OPINION:

Thailand Haltingly Moves Toward Stability and Democracy
By Scott Chowtham

How many of the world’s governments are truly “democratic”? How many are genuinely representative of their peoples?

A simple-minded, inadequate test is whether their governments were elected by majority vote, In fact, elections alone are no guarantee of representative democracy. Remember the elected governments of Yukanovych in Ukraine and Morsi in Egypt? Remember how they ruled and then were toppled in popular uprisings against corruption and one-party rule?

Elections in Thailand produced a government under previous regimes that were un-representative of large segments of Thai society. It governed divisively in the interest of only one segment. It used corruption to buy votes and perpetuate itself in power. As Scott Thompson, professor emeritus of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, wrote in the Los Angeles Times recently:

It was Thailand's bad luck, like Germany's in the 1930s and Italy's in the 1920s, to get a demagogue promising heaven and then some. Thaksin had made billions in the cellphone industry and had begun buying off journalists and northern politicians. He overwhelmingly won the 2001 election and then quickly showed his true colors. He put the lid on the parts of the media he didn't already control, reportedly had 3,000 small-time drug dealers killed in his war on drugs and generally showed that he was there to stay.

Recent past regimes brought upon themselves massive demonstrations in the streets of Bangkok – of the sort that occurred in Maidan Square in Kiev and Tahrir Square in Cairo.

As in the Ukraine and Egypt, Thailand tottered on the brink of civil chaos. In May of this year the military stepped in. Soon, the army commander, General Prayuth, became prime minister and announced a national program of reconciliation. Today, the streets of Bangkok are calm. Critics of the new government claim this is only so because of “repression.” In fact, it seems clear that most Thais breathed in relief that they had escaped the scourge of civil war.

Critics, such as Joshua Kurlantzik note:

Thai junta leader–turned prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha recently let slip that the current Thai regime might not hold elections until 2016 or later….

Still, most Thais are satisfied with the new government’s attempt at reconciliation. According to the result of a poll conducted in September with 1,534 people throughout the country, 43.16% said they were satisfied with it and 38.14% very satisfied, while 12.32% said they were a little satisfied and 6.38% not satisfied at all.

Most Thais want to give the new government a chance to implement a national campaign against corruption as well as the effort toward national reconciliation. They see these as crucial precursors to desperately needed constitutional reform.

Thais have had enough of majoritarian one-party rule. They believe in the new government’s commitment to restore elections in a new constitutional framework.

Right now, some Americans are very critical of the new government in Bangkok. They condemn its leader for stepping in to run the country in place of the former elected government.

What do Americans know that the Thai people don’t? Criticism and condemnation should be based on understanding.

The Thai people understand what outsiders fail to understand. Thailand does not want a one-party political system, run in the interests only of its partisans. Thailand needs a new constitution and new, truly representative institutions. It is this understanding that gives the new government popular support.

Americans, more than any other people, should understand that majoritarian rule is a potential threat to representative government. America has a Constitution that prevents majority tyranny. The Thais deserve such a constitution, too.

Many of Thailand’s American critics understand neither the aspirations of the Thai people nor the Constitution of the United States.

Scott Chowtham, a Thai American, is President of Endless Web Designs in La Mirada, California.

--American Thinker 2014-10-26

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse!!

It was Thailand's bad luck, like Germany's in the 1930s and Italy's in the 1920s, to get a demagogue promising heaven and then some. Thaksin had made billions in the cellphone industry and had begun buying off journalists and northern politicians. He overwhelmingly won the 2001 election and then quickly showed his true colors. He put the lid on the parts of the media he didn't already control, reportedly had 3,000 small-time drug dealers killed in his war on drugs and generally showed that he was there to stay.

What is he trying to say?

Mixing Mussolini, Hitler and Thaksin. I would put Suthep in that category.

You better go back to your web design business Mr. President.

Edited October 26, 201411 yr by MobileContent

Well well this will certainly bring out the best of the rest.

A baiting post has been removed.

I have read better material from the coup supporters on this forum. Truly pathetic.

