Thailand at crossroads: Leaving Thaksin behind in his Dubai sandcastle

[webfact]

Thailand at crossroads: Leaving Thaksin behind in his Dubai sandcastle
Kasit Piromya
Special to the Nation

BANGKOK: -- For centuries, Thailand has successfully warded off threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as to its monarchy. These threats came from afar in the form of Western colonial expansion and ideologies such as Communism, and from within in the form of militarism and security-obsessed nationalism.

Over the past few decades a new challenge to Thailand's cultural integrity has emerged in the form of the dominance of money and business over politics. This new threat has grown into the corporatism of a one-party authoritarianism flying populist colours in a democratic setting and striving by any means to gain electoral majorities.

But since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, the goal and aspiration of the Thai people has always been to uphold the national ideals of nation, religion and monarchy within a representative democracy. Time and again the Thai people have shown this determination and have been willing to fight for their beliefs and their aspirations with rallies and marches, and even with their lives.

Thais have also become averse to military intervention and coups d'etat, in fact to all abuses of authority by self-interest and money-dominated politics.

Today, the Thai people have finally and firmly rejected the politics of the past, the politics of sweet temptations, of lies and spin, the politics of systemic corruption, the politics of a small clique of the powerful.

The Thai people want to start their national politics anew. They want a politics in which power is shared, participation is more direct, their empowerment is prevalent, and resources and budget are more fairly distributed and balanced. The people now want to take national affairs more firmly into their own hands. They want more mastery over their destinies. They want to see their politicians and bureaucrats serve rather than abusing their power or turning to corruption.

Thailand thus stands at a very important juncture in its modern history. We are at a crossroads, poised to turn away from the old politics towards a politics of transparency, accountability and good governance; a politics of extensive participation and empowerment; a politics under the rule of law with moral and ethical standards as a way of life.

Thaksin with his cohorts and his Thaksinism - a political system of one-party dominance through autocratic authoritarian majority rule - are now things of the past. For them to cling to their presumptuous hierarchy is nothing more than holding on to a failed status quo. Their stubborn self-promotion is reactionary and contrary to the progressive minds and contemporary political aspirations of Thailand. It is anachronistic: out of tune, out of touch and out of place.

Thaksin and his proxy government have lost the trust of the Thai populace. They are now considered illegitimate pretenders to power. They have politely been asked to leave Thailand's political stage.

In their last desperate attempts to continue in power, Thaksin and his proxy regime are cooking up more divisiveness within Thai society. They are falling back on the destructive tactic of promoting regional separation and even secession. This is a resort to treason. It is also belittling the intelligence of Thais and their love for one, unified country - Thailand. This is a shameless act and, indeed, even a stupid one. It also reflects the fact that Thaksin's personal dominance over politics and Thaksinism are over and done with in Thai history. Such desperation implies acknowledgement of defeat. It means the end of the status quo, of vested-interest politics.

Progressive forces are taking over. Thailand is not dithering at the crossroads but has decided determinedly to go the way of open, accountable and participatory politics.

After some 80 years of ups and downs, our democracy is about to come of age. Thailand can soon take pride in becoming a modern society at last. And Thaksin, with his passion for autocracy and authoritarian majority pretensions, can remain in his Dubai sandcastle.

Kasit Piromya is a former foreign minister of Thailand.


-- The Nation 2014-03-19

[OMGImInPattaya]

I want some of what you've been smoking!

[smedly]

one of the best and most accurate pieces I ever read - this extract describes PTP perfectly.....

This new threat has grown into the corporatism of a one-party authoritarianism flying populist colours in a democratic setting and striving by any means to gain electoral majorities.

[smedly]

one of the best and most accurate pieces I ever read - this extract describes PTP perfectly.....

This new threat has grown into the corporatism of a one-party authoritarianism flying populist colours in a democratic setting and striving by any means to gain electoral majorities.

That article is so good I read it twice - first time ever

[sam sen]

Thais have also become averse to military intervention and coups d'etat, in fact to all abuses of authority by self-interest and money-dominated politics.

thai's have been wallowing in self-interest and money dominated politics for decades.

the 'journalist' (haha!) is an idiot.

[soundman]

A few debatable conclusions there, and a biased author, but overall, probably a reasonably accurate synopsis of where the country is at.

