Restoring democracy must be main focus of coup leaders

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Restoring democracy must be main focus of coup leaders
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Mistakes of the previous coup must not be repeated if we want to make progress

To say it is delusional would be an understatement when one considers the explanation provided by the Army chief of what he think the military could achieve by launching this latest coup.

Like every coup the military has launched since the birth of modern Thailand, the Army has always cited democracy and the need to restore law and order.

First of all, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that these coup- plotters are not exactly fair brokers.

It was the Army that ousted the government of Thaksin Shinawatra back in 2006 and set Thailand off on its current political roller coaster.

Just days ago when the two opposing political forces were about to bash each other's heads, the Army decided to use the occasion to declare martial law. Two days later, they decided to call a spade a spade.

We can debate until we turn blue about the justifications and the financial and political cost of a coup. And let's not forget about the conflict in the deep South where more than 5,000 have been killed and the end is nowhere in sight. Sadly, peace in the deep South has always been held hostage by national politics.

But here we are at this junction again. And the next obvious thing to ask is where do we go from here? First and foremost, the junta has to make it clear how they intend to steer the country back to democracy.

Moreover, they should try to understand the concerns of foreign governments and organisations about the political deadlock.

There is a thing called international norms - respect for human rights and dignity, freedom of expression and so on - and a middle-income country like Thailand should learn to abide by it. After all, we signed all sorts of international conventions and agreements to state our political commitment. Or was that just for show?

The Army need to look at the last time they launched a coup and learn not to repeat the same mistake. Instead of placing Thaksin at the centre of their agenda, this time around they need to think about democratic principles and use that as an equilibrium - not which political family - read Shinawatra clan - they despise and want to keep out of politics. There are ways to deal with Thaksin and it is called legal due process.

The last time around, the Army was quietly asking other stakeholders for understanding because they wanted to weed out Thaksin's influence in the country and to make sure that Thaksin will not resurface in politics again. Needless to say, they failed miserably in doing that and the presence of the red-shirt movements and the hordes of Thaksin cronies are testimonies to their failure.

Stakeholders are talking about political reform but reform should not mean changing the ground rules so that the Democrat Party could win an election. It's about a sense of fair play but asking that from these political extremists from both camps is like asking a bear to use a flush toilet.

As for the Pheu Thai Party, they need to look and think beyond winning a general election because no matter how many votes they get and how many times they win, as long as there is no sense of fair play during the vote and afterwards, this vicious political confrontation and street battles will continue. And the country will be back to the starting blocks again.

Reform needs to be as inclusive as possible. It needs to reflect the sentiment and values of the Thai people, not one particular stakeholder, or cement the military's place in national politics. If we can't realise that, we won't be able to move forward as a nation.

-- The Nation 2014-05-25

[EnzoRippo]

Excellent job but the writer will probably have to "report" to the junta in a army facility. It's not exactly what the journos are supposed to publish these days. Maybe the last free editorial in this country.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[NongKhaiKid]

Easier said than done as Prayuth will find out if he doesn't already know.

Both sides are so entrenched in their views and aren't big on reason and compromise.

[Diplomatico]

Well written editorial, though perhaps not without consequences.....

[EnzoRippo]

Both sides are so entrenched in their views and aren't big on reason and compromise.

I see only one side now => JUNTA.

We cannot say that there are two sides in North Korea.

Only a JUNTA and a population.

[stickyrice2000]

It's all one sided news because medias are not allowed to report freely and make the junta looking negative. Otherwise, they will be summoned by the NCPO, and their businesses will be suspended.

[tx22cb]

Reason why this coup is no different from previous Thai coups?

It's because the people behind the curtains pulling the strings are the same group of old men (some pretty ancient, many ex military) who were behind previous coups, and who are out of touch with the modern world and international norms.

They've tried Democracy several times, they've changed the goalposts several times - only worked for a while for them.

Seems electing the MPs does not get the desired results - the will of the masses cannot be trusted. Perhaps the "Appointed Senate" model might be a better route this time.

[noitom]

"Restore" democracy? The newspaper is hallucinating. Democracy is the furthest thing from the military's intention and the newspaper knows this. Why try to continue to smoke out the Thai people?

[Roadman]

Very good article. Only thing I would disagree with is it was not the 2006 coup that started all this, but rather the first steps of lawlessness from Thaksin's thugs when they threatened the courts into backing down in 2001 over the since people's court convicted criminal's ill gotten assets concealment case.

Agree thou the 2006 coup was a poor purging of the system but that is with hindsight now of just how much damage has been inflicted on the country since by not only Thaksin but all parties.

Tend to think this time around especially with the start that has been made in the short time to date that there is a far better chance of the country moving forward. Time only will tell.