Totally agree with the article. Do others commenting really believe that previously had a democratically elected government? The current regime has done more in past 6 months to tackle corruption than any recent "elected" government.

Yawn. Nothing but silly, and simple minded, drivel.

Next.

I really hope these Quislings have their heads shaved and are paraded though the streets after the Election to show what traitors to democracy and the people they are

Edited October 26, 201411 yr by ExPratt

I have read better material from the coup supporters on this forum. Truly pathetic.

In other words then the reporter is wrong in his interpretation and you are correct. There are some iffy bits but in general the truth hurts sometimes.

The reality is that democracy extends as far as allowing an individual to vote in the next dictator who in turn is controlled by the banks and industry. For the people, by the people... it's just meaningless words. Unfortunately in Thailand with the average Thai being as ignorant as a toothbrush they cannot understand what true democracy is about and therefore cannot implement it.

I really hope these Quislings have their heads shaved and are paraded though the streets after the Election to show what traitors to democracy and the people they are

You had better name some of the quislings, some are up before the courts now, but on holiday in China-etc.,

Thailand is moving steadily away from anything like democracy day by day.

It appears the writer, living in the U.S. is as clueless of the "American experiment" of the people ruling as some folks living here are of Thai culture. Oh, well. As we have said previously, the U.S. has many flaws but it does seek to allow a vote for citizens (yes, I am well aware of the Republican attempts to limit voters...of U.S. History...of the money being poured into influencing elections and politicians). But we Americans continue to struggle toward the ideal. The U.S. has a long history with the Thai people, we encourage them to reach toward that same ideal.

While we oft fall short, allow me to share the ideal:

"I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education". Thomas Jefferson

Edited October 26, 201411 yr by wwest5829

junk1e, on 26 Oct 2014 - 16:49, said:

Totally agree with the article. Do others commenting really believe that previously had a democratically elected government? The current regime has done more in past 6 months to tackle corruption than any recent "elected" government.

Pray tell, just what has it done to really tackle corruption, granted a few small fry have been charge/investigated, but we have yet to see them spend any time in jail... to show they mean business they need to investigate/charge and jail those at the top, this of course will not happen as it would also mean investigating the military, the RTP, all politicians (from all parties) including but not limited to the village chiefs. It will NEVER happen, well not in my lifetime.

Scott is 50/50 but 100% for the General.

Suffinator, on 26 Oct 2014 - 16:58, said:

The reality is that democracy extends as far as allowing an individual to vote in the next dictator who in turn is controlled by the banks and industry. For the people, by the people... it's just meaningless words. Unfortunately in Thailand with the average Thai being as ignorant as a toothbrush they cannot understand what true democracy is about and therefore cannot implement it.

One reason they do not "understand" democracy is that it isn't taught... keep the nation dumb, it's easier to control. Just ask your partner if they know what democracy is. Please, that doesn't include the minority that studied politics at uni or studied overseas.

Thailand is moving steadily away from anything like democracy day by day.

Your interpretation maybe

Still, most Thais are satisfied with the new government’s attempt at reconciliation. According to the result of a poll conducted in September with 1,534 people throughout the country, 43.16% said they were satisfied with it and 38.14% very satisfied, while 12.32% said they were a little satisfied and 6.38% not satisfied at all.

Most Thais want to give the new government a chance to implement a national campaign against corruption as well as the effort toward national reconciliation. They see these as crucial precursors to desperately needed constitutional reform.

Thais have had enough of majoritarian one-party rule. They believe in the new government’s commitment to restore elections in a new constitutional framework.

My first reaction is that Scott Chowtham doesn't read Thai Visa, I'm sure that he would have a whole different opinion if he was to read the comments of Fab 4 and the rest who support murder, arson and corruption. Make no mistake, when you support Thaksin, that is what you are standing in favor of. His rule of terror, complete with almost every member of his family, was nothing short of demagoguery.

My first reaction is ramrod711 has not understood the article. when you support Thanksin!!! Quite the contrary in Scott Chowthams case if you ask me!!!

