Why Thailand's political system isn't working

[webfact]

STOPPAGE TIME
Why Thailand's political system isn't working
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- Democracy's biggest flaw, perhaps, is its tendency to force everyone to bite off more than they can chew. When an overwhelmed team runs a corporation, the worst-case scenario is bankruptcy for those concerned. When a group of people has to do everything "for" a country after winning an election, there is no limit to how bad things can get.

This is not an anti-democracy argument. This is an argument for some serious reconsideration of the orthodox belief that, in a democracy there must be only one winner who gets to do everything. The "requirements" are too many nowadays and the circumstances very different from the days when all that rulers needed to do was guard the walls and feed hungry mouths.

Pheu Thai may be good when it comes to welfare for the grass-roots but it may be bad at setting good ethical examples. The Democrats may be good at laying down education foundations but they may be bad at taking bold steps or handling public health. Chart Thai may be good at agricultural development but bad at setting visions for scientific development. Democracy is supposed to pull them together, accentuating the good and blocking the bad. But the actual situation has done anything but.

In our current system, Pheu Thai get to control the Justice Ministry, governing ethical standards, the Democrats oversee a time-sensitive infrastructure overhaul and Chart Thai lead scientific pioneering. There is no consideration paid to putting the right man in the right job, except maybe when it comes to the appointment of the finance minister.

And now, enter corruption. Over time, the "winner-does-all" arrangement has forged a "winner-gets-all" mentality. You want to win an election not out of the desire to serve, but because there's an ICT Ministry out there that can help your parallel businesses. You want to be in government because getting to oversee the agricultural sector will prove very lucrative. You win one election and the ICT and Agriculture ministries are yours, and it doesn't really matter whether you are really qualified to run them or not.

If democracy is the best there is, why shouldn't we take it to the extreme? Why not have separate elections for key sectors like education, agriculture, defence, foreign affairs, and so on? If we can't, tell me why.

The line between democracy and dictatorship gets very thin if a single election gives all the power to one person or one group of people. If you insist that Chalerm Yoobamrung head the Justice Ministry or Jatuporn Prompan be handed the Interior portfolio because their ultimate boss whose party has just won an election says so, it's dictatorship in disguise, no matter how you paint it.

It's dictatorship because it shuts the door on potentially better candidates. It's dictatorship because when the "boss" says Chalerm or Jatuporn is the most suitable, nobody can stop them from getting the job even if they have damning evidence of their unsuitability. And it's dictatorship because, if Chalerm or Jatuporn fails, the boss will stay safe. At least this is how Thai "democracy" has been going.

The "winner-gets-all-and-does-all" system may have worked in some countries, but in Thailand all it has delivered is a major rift which keeps on getting wider. There have been cases of really bad political performers and all-right performers who have been picked on. It's been too difficult to get rid of both types. The problem boils down to the fact that Thai democracy hangs on a single high-stakes game which delivers almost-absolute centralised power. Winning the election has become too important, no matter how important an election is in a democracy.

The democratic system "as we know it" may work if the power is centred in someone who is not divisive, who can make the best use of the nation's human resources and who can discard nepotism. Thailand is not equipped for such a democracy, where the winner rules unchallenged, picking the best person for each particular job.

We still need a conductor, some will argue. I'm not saying we don't. The conductor, however, must not get to choose every musician, dictate how to select instruments and decide how much money is needed to organise a concert. The conductor must focus on one single job - which is to produce the best performance.

Of course, it will be tough. Most conductors will settle for below-par musicians who don't have much ego and are easily controllable. This situation is, in fact, our chronic political syndrome. Either the conductors feel threatened by the best choices and discard them, or the best choices cannot come to help because they belong to other camps. The result: we end up with substandard conductors and musicians all at once.

There are two types of reform - one for the politicians and the other for the country. We can tell which is which by checking out whether a "reform" will help ease the burden on the conductor and improve the qualities of the musicians, and whether the "stakes" are thereby brought down to realistic levels.