[SinCityGr8One]

Holy Moley!.......Now I've read everything! Sheeshhh........? Progressive forces? Did I miss something taking place in Thailand over the last 4 Months? Could it be that this has-been is implying that Kuhn Suthep and his cohorts are the Progressive Force that will bring the Kingdom to the Crossroads or perhaps the Abyss? If so, why stop there Kuhn Kasit Piromya? Just say he is the NEW Moral Compass of Thailand! A genuine beacon of light in the darkness of Thai Politics. These so called progressive forces must man up and earn that title with a WIN at the ballot box! Let all eligible voters have an unobstructed opportunity to cast their vote in order to decide any future Path for the Kingdom to take.

[smutcakes]

I agree with the general gist of the article, but i think Khun Kosit should perhaps use the same critique and rationalization of his own party, and their role in current and earlier politics which has led us to the current system/impasse.

It would be pointless to rehash going over parts of the article which you could disagree with, namely that the Govt have lost the support of the populace. However i hope it is true that the population has got fed up with politics in its current guise and demand an overhaul- however i cannot help be skeptical given the timing of the issue, the lack of alternatives put forward (especially in any detail), the person who is leading the movement, and the fact that he or any of his cohorts have never done anything of note to curb corruption/amend the system when they have been in power.

The cynical in me still believes this is a old fashioned attempt at a power grab, and using the corruption/Thaksin angle is a convenient person/cause to gather people behind it. I hope i am wrong, but precedent of the personalities involved does not fill be me with confidence.

[smedly]

Holy Moley!.......Now I've read everything! Sheeshhh........? Progressive forces? Did I miss something taking place in Thailand over the last 4 Months? Could it be that this has-been is implying that Kuhn Suthep and his cohorts are the Progressive Force that will bring the Kingdom to the Crossroads or perhaps the Abyss? If so, why stop there Kuhn Kasit Piromya? Just say he is the NEW Moral Compass of Thailand! A genuine beacon of light in the darkness of Thai Politics. These so called progressive forces must man up and earn that title with a WIN at the ballot box! Let all eligible voters have an unobstructed opportunity to cast their vote in order to decide any future Path for the Kingdom to take.

he is referring to the Thai people in general I don't believe he mentioned Suthep

I believe Thailand has turned a page for the good of the people or could be called a new positive chapter - lets hope so

I also believe that social media has helped considerably - it's not so easy to fool people anymore

[ChrisY1]

Of course there is some bias in this piece.....he was after all, a Democrat member for years.

But even though, he is a very experienced politician, having held diplomatic posts in Europe and the USA...so could hardly call him a dill.

It's clear that Thai people want political calmness....and it won't happen with a mercinarily corrupt administration

[Fryslan boppe]

I have no patience to go through all this anti-democratic stuff, so just let me vent about two quotes that jumped out at me:

>"Thailand at crossroads: Leaving Thaksin behind in his Dubai sandcastle"

How about leaving the coup-makers of 2006 and mostly the same coup-mongers of 2013/14 behind.....Voicing support for coup-mongers and against those with electoral roots is just so much folderol.

And before PAD-Dem's launch into trying to normalize the abnormal judiciary with respect to Thaksin, suffice it to say that only they buy into the program of coupists trying to justify their power grab with a judicial veneer, by demonizing those they coup'ed.

"...a new challenge to Thailand's cultural integrity has emerged in the form of the dominance of money and business over politics."

Nope.....The new dominance that has emerged is the politicization of the masses, and the electoral strength that has accompanied it.

Misleadingly intellectualizing about historical references to money and business over politics, and ignoring the realities of Electoral democracy, is self-serving agenda's of the unelectables....'er anti-democrats.

Edited March 19, 2014 by Fryslan boppe

[chainarong]

Regardless of who, what , when, the Thaskin is alive and well , Thaskin now has the statute of limitations to clear and he is free to come back home, now knowing Thaskin like we all do , the idiot will return , that is when the troubles for Thailand really start , you better believe it, he will return and that's when someone will take him out , Question is , Then What???

[MGP]

Fryslan,

Your only argument is to cry for democracy and call any opposition to the elected government "antidemocratic", ignoring that democracy can be an umbrela to cover the most dark and nasty corruption, abuse of power, and disrespect of law.

[noitom]

Thai diatribe and dreaming.

[Chupup]

All i can say is "Dream ON ".................

[Yunla]

Luxury! We used to dream of livin' in a sandcastle!

[benalibina]

A wet dream....then the author wakes up in the morning.......realising it was only a dream....

[focus27]

Such a propagandist catalogue of errors could only be written by someone in the full knowledge of how ignorant Thais (even hi-so Thais) are about the history of their own country.

