Would Thailand be run better if its PM was elected directly by the people?

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SPECIAL REPORT
Would Thailand be run better if its PM was elected directly by the people?
KRIS BHROMSUTHI
The Nation



THERE HAVE BEEN loud calls from the public to have a directly elected prime minister as part of the country's political reform.

BANGKOK: -- Proponents of the idea argue that the system could produce a more democratic and effective government. Opponents, however, warn it could challenge the highest institution or that a PM without parliamentary support could result in an ineffective administration.

According to a National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) poll conducted in June, 75 per cent of the population supported the idea of having a directly elected PM; while only 9.7 per cent said Parliament could elect either an elected MP or an "outsider" for the PM; 7.5 per cent said Parliament should elect only an MP as PM.

The pre-coup Thai political system had a bicameral legislative system consisting of a House of Representatives and the Senate. The lower House proposed and passed legislation and regulated the government's exercise of power, while the Senate examined and checked bills passed by the lower House.

However, in recent years, the legislative body has proved inadequate in scrutinising bills proposed by the executive, because of "money politics." Observers said the two chambers had practically "merged", which could lead to parliamentary dictatorship.

The Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence made a bold suggestion to the National Reform Council (NRC); it suggested that a "directly elected" PM could free the executive branch from the legislative. Support from the general public, rather than Parliament, would strengthen the PM's power to run the country more freely and effectively.

Nevertheless, a compromise would still have to be reached between the PM and Parliament as legislative duties would be performed by MPs.



Critics of a "directly elected" PM

Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, NRC member and former People's Democratic Reform Committee co-leader, said the cost of organising a nationwide PM election campaign would be considerable. This would put PM candidates with more financial capital at an advantage. Contrary to easing concerns over "money politics", it could make matters worse.

He said a directly elected PM without parliamentary support would find it difficult to execute policies and pass legislation bills. He pointed to the US Obama administration as an example.

Another NRC member on political affairs, Chai-anan Samudavanija, also disagreed with the notion of a directly elected PM. He feared many government officials, such as provincial governors or police chiefs, who still held office under an appointment system, could be turned into tools of PM candidates during election campaigns.

Former Pheu Thai MP, Udomdej Rattanasatien said, "I do not think the idea of direct election of a PM is possible in Thailand. Let's consider the fact that we strongly oppose the idea of a presidency."

"Although the proposed idea remains under constitutional monarchy, it is possible that a PM, who gains office from a direct election, could become very powerful and popular, which might appear to contravene the presence of the monarchy, a very serious issue. Hence, I do not think it is possible," said the former MP.

Sombat said the proposal of a "directly elected" PM might lead to public misunderstanding which could result in a governing presidency, a challenge to the highest institution - a sensitive topic in Thailand.

However, such a notion is false, Sombat explained. He said that "unlike the president, the proposed directly- elected PM wouldn't be the head of state, commander in chief of the Army or perform the country's ambassadorial roles. The directly elected PM [would be] only the head of the country's administration."

Alternative

Because of its apparent shortcomings, Sombat suggested an alternative method - to have separate elections for the executive and legislative branches - similar to the parliamentary system used in the Bangkok election.

"There should be a general election for political parties, which would publicly announce their PM candidates. The elected party must win more than half of the total voter turnout in the election. If no one managed to do so, there should be a second round of elections," he said.

"Once elected, the PM could freely choose his cabinet members so the executive branch would be free of direct parliamentary influence. If the PM was found guilty of misconduct, the ruling party would be forced to step down and make way for a leader of the party who came second in the election," the NRC member on political affairs proposed.

He explained that multiple rounds of elections meant vote buying would become more difficult, as it would cost more money. Furthermore the executive branch could operate relatively free of parliamentary influence, while the PM was guaranteed to receive certain parliamentary support from his party.

"Outsider" PM

NRC member on political affairs Prasarn Marukpitak said he would be in favour of an "outsider" PM because it could provide an alternative solution to solve political conflict.

"The key to solve the country's political problems is to have righteous MPs who can make good judgements, therefore the acquisition process of MPs becomes very important," said the former senator.

He suggested a quarter of MPs should be appointed from professional associations, while the rest who had been elected must win more than half of the popular vote in their constituencies.

"If we have righteous MPs who possess good judgement, then they should be entitled to vote for PM candidates who could either be an elected MP or an outsider, whoever they saw most suitable for the office."

However, Udomdej doesn't agree with this idea because it could provide a political mechanism for powerful or wealthy individuals who do not want to be examined or regulated by the people, to become PM.

"If we are to use this system, I suggest every political party announce to the public who they are going to nominate for PM during the election campaign," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Would-Thailand-be-run-better-if-its-PM-was-elected-30246296.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-27

[Thai at Heart]

Currently with party lists set up like they are, the PM may as well be.

The PM is top of the list, they get voted in first.

[alfalfa19]

Wasn't YL elected by the people? Case closed.

[Boxclever]

Democracy Thai style: People vote and elect a government. Said government tries to divert policy and funding away from the Bkk elite. The "invisible hand" steps in and calls the army to expel the democratically elected government. Repeat cycle every 5 years or so...

[jaltsc]

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"

Sorry. Time and again it's been proven. You can't handle democracy. Some children never grow up and always need a strong parent to guide them. Lest they destroy themselves.

Edited October 26, 2014 by jaltsc

[englishoak]

How about.........they get nominees together and just play a few rounds of rock paper scissors ?

make it televised and live to add happiness

[BSJ]

How the electorate can be happy with a PM they did not get a chance to vote for has always been a mystery to me!

[Chao Lao Beach]

Wasn't YL elected by the people? Case closed.

Emmmm..... Shouldn't the discusion be about limiting corruption?

