TELL IT AS IT IS
No chance now for a graceful exit by our caretaker premier
Pornpimol Kanchanalak
Special to The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Many believe it has taken too long for the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to reach its decision to formally charge the prime minister over the wholesale fraud in the rice-pledging programme carried out on her watch. But it's better late than never. Without adequate prudence on the part of the NACC, the entire school of slimy fish could get away.

Meanwhile, the caretaker premier's "Dear farmers" speech and the government's farcical actions to find money to fill the gaping hole left by stolen cash, while pinning the blame on others, provide a new definition of hard-boiled, nefarious self-delusion.

The showy quivering voice and welling tears as she talked about the plight of farmers sent many who had up till then been sitting on the fence, maintaining their impartiality as onlookers, straight to the other camp.

Instead of stubbornly playing the blame game, the caretaker premier should have talked about where the huge amount taxpayers' cash went. During the last parliamentary debate, the opposition party clearly showed where the money trail ended. A significant sum of looted booty went into the hand of government cronies, evidently bypassing those of the "dear farmers" the premier addressed.

Meanwhile, deaths and injuries related to the three months of protest passed the 700 mark on Tuesday, when the government's "Peace For Bangkok" - an oxymoron if ever there was one - mission went awry. This is 700 too many, and hides many more lives ruined among grieving families.

The government, being cornered by and stuck in its own game, insists publicly it is on the side of the right, and shall not yield or give up its power. Privately, "representatives" of the premier have been testing the waters with the "what if?" question, suggesting that the caretaker premier might be willing to leave the office should a few conditions be granted. First among the conditions is no seizure of Yingluck or her family's assets. Second, a blanket amnesty for her and her family over the rice-pledging scheme. Third, a pardon for the premier and her government over its failed attempt to push through the amnesty bill that would have exonerated the premier's brother of all wrongdoing. The clay pigeons were shot down without much lamenting.

More importantly, it is not requested conditions that torpedoed the possibility of dialogue, it is the bad faith with which this marionette government and its master have been conducting their negotiations. No one now trusts the government's words.

For months, Thailand has had no functioning government. The political conflict has turned into economic calamity for the country and its people. Worst of all, the social divide has deepened and will be much harder to reverse for years to come.

None of this matters much to the government, for whom only a misguided will to survive counts.

History provides us with an interesting comparison.

Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge, following its invasion of Phnom Penh in 1975, declared "Year Zero" for Cambodia. The term originated in France in 1792 during that country's revolution. The Year Zeroes in France and Cambodia were followed by unspeakable acts carried out under reigns of terror.

The Year Zero policy commands that all previous cultures and traditions be destroyed and replaced by a new social order dictated by the revolution. Was this term the inspiration for the Thai government's declaration of "Set Zero" as it pushed the ill-fated amnesty bill that ignited a public outcry and brought the country to this desperate juncture?

That term obviously backfired. The caretaker government is running from place to place to hold meetings which are becoming fewer and farther in between. Our caretaker premier has become more like a phantom presence, as she leaves all the dirty jobs to be handled by her deputies. Gone is the dignity of the holder of the highest office of government.

January 29, 2009, in Iceland saw the "Pots and Pans Revolution" succeed in obtaining the resignation of the prime minister. It happened only after six days of intense street protests and clashes with the police, after the government's privatisation of banks put them in the hands of the few with close ties to the government and caused a financial-sector meltdown. The protesters threw snowballs and eggs at the prime minister's car, and banged pots and pans in front of the parliament and government house. After one Icelander had kicked things off a year earlier by standing up against the government's corruption and mismanagement, the Kitchenware Revolution was followed by citizens' forums and constitutional change. In 2010, the new parliament voted to indict the former prime minister (but not his Cabinet) for neglecting his duties. That fits the old dignified motto drawn from Franklin D Roosevelt's undelivered speech in 1945 (he died one day before giving it) - "With great power comes great responsibility", and also the Bible's "To whom much has been given, much will be expected."