[dominique355]

If the Military Junta wants to achieve anything in this country, there is on simple recipie: Fire all policeman, up to to top brass and build a new, eficient, competent and honest police.

After all, this coup had become necessary, because the Royal Thai Police had not done its job: Maintain peace and order. That's what the police is here for. But they didn't do anything. As usual, I might ad.

Am I dreaming? Probably, but if we don't have dreams, we won't go anywhere when we wake up.

[CharlesHH]

The Army's goal from the first was to catch incoming weapons to fuel Thaksin's private terrorists. Then to catch the terrorists.

Silly Knee Jerks get bent out of shape about "democracy" while the Bin Laden of Thailand, Thaksin, plans and executes his reign of terror and destruction of Thailand. Thai democracy will be waiting patiently to come back after this madman and his henchmen are controlled. Go get 'em, Army!

This is the most weird typing I think I have seen coming from the Nation. It reads like Thaksin is a cross between a Fairy Godfather and a patron saint. How could The Nation have missed Robert Amsterdam's speech to Reds a few days ago, reported in BKK Post, where he said the monarchy had to be disbanded. No reports of Reds objecting. Conclusion... Reds and Amsterdam work for Thaksin; both groups say same thing about monarchy, so Thaksin's intentions must be crystal clear by now.

How about them apples, Mr. Goody Two Shoes Nation "newspaper"????

[The stuttering parrot]

Yes well written and it could receive severe consequences.

However by saying keep thaksin to the side I don't think the journo or anyone else contemplated Thaksins latest move with forming a government in exile which has well and truly put back in the spotlight!

[binjalin]

great piece and spot on... should be published 'anonymously' though or the general might want a "chat" about The Nation being off message

well done The Nation (and I never thought I'd say that!!!)

[IBoldnewguy]

Well written editorial, though perhaps not without consequences.....

From all I've read in the past months of chaos - future consequences hasn't entered any of the player's thinking - restraint is a valuable learned response.

If I did not agree with the political situation I would not join a mob or get myself put on a list - once detained a person is not only helpless but useless to future participation. But to use the Andy Warhol's "15 minutes of fame" analogy - some people may not be able to restrain themselves.

[retsdon]

The best editorial on Thai politics for a long time. Bravo.

[Joe Mamma]

Very good article. Only thing I would disagree with is it was not the 2006 coup that started all this, but rather the first steps of lawlessness from Thaksin's thugs when they threatened the courts into backing down in 2001 over the since people's court convicted criminal's ill gotten assets concealment case.

Agree thou the 2006 coup was a poor purging of the system but that is with hindsight now of just how much damage has been inflicted on the country since by not only Thaksin but all parties.

Tend to think this time around especially with the start that has been made in the short time to date that there is a far better chance of the country moving forward. Time only will tell.

Words of wisdom.

[appleman_thai]

Excellent Editorial.

And seems to me that ALL sides (besides the extremists) would agree with the sentiment of this article.

There is hope after all....

[henksteeghsth]

[mojorison]

The Army's goal from the first was to catch incoming weapons to fuel Thaksin's private terrorists. Then to catch the terrorists.

Silly Knee Jerks get bent out of shape about "democracy" while the Bin Laden of Thailand, Thaksin, plans and executes his reign of terror and destruction of Thailand. Thai democracy will be waiting patiently to come back after this madman and his henchmen are controlled. Go get 'em, Army!

This is the most weird typing I think I have seen coming from the Nation. It reads like Thaksin is a cross between a Fairy Godfather and a patron saint. How could The Nation have missed Robert Amsterdam's speech to Reds a few days ago, reported in BKK Post, where he said the monarchy had to be disbanded. No reports of Reds objecting. Conclusion... Reds and Amsterdam work for Thaksin; both groups say same thing about monarchy, so Thaksin's intentions must be crystal clear by now.

How about them apples, Mr. Goody Two Shoes Nation "newspaper"????

Forgot to take your morning meds did ya old fella? (Comparing Bin Laden to Thaksin is a tad extreme in any sane person's mind, just sayin...)

[Joe Mamma]

The Army's goal from the first was to catch incoming weapons to fuel Thaksin's private terrorists. Then to catch the terrorists.

Silly Knee Jerks get bent out of shape about "democracy" while the Bin Laden of Thailand, Thaksin, plans and executes his reign of terror and destruction of Thailand. Thai democracy will be waiting patiently to come back after this madman and his henchmen are controlled. Go get 'em, Army!

This is the most weird typing I think I have seen coming from the Nation. It reads like Thaksin is a cross between a Fairy Godfather and a patron saint. How could The Nation have missed Robert Amsterdam's speech to Reds a few days ago, reported in BKK Post, where he said the monarchy had to be disbanded. No reports of Reds objecting. Conclusion... Reds and Amsterdam work for Thaksin; both groups say same thing about monarchy, so Thaksin's intentions must be crystal clear by now.