Suffinator, on 26 Oct 2014 - 16:58, said:

The reality is that democracy extends as far as allowing an individual to vote in the next dictator who in turn is controlled by the banks and industry. For the people, by the people... it's just meaningless words. Unfortunately in Thailand with the average Thai being as ignorant as a toothbrush they cannot understand what true democracy is about and therefore cannot implement it.

One reason they do not "understand" democracy is that it isn't taught... keep the nation dumb, it's easier to control. Just ask your partner if they know what democracy is. Please, that doesn't include the minority that studied politics at uni or studied overseas.

Try putting this point to some posters, they do not want to know the truth. re Education/democracy.

Likening Thaksin to the despots of Europe.

My lordy lord. All very melodramatic. Almost makes it justifiable to overturn governments with coups and stuff.

This guy is writing for one of the ultra-right-wing blogs in the USA. It's a regular money-making, fear and hate-mongering industry that preys on people who can't think for themselves. Among the other articles on the home page now is one titled: Democratic Party: America's Resident Evil

This guy has his head penetrating his own behind that he manages to mix all of the PDRC + military + anti-democratic-elites nonsense into a single article. Let's see.... starting at the top:

How many of the world’s governments are truly “democratic”? How many are genuinely representative of their peoples?

that is a red-herring - it's not the question that concerns people living in Thailand under a military 'government'.

A simple-minded, inadequate test is whether their governments were elected by majority vote, In fact, elections alone are no guarantee of representative democracy.

This guy is too banal to believe, he is the one who is too simple-minded. Elections do not guarantee representative democracy... but military 'intervention' does guarantee the death of democracy.

Elections in Thailand produced a government under previous regimes that were un-representative of large segments of Thai society.

This is a bold-faced lie which he must have gotten straight from the PDRC... The last time I looked, the Thai people voted and sent a perfectly representative mix of MPs to the government house - PTP, Democrats, and many others. The fact that the opposition abrogated their responsibilities in representing the (not a majority) of Thais who elected them, took to the streets, called for a military 'intervention', blocked, not just boycotted, elections, speaks volumes about the source of the 'un-representative democracy' in Thailand.

It used corruption to buy votes

Obviously not very informed. International observers declared the elections fair, ... as did the leader of the losing party. But hey, right-wing blog-o-sphere doesn't need facts.

Thailand tottered on the brink of civil chaos. In May of this year the military stepped in. Soon, the army commander, General Prayuth, became prime minister and announced a national program of reconciliation. Today, the streets of Bangkok are calm. Critics of the new government claim this is only so because of “repression.” In fact, it seems clear that most Thais breathed in relief that they had escaped the scourge of civil war.

This longer passage repeats the royalists-elites' and the 'NCPO' translation of events for the rest of the world. Of course the elites and military understand that there was never a risk of civil war before the 'intervention'. Suthep and Co used the same MO as they did in 2006 & 2008, not to mention in the decades going back to the 60s....

And it is slimy how he rejects the charge of repression without denying that it happens but rather just with a nonsensical and unrelated comment that "most Thais are relieved..." - American right-winger thinks torture is OK - well, ... that is his world.

Still, most Thais are satisfied with the new government’s attempt at reconciliation

yes, here we have all seen the military-backed opinion polls which month after month approach 99.99999% approval ratings for the 'NCPO'

The author uses this tired old horse,

What do Americans know that the Thai people don’t? Criticism and condemnation should be based on understanding.

to segue into this anti-democratic nonsense:

The Thai people understand what outsiders fail to understand.

yes, we falang, like the author, clearly don't understand Thailand because it is so unique and different that no other ideas about democracy can possibly apply - which falls flat since many Thai people prefer democracy to 'interventions', but they only control their vote. They can't control the generals.

Once again, he leans on the 'most Thais' crutch ignoring that the uber-rich elite and uber-rich generals currently in the drivers seat are not 'most Thais'.