It is said that self-inflicted tragedy is sadder than uncontrollable tragedy. In Jean Paul Sartre's play "No Exit", a character named Garcin cannot leave the room even though the door is open because he cannot face the responsibility that comes with his decisions and actions. Our caretaker premier could have chosen to gracefully leave office in order to demonstrate her responsibility to the country. She did not.

It's now a question of who will make the decision for her. Sadly, the heavy price of her dithering will be paid by all of us.


-- The Nation 2014-02-20

You see Mr Nation,what we do in big grown up countries when we don`t like our PM is vote them out at election time.

In Thailand they couldnt do that because the opposition refused to stand, after forcing an election.

Until you recognise this fact your opinion pieces are just seen as biased drivel, worthy of disdain.

Perhaps tullynagardy you could try a lighter hand on the POST button.

Aside from that the editorial is pretty accurate. Elections can't save Thailand, only major surgery and a transplant. Thailand is hemorhaging to death.

You see Mr Nation,what we do in big grown up countries when we don`t like our PM is vote them out at election time.

In Thailand they couldnt do that because the opposition refused to stand, after forcing an election.

Until you recognise this fact your opinion pieces are just seen as biased drivel, worthy of disdain.

So you didn't read the article then?

In Iceland, protesters forced the resignation of the prime minister.

Sent from my phone ...

You see Mr Nation,what we do in big grown up countries when we don`t like our PM is vote them out at election time.

In Thailand they couldnt do that because the opposition refused to stand, after forcing an election.

Until you recognise this fact

your opinion pieces are just seen as biased drivel, worthy of disdain.

On behalf of the PM, I would like to say thank you 3 times to tullynagardy.

You see Mr Nation,what we do in big grown up countries when we don`t like our PM is vote them out at election time.

In Thailand they couldnt do that because the opposition refused to stand, after forcing an election.

Until you recognise this fact your opinion pieces are just seen as biased drivel, worthy of disdain.

Dont you mean in Thailand the elections being blocked prevented its validity and gave the people time to see what their leaders are really doing?

Until you recognise that she was never in control and that the reason she became leader was simply because her big Brother bought and paid the people in the Norths love and devotion which happens to be where the majority lives and the poorest in Thailand.

And cant you see that even though he had their devotion and trust from his making it easy for them to get loans but now his sister has lost that devotion with this rice?

Once the people started seeing that they were misguided their support for her started dwindling until now, only 18% (last official poll done by University) of the people want her to remain in office.

Only the people that profit from YLs position and hard core redliners support her now. Which of these are you?

I am not a supporter of either party or of the protest so dont bother to troll me with those replies.

But i do believe that if someone is robbing you that it should be stopped and if they are lying to you then the truth should come out.

I truly hope this country gets new elections fast but not if the leader is goin to be there for their own benefit. That is not democracy even if the majority of the people were tricked or bought to vote for them. This country needs someone who really cares about the people. Not just making a show for them

It needs a leader who has enough knowledge to really help the people and who can control their hierarchy. Not leader who cant think for themselves and doesnt know what city they are in.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I suspect the average grade school student in the US has a far stronger grasp of the democratic process that the author (and many of our TV posters who seem to be stuck in an echo chamber with the same three or four memes going around and around).

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You see Mr Nation,what we do in big grown up countries when we don`t like our PM is vote them out at election time.

In Thailand they couldnt do that because the opposition refused to stand, after forcing an election.

Until you recognise this fact your opinion pieces are just seen as biased drivel, worthy of disdain.

Dont you mean in Thailand the elections being blocked prevented its validity and gave the people time to see what their leaders are really doing?
Until you recognise that she was never in control and that the reason she became leader was simply because her big Brother bought and paid the people in the Norths love and devotion which happens to be where the majority lives and the poorest in Thailand.


Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

You are aware that this (rather racist) theory has been dismantled rather firmly by research aren't you?

Still, if as you say - and I guess you have inside knowledge the rest of us lack, given the way you stated it - the population has turned against her, we probably should put you down as a firm "yes" for elections being the way out of this.

Wow, talk about a PAD-Dem diatribe.

But it all stems from their access to user-friendly courts.

If one considers them normal and judicially credible, it can lead to such self-righteous delusion.