It sounds romantic to say people are willing to die for democracy, but the truth is that most, if not all, "political" deaths have been for an unpolished "winner-does-all-and-gets-all" concept. One can die for an ideal, of course, but it pays to remember that too big of a bite can also choke you to death.


-- The Nation 2014-04-30

[ChrisY1]

Another "professionally" written article........!!

Everyone knows the problems......just that nobody in this country wants to make changes.....violence, intimidation and terrorism and corruption have ruined Thailand!

Politics here is non existent.....simply a mandate to plunder!

[PatOngo]

Why Thailand's political system isn't working

Summed up in a word..........Greed.

[pisico]

A culture of impunity dating back hundreds of years

[NongKhaiKid]

The system is flawed and so easily manipulated by those for whom the description ' flawed ' would be a compliment.

[Tokay]

Why Thailand's political system isn't working

Summed up in a word..........Greed.

Don't forget corruption, ignorance, face, and Thainess.

[somjitr]

Of course, there is something structurally wrong with the system. However, it is a mistake to think that all of Thailand's political problems are due to vulnerability in the system that gets exploited by greedy politicians. One cannot understand how our political system failed without studying modern Thai history, without noting that democracy has not been allowed to flourish and that every military coup was a set-back to democracy, and without acknowledging calculated efforts from the traditional elites to thwart it. Laws abridging free speech also play a part in stifling candid discussions on this topic. Our school curriculum has not been designed to promote democratic values, but instead autocratic beliefs and Thai exceptionalism. These are the points that the author conveniently neglected to mention. A reform is necessary, but a meaningful one won't be possible until we are honest to ourselves.

Edited April 30, 2014 by somjitr

[notmyself]

It does work as it is a pseudo Democracy. What we see happening is par for the course.

[chainarong]

If you think it is bad now just think if these spivs had , had there way , with the constitution reforms (2001 I think) , the draught copy was so hillarrious you would think it was a comedy act , if it wasn't for the academic's challenges during public debate ,whilst also fighting off threats, physical violence, intimidation , the usual ,a semi junta would be in control now , one reason it is a Thai democracy, that the academic's wanted more time to tighten the thumb screws on these crooks, however there was a time limit and the Thai Love Thai party was having no more extensions, so you have a mish mash of democracy and who was the leader of the Thai Love Thai party, have a guess.

Edited April 30, 2014 by chainarong

[Pi Sek]

"This is an argument for some serious reconsideration of the orthodox belief that, in a democracy there must be only one winner who gets to do everything."

There's the problem right there. This "orthodox" belief is not orthodox in circles (and countries) that comprehend democracy.

[MaxLee]

STOPPAGE TIME

Why Thailand's political system isn't working

Thaksinocracy 'nough said...

[longway]

Of course, there is something structurally wrong with the system. However, it is a mistake to think that all of Thailand's political problems are due to vulnerability in the system that gets exploited by greedy politicians. One cannot understand how our political system failed without studying modern Thai history, without noting that democracy has not been allowed to flourish and that every military coup was a set-back to democracy, and without acknowledging calculated efforts from the traditional elites to thwart it. Laws abridging free speech also play a part in stifling candid discussions on this topic. Our school curriculum has not been designed to promote democratic values, but instead autocratic beliefs and Thai exceptionalism. These are the points that the author conveniently neglected to mention. A reform is necessary, but a meaningful one won't be possible until we are honest to ourselves.

You are kidding yourself, name another country in SE Asia that has better 'democracy' than Thailand. Philippines? Malaysia? Singapore? lol Make no mistake politicians are against democracy as much as any 'traditional elite'.

And what is democracy anyway? Do you actually know? There is no country on earth that actually has democracy, all are oligarchies in one form or another. What you call democracy is an electoral oligarchy; nothing more and nothing less.