Then he pulls this gem out of his ... well, you know:

Americans, more than any other people, should understand that majoritarian rule is a potential threat to representative government. America has a Constitution that prevents majority tyranny. The Thais deserve such a constitution, too.

because of course, Thailand had that before the 2006 'intervention' and something less democratic before the 2014 'intervention', and the government which was overthrown by the 'intervention' was following the constitution, calling for elections and putting the question of governance before the people.

Some how this nutter ignores all of that.

The ending is classic BS...

Many of Thailand’s American critics understand neither the aspirations of the Thai people nor the Constitution of the United States.

which he just 'claims' but of course he did not actually discuss the "aspirations" of Thais, nor did he discuss ANY points about the US constitution which guarantees freedom of speech, human rights, universal suffrage, civilian rule over military rule, and provides system of government which is fully elected and not appointed... from the national level to the state level to the county level to the municipal level.

This guy is writing for one of the ultra-right-wing blogs in the USA. It's a regular money-making, fear and hate-mongering industry that preys on people who can't think for themselves. Among the other articles on the home page now is one titled: Democratic Party: America's Resident Evil

This guy has his head penetrating his own behind that he manages to mix all of the PDRC + military + anti-democratic-elites nonsense into a single article. Let's see.... starting at the top:

How many of the worlds governments are truly democratic? How many are genuinely representative of their peoples?

that is a red-herring - it's not the question that concerns people living in Thailand under a military 'government'.

A simple-minded, inadequate test is whether their governments were elected by majority vote, In fact, elections alone are no guarantee of representative democracy.

This guy is too banal to believe, he is the one who is too simple-minded. Elections do not guarantee representative democracy... but military 'intervention' does guarantee the death of democracy.

Elections in Thailand produced a government under previous regimes that were un-representative of large segments of Thai society.

This is a bold-faced lie which he must have gotten straight from the PDRC... The last time I looked, the Thai people voted and sent a perfectly representative mix of MPs to the government house - PTP, Democrats, and many others. The fact that the opposition abrogated their responsibilities in representing the (not a majority) of Thais who elected them, took to the streets, called for a military 'intervention', blocked, not just boycotted, elections, speaks volumes about the source of the 'un-representative democracy' in Thailand.

It used corruption to buy votes

Obviously not very informed. International observers declared the elections fair, ... as did the leader of the losing party. But hey, right-wing blog-o-sphere doesn't need facts.

Thailand tottered on the brink of civil chaos. In May of this year the military stepped in. Soon, the army commander, General Prayuth, became prime minister and announced a national program of reconciliation. Today, the streets of Bangkok are calm. Critics of the new government claim this is only so because of repression. In fact, it seems clear that most Thais breathed in relief that they had escaped the scourge of civil war.

This longer passage repeats the royalists-elites' and the 'NCPO' translation of events for the rest of the world. Of course the elites and military understand that there was never a risk of civil war before the 'intervention'. Suthep and Co used the same MO as they did in 2006 & 2008, not to mention in the decades going back to the 60s....

And it is slimy how he rejects the charge of repression without denying that it happens but rather just with a nonsensical and unrelated comment that "most Thais are relieved..." - American right-winger thinks torture is OK - well, ... that is his world.

Still, most Thais are satisfied with the new governments attempt at reconciliation

yes, here we have all seen the military-backed opinion polls which month after month approach 99.99999% approval ratings for the 'NCPO'

The author uses this tired old horse,

What do Americans know that the Thai people dont? Criticism and condemnation should be based on understanding.

to segue into this anti-democratic nonsense:

The Thai people understand what outsiders fail to understand.

yes, we falang, like the author, clearly don't understand Thailand because it is so unique and different that no other ideas about democracy can possibly apply - which falls flat since many Thai people prefer democracy to 'interventions', but they only control their vote. They can't control the generals.

Once again, he leans on the 'most Thais' crutch ignoring that the uber-rich elite and uber-rich generals currently in the drivers seat are not 'most Thais'.