This country is always at a crossroad and, just like Bangkok, as the traffic keeps backing up so do the lies about Thailand's history. Every attempt at a free-flowing democracy is stopped by the red light of yet another coup.

The 1932 revolution was led by a group of commoner elites, mainly from the ranks of the military, business and law. Yes, they wanted to 'modernize' the country but were greatly inspired by fascism - look it up - and a racist nationalism that imposed rules of Thainess upon all ethnic groups within its territory and a distorted history. 1932 certainly did not herald a period of democracy - indeed, with so many military coups it is arguable when democracy even started in Thailand.

The inheritors of the 1932 coup just have never figured out how their autocratic minority-ruled corporatism can be maintained within a democratic system with universal suffrage - apart from coup after coup. Now they want to pretend to be progressives.

Propaganda and lies work on most of the people most of the time, but Thais really need to shine some light on their real history. Instead, with red lights everywhere, is it any wonder that the country is in political gridlock.

[Chang_paarp]

The author wears his heart on his sleeve. A little one sided in its outlook, but a reasonable summation of things in Siam.

[smedly]

Regardless of who, what , when, the Thaskin is alive and well , Thaskin now has the statute of limitations to clear and he is free to come back home, now knowing Thaskin like we all do , the idiot will return , that is when the troubles for Thailand really start , you better believe it, he will return and that's when someone will take him out , Question is , Then What???

He'll be looking up at the Tulip roots in Tarit's garden along with the gardener

[jalansanitwong]

Its a good article but basically it counts for <deleted> because Thais will never change. No attempt has been made to drag all the corrupt politicans and officials before the courts over billions of bahts

disappearing from flood programs,rice pledge scams and others.

What about the trillion baht infrastructure programs earmarked for the future.The money will just vanish into private accounts o/seas then washed and made clean.Thai-Chinese laundry.

[smedly]

I have no patience to go through all this anti-democratic stuff, so just let me vent about two quotes that jumped out at me:

>"Thailand at crossroads: Leaving Thaksin behind in his Dubai sandcastle"

How about leaving the coup-makers of 2006 and mostly the same coup-mongers of 2013/14 behind.....Voicing support for coup-mongers and against those with electoral roots is just so much folderol.

And before PAD-Dem's launch into trying to normalize the abnormal judiciary with respect to Thaksin, suffice it to say that only they buy into the program of coupists trying to justify their power grab with a judicial veneer, by demonizing those they coup'ed.

"...a new challenge to Thailand's cultural integrity has emerged in the form of the dominance of money and business over politics."

Nope.....The new dominance that has emerged is the politicization of the masses, and the electoral strength that has accompanied it.

Misleadingly intellectualizing about historical references to money and business over politics, and ignoring the realities of Electoral democracy, is self-serving agenda's of the unelectables....'er anti-democrats.

so what would you suggest thailand does with a government that breaks the law - cheats - lies - steals - ignores the courts - ignores parts of the constitution it doesn't like, tell me how any country deals with this, I'm sorry but IMO the army has saved Thailand from utter destruction many many times, I think a coup is the wrong word to describe what the army has done in recent years - it's more like having an extra arm of the law to step in when it all comes apart - most people associate a coup with a military dictator type of insurrection but in Thailand power is always given back to the people and elections/referendums follow very quickly - what they don't seem to be able to do each time is get a constitution that is rigid enough to avoid the constant abuse - as I've said before we keep seeing the recycle of the same corrupt MP's every 5 years - they should be banned for life, flush the system clean of this scourge.

[Bkungbank]

He tries to attack strong pillars of this country, police force where semi success , the army put some of his man into high position in military where someday may have strong influence control by politic and juristic system where refuse to accept any decision guilty on his side.

[RogueExpat]

so what would you suggest thailand does with a government that breaks the law - cheats - lies - steals - ignores the courts - ignores parts of the constitution it doesn't like, tell me how any country deals with this, I'm sorry but IMO the army has saved Thailand from utter destruction many many times, I think a coup is the wrong word to describe what the army has done in recent years - it's more like having an extra arm of the law to step in when it all comes apart - most people associate a coup with a military dictator type of insurrection but in Thailand power is always given back to the people and elections/referendums follow very quickly - what they don't seem to be able to do each time is get a constitution that is rigid enough to avoid the constant abuse - as I've said before we keep seeing the recycle of the same corrupt MP's every 5 years - they should be banned for life, flush the system clean of this scourge.