In an actual democracy the electorate are the sovereign power and the elected government represents their will. However how can any government represent the will of the electorate without their consent? And how can consent be obtained unless it can be withheld?

There is no mechanism in the thai electoral system to meaningfully withhold consent ie an option of None of the Above where if it achieves more than 50% of the vote then the election must be re-run.

Until you have that you are just pissing in the wind, the best you can hope for is to be another Malaysia or Philippines. Big whoopee is that really worth it? Is what you had really worse than your peers in SE Asia?

In the last 60 years Thailand had a relatively easy ride. Don't forget that.

[WhizBang]

Why Thailand's political system isn't working

Summed up in a word..........Greed.

Don't forget corruption, ignorance, face, and Thainess.

Ah, yes... Thainess. Thais like to say we farang can never understand Thainess. I have been here almost 15 years, and I have come up with a good working definition.

Thainess: I am Thai. I can do what I want, where I want, when I want. And <deleted> you if you don't like it.

[JO1973]

It's not democracy that's the problem, it's Thailand's version of it. You can't create an inherently flawed system riddled with corruption and then slap on the label 'democracy' and expect it to work.

[RoboLB]

Does anyone actually have a system that works? Isn't politics about staying in power at all costs and maximising the personal benefit?

Here is Australia our system totally sucks. Greed, corruption, perks, self interest, it's al a big game funded by the tax payer. ... Our politicians are trusted about as much as used car salesmen. Sorry to used car salesman, you are probably 10 times more trustworthy.

As an outsider at least, Thai political corruption is somewhat transparent. Openly 'buying' votes and support.

Here in Australia they use tax payers money to buy votes in marginal seats, with much needed football stadiums, swimming pools and other enticements. They obviously think we are totally stupid or they just don't care what we thing. The latter I presume.

[spidermike007]

If democracy is the best there is, why shouldn't we take it to the extreme? Why not have separate elections for key sectors like education, agriculture, defence, foreign affairs, and so on? If we can't, tell me why.

The line between democracy and dictatorship gets very thin if a single election gives all the power to one person or one group of people. If you insist that Chalerm Yoobamrung head the Justice Ministry or Jatuporn Prompan be handed the Interior portfolio because their ultimate boss whose party has just won an election says so, it's dictatorship in disguise, no matter how you paint it.

These are good points the author raises. But, he fails to mention that the biggest single problem with the Thai system is the absolute absence of a system based on a meritocracy. Ministers are appointed based on who they know, what family they are from, how much money they have, and how much assistance they provided during the campaign. All completely ignorant, and wrong reasons for being appointed. And what it does, is make the entire country mediocre, by placing people in positions where they have no expertise. You have guys like Chalerm, who are the very essence of mediocrity as the next in line. You have guys who ran shoe stores leading the tourism departments. You have transportation ministers who know nothing about the trucking industry, or transportation. How do you run a country like this? Even Abhisit, Mr. Mediocroty himself, had a guy like Korn Chatikavanji who actually lead an investment brokerage firm before coming to work as the finance minister. Like the Thai police, the Thai political system needs to be reformed from the ground up. Entirely dismantled, and rebuilt. Just like the entire police apparatus. Will this ever happen? Probably not. But, it needs to happen. The political system here is dysfunctional to say the least.

[noitom]

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It's not democracy that's the problem, it's Thailand's version of it. You can't create an inherently flawed system riddled with corruption and then slap on the label 'democracy' and expect it to work.

Thai are great at "slapping on" labels.

[Bkungbank]

The fur have get it from sheep meaning voters gets pay after the income should back to politician , investing in billboard, campaign foods and dinners, etc all those money are not for free they are magic show to turn the table around after winning not like certain countries government servant are highly paid to avoid corruption among holding high position but here certain post have to buy for promotion after that many income from position that holding. It's not real true democracy system are the people power were given into wrong hand.

[Nickymaster]

There is nothing wrong with democracy and the political system in Thailand. It's all the army's fault with their self-serving coups.