Then he pulls this gem out of his ... well, you know:

Americans, more than any other people, should understand that majoritarian rule is a potential threat to representative government. America has a Constitution that prevents majority tyranny. The Thais deserve such a constitution, too.

because of course, Thailand had that before the 2006 'intervention' and something less democratic before the 2014 'intervention', and the government which was overthrown by the 'intervention' was following the constitution, calling for elections and putting the question of governance before the people.

Some how this nutter ignores all of that.

The ending is classic BS...

Many of Thailands American critics understand neither the aspirations of the Thai people nor the Constitution of the United States.

which he just 'claims' but of course he did not actually discuss the "aspirations" of Thais, nor did he discuss ANY points about the US constitution which guarantees freedom of speech, human rights, universal suffrage, civilian rule over military rule, and provides system of government which is fully elected and not appointed... from the national level to the state level to the county level to the municipal level.

Indeed. I got that feeling from the first scan of what he wrote.

This guy is writing for one of the ultra-right-wing blogs in the USA. It's a regular money-making, fear and hate-mongering industry that preys on people who can't think for themselves. Among the other articles on the home page now is one titled: Democratic Party: America's Resident Evil

This guy has his head penetrating his own behind that he manages to mix all of the PDRC + military + anti-democratic-elites nonsense into a single article. Let's see.... starting at the top:

How many of the world’s governments are truly “democratic”? How many are genuinely representative of their peoples?

that is a red-herring - it's not the question that concerns people living in Thailand under a military 'government'.

A simple-minded, inadequate test is whether their governments were elected by majority vote, In fact, elections alone are no guarantee of representative democracy.

This guy is too banal to believe, he is the one who is too simple-minded. Elections do not guarantee representative democracy... but military 'intervention' does guarantee the death of democracy.

Elections in Thailand produced a government under previous regimes that were un-representative of large segments of Thai society.

This is a bold-faced lie which he must have gotten straight from the PDRC... The last time I looked, the Thai people voted and sent a perfectly representative mix of MPs to the government house - PTP, Democrats, and many others. The fact that the opposition abrogated their responsibilities in representing the (not a majority) of Thais who elected them, took to the streets, called for a military 'intervention', blocked, not just boycotted, elections, speaks volumes about the source of the 'un-representative democracy' in Thailand.

It used corruption to buy votes

Obviously not very informed. International observers declared the elections fair, ... as did the leader of the losing party. But hey, right-wing blog-o-sphere doesn't need facts.

Thailand tottered on the brink of civil chaos. In May of this year the military stepped in. Soon, the army commander, General Prayuth, became prime minister and announced a national program of reconciliation. Today, the streets of Bangkok are calm. Critics of the new government claim this is only so because of “repression.” In fact, it seems clear that most Thais breathed in relief that they had escaped the scourge of civil war.

This longer passage repeats the royalists-elites' and the 'NCPO' translation of events for the rest of the world. Of course the elites and military understand that there was never a risk of civil war before the 'intervention'. Suthep and Co used the same MO as they did in 2006 & 2008, not to mention in the decades going back to the 60s....

And it is slimy how he rejects the charge of repression without denying that it happens but rather just with a nonsensical and unrelated comment that "most Thais are relieved..." - American right-winger thinks torture is OK - well, ... that is his world.

Still, most Thais are satisfied with the new government’s attempt at reconciliation

yes, here we have all seen the military-backed opinion polls which month after month approach 99.99999% approval ratings for the 'NCPO'

The author uses this tired old horse,

What do Americans know that the Thai people don’t? Criticism and condemnation should be based on understanding.

to segue into this anti-democratic nonsense:

The Thai people understand what outsiders fail to understand.

yes, we falang, like the author, clearly don't understand Thailand because it is so unique and different that no other ideas about democracy can possibly apply - which falls flat since many Thai people prefer democracy to 'interventions', but they only control their vote. They can't control the generals.

Once again, he leans on the 'most Thais' crutch ignoring that the uber-rich elite and uber-rich generals currently in the drivers seat are not 'most Thais'.