Very well said. The sooner that the bleeding hearts in the West (and on this forum) understand that it is not so much a coup & stomping on the voting rights of the poor, but more of getting the foxes out of the hen-house scenario, the better understanding of politics in Thailand they will have.

Most other countries have a mechanism for sacking a government, this is just Thailand's mechanism when all others are broken.

[smutcakes]

I have no patience to go through all this anti-democratic stuff, so just let me vent about two quotes that jumped out at me:

>"Thailand at crossroads: Leaving Thaksin behind in his Dubai sandcastle"

How about leaving the coup-makers of 2006 and mostly the same coup-mongers of 2013/14 behind.....Voicing support for coup-mongers and against those with electoral roots is just so much folderol.

And before PAD-Dem's launch into trying to normalize the abnormal judiciary with respect to Thaksin, suffice it to say that only they buy into the program of coupists trying to justify their power grab with a judicial veneer, by demonizing those they coup'ed.

"...a new challenge to Thailand's cultural integrity has emerged in the form of the dominance of money and business over politics."

Nope.....The new dominance that has emerged is the politicization of the masses, and the electoral strength that has accompanied it.

Misleadingly intellectualizing about historical references to money and business over politics, and ignoring the realities of Electoral democracy, is self-serving agenda's of the unelectables....'er anti-democrats.

so what would you suggest thailand does with a government that breaks the law - cheats - lies - steals - ignores the courts - ignores parts of the constitution it doesn't like, tell me how any country deals with this, I'm sorry but IMO the army has saved Thailand from utter destruction many many times, I think a coup is the wrong word to describe what the army has done in recent years - it's more like having an extra arm of the law to step in when it all comes apart - most people associate a coup with a military dictator type of insurrection but in Thailand power is always given back to the people and elections/referendums follow very quickly - what they don't seem to be able to do each time is get a constitution that is rigid enough to avoid the constant abuse - as I've said before we keep seeing the recycle of the same corrupt MP's every 5 years - they should be banned for life, flush the system clean of this scourge.

The problem with the coups, even if the army are relatively harmless/incompetent is that it just resets the cycle over and over again. Governments are continually looking over their shoulder and any attempt to bring people in the army to book for anything is a no no. Say PDRC got their way and a neutral PM was appointed to undertake reform, do you really believe that person would dare try and deal with corruption/accountability in the army? No way in hell!

You don't need to be a rocket scientist as well to see that corruption/patronage etc runs right through the army from top to bottom- i believe the only reason they are happy to give power back fairly quickly is because they would prefer to keep their noses clean and continue their 'works' unhindered. If someone attempted to curb their gravy train, they would meet a grisly and speedy exit!

So whilst i agree that the army could be a lot worse, i believe not only are part of the problem, but their apparent benevolence is anchored much more in the need to keep a stable ship and their position at the top of the tree, rather than genuine desire to see success for the country. If they really had the best interests in mind, they would have done what you say banning, behind close doors warnings/ultimatums a long time ago- the army, political, rule of law, judiciary, big business etc is so closely linked through personal linkages like marriage, family etc it would be near impossible for anyone to carry out the required changes without stepping on buddies/family toes!

[sweatalot]

Holy Moley!.......Now I've read everything! Sheeshhh........? Progressive forces? Did I miss something taking place in Thailand over the last 4 Months? Could it be that this has-been is implying that Kuhn Suthep and his cohorts are the Progressive Force that will bring the Kingdom to the Crossroads or perhaps the Abyss? If so, why stop there Kuhn Kasit Piromya? Just say he is the NEW Moral Compass of Thailand! A genuine beacon of light in the darkness of Thai Politics. These so called progressive forces must man up and earn that title with a WIN at the ballot box! Let all eligible voters have an unobstructed opportunity to cast their vote in order to decide any future Path for the Kingdom to take.

he is referring to the Thai people in general I don't believe he mentioned Suthep

I believe Thailand has turned a page for the good of the people or could be called a new positive chapter - lets hope so

I also believe that social media has helped considerably - it's not so easy to fool people anymore

I also believe, that Khun Suthep has earned great merit for bringing Thailand forward. He helped to wake up people.

Without his action everything would be as before the failed amnesty bill, and then 180 days ... And who would pay attention to the big rice scam ?

About the article:

wouldn't it be nice ...

