned in the OP is a good start, Only a start, got it ?

Once a group, call it what you want, is assembled then base lines need to be drawn and there will be priorities

There are already 2 or is it 3 reports gathering dust, they need to be brought out and used as a starting point.

Committees will then need to be set up to look at each area of reform and make recommendations to the full body and decisions made that are binding on the Govt.

This will not be a quick fix thing and will probably take several years to all reforms in place.

[siampolee]

The political chessboard we are now seeing has arisen from an agrarian Buddhist absolute monarchy society with orderly thinking along with patronage and strictly defined lines of authority.

1932 caused a change in the system, which brought into effect alternating power struggles both politically and military influenced also social power struggles came into play and even now those groups are active as we see daily,,

We are all well aware of the consequences of those movements actions which today have left Thailand suspended in a miasma of truths and lies of the past resulting in the failed strictures of the present.

Now we must ask ourselves.

Does any one group actually have a solution, or is it that there must be a collection of groups who will co-operate so as to enable Thailand and its peoples to move forward to a more democratic society where the politicians serve the country and its people as opposed to the politicians serving serving themselves?

It seems now as if the people themselves are becoming aware of the situation and also their power to change the course of political skulduggery here in Thailand.

I often wonder when I read some of the comments here just how many of those posters with views espousing violence as solution to the current problems if those posters have any real commitment to Thailand. I.E. family business , property etc.

We have 3 boys and they hold dual nationality, however they love Thailand and they want a peaceful democratic future with far less corruption,( we shall never completely erase corruption sad to say it exists in all societies) as I wish to see,

In my 23 years here I have seen nothing to match the current levels of corruption and the abuse of power and the self serving actions of one family and their clique.

This current situation has to be stopped so as Thailand and its peoples can and will move forward.

Whether we like it or not or whether we can accept it or not the people of Thailand are moving in the right direction . Those current leaders will fade into the background and no doubt become popular figures in later years.

Look at the life of Pridi Banomyong. Even now Pridi is a hero to many but a culprit to some, however his action were the match that lit the fuse that has slowly developed into the current P.R.D.C movement..

.Below is a short extract concerning Pridi and you will find the link which may help to understand the current situation and the players motives who are the current situation along with their aims.

There is no doubt that Pridi wanted to remove Phibun from power, and the war offered an opportunity to do so. However, there is no question that Pridi recognised well before the war that Thailand’s alignment with the Axis powers would work to Phibun’s advantage and enable him to strengthen his dictatorship. Even the Japanese recognised Pridi’s hostility, which is why he was forced out of the cabinet in December 1941. It was the reason every knowledgeable person on the Allied side, from Seni Pramoj and Prince Suphasawat, a chief organiser of the movement in Great Britain, to former British ambassador Josiah Crosby, anticipated that Pridi would emerge as the head of a domestic resistance movement.

​Pridi Banomyong - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[TVGerry]

Much of the hate the protestors have are for the Shinawatras, in particular the scum in Dubai. If the PTP would distance themselves from the Shinawatras and Dubai and even make a show of pretending to want to arrest him, Suthep's support would dwindle dramatically.

It's not a cure all but the fact remains there are as much people who love the scum of Dubal as there are those who wish he'd drop dead. Get rid of Yingluck and of the Shinawatra relatives from the government. This is a country after all, not their company. The PTP still win the elections but without Shinawatra influence, they can go about actually governing instead of thinking of schemes to get the scum back home. People on the other side are more likely to be receptive of a government, even a PTP one, that isn't led by an overseas mass murdering fugitive.

[Roadman]

The "widely respected 185 public figures" is a euphemism for "the establishment elite."

That might be so, but it is undeniable that things will have to change somehow. You cannot expect a majority PTP (or Dem) government to implement sweeping reforms to the constitution and civil laws that damage their interests and deprive them of power and influence.

These protests have been a long time coming. I think it quite obvious that (some) people would have enough of the rampant corruption and nepotism that Thai politics are infamous for. Sure, other countries have the same problems or are worse, but those are not the concern here.

However, I am convinced that Suthep is NOT the right figure for leading these reforms. I also believe that it is legally very difficult, if not impossible, to institute real reforms to the laws of the country outside the parliamentary system.

So, a catch-22 situation.

An elected PTP government who has been working for years to dismantle the checks and balances, placing their own puppets in every possible position of power and having the sole agenda to stay in power to get their dear CEO back is now expected to change their ways. Fat chance.

On the other hand, putting an unelected group of establishment types in "temporary" positions of authority to wisely make new laws that are fairer is also not credible.

Right now, there is no climate of negotiation or compromise. Each side is stridently sticking to their positions, digging in. It has become a siege.

The PDRC is trying to slowly choke the PTP into submission and the PTP (Shin Clan) is staying in place and waiting it out.

In the meantime, the country itself is going financially down the drain.

Spot on. Summed up perfectly.

[Thai at Heart]

The problem of corruption and self-serving governance exists partly because of the weak sense of citizenship and civil society in Thailand.

Now there is a complete and utter load of tosh.

The defamation law, a useless police force and an ineffective judiciary are the problem.

I can see this reform group are really going to grab the nettle and go for the root causes of the issue.

[citizen33]

The lineup of academics is underwhelming - less impressive than the group associated with 'two yes's and two no's'.