The problem to which they are blinded however, is that this whole thing is transparent.

Communication linkages and political realities are clear to the majority electorate...They know what is going on.

So when one reads diatribes such as this, or when the judiciary pontificate and make decisions reflective of their roots in that Opposition, it all is the same as far as that electorate is concerned.

Everything from seeking to eliminate Ms. Y. who they cannot defeat in an election, to protecting the protesters from Emergency Rule imperatives, to obstructing an election, to demonizing an agricultural subsidy program because it is financial re-distribution away from Elitist entitlements, is known to a politicized, diverse electoral majority.....They vote accordingly.

It all boils down to an acceptance of Electoral democracy, or not......

.It is interesting how Farangs justify this stuff when they would come unglued if it happened in their country......

They need to take the gloves off and enforce an ironshod regulatory system for all state players, no second chances and no dithering about. You act in ways that are detrimental to the nation and the millions of poor struggling families within it, you go to prison. Zero-tolerance as a deterrent is a very powerful incentive for people to behave properly at work, and that should apply across the board for all politicians, police, army and of course corporate business, all the way down to the normal person in the street.

The more lax and loopholed the system is, the more you will see heartless brigands exploiting it and this is sadly the tale of this nation for decades. There needs to be a law-and-order epiphany here, where shameless rascals are just toppled as soon as they step out of line. Without that, the only direction is down and in an olympic luge kind of way too.

You see Mr Nation,what we do in big grown up countries when we don`t like our PM is vote them out at election time.

In Thailand they couldnt do that because the opposition refused to stand, after forcing an election.

Until you recognise this fact your opinion pieces are just seen as biased drivel, worthy of disdain.

Dont you mean in Thailand the elections being blocked prevented its validity and gave the people time to see what their leaders are really doing?

Until you recognise that she was never in control and that the reason she became leader was simply because her big Brother bought and paid the people in the Norths love and devotion which happens to be where the majority lives and the poorest in Thailand.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

You are aware that this (rather racist) theory has been dismantled rather firmly by research aren't you?

Still, if as you say - and I guess you have inside knowledge the rest of us lack, given the way you stated it - the population has turned against her, we probably should put you down as a firm "yes" for elections being the way out of this.

Actually in a blind poll last taken by Nida (I BELIEVE) all over thailand it was stated that like 18-19% did not want her to remain as PM. If there was refute i didnt see it here and i read all forums every day.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Wow, talk about a PAD-Dem diatribe.

But it all stems from their access to user-friendly courts.

If one considers them normal and judicially credible, it can lead to such self-righteous delusion.

The problem to which they are blinded however, is that this whole thing is transparent.

Communication linkages and political realities are clear to the majority electorate...They know what is going on.

So when one reads diatribes such as this, or when the judiciary pontificate and make decisions reflective of their roots in that Opposition, it all is the same as far as that electorate is concerned.

Everything from seeking to eliminate Ms. Y. who they cannot defeat in an election, to protecting the protesters from Emergency Rule imperatives, to obstructing an election, to demonizing an agricultural subsidy program because it is financial re-distribution away from Elitist entitlements, is known to a politicized, diverse electoral majority.....They vote accordingly.

It all boils down to an acceptance of Electoral democracy, or not......

.It is interesting how Farangs justify this stuff when they would come unglued if it happened in their country......

Its all down to "falang no understand".

People keep on with this idea that the rules don't apply to thailand. That as if my magic it will always emerge unscathed.

Worked wonderfully in 97.,,just look at the whirlwind created by those idiot judges all those years ago who didn't cut thaksin off at the very beginning.

The rule of law and democracy. The only way

A really excellent article. Yingluck did in fact make a decision to step down six weeks ago, but that was quickly smashed to pieces by her brother, who threatened that she would be imprisoned if she did. That outrageous manipulation perpetrated on his sister has contributed to all the horrible events that have happened since that could have been so easily avoided. It has never been about Yingluck. It has always been about her brother and his unquenchable thirst for power. The three conditions being bandied about in terms of a negotiated resignation are unacceptable. Yingluck and her Thaksin-directed administration need to be accountable to the law. After all this country has been through, that is the only acceptable path, lest history repeat itself.