[godwish4love]

Any good did some one do today will speak for you in the future, i am not surprise to see what is happening in Thailand society today ,because what a man sows ,that he or she will reap, in the eye of the world,you may think you are doing good while in hidden you are acquiring wealth for your self, the spiritual world control the physical, nothing can be hidden under the sun, the truth always come at last.

Edited March 19, 2014 by soundman
Font

[smileydude]

I have no patience to go through all this anti-democratic stuff, so just let me vent about two quotes that jumped out at me:

>"Thailand at crossroads: Leaving Thaksin behind in his Dubai sandcastle"

How about leaving the coup-makers of 2006 and mostly the same coup-mongers of 2013/14 behind.....Voicing support for coup-mongers and against those with electoral roots is just so much folderol.

And before PAD-Dem's launch into trying to normalize the abnormal judiciary with respect to Thaksin, suffice it to say that only they buy into the program of coupists trying to justify their power grab with a judicial veneer, by demonizing those they coup'ed.

"...a new challenge to Thailand's cultural integrity has emerged in the form of the dominance of money and business over politics."

Nope.....The new dominance that has emerged is the politicization of the masses, and the electoral strength that has accompanied it.

Misleadingly intellectualizing about historical references to money and business over politics, and ignoring the realities of Electoral democracy, is self-serving agenda's of the unelectables....'er anti-democrats.

so what would you suggest thailand does with a government that breaks the law - cheats - lies - steals - ignores the courts - ignores parts of the constitution it doesn't like, tell me how any country deals with this, I'm sorry but IMO the army has saved Thailand from utter destruction many many times, I think a coup is the wrong word to describe what the army has done in recent years - it's more like having an extra arm of the law to step in when it all comes apart - most people associate a coup with a military dictator type of insurrection but in Thailand power is always given back to the people and elections/referendums follow very quickly - what they don't seem to be able to do each time is get a constitution that is rigid enough to avoid the constant abuse - as I've said before we keep seeing the recycle of the same corrupt MP's every 5 years - they should be banned for life, flush the system clean of this scourge.

I agree. The sad thing is Thailand will continue in this vicious cycle of vote-corruption-protest-coup unless we can change the mindset of the average Thai person that voting for politicians who promise you populist freebies will result in those same people taking your tax money to fund it and then some more for themselves with the results hardly benefiting the country as a whole.

In a way Thai's are a bit selfish. They think of themselves first and public interest second but this is natural when most are just trying to get by.

Poverty does not seem to provide the luxury for us to put the interest of the country before oneself.

Thailand needs to seriously address the issue of income disparity, good governance and education.

The most democratically mature countries are those with the highest standards of living.

Those left behind will always vote for populist policies which economically have often been proven to be unsustainable and of little benefit to the country.

This is the chink in the armor greedy politicians manipulate to their benefit.

[Tatsujin]

I have no patience to go through all this anti-democratic stuff, so just let me vent about two quotes that jumped out at me:

>"Thailand at crossroads: Leaving Thaksin behind in his Dubai sandcastle"

How about leaving the coup-makers of 2006 and mostly the same coup-mongers of 2013/14 behind.....Voicing support for coup-mongers and against those with electoral roots is just so much folderol.

And before PAD-Dem's launch into trying to normalize the abnormal judiciary with respect to Thaksin, suffice it to say that only they buy into the program of coupists trying to justify their power grab with a judicial veneer, by demonizing those they coup'ed.

"...a new challenge to Thailand's cultural integrity has emerged in the form of the dominance of money and business over politics."

Nope.....The new dominance that has emerged is the politicization of the masses, and the electoral strength that has accompanied it.

Misleadingly intellectualizing about historical references to money and business over politics, and ignoring the realities of Electoral democracy, is self-serving agenda's of the unelectables....'er anti-democrats.

Please Fryslan, you're using such big words now it's hard for some of us to understand, just remember: "KISS". And is "folderol" another new catchphrase for you to replace scum, thug and fascist?

A couple of very accurate excerpts:

"Thaksin with his cohorts and his Thaksinism - a political system of one-party dominance through autocratic authoritarian majority rule - are now things of the past. For them to cling to their presumptuous hierarchy is nothing more than holding on to a failed status quo. Their stubborn self-promotion is reactionary and contrary to the progressive minds and contemporary political aspirations of Thailand. It is anachronistic: out of tune, out of touch and out of place."

"Thaksin and his proxy government have lost the trust of the Thai populace. They are now considered illegitimate pretenders to power. They have politely been asked to leave Thailand's political stage."

[JamesDean3]

Hope springs eternal