Then he pulls this gem out of his ... well, you know:

Americans, more than any other people, should understand that majoritarian rule is a potential threat to representative government. America has a Constitution that prevents majority tyranny. The Thais deserve such a constitution, too.

because of course, Thailand had that before the 2006 'intervention' and something less democratic before the 2014 'intervention', and the government which was overthrown by the 'intervention' was following the constitution, calling for elections and putting the question of governance before the people.

Some how this nutter ignores all of that.

The ending is classic BS...

Many of Thailand’s American critics understand neither the aspirations of the Thai people nor the Constitution of the United States.

which he just 'claims' but of course he did not actually discuss the "aspirations" of Thais, nor did he discuss ANY points about the US constitution which guarantees freedom of speech, human rights, universal suffrage, civilian rule over military rule, and provides system of government which is fully elected and not appointed... from the national level to the state level to the county level to the municipal level.

On the other hand what if Robert Amsterdam had written an article......pick the bones out of that.

Suffinator, on 26 Oct 2014 - 16:58, said:

The reality is that democracy extends as far as allowing an individual to vote in the next dictator who in turn is controlled by the banks and industry. For the people, by the people... it's just meaningless words. Unfortunately in Thailand with the average Thai being as ignorant as a toothbrush they cannot understand what true democracy is about and therefore cannot implement it.

One reason they do not "understand" democracy is that it isn't taught... keep the nation dumb, it's easier to control. Just ask your partner if they know what democracy is. Please, that doesn't include the minority that studied politics at uni or studied overseas.

Thais understand democracy perfectly.

The Thai elites and military do not WANT democracy. They use the 'Thais don't understand democracy' argument to support their own desire to kill democracy.

This guy is writing for one of the ultra-right-wing blogs in the USA. It's a regular money-making, fear and hate-mongering industry that preys on people who can't think for themselves. Among the other articles on the home page now is one titled: Democratic Party: America's Resident Evil

This guy has his head penetrating his own behind that he manages to mix all of the PDRC + military + anti-democratic-elites nonsense into a single article. Let's see.... starting at the top:

How many of the world’s governments are truly “democratic”? How many are genuinely representative of their peoples?

that is a red-herring - it's not the question that concerns people living in Thailand under a military 'government'.

A simple-minded, inadequate test is whether their governments were elected by majority vote, In fact, elections alone are no guarantee of representative democracy.

This guy is too banal to believe, he is the one who is too simple-minded. Elections do not guarantee representative democracy... but military 'intervention' does guarantee the death of democracy.

Elections in Thailand produced a government under previous regimes that were un-representative of large segments of Thai society.

This is a bold-faced lie which he must have gotten straight from the PDRC... The last time I looked, the Thai people voted and sent a perfectly representative mix of MPs to the government house - PTP, Democrats, and many others. The fact that the opposition abrogated their responsibilities in representing the (not a majority) of Thais who elected them, took to the streets, called for a military 'intervention', blocked, not just boycotted, elections, speaks volumes about the source of the 'un-representative democracy' in Thailand.

It used corruption to buy votes

Obviously not very informed. International observers declared the elections fair, ... as did the leader of the losing party. But hey, right-wing blog-o-sphere doesn't need facts.

Thailand tottered on the brink of civil chaos. In May of this year the military stepped in. Soon, the army commander, General Prayuth, became prime minister and announced a national program of reconciliation. Today, the streets of Bangkok are calm. Critics of the new government claim this is only so because of “repression.” In fact, it seems clear that most Thais breathed in relief that they had escaped the scourge of civil war.

This longer passage repeats the royalists-elites' and the 'NCPO' translation of events for the rest of the world. Of course the elites and military understand that there was never a risk of civil war before the 'intervention'. Suthep and Co used the same MO as they did in 2006 & 2008, not to mention in the decades going back to the 60s....

And it is slimy how he rejects the charge of repression without denying that it happens but rather just with a nonsensical and unrelated comment that "most Thais are relieved..." - American right-winger thinks torture is OK - well, ... that is his world.