How about them apples, Mr. Goody Two Shoes Nation "newspaper"????

If that didn't hit the nail on the head, you must be hammered.

[Joe Mamma]

The Army's goal from the first was to catch incoming weapons to fuel Thaksin's private terrorists. Then to catch the terrorists.

Silly Knee Jerks get bent out of shape about "democracy" while the Bin Laden of Thailand, Thaksin, plans and executes his reign of terror and destruction of Thailand. Thai democracy will be waiting patiently to come back after this madman and his henchmen are controlled. Go get 'em, Army!

This is the most weird typing I think I have seen coming from the Nation. It reads like Thaksin is a cross between a Fairy Godfather and a patron saint. How could The Nation have missed Robert Amsterdam's speech to Reds a few days ago, reported in BKK Post, where he said the monarchy had to be disbanded. No reports of Reds objecting. Conclusion... Reds and Amsterdam work for Thaksin; both groups say same thing about monarchy, so Thaksin's intentions must be crystal clear by now.

How about them apples, Mr. Goody Two Shoes Nation "newspaper"????

Forgot to take your morning meds did ya old fella? (Comparing Bin Laden to Thaksin is a tad extreme in any sane person's mind, just sayin...)

Both deserve the same fate shared.

[Homeropec]

If the Military Junta wants to achieve anything in this country, there is on simple recipie: Fire all policeman, up to to top brass and build a new, eficient, competent and honest police.

After all, this coup had become necessary, because the Royal Thai Police had not done its job: Maintain peace and order. That's what the police is here for. But they didn't do anything. As usual, I might ad.

Am I dreaming? Probably, but if we don't have dreams, we won't go anywhere when we wake up.

You are not dreaming of course, you are trying to justify a madness by appealing to a naive wish. Democracy does not consist in putting the right man in the right position appointed by a group of people that in turn were appointed or promoted by who the hell knows. But of course you wont be able to understand this

[Thailand]

Decent article.

But it would appear that elections and democracy are not exactly high priority for coup makers.

[Mark Thaiford]

A smoke and mirrors article. Everyone with a grain of insight will know that the restoration of democracy is the last thing the junta wants.

A restoration of democracy would just lead back to the same old circle because the establishment are simply incapable of winning popular support.

The end result will probably be that half of the lower house will be appointed and made up of "good people" to appease the wishes of the PDRC. This will mean that both the Senate and the lower house do not have to follow the popular will - Thailand will be a democracy in name only.

The politicians who agree to get elected to this next set-up are basically just agreeing to become actors in a play but not have any real influence. The power will always rest in the hands of the establishment from here on.

Anyone who thinks democracy will be restored is dreaming - the number 1 priority for the coup makers is to avoid a repeat of the last 7-8 years' uncertainty and avoiding democracy altogether is the safest way to achieve this.

Its sad but true.

Edited May 25, 2014 by Mark Thaiford

[Scamper]

The author of this article is likely aware that Prayuth had already stated at the outset that his goal is indeed to restore democracy through the enactment of reforms before the next election. Nonetheless, it might have been nice for that reference to have been actually included in this editorial. The editorial becomes more entertaining by the absence of it - naturally - but its inclusion would have lent it more balance. It should make sense that judgement be held in abeyance until after the process is completed, rather than at the outset. Already, Prayuth has received the unanimous praise from farmers from all around the country. Not bad for just three days into a coup. So perhaps the writer can wait a little longer and see how things actually pan out. He should be cheering Prayuth on, for if he does indeed accomplish what he has set out to do, the country and everyone in it will be far better served. Prayuth is aware - as this writer is aware - that corrupt abuses of the system overwhelmed it. He surely doesn't need reminding that having a man outside the country directing an administration was profoundly dysfunctional, or perhaps he's already forgotten. Therefore - reform is most definitely needed, and likely even this writer would concede that point. One sentence remains in this editorial, however, that is gratuitous, inflammatory, and completely without substantiation -

" Stakeholders are talking about political reform but reform should not mean changing the ground rules so that the Democrat Party could win an election. "

No they should not, and who says they will be ? Such a suggestion has never even once been brought forward at any reform forum that the PDRC or the Democratic party has ever been privy to. Ever. This is grist for the Pheu Thai/UDD narrative, of course, but it's so flimsy even Khaosod doesn't publish it.

[xminator]

Problem is that the #1 reform on one sides list (fully elected Senate), most likely collide head on with the anti-gorvernment side (full appointed senate?). A fully elected house of representatives under democratic principles will continue to be lead by votes from the north and northeast. The actions since 2006 have cemented how those parts of the country will vote for the next decade, vote buying or not.