Ruddy heck Thesetat2013 "i read all forums every day"!!! You must either have a lot of time on your hands, be immune to drivel - or both.

The nation is again not an impartial newspaper part of the corruption of what is really wrong with Thailand, No freedom of the press among the many faults. The hypocrisy of the Farang community, know such B/S grab for power would not be tolerated in the west, any action beyond peaceful demonstrations, would not be tolerated

Peaceful Demonstrations, are exactly that people protesting but observing the rule of law, and the rights of other citizens, not taking over state building, and preventing the government of doing it job, and an action based on the active overthrown of the government those activities are terrorist activities based on the laws of my home country the U.S.A. and also in Europe!

Any forcing of Yingluck out of office on Trump up charges will not settle the long simmering injustice in the country by the Rich Elite Establishment, and shows the majority of the people that voted for her that their rights will never be accepted by the rich in the country!

The only way a Political office holder can be unwilling taken from their leadership role is through impeachment or voted out of office!

Those that say the PTP has lost their political power base, and the whole country has turned against the PTP. yet still do not have the confidence in their convictions , to let the people decide that though a fair Democratic election.

They do not pick that option because they Know PTP no matter how wounded still would win such an election.

Cheers

The nation is again not an impartial newspaper part of the corruption of what is really wrong with Thailand, No freedom of the press among the many faults. The hypocrisy of the Farang community, know such B/S grab for power would not be tolerated in the west, any action beyond peaceful demonstrations, would not be tolerated

Peaceful Demonstrations, are exactly that people protesting but observing the rule of law, and the rights of other citizens, not taking over state building, and preventing the government of doing it job, and an action based on the active overthrown of the government those activities are terrorist activities based on the laws of my home country the U.S.A. and also in Europe!

Any forcing of Yingluck out of office on Trump up charges will not settle the long simmering injustice in the country by the Rich Elite Establishment, and shows the majority of the people that voted for her that their rights will never be accepted by the rich in the country!

The only way a Political office holder can be unwilling taken from their leadership role is through impeachment or voted out of office!

Those that say the PTP has lost their political power base, and the whole country has turned against the PTP. yet still do not have the confidence in their convictions , to let the people decide that though a fair Democratic election.

They do not pick that option because they Know PTP no matter how wounded still would win such an election.

Cheers

"The nation is again not an impartial newspaper part of the corruption of what is really wrong with Thailand, No freedom of the press among the many faults. " Have you read Khaosod recently?

"The hypocrisy of the Farang community, know such B/S grab for power would not be tolerated in the west," No B/S corrupt government would be tolerated in the west either.

You see Mr Nation,what we do in big grown up countries when we don`t like our PM is vote them out at election time.

In Thailand they couldnt do that because the opposition refused to stand, after forcing an election.

Until you recognise this fact your opinion pieces are just seen as biased drivel, worthy of disdain.

Dont you mean in Thailand the elections being blocked prevented its validity and gave the people time to see what their leaders are really doing?

Until you recognise that she was never in control and that the reason she became leader was simply because her big Brother bought and paid the people in the Norths love and devotion which happens to be where the majority lives and the poorest in Thailand.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

You are aware that this (rather racist) theory has been dismantled rather firmly by research aren't you?

Still, if as you say - and I guess you have inside knowledge the rest of us lack, given the way you stated it - the population has turned against her, we probably should put you down as a firm "yes" for elections being the way out of this.

Actually in a blind poll last taken by Nida (I BELIEVE) all over thailand it was stated that like 18-19% did not want her to remain as PM. If there was refute i didnt see it here and i read all forums every day.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Sir your post is not factually correct!

NIDA poll was taken by the participation of 1,251 government and state employees, 56.59% of those government employees, stated they believed that the PM should step down, nothing related to the poll involved how the people of Thailand felt, only the sector of state and government employees!

cheers

You see Mr Nation,what we do in big grown up countries when we don`t like our PM is vote them out at election time.

In Thailand they couldnt do that because the opposition refused to stand, after forcing an election.