[JohnThailandJohn]

Would Thailand be run better if its PM was elected directly by the people?

Hasn't this been tried many times with many failures an public uprisings?

Something clearly needs some fixing first.

[noitom]

The fact that they are asking the question indicates that they are in total denial about extending rights to individuals to govern by elected choice. These pompous folks are denying ordinary Thais their rights to a voice in government.

[chainarong]

A Directly elected PM is just another President with a different collar, the direct elected then elect their own henchmen (Cabinet) which would be the old school tie elite in Thailand , (Indo just screened the new Presidents choice of cabinet and 8 failed the test) with an elected party and the leader of that party is the PM you know who the PM is going to be and the cabinet ,as for the Senate that should be a house of review and adds the bonus of Democracy as it supposed to be independent from the lower house, however not run correctly by the Senate speaker, it generally turns into house of rabble, much of a muchness really , in Thailand's case not worth the extra money on separate elections and nepotism would be rife. Verdict: just another excuse to rig the system.

[SOTIRIOS]

.....isn't this an 'inflammatory post'....???

[sitti]

If there is an election, Taksin's people will win again and new era of corruption will start. Taksin couldn't buy votes from wealthier and educated Thais in bangkok, but these people are minority. People in the other regions are poorer and less educated, unforetunately, these people are the majority. So Taksin can always buy majority of votes in Thailand if election process remains the same as before.

[daboyz1]

Wasn't YL elected by the people? Case closed.

No she wasn't. She was a party list MP. She was then elected PM by the other MPs.

[kamahele]

I have no horse in this race so to speak but will say to the naysayers of this idea that the last popularly elected government in Thailand was able to get very little done so the argument that a directly elected MP would not be able to get things done with a parliament not of the same party is hogwash.

[pisico]

Wasn't YL elected by the people? Case closed.

Emmmm..... Shouldn't the discusion be about limiting corruption?

NO ! The thread and OP are about the method to elect the PM.

Your suggestion is irrelevant to the thread.

Why not focus on the subject instead of trying to derail it?

[WhizBang]

Wasn't YL elected by the people? Case closed.

No she wasn't. She was a party list MP. She was then elected PM by the other MPs.

No she wasn't. She was a party list MP. She was then elected PM by the other MPs appointed as PM by her fugitive criminal brother as his clone.

I have corrected your statement.

[daboyz1]

Wasn't YL elected by the people? Case closed.

No she wasn't. She was a party list MP. She was then elected PM by the other MPs.

No she wasn't. She was a party list MP. She was then elected PM by the other MPs appointed as PM by her fugitive criminal brother as his clone.

I have corrected your statement.

I stand corrected.

[Bluespunk]

"Would Thailand be run better if its PM was elected directly by the people?"

No. Because the problem isn't with how they are elected, rather it is to do with corruption, fraud and the caliber of those standing for election.

[pisico]

Would Thailand be run better if its PM was elected directly by the people?

Hasn't this been tried many times with many failures an public uprisings?

Something clearly needs some fixing first.

Uprisings? In plural? In Thailand? Name 2 or more please!!!

Not even during the Japanese occupation there was one.

[Chris Lawrence]

If they say it long enough people may believe them? Should read 'and now from the Prime Ministers desk'? If the people elect a PM or party, they won't be from the Bangkok minority. And why they got in was because they made laws that helped the people in the country.

[mikiea]

"foxbreakingnews.com" has a very good artical today on the thai goverment & pm & goverment insecurities. not much has been said about the coup & aftermath in the states. its a start & kinda interesting.

[JohnThailandJohn]

Would Thailand be run better if its PM was elected directly by the people?

Hasn't this been tried many times with many failures an public uprisings?

Something clearly needs some fixing first.

Uprisings? In plural? In Thailand? Name 2 or more please!!!

Not even during the Japanese occupation there was one.

COUPS, REBELLIONS AND UPRISINGS IN THAILAND SINCE 1902

http://www.arussell.com/2014/05/22/coups-rebellions-and-uprisings-in-thailand-since-1902/

uprising - up·ris·ing ˈ- noun -- an act of resistance or rebellion; a revolt.

Edited October 27, 2014 by JohnThailandJohn

[Lupatria]

The example from the US simply shows the winner is always 'the host with the most' even if less qualified - Ask George W. Bush.

[shaggy28303]

Obviously years have shown the PM, MP governing process don't work here like in the UK AUS and other countries that use that system, so maybe they should change to a President/legislature type of gov.

[Daniel Boon]

as a comparative to whom ?

In the USA as with Australia, the 'choice' offered (by the corporations) is two (alleged) parties vying for cream of the crap, and when elected, do their corporate masters bidding ...

it is what its was; three pyramid systems of religion, corporations and government (royal, elected, communist, fascist, democratic, military) work in a synergistic manner

these same fools - that went into Iraq or Afghanistan (as an example), anticipating a short term encounter - also believe their own people will capitulate as they try to enforce their will on their respective populace they squeeze for every last cent...

[kinmaew]

No it wouldn't there is only one thing that needs to be removed for Thailand to have a full democracy.

[dean008]

the word History answers the above question

[Bluespunk]

The example from the US simply shows the winner is always 'the host with the most' even if less qualified - Ask George W. Bush.

I would do, but I'm not sure he'd understand the question and I wouldn't believe his answer.

[Roadman]

"Would Thailand be run better if its PM was elected directly by the people?"

No. Because the problem isn't with how they are elected, rather it is to do with corruption, fraud and the caliber of those standing for election.

Correct.

Strengthen the controls, checks and balances and the bodies enforcing the controls and leave the PM selection as it currently is, which is the least of their issues.