I hope they do one change that will make the system more stable. Changes to the constitution should be proposed in one 4 year period and voted with 3/5 (or 2/3) majority in parliament during the next 4 year period. Then it should be possible to clip the constitution courts power. In general, the 2007 constitution gave the courts veto on law changes. That breaks the checks in democracy. Politicians make laws, police upholds them and the courts rule on them.

Right now the money would be on history repeating itself. Or Thailand sliding into permanent military dicatorship becoming this centuries Burma.

[FangFerang]

The author of this article is likely aware that Prayuth had already stated at the outset that his goal is indeed to restore democracy through the enactment of reforms before the next election. Nonetheless, it might have been nice for that reference to have been actually included in this editorial. The editorial becomes more entertaining by the absence of it - naturally - but its inclusion would have lent it more balance. It should make sense that judgement be held in abeyance until after the process is completed, rather than at the outset. Already, Prayuth has received the unanimous praise from farmers from all around the country. Not bad for just three days into a coup. So perhaps the writer can wait a little longer and see how things actually pan out. He should be cheering Prayuth on, for if he does indeed accomplish what he has set out to do, the country and everyone in it will be far better served. Prayuth is aware - as this writer is aware - that corrupt abuses of the system overwhelmed it. He surely doesn't need reminding that having a man outside the country directing an administration was profoundly dysfunctional, or perhaps he's already forgotten. Therefore - reform is most definitely needed, and likely even this writer would concede that point. One sentence remains in this editorial, however, that is gratuitous, inflammatory, and completely without substantiation -

" Stakeholders are talking about political reform but reform should not mean changing the ground rules so that the Democrat Party could win an election. "

No they should not, and who says they will be ? Such a suggestion has never even once been brought forward at any reform forum that the PDRC or the Democratic party has ever been privy to. Ever. This is grist for the Pheu Thai/UDD narrative, of course, but it's so flimsy even Khaosod doesn't publish it.

Scamper...a large number of people expect that political reforms means 'redistricting' so the democrats can win an election. I hope they are wrong, but I suspect that they are correct -- why else not have a single proposed concrete reform in six months? Six months of vague silence. They didn't say it out loud because they knew they would set off a powder keg.

[FangFerang]

Two years. They keep saying two years. Two years to tighten or rewrite a Charter that will stop midnight legislation and executive abuse. They could hammer out changes in a month, and ratify it, now that they have that power, and let the cards fall where they will after. Nope. Not happening.

They are keeping control until the Big Event no one talks about happens.

Edited May 25, 2014 by FangFerang

[ikurauni]

Despite of the criticism they get, the army has been doing the best they can to reset the country and the people of Thailand.

The involvement by the army was inevitable. I hope to see a peaceful solution and a real unity. Good luck Thailand.

[fab4]

The author of this article is likely aware that Prayuth had already stated at the outset that his goal is indeed to restore democracy through the enactment of reforms before the next election. Nonetheless, it might have been nice for that reference to have been actually included in this editorial. The editorial becomes more entertaining by the absence of it - naturally - but its inclusion would have lent it more balance. It should make sense that judgement be held in abeyance until after the process is completed, rather than at the outset. Already, Prayuth has received the unanimous praise from farmers from all around the country. Not bad for just three days into a coup. So perhaps the writer can wait a little longer and see how things actually pan out. He should be cheering Prayuth on, for if he does indeed accomplish what he has set out to do, the country and everyone in it will be far better served. Prayuth is aware - as this writer is aware - that corrupt abuses of the system overwhelmed it. He surely doesn't need reminding that having a man outside the country directing an administration was profoundly dysfunctional, or perhaps he's already forgotten. Therefore - reform is most definitely needed, and likely even this writer would concede that point. One sentence remains in this editorial, however, that is gratuitous, inflammatory, and completely without substantiation -

" Stakeholders are talking about political reform but reform should not mean changing the ground rules so that the Democrat Party could win an election. "

No they should not, and who says they will be ? Such a suggestion has never even once been brought forward at any reform forum that the PDRC or the Democratic party has ever been privy to. Ever. This is grist for the Pheu Thai/UDD narrative, of course, but it's so flimsy even Khaosod doesn't publish it.

Scamper...a large number of people expect that political reforms means 'redistricting' so the democrats can win an election. I hope they are wrong, but I suspect that they are correct -- why else not have a single proposed concrete reform in six months? Six months of vague silence. They didn't say it out loud because they knew they would set off a powder keg.

abhisit. First, and only, "significant" political party member released.............................

Edited May 25, 2014 by fab4