Until you recognise this fact your opinion pieces are just seen as biased drivel, worthy of disdain.

So you didn't read the article then?

In Iceland, protesters forced the resignation of the prime minister.

Sent from my phone ...

Do tell us all what relevance the consequences of the Icelandic government privatisation of the banks has to do with the present situation in Thailand?

Mind you, pots and pans are better than suthep's grenades and Tavors.

On behalf of the PM, I would like to say thank you 3 times to tullynagardy.

You know, that line was funny the first three/four hundred times but now?

You see Mr Nation,what we do in big grown up countries when we don`t like our PM is vote them out at election time.

In Thailand they couldnt do that because the opposition refused to stand, after forcing an election.

Until you recognise this fact your opinion pieces are just seen as biased drivel, worthy of disdain.

So you didn't read the article then?

In Iceland, protesters forced the resignation of the prime minister.

Sent from my phone ...

Do tell us all what relevance the consequences of the Icelandic government privatisation of the banks has to do with the present situation in Thailand?

Mind you, pots and pans are better than suthep's grenades and Tavors.

The relevance is "big grown up countries" don't always vote out their PMs at election time. Maybe you didn't read the article either.

You see Mr Nation,what we do in big grown up countries when we don`t like our PM is vote them out at election time.

In Thailand they couldnt do that because the opposition refused to stand, after forcing an election.

Until you recognise this fact your opinion pieces are just seen as biased drivel, worthy of disdain.

Dont you mean in Thailand the elections being blocked prevented its validity and gave the people time to see what their leaders are really doing?

Until you recognise that she was never in control and that the reason she became leader was simply because her big Brother bought and paid the people in the Norths love and devotion which happens to be where the majority lives and the poorest in Thailand.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

You are aware that this (rather racist) theory has been dismantled rather firmly by research aren't you?

Still, if as you say - and I guess you have inside knowledge the rest of us lack, given the way you stated it - the population has turned against her, we probably should put you down as a firm "yes" for elections being the way out of this.

What's 'rascist' about it?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The newspaper should have been dedicating some investigative research and editorial in to the entire Thai rice cartel over the last 80 years. Price fixing, corruption, ramming it to the farmers.

Big grown up counties dont lurch from one coup to another every couple of years and i think Iceland was an exception and they held the right people accountable, here it seems theres always a reason for all change or reset or both. Not exactly what youd call a stable system or country compared to Iceland.

Could it just be that Thailand just isnt capable of anything else ? however much they talk about itll be different this time it never is.

You see Mr Nation,what we do in big grown up countries when we don`t like our PM is vote them out at election time.

In Thailand they couldnt do that because the opposition refused to stand, after forcing an election.

Until you recognise this fact your opinion pieces are just seen as biased drivel, worthy of disdain.

you forgot to add

In the big grown up countries the mass majority have had years of eduction

Vote buying is not legal

and the PM have debates so the people can see

so coming back to Thailand from your day dream

the country is in trouble and the PM is not allowed to care about the Thai people

only that her brother get his god forsaken right to rule

You see Mr Nation,what we do in big grown up countries when we don`t like our PM is vote them out at election time.

In Thailand they couldnt do that because the opposition refused to stand, after forcing an election.

Until you recognise this fact your opinion pieces are just seen as biased drivel, worthy of disdain.

Dont you mean in Thailand the elections being blocked prevented its validity and gave the people time to see what their leaders are really doing?

Until you recognise that she was never in control and that the reason she became leader was simply because her big Brother bought and paid the people in the Norths love and devotion which happens to be where the majority lives and the poorest in Thailand.

And cant you see that even though he had their devotion and trust from his making it easy for them to get loans but now his sister has lost that devotion with this rice?

Once the people started seeing that they were misguided their support for her started dwindling until now, only 18% (last official poll done by University) of the people want her to remain in office.

Only the people that profit from YLs position and hard core redliners support her now. Which of these are you?

I am not a supporter of either party or of the protest so dont bother to troll me with those replies.

But i do believe that if someone is robbing you that it should be stopped and if they are lying to you then the truth should come out.