Why was there a coup again in 2006?

The official statement said (from the army)

The ousted leader had caused “an unprecedented rift in society, widespread corruption, nepotism, and interfered with independent agencies, crippling them so they cannot function. If [Thaksin's regime] is allowed to govern it will hurt the country. They have also repeatedly insulted the King. Thus the council needed to seize power.”

[noitom]

Democracy is about individual freedom. The further you move away from individual freedom, the further you move away from democracy. Democracy is all about freedom of choice. Thais have no freedom of choice, opinion, and thought. They are led by clapboard banging losers like Suthep and wishy washy empty suits like Abhisit or money grabbing manipulators like Thaksin. Thais are told about 'democracy" but few Thais understand the basic fundamentals of what it consists of and its prerequisites. Thais have no visionary leadership or anyone capable of implementing democracy.

[Thaddeus]

Why Thailand's political system isn't working

Summed up in a word..........Greed.

Don't forget corruption, ignorance, face, and Thainess.

Ah, yes... Thainess. Thais like to say we farang can never understand Thainess. I have been here almost 15 years, and I have come up with a good working definition.

Thainess: I am Thai. I can do what I want, where I want, when I want. And <deleted> you if you don't like it.

I concur, I've faced that attitude several times over the years.

Why is the Thai political system not working?

You may as well ask why is the Thai (any collective) not working?

When it is full of useless and greedy inept numpties who have spent their entire lives being told that they are superior, being fawned at and getting medals for doing sweet fanny adams.... you don't need to be Einstein to work out what the problem is.

Thing is, who do you blame, the numpties, the ones who fawn, or the ones that promote it?

[somjitr]

If democracy is the best there is, why shouldn't we take it to the extreme? Why not have separate elections for key sectors like education, agriculture, defence, foreign affairs, and so on? If we can't, tell me why.

The line between democracy and dictatorship gets very thin if a single election gives all the power to one person or one group of people. If you insist that Chalerm Yoobamrung head the Justice Ministry or Jatuporn Prompan be handed the Interior portfolio because their ultimate boss whose party has just won an election says so, it's dictatorship in disguise, no matter how you paint it.

These are good points the author raises. But, he fails to mention that the biggest single problem with the Thai system is the absolute absence of a system based on a meritocracy. Ministers are appointed based on who they know, what family they are from, how much money they have, and how much assistance they provided during the campaign. All completely ignorant, and wrong reasons for being appointed. And what it does, is make the entire country mediocre, by placing people in positions where they have no expertise. You have guys like Chalerm, who are the very essence of mediocrity as the next in line. You have guys who ran shoe stores leading the tourism departments. You have transportation ministers who know nothing about the trucking industry, or transportation. How do you run a country like this? Even Abhisit, Mr. Mediocroty himself, had a guy like Korn Chatikavanji who actually lead an investment brokerage firm before coming to work as the finance minister. Like the Thai police, the Thai political system needs to be reformed from the ground up. Entirely dismantled, and rebuilt. Just like the entire police apparatus. Will this ever happen? Probably not. But, it needs to happen. The political system here is dysfunctional to say the least.

To answer your first question, the only reason we don't take it to the extreme is practicality. To have separate elections for those sectors would be costly and coordinating them would be an administrative nightmare. But besides that it's not a bad idea.

The line between democracy and dictatorship is not as thin as you think. The difference between a 4-year term and indefinite governance is quite big. Also, in a democracy, the government is openly criticized and somewhat accountable to the public. A dictatorship can bypass that with laws and guns.

[HerIndoors]

Democracy is like a shark...fierce, strong but fragile (they stop swimming the die). The strengths of democracy lie in its ability to translate the will of the people into law for a fair and just society. It has taken the west hundreds of years of trial and error and still we do not have a perfectly functioning democracy BUT, it is the best model so far.