Still, most Thais are satisfied with the new government’s attempt at reconciliation

yes, here we have all seen the military-backed opinion polls which month after month approach 99.99999% approval ratings for the 'NCPO'

The author uses this tired old horse,

What do Americans know that the Thai people don’t? Criticism and condemnation should be based on understanding.

to segue into this anti-democratic nonsense:

The Thai people understand what outsiders fail to understand.

yes, we falang, like the author, clearly don't understand Thailand because it is so unique and different that no other ideas about democracy can possibly apply - which falls flat since many Thai people prefer democracy to 'interventions', but they only control their vote. They can't control the generals.

Once again, he leans on the 'most Thais' crutch ignoring that the uber-rich elite and uber-rich generals currently in the drivers seat are not 'most Thais'.

Then he pulls this gem out of his ... well, you know:

Americans, more than any other people, should understand that majoritarian rule is a potential threat to representative government. America has a Constitution that prevents majority tyranny. The Thais deserve such a constitution, too.

because of course, Thailand had that before the 2006 'intervention' and something less democratic before the 2014 'intervention', and the government which was overthrown by the 'intervention' was following the constitution, calling for elections and putting the question of governance before the people.

Some how this nutter ignores all of that.

The ending is classic BS...

Many of Thailand’s American critics understand neither the aspirations of the Thai people nor the Constitution of the United States.

which he just 'claims' but of course he did not actually discuss the "aspirations" of Thais, nor did he discuss ANY points about the US constitution which guarantees freedom of speech, human rights, universal suffrage, civilian rule over military rule, and provides system of government which is fully elected and not appointed... from the national level to the state level to the county level to the municipal level.

On the other hand what if Robert Amsterdam had written an article......pick the bones out of that.

what does that have to do with anything ?

oh, wait, ... I understand now, ... it's the

but, but, but Thaksin argument.

I personally find this guy article and the "but Thaksin" argument basically brain-dead.

junk1e, on 26 Oct 2014 - 16:49, said:

Totally agree with the article. Do others commenting really believe that previously had a democratically elected government? The current regime has done more in past 6 months to tackle corruption than any recent "elected" government.

Pray tell, just what has it done to really tackle corruption, granted a few small fry have been charge/investigated, but we have yet to see them spend any time in jail... to show they mean business they need to investigate/charge and jail those at the top, this of course will not happen as it would also mean investigating the military, the RTP, all politicians (from all parties) including but not limited to the village chiefs. It will NEVER happen, well not in my lifetime.

Another one who fails to understand that there is a process to be gone through before people are jailed.

First they must be investigated to determine if they have committed crime, assuming they have then they are charged with the appropriate crime, prosecuted and allowed their day(s) in court where the prosecution must prove then guilty before a judge can sentence them. They are then allowed to appeal a guilty verdict

All this take time and there are many investigations and prosecutions in the pipe line, some of those from very high places, for example Tarit.

Thailand is moving steadily away from anything like democracy day by day.

Agreed.

IMO - The 1997 constitution was basically an 'accident' and the elites have been trying to move away from it for a long time.

junk1e, on 26 Oct 2014 - 16:49, said:

Totally agree with the article. Do others commenting really believe that previously had a democratically elected government? The current regime has done more in past 6 months to tackle corruption than any recent "elected" government.

Pray tell, just what has it done to really tackle corruption, granted a few small fry have been charge/investigated, but we have yet to see them spend any time in jail... to show they mean business they need to investigate/charge and jail those at the top, this of course will not happen as it would also mean investigating the military, the RTP, all politicians (from all parties) including but not limited to the village chiefs. It will NEVER happen, well not in my lifetime.

Another one who fails to understand that there is a process to be gone through before people are jailed.

First they must be investigated to determine if they have committed crime, assuming they have then they are charged with the appropriate crime, prosecuted and allowed their day(s) in court where the prosecution must prove then guilty before a judge can sentence them. They are then allowed to appeal a guilty verdict

All this take time and there are many investigations and prosecutions in the pipe line, some of those from very high places, for example Tarit.

you realize that under the current martial law 'environment' that process you describe all flies out the window, don't you?