I truly hope this country gets new elections fast but not if the leader is goin to be there for their own benefit. That is not democracy even if the majority of the people were tricked or bought to vote for them. This country needs someone who really cares about the people. Not just making a show for them

It needs a leader who has enough knowledge to really help the people and who can control their hierarchy. Not leader who cant think for themselves and doesnt know what city they are in.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

well said

The nation is again not an impartial newspaper part of the corruption of what is really wrong with Thailand, No freedom of the press among the many faults. The hypocrisy of the Farang community, know such B/S grab for power would not be tolerated in the west, any action beyond peaceful demonstrations, would not be tolerated

Peaceful Demonstrations, are exactly that people protesting but observing the rule of law, and the rights of other citizens, not taking over state building, and preventing the government of doing it job, and an action based on the active overthrown of the government those activities are terrorist activities based on the laws of my home country the U.S.A. and also in Europe!

Any forcing of Yingluck out of office on Trump up charges will not settle the long simmering injustice in the country by the Rich Elite Establishment, and shows the majority of the people that voted for her that their rights will never be accepted by the rich in the country!

The only way a Political office holder can be unwilling taken from their leadership role is through impeachment or voted out of office!

Those that say the PTP has lost their political power base, and the whole country has turned against the PTP. yet still do not have the confidence in their convictions , to let the people decide that though a fair Democratic election.

They do not pick that option because they Know PTP no matter how wounded still would win such an election.

Cheers

In your country a 84 years old nunn must 3 years in prison for demonstrate against nuclear weapons, you should not complain Thailand, when your own land leaded by Warlords. Im sure, the most terrorists are in the Government, and you credulous, believing them...

You see Mr Nation,what we do in big grown up countries when we don`t like our PM is vote them out at election time.

In Thailand they couldnt do that because the opposition refused to stand, after forcing an election.

Until you recognise this fact your opinion pieces are just seen as biased drivel, worthy of disdain.

Correction. In Thailand they couldn't do that because a large portion of the population still rubs tree barks to get digits for buying the next lottery with what little money they have.

You see Mr Nation,what we do in big grown up countries when we don`t like our PM is vote them out at election time.

In Thailand they couldnt do that because the opposition refused to stand, after forcing an election.

Until you recognise this fact your opinion pieces are just seen as biased drivel, worthy of disdain.

So you didn't read the article then?

In Iceland, protesters forced the resignation of the prime minister.

Sent from my phone ...

Do tell us all what relevance the consequences of the Icelandic government privatisation of the banks has to do with the present situation in Thailand?

Mind you, pots and pans are better than suthep's grenades and Tavors.

The relevance is "big grown up countries" don't always vote out their PMs at election time. Maybe you didn't read the article either.

Oh, I read it. Perhaps you haven't read the Thai constitution?

If so could you tell me just where it is constitutional to block elections, take over government buildings, block roads, demand resignation of the PM and replacing an elected government with an unelected "peoples council" under the false pretext of "fighting corruption"?

Once you've done that please explain what relevance forcing the resignation of the Icelandic PM, or any other country for that matter, has to do with the situation in this country, which, last time I looked, was THAILAND.

So Yingluck decides to resign or must resign, then what? I'm not familiar with the parliamentary system. I would assume legally, a leader from her party takes the position until elections can be held. In the States, the vice president who is from the same party,takes the position and no election actually must be held as older folks may remember happened when Nixon resigned. However, the protest leaders want the chance to rewrite the laws to favor their control of the Thai government forever. God, I can't tell which side is actually worse than the other.

Oh, I read it. Perhaps you haven't read the Thai constitution?

If so could you tell me just where it is constitutional to block elections, take over government buildings, block roads, demand resignation of the PM and replacing an elected government with an unelected "peoples council" under the false pretext of "fighting corruption"?

Once you've done that please explain what relevance forcing the resignation of the Icelandic PM, or any other country for that matter, has to do with the situation in this country, which, last time I looked, was THAILAND.

&lt;deleted&gt; are you going on about now? What does the Thai constitution have to do with protesters in Iceland forcing their PM to resign?