The big problem with what counts as Thai democracy is that it has never ever been given a chance to grow and become strong. Every time democratic ideals or status quo are challenged there is a coup, or the legislative branch of government stuff it up, or the poo yai mentality circumvents natural justice or the Thai look to some other 'higher authority' to save them or any one of a hundred other reasons. Other societies have trodden a similar path and some have come out the other end better for the experience.

I have come to the conclusion that democracy (as we know it in the west) is not for Thailand because so many of their mores and values are too deeply entrenched and these same values run counter to a functioning democracy. The day when a member of the amaart can openly commit a crime and be punished for it is the day I will hold out some hope that there may be a change for the better in LOS. The day when a poor dark skinned rural farmer refuses to high wai or bow down and can take part in Thai society as a valued equal .. then I will hold out some hope for this country.

[toybits]

Only when the writer has the guts to question the true role of the Military can the question REALLY be answered...

[CPH]

You need freedom of speak for a democracy to work. And then it takes many years before people understand that they have to wait until it is their turn to have the power. It took maybe 50 - 100 years before democracy worked properly in Europe.

[ABCer]

Hard to argue against most posts above. Most things said are true.

The point is ... there is no point.

With a measly minority of well educated Thais who will probably agree with many things said above

the vast majority of Thais are in deep shit politically, economically and culturally.

The problem is - we aren't Thai. The measly minority of educated Thais - are not 'real Thai' just because they are educated.

95% of all Thais, the 'real Thai' are in deep shit and loving it. They are actually proud of the shit they are in.

They do not know any better. They do not want any changes. They cannot be helped. They do not want any help.

Long live Thailand! As it is!

[bigbamboo]

It's not the system it's the greedy bastards that abuse it.

When you have rich businessmen getting to politics that's usually an indication that they are there to serve themselves not their country.

[klauskunkel]

It's not democracy that's the problem, it's Thailand's version of it. You can't create an inherently flawed system riddled with corruption and then slap on the label 'democracy' and expect it to work.

I think that's exactly it: "democracy" is a label and is used to make the package look prettier, edible and officially approved. Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of China, (Former) German Democratic Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo...

[Scamper]

One of the most intelligent articles in some time, and a delight to read. It's elegant. And there is an abundance of sections to quote. It is filled with incisive points and metaphors. The best is that of an orchestral conductor. One assumes that he'll pick the best musicians for the orchestra. But what if he/she chooses the ones that are simply " easiest to work with " ? Does this improve the quality of the orchestra ? The argument of this article - and one which I agree with - is that it does not. But the most provocative and delicious insight comes from the following ...

" If democracy is the best there is, why shouldn't we take it to the extreme? Why not have separate elections for key sectors like education, agriculture, defence, foreign affairs, and so on ? "

Indeed, why not ? It's a fascinating concept. And one that would likely raise the bar. It would never be applied, of course, but for those who insist democracy is not something that is expressed only during a seven hour period every four years, after which the elected have no limits - moral or ethical - as to what they can do - then it does indeed provide an opportunity to allow the best practitioners of their field.

" The line between democracy and dictatorship gets very thin if a single election gives all the power to one person or one group of people. "

And that's the problem. That's the " democracy " that Pheu Thai, Thaksin, and the UDD so desperately want to preserve.

[soalbundy]

Does anyone actually have a system that works? Isn't politics about staying in power at all costs and maximising the personal benefit?

Here is Australia our system totally sucks. Greed, corruption, perks, self interest, it's al a big game funded by the tax payer. ... Our politicians are trusted about as much as used car salesmen. Sorry to used car salesman, you are probably 10 times more trustworthy.

As an outsider at least, Thai political corruption is somewhat transparent. Openly 'buying' votes and support.

Here in Australia they use tax payers money to buy votes in marginal seats, with much needed football stadiums, swimming pools and other enticements. They obviously think we are totally stupid or they just don't care what we thing. The latter I presume.

Sounds like the UK, France, Italy, Belgium